Agriculture

Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2021

Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish and maintain a library or catalog of each type of contract offered by packers to producers for the purchase of all or part of the production of fed cattle (including cattle that are purchased or committed for delivery), including any schedules of premiums or discounts associated with the contract. USDA must make the library or catalog publicly available in a user-friendly format and provide weekly or monthly reports as applicable. The bill makes it unlawful for any packer to willfully fail or refuse to provide USDA with accurate contractual information or to comply with any other requirements under the bill. The Agricultural Marketing Service must provide competitive grants to state agricultural experiment stations, universities, national laboratories, and other entities for producer outreach and education efforts on best uses of cattle market information, including information made available through the livestock mandatory reporting program and the library or catalog.

Tim’s Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2021

Tim Hart Wildland Firefighter Classification and Pay Parity Act or Tim's Act This bill addresses the pay and benefits of federal wildland firefighters and related issues. Federal wildland firefighter is defined as any temporary, seasonal, or permanent position at the Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the Department of the Interior that maintains certain group, emergency incident management, or fire qualifications and primarily engages in or supports wildland fire management activities. Specifically, (1) the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must establish one or more classification series for federal wildland firefighter positions, and (2) USDA and the Department of the Interior shall determine each position within USDA and Interior that qualifies as a federal wildland firefighter position. The bill, among other requirements (1) establishes a pay scale for such positions, with annual adjustments; and (2) provides for hazardous duty pay. The OPM must establish guidelines for work schedules. The bill addresses issues regarding wages, unpaid leave to care for a family member, recruitment and retention bonuses, and housing allowances. USDA and Interior shall (1) establish, maintain, coordinate, and operate a voluntary tuition assistance program; (2) establish and maintain a publicly accessible, searchable Federal Wildland Firefighter Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Database; and (3) establish and carry out a program for mental health awareness and support. Additionally, the bill provides for continuation of firefighters pension coverage in case of disability and pay parity for federal structural firefighters.

A bill to prohibit a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for eligibility in nutrition programs.

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2021

This bill prohibits the Department of Agriculture and state agencies from making individuals receive a COVID-19 vaccine in order to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and school meals programs.

Pyrolysis Innovation Grants Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2021

Pyrolysis Innovation Grants Act This bill requires the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to award grants for pilot projects that have the potential to reduce or sequester greenhouse gas emissions and that convert and valorize tree nut harvest by-products into higher value biocarbon products. Eligible grantees include, among others, certain colleges or universities and agricultural business entities.

College Student Hunger Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2021

College Student Hunger Act of 20 21 This bill expands the eligibility of students at institutions of higher education to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP eligibility for students is expanded to include certain low-income students who (1) are employed a minimum of 10 hours per week (currently 20 hours) during the regular school year, (2) are eligible for a federal Pell Grant, (3) have an expected family contribution equal to zero, or (4) are independent. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Education to provide notification to certain students regarding their eligibility for SNAP benefits, the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct an audit of the operations of the Food and Nutrition Service to examine the procedures and outreach practices used by the service to provide to states information about the eligibility of students at institutions of higher education for participation in the program, USDA to update its state outreach plan guidance, and USDA to implement projects to decrease student hunger at institutions of higher education and to reduce barriers to college students fully utilizing SNAP benefits at these institutions.

Student Food Security Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2021

Student Food Security Act of 2021 This bill expands the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and establishes programs to address food insecurity among college students. Specifically, the bill permanently modifies the eligibility requirements to allow additional college students to receive SNAP benefits, and it establishes a demonstration program to allow college students to use SNAP benefits on college campuses instead of meal plans.

Rural Capital Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2021

Rural Capital Access Act This bill increases federally backed leverage, or investments, available to small businesses in rural areas through Small Business Administration (SBA) programs. Specifically, the bill (1) reduces restrictions on federally backed leverage for small business investment companies (SBICs) investing in small businesses located in rural areas, and (2) allows the SBA to extend as leverage to rural business investment companies certain unexpended amounts intended for SBICs. The bill also establishes an interagency working group comprised of the SBA, the Department of Agriculture, and industry stakeholders to develop administrative and legislative recommendations to improve program coordination and capital access in rural areas.

Expressing support for the designation of October 2021 as "National Co-Op Month" and commending the cooperative business model and the member-owners, businesses, employees, farmers, ranchers, and practitioners that use the cooperative business model to positively impact the economy and society.

