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Bill· HRH.R. 3559 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Act of May 27, 1930, to expand the emergency authority of the Secretary of Agriculture regarding persons who are lost, seriously ill, injured, or who die within the National Forest System, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979

Expands the emergency spending authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to include expenditures incurred in rendering emergency medical services to persons injured within the National Forest System. Permits the Secretary to cooperate with any State or political subdivision in conducting searches, performing emergency medical services, and transporting sick, injured, or dead persons. States that the Secretary may reimburse cooperators under the terms of written agreement for expenditures incurred in connection with any authorized service.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 225 (96th)referred

A resolution expressing the sense of the House opposing the transfer of the Forest Service and the Farmers Home Administration business and industry programs from USDA.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979

Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the transfer of the Forest Service and the Farmers Home Administration business and industry programs from the Department of Agriculture is unacceptable, and that any reorganization proposal which would diminish the Department's resources is unacceptable.

Bill· SS. 928 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to eliminate certain restrictions on excess shelter expense deductions with respect to households that are comprised exclusively of members who are sixty years of age or over or who are recipients of benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act and to allow a deduction for certain medical expenses in the computation of the income for these families.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979

Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to entitle to specified excess medical care, dependent care, and excess shelter expense deductions from household income, households comprised exclusively of members who are 60 years of age or over or who receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act.

Resolution· SRESS.Res. 136 (96th)referred

A resolution to encourage the strengthening of U.S. farmer cooperatives, as a key to preserving the free enterprise, small-farmer system which has proven to be the most efficient system of food and fiber production in history.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979

Affirms that farmer cooperatives are a vital and necessary element in maintaining and promoting the family farm system of food production. States that the Department of Agriculture and all appropriate budget appropriation review groups should recognize the need to reinforce and expand programs of cooperative research, service, education, and other cooperative assistance. Declares that the Department should: (1) establish an Office of Farmer Cooperatives to coordinate such programs; and (2) take other aggressive leadership toward expanding resources for cooperative work.

Bill· HRH.R. 3544 (96th)referred

A bill to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from prohibiting the use of nitrites as a food preservative on the basis of any carcinogenic effect nitrites may be represented to have until a satisfactory substitute preservative is commercially available.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979

Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from taking any action under the Wholesome Meat Act or any other law to prohibit the sale, distribution, or use of nitrites as a food preservative solely on the basis of any carcinogenic effect in humans that nitrites may be represented to have, unless validated evidence is made available to the Secretary which proves beyond a reasonable doubt that nitrites as a food preservative have a significant carcinogenic effect on humans. States that such prohibition shall not apply if the Secretary determines, and publishes in the Federal Register, that a food preservative is commercially available: (1) which may be used in the place of nitrites; (2) which is effective in the protection of public health from botulism and other forms of food poisoning; and (3) the use of which is economically feasible for meat processors and the consumer. Requires the Secretary to conduct or support, by grant or contract research and development activities for a food preservative alternative to nitrites.

Bill· HRH.R. 3535 (96th)referred

National Agricultural Bargaining Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979

National Agricultural Bargaining Act - Repeals the Agricultural Fair Practices Act of 1967 and establishes an agricultural bargaining policy substantially identical but expanded. Enumerates the unfair practices a handler of agricultural products is forbidden to commit under existing law, and adds a list of unfair practices an association of producers may not commit, including: (1) refusal to bargain in good faith with a handler over prices, terms of sale, and compensation for products produced under contract; (2) coercing or intimidating a handler to breach or terminate marketing contracts and association membership agreements; (3) circulating false reports about an association's or handler's finances, management, or activities; and (4) conspiracy to commit an unfair practice. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to accredit an association for bargaining if it meets specified requirements. Defines good faith bargaining for the purposes of this Act and specifies the conditions and procedure for the accreditation of producer associations. Requires each accredited association to submit an annual report to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to notify any association of the ways in which he believes it has ceased to maintain accreditation standards, and to allow it a reasonable time to answer or correct the deficiencies noted. Provides a procedure for revocation of accreditation. Provides for the assignment of association dues and fees. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) provide mediation services when bargaining between a handler and an association reaches an impasse; and (2) establish a procedure for compulsory and binding arbitration whenever such an impasse will result in a serious interruption in the flow of products to consumers, or will cause substantial economic hardship to the producers or handlers involved in the bargaining. Provides an administrative procedure for processing charges of unfair practices, but authorizes the Secretary to institute inquiries on his own motion, and to commence a civil action for injunctive and other relief. Specifies the Secretary's investigative powers. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for the violation of this Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 3514 (96th)referred

