Agriculture

FUEL Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 June 2011

Fulfilling U.S. Energy Leadership Act or FUEL Act - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to conduct a seismic inventory of oil and natural gas resources for waters of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Atlantic Region, the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and the Alaska Region. Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006, Division C of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, to repeal the moratorium upon oil and gas leasing in certain areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Deems to be final and in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and all other federal laws the 2012-2017 oil and gas leasing program issued by the Secretary of the Interior on March 31, 2010. Sets forth a scheme for the disposition of bonuses, rents, and royalties received by the United States for OCS oil and gas leases. Establishes: (1) the Institute for Ocean Energy Safety, (2) the Federal Onshore Energy Development Task Force, and (3) the Next Generation Energy and Efficiency Fund. Expresses the sense of Congress that industry should be encouraged to voluntarily disclose and publicize the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require the Secretary of the Interior, as part of the Federal Permit Streamlining Pilot Project, to designate one field office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in each of specified states to serve as a Renewable Energy Permit Coordination Office. Requires deposit of the federal share of payments from wind or solar development on BLM land in a special BLM Wind and Solar Energy Permit Processing Improvement Fund. Extends funding for the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 through FY2022. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the BLM, with respect to BLM lands, and the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to National Forest System (NFS) lands, to complete programmatic environmental impact statements to analyze the potential impacts of a program to develop solar, wind, and geothermal energy on such lands. Instructs such Secretary to: (1) arrange with the National Academy of Sciences to study the siting, development, and management of projects for the production of wind, solar, and geothermal energy on all such lands available for energy development. Directs the DOE Secretary to provide technical assistance to designated stakeholders to expedite renewable energy production from certain brownfield sites. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a wind and solar leasing pilot program on BLM and NFS lands. Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to count each gallon of renewable fuel produced from algae in a specified manner. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) make eligible for loan guarantees specified substitute natural gas production facilities; and (2) extend the authorization for programs of civilian nuclear energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application. Expands nuclear energy research programs to replace the Nuclear Power 2010 Program, the Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems Initiative, and research in designs for high-temperature reactors capable of producing large-scale quantities of hydrogen with research, development, demonstration, and commercial application programs for: (1) advanced reactor designs and nuclear technologies, (2) small modular reactors, (3) steam-side improvements to nuclear power plants, and (4) certain fuel cycle options. Directs the Secretary of Energy to support the integration of activities that target nuclear energy enabling technologies. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) report to Congress on the quantitative risks associated with the potential of a severe accident arising from the use of civilian nuclear energy technology, (3) arrange with the National Academies to evaluate scientific and technological challenges to the long-term maintenance and safe operation of currently deployed nuclear power reactors, and (3) prepare a database of non-federal user facilities receiving federal funds that may be used for unclassified nuclear energy research. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal the requirement that the prototype nuclear reactor and associated plant for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant project be sited at the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho. Requires the plant to be constructed at a location determined by the consortium of appropriate industrial partners through an open and transparent competitive selection process. Instructs the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish a nuclear energy standards committee. Confers responsibility upon DOE for disposal of high-level radioactive waste or spent nuclear fuel generated under this Act. Amends the Federal Power Act to: (1) declare U.S. policy regarding the national interstate electricity transmission system, (2) direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to coordinate regional planning for integration of an Interconnection-wide transmission plan, (3 ) authorize FERC to permit construction of a high-priority national transmission project, and (4) designate the Secretary of the Interior as the lead agency for coordinating federal authorizations.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: THE ROLE, RISKS, AND CHALLENGES FOR AMERICAN AGRICULTURE AND THE NEXT FARM BILL IN MEETING THE DEMANDS OF A GROWING WORLD

