Agriculture

GLOBAL WARMING'S GROWING CONCERNS: IMPACTS ON AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 June 2009

Edward M. Avalos, of New Mexico, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, vice Bruce I. Knight, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 18 June 2009

Enhancing Child Health with Automatic School Meal Enrollment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 June 2009

Enhancing Child Health with Automatic School Meal Enrollment Act of 2009 - 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 children whose families are eligible for supplemental nutrition assistance under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 as eligible for free meals under the school lunch and breakfast programs. (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 a direct certification improvement plan that is approved by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of Education to report to Congress on how statewide databases used to track compliance with the requirements of the school improvement program under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 can be used for the purposes of direct certification.

Investment in After-School Programs Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2009

Investment in 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.

To amend the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to terminate marketing assistance loans and loan deficiency payments for mohair producers.

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2009

Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to terminate marketing assistance loans and loan deficiency payments for mohair producers.

Federal Assistance Downpayment Reform Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2009

Federal Assistance Downpayment Reform Act of 2009 - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from making loans for housing and buildings on adequate farms to any borrower or providing any guarantee, under the Doug Bereuter section 502 single family housing loan guarantee program, for any loan to any borrower, unless the borrower has paid, in cash or its equivalent, on account of the property to be acquired or refinanced, at least 3.5% of the property's appraised value or such larger amount as the Secretary may determine. (Thus requires downpayments for rural housing service direct and guaranteed single-family home loan programs). Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to repeal the downpayment assistance initiative that assists low-income families in achieving homeownership. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to prohibit the use of grants under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for downpayment assistance on behalf of any family or person for the acquisition of a residence. Amends the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 to impose the same prohibition on amounts made available under the Neighborhood Stabilization program.

Oregon Caves National Monument Boundary Adjustment Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2009

Oregon Caves National Monument Boundary Adjustment Act of 2009 - Adjusts the boundary of Oregon Caves National Monument (Monument). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) transfer certain land identified as proposed addition lands to the Secretary of the Interior; and (2) adjust the boundary of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest to exclude such lands transferred by the Secretary. Designates the transferred land as a National Preserve (the Preserve). Redesignates the Monument as the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain additional segments of the Monument as components of the national wild and scenic rivers system. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to carry out forest restoration activities within the boundaries of the Monument and the Preserve. Permits the grazing of domestic livestock on land within the Preserve at a level not greater than that at which the grazing exists as of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture or the Interior to accept any grazing lease or permit that is donated by a livestock operator that holds a valid existing grazing lease or permit for a grazing allotment. Allows the Secretary of the Interior to permit hunting, fishing, and trapping on land and water within the Preserve.

A concurrent resolution supporting the goals of Smart Irrigation Month, which recognizes the advances in irrigation technology and practices that help raise healthy plants and increase crop yields while using water resources more efficiently and encourages the adoption of smart irrigation practices throughout the United States to further improve water-use efficiency in agricultural, residential, and commercial activities.

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2009

Supports the goals of Smart Irrigation Month which are to: (1) recognize the advances in irrigation technology and practices that help raise healthy plants and increase crop yields while using water resources more efficiently; and (2) encourage the adoption of smart irrigation practices to improve agricultural, residential, and commercial water-use efficiency.

California Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention and Community Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2009

California Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention and Community Protection Act - Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to carry out eligible projects on National Forest System lands and public lands, respectively, in California which are within or adjacent to at-risk communities or watersheds if the project is consistent with the applicable community wildfire protection plan or county fire plan. Requires eligible projects on such lands to be carried out in a cost-effective manner that focuses on surface, ladder, and canopy fuels reduction activities or implements forest restoration activities in response to extreme weather events or natural disasters. Requires the Secretaries to: (1) prepare an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for each proposed eligible project; and (2) evaluate and consider an alternative recommendation if a project is or may be inconsistent with its community wildfire protection plan. Requires administrative and judicial review of eligible projects in accordance with the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003.

