Agriculture

Round II EZ/EC Flexibility Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2001

Round II EZ/EC Flexibility Act of 2001 - Authorizes appropriations to: (1) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for specified urban empowerment zones; and (2) the Secretary of Agriculture for specified rural empowerment zones and rural enterprise communities. Permits: (1) use of such funds for zone or community strategic plan implementation; and (2) use of Federal funds to pay matching fund requirements. States that an empowerment zone or enterprise community shall not loses Federal funding because of reclassification as a renewal community.

Helping Out to Rescue and Save Equines Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2001

Helping Out to Rescue and Save Equines Act - Prohibits the interstate transport of horses (other than downed animals) for the purpose of slaughter or horse flesh for human consumption. Sets forth related inspection, confiscation, and penalty provisions, including rescue facility grants.

Food Freshness Disclosure Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2001

Food Freshness Disclosure Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide that a food shall be deemed to be misbranded unless its label bears information on freshness. Requires the label to state a date upon which the food will no longer be fresh (i.e., contain the quantity of nutrients specified on the label and otherwise be not adulterated and of acceptable quality). Requires such date to be preceded by "best if used by," and requires such label to be conspicuously located, easy to read, and in a type size no smaller than eight point. Directs that the freshness date be on the containers of any food sent to the seller of such food to consumers. Makes this Act inapplicable to any food that is exempt from nutrition labeling requirements.

Tobacco Export Marketing Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2001

Tobacco Export Marketing Enhancement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to exercise certain authorities (relating to the market access program and the foreign market development cooperation program) under the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to provide assistance for the development, maintenance, and expansion of foreign markets for U.S. tobacco and tobacco products.

Trade Adjustment Assistance For Workers, Farmers, Fishermen, Communities, and Firms Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2001

Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers, Farmers, Communities, and Firms Act of 2001 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to revise requirements with respect to: (1) agreements between the United States and States for the provision of certain services for workers adversely affected by import competition; (2) certification of eligibility of a group of adversely affected workers for trade adjustment assistance; (3) payment of, and certain limitations on, trade adjustment allowances to such workers; (4) training programs for such workers; and (5) the maximum amount of job search and relocation allowances payable to an adversely affected worker. Provides for the eligibility certification of adversely affected secondary workers for trade adjustment assistance. Defines "adversely affected secondary worker" as a worker who is employed at a downstream producer (a firm that performs additional, value-added production processes to articles produced by another firm) or a supplier (a firm that produces component parts for the production process for articles). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a 50 percent refundable tax credit for COBRA continuation coverage premiums. Reauthorizes the trade adjustment assistance program for firms adversely affected by import competition. Revises program eligibility requirements. Reestablishes trade adjustment assistance for communities adversely affected by import competition. Authorizes: (1) such communities, because of import competition, to develop strategic plans for economic adjustment and diversification; and (2) the award of grants to carry out economic development projects under such plans. Authorizes a group of agricultural commodity producers to petition the Secretary of Agriculture for a certification of eligibility to apply for trade adjustment assistance. Sets forth certain eligibility requirements for the payment of such assistance to agricultural commodity producers adversely affected by import competition.

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2001

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002 - Makes FY 2002 appropriations for the: (1) Department of Agriculture; (2) Food and Drug Administration; (3) Commodity Futures Trading Commission; and; (4) Farm Credit Administration. Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

To require the payment of an indemnity to sugar beet producers in the State of Minnesota for losses sustained to the 2000 crop of sugar beets as a result of a late season freeze when the damage to the sugar beets did not fully manifest itself until after delivery of the crop to the processor.

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2001

Provides for Federal crop insurance payments to be made to certain Minnesota sugar beet producers who suffered late season freeze damage to their 2000 crop. Directs the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to enter into a contract to review sugar beet policy in order to ensure late season freeze coverage.

American Farmland Stewardship Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2001

American Farmland Stewardship Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Farmland Stewardship Program to target existing conservation programs to the specific needs of individual parcels of eligible agricultural lands through stewardship agreements with the owners and operators of such lands, and in partnership with other Federal, State, and local agencies whose programs are incorporated into the Program.

To provide for the establishment of regional plant genome and gene expression research and development centers.

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2001

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants for the establishment of regional plant genome and gene expression research and development centers to: (1) develop capabilities in basic plant genome research; (2) extend basic plant genomics research through plant breeding programs and accelerate its application to development and testing of new varieties of enhanced food crops and crops that can be used as alternative energy sources; (3) develop alternative uses of agricultural crops; and (4) serve as centers for scientific and safety information on plant genomics.