A bill to amend section 103(f) of the Agricultural Act of 1949 in order to establish a minimum loan rate for the 1980 and 1981 crops of upland cotton, a diversion program for the 1979 crop of upland cotton, and a waiver of certain cross-compliance requirements for disaster payments for the 1978 crop of upland cotton.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to establish the crop production loan level for the 1980 and 1981 crops of upland cotton at not less than the loan level established for the 1979 crop. Makes eligible for 1978 crop disaster payments certain cotton producers who where otherwise eligible for such payments, but who were deemed ineligible for failure to comply with the set-aside requirement of the 1978 crop feed grain program. Conditions such special eligibility on a determination that any such producer planted his 1978 crop of feed grains prior to the official announcement of the 1978 set-aside requirement and notice that eligibility for 1978 crop cotton payments and loans would be conditioned on compliance with such set-aside requirement. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make available a voluntary diversion program for the 1979 crop of upland cotton of payments for the reduction of cotton acreage by not less than ten percent nor more than 20 percent of the 1978 cotton acreage considered planted on the farm (including diverted acreage).

Bill· SS. 872 (96th)referred

A bill to amend section 5(e) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to increase the amount of the deduction allowed under such section for excess shelter expense, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979

Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977: (1) to increase from $75 to $105 the excess shelter expense deduction from household income; and (2) to postpone from July 1, 1978, to January 1, 1980, the commencement date for semiannual cost-of-living adjustments to all deductions from such income.

Law· HRH.R. 3398 (96th)open

An act to adjust target prices for the 1980 and 1981 crops of wheat and feed grains; to extend the disaster payment programs for the 1980 crops of wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, and rice; and to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to require that producers of wheat, feed grains, upland cotton, and rice not exceed the normal crop acreage for the 1980 and 1981 crops.

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1979

Agriculture Adjustment Act of 1979 - Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to increase the established prices for the 1979 crops of wheat to $3.63 per bushel and of corn to $2.35 per bushel, whenever a set-aside is in effect for the respective crop.

Bill· HRH.R. 3371 (96th)referred

Agriculture Adjustment Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979

Agriculture Adjustment Act of 1979 - Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to increase the established prices for the 1979 crops of wheat to $3.63 per bushel and of corn to $2.35 per bushel, whenever a set-aside is in effect for the respective crop.

Bill· SS. 837 (96th)passed

A bill to amend the Water Bank Act for the purpose of authorizing the Secretary of Agriculture to adjust payment rates with respect to initial conservation agreements and to designate certain areas as wetlands, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979

Amends the Water Bank Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to reexamine payment rates under wetland conservation agreements at the beginning of the fifth year of any ten-year initial or renewal period and to make needed annual adjustments in such rates. Expands the scope of the types of wetlands covered by such Act. Repeals the $10,000,000 calendar-year maximum amount limitation on payments the Secretary may agree to make to landowners and operators in migratory waterfowl nesting and breeding areas.

Bill· SS. 818 (96th)referred

A bill to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare from banning the use of nitrites in meat without sufficient proof of any carcinogenic effect nitrites may be represented to have, or until the development of a satisfactory alternative to protect the public health from botulism.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979

Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare from taking any action under the Wholesome Meat Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or any other law to prohibit the sale, distribution, or use of nitrites as a food preservative solely on the basis of any carcinogenic effect in humans that nitrites may be represented to have, unless validated evidence is made available to the Secretaries which proves clearly and convincingly that nitrites as a food preservative have a significant carcinogenic effect on humans. States that such prohibition shall not apply if the Secretaries determine that a food preservative is commercially available: (1) which has essentially the same effect on meat products as nitrites; (2) which is effective in the protection of public health from botulism and other forms of food poisoning; and (3) will not impose an unreasonable economic burden on consumers or meat processors. Requires the Secretaries to conduct or support (by grant or contract) research and development activities for a food preservative alternative to nitrites.

