Agriculture

Innovative FEED Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023

Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development Act of 2023 or the Innovative FEED Act This bill provides for the regulation of zootechnical animal food substances as food additives. The bill defines  zootechnical animal food substance  as a substance that is added to the food or drinking water of animals and that affects only the animal's gastrointestinal tract, with the intended purpose of affecting the byproducts of the animal's digestion, reducing foodborne pathogens, or altering the animal's gastrointestinal biome. The definition does not include substances that are used to treat or prevent diseases in animals, hormones, or active ingredients of animal drugs. Labels for zootechnical animal food substances must include a disclaimer that the substance may not be used to treat or prevent diseases in animals.   

Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2023

Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act This bill includes combatting the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) as a Department of Agriculture (USDA) high-priority research and extension area. The bill specifically allows grants for developing and disseminating research-based tools and treatments to combat the spotted lanternfly, which is an invasive species native to China that feeds on a wide range of crops and plants (e.g., grapes, apples, hops, walnuts, and hardwood trees). Further, the bill reauthorizes USDA grants to support competitive specialized research and extension activities, including high-priority areas, through FY2028. The bill also specifically reauthorizes through FY2028 the Pulse Crop Health Initiative; the Comprehensive Food Safety Training Network; pollinator protection research and extension grants; increased USDA capacity and infrastructure to address and conduct research on colony collapse disorder and other pollinator issues; and a USDA-conducted nationwide honey bee pest, pathogen, health, and population status surveillance program.

Research for Healthy Soils Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Research for Healthy Soils Act This bill includes research on the agricultural impacts of microplastics in land-applied biosolids on farmland as a Department of Agriculture (USDA) high-priority research and extension area. Microplastic is a plastic or plastic-coated particle that is less than 5 millimeters in size. The bill specifically allows grants for carrying out or enhancing research in this area (e.g., the development or analysis of wastewater treatment techniques to filter out or biodegrade microplastics from biosolids intended to be used for agricultural purposes). Further, the bill reauthorizes USDA grants to support competitive specialized research and extension activities, including high-priority areas, through FY2028. The bill also specifically reauthorizes through FY2028 the Pulse Crop Health Initiative; the Comprehensive Food Safety Training Network; pollinator protection research and extension grants; increased USDA capacity and infrastructure to address and conduct research on colony collapse disorder and other pollinator issues; and a USDA-conducted nationwide honey bee pest, pathogen, health, and population status surveillance program.

Sustainable Agriculture Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Sustainable Agriculture Research Act This bill revises the goals of the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AGARDA). Specifically, the bill expands the goals to require AGARDA to enhance the role of sustainable agriculture in innovative voluntary resilience solutions in the United States through the development of agricultural technologies that may address the impact of extreme weather on crop production; the effects of drought and the potential of building water holding capacity in soils on croplands and rangelands; the expansion of the potential for long-term carbon storage through sustainable agriculture; increased economic and practical feasibility for renewable and sustainable energy on farms and in the agriculture industry; increased voluntary adoption of conservation practices that sequester carbon and build on-farm climate resilience; and increased economic and practical feasibility for, and voluntary adoption of, precision agriculture technology. The bill defines precision agriculture as managing, tracking, or reducing crop or livestock production inputs (including seed, feed, fertilizer, chemicals, water, and time) at a heightened level of spatial and temporal granularity to improve efficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain environmental quality.

Mango Plant Health Initiative Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Mango Plant Health Initiative Act This bill establishes a research and extension grant program for a mango plant health initiative. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide competitive grants for studying potential resistance and tolerance of mangos to native and nonnative disease and insect pests; conducting research for treatment of pests that affect mangos; conducting field studies to evaluate cultivars of mangos with enhanced resistance to diseases and pests; educating growers on best practices to promote the safe production of mangos; and establishing area-wide integrated pest management programs in areas affected by, or at risk of being affected by, specified pathogens or pests. The bill also extends the authority for several existing USDA high-priority research and extension initiatives through FY2028.

