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Bill· SS. 2817 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2000
Recreation Fee Authority Act of 2000 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior or Agriculture, as appropriate, to establish and collect reasonable fees for admission to and use of a recreation area, site, facility, visitor center, equipment, or service (area), and to sell and accept certain passports for visitor use of such areas. Requires at least 80 percent of the fees collected at an area to remain available for use at that area. Provides penalties for the nonpayment of fees.
Bill· SS. 2818 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2000
Food Security and Land Stewardship Act of 2000 - Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to establish a flexible fallow program for the 2001 and 2002 crop years under which a producer may idle a portion of the total loan commodity acreage in exchange for higher marketing assistance loan rates on the remaining acreage.
Law· HRH.R. 4788 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2000
United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2000 - Title I: Extension of Expiring Authorities and Authorization of Appropriations - Amends the United States Grain Standards Act to extend: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture's grain inspection and weighing fee authorities; (2) advisory committee authority; and (3) authorization of appropriations. Title II: Administration of Act - Amends the Act to eliminate the requirement that grain export inspection and weighing samples be taken from certain physical locations (spout or final carrier). Authorizes the Secretary to allow inspection and weighing agencies to perform services in other than their designated geographic area under specified conditions. Eliminates the annual equipment testing requirement. Authorizes the Secretary to prohibit the use of grain additives to disguise grain quality. Title III: Repeal of Certain Provisions - Repeals specified provisions of the Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4801 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2000
Animal Health Protection Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to restrict the importation, entry, or further movement in the United States, or order the destruction or removal, of animals (including livestock) and related conveyances and facilities for reasons of pest or disease control, or humane treatment. Authorizes related activities respecting exportation, interstate movement, cooperative agreements, enforcement, seizure, and quarantine and disease and pest eradication. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a veterinary accreditation program. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4805 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2000
National Energy Security Act of 2000 - Title I: Energy Security Actions Required of the Secretary of Energy - Directs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to report annually to the President and Congress on the progress the United States has made toward obtaining the goal of not more than 50 percent dependence on foreign oil sources by 2010. (Sec. 102) Sets a deadline for the Secretary to submit to the President a certain report of the National Petroleum Council, together with recommendations for administrative or legislative actions. (Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary to establish within the National Economic Council an Interagency Work Group on Natural Gas (the Group), whose function shall be to develop a strategy and comprehensive policy for the use of natural gas as an essential component of overall national objectives of energy security, economic growth, and environmental protection. Title II: Amendments to Energy Policy and Conservation Act and Actions Affecting the Strategic Petroleum Reserve - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) to authorize drawdown and distribution of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) if: (1) the President concurs in the determination of the Secretary of Defense that it will not impair national security; and (2) the Secretary of Energy finds that it will not have an adverse effect on the domestic petroleum industry. (Sec. 201) Extends through FY 2003 the availability of FY 2000 appropriations for SPR authorities. Extends the expiration date for authorities related to domestic supply availability from March 31, 2000, to December 31, 2003. (Sec. 202) Extends from FY 1997 through 2003 the authorization of appropriations for the interagency working group that coordinates Federal programs affecting exports of renewable energy and energy efficiency products and services. Extends the expiration date for standby energy authorities from March 31, 2000, to December 31, 2003. (Sec. 203) Instructs the President to establish immediately an Interagency Panel on the Strategic Petroleum Study to study and report to the President and Congress regarding oil markets and estimated future fluctuations in the price, supply, and demand for crude oil, and to determine appropriate SPR capacity and use. Title III: Provisions to Protect Consumers and Low Income Families and Encourage Energy Efficiencies - Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to repeal: (1) the requirement that participating States share 25 percent of the cost of weatherization programs as a condition for receiving assistance grants; and (2) the mandate that forty percent of weatherization program funds be spent for weatherization program materials. Instructs the Secretary to establish energy audit procedures and techniques. Increases the financial assistance for labor and weatherization materials expenditures per dwelling unit. Includes among such weatherization materials heating and cooling modification costs, including replacement. (Sec. 301) Repeals the mandate for the Secretary to establish, pursuant to State application, a separate average per dwelling unit limitation. (Sec. 302) Amends the EPCA to direct the Secretary, upon State request, to provide information, technical assistance, and funding for specified actions (summer fill programs) to avoid severe seasonal price increases and supply shortages of kerosene, propane, and heating oil during summer months. (Sec. 303) Authorizes appropriations for an Energy Efficiency Science Initiative, managed by the Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, for grants for energy efficiency research. Title IV: Provisions to Enhance the Use of Domestic Energy Resources - Subtitle A: Hydroelectric Resources - Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and of the Army, respectively, to inventory all dams, impoundments, and other facilities under their jurisdiction and to report to Congress on the potential of such facilities to generate hydroelectric power and on actions planned to do so. (Sec. 402) Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to report to Congress on expedited hydroelectric licensing procedures. Subtitle B: Nuclear Resources - Directs the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to report to Congress on: (1) domestic nuclear power generation and production; and (2) the potential for increasing nuclear generating capacity and production as part of the domestic energy mix. Subtitle C: Development of a National Spent Nuclear Fuel Strategy - Establishes an Office of Spent Nuclear Fuel Research within the Office of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology of the Department of Energy, headed by an Associate Director, to implement an integrated research and development program on technologies for the treatment, recycling, and disposal of high-level nuclear radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, under the general supervision of the Secretary. Confers upon the Secretary grant and contract making authority. Subtitle D: Coal Resources - Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to Congress on the potential for increased generation from existing coal-fired power plants; and (2) provide grants for refinement and demonstration of new technologies for the conversion of coal to liquids. Title V: Improvements to Federal Oil and Gas Lease Management - Federal Oil and Gas