USDA Express Loan Act of 2026

“(1) Real estate and operating guaranteed loans

“(A) In general—The Secretary shall provide to lenders a short, simplified application form for real estate and operating guaranteed loans under this title, for loans of not more than $1,000,000.

“(B) Notice—Within 5 business days after receipt of a complete application to guarantee a farm ownership or operating loan that meets the requirements under subparagraph (A) originated by a Preferred Certified Lender or Certified Lender, the Secretary shall notify the lender as to whether the application is approved or disapproved.

“(C) Maximum guarantee—Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the percentage of the principal amount of a loan which may be guaranteed pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed—

“(i) 90 percent, in the case of a loan not exceeding $125,000;

“(ii) 75 percent, in the case of a loan of more than $125,000 and not more than $500,000; or

“(iii) 50 percent, in the case of a loan of more than $500,000 and not more than $1,000,000.”

“(2) Business and industry guaranteed loans to assist rural entities

“(A) In general—The Secretary shall develop an application process that accelerates, to the maximum extent practicable, the processing of applications for business and industry guaranteed loans to assist rural entities, as described under section 310B(a)(2)(A), for loans not exceeding $400,000.

“(B) Exception—The accelerated application process, as provided under subparagraph (A), shall apply to loans not exceeding $600,000 if there is not a significant increased risk of a default on the loan, as determined by the Secretary.”