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Bill· HRH.R. 2917 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Genetically Engineered Food Safety Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to include genetically engineered food and related materials in the definition of "food additive." Requires that a petition to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for a regulation prescribing the conditions of safe use of a genetically engineered food additive include all data collected or developed pursuant to safety investigations, including data that does not support the claim of safety. Authorizes citizen suits concerning food additives against the alleged violator or against the Secretary for failure to perform a mandatory act or duty under this Act. Mandates a fee from petitioners to cover related costs and to provide for a program of basic and applied research on genetic food additive safety. Authorizes the detention (seizure) of food as well as devices during an inspection where the appropriate officer or employee of the Department of Health and Human Services has reason to believe such food or device is in violation of this Act. Requires all food retailers to register with the Food and Drug Administration to expedite recalls, embargoes, and seizures.
Bill· HRH.R. 2916 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) to deem a food misbranded if it contains or was produced with a genetically engineered material unless its labeling contains statements meeting specified requirements. Requires the periodic testing of such foods transferred along a chain of distribution to assure accuracy of labels, subject to specified exceptions. Excludes, in all three Acts, food: (1) served in restaurants; or (2) prepared primarily in a retail establishment, ready for human consumption, but not offered for sale for immediate consumption in the establishment. Excludes, for the FDCA, a medical food as defined in the Orphan Drug Act. Subjects violators to civil monetary penalties, exempting recipients who accept a guarantee of the absence of genetically engineered material in good faith or producers whose food inadvertently becomes contaminated by genetically engineered material. Authorizes citizen suits as specified.
Bill· HRH.R. 2921 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Genetically Engineered Pharmaceutical and Industrial Crop Safety Act of 2003 - Prohibits: (1) a pharmaceutical crop or industrial crop to be grown, raised, or otherwise cultivated until the final regulations and tracking system required by this Act are in effect; and (2) cultivation of a pharmaceutical crop or industrial crop in an open air environment, or in a food commonly used for human food or domestic animal feed. Directs: (1) the United States Department of Agriculture to establish a tracking system to regulate the growing, handling, transportation, and disposal of all pharmaceutical and industrial crops and their byproducts to prevent contamination; and (2) the Secretary of Agriculture to issue related regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to assess civil penalties for violations of such provisions. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to report on alternative methods to produce pharmaceuticals or industrial chemicals that may be conducted in controlled production facilities without the risk of contamination. Defines: (1) genetically engineered plant; (2) genetically engineered material; (3) genetically engineered seed; (4) pharmaceutical crop; and (5) industrial crop.
Bill· HRH.R. 2920 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Real Solutions to World Hunger Act of 2003 - Makes it unlawful for any person to ship, or offer to ship, or for any carrier or person to transport, or receive for transportation, to any foreign country, any genetically engineered animal, plant, or seed (as defined by this Act) if the person knows or has reason to believe that the engineered article will be used to produce an agricultural commodity if: (1) such article was denied Federal approval for U.S. marketing, or its application for approval was withdrawn; or (2) the foreign government has not certified that related ecological impacts of such article have been satisfactorily mitigated. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to designated international research institutions to promote development of sustainable agricultural techniques (which may not derive any genetic engineered material) that rely on minimum artificial inputs to meet developing countries' food and fiber needs. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the United States Executive Director at each international financial institution to make no effort to encourage the institution from prohibiting countries eligible for certain assistance from requiring compulsory licensing of genetically engineered animals, plants or seeds. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) impose a tax on a corporation equal to one percent of its gross income that is attributable to the U.S. marketing of any genetically engineered organism (as defined by this Act), or the holding of a patent on any such organism; and (2) establish in the Treasury the Sustainable Agriculture Trust Fund.
Bill· HRH.R. 2976 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to certain land in the Ottawa National Forest, Gogebic County, Michigan, for cultural preservation, without consideration, to the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. Prohibits the recipient from selling any part of the land other than that land east of Indian Village Road or from using any part of the land for gaming or any other economic purpose.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 269 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2003
Declares the sense of Congress that: (1) African nations and people have the right to ensure the conservation, evaluation, and sustainable use of their agricultural and biological resources, traditional knowledge, and technologies, and to govern access to them; (2) African farmers have the right to access, use, exchange, and share their agricultural and biological resources, traditional knowledge, and technologies as established by customary law and practice; (3) African nations have the right to protect the rights of farmers and communities to their agricultural and biological resources, traditional knowledge, and technologies; (4) the patenting of life forms that are part of African agricultural and biological resources, traditional knowledge, and technologies violates such rights; (5) the African Model Legislation for the Protection of the Rights of Local Communities, Farmers and Breeders, and for the Regulation of Access to Biological Resources seeks to recognize, protect, and support such rights; and (6) U.S. trade and economic development policies toward Africa should respect and support the rights of African farmers with respect to their agricultural and biological resources, traditional knowledge, and technologies, and the provisions of the African Model Legislation.
