Agriculture

A bill to prohibit land management modifications relating to the Lesser Prairie Chicken.

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2014

Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) or the Secretary of the Interior from implementing or limiting any modification to a public or private land-related policy or subsurface mineral right-related policy or practice that is in effect on enactment of this Act relating to the listing of the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2014

Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act of 2014 - Amends the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 to direct the Secretary of State to negotiate agreements between the United States and other countries for the repatriation of children. Requires that such agreements protect children from severe forms of trafficking in persons and provide for their safe removal and repatriation. (Current law provides separate procedures for unaccompanied alien children from countries that are or are not contiguous to the United States.) Subjects all children who do not make a claim of asylum or fear of persecution to initial screening and expedited removal. (Maintains the exception for Cuban children arriving by air.) Prohibits the government from bearing any expense of counsel for any person in a removal or related appeal proceedings. Adds an additional requirement in order to establish a credible fear of persecution claim in an asylum interview. Limits humanitarian and public interest parole authority. Prohibits the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) from using parole authority for an alien who is ineligible for refugee status. Authorizes the DHS Secretary to designate groups as criminal street gangs. Requires detention for anyone found inadmissible or deportable for criminal street gang membership. Bars individuals found inadmissible or deportable for such membership from asylum, temporary protected status, or special immigrant juvenile status. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to revise the definition of "unaccompanied alien child." Prohibits an unaccompanied alien child (UAC) from applying for asylum if such child: (1) may be removed to a safe third country, or (2) has not applied for asylum within one year after arrival in the United States. Provides for additional immigration judges and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) attorneys. National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act - Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) from restricting specified U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) activities on federal land within 100 miles of an international land border to: (1) execute search and rescue operations, and (2) prevent unlawful U.S. entries through the international land borders of the United States. Directs the Secretary of State to suspend all foreign assistance to certain countries that refuse to: (1) negotiate a child repatriation agreement, or (2) accept from the United States repatriated unaccompanied alien children who are nationals or residents of the sending country. Permits the use of foreign assistance for repatriation and reintegration purposes.

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Land Adjustment Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2014

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Land Adjustment Act of 2014 - Authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to sell or exchange any or all interest of the United States in 30 tracts of National Forest System land in Georgia totaling approximately 3,841 acres. Authorizes USDA to reserve any rights-of-way or other rights or interests in land sold or exchanged under this Act that is considered necessary for management purposes or to protect the public interest. Prohibits USDA from selling or exchanging land under this Act for less than market value, as determined by an appraisal or through a competitive bid. Requires proceeds to be used for the acquisition of land for national forest purposes in Georgia.

Kisatchie National Forest Land Conveyance Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2014

Kisatchie National Forest Land Conveyance Act - Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to sell specified federal land in Winn Parish, Louisiana. Requires USDA to sell a portion of that land to Collins Camp Properties for the Collins Campsites. Requires sale proceeds to be used for the acquisition of lands and interests in the Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana.

Promise Zone Job Creation Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2014

Promise Zone Job Creation Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to designate up to 20 areas as Promise Zones for purposes of priority consideration in federal grant programs and initiatives. Defines a "Promise Zone" as any area with a continuous boundary and a population of not more than 200,000 that is nominated by a local government or Indian tribe and designated on the basis of its unemployment, poverty, vacancy, and crime rates. Requires an application for designation as a Promise Zone to include a competitiveness plan that addresses the need of the area to attract investment and jobs and improve educational opportunities. Allows: (1) a Promise Zone employment tax credit for wages paid to a qualified zone or resident employee, and (2) expensing of Promise Zone property. Defines "Promise Zone property" as property that is: (1) tangible property with a recovery period of 20 years or less for depreciation purposes, water utility property, computer software, or qualified leasehold improvement property; (2) acquired by purchase for use in the active conduct of a trade or business; and (3) originally placed in service in a Promise Zone.

LAND Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 July 2014

Land Adjacency Notification and Disclosure Act or LAND Act - Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to instruct the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide advance written notification to each owner of land that is adjacent to a parcel to be acquired to become public lands or National Forest System (NFS) lands. Instructs Interior or USDA to provide advance written notification to each owner of land that is adjacent to a parcel of public lands or NFS lands to be conveyed by sale, exchange, or other disposal method.

FLAME Act Amendments Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2014

FLAME Act Amendments Act of 2014 - Amends the FLAME Act of 2009 to revise how the FLAME Funds for the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) are funded. Makes amounts appropriated to a FLAME Fund available to USDA or Interior for wildfire suppression operations if the department concerned notifies the relevant congressional committees that a wildfire suppression event is eligible for funding from the FLAME Fund. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to require certain adjustments to discretionary spending limits to accommodate appropriations for wildfire suppression operations in the Wildland Fire Management accounts at USDA or Interior. Requires adjustments for fire suppression to be made if all amounts in the FLAME Fund established under the FLAME Act of 2009 have been expended and other specified conditions are met. Amends existing disaster funding adjustments to discretionary spending limits to add provisions related to fire suppression adjustments. National Forest Jobs and Management Act of 2014 - Authorizes USDA to conduct projects that involve the management or sale of national forest material within certain National Forest System (NFS) lands. Amends the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to authorize the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to obligate funds to cover any potential cancellation or termination for an agreement or contract under such Act in stages that are economically and programmatically viable. Requires the Forest Service and BLM to notify Congress before entering into a multiyear agreement or contract that includes a cancellation ceiling in excess of $25 million, but does not include proposed funding for the costs of cancelling up to the ceiling.

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2014

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center Act of 2014 - Ratifies the conveyance of 27.29 acres of land from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks to the United States. Directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to carry out a pilot project under which USDA offers a lease to the Lewis & Clark Foundation of the land and improvements comprising the federal interest in the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center located in Great Falls, Montana. Requires the United States to reserve the right to locate, develop, and use the Interpretive Center for other uses by the federal government that are compatible with the purposes and operation of the Center.

Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2014

Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act Of 2014 - Applies this Act to any mining claim, millsite claim, or tunnel site claim located under the general mining laws. Subjects to the requirements of this Act, except in specified circumstances, any unpatented mining claim or millsite claim located under the general mining laws before the enactment of this Act for which a plan of operation has not been approved or a notice filed before the date of enactment. Prohibits the issuance of a patent for any mining or millsite claims whose application was filed after September 30, 1994. Subjects production of locatable minerals to a royalty of 8% of the gross income from mining. Reduces that royalty to 4% in the case of federal land subject to an operations permit on the date of the enactment of this Act and produces valuable locatable minerals in commercial quantities on that date. Declares any royalty inapplicable to a person whose annual gross income from mineral production, including the income of all related parties, is less than $100,000. Prescribes a hardrock mining claim maintenance fee for each unpatented mining claim, mill, or tunnel site on federally owned lands, except for a claimant who, together with all related parties, held not more than 10 mining claims, mill sites, or tunnel sites (or any combination) on public lands, and performed required assessment work. Designates certain wilderness study areas, areas of critical environmental concern, and related areas as not open to location of mining claims. Permits a state or local government or Indian tribe to petition the Secretary of the Interior for withdrawal of specific federal land from operation of the general mining laws in order to protect specific values. Directs the Secretary to ensure that mineral activities on federal land subject to a claim are carefully controlled to prevent undue degradation of public lands and resources. Prescribes requirements for the exploration permit process and for operations permits, including financial assurances. Requires restoration of lands to a condition capable of supporting prior uses or other beneficial uses. Establishes the Hardrock Minerals Fund, composed of the Hardrock Reclamation Account and the Hardrock Community Impact Assistance Account. Requires each operator of a hardrock mining operation to pay the Secretary, for deposit in the Fund, a displaced material reclamation fee of 7 cents per ton of displaced material. Authorizes use of amounts in the Hardrock Reclamation Account for the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by past hardrock mineral activities and related activities. Amends the National Materials and Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to initiate prompt actions to improve the availability and analysis of mineral data in public land use decision-making with respect to National Forest System lands. Restricts to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia judicial review of any final action constituting rulemaking to implement this Act. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to reflect the provisions of this Act regarding oil shale claims. Repeals the Building Stone Act and the Saline Placer Act. Good Samaritan Cleanup of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2014 - Encourages remediation of inactive and abandoned mine sites by Good Samaritans (defined as individuals or entities who had no role in the creation of the historic mine residue or any resulting environmental pollution and are not legally responsible for the remediation of the historic mine residue). Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to authorize a permitting authority with an approved Good Samaritan program to issue Good Samaritan discharge permits. Prescribes permit requirements. Shields from liability under such Act Good Samaritans who comply with a discharge permit approved under this Act.

Wild Horse Oversight Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2014

Wild Horse Oversight Act - Amends the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act to direct the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), at the request of a state or an Indian tribe, to allow the state or tribe to assume all management and protection functions under the Act with regard to wild free-roaming horses and burros on land within the boundaries of the state or tribe.

Agricultural Conservation Flexibility Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2014

Agricultural Conservation Flexibility Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to withdraw the interpretive rule issued on March 25, 2014, entitled, "U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of the Army Interpretive Rule Regarding the Applicability of the Clean Water Act Section 404(f)(1)(A)." Prohibits the Corps and the EPA from using the interpretive rule, or any substantially similar rule or guidance, as the basis for any rulemaking, decision, or action regarding the scope or enforcement of the Clean Water Act. Provides that the use of rule or a substantially similar rule or guidance as the basis for any rule, decision, or action is grounds for vacating the rule, decision, or action. Requires soil and water conservation practices to be treated as normal farming, silviculture, and ranching activities under permits for non-prohibited discharges of dredged or fill material. Prohibits such practices from being treated as a new use of an area of navigable waters, an impairment of the flow or circulation of navigable waters, or a reduction in the reach of such waters under those permits. Applies this Act to activities occurring on or after March 25, 2014.

Sage-Grouse Accountability and Private Conservation Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2014

Sage-Grouse Accountability and Private Conservation Act of 2014 - Directs the Department of the Interior to report on the status of the greater sage-grouse conservation efforts by December 15, 2014. Requires the report to include a description of: (1) public (federal and state) and private programs and expenditures, (2) existing state management plans as well as plans that have been announced but not yet implemented, and (3) plans by land management agencies. Authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide funding under its agricultural land easements program for a conservation easement in an amount that is up to 75% of the value of land with greater or Gunnison sage-grouse habitat of special environmental significance. Adds maximizing the protection of that habitat as a consideration when ranking applications to the program.

Stop the EPA Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2014

Stop the EPA Act of 2014 - Amends the Congressional Review Act to require congressional approval of major rules issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (Currently, rules go into effect unless Congress disapproves of the rule.) Nullifies EPA's existing major rules, unless the EPA submits them for congressional review. Lowers the annual economic impact from $100 million to $50 million for a rule is deemed to be a major rule. Expands the criteria for an EPA regulation to be deemed a major rule to include that the regulation will have a significant impact on a substantial number of agriculture entities or it will implement a carbon tax. Expands the EPA's reports to Congress and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to include: a classification of each rule as a major or nonmajor rule with an explanation of the economic effects of the rule, related regulatory actions taken by EPA or another agency, and any jobs added or lost. Allows Congress to consider approval of a major rule only once in a Congress. Gives Congress 70 session days or legislative days to approve a rule. Requires the GAO to estimate the economic cost imposed by all of EPA's rules.

A resolution designating July 2014 as "Summer Meals Awareness Month".

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2014

Designates July 2014 as Summer Meals Awareness Month to raise awareness and encourage participation in the summer food service program established in the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to provide meals to eligible children when school is not in session.

Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2015

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2014

Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2015 - Makes FY2015 appropriations for the Department of State for: administration of foreign affairs and diplomatic and consular programs; the Capital Investment Fund; the Office of Inspector General; educational and cultural exchange programs; representation allowances; protection of foreign missions and officials; U.S. embassy security, construction, and maintenance; emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service; the repatriation loans program account; the American Institute in Taiwan; the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; international organizations, peacekeeping, and commissions; the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico; salaries and expenses; plan preparation and construction of authorized projects; the International Joint Commission, the International Boundary Commission, United States and Canada, and the Border Environment Cooperation Commission; international fisheries commissions; international broadcasting operations and capital improvements; the Asia Foundation; the United States Institute for Peace; the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund; the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Incorporated; the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program; the National Endowment for Democracy; the Commission for Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom; the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China; and the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Makes FY2015 appropriations for: operating expenses of the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the capital investment fund, and the Office of Inspector General; expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, global health and child survival; specified development assistance; international disaster assistance; transition initiatives; development credit authority; the Economic Support Fund; promotion of democracy; migration and refugee assistance; the Peace Corps; the Millennium Challenge Corporation; the Inter-American Foundation; the African Development Foundation; the Department of the Treasury for international affairs technical assistance activities; international narcotics control and law enforcement; nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, and demining; international peacekeeping operations; international military education and training; foreign military financing grants; international organizations and programs; the Global Environment Facility; the International Development Association; the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program; the Inter-American Development Bank; the Asian Development Bank; the Asian Development Fund; the African Development Bank; the African Development Fund; the International Fund for Agricultural Development; the Export-Import Bank of the United States, including the Office of Inspector General; the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC); and the Trade and Development Agency. Sets forth limitations on callable capital subscriptions with respect to: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; the Inter-American Development Bank; the Asian Development Bank; and the African Development Bank. Sets forth certain limits and prohibitions on the use of appropriations for specified activities.

