Agriculture

SURPLUS Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009

Scrapping Unsustainable Redundant Programs Leaves Us Solvent Act of 2009 or the SURPLUS Act - Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services (HHS), Homeland Security (DHS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Interior, Labor, State, Transportation (DOT), Treasury, and Veterans Affairs (VA), the Attorney General, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) determine if any federal programs within his or her agency are duplicative; (2) submit to Congress, and make available to the public, a report on the results; and (3) terminate or consolidate programs performing similar functions, except for any program that is required or authorized by statute. Considers to be duplicative: (1) a grant program the purpose of which the Secretary determines to be to benefit a specific group that is identical or substantially similar to a group that is eligible for another grant program; and (2) any other program the Secretary determines to be performing the same essential function as another program.

National Future Farmers of America Commemorative Coin Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009

National Future Farmers of America Commemorative Coin Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue gold and silver coins in commemoration of the National Future Farmers of America Organization and the 85th anniversary of such Organization. Authorizes the issuance of coins under this Act only for a one year period, beginning on January 1, 2012. Requires all sales of coins minted under this Act to include a surcharge of $25 per gold coin and $10 per silver coin. Requires all of the surcharges received from the sale of such coins to be paid to the National Future Farmers of America Foundation in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the creation of an endowment to enhance and expand programs that encourage the development of leadership skills, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education and the Future Farmers of America.

Box Elder Utah Land Conveyance Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009

Box Elder Utah Land Conveyance Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the town of Mantua, Utah, without consideration, all interest of the United States in and to parcels of National Forest System land in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Box Elder County, Utah, that are labeled as parcels A, B, and C on the map entitled "Box Elder Utah Land Conveyance Act" and dated July 14, 2008. Requires the town to use the land conveyed under this Act for public purposes.

A resolution celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Tillamook County Creamery Association.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009

Supports the 100th anniversary celebration of Oregon's Tillamook County Creamery Association.

National Capital Region Land Conservation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2009

National Capital Region Land Conservation Act of 2009 - Amends the Capper-Cramton Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service (NPS), to make grants to Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia and their political subdivisions (the covered states and covered local governments) for assistance in acquiring lands and interests therein that affect or are within the National Capital region and will be used for: (1) parks; (2) open space; (3) green space corridors that link public lands, lands subject to conservation restrictions, or a combination of such lands; (4) agriculture; (5) forests; (6) fish and wildlife habitat; (7) watershed protection; (8) historic preservation; (9) sensitive environmental area protection; and (10) public recreation. Bars the use of any land and interest acquired through the assistance of such a grant for a purpose other than a purpose specified above. Limits grant amounts to 50% of the total cost of the acquisition the grant will assist, including costs related to purchase price, appraisal, survey, title clearance, and closing. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to covered states, covered local governments, and nonprofits to plan and evaluate acquisitions eligible for a grant for assistance under this Act.

Unsafe Meat and Poultry Recall Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2009

Unsafe Meat and Poultry Recall Act - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to: (1) direct a person (other than a household consumer or other exempted person) who believes a meat or poultry product that such person handled is adulterated or misbranded to notify the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) direct the Secretary, upon a determination of a public health risk from such adulteration or misbranding, to permit the person to voluntarily provide handler notification, cease distribution, recall such product, and provide consumer notice; and (3) authorize the Secretary, in the case of noncompliance, to require that the person take such actions (other than consumer notice which shall be provided by the Secretary). Defines "person" as any individual, partnership, corporation, association, or other business unit.

Expressing support for the goals and ideals of the first annual National Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Day taking place on September 26, 2009.

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2009

Supports the goals of a National Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Day to be held annually in coordination with the Secretary of Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture. Recognizes that creating a successful adoption model for wild horses and burros is consistent with federal law commonly known as "Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act" and beneficial to the long-term interests of the people of the United States in protecting wild horses and burros. Encourages citizens of the United States to adopt a wild horse or burro so as to own a living symbol of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West.