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2021

This resolution supports the designation of National Co-Op Month, commends the cooperative business model for its contributions to the economy, and expresses confidence in cooperatives to continue their successes.

Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2021

Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act This bill requires local educational agencies (LEAs) participating in the school lunch or breakfast programs to include in their local school wellness policies (1) goals for mental health promotion and education, and (2) nutrition guidelines for reducing childhood eating disorders. Such LEAs must also include registered dietitians and school-based mental health services providers in the development, implementation, and periodic review of such policies. The bill also requires the Department of Agriculture to provide information and technical assistance to school health professionals (including school-based mental health services providers) for use in establishing healthy school environments. Such technical assistance must promote mental health, encourage mental health assessments, and establish resilient school environments.

Wildlife-Livestock Conflict Resolution Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2021

Wildlife-Livestock Conflict Resolution Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior, for public land, and the Department of Agriculture, for National Forest System land, to accept the donation of any valid existing leases or permits authorizing grazing on such lands in New Mexico beginning in FY2022. For each permit or lease donated, the department concerned shall (1) terminate the grazing permit or lease; and (2) except as provided below, ensure a permanent end to grazing on the land covered by the permit or lease. If the land covered by a permit or lease that is donated also is covered by another valid grazing permit or lease that is not donated, the department concerned shall not allow the total grazing use on the land to exceed the average actual grazing use under the other valid grazing permit or lease for the five-year period preceding the date of the donation.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of October 3 through October 9, 2021, as "National 4-H Week".

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2021

This resolution supports the designation of October 3-October 9, 2021, as National 4-H Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of 4-H in youth development and education, and (2) encourages all citizens to recognize 4-H for the significant impact the organization and members have made and continue to make by empowering young people with the skills needed to lead for a lifetime.

A resolution designating October 16, 2021, and October 16, 2022, as "World Food Day".

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2021

This resolution designates October 16, 2021, and October 16, 2022, as World Food Day and encourages the people of the United States to observe the days with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

A resolution designating October 2021 as "National Co-op Month" and commending the cooperative business model and the member-owners, businesses, employees, farmers, ranchers, and practitioners who use the cooperative business model to positively impact the economy and society.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2021

This resolution designates October 2021 as National Co-Op Month, commends the cooperative business model for its contributions to the economy, and expresses confidence in cooperatives to continue their successes.

Land Grant-Mercedes Traditional Use Recognition and Consultation Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2021

Land Grant-Mercedes Traditional Use Recognition and Consultation Act This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior to issue guidance related to certain community land grants in New Mexico made by Spain or Mexico to individuals, groups, and communities to promote the settlement of the southwestern United States (land grant-mercedes). The guidance shall set forth the policies and procedures for notice and comment on planning decisions, routine engagement, and major federal actions that could impact historical-traditional uses of a qualified land grant-merced. In developing, maintaining, and revising land management plans and National Forest System land and resource management plans, as applicable, the USDA or Interior shall consider and, as appropriate, provide for and evaluate impacts to historical-traditional uses by qualified land grant-mercedes.

FARM Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2021

Foreign Adversary Risk Management Act or the FARM Act This bill places the Secretary of Agriculture on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, and it requires the committee to review any investment that could result in foreign control of any U.S. agricultural business. Further, it includes agricultural systems and supply chains in the definitions of critical infrastructure and critical technologies for the purposes of reviewing such investments. The Department of Agriculture and the Government Accountability Office must each analyze and report on foreign influence in the U.S. agricultural industry.

Supporting the designation of October 16, 2021, and October 16, 2022, as "World Food Day".

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2021

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

Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2021

Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act This bill incorporates mental health promotion and education into guidelines for school wellness policies that are used by local educational agencies participating in school meal programs.

FARM Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2021

Foreign Adversary Risk Management Act or the FARM Act This bill places the Secretary of Agriculture on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, and it requires the committee to review any investment that could result in foreign control of any U.S. agricultural business. Further, it includes agricultural systems and supply chains in the definitions of critical infrastructure and critical technologies for the purposes of reviewing such investments. The Department of Agriculture and the Government Accountability Office must each analyze and report on foreign influence in the U.S. agricultural industry.