Oregon Caves National Monument Boundary Adjustment Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2009

Oregon Caves National Monument Boundary Adjustment Act of 2009 - Adjusts the boundary of Oregon Caves National Monument (Monument). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) transfer certain land identified as proposed addition lands to the Secretary of the Interior; and (2) adjust the boundary of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest to exclude such lands transferred by the Secretary. Designates the transferred land as a National Preserve (the Preserve). Redesignates the Monument as the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain additional segments of the Monument as components of the national wild and scenic rivers system. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to carry out forest restoration activities within the boundaries of the Monument and the Preserve. Permits the grazing of domestic livestock on land within the Preserve at a level not greater than that at which the grazing exists as of enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture or the Interior to accept any grazing lease or permit that is donated by a livestock operator that holds a valid existing grazing lease or permit for a grazing allotment. Allows the Secretary of the Interior to permit hunting, fishing, and trapping on land and water within the Preserve.

Rural Housing Preservation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2009

Rural Housing Preservation Act of 2009 - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a preservation program to provide financial incentives and other assistance to owners of Section 515 rural multifamily housing projects through long-term use agreements entered into between the project owners and the Secretary. (A Section 515 project is one involving housing and related facilities for elderly persons and families or other persons and families of low income.) Authorizes the Secretary to give priority to applications for eligible projects located on tribal trust lands or other Indian areas, in colonias, or in other small, poor, low-income communities. Requires the Secretary to prepare and approve a long-term viability plan for each eligible project for which the owner requests to participate. Allows the Secretary, subject to certain conditions, to offer a project owner a financial restructuring plan, based on the long-term viability plan, and specified project preservation incentives. Specifies compliance requirements for rents for any eligible households residing in a dwelling unit in any preserved Section 515 project, including: (1) a disregard for certain earned income for residents; and (2) phase-in of rent increases. Establishes conditions that makes certain project owners ineligible to participate in the preservation program. Requires the Secretary to make rural preservation and rural tenant protection vouchers available to certain eligible households. Requires the Secretary to give priority, in entering into contracts involving financing for new construction of a Section 515 project, for projects located in eligible rural areas needing affordable low-income rental housing because of prepayment of Section 515 loans.

Buy American Carbon Incentives Program Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 15 June 2009

Buy American Carbon Incentives Program Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish a carbon incentives program to achieve supplemental greenhouse gas emissions reductions on private agricultural and forestland; (2) provide financial incentive payments for activities that increase carbon sequestration and storage over a designated contract period, and maintain carbon sequestration and storage and avoid future emissions through permanent avoided conversion agreements; and (3) establish monitoring and compliance protocols. Requires participating owners to enter into a climate mitigation contract with the Secretary. Obligates specified funds for further incentives for activities and agreements that protect carbon reductions and otherwise enhance environmental benefits achieved under a climate mitigation contract.

A bill to amend Public Law 106-206 to direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to require annual permits and assess annual fees for commercial filming activities on Federal land for film crews of 5 persons or fewer.

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2009

Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary), for any film crew of five persons or fewer, to require a permit and assess an annual fee of $200 for commercial filming activities or similar projects on federal lands and waterways administered by the Secretary. Makes such a permit valid for such activities or projects that occur in areas designated for public use during public hours on all federal lands and waterways administered by the Secretary for a 12-month period. Prohibits the Secretary, for persons holding such a permit, from assessing any additional fee for commercial filming activities and similar projects that occur in those areas during those hours. Bars the Secretary from prohibiting, as a mechanized apparatus or under any other purposes, the use of cameras or related equipment used for commercial filming activities or similar projects in accordance with this Act on federal lands and waterways administered by the Secretary.

Roadmap Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2009

Roadmap to End Global Hunger and Promote Food Security Act of 2009 or the Roadmap Act of 2009 - Declares that it shall be U.S. policy to reduce global hunger, advance nutrition, increase food security, and ensure that relevant federal policies and programs: (1) provide emergency response and direct support to vulnerable populations in times of need; (2) increase resilience to and reduce, limit, or mitigate the impact of shocks on vulnerable populations; (3) increase and build the capacity of people and governments to sustainably feed themselves; (4) ensure adequate access to the required calories and nutrients needed to live healthy lives; (5) strengthen the ability of small-scale farmers to sustain and increase their production and livelihoods; and (6) incorporate sustainable and environmentally sound agricultural methods and practices. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a White House Office on Global Hunger and Food Security. Directs the President to appoint, as head of such Office, a Coordinator on Global Hunger and Food Security to implement a comprehensive government-wide strategy to address global hunger and food security and to ensure that the strategy: (1) contributes to achieving the Millennium Development Goal of reducing global hunger by half not later than 2015 and to advancing the United Nations Comprehensive Framework for Action with respect to global hunger and food security; and (2) is integrated into any review or development of a federal strategy for global development. Requires: (1) the Office to work with all relevant federal departments and agencies; (2) the Coordinator to establish, schedule, and administer a high-level, government-wide global hunger and food security meeting each week; and (3) the Comptroller General to submit to Congress biennial reports evaluating the design, implementation, and federal coordination of the strategy. Establishes a Permanent Joint Select Committee on Hunger. Expresses the sense of Congress that not less than $50.36 billion should be made available for FY2010-FY2014 for federal programs addressing global hunger and food security.

