Agriculture

Charles R. Christopherson, Jr., of Texas, to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Agriculture, vice Edward R. McPherson, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 8 September 2005

Hurricane Katrina Food Assistance Relief Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2005

Hurricane Katrina Food Assistance Relief Act of 2005 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to provide expedited and increased food stamp benefits for households in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina (including areas that were disaster-designated as a result of Hurricane Katrina) or a related condition. Includes as an eligible household a household: (1) in an affected area; (2) in which a member worked in an affected area immediately prior to August 29, 2005; (3) that was displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina or a related condition to other areas of the same or another state; (4) that the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) determines should receive relief; or (5) containing one or more individuals displaced by Hurricane Katrina or a related condition. Authorizes the Secretary, under expedited procedures, to use specified food stamp program funds in FY2005-FY2006 for contracts with nonprofit organizations to support household and community efforts to address food assistance and related needs resulting from Hurricane Katrina or a related condition. Directs: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Secretary specified amounts (which shall be available without further appropriation) for food assistance to eligible recipients, including special supplemental foods for pregnant women and infants (WIC) or for other individuals with special needs, infant formula, bottled water, and fruit juices; (2) the Secretary to use additional commodity distribution funds for food assistance to such recipients. Includes as an eligible recipient a person who: (1) is a victim of Hurricane Katrina or a related condition; (2) has been displaced by Hurricane Katrina or a related condition; or (3) is temporarily housing one or more individuals displaced by Hurricane Katrina or a related condition. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Secretary additional WIC and commodity supplemental food program funds (which shall be available without further appropriation) for persons victimized or displaced by Hurricane Katrina or a related condition.

A bill to provide agricultural disaster assistance to producers on a farm that incurred qualifying crop or quality losses for the 2005 crop due to damaging weather or related condition, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2005

Amends the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Disasters Assistance Act, 2005 to provide emergency crop disaster assistance to agricultural producers who incurred qualifying 2005 losses due to damaging weather or related conditions. (Eliminates the provision limiting 2005 crop assistance to only producers who suffered losses in 2004 from hurricanes or tropical storms in disaster-designated counties.) Provides emergency tree assistance to commercial orchardists and timber producers who incurred qualifying natural disaster-caused losses in 2005. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds to carry out the 2002 livestock compensation program for eligible: (1) livestock producers who are in a disaster county; and (2) catfish producers.

Ecosystem Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2005

Ecosystem Protection Act of 2005 - Establishes a National Forest Ecosystem Protection Program composed of lands within existing units of the National Forest System that contain large wilderness areas as a core area and a Primitive Area extending outward from them, hereby designated Ecosystem Protection Areas. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Forest Service, to manage the wilderness areas. Requires the Secretary to promote the reestablishment or protection of animal and plant species native to the designated Ecosystem Protection Areas. Requires the Secretary to strive to acquire private lands and mineral rights located within wilderness designated areas. Provides a voluntary grazing permit buyout program for the extinguishment of existing grazing permits on such lands. Requires the Secretary to provide forest plan revision assessments in specified areas. Specifies original Ecosystem Protection Areas and Primitive Areas. Requires the Secretary to provide technical and financial assistance to enable States to acquire Ecosystem Protection Areas on State-owned lands.

Gas Stamps Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2005

Gas Stamps Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish a program for the equitable allocation among the states of gas stamps for distribution to individuals eligible to receive food stamps who can demonstrate a need for gasoline; and (2) provide for the distribution of gas stamps in conjunction with the distribution of food stamps, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture. Sets a $330 million limit for such national distribution in each of the first three months after enactment of this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax upon the sale in the United States of any crude oil, natural gas, and any fuel which is a product of crude oil or natural gas, equal to the windfall profit on such sale. Defines "windfall profit" as so much of the profit on such sale as exceeds a 15 percent pretax rate of return. Imposes liability for the windfall profits tax upon the seller.

