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Law· HRH.R. 4569 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2004
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service, to develop a national plan to control and manage Sudden Oak Death, a forest disease caused by the fungus-like pathogen Phytophthora ramorum.
Bill· HRH.R. 4583 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2004
Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to base the counter-cyclical payment rate for the 2003 crop year for producers whose farming operations are in certain disaster areas on the total of the partial payments, rather than the final payment rate, for that crop year.
Bill· HRH.R. 4568 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2004
Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 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 (including transfer of funds); (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 2005 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 2005 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· HRH.R. 4581 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2004
Directs the Administrator of General Services to convey without consideration to Fresno, California, the former Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service laboratory in Fresno to be used for educational purposes.
Bill· HRH.R. 4576 (108th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2004
Food Promotion Act of 2004 - Amends the Agricultural Marketing of 1946 to replace current mandatory country of origin labeling requirements with voluntary country of origin labeling programs for: (1) meat and meat products; (2) wild fish, wild shellfish, farm-raised fish, farm-raised shellfish, and related products; and (3) perishable agricultural commodities. Sets forth: (1) limitations on use of United States country of origin labels; and (2) civil penalties for program violations.
Bill· HRH.R. 4549 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2004
Arctic Coastal Plain and Surface Mining Improvement Act - Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2004 - Sets forth an oil and gas leasing exploration and production program within the Arctic Coastal Plain. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal its prohibition against production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, including any leasing or development leading to such production.. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) designate a maximum total of Coastal Plain acreage as a "Special Area" of unique character and interest; and (2) permit the use of horizontal drilling technology from lease sites located outside a Special Area. Prescribes Coastal Plain environmental protection requirements. Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Reform Act of 2004 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to repeal the authorization that certain moneys in the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund be used: (1) by the Secretary of Agriculture for reclamation of rural lands; and (2) by the Department of the Interior for studies by contract with organizations for advice and research and development projects technical assistance. Reduces by twenty percent the reclamation fee required to be paid by operators of coal mining operations. Revises guidelines governing the transfer of funds from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund to the United Mine Workers of America Combined Benefit (UMWACB) Fund to: (1) limit the aggregate amount transferred; and (2) coordinate such transfer with certain premiums mandated under the Internal Revenue Code. Revises certification guidelines to prescribe payments to qualified and non-qualified States and Indian tribes. Establishes in the Treasury the Coal Mining Fairness Fund. Appropriates to such Fund certain bonuses, rents, or royalties proceeds received by the United States from the exploration, development, and production of the oil and gas resources of the Coastal Plain. Prescribes guidelines for payments from such Fund to the UMWACB Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (relating to liability of assigned operators) to: (1) waive payment by coal operators of any premium to the Combined Benefit Fund to the extent of the premium amount paid to the Coal Mining Fairness Fund; and (2) set guidelines governing prepayment to the Combined Benefit Fund of premium liability for coal industry health benefits.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 670 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2004
Elects minority Members to the House Committees on Agriculture and to Government Reform.
Bill· HRH.R. 4533 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2004
Air Tanker Emergency Release Act of 2004 - Requires, upon a qualifying owner's request, the temporary reinstatement of an aerial firefighting contract for a large air tanker that was canceled on May 10, 2004, by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior.
Bill· HRH.R. 4529 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2004
Arctic Coastal Plain and Surface Mining Improvement Act of 2004 - Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2004 - Sets forth an oil and gas leasing exploration and production program within the Arctic Coastal Plain. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal its prohibition against production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, including any leasing or development leading to such production.. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) designate a maximum total of Coastal Plain acreage as a "Special Area" of unique character and interest; and (2) permit the use of horizontal drilling technology from lease sites located outside a Special Area. Prescribes Coastal Plain environmental protection requirements. Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Reform Act of 2004 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to repeal the authorization that certain moneys in the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund be used: (1) by the Secretary of Agriculture for reclamation of rural lands; and (2) by the Department of the Interior for studies by contract with organizations for advice and research and development projects technical assistance. Reduces the reclamation fee required to be paid by operators of coal mining operations. Revises requirements governing the transfer of funds to the United Mine Workers of America Combined Benefit (UMWACB) Fund. Revises certification guidelines to prescribe payments to qualified and non-qualified States and Indian tribes. Establishes in the Treasury the Coal Mining Fairness Fund. Appropriates to such Fund certain bonuses, rents, or royalties proceeds received by the United States from the exploration, development, and production of the oil and gas resources of the Coastal Plain. Prescribes guidelines for payments from such Fund to the UMWACB Fund. Amends the Internal Revenue Code (relating to liability of assigned operators) to: (1) waive payment by coal operators of any premium to the Combined Benefit Fund to the extent of the premium amount paid to the Coal Mining Fairness Fund; and (2) set guidelines governing prepayment to the Combined Benefit Fund of premium liability for coal industry health benefits.