Bill· SS. 1454 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
National Drought Preparedness Act of 2003 - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture the National Drought Council which shall develop a comprehensive National Drought Policy Action Plan. (Terminates the Council eight years after enactment of this Act.) Directs the Secretary to establish the National Office of Drought Preparedness to assist the Council. Establishes in the Treasury the Drought Assistance Fund, which shall provide financial assistance for drought preparedness plans and drought mitigation. Directs the Secretary to issue related implementing guidelines, including: special requirements applicable to interstate watersheds. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to require the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reimburse States for costs of prepositioning wildfire suppression resources.
Bill· SS. 1453 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Forestry and Community Assistance Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to conduct hazardous fuels reduction projects on National Forest System lands, and Bureau of Land Management lands, respectively. Provides for: (1) a collaborative project selection process; and (2) an expedited planning and implementation process. Directs the Secretaries to track firefighter safety and training funds and include a line item for such expenditures in all budget requests after October 1, 2003. Exempts the Forest Service from the competitive sourcing initiative. Directs the Secretaries to ensure that forest health programs include research on: (1) best use of mechanical thinning and prescribed fire to reduce fire risk, and to improve the scientific basis for implementation of hazardous fuels reduction treatments; (2) insect and associated diseases and related prevention and early warning activities; and (3) new technologies and markets for value-added products that use the byproducts of insect and disease infestation or hazardous fuels reduction treatments. Amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a watershed forestry assistance program to provide States, through State foresters or Indian tribes, with technical, financial, and related assistance to: (1) expand forest stewardship capacities and activities through best management practices; and (2) prevent water quality degradation, and address watershed issues, on non-Federal forest land. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to designate ten forest and rangeland health demonstration projects at the watershed scale, and the Secretary of the Interior to designate five such projects. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the healthy forests reserve program for the purpose of restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems to promote the recovery of threatened and endangered species as well as improve biodiversity and enhance carbon sequestration. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish: (1) the Rural Community Forestry Enterprise Program to enhance necessary skills and establish organizations to promote forest-related products and activities; (2) at least one Forest Enterprise Center at each Research Station of the Forest Service; and (3) the forest enterprise technical assistance and grant program.
Bill· HRH.R. 2871 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
National Drought Preparedness Act of 2003 - Establishes the National Drought Council which shall: (1) develop a national drought policy action plan; (2) evaluate Federal drought-related programs; (3) coordinate and prioritize enhancement of the national integrated drought system; and (4) provide for the development of a drought information delivery system, drought planning models, and drought preparedness plans. Terminates the Council eight years after enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the National Office of Drought Preparedness. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Drought Assistance Fund, which shall be used to: (1) assist State, local, tribal, and critical service entities with drought-related activities; and (2) expand the technology transfer of drought and water conservation strategies. Requires: (1) the Secretary to publish guidelines for administering a national technical and financial drought assistance program; and (2) the Secretaries of Agriculture, the Interior, and the Army, and other appropriate Federal agency heads to implement integrated drought preparedness plans. Authorizes States, Indian tribes, local governments, and regional, water providers to develop and implement drought preparedness plans.
Bill· HRH.R. 2847 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2003
Hawaii Agriculture/Livestock Shipping Open Market Act of 2003 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, to make the requirement that all cargo shipping between U.S. ports occur exclusively on U.S. flagged vessels inapplicable with respect to transportation in Hawaii noncontiguous trade of merchandise that is a forest product, agricultural product, or livestock on a foreign qualified freight vessel for which the Secretary of Transportation has issued a certificate of documentation. Amends the Shipping Act, 1916, to repeal certain requirements regarding: (1) the percentage of ownership of a corporation operating in coastwise trade owned by U.S. citizens; and (2) seizure and forfeiture of documented vessels. Requires jurisdiction for an action brought for recovery for injury to or death of a seaman against a defendant employer that does not reside or maintain an office in the United States and that engages in any enterprise that makes use of one or more ports in the United States to be under the district court most proximate to the place of the occurrence of the personal injury or death that is the subject of the action. Authorizes the employer of a master or member of the crew of a vessel, at the employer's election, to participate in an authorized compensation plan under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. Subjects all vessels operating in the U.S. coastwise trade to minimum international labor and environmental standards. Sets requirements for non-citizens irregularly engaging in the U.S. domestic coastwise trade.
