Agriculture

Nanoscience to Commercialization Institutes Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2005

Nanoscience to Commercialization Institutes Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Under Secretary of Technology of the Department of Commerce to award grants to eligible entities to establish up to eight Nanoscience to Commercialization Institutes throughout the United States to assist in the commercialization of nanotechnology. Instructs the Under Secretary to ensure that each Institute is located at either a public university or federal laboratory. Requires grants awarded pursuant to this Act to be used to establish at least one Institute in each of the following areas of nanotechology or microtechnology: (1) energy; (2) printable electronics; (3) medical; (4) transportation; (5) textiles; and (6) agriculture. Specifies matching requirements for for-profit manufacturing companies conducting research and development in micro- and nanotechnologies. Makes any institution of higher education that has a federally funded nanotechnology center or that is the primary lead of a nanotechnology center not eligible for a grant under this Act. Directs the Under Secretary to establish a peer review committee to review the goals and progress made by each Institute. Requires each grant recipient to submit a report to such committee describing its Institute's accomplishments and goals as a condition of continued grant funding.

Act to Save America's Forests

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2005

Act to Save America's Forests - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to revise eligibility criteria for members of the land and resource management scientific committee. Revises the committee termination date. Directs the Chief of the Forest Service, the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Director of the Bureau of Land Management to each prepare a continuous inventory of forest land administered by each agency head and to document whole-system measures that will be taken as a result of the inventory. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for conservation and restoration of native biodiversity in forested areas. Prohibits clearcutting or other even-age logging operations on any stand or watershed on certain federal land, National Forest System land, and National Wildlife Refuge System land. Provides for federal enforcement and a private right of action. Designates special areas which shall be subject to restrictions on road construction and logging in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Requires the Secretaries concerned to appoint a committee of independent scientists to recommend additional special areas. Restricts road construction and logging on federal land in ancient forests, special areas, roadless areas, and watershed protection areas. Provides for federal enforcement and a private right of action. States that this Act and the amendments made by this Act shall not apply to federal wilderness areas designated under the Wilderness Act. Adds specified land to the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Transfers administrative jurisdiction over the Monument from the Secretary to the Secretary of the Interior. Establishes the Giant Sequoia National Monument Advisory Board. Adds specified parts of Sequoia National Forest that are not included in the Monument to: (1) Sierra National Forest; and (2) Inyo National Forest.

To amend the Forest Service use and occupancy permit program to restore the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to utilize the special use permit fees collected by the Secretary in connection with the establishment and operation of marinas in units of the National Forest System derived from the public domain, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2005

Amends the Forest Service use and occupancy permit program to require amounts collected in connection with the issuance of a special use permit for a marina at a unit of the National Forest System (NFS) derived from the public domain to be deposited in an existing special account in the Treasury established for the Secretary of Agriculture for specified recreation management purposes.

Food Employment Empowerment and Development Program Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 October 2005

Food Employment Empowerment and Development Program Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a food employment empowerment and development program of grants to eligible public agencies and private nonprofit institutions to encourage the use of community resources to combat hunger and the root causes of hunger by creating opportunity through food recovery and job training.

A bill to prohibit the closure or relocation of certain county offices of the Farm Service Agency.

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2005

Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from closing or relocating a Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office in operation as of the date of enactment of this Act.

Pandemic Preparedness and Response Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 October 2005

Pandemic Preparedness and Response Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the President to appoint a National Director of Pandemic Preparedness and Response to strengthen, expand, and coordinate domestic pandemic influenza preparedness activities. Establishes the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Policy Coordinating Committee to develop an Interagency Preparedness Plan. Requires states to have an approved state preparedness plan as a condition of receiving certain funds related to bioterrorism. Provides for the integration and coordination of public and private influenza surveillance activities. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) procure antivirals, developed vaccines, and essential medications for the Strategic National Stockpile; (2) develop a national system for tracking and distributing antiviral medications and vaccines; and (3) assist other counties in preparation for, and response to, pandemic influenza. Provides for the expansion and intensification of influenza research. Directs the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine to study topics related to the pandemic influenza. Establishes the National Pandemic Influenza Economics Advisory Committee. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to expand and intensify efforts to prevent pandemic influenza. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) enter into contracts with manufacturers to produce additional necessary doses of the influenza vaccine; and (2) develop a national plan for responding to potential influenza vaccine shortages. Sets forth prohibitions against charging excessive prices during a public health emergency for, reporting false pricing information to the Secretary about, or employing a manipulative or deceptive device or contrivance in connection with the purchase or sale of, drugs, devices, or biologics for the prevention or treatment of influenza at wholesale.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat certain farming business machinery and equipment as 5-year property for purposes of depreciation.

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a five-year depreciation recovery period for certain farming business machinery or equipment placed in service before January 1, 2010.

Rapid Response Border Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005

Rapid Response Border Protection Act of 2005 - Authorizes the emergency deployment of Border Patrol agents to a requesting border state. Sets forth provisions for Border Patrol acquisition and use of: (1) helicopters and power boats, (2) motor vehicles; (3) portable computers; (4) radio communications; (5) hand-held global positioning devices; (6) night vision equipment; and (7) body armor, uniform items, and weapons. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) provide for additional detention space for illegal aliens; (2) increase Border Patrol agents, airport and land border immigration inspectors, immigration enforcement officers, and fraud and document fraud investigators; (3) enhance Border Patrol training and operational facilities; (4) establish immigration, customs, and agriculture inspector occupations within the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection; (5) reestablish the Border Patrol anti-smuggling unit; (6) establish criminal investigator occupations within DHS; (7) increase Border Patrol agent and investigator pay; (8) require foreign language training for appropriate DHS employees; and (9) establish the Task Force on Fraudulent Immigration Documents. Increases maximum employer-paid student loan amounts for Border Patrol agents. Repeals the DHS human resources management system. Redefines the term "law enforcement officer" under provisions of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) to include: (1) federal employees not otherwise covered by such term whose duties include the investigation or apprehension of suspected or convicted individuals and who are authorized to carry a firearm; and (2) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees whose duties are primarily the collection of delinquent taxes and the securing of delinquent returns. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish within the S visa nonimmigrant classification (criminal or terrorist law enforcement assistance) a category for an alien: (1) who has reliable information about a commercial alien smuggling enterprise; (2) who is willing to supply or has supplied such information to a federal or state court; and (3) whose presence in the United States is essential to such investigation. Authorizes: (1) up to 400 annual entrants; and (2) status adjustment to permanent resident when needed to protect such individuals. Establishes a reward program to assist in eliminating immigration-related commercial document fraud operations.