Animal Welfare Enforcement Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Animal Welfare Enforcement Improvement Act This bill revises the licensing process of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for animal dealers and exhibitors to expand USDA's oversight and enforcement of animal welfare requirements. Dealers and exhibitors must apply to USDA for licenses or renewal licenses each year. In order to obtain the licenses or renewals, dealers and exhibitors must meet certain standards for the humane treatment of animals and pass inspections as specified by this bill. USDA may not issue or renew such licenses if the dealers or exhibitors have violated laws relating to animals or if the issuance of the licenses would facilitate the circumvention of state or local laws that prohibit the private ownership of certain animals. Further, USDA must suspend the licenses of dealers or exhibitors whose violations present a risk to animal welfare. USDA must revoke the licenses if the violations persist or if the licensees commit multiple violations. Dealers and exhibitors with suspended or revoked licenses may not be (1) granted another license, (2) granted another license through another person or entity, or (3) employed by another licensee to work with animals during the period of the suspension or revocation.

Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act This bill includes combatting the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) as a Department of Agriculture (USDA) high-priority research and extension area. The bill specifically allows grants for developing and disseminating research-based tools and treatments to combat the spotted lanternfly, which is an invasive species native to China that feeds on a wide range of crops and plants (e.g., grapes, apples, hops, walnuts, and hardwood trees). Further, the bill reauthorizes USDA grants to support competitive specialized research and extension activities, including high-priority areas, through FY2028. The bill also specifically reauthorizes through FY2028 the Pulse Crop Health Initiative; the Comprehensive Food Safety Training Network; pollinator protection research and extension grants; increased USDA capacity and infrastructure to address and conduct research on colony collapse disorder and other pollinator issues; and a USDA-conducted nationwide honey bee pest, pathogen, health, and population status surveillance program.

SUPPORT For SNAP Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Securing Unhoused Peoples' Program for Outreach Resources and Transportation For SNAP Act or the SUPPORT For SNAP Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a pilot program to raise awareness among and provide support for homeless individuals eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Under the program, USDA must award grants to eligible entities (e.g., state and local agencies, nonprofit and community-based organizations, and community action agencies) to (1) raise awareness among homeless individuals of the availability, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and benefits of SNAP; (2) support homeless individuals in enrolling in SNAP; and (3) train outreach workers, caseworkers, and others on SNAP application and program requirements. The bill specifies that a grant recipient may only use program funding to supplement (and not supplant) the level of state or local funds that would be available in the absence of the grant funds.

Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2023 This bill bars the Department of Agriculture from allowing the construction of roads, the reconstruction of roads, or logging in an inventoried roadless area where those activities are prohibited by the Roadless Rule (i.e., certain federal regulations relating to roadless area management).

Truth in Buffalo Labeling Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Truth in Buffalo Labeling Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the sale of food that contains water buffalo and is labeled as buffalo unless the specific term used in the labeling is water buffalo .

Office of Small Farms Establishment Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Office of Small Farms Establishment Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the Office of Small Farms within the farm production and conservation mission area. The office must coordinate, review, and implement various programs and activities related to small farms, ranches, and forest operations. Under the bill, a small farm, ranch, or forest operation (1) is less than 180 acres or meets another USDA-determined, acreage-based definition of small; and (2) has an annual gross cash farm income of less than $350,000. Activities of the office related to small farms, ranches, and forest operations must include coordinating USDA efforts to improve support for these operators; reviewing and recommending changes to USDA statutory, regulatory, and administrative provisions, guidance, and policies that disadvantage these operators; providing or coordinating technical assistance for these operators for USDA grant, cost-share, and loan programs; and providing grants of not more than $25,000 to these operators directly or through cooperative agreements with other entities for areas including equipment and infrastructure repairs and upgrades, uninsured losses, business planning, and conservation practice adoption.

Office of Small Farms Establishment Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Office of Small Farms Establishment Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the Office of Small Farms within the farm production and conservation mission area. The office must coordinate, review, and implement various programs and activities related to small farms, ranches, and forest operations. Under the bill, a small farm, ranch, or forest operation (1) is less than 180 acres or meets another USDA-determined, acreage-based definition of small; and (2) has an annual gross cash farm income of less than $350,000. Activities of the office related to small farms, ranches, and forest operations must include coordinating USDA efforts to improve support for these operators; reviewing and recommending changes to USDA statutory, regulatory, and administrative provisions, guidance, and policies that disadvantage these operators; providing or coordinating technical assistance for these operators for USDA grant, cost-share, and loan programs; and providing grants of not more than $25,000 to these operators directly or through cooperative agreements with other entities for areas including equipment and infrastructure repairs and upgrades, uninsured losses, business planning, and conservation practice adoption.

Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enter into a contract to evaluate the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program. (Under the program, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service works in coordination with the Texas Animal Health Commission to combat the spread of cattle fever ticks, which can spread a serious cattle disease called bovine babesiosis or cattle fever.) Specifically, USDA must enter into a contract to review and report on the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program with a (1) land-grant college or university, or (2) non-land-grant college of agriculture. The review must include an evaluation of the program's effectiveness with respect to preventing and reducing the spread of cattle fever ticks; the program's benefits, and the burdens of compliance, to cattle producers; the treatment protocols developed and implemented under the program; and the federal and state funds allocated to support the program for the most recent fiscal year.

Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act This bill requires the federal crop insurance program to provide for the research and development of a policy to insure the production of mushrooms or revenue derived from the production of mushrooms. (The term policy means an insurance policy, plan of insurance, provision of a policy or plan of insurance, and related materials.)

Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2023

Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2023 This bill bars the Department of Agriculture from allowing the construction of roads, the reconstruction of roads, or logging in an inventoried roadless area where those activities are prohibited by the Roadless Rule (i.e., certain federal regulations relating to roadless area management).

Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2023

Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act of 2023 This bill amends the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Circuit Rider Program to include cybersecurity technical assistance for rural water systems serving fewer than 10,000 people. Under the program, USDA provides technical assistance to rural water systems that are experiencing day-to-day operational, financial, or managerial issues. Specifically, the program's cybersecurity technical assistance must (1) assess system efficacy in protecting against cyber threats; and (2) implement cybersecurity plans, procedures, and technologies to protect against cyber threats. The bill also reauthorizes the Circuit Rider Program through FY2028.

Higher Education Marijuana Research Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2023

Higher Education Marijuana Research Act of 2023 This bill establishes programs and requirements to support marijuana research by institutions of higher education. For example, the bill requires the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to report on the number and status of licenses awarded to entities seeking to manufacture controlled substances and to prioritize institutions of higher education and state or local government entities when awarding such licenses. The DEA must also establish an Office of University Relations to support the ability of researchers and institutions of higher education to obtain these licenses. The bill also specifies that institutions of higher education may obtain marijuana for research purposes from government entities of the state or tribal area in which they are located if doing so is legal in that state or tribal area, despite federal law. Further, any individual or institution of higher education may participate in such research without losing federal funds. Finally, the National Institutes of Health must establish (1) a working group to recommend ways to streamline the registration process for marijuana research, and (2) a grant program to support research into medical marijuana. The Department of Agriculture must establish a grant program to support research into marijuana agriculture. 

Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2023

Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act This bill requires the federal crop insurance program (FCIP) to provide for the research and development of a policy to insure the production of mushrooms and mushroom-growing media. (The term policy means an insurance policy, plan of insurance, provision of a policy or plan of insurance, and related materials.) The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, the agency that finances FCIP operations, must make any resulting policy available that meets specified FCIP requirements. As part of the research and development, the bill requires an evaluation of the effectiveness of insurance for the production of mushrooms, including policies that (1) are based on the risk of specific pests and pathogens, (2) consider appropriate best practices to minimize the risk of loss, and (3) consider whether to provide coverage for mushrooms under one policy or to provide coverage for various phases of production.

Future of Agricultural Resiliency And Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2023

Future of Agricultural Resiliency And Modernization Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to award grants to certain entities, including states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations, to carry out projects that further agricultural resiliency and modernization, such as projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve air, water, and soil health; and increase carbon sequestration. Additionally, USDA must establish a program to award grants to governmental organizations and private entities in the agricultural sector to carry out at least 10 pilot projects; these projects must have the potential to reduce or sequester greenhouse emissions that convert and valorize tree nut harvest by-products and waste into multiple higher value biocarbon products, including sustainable industrial applications, agrochemicals, repurposing process heat, energy, and construction materials.

Precipitation Forecasting for Agriculture Act.

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2023

Precipitation Forecasting for Agriculture Act This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a pilot program that supports precipitation forecasts for agriculture in the central United States. Specifically, NOAA must establish at least one pilot program within the U.S. Weather Research Program to improve subseasonal and seasonal precipitation forecasts for agriculture in the central states, including modeling improvements with respect to soil moisture, flash droughts, and large-scale seasonal events. The program must utilize existing resources within NOAA and implement certain prior recommendations from the National Weather Service regarding subseasonal and seasonal forecasts. 