Bill· HRH.R. 3290 (96th)referred

Agriculture Adjustment Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979

Agriculture Adjustment Act of 1979 - Amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to increase the established prices for the 1979 crop of wheat to $3.63 per bushel and of corn to $2.35 per bushel, whenever a set-aside is in effect for the respective crop.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 187 (96th)referred

A resolution expressing the sense of the House opposing the transfer of the Forest Service and the Farmers Home Administration Business and industry programs.

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979

Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the transfer of the Forest Service and the Farmers Home Administration business and industry programs from the Department of Agriculture is unacceptable, and that any reorganization proposal which would diminish the Department's resources is unacceptable.

Bill· SS. 795 (96th)referred

Farmland Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979

Agricultural Land Protection Act - Title I: Federal Agency Compliance - Requires the interpretation and administration of the policies, regulations, and public laws of the United States in accordance with a recognition of the rights and responsibilities of private landholders in making land use decisions, and the rights and responsibilities of State and local governments in developing public policies regarding non-Federal land use. Directs Federal agencies to consider the retention of agricultural land for agricultural purposes when they make decisions which impact directly or indirectly on private, and State and local government public land, as well as on Federal land. Requires all such Federal agencies to review their administrative procedures, especially those regarding land acquisition and management, in order to bring them into conformity with the policies and purposes of this title. Title II: Farmland Review Study - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study: (1) agricultural land in the United States; (2) the effects of industrial development, climate, and other factors on the productivity of such land; (3) the acquisition of such land by persons not engaged in agricultural activities; and (4) methods of protecting and improving such land, and of reducing the amount being converted to nonagricultural uses. Requires a final report of findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the President and to Congress within 42 months after the effective date of this Act. Title III: Research Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, during a three-year period, to provide financial and technical assistance to States and local governments for the development, demonstration, and testing of methods of reducing the quantity of agricultural land (including such land in and around urban areas) being converted from agricultural uses to nonagricultural uses. Limits such financial assistance to not more than 25 percent of the cost of preparing, establishing, demonstrating, conducting, and testing three such reduction projects. Title IV: Technical Assistance Program - Directs the Secretary, through the Soil Conservation Service, to provide State and local governments with: (1) technical assistance concerning methods of protecting agricultural land and reducing its conversion to nonagricultural uses; and (2) financial assistance (not to exceed 25 percent of costs) to enable such governments to develop plans to implement such methods. Title V: General Provisions - Authorizes specified appropriations for fiscal years 1980 through 1983.

Bill· HRH.R. 3240 (96th)referred

A bill to provide that orders issued by the Secretary of Agriculture under the Agricultural Adjustment Act respecting development projects designed to assist, improve, or promote the marketing, distribution, and consumption or production of walnuts may provide for any form of marketing promotion, including paid advertising.

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 1979

Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1937 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to issue marketing orders respecting walnut development projects which provide for any form of marketing promotion, including paid advertising.

Bill· SS. 738 (96th)referred

A bill to amend section 16(b) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, as amended, providing for a Great Plains Conservation Program.

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979

Amends the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to extend the period wherein the Secretary of Agriculture may enter into contracts for the conservation of soil in the Great Plains conservation program. Limits the total payments under this program to $50,000,000 per program year.

Bill· SS. 713 (96th)referred

Farm Production Protection Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979

Farm Production Protection Act of 1979 - Repeals the Federal Crop Insurance Act. Empowers the Commodity Credit Corporation, commencing with farm production for 1981, to insure agricultural producers for up to 90 percent of the cost of production of a specified product against losses due to unavoidable or natural causes. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint an advisory committee to assist in the development of protection programs. Transfers the assets of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to the Commodity Credit Corporation.