Nursery and Tropical Fruit Producer Hurricane Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005

Nursery and Tropical Fruit Producer Hurricane Relief Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use necessary Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds to make emergency financial assistance available to: (1) commercial ornamental nursery and fernery producers in a disaster county for eligible inventory losses due to Hurricane Dennis, Katrina, or Rita; and (2) tropical fruit producers in a disaster county who have suffered a loss of 35 percent or more relative to expected production, due to any of those hurricanes. Provides for the calculation of losses and payments. Directs the Secretary to use necessary CCC funds to make emergency financial assistance to commercial ornamental nursery and fernery producers in a disaster county to help cover debris removal and associated costs due to any of those hurricanes. Amends the: (1) Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to include a producer of nursery or fernery crops within the term "agricultural producer" for purposes of its emergency conservation program; and (2) Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to include nursery growers that produce field- or container-grown trees within the term "eligible orchardist" for purposes of its tree assistance program. Designates amounts provided under this Act as an emergency requirement under the FY2006 Concurrent Budget Resolution.

Early Pest Detection and Surveillance Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005

Early Pest Detection and Surveillance Improvement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into a cooperative agreement with any state department of agriculture for assisting early pest (plant pest) detection and surveillance efforts by such department through an array of methods, including survey, pest trapping, sampling or surveillance of domestic shipments, specimen collection, and modeling and mapping of pest populations. Requires the Secretary, in determining whether to enter into such an agreement, to consider specified factors, including: (1) the potential economic risk to the state's people, plants, livestock, property, economy, and environment due to the introduction of a pest; and (2) the likelihood that the early pest detection and surveillance activity will prevent the introduction or facilitate the eradication of a pest.

Milk Regulatory Equity Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2005

Milk Regulatory Equity Act of 2005 - Amends the the Agricultural Adjustment Act, reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to subject specified Class I milk handlers (including producer-handlers) to federal milk marketing order minimum and uniform price requirements applicable to the county in which the plant of the handler is located, at federal order class prices, if the handler has packaged fluid milk product route dispositions, or sales of packaged fluid milk products to other plants, in a marketing area located in a state that requires handlers to pay minimum prices for raw milk purchases. Exempts from such provision: (1) a handler operating a nonpool plant; (2) a producer-handler for any month during which packaged fluid milk route dispositions and sales to other plants are less than three million pounds of milk; or (3) specified handlers whose fluid milk products are disposed of as route dispositions or transfers, or whose dispositions or transfers are in states requiring minimum prices for raw milk purchases. Subjects a Class I milk handler in the Arizona-Las Vegas marketing area (Order 131) to minimum milk price requirements for any month in which the handler distributes in such area at least three million pounds of Class I products from his or her own production. Excludes Nevada from federal milk marketing orders.

Fort Reno Mineral Leasing Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005

Fort Reno Mineral Leasing Act - Requires a specific authorization by Congress as prerequisite to the Fort Reno Management Area being: (1) declared to be excess or surplus federal property; (2) conveyed; or (3) transferred to the administrative jurisdiction of any other federal agency. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide for mineral leasing at the Fort Reno Management Area. States that no further administrative or environmental analyses shall be required for the leasing and development of minerals at the Fort Reno Management Area after enactment of this Act. Establishes the Fort Reno Management Fund as a revolving fund in the Treasury. Transfers to it proceeds received in the Treasury from the leasing of mineral resources at the Fort Reno Management Area. Requires the Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service, when making expenditures from the Fund, to consult with the Historic Fort Reno, Inc., and the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Officer. Ratifies the Fort Reno Science Park Instrument. Sets forth the leasing authority of the Secretary of Agriculture with regard to the Area, including lease conversion and extension.

Reducing the Incentives to Guzzle Gas Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005

Reducing the Incentives to Guzzle Gas Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) include certain heavy vehicles (with a gross vehicle weight of between 6,000 and 14,000 pounds) as passenger vehicles to which the limitations on the depreciation allowed for luxury automobiles apply; (2) exempt vehicles used in a farming business from such depreciation limitations; (3) revise the limitation amounts for the depreciation of luxury automobiles; and (4) allow the expensing of up to $30,000 of the cost of vehicles used in a farming business.

To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out certain land exchanges involving small parcels of National Forest System land in the Tahoe National Forest in the State of California, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire from Irving N. Christensen and from Dennis W. and Cindy M. McCreary certain parcels of land in exchange for certain parcels of National Forest System lands in Tahoe National Forest, California. Withdraws all exchanged lands from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws.

To prohibit the closure or relocation of county or local Farm Service Agency offices pending the completion of the next omnibus agriculture law.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005

Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from closing or relocating a county or local Farm Service Agency office before the later of: (1) October 1, 2007; or (2) the date of the enactment of an omnibus Act authorizing FY2008 funds for the Department of Agriculture.

To provide farm debt and program relief to African-American farmers who suffered discrimination in the administration of Department of Agriculture farm credit programs and other agriculture programs, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005

Forgives all indebtedness, in connection with all farm operating loan program debt agreements entered into with the Department of Agriculture pursuant to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, and requires payment of the minimum relief raised in the combined cases Pigford et al. v. Glickman and Brewington et al v. Glickman, with respect to each African-American farmer who: (1) was an "actual farmer" during the period beginning on January 1, 1981, and extending through December 30, 1996; and (2) applied for, but failed to receive, farm credit program debt relief pursuant to specified federal law or through the Black Farmer Settlement as authorized by the previously mentioned cases.

To temporarily waive the restriction on highway use in applying the tax exemption for diesel fuel used on a farm for farming purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005

Waives until December 31, 2005, the restriction on highway use of diesel fuel applicable to the tax exemption for such fuel when used on a farm for farming purposes.

To provide for the designation of a Department of Agriculture disaster liaison to assist State and local employees of the Department in coordination with other disaster agencies in responding to federally declared disasters.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to deploy disaster liaisons to state and local Department of Agriculture Service Centers to coordinate Department assistance with other designated disaster agencies in a federally declared disaster area whenever Federal Emergency Management personnel are deployed in that area. Defines "federally declared disaster area" for such purposes.