Plant Pathogen Genome Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2001

Plant Pathogen Genome Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a joint research program within the Agricultural Research Service and the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service's National Research Initiative Grants Program to: (1) sequence the genomes of plant pathogens that have a significant agricultural, environmental, or health impact; (2) determine the function of individual genes and associated metabolic pathways for such sequenced plant pathogens; (3) enhance bioinformation capabilities in plant pathogen genomics; and (4) ensure that the information developed is accessible to the broader scientific, agricultural, and industrial communities.

Emergency Commodity Distribution Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2001

Emergency Commodity Distribution Act of 2001 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to revise requirements relating to the level of commodity purchases under the school lunch program. Requires a specified portion of such program assistance to be in the form of commodity assistance. Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from using commodities provided under the authority of any other Act to meet such program requirement for the school year.

Nuclear Disarmament and Economic Conversion Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2001

Nuclear Disarmament and Economic Conversion Act of 2001 - Requires the U.S. Government to: (1) disable and dismantle all its nuclear weapons and refrain from replacing them at any time with weapons of mass destruction; (2) undertake vigorous good faith efforts to eliminate war, armed conflict, and all military operations; (3) actively promote policies to induce all other countries to join in these commitments for world peace and security; and (4) redirect resources that are currently being used for nuclear weapons programs to constructive, ecologically beneficial peacetime activities and to address human and infrastructure needs such as housing, health care, education, agriculture, and environmental protection. Makes this Act effective when the President certifies to Congress that all foreign countries possessing nuclear weapons have established legal requirements comparable to those set forth in this Act.

Conservation Investment Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2001

Conservation Investment Act of 2001 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to increase maximum acreage amounts for the conservation reserve program and the wetlands reserve program. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a grassland reserve program for land that is or has historically been natural grass or shrubland and has significant potential for animal or plant restoration. Sets forth provisions respecting landowner easement payments and permitted and prohibited practices. Extends funding (increases FY 2002 amounts) for the environmental quality incentives program. Revises contract term provisions. Repeals payment limitation provisions. Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to: (1) extend funding (increases FY 2002 amounts) for the wildlife habitat incentives program; and (2) provide annual amounts through FY 2011 for the farmland protection program. Amends the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act to increase and extend funding for rehabilitation of water resource structural measures near or past their expected life expectancy.

To amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require retailers of farm-raised fish inform consumers, at the final point of sale to consumers, of the country of origin of the commodities.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2001

Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to: (1) require retailers of farm-raised fish to inform consumers, by means of a clear and visible label, sign, or placard at the final point of sale, of the country of origin of a covered commodity (whole farm-raised fish, and filets, steaks, nuggets, and any other flesh from such fish); (2) permit a retailer of such commodity to designate it as having a United States country of origin only if the commodity is exclusively from a farm-raised fish that is born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States; and (3) require any person engaged in supplying such commodity to retailers to provide retailers with country of origin information. Exempts food service establishments (restaurants, bars, food stands, and etc.) selling to the public from such requirement.

Grassland Reserve Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2001

Grassland Reserve Act - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a grassland reserve program for land that is or has historically been natural grass or shrubland and has significant potential for animal or plant restoration. Sets forth provisions respecting landowner easement payments and permitted and prohibited practices.

A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain land to Lander County, Nevada, and the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain land to Eureka County, Nevada, for continued use as cemeteries.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2001

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain land to Lander County, Nevada, and the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain land to Eureka County, Nevada, for continued cemetery use.

Dairy Promotion Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001

Dairy Promotion Fairness Act - Amends the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 to define "imported dairy product" and "importer" for purposes of the dairy promotion program. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint up to two qualifying dairy importers to the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. Requires dairy importers to contribute to the dairy promotion program. Makes both importers and producers (currently, limited to producers) eligible to vote in referendums.

Outfitter Policy Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001

Outfitter Policy Act of 2001 - Prohibits unauthorized outfitters from conducting commercial outfitted activities on Federal land. Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to establish criteria for granting outfitter permits. Sets forth procedures for granting permits and describes permit requirements Requires fees for outfitter authorizations. Requires authorized outfitters to defend and indemnify the United States for costs or expenses associated with injury, death, or damage to any person or property caused by negligence or wanton disregard for persons or property arising out of an outfitter's activities. Requires outfitter permits to include a principal allocation of outfitter use and authorizes temporary permits to include such allocation. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust an allocation of use. Permits temporary allocations of use for up to two years and the renewal, transfer, or extension of such allocations. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a process for annual evaluation of the performance of authorized outfitters; and (2) renew an authorization at the outfitter's request, under appropriate conditions. Makes outfitter permits transferable to qualified transferees under specified conditions. Sets forth recordkeeping requirements for authorized outfitters. Requires the Secretary to: (1) grant authorized outfitters full access to administrative remedies; and (2) establish an expedited procedure for consideration of appeals. Entitles outfitters that hold existing permits, contracts, or other authorizations to issuance of permits under this Act if their recent performance was determined good, satisfactory, or acceptable, or the equivalent.