SAVE Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009

Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act of 2009 or SAVE Act of 2009 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) increases in Border Patrol and investigative personnel; (2) recruitment of former military personnel; (3) use of Department of Defense (DOD) equipment; (4) infrastructure improvements; (5) aerial and other surveillance; (5) a national strategy to secure the borders; (6) accountable financing under the Secure Border Initiative; (7) emergency deployment of Border Patrol agents; and (8) expansion of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism along the northern and southern borders. Requires that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel check against terrorist watchlists alien smugglers and smuggled individuals who are interdicted at U.S. borders. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and specified maritime law sections to revise alien smuggling provisions. Sets forth provisions respecting border security on certain federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make the basic employment eligibility confirmation pilot program permanent. Sets forth conditions for the mandatory use of the E-verify system. Requires: (1) employer/employee notification of social security number mismatches and multiple uses, and related information sharing with DHS; and (2) establishment of electronic birth and death registration systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) penalize specified employers for failure to correct information returns; and (2) prohibit employers from deducting from gross income wages paid to unauthorized aliens, with an exception for an employer participating in the basic employment eligibility confirmation program. Increases criminal alien program (CAP) personnel. Authorizes border relief grants for local law enforcement agencies within 25 miles of the southern U.S. border. Establishes within DHS a rewards program to assist in the elimination of commercial operations to produce or sell fraudulent immigration-related documents and to assist in the investigation, prosecution, or disruption of commercial alien smuggling operations. Provides for: (1) increased alien detention facilities; (2) additional immigration court judgeships; and (3) a media campaign to inform the public of changes made by this Act including a multilingual media campaign explaining noncompliance penalties.

SAVE Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009

Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act of 2009 or SAVE Act of 2009 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) increases in Border Patrol and investigative personnel; (2) recruitment of former military personnel; (3) use of Department of Defense (DOD) equipment; (4) infrastructure improvements; (5) aerial and other surveillance; (5) a national strategy to secure the borders; (6) accountable financing under the Secure Border Initiative; (7) emergency deployment of Border Patrol agents; and (8) expansion of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism along the northern and southern borders. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to check against terrorist watchlists those persons suspected of alien smuggling and smuggled individuals who are interdicted at U.S. borders. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and specified maritime law sections to revise alien smuggling provisions. Sets forth provisions respecting border security on certain federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make the basic employment eligibility confirmation pilot program permanent. Sets forth conditions for the mandatory use of the E-verify system. Requires: (1) employer/employee notification of social security number mismatches and multiple uses, and related information sharing with DHS; and (2) establishment of electronic birth and death registration systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) penalize specified employers for failure to correct information returns; and (2) prohibit employers from deducting from gross income wages paid to unauthorized aliens, with an exception for an employer participating in the basic employment eligibility confirmation program. Increases criminal alien program (CAP) personnel. Authorizes border relief grants for local law enforcement agencies within 25 miles of the southern U.S. border. Establishes within DHS a rewards program to assist in the elimination of commercial operations to produce or sell fraudulent immigration-related documents and to assist in the investigation, prosecution, or disruption of commercial alien smuggling operations. Provides for: (1) increased alien detention facilities; (2) additional immigration court judgeships; and (3) a media campaign to inform the public of changes made by this Act including a multilingual media campaign explaining noncompliance penalties.

AFTERSchool Meals Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009

Afterschool Flexibility to Expand Reimbursement for School Meals Act of 2009 or the AFTERSchool Meals Act of 2009 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to make institutions in any state eligible for reimbursement for meals provided to at-risk school children under programs organized primarily to provide care to at-risk school children during after-school hours, weekends, or holidays during the regular school year. (Currently, reimbursement is limited to institutions in 10 states.) Assists states in providing meals and meal supplements to children participating in after-school programs in elementary and secondary schools. (Currently, assistance is provided for meal supplements.) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to award grants to states to encourage institutions and schools to participate in these expanded programs.

Trans Fat Truth in Labeling Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009

Trans Fat Truth in Labeling Act of 2009 - Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA) to promulgate a final regulation revising federal nutrition labeling regulations to require the label of a food that has less than .5 grams of trans fat per serving to express that information with an asterisk or other notation instead of expressing the trans fat content as zero when the trans fat content of such food is declared in the nutrition information on the label or in the labeling of the food.