School Food Recovery Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2021

School Food Recovery Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide competitive grants and technical assistance for local educational agencies to implement food waste measurement and reporting, prevention, education, and reduction projects. In awarding grants, USDA must give priority to agencies that agree to use grant funds for carrying out specific projects, including (1) experiential education activities that encourage children enrolled in such agencies to participate in food waste measurement and education; and (2) the establishment of food waste measurement, prevention, and reduction projects with long-term sustainability. The federal share of project costs may not exceed 75% of the total cost of carrying out such projects. All projects must comply with the nutrition requirements of the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, including by offering no less than the minimum quantities of required food components.

GO Ag Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2021

Growing Opportunities in Agriculture Act or the GO Ag Act This bill directs the Department of Education to award competitive grants to eligible entities (e.g., local educational agencies) to create new agricultural education programs in secondary schools. Agricultural education refers to career and technical education that is focused on agriculture, including classroom or laboratory instruction, work-based learning, and leadership education that is delivered through career and technical student organizations.

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2021

Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 This bill authorizes various intelligence-related activities for FY2022 and addresses related issues. For example, the bill authorizes the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to support activities related to personnel recruitment and retention, diversity, equity, and inclusion; prohibits certain former intelligence community personnel from accepting certain employment, such as providing intelligence services to a foreign country, for 30 months after leaving intelligence community employment; provides the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) with the authorities available to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice to take actions to protect against unmanned aircraft; requires the Counterintelligence Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to conduct a security assessment of a product (or service) from an entity connected to China's government before the FBI may procure that product; requires the FBI to establish counterintelligence units in the Department of Agriculture; authorizes the Air Force to establish the National Space Intelligence Center as a field operating agency of the Space Force; statutorily establishes the Office of Medical Services within the CIA and requirements concerning compensation and qualifications for CIA medical officers; requires the President to develop for the intelligence community various protocols pertaining to medical testing, treatment, information collection, and reporting; requires the ODNI to produce a National Intelligence Estimate on the situation in Afghanistan and specified other countries; and authorizes a pilot program to identify risks associated with individuals performing Department of Defense-funded unclassified research who would not otherwise undergo federal personnel vetting.

Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2021

Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act This bill expands the research and extension grant program for the coffee plant health initiative. Under current law, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) may provide competitive grants under the initiative to support research and extension activities to combat the insect known as the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei). Specifically, the bill authorizes USDA to provide competitive grants for developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious weeds that impact coffee plants; establishing an area-wide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or at risk of being affected by, plant pests or noxious weeds that impact coffee plants; surveying and collecting data on coffee plant production and health; investigating coffee plant biology, immunology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics; and conducting research on various factors that may contribute to or be associated with coffee plant immune systems and other serious threats to coffee plants.

Macadamia Tree Health Initiative Amendments Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2021

Macadamia Tree Health Initiative Amendments Act This bill expands the research and extension grant program for the macadamia tree health initiative. Under current law, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) may provide competitive grants under the initiative to support research and extension activities to combat the insect known as the macadamia felted coccid (Eriococcus ironsidei). Specifically, the bill authorizes USDA to provide competitive grants for developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious weeds that impact macadamia trees; establishing an area-wide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or at risk of being affected by, the invasive plant pests or noxious weeds; surveying and collecting data on macadamia tree production and health; investigating macadamia tree biology, immunology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics; and conducting research on various factors that may contribute to or be associated with macadamia tree immune systems and other serious threats to macadamia trees.

To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site to Gila County, Arizona.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2021

This bill directs the Forest Service to convey specified property to Gila County, Arizona, upon the county's submission of a written request for such conveyance. The property, identified as the Gila County Area, consists of approximately 232.9 acres of National Forest System land located in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona. The conveyance shall be made without consideration. The Forest Service shall not be required to provide any covenant or warranty for the land and improvements conveyed to the county under such conveyance.

Summer Meals REACH Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2021

Summer Meals Reaching Every Area's Child Hunger Act of 2021 or the Summer Meals REACH Act of 2021 This bill permanently extends certain modifications to the Summer Food Service Program that were authorized and implemented to respond to COVID-19. The changes generally expanded the program, which provides free meals to children in low-income areas when school is not in session. Among other changes, the bill permanently makes all children eligible to participate in the program.

