Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]

SEAfood Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2023

Supporting the designation of October 16, 2023, and October 16, 2024, as "World Food Day".

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2023

This resolution supports the designation of World Food Day and encourages the people of the United States to observe the days with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

SEED Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2023

Supporting Early-childhood Educators' Deductions Act of 2023 or the SEED Act of 2023 This bill expands the tax deduction for the expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers to include early childhood educators.     

Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists.

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2023

This resolution states that the House of Representatives stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and condemns Hamas' brutal war against Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and urges full enforcement of sanctions against Iran to prevent Iran's funding of terrorist groups.

Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists.

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2023

This resolution states that the House of Representatives stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and condemns Hamas' brutal war against Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and urges full enforcement of sanctions against Iran to prevent Iran's funding of terrorist groups.

Expressing support for the designation of October 1 through October 7, 2023, as "National 4-H Week".

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2023

This resolution supports the designation of National 4–H Week and recognizes the important role of 4–H as the youth development program of the nation's Cooperative Extension System and the Department of Agriculture.

Health Care Practitioner Disaster Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2023

Health Care Practitioner Disaster Protection Act This bill extends certain liability protections available for health care practitioners who provide voluntary health care services in declared emergencies through a community health center other than the one that initially sponsored them. Current law makes the liability protections available to volunteer practitioners that are sponsored by a particular community health center. This bill maintains the liability protections for a volunteer practitioner who provides services through a different community health center if the center (1) seeks the assistance of the volunteer practitioner to respond to a declared emergency, and (2) promptly notifies the Department of Health and Human Services that the volunteer practitioner will be providing services.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Indigenous Peoples' Day Act This bill designates Indigenous Peoples' Day as a legal public holiday in lieu of Columbus Day.

Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Green New Deal for Public Schools Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2023

Green New Deal for Public Schools Act of 2023 This bill provides environmental and educational resources to public elementary and secondary schools and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to provide climate capital facilities grants to eligible entities (e.g., public schools and BIE schools). Grant recipients must use these funds to construct new, or convert existing facilities into, healthy zero-carbon schools. Healthy zero-carbon school refers to a school with highly energy-efficient facilities that produce or procure sufficient carbon-free and pollution-free renewable energy to meet the school's needs. The bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award resource block grants to qualified local educational agencies (LEAs) to hire and retain educators and staff in high-need schools. ED must award grants to eligible consortia of LEAs for educational equity planning and implementation. ED must establish the Climate Change Resiliency Program to increase the resiliency of public and BIE schools during climate change-related events, natural disasters, and public health crises. Further, ED must establish a related grant program for state educational agencies. Grant recipients must use these funds for certain activities (e.g., green infrastructure projects). The bill establishes the Office of Sustainable Schools within ED to (1) administer the resource block grant and educational equity grant programs, and (2) coordinate with specified agencies and the White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy on climate capital facilities grants and the Climate Change Resiliency Program.

Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2023

Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2023 This bill imposes a fee on the carbon content of fuels, including crude oil, natural gas, coal, or any other product derived from those fuels that will be used so as to emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The fee is imposed on the producers or importers of the fuels and is equal to the greenhouse gas content of the fuel multiplied by the carbon fee rate. The rate begins at $15 per metric ton of CO2-e (i.e., carbon dioxide equivalent) in 2023, increases by $10 each year, and is subject to further adjustments based on the progress in meeting specified emissions reduction targets. The bill also includes exemptions for fuels used for agricultural or nonemitting purposes, exemptions for fuels used by the Armed Forces, rebates for facilities that capture and sequester carbon dioxide, and border adjustment provisions that require certain fees or refunds for carbon-intensive products that are exported or imported. The fees must be deposited into a Carbon Dividend Trust Fund and used for administrative expenses and dividend payments to U.S. citizens or lawful residents. The fees must be decommissioned when emissions levels and monthly dividend payments fall below specified levels. The bill also requires the Department of Energy to enter into agreements with the National Academy of Sciences to study and report on various impacts related to the carbon fee and emissions reduction schedule established by the bill.