Mink VIRUS Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023

Mink: Vectors for Infection Risk in the United States Act or the Mink VIRUS Act This bill prohibits the farming of mink for their fur beginning one year after the bill's enactment and establishes a compensation program. Beginning 90 days after the bill's enactment, any termination of farmed mink must be done in a manner that (1) meets the definition of euthanasia specified in Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations (i.e., the humane destruction of an animal accomplished by a method that produces rapid unconsciousness and subsequent death without evidence of pain or distress, or that utilizes anesthesia that causes painless loss of consciousness and subsequent death); and (2) is classified as acceptable by the American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals. This prohibition and these requirements do not preempt or limit any state law or regulation that is more restrictive. Further, any person in violation of this prohibition or these requirements is subject to civil penalties. The bill also directs USDA to establish a payment program to compensate fur farm owners whose operations involve the farming of mink. Under the program, USDA must provide payments for (1) the reasonable costs incurred to comply with this bill, and (2) the market value of the portion of the farm involving mink farming (exclusive of the land). Fur farm owners may not use payment funds for any materials, supplies, labor costs, or activities associated with fur farm operations. Further, the owner must provide USDA with a permanent property easement that prohibits the operation of any fur farm on the easement area. 

Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023

Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act This bill modifies provisions relating to qualified small issue bonds for manufacturing purposes by expanding the definition of manufacturing facility to include a facility that (1) is used in the creation or production of intangible property; or (2) is functionally related, subordinate to, and located on the same site as a facility used in the manufacturing or production of tangible or intangible personal property. The bill also increases from $10 million to $30 million the maximum bond size limitation. The bill modifies requirements for private activity bond financing for first-time farmers. The modified provisions (1) increase from $450,000 to $1 million (adjusted annually for inflation) the amount of bond proceeds that may be used by a first-time farmer to acquire land for farming purposes, (2) repeal the separate dollar limitation on the use of bond proceeds for used farm equipment, and (3) revise the definition of substantial farmland to determine farm size by reference to the average (instead of median) size of a farm in the county in which the farm is located.

U.S.-Israel Partnership and Abraham Accords Enhancement Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2023

U.S.-Israel Partnership and Abraham Accords Enhancement Act of 2023 This bill modifies and extends certain authorities related to Israel. For example, the bill  extends the authorization for the Department of Defense (DOD) to transfer certain defense items to Israel;  extends the authorization to finance cooperative projects among the United States, Israel, and developing countries related to water resources, agriculture, and energy storage;  extends energy cooperation and authorizes the Department of Energy to make grants to Israel to support advanced nuclear technologies, as well as for carbon capture, utilization, and storage;  requires the U.S. Agency for International Development to ensure that applicants from Abraham Accord countries are eligible for Middle East Regional Cooperation grants; and  requires the Department of State to report to Congress on U.S. diplomatic efforts to oppose politically motivated investigations against the United States and Israel at the International Criminal Court.

Western Wildfire Support Act of 2024

United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2023

Western Wildfire Support Act of 2023 This bill establishes activities to address wildfires. The bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior to establish spatial fire management plans before the end of FY2026. The bill establishes accounts in the Treasury for addressing wildfires, a program to train and certify citizens who wish to be able to volunteer to assist USDA or Interior during a wildland fire incident, a program to award grants to eligible states or units of local government to acquire slip-on tank and pump units for a surge capacity of resources for fire suppression, the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the management of wildfire-related invasive species, and the Management of Wildfire-Related Invasive Species Technology Advisory Board. The bill also requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to reimburse a state or federal agency for the costs of wildfire suppression as a result of a fire caused by DOD activity, requires the Joint Fire Science Program to work with unmanned aircraft test ranges to carry out research and development of unmanned aircraft system fire applications, requires federal and state disaster preparedness programs to include postdisaster assistance, and authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide funding to a state agency to establish and operate a website to provide information relating to postfire recovery funding and resources to a community or an individual impacted by a wildland fire.

GRAIN for America Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2023

Guaranteeing Robust Agricultural Independence and Nutrition for America Act or the GRAIN for America Act This bill establishes a one-year moratorium on the enrollment of land in the Conservation Reserve Program, with a specified exception for land that is already subject to a contract under the program. It also prohibits the Department of Agriculture from enrolling prime farmland in the program. Additionally, the bill allows a participant who has entered into a contract under the program to terminate the contract at any time during the one-year period preceding the date on which the contact would expire.