Federal Mineral Development and Land Protection Equity Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005

Federal Mineral Development and Land Protection Equity Act of 2005 - Sets forth guidelines for: (1) mineral exploration and development on public domain lands; and (2) exclusive right of possession and use of the claimed land for mineral activities by holders of mining claims executed under this Act. Subjects unpatented mining claims, mill sites, and tunnel sites to an annual claim maintenance fee payable to the Secretary of the Interior in lieu of assessment work requirements contained in the general mining laws and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Exempts from such fee any claimants holding ten or fewer mining claims who elect to perform the assessment work. Requires locators of unpatented mining claims, mill sites, and tunnel sites located after enactment of this Act to pay a location fee. Establishes forfeiture penalties against holders of mining claims for noncompliance with this Act. Prescribes guidelines for royalty payments applicable to production of locatable minerals, including mineral concentrates or products derived from locatable minerals. Cites federal lands which are not open to location of mining claims. Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture, respectively, to review the suitability of lands for mineral activities. Requires: (1) a permit to engage in mineral activities on federal land that may cause a disturbance of surface resources; (2) an operations permit to carry out any activity greater than casual use; (3) financial assurance to cover lands and affected waters that may require restoration or treatment of effluent as a result of mineral activities; and (4) operation and reclamation standards. Permits state or local law or regulation more stringent than the requirements of this Act. Establishes the Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund in the Treasury. Amends the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 and the National Materials and Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980, to modify the responsibilities of the Secretary of Agriculture. Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to: (1) establish and collect user fees; and (2) inspect and monitor mineral activities for compliance with certain environmental protection requirements. Authorizes citizens' civil action suits for noncompliance with this Act. Repeals the Building Stone Act and the Saline Placer Act.

National Forests Rehabilitation and Recovery Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2005

National Forests Rehabilitation and Recovery Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to each, from applications submitted by federal land forest communities (communities), establish up to five post-disturbance pilot projects involving federal land near such communities. Requires that, once an area is designated as a pilot project site, the community that applied for such designation shall develop and submit to the Secretary concerned a plan to address post-disturbance rehabilitation of the project site, whether the uncharacteristic disturbance of the federal land is caused by a wildfire or a nonfire-related event. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to provide technical and financial assistance to communities to assist their efforts to develop a rehabilitation plan or to amend a community wildfire protection plan to include a rehabilitation plan. Provides for expedited rehabilitation activities following uncharacteristic disturbances at project sites. Directs the Secretary concerned to establish a national oversight committee to provide independent scientific and socioeconomic monitoring of the pilot projects and activities carried out at project sites.

Pandemic Preparedness and Response Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2005

Pandemic Preparedness and Response Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the President to appoint a National Director of Pandemic Preparedness and Response to strengthen, expand, and coordinate domestic pandemic influenza preparedness activities. Establishes the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Policy Coordinating Committee to develop an Interagency Preparedness Plan. Requires states to have an approved state preparedness plan as a condition of receiving certain funds related to bioterrorism. Provides for the integration and coordination of public and private influenza surveillance activities. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) procure antivirals, developed vaccines, and essential medications for the Strategic National Stockpile; (2) develop a national system for tracking and distributing antiviral medications and vaccines; and (3) assist other counties in preparation for, and response to, pandemic influenza. Provides for the expansion and intensification of influenza research. Directs the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine to study topics related to the pandemic influenza. Establishes the National Pandemic Influenza Economics Advisory Committee. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to expand and intensify efforts to prevent pandemic influenza. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) enter into contracts with manufacturers to produce additional necessary doses of the influenza vaccine; and (2) develop a national plan for responding to potential influenza vaccine shortages. Sets forth prohibitions against charging excessive prices during a public health emergency for, reporting false pricing information to the Secretary about, or employing a manipulative or deceptive device or contrivance in connection with the purchase or sale of, drugs, devices, or biologics for the prevention or treatment of influenza at wholesale.

Agricultural Assistance Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2005

Agricultural Assistance Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments to producers on a farm eligible for 2005 direct payments for a covered commodity if: (1) the farm is located in a disaster county; or (2) the producers on the farm have incurred qualifying 2005 crop losses due to damaging weather or related conditions. Requires as a condition for such assistance that producers of: (1) a covered commodity and other insurable commodities for each of the next two crop years obtain at least federal crop catastrophic risk protection, and in the event of contract violation repay any assistance received; and (2) eligible noninsurable commodities for each of the next two crop or calendar years file the required paperwork, and pay the administrative fee by the state filing deadline, and in the event of contract violation repay any assistance received. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make emergency financial assistance to producers (crop, timber, fisheries, and livestock producers) who have incurred losses in a disaster-designated county; (2) use Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds to carry out the 2002 Livestock Compensation Program for livestock producers in a disaster county, and for catfish producers; (3) transfer CCC funds for emergency surplus removal of agricultural commodities; (4) use CCC funds for assistance to fruit and vegetable producers, and for producers and first handlers of the 2005 cottonseed crop; and (5) make CCC commodity or payment assistance to certain loan-eligible first processors in a disaster-designated state to partially compensate producers and first processors for crop and other losses related to such natural disaster.

Small Business Fuel Cost Relief Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2005

Small Business Fuel Cost Relief Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain commercial farmers, fishermen, and small business owners a temporary two-year business tax credit for excessive fuel cost (i.e., for gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil, and natural gas. Defines "excessive fuel cost" as the amount currently paid for fuel over the Labor Day 2004 price for such fuel, adjusted for inflation. Allows taxpayers a standard automobile mileage allowance of 60 cents per mile in lieu of the tax credit provided by this Act.

Louisiana Katrina Reconstruction Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2005