HEARING TO REVIEW RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS OPERATED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND STATUS OF AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT FUNDS FOR THESE PROGRAMS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 June 2009

America's Wildlife Heritage Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2009

America's Wildlife Heritage Act - Sets forth requirements concerning the maintenance of viable populations of existing native and desired non-native species within each planning area in the National Forest System's or the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) public lands. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to adopt and implement a strategically targeted monitoring program for determining the status and trends of native and desired non-native species populations on System and BLM lands. Defines: (1) native species to mean species of plants and animals indigenous to a planning area; and (2) desired non-native species to mean those wild species of plants and animals that are not indigenous to a planning area but are valued for their contribution to species diversity or their social, cultural, or economic value. Requires the Secretaries to coordinate the management of planning areas of the System and the BLM with the management of the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Park System, other federal agencies, state fish and wildlife agencies, other state agencies responsible for management of natural resources, tribes, local governments, and non-governmental organizations engaged in species conservation. Requires the Secretaries to issue regulations implementing this Act within one year of its enactment.

Roadmap Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2009

Roadmap to End Global Hunger and Promote Food Security Act of 2009 or the Roadmap Act of 2009 - Declares that it shall be U.S. policy to reduce global hunger, advance nutrition, increase food security, and ensure that relevant federal policies and programs: (1) provide emergency response and direct support to vulnerable populations in times of need; (2) increase resilience to and reduce, limit, or mitigate the impact of shocks on vulnerable populations; (3) increase and build the capacity of people and governments to sustainably feed themselves; (4) ensure adequate access to the required calories and nutrients needed to live healthy lives; (5) strengthen the ability of small-scale farmers to sustain and increase their production and livelihoods; and (6) incorporate sustainable and environmentally sound agricultural methods and practices. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a White House Office on Global Hunger and Food Security. Directs the President to appoint, as head of such Office, a Coordinator on Global Hunger and Food Security to implement a comprehensive government-wide strategy to address global hunger and food security and to ensure that the strategy: (1) contributes to achieving the Millennium Development Goal of reducing global hunger by half not later than 2015 and to advancing the United Nations Comprehensive Framework for Action with respect to global hunger and food security; and (2) is integrated into any review or development of a federal strategy for global development. Requires: (1) the Office to work with all relevant federal departments and agencies; (2) the Coordinator to establish, schedule, and administer a high-level, government-wide global hunger and food security meeting each week; and (3) the Comptroller General to submit to Congress biennial reports evaluating the design, implementation, and federal coordination of the strategy. Establishes a Permanent Joint Select Committee on Hunger. Expresses the sense of Congress that no less than $50.36 billion should be made available for FY2010-FY2014 for federal programs addressing global hunger and food security.

Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2009

Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to set forth provisions governing food safety. Requires each food facility to: (1) conduct a hazard analysis; (2) implement preventive controls; and (3) implement a food safety plan. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) issue science-based performance standards to minimize the hazards from foodborne contaminants; (2) establish science-based standards for raw agricultural commodities; (3) inspect facilities at a frequency determined pursuant to a risk-based schedule; (4) establish a food tracing system; (5) assess fees relating to food facility reinspection and food recall; and (6) establish a program for accreditation of laboratories that perform analytical testing of food for import or export. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) order an immediate cessation of distribution, or a recall, of food; (2) establish an importer verification program; and (3) quarantine food in any geographic area within the United States. Defines the term "color additive" to include carbon monoxide that may affect the color of fresh meat, poultry products, or seafood. Requires country of origin labeling on food and annual registration of importers. Provides for unique identifiers for food facilities and food importers. Deems a food to be adulterated if an inspection is delayed or refused. Requires the Secretary to establish a corps of inspectors dedicated to inspections of foreign food facilities. Sets forth provisions governing the reorganization of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) field laboratories and district offices. Gives the Commissioner of Food and Drugs subpoena authority with respect to a food proceeding. Establishes whistleblower protections.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010