Dairy Relief and Market Stabilization Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2009

Family Dairy Preservation Act of 2009 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to increase milk income loss contract payments for the period March 1, 2009-November 30, 2009. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) determine the number of dairy cows to be removed from production to bring national milk supply and demand in line; and (2) contract with a producer association or other third party to encourage dairy producers to remove dairy cows from production.

THE ROLE OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY IN GLOBAL WARMING LEGISLATION

United States · United States Senate · 22 July 2009

A bill to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to prohibit schools that participate in the Federal school meal programs from serving foods that contain trans fats derived from partially hydrogenated oils.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2009

Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to prohibit schools and service institutions that participate in the School Lunch program or the School Breakfast program, under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, from serving food that contains trans fats. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) give such schools and service institutions five years to phase-out trans-fatty foods; (2) establish a process for granting hardship waivers to schools or service institutions that face difficulties in meeting such deadline due to contractual obligations or significant financial hardship; and (3) prepare guidance to assist schools and service institutions in transitioning from trans-fatty to healthy oils.

A resolution expressing support for the goals and ideals of the first annual National Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Day taking place on September 26, 2009.

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2009

Supports the goals of a National Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Day to be held annually in coordination with the Secretary of Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture. Recognizes that creating a successful adoption model for wild horses and burros is consistent with federal law commonly known as "Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act" and beneficial to the long-term interests of the people of the United States in protecting wild horses and burros. Encourages citizens of the United States to adopt a wild horse or burro so as to own a living symbol of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West.

Seed Availability and Competition Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2009

Seed Availability and Competition Act of 2009 - Permits a person who plants patented seed or seed derived from patented seed to retain harvested seed for replanting by such person if that person: (1) notifies the Secretary of Agriculture of the type and quantity of seed to be retained; and (2) pays the appropriate fee established by the Secretary. Establishes the Patented Seed Fund in the Treasury into which such fees shall be deposited and from which the Secretary shall pay appropriate fees to patent holders. Imposes an additional duty on the imported product of exported genetically modified seed on which royalties or other fees are charged by the patent owner to purchasers of the seed in the United States and on which no fees or lesser fees are charged to purchasers of the exported seed in a foreign country. Requires that such duties be deposited in the Fund for distribution to the appropriate patent holders.

Student Breakfast and Education Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2009

Student Breakfast and Education Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to award competitive grants to state or local educational agencies (LEAs) for the establishment or enhancement of school breakfast programs at, and through the provision of subgrants to, schools where at least 65% of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches under the school lunch program. Authorizes schools to use the school breakfast subgrants to: (1) increase the quantity of local or fresh food available under their programs; (2) provide nutrition education and first-hand knowledge of food systems to students; (3) extend the period during which breakfast is available, including during the school day; (4) increase participation in their breakfast programs, including through the provision of universal free breakfasts; or (5) collaborate with institutions of higher education or other research entities in compiling data and reports on their breakfast programs. Gives priority to subgrant applicant schools at least 75% of whose students are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches and which intend to use the funds to procure local produce, provide universal free breakfasts, or provide breakfast during the school day. Directs grantees, at least 180 days before the end of a grant term, to evaluate whether it would be cost-effective for subgrantee schools to provide universal free breakfasts under the school breakfast program.

