Agriculture

Agricultural Bioterrorism Countermeasures Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2001

Agricultural Bioterrorism Countermeasures Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to bioterrorism countermeasures, to: (1) expand Agricultural Research Service programs to protect the domestic food supply; (2) establish a Consortium for Countermeasures Against Agricultural Bioterrorism comprised of institutions of higher education in partnership with Federal agencies to develop long-term biosecurity programs; (3) enhance the National Research Initiative of the Competitive Grants Program of the Award Grants Program of the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service by awarding grants for bioterrorism protective measures; and (4) expand the capacities of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Food Safety Inspection Service. Authorizes appropriations.

Protecting the Food Supply from Bioterrorism Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2001

Protecting the Food Supply from Bioterrorism Act - Requires any facility engaged in processing or handling food products for consumption in the United States, including any facility of an importer, to be registered with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Directs the Secretary to compile and maintain an up-to-date list of registered facilities. Suspends, immediately, the registration of any facility or importer's facility for: (1) failure to permit access to the facility for inspection: (2) violation of a food safety law, including a regulation issued under a food safety law, concerning the facility, in a case in which the Secretary determines that such suspension is likely to prevent a significant risk of adverse health consequences; or (3) conviction of the registrant in any Federal or State court of either any felony relating to food or more than one violation of any law relating to food, whether or not the violation involves any fraud in connection with transactions in food. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for enforcement, including: (1) penalties; (2) notification and recall of unsafe food; and (3) import restrictions. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for: (1) food security research; (2) food safety grants; (3) the surveillance of animal and human health; and (4) information resources for health professionals concerning the diagnosis and detection of illnesses caused by bioterrorism.

A bill to provide additional funding to combat bioterrorism.

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2001

Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide funding to the Secretary of Agriculture: (1) in FY 2002 for specified bio-security initiatives, bio-safety animal research facilities, Agricultural Research Service/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service facilities, an animal disease laboratory, and agroterrorism rapid detection field test kits and training; and (2) in each of FY 2002 through 2011 for specified counter-bioterrorism research initiatives.

High Plains Groundwater Resource Conservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2001

High Plains Groundwater Resource Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary), through the U.S. Geological Survey and in cooperation with the State Geologists of the High Plains Aquifer States (Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming), to develop and carry out a hydrogeologic mapping, modeling, and monitoring program for the High Plains Aquifer. Requires the Secretary to establish a High Plains Aquifer Coordination Council to: (1) ensure that mapping, modeling, and monitoring efforts relating to the Aquifer are in place to provide information on the water resources of the Aquifer, including sustainability; (2) facilitate coordination of Federal, State, and local programs relating to the groundwater resources of the Aquifer; (3) evaluate the effectiveness of Federal and State programs in addressing present and anticipated groundwater resources issues relating to the Aquifer; and (4) provide recommendations to the Secretary, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Governors of such States regarding programs, policies, and changes in Federal and State law to address such resources issues of the Aquifer. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture in FY 2003 through 2012 to provide cost-share payments, incentive payments, and technical assistance to eligible producers (persons who are engaged in livestock or agricultural production) who enter into contracts with the Secretary through a High Plains Aquifer Ground Water Conservation Incentives Program. Directs the Commodity Credit Corporation to make available specified amounts in FY 2003 through 2012 to carry out such Program. Requires that lands eligible for the Environmental Conservation Acreage Reserve Program which would result in significant per acre savings of groundwater resources of the Aquifer if removed from agriculture production to be awarded 90 Program bid points, to be designated as groundwater conservation points, in addition to any other ratings such lands may receive. Requires such Secretary to prepare a report regarding the impacts of the commodity programs administered by the Department of Agriculture on the water resources of the Aquifer. Requires the Secretary to provide financial assistance to the eight High Plains Aquifer States to provide educational programs related to this Act.

Unsafe Meat and Poultry Recall Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 12 October 2001

Unsafe Meat and Poultry Recall Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to: (1) require a person (other than a household consumer or other exempted person) who believes a meat or poultry product he or she transports, stores, or distributes is adulterated or misbranded to notify the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) direct the Secretary, upon a determination of a public health risk from such adulteration or misbranding, to permit the person to voluntarily provide notification, cease distribution, and recall such product; and (3) authorize the Secretary, in the case of noncompliance, to take such actions, as well as providing consumer notification.