Bill· HRH.R. 3166 (96th)referred

Department of Agriculture Restoration Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979

Department of Agriculture Restoration Act of 1979 - Transfers to the Secretary of Agriculture specified functions of the Department of Commerce (National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Office of Sea Grant of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in part), the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (the Bureau of Foods and the Bureau of Veterinary Medicine of the Food and Drug Administration), and the Department of the Interior (the Bureau of Land Management, in part, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Division of Fisheries Research of the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Office of Water Research and Technology). Vests such functions in the Secretary in order to permit him to coordinate, integrate, and administer programs conducive to: (1) increasing the production and improving the marketing and the quality of food, fiber, and forest products; and (2) improving the economic condition of families engaged in farming. Authorizes the Secretary to delegate any such function to any appropriate employee of the Department of Agriculture, but prohibits the establishment of any organizational unit within the Department for the sole purpose of carrying out one or more of such functions. Creates an Under Secretary of Agriculture for Domestic Agricultural Affairs to perform functions relating to the productive and marketing of food, fiber, and forest products in the United States and in its territories and possessions. Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to create an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Science and Education.

Resolution· HRESH.Res. 173 (96th)referred

A resolution expressing the sense of the House opposing the transfer of the Forest Service and the Farmers Home Administration Business and industry programs.

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1979

Declares that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the transfer of the Forest Service and the Farmers Home Administration business and industry programs from the Department of Agriculture is unacceptable, and that any reorganization proposal which would diminish the Department's resources is unacceptable.

Bill· HRH.R. 3104 (96th)referred

A bill to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from prohibiting the use of nitrites as food preservatives as the basis of any carcinogenic effect nitrates may be represented to have until a satisfactory substitute is commercially available.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979

Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from taking any action under the Wholesome Meat Act or any other law to prohibit the sale, distribution, or use of nitrites as a food preservative solely on the basis of any carcinogenic effect in humans that nitrites may be represented to have, unless validated evidence is made available to the Secretary which proves beyond a reasonable doubt that nitrites as a food preservative have a significant carcinogenic effect on humans. States that such prohibition shall not apply if the Secretary determines, and publishes in the Federal Register, that a food preservative is commercially available: (1) which may be used in the place of nitrites; (2) which is effective in the protection of public health from botulism and other forms of food poisoning; and (3) the use of which is economically feasible for meat processors and the consumer. Requires the Secretary to conduct or support, by grant or contract research and development activities for a food preservative alternative to nitrites.

Bill· HRH.R. 3118 (96th)referred

Freestone Peach Research and Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979

Freestone Peach Research and Education Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue a plan for financing and carrying out a research and education program with respect to freestone peaches. Requires that such plan: (1) establish a National Freestone Peach Research and Education Board to administer it; (2) fix the rate of assessments levied upon producers of freestone peaches (and collected for the Board by handlers) for research and education programs; (3) provide for the pro rata return of up to 50 percent of the net proceeds of such assessments to the States, for State projects; and (4) permit any freestone peach producer not in favor of the programs so supported to receive a refund of his or her assessment. Specifies permissive terms in such a plan. Prescribes civil penalties for handlers who violate this Act. Grants investigative and subpena powers to the Secretary for the enforcement of any plan the Secretary issues. Requires the Secretary to conduct a referendum of producers to ascertain approval of the plan issued. Denies effect to such plan if it fails to receive the approval of at least two-thirds of the producers voting in such a referendum, provided at least 50 percent of the registered producers cast votes. Provides a procedure for the suspension or termination of such a plan.

Bill· HRH.R. 3050 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to allow deductions for certain medical and dental expenses in the computation of income for households which are composed entirely of persons who are age 62 or older or who are recipients of benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1979

Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to entitle households composed entirely of persons who are age 62 or older, or who receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act, to a medical expense deduction in the computation of household income to the extent that the monthly amount expended by any such household for medical or dental care exceeds the amount of the standard deduction in effect.

Law· SS. 670 (96th)open

An act to provide for the establishment and coordination of rural development policy, to extend until September 30, 1981, the authorizations for appropriations for title V of the Rural Development Act of 1972, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979

Rural Development Policy and Coordination Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and maintain a rural development policy management process involving local and State governments and all executive branch departments and agencies and major private sector institutions having policies and programs affecting the quality of life in rural areas. Requires such process to include information collection and long-range and short-range goal and strategy formulation. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress, beginning in 1981 and every five years thereafter, an appraisal of rural conditions, needs, problems and opportunities in the United States. Requires a biennial report to Congress on progress toward attaining national rural development goals. Authorizes annual appropriations not to exceed $3,000,000 to develop such policy management process. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, not to exceed $20,000,000 annually, to State planning bodies to assist in establishing and maintaining such process.