FUELS Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2023

Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship Act or the FUELS Act This bill increases thresholds for requiring a farm to have a plan to address oil spills. Currently, regulations require a farm to have an oil spill control and prevention plan that is certified by a professional engineer if the farm's aboveground oil storage capacity is above a certain threshold or if the farm has a reportable oil discharge history. A farm with lower aboveground storage capacity and no reportable history is either allowed to self-certify its plan or not required to have a plan at all, depending on the farm's storage capacity.     Under the bill, the Environmental Protection Agency must require a farm to have a professionally certified plan if the farm has an aggregate aboveground oil storage capacity of 40,000 gallons or more, whereas the current threshold is 20,000 gallons. The bill also raises the aggregate capacity thresholds at which a farm with no reportable oil discharge history may self-certify its plan or is not required to have a plan. The bill also limits when a farm's aboveground oil storage containers on separate parcels shall count toward the farm's oil storage capacity for the purposes of these thresholds.

PRIME Meat Processing in Indian Country Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2023

Promoting Regulatory Independence, Mastery, and Expansion for Meat Processing in Indian Country Act or the PRIME Meat Processing in Indian Country Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to enter into self-determination contracts with tribal organizations, upon the request of an Indian tribe, to carry out the authority of the Food Safety and Inspection Service for meat processing inspection. A tribe operating under a self-determination contract shall be eligible for water and waste facility loans and grants.

Agrivoltaics Research and Demonstration Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 31 May 2023

Agrivoltaics Research and Demonstration Act of 2023 This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study and establish research and demonstration sites on agrivoltaic systems. The bill defines agrivoltaic system as a system under which solar energy production and agricultural production, including crop or animal production, occur in an integrated manner on the same piece of land through the duration of a project. Specifically, the bill directs USDA to study agrivoltaic systems, which includes conducting a review of current research and identifying research gaps. USDA must also develop a five-year plan for using USDA's research, extension, outreach, conservation, and renewable energy activities to better support agrivoltaic systems that do not displace agricultural production. USDA must also develop a definition for agrivoltaic system for the purposes of incorporating these systems into federal agriculture and energy programs, and investment tax credits. In addition, the Agricultural Research Service must establish and maintain a network of agrivoltaic systems research and demonstration sites in multiple U.S. regions to investigate increasing agricultural productivity and profitability, enhancing agricultural resilience, protecting biodiversity, and increasing economic opportunities in rural communities.

SAFE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 May 2023

Safe American Food Exports Act of 2023 or the SAFE Act of 2023 This bill allows the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to preemptively negotiate regional export ban agreements for known animal disease threats that apply only to areas affected by animal disease outbreaks to enable the continuation of exports from areas not affected by an outbreak. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), and the Foreign Agricultural Service, in consultation with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, are authorized to negotiate the regionalization, zoning, compartmentalization, and other trade agreements regarding outbreaks of known animal disease threats of trade significance with countries with export markets for livestock animals or animal products from the United States. In addition, USDA must promulgate a regulation requiring that, within three days of removing any language from the FSIS Import and Export Library, FSIS notify each state department of agriculture, each lead state agency for animal disease, and any state and national producer organizations representing impacted livestock producers. (The FSIS library provides country and product specific information for (1) meat and poultry exports, and (2) products eligible for import to the United States.) 

Industrial Hemp Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 30 May 2023

Industrial Hemp Act of 2023 This bill exempts industrial hemp production from certain inspection and testing requirements. Under current law, the hemp production program requires that all hemp production meet the same inspection and testing requirements. The bill amends the hemp production programs for a state, Indian tribe, and the Department of Agriculture to (1) establish a separate definition for industrial hemp, (2) require a procedure for hemp producers to designate the type of hemp production as industrial hemp or hemp for any other purpose, and (3) exclude industrial hemp from testing requirements. Industrial hemp producers are subject to annual visual inspections. If a producer fails a visual inspection, the producer may be (1) required to provide certain documentation on the in-field practices, and (2) subject to chemical testing on harvested material. Currently, a person with a felony conviction related to a controlled substance is prohibited from participating in the hemp production program for ten years. This bill includes an exception to allow participation by a person producing industrial hemp. However, a person who knowingly produces a crop that is inconsistent with the industrial hemp designation is prohibited from participating in the hemp production program for five years. The bill also preempts state and tribal law for the regulation of industrial hemp.