Bill· SS. 1449 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2003
America's Healthy Forests Restoration and Research Act of 2003 - Permits the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest System lands, and the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management, to plan and conduct hazardous fuels reduction projects (fuels projects) on specified types of Federal lands. Directs the Secretary concerned to give priority to fuels projects that provide for the protection of communities and watersheds. Requires the Secretary concerned to plan and conduct fuels projects in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other applicable laws, with an exemption from specified provisions of such Act pertaining to analysis of alternative options to proposed agency actions. Directs the Secretary concerned to provide for collaboration among governments, Indian tribes, and interested persons during the formulation of each fuels project. Sets forth special requirements regarding judicial review of fuels projects. Provides injunctive relief for agency actions on Federal lands, including fuels projects, to restore fire-adapted forests or rangeland systems. Authorizes the Secretary concerned to make grants to: (1) improve the commercial value of forest biomass to produce electric energy, sensible heat, transportation fuels, substitutes for petroleum-based products, wood-based products, pulp, or other commercial products; and (2) offset the cost of projects to add value to biomass. Amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to permit the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Forest Service, to provide assistance to State foresters and officials for the purpose of expanding State forest capacities and activities to address watershed issues on non-Federal forested lands and potentially forested lands. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a technical assistance program to protect water quality; and (2) establish a watershed forestry cost-share program. Directs the Secretary concerned to establish an accelerated program to conduct, and promote comprehensive information gathering on the effects to forests of insect and disease infestation and severe weather. Allows the Secretary concerned to conduct applied silvicultural assessments on threatened Federal lands. Directs the Secretary concerned to: (1) inventory and monitor Federal and private (with consent) forest stands to identify environmental threats; and (2) develop a comprehensive early warning system for potential catastrophic forest threats. Amends the Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000 to increase Biomass Research and Development Initiative grant uses. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out biomass and small-diameter-based rural revitalization programs. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an Upland Hardwood Research Center which shall, in conjunction with the Southern Forest Research Station of the Department of Agriculture, provide a broad research and development program for the upland hardwood resources of the Ozark Mountains and the South. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the healthy forests reserve program for the purpose of restoring and enhancing private forest ecosystems to promote the recovery of threatened and endangered species as well as improve biodiversity and enhance carbon sequestration. Directs the Secretaries to jointly establish a program for the emergency treatment and reduction of nonnative invasive plants. Expresses congressional reaffirmation of the enhanced community fire protection program.
Bill· HRH.R. 2795 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 July 2003
Access to Books for Children Act - ABC Act - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to local agencies to provide vouchers to women participating in the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) for the purchase of educational books for their infants and children. Limits to one $5 voucher the maximum amount any one woman may receive, regardless of the number of her infants or children. Makes specified amounts from the Department of Education available for such book voucher program. Authorizes additional amounts to be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to administer such program.
Bill· SS. 1427 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2003
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004 - Makes FY 2004 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 2773 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2003
Food Choking Prevention Act of 2003 - Directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish an Office of Choking Hazard Evaluation to require warning labels on food primarily consumed by children that pose a demonstrably high choking risk. Authorizes the Office to require informational labels on food consumed by children that pose a demonstrably high choking risk. Grants the Office mandatory recall authority over food determined to pose a significant and unacceptable choking hazard to the general public. Requires the Office to: (1) provide educational materials on food choking hazards, precautions, and life-saving procedures for pediatricians and hospitals to distribute to patients aged 14 and younger; and (2) designate one week a year as "National Child Food Choking Prevention Week" and widely publicize choking hazards and life-saving procedures during that week. Mandates establishment of a Choking Hazard Evaluation Task Force to staff establish criteria to determine whether a food poses a significant and unacceptable choking hazard. Directs the FDA to: (1) ensure the operation of a national database of food choking incidents; and (2) provide a reporting system throughout its field offices, which the health care profession and the general public can readily access to report new incidents.
Bill· HRH.R. 2766 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2003
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Land Exchange Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to exchange certain lands in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Colorado, with the city of Golden, Colorado.
Bill· HRH.R. 2776 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 2003
Backcountry Landing Strip Access Act - Prohibits either the Secretary of the Interior or 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 respective jurisdiction, unless: (1) the head of the aviation department of each State in which the aircraft landing strip is located has approved such action; (2) notice of the proposed action has been published in the Federal Register; (3) a 90-day public comment period on the action has been provided; and (4) any comments received during the comment period have been taken into consideration by the Secretaries, as the case may be, and the appropriate State aviation department heads. Directs the Secretaries to: (1) adopt a nationwide policy for governing backcountry aviation issues related to the management of Federal land under their jurisdiction; and (2) require regional managers to adhere to it. Declares that a policy affecting air access to an aircraft landing strip located on Federal land (including any national policy required under this Act) shall not take effect unless certain conditions are met, including its statement that the FAA has the sole authority to control aviation and airspace over the United States.