Law· SS. 2507 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 2004
Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to reauthorize various programs, including the national school lunch and breakfast, child and adult care food, after-school snack, summer food service, and special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC). Revises requirements relating to eligibility for and access to such programs.
Law· HRH.R. 4520 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2004
American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the tax exclusion for extraterritorial income. Reduces corporate tax rates on domestic production activities income and on certain small businesses. Extends until 2008 provisions allowing expensing of small business assets and revises rules for the depreciation of certain leasehold improvements, restaurant property, aircraft, and bonus depreciation property. Revises tax rules for S corporations and rules relating to the foreign source income of U.S. businesses and individuals. Reduces the alternative minimum tax for certain corporations and farmers. Repeals excise tax reductions for certain alcohol fuel mixtures and allows the tax credit for alcohol products used as fuel to reduce excise tax liabilities. Adds tax reporting requirements to regulate the payment of certain fuel excise taxes. Extends certain expiring tax credits and deductions and authorities for the issuance of certain tax-exempt bonds. Permits a taxpayer election to deduct State and local general sales taxes in lieu of State and local income taxes. Sets forth rules relating to the tax treatment of expatriated individuals and corporations. Adds or increases penalties for abusive tax shelter activities. Revises tax rules for the treatment of certain transactions made primarily for the avoidance of U.S. taxation. Revises rules for the tax treatment of certain leases made with tax-exempt entities. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to enter into contracts with private collection agencies for the collection of unpaid taxes. Sets forth rules for the tax deduction for charitable contributions of patents and other similar intellectual properties and for motor vehicles, boats, and aircraft. Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act of 2004 - Eliminates tobacco quota and price support programs and provides for transitional payments to tobacco quota holders and active producers of quota tobacco.
Bill· HRH.R. 4519 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2004
Better Nutrition for School Children Act of 2004 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to revise nutritional requirements for the school breakfast program under CNA and the school lunch program under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to base regulations for the school breakfast and lunch programs on sound nutritional science. Authorizes the Secretary, through such Federal regulations, to prohibit the sale of certain competitive foods in food service facilities or areas during the time of school breakfast or school lunch program service (by eliminating a provision of current law that bars such regulations from prohibiting such sale of competitive foods approved by the Secretary during such time). Requires Federal regulations relating to service of foods in schools participating in the breakfast or lunch programs to apply throughout the entire school, including the school grounds, until the end of the time of service of food under the school lunch program. Directs the Secretary, in promulgating such regulations, to consider: (1) the nutritional needs of students in various grade levels; (2) the proximity of any area where foods of minimal nutritional value may be sold, donated, or served without charge to the food service facilities or areas; (3) the extent to which students will likely substitute consumption of foods of minimal nutritional value for other food served in participating schools; and (4) the benefits to a school of permitting the sale, donation, or service without charge of foods of minimal nutritional value, including the extent to which the proceeds of such sales inure to the benefit of a school or an organization of students approved by a school.
Resolution· SCONRESS.Con.Res. 114 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2004
States that Congress: (1) expresses its grave concern about the continuing problem of hunger and the need to feed hungry and malnourished children around the world; (2) recognizes that the global distribution of food in schools increases attendance, particularly for girls, and improves literacy rates and increases job opportunities; (3) recognizes that education of children addresses several of the root causes of international terrorism; (4) expresses its gratitude to former Senators George McGovern and Robert Dole for supporting the distribution of food in schools around the world and for working to eradicate hunger and poverty around the world; (5) commends the Department of Agriculture, the Agency for International Development, the Department of State, the United Nations World Food Program, private voluntary organizations, non-governmental organizations, and cooperatives for facilitating the distribution of food in schools around the world; (6) expresses its continued support for the distribution of food in schools around the world; (7) supports expansion of the George McGovern-Robert Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program; and (8) requests the President to work with the United Nations and its member states to expand international contributions for the distribution of food in schools around the world.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 661 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2004
Elects a minority Member to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Bill· HRH.R. 4494 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 2 June 2004
Grey Towers National Historic Site Act of 2004 - Designates all lands and improvements formerly encompassed within Grey Towers National Historic Landmark in Milford, Pennsylvania, as Grey Towers National Historic Site. Directs that the Site be administered for specified purposes, including: (1) education, public demonstration projects, and research related to natural resource conservation, management, and use; (2) leadership development within the natural resource professions and the Federal civil service; (3) study and interpretation of the life and works of Gifford Pinchot who was the first Chief of the Forest Service and a major influence in formulating and implementing forest conservation policies in the early 20th century; and (4) protection and enjoyment of the scenic and natural environs. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) to administer federally owned lands and interests at the Site and associated lands and improvements outside of the Grey Towers National Historic Landmark within Pike County, Pennsylvania, as components of the National Forest System. Authorizes the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior to cooperate in promoting public use of Grey Towers and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and in furthering the administration and purposes for which both areas were designated. Allows the Secretary to impose fees and charges for admission to and use of facilities on Grey Towers. Requires: (1) any monies received by the Forest Service in administering Grey Towers to be deposited into the Grey Towers National Historic Site Fund for support of programs at Grey Towers and any other expenses; and (2) funds generated at Grey Towers to be retained for enhancing the Site and furthering its programs. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance for operations of the Pinchot Institute.