United States · United States Senate · 4 June 2009

Haiti Reforestation Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009

Haiti Reforestation Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to offer to enter into agreements with the government of Haiti to provide financial assistance, technology transfers, or capacity building assistance to reduce deforestation and increase reforestation in Haiti. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to establish a grant program to carry out such activities. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to: (1) direct the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to invite the government of Haiti to submit a list of areas in which tropical forests are seriously degraded or threatened; (2) authorize USAID to make grants to nongovernmental organizations to purchase discounted commercial debt of the government of Haiti in exchange for government commitments to restore identified forests or to develop plans for their sustainable use; and (3) authorize appropriations.

A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out the Philadelphia universal feeding pilot program until the last day of the 2012-2013 school year of the School District of Philadelphia.

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to extend, through the 2012-2013 school year, the Philadelphia universal feeding pilot program, which allows certain high-poverty schools in Philadelphia to be reimbursed for free and reduced price meals under the School Lunch program on the basis of school-wide demographic surveys of family income, rather than individual applications.

Supporting the goals of National Dairy Month.

United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2009

Supports the goals of National Dairy Month (June). Recognizes the dairy industry's important role in the economic and nutritional well being of Americans. Commends dairy farmers for their hard work and commitment to the U.S. economy and to the preservation of open space.

Duwamish Tribal Recognition Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2009

Duwamish Tribal Recognition Act - Extends all federal laws and regulations to the Duwamish Tribe. Makes the Tribe and its members eligible for all services and benefits provided by the federal government to federally recognized tribes without regard to the existence of a reservation for the Tribe or the location of the residence of any member on or near any Indian reservation. Defines the Tribe's service area for purposes of the delivery of federal services. Requires the Tribe to submit to the Secretary of the Interior a membership roll of all individuals enrolled in the Tribe. Requires the Tribe to conduct an election by secret ballot to adopt a constitution and bylaws for the Tribe. Requires the Tribe to elect a governing body in accordance with the procedures set forth in its constitution and bylaws. Requires the Secretary to take Tribe service area or aboriginal lands into trust for the benefit of the Tribe if the Tribe transfers all right, title, and interest in and to the land to the Secretary within ten years. Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to identify those lands which shall be considered the aboriginal homelands of the Tribe.

School Meal Enhancement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2009

School Meal Enhancement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a school-wide paperless free school meal program which allows local educational agencies (LEAs) to select certain schools to provide free meals to all their students without the use of paper applications to determine their eligibility for free or reduced price breakfasts or lunches under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 or the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. Prohibits the participation of schools that do not have a student enrollment of which at least: (1) 65% are estimated to be eligible for free meals under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966; or (2) 75% are estimated to be eligible for free or reduced price meals under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. Requires the Secretary to issue guidance that establishes an alternate, paperless method of determining such estimated eligibility rates. Reimburses the school food service authority of each participating LEA pursuant to a formula that factors in such estimated eligibility rates.

Evan J. Segal, of Pennsylvania, to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Agriculture, vice Charles R. Christopherson, Jr., resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 1 June 2009

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010

United States · United States Senate · 21 May 2009

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010

United States · United States Senate · 21 May 2009

Wallowa Forest Service Compound Conveyance Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Wallowa Forest Service Compound Conveyance Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Wallowa Forest Service Compound to Wallowa, Oregon, for use as an interpretive center.

Good Neighbor Forestry Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Good Neighbor Forestry Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to enter into cooperative agreements and contracts with state foresters to provide the forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration and protection services as specified below on National Forest System and Bureau of Land Management lands. Requires that such authorized services include: (1) activities to treat insect infected trees; (2) activities to reduce hazardous fuels; and (3) any other activities to restore or improve forest, rangeland, and watershed health, including fish and wildlife habitat. Permits state foresters to enter into subcontracts to provide the restoration and protection services authorized under this Act.