Lease Management Improvement Act of 2000 - Emphasizes that this Act does not give a State a property right or interest in any Federal lease or land. Subtitle A: State Option to Regulate Oil and Gas Lease Operation on Federal Land - Permits a State to notify either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture (depending upon the appropriate jurisdiction) of its intent to accept authority for regulation of certain oil and gas lease operations on Federal land within such State. Declares an automatic transfer of regulatory authority over designated operations from the appropriate Secretary to the State effective 180 days following receipt of such notification. Bars a Federal agency from exercising authority formerly held by such Secretary with respect to oil and gas lease operations on Federal land. Subtitle B: Use of Cost Savings from State Regulation - Prescribes guidelines to compensate a State for the costs of implementing such transferred authority. Subtitle C: Streamlining and Cost Reduction - Bars the appropriate Secretary from recovering costs for applications and other documents relating to oil and gas leases. (Sec. 532) Requires the Secretary to ensure: (1) timely issuance of Federal agency decisions respecting oil and gas leasing and operations on Federal land; and (2) that unwarranted denials and stays of lease issuance and unwarranted restrictions on lease operations are eliminated from the administration of oil and gas leasing on Federal land. (Sec. 535) Directs the Secretary of the Interior to publish a national inventory of oil and gas reserves and potential resources underlying Federal land and the Outer Continental Shelf. Subtitle D: Federal Royalty Certainty - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the Mineral Leasing Act pertaining to oil and gas leases to reformulate the payment of their respective lease royalties. Exempts Indian lands from such reformulation. Subtitle E: Royalty Reinvestment in America - Directs the appropriate Secretary, whenever certain crude oil or natural gas prices dip below a specified level, to allow as a credit against the payment of Federal oil and gas production royalties, a specified percentage of expenditures made for capital exploration and development on Federal oil and gas leases. (Sec. 551) Prohibits capital expenditures made on Outer Continental Shelf leases from being credited against onshore Federal royalty obligations. (Sec. 552) Instructs the appropriate Secretary to reduce the royalty rate for marginal oil and gas production following prescribed guidelines whenever certain crude oil or natural gas prices dip below a specified level. (Sec. 553) Prescribes procedural guidelines under which any operator of an oil well leased under specified statutes may notify the Secretary of the Interior of suspension of operation and production at the well. Title VI: Frontier Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Incentives - Frontier Exploration and Development Incentives Act of 2000 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act governing bidding procedures for oil and gas leases to set a certain net profit royalty share for oil and gas production in the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea Planning Areas of Alaska. (Sec. 602) Requires the Secretary of the Interior to reduce any future royalty or rental obligation by a specified percentage after an oil and gas lease has been granted pursuant to the statutory bidding system. Title VII: Tax Measures to Enhance Domestic Oil and Gas Production - Subtitle A: Marginal Well Preservation - Marginal Well Preservation Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to specify a tax credit for marginal domestic oil and natural gas well production. (Sec. 703) Authorizes taxpayer election to expense geological and geophysical expenditures and to delay rental payments for domestic oil and gas wells. Subtitle B: Independent Oil and Gas Producers - Amends the IRC to: (1) set forth a five-year net operating loss carryback for losses attributable to operating mineral interests of independent oil and gas producers; (2) suspend through 2004 the limitation on the total amount of the depletion allowance to 65 percent of taxable income; and (3) suspend through 2006 the taxable income limit with respect to marginal production. Subtitle C: Other Provisions - Amends the IRC to: (1) repeal the mandate that certain approved terminals offer dyed diesel fuel and kerosene for nontaxable purposes; and (2) redefine qualified tertiary injectant expenses for purposes of the enhanced oil recovery credit. Title VIII: Tax Measures to Enhance the Use of Renewable Energy Sources, Improve Energy Efficiencies, Protect Consumers and Conversion to Clean Burning Fuels - Amends the IRC to: (1) set forth placed-in-service rules and special rules for biomass facilities; (2) deny renewable electricity production credit to electricity sold to utilities under certain contracts; (3) exclude from gross income as contributions to capital certain amounts received by electric energy, gas, or steam utilities; (4) extend the credit for electricity produced from steel cogeneration; (5) declare certain expense limitations on depreciable business assets inapplicable to a storage facility used in connection with home heating oil distribution; (6) establish a tax credit for certain percentages of residential solar energy photovoltaic and solar water heating property expenditures; and (7) allow an energy credit for 20 percent of the basis of certain fuel cell property and eight percent of the basis of combined heat and power system property placed in service during the taxable year for business uses. Title IX: Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2000 - Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2000 - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to establish and implement a competitive oil and gas leasing program that will: (1) result in an environmentally sound program; (2) not result in significant adverse effects upon fish and wildlife; and (3) ensure the receipt of fair market value by the public for the mineral resources to be leased. (Sec. 903) Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal the prohibition against production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and any leasing or development leading to such production. States that Congress determines that the Coastal Plain oil and gas leasing program and activities authorized by this Act are compatible with the purposes for which the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was established, and that no further findings or decisions are required to implement this determination. States this Act is the sole authority for Coastal Plain leasing, and that such Plain is considered "Federal land" for purposes of the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) designate up to a specified total of Coastal Plain acreage as "Special Areas" and close them to leasing if the Secretary determines that these Areas require special management and regulatory protection; and (2) permit leasing in those Special Areas by setting lease terms that limit or condition surface use and occupancy by lessees but permit the use of horizontal drilling technology from sites on leases located outside the designated Special Areas. Declares that this Act constitutes the Secretary's sole authority to close Coastal Plain lands to oil and gas leasing and to exploration, development, and production. Instructs the Secretary to convey the surface estate of specified lands to the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation and to the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation in order to remove clouds on title and clarify land ownership patterns within the Coastal Plain. (Sec. 905) Declares that the Final Legislative Environmental Impact Statement on the Coastal Plain of April 1997 is adequate to satisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. (Sec. 906) States that lands may be leased to any person qualified to obtain a lease for oil and gas deposits under the Mineral Leasing Act. Requires the Secretary to prescribe lease procedures. (Sec. 907) Authorizes the Secretary to grant to the highest responsible qualified bidder by sealed competitive cash