Bill· SS. 2451 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to make retail-sale country of origin labeling provisions effective as of September 30, 2004 (currently September 30, 2006).
Bill· SS. 2452 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
Ginseng Harvest Labeling Act of 2004 - Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require: (1) the labeling of raw ginseng offered for sale as food or a dietary supplement to contain country of harvest information; (2) ginseng importers to disclose country of harvest information at the point of U.S. entry. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to impose civil monetary penalties for failure to make such disclosures.
Bill· SS. 2456 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide: (1) emergency financial assistance to agricultural producers who have incurred qualifying 2003 and/or 2004 crop losses due to weather or related conditions; and (2) payments to livestock producers who have incurred 2003 and/or 2004 losses in an emergency-designated county, with set-asides for the American Indian livestock program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to involuntary conversion rules to: (1) permit the replacement of livestock with other farm property in the case of drought, flood, or other weather-related conditions (such provision currently applies only to cases of soil or other environmental contamination); and (2) extend the replacement period for livestock sold on account of weather related conditions. Allows an individual engaged in an eligible farming or commercial fishing business a deduction for any taxable year of up to 20 percent of taxable income attributable to the eligible farming or commercial fishing business paid in cash by the taxpayer to a Farm and Ranch Risk Management Account (FFARRM Account). Includes non-exempt FFARRM distributions in the taxpayer's gross income, and subjects to a special ten percent surtax distributions not made within five years of contribution. Prohibits FFARRM distributions from being used to overcapitalize any fishery. Establishes a tax on excess contributions, but exempts the taxpayer from the tax on certain prohibited transactions.
Bill· HRH.R. 4418 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
Customs Border Security Act of 2004 - Amends the Customs Procedural Reform and Simplification Act of 1978 to authorize appropriations to the Department of Homeland Security for the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP) and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Authorizes appropriations for salaries and expenses of such Bureaus. (Currently distinguishes authorizations for noncommercial from those for commercial activities of the U.S. Customs Service). Amends the Customs and Border Security Act of 2002 to require establishment and implementation of a cost accounting system for the Bureaus (in lieu of the one currently required for the Customs Service). Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the extent to which customs user fees imposed under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 approximate the costs of BCBP services. Declares that certain entries of merchandise shall not be liquidated if covered by an import activity summary statement; but subjects each reconfigured entry in such a statement to liquidation or reliquidation. Extends the designation of San Antonio International Airport for customs processing of certain private aircraft arriving in the United States. Directs the Commissioner of the Customs Service to seek to establish Integrated Border Inspection Areas at the United States-Canada border. Provides for the stationing of foreign customs and agriculture inspection officers in the United States, with all the privileges and immunities of U.S. Customs Service officers. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to provide that if a charter air carrier specifically requests that customs services for passengers and their baggage be provided for a charter flight arriving after normal operating hours at a customs border patrol serviced airport, and overtime funds for those services are not available, the appropriate customs border patrol officer may assign sufficient customs employees (if available) to perform any such services. Requires the charter air carrier to pay any overtime fees incurred in connection with such service. Expresses the sense of Congress on interpretation of textile and apparel provisions of specified law. Authorizes appropriations for the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. International Trade Commission.