National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2009

National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2009 - Amends the 21st Century Nanotechology Research and Development Act to expand the scope of the National Nanotechnology Program (the Program), including directing the Program to utilize the perspectives of the industrial community to promote the rapid commercial development of nanoscale-enabled devices, systems, and technologies and to coordinate research in determining the key physical and chemical characteristics of nanoparticles and nanomaterials that may pose environmental, health, and safety risks. Requires issuing guidance to agencies that describes a strategy for transitioning research into commercial products and technologies and how the Program will coordinate or conduct research on the environmental, health, and safety issues related to nanotechnology. Revises requirements regarding the Program's triennial strategic plans. Requires participating agencies to support the activities of the committees of standards setting bodies involved in the development of standards for nanotechnology. Requires the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office to be supported by funds from each participating agency. Authorizes appropriations to: (1) the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the development of nanotechnology standards; and (2) the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the development of a public information database of projects in certain program component areas. Makes the National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel a distinct entity. Instructs the Panel to establish a subpanel to enable it in assessing whether societal, ethical, legal, environmental, and workforce concerns are adequately addressed by the Program. Rewrites provisions for triennial external review of the Program. Designates a Coordinator for Societal Dimensions of Nanotechnology, who shall convene a panel to develop a research plan. Requires the Coordinator to enter into an arrangement with the National Science Board to create a report in support of such plan that identifies the broad goals and needs of environmental, health, and safety researchers. Establishes an Education Working Group to coordinate, prioritize, and plan formal and informal educational activities supported under the Program. Provides for one or more grants to establish Nanotechnology Education Partnerships to recruit and help prepare secondary school students to pursue postsecondary level courses in nanotechnology. Requires agencies supporting nanotechnology research facilities to provide access to representatives from industry and other stakeholders for the transfer of research results or assist in developing prototypes of nanoscale products, devices, or processes. Sets forth provisions concerning nanotechnology related projects under existing nanotechnology transfer programs. Makes it an objective of the Program to establish industry liaison groups. Requires coordination and leveraging of federal investments with nanotechnology research, development, and technology transition initiatives. Requires the Program to include support for nanotechnology research and development in areas of national importance, such as energy production, water purification, agriculture, and health care, and to additionally support research that addresses the environment, health, and safety risks of nanoparticles and the ethical, legal, and societal issues related to nanotechnology. Requires the Program to support nanomanufacturing research, including in green nanomanufacturing. Requires specified reviews by the Advisory Panel of certain program component areas and nanotechnology research facilities. Sets forth provisions regarding nanoscale characterization and metrology. Requires deliberative public input in the decision making processes affecting policies for the research, development, and use of nanotechnology.

A resolution making minority party appointments for the 111th Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2009

Makes minority party appointments to the following Senate Committees for the 111th Congress: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Foreign Relations; (3) Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; (4) Small Business and Entrepreneurship; and (5) Aging.

Student Breakfast and Education Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2009

Student Breakfast and Education Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to award competitive grants to state or local educational agencies (LEAs) for the establishment or enhancement of school breakfast programs at, and through the provision of subgrants to, schools where at least 65% of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches under the school lunch program. Authorizes schools to use the school breakfast subgrants to: (1) increase the quantity of local or fresh food available under their programs; (2) provide nutrition education and first-hand knowledge of food systems to students; (3) extend the period during which breakfast is available, including during the school day; (4) increase participation in their breakfast programs, including through the provision of universal free breakfasts; or (5) collaborate with institutions of higher education or other research entities in compiling data and reports on their breakfast programs. Gives priority to subgrant applicant schools at least 75% of whose students are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches and which intend to use the funds to procure local produce, provide universal free breakfasts, or provide breakfast during the school day. Directs grantees, at least 180 days before the end of a grant term, to evaluate whether it would be cost-effective for subgrantee schools to provide universal free breakfasts under the school breakfast program.

Forest Jobs and Recreation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2009

Forest Jobs and Recreation Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to select areas on which to carry out, through the use of stewardship contracts or other contracting mechanisms, landscape-scale restoration projects on National Forest System land, and which may include other federal, state, tribal, or private land, in Montana for reclaiming or converting roads into recreational trails, restoring fish and wildlife habitat, replacing or resizing culverts, generating revenue for the investment of funds into fish and wildlife restoration and maintenance initiatives, and maintaining the infrastructure of wood products manufacturing facilities. Provides for specified forest management activities on the stewardship areas selected under this Act. Establishes resource advisory committees for the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and the Three Rivers Ranger District in Kootenai National Forest. Requires the Secretaries to report every five years on implementation of such projects. Authorizes the use of certain funds for payment of the federal cost share for the installation of combined heat and power biomass system projects. Requires a specified biomass study. Designates specified forest and public lands in Montana as wilderness areas and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Releases specified wilderness study areas from further study for designation as wilderness. Designates or establishes the: (1) Lost Creek Protection Area; (2) West Big Hole National Recreation Area; (3) West Pioneers Recreation Management Area; (4) Thunderbolt Creek Recreation Area; (5) Three Rivers Special Management Area; and (6) Otatsy Recreation Area.

ABC Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 July 2009

Access to Books for Children Act or the ABC Act - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to local agencies to provide vouchers to women participating in the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) for the purchase of educational books for their infants and children. Limits to one $5 voucher the maximum amount any one woman may receive, regardless of the number of her infants or children.