Bill· SS. 1420 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2003
Outfitter Policy Act of 2003 - 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 issuing permits and describes permit requirements. Requires fees for outfitter authorizations. Requires an authorized outfitter to pay the United States for all injury, loss, damage, and costs arising from negligence, gross negligence, or willful and wanton disregard for persons or property by the outfitter. Requires an authorized outfitter to defend and indemnify the United States for all injury, loss, damage, and costs the United States may incur due to such actions by the outfitter. . Exempts authorized outfitters from having to pay, defend, or indemnify the United States for any injury, loss, damage, or costs for which the United States is solely responsible. Requires outfitter permits to include a principal allocation of outfitter use and authorizes temporary permits to include such allocation. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust a base 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 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 new permits under this Act if their recent performance was determined good, satisfactory, or acceptable, or the equivalent.
Bill· SS. 1407 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2003
Concentrated Livestock Existing Alongside Nature Act - Prohibits the application of animal waste to land where the nitrogen or phosphorus would increase the risk of soil toxicity or surface or ground water pollution. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish: (1) permitted levels for other substances found in animal waste; and (2) minimal distances from environmentally sensitive locations or high density or sensitive populations for the aerial spraying of animal waste. Requires a containment system for the retention of all animal waste, both wet and dry, including the construction and use of certain structures to store excess waste. Stipulates that these systems and structures have sufficient structural integrity and/or emergency shutoff devices and be sited in such a way as to eliminate or contain discharges and pollution. Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator to promulgate national primary ambient air quality standards for hydrogen sulfide and ammonia as measured at any point on the property line of a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO). Directs the Administrator to establish an animal waste management program which requires animal owners to have an approved animal waste management plan designed to prevent the discharge of animal waste into surface or ground water. Requires the Administrator to develop plan requirements in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture. Requires the Administrator to: (1) compel the closure of any CAFO operating without an approved plan; and (2) review and modify plans where it is administratively determined that a CAFO has caused significant water pollution. Waives Federal requirements where State requirements exist that are equally or more stringent. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to exclude the expansion of a CAFO from cost-share payments under that Act. Includes, however, as part of the environmental quality incentives program, an animal waste management plan developed by a livestock operator too small to be considered a CAFO.
Bill· SS. 1393 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to reauthorize and expand the fruit and vegetable pilot program.
Bill· SS. 1392 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to establish a program of competitive incentive grants to selected elementary and secondary schools to create healthy school nutrition environments and assess the impact of such environments on the health and well-being of children enrolled in the schools. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to revise requirements relating to the Secretary's CNA and NSLA regulation of competitive foods in schools. Eliminates a provision which barred such regulations from prohibiting the sale of competitive foods approved by the Secretary in food service facilities or areas during the time of service of food under CNA or NSLA, if the proceeds from the sales of such foods would inure to the benefit of the schools or of organizations of students approved by the schools. Allows such regulations to include provisions that regulate the service of competitive foods. Requires regulations regarding competitive foods to: (1) apply to all school grounds during the duration of the school day; (2) not supersede or otherwise affect State and local regulations on competitive foods that the Secretary determines conform to CNA and NSLA nutritional goals; (3) if such sales are allowed, require proceeds to be used for the benefit of schools or school-approved student organizations; (4) take into account differing needs of elementary, middle and junior high, and high schools; and (5) implement recommendations the Institute of Medicine will make to the Secretary regarding regulation of competitive foods in schools.
Bill· SS. 1391 (108th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004 - Makes appropriations for FY 2004 for the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Bureau of Land Management; (2) the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; (3) the National Park Service; (4) the U.S. Geological Survey; (5) the Minerals Management Service; (6) the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement; (7) the Bureau of Indian Affairs; (8) departmental offices for insular affairs; (9) departmental management; (10) the Office of the Solicitor; (11) the Office of Inspector General; (12) the Office of Special Trustee for American Indians; and (13) natural resource damage assessment and restoration. Makes appropriations for FY 2004 for: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service; (2) the Department of Energy for specified activities, including fossil energy research and development activities and energy conservation activities; and (3) the Department of Health and Human Services for the Indian Health Service. Makes appropriations for FY 2004 for specified related agencies, including: (1) the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation; (2) the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development; (3) the Smithsonian Institution; (4) the National Gallery of Art; (5) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; (6) the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; (7) the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities; (8) the National Endowment for the Arts; (9) the National Endowment for the Humanities; (10) the Commission of Fine Arts; (11) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; (12) the National Capital Planning Commission; (13) the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; and (14) the Presidio Trust.
Bill· HRH.R. 2699 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
National Uniformity for Food Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) to prohibit any State or political subdivision from establishing or continuing in effect as to any food in interstate commerce any requirement for food that is not identical to specified FDCA provisions. Prohibits any State or political subdivision from establishing or continuing in effect any notification requirement for a food that provides for a warning concerning the food's safety that is not identical to FDCA provisions. Allows current State notification or food safety requirements to continue for 180 days after the enactment of this Act, during which such State may petition for an exemption or a new national standard. Allows a State to petition for an exemption and for a national standard regarding any requirement under the FDCA, as amended by this Act, or the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act relating to food regulation. Allows a State to establish a requirement that would otherwise violate FDCA provisions relating to national uniform nutrition labeling or this paragraph if the requirement is needed to address an imminent hazard to health that is likely to result in serious adverse health consequences and if other requirements are met.