Emergency Food Assistance Program Enhancement Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2001

Emergency Food Assistance Program Enhancement Act of 2001 - Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to extend the emergency food assistance program (program). Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to: (1) extend authority and increase funding for commodity purchases for program use; and (2) authorize and obligate fund use for related State processing, storing, transporting, and distributing costs.

High Plains Aquifer Conservation, Monitoring, and Coordination Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2001

High Plains Aquifer Conservation, Monitoring, and Coordination Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the U.S. Geological Survey and in cooperation with the State Geologists of the High Plains Aquifer States (Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming), to develop and carry out a hydrogeologic mapping, modeling, and monitoring program for the High Plains Aquifer. Requires the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish a High Plains Aquifer Coordination Council to: (1) ensure that mapping, modeling, and monitoring efforts relating to the Aquifer are in place to provide information on the water resources of the Aquifer, including sustainability; (2) facilitate coordination of Federal, State, and local programs relating to the groundwater resources of the Aquifer; (3) evaluate the effectiveness of Federal and State programs in addressing present and anticipated groundwater resources issues relating to the Aquifer; and (4) provide recommendations to the Secretaries and the Governors of such States regarding programs, policies, and changes in Federal and State law to address such issues. Requires the Secretary, working in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to provide financial assistance to such States to provide educational programs related to this Act.

High Plains Groundwater Resource Conservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2001

High Plains Groundwater Resource Conservation Act - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture in FY 2002 through 2011 to provide cost-share payments, incentive payments, and technical assistance to eligible producers (persons who are engaged in livestock or agricultural production) who enter into contracts with the Secretary through a High Plains Aquifer Groundwater Conservation Incentives Program. Requires the Secretary to provide financial and technical assistance, including modeling and engineering design to States, tribes, and counties, conservation districts, and other political subdivisions recognized under State law for the development of groundwater conservation plans within the High Plains. Requires the creation of a certification process for such plans developed under this program or developed independently by such entities. Provides that, to be certified, a plan must achieve significant per acre savings of groundwater from the Aquifer and must meet the criteria specified by this Act. Directs the Commodity Credit Corporation to make available specified amounts in FY 2002 through 2011 to carry out such Program. Requires that lands eligible for the Environmental Conservation Acreage Reserve Program which would result in significant per acre savings of groundwater resources of the Aquifer if removed from agriculture production be awarded 90 Program bid points, to be designated as groundwater conservation points, in addition to any other ratings such lands may receive.

Biofuels Energy Independence Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2001

Biofuels Energy Independence Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to administer a Biofuels Feedstocks Energy Reserve to: (1) provide feedstocks in furtherance of biofuel-based energy production; and (2) support the biofuels energy industry when production is at risk due to reductions in feedstocks or commodity prices. Sets forth related provisions respecting commercial commodity purchases, release of commodity stocks, and storage payments. Authorizes the Secretary to make and guarantee loans for biofuel production, distribution, development, and storage. Sets forth loan eligibility provisions. Directs the Secretary to establish a related revolving fund.

A bill to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend and improve the environmental quality incentive program.

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2001

Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 respecting the environmental quality incentives program to: (1) extend and authorize appropriations for the program; (2) provide for local consultation; (3) reduce minimum contracts to three years; and (4) permit immediate contract expenditures.

To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to exclude certain basic allowances for housing of an individual who is a member of the uniformed services from the determination of eligibility for free and reduced price meals of a child of the individual.

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2001

Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to exclude certain basic allowances for housing of a member of the uniformed services from the determination of eligibility of such member's child for free and reduced price meals under such Act.

Imported Food Safety Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 10 October 2001

Imported Food Safety Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the prior approval of the Secretary of Health and Human Services for commercial distribution of food imported into the United States. Cites factors for mandatory consideration by the Secretary when determining whether to grant such approval. Requires the Secretary to: (1) deny approval of foreign food for import if the foreign system for food inspection does not provide at least the same level of protection as domestic laws, or if the foreign country does not permit the Secretary to conduct food inspections within its borders; and (2) give high priority to increasing significantly the number of inspections, including port-of-entry testing for pesticide and microbial contamination. Sets forth criminal penalties for noncompliance. Deems certain foods to be misbranded if the country-of-origin labeling is not provided at the time they are offered for retail sale. Instructs the Secretary to prioritize research on port-of-entry food safety testing techniques whose results are available within 60 minutes after test administration. Directs the Secretary to impose user fees on imported food in order to defray increased expenses needed to implement this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

A bill to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to provide farm credit assistance for activated reservists.