Human Smuggling Prevention Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2014

Human Smuggling Prevention Act of 2014 - Prohibits an individual acting for financial gain from directing or participating in an effort to bring or attempt to bring five or more persons unlawfully into the United States. Establishes monetary and/or prison penalties for such actions. Prescribes increased penalties for actions that: (1) result in death or serious bodily injury; (2) place a life in jeopardy; or (3) involve bribery of a government official, robbery, sexual abuse, or 10 or more persons. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) implement a strategy to deter and interdict human smuggling across the international land and maritime borders of the United States, and (2) submit an annual list to Congress of high traffic areas of human smuggling. Makes it a crime to: (1) transmit to another person the location, movement, or activities of law enforcement agents with the intent to further a federal crime relating to immigration, customs, controlled substances, agriculture, monetary instruments, or other border controls; and (2) destroy, alter, or damage any physical or electronic device used by the federal government to control the border or any port of entry. Prohibits the carrying or use of a firearm in an alien smuggling crime.

Colonias Improvement Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2014

Colonias Improvement Act of 2014 - Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue, in consultation with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), a rule defining colonia (a type of settlement along the border of the United States and Mexico) that: is the same for any program of the EPA, HUD, or USDA that specifically includes assistance for colonias (covered program); is limited to a community that is located within 75 miles of the border or that has applied for or received funding under a covered program before this Act's enactment; reflects and preserves the historic, geographic, and cultural character of the communities served by the covered program; and may be used to determine whether an applicant qualifies for assistance under a program. Directs the EPA, HUD, and USDA to establish and update an online clearinghouse with information relating to covered programs and links to information specific to each state. Requires EPA to establish a working group that includes HUD and USDA to review covered programs, record information relating to each award made under a covered program, hold public hearings, and make recommendations to Congress for improving the programs.

Summer Meals Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2014

Summer Meals Act of 2014 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to redefine "areas in which poor economic conditions exist," where the summer food service program for children may operate, as areas in which at least 40% (currently, 50%) of the children have been determined to be eligible for free or reduced price school meals under the school lunch and breakfast programs. Reimburses service institutions (other than school food authorities) for up to one meal and one snack per child each day during after-school hours, weekends, and school holidays during the regular school calendar. (Currently, such institutions are reimbursed for meals and snacks served to children over the summer months or to children who are on vacation under a continuous school calendar.) Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to award competitive grants to service institutions to increase participation in the summer food service program for children at congregate feeding sites through innovative approaches to limited transportation and mobile meal trucks. Allows service institutions that are participating in the summer food service program for children to serve up to three meals, or two meals and one snack, during each day of operation. (Currently, this option is reserved for camps and service institutions that serve meals primarily to migrant children.)

Bottled Water Quality Information Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2014

Bottled Water Quality Information Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue regulations requiring each bottled water manufacturer or distributor to annually prepare a report that includes the following: the manufacturer’s or distributor’s name and contact information; type of water source; a plainly worded definition of “Standard of Identity” and “Standard of Quality” as prescribed in current bottled water regulations; a brief description of primary treatment methods used; and test results for the water’s microbiological, physical, chemical, and radiological quality. Requires the Secretary to issue regulations requiring each bottled water label to include the following: the manufacturer’s or distributor’s name and contact information, a statement notifying consumers how to obtain the quality report required by this Act, and type of water source. Prescribes means by which refillable and reusable multiservice containers may fulfill this Act’s requirements. Preempts inconsistent state or local reporting or labeling requirements. Prohibits the distribution of bottled water products not in compliance with this Act.

Summer Meals Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2014

Summer Meals Act of 2014 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to redefine "areas in which poor economic conditions exist," where the summer food service program for children may operate, as areas in which at least 40% (currently, 50%) of the children have been determined to be eligible for free or reduced price school meals under the school lunch and breakfast programs. Reimburses service institutions (other than school food authorities) for up to one meal and one snack per child each day during after-school hours, weekends, and school holidays during the regular school calendar. (Currently, such institutions are reimbursed for meals and snacks served to children over the summer months or to children who are on vacation under a continuous school calendar.) Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to award competitive grants to service institutions to increase participation in the summer food service program for children at congregate feeding sites through innovative approaches to limited transportation and mobile meal trucks. Allows service institutions that are participating in the summer food service program for children to serve up to three meals, or two meals and one snack, during each day of operation. (Currently, this option is reserved for camps and service institutions that serve meals primarily to migrant children.)

Pathogen Reduction and Testing Reform Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2014

Pathogen Reduction and Testing Reform Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to revise the definition of "adulterated" to make explicit the Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) authority to issue a recall of meat, poultry, and egg products that contain microbial pathogens associated with serious illness or death or are resistant to two or more antibiotics critically important for human medicine. Requires the USDA to establish sampling protocols and testing procedures necessary to determine if meat, poultry, and egg products are adulterated under this Act and to prevent the entry, flow, or movement of those products into commerce.

National Border and Homeland Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2014

National Border and Homeland Security Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to give state criminal alien assistance program (SCAAP) funding priority to: (1) northern or southern border states, or (2) state political subdivisions having one of the four largest populations of unlawfully present aliens for the preceding fiscal year. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) (Secretary) to complete the required 700 mile southwest border fencing and priority-area fencing by December 31, 2015. Amends the Secure Fence Act of 2006 to direct the Secretary, in consultation with state and local officials along the U.S.-Mexico border, to achieve operational control over U.S. international land and maritime borders by December 31, 2015. Directs the Secretary to: increase the number of full-time, active-duty Border Patrol agents through FY2018; increase the number of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at U.S. ports of entry through FY2018; and establish within 18 months the biometric entry and exit data system required by the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) from impeding border security-related activities by the Secretary on U.S. public lands. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (of DHS), in protecting the United States from a nuclear, fissile material, or radiological attack, to consider potential smuggling routes in land border areas between ports of entry, railcars entering the United States from Canada or Mexico, and private aircraft or small vessels. Directs the Secretary to procure within one year the number of next generation portable radiation detectors (PRDs) and radioactive isotope identification devices (RIIDs) required by the Border Patrol along the southern and northern U.S. borders. Directs the Secretary to develop within one year, and implement within two years of development, a strategic plan to detect and interdict biological and chemical weapons entering the United States.