Bill· HRH.R. 2992 (96th)referred

Agricultural Economic Adjustment Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 15 March 1979

Agricultural Economic Adjustment Act of 1979 - Establishes a National Agricultural Cost of Production Board to advise the Secretary of Agriculture as to the adequacy, accuracy, and fairness of the formulas and figures used in determining the costs of production of agricultural commodities for purposes of price support programs. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to increase the level of crop production loans for the 1979 crop of any agricultural commodity to not less than 70 percent of parity, and for the 1980 crop to not less than 75 percent of parity. Sets forth a formula for the determination of loan levels for subsequent crop years of such crops. Raises the minimum price support of milk as of April 1, 1979 to 80 percent of parity.

Bill· HRH.R. 2968 (96th)referred

Agricultural Subterminal Facilities Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979

Agricultural Subterminal Facilities Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to make financial assistance available to States for the development of subterminal facility plans. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary to make and insure loans to States which have experienced serious storage and transportation problems in order to construct or improve subterminal facilities. Directs the Secretary to grant such assistance to qualified States and to groups of States which develop a coordinated regional subterminal facilities plan. Defines "subterminal facility" as any facility used for the transient storage of bulk agricultural commodities or for transporting, upgrading, receiving, drying, or loading them out. Requires such facilities to be located between an area of agricultural production and any major storage or major export point, at a place that conveniently serves the needs of producers and purchasers of such commodities, including rail sidings, and loading or unloading facilities which can accommodate unit railroad cars and other appropriate transportation modes designed for the transport and storage of bulk agricultural commodities. Prescribes the necessary contents of the grain shipment and storage plans required from applicant States. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the nonrecognition of any gain properly allocable to the sale or exchange of any single purpose agricultural structure due to the construction of a subterminal facility.

Bill· SS. 641 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the National Forest Management Act of 1976 to classify the State of Alaska as all other States are classified with respect to the building of certain roads by the Secretary of Agriculture for purchasers of timber qualifying as "small business concerns".

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979

Amends the National Forest Management Act of 1976 to allow lumber companies in Alaska, which qualify as small business concerns, to request that the U.S. Forest Service construct logging roads.

Bill· SS. 647 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979

Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to raise the amount of the capital stock of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) to $400,000,000. Increases the maximum compensation of members of the FCIC Advisory Committee and of members of the Board of Directors who are not otherwise employed by the Government to no greater than the daily rate for GS-18. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint three active farmers, not otherwise employed by the Government, to the Board of Directors. Eliminates county crop insurance committees and associations of producers from the administration of the insurance program. Makes insurance available to producers of agricultural commodities wherever grown commercially for crops planted for harvest and other agricultural production (including grain sorghum, livestock, and poultry commercially produced for food or fiber) initiated in 1981 through 1985. Limits the coverage of such insurance to the cost of production for the producer for the commodity insured (currently, not more than 75 percent of the average yield for a representative period of years). Authorizes insurance against losses incurred when flooding prevents the planting of a crop. Provides for a 33 1/3 percent Federal subsidy of each participant's premium. Requires the offer of additional reinsurance on multiple peril crop insurance risks. Removes the $12,000,000 limitation on appropriations authorized for fiscal year 1981 and subsequent fiscal years. Identifies in the United States Treasury a separate revolving fund of $5,000,000 for the Corporation's use in covering Federal premium payments. Grants the Corporation discretionary borrowing authority, but limits the maximum outstanding amount of notes or other obligations to $500,000,000. Limits eligibility for production loss disaster payments to indemnification payments under the Federal crop insurance program, in any county where such insurance is available. Requires the Corporation to undertake an information program for farmers concerning the Federal crop insurance program. Authorizes the appropriation of a minimum of $5,000,000 annually for fiscal years 1980 and 1981 for such program. Authorizes the use of the mails, broadcasting facilities, and counseling services for such program, but prohibits sales promotion activity in any form. Directs the Corporation to perform studies assessing the feasibility of: (1) insuring the risk of production loss due to prevention of planting caused by natural disaster other than flooding; and (2) individual risk underwriting under the Federal crop insurance program. Requires the Secretary to initiate, not later than October 1, 1983, a complete evaluation of the Federal crop insurance program, and to report his findings and recommendations to the President and Congress by September 30, 1984.