United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2001

Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to provide reservists and National Guard members activated on or after September 11, 2001, and other eligible persons with specified farm credit assistance, including loan modification, debt restructuring, and emergency loans.

Dietary Supplement Information Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2001

Dietary Supplement Information Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require a person owning or operating an establishment engaged in the business of manufacturing, packing, or distributing a dietary supplement to register with the Secretary of Health and Human the name of the person, places of business, and all such establishments. Requires immediate registration upon establishment of such a business and upon any additional establishments. Requires registration of dietary supplement importers. Sets forth labeling requirements and permits the Secretary to set registration fees. Requires any dietary supplement manufacturer, packer, or distributor to initially report to the Secretary any serious adverse reactions to a supplement, to investigate the reaction, and to report any additional information obtained to the Secretary. Sets forth additional requirements for manufacturers. Grants the Secretary authority to enter and inspect any factory, warehouse, or establishment in which dietary supplements are manufactured, processed, packed, or held, for introduction into interstate, or to enter and inspect any vehicle being used to transport or hold such supplements in interstate commerce. Deems a food (includes dietary supplements) misbranded if its label does not contain the toll-free telephone number, and the address of the Internet site, maintained by the Secretary for purposes of the medical product reporting program (MedWatch or any successor program).

Ephedrine Alkaloid Consumer Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2001

Ephedrine Alkaloid Consumer Protection Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide that if a dietary supplement contains ephedrine alkaloids, it will be misbranded if: (1) its labeling and advertising fails to contain a specified warning; or (2) the sale of the supplement is made to an individual under the age of 18, or in the case of a sale at retail, the purchaser has direct access to the supplement at the retail establishment involved, rather than the supplement being held at a portion of the establishment not intended to be accessible to customers of the establishment.

Safe Food Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001

Safe Food Act of 2001 - Establishes in the executive branch an independent Food Safety Administration which shall administer and enforce the food safety laws for the protection of the public health. Directs the Administrator of Food Safety to oversee the: (1) implementation of Federal food safety inspection, enforcement, and research efforts, based on scientifically supportable assessments of risks to public health; (2) development of consistent and science-based standards for safe food; (3) coordination and prioritization of food safety research and education programs with other Federal agencies; (4) coordination of the Federal response to food-borne illness outbreaks with other Federal agencies and State agencies; and (5) integration of Federal food safety activities with State and local agencies. Transfers to the Administration all functions of the following Federal agencies that relate to administration or enforcement of the food safety laws, as determined by the President: (1) the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture; (2) the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); (3) the Center for Veterinary Medicine of FDA; (4) the National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the Department of Commerce as it relates to the Seafood Inspection Program; and (5) such others as the President may designate by executive order.

Russian River Land Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001

Russian River Land Act - Ratifies the terms, conditions, covenants, and procedures set forth in the Russian River Section 14(h)(1) Selection Agreement between Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (the Corporation), and the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior. Authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to take all actions required under the terms of such Agreement. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Agriculture, Office of State and Private Forestry, for the Corporation for: (1) costs for the planning and design of the Joint Visitor's Interpretive Center; (2) planning and design of the Sqilantnu Archeological Research Center; and (3) construction of these facilities.

Comprehensive Trade Negotiating Authority Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2001