Human Smuggling Prevention Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2014

Human Smuggling Prevention Act of 2014 - Prohibits an individual acting for financial gain from directing or participating in an effort to bring or attempt to bring five or more persons unlawfully into the United States. Establishes monetary and/or prison penalties for such actions. Prescribes increased penalties for actions that: (1) result in death or serious bodily injury; (2) place a life in jeopardy; or (3) involve bribery of a government official, robbery, sexual abuse, or 10 or more persons. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) implement a strategy to deter and interdict human smuggling across the international land and maritime borders of the United States, and (2) submit an annual list to Congress of high traffic areas of human smuggling. Makes it a crime to: (1) transmit to another person the location, movement, or activities of law enforcement agents with the intent to further a federal crime relating to immigration, customs, controlled substances, agriculture, monetary instruments, or other border controls; and (2) destroy, alter, or damage any physical or electronic device used by the federal government to control the border or any port of entry. Prohibits the carrying or use of a firearm in an alien smuggling crime.

Promise Zone Job Creation Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2014

Promise Zone Job Creation Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to designate up to 20 areas as Promise Zones for purposes of priority consideration in federal grant programs and initiatives. Defines a "Promise Zone" as any area with a continuous boundary and a population of not more than 200,000 that is nominated by a local government or Indian tribe and designated on the basis of its unemployment rate, poverty rate, household income, labor force participation, and educational attainment. Requires an application for designation as a Promise Zone to include a competitiveness plan that addresses the need of the area to attract investment and jobs and improve educational opportunities. Allows: (1) a Promise Zone employment tax credit for wages paid to a qualified zone or resident employee, and (2) expensing of Promise Zone property. Defines "Promise Zone property" as property that is: (1) tangible property with a recovery period of 20 years or less for depreciation purposes, water utility property, computer software, or qualified leasehold improvement property; (2) acquired by purchase for use in the active conduct of a trade or business; and (3) originally placed in service in a Promise Zone.

LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON H.R. 4293, TO AUTHORIZE THE APPROVAL OF NATURAL GAS PIPELINES AND ESTABLISH DEADLINES AND EXPEDITE PERMITS FOR CERTAIN NATURAL GAS GATHERING LINES ON FEDERAL LAND AND INDIAN LAND, ``NATURAL GAS GATHERING ENHANCEMENT ACT''; AND H.R. 1587, TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR AND THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE TO ISSUE PERMITS FOR RIGHTS-OF-WAY, TEMPORARY EASEMENTS, OR OTHER NECESSARY AUTHORIZATIONS TO FACILITATE NATURAL GAS, OIL, AND PETROLEUM PRODUCT PIPELINES AND RELATED FACILITIES ON ELIGIBLE FEDERAL LANDS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES, ``ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT ACT''

United States · United States House of Representatives · 20 June 2014

Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2015

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2014

Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2015 - Makes FY2015 appropriations for the Department of State (Department) for: (1) administration of foreign affairs and diplomatic and consular programs; (2) the Capital Investment Fund; (3) the Office of Inspector General; (4) educational and cultural exchange programs; (5) representation allowances; (6) protection of foreign missions and officials; (7) U.S. embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (8) emergencies in the diplomatic and consular service; (9) the repatriation loans program account; (10) the American Institute in Taiwan; (11) the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund; (12) international organizations and commissions; (13) the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico; (14) salaries and expenses; (15) construction of authorized projects; (16) the International Joint Commission, the International Boundary Commission, United States and Canada, and the Border Environment Cooperation Commission; (17) international fisheries commissions; (18) international broadcasting operations and capital improvements; (19) the Asia Foundation; (20) the United States Institute for Peace; (21) the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund; (22) the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships, Incorporated; (23) the Israeli Arab Scholarship Program; (24) the East-West Center; (25) the National Endowment for Democracy; (26) the Commission for Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad; (27) the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom; (28) the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; (29) the Congressional-Executive Commission on the People's Republic of China; and (30) the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Makes FY2015 appropriations for: (1) operating expenses of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the capital investment fund, and the Office of Inspector General; (2) expenses of the President in carrying out certain programs under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (3) global health and child survival; (4) specified development assistance; (5) international disaster assistance; (6) transition initiatives; (7) development credit authority; (8) the Economic Support Fund; (9) promotion of democracy; (10) the Complex Foreign Crisis Fund; (11) migration and refugee assistance; (12) the Peace Corps; (13) the Millennium Challenge Corporation; (14) the Inter-American Foundation; (15) the United States African Development Foundation; and (16) the Department of the Treasury for international affairs technical assistance activities. Makes FY2015 appropriations for: (1) international narcotics control and law enforcement; (2) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, and demining; (3) international peacekeeping operations; (4) international military education and training; and (5) foreign military financing grants. Makes FY2015 appropriations for: (1) international organizations and programs, (2) the Global Environment Facility, (3) the International Development Association, (4) the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, (5) the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program, (6) the Inter-American Development Bank, (7) the Asian Development Bank, (8) the Asian Development Fund, (9) the African Development Bank, (10) the African Development Fund, (11) the International Fund for Agricultural Development, (12) the Enterprise for the Americas Multilateral Investment Fund, and (13) international monetary programs. Sets forth limitations on callable capital subscriptions with respect to: (1) the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, (2) the Inter-American Development Bank, (3) the Asian Development Bank, and (4) the African Development Bank. Cancels certain drawing rights with respect to the International Monetary Fund loans under specified circumstances. Makes FY2015 appropriations for: (1) the Export-Import Bank of the United States, including the Office of Inspector General and administrative expenses; (2) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) credit and insurance programs, including administrative expenses; and (3) the Trade and Development Agency. Sets forth certain limits and prohibitions on the use of appropriations for specified activities.

Vegetables Are Really Important Eating Tools for You (VARIETY) Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2014

Vegetables Are Really Important Eating Tools For You (VARIETY) Act of 2014 - Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to provide a financial incentive for supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) participants to purchase fruits and vegetables.

Lowering Gasoline Prices to Fuel an America That Works Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2014