Agricultural Assistance Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 September 2005

Agricultural Assistance Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments to producers on a farm eligible for 2005 direct payments for a covered commodity if: (1) the farm is located in a disaster county; or (2) the producers on the farm have incurred qualifying 2005 crop losses due to damaging weather or related conditions. Requires as a condition for such assistance that producers of: (1) a covered commodity and other insurable commodities for each of the next two crop years obtain at least federal crop catastrophic risk protection, and in the event of contract violation repay any assistance received; and (2) eligible noninsurable commodities for each of the next two crop or calendar years file the required paperwork, and pay the administrative fee by the state filing deadline, and in the event of contract violation repay any assistance received. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make emergency financial assistance to producers (crop, timber, fisheries, and livestock producers) who have incurred losses in a disaster-designated county; (2) use Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds to carry out the 2002 Livestock Compensation Program for livestock producers in a disaster county, and for catfish producers; (3) transfer CCC funds for emergency surplus removal of agricultural commodities; (4) use CCC funds for assistance to fruit and vegetable producers, and for producers and first handlers of the 2005 cottonseed crop; and (5) make CCC commodity or payment assistance to certain loan-eligible first processors in a disaster-designated state to partially compensate producers and first processors for crop and other losses related to such natural disaster.

James M. Andrew, of Georgia, to be Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture, vice Hilda Gay Legg, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 6 September 2005

A bill to amend the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 to extend the termination date for mandatory price reporting.

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2005

Amends the Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting Act of 1999 to extend the termination date of such Act's mandatory beef and swine reporting and related authorities to September 30, 2006.

Rice Farmer Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 September 2005

Rice Farmer Fairness Act - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to require, as a condition on the receipt of direct or counter-cyclical payments for rice produced in Texas where the the principal producer of the rice is a tenant or sharecropper, that the producers on the farm agree to retain the rice cropland in production or a cropping system rotation for the next crop year.

A bill to reauthorize the United States Grain Standards Act, to facilitate the official inspection at export port locations of grain required or authorized to be inspected under such Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Amends the United States Grain Standards Act to extend: (1) authority for inspection, weighing, and supervisory fees, supervisory and administrative cost limitations, and the advisory committee; and (2) authorization of appropriations. Authorizes with respect to export port locations of grain: (1) private entity performance of official inspection and weighing activities; and (2) use of more than one designated person or entity to perform such activities. (Makes certain geographic boundary provisions inapplicable to designated agencies at export port locations.)

A bill to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to reform funding for the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

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.

20/20 Biofuels Challenge Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

20/20 Biofuels Challenge Act of 2005 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations ensuring that motor vehicle fuel sold or dispensed to consumers in the contiguous United States, on an annual average basis, contains specified volumes of renewable fuel for calendar years 2006-2020. Amends federal transportation law to require that personal and commercial land and water transportation and shipping vehicles and vessels, as well as large farm equipment manufactured after model year 2010, and capable of operating on either gasoline or diesel fuel, also be capable of operating on a flexible fuel mixture. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations requiring a vehicle or vessel manufacturer to include certain consumer information concerning a vehicle's capability of operating on a flexible fuel mixture (alternative biofuels). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) support development of cellulosic feedstock by directing that erosion-preventing, renewable fuel-producing crops be grown on certain arable land in a specified conservation reserve program established under the Food Security Act of 1985; and (2) implement an integrated 10-year research program to improve crop productivity and cost for cellulosic-based ethanol and biodiesel feedstock. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to implement an eight-year research and development plan to improve significantly processes for converting: (1) cellulosic feedstock into ethanol production; and (2) biodiesel feedstock into biodiesel fuel.

Specialty Crop and Value-Added Agriculture Promotion Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2005

Specialty Crop and Value-Added Agriculture Promotion Act - Amends the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 to include within the definition of specialty crop: (1) farm-raised or wild-harvested fish and shellfish; and (2) organically produced specialty crops. Makes the authorization of appropriations for state specialty crop block grants permanent. Amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 to replace the agricultural marketing resource center pilot project with a state block grant program for value-added agricultural product market development. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an incentive program for third-party certification of agricultural producers and processors for quality and production practices that increase agricultural commodity marketability or value. Provides for up 50% reimbursement of participant certification costs. Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to direct the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the adjusted gross revenue insurance pilot program as a permanent program. Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) expand the program to cover any county in which crops are produced; and (2) grant temporary policy subsidies for producers located in a county that has a high level of specialty crop production and has not had a high level of crop insurance coverage coverage. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary to: (1) make available to students in not more than 100 schools in each state, and in elementary and secondary schools on one Indian reservation, free fresh and dried fruits and vegetables throughout the school day in one or more school-designated areas; and (2) give priority to states that produce large quantities of specialty crops. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase operating loan limits for loans guaranteed other than by the Secretary. Revises the related inflation percentage determination. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish the position of Assistant United States Trade Representative for Specialty Crops. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to increase the authorization of appropriations for specialty crop technical assistance.

