Makes USDA and Interior IT systems share info for land management, disasters.
Introduced by Mr. Schiff and Mr. Ricketts.
Introduced in the Senate, currently in committee.
This bill, officially called the LINK Act, requires the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior to make their information technology systems work together. This will help them share data for things like wildfire operations and disaster response. It was introduced in the Senate by Mr. Schiff and Mr. Ricketts and has been sent to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for review.
Introduced Apr 30, 2026
This bill was introduced in the Senate on April 30, 2026, and was then sent to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. It must pass through this committee, be voted on by the full Senate, and then pass the House of Representatives before it can be sent to the President to become law.
If this bill passes, the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior would be able to share information more easily, leading to potentially quicker and more coordinated responses to events like wildfires and natural disasters. The bill also aims to streamline internal business operations for these departments. Importantly, it includes provisions to protect sensitive data, including Tribal proprietary data, ensuring that increased data sharing doesn't compromise privacy or security.
Supporters Say
Supporters would argue it improves government efficiency and public safety through better data sharing.
Critics Say
Critics might raise concerns about the complexity and cost of integrating large government IT systems.
Supporters would likely highlight the immediate benefits of improved coordination for critical functions like wildfire management and disaster response, potentially saving lives and resources. They would emphasize the modernization of outdated systems. Critics, however, might express concerns about the significant financial investment and technical challenges involved in achieving interoperability across two large federal departments, as well as the potential for unforeseen system vulnerabilities during integration.