Bill· HRH.R. 4422 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
Appropriates FY 2005 appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for the: (1) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; (2) Rural Community Advancement Program; (3) Rural Housing Service; and (4) Rural Utilities Service (rural telephone bank program account, and distance learning, telemedicine, and broadband program). Appropriates FY 2005 appropriations to the Department of Education for the rural education achievement program. Appropriates FY 2005 appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services for rural programs of the Health Resources and Services Administration. Appropriates FY 2005 appropriations to the Department of Transportation for air carrier payments. States that for taxpayers with adjusted gross income in excess of $1 million for calendar year 2004 the amount of the tax reduction resulting from enactment of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 and enactment of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 shall be reduced by 5.1 percent.
Bill· HRH.R. 4446 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 with respect to the senior farmers' market nutrition program to: (1) increase program funding; (2) expand the program to include locally produced farm products as deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Agriculture; and (3) permit up to ten percent of program funds to be used for administrative costs.
Bill· HRH.R. 4461 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
Walnut Canyon Study Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study of specified Federal land in Coconino National Forest, State and private lands, and Walnut Canyon National Monument in Arizona (the study area) to evaluate: (1) the significance of the resources of the study area as they pertain to the management objectives of the Forest Service and the National Park Service (NPS); (2) the opportunities for maintaining existing public uses, such as grazing, hunting, and recreation; and (3) a range of options for managing and conserving resources by the NPS or the Forest Service, or by both agencies, including the feasibility of a boundary adjustment to the Monument, designation of the study area as a national park or preserve, maintaining the study area as managed by the Forest Service, and any other designation or management option that will accomplish the protection of resources and the maintenance of public use and access for such area. Requires the Secretaries to: (1) contract with a third-party consultant with experience in park and land use planning to prepare a draft study; and (2) collaborate with the Forest Supervisor of the Coconino National Forest, the Superintendent of the Flagstaff Area National Monuments, the Flagstaff City Council, and Coconino County Board of Supervisors in developing a scope of work for the draft study under the guidance of the third-party consultant.
Bill· HRH.R. 4419 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
Makes specified FY 2004 emergency supplemental appropriations for the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture for wildland fire management, to remain available through December 31, 2004.
Bill· HRH.R. 4456 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2004
Ginseng Harvest Labeling Act of 2004 - Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require: (1) the labeling of raw ginseng offered for sale as food or a dietary supplement to contain country of harvest information; (2) ginseng importers to disclose country of harvest information at the point of U.S. entry. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to impose civil monetary penalties for failure to make such disclosures.
Bill· SS. 2440 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2004
Walnut Canyon Study Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study of specified Federal land in Coconino National Forest, State and private lands, and Walnut Canyon National Monument in Arizona (the study area) to evaluate: (1) the significance of the resources of the study area as they pertain to the management objectives of the Forest Service and the National Park Service (NPS); (2) the opportunities for maintaining existing public uses; and (3) a range of options for managing and conserving resources by the NPS or the Forest Service, or by both agencies, including the feasibility of a boundary adjustment to the Monument, designation of the study area as a national park or preserve, maintaining the study area as managed by the Forest Service, and any other designation or management option that will accomplish the protection of resources and the maintenance public use and access for such area. Requires the Secretaries to: (1) contract with a third-party consultant with experience in park and land use planning to prepare a draft study; and (2) collaborate with the Forest Supervisor of the Coconino National Forest, the Superintendent of the Flagstaff Area National Monuments, the Flagstaff City Council, and Coconino County Board of Supervisors in developing a scope of work for the draft study under the guidance of the third-party consultant.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 363 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2004
Designates October 16, 2004, as World Food Prize Day. Commends the contributions made to the disciplines of agriculture and science toward the goal of eliminating world hunger.
Resolution· HCONRESH.Con.Res. 422 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2004
States that Congress: (1) expresses its grave concern about the continuing problem of hunger and the need to feed hungry and malnourished children around the world; (2) recognizes that the global distribution of food in schools increases attendance, particularly for girls, and improves literacy rates and increases job opportunities; (3) recognizes that education of children addresses several of the root causes of international terrorism; (4) expresses its gratitude to former Senators George McGovern and Robert Dole for supporting the distribution of food in schools around the world and for working to eradicate hunger and poverty around the world; (5) commends the Department of Agriculture, the Agency for International Development, the Department of State, the United Nations World Food Program, private voluntary organizations, non-governmental organizations, and cooperatives for facilitating the distribution of food in schools around the world; (6) expresses its continued support for the distribution of food in schools around the world; (7) supports expansion of the George McGovern-Robert Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program; and (8) requests the President to work with the United Nations and its member states to expand international contributions for the distribution of food in schools around the world.