Rural America Job Assistance and Creation Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001

Rural America Job Assistance and Creation Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make matching grants to regional consortia meeting specified criteria to improve the job skills necessary for employment in specific industries. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide financial assistance, through grants, for the establishment and support of entities that provide business incubator services (necessary for the initiation and initial sustainment of operations of a newly established business, including legal, intellectual property, and technology services and planning) for small- and medium-sized businesses. Directs the Comptroller General to study how rural infrastructure, venture capital, and Federal programs can enhance rural areas. Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act to require employer notification of Federal and State elected officials (as well as local ones) prior to dislocation of workers. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require submission of H-1B labor condition applications at same time as H-1B nonimmigrant classification petitions. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish a National Rural Development Partnership, to be composed of a National Rural Development Council and State rural development councils. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude certain amounts of severance payments from gross income; and (2) expand the work opportunity tax credit to include qualified small business employees. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make a grant to the William C. Merwin Rural Services Institute of the State University of New York at Potsdam, New York, to establish and operate a Northern New York Travel and Tourism Research Center.

Agricultural Producers Marketing Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001

Agricultural Producers Marketing Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants and provide assistance to carry out a demonstration program under which agricultural producers are provided: (1) technical assistance, including engineering services, applied research, scale production, and similar services to enable the producers to establish businesses for further processing of agricultural products; (2) marketing, market development, and business planning; (3) overall organizational, outreach, and development assistance to increase the viability, growth, and sustainability of value-added agricultural businesses. Establishes a limited value-added agricultural property investment credit for farmers.

Working Lands Stewardship Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2001

Working Lands Stewardship Act of 2001 - Amends specified agricultural Acts to: (1) revise and increase funding for the farmland protection program; (2) provide market development grants and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers who forgo development of certain lands; (3) expand State marketing programs, including set-asides for development of local and regional markets and research; (4) increase funding for farmer-to-consumer marketing assistance; (5) provide for a program to promote the purchase of locally grown produce; (6) increase funding for programs for socially disadvantaged farmers; (7) extend and increase funding for the environmental quality incentives program, including set-asides for livestock, pesticide reduction, and water conservation; (8) provide watershed quality incentive contracts; (9) provide loans for manure reuse activities and facilities; (10) extend and increase funding for the wildlife habitat incentives program, including set-asides for imperiled native species, and acquisition of easements and water rights; (11) extend and increase acreage for the wetlands reserve program; (12) establish a wetlands reserve enhancement program; (13) extend and increase funding for the conservation reserve program, including an acreage set-aside for environmentally-sensitive lands and buffer strips, and enrollment of grasslands and rangelands; (14) authorize incentive payments for private grazing land conservation; (15) establish a grassland reserve program; (16) expand the National Organic Program to include organic farming transition assistance; (17) establish an organic certification reimbursement program; (18) extend and increase funding for the forest stewardship program, including set-asides for new land management practices, and watershed forestry initiative activities; (19) authorize appropriations for urban and community forestry activities; (20) provide funding for specified conservation technical assistance and administration and outreach, including establishment of training centers in specified cities; and (21) establish a demonstration program to promote ecosystem- and watershed-based conservation.

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

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2001

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the waiver requirement by a farm owner, operator, or tenant in order for an aerial applicator of agricultural fertilizer or other substances to qualify for a gasoline-farming use (excise) tax exemption in the case of an applicator who is the ultimate purchaser of the gasoline so used. Includes within such exemption: (1) gasoline used between the airfield and farm; and (2) aviation fuel. Exempts fixed-wing aerial applicators of fertilizer or other substances for forestry use from the passenger air transportation (excise) tax.

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2001

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002 - Makes FY 2002 appropriations for the: (1) Department of Agriculture; (2) Food and Drug Administration; (3) Commodity Futures Trading Commission; and; (4) Farm Credit Administration. Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

Biotechnology and Agriculture in the Developing World Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2001

Biotechnology and Agriculture in the Developing World Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Foreign Agricultural Service, to establish a grant program with specified entities for agricultural biotechnology research and development for the developing world. Includes among fund uses projects aimed at improvements in nutrition, economics, and health.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to dedicate revenues from recent tobacco tax increases for use in buying out tobacco quota.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2001

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the U.S. Treasury the Tobacco Farmer Trust Fund. Appropriates to such Fund amounts equivalent to the taxes received under chapter 52 (relating to cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, and cigarette papers and tubes) to the extent such amounts exceed the amounts that would have been received under the rates of tax that applied for 1999. Makes amounts available from the Fund to carry out a program established by the Secretary of Agriculture to buyout tobacco quota and to study the future of growing tobacco in the United States. Expresses the sense of Congress that there should be an advisory committee to advise the Secretary of Agriculture as to how the Federal Government plans to address tobacco growing in the future and how the future can be more predictable and stable for tobacco growing.