Environmental Justice in Recreation Permitting Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 May 2023

Environmental Justice in Recreation Permitting Act This bill requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to complete an interagency report on the use of special recreation permits by recreation service providers serving environmental justice communities. The bill defines an environmental justice community as a community with significant representation of communities of color, low-income communities, or tribal and indigenous communities, that experiences, or is at risk of experiencing, higher or more adverse human health or environmental effects than other communities. Interior and USDA (1) shall contact all existing or prospective special recreation service providers to request a voluntary estimate of the number of user days used by, or, in the case of a prospective recreation service provider, expected to be used by, individuals from environmental justice communities; (2) shall request from recreation service providers and interested members of the public any other information required for the report; and (3) shall not use participation or the provision of information to Interior and USDA by a recreation service provider as a condition of a special recreation permit.

To rename the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 30 May 2023

This bill renames the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act as the National School Lunch Act.

Recognizing the need for greater access to rural and agricultural media programming.

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2023

This resolution expresses that the House of Representatives recognizes the importance of rural and agricultural programming and the need for greater access to rural and agricultural media programming.

Western Water Accelerated Revenue Repayment Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Western Water Accelerated Revenue Repayment Act This bill permanently authorizes a provision under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act that (1) allows certain water users (e.g., agriculture and municipal water users) in western states to prepay what they owe under contracts with the Bureau of Reclamation for the storage and supply of water resources; and (2) requires a specified portion of the receipts generated from such prepayments be directed to the Reclamation Water Storage Account for the construction of water storage.

Keeping Pets and Families Together Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Keeping Pets and Families Together Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a program to support microchipping of dogs and cats in the care of pounds or shelters. Under the program, USDA must enter into cooperative agreements with state and local governments to support the capability of pounds or shelters to provide for microchipping of dogs and cats in their care before allowing them to be recovered by their owners, adopted by other individuals, or transferred to another shelter or rescue organization.

San Gabriel Mountains Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

San Gabriel Mountains Protection Act This bill designates wilderness areas and wild and scenic rivers in California and modifies the boundaries of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument in California to include additional National Forest System (NFS) land. Specifically, the monument shall include approximately 109,167 acres of additional NFS land. The bill designates parcels of NFS land as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System to create the Condor Peak Wilderness and Yerba Buena Wilderness and to add to the San Gabriel Wilderness and Sheep Mountain Wilderness. The bill designates specified wild and scenic rivers. The Department of Agriculture may issue a special use authorization to the owners of a water transport or diversion facility located on NFS land in the Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness for the continued operation, maintenance, and reconstruction of the facility if specified conditions are met.

Feed Hungry Veterans Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2023

Feed Hungry Veterans Act of 2023 This bill expands eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for certain disabled veterans, including those determined to be catastrophically disabled.

Opportunities in Organic Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023

RTCP Revitalization Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2023

RTCP Revitalization Act This bill amends the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) to provide specified funds for the RTCP through FY2029 and each fiscal year thereafter. The RTCP provides reimbursement payments for geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers (e.g., those in Hawaii and Alaska) for a portion of the cost to transport agricultural commodities or inputs used to produce an agricultural commodity. The bill also removes a $15 million payment cap for any given fiscal year. Further, USDA may not impose a limitation on the amount of producer payments for any fiscal year that the program funds are equal to or exceed demand.

HEARING FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING TESTIMONY FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE'S NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE AND FARM SERVICE AGENCY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 May 2023

MORE USDA Grants Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2023

More Opportunities for Rural Economies from USDA Grants Act or the MORE USDA Grants Act This bill revises the process for awarding grants under certain programs of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to high-density public land counties and any units of tribal or local governments within such counties. A high-density public land county is a county that has a population of not more than 100,000 people and in which more than 50% of the land is owned or managed by the federal government. Any requirement for local matching funds under a qualifying grant program must be reduced by 50% with respect to such jurisdictions. On request, USDA must provide additional technical assistance to such jurisdictions before and during the annual application period for each qualifying grant program. USDA must also prioritize grant applications from such jurisdictions that have not received support under the qualifying grant program during the 10-year period preceding the date of the application.

To amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to increase funding for the conservation stewardship program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2023

This bill increases funding for the Conservation Stewardship Program. This Department of Agriculture program provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to maintain and improve existing conservation systems and to adopt additional conservation activities in a comprehensive manner on a producer's entire operation.