Bill· SS. 2408 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2004
Montana National Forests Boundary Adjustment Act of 2004 - Modifies the boundaries of the Helena, Lolo, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests (the Forests) in Montana as depicted on specified maps. Requires such maps to be on file and available for public inspection in the offices of the Chief of the Forest Service and Regional Forester. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make technical corrections to the map. Requires land acquired within the boundaries of the Forests for National Forest System (NFS) purposes to be managed in accordance with the Weeks Law and laws applicable to the NFS. States that the boundaries of the Forests as modified under this Act shall, for purposes of certain fund allocation provisions of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (LWCFA), be considered the boundaries of such Forests as of January 1, 1965 (the effective date of the LWCFA).
Bill· SS. 2410 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2004
Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public lands, and the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to land of the National Forest System, (the Secretaries) to: (1) track funds expended for firefighter safety and training programs and activities; and (2) include a line item for such expenditures in each budget request submitted after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretaries to jointly submit annual reports to Congress on the implementation and efficacy of wildland firefighter safety and training programs and activities. Requires the Secretaries to: (1) ensure that any Federal contract or agreement with a private entity for wildland firefighting services requires the entity to provide firefighter training consistent with standards established by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group; and (2) develop a program to monitor and enforce compliance with such requirement.
Bill· HRH.R. 4297 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2004
Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to prescribe guidelines under which cost sharing limitations applicable to grants and loans to farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements shall not apply to loan guarantees extended to specified projects if the loan will be used to: (1) purchase a renewable energy system associated with a commercial production agricultural enterprise; and (2) promote a solution to an environmental problem of the State in which the project will be implemented. Limits the principal amount of an eligible loan to between $50 million and $100 million. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, when making loan guarantees for such projects, to give priority to renewable energy projects that promote the production of an agricultural commodity that is imported into the United States.
Bill· SS. 2354 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2004
Arizona Trail Feasibility Study Act - Amends the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a joint study of the feasibility of designating the Arizona Trail as a national scenic trail or a national historic trail. Requires the map of such Trail to be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management.
Bill· HRH.R. 4240 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2004
Arizona Trail Feasibility Study Act - Amends the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a joint study of the feasibility of designating the Arizona Trail as a national scenic trail or a national historic trail. Requires the map of such Trail to be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management.
Bill· SS. 2352 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2004
The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act of 2004 - Prohibits a person from: (1) slaughtering a horse for human consumption; (2) importing to, or exporting from, the United States horseflesh or horses for human consumption; (3) selling, bartering, transferring, receiving, or distributing horseflesh or horses for human consumption; or (4) soliciting or knowingly causing any such actions. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) criminal and civil penalties; (2) enforcement authority of the Secretary of Agriculture; (3) placement of confiscated horses; (4) euthanasia of unplaceable or severely injured or diseased horses; (4) funding of animal rescue facilities; and (5) exemptions.
Bill· HRH.R. 4223 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2004
Directs the Commodity Credit Corporation to support the development of a casein and milk protein concentrate industry in the 48 contiguous States, under which the Corporation shall make payments to an entity that produces and markets dairy proteins produced from liquid skim milk. Excludes dairy protein sales for standardized cheese production from program payments. Defines "dairy proteins" as whey, whey protein concentrate, casein, or milk protein concentrate.
Bill· SS. 2346 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2004
Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2004 - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to list permissible sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities to include dogs and cats obtained: (1) from a licensed dealer; (2) from a publicly owned and operated pound or shelter that meets specified requirements; (3) by donation from a person who bred and raised the dog or cat and owned it for not less than one year; or (4) from a research facility licensed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Increases monetary penalties for related violations. Prohibits Federal facilities from purchasing or otherwise acquiring dogs or cats for exhibition purposes except from: (1) the operator of an auction that comports with legal requirements; or (2) a person holding a valid dealer or exhibitor license. Prohibits dealers from selling or otherwise providing a research facility with random source dogs or cats unless specified certification requirements are met.