To establish as a permanent program the organic market development grant program of the Department of Agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2023

This bill provides statutory authority for the Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) Program within the Agricultural Marketing Service. The bill also provides specified funds for the program for FY2024 and each fiscal year thereafter.  The OMDG Program supports the development of new and expanded organic markets. Eligible applicants include business entities that produce or handle organic products; nonprofit organizations; trade associations; and tribal, state, territorial, and local government entities. Grant funds may be used to carry out projects that are for (1) market development and promotion of certified organic products; (2) certified organic product storage (including cold storage), aggregation, processing, and distribution capacity expansion; and (3) equipment-only.     

Support Water-Efficient Strategies and Technologies Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2023

Expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2023

This resolution expresses concern about the practice of book banning in the United States.

WIC for Kids Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2023

No Photo for Food Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023

No Photo for Food Act of 2023 This bill revises provisions related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to prohibit a state from requiring a photograph of any household member on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Under current law, a state may require that an EBT card contain a photo of one or more members of a SNAP household. As background, SNAP provides federally funded benefits (not the same as cash) on EBT cards to eligible households to purchase eligible food items from authorized retailers.

Student Loan Refinancing and Recalculation Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2023

Student Loan Refinancing and Recalculation Act This bill provides for the refinancing or deferral of certain federal student loans. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Education to establish a program to refinance the outstanding principal, interest, and late charges on federal student loans in order to give borrowers fixed interest rates equal to the 10-year Treasury note rate plus one percentage point. Further, the bill eliminates origination fees on the loans. In addition, the bill allows borrowers in medical, veterinary, or dental internship or residency programs to defer student loan payments until the completion of their programs. The bill also terminates interest capitalization for federal student loans.

Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2023

Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2023 This bill addresses harassment at institutions of higher education (IHEs). Specifically, the bill requires each IHE to include in its annual security report a statement of policy regarding harassment on the basis of a student's actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, a sex stereotype, and sex characteristics, including intersex traits), disability, or religion. In addition, the Department of Education may award grants to IHEs to initiate, expand, or improve programs to (1) prevent the harassment of students; (2) provide counseling or redress services to students who have been harassed or accused of subjecting other students to harassment; or (3) educate and train students, faculty, or staff to prevent harassment or address harassment if it occurs.

NO TIME TO Waste Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2023

New Opportunities for Technological Innovation, Mitigation, and Education To Overcome Waste Act or the NO TIME TO Waste Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take several actions to reduce U.S. food loss and waste (FLW). Under the bill, food loss means the food that does not reach a consumer as a result of an issue in the production, storage, processing, or distribution phase. Food waste means that food intended for human consumption is unconsumed for any reason at the retail or consumption phase. The bill requires USDA to collaborate with the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out a December, 17, 2020, agreement to coordinate federal efforts to cut FLW. Further, USDA must establish an Office of Food Loss and Waste to support the existing role of the Food Loss and Waste Liaison. The office must also, among other things, establish a grant program to support collecting data on existing state and local FLW policies (and the office must use the data to establish model policies for state and local governments); a block grant program for states and Indian tribes to develop and support food recovery infrastructure and innovative food distribution models; and a grant program to incentivize state, municipal, local, and tribal governments to establish public-private partnerships that commit to reducing FLW by 50% by 2030. The Office of Food Loss and Waste must also initiate a national FLW education and public awareness campaign.

Agricultural Right to Repair Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2023

MORE Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2023

Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act or the MORE Act This bill decriminalizes marijuana. Specifically, it removes marijuana from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act and eliminates criminal penalties for an individual who manufactures, distributes, or possesses marijuana. The bill also makes other changes, including the following: replaces statutory references to marijuana and marihuana with cannabis , requires the Bureau of Labor Statistics to regularly publish demographic data on cannabis business owners and employees, establishes a trust fund to support various programs and services for individuals and businesses in communities impacted by the war on drugs, imposes an excise tax on cannabis products produced in or imported into the United States and an occupational tax on cannabis production facilities and export warehouses, makes Small Business Administration loans and services available to entities that are cannabis-related legitimate businesses or service providers, prohibits the denial of federal public benefits to a person on the basis of certain cannabis-related conduct or convictions, prohibits the denial of benefits and protections under immigration laws on the basis of an event (e.g., conduct or conviction) relating to possession or use of cannabis that is no longer prohibited under the bill, establishes a process to expunge convictions and conduct sentencing review hearings related to federal cannabis offenses, and directs the Government Accountability Office to study the societal impact of cannabis legalization.

Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2023

Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act of 2023 This bill directs the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to establish a fresh produce program that serves individuals at risk of food and nutrition insecurity. Specifically, the AMS must enter into contracts with growers, distributors, food hubs, and others to procure U.S.- grown fresh produce (excluding legumes) for distribution to organizations that serve individuals at risk (e.g., nonprofit food banks and pantries, schools, child or senior care centers, and community-based organizations). Under the AMS contracts, the produce must meet specific requirements. For example, the produce must be grown in the United States, include locally grown produce, and include at least seven varieties of fresh produce that are distributed.  The AMS must prioritize contracts with eligible growers, distributors, food hubs, and others that are (or source produce from) beginning farmers; small or mid-sized farms that are structured as family farms; or socially disadvantaged farmers, including women-owned and veteran-owned eligible entities. As part of the program, the AMS must provide (1) information to assist small farmers, beginning farmers, veteran farmers, and socially disadvantaged farmers in obtaining food safety certifications; (2) financial assistance for changes and upgrades to improve food safety; and (3) technical assistance to eligible fresh produce growers, distributors, food hubs, and others.  In addition, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress that evaluates the effectiveness of the program with respect to, among other things, increasing low-income households' access to a wide variety of fresh produce and increasing the federal government's procurement of fresh produce.  

REDUCE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023

Supreme Court Tenure Establishment and Retirement Modernization Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023

Schedules That Work Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023

John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2023

John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2023 This bill establishes new criteria for determining which states and political subdivisions must obtain preclearance before changes to voting practices may take effect. Preclearance is the process of receiving preapproval from the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia before making legal changes that would affect voting rights. A state and all of its political subdivisions shall be subject to preclearance of voting practice changes for a 10-year period if, during the previous 25 years: 15 or more voting rights violations occurred in the state; 10 or more violations occurred, at least 1 of which was committed by the state itself; or 3 or more violations occurred and the state administers the elections. A political subdivision as a separate unit shall also be subject to preclearance for a 10-year period if three or more voting rights violations occurred there during the previous 25 years. States and political subdivisions that meet certain thresholds regarding minority groups must preclear covered practices before implementation, such as redistricting. States and political subdivisions must notify the public of changes to voting practices. The bill authorizes DOJ to require states or political subdivisions to provide certain documents or answers to questions for enforcing voting rights. The bill outlines factors courts must consider when hearing challenges to voting practices, such as the extent of any history of official voting discrimination in the state or political subdivision.

Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2023

Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act of 2023 This bill allows physicians to dispense outpatient prescription drugs and related supplies to patients outside of their office buildings without violating certain prohibitions under the Stark law (i.e., the Physician Self-Referral Law) for Medicare and Medicaid. Current law requires physicians to dispense outpatient prescription drugs and related supplies to patients in their office buildings in order to qualify for an exception (the in-office ancillary services exception) under the Stark law. The bill specifies that, beginning on May 11, 2023, physicians may dispense outpatient prescription drugs and related supplies in locations other than their office buildings. The bill also requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to withdraw specified guidance that contradicts the bill’s changes.

No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act This bill denies employers a tax deduction for any expenditures incurred for attempting to influence their employees with respect to labor organizations or labor organization activities, such as elections, labor disputes, and collective actions. The bill requires employers to report on their attempts to influence their employees with respect to labor organizations and their activities.

Arts Education for All Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2023

Arts Education for All Act This bill expands arts education and programming for children in early education, K-12 students, and juveniles and adults in the criminal justice system. Specifically, the bill allows Child Care and Development Block Grant funding to be used for additional activities, including arts programming. Additionally, the bill addresses arts programming in elementary and secondary schools by directing each state educational agency to include information on arts programming in its state plan, including how it will integrate arts education instruction into the curriculum and increase the number of arts teachers in schools; requiring state report cards to include information on arts courses; requiring local educational agency (LEA) plans to describe how the LEA will encourage the use of arts education to improve student achievement; and allowing certain funds to be used for professional development for arts teachers. The bill directs the National Center for Education Research to carry out research on the use of arts and arts education in elementary and secondary schools, including in low-performing schools. Further, the National Center for Education Statistics must compile data on arts education. The National Assessment of Educational Progress must include a specified arts assessment. The bill requires a state's juvenile justice and delinquency plan to describe how the state will coordinate services and activities for juvenile justice and delinquency prevention with arts agencies and arts organizations. Additionally, grants for adult offender reentry demonstration projects may be used for facilitating arts education.

Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2023

Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes through FY2029 a diesel emissions reduction program under which the Environmental Protection Agency provides grants, rebates, or loans for replacing diesel engines or retrofitting the engines with pollution control technologies.

Child Care Stabilization Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2023

Child Care Stabilization Act This bill provides additional funding through FY2028 for child care stabilization grants under which lead state agencies make subgrants to child care providers for personnel costs, facility costs, the purchase of personal protective equipment, and other costs related to providing child care services.

No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2023

No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act This bill denies employers a tax deduction for any expenditures incurred for attempting to influence their employees with respect to labor organizations or labor organization activities, such as elections, labor disputes, and collective actions. The bill requires employers to report on their attempts to influence their employees with respect to labor organizations and their activities.

Humane Cosmetics Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2023

Humane Cosmetics Act of 2023 This bill generally prohibits animal testing in the evaluation of cosmetic products, and it prohibits the sale or transport of cosmetics developed using animal testing, subject to civil penalties. These prohibitions begin one year after enactment. The bill specifies exceptions to these prohibitions, including if such animal testing (1) is conducted outside the United States to comply with a foreign regulatory authority; (2) is pursuant to a specified finding that there are no nonanimal alternatives to test the safety of a potentially dangerous cosmetic product or ingredient; (3) is of a product or ingredient for a drug or device subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or (4) is required for a noncosmetic purpose pursuant to a state, federal, or foreign regulatory authority. Further, no animal-testing evidence may be used to establish the safety of a cosmetic product or ingredient that is regulated by the FDA after the effective date of this bill, subject to limited exceptions.

Recognizing the seriousness of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and expressing support for the designation of the month of September 2023 as "PCOS Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2023

This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of PCOS Awareness Month. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is caused by a hormone imbalance. Symptoms can include infertility, weight gain, excess hair growth, and acne.

Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2023

Small Farm Conservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2023

Family Farmer and Rancher Tax Fairness Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2023

Family Farmer and Rancher Tax Fairness Act of 2023 This bill excludes from the gross income of certain farmers, ranchers, and forest land owners who are at financial risk payments for debt relief and for remedying past discrimination against such individuals.

Jobs in the Woods Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 September 2023

Rural Telehealth and Education Enhancement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 29 August 2023

Rural Telehealth and Education Enhancement Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program through FY2028. This Department of Agriculture program provides grants to help rural communities gain the technology and training necessary to engage in telemedicine and distance learning.

Rural Forest Markets Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 29 August 2023

Rural Forest Markets Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a Rural Forest Market Investment Program to guarantee environmental impact bonds, loans, or other investment vehicles to enable rural private forest landowners to participate in voluntary environmental credit markets (i.e., voluntary markets through which environmental credits may be bought or sold). Projects eligible for the program are those developed by a private entity, state forestry agency, or publicly supported, charitable nonprofit organization engaged in the aggregation of sustainable forestry practices implemented by rural private forest landowners to facilitate the sale of credits in the voluntary environmental credit markets. These projects must use methodologies that (1) are approved by a credible, third-party entity; and (2) meet global benchmarks for high integrity. The bill has specific requirements for projects that include the practice of tree planting (e.g., be on land that was historically forested). In addition, the bill prohibits a bond, loan, or other investment vehicle guaranteed under the program from being used to create a floor price or artificial demand for the environmental credits generated. Further, under the program, USDA must guarantee not more than $150 million in the aggregate for bonds, loans, and other investment vehicles; assess certain fees to offset the subsidy cost of the issued guarantees; and issue implementing regulations.

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2023

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and revises the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP). This Department of Agriculture program provides loans to eligible microenterprise development organizations to capitalize revolving loan funds that provide loans to qualified rural microenterprises.  The bill increases the amount a rural microenterprise may borrow to up to $75,000 (from up to $50,000). The bill also increases the maximum allowable federal cost share to 100% (from 75%). The bill further specifies that a RMAP project loan may not be used to cover more than 50% of any demolition, construction, or related costs of real estate improvements.

Coast Guard Academy Safe-to-Report Parity Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 August 2023

Coast Guard Academy Safe-to-Report Parity Act This bill extends a requirement for specified military departments to establish a safe-to-report policy to the Coast Guard Academy. Under the bill, the Coast Guard must establish a policy that addresses the handling of minor collateral misconduct involving a servicemember or cadet who is the alleged victim of sexual assault. The policy must specify aggravating circumstances that increase the gravity or impact of the minor collateral misconduct. The bill also requires the Coast Guard to track incidents subject to the safe-to-report policy.    