bonus bid any Coastal Plain lands upon payment of such bonus and a royalty which shall not be less than a certain amount. Prescribes lease terms and conditions. Sets forth bonding requirements to ensure financial responsibility of lessee and avoid Federal liability. (Sec. 912) Directs the Secretary to grant rights-of-way and easements across the Coastal Plain for oil and gas transportation. (Sec. 913) Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations to provide for: (1) biannual scheduled onsite inspections for compliance of Coastal Plain facilities with environmental or safety regulations; and (2) annual nonscheduled onsite inspections of such facilities. Title X: Clean, Reliable and Affordable Electricity - Subtitle A: Accelerated Technology Research and Development Program for Advanced Clean Coal Technology for New and Existing Coal-Based Electric Generating Facilities - Part 1: National Coal-Based Technology Development and Applications Program - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) identify technology costs and associated performance goals that would permit continued cost-competitive use of coal for electricity generation, for chemical feedstocks, and for transportation fuel; and (2) implement research and development programs that include demonstration and commercial application of coal-based technologies. Authorizes appropriations. Part 2: Existing Plant Technology Applications - Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application to develop economically and environmentally acceptable advanced technologies for utilization within current electricity generation facilities using coal as the primary feedstock; (2) transmit a detailed plan to Congress; and (3) solicit proposals for demonstrations designed to achieve such technical milestones. Authorizes appropriations. Subtitle B: Credit for Emission Reductions and Efficiency Improvements in Existing Coal-Based Electricity Generation Facilities - Amends the IRC to: (1) allow a tax credit for investment in a qualifying clean coal technology unit; and (2) set forth the formula for determining a tax credit for production from such a unit. (Sec. 1033) Provides for a debt repayment mechanism under which the owner of a qualified system of continuous emission control, or a qualified clean coal technology unit, may elect to have credits applied to the prepayment of any debt or obligation for investment in the retrofit, repowering, or replacement of existing coal-based generation with certain systems of continuous emission control and clean coal technology. Subtitle C: Incentives for Early Commercial Applications of Advanced Clean Coal Technologies - Sets forth: (1) a tax credit for investment in a qualifying advanced clean coal technology facility; and (2) a formula for determining a tax credit for production from such a facility. Provides for a debt repayment mechanism under which the owner of a such facility may elect to have such tax credits applied to prepayment of debt or obligations incurred under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.
Bill· HRH.R. 4774 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2000
Bend Pine Nursery Land Conveyance Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or exchange specified National Forest System land and improvements in Oregon. Grants right of first refusal to purchase the Bend Pine Nursery to the Bend Metro Parks and Recreation District in Deschutes County, Oregon. Makes the proceeds from any such sale available to the Secretary without further appropriations Act for: (1) acquisition, construction, or improvement of administrative and visitor facilities and land in connection with the Deschutes National Forest; (2) construction of a bunkhouse facility in the Umatilla National Forest; and (3) acquisition of land in Oregon. Authorizes the Secretary to use such proceeds or other funds subsequently made available to acquire, construct, or improve such facilities. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4768 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2000
Escaped Prescribed Fire Emergency Assistance Act - Allows the responsible agency head, in the case of an escaped prescribed fire where there is partial or total loss of a primary residence, to authorize payment of reasonable emergency assistance for up to 30 days, with an additional 30 day extension in extenuating circumstances. Specifies that such assistance shall not be construed as a waiver of rights under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). Authorizes such payments to be made from the Department of Agriculture's and the Department of the Interior's Wildfire Management Accounts. (Sec. 3) Specifies that any action or decision taken respecting a prescribed fire shall not be considered to be the exercise of a discretionary function. (Sec. 4) Allows an individual having a claim before a Federal agency to amend such claim before final action is taken on it by the agency, or before the individual brings a civil action under the FTCA against the United States, whichever may be later. Requires an agency to: (1) notify an individual whose claim fails to state a claim upon which such agency may take action under the FTCA; and (2) attach to any claim form it distributes notice that the claim may be amended.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 538 (106th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2000
Sets forth the rule for the consideration of H.R. 4461 (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations).
Bill· SS. 2784 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2000
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Act of 2000 - Designates the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument in southern California, to be managed jointly by the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture. Requires the Secretaries to prepare a management plan for the conservation and protection of the Monument. Provides for the continued use by the University of California of certain Federal lands within the Monument. Requires the Secretaries to jointly establish an advisory committee for the Monument to advise them with respect to the preparation and implementation of the management plan.
Law· SS. 2773 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2000
Dairy Market Enhancement Act of 2000 - Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program of mandatory dairy product information reporting. Directs the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to study and report to Congress respecting dairy product reporting measures at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
Bill· HRH.R. 4726 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 22 June 2000
Southern High Plains Groundwater Resource Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the United States Geological Survey, to develop a hydrogeologic mapping, modeling, and monitoring program for the Southern Ogallala Aquifer (as defined by this Act). Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Natural Resources Conservation Service, to establish a groundwater conservation assistance program for such Aquifer. Directs the Secretary to create a groundwater conservation plan certification process. States that farms in jurisdictions with a certified plan shall be eligible for specified implementation assistance. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2763 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2000
Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to include within the definition of "vegetative cover" certain plantings in areas of low precipitation or limited native seed for purposes of conservation reserve contract requirements.
Bill· SS. 2760 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2000
Microbiological Performance Standards Clarification Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act, respectively, to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe performance standards for microbiological pathogen reduction in meat, poultry, and their products in processing establishments receiving inspection services under such Acts. Directs the Secretary to prohibit an establishment failing to meet such standards from labeling such products as "inspected and passed."