Bill· SS. 2342 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2004
Virginia Ridge and Valley Wilderness and National Scenic Areas Act of 2004 - Designates certain lands in the Jefferson National Forest, Virginia (Brush Mountain and Brush Mountain East, Seng Mountain and Raccoon Branch, Stone Mountain, Mountain Lake Additions, Lewis Fork Addition and Little Wilson Creek Additions, Shawvers Run Additions, and Peters Mountain Addition) as wilderness. Designates Seng Mountain and Raccoon Branch, and Crawfish Valley, as National Scenic Areas (Areas). Establishes such Areas for purposes of: (1) ensuring the protection and preservation of scenic quality, water quality, natural characteristics, and water resources; (2) protecting wildlife and fish habitat; (3) protecting areas that may develop characteristics of old-growth forests; and (4) providing a variety of recreation opportunities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) administer such Areas in accordance with this Act and the laws and regulations generally applicable to the National Forest System (NFS); (2) develop a management plan for such Areas; and (3) establish a trail for NFS lands to develop hiking and equestrian trails within the wilderness areas and non-motorized recreation trails within the Areas. Sets forth provisions regarding roads, vegetation management, motorized travel, fire, insects and disease, water, and mining and geothermal leasing.
Bill· HRH.R. 4202 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2004
Virginia Ridge and Valley Wilderness and National Scenic Areas Act of 2004 - Designates certain lands in the Jefferson National Forest, Virginia (Brush Mountain and Brush Mountain East, Seng Mountain and Raccoon Branch, Stone Mountain, Mountain Lake Additions, Lewis Fork Addition and Little Wilson Creek Additions, Shawvers Run Additions, and Peters Mountain Addition) as wilderness. Designates Seng Mountain and Raccoon Branch, and Crawfish Valley, as National Scenic Areas (Areas). Establishes such Areas for purposes of: (1) ensuring the protection and preservation of scenic quality, water quality, natural characteristics, and water resources; (2) protecting wildlife and fish habitat; (3) protecting areas that may develop characteristics of old-growth forests; and (4) providing a variety of recreation opportunities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) administer such Areas in accordance with this Act and the laws and regulations generally applicable to the National Forest System (NFS); (2) develop a management plan for such Areas; and (3) establish a trail for NFS lands to develop hiking and equestrian trails within the wilderness areas and non-motorized recreation trails within the Areas. Sets forth provisions regarding roads, vegetation management, motorized travel, fire, insects and disease, water, and mining and geothermal leasing.
Bill· HRH.R. 4206 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2004
Efficient Energy Through Certified Technologies and Electricity Reliability (EFFECTER) Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives affecting: (1) energy efficient commercial building property; (2) new energy efficient homes; (3) certain energy efficient property used in business; (4) nonbusiness energy property; (5) combined heat and power system property; and (6) energy efficient appliances. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to expand the scope of consumer products that fall within the Energy Conservation Program (other than automobiles). Directs the Federal Trade Commission to initiate a rulemaking regarding: (1) the effectiveness of the current consumer products labeling program in assisting consumers to make purchasing decisions and to improve energy efficiency; and (2) changes to the labeling rules that would improve the effectiveness of consumer product labels. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to prescribe guidelines under which the head of an executive agency shall procure either an Energy Star product; or a Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)-designated product in order to meet agency requirements for an energy consuming product. Repeals the termination of authority to enter into new energy savings performance contracts (thereby making such authority permanent). Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish certain revised Federal building energy efficiency performance standards. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to include within the mandatory activities funded by the Capital Fund: (1) installing fixtures and fittings to improve energy and water-use efficiency; and (2) integrated utility management and capital planning to maximize energy conservation and efficiency measures. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate energy efficiency standards for rehabilitation and new construction of certain public and assisted housing. Amends the Federal Power Act to grant the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction over the FERC-certified Electric Reliability Organization, including any regional entities, and all users, owners and operators of the bulk-power system for purposes of approving specified reliability standards.
Bill· HRH.R. 4210 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2004
Amends the Farm Credit Act to authorize Farm Credit Act of 1971 institutions to serve businesses that provide services related to the operating needs of producers and harvesters of aquatic products.
Bill· HRH.R. 4189 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2004
Full Enrollment Environmental Quality Incentives Program (FEEQIP) Act of 2004 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to delete current provisions specifying per-year funding amounts for the environmental quality incentives program from the Commodity Credit Corporation.
Law· SS. 2319 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2004
Tapoco Project Licensing Act of 2004 - Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to offer to acquire specified land from the Alcoa Power Generating Inc. (APGI) in exchange for 100 acres of land within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that is: (1) adjacent to or flooded by the Chilhowee Reservoir; (2) within the boundary of the Tapoco Project as of February 21; and (3) shown on the map entitled Tapoco Hydroelectric Project, dated March 11, 2004. Prescribes procedural requirements, including: (1) reservation of a conservation easement; (2) reversion of title to the United States if the Chilhowee Dam is breached or removed; and (3) disposition of unsuitable land. Grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction to license the Tapoco Project upon completion of the land exchange. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire for the United States title to land in the State of Tennessee that may be transferred to a nongovernmental organization pursuant to a specified Settlement Agreement.