Lowering Gasoline Prices to Fuel an America That Works Act of 2014 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to implement a leasing program that includes at least 50% of the available unleased acreage within each outer Continental Shelf (OCS) planning area considered to have the largest undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas resources, with an emphasis on offering the most geologically prospective parts of the planning area. Directs the Secretary to: (1) submit to Congress a new proposed oil and gas leasing program for the 5-year period from July 15, 2015, to July 15, 2021; and (2) approve a final oil and gas leasing program by July 15, 2016. Prohibits construction of this Act as authorizing the issuance of a lease under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to any person designated for the imposition of sanctions pursuant to specified law. Directs the Secretary to conduct offshore oil and gas Lease Sale 220 on the OCS offshore Virginia within one year after the date of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct a lease sale within two years after enactment of this Act for certain areas off the coast of South Carolina. Directs the Secretary to offer for sale by December 31, 2015, leases of tracts in the Santa Maria and Santa Barbara/Ventura Basins of the Southern California OCS Planning Area. Retains the authority of the Secretary of Defense (DOD) with the approval of the President, to designate national defense areas on the OCS. Establishes in the Department of the Interior: (1) an Under Secretary for Energy, Lands, and Minerals; (2) an Assistant Secretary of Ocean Energy and Safety; (3) an Assistant Secretary of Land and Minerals Management; (4) a Bureau of Ocean Energy; (5) an Ocean Energy Safety Service; and (6) an Office of Natural Resources Revenue. Abolishes the Minerals Management Service. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) a National Offshore Energy Health and Safety Academy, and (2) an Outer Continental Shelf Energy Safety Advisory Board. Establishes in the Treasury the Ocean Energy Enforcement Fund as depository for non-refundable fees collected from the operators of facilities subject to inspection. Prohibits the Bureau of Ocean Energy and the Ocean Energy Safety Service from developing, proposing, finalizing, administering, or implementing any limitation on activities under their jurisdictions as a result of the coastal and marine spatial planning component of the National Ocean Policy developed under Executive Order 13547. Redefines the OCS to include all submerged lands lying within the U.S. exclusive economic zone and the Continental Shelf adjacent to any U.S. territory. Directs the Secretary to promulgate rules regarding the revenue streams contemplated by the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006, including the timing and methods of disbursements of certain funds under such Act. Increases, for FY2024-FY2055, the maximum amount of qualified OCS revenues distributed to Gulf producing states. Prescribes requirements for judicial review of any action or decision by a federal official regarding the issuance of an energy lease under this Act. Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act - Directs the Secretary, when practicable, to encourage the use of U.S. workers and equipment manufactured in the U.S. in all construction related to mineral resource development under this Act. Streamlining Permitting of American Energy Act of 2014 - Amends the Mineral Leasing Act (MLA) to direct the Secretary to decide whether to issue a permit to drill within 30 days after receiving a permit application, with specified allowable deadline extensions. Deems a permit application approved if the Secretary has not made a decision by 60 days after its receipt. Prescribes requirements for denial and resubmission of an application. Requires the Secretary to collect a single $6,500 permit processing fee per application at the time the decision is made whether to issue a permit. Directs the Secretary to collect a $5,000 documentation fee to accompany each protest for a lease, right of way, or application for permit to drill. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a Federal Permit Streamlining Project in every Bureau of Land Management (BLM) field office with responsibility for permitting energy projects on federal land, and (2) enter into a related memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers. Requires the Secretary to provide matching funding of 50% for joint projects with states to conduct oil and gas resource assessments on federal lands with significant oil and gas potential. Providing Leasing Certainty for American Energy Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary, in conducting lease sales under the MLA, to offer for sale at least 25% of the annual nominated acreage not previously made available for lease. Shields such acreage from protest and the test of extraordinary circumstances. Amends the MLA to prohibit the Secretary from: (1) withdrawing any covered energy project without finding a violation of lease terms by the lessee; (2) delaying indefinitely issuance of project approvals, drilling and seismic permits, and rights of way for activities under a lease; or (3) cancelling or withdrawing any lease parcel after a competitive lease sale has occurred and a winning bidder has made the last payment for the parcel. Requires federal land managers to follow existing resource management plans and continue to lease actively in areas designated as open when resource management plans are being amended or revised, until such time as a new record of decision is signed. Declares without force or effect BLM Instruction Memorandum 2010-117 (which establishes a process to ensure orderly, effective, timely, and environmentally responsible leasing of oil and gas resources on federal lands). Protecting Investment in Oil Shale the Next Generation of Environmental, Energy, and Resource Security Act or the PIONEERS Act - Deems the final regulations regarding oil shale management published by the BLM on November 18, 2008, to satisfy all legal and procedural requirements under any law, including the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Secretary to implement those regulations, including the oil shale leasing program they authorize, without any other administrative action necessary. Directs the Secretary to hold a lease sale, within 180 days after enactment of this Act, that offers an additional ten parcels for lease for research, development, and demonstration of oil shale resources under the terms offered in the solicitation of bids published on January 15, 2009. Requires the Secretary, by January 1, 2016, to hold at least five separate commercial lease sales, in multiple lease blocs, in areas of at least 25,000 acres, which: (1) have been nominated through public comment, and (2) are considered to have the most potential for oil shale development. Planning for American Energy Act of 2014 - Amends the MLA to direct the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) with regard to lands administered by the Forest Service, to publish every four years a Quadrennial Federal Onshore Energy Production Strategy to direct federal land energy development and department resource allocation in order to promote the energy and national security of the United States in accordance with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) mission to promote the multiple use of federal lands. Requires the Secretary to determine a domestic strategic production objective for the development of energy resources from such lands. Expresses the sense of Congress that federally recognized Indian tribes may elect to set their own production objectives as part of the Strategy. Grants the relevant Secretary all necessary authority to make determinations regarding which additional federal lands available for leasing at the time the lease sale occurs will be available to meet the production objectives established by the strategies. National Petroleum Reserve Alaska Access Act - Amends the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976 to require the mandatory program of competitive leasing of oil and gas in the National Petroleum Reserve (NPR) in Alaska to include at least one lease sale annually in those areas most likely to produce commercial quantities of oil and natural gas each year in the period 2014-2024. Directs the Secretary to ensure permits according to a specified time line for all surface development activities, including pipelines and roads construction, to: (1) develop and bring into production areas within the NPR that are subject to oil and gas leases, and (2) transport oil and gas from and through the NPR to existing transportation or processing infrastructure on the North Slope of Alaska. Requires the Secretary to ensure that any federal permitting agency shall issue construction permits for transportation of oil and natural gas under existing federal oil and gas leases with drilling permits within 60 days after enactment of this Act. Requires approval of drilling permits under new federal oil and gas leases within six months after submission of a permit request to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to issue: (1) a new proposed integrated activity plan from among the non-adopted alternatives in the NPR Alaska Integrated Activity Plan Record of Decision dated February 21, 2013, and (2) an environmental impact statement under NEPA for issuance of oil and gas leases in the NPR-Alaska to promote efficient and maximum development of oil and natural gas resources of such reserve. Nullifies the February 21, 2013, Record of Decision, including its integrated activity plan and environmental impact statement. Prescribes requirements for the new proposed integrated activity plan. Requires the Secretary to assess all technically recoverable fossil fuel resources within the NPR, including all conventional and unconventional oil and natural gas. Directs the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the state of Alaska and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, to conduct and complete a resource assessment within 24 months after enactment of this Act. BLM Live Internet Auctions Act - Amends the MLA to authorize the Secretary to conduct onshore oil and gas lease sales through Internet-based live bidding methods. Requires each individual Internet-based lease sale to conclude within seven days. Directs the Secretary to analyze the first ten such lease sales and evaluate the effectiveness of different structures for lease sales.