United States · United States Senate · 26 May 2011

Grazing Improvement Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Grazing Improvement Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (the Act) to double from 10 to 20 years the period of a term for grazing permits and leases for domestic livestock grazing on public lands or lands within national forests in 16 contiguous western states. Permits the issuance of permits and leases for a period shorter than 20 years (under current law, shorter than 10 years). Directs that grazing permits or leases issued by the Secretary of the Interior respecting lands under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior and grazing permits issued by the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) respecting National Forest System lands that expire, are transferred, or are waived after this Act's enactment be renewed or reissued, as appropriate, under the Act, Granger-Thye Act, Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act, or California Desert Protection Act of 1994. Excludes the renewal, reissuance, or transfer of a grazing permit or lease by the Secretary concerned from the requirement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) to prepare an environmental analysis if such decision continues current grazing management of the allotment. Makes provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act applicable to appeals made by grazing permittees regarding grazing permits or leases under the Act and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974.

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 · 26 May 2011

Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) (the Secretary with respect to lands under their respective jurisdiction), 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 land 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 land and waterways administered by the Secretary for a one-year period. Prohibits the Secretary, for persons holding such a permit, from assessing any fees in addition to the annual fee described above 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 land and waterways administered by the Secretary. Requires a film crew of five persons or fewer that is subject to a permit issued under this Act to notify the applicable land management agency having jurisdiction over the federal land at least 48 hours before entering it. Allows an applicable land management agency to deny access to a film crew if: (1) there is a likelihood of resource damage that cannot be mitigated, (2) there would be an unreasonable disruption of the public use and enjoyment of the site, (3) the activity poses public health or safety risks, and (4) the filming includes the use of models or props that are not part of the land's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities.

A resolution designating June 7, 2011, as "National Hunger Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Designates June 7, 2011, as National Hunger Awareness Day.

Idaho Wilderness Water Resources Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Idaho Wilderness Water Resources Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to issue a special use authorization to the owners of a water storage, transport, or diversion facility located on National Forest System land in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in Idaho for continued operation, maintenance, and reconstruction of such facility if it is determined that: (1) the facility was in existence on the date on which it was designated as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System; (2) the facility has been in continuous use to deliver water for beneficial use on the owner's non-federal land since the date designation; (3) the owner holds a valid water right for use of the water on such land under Idaho state law, with a priority date that predates such date; and (4) it is not practicable or feasible to relocate the facility to land outside of the wilderness and continue the beneficial use of water on the non-federal land. Sets forth specified terms and conditions regarding the issuance of a special use authorization under this Act.

SAVE Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act of 2011 or SAVE Act of 2011 - Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) increases in Border Patrol and investigative personnel, (2) recruitment of former military personnel, (3) use of Department of Defense (DOD) equipment, (4) infrastructure improvements, (5) aerial and other surveillance, (5) a national strategy to secure the borders, (6) accountable financing under the Secure Border Initiative, (7) emergency deployment of Border Patrol agents, and (8) expansion of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism along the northern and southern borders. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to check against terrorist watchlists those persons suspected of alien smuggling and smuggled individuals who are interdicted at U.S. borders. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and specified maritime law sections to revise alien smuggling provisions. Sets forth provisions respecting border security on certain federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) or the Secretary of the Interior. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make the E-verify program permanent. Sets forth conditions for the mandatory use of the E-verify system. Requires: (1) employer/employee notification of social security number mismatches and multiple uses, and related information sharing with DHS; and (2) establishment of electronic birth and death registration systems. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) penalize specified employers for failure to correct information returns; and (2) prohibit employers from deducting from gross income wages paid to unauthorized aliens, with an exception for an employer participating in the basic employment eligibility confirmation program. Increases criminal alien program (CAP) personnel. Authorizes border relief grants for local law enforcement agencies within 25 miles of the southern U.S. border. Establishes within DHS a rewards program to assist in the elimination of commercial operations to produce or sell fraudulent immigration-related documents and to assist in the investigation, prosecution, or disruption of commercial alien smuggling operations. Provides for: (1) increased alien detention facilities, (2) additional immigration court judgeships, and (3) a media campaign to inform the public of changes made by this Act including a multilingual media campaign explaining noncompliance penalties.