Renewable Fuel Standard Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2009

Renewable Fuel Standard Improvement Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) include the Secretaries of Agriculture and Energy in renewable fuel program activities under such Act; (2) require the Secretary of Energy to periodically update the baseline lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions; (3) revise the definition of "biomass-based diesel" to include certain renewable fuel produced after December 19, 2007; (4) revise the definition of "lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions" to base the measurement of such emissions on recent observable data and consideration of regional differences of renewable fuel production, rather than on indirect land use changes; (5) expand the definition of "renewable biomass"; and (6) require a periodic review of adjustments in greenhouse gas reduction levels.

Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2009 - Prohibits the President from restricting direct transfers from a Cuban depository institution to a U.S. depository institution in payment for a product or agricultural commodity authorized for sale under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide information and technical assistance to U.S. agricultural producers, cooperative organizations, or state agencies to promote U.S. agricultural exports products to Cuba. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the airport ticket tax for transportation between the United States and Cuba by $1; and (2) establish in the Treasury the Agricultural Export Promotion Trust Fund. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should issue temporary entry visas to Cuban nationals whose itinerary documents an intent to conduct activities, including phytosanitary inspections, relating to the purchase of U.S. agricultural commodities or products. Amends the Democracy Act of 1992 to repeal the requirement for onsite verification of certain medical exports to Cuba. Prohibits the President from regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or legal residents, or any of the transactions incident to such travel. States that: (1) any regulation restricting or prohibiting such travel shall have no effect; and (2) such prohibition shall not apply in time of war or armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba, or of imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. citizens or legal residents. Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to repeal the prohibition on enforcement of rights to certain U.S. intellectual properties and such properties' transfer.

Community College Energy Training Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Community College Energy Training Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Secretary of Labor, to create a program awarding grants to community colleges to provide workforce training and education in sustainable energy industries and practices, such as: (1) alternative energy; (2) energy efficient construction, retrofitting, and design; (3) sustainable energy technologies; (4) water and energy conservation; (5) recycling and waste reduction; and (6) sustainable agriculture and farming. Requires at least one-half of the grant funds to be awarded to community colleges with existing sustainability programs leading to certificates or degrees in one or more of the industries or practices listed above.

Livestock Marketing Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Livestock Marketing Fairness Act - Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to prohibit a livestock sale forward contract (with an exception for specified cooperatives) that: (1) does not contain a firm base price that may be equated to a fixed dollar amount on the contract day; (2) is not offered for open public bid; (3) is based on a formula price; or (4) provides for the sale of more that 40 cattle, 30 swine, or other livestock in a quantity as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. Defines: (1) "firm base price" as a transaction using an external source reference price; (2) "formula price" as any price term that establishes a base from which a purchase price is calculated on the basis of a price that will not be determined or reported until a date after the forward price is established (with specified exclusions); and (3) "forward contract" as a livestock purchase contract that provides for livestock delivery to a packer at a date that is more than seven days after the date on which the contract is entered into, without regard to whether the contract is for a specified lot of livestock or a specified number of livestock over a certain period of time.

Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2009

Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) accept a conveyance of non-federal land in Gila, Yavapai, Maricopa, Pinal, and Coconino Counties, Arizona, from Resolution Copper Mining, LLC (Resolution Copper); (2) convey to Resolution Copper certain federal land located in Pinal County, Arizona; (3) convey specified land in Pinal County to the town of Superior, Arizona; and (4) appraise lands exchanged or conveyed under this Act. Instructs Resolution Copper to surrender, without compensation, the rights held by it under mining and other U.S. laws to: (1) commercially extract minerals under Apache Leap or certain of the non-federal land in Pinal County (the Pond); and (2) disturb the surface of Apache Leap. Requires the Secretary to: (1) determine whether the land exchange with Resolution Copper is subject to the requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; and (2) if the exchange is subject to such requirements, prepare an environmental impact statement pursuant to those requirements, except as specified in this Act. Permits Resolution Copper to carry out mineral exploration activities under the Oak Flat withdrawal area by any method that will not disturb the surface of the area. Requires implementation of a management plan for Apache Leap. Makes lands acquired by the Secretary under this Act part of the National Forest within which the land is located. Requires Resolution Copper to make a specified payment to the Secretary to be used to promote and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities in the upper Pond area or the areas commonly known as "Inconceivables" and "Chill Hill." Directs the Secretary to construct in the Global Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest, Arizona, one or more replacement campgrounds for the Oak Flat Campground. Requires Resolution Copper to make value adjustment payments to the United States based upon locatable minerals produced from the federal land in Pinal County, Arizona.