Bill· SS. 2755 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2000
Southern High Plains Groundwater Resource Conservation Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the United States Geological Survey, to develop a hydrogeologic mapping, modeling, and monitoring program for the Southern Ogallala Aquifer (as defined by this Act). Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Natural Resources Conservation Service, to establish a groundwater conservation assistance program for such Aquifer. Directs the Secretary to create a groundwater conservation plan certification process. States that farms in jurisdictions with a certified plan shall be eligible for specified implementation assistance. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2751 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2000
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Nevada, to the Secretary of the Interior, in trust for the Washoe Indian Tribe of Nevada and California, to be used for noncommercial traditional and customary purposes.
Bill· SS. 2750 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2000
Las Vegas Wash Wetland Restoration and Lake Mead Water Quality Improvement Act of 2000 - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the continued development and implementation of the Las Vegas Wash Wetlands Restoration and Lake Mead Water Quality Improvement Project. Direct the Administrator and the Secretaries of the Army and the Interior to provide research, technical assistance, interagency coordination, and funding for: (1) the collection and modeling of scientific and hydrologic data; and (2) the design and construction of erosion control facilities, wetland restoration features, ground water interdiction facilities, treated effluent transport diffusion and reuse features, water quality improvement facilities, and other project features developed under the Las Vegas Wash Comprehensive Adaptive Management Plan. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4691 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2000
Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, as amended by the Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 2000, to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a demonstration program (within the farmland protection program) to facilitate a regional approach to the acquisition of permanent conservation easements in the Chino Basin, California.
Bill· HRH.R. 4692 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2000
Las Vegas Wash Wetlands Restoration and Lake Mead Water Quality Improvement Act of 2000 - Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the continued development and implementation of the Las Vegas Wash Wetlands Restoration and Lake Mead Water Quality Improvement Project. Directs the Administrator and the Secretaries of the Army and Interior to provide, with respect to the Project, technical assistance, interagency coordination, and funding for: (1) the collection and modeling of hydrologic data for water quality; and (2) the design and construction of erosion control facilities, wetland restoration features, ground water interdiction facilities, treated effluent transport diffusion and reuse features, water quality improvement facilities, and other project features developed under the Las Vegas Wash Comprehensive Adaptive Management Plan. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2745 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Value-Added Development Act for American Agriculture - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to eligible applicants for an agricultural innovation center demonstration program to assist value-added agricultural businesses. Sets forth: (1) permitted fund uses; and (2) reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2744 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Fair Play for Family Farms Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to monitor competitive conditions in the agricultural economy and review specified mergers or acquisitions. (Sec.4) Establishes within the Department of Justice an Assistant Attorney General for Agriculture Competition, who shall be responsible for agriculture-related antitrust matters. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to require, with exemptions, livestock dealers (including market agencies) to hold in trust proceeds from livestock purchased in cash sales for the benefit of all unpaid cash sellers of such livestock until receipt of full payment. Authorizes monetary penalties for violations of such provisions. (Sec. 7) Authorizes appropriations for additional Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration staff, including litigating attorneys, in order to monitor the meat packing industry. (Sec. 8) Directs the Comptroller General of the General Accounting Office to study whether disparities exist in the Administration's authority respecting the poultry, beef, and pork industries. (Sec. 9) States that non-trade secret confidentiality clauses in livestock or grain production contracts are unenforceable. (Sec. 10) Directs the Administration to establish a trust fund for producers harmed by packer anticompetitive behavior.
Bill· SS. 2741 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 to revise State agricultural loan mediation program provisions regarding eligibility, mediation services, and grant use. Authorizes permanent appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2737 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Grain Standards Improvement Act of 2000 - Amends the United States Grain Standards Act to extend: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture's grain inspection and weighing fee authorities; (2) advisory committee authority; (3) administrative and supervisory cost limitations; and (4) authorization of appropriations. Reduces permitted administrative and supervisory costs. Eliminates the requirement that: (1) grain export inspection and weighing samples be taken from certain physical locations (spout or final carrier); and (2) equipment be tested annually. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) allow official multi-site inspection and weighing services within a single geographic area (eliminates pilot program designation); and (2) prohibit the use of grain additives to disguise grain quality.
Bill· SS. 2746 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Farmers' Value-Added Agricultural Investment Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that for purposes of the general business credit, for either an eligible farmer or a farmer-owned entity, the value-added agricultural property investment credit for any taxable year is 50 percent of the basis of any qualified value-added agricultural property placed in service during the taxable year. Provides that, in the case of a farmer-owned entity, such credit shall be allocated on a pro rata basis among eligible persons holding qualified interests in such entity as of the last day of such taxable year. Limits such credit.
Bill· SS. 2732 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Boll Weevil Eradication Equity Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide specified funding amounts for boll weevil eradication. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2734 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Warehouse Improvement Act of 2000 - Amends the United States Warehouse Act to revise the Secretary of Agriculture's authority respecting the storage of warehoused agricultural products. Provides for the issuance of electronic warehouse receipts.
Bill· HRH.R. 4673 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Support for Overseas Cooperative Development Act - Declares that Congress supports the development and expansion of economic assistance programs that fully utilize cooperatives and credit unions, particularly those programs committed to: (1) international cooperative principles, democratic governance and involvement of women and ethnic minorities for economic and social development; (2) market-oriented and value-added activities with the potential to reach large numbers of low income people and help them enter into the mainstream economy; (3) a strengthened participation of rural and urban poor to contribute to their country's economic development; and (4) utilization of technical assistance and training to better serve the member- owners. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide that, in meeting the goal of strengthening the participation of the rural and urban poor in their country's development through the use of development funds for technical and capital assistance in the development and use of cooperatives in less developed countries, that priority be given to: (1) technical assistance to low income farmers who form and develop member-owned cooperatives for farm supplies, marketing, and value-added processing; (2) the promotion of national credit union technical assistance that strengthens the ability of low income people and micro-entrepreneurs to save and to have access to credit for their own economic advancement; (3) the establishment of rural electric and telecommunication cooperatives for universal access for rural people and villages that lack reliable electric and telecommunications services; and (4) the promotion of community- based cooperatives which provide employment opportunities and important services such as health clinics, self-help shelter, environmental improvements, group-owned businesses, and other activities. Requires the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development to report to Congress on implementation of such goals.