EATS Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2011

Expediting Agriculture Through Science Act or EATS Act - Amends the Plant Protection Act to include biotechnology products among the plant pests that a person may petition the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to have added or removed from regulations allowing such products' importation, entry, exportation, or movement in interstate commerce without a permit. Revises provisions regarding the Secretary's response to such a petition to require the Secretary to: (1) determine whether to approve such petition not later than 180 days after the petition's receipt, with two permitted 30-day extensions; (2) notify the petitioner of such extensions; and (3) provide a denied petitioner with denial information and an opportunity to remedy deficiencies. Deems a petition approved if the Secretary has not made a determination to approve the petition by the end of the 240-day period beginning on the date of the petition's receipt.

Making Public Lands Public Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2011

Making Public Lands Public Access Act - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure, from amounts requested for the Land and Water Conservation Fund per fiscal year, that not less than the greater of 1.5% of the requested amounts or $10 million be made available for certain projects identified on an annual priority list to be developed pursuant to this Act. Requires projects identified on such a list to secure, through rights-of-way or the acquisition of lands or interests from willing sellers, recreational public access to existing federal public lands that have significantly restricted access to hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes.

Veterinary Services Investment Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 May 2011

Veterinarian Services Investment Act - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to carry out a matching grant program with qualified en tities to develop, implement, and sustain veterinary services. Requires a qualifying entity to carry out programs that: (1) relieve veterinarian shortage situations, (2) support private veterinary practices engaged in public health activities, or (3) support practices of veterinarians who are participating in or have successfully completed a specified service requirement. Makes such grants available for: (1) assistance for establishing or expanding veterinary practices or establishing mobile veterinary facilities; (2) veterinarian, technician, and student recruitment; (3) grants to attend training programs in food safety or food animal medicine; (4) grants to establish or expand accredited education, internship, residency, and fellowship programs; (5) grants to assess veterinarian shortage situations; and (6) grants for continuing education and extension, including veterinary telemedicine and other distance-based education.

American Energy and Western Jobs Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2011

American Energy and Western Jobs Act - Rescinds and declares without force or effect: (1) Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Instruction Memoranda numbered 2010-117 (Oil and Gas Leasing Reform – Land Use Planning and Lease Parcel Reviews) and 2010-118 (Energy Policy Act Section 390 Categorical Exclusion Policy Revision), both issued on May 17, 2010; and (2) Secretarial Order No. 3310 (Wild Lands Policy) issued by the Secretary of the Interior on December 22, 2010. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to: (1) repeal the requirement that leases be issued within 60 days following payment by the successful bidder of the remainder of the bonus bid and the annual rental for the first lease year, and (2) direct the Secretary to automatically issue a lease 60 days after the date of such payment, unless the Secretary is able to issue the lease before that date. Bars an action seeking judicial review of the adequacy of any program or site-specific environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 concerning oil and gas leasing for onshore federal land unless the action is brought in federal district court within 60 days after publication in the Federal Register of notice of the availability of the environmental impact statement. Directs the Secretary, before modifying and implementing any onshore oil or natural gas preleasing or leasing and development policy, or a policy relating to protecting the wilderness characteristics of public land, to complete an economic impact assessment and determine that the proposed policy modification will not: (1) result in a detrimental impact on employment opportunities relating to oil- and natural gas-related development, (2) contribute to an increase in the domestic use of imported petroleum resources, or (3) contribute to an aggregate loss of oil and natural gas receipts. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to submit, as part of the annual agency budget, a report detailing, for each field office, the revenues generated by specified use of public land. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a domestic strategic production goal for the development of oil and natural gas managed by the federal government; and (2) hold a lease sale offering an additional 10 parcels for lease for research, development, and demonstration of oil shale resources in accordance with terms offered in a specified solicitation of bids for the leases.

Livestock Marketing Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2011

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 than 40 cattle, 30 swine, or other livestock in a quantity as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA). 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.

A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2012 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2013 through 2016.