Tax Empowerment and Relief for Farmers and Fishermen (TERFF) Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2001

Tax Empowerment and Relief for Farmers and Fishermen (TERFF) Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an eligible commercial farmer or commercial fisherman a deduction (up to 20 percent of taxable income attributable to such business) for the amount paid in cash into a Farm, Fishing, and Ranch Risk Management Account. Amends the Code and title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to exclude net earnings from a lease agreement (currently, an arrangement) from income with respect to farmland. Treats conservation reserve program payments as real estate rentals for self-employment earnings purposes. Exempt certain small issue agriculture bonds from the State volume cap. Sets forth a rule for determining the allowable deduction for a charitable contribution of food inventory. Extends income averaging to income from the trade or business of catching, taking, or harvesting fish intended to enter commerce through sale, barter, or trade. Disregards income averaging for farmers and commercial fishermen in computing the regular alternative minimum tax. Declares, with respect to the treatment of S corporations and to the tax exemption for farmers' cooperatives, that cooperative marketing includes the value-added processing of the products of cooperative members and other producers through animals that is by: (1) feeding such products to cattle, hogs, fish, chickens, or other animals; and then (2) selling the resulting animals or animal products. Authorizes a U.S. district court to issue a declaratory judgment relating to the initial or continuing qualification of a farmers' cooperative as tax-exempt. Provides, with respect to the small ethanol producer credit, for: (1) authorizing credit allocation among a cooperative's patrons; (2) increasing the gallon capacity for eligible producers; (3) making the credit a non-passive income credit; and (4) removing the credit from the alcohol fuel credit gross income inclusion.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2330) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2002, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2001

Sets forth the rule (open) for the consideration of H.R. 2330 (FY 2002 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs appropriations).

Expressing the sense of Congress that the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1958 should be fully enforced so as to prevent needless suffering of animals.

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2001

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture should track violations and fully enforce the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1958 to ensure humane livestock slaughter and worker safety; and (2) United States policy should be that livestock handling and slaughter should be carried out only by humane methods.

Trade Promotion Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2001

Trade Promotion Act of 2001 - Sets forth the principal U.S. trade negotiating objectives (generally similar to the principal Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (OTCA) negotiating objectives) regarding trade barriers, trade in services, agriculture, foreign investment, intellectual property, electronic commerce and information technologies, worker rights, the environment, trade agreement enforcement, dispute settlement, unfair trade practices, improvement of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other multilateral trade agreements, transparency, and regulatory competition. Urges the President to ensure that trade agreements complement and reinforce specified other policy goals. Sets forth the authority of the President (generally similar to the authority under (OTCA)) to enter into trade agreements with foreign countries regarding tariff and non-tariff barriers. States that a trade agreement may be entered into (before December 31, 2005; or December 31, 2007, if trade negotiating authority is extended by Congress; or December 31, 2009, if a second extension is approved) only if it makes progress in meeting the principal trade negotiating objectives, and the President satisfies certain congressional notification and consultation requirements set forth in this Act. Applies trade agreement approval procedures (fast-track procedures) to bills implementing trade agreements only if they consist of provisions: (1) approving a trade agreement entered into under this Act and the statement of proposed implementing administrative action; (2) necessary to implement such agreement; (3) necessary for compliance with the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act); and (4) relating to certain points of order in the Senate. Prohibits implementing bills from containing any provision that changes the health, safety, labor, environmental, or essential security laws or standards of the United States. Authorizes both Houses of Congress to adopt, within 60 days of each other, a procedural disapproval resolution denying trade agreement approval procedures to any trade agreement if the President has failed or refused to notify or consult with Congress about it. Exempts from the notice and consultation requirements of this Act any tariff or non-tariff agreement (including the application of trade agreement approval procedures to such agreement) which results from negotiations commenced before enactment of this Act: (1) under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding trade in information technology products; (2) pursuant to a Uruguay Round Agreement; (3) with Chile, Singapore, Australia, or New Zealand; or (4) to achieve a free trade area of the Americas.

Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2001

Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize a group of agricultural commodity producers to petition the Secretary of Agriculture for a certification of eligibility to apply for trade adjustment assistance. Requires the Secretary to determine whether the petitioning group meets certain requirements and, if so, to issue such a certification. Requires the International Trade Commission to notify the Secretary immediately whenever it begins an investigation into whether an agricultural commodity is being imported into the United States in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause or threat of serious injury to a domestic industry producing an agricultural commodity like or directly competitive with the imported agricultural commodity. Directs the Secretary to provide agricultural commodity producers with information about trade adjustment assistance petition and application procedures, benefit allowances, training, and other employment services. Sets forth certain eligibility requirements for the payment of trade adjustment assistance to adversely affected agricultural commodity producers. Limits to $10,000 the maximum annual amount of cash benefits a producer may receive. Provides for the repayment and recovery of overpayments of trade adjustment assistance made to such producers due to fraud. Sets forth penalties for such fraud.