Direct Hire To Fight Fires

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Direct Hire To Fight Fires This bill provides permanent direct-hire authority to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior to fill wildland firefighter and firefighting support positions in the Forest Service and Interior agencies. The bill also requires USDA and Interior to implement policies to recruit and retain wildland firefighters and related personnel, such as by streamlining the hiring process and reducing barriers for firefighters transferring between agencies. Further, the bill requires USDA and Interior to annually report related data to Congress, including the number of firefighters needed for the coming year, the number of firefighting vacancies in each state, and existing barriers to filling such vacancies. The report must also be made available on a public website.  

To make technical amendments to update statutory references to certain provisions classified to title 7, title 20, and title 43, United States Code, and to correct related technical errors.

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

This bill makes technical amendments to the U.S. Code to revise references to statutory provisions reclassified to Title 7 (Agriculture), Title 20 (Education), and Title 43 (Public Lands).

SAP Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Supporting All Producers Act of 2023 or the SAP Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to solicit input from maple industry stakeholders with respect to the research and education priorities of the maple industry for the Acer Access and Development Program (Acer). Specifically, the bill amends Acer to require USDA to consider the information provided through consultation with the maple industry when making program grants. The bill also extends the program's authorization through FY2028. The Acer competitive grant program promotes the domestic maple syrup industry through activities associated with research and education related to maple syrup production, natural resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry, and the marketing of maple syrup and maple sap products. Acer also provides grants to encourage owners and operators of privately held land containing species of trees in the genus Acer to initiate or expand maple sugaring activities, or to voluntarily make the land publicly accessible for maple sugaring activities.

RESTORE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Re-Entry Support Through Opportunities for Resources and Essentials Act of 2023 or the RESTORE Act of 2023 This bill repeals a prohibition barring an individual with certain felony drug convictions from participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Under current law, a state may opt out of enforcing the ban on participation. The bill also allows an individual who is incarcerated to apply for SNAP benefits before their release date. Specifically, the bill amends the definition of household to include incarcerated individuals who are scheduled to be released from an institution within 30 days. Currently, a state agency may apply to the Food and Nutrition Service for an administrative waiver in order to allow individuals to apply for SNAP benefits up to 30 days prior to release.    

Hot Foods Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Hot Foods Act of 2023 This bill expands the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to permit the use of SNAP benefits to purchase hot foods or hot food products ready for immediate consumption.

SAFE Act of 2023

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Save America's Forgotten Equines Act of 2023 or the SAFE Act of 2023 This bill permanently prohibits the slaughter of equines (e.g., horses and mules) for human consumption. (Current law prohibits the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption. This bill extends the prohibition to equines.) Specifically, this bill prohibits a person from knowingly slaughtering an equine for human consumption; or shipping, transporting, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donating an equine to be slaughtered for human consumption or equine parts for human consumption. The bill subjects a violator to a fine. The bill applies to conduct in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. However, it does not apply to an activity carried out by an Indian for a religious ceremony. In recent years, appropriations acts have prohibited the Department of Agriculture (USDA) from using federal funds to inspect horses before they are slaughtered for human consumption. Therefore, there are currently no USDA-inspected horse slaughter facilities in the United States.

FIRESHEDS Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Forest Improvements through Research and Emergency Stewardship for Healthy Ecosystem Development and Sustainability Act or the FIRESHEDS Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA), with respect to National Forest System lands, and the Department of the Interior, with respect to public lands, no later than 90 days after receiving a request from a state, to enter into an agreement with such state to jointly designate one or more fireshed management areas within such state, and conduct fireshed management projects in such fireshed management areas. Not later than 90 days after entering into an agreement, the USDA or Interior, as appropriate, and such state shall jointly conduct a stewardship and fireshed assessment. The USDA and Interior shall carry out fireshed management projects in accordance with the timeline and project size limitations included in the stewardship and fireshed assessment. Fireshed management projects shall be categorically excluded from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement and exempt from the special administrative review process. The bill makes permanent the authority for a state to use revenue from timber sales under a good neighbor agreement for forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration services.

Promoting American Competition in Aquaculture Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2023

Promoting American Competition in Aquaculture Research Act This bill amends certain limitations on the use of Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding for indirect costs for aquaculture assistance programs. The bill also reauthorizes USDA aquaculture assistance programs through FY2028, which includes research and extension programs.