Comprehensive Trade Negotiating Authority Act of 2001 - Sets forth the overall trade negotiating objectives of the United States for trade agreements (generally similar to the objectives of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (OTCA)), including to: (1) obtain clear and specific commitments from U.S. trading partners to fulfill existing international trade obligations according to existing schedules; (2) ensure that dispute settlement mechanisms in multilateral, regional, and bilateral agreements lead to prompt and full compliance; (3) pursue market access initiatives that benefit the world's least-developed countries; (4) promote enforcement of internationally recognized core labor standards by U.S. trading partners; and (5) promote compatibility of trade rules with national environmental, health, and safety standards and with multilateral environmental agreements. Sets forth the principal U.S. negotiating objectives (generally similar to the principal OTCA negotiating objectives) under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (WTO), or in seeking a trade agreement establishing a Free Trade Area for the Americas (FTAA), or bilateral trade agreements, with regard to reciprocal trade in agriculture, trade in services, trade in manufactured and non-agricultural goods, trade in civil aircraft, rules of origin, dispute settlement, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights, transparency, government procurement, trade and labor market standards, trade remedy laws, trade and the environment, trade and investment, electronic commerce, developing countries, corruption, and WTO agreements. Requires U.S. negotiators in pursuing such objectives to take into account legitimate U.S. domestic objectives, including, but not limited to, the protection of health and safety, essential security, environmental, consumer, and employment opportunity interests, and related laws and regulations. Requires the President to take into account the extent to which a foreign country has implemented its obligations under the Uruguay Round Agreements when entering into a trade agreement with such foreign country. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to set forth certain changes in the designation of congressional advisers on trade policy and negotiations. Sets forth the authority of the President (generally similar to the authority under OTCA) to enter into trade agreements with foreign countries regarding tariff and non-tariff barriers. States that a trade agreement may be entered into only if it makes progress in meeting the overall and principal trade negotiating objectives, it would benefit the United States, the President satisfies certain congressional notification and consultation requirements, including submission of the agreement for assessment by the International Trade Commission, and the U.S. Trade Representative consults with congressional trade advisers and relevant committees and assesses the environmental effects of the agreement. Declares that bills implementing trade agreements may qualify for fast track procedures (no amendments) if they contain: (1) a provision approving a trade agreement entered into under this Act, and approving any statement of administrative action; (2) provisions necessary to implement such trade agreements if changes in existing laws or new authority are required to implement it; and (3) provisions to provide trade adjustment assistance to workers, firms, and communities. Extends fast track procedures to bills implementing trade agreements only if the President requests such extension and neither House of Congress adopts an extension disapproval resolution. Exempts from congressional notification and consultation requirements any tariff or nontariff agreement which results from negotiations commenced before enactment of this Act, and which: (1) is entered into under the auspices of the WTO regarding rules of origin or otherwise under the WTO; (2) is entered into with Chile or Singapore; or (3) establishes a FTAA. Requires the President to submit an implementation and enforcement plan at the time a final text of any tariff or nontariff trade agreement is submitted to Congress.

A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to limit the use of the common name "catfish" in the market of fish.

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2001

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to limit the name 'catfish' to fish classified within the family Ictalariidae for purposes of the misbranded food requirements.

Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 3 October 2001

Bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2001 - Sets forth the overall trade negotiating objectives of the United States for trade agreements (generally similar to the objectives of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (OTCA)). Sets forth the principal U.S. negotiating objectives (generally similar to the principal OTCA negotiating objectives) regarding trade barriers and other trade distortions, trade in services, foreign investment, intellectual property, transparency, improvement of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other multilateral and bilateral trade agreements, foreign regulatory practices, electronic commerce, reciprocal trade in agriculture, labor and the environment, dispute settlement and enforcement of trade agreements, and WTO extended negotiations. Requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to consult closely with Congress during trade negotiations. Sets forth the authority of the President (generally similar to the authority under OTCA) to enter into trade agreements with foreign countries regarding tariff and non-tariff barriers. States that a trade agreement may be entered into (before June 1, 2005; or June 1, 2007, if trade authorities procedures (or fast-track procedures) are extended under this Act) only if it makes progress in meeting the overall and principal trade negotiating objectives, and the President satisfies certain notification and consultation requirements set forth in this Act, including submission of the agreement for assessment by the International Trade Commission. Applies trade authorities procedures to bills implementing trade agreements if they consist of: (1) a provision approving a trade agreement entered into under this Act, and approving any statement of administrative action; and (2) if changes in existing laws or new statutory authority are required to implement such agreements, provisions necessary to implement them, either repealing or amending existing laws or providing new statutory law. Authorizes both Houses of Congress to adopt a procedural disapproval resolution denying trade authorities procedures to any trade agreement if the President has failed or refused to notify or consult with Congress about it. Exempts from the notice and consultation requirements of this Act any tariff or nontariff agreement which results from negotiations commenced before enactment of this Act, and which: (1) is entered into under the auspices of the WTO regarding the rules of origin work program; (2) is entered into with Chile or Singapore; or (3) establishes a Free Trade Area for the Americas. Requires the convening of a Congressional Oversight Group to serve as advisor to the U.S. delegation in the negotiation of any tariff or nontariff trade agreement. Requires the President to submit an implementation and enforcement plan at the same time a final text of any tariff or nontariff trade agreement is submitted to Congress.