Louisiana Katrina Reconstruction Act - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for FY2005 related to Hurricane Katrina disaster relief. Makes appropriations for interoperable communications. Provides for reconstruction/repair of the New Orleans Regional VA Hospital. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to convey the Naval Support Activity to the City of New Orleans, Louisiana, or the Port of New Orleans, Louisiana, to facilitate their development and expansion. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act with respect to hazard mitigation measures in a major disaster area. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to reimburse all costs associated with the restoration of privately-owned utility infrastructure damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Helping to House the Victims of Hurricane Katrina Act - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to Hurricane Katrina Emergency Assistance Vouchers. Prescribes requirements under the Home Program for families displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Establishes in the Treasury the Home Business and Mortgage Protection Fund. Amends the TANF Emergency Response and Recovery Act of 2005 with respect to reimbursement of states for benefits under title IV (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) part A of the Social Security Act (SSA)) provided to assist families from other states affected by Hurricane Katrina. Requires a state to provide medical assistance under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to Disaster Relief Medicaid (DRM)-eligible Katrina Survivors under a plan established during the DRM coverage period. Provides for 100% federal matching payments for medical assistance provided in direct impact parishes. Establishes in the Treasury the United States Disaster Relief Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to make Katrina survivors eligible for: (1) a refundable income tax credit for 100% of health insurance costs; and (2) assistance with health insurance coverage under national emergency grants. Provides that an area in which the President has declared that a major disaster exists shall be designated as a health professional shortage area. Waives, during the disaster relief period, certain quality reporting requirements under SSA title XVIII (Medicare) for hospitals located in any parish affected by Hurricane Katrina. Amends the federal bankruptcy code with respect to debtors who are victims of a natural disaster. Amends SSA title IX (Employment Security) to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the federal unemployment account to a state's account in the Unemployment Trust Fund an amount appropriate to ensure that the state account is not insolvent. Authorizes the use of certain Department of Defense (DOD) and Louisiana National Guard funds for the payment of: (1) departure allowances in connection with the relocation of dependents of members of the uniformed services serving on active duty or of members of reserve components deployed in state service; and (2) claims for personal property damage and losses incurred by such members. Declares that the departure of civilian DOD employees and their dependents from Louisiana parishes designated as major disaster areas on or after August 28, 2005, shall be considered an evacuation for the purpose of federal government payment for transportation to a location of the employee's choice. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to guarantee the timely payment of any debenture issued for purposes of rebuilding or resuming operations in a damaged area. Amends the Small Business Act with respect to Supplemental Emergency Loans after Hurricane Katrina. Louisiana Hurricane Katrina Agriculture Disaster Relief Act of 2005 - Prescribes requirements for certain crop disaster assistance. Privately Owned Utility System Restoration Act of 2005 - Directs the President to compensate privately owned utilities in Louisiana for losses incurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Establishes a Protecting Essential Louisiana Infrastructure, Citizens, and Nature Commission (Pelican Commission). Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program of grants for activities relating to transition, recovery, and relocation for federal and state agencies, businesses, institutions of higher education, and public-private partnerships in Louisiana that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina or a related condition. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for emergency grants for construction of public telecommunications facilities damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Provides relief for the crawfish industry. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to report on the impacts of Hurricane Katrina on fisheries in affected states. Establishes an entrepreneurship redevelopment program to be administered by the Economic Development Administration to rebuild and diversify New Orleans and the ten surrounding parishes. Requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to establish grant programs to: (1) construct, maintain, and repair evacuation and energy supply routes; (2) expand road and transit capacity in the community; (3) restore, protect, and improve the infrastructure of the Port of New Orleans and other affected ports. Authorizes appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration for reimbursements to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport for anticipated revenue shortfalls. AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Corps Act of 2005 - Establishes an AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Corps to carry out projects in a major disaster or emergency area that provide food, clothing, shelter, and other humanitarian assistance for disaster victims. Domestic Offshore Energy Reinvestment Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to coastal states from certain offshore energy-related amounts for hurricane protection and protection of resources from natural disasters. Offshore Fairness Act of 2005 - Extends the seaward boundaries of Gulf of Mexico states from three geographical miles to three marine leagues if certain conditions are met. Louisiana Restoration Stamp Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a Louisiana Restoration Stamp and establish the Louisiana Restoration Stamp Fund to hold sale proceeds for coastal and wetland restoration activities. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for the restoration of the Lake Pontchartrain basin. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe or revise emergency tax relief measures for residents of the Hurricane Katrina disaster area, including specified tax credits and deductions from gross income. Provides for suspension of air transportation excise taxes. Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction to continue to serve as the Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction in order to audit and investigate use of funds made available for Hurricane Katrina recovery. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to track and report to Congress quarterly on spending of Hurricane Katrina emergency supplemental appropriations. Amends the federal criminal code to create a federal crime of interfering with federal disaster relief efforts. Shields volunteers from lawsuits arising out of their rendering of aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Downed Animal Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2005

Downed Animal Protection Act - States that it is U.S. policy that all nonambulatory livestock in interstate and foreign commerce be immediately and humanely euthanized when such livestock become nonambulatory. Amends the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations providing for the humane treatment, handling, and disposition of nonambulatory livestock by a covered entity, including a requirement that nonambulatory livestock be humanely euthanized. Requires an entity to: (1) humanely euthanize nonambulatory livestock (while not limiting the Secretary's ability to test nonambulatory livestock for disease, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy); and (2) not move nonambulatory livestock while such livestock is conscious, and ensure that such livestock remains unconscious until death. Prohibits an inspector at an establishment covered by the Federal Meat Inspection Act to pass nonambulatory livestock, carcass, or carcass parts through inspection. Requires an inspector or other employee at such establishment to label such material as "inspected and condemned." Defines "covered entity," "nonambulatory livestock," and "humanely euthanize."

Downed Animal Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2005

Downed Animal Protection Act - States that it is U.S. policy that all nonambulatory livestock in interstate and foreign commerce be immediately and humanely euthanized when such livestock become nonambulatory. Amends the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations providing for the humane treatment, handling, and disposition of nonambulatory livestock by a covered entity, including a requirement that nonambulatory livestock be humanely euthanized. Requires an entity to: (1) humanely euthanize nonambulatory livestock (while not limiting the Secretary's ability to test nonambulatory livestock for disease, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy); and (2) not move nonambulatory livestock while such livestock is conscious, and ensure that such livestock remains unconscious until death. Prohibits an inspector at an establishment covered by the Federal Meat Inspection Act to pass nonambulatory livestock, carcass, or carcass parts through inspection. Requires an inspector or other employee at such establishment to label such material as "inspected and condemned." Defines "covered entity," "nonambulatory livestock," and "humanely euthanize."

Permanent Emergency Agricultural Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2005

Permanent Emergency Agricultural Assistance Act - Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, as of the 2005 crop year, to make emergency financial assistance to farm producers in a county located in a disaster-designated area who incur qualifying crop losses for an insurable crop due to damaging weather or related condition.

To amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act to enhance the reliability of the electricity grid and reduce the threat of wildfires to electric transmission and distribution facilities on Federal lands by authorizing vegetation management on such lands.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2005

Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior, with respect to public lands under their respective jurisdictions, to ensure that existing and future authorizations of rights-of-way and easements for electrical transmission and distribution facilities (facilities) on such lands include provisions for utility vegetation management activities that enhance the reliability of the electricity grid and reduce the threat of wildfires to such facilities. Directs such Secretaries to provide owners and operators of such facilities on such lands with the option to develop and submit an integrated vegetation management plan for approval. Outlines a plan review, approval, and implementation process. Allows such owners and operators to conduct vegetation management activities to meet facilities' clearance requirements. Provides a liability waiver when the appropriate Secretary fails to allow such owners and operators to manage vegetation within a right-of-way or easement on such lands, with an exception in the case of contributory negligence. Encourages such Secretaries to develop a program to train appropriate federal personnel involved in vegetation management decisions relating to such facilities.

Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2006, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2005

Makes continuing appropriations for FY2006. Appropriates amounts for continuing operations, projects or activities which were conducted in FY2005 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority would be made available in the: (1) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006; (2) Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2006; (3) Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2006; (4) Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2006 (in the House of Representatives) or the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2006 (in the Senate); (5) Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2006; (6) Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006; (7) Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2006 (in the House) or the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (in the Senate); (8) Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (in the House) or the Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (in the Senate); (9) Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (in the House) or the Transportation, Treasury, the Judiciary, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006 (in the Senate), and the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2006 (in the Senate). Provides funding under this resolution until the earliest of: (1) enactment of an appropriation for any project or activity provided for in this joint resolution; (2) enactment of the applicable appropriations Act by both Houses without any provision for such project or activity; or (3) November 18, 2005. Authorizes continuation of other specified activities (including activities for entitlements and other mandatory payments) through such date.

Pueblo de San Ildefonso Claims Settlement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2005

Pueblo de San Ildefonso Claims Settlement Act of 2005 - Ratifies: (1) the Settlement Agreement between the United States and the Pueblo de San Ildefonso to Resolve All of the Pueblo's Land Title and Trespass Claims, dated June 7, 2005 (Settlement Agreement); and (2) the Los Alamos Agreement among Los Alamos County, New Mexico, the Pueblo, the Department of Agriculture Forest Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, dated January, 22, 2004. Extinguishes all claims of the Pueblo against the United States in consideration of the Settlement Agreement benefits. Exempts from this Act certain land titles, water rights, and other rights relating to religious or cultural access to, and use of, federal land. Establishes in the Treasury the Pueblo de San Ildefonso Land Claims Settlement Fund. Allows the Secretary of Agriculture to sell, and the Pueblo to buy, the Settlement Area Land, Water System Land, and Los Alamos Townsite Land. Reserves to the United States free and unrestricted rights to specified Forest Development Roads. Requires the United States and the Pueblo to allow the COPAR Pumice Mine to continue to operate. Requires continuing jurisdiction of the United States over the contract for the sale of mineral materials. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, subject to valid existing rights, including reservations in the United States, to sell the Northern Tier Land, with the Pueblo of Santa Clara granted an exclusive option to purchase it within 90 days after enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Pueblo of Santa Clara and the Pueblo de San Ildefonso to demarcate a boundary between their respective tribal land within a specified township.

Hurricane Katrina Emergency Housing Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 September 2005

Hurricane Katrina Emergency Housing Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to waive specified requirements under the section 8 (United States Housing Act of 1937) housing voucher and project-based assistance programs for an individual or family: (1) who resides or resided on August 29, 2005, in any area subject to a presidential disaster declaration in connection with Hurricane Katrina; and (2) whose residence became uninhabitable or inaccessible as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Authorizes the Secretary to directly administer section 8 vouchers if the appropriate public housing agency is unable to do so because of Hurricane Katrina. States that: (1) a project-based housing assistance contract covering a project damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina shall not expire because of the damage or destruction of dwelling units in the project; and (2) the contract's expiration date shall be the later of the contract date or three months after the units are first made habitable. Directs the Secretary, the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of the General Services Administration, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, other appropriate agency heads, the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) to compile an inventory of federal civilian and defense facilities and other properties that can be used: (1) for emergency housing; or (2) as construction sites for temporary housing. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on state emergency planning.

A bill to amend the United States Grain Standards Act to reauthorize that Act.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2005

Amends the United States Grain Standards Act to extend through FY2015: (1) authority for inspection, weighing, and supervisory fees, supervisory and administrative cost limitations, and the advisory committee; and (2) authorization of appropriations.

Louisiana Katrina Reconstruction Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2005

Louisiana Katrina Reconstruction Act - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for FY2005 related to Hurricane Katrina disaster relief. Makes appropriations for interoperable communications. Provides for reconstruction/repair of the New Orleans Regional VA Hospital. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to convey the Naval Support Activity to the City of New Orleans, Louisiana, or the Port of New Orleans, Louisiana, to facilitate their development and expansion. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act with respect to hazard mitigation measures in a major disaster area. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to reimburse all costs associated with the restoration of privately-owned utility infrastructure damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Helping to House the Victims of Hurricane Katrina Act - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to Hurricane Katrina Emergency Assistance Vouchers. Prescribes requirements under the Home Program for families displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Establishes in the Treasury the Home Business and Mortgage Protection Fund. Amends the TANF Emergency Response and Recovery Act of 2005 with respect to reimbursement of states for benefits under title IV (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) part A of the Social Security Act (SSA)) provided to assist families from other states affected by Hurricane Katrina. Requires a state to provide medical assistance under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to Disaster Relief Medicaid (DRM)-eligible Katrina Survivors under a plan established during the DRM coverage period. Provides for 100% federal matching payments for medical assistance provided in direct impact parishes. Establishes in the Treasury the United States Disaster Relief Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to make Katrina survivors eligible for: (1) a refundable income tax credit for 100% of health insurance costs; and (2) assistance with health insurance coverage under national emergency grants. Provides that an area in which the President has declared that a major disaster exists shall be designated as a health professional shortage area. Waives, during the disaster relief period, certain quality reporting requirements under SSA title XVIII (Medicare) for hospitals located in any parish affected by Hurricane Katrina. Amends the federal bankruptcy code with respect to debtors who are victims of a natural disaster. Amends SSA title IX (Employment Security) to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the federal unemployment account to a state's account in the Unemployment Trust Fund an amount appropriate to ensure that the state account is not insolvent. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to guarantee the timely payment of any debenture issued to a qualified borrower for purposes of rebuilding or resuming operations in a damaged area. Amends the Small Business Act with respect to Supplemental Emergency Loans after Hurricane Katrina. Louisiana Hurricane Katrina Agriculture Disaster Relief Act of 2005 - Prescribes requirements for certain crop disaster assistance. Privately Owned Utility System Restoration Act of 2005 - Directs the President to compensate privately owned utilities in Louisiana for losses incurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Establishes a Protecting Essential Louisiana Infrastructure, Citizens, and Nature Commission (Pelican Commission). Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program of grants for activities relating to transition, recovery, and relocation for federal and state agencies, businesses, institutions of higher education, and public-private partnerships in Louisiana that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina or a related condition. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for emergency grants for construction of public telecommunications facilities damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Provides relief for the crawfish industry. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to report on the impacts of Hurricane Katrina on fisheries in affected states. Establishes an entrepreneurship redevelopment program to be administered by the Economic Development Administration to rebuild and diversify New Orleans and the ten surrounding parishes. Requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to establish grant programs to: (1) construct, maintain, and repair evacuation and energy supply routes; (2) expand road and transit capacity in the community; (3) restore, protect, and improve the infrastructure of the Port of New Orleans and other affected ports. Authorizes appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration for reimbursements to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport for anticipated revenue shortfalls. AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Corps Act of 2005 - Establishes an AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Corps to carry out projects in a major disaster or emergency area that provide food, clothing, shelter, and other humanitarian assistance for disaster victims. Domestic Offshore Energy Reinvestment Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to coastal states from certain offshore energy-related amounts for hurricane protection and protection of resources from natural disasters. Offshore Fairness Act of 2005 - Extends the seaward boundaries of Gulf of Mexico states from three geographical miles to three marine leagues if certain conditions are met. Louisiana Restoration Stamp Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a Louisiana Restoration Stamp and establish the Louisiana Restoration Stamp Fund to hold sale proceeds for coastal and wetland restoration activities. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for the restoration of the Lake Pontchartrain basin. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe or revise emergency tax relief measures for residents of the Hurricane Katrina disaster area, including specified tax credits and deductions from gross income. Provides for suspension of air transportation excise taxes. Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction to continue to serve as the Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction in order to audit and investigate the use of funds made available for Hurricane Katrina recovery. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to track and report to Congress quarterly on spending of Hurricane Katrina emergency supplemental appropriations. Amends the federal criminal code to create a federal crime of interfering with federal disaster relief efforts. Shields volunteers from lawsuits arising out of their rendering of aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Louisiana Katrina Reconstruction Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2005