Bill· HRH.R. 2703 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
Farmland Protection Program Challenge Grant Act of 2003 - Amends the Farm Security Act of 1985 to obligate at least 15 percent of farmland protection funds for cost-share grants to support eligible State agencies, county, and one or more eligible entities to purchase conservation easements whose title shall be held by the entity rather than the United States.
Law· HRH.R. 2696 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
Southwest Forest Health and Wildfire Prevention Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to: (1) establish three Institutes (one each in Arizona at Northern Arizona University, New Mexico, and Colorado) to promote the use of adaptive ecosystem management to reduce the risk of wildfires, and restore the health of forest and woodland ecosystems in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah; and (2) assist the Institutes to promote such management. Defines adaptive ecosystem management as a natural resource management process under which planning, implementation, monitoring, research, evaluation, and incorporation of new knowledge are combined into a management approach that is: (1) based on scientific findings and the needs of society; and (2) used to modify future management methods and policy. Prescribes requirements for cooperation among the Institutes and Federal programs relating to ecological restoration, wildfire risk reduction, and wildfire management technologies.
Bill· HRH.R. 2707 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
Salt Cedar and Russian Olive Control Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary concerned (the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to National Forest System Lands, and the Secretary of the Interior with respect to Federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior and Indian lands) to: (1) assess the extent of Salt Cedar and Russian Olive invasion in those States in which the Bureau of Reclamation operates, past and present assessments and management options to control these phreatophytes, the feasibility of reducing water consumption, methods and challenges in land restoration, and the estimated costs of destruction, biomass removal, and restoration and maintenance; (2) identify long-term management and funding strategies that could be implemented by Federal, State, and private land managers; and (3) initiate a program of at least three projects to demonstrate and evaluate the most effective control methods, including at least one on national forest system land created from the public domain, one primarily using air-born application of herbicides, one using mechanical removal, and one using biocontrol, such as goats or insects. Requires each project to: (1) monitor and document the water saved due to control of Salt Cedar and Russian Olive infestation and what portions return to surface water or groundwater supplies and at what rates; (2) assess the optimum application approach and tools for an array of control methods; (3) assess all costs and benefits associated with the control methods, land restoration, and maintenance; (4) determine what conditions indicate the need to remove biomass and the optimal methods for its disposal or use; (5) define appropriate final vegetative states, optimal re-vegetation methods; and (6) methods to prevent regrowth and reintroduction.
Law· HRH.R. 2691 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2003
Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004 - Makes appropriations for FY 2004 for the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Bureau of Land Management; (2) the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; (3) the National Park Service; (4) the U.S. Geological Survey; (5) the Minerals Management Service; (6) the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement; (7) the Bureau of Indian Affairs; (8) departmental offices for insular affairs; (9) departmental management; (10) the Office of the Solicitor; (11) the Office of Inspector General; (12) the Office of Special Trustee for American Indians; and (13) natural resource damage assessment and restoration. Makes appropriations for FY 2004 for: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service; (2) the Department of Energy for specified activities, including fossil energy research and development activities and energy conservation activities; and (3) the Department of Health and Human Services for the Indian Health Service. Makes appropriations for FY 2004 for specified related agencies, including: (1) the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation; (2) the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development; (3) the Smithsonian Institution; (4) the National Gallery of Art; (5) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; (6) the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; (7) the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities (8) the National Endowment for the Arts; (9) the National Endowment for the Humanities; (10) the Commission of Fine Arts; (11) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; (12) the National Capital Planning Commission; (13) the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; and (14) the Presidio Trust.