Animal Health Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 October 2001

Animal Health Protection Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to restrict the importation, entry, or further movement in the United States, or order the destruction or removal, of animals (including livestock) and related conveyances and facilities for reasons of livestock pest or disease control, or humane treatment. Authorizes related activities respecting exportation, interstate movement, cooperative agreements, enforcement and penalties, seizure, and quarantine and disease and pest eradication. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) establish a veterinary accreditation program; (2) produce and sell sterile screwworms to foreign countries and international organizations; and (3) enter into reimbursable fee agreements for preclearance abroad of animals or articles for movement into the United States.

To provide clarification regarding the market name for the fish Pangasius bocourti and compliance with section 403 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2001

Requires fish to be classified within the family Ictalariidae to be considered catfish for purposes of the misbranded food and imports and exports provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (thereby excluding the fish Pangasius bocourti from consideration as a catfish).

Deep Creek-Yampatika Ute Wilderness Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2001

Deep Creek Wilderness Act - Establishes the Deep Creek Wilderness Area in Colorado. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to manage such lands in accordance with the Wilderness Act and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Sets forth administrative provisions regarding: (1) withdrawal of such lands from further entry or appropriation under public land, mining, or mineral leasing laws; (2) use of such lands for navigation training exercises by the Colorado Army National Guard, hunting and fishing, and livestock grazing; (3) establishment of interpretive facilities; (4) a prohibition against development of any new water resource facility; and (5) continued access by private landowners.

To authorize former Federal employees who receive voluntary separation incentive payments under the Department of Agriculture program to accept subsequent employment with the Federal Government, without loss of their payments, when such employment is directly related to fighting forest fires.

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2001

Amends the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to authorize former Federal employees who receive Department of Agriculture voluntary separation incentive payments to accept subsequent Federal employment without loss of their payments when such employment is directly related to fighting forest fires.

Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2002, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2001

Makes continuing appropriations for FY 2002. Appropriates amounts for continuing, at the current rate of operations, projects or activities which were conducted in FY 2001 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority would be available in: (1) the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002; (2) the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002; (3) the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2002; (4) the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2002; (5) the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002; (6) the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2002; (7) the Military Construction Appropriations Act, 2002; (8) the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002; (9) the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2002; and (10) the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002. Appropriates amounts for continuing, at the current rate of operations, projects or activities which were conducted in FY 2001 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority was made available under: (1) the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2001; (2) the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001; and (3) the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2001. Provides funding under this resolution until enactment into law of any covered appropriation or the applicable appropriations Act (without any provision for the covered appropriation) or October 16, 2001, whichever occurs first. Authorizes continuation of other specified activities through such date.

Edward R. McPherson, of Texas, to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Agriculture, vice Sally Thompson, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 12 September 2001

To improve migratory bird management by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 September 2001

Exempts any migratory bird management carried out by the Secretary of Agriculture through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service from the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Authorizes a Service employee acting under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to: (1) issue a depredation permit to a Service stakeholder or cooperator; and (2) manage and take migratory birds.

A bill to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to permit borrowers and grantees to use certain rural development loans and grants for other purposes under certain circumstances.

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2001

Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture, upon a determination of changed circumstances, to permit a grantee or loan recipient of rural development funds to use property purchased with such funds, or proceeds from the sale of property purchased with such funds, for another qualifying project or activity.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify the excise tax exemptions for aerial applicators of fertilizers or other substances.

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2001

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the waiver requirement by a farm owner, operator, or tenant in order for an aerial applicator of agricultural fertilizer or other substances to qualify for a gasoline-farming use (excise) tax exemption in the case of an applicator who is the ultimate purchaser of the gasoline so used. Includes within such exemption gasoline used between the airfield and farm. Exempts fixed-wing aircraft used for forestry purposes from the passenger air transportation (excise) tax. .