Community Gardens Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2009

Community Gardens Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to eligible entities to establish, build, or operate community gardens.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Community Gardening Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 15 July 2009

Supports the goals and ideals of National Community Gardening Awareness Month.

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY COMMUNITIES, AND OTHERS IN REDUCING GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTION

United States · United States Senate · 14 July 2009

Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2009

Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to rename the Public Lands Corps as the Public Lands Service Corps (the Corps). Creates a grant program for the establishment of Indian Youth Service Corps so that Indian youth can carry out projects determined to be priorities by their tribes and communities. Permits Corps participants to work in the National Marine Sanctuary System, coral reefs, and other coastal, estuarine, and marine habitats, and other lands and facilities administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Requires the: (1) establishment of offices within the Department of the Interior, Forest Service, and NOAA for the coordination of Corps activities; and (2) designation of a Corps coordinator for each agency within the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce that administers such activities. Establishes an Indian Youth Service Corps liaison to: (1) provide outreach to tribes about contracts and grants for establishing Corps programs on Indian lands; and (2) coordinate with the tribal liaison of the Corporation for National and Community Service in establishing Corps opportunities on those lands. Requires the Corps to consist of individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 who are enrolled as participants for a period of not more than two years. (Current law does not specify any time period for enrollment.) Requires a recruitment program and training program for Corps members. Describes the types of natural and cultural resources conservation projects that may be carried out by the Corps or any qualified youth or conservation corps on eligible service lands. Sets forth requirements regarding the use of Corps members to provide certain visitor and interpretation services. Authorizes the Secretaries to: (1) establish residential conservation centers; (2) provide temporary housing for the Corps and residential conservation centers; (3) as an appropriate natural and cultural resources conservation project, direct Corps participants to aid in the construction of residential conservation center facilities, including housing; (4) seek the assistance of the Secretary of Energy in identifying and using green building technologies and modular housing designs that may be adapted for such facilities; and (5) recruit mentors for Corps participants. Authorizes individual placements of consulting interns with federal land, coastal, and ocean management agencies to carry out management analysis. Authorizes cooperative agreements and competitive grants for tribes and tribally authorized organizations to establish Indian Youth Service Corps. Requires the issuance of management guidelines for programs of the Corps.

To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to Miami-Dade County certain federally owned land in Florida, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2009

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to Miami-Dade County, Florida, federally owned land comprising the Subtropical Horticulture Research Station in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Directs the County to pay specified costs.

Recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Food and Nutrition Service of the Department of Agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 10 July 2009

Recognizes the historic and continued contribution of the Food and Nutrition Service and its employees. Commends the efforts of states, territories, local governments, and nonprofit charitable and faith-based organizations to end hunger and provide nutritious food to U.S. citizens.

Dairy Fairness Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2009

Dairy Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to annually index for inflation payments under the milk income loss contract program.

To require the Secretary of Agriculture to use section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935, to provide compensation to certain poultry producers whose poultry production contracts were terminated or not renewed because of the closure of poultry processing plants and other cost cutting measures undertaken by a poultry processing company in bankruptcy protection.

United States · United States Congress · 9 July 2009

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Farm Service Agency, to use specified funds under the Act of August 24, 1935 to compensate poultry producers whose production contracts were terminated or not renewed during the period beginning on July 1, 2008, through the date of the enactment of this Act, because of processing plant closure and other cost cutting measures undertaken by a poultry processing company in bankruptcy protection.

HEARING TO CONSIDER THE NOMINATIONS OF JONATHAN STEVEN ADELSTEIN, KEVIN W. CONCONNON, AND EVAN J. SEGAL TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

United States · United States Senate · 7 July 2009

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2009

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 - Makes FY2010 appropriations for the: (1) Department of Agriculture; (2) Food and Drug Administration; and (3) Farm Credit Administration. Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

Upper Elk River Wild and Scenic Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2009

Upper Elk River Wild and Scenic Study Act - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a specified segment of the Elk River in West Virginia from the confluence of the Old Field Fork and the Big Spring Fork in Pocahontas County to the Pocahontas and Randolph County line for study as a potential addition to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to complete the study of such segment within a specified time period and report results to Congress.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2997) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2009

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2997) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010.