Bill· SS. 644 (96th)referred

Farm Production Protection Corporation Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979

Farm Production Protection Corporation Act of 1979 - Repeals the Federal Crop Insurance Act. Establishes, within the Department of Agriculture, the Farm Production Protection Corporation, with a capital stock of $300,000,000 subscribed by the United States of America. Empowers such Corporation to protect producers of agricultural products against loss of production cost due to unavoidable natural causes. Establishes in the Treasury of the United States the Agricultural Disaster Relief Fund, which the Corporation may charge to: (1) cover the part of claims in excess of premium income whenever such claims involve catastrophic production losses in an area; and (2) reimburse the Corporation for administrative and operating expenses, interest, and the direct costs of loss adjustments incurred in paying claims for catastrophic production losses.

Bill· SS. 632 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to eliminate certain restrictions on excess shelter expense deductions with respect to households which are composed entirely of persons who are age 65 or older or who are recipients of benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979

Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to remove the $75 limit on the excess shelter expense deduction in the computation of household income for households composed entirely of persons who are age 65 or older, or who receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act.

Bill· SS. 646 (96th)referred

Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979

Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1979 - Raises the amount of capital stock of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) authorized by the Federal Crop Insurance Act from $200,000,000 to $400,000,000. Increases the maximum compensation of members of the FCIC Advisory Committee and of members of the Board of Directors who are not otherwise employed by the Government to no greater than the daily rate of GS-18. Eliminates county crop insurance committees and associations of producers from the administration of the insurance program. Makes insurance available to producers of agricultural products wherever they are grown commercially. Provides for a three-year period during which the Corporation must accept all eligible producers who want insurance; after which it may limit or refuse insurance under adverse circumstances to producers who have not availed themselves of the opportunity to enter the program. Authorizes insurance against prevented planting losses caused by weather conditions. Provides for a 50 percent Federal subsidy of each participant's premium. Removes the $12,000,000 limitation on funds that may be made available by direct appropriation and creates within the United States Treasury a separate revolving fund available, without fiscal year limitation, for administrative and operating expenses of the corporations and for other purposes. Grants the corporation discretionary borrowing authority. Authorizes the Government to reimburse the Corporation for the depletion of premium reserves paid in by farmers caused by administrative and operating expenses.

Bill· HRH.R. 2844 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C., 2321 et. seq.) to clarify its provisions, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979

Amends the Plant Variety Protection Act to: (1) make technical amendments; (2) repeal the bonding requirement for designated employees of the Plant Variety Protection Office; (3) extend the term of plant variety protection from 17 to 18 years; (4) authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to issue corrected certificates of plant variety protection instead of the current certificates of correction; and (5) allow application of its provisions to the seeds, plants or transplants of okra, celery, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers, which are currently excluded from the protection of the Act.