Coffman Cove Administrative Site Conveyance Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Coffman Cove Administrative Site Conveyance Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the city of Coffman Cove, Alaska, a specified parcel of Forest Service land within the city.

Safe and Secure Food Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Safe and Secure Food Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, the Egg Products Inspection Act, and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to promulgate regulations that require persons to implement procedures to prevent both unintentional and intentional contamination of meat and meat products, poultry and poultry products, eggs and egg products, and food at establishments covered by such Acts. Directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to initiate a food security inspector training program. Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to: (1) require a person, other than a household consumer, who has reason to believe meat, poultry, eggs, or food products to be adulterated or misbranded to so notify the Secretary; (2) provide the Secretary with authority for voluntary and mandatory nondistribution and recall, withdrawal of inspectors from violating facilities, and civil penalties; and (3) bring related criminal penalties under the provisions of federal criminal law. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) require a person, other than a household consumer or other individual who is the intended food consumer, who has reason to believe that any food in interstate commerce, or held for sale after shipment in interstate commerce, may be in violation of such Act to so notify the Secretary; and (2) provide the Secretary with authority for voluntary and mandatory nondistribution and recall, withdrawal of inspectors from violating facilities, and civil penalties. Requires a foreign facility or foreign government that submits a registration to import food to the United States to request certification (valid for up to five years) from the Secretary that food produced under its the supervision meets food safety, inspection, labeling, and consumer protection standards that are at least equivalent to U.S. standards. Authorizes the Secretary to withdraw certification of any food from a foreign government or foreign facility if: (1) such food is linked to an outbreak of human illness; (2) the Secretary finds that the programs and procedures are no longer equivalent to U.S. programs and procedures; or (3) there is a refusal to allow U. S. officials to conduct appropriate audits and investigations. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to assess and report on U.S. food supply security.

Equine Equity Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Equine Equity Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) treat any race horse as three-year property for depreciation purposes; and (2) reduce to 12 months the holding period for capital gains treatment of horses. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to include horses in livestock assistance, compensation, or feed programs. Amends certain agricultural acts to qualify horses for disaster and other assistance programs.

Agroterrorism Prevention Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Agroterrorism Prevention Act of 2005 - Amends federal criminal law to criminalize acts of agroterrorism (as defined by this Act). Provides for related monitoring and intelligence enhancements. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security to expand and continue vulnerability assessments of the agriculture and food sectors. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) assist states and counties develop and implement plans for agricultural disease prevention and recovery (such plans to be modeled after the state animal response team); (2) assist states develop related regional and national response plans; (3) establish a public awareness campaign for agricultural producers that emphasizes heightened biosecurity and agricultural disease anomaly reporting; (4) develop guidelines to improve the monitoring of human traffic, vehicles, and materials entering or leaving farm or ranch operations, and disseminate such guidelines to agricultural producers; (5) develop a National Veterinary Stockpile; and (6) develop a National Plant Disease Recovery System. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to report respecting: (1) the need to modernize or replace federal animal and plant disease laboratories: and (2) state capability as first responders to animal diseases that threaten U.S. agriculture. States that if a livestock or poultry contract provides for arbitration, arbitration may be used to settle a controversy only if, after the controversy arises, both parties consent in writing to use arbitration to settle the controversy.

Food Stamp Vitamin and Mineral Improvement Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Food Stamp Vitamin and Mineral Improvement Act of 2005 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to permit food stamp program purchases of nutritional supplements providing a vitamin or mineral.

Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, and the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to convey specified parcels of federal land to certain counties and cities in central Idaho. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the State of Idaho a specified parcel of BLM land for a motorized recreation park. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to construct a trail for use by pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles and as a snowmobile route. Addresses the extension of guide and outfitter operating permits authorizing activities in the Boulder-White Cloud Management Area (BWCMA) established by this Act or wilderness areas designated under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to submit to Congress a specified study addressing fire risk mitigation measures in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA). Directs the Secretary of the Interior to expand and improve the Herd Lake Campground facilities located below the outlet of Herd Lake. Allows the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to execute one or more land exchanges with the State for the purpose of eliminating state inholdings within the boundaries of the SNRA and the wilderness areas designated by this Act. Designates specified parcels of federal land in central Idaho as wilderness areas to be managed as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS). Repeals existing law requiring review of portions of the SNRA for possible inclusion in the NWPS. Establishes the BWCMA on federal lands in the Challis National Forest, SNRA, and Challis District of the BLM that are not designated as wilderness areas under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for a grant to Idaho's Off Road Motor Vehicle Program. Establishes a voluntary grazing permit waiver program.