State Hunger Assistance in Response to Emergency Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2001

State Hunger Assistance in Response to Emergency Act of 2001 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to provide funding for food stamp informational activities by States with the greatest rate of hunger.

Ethanol and Biodiesel Promotion Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2001

Ethanol and Biodiesel Promotion Act of 2001- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit equal to 50 percent (up to $50,000) of the basis of qualified vehicle refueling and business use property placed in service during the taxable year with respect to the retail sale, or business use, of E85 ethanol (any fuel at least 85 percent of which is ethanol) and neat biodiesel (diesel fuel at least 85 percent of which is produced from a non-petroleum substance). Allows a business tax credit, determined according to a specified formula, for each gasoline gallon equivalent of E85 ethanol and neat biodiesel sold at retail by the taxpayer during such year as a fuel to propel any qualified motor vehicle. Establishes a small ethanol producer credit by allowing a tax-exempt farmers' cooperative to allocate such a credit to its patrons on the basis of the quantity or value of business done with or for them for the taxable year. Extends through December 31, 2007, the application to qualified clean-fuel vehicle refueling property for E85 ethanol of the deduction from gross income for clean-fueled vehicles and certain refueling property. Repeals the mandatory transfer into the Highway Trust Fund of amounts equivalent to the taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene and on certain vehicles.

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

United States · United States Senate · 21 June 2001

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

United States · United States Senate · 21 June 2001

Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2001

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2001

Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2001 - Makes supplemental appropriations (with some offsetting rescissions) for FY 2001 for: (1) the Department of Justice for the Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund; (2) the Department of Defense (DOD) for military personnel, operation and maintenance (including funds for repair of the U.S.S. COLE), procurement, research, development, test and evaluation, Defense Working Capital Funds, and the Defense Health Program; (3) the Department of Energy (DOE) for certain defense-related activities; (4) DOD for military construction, family housing, and base realignment and closure; (5) the Department of Agriculture (DOA) for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; (6) the Department of Commerce; (7) the Small Business Administration; (8) the District of Columbia for various programs and authorities; (9) DOD for certain activities of the Army Corps of Engineers; (10) DOE for certain energy programs; (11) the Agency for International Development for the Child Survival and Disease Programs Fund; (12) the Department of the Interior for the National Park Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs for Indian programs; (13) DOA for the Forest Service; (14) the Department of Labor for the Employment and Training Administration; (15) the Department of Health and Human Services for health resources and services, substance abuse and mental health services, and low income home energy assistance; (16) the Department of Education for education for the disadvantaged and for educational research, statistics, and improvement; (17) the Office of Compliance; (18) the Government Printing Office; (19) the Department of Transportation for the Coast Guard; (20) the Department of the Treasury for operational and perimeter security at the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Financial Management Service, and the Internal Revenue Service; (21) the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Veterans Benefits Administration; (22) the Department of Housing and Urban Development for community planning and development; and (23) the United States-China Security Review Commission.

Agriculture Competition Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2001

Agriculture Competition Enhancement Act - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture a Special Counsel for Competition Matters, to be appointed by the President subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Directs the Assistant Attorney General of the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission to notify the Secretary of Agriculture of specified (size- and market share-related) agribusiness premerger filings under the Clayton Act, and provide the Secretary with an opportunity to participate in such review. States that in addition to such antittrust review the Special Counsel shall conduct a contemporaneous review of the proposed action's marketplace effect on independent producers and family farmers, and may challenge such merger or acquisition. Authorizes the Special Counsel to request notification of a smaller merger or acquisition that may threaten market competition. Amends the Clayton Act with respect to proposed agricultural mergers or acquisitions. Sets forth: (1) unlawful practices for agricultural dealers, processors, commission merchants, or brokers; and (2) related enforcement provisions. Prohibits confidentiality clauses in livestock and poultry production contracts. Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to: (1) remove the slaughter requirement from the definitions of "poultry grower," "poultry growing arrangement," and "live poultry dealer;" and (2) extend administrative enforcement authority to live poultry dealers. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize business and industry guaranteed loans for non-rural sited, farmer-owned projects that add value to or process agricultural commodities. Establishes within the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice an Assistant Attorney General for Agricultural Antitrust Matters. Increases certain Federal Trade Commission premerger filing fees (Hart-Scott-Rodino filing fees), to be partially earmarked for agribusiness-related staff increases at the Transportation, Energy and Agriculture section of the Department of Justice.