Bill· HRH.R. 4687 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Provides for: (1) the identification and discipline (which may include civil money penalties and loss of annuity or retirement pay in addition to current removal authority) of members and employees of county and area agricultural committees who discriminate against other persons in administering agricultural programs; and (2) due process requirements.
Bill· HRH.R. 4675 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
USDA Accountability and Equity Act of 2000 - Title I: Improved Accountability of County and Area Committees and Their Employees - Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to increase the size of the county committees by two members who shall be: (1) appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture; and (2) demographically representative of local producers. (Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary to prescribe uniform guidelines for conducting county and area committee elections. (Sec. 103) Provides for the conversion of permanent and temporary county committee employees to Federal civil service status. Title II: Improved Program Equity - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 respecting the environmental quality incentives program to: (1) increase program funding; (2) reduce the livestock set-aside; and (3) give priority to, establish set-asides, and waive cost-share requirements for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. (Sec. 202) Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to make permanent appropriations for 1890 land grant college grants. (Sec. 203) Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to make permanent appropriations for: (1) outreach and technical assistance programs for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; and (2) Indian reservation extension education programs. (Sec. 205) Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to make permanent appropriations for farm operating and ownership loans.
Bill· HRH.R. 4688 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2000
Amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 to revise State agricultural loan mediation program provisions regarding eligibility, mediation services, and grant use. Authorizes permanent appropriations.
Bill· SS. 2728 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2000
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, upon application, to convey specified property to the Washoe County School District for the construction of an elementary school. Requires that the proceeds from such conveyance be available to the Secretary for the acquisition of environmentally sensitive land in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Law· HRH.R. 4656 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2000
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, upon application, to convey specified property to the Washoe County School District for the construction of an elementary school. Requires that the proceeds from such conveyance be available to the Secretary for the acquisition of environmentally sensitive land in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Bill· HRH.R. 4668 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2000
Puerto Rico Land and Water Conservation Act of 2000 - Establishes the Karst Resource Protection Area in Puerto Rico. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to administer a cooperative program of land conservation and protection, research, and public use within the Area. Declares that federally-owned lands within the Area shall be subject to this Act and the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the National Forest System. Establishes the Puerto Rico Land Conservation Fund which shall be used for the protection of the Area and other National Forest and National Wildlife Refuge units in Puerto Rico. Allocates certain amounts from the Treasury to the Fund. Establishes, as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the Rio Encantado National Wildlife Refuge in the municipalities of Ciales, Manati, Florida, and Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Requires the acquisition of sufficient lands within the Refuge to enable management in furtherance of fish and wildlife conservation, particularly the reintroduction of the endangered Puerto Rican parrot. Provides for the study of certain named rivers in Puerto Rico for possible addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4652 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2000
Quality Cheese Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration from: (1) using Federal funds to amend specified regulations to include dry ultra-filtered milk or casein in the definition of "milk" or "nonfat milk" as specified in the domestic natural standards for cheese and cheese products; and (2) amending such regulations and definitions to include wet ultra-filtered milk until 60 days after submission of the study required by this Act. Directs the Commissioner, in conjunction with the Secretary of Agriculture, to study the impact of wet ultra-filtered milk's use on dairy farmers.
Bill· HRH.R. 4648 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2000
Congressional Hunger Fellows Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to award a grant to the Congressional Hunger Center to enable it to establish Bill Emerson and Mickey Leland Hunger Fellowships to address hunger and other humanitarian needs in the United States and internationally, respectively. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4627 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2000
Food Biotechnology Information Initiative Act - Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a public information program regarding the use of biotechnology to produce food for human consumption (which shall be carried out as a component of the Food Safety Initiative of the President). Obligates specified funds for the program. Revises the purposes and types of research under the biotechnology risk assessment grant program, including the use of biotechnology in food production.
Bill· SS. 2709 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2000
Trade Injury Compensation Act of 2000 - Establishes in the Treasury the Beef Industry Compensation Trust Fund. Appropriates and transfers to the Fund (estimated) amounts equal to the amount received as a result of the imposition of additional duties on the products of a U.S. beef retaliation list. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants to a nationally recognized beef promotion and research board to assist U.S. beef producers: (1) improve U.S. beef quality; and (2) promote and develop overseas markets. Terminates the Fund when: (1) the European Union complies with the World Trade Organization ruling allowing U.S. producers access to the European market; and (2) additional duties are no longer imposed on products listed on the beef retaliation list.
Bill· SS. 2707 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2000
Backcountry Landing Strip Access Act - Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from taking any action which would permanently close or render or declare as unserviceable any aircraft landing strip located on Federal land under the administrative jurisdiction of either Secretary unless: (1) the head of the aviation department of each State in which the aircraft landing strip is located has approved the action; and (2) certain notice and comment requirements have been met. Requires the Secretaries to adopt a nationwide policy, meeting specified requirements, for governing backcountry aviation issues related to the management of Federal land under their jurisdiction of those Secretaries, and require regional managers to adhere to it. Prescribes requirements for maintenance of such landing strips.
Bill· SS. 2706 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2000
National Dairy Farmers Fairness Act of 2000 - Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make FY 2001 and 2002 payments (based upon a sliding scale) to qualifying producers of Class III milk. Caps annual payments to a producer at 26,000 hundredweight of all milk.