Bill· HRH.R. 2845 (96th)referred

Sugar Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979

Sugar Act of 1979 - Title I: International Sugar Agreement - Authorizes the President to implement the International Sugar Agreement by: (1) regulating the entry of sugar from any country not a member of the International Sugar Organization; and (2) requiring records and reports concerning the entry of sugar. Title II: Domestic Sugar Program - Establishes 15.75 cents per pound, raw value, as the price objective for domestic sugar during the 1979 sugar supply year. Sets forth the formula for adjusting the price objective for succeeding years. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to monitor the average daily price of sugar imports. Directs the Secretary to recommend that the President impose special import duties on sugar and sugar-containing products to assure that the average daily price of sugar imports will meet the proclaimed price objective for sugar. Requires the Secretary to review the imposed duties and recommend any adjustments to the President. Authorizes the President to impose special import duties after receiving any recommendation of the Secretary within certain time limitations. Requires the President to request an investigation by the U.S. International Trade Commission to determine whether the entry of sugar-containing products is adversely affecting the achievement of the price objective before imposing any special import duty on such products. Requires the Secretary to make payments to producers and processors when the price objective is not achieved through the special import duties. Sets forth the formula for determining the amount of payments. Authorizes the imposition of quotas on the entry of sugar when the producer return objective cannot be achieved by special import duties and payments to producers. Requires frequent review of such quotas. Exempts certain sugar or sugar-containing products from this title. Specifies that certain sugar entered for subsequent export shall not be charged against any proclaimed quota. Authorizes the President to suspend the operation of this title in a national emergency. Amends the Tariff Schedules of the United States to permit the President to proclaim special import duties and quotas on sugars, syrups, and molasses in order to carry out this Act. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Vests jurisdiction for enforcing this Act in U.S. district courts. Requires all persons engaged in manufacturing, marketing, transporting, or industrial use of sugar and other sweeteners to furnish the Secretary with necessary information. Prohibits officials engaged in the administration of this Act from investing or speculating in sugar. Establishes penalties for violating these regulations. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct surveys and investigations to carry out this Act. Directs the Secretary to conduct studies on the costs of producing various sugar and sweetener products. Authorizes the Secretary to waive part of the interest and/or principal to encourage repayment of Commodity Credit Corporation loans with respect to the 1977 and 1978 crops of sugar beets and sugarcane. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act to exempt sugar from the 50 percent ad valorem limitation on duties.

Bill· HRH.R. 2825 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 to provide, for purposes of determining proper cellar treatment for natural wine, that wines made exclusively from cranberries or other highly acidic berries and fruit other than grapes shall be entitled to a volume of ameliorating material not in excess of 60 percent.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that all wines which are made exclusively from berries and fruit other than grapes and which contain not less than 12.5 grams of acid for each liter of juice shall be allowed a volume of ameliorating material of up to 60 percent (presently limited to wines made from loganberries, currants, or gooseberries).

Bill· SS. 605 (96th)referred

Food and Nutrition Program Optional Consolidation and Reorganization Act of 1979

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979

Food and Nutrition Program Optional Consolidation and Reorganization Act of 1979 - Provides the States with the option of consolidating and reorganizing the following food assistance programs: (1) the food stamp program of the Food Stamp Act of 1964; (2) the child feeding programs of the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966; (3) the food and nutrition education program of the Smith-Lever Act; and (4) the commodity supplemental food program. Allows any State to participate in the consolidation program, and guarantees that a participating State shall receive the funds it would otherwise have received under the above-mentioned programs. Stipulates the procedure by which a State may withdraw from the program. Permits a State to receive a planning grant of up to two percent of the amount that State presently receives under the four existing programs, in order to prepare a consolidated plan conforming to this Act. Sets forth requirements for receiving such a grant. Requires each State desiring to receive funds for the consolidation program to: (1) designate a State agency to ascertain the food and nutrition needs of the State's needy population, to formulate and monitor the State consolidation plan and to receive and apportion State and Federal funds earmarked for the program; (2) publish, prior to consolidated assistance and every fourth year thereafter, a four-year comprehensive State plan which conforms to the requirements of this Act, and update the plan annually; (3) certify to the Secretary of Agriculture that the requirements of (2) have been complied with; and (4) provide for an annual audit of expenditures, and to report the findings of that audit to the Secretary. Provides that a State participating in a consolidated program is eligible to receive an additional grant for carrying out that program equal to 10 percent of its total entitlement, provided that such amount is matched by the State with an equal amount of non-Federal funds. Requires the Secretary to furnish the same services-in-kind which would have been furnished to the State had the State not participated in the consolidated program. Permits the States to purchase food-service equipment and facilities with funds made available under this Act. Forbids any State from using more than 2 1/2 percent of the funds made available under this Act for administrative expenses. Provides for evaluations and monitoring of the program authorized under this Act. Requires the Secretary to carry out a program of grants to States which consolidate under this Act for purposes of interstate cooperation. Provides for the participation of children enrolled in private of Indian tribal schools if a State is prohibited by law from providing for their participation. Imposes criminal penalties on anyone who embezzles, steals, or fraudulently obtains any funds authorized by this Act.