Specialty Crop and Value-Added Agriculture Promotion Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Specialty Crop and Value-Added Agriculture Promotion Act - Amends the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 to include within the definition of specialty crop: (1) farm-raised or wild-harvested fish and shellfish; and (2) organically produced specialty crops. Makes the authorization of appropriations for state specialty crop block grants permanent. Amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 to replace the agricultural marketing resource center pilot project with a state block grant program for value-added agricultural product market development. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an incentive program for third-party certification of agricultural producers and processors for quality and production practices that increase agricultural commodity marketability or value. Provides for up 50% reimbursement of participant certification costs. Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to direct the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the adjusted gross revenue insurance pilot program as a permanent program. Authorizes the Corporation to: (1) expand the program to cover any county in which crops are produced; and (2) grant temporary policy subsidies for producers located in a county that has a high level of specialty crop production and has not had a high level of crop insurance coverage coverage. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary to: (1) make available to students in not more than 100 schools in each state, and in elementary and secondary schools on one Indian reservation, free fresh and dried fruits and vegetables throughout the school day in one or more school-designated areas; and (2) give priority to states that produce large quantities of specialty crops. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to increase operating loan limits for loans guaranteed other than by the Secretary. Revises the related inflation percentage determination. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to establish the position of Assistant United States Trade Representative for Specialty Crops. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to increase the authorization of appropriations for specialty crop technical assistance.

To amend the crop disaster assistance program for 2003 to clarify the manner in which the Secretary of Agriculture is required to make assistance available to producers under the program.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Amends the Military Construction Appropriations and Emergency Hurricane Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2005 to provide that carry over pounds for the 2002 crop of a commodity shall not be used in determining crop disaster program payments for the 2003 crop of the same commodity.

Community Forest Restoration Expansion Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Community Forest Restoration Expansion Act of 2005 - Amends the Community Forest Restoration Act to: (1) revise the federal and non-federal contribution requirements under the Collaborative Forest Restoration Program; (2) direct the Secretary of Agriculture to expand the Program to cover Arizona in addition to New Mexico; (3) require a separate technical advisory panel for each covered state; and (4) increase the annual authorization of appropriations for the Program.

Food Ingredient Right to Know Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Food Ingredient Right to Know Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide that a food shall be deemed to be misbranded if it contains any spice, flavoring, or coloring derived from meat, poultry, any other animal product (including insects) unless its labeling bears a statement with appropriate prominence on the information panel providing that fact and the name of the meat, poultry, other animal product.

Food Freshness Disclosure Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Food Freshness Disclosure Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide that a food shall be deemed to be misbranded unless its label bears information on freshness. Requires the label to state a date upon which the food will no longer be fresh (i.e., contain the quantity of nutrients specified on the label and otherwise be not adulterated and of acceptable quality). Requires such date to be preceded by "best if used by," and requires such label to be conspicuously located, easy to read, and in a type size no smaller than eight point. Directs that the freshness date be on the containers of any food sent to the seller of such food to consumers. Makes this Act inapplicable to any food that is exempt from nutrition labeling requirements.

To amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require country of origin labeling for macadamia nuts.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require: (1) country of origin labeling for macadamia nuts (covered commodity); and (2) that macadamia nuts be exclusively produced in the United States in order to be designated as U.S. country of origin.

To amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act to expand the Agricultural Management Assistance Program to include the State of Hawaii.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to include Hawaii in the agricultural management assistance program.

National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act - Identifies roadless areas within the National Forest System set forth in specified maps as National Forest Inventoried Roadless Areas, and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to manage such Areas to maintain their roadless character. Authorizes the Forest Service to modify such maps for the sole purpose of improving their accuracy or inclusiveness. Requires any substantial modification of those maps to be made through the national forest management planning process and documented in an environmental impact statement.

Estate Tax Deferral for Working Farms and Land Conservation Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2005

Estate Tax Deferral for Working Farms and Land Conservation Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude property used by a decedent's heir as farmland from the gross income of the decedent's estate. Imposes an additional estate tax if the decedent's heir disposes of such farmland or ceases to use it for farming purposes. Repeals the $500,000 limitation on the estate tax exclusion for land subject to a qualified conservation easement.