Bill· HRH.R. 4604 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2000
Consumer Freedom Protection Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem a dietary supplement to be misbranded if a claim is made in the labeling which characterizes the level of any nutrient or characterizes the relationship of any nutrient to a health-related condition. Includes under the latter claim claims to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease or health-related condition. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, within 100 days of receiving such a claim, to promulgate regulations authorizing such claims in a form that accurately reflects the degree of scientific evidence supporting the claim, unless the Secretary determines that no scientific evidence supports such claim and that the claim is inherently misleading. Allows judicial review of claims denied by the Secretary. Allows on such labeling statements made by a scientific body of the U.S. Government about the relationship between a nutrient and a health-related condition. Prohibits the Secretary from denying claims based on such statements. Approves the health claims references in the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in Pearson v. Shalala. Directs the Secretary to publish a notice granting each of such claims with the following disclaimer: "The Food and Drug Administration has determined that the evidence supporting this claim is inconclusive." Makes null and void: (1) the interim final rules concerning health claims based on the authoritative statement published in the Federal Register of June 22, 1998; and (2) all orders issued by the FDA after April 20, 1999, and before this Act, that have denied health claims. Requires reevaluation of claims included under such orders.
Bill· SS. 2692 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2000
Imported Products Safety Improvement and Disease Prevention Act of 2000 - Title I: Improvements to the Product Safety Import System - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) to require any product imported into the United States to be prepared, packaged, and held under a system or conditions, or subject to measures, that meet safety requirements of the Act or that have been determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to be the equivalent to such a system and to achieve the level of public health protection required for products prepared in the United States. Requires the Secretary to develop a system to deny the entry of any product not covered by such a system. Prohibits the distribution of any imported product which has not been authorized by the Secretary. Requires the secure storage or destruction of certain imported products. Prohibits: (1) port shopping of products which have been refused admission; and (2) imports by debarred persons. Title II: Enforcement and Penalties for Importing Contaminated Products - Provides for the enforcement of penalties for the importing of contaminated products, including: (1) increased bonding requirements for prior offenders; and (2) the debarment of repeat and serious offenders. Title III: Improvements to Public Health Infrastructure and Awareness - Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make grants and provide technical assistance to eligible agencies to carry out activities relating to surveillance and prevention of pathogen- related disease borne in a covered product; and (2) conduct pathogen detection research and development, training, education, and public information.
Bill· HRH.R. 4580 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 June 2000
Amends Federal law to reestablish and add acreage to the Bull Run Watershed Management Unit in Oregon. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture or the Interior, as applicable, to prohibit the cutting of trees on Federal land in the entire unit.
Law· HRH.R. 4578 (106th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2000
Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes appropriations for the Department of the Interior and related agencies for FY 2001. Title I: Department of the Interior - Makes appropriations for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for: (1) land and resource management; (2) wildland fire management; (3) remedial action of hazardous waste substances; (4) construction; (5) payments in lieu of taxes to local governments; (6) land acquisition; (7) Oregon and California grant lands; (8) range improvements; (9) service charges, deposits, and forfeitures with respect to public lands; and (10) miscellaneous trust funds. Appropriates funds for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for: (1) resource management; (2) construction; (3) land acquisition; (4) expenses related to carrying out the Endangered Species Act of 1973; (5) the National Wildlife Refuge Fund; (6) expenses related to carrying out the North American Wetlands Conservation Act; (7) the Wildlife Conservation and Appreciation Fund; and (8) expenses related to carrying out the African Elephant Conservation Act, the Asian Elephant Conservation Act of 1997, and the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994. Makes appropriations for the National Park Service (NPS) for: (1) the National Park System; (2) national recreation and preservation activities; (3) expenses related to carrying out the Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996; (4) construction; and (5) land acquisition and State assistance from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Rescinds specified contract authority to obligate funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for FY 2001. Makes appropriations for: (1) the U.S. Geological Survey for surveys, investigations, and research; (2) the Minerals Management Service for royalty and offshore minerals management and oil spill research; (3) the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement for regulation and technology and the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund; (4) the Bureau of Indian Affairs for operation of Indian programs, construction, Indian land and water claim settlements and miscellaneous payments to Indians, and Indian guaranteed loans; (5) assistance to U.S. territories and for carrying out the Compacts of Free Association with respect to Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau; (6) departmental management and the Offices of the Solicitor and the Inspector General; (7) trust programs for Indians; (8) a program for consolidation of fractional interests in Indian lands by direct expenditure or cooperative agreement; and (9) natural resource damage assessment. Sets forth authorized and prohibited uses of specified funds. (Sec. 107) Prohibits the use of funds provided in this title for specified offshore leasing and related activities. (Sec. 112) Bars the NPS from developing a reduced entrance fee program to accommodate non-local travel through a unit. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide for and regulate local non-recreational passage through National Park System units, allowing each unit to develop guidelines and permits for activity appropriate to such unit. (Sec. 116) Requires the renewal of grazing permits and leases which expire or are transferred until the Secretary completes processing, at which time a permit or lease may be canceled, suspended, or modified to meet requirements of applicable laws and regulations. (Sec. 117) Provides that for purposes of reducing the backlog of Indian probate cases in the Department of the Interior, certain hearing requirements under provisions regarding descent and distribution of Indian lands are deemed satisfied by a proceeding conducted by an Indian probate judge appointed by the Secretary without regard to provisions governing competitive service appointments. (Sec. 118) Allows the Secretary to redistribute any Tribal Priority Allocation funds to alleviate tribal funding inequities by transferring funds to address identified, unmet needs, dual enrollment, overlapping service areas, or inaccurate distribution methodologies. Bars any tribe from receiving a reduction in such funds of more than ten percent in FY 2001. Makes such percentage limitation inapplicable under circumstances of dual enrollment, overlapping service areas, or inaccurate distribution methodologies. (Sec. 119) Prohibits the use of funds in this Act to establish a new National Wildlife Refuge in the Kankakee River basin that is inconsistent with Army Corps of Engineers' efforts to control flooding and siltation in that area. Requires written certification of such consistency to be submitted to specified congressional