A bill to clarify the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior with respect to the C.C. Cragin Dam and Reservoir, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2009

Withdraws specified land located in Coconino and Gila Counties, Arizona (covered land), from all forms of: (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials. Grants the Secretary of the Interior exclusive jurisdiction with respect to covered land to manage each reclamation project carried out on such land in accordance with the Arizona Water Settlements Act. Requires that Secretary and the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District to ensure the compliance of each activity carried out at the C.C. Craigin Dam and Reservoir with applicable federal law. Authorizes that Secretary to contract with the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to carry out specified management activities on covered land that does not conflict with, or adversely affect, the operation, maintenance, or repair of the Dam, including the management of recreation, wildland fire activities, public conduct and law enforcement, and cultural and other resources. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out the operation, maintenance, and repair of the Dam, to authorize employees of the Department of the Interior and the District to use certain roads under Forest Service jurisdiction. Prohibits requiring any such individual from applying for or possessing a permit, license, or other similar document as a condition for authorization to use any such road. Requires the Department and the District to comply with applicable federal law.

Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2009

Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to require the term and acreage of permits for the operation of ski areas and associated facilities (under current law, for the operation of nordic and alpine ski areas and facilities) on National Forest System lands to be governed by provisions under the Act relating to such permits and other applicable law. Provides for the issuance of permits for the use and occupancy of suitable lands within the National Forest System for skiing and other snow-sports and such other seasonal or year-round recreational activities associated with mountain resorts as the Secretary of Agriculture may authorize pursuant to this Act. Allows the Secretary to authorize the holder of a permit issued pursuant to the Act to also provide on National Forest System land subject to such permit such other seasonal or year-round natural-resource based, outdoor-developed recreational activities and associated facilities, in addition to skiing and other snow-sports, as determined appropriate. Prohibits the Secretary from authorizing any activity or facility under this Act if its authorization would result in the primary recreational purpose of a National Forest System land with a ski area permit being a purpose other than skiing or any other snow-sport.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Government should encourage organic farming, gardening, local food production, and farmers' markets.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2009

Recognizes the contributions that organic farming, gardening, local food production, and farmers' markets make to the Nation's safe and abundant food supply. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the federal government should encourage organic farming, gardening, local food production, and farmers' markets.

Obesity Prevention, Treatment, and Research Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2009

Obesity Prevention, Treatment, and Research Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a United States Council on Overweight-Obesity Prevention with duties to include developing strategies to comprehensively prevent, treat, and reduce overweight and obesity. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to establish a grant demonstration and pilot program to address overweight and obesity issues, including through promoting increased physical activity and healthier lifestyles. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, to award grants to promote health behaviors for women and children in target populations. Provides for the collection and analysis of data on fitness levels, health, and nutrition. Includes community education programs designed to address and prevent overweight, obesity, and eating disorders as activities states may carry out under preventive health services and health services block grants. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to update and reform federal oversight of food and beverage labeling. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to provide additional funding to make free fresh fruits and vegetables available in elementary schools. Amends the Medicare, Medicaid, State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP), and Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant titles of the Social Security Act to cover certain services related to overweight and obesity, including diet and exercise counseling, medical nutrition therapy services, and weight and body mass index (BMI) measurement and monitoring. Directs the HHS Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to issue guidelines concerning the development of pediatric obesity prevention programs for at-risk populations.

Beef Checkoff Modernization Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2009

Beef Checkoff Modernization Act of 2009 - Amends the Beef Research and Information Act to require a beef promotion and research order to provide that: (1) at least 30% of U.S. producer assessments be made available to promote and market products derived from cattle born and raised in the United States; and (2) an amount collected from importers shall be reserved to promote products derived from cattle not born and raised in the United States. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, beginning in 2010 and at least every seven years thereafter, upon receipt of a petition of a group comprising 10% or more of cattle producers, to conduct a referendum to: (1) determine whether cattle producers favor the termination or suspension of the order; and (2) vote on any other amendments to the order.