Bill· SS. 2304 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2004
Amends the Reclamation Project Authorization Act of 1972 to provide that the acreage for which the North Loup Division of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program, Nebraska, is authorized to provide irrigation water may be an approximation.
Bill· SS. 2311 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2004
Efficient Energy Through Certified Technologies and Electricity Reliability (EFFECTER) Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives affecting: (1) energy efficient commercial building property; (2) new energy efficient homes; (3) certain energy efficient property used in business; (4) nonbusiness energy property; (5) combined heat and power system property; and (6) energy efficient appliances. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to expand the scope of consumer products that fall within the Energy Conservation Program (other than automobiles). Directs the Federal Trade Commission to initiate a rulemaking regarding: (1) the effectiveness of the current consumer products labeling program in assisting consumers to make purchasing decisions and to improve energy efficiency; and (2) changes to the labeling rules that would improve the effectiveness of consumer product labels. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to prescribe guidelines under which the head of an executive agency shall procure either an Energy Star product; or a Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)-designated product in order to meet agency requirements for an energy consuming product. Repeals the termination of authority to enter into new energy savings performance contracts (thereby making such authority permanent). Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish certain revised Federal building energy efficiency performance standards. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to include within the mandatory activities funded by the Capital Fund: (1) installing fixtures and fittings to improve energy and water-use efficiency; and (2) integrated utility management and capital planning to maximize energy conservation and efficiency measures. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate energy efficiency standards for rehabilitation and new construction of certain public and assisted housing. Amends the Federal Power Act to grant the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction over the FERC-certified Electric Reliability Organization, including any regional entities, and all users, owners and operators of the bulk-power system for purposes of approving specified reliability standards.
Bill· SS. 2301 (108th)reported
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2004
Native American Fish and Wildlife Resources Management Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Tribal Fish and Wildlife Resource Management Program and the Alaska Native Fish and Wildlife Resource Management Program to conduct specified activities in support of the tribal administration of resources. Directs the Secretary, upon the request of an Indian tribal government, to conduct a survey of the reservation or traditional use area of that tribal government to assess needs regarding management of fish and wildlife resources. Requires the development of Fish and Wildlife Resource Management Plans by Indian tribal governments and Alaska Native fish and wildlife organizations (or alternatively, by the Secretary). Requires such plans to govern the management and administration of tribal or Indian fish and wildlife resources by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the tribal government. Requires the Secretaries of the Interior, Commerce, and Agriculture to review the management of resources in regional resource management and traditional use areas. Establishes programs supporting research, education, and employment in connection with tribal resource management. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish and administer a Tribal Fish Hatchery Assistance Program. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish Alaska Native and Tribal Seafood and Resource Marketing Assistance Programs.
Bill· SS. 2294 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2004
Jornada Experimental Range Transfer Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park Board (Board) for educational purposes not more than 1,000 acres of land that is located in the Jornada Experimental Range in the State of New Mexico and that is subject to an easement granted by the Agricultural Research Service to the Board.
Bill· HRH.R. 4163 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 2004
Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to provide for a greater number of members on certain combined Farm Service Agency county committees.