National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2014

National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act of 2014 - Directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to publish a national strategy to significantly increase the role of volunteers and partners in trail maintenance. Requires the strategy to: (1) augment and support the capabilities of federal employees to carry out or contribute to trail maintenance; (2) provide opportunities for volunteers and partners to carry out trail maintenance in each region of the Forest Service; (3) address the barriers to increased volunteerism and partnerships; (4) prioritize increased volunteerism and partnerships in those regions with the most severe trail maintenance needs, and where backlogs are jeopardizing access to national forest lands; and (5) aim to increase trail maintenance by volunteers and partners by 100% within 5 years. Directs USDA to study opportunities to improve trail maintenance by addressing opportunities to use fire crews in trail maintenance activities. Deems a volunteer with a partner organization to be considered a federal employee for the purposes of civil claims relating to damage to, or loss of, personal property of a volunteer incident to volunteer services. Sets forth provisions for the selection of priority areas for increased trail maintenance accomplishments. Directs USDA to establish a pilot program to offset all or part of the land use fee for outfitting and guiding permits.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4413) to reauthorize the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, to better protect futures customers, to provide end users with market certainty, to make basic reforms to ensure transparency and accountability at the Commission, to help farmers, ranchers, and end users manage risks to help keep consumer costs low, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2014

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4413) to reauthorize the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, to better protect futures customers, to provide end users with market certainty, to make basic reforms to ensure transparency and accountability at the Commission, to help farmers, ranchers, and end users manage risks to help keep consumer costs low.

Cabin Fee Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2014

Cabin Fee Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to set an annual fee for the issuance of a special use permit for the use and occupancy of National Forest System land for recreational residence purposes. Requires the Secretary to: (1) complete the current appraisal cycle, including receipt of timely second appraisals, for such residences within one year after enactment of this Act, and (2) assess an interim annual fee for them according to a specified formula. Specifies the annual fee for each of 11 fee tiers based on the value of the lot of which the recreational residence is located, adjusted annually for inflation. Requires the Secretary to report after ten years on these annual fees in order to ensure that they reflect fair value for the use of System land, and on any recommendations to modify the fee system. Directs the Secretary to establish a transfer fee of $1,200 for the issuance of a new recreational residence permit due to a change in ownership of the recreational residence. Permits the Secretary, beginning ten years after enactment of this Act, to: (1) retain and expend any fees collected under this Act, without further appropriation, and (2) use them to administer the recreational residence program and other recreation programs carried out on System land. Repeals the Cabin User Fees Fairness Act of 2000, effective on the date the annual permit fees are first assessed under this Act.

New Mexico Drought Relief Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2014

New Mexico Drought Relief Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation (Secretary), to carry out a water acquisition program in specified basins in New Mexico, under which the Secretary shall: (1) make acquisitions of water; and (2) take any other actions that the Secretary determines would enhance stream flow to benefit fish and wildlife, water quality, and river ecosystem restoration or enhance stewardship and conservation of working land, water, and watersheds. Authorizes the Secretary, in cooperation with the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, to provide funding and technical assistance for the installation of metering and measurement devices and the construction of check structures on irrigation diversions, canals, laterals, ditches, and drains to: (1) ensure the conservation and efficient use of water within the District by reducing actual consumptive use or not increasing the use of water, and (2) improve the measurement and allocation of water acquired through the water acquisition program. Requires the Secretary to provide for development of a comprehensive plan for the San Acacia reach to plan, design, construct, and prioritize projects that balance river maintenance, water availability, use, and delivery, and ecosystem benefits. Requires the Secretary of the Army to continue for five years the temporary deviation in the operation of Cochiti Lake and Jemez Canyon Dam that was initiated in 2009 to evaluate the benefits of a potential permanent reauthorization of the reservoirs. Requires the Secretaries to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to study water and reservoir management and operation issues along the Rio Grande. Authorizes financial assistance to be made available for eligible water projects to help New Mexico and other Western states address drought-related impacts to water supplies or any other immediate water-related crisis or conflict. Amends the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (OPLMA) to: (1) authorize the use of water management improvement grants to assist applicants in planning for or addressing the impacts of drought, (2) authorize the Commissioner of Reclamation to waive any cost-share requirements to address emergency drought situations and to prioritize projects based on drought relief benefits, and (3) authorize appropriations for such grants. Reauthorizes appropriations for: (1) the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991, and (2) Rio Grande Pueblos infrastructure grants under OPLMA. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to allocate certain financial assistance made available under the Food Security Act of 1985 (FSA) to establish special conservation initiatives to assist producers in implementing eligible activities on agricultural land in the western states for: (1) mitigating the effects of drought; (2) improving water quality and quantity; (3) restoring, enhancing, and preserving fish and wildlife habitat; and (4) promoting innovative and collaborative conservation tools and approaches. Amends the FSA to provide that areas eligible for designation as conservation priority areas shall include areas with actual and significant water quantity impacts related to agricultural production activities.

Lesser Prairie Chicken Voluntary Recovery Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2014

Lesser Prairie Chicken Voluntary Recovery Act of 2014 - Removes the Department of the Interior's listing of the lesser prairie chicken as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Prohibits further treatment of the species as threatened or endangered before January 31, 2020. Requires Interior to monitor and submit an annual report on progress in the conservation of the lesser prairie chicken under: the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Range-Wide Conservation Plan of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, all related Candidate Conservation Agreements (agreements to voluntarily undertake measures to conserve a covered species), Candidate Conservation Agreements With Assurances (agreements to voluntarily undertake measures to conserve a covered species with assurances that additional measures will not be imposed if the species becomes listed in the future), conservation programs administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), state conservation programs, and private conservation efforts. Prohibits the lesser prairie chicken from being treated as threatened or endangered beginning on January 31, 2020, unless Interior publishes a determination that conservation efforts under the Range-Wide Plan, agreements, programs, and efforts have not achieved the Plan's conservation goals.

San Gabriel National Recreation Area Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2014

San Gabriel National Recreation Area Act - Designates approximately 615,245 acres of federal lands and interests in California as the San Gabriel National Recreation Area. Requires National Forest System lands within the Recreation Area to be administered by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and park lands to be administered by the Department of the Interior as a unit of the National Park System. Transfers approximately 2,987 acres of land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the National Park Service. Requires Interior and USDA to manage the land in a manner that protects and enhances the land's natural resources and values. Directs Interior and USDA to consult with the Secretary of Defense (DOD) regarding opportunities to manage the Army Corps of Engineers lands within the Recreation Area. Establishes the San Gabriel National Recreation Area Public Advisory Council and the San Gabriel National Recreation Area Partnership. Requires Interior, USDA, and the San Gabriel National Recreation Area Public Advisory Council to create a comprehensive management plan for the Recreation Area. Withdraws the land from: (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials. Permits grazing on Forest System lands where it is already established. Requires Interior to develop an integrated visitor services plan for the Recreation Area. Authorizes USDA and Interior to construct visitor use facilities. Requires Interior to conduct a study on the Area's accessibility.