committees prior to refuge establishment. (Sec. 120) Names the Great Marsh Trail at the Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia the Joseph V. Gartlan, Jr. Great Marsh Trail. (Sec. 122) Bars the use of funds in this Act by the Fish and Wildlife Service to establish a National Wildlife Refuge in the Yolo Bypass of California. Title II: Related Agencies - Makes appropriations for the Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service for: (1) forest and rangeland research; (2) State and private forestry; (3) the National Forest System; (4) wildland fire management; (5) capital improvement and maintenance; (6) land acquisition; and (7) range rehabilitation and improvement. Defers a certain amount of funds made available for obligation in prior years for Department of Energy (DOE) clean coal technology projects until FY 2002. Makes appropriations for DOE for: (1) energy conservation and fossil energy research and development activities; (2) naval petroleum and oil shale reserve activities; (3) payment to the State of California for the State Teachers' Retirement Fund from the Elk Hills School Lands Fund; (4) economic regulation activities of the Office of Hearings and Appeals; (5) the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; and (6) the Energy Information Administration. Rescinds a specified amount for alternative fuels production. Makes appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services for the Indian Health Service and Indian health facilities. Makes appropriations for: (1) the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation; (2) the Smithsonian Institution, including amounts for repair and restoration of facilities owned or occupied by the Smithsonian; (3) the National Gallery of Art, including an amount for repair and restoration of facilities owned or occupied by the National Gallery; (4) operations, maintenance, and construction expenses of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; (5) carrying out the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Act of 1968; (6) the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA); (7) the National Endowment for the Humanities; (8) the Institute of Museum and Library Services; (9) the Commission of Fine Arts; (10) national capital arts and cultural affairs; (11) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; (12) the National Capital Planning Commission; (13) the Holocaust Memorial Council; and (14) the Presidio trust. Sets forth provisions regarding uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth limitations on the use of funds under this Act, including Buy American requirements. (Sec. 308) Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for: (1) planning or offering timber from giant sequoias on BLM or Forest System lands for sale in a manner different than such sales were conducted in FY 2000; (2) entering into a concession contract (by the NPS) which provides for the removal of the underground lunchroom at Carlsbad Caverns National Park; (3) the AmeriCorps program unless the relevant agencies of the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture follow appropriate reprogramming guidelines; (4) demolishing the bridge between Jersey City, New Jersey, and Ellis Island or preventing pedestrian use of such bridge; and (5) accepting or processing applications for a patent for mining or mill site claims located under the general mining laws, unless the Secretary of the Interior takes specified actions. (Sec. 314) Authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to limit competition for watershed restoration project contracts as part of the President's Forest Plan for the Pacific Northwest to individuals and entities in timber-dependent areas in Washington, Oregon, northern California, and Alaska that have been affected by reduced timber harvesting on Federal lands. (Sec. 317) Bars the use of funds made available in any Act to designate any portion of Canaveral National Seashore in Brevard County, Florida, as a clothing-optional area or area in which public nudity is permitted if such designation would be contrary to county ordinance. (Sec. 318) Requires the Chairperson of the NEA to: (1) award grants only for literature, National Heritage, or American Jazz Masters fellowships; and (2) establish procedures to ensure that no funding provided through a grant, except one made to a State or local arts agency or regional group, may be used to make a grant to any other individual or organization to conduct activities independent of the grant recipient. Prohibits NEA grants from being used for seasonal support to a group unless the application is specific to the contents of the season. (Sec. 320) Requires the Chairperson of the NEA to establish a grant category for programs that are of national impact or availability or are able to tour several States. Prohibits the Chairperson from making grants exceeding 15 percent, in the aggregate, of NEA funds appropriated by this Act, to any single State, excluding grants made under this section. (Sec. 329) Sets forth requirements for the sale of timber in Region 10 of the Forest Service, including those regarding the volume of western red cedar timber available for processors. (Sec. 330) Prohibits the use of funds appropriated by this Act to propose or issue rules or orders for implementing the Kyoto Protocol. (Sec. 332) Authorizes the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to pilot test joint permitting and leasing programs, subject to annual congressional review, and promulgate special rules to test the feasibility of issuing unified permits, applications, and leases. (Sec. 333) Allows the Secretary of Agriculture to permit the Colorado State Forest Service to perform watershed restoration and protection services on National Forest System lands when similar and complementary watershed restoration and protection services are being performed by the State Forest Service on adjacent State or private lands. (Sec. 335) Prohibits the expenditure of funds provided in this Act, for agencies funded by this Act, for design, planning, or management of Federal lands as national monuments that are designated as national monuments under the 1906 Antiquities Act after 1999. Title IV: Fiscal Year 2000 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations - Makes additional FY 2000 appropriations for the BLM and the Forest Service for wildland fire management as emergency spending.
Bill· SS. 2630 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2000
Quality Cheese Act of 2000 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration from: (1) using Federal funds to amend specified regulations to include dry ultra-filtered milk or casein in the definition of "milk" or "nonfat milk" as specified in the domestic natural standards for cheese and cheese products; and (2) amending such regulations and definitions to include wet ultra-filtered milk until 60 days after submission of the study required by this Act. Directs the Commissioner, in conjunction with the Secretary of Agriculture, to study the impact of wet ultra-filtered milk's use on dairy farmers.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 314 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2000
Extends support to the majority of the citizens of the Republic of Zimbabwe who are committed to peace, economic prosperity, and an open, transparent parliamentary election process. Urges the Government of Zimbabwe to enforce the rule of law and fulfill its responsibility to protect the political and civil rights of all citizens. Expresses support for international efforts to assist with land reform which are consistent with accepted principles of international law and which take place after the holding of free and fair parliamentary elections. Condemns government- directed violence against farm workers, farmers, and opposition party members. Encourages the local media, civil society, and all political parties to work together toward a campaign environment conducive to free, transparent and fair elections within the legally prescribed period. Calls for: (1) international support for voter education, domestic and international election monitoring, and violence monitoring activities; ; and (2) the United States to continue to monitor violence and condemn brutality against law abiding citizens. Congratulates all the democratic reform activists in Zimbabwe for their resolve to bring about political change peacefully, even in the face of violence and intimidation. Expresses desire for a lasting, warm, and mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and a democratic, peaceful Zimbabwe.