Law· HRH.R. 4103 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2004
AGOA Acceleration Act of 2004 - Declares the sense of Congress that the preferential market access opportunities for eligible sub-Saharan African countries (SSA countries) will be complemented and enhanced if those countries implement specified existing obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO). Urges such countries to participate in and support mutual trade liberalization in ongoing negotiations under WTO auspices, recognizing that such commitments may need to reflect special and differential treatment for developing countries. States that eligible SSA countries will benefit from reduction of trade barriers in other developing countries. Urges all countries to make sanitary and phytosanitary decisions on the basis of sound science. Expresses the sense of Congress that the executive branch, including specified Federal agencies, should enforce African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) provisions relating to preferential treatment of textile and apparel articles, broadly in order to expand trade by maximizing opportunities for imports of such articles from eligible SSA countries. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend duty-free treatment for AGOA articles from FY 2008 through 2015. Amends AGOA to revise requirements for textile and apparel products from SSA countries receiving duty-free and other preferential import treatment, including extensions of such treatment to certain apparels. Authorizes duty-free and preferential treatment for certain apparel articles such as ethnic printed fabric of an SSA country that meets certain conditions. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury, under specified conditions, to liquidate or reliquidate as free of duty and free of any quantitative restrictions, limitations, or consultative levels any entries of certain apparel. Requires the President to: (1) study each eligible SSA country, identifying sectors of its economy with the greatest potential for growth, including through export sales, and identifying both domestic and international barriers impeding such growth; (2) make recommendations on how the Federal Government and the private sector can provide technical assistance to assist that country in dismantling such barriers and promoting investment in such sectors; and (3) disseminate information to appropriate Federal agencies on each such country. Requires the President to develop and implement policies to encourage the development of investment in SSA countries, particularly in: (1) infrastructure projects supporting development of land transport road and railroad networks and ports, and the continued upgrading and liberalization of the energy and telecommunications sectors; (2) establishment and expansion of modern information and communication technologies and practices to improve the ability of citizens to research and disseminate specified information; and (3) agriculture, particularly in processing and capacity enhancement. Requires the President to: (1) foster improved port-to-port and airport-to-airport relationships in order to facilitate and increase trade flows between eligible SSA countries; (2) encourage the development of infrastructure projects that will help increase trade capacity and a sustainable ecotourism industry in such countries; (3) identify at least ten eligible SSA countries as having the greatest potential to increase marketable exports of agricultural products to the United States and the greatest need for technical assistance, particularly with respect to pest risk assessments and complying with U.S. sanitary and phytosanitary rules; (4) assign at least 20 full-time personnel to provide assistance to such countries to ensure that their exports of agricultural products meet Federal law requirements; and (5) convene the trade advisory committee on Africa established by Executive Order 11846 of March 27, 1975, under the Trade Act of 1974.
Bill· HRH.R. 4121 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2004
Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to apply "non-ambulatory" to cattle, sheep, goat, swine, horse, mule, or other equine that, at the time of examination and inspection, is unable to rise from a recumbent position or unable to walk for any reason, including nerve paralysis, metabolic conditions, or central nervous condition disorder, unless the reason for such inability is fatigue or one or more broken or fractured appendages, severed tendons, or ligaments, or dislocated joints. Considers as adulterated cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, mules, and other equines found at inspection: (1) to be non-ambulatory; (2) to test positive for central nervous disorders; (3) to exhibit signs of bovine spongiform encephalopathy; or (4) to be dead.
Bill· HRH.R. 4094 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2004
Geothermal Energy Initiative Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include geothermal energy and certain geothermal energy facilities as qualified energy resources and appurtenant facilities eligible for the renewable electricity production credit. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) review and publish annually the available assessments of geothermal energy resources available within the United States; and (2) undertake new assessments as necessary, taking into account changes in market conditions, available technologies, and other relevant factors. Requires such report to contain a detailed inventory describing the available amount and characteristics of geothermal energy resources. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to expedite development of geothermal energy in making revisions to certain land use plans for public lands and National Forest System lands, respectively. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress on recommendations for geothermal energy development on Federal land, including a list, developed in consultation with the Secretaries of Energy and of Defense, of lands under their jurisdictions, that would be suitable for development for geothermal energy, and recommended statutory and regulatory mechanisms for such development. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into and submit to Congress a memorandum of understanding regarding leasing and permitting for geothermal development of public lands under their respective jurisdictions. Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse certain persons through royalty credits, for reasonable amounts paid for preparation of project-level analysis, documentation, or related study required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 with respect to the lease.
Bill· HRH.R. 4100 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2004
Get Outdoors Act of 2004 - Establishes the Get Outdoors Act Fund (GOAF) in the U.S. Treasury. Sets forth formulas and related requirements for allocating GOAF amounts: (1) to coastal States with approved Coastal State Conservation and Impact Assistance Plans, as required by this Act; (2) to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for Federal and State purposes (amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965); (3) for entitlement land and migratory bird refuge revenue sharing payments; (4) for Federal and Indian lands enhancement; (5) to the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Planning program (amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act); (6) to develop and implement Imperiled Wildlife and Rare Plant Recovery Agreements, as defined in this Act; (7) to carry out the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978; and (8) for historic preservation purposes (amends the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Maritime Heritage Act of 1994). Requires congressional approval for use of the Federal portion of LWCF amounts. Authorizes each State to define priorities and criteria for the selection of projects eligible for grants under this Act if: (1) consistent with this Act; (2) the State provides for public involvement; and (3) the State publishes a State Action Agenda for Community Conservation and Recreation (replacing the current State Plan). Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to develop a plan for acquisition and disposal of land in Montana to consolidate forest reserves.