Supporting the goals and ideals of the Apple Crunch and the Nation's domestic apple industry.

United States · United States Congress · 7 July 2009

Supports the goals of National Apple Month and the Apple Crunch.

Family Dairy Preservation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 6 July 2009

Family Dairy Preservation Act of 2009 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to increase milk income loss contract payments for the period March 1, 2009-November 30, 2009.

Global Food Security Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009

Global Food Security Act of 2009 - Directs the President to designate an individual to serve as the Special Coordinator for Food Security to: (1) advise the President on international food security issues; (2) ensure coordination of global food security efforts and U.S. programs; and (3) oversee implementation of a comprehensive food security strategy to be headed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Sets forth strategy elements. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to revise and extend bilateral agriculture, rural development, and nutrition assistance programs. Authorizes the President to provide assistance to implement program components through U.S. land-grant universities, other eligible universities, and public and private partners of U.S. and foreign universities for: (1) research on problems affecting food availability; (2) agricultural development and trade research and extension services, particularly for women and other vulnerable populations; (3) application of agricultural and nutritional sciences to solving food, health, nutrition, rural income, and environmental problems, especially among populations experiencing chronic food insecurity; and (4) rural population access to national and global markets. Establishes the higher education collaboration for technology, agriculture, research, and extension to provide assistance for policies and programs in eligible countries that advance agricultural productivity and hunger alleviation through partnerships with institutions of higher education. Authorizes the President to provide assistance under this Act or the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for unexpected urgent food assistance needs. Establishes a United States Emergency Rapid Response to Food Crisis Fund to carry out such purposes.

Investment in Rural After-School Programs Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009

Investment in Rural After-School Programs Act of 2009 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to award grants to local educational agencies, educational service agencies, community-based organizations, or other entities to improve, expand, or establish rural after-school programs that provide students with a broad array of activities when school is not in session that improve their academic performance and promote their positive development. Requires eligible programs to be implemented in active collaboration with the schools the students attend and take place in safe and easily accessible facilities. Gives priority to applicants that are partnerships between eligible entities or propose to serve students a majority of whom are eligible for free or reduced price meals under the school lunch and breakfast programs.

Food Desert Oasis Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2009

Food Desert Oasis Act of 2009 - Designates certain U.S. cities as Food Desert Zones. Defines a "qualified food desert business" as a wholesale or retail business that derives at least 25% of its gross receipts from the sale of fresh fruits and vegetables. Grants certain tax benefits to a qualified food desert business, including an increased tax credit rate for rehabilitation expenditures, empowerment zone status, and tax-exempt bond financing. Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to: (1) increase to 100% the federal share of costs associated with hunger-free communities program activities in a Food Desert Zone in FY2010-FY2015; and (2) extend the authorization of appropriations for such program through FY2015. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to submit annual reports to Congress on the Food Desert Oasis Pilot Program under this Act.

A bill to amend the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 to reauthorize State mediation programs.

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 to extend the authorization of appropriations through FY2015 for state mediation programs.

Worker Eligibility Fairness Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2009

Worker Eligibility Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to eliminate the provision making a federal, state, or local government employee who is dismissed for participating in a strike against the federal government, the state, or a political subdivision of the state ineligible for the supplemental nutrition assistance program (formerly the food stamp program).

Hunger Free Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009

Hunger Free Schools Act - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make performance awards to states that demonstrate outstanding performance or show substantial improvement in directly certifying as eligible for free meals under the school lunch and breakfast programs any children whose families are eligible for supplemental nutrition assistance under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. (Direct certification eliminates the need for such families to submit applications for participation in the school lunch and breakfast programs.) Requires each state that directly certifies less than 95% of their children who are eligible for direct certification to implement: (1) a corrective action plan for the current school year; and (2) a direct certification improvement plan, approved by the Secretary, for the following school year. Requires direct certification of children who are members of a household that includes a child: (1) who is eligible for and receiving assistance under title XIX (Medicaid) or title XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program [CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP]) of the Social Security Act; and (2) whose income does not exceed 133% of the federal poverty level. Directs the Secretary to award grants to states to assist them in implementing such certification program. Allows local educational agencies (LEAs) to directly certify children whose household is eligible for a supplemental subsistence allowance for low-income members of the Armed Forces with dependents. Permits schools and LEAs to receive special assistance payments for free or reduced price meals under the school lunch or breakfast programs that are based not on applications for such meals, but on: (1) estimates, made from recent socioeconomic data, of the number of children eligible for such meals; or (2) if the school or LEA is from a high poverty area, the direct certification of a specified minimum percentage of their students as eligible for free meals due to their eligibility for certain other public assistance. Requires such schools and LEAs to provide free meals to all their students under the school lunch and breakfast programs and cover, from nonfederal sources, the costs of serving such meals that exceed the assistance received under such programs.