To terminate the price support and marketing quota programs for peanuts.

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2001

Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to terminate the peanut price support program. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to terminate the peanut marketing quota program. Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from making price supports available for the 2001 and subsequent peanut crops.

Foods are not Drugs Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2001

Foods are not Drugs Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exclude food (including dietary supplements) from the definition of "drug."

A bill to extend eligibility for loan deficiency payments and payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments.

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2001

Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to provide that a producer eligible for a loan deficiency payment who loses beneficial interest in a commodity shall be eligible for a payment determined as of the date of such loss. Amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 to extend the program of payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for certain producers who permit livestock grazing on crop acreage. Includes grain sorghum in such program.

Dairy Promotion Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2001

Dairy Promotion Fairness Act - Amends the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 to define "imported dairy product" and "importer" for purposes of the dairy promotion program. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint up to two qualifying dairy importers to the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. Requires dairy importers to contribute to the dairy promotion program. Makes both importers and producers (currently, limited to producers) eligible to vote in referendums.

James R. Moseley, of Indiana, to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, vice Richard E. Rominger, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 19 June 2001

Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2001

Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002- Makes appropriations for the Department of the Interior and related agencies for FY 2002. Title I: Department of the Interior - Makes appropriations for FY 2002 to 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 to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for: (1) resource management; (2) construction; (3) land acquisition; (4) the establishment of a Landowner Incentive Program that provides assistance to private landowners for private conservation efforts; (5) the establishment of a Private Stewardship Grants Program; (5) expenses related to carrying out the Endangered Species Act of 1973; (6) the National Wildlife Refuge Fund; (7) expenses related to carrying out the North American Wetlands Conservation Act; (8) financial assistance for projects to promote the conservation of neotropical migratory birds; (9) 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; and (10) wildlife conservation grants to States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and Indian tribes. Makes appropriations for FY 2002 to the National Park Service (NPS) for: (1) the National Park System; (2) the U.S. Park Police; (3) reimbursement to the District of Columbia for benefit payments by the District to U.S. Park Police annuitants; (4) national recreation and preservation activities; (5) expenses related to carrying out the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978; (6) expenses related to carrying out the Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996; (7) construction; and (8) 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 2002. Makes appropriations for FY 2002 to: (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 (BIA) 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 of 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 in the areas of or including California, the North Atlantic, Washington and Oregon, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, the North Aleutian Basin planning area, and the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic planning areas. (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 (Secretary) 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. 115) Provides that, for purposes of reducing the backlog of Indian probate cases in the Department of the Interior, certain hearing requirements with respect to 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 requirements for competitive service appointments. (Sec. 116) 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. Prohibits any reduction in such funds of more than ten percent in FY 2002 for any tribe. (Sec. 117) 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. (Sec. 119) Requires the Secretary to ensure that the lands composing the Huron Cemetery in Kansas are used only for religious and cultural purposes compatible with their use as a cemetery and a burial ground. (Sec. 120) Bars the use of funds appropriated for the Department of the Interior by any Act to study or implement any plan to drain Lake Powell or to reduce its water level below the range required for the operation of the Glen Canyon Dam. (Sec. 122) Amends the National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998 to extend through FY 2002 the Secretary's authority to obligate expenditure of fees, before they are received, under a transportation services contract at Zion National Park. (Sec. 123) Allows the NPS to authorize, through a cooperative agreement, the Golden Gate National Parks Association to provide fee-based education, interpretive, and visitor service functions within the Crissy Field and Fort Point Areas of the Presidio. (Sec. 125) Directs the Secretary to carry out a demonstration program to provide grants to Indian tribes for half the costs of constructing tribally controlled schools. (Sec. 126) Directs the Administrator of General Services to sell specified improvements and equipment situated on the White River Oil Shale Mine in Uintah County, Utah. Title II: Related Agencies - Makes FY 2002 appropriations for the Forest Service (Department of Agriculture) for: (1) forest and rangeland research; (2) State and private forestry; (3) National Forest System; (4) wildland fire management; (5) land acquisitions, including specified National Forest areas in Utah, Nevada, and California; (6) Federal land management in Alaska; and (7) specified administrative activities. Makes appropriations for the Department of Energy for the following areas: (1) fossil energy research and development that includes acquisition of real property, plants or facilities, technological investigations and research targeting mineral substances and a Clean