Colorado Northern Front Range Mountain Backdrop Protection Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2005

Colorado Northern Front Range Mountain Backdrop Protection Study Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to conduct a study of the lands within the study area (certain lands in or adjacent to the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in southern Boulder, northern Jefferson, and northern Gilpin Counties, Colorado) and report to Congress on: (1) the ownership of such lands; (2) any undeveloped land that may be at risk of development; and (3) actions that could be taken by the United States, Colorado, or any other parties to preserve the open and undeveloped character of such lands.

To amend the adjusted gross income limitation on participation in conservation programs administered by the Department of Agriculture to exempt producers operating in the State of Hawaii.

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2005

Amends the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, to permit farming, ranching, or forestry operators in Hawaii to receive erosion and wetland and specified conservation payments without regard to gross income (and farm-related income) limitations.

Hawaii Invasive Species Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 July 2005

Hawaii Invasive Species Prevention Act - States that it is U.S. policy to fund and support coordinated programs and activities to prevent the introduction or spread of invasive species and diseases in Hawaii. Prohibits a federal agency from carrying out any action that would likely cause or promote the introduction or spread of invasive species and diseases in Hawaii. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to: (1) impose a quarantine on Hawaii to prevent the introduction of invasive species and diseases in Hawaii; (2) establish a system of post-arrival quarantine protocols for all persons, baggage, cargo, containers, packing materials, and other items traveling or being shipped to Hawaii from domestic and foreign locations; and (3) establish an expedited process for Hawaii to seek the Secretaries' approval to impose additional prohibitions or restrictions on the introduction or movement of invasive species or diseases. Authorizes Hawaii to impose additional emergency prohibitions or restrictions for up to two years pending such approval.

A bill to establish the treatment of actual rental proceeds from leases of land acquired under an Act providing for loans to Indian tribes and tribal corporations.

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005

Provides that any actual rental proceeds certified by the Secretary of the Interior from the lease of land acquired with a Farmers Home Administration Direct Loan by an Indian tribe or tribal corporation shall be deemed to: (1) constitute the rental value of that land; and (2) satisfy the requirement for appraisal of that land.

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Forestry Program Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 July 2005

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Forestry Program Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Forest Service and the program Coordinator, to carry out a Chesapeake Bay watershed forestry program under which the Secretary shall make grants and provide technical assistance to eligible entities to restore and conserve forests in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including grants and assistance to: (1) promote forest conservation, restoration, and stewardship efforts; (2) accelerate the restoration of riparian forest buffers; (3) assist in developing and carrying out projects and partnerships; (4) promote the protection and sustainable management of forests; (5) develop public communication and education resources; (6) conduct forest research, assessment, and planning activities; and (7) contribute to the achievement Chesapeake Bay Agreement goals. Directs the Secretary to designate a Forest Service employee as program Coordinator. Sets forth the Coordinator's responsibilities. Defines an eligible entity as: (1) a Chesapeake Bay state (Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia), or a political subdivision thereof; (2) a university or other institution of higher education; (3) a tax-exempt organization operating in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; or (4) any other person in the Chesapeake Bay watershed determined by the Secretary as eligible. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make grants (75% federal maximum) to such entities to carry out specified program projects; (2) conduct a study of urban and rural forests in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; and (3) establish a watershed forestry research program for the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Authorizes the use of funds under this Act to employ a state watershed forester to work with the Coordinator.

Caribbean National Forest Preservation Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2005

Caribbean National Forest Preservation Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire, by donation or purchase, from willing sellers tracts of land intended to assist in the consolidation of lands within or adjacent to the boundaries of the Caribbean National Forest in Puerto Rico. Requires the Secretary to adjust the boundaries of the Caribbean National Forest to include acquired lands.

National Forest Protection and Restoration Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2005

National Forest Protection and Restoration Act - Prohibits commercial logging and timber sales (with specified exceptions) on Federal public lands, with a two-year phase-out for existing contracts. Provides for payment of relinquished contracts. Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to each: (1) establish a National Heritage Restoration Corps to restore (and monitor) such lands to their natural pre-logging condition; and (2) develop National Heritage Restoration Plans and related standards for regional ecological restoration and monitoring. Sets forth provisions respecting forest fire and hazardous fuel reduction. Provides for worker retraining of eligible persons whose jobs have been lost due to terminated timber and logging contracts. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make training grants, including grants for job search and relocation. Sets forth fund allocation provisions, including amounts for an Environmental Protection Agency investigation of non-wood paper and construction alternatives. Amends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 to make permanent certain education, transportation, and public purpose payments to States and counties containing Federal land. Authorizes a private right of action for violations of this Act.