Rural America Technology Enhancement Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2001

Rural America Technology Enhancement Act of 2001 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Administrator of the Rural Utility Service, to: (1) establish a National Centers for Distance Working Program to provide grants to eligible organizations for the Federal share of the cost of establishing National Centers for Distance Working in rural areas (and Indian reservations) to conduct five-year projects to support the use of teleworking in information technology fields; and (2) make grants for studies on teleworking in rural areas. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the rural telecommunications facilities investment tax credit. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to initiate a proceeding to provide Federal universal service support for the deployment of broadband telecommunications service to eligible rural communities. Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administrative Organization Act to direct the Rural Utilities Service of the Department of Agriculture to make loans or other credit extensions to eligible telecommunications carrier providers, or to companies that accept the obligations of such carriers, to finance the deployment of broadband service to eligible rural communities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an Office of Rural Technology to act as an information center about programs that offer technology assistance to entities in rural areas. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to create a rural high tech employment tax credit. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants to support the expansion of opportunities in rural areas for instruction in high technology fields and enterprises.

Mark Edward Rey, of the District of Columbia, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment, vice James R. Lyons.

United States · United States Senate · 4 September 2001

Thomas C. Dorr, of Iowa, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development, vice Jill L. Long, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 4 September 2001

Elsa A. Murano, of Texas, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food Safety, vice Catherine E. Woteki, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 4 September 2001

Hilda Gay Legg, of Kentucky, to be Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture, vice Christopher A. McLean, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 4 September 2001

Elsa A. Murano, of Texas, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food Safety, vice Catherine E. Woteki, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 3 August 2001

A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to provide payments to producers of forage crops for losses due to army worms.

United States · United States Congress · 3 August 2001

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide payments to producers for forage crop losses due to army worms.

21st Century Homesteading Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001

21st Century Homesteading Act - Establishes a program under which the Secretary of Agriculture shall conduct up to six demonstration projects involving the employment of H-1B visa (specialty occupation) aliens in rural areas, and the use of related employer-paid visa fees with the development of high-tech employment opportunities in such areas. Authorizes the Secretary to make project grants to qualifying rural economic development planning districts in States on the Canadian border having certain levels of outmigration, unemployment, and Native American populations. Allocates specified H-1B annual admissions for such projects. Establishes the Twenty-first Century Homesteading Account in the Treasury.

Working Lands Conservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001

Working Lands Conservation Act - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to: (1) extend and revise the environmental quality incentives program, including, designation of special projects to address area-specific environmental issues, modification of contract authority, and creation of conservation innovation grants; (2) extend and revise the conservation reserve program, including provisions respecting conservation buffer inclusion, hardwood trees, and haying and grazing; (3) extend and revise the wetlands reserve program, including acreage increases and wetland restoration activities on watershed areas; and (4) provide for privacy of personal information relating to natural resources conservation programs. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a conservation program consolidation and reform plan. Amends specified agricultural Acts to extend authority or authorization of appropriations for: (1) the environmental conservation acreage reserve program; (2) the conservation farm option program; (3) the flood risk reduction program; (4) the resource conservation and development program; (5) the forestry incentives program; and (6) the Office of International Forestry.

Klamath Basin Economic Disaster Relief Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001

Klamath Basin Economic Disaster Relief Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out an economic relief program in the States of Oregon and California to provide compensation for employment, crop, livestock, and land-value losses directly related to the denial of irrigation water for the Klamath Irrigation Project.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow taxpayers to include citrus canker tree replacement payments made by the Secretary of Agriculture as income or gain over a 10-year period.

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow taxpayers to take citrus canker tree replacement payments into account as income or gain ratably over the ten-year period beginning with the taxable year in which the taxpayer receives or accrues the payment.