Cancer Care Planning and Communications Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 August 2023

Cancer Care Planning and Communications Act This bill provides for Medicare coverage and payment of cancer care planning and coordination services for individuals who are diagnosed with or treated for cancer, including the development of treatment plans, follow-up care, and any necessary revisions.

Specialty Crop Research Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 11 August 2023

Specialty Crop Research Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes and provides funding for Department of Agriculture (USDA) research programs for specialty crops (i.e., fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture). Specifically, the bill increases FY2024-FY2028 funding for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI). The purpose of the SCRI program is to address the critical needs of the specialty crop industry by awarding grants to support research and extension activities that address key challenges of national, regional, and multi-state importance in sustaining all components of food and agriculture, including conventional and organic food production systems. The bill also reauthorizes and provides funding through FY2028 for the Inter-Regional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4 Project). The IR-4 Project conducts the research necessary for obtaining registrations of pest control agents for minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops. USDA carries out the program in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency, state agricultural experiment stations, colleges and universities, extension services, private industry, and others.  

Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2023

Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2023 This bill deems an individual receiving outpatient observation services in a hospital as an inpatient for purposes of satisfying the three-day inpatient hospital-stay requirement with respect to Medicare coverage of skilled nursing facility (SNF) services. (Generally, individuals must have been an inpatient at a hospital for at least three days in order to qualify for SNF services. An individual's time spent under observation at a hospital for purposes of determining whether the individual should be admitted does not count towards this requirement.)

Preserving Access to Home Health Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2023

Preserving Access to Home Health Act of 2023 This bill repeals certain payment adjustments for home health services under Medicare that are based on behavioral changes. It also requires the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to incorporate certain information into its evaluations of the financial performance and impact of home health agencies, including trends under Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and other payers with respect to home health services.

Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2023

Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2023

Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a dairy nutrition incentive program to develop and test methods to increase the purchase and consumption of dairy under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Specifically, the program must provide an incentive to SNAP benefit recipients for the purchase of naturally nutrient-rich dairy, which the bill defines to include fluid milk, yogurt, and cheese made from cow's milk. To carry out the program, USDA must enter into cooperative agreements with, or provide competitive grants to, state or local governments and nonprofit organizations for projects. The bill provides funding for the program for each fiscal year. USDA must provide for an independent evaluation of each project that measures, to the maximum extent practicable, the effect of incentives on purchases of naturally nutrient-rich dairy by SNAP recipients. Projects currently carried out by the USDA Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives (HFMI) program must be transitioned to the new dairy nutrition incentive program; the bill repeals the HFMI program one year after USDA certifies that the transition is complete.

Expressing support for the designation of July 2023 as "American Grown Flower and Foliage Month".

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2023

This resolution supports the designation of American Grown Flower and Foliage Month and recognizes that purchasing flowers and foliage grown in the United States supports the farmers, small businesses, jobs, and economy of the United States.

Rural Economic-development Assistance and Consultation to Help Our Tribes Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2023

Rural Economic-development Assistance and Consultation to Help Our Tribes Act or the REACH Our Tribes Act This bill requires certain actions, particularly by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), for tribal consultation, data reporting, and interagency collaboration for economic development. Specifically, the bill requires USDA to establish a formal process for consultation with tribal governments on (1) annual budget requests; and (2) bills proposing the reauthorization of certain USDA programs over a period of multiple years with budgetary impacts, including bills providing for the reauthorization of USDA programs (commonly known as farm bills). USDA must report to Congress on this consultation process. Additionally, the bill requires USDA to establish a plan for analyzing and publicly reporting to tribal entities on funding provided through USDA programs for which tribal entities are eligible to apply. The bill also requires USDA, in consultation with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Economic Development Administration, to establish an interagency task force on economic development programs. This task force must (1) review guidance and application requirements for economic development programs administered by USDA, and (2) develop interagency agreements to reduce administrative and planning burdens for applicants to such programs and the federal agencies administering such programs. The Department of Commerce must establish a working group to develop and regularly update a comprehensive and public repository of federal economic development programs that are available to tribal entities.