Bill· SS. 1383 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2003
Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2004 - Makes FY 2004 appropriations for the Senate for: (1) expense allowances; (2) representation allowances for the Majority and Minority Leaders; (3) salaries of specified officers, employees, and committees (including the Committee on Appropriations); (4) agency contributions for employee benefits; (5) inquiries and investigations; (6) the U.S. Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control; (7) the Offices of the Secretary and of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate; (8) miscellaneous items; (9) the Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account; and (10) official mail costs. Makes FY 2004 appropriations for salaries and/or expenses of: (1) the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies of 2005, and the Joint Economic and Taxation Committees; (2) the Office of the Attending Physician; (3) the Capitol Guide Service and Special Services Office; (4) the preparation of statements of appropriations; (5) the Capitol Police; (6) the Office of Compliance; (7) the Congressional Budget Office; (8) the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), including for the care and operation of Capitol buildings and grounds, the Senate office building, the Capitol power plant, the Library of Congress buildings and grounds, the Capitol Police buildings and grounds, the Botanic Garden; and (9) the Capitol Visitor Center. Appropriates funds for: (1) the Library of Congress for salaries and expenses, the Copyright Office, Congressional Research Service, and Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; (2) the Government Printing Office (GPO) for congressional printing and binding (including transfer of funds); (3) GPO for the Office of Superintendent of Documents (including transfer of funds); (4) the General Accounting Office for salaries and expenses; (5) a payment to the Government Printing Office Revolving Fund; and (6) a payment to the Open World Leadership Center Trust Fund. Makes emergency supplemental appropriations, under specified conditions, for FY 2003 for: (1) the Department of Homeland Security, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Disaster Relief Fund; (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Human Space Flight; (3) the Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Wildland Fire Management; (4) the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Wildland Fire Management; and (5) the Corporation for National and Community Service, National and Community Service Programs Operating Expenses (relating to activities including the AmeriCorps program) and for educational awards.
Law· HRH.R. 2673 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2003
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004 - Makes FY 2004 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.
Bill· HRH.R. 2684 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2003
Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use Commodity Credit Corporation funds for emergency financial assistance to producers who have suffered qualifying disaster-caused crop losses in 2003. Includes among covered crops livestock, fisheries, and trees from which a crop is harvested.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 308 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 July 2003
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Government should actively pursue a unified approach to strengthen and promote the national policy on aquaculture.
Bill· SS. 1354 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Cape Fox Land Entitlement Adjustment Act of 2003 - Provides that Cape Fox Corporation shall not be required under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) to select or receive conveyance of 160 nonproductive acres. Permits Cape Fox to select and the Secretary of the Interior to convey 99 acres of the surface estate of Tongass National Forest lands outside Cape Fox's current exterior selection boundary. Directs the Secretary to convey the subsurface estate to those lands to Sealaska Corporation. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to offer and, if accepted by Cape Fox, to exchange specified Tongass National Forest lands for lands and interests identified by Cape Fox from specified lands previously conveyed to it. States that the Cape Fox land conveyed to the Federal Government shall include a public trail easement unless the Secretary of Agriculture agrees otherwise. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, upon conveyance by Cape Fox of such lands and conveyance and relinquishment by Sealaska of the subsurface estate underlying those lands and other specified Tongass National Forest lands, to convey to Sealaska Tongass National Forest lands selected by Sealaska from a specified area. Requires: (1) such exchange to be considered a modification of the Sealaska Corporation/United States Forest Service Split Estate Exchange Agreement; and (2) conveyances under this Act by the Federal Government to be considered to be conveyances pursuant to ANCSA. Subjects Federal lands conveyed to Cape Fox and Sealaska under this Act to reservations of public easements only as mutually agreed to in the relevant exchange agreements, with such easements to be for access across the lands conveyed for use of national forests or other public land.
Bill· SS. 1352 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Community and Forest Protection Act - Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to conduct hazardous fuels reduction projects on an aggregate area of 20 million acres of Federal and Indian land under expedited procedures as provided for by this Act. Gives priority to: (1) wildland-urban interface; (2) municipal watersheds; and (3) fire regime I, II, and III lands. States that at least 70 percent of funds under this Act shall be spent on wildland-urban interface lands, with adjustments for a particular State upon request. Provides for an expedited administrative process for hazardous fuels reduction projects, including: (1) categorical exclusion from certain environmental analysis for wildland-urban interface projects; (2) shortened appeals, review officer determination without remand, and documentation issuance without public review for priority projects outside such interface, and (3) a salvage monitoring pilot program in the Biscuit Fire area. Limits judicial review to the United States District Court in which the project is located. States that Congress intends that such judicial review shall be expeditiously completed. Limits injunctive relief to 60-day renewable periods. Directs: (1) the Forest Service to monitor project contracts; and (2) that at least 50 percent of contracts shall be awarded on best value criteria. Authorizes grants for: (1) biomass commercialization; and (2) improved biomass utilization. Directs the Secretaries to carry out a forest stands inventory and monitoring program on Federal and private (with permission) lands. Locates the program facility in the Ochoco National Forest Headquarters, Prineville, Oregon. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a grant program for emergency fuels reduction in areas that pose a threat to human life. Expresses the sense of Congress that insurers should reduce insurance for homeowners who take specified home protection measures. Gives priority for funding under the Community and Private Land Fire Assistance Program to communities with fire prevention ordinances. Sunsets provisions of this Act five years after enactment.