Clean, Affordable, and Reliable Energy Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009

Clean, Affordable, and Reliable Energy Act of 2009 - Establishes the American Renewable and Alternative Energy Trust Fund to support specified energy grants, incentives, technologies, and activities. Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 with respect to: (1) the Nuclear Waste Fund budget status; (2) use of such Fund for grants to or contracts with private-sector entities for the recycling of spent nuclear fuel. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) from denying a license, permit, or other authorization under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 because of insufficient spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste disposal capacity. Establishes an interagency working group to promote the increase of domestic manufacturing capacity and the export of domestic nuclear energy products and services. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal a certain requirement for federal purchases of alternative or synthetic fuel. Limits to 25 years the maximum multiyear contract authority of the Secretary of Defense for fuel derived from coal, oil shale, and tar sands. Amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 regarding the cancellation or termination costs of U.S. Forest Service stewardship multiyear contracts. Strengthening America's Science and Technology Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Energy to make research grants to institutions of higher education and other institutions for science and technology education, including certain scholarships and fellowships. Prescribes requirements for allocation of outer continental shelf (OCS) receipts from oil and gas leasing planning areas to adjacent states and their coastal political subdivisions. Deems approved as a final oil and gas leasing program The Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010-2015, issued by the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary). Directs the Secretary to conduct annual OCS lease sales in specified Planning Areas. Repeals the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006. American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act - Instructs the Secretary to conduct an oil and gas leasing program within the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska. Requires distribution of 50% of leasing revenues to the state of Alaska. Establishes a Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund. Directs the Secretary to offer certain public lands for leasing for research, commercial exploration, development, and production of oil shale resources. Revises requirements for natural gas pipeline integrity reassessment intervals based on risk. Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) require a study of small refineries; and (2) redefine air pollutant to exclude carbon dioxide, methane from agriculture or livestock, or water vapor. Directs the Secretary to establish a separate Alaska Offshore Continental Shelf Coordination Office. Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to: (1) require temporary exemption from critical habitat prohibitions of certain actions to avoid or ameliorate the impact of a declared emergency; and (2) prohibit the consideration of the impact of a greenhouse gas upon fish, wildlife, or plants. Revises requirements for completion and review of environmental impact statements. Declares new source review requirements inapplicable to routine maintenance, repairs, and replacement of equipment at facilities in compliance with requirements of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Directs the Secretary to develop a methodology to conduct a national assessment of capacity for carbon dioxide. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow new tax credits for the cost of obtaining a certification under the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Nuclear Component Certification program, for investments in property for producing energy from an advanced nuclear power facility or from clean-coal equipment, for investment in nuclear power manufacturing projects or equipment, and for home energy audit expenses; (2) make permanent the tax credits for nonbusiness energy property, for gas produced from biomass, and for synthetic fuels produced from coal; (3) extend the excise tax credit for alternative fuels; (4) extend tax credits for alternative fuel vehicles, alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures, new qualified plug-in electric drive vehicles, new energy efficient home expenditures, and energy efficient appliances; (5) extend the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; and (6) allow bonus depreciation of coal-to-liquid plant property. Describes the following as acts that unreasonably burden and discriminate against interstate commerce. Prohibits states, political subdivisions, and any other taxing authority from: (1) assessing natural gas pipeline property at a value that has a higher ratio to its true market value than the ratio used to assess other commercial and industrial property in the same assessment jurisdiction; (2) levying or collecting a tax on such an assessment; (3) levying or collecting an ad valorem property tax on natural gas pipeline property at a rate that exceeds the rate applicable to commercial and industrial property in the same assessment jurisdiction; or (4) imposing any other tax that discriminates against a natural gas pipeline providing transportation subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