Louisiana Katrina Reconstruction Act - Makes emergency supplemental appropriations for FY2005 related to Hurricane Katrina disaster relief. Makes appropriations for interoperable communications. Provides for reconstruction/repair of the New Orleans Regional VA Hospital. Directs the Secretary of the Navy to convey the Naval Support Activity to the City of New Orleans, Louisiana, or the Port of New Orleans, Louisiana, to facilitate their development and expansion. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act with respect to hazard mitigation measures in a major disaster area. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to reimburse all costs associated with the restoration of privately-owned utility infrastructure damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Helping to House the Victims of Hurricane Katrina Act - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to Hurricane Katrina Emergency Assistance Vouchers. Prescribes requirements under the Home Program for families displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Establishes in the Treasury the Home Business and Mortgage Protection Fund. Amends the TANF Emergency Response and Recovery Act of 2005 with respect to reimbursement of states for benefits under title IV (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) part A of the Social Security Act (SSA)) provided to assist families from other states affected by Hurricane Katrina. Requires a state to provide medical assistance under SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to Disaster Relief Medicaid (DRM)-eligible Katrina Survivors under a plan established during the DRM coverage period. Provides for 100% federal matching payments for medical assistance provided in direct impact parishes. Establishes in the Treasury the United States Disaster Relief Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to make Katrina survivors eligible for: (1) a refundable income tax credit for 100% of health insurance costs; and (2) assistance with health insurance coverage under national emergency grants. Provides that an area in which the President has declared that a major disaster exists shall be designated as a health professional shortage area. Waives, during the disaster relief period, certain quality reporting requirements under SSA title XVIII (Medicare) for hospitals located in any parish affected by Hurricane Katrina. Amends the federal bankruptcy code with respect to debtors who are victims of a natural disaster. Amends SSA title IX (Employment Security) to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the federal unemployment account to a state's account in the Unemployment Trust Fund an amount appropriate to ensure that the state account is not insolvent. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to guarantee the timely payment of any debenture issued to a qualified borrower for purposes of rebuilding or resuming operations in a damaged area. Amends the Small Business Act with respect to Supplemental Emergency Loans after Hurricane Katrina. Louisiana Hurricane Katrina Agriculture Disaster Relief Act of 2005 - Prescribes requirements for certain crop disaster assistance. Privately Owned Utility System Restoration Act of 2005 - Directs the President to compensate privately owned utilities in Louisiana for losses incurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Establishes a Protecting Essential Louisiana Infrastructure, Citizens, and Nature Commission (Pelican Commission). Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a program of grants for activities relating to transition, recovery, and relocation for federal and state agencies, businesses, institutions of higher education, and public-private partnerships in Louisiana that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina or a related condition. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for emergency grants for construction of public telecommunications facilities damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Provides relief for the crawfish industry. Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to report on the impacts of Hurricane Katrina on fisheries in affected states. Establishes an entrepreneurship redevelopment program to be administered by the Economic Development Administration to rebuild and diversify New Orleans and the ten surrounding parishes. Requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to establish grant programs to: (1) construct, maintain, and repair evacuation and energy supply routes; (2) expand road and transit capacity in the community; (3) restore, protect, and improve the infrastructure of the Port of New Orleans and other affected ports. Authorizes appropriations to the Federal Aviation Administration for reimbursements to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport for anticipated revenue shortfalls. AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Corps Act of 2005 - Establishes an AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Corps to carry out projects in a major disaster or emergency area that provide food, clothing, shelter, and other humanitarian assistance for disaster victims. Domestic Offshore Energy Reinvestment Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to make payments to coastal states from certain offshore energy-related amounts for hurricane protection and protection of resources from natural disasters. Offshore Fairness Act of 2005 - Extends the seaward boundaries of Gulf of Mexico states from three geographical miles to three marine leagues if certain conditions are met. Louisiana Restoration Stamp Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a Louisiana Restoration Stamp and establish the Louisiana Restoration Stamp Fund to hold sale proceeds for coastal and wetland restoration activities. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for the restoration of the Lake Pontchartrain basin. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prescribe or revise emergency tax relief measures for residents of the Hurricane Katrina disaster area, including specified tax credits and deductions from gross income. Provides for suspension of air transportation excise taxes. Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction to continue to serve as the Special Inspector General for Relief and Reconstruction in order to audit and investigate the use of funds made available for Hurricane Katrina recovery. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to track and report to Congress quarterly on spending of Hurricane Katrina emergency supplemental appropriations. Amends the federal criminal code to create a federal crime of interfering with federal disaster relief efforts. Shields volunteers from lawsuits arising out of their rendering of aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Temporary Agricultural Labor Reform Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2005

Temporary Agricultural Labor Reform Act of 2003 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise employer and employee association application requirements for admission of H-2A temporary agricultural workers, including assurances: (1) that the job opportunity is temporary or seasonal, and is not the result of a labor dispute; (2) that attempts have been made to hire U.S. workers; (3) respecting wages and benefits, and labor law compliance; (4) respecting nondisplacement of U.S. workers; and (5) respecting placement with other employers. Revises related provisions respecting: (1) penalties; and (2) admissions and extensions of stay. Provides special provisions for alien sheepherders, goatherders, and dairy workers. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to H-2A employers for the transportation costs of workers whose employment is cut short by natural disaster; and (2) direct the Secretary to establish an H-2A Worker Program Ombudsman within the Office of the Chief Economist of the Department of Agriculture. Amends the Immigrant Reform and Control Act of 1986 to limit the conditions under which the Legal Services Corporation may: (1) provide legal assistance for, or on behalf of, any alien; (2) bring a civil action for damages on behalf of an H-2A nonimmigrant (requires prior mediation); and (3) enter onto an employer's property.