HEARING TO REVIEW FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS FOR HORTICULTURE AND ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 May 2009

Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the Foreign Agricultural Service for Public Law 480 Title II grants (supplemental food program); (2) the Department of Commerce for Economic Development Administration (EDA) for assistance programs; and (3) the Department of Justice (DOJ), including for U.S. Marshals Services, the National Security Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Federal Prison System. Makes FY2009 supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military personnel; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund; (4) the Iraq Security Forces Fund; (5) the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund; (6) procurement; (7) the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Fund; (8) research, development, test, and evaluation; (9) Defense Working Capital Funds; (10) the Defense Health Program; (11) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (12) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (13) the Office of Inspector General; (14) the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers - Civil for operation and maintenance, and flood control and coastal emergencies; (15) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, Air Force and DOD; (16) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; and (17) the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 2005. Makes FY2009 supplemental appropriations to: (1) the Department of Energy (DOE) for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and the National Nuclear Security Administration for defense nuclear nonproliferation; (2) the Department of the Treasury; (3) the Executive Office of the President for the National Security Council and for Pandemic Preparedness and Response; (4) the Judiciary for the courts of appeals, district courts, and other judicial services; (5) the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC); (6) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, air and marine interdiction, operations, maintenance, and procurement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Coast Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for state and local programs; (7) the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture, the Forest Service, for wildland fire management; (8) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Administration for Children and Families for refugee and entrant assistance; (9) the legislative branch for the Capitol Police and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO); (10) the Department of State for diplomatic and consular programs, the Office of Inspector General, and embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (11) contributions for international peacekeeping activities; (12) the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for operating expenses, the Capital Investment Fund, and the Office of Inspector General; (13) bilateral economic assistance, including global health and child survival; (14) international disaster assistance; (15) the Economic Support Fund; (16) assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia; (17) international narcotics control and law enforcement; (18) nonproliferation, antiterrorism, demining, and related programs; (19) migration and refugee assistance; (20) peacekeeping operations; (21) International Military Education and Training (IMET); (22) the Foreign Military Financing Program; (23) the Department of Transportation (DOT) for payments to air carriers and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for grants-in-aid for airports; and (24) multilateral development bank replenishments, including the U.S. quota in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as well as loans to the IMF. Rescinds specified funds from various accounts. Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. Earmarks funds for specified assistance programs.

Renewable Fuel Standard Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2009

Renewable Fuel Standard Improvement Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) include the Secretaries of Agriculture and Energy in renewable fuel program activities under such Act; (2) revise the definition of "lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions" to base the measurement of such emissions on recent observable data and consideration of regional differences of renewable fuel production, rather than on indirect land use changes; and (3) expand the definition of "renewable biomass."

Patient-Focused Critical Care Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Patient-Focused Critical Care Enhancement Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), to conduct research to assess: (1) the standardization of critical care protocols, intensive care unit layout, equipment interoperability, and medical informatics; and (2) the impact of differences in staffing, organization, size, and structure of intensive care units on access, quality, and efficiency of care. Requires the Secretary to undertake demonstration projects to: (1) optimize the provision of critical care services to Medicare beneficiaries through innovations in such areas as staffing and utilization of technology; and (2) measure and evaluate outcomes derived from a "family-centered" approach to the provision of inpatient critical care services that includes direct and sustained communication and contact with the beneficiary family members, involvement of family members in the critical care decisionmaking process, and responsiveness of critical care providers to family requests. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations for FY2010-FY2015 for augmenting the delivery of critical care services in the rural or other medically underserved area inpatient setting through the use of telecommunications systems that allow for consultation with critical care providers not located in the rural or other medically underserved area facility regarding the care of such patients. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to give preference in awarding telehealth grant funds to entities to develop plans for, or to establish, such critical care telehealth networks. Requires the Secretary to undertake an initiative to recruit providers of critical care services into the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program.

Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2009

Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2009 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military personnel; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) the Iraq Freedom Fund; (4) the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund; (5) the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Fund; (6) procurement; (7) research, development, test and evaluation; (8) Defense Working Capital Funds; (9) the Defense Health Program; (10) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (11) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (12) the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Fund; (13) the Office of Inspector General; (14) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, Air Force, and DOD; (15) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; and (16) the Department of Defense Base Closure Account 2005. Rescinds specified funds from various accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. Makes supplemental appropriations for: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the Foreign Agricultural Service for Public Law 480 Title II grants (supplemental food program) and wildland fire management; (2) the Department of Justice (DOJ), including for the National Security Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Federal Prison System; (3) the Department of Energy for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; (4) the National Nuclear Security Administration for defense nuclear nonproliferation; (5) the Executive Office of the President for the National Security Council; (6) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for firefighter assistance grants; (7) the Department of the Interior for wildland fire management; (8) the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund; (8) the Capitol Police; (9) the Department of State for diplomatic and consular programs, the Office of Inspector General, and embassy security, construction, and maintenance; (10) contributions for international peacekeeping activities; (11) the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for operating expenses, the Capital Investment Fund, and the Office of Inspector General; (12) global health and child survival; (13) international disaster assistance; (14) the Economic Support Fund; (15) assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia; (16) international narcotics control and law enforcement; (17) nonproliferation, antiterrorism, demining, and related programs; (18) migration and refugee assistance; (19) peacekeeping operations; (20) international military education and training; (21) the Foreign Military Financing Program; and (22) the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund. Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. Earmarks funds for specified assistance programs.

White House Conference on Food and Nutrition

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

The White House Conference on Food and Nutrition - Directs: (1) the President to call the White House Conference on Food and Nutrition to be convened in order to make fundamental policy recommendations on ways to end hunger and to improve nutrition in the United States; and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of the Treasury to plan and conduct the Conference. Sets forth Conference provisions.

Healthy Food Choices for Kids Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2009

Healthy Food Choices for Kids Act - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to award grants to up to 10 states and, through them, subgrants to up to 10 schools in each of those states for a pilot program requiring schools to: (1) post nutritional content information in school cafeterias regarding the food they serve; and (2) teach students how to make healthy food selections. Requires the Secretary to encourage such schools to post the nutritional content information, including caloric information, on their websites.

AFTERSchool Meals Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 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.

To amend the Trade Act of 1974 to require a Public Health Advisory Committee on Trade to be included in the trade advisory committee system, to require public health organizations to be included on the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations and other relevant sectoral or functional advisory committees, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2009

Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to require the President to establish a Public Health Advisory Committee on Trade. Requires the composition of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations to include representatives from nonprofit nongovernmental public health organizations or coalitions that promote the public health, increase access to affordable health-related services or products, or prevent and reduce major disease, illness, or a public health problem. Requires the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, Defense, or other executive departments to seek written advisory opinions from the advisory committees established under such Act throughout the trade agreement negotiation process. Requires such committees, each appropriate policy committee, and each appropriate sectoral or functional committee, before the President's notification to Congress of an intention to enter into a trade agreement, to report to the President, Congress, and the USTR on the effects of the trade agreement.

A bill to amend the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to provide funding for successful claimants following a determination on the merits of Pigford claims related to racial discrimination by the Department of Agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009

Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to make it unlawful for a person to knowingly commit specified fraudulent acts relating to a Pigford claim (relating to racial discrimination by the Department of Agriculture). Subjects a violator to criminal fine and/or up to five years in prison. Provides for: (1) access to the permanent judgment fund for additional claims payments or debt relief after the expenditure of amounts otherwise made available for claims payments; and (2) reasonable attorney fees, administrative costs, and expenses to be paid from such fund.

Supporting the goals of Smart Irrigation Month, which recognizes the advances in irrigation technology and practices that help raise healthy plants and increase crop yields while using water resources more efficiently and encourages the adoption of smart irrigation practices throughout the United States to further improve water-use efficiency in agricultural, residential, and commercial activities.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2009

Supports the goals of Smart Irrigation Month to: (1) recognize the advances in irrigation technology and practices that help raise healthy plants and increase crop yields while using water resources more efficiently; and (2) encourage the adoption of smart irrigation practices throughout the United States.