Macadamia Tree Health Initiative Amendments Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2021

Macadamia Tree Health Initiative Amendments Act This bill expands the research and extension grant program for the macadamia tree health initiative. Under current law, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) may provide competitive grants under the initiative to support research and extension activities to combat the insect known as the macadamia felted coccid (Eriococcus ironsidei). Specifically, the bill authorizes USDA to provide competitive grants for developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious weeds that impact macadamia trees; establishing an area-wide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or at risk of being affected by, the invasive plant pests or noxious weeds; surveying and collecting data on macadamia tree production and health; investigating macadamia tree biology, immunology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics; and conducting research on various factors that may contribute to or be associated with macadamia tree immune systems and other serious threats to macadamia trees.

Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2021

Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act This bill expands the research and extension grant program for the coffee plant health initiative. Under current law, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) may provide competitive grants under the initiative to support research and extension activities to combat the insect known as the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei). Specifically, the bill authorizes USDA to provide competitive grants for developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious weeds that impact coffee plants; establishing an area-wide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or at risk of being affected by, plant pests or noxious weeds that impact coffee plants; surveying and collecting data on coffee plant production and health; investigating coffee plant biology, immunology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics; and conducting research on various factors that may contribute to or be associated with coffee plant immune systems and other serious threats to coffee plants.

A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site to Gila County, Arizona.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2021

This bill directs the Forest Service to convey specified property to Gila County, Arizona, upon the county's submission of a written request for such conveyance. The property, identified as the Gila County Area, consists of approximately 232.9 acres of National Forest System land located in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona. The conveyance shall be made without consideration. The Forest Service shall not be required to provide any covenant or warranty for the land and improvements conveyed to the county under such conveyance.

National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2021

National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture from restricting certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) activities pertaining to border enforcement and addresses related issues. Specifically, neither department may impose restrictions on CBP actions taking place on federal land under their respective jurisdictions and located within 100 miles of an international border if the CBP actions involve search and rescue operations and the prevention of all unlawful entries into the United States. CBP shall have immediate access to such federal lands to conduct various activities, including the installation and maintenance of roads, barriers, and surveillance equipment. Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may waive the application of certain legal requirements on such federal lands if DHS determines that the waiver is necessary to ensure the expeditious construction of border barriers and roads. DHS may waive only specified laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the National Historic Preservation Act, and certain provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.

A bill to extend authorization for livestock mandatory reporting.

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2021

This bill extends through December 31, 2021, authorization for the livestock mandatory reporting program of the Department of Agriculture.

Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2021

Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 20 21 This bill establishes restrictions and requirements for checkoff programs, which are programs overseen by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote and provide research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to specific producers or brands. The bill prohibits boards established to carry out a checkoff program or a USDA order issued under a checkoff program from entering into a contract or agreement to carry out program activities with a party that engages in activities to influence any government policy or action that relates to agriculture. A board or its employees or agents acting in their official capacity may not engage in any act that may involve a conflict of interest; anticompetitive activity; unfair or deceptive act or practice; or act that may be disparaging to, or in any way negatively portray, another agricultural commodity or product. Upon approval of USDA, a board may enter directly into contracts and agreements to carry out generic promotion, research, or other activities authorized by law if the agreement or contract requires records accounting for the funds received to be submitted to the board. The board must meet specified requirements regarding the publication of budgets and disbursements of funds. The USDA Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office must conduct specified audits regarding checkoff programs.

Voluntary Checkoff Program Participation Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 September 2021

Voluntary Checkoff Program Participation Act This bill prohibits mandatory or compulsory checkoff programs and requires producer participation in the programs to be voluntary at the point of sale. A checkoff program is a program to promote and provide research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to specific producers or brands. The Department of Agriculture oversees the programs, which are requested and funded by industry.

VOLUNTARY CARBON MARKETS IN AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 23 September 2021

Equal Access to the Right Nutrition for Military Families (EARN) Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2021

Equal Access to the Right Nutrition for Military Families (EARN) Act of 2021 This bill facilitates the participation of military households in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by excluding from income limits the housing allowance provided to members of the Armed Forces and modifying administration and other aspects of the program.

Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2021

Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act This bill allows a new business-related tax credit for the start-up expenses of a veteran-owned small business in an underserved community. The allowable amount of such credit is 15% of start-up expenditures that do not exceed $50,000. To be eligible for the credit, the small business must (1) be owned and controlled by one or more veterans or their spouses, and (2) have its principal place of business in an underserved community. An underserved community is any area located within (1) a HUBZone (as defined by the Small Business Act), (2) an empowerment zone or an enterprise community, (3) an area of low income or moderate income (as recognized by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council), or (4) a county with persistent poverty (as classified by the Economic Research Service of the Department of Agriculture).

DASH Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2021

Decent, Affordable, Safe Housing for all Act or the DASH Act This bill provides grants, loans, tax credits, and other assistance to promote the building, maintenance, and affordability of housing. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to (1) provide housing vouchers to individuals and families experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, (2) provide grants for the modular construction of affordable housing, (3) propose a new formula for distribution of Housing Trust Fund amounts, and (4) encourage zoning and community planning methods that promote multi-family housing. The bill also makes permanent certain homeless assistance programs. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must provide grants and loans to construct or preserve affordable housing for farm laborers and may provide rural housing vouchers for low-income households residing in certain properties financed with or insured by USDA loans. The bill also makes permanent a program for the preservation and revitalization of USDA-backed housing projects and expands existing domestic violence housing protections to rural housing voucher recipients. The bill expands the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to be more widely available and to allocate a larger portion of available funds to projects serving extremely low-income households. Further, the bill creates a refundable tax credit for participating owners of rental buildings who lower rents for their low-income tenants. The bill also creates a tax credit similar to the LIHTC for the development of housing for middle-income households and provides a tax credit of up to $15,000 for first-time homebuyers.

Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2021

Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act This bill allows a new business-related tax credit for the start-up expenses of a veteran-owned small business in an underserved community. The allowable amount of such credit is 15% of start-up expenditures that do not exceed $50,000. To be eligible for the credit, the small business must (1) be owned and controlled by one or more veterans or their spouses, and (2) have its principal place of business in an underserved community. An underserved community is any area located within (1) a HUBZone (as defined by the Small Business Act), (2) an empowerment zone or an enterprise community, (3) an area of low income or moderate income (as recognized by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council), or (4) a county with persistent poverty (as classified by the Economic Research Service of the Department of Agriculture).

Wildfire Emergency Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2021

Wildfire Emergency Act of 2021 This bill provides for programs and activities in support of forest restoration, wildfire mitigation, and energy resilience. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall select landscape-scale forest restoration projects located west of the 100th meridian to implement on National Forest System land and on land adjoining National Forest System land. USDA shall establish a pilot program under which USDA may enter into conservation finance agreements with public or private persons to implement and monitor such projects. The Department of Energy shall establish a program to support critical infrastructure and microgrids, including by improving the energy resilience and power needs of critical facilities (e.g., hospitals) through the use of microgrids, renewable energy, energy efficiency, reduced electricity demand, and on-site storage. USDA and the Department of the Interior shall establish one or more centers in western states to train individuals in methods relevant to the mitigation of wildfire risk. USDA shall establish a competitive grant program to support workforce development in forestry and fire management.

Watershed Results Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2021

Watershed Results Act This bill provides funding for the Department of the Interior, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency, to establish a total of not less than two and not more than five watershed pilot programs that use pay-for-performance contracts. Interior shall designate a management team for each watershed pilot. The management team for the applicable watershed pilot shall develop and implement a five-year plan for carrying out that pilot. Interior and the management team for each watershed pilot shall use advance watershed analytics throughout the planning, implementation, measuring, and monitoring of projects within the pilot. Such analytics must be conducted to identify quantifiable outcomes, costs, feasibility, and impacts of the projects before making funding available for the pilot. Interior and the management team for a watershed pilot shall set and publish minimum per-unit outcome prices. The participating federal department or agency shall enter into a pay-for-performance contract to achieve outcome-based goals described in the plan developed for the pilot. Interior shall submit specified annual and five-year reports to Congress.

Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act of 2021 This bill requires the Agricultural Marketing Service of the Department of Agriculture to procure domestically grown, fresh produce for distribution to food banks, schools, tribal organizations, and other qualifying nonprofits that serve individuals at risk of food and nutrition insecurity. The service must procure the produce from growers, packers, distributors, food-hubs, nonprofits, or cooperatives.

Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act This bill provides continuing FY2022 appropriations for federal agencies, suspends the debt limit, provides supplemental appropriations, and extends several expiring programs and authorities. Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2022 appropriations to federal agencies through the earlier of December 3, 2021, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2022 appropriations bills have not been enacted when FY2022 begins on October 1, 2021. The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2021 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility and additional appropriations for various programs. In addition, the bill provides supplemental appropriations to several federal agencies for activities related to natural disasters and the evacuees from Afghanistan. The bill suspends the public debt limit through December 16, 2022. On December 17, 2022, the limit will be increased to accommodate obligations issued during the suspension period. The bill also extends several expiring programs and authorities, including the National Flood Insurance Program, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity, the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, the temporary scheduling order issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration to place fentanyl-related substances in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, and the authority for the Department of Agriculture to waive certain requirements for the school meal programs.

Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act This bill provides continuing FY2022 appropriations for federal agencies, suspends the debt limit, provides supplemental appropriations, and extends several expiring programs and authorities. Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2022 appropriations to federal agencies through the earlier of December 3, 2021, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2022 appropriations bills have not been enacted when FY2022 begins on October 1, 2021. The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2021 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility and additional appropriations for various programs. In addition, the bill provides supplemental appropriations to several federal agencies for activities related to natural disasters and the evacuees from Afghanistan. The bill suspends the public debt limit through December 16, 2022. On December 17, 2022, the limit will be increased to accommodate obligations issued during the suspension period. The bill also extends several expiring programs and authorities, including the National Flood Insurance Program, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity, the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, the temporary scheduling order issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration to place fentanyl-related substances in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, and the authority for the Department of Agriculture to waive certain requirements for the school meal programs.

Nutrition Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

Nutrition Education Act This bill requires a local educational agency that participates in a school lunch or breakfast program to require each student to receive 50 hours of nutrition education per school year. Such instruction must be consistent with applicable school meal program requirements as well as meet certain other standards with respect to content and delivery.

Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2021

Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act This bill provides continuing FY2022 appropriations for federal agencies, provides supplemental appropriations, and extends several expiring programs and authorities. Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2022 appropriations to federal agencies through the earlier of December 3, 2021, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2022 appropriations bills have not been enacted when FY2022 begins on October 1, 2021. The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2021 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility and additional appropriations for various programs. In addition, the bill provides supplemental appropriations to several federal agencies for activities related to natural disasters and the evacuees from Afghanistan. The bill also extends several expiring programs and authorities, including the National Flood Insurance Program, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity, the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, the temporary scheduling order issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration to place fentanyl-related substances in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, and the authority for the Department of Agriculture to waive certain requirements for the school meal programs.

Margo Schlanger, of Michigan, to be an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, vice Joe Leonard, Jr.

United States · United States Senate · 20 September 2021

SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 September 2021

SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to enter into self-determination contracts upon the request of Indian tribes and tribal organizations to carry out the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

To extend authorization for livestock mandatory reporting.

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2021

This bill extends through FY2022 authorization for the livestock mandatory reporting program of the Department of Agriculture.

Care for our Firefighters Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2021

Care for our Firefighters Act This bill establishes a program and provides additional leave to support mental health for federal wildland firefighters. The Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior must carry out a mental health awareness and support program for federal wildland firefighters. Components of the program must include an awareness campaign, relevant education and training, a peer-to-peer mental health support network, and increased access to mental health benefits. The bill also entitles each federal wildland firefighter to seven consecutive days of leave to be taken between June 1 and October 31 of each calendar year to maintain mental health. Leave not taken during that period expires.

Housing for our Firefighters Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2021

Housing for our Firefighters Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide a housing allowance to any federal wildland firefighter hired at a location more than 50 miles from the firefighter's primary residence. The allowance shall be in an amount determined appropriate by Interior and USDA and adjusted based on the cost of housing in the area of deployment.

Precision Agriculture Loan Program Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2021

Precision Agriculture Loan Program Act of 2021 This bill establishes a loan program within the Farm Service Agency to assist agricultural producers in purchasing precision agriculture equipment, such as geospatial mapping, data management and analytics software, and network connectivity products and solutions. Precision agriculture refers to managing, tracking, or reducing crop or livestock production inputs, including seed, feed, fertilizer, chemicals, water, and time, at a heightened level of spatial and temporal granularity to improve efficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain environmental quality.