Bill· SS. 582 (96th)referred

Farm Entry Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979

Farm Entry Assistance Act - Title I: States the findings of Congress, and the purposes of this Act. Title II: Establishment of Farm Entry Assistance Program - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program to provide financial assistance to individuals who are seeking to establish and operate full-time family farms. Prescribes the general criteria for State programs. Title III: Application for the Program - Limits qualification for such assistance to applicants who: (1) are seeking to operate a family farm; (2) are entering farming on a full-time basis for the first time during the ten years prior to the date of application; (3) have been denied credit on reasonable terms from a commercial source and the Farmers Home Administration, and could not obtain credit without the program's assistance; (4) demonstrate they are qualified to operate a family farm on a full-time basis; and (5) have net worths of less than $75,000 in 1979 dollars. Title IV: Federal Assistance to Applicants through State Agencies - Directs the Secretary to make available to qualified applicants guarantees of not more than 90 percent of the principal and interest of certain loans, not more than 90 percent of payments due under certain leases or contracts. Subjects to the specified guidelines of this program: (1) loans for the purchase of farmland, for operating purposes, or for both; (2) payments on a land purchase contract with a ten-year repayment period; and (3) payments on leases of not more than ten years. Requires the availability of guarantees for other State programs consistent with specified requirements. Prescribes the general procedures the Secretary is to follow in the event of defaults by any beneficiary on such guaranteed loans, contract obligations, or leases. Title V: Funding - Directs the Secretary to make available not more than $400,000,000 in guarantees for each of the four fiscal years following the first fiscal year commencing at least one year after enactment. Prescribes a general allocation formula for distribution of such guarantees among participating States. Creates a Farm Entry Assistance Fund for the discharge of the obligations of the Secretary under contracts guaranteeing loans or leases under this Act. Title VI: Reports - Requires the Secretary to report annually on the operation of the program to the appropriate committees of Congress.

Bill· HRH.R. 2773 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to eliminate certain restrictions on excess shelter expense deductions with respect to households which are composed entirely of persons who are age 65 or older or who are recipients of benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act and to allow deductions for medical and dental expenses in the computation of income for those households.

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979

Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to remove the $75 limit on the excess shelter expense deduction in the computation of household income for households composed entirely of persons who are age 65 or older, or who receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act. Entitles such households to a medical or dental expense deduction to the extent that the monthly amount expended by any such household for medical or dental care exceeds the amount of the standard deduction in effect.

Bill· HRH.R. 2728 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Agriculture Act of 1949 to require that the announcement by the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to a set-aside of cropland used in the production of feed grains be made no later than October 15 of each year for crops harvested in the next succeeding calendar year.

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979

Amends the Agriculture Act of 1949 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to announce a set-aside of feed grain cropland, if appropriate, no later than October 15 (currently November 15) of each calendar year for the crop harvested in the next calendar year.

Bill· HJRESH.J.Res. 247 (96th)referred

A joint resolution raising the price support levels for milk, wheat, corn, soybeans, and cotton to 90 per centum of the respective parity prices therefor, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979

Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 to raise the price support levels for milk, wheat, corn, soybeans, and cotton to 90 percent of their respective parity prices. Reduces the price levels at which producers participating in the wheat and feed grains storage program: (1) may redeem and market commodities securing price support loans (from between 140 to 160 percent of their respective parity prices to 100 percent); and (2) must repay such loans (from 175 to 110 percent of their respective parity prices).

Bill· HRH.R. 2663 (96th)referred

A bill to amend the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to eliminate certain restrictions on excess shelter expense deductions with respect to households which are composed entirely of persons who are age 62 or older or who are recipients of benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act and to allow deductions for certain medical and dental expenses in the computation of incomes for such households.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979

Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to remove the $75 limit on the excess shelter expense deduction in the computation of household income for households composed entirely of persons who are age 62 or older, or who receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act. Entitles such households to a medical expense deduction to the extent that the monthly amount expended by any such household for medical or dental care exceeds the amount of the standard deduction in effect.

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