To reauthorize the United States Grain Standards Act, to facilitate the official inspection at export port locations of grain required or authorized to be inspected under such Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2005

Amends the United States Grain Standards Act to extend: (1) authority for inspection, weighing, and supervisory fees, supervisory and administrative cost limitations, and the advisory committee; and (2) authorization of appropriations. Authorizes with respect to export port locations of grain: (1) private entity performance of official inspection and weighing activities; and (2) use of more than one designated person or entity to perform such activities. (Makes certain geographic boundary provisions inapplicable to designated agencies at export port locations.)

To reauthorize the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 and to amend the swine reporting provisions of that Act.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2005

Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to extend the provisions of the Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting Act of 1999 (Act). Amends the Act to revise swine reporting provisions.

Caribbean National Forest Preservation Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2005

Caribbean National Forest Preservation Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire, by donation or purchase, from willing sellers tracts of land intended to assist in the consolidation of lands within or adjacent to the boundaries of the Caribbean National Forest in Puerto Rico. Requires the Secretary to adjust the boundaries of the Caribbean National Forest to include acquired lands.

Attacking Viral Influenza Across Nations Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2005

Attacking Viral Influenza Across Nations Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to the Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) a proposal related to establishing a Pandemic Fund for countries affected by pandemic influenza. Establishes the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Policy Coordinating Committee to develop an Interagency Preparedness Plan. Requires the Secretary to strengthen, expand, and coordinate domestic pandemic influenza preparedness activities. Requires states to have an approved state preparedness plan as a condition of receiving funds related to bioterrorism from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC and the Administrator of HRSA, to integrate and coordinate public and private influenza surveillance activities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) procure doses of antivirals and developed vaccines needed during pandemic influenza for the Strategic National Stockpile; and (2) assist other counties in preparation for, and response to, pandemic influenza. Allows the Secretary to provide vaccines, antiviral medications, and supplies from the Stockpile to foreign countries. Requires the Secretary to develop and disseminate pandemic influenza training curricula for health professionals and non-medical volunteers. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Director of CDC to expand and intensify influenza research. Directs the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine to study topics related to the pandemic influenza. Establishes the National Pandemic Influenza Economics Advisory Committee. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to expand and intensify efforts to prevent pandemic influenza.

United States Trade Rights Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 July 2005

United States Trade Rights Enforcement Act - Expresses the sense of Congress about making the countervailing duty law under the Tariff Act of 1930 applicable to actions by nonmarket economy countries, and the impact on the U.S. economy of the huge growth in trade with the People's Republic of China (PRC). Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to impose countervailing duties on certain merchandise from nonmarket economy countries. Suspends for three years the requirement that the administering authority direct the Customs Service to allow, at the option of the importer of such merchandise, the posting, until completion of the review, of a bond or security in lieu of a cash deposit for each entry of the subject merchandise (bonding privileges). Requires the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the Secretary of Commerce to ensure that specified steps are taken by the PRC to ensure its compliance with its international trade obligations regarding: (1) intellectual property rights; (2) access for exports of U.S. goods, services, and agriculture; and (3) a required detailed accounting of its subsidies to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by the end of 2005. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the definition of currency manipulation; (2) actions of foreign countries that will be considered to be such; and (3) how statutory provisions addressing it by U.S. trading partners contained in, and relating to, the Bretton Woods Agreements Act and the Exchange Rates and International Economic Policy Coordination Act of 1988 can be better clarified administratively to provide for improved and more predictable evaluation. Authorizes appropriations for the Office of the USTR and for the U.S. International Trade Commission. Requires the Commission to study and report on trade and economic relations between the United States and the PRC. Expresses the sense of Congress that the: (1) United States should strive to expand membership in the Agreement on Government Procurement of the WTO; (2) United States should ensure that the PRC meets its WTO obligations; (3) the United States should seek a commitment from the PRC to maintain its suspension of the implementation of its law on government procurement, pending the conclusion of negotiations to accede to the Agreement; (4) the United States should seek commitments from the PRC and other countries that are not yet members of the Agreement to implement the principles of openness, transparency, fair competition based on merit, nondiscrimination, and accountability in their government procurement as embodied in that Agreement; and (5) the President should direct all appropriate U.S. officials to raise these concerns with appropriate PRC officials and other trading partners.

To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer certain land within the Ottawa National Forest to the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2005

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.