TRADE Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2009

Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment Act of 2009 or the TRADE Act of 2009 - Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) review biennially certain free trade agreements (including Uruguay Round Agreements) between the United States and foreign countries to evaluate their economic, environmental, national security, health, safety, and other effects; and (2) report on them to the Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee (established by this Act), including analyses of specified aspects of each agreement and certain information about agreement parties, such as whether the country has a democratic form of government, respects certain core labor rights and fundamental human rights, protects intellectual property rights, and enforces environmental laws. Declares that implementing bills of new trade agreements shall not be subject to expedited consideration or special procedures limiting amendment, unless such agreements include certain standards with respect to: (1) labor; (2) human rights; (3) environment and public safety; (4) food and product health and safety; (5) provision of services; (6) investment; (7) procurement; (8) intellectual property; (9) agriculture; (10) trade remedies and safeguards; (11) dispute resolution and enforcement; (12) technical assistance; (13) national security; and (14) taxation. Requires the President to submit to Congress a plan for the renegotiation of existing trade agreements to bring them into compliance with such standards. Establishes a Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee. Expresses the sense of Congress that certain processes for U.S. trade negotiations should be followed when Congress considers legislation providing special procedures for implementing bills of trade agreements.

Dairy Fairness Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

Dairy Fairness Act of 2009 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to annually index for inflation payments under the milk income loss contract program.

Family Dairy Preservation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

Family Dairy Preservation Act of 2009 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to increase milk income loss contract payments for the period March 1, 2009-November 30, 2009.

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 - Makes FY2010 appropriations for the: (1) Department of Agriculture; (2) Food and Drug Administration (FDA); (3) Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); and (4) Farm Credit Administration. Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2009

Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 - Makes appropriations for FY2010 for the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Bureau of Land Management (BLM); (2) the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; (3) the National Park Service (NPS); (4) the U.S. Geological Survey; (5) the Minerals Management Service (MMS); (6) the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement; (7) the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) (including transfer of funds); (8) the Office of the Secretary; (9) departmental offices for insular affairs (including transfer of funds); (10) the Office of the Solicitor; (11) the Office of Inspector General; (12) the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians (including transfer of funds); (13) wildland fire management (including transfer of funds); (14) the Central Hazardous Materials Fund; and (15) natural resource damage assessment and restoration. Makes appropriations for FY2010 for: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (including transfers and rescissions of funds); (2) the Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service (including transfers of funds); and (3) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Indian Health Service (IHS). Makes appropriations for FY2010 for specified related agencies, including: (1) the National Institutes of Health (NIH); (2) the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; (3) the Executive Office of the President; (4) the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (including transfer of funds); (5) the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation; (6) the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development; (7) the Smithsonian Institution; (8) the National Gallery of Art; (9) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; (10) the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; (11) the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities; (12) the Commission of Fine Arts; (13) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; (14) the National Capital Planning Commission; (15) the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; (16) Presidio Trust; and (17) the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission.

Ertharin Cousin, of Illinois, for the rank of Ambassador during her tenure of service as U. S. Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture.

United States · United States Senate · 22 June 2009

National Capital Region Land Conservation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2009

National Capital Region Land Conservation Act of 2009 - Amends the Capper-Cramton Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service (NPS), to make grants to Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia and their political subdivisions (the covered states and covered local governments) for assistance in acquiring lands and interests therein that affect or are within the National Capital region and will be used for: (1) parks; (2) open space; (3) green space corridors that link public lands, lands subject to conservation restrictions, or a combination of such lands; (4) agriculture; (5) forests; (6) fish and wildlife habitat; (7) watershed protection; (8) historic preservation; (9) sensitive environmental area protection; and (10) public recreation. Bars the use of any land and interest acquired through the assistance of such a grant for a purpose other than a purpose specified above. Limits grant amounts to 50% of the total cost of the acquisition the grant will assist, including costs related to purchase price, appraisal, survey, title clearance, and closing. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to covered states, covered local governments, and nonprofits to plan and evaluate acquisitions eligible for a grant for assistance under this Act.