Coal Power Initiative; (2) engineering studies regarding development of Shannon Formation at Naval Petroleum Reserve Number3; (3) installment payments pertaining to the Elk Hills School Lands Fund; (4) implementation of energy conservation activities; (5) implementation of activities of the Office of Hearings and Appeals, and of the Energy Information Administration; (6) Strategic Petroleum Reserve; (7) Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve; and (8) specified administrative items pertaining to the General Services Administration. States that, unless specifically provided for in an appropriations Act, funds made available to the Department of Energy under this Act may not be used to: (1) finance or implement authorized price support or loan guarantee programs; or (2) issue or process procurement documents for various enterprises. Makes appropriations for FY 2002 to the Department of Health and Human Services for the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Indian health facilities. Makes appropriations for FY 2002 to: (1) the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation; and (2) the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development. Sets forth requirements for uses of, and limitations on, funds appropriated under this title. Makes appropriations in specified amounts for various purposes to: (1) the Smithsonian Institution (earmarking certain funds for the National Museum of the American Indian, the Council of American Overseas Research Centers, the National Zoological Park, and other specified programs); (2) the National Gallery of Art; (3) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; (4) the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; (5) the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities; (6) the Institute of Museum and Library Services, for Office of Museum Services grants and administration; (7) the Challenge America Arts Fund, for Challenge America Grants for arts education and public outreach activities to be administered by the NEA; (8) the Commission of Fine Arts, including expenses for National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs; (9) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; (10) the National Capital Planning Commission; (11) the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, for the Holocaust Memorial Museum; and (12) the Presidio Trust Fund. Title III: General Provisions - Sets forth limitations on the use of funds under this Act. (Sec. 306) 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 2001; (2) entering by the NPS into a concession contract which provides for the removal of the underground lunchroom at Carlsbad Caverns National Park; (3) demolishing the bridge between Jersey City, New Jersey, and Ellis Island, or preventing its use, if safe, by pedestrians; and (4) accepting or processing applications for a patent for mining or mill site claims located under the general mining laws, unless the Secretary takes specified actions. (Sec. 310) Provides that amounts appropriated to or earmarked in committee reports for the BIA and the IHS for payments to tribes and tribal organizations for contract support costs associated with self-determination or self-governance contracts, grants, compacts, or annual funding agreements are the total amounts available for FY 1994 through 2001 for such purposes, except that, for the BIA, such entities may use their tribal priority allocations for unmet indirect costs. (Sec. 311) Authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior to limit competition for watershed restoration project contracts as part of the Jobs in the Woods Program established in Region 10 of the Forest Service 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. 312) Extends the authority to collect fees under the recreational fee demonstration program through FY 2006. Makes funds available in accounts established under such program through FY 2009. (Sec. 314) 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. 315) Requires the Chairperson of the NEA to: (1) award grants to individuals 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. 317) Requires the Chairperson of the NEA to: (1) ensure that priority is given to providing services or awarding financial assistance for projects or programs that serve underserved populations; and (2) establish a grant category for programs of national impact or availability or able to tour several States. (Sec. 323) Sets forth requirements for the sale of timber in Region 10 of the Forest Service, including western red cedar timber. (Sec. 324) Requires the Forest Service to review its campground concessions policy to determine if modifications can be made to its campgrounds contracts so that such concessions are exempted from the Service Contract Act. Requires the Forest Service to offer concession prospectuses under the regulatory exemption in FY 2002. (Sec. 326) Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to limit competition for fire and fuel treatment and watershed restoration contracts in the Giant Sequoia National Monument and the Sequoia National Forest. Gives employment preference to dislocated and displaced workers in Tulare, Kern, and Fresno Counties, California, for work associated with the establishment of the Giant Sequoia National Monument. (Sec. 327) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to complete revisions to all land and resource management plans as expeditiously as practicable. (Sec. 328) Provides that, until the end of FY 2003, the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into a cooperative agreement for the facilitation of the administration of Forest Service programs and activities includes the use of that legal instrument when the principal purpose of the resulting relationship is to the benefit of the Forest Service and the other party or parties to the agreement, including nonprofit entities. (Sec. 329) Provides for a pilot program through FY 2005 under which the Secretary of Agriculture may by sale or exchange make up to ten conveyances of excess buildings and other structures on National Forest System lands. Requires the concurrence of the congressional appropriation committees in advance of each such conveyance. Requires sales proceeds to be retained for maintenance and rehabilitation within the Region in which the building or structure is located. (Sec. 330) Amends the Land Between the Lakes Protection Act of 1998 to extend procurement authority with respect to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area through FY 2004. (Sec. 331) Amends the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to extend through FY 2005 the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to use Forest Service funding for entering into cooperative watershed restoration and enhancement agreements with public and private entities.