TO REVIEW THE STATUS OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION NEGOTIATIONS ON AGRICULTURE

United States · United States Senate · 21 September 2005

A bill to amend the Food and Stamp Act of 1977 to exclude certain military housing allowances from the eligibility requirements for food stamps.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2005

Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to exclude certain military housing allowances from food stamp eligibility requirements.

To amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend the Milk Income Loss Contract Program for an additional month.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2005

Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend the sign-up date and contract duration for national dairy market loss payments through October 31, 2005.

Emergency Farm Relief Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2005

Directs: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture to select 15% of the lands included in the National Forest System and to convey the lands selected by public sale; and (2) the Secretary of the Interior to identify 15% of the lands managed by agencies of the Department of the Interior (excluding lands in units of the National Park System and lands held for an Indian tribe) and convey the lands identified by public sale. Instructs such Secretaries to: (1) place an emphasis on identifying lands in those states where the United States owns more than 15% of the total land area; and (2) complete the identification of federal lands under this Act and commence the sale of such lands by October 1, 2006. Requires all proceeds from the sale of federal lands under this Act (other than amounts retained to cover the administrative costs incurred solely to conduct the sales) to be deposited in the Disaster Response and Relief Fund established by this Act. Makes amounts in the Disaster Response and Relief Fund available only for appropriation to cover or defray the costs of responding to a natural disaster or terrorist attack in an area covered by a disaster declaration made by the President. Provides that, until such Secretaries comply with the duties imposed on them under this Act, an interest in land may not be acquired by the Forest Service or an agency of the Department of the Interior unless the acquisition of that land is specifically authorized by an Act of Congress enacted after enactment of this Act.

To amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend the Milk Income Loss Contract Program through the end of fiscal year 2007.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2005

Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend the sign-up date and contract duration for national dairy market loss payments through September 30, 2007.

To amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend the Milk Income Loss Contract Program through the end of calendar year 2005.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2005

Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend the sign-up date and contract duration for national dairy market loss payments through December 31, 2005.

Small Business, Homeowners, and Renters Disaster Relief Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 19 September 2005

Small Business, Homeowners, and Renters Disaster Relief Act of 2005 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans to: (1) small businesses and small agricultural cooperatives that demonstrate a direct adverse economic impact caused by Hurricane Katrina; and (2) nonprofit organizations for purposes of repairing damage caused by Hurricane Katrina or performing other hurricane relief services in a damaged area. Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator to guarantee development company debentures issued for the purpose of rebuilding or resuming operations in a Hurricane Katrina-damaged area. Authorizes appropriations to the: (1) Department of Commerce to provide, in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Florida, bridge grants and loans to small businesses in areas which the President has designated as a disaster area as a result of Hurricane Katrina; and (2) SBA for entrepreneurial development for small businesses affected by Hurricane Katrina. Directs the Administrator to: (1) provide an outreach and technical assistance program for affected small businesses; and (2) make supplemental emergency loans to affected small businesses. Authorizes the making of loans to small businesses and farming operations that have or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury on or after January 1, 2005, as the result of a significant increase in energy costs.

Forest Service Partnership Enhancement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005

Forest Service Partnership Enhancement Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, in connection with the administration of Forest Service activities on and near National Forest System (NFS) lands, to enter into agreements with cooperators for: (1) jointly producing informative publications; (2) developing, conducting, producing, or selling education and interpretive materials, products, programs, and services; (3) constructing, maintaining, and operating facilities; (4) selling health and safety convenience products and photography supplies; (5) collecting funds from the sale of materials, products, programs, and services; and (6) restoring and maintaining ecological integrity and biodiversity of NFS lands. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements to carry out watershed restoration and enhancement activities on NFS or non-federal lands lands within a watershed.

Emergency Food and Farm Disaster Assistance Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005

Emergency Food and Farm Disaster Assistance Act of 2005 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to set forth food stamp program provisions applicable to the Hurricane Katrina disaster recovery period and the immediate disaster recovery period (as defined by this Act). Makes additional funds available to the Secretary of Agriculture to provide emergency food assistance for displaced Hurricane Katrina victims. Directs the Secretary to make emergency crop disaster assistance for qualifying: (1) 2005 losses due to weather or related conditions; and (2) 2006 losses due to a hurricane occurring in 2005. Directs the Secretary to carry out: (1) a livestock compensation program for 2005 livestock losses in emergency-designated areas; (2) a livestock indemnity program for 2005 livestock losses due to hurricanes, floods, and anthrax; (3) an assistance program for domestic catfish producers hurricane disaster-designated areas in 2005; and (4) sugarcane disaster assistance for qualifying producers and first handlers in areas of Louisiana designated as disaster areas due to Hurricane Katrina. Authorizes the Secretary to use emergency watershed protection program and emergency conservation program funds for removal and disposal of dead livestock in disaster-designated in 2005 due to Hurricane Katrina. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to certain private forest landowners in hurricane disaster-designated areas in 2005. Directs the Secretary to make grants for Hurricane Katrina assistance to: (1) Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee; and (2) other states housing evacuees or suffering damage from Hurricane Katrina or a related condition. Directs the Secretary to extend marketing assistance loan settlement dates. Provides temporary suspension of farm loan interest in hurricane disaster-designated areas in 2005. Extends the emergency loan application period in such areas. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to provide additional loan write-down authority for farm losses in hurricane disaster-designated areas in 2004 or any subsequent year. Directs the Secretary to temporarily suspend certain administrative offsets in hurricane disaster-designated areas in 2005. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the need for: (1) permanent agricultural disaster relief authority; and (2) additional assistance in response to Hurricane Katrina.

Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2005

Designates majority membership on the House Committees on: (1) Agriculture; (2) Government Reform; (3) Homeland Security (including its Chairman); and (4) Transportation and Infrastructure.

Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Reform Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2005

Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Reform Act of 2005 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to repeal the authorized use of certain moneys in the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund (Fund): (1) by the Secretary of Agriculture for reclamation of rural lands; and (2) by the Department of the Interior for studies by contract with organizations for advice and research and development projects and technical assistance. Sets forth a sliding scale reduction for reclamation fees required to be paid by operators of coal mining operations for coal produced by surface coal mining, coal produced by underground mining, and lignite coal. Extends to September 30, 2016, the period for payment of reclamation fees according to the existing formula. Revises Fund allocation requirements governing: (1) reclamation fees; (2) use of funds for abatement of acid mine drainage; and (3) graduated payments to states and Indian tribes. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to use unexpended interest paid into the Fund to execute transfers into the United Mine Workers of America Combined Benefit Fund. Directs the Secretary, upon the request of a state Governor or governing Indian tribal body, to enter into an agreement authorizing such entity to collect reclamation fees. Revises Fund objectives to repeal the objective of general welfare. Revises the prohibition against filing a lien against any person who neither consented to, nor participated in, nor exercised control over a mining operation which necessitated reclamation. Repeals the limitation of such prohibition to persons who owned the surface before May 2, 1977. Authorizes the Secretary to use amounts in the Fund to provide incentives to promote remining of eligible land. Extends from 2004 to 2015 the exception to the prohibition against approval of a permit due to any uncorrected air or water environmental protection violations if such violations result from an unanticipated event or or condition at a surface coal mining operation on lands eligible for remining.

Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2005

Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide emergency financial assistance to eligible agricultural producers who have incurred qualifying 2005 crop losses due to weather or related conditions (including crop disease, insects, and delayed harvest). Directs the Secretary to provide: (1) payments to livestock producers who have incurred 2005 losses in an emergency-designated county, with set-asides for the American Indian livestock program; (2) livestock indemnity payments to producers who have incurred 2005 livestock disaster losses, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, and anthrax; (3) additional assistance for the emergency conservation and the emergency watershed protection programs; (4) compensation for certain owners of flooded crop and grazing land in North Dakota; and (5) supplemental loss payments under a specified rate to producers who received crop year 2005 commodity assistance. Amends the Small Business Act to: (1) provide drought disaster relief authority for farm-related and non-farm-related small businesses; and (2) authorize FY2005-FY2008 drought disaster loans for non-farm-related small businesses. Directs the Secretary to use Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds for: (1) grants for agricultural promotion; (2) state-specified grants; and (3) additional grants for agricultural promotion, including food bank and nutrition program assistance, to Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and any other state that is housing evacuees or suffering damage from Hurricane Katrina or a related condition. Directs the Secretary to extend the settlement date of certain marketing assistance loans. Transfers Treasury funds to the Secretary of Commerce for assistance to New England fisheries suffering from the red tide outbreak.

Hurricane Katrina Food Assistance Relief Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2005

Hurricane Katrina Food Assistance Relief Act of 2005 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to provide expedited and increased food stamp benefits for households in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina (including areas that were disaster-designated as a result of Hurricane Katrina) or a related condition. Includes as an eligible household a household: (1) in an affected area; (2) in which a member worked in an affected area immediately prior to August 29, 2005; (3) that was displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina or a related condition to other areas of the same or another state; (4) that the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) determines should receive relief; or (5) containing one or more individuals displaced by Hurricane Katrina or a related condition. Treats lawful aliens in the same manner as refugees for food stamp household eligibility purposes. Authorizes the Secretary, under expedited procedures, to use specified food stamp program funds in FY2005-FY2006 for contracts with nonprofit organizations to support household and community efforts to address food assistance and related needs resulting from Hurricane Katrina or a related condition. Directs: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Secretary specified amounts (which shall be available without further appropriation) for food assistance to eligible recipients, including special supplemental foods for pregnant women and infants (WIC) or for other individuals with special needs, infant formula, bottled water, and fruit juices; (2) the Secretary to use additional commodity distribution funds for food assistance to such recipients. Includes as an eligible recipient a person who: (1) is a victim of Hurricane Katrina or a related condition; (2) has been displaced by Hurricane Katrina or a related condition; or (3) is temporarily housing one or more individuals displaced by Hurricane Katrina or a related condition. Authorizes the Secretary to modify assistance conditions for programs under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 during the disaster recovery period for households that are victims of a disaster or in areas affected by the disaster if the households are in need of temporary food assistance. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Secretary additional WIC and commodity supplemental food program funds (which shall be available without further appropriation) for persons victimized or displaced by Hurricane Katrina or a related condition.

Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2005

Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide emergency financial assistance to eligible agricultural producers who have incurred qualifying 2005 crop losses due to weather or related conditions (including crop disease, insects, and delayed harvest). Directs the Secretary to provide: (1) payments to livestock producers who have incurred 2005 losses in an emergency-designated county, with set-asides for the American Indian livestock program; (2) livestock indemnity payments to producers who have incurred 2005 livestock disaster losses, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, and anthrax; (3) additional assistance for the emergency conservation and the emergency watershed protection programs; (4) compensation for certain owners of flooded crop and grazing land in North Dakota; and (5) supplemental loss payments under a specified rate to producers who received crop year 2005 commodity assistance. Amends the Small Business Act to: (1) provide drought disaster relief authority for farm-related and non-farm-related small businesses; and (2) authorize FY2005-FY2008 drought disaster loans for non-farm-related small businesses. Directs the Secretary to use Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds for: (1) grants for agricultural promotion; (2) state-specified grants; and (3) additional grants for agricultural promotion, including food bank and nutrition program assistance, to Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and any other state that is housing evacuees or suffering damage from Hurricane Katrina or a related condition. Directs the Secretary to extend the settlement date of certain marketing assistance loans. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend the sign-up date and contract duration for national dairy market loss payments to September 30, 2006. Transfers Treasury funds to the Secretary of Commerce for assistance to New England fisheries suffering from the red tide outbreak.

Gulf State Community Renewal Commission Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 September 2005

Gulf State Community Renewal Commission Act - Establishes the Gulf State Community Renewal Commission to: (1) examine, evaluate, and report on the rebuilding of both urban and rural communities in areas that were affected by Hurricane Katrina; (2) identify actions necessary for rebuilding such communities and neighborhoods; and (3) create rebuilding models and plans. Requires the models and plans to address: (1) transportation needs; (2) economic development and job creation; (3) the tourism industry; (4) housing needs; (5) agriculture development; (6) environmental concerns; and (7) natural disaster mitigation.