Small Business Tax Fairness Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 2 August 2001

Small Business Tax Fairness Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase: (1) from 70 percent to 100 percent the deduction for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals; (2) from $24,000 to $30,000 the deduction amount for small businesses of section 179 property; and (3) the deduction for business meal expenses from 50 percent to 60 percent (80 percent for individuals subject to Federal limitations on service hours). Provides that income averaging for farmers and fishermen shall not increase their alternative minimum tax liability. Permits small taxpayers (with gross annual receipts averaging $5 million or less) to use the cash accounting method without limitation. Makes permanent the tax credit for increasing research activities. Allows a taxpayer a deduction of up to 50 percent of any qualified timber gain, subject to a formula, for partial inflation adjustment. Decreases from 84 to 60 months the amortization period for reforestation expenditures and the reforestation tax credit. Allows an individual a tax credit for 20 percent (up to $2,000) of the amount paid or incurred for qualified energy efficiency improvements installed during the taxable year. Allows a business a tax credit of up to $2,000 of the aggregate adjusted bases of all energy efficient property installed in a qualified new energy efficient home during construction. Repeals the Federal communications excise tax. Allows a corporation a tax credit for 50 percent of the qualified computer technology and equipment donations it made to elementary and secondary schools during the taxable year.

Black Farmer Equal Remedy Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2001

Black Farmer Equal Remedy Act of 2001 - Provides, with respect to specified agriculture-related petitions for redress filed by black farmers, for: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture to make a specified direct payment to persons who qualified as a plaintiff class member but were denied certification; (2) tax-free treatment of settlement payments awarded to claimants under a consent decree; and (3) additional relief which may include Department of Agriculture program priority and technical assistance for qualifying class members and class members whose claims were dismissed.

Conservation Extension and Enhancement Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2001

Conservation Extension and Enhancement Act of 2001 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to: (1) extend the environmental conservation acreage reserve program; (2) extend the conservation reserve program, including marginal pasture lands devoted to trees, and the pilot program for Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota; (3) increase the scope of conservation reserve eligible lands; (4) increase maximum conservation reserve acreage; (5) extend and provide maximum annual acreage levels for the wetlands reserve program; (6) establish a grassland reserve program; (7) extend and expand the scope of the environmental quality incentives program, including increased payment limits, and establishment of Colorado River Basin salinity control measures; and (8) provide for the privacy of personal information relating to natural resources conservation programs. Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to revise the resource conservation and development program, including: (1) provision of program assistance through councils which shall carry out area plans and projects in designated areas; and (2) establishment in the Department of Agriculture of a Resource Conservation and Development Policy Advisory Board. Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to: (1) extend funding for the conservation of private grazing land program; (2) extend funding for the wildlife habitat incentive program; (3) establish related pilot programs to avoid listing of endangered species and preserve critical habitats; and (4) extend funding for the farmland protection program. Provides for disaster program and conservation accounting system studies.

Rural Telecommunications Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2001

Rural Telecommunications Enhancement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans and grants to eligible (non-federal public or private) entities to finance the improvement, expansion, construction, acquisition, and operation of facilities to furnish or improve broadband transmission service in rural areas.

Carbon Sequestration and Reporting Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2001

Carbon Sequestration and Reporting Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act to provide for the establishment of the Carbon Advisory Council which shall advise on reporting guidelines for greenhouse gas sequestration from soil carbon and forest management actions, and their potential effects and effectiveness. Amends the Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 1990 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into cooperative agreements for forest carbon activities on private, State, or Indian lands. Directs the Secretary to provides States with assistance to establish revolving loan programs for forest carbon activities on nonindustrial private forest land. Authorizes Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana to apply for funding from the Bonneville Power Administration for loans for related purposes or for specified fish and wildlife purposes. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary to establish a carbon sequestration program, which may include conservation reserve and wetlands reserve lands. Directs the Secretary to carry out four or more carbon monitoring pilot programs.

Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2001

Agricultural Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through crop year 2011, to: (1) make fixed decoupled payments and counter-cyclical payments to eligible producers; (2) make marketing assistance loans and loan deficiency payments to covered commodity producers; and (3) extend programs for milk and dairy products, sugar, and peanuts. Amends specified agricultural Acts to extend the: (1) suspension of permanent price support authority; (2) farmland protection program; (3) conservation reserve program; (4) environmental quality incentives program; (5) food for progress program; (6) market access program; (7) export enhancement program; (8) foreign market development cooperator program; (9) export credit guarantee program; (10) P.L. 480 programs; (11) food stamp and related nutrition programs; (12) emergency food assistance program; (13) commodity supplemental food program; (14) surplus commodities to special nutrition project program; and (15) wildlife habitat incentives program. Establishes the: (1) congressional hunger fellows program; and (2) forest land enhancement program; and (3) sustainable forestry outreach initiative; (4) community and private land fire assistance program; (5) tree assistance program; (6) hazardous fuels to energy grant program; (7) senior farmers' market nutrition program; (8) grassland reserve program; and (9) farmland stewardship program. Revises and extends specified agricultural credit programs, rural development programs, and agricultural research programs. Revises land-grant institution provisions and other specified educational, extension, and research program provisions. Repeals certain agricultural activities and authorities.