Bill· SS. 1367 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Child Nutrition Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to revise school lunch program requirements relating to fluid milk. Requires school lunches to offer students a variety of flavored and unflavored milk, as determined by the school. Allows schools or institutions participating in the program to offer a la carte fluid milk products to be sold in addition to and, at the option of the school, adjacent to fluid milk offered as part of a reimbursable meal. Prohibits program participants from directly or indirectly restricting the sale or marketing of fluid milk products by the school or by a person approved by the school at any time or any place on the school premises or at any school-sponsored event. Establishes a program of increased reimbursement rates for school lunches under NSLA and for school breakfasts under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA), to be provided as an incentive to schools and institutions that increase consumption of fluid milk by children in their meals there. Establishes a program of grants to schools that implement healthy school environment programs with respect to the nutrition, including availability of healthy food choices, and the physical activity of the children there.
Bill· HRH.R. 2626 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Farm-To-Cafeteria Projects Act of 2003 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make competitive grants to private nonprofit entities and educational institutions to establish and carry out Farm-to-Cafeteria projects to improve access to local foods in schools and institutions receiving funds under NSLA and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) (except the special supplemental program for women, infants, and children (WIC) which already has a WIC Farmers Market Nutrition program). Requires such projects to be designed to: (1) procure local foods from small and medium-sized farms to provide foods for school meals; (2) support nutrition education activities or curriculum planning incorporating school children's participation in farm and agriculture education projects; and (3) develop a sustained commitment to farm-to-cafeteria projects in the community by linking schools, agricultural producers, parents, and other community stakeholders.
Bill· HRH.R. 2639 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Community and Forest Protection Act - Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to conduct hazardous fuels reduction projects on an aggregate area of 20 million acres of Federal and Indian land under expedited procedures as provided for by this Act. Gives priority to: (1) wildland-urban interface; (2) municipal watersheds; and (3) fire regime I, II, and III lands. States that at least 70 percent of funds under this Act shall be spent on wildland-urban interface lands, with adjustments for a particular State upon request. Provides for an expedited administrative process for hazardous fuels reduction projects, including: (1) categorical exclusion from certain environmental analysis for wildland-urban interface projects; (2) shortened appeals, review officer determination without remand, and documentation issuance without public review for priority projects outside such interface, and (3) a salvage monitoring pilot program in the Biscuit Fire area. Limits judicial review to the United States District Court in which the project is located. States that Congress intends that such judicial review shall be expeditiously completed. Limits injunctive relief to 60-day renewable periods. Directs: (1) the Forest Service to monitor project contracts; and (2) that at least 50 percent of contracts shall be awarded on best value criteria. Authorizes grants for: (1) biomass commercialization; and (2) improved biomass utilization. Directs the Secretaries to carry out a forest stands inventory and monitoring program on Federal and private (with permission) lands. Locates the program facility in the Ochoco National Forest Headquarters, Prineville, Oregon. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a grant program for emergency fuels reduction in areas that pose a threat to human life. Expresses the sense of Congress that insurers should reduce insurance for homeowners who take specified home protection measures. Gives priority for funding under the Community and Private Land Fire Assistance Program to communities with fire prevention ordinances. Sunsets provisions of this Act five years after enactment.
Bill· HRH.R. 2647 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Nuclear Disarmament and Economic Conversion Act of 2003 - 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.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 301 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2003
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Government should actively pursue a unified approach to strengthen and promote the national policy on aquaculture.
Bill· HRH.R. 2592 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2003
Healthy America Act - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to require schools participating in the school breakfast program to make available fruits and juices. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (the Act) to direct the Secretary to expand the fruit and vegetable school pilot program. Amends the Act to direct the Secretary, in conjunction with the National 5 a Day for Better Health program, to carry out a Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids program to provide grants to school districts for innovative projects to increase the availability and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Amends the Act to require States to ensure that meals in the summer food service program include fruits, vegetables, and juices. Directs the Secretary to revise in specified ways the regulations relating to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Amends the Farm and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to increase the minimum amount to be spent on the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to schools and service institutions. Directs the Secretary to develop a fruit and vegetable research agenda that coordinates research between agencies of the Department of Agriculture. Directs the Secretary to appoint a national 5 A Day for Better Health program coordinator and seven regional coordinators to promote the consumption of fruit and vegetables. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should establish partnerships with State and local organizations to improve access to and efficient distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables to schools and nutrition programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 2586 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2003
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain National Forest System lands to the towns of Laona and Wabeno, Wisconsin.