United States Trade Rights Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 July 2005

United States Trade Rights Enforcement Act - Expresses the sense of Congress about making the countervailing duty law under the Tariff Act of 1930 applicable to actions by nonmarket economy countries, and the impact on the U.S. economy of the huge growth in trade with the People's Republic of China (PRC). Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to impose countervailing duties on certain merchandise from nonmarket economy countries. Suspends for three years the requirement that the administering authority direct the Customs Service to allow, at the option of the importer of such merchandise, the posting, until completion of the review, of a bond or security in lieu of a cash deposit for each entry of the subject merchandise (bonding privileges). Requires the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the Secretary of Commerce to ensure that specified steps are taken by the PRC to ensure its compliance with its international trade obligations regarding: (1) intellectual property rights; (2) access for exports of U.S. goods, services, and agriculture; and (3) a required detailed accounting of its subsidies to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by the end of 2005. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the definition of currency manipulation; (2) actions of foreign countries that will be considered to be such; and (3) how statutory provisions addressing it by U.S. trading partners contained in, and relating to, the Bretton Woods Agreements Act and the Exchange Rates and International Economic Policy Coordination Act of 1988 can be better clarified administratively to provide for improved and more predictable evaluation. Authorizes appropriations for the Office of the USTR and for the U.S. International Trade Commission. Requires the Commission to study and report on trade and economic relations between the United States and the PRC. Expresses the sense of Congress that the: (1) United States should strive to expand membership in the Agreement on Government Procurement of the WTO; (2) United States should ensure that the PRC meets its WTO obligations; (3) the United States should seek a commitment from the PRC to maintain its suspension of the implementation of its law on government procurement, pending the conclusion of negotiations to accede to the Agreement; (4) the United States should seek commitments from the PRC and other countries that are not yet members of the Agreement to implement the principles of openness, transparency, fair competition based on merit, nondiscrimination, and accountability in their government procurement as embodied in that Agreement; and (5) the President should direct all appropriate U.S. officials to raise these concerns with appropriate PRC officials and other trading partners.

Meat and Poultry Pathogen Reduction and Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005

Meat and Poultry Pathogen Reduction and Enforcement Act - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act, respectively, to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe: (1) surveys to determine foodborne pathogen contamination levels for raw meat and raw poultry, and meat and poultry products processed in establishments inspected under such Acts; (2) public health goals; and (3) initial and final pathogen reduction performance standards to reduce pathogen contamination and achieve public health goals. Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify, and publish a list of, such pathogens; (2) initiate pathogen surveys to determine existing levels of meat and poultry contamination; (3) establish public health goals and objectives to achieve foodborne illness reduction; and (4) report on the scientific feasibility of establishing health-based performance standards for pathogens. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Committee for Microbiology Criteria for Foods. Directs the Secretary to enforce Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) System requirements and other sanitation requirements in any official establishment. Authorizes the Secretary to prohibit non-complying establishments from labeling any meat or meat product, or poultry or poultry product, as "inspected and passed."

Meat and Poultry Pathogen Reduction and Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005

Meat and Poultry Pathogen Reduction and Enforcement Act - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act, respectively, to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe: (1) surveys to determine foodborne pathogen contamination levels for raw meat and raw poultry, and meat and poultry products processed in establishments inspected under such Acts; (2) public health goals; and (3) initial and final pathogen reduction performance standards to reduce pathogen contamination and achieve public health goals. Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify, and publish a list of, such pathogens; (2) initiate pathogen surveys to determine existing levels of meat and poultry contamination; (3) establish public health goals and objectives to achieve foodborne illness reduction; and (4) report on the scientific feasibility of establishing health-based performance standards for pathogens. Directs the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Committee for Microbiology Criteria for Foods. Directs the Secretary to enforce Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) System requirements and other sanitation requirements in any official establishment. Authorizes the Secretary to prohibit non-complying establishments from labeling any meat or meat product, or poultry or poultry product, as "inspected and passed."