National Uniformity for Food Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2001

National Uniformity for Food Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to prohibit any State or political subdivision from establishing or continuing in effect as to any food in interstate commerce any requirement for food that is not identical to specified FDCA provisions. Prohibits any State or political subdivision from establishing or continuing in effect any notification requirement for a food that provides for a warning concerning the food's safety that is not identical to FDCA provisions. Allows current State notification or food safety requirements to continue for 180 days after the enactment of this Act, during which such State may petition for an exemption or a new national standard. Allows a State to petition for an exemption and for a national standard regarding any requirement under the FDCA, as amended by this Act, or the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act relating to food regulation. Allows a State to establish a requirement that would otherwise violate FDCA provisions relating to national uniform nutrition labeling or this paragraph if the requirement is needed to address an imminent hazard to health that is likely to result in serious adverse health consequences and if other requirements are met.

Agricultural Credit Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2001

Agricultural Credit Act of 2001 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to exclude from "debt forgiveness": (1) loan rescheduling, consolidation, deferral, or reamortization; (2) a write-down due to natural disaster or family medical condition; or (3) a write-down as part of the resolution of a discrimination complaint against the Secretary of Agriculture. Increases the number of occasions of permitted loan or loan guarantee debt forgiveness per borrower from one to two. Includes as an exception to such limitation an operating loan or loan guarantee to an individual whose payments are current under a specified reorganization plan. Permits excess funds obligated for socially disadvantaged farmers to be reallocated for such use in another State (currently limited to intrastate reallocation). Permits direct operating loans and loan guarantees to be made to persons in areas: (1) affected by a natural disaster or designated emergency; or (2) determined to be suffering from an economic emergency. Revises (shared appreciation arrangement) recapture percentage provisions.

Timpanogos Interagency Land Exchange Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2001

Timpanogos Interagency Land Exchange Act of 2001 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to exchange specified Federal lands for non-Federal lands in the Salt Lake Meridian, Utah. Provides that: (1) the property conveyed to the United States shall become part of the Uinta National Forest; and (2) any cash equalization funds received by the United States shall be available for the acquisition of land for administrative sites in Utah and for the National Forest System. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to construct and bear responsibility for construction costs of a facility to house the administrative office of the Pleasant Grove Ranger District of the Uinta National Forest and the visitor center and administrative office of the Timpanogos Cave National Monument, which shall be occupied, operated, and maintained jointly by the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior.

Emergency Agricultural Assistance Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2001

Emergency Agricultural Assistance Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide market loss assistance payments to owners and producers on a farm that are eligible for a final FY 2001 production flexibility contract payment. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance for: (1) oilseeds; (2) quota or additional peanuts; (3) sugar beets; (4) honey; (5) wool and mohair; (6) cottonseed; (7) commodity purchases; (8) dry peas, lentils, or chickpeas (pulse crops); (9) tobacco; and (10) apples. Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to extend: (1) loan deficiency payments; and (2) milk price supports. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance for : (1) the conservation reserve program; (2) the wetlands reserve program; (3) the environmental quality incentives program; (4) the wildlife habitat incentive program; (5) the farmland protection program; and (6) risk management conservation assistance. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance for: (1) emergency food assistance distribution; and (2) the senior farmers' market nutrition pilot program. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to: (1) make emergency agricultural credit loans available for energy emergencies; and (2) make intermediary relending loans available for value-added agricultural products. Makes funds available under this Act for: (1) agricultural business and industry loans; and (2) value-added agricultural product market development grants. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance for the sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer program. Establishes in the Department of Agriculture the Senior Scientific Research Service. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance for: (1) a crop and pasture flood compensation program; (2) floodplain easement purchases; (3) producer compensation for forage losses due to army worms; and (4) establishment of a national organic certification cost-share program. Sets forth FY 2001 and 2002 funding obligations under this Act.