Bill· HRH.R. 4548 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2000
Agricultural Opportunities Act - Title I: Agricultural Worker Registries - Directs the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to establish a database system of U.S. worker and eligible alien agricultural worker registries to provide temporary and seasonal agricultural job opportunity and referral information. States that such registries may be established as part of the "America's Job Bank" and "America's Talent Bank" databases. Bases registry coverage on job opportunities in a single State, except for the New England States which may be represented by a single registry. Requires prospective employers of H-2C visa agricultural workers to first apply for registry workers before a petition to import H-2C workers may be approved. Sets forth individual registrant requirements. States that an agricultural worker may apply for registry inclusion in the State of his or her residency. Grants referral preference to U.S. workers. Directs the Attorney General to establish an employment eligibility verification system. Title II: H-2C Program - Sets forth registry application requirements for H-2C employers and employer associations, including assurances: (1) that the job opportunity is not the result of a labor dispute, and is temporary or seasonal; (2) respecting required wages and benefits, and compliance with labor laws; (3) respecting advertising in the registry and other labor market sources, and contact of former employees; and (4) respecting provision of workers compensation. Provides that: (1) the Secretary, upon application approval, shall complete a registry search and notify an employer of available registered workers within seven days of the beginning work date; (2) if insufficient workers are available, the Secretary shall so notify an employer, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of State; (3) an employer shall pay a user fee for each admitted alien worker; (4) an employer may apply directly to the Secretary of State for alien worker admissions if such worker referral has not been received within the seven-day period; and (5) an employer may file a request for redetermination of need. (Sec. 204) Sets forth employment requirements with respect to: (1) wages; (2) housing; (3) transportation reimbursement; and (4) obligation to employ U.S. workers. (Sec. 205) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish an alternative agricultural temporary worker program (H-2C visa) for admission of aliens who are outside the United States. Sets forth program provisions. States that nothing in this title shall preclude the Secretary and the Attorney General from continuing to apply special procedures to alien employment in the range production of livestock. Directs the Attorney General to establish an H-2C departure verification program. . Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Directs the Secretary to establish a process to receive and enforce complaints against employers by aggrieved persons or third party organizations (including bargaining representatives). Sets forth related provisions respecting: (1) expedited investigation of housing, wage, and child labor violations; (2) written notice of findings and opportunity for appeal; (3) ability of alien workers to change employers; and (4) remedies. Establishes the Commission on Housing Migrant Agricultural Workers which shall study the problem of in-season housing for migrant agricultural workers. Directs the Secretaries of Labor, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services to conduct a study of migrant worker child care, including the relationship between such child care and child labor violations in agriculture. Directs the Secretaries of Labor and Agriculture to conduct a study of agricultural field sanitation conditions. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of persistent and serious agricultural labor standards violations. (Sec. 302) Authorizes and requests the Attorney General to establish bilateral commissions between the United States and each country having specified numbers of H-2C workers in the United States. (Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary to establish registry user and alien employment user fee schedules and related collection processes. (Sec. 305) States that additional funds for agricultural worker registry startup costs may be taken from amounts available to Federal or State entities under the Wagner-Peyser Act. (Sec. 308) Sets forth the termination date for the this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4572 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2000
Declares that, by one year after enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall no longer administer the National Forest System using the organizational structure of Forest Service regions. Directs the Secretary, by that time, to eliminate the ten existing regional offices of the Forest Service and replace them with State offices. Directs the Secretary to establish a State office of the Forest Service in each State containing any portion of the National Forest System. Authorizes establishment of a Forest Service office to serve more than one State, or consolidate separate offices previously established, if: (1) the total acreage of System lands in a particular State does not justify a separate Forest Service office for that State; and (2) the System lands in that State can be readily managed through a Forest Service office in another State. Authorizes the Secretary to establish up to six technical support centers, which must be at the same location as a State office.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 513 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2000
Sets forth the rule (open) for the consideration of H.R. 4461 (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies program appropriations).
Bill· HRH.R. 4535 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2000
Safe and Fair Farm Aid Bill - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to exclude from "debt forgiveness": (1) loan rescheduling, consolidation, deferral, or reamortization; (2) a write- down due to natural disaster or family medical condition; or (3) a write-down as part of the resolution of a discrimination complaint against the Secretary of Agriculture. (Sec. 3) Increases the number of permitted loan or loan guarantee debt forgivenesses per borrower from one to two. Includes as an exception to such limitation an operating loan or loan guarantee to an individual whose payments are current under a specified reorganization plan. (Sec. 4) Eliminates capital item replacement expenses in determinations of farmer program loan guarantee eligibility. (Sec. 5) Permits excess funds obligated for socially disadvantaged farmers to be reallocated for such use in another State (currently limited to intrastate reallocation). (Sec. 6) Permits direct operating loans and loan guarantees to be made to persons in areas: (1) affected by a natural disaster or designated emergency; or (2) determined to be suffering from an economic emergency. (Sec. 7) Revises (shared appreciation arrangement) recapture percentage provisions.
Bill· SS. 2605 (106th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2000
Commercial Fishermen Safety and Tax Fairness Act of 2000 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend commercial fishermen the same income averaging provisions currently allowed to farmers. Allows commercial fishermen a fishing safety equipment credit.
Bill· HRH.R. 4523 (106th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 May 2000
Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to provide an alternative loan deficiency payment computation permitting producers to lock in a rate of up to 85 percent of the loan commodity (yield) from the date that the Secretary of Agriculture determines that a fall- or spring-planted commodity is beginning to be harvested until producers begin harvesting such commodity.