ADVANCING THE U.S. TRADE AGENDA: BENEFITS OF EXPANDING U.S. AGRICULTURE TRADE AND ELIMINATING BARRIERS TO U.S. EXPORTS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 11 June 2014

Arapaho National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2014

Arapaho National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act of 2014 - Adjusts the boundary of the Arapaho National Forest in Colorado to incorporate approximately 92.95 acres of land. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to include all federal land within the boundary in the Bowen Gulch Protection Area established under the Colorado Wilderness Act of 1993. Requires the lands described within the boundary to be closed to public motorized use. Allows motorized access for the owners of any non-federal lands within the boundary who historically have accessed their lands through the boundary lands.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4800) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4457) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend increased expensing limitations, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4453) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the reduced recognition period for built-in gains of S corporations.

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2014

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4800) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4457) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend increased expensing limitations, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4453) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the reduced recognition period for built-in gains of S corporations.

Water Supply Permitting Coordination Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2014

Water Supply Permitting Coordination Act - Establishes the Bureau of Reclamation as the lead agency for purposes of coordinating all reviews, analyses, opinions, statements, permits, licenses, or other approvals or decisions (reviews) required under federal law to construct new surface water storage projects on lands administered by the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture (USDA), exclusive of any easement, right-of-way, lease, or any private holding (qualifying projects). Directs the Commissioner of the Bureau: (1) upon receipt of an application for a qualifying project, to identify any federal agency that may have jurisdiction over a required review; and (2) to notify such agency that it has been designated as a cooperating agency unless the agency notifies the Bureau that the agency has no jurisdiction or authority over the project, has no expertise or information relevant to the project or any associated review, or does not intend to submit comments other than in cooperation with the Bureau. Requires each cooperating agency to submit to the Bureau: (1) a timeframe for completing the agency's authorizing responsibilities, (2) all environmental review material produced in the course of carrying out activities required under federal law consistent with the project schedule, and (3) all relevant project data. Allows a state in which a qualifying project is being considered to choose to: (1) participate as a cooperating agency; and (2) make subject to the processes of this Act all state agencies that have jurisdiction over the project, are required to conduct or issue a review, or are required to make a determination on issuing a permit, license, or approval for the project. Lists as the principal responsibilities of the Bureau under this Act to: (1) serve as the point of contact for applicants, state agencies, Indian tribes, and others regarding proposed projects; (2) coordinate preparation of unified environmental documentation that will serve as the basis for all federal decisions necessary to authorize the use of federal lands for qualifying projects; and (3) coordinate all federal agency reviews necessary for the development and construction of qualifying projects. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to accept and expend funds contributed by a non-federal public entity to expedite the evaluation of a permit of that entity related to a qualifying project or activity for a public purpose under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior. Directs the Secretary to ensure that all final permit decisions are made available to the public, including on the Internet.

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2014

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015 - Makes FY2015 appropriations for: (1) the Department of Agriculture (USDA), (2) the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and (3) the Farm Credit Administration. Specifies certain uses and limits on, or prohibitions against, the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

Fit for Life Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 29 May 2014

Fit for LIFE Act of 2014 - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to make grants to create or expand the offering of an innovative food distribution project that: serves a low-income area or one that is a food desert (an area without ready access to fresh, healthful, and affordable food) or food swamp (an area with an abundance of less healthful food options); is not supermarket-based; provides free or low-cost delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables; provides for the acquisition of produce trucks to distribute food without service or delivery charges; or provides for the establishment of a community food market at which fresh fruits and vegetables are sold at a low cost. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to: (1) expand the availability of free fruits and vegetables in elementary and secondary schools, child care centers, and family child care homes; (2) expand summer food service programs for children; and (3) establish a program providing nutritious food to at-risk school children on weekends and during extended school holidays during the school year. Directs the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to study physical activity by juveniles in juvenile justice facilities and the nutritional quality of meals and snacks served in the facilities. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a grant program to enable local and tribal governments to conduct food security assessments. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of HHS to establish programs to reduce and prevent obesity in children. Requires the Secretaries of Education and HHS to award grants for health and fitness programs in secondary schools in low-income communities. Requires the Secretary of HHS to award grants to states for a community navigator program. Expands coverage of obesity treatment and prevention programs and services in federal programs. Establishes the National Commission on Child Obesity. Sets forth grant programs to increase physical activity in low-income communities and schools and prevent childhood obesity, including through the upgrading of educational facilities and child care centers and community use of elementary and secondary school buildings.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand certain exceptions to the private activity bond rules for first-time farmers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 May 2014

Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to private activity bond financing for first-time farmers, to: (1) increase from $450,000 to $509,600 (adjusted annually for inflation) the amount of bond proceeds that may be used by a first-time farmer to acquire land for farming purposes, (2) repeal the limitation on the use of bond proceeds for used farm equipment, and (3) modify the definition of "substantial farmland" to determine farm size by reference to the average (instead of median) size of a farm in the county in which the farm is located.

Sage Grouse Protection and Conservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014

Sage Grouse Protection and Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) or the Secretary of the Interior to give effect to a statewide conservation and management plan for the protection and recovery of the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and the Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) from either California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming. Requires the appropriate Secretary to: hold for at least 10 years actions to list the species as endangered or threatened, the enforcement of the listing, and the designation of critical habitat for the species in that state; withdraw any land use planning activities related to federal management of the species on National Forest System lands and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land within the state; and amend federal land use plans with respect to that state to comply with a state plan. Applies these requirements to states that submit a plan or have a plan previously endorsed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Requires the appropriate Secretary to: (1) review statewide plans to determine if they are likely to conserve the species to the point at which the measures provided pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 are no longer necessary; (2) approve or endorse, or make comments on, statewide plans; and (3) provide states with information and make personnel available to help with plans. Prohibits any proposed action pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that occurs within one of those states from being denied or restricted solely on the basis of such sage-grouse if the action is consistent with a state plan that has been submitted to the appropriate Secretary.