Answer Africa's Call Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005

Answer Africa's Call Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional income tax (surcharge) on adjusted gross incomes exceeding certain threshold levels (in order to fund the U.S. International Finance Facility). Establishes the United States International Finance Facility Trust Fund in the Treasury consisting of such amounts appropriated or credited to the Trust Fund, including amounts collected from the surcharge). Makes such Fund amounts available without further appropriation for expenditures in connection with U.S. commitments to the International Finance Facility. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to modify the preferential trade treatment for agricultural products of beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries. Removes the limitation on eligibility for duty-free treatment of an agriculture product subject to a tariff-rate quota exceeding the in-quota amount, if the over-quota import is the growth, product, or manufacture of a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country. Requires the President to: (1) assess a duty on such an over-quota product if its unit import price is less than the annual trigger price; (2) establish an annual trigger price for each such product; and (3) notify the beneficiary sub-Saharan African country concerned of such additional duty. Amends the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to revise criteria for preferential treatment of apparel articles wholly assembled from fabric or yarn not available in commercial quantities in the United States to make certain yarn or fabrics eligible for use in the production of specified cut or knit-to-shape apparel articles. Modifies AGOA special rules for lesser developed countries with respect to preferential treatment for apparel articles wholly assembled, or knit to shape and wholly assembled, or both, in one or more lesser developed beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries regardless of the country of origin of the fabric or yarn used. Extends through FY 2015 the applicable percentage component of the preferential treatment formula established for FY 2005. Includes Mauritius in such extension, with no change in its current limitation of 5% of such applicable percentage.

Livestock Identification and Marketing Opportunities Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005

Livestock Identification and Marketing Opportunities Act - Establishes the Livestock Identification Board which shall: (1) establish an electronic livestock identification system (livestock system) that is capable of tracing all U.S. livestock from the time of first movement from its original premise to the time of slaughter in less than 48 hours, and tracking all relevant livestock information (identification number, species, date of birth); (2) maintain a centralized livestock data system; and (3) determine the official livestock system identification technology. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish a U.S. premise identification system; and (2) verify that each animal, or group of animals subject to the livestock system, is properly identified upon first entry of the animal into commerce. Authorizes the owner of an animal or group of animals that is not subject to the livestock livestock system to voluntarily subject such animal, or group of animals, to system tracking. Exempts information obtained through the livestock or premise systems from Freedom of Information Act disclosure. States that information obtained through the livestock or premise systems: (1) may not be released; (2) shall not be considered public domain information; and (3) shall be considered privileged and confidential commercial information. Authorizes the Board to release livestock or premise system information for reasons of public health or disease or pest control. Requires the Board to release livestock or premise system information to: (1) a livestock owner upon request; (2) the Secretary, a state, or a tribal agency for animal disease surveillance; (3) the Attorney General for criminal investigation or prosecution; (4) the Secretary of Homeland Security for national security; (5) the Secretary of Health and Human Services for public health protection; and (6) a foreign government if necessary to trace livestock threatened by disease or pest, as determined by the Secretary. Defines "livestock" as cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and poultry.

Dietary Supplement Access and Awareness Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 June 2005

Dietary Supplement Access and Awareness Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require manufacturers and processors of dietary supplements to report certain information to the Secretary of Health and Human Services annually, including a list of supplements manufactured and the labeling and major ingredients for such supplements. Requires manufacturers and distributors to report to the Secretary any serious adverse experiences regarding a supplement. Authorizes the Secretary to require a manufacturer to: (1) conduct postmarket surveillance if there is a reasonable possibility of a supplement causing adverse health consequences; and (2) demonstrate that a supplement is not adulterated. Requires the Secretary to establish criteria for making a determination that a dietary supplement may pose a significant risk to minors. Deems the act of selling a dietary supplement to a minor after the Secretary has made such a determination to be an act which results in a supplement being misbranded while held for sale. Deems a dietary supplement to be adulterated if the manufacturer fails to comply with the Secretary's order to demonstrate the drug's safety. Requires the Secretary to consider a dietary supplement or ingredient as presenting an unreasonable risk of injury or illness if the Secretary determines that the risks of such product outweighs its benefits. Allows the Secretary to consider even a relatively small risk of a serious adverse health effect to be unreasonable. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to carry out dietary supplement education programs for health care professionals and consumers.

A bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to charge the date of implementation of country of origin labeling to January 30, 2006.

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2005

Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to change the country of origin labeling implementation date to January 30, 2006.

Meat Promotion Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2005

Meat Promotion Act of 2005 - Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to replace current mandatory country of origin labeling requirements with a voluntary country of origin labeling program for meat and meat products. Sets forth: (1) limitations on use of United States country of origin labels; and (2) civil penalties for program violations.

Agriculture Education Freedom Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 June 2005

Agriculture Education Freedom Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an individual any gain from the sale of any animal raised and sold by such individual as part of his or her participation in the 4-H program under the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service of the Department of Agriculture, the Future Farmers of America, any tax-exempt similar organization, or any program of a tax-exempt educational organization.