Crop Year 2001 Agricultural Economic Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2001

Crop Year 2001 Agricultural Economic Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide a market loss assistance payment to farm owners and producers who are eligible for a final FY 2001production flexibility contract payment. Directs the Secretary to make specified payments to: (1) oilseed producers eligible for marketing assistance loans; (2) peanut producers; (3) wool and mohair producers; (4) tobacco producers; and (5) wheat, barley, or oat producers eligible for loan deficiency payments who elect to use such acreage for livestock grazing and agree to forgo any other harvesting of such crops on such acreage. Directs the Secretary to make specified purchases of surplus specialty crops, and to provide States with related transport cost assistance. Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to: (1) eliminate processor marketing assessments for the 2001 sugar beet and sugarcane crops; (2) extend loan deficiency payment producer eligibility; (3) extend the milk price support program; and (4) eliminate the dairy processor recourse loan program. Establishes a specified individual limitation on 2001 loan deficiency payments and marketing loan gains. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for losses related to the provision of assistance under this Act. Amends the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999, as amended by the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 respecting Cotton Producer Indemnity Fund payments to Georgia producers and ginners.

Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2001

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2001

2001 Supplemental Appropriations Act - Makes supplemental appropriations (with some offsetting rescissions) for FY 2001 for: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) for military personnel, operation and maintenance (including funds for repair of the U.S.S Cole and for facilities repair and damages resulting from natural disasters), procurement, research, development, test and evaluation, revolving and management funds, the Defense Health Program, drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (2) the Department of Energy (DOE) for certain defense-related activities; (3) military construction and family housing, and base realignment and closure; (4) the District of Columbia for various programs and authorities; (5) DOD for certain activities of the Army Corps of Engineers; (6) DOE for certain energy programs and power marketing administrations; (7) the Department of the Interior for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Park Service; (8) the Department of Agriculture for State and private forestry, the National Forest System, wildland fire management, and capital improvement and maintenance, (9) the Department of Health and Human Services for low income home energy assistance; (10) the Department of Education for education for the disadvantaged and for educational research, statistics, and improvement; (11) the Legislative Branch for certain salaries and expenses, the Government Printing Office, and the Library of Congress; (12) the Department of Transportation for the Coast Guard; (13) the Department of the Treasury for the Financial Management Service and the Internal Revenue Service; (14) the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Veterans Benefits Administration; (15) the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund and the Federal Housing Administration; and (16) the Environmental Protection Agency.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for nonrecognition of gain on dispositions of dairy property which is certified by the Secretary of Agriculture as having been the subject of an agreement under the bovine tuberculosis eradication program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to, until December 31, 2005: (1) provide for the treatment, as an involuntary conversion, of qualified dispositions of dairy property which is certified by the Secretary of Agriculture as having been the subject of an agreement under the bovine tuberculosis eradication program, as implemented pursuant to the Declaration of Emergency Because of Bovine Tuberculosis; and (2) permit the expensing of qualified dairy property reclamation costs.

Community Telecommunications Planning Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001

Community Telecommunications Planning Act of 2001 - Authorizes each of the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture, and Education to make grants to a local or tribal government, local non-profit entity, cooperative, public utility, or other public entity for community telecommunications infrastructure planning purposes. Requires, in each case, the development of a telecommunications infrastructure plan. Requires the Secretary concerned to give priority to grants for such planning for rural or underserved areas.

To amend the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to ensure that States and local governments can quickly and safely remove flood debris so as to reduce the risk and severity of subsequent flooding.

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001

Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to state that the Secretary of Agriculture and other executive branch officials may not prohibit or condition State or local flood debris removal efforts whose primary purpose is to reduce the risk and severity of subsequent flooding.

Emergency Food Assistance Program Enhancement Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2001

Emergency Food Assistance Program Enhancement Act of 2001 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to use specified amounts of excess food stamp ,program funds not otherwise reallocated to another State to purchase additional agricultural commodities for emergency food assistance. Amends the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to include (commodity) storage as a permitted fund use.

George McGovern-Robert Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001

George McGovern-Robert Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Act of 2001 - Amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 to establish an international food for education and child nutrition program under which agricultural commodities shall be provided to eligible organizations to assist pre-school and school-age children in connection with related education programs in recipient countries.

To amend the Agricultural Market Transition Act to gradually reduce the loan rate for peanuts, to repeal peanut quotas for the 2004 and subsequent crops, and to require the Secretary of Agriculture to purchase peanuts and peanut products for nutrition programs only at the world market price, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2001

Amends the Agricultural Market Transition Act to: (1) reduce quota peanut price support levels through crop year 2003; (2) extend marketing assessment services through 2003; and (3) make nonrecourse loans available to all peanut producers at 85 percent of estimated market value as of crop year 2004. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 to eliminate peanut quotas as of crop year 2004. Amends the National School Lunch Act to authorize the purchase at world market price of additional (excess of poundage quota) peanuts for the school lunch and other specified food and nutrition programs. States that such peanuts shall not be considered domestic edible use peanuts under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 or the Agricultural Market Transition Act.