Bill· SS. 1314 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2003
Collaborative Forest Health Act - Permits the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior (the Secretaries) to find that a proposed hazardous fuels reduction project that meets certain criteria shall not require an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement. Directs the Secretaries to identify projects implemented under this section through a collaborative framework to reduce hazardous fuels. Sets a limit of 20 million acres for projects implemented under this section (not including the existing hazardous fuels reduction program). Prohibits, except in extraordinary circumstances, timber sales and log skidding machines in at-risk communities and the nearby vicinities and in certain municipal watersheds. Excludes the provisions of this Act relating to expedited planning and implementation from applying to certain Federal lands. Directs the Secretaries to take certain actions to ensure that the agencies are implementing projects pursuant to this Act that reduce the risk of unnaturally intense wildfires and improve forest health. Directs the Secretaries to expend at least 70 percent of the hazardous fuels operations funds provided annually only on projects in at-risk communities and nearby vicinities or within municipal watersheds. Directs the Secretaries to jointly: (1) establish a commission to complete an assessment of the positive or negative impacts and effectiveness of projects implemented under this section; (2) earmark funds for the conduct of a systematic information gathering program on certain insect types that have caused large-scale damage to forest ecosystems; and (3) disburse funds to reduce the risk of wildfire to structures and restore burned areas on tribal lands. Allows the Secretaries to make cost-share grants to various entities for the removal, transport, and disposal of hazardous fuels around homes and properties.
Bill· SS. 1309 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 June 2003
Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use Commodity Credit Corporation funds for emergency financial assistance to producers who have suffered qualifying disaster-caused crop losses in 2003. Includes among covered crops livestock, fisheries, and trees from which a crop is harvested.
Bill· SS. 1298 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Downed Animal Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations to provide for the humane treatment, handling, and disposition of nonambulatory livestock by a covered entity, including a requirement that nonambulatory livestock be humanely euthanized. Provides that an entity shall: (1) not move nonambulatory livestock while such livestock is conscious; and (2) humanely euthanize such livestock. Prohibits an establishment covered by the Federal Meat Inspection Act to pass nonambulatory livestock through inspection. Defines "covered entity," and "humanely euthanize."
Bill· SS. 1294 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Community Telecommunications Planning Act of 2003 - 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 and market development purposes. Requires, in each case, the development of a telecommunications infrastructure and market development plan. Requires the Secretary concerned to give priority to grants for such planning and development for rural or underserved areas.
Bill· HRH.R. 2530 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Community Telecommunications Planning Act of 2003 - 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 and market development purposes. Requires, in each case, the development of a telecommunications infrastructure and market development plan. Requires the Secretary concerned to give priority to grants for such planning and development for rural or underserved areas.
Bill· HRH.R. 2519 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Downed Animal Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations to provide for the humane treatment, handling, and disposition of nonambulatory livestock by a covered entity, including a requirement that nonambulatory livestock be humanely euthanized. Provides that an entity shall: (1) not move nonambulatory livestock while such livestock is conscious; and (2) humanely euthanize such livestock. Prohibits an establishment covered by the Federal Meat Inspection Act to pass nonambulatory livestock through inspection. Defines "covered entity," and "humanely euthanize."
Bill· HRH.R. 2516 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to include Christmas tree farming as agriculture under such Act.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 284 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2003
Elects Members to the House Committees on Agriculture, on Resources, on Science, and on Small Business.
Bill· HRH.R. 2498 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2003
Medicare Extension of Drugs to Seniors (MEDS) Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to add a new part D (Prescription Medicine Benefit for the Aged and Disabled) establishing a voluntary insurance program to provide prescription medicine benefits, including pharmacy services, for eligible individuals (including low-income individuals) who are aged or disabled or have end-stage renal disease, and who elect to enroll during a prescribed period. Provides that the program shall be financed from monthly premium payments by enrollees together with Federal appropriations. Creates the Prescription Medicine Insurance Account within the Federal Supplemental Medical Insurance Trust Fund. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement an Employer Incentive Program that encourages employers to provide adequate prescription medicine benefits to retired individuals and maintain such existing benefit programs. Outlines provisions for substantial reductions in the price of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended by the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001, with respect to the importation of certain prescription drugs, to revise testing requirements (granting the Secretary certain waiver discretion), and add approved labeling requirements. Requires the recipient of a patent to make a reasonable pricing agreement with the Secretary (or the Secretary to waive such an agreement in the public interest) if any Federal agency or any non-profit entity: (1) undertakes federally funded health care research and development; and (2) is to convey or provide a patent or other exclusive right to use such research and development for a drug or other health care technology.
Bill· HRH.R. 2488 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2003
Puerto Rico Karst Conservation Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire land in or immediately adjacent to the Karst Region of Puerto Rico for the purpose of protecting and managing the tropical forest areas of the Region, with particular emphasis on water quality and protection of the aquifers. Authorizes the Secretary to use funds from the Puerto Rico Karst Conservation Fund (established by this Act) as well as funds under the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978, the Forest Legacy Program, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Requires these lands to be managed in accordance with the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978. Makes all lands in such region eligible for inclusion in the Forest Legacy Program.
Law· HRH.R. 2474 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2003
Requires that funds made available for FY 2003 and 2004 for the Bill Emerson and Mickey Leland Hunger Fellowships be administered through the Congressional Hunger Center.