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015 - Makes FY2015 appropriations for: (1) the Department of Agriculture (USDA), (2) the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and (3) the Farm Credit Administration. Specifies certain uses and limits on, or prohibitions against, the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

Welfare Reform Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014

Welfare Reform Act of 2014 - Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to declare that it should be the purpose of the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly the food stamp program) to increase employment, encourage healthy marriage, and promote prosperous self-sufficiency, which means the ability of households to maintain an income above the poverty level without services and benefits from the federal government. Declares that food or a food product shall be considered a food under such Act only if it is a bare essential (as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture [USDA]). Defines "able-bodied, work capable adult" and "physically or mentally incapable of work." Prescribes additional conditions of participation, denying SNAP eligibility, for instance, to any able-bodied, work-capable adult who: (1) refuses to register for employment or without good cause accept an offer of employment at a certain wage, (2) refuses without good cause to give a state agency sufficient information of his or her employment status or job availability, (3) voluntarily quits a job or reduces work effort below 30 hours a week unless another adult in the same family unit increases employment to make up the difference, or (4) is on strike because of a labor dispute other than a lockout. Revises SNAP eligibility requirements for students with dependent children. Denies SNAP eligibility to members of a program-eligible family required by the state agency to participate in work activation unless the relevant one or more adults in such family comply with the work activation standards. Terminates benefits for all family members for failure to participate in work activation during a given month. Prescribes work activation standards for a family unit with adult members required to participate in work activation. Gives states the option to require greater amounts of work activations for work capable family units. Requires each state participating in SNAP to carry out a work activation program whose goals are to: (1) encourage and assist able-bodied, work-capable adult SNAP recipients to obtain paid employment; (2) reduce dependence on government assistance; and (3) ensure that able-bodied, work-capable adult SNAP recipients make a contribution to society and the taxpayers in exchange for assistance received. Sets forth mandatory state work activation participation rates. Prescribes requirements for: (1) funding reductions as a penalty for inadequate state performance, (2) restoration in funding resulting from improved state performance, and (3) rewards to states for reducing government dependence. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to terminate its temporary increase in SNAP benefits. Requires the President's budget to include the total level of means-tested welfare spending by the federal government as well as the total by all states, local governments, and the federal government for the most recent year for which such data is available, and estimated levels for the fiscal year during which the budget submission is made. Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to define "means-tested welfare spending" and specifies the federal programs on which welfare spending shall be means-tested, and which federal programs shall not be. Requires reports to congressional budget committees and the concurrent resolution on the budget to include specified information with respect to means-tested welfare spending, and requires a point of order in both chambers of Congress if the means-tested welfare spending limit is to be exceeded. Amends the Social Security Act (SSA) to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to states to reward reductions in poverty and government dependence and increases in self-sufficiency. Restricts funding for health benefits coverage that includes abortion.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify and make permanent bonus depreciation.

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the additional 50% depreciation allowance (bonus depreciation) for qualified property (i.e., property which has a recovery period of 20 years or less and is computer software, water utility property, or qualified leasehold or retail improvement property); (2) make permanent the election to increase the alternative minimum tax (AMT) credit limitation in lieu of bonus depreciation; and (3) allow an additional depreciation allowance for a tree or vine bearing fruits or nuts, in the taxable year in which the tree or vine is planted, or grafted to a plant, in the ordinary course of the taxpayer's farming business.

Sage Grouse Protection and Conservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2014

Sage Grouse Protection and Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) or the Secretary of the Interior to give effect to a statewide conservation and management plan for the protection and recovery of the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and the Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) from either California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming. Requires the appropriate Secretary to: hold for at least 10 years actions to list the species as endangered or threatened, the enforcement of the listing, and the designation of critical habitat for the species in that state; withdraw any land use planning activities related to federal management of the species on National Forest System lands and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land within the state; and amend federal land use plans with respect to that state to comply with a state plan. Applies these requirements to states that submit a plan or have a plan previously endorsed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Requires the appropriate Secretary to: (1) review statewide plans to determine if they are likely to conserve the species to the point at which the measures provided pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 are no longer necessary; (2) approve or endorse, or make comments on, statewide plans; and (3) provide states with information and make personnel available to help with plans. Prohibits any proposed action pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that occurs within one of those states from being denied or restricted solely on the basis of such sage-grouse if the action is consistent with a state plan that has been submitted to the appropriate Secretary.

Stop Child Summer Hunger Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2014

Stop Child Summer Hunger Act of 2014 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program providing eligible households with summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards that give children access to food during the summer months to: (1) reduce or eliminate children's food insecurity and hunger, and (2) improve their nutritional status. Defines an "eligible household" as a household that includes one or more children who are eligible to receive free or reduced price meals under the school lunch or breakfast programs. Sets the amount on each summer EBT card at $150 per child in 2016, with adjustments thereafter reflecting changes in reimbursement rates for school meals under the school lunch program. Requires children to be enrolled in the program without further application if they are enrolled to receive free or reduced price meals under the school lunch or breakfast programs. Requires summer EBT cards to be used only to purchase food from retail food stores that have been approved for participation in the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the amount of a taxpayer's foreign-related interest expense that is allowed as a deduction for any taxable year. Sets that limit pursuant to a formula that takes into account a domestic corporation's undistributed foreign earnings.

Central Coast Heritage Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2014

Central Coast Heritage Protection Act - Designates specified Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest System lands in California as wilderness areas and as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Designates certain land in Los Padres National Forest in California, comprising approximately 2,174 acres, as the Machesna Mountain Potential Wilderness Area. Requires such Area to be incorporated into the Machesna Mountain Wilderness Area. Designates specified segments of the Indian, Mono, Matilija, Sespe, and Piru Creeks and Sisquoc River in California as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Designates certain land in the Los Padres National Forest in California, comprising approximately 41,617 acres, as the Fox Mountain Potential Wilderness Area. Requires such Area to be incorporated into the San Rafael Wilderness. Designates specified land: (1) in Los Padres National Forest comprising approximately 18,666 acres, as the Condor Ridge Scenic Area; and (2) in Los Padres National Forest and in the Bakersfield Field Office of the BLM, comprising approximately 15,846 acres, as the Black Mountain Scenic Area. Designates the Condor Trail in Monterey County, California, as the Condor National Recreation Trail. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to study: (1) connecting the northern and southern parts of the Los Padres National Forest using a trail corridor across parts of the Northern and Southern Santa Lucia Mountains of the Southern California Coastal Range; and (2) nonmotorized recreation trail opportunities (including mountain bicycling) on land not designated as wilderness by this Act within the Santa Barbara, Ojai, and Mt. Pinos ranger districts. Ensures that Indian tribes have access to the wilderness areas, scenic areas, and potential wilderness areas designated by this Act for traditional cultural and religious purposes.

A resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Congressional declaration of bourbon whiskey as a distinctive product of the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2014

Recognizes the 50th anniversary of the congressional declaration of bourbon whiskey as a distinctive U.S. product.

ROOM TO GROW: THE BENEFITS OF PARTNERSHIPS IN SMALL AGRICULTURE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 13 May 2014