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2011

Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2012, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2013-FY2016. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts for FY2012-FY2016 with respect to: (1) federal revenues, (2) new budget authority, (3) budget outlays, (4) deficits, (5) public debt, and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for the Social Security Administration (SSA), including the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, U.S. Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses, and specified major functional categories for FY2012-FY2016. Authorizes certain deficit-reduction reserve funds for legislation for: (1) the sale of unused or vacant federal properties, (2) the sale of excess federal lands, (3) repeal of the Davis-Bacon prevailing wage laws, (4) the reduction of the federal vehicles fleet, and (5) the sale of financial assets purchased through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any legislation that would cause the discretionary spending limits in this resolution to be exceeded, except by a supermajority waiver. Specifies such discretionary spending limits in the Senate for FY2012-FY2016. Authorizes adjustments to the discretionary spending limits, budgetary aggregates, and allocations for adjustments to support ongoing overseas deployments and other activities. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any legislation that would require advanced appropriations, except by a supermajority waiver. Sets forth requirements for the treatment of emergency legislation. Allows the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee to adjust the estimate of budgetary effects of legislation that: (1) amends or supersedes the system for updating physician payments under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, (2) amends the Estate and Gift Tax under the Internal Revenue Code, (3) extends the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) relief for individuals, and (4) extends middle-class tax cuts under the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA) and the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 (JGTRRA). Permits the Chairman to make such adjustments only for points of order in specified legislation relating to: (1) pay-as-you-go, and (2) long- and short-term deficits. Requires Senate committees to: (1) review programs and tax expenditures in their jurisdiction to identify waste, fraud, and abuse or duplication, and to increase the use of performance data to inform committee work; (2) review the matters for congressional consideration identified on the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) High Risk list report; and (3) make recommendations to the Senate Budget Committee to improve governmental performance in their annual views and estimates reports. Requires the joint explanatory statement accompanying the conference report on any budget resolution in the Senate to include in its committee allocations to the Senate Committee on Appropriations amounts for the discretionary administrative expenses of the SSA and of the Postal Service. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the Senate Committees on: (1) Foreign Relations; (2) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (3) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Energy [ sic ]; (4) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (5) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; and (6) Finance. Declares the policy of Congress on attainment of Social Security and Medicare solvency. Requires the Chairman to reduce committee allocations, aggregates, and other appropriate levels by the amount unobligated or unspent within 36 months after such funds are made available pursuant to any adjustments made under this resolution.

Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2011

Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011 - Authorizes and directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) (the Secretary), if Resolution Copper Mining, LLC offers to convey specified parcels of non-federal land in Gila, Yavapi, Maricopa, Coconino, Pinal, and/or Santa Cruz Counties, Arizona, that are acceptable to the Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior, to convey certain federal land in Pinal County, Arizona, to Resolution Copper. Requires the Secretary and Resolution Copper to appraise lands exchanged or conveyed under this Act. Makes the federal lands available to Resolution Copper for use for mining and related activities. Requires the Secretary, if so requested by Resolution Copper, to issue separate special use permits to it to carry out mineral exploration activities: (1) under the Oak Flat Withdrawal Area if they would not disturb the surface of the area, and (2) within the Withdrawal Area (with the exception of within the Oak Flat Campground) if they are conducted from a single exploratory drill pad located to minimize visual and noise impacts on the Campground. Makes lands acquired by the Secretary under this Act part of the National Forest within which the land is located. Adds certain of the non-federal land acquired by the Secretary of the Interior in Gila, Pinal, and/or Santa Cruz Counties to the San Pedro Riparian and Las Cienegas National Conservation Areas. Instructs Resolution Copper to surrender, without compensation, the rights held by it under mining and other U.S. laws to commercially extract minerals under Apache Leap. 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. Authorizes the Secretary to issue to Resolution Copper special use permits that allow it to carry out underground activities (other than the commercial extraction of minerals) under the surface of Apache Leap that would not disturb the surface. Requires preparation of a management plan for Apache Leap. Directs the Secretary to convey specified lands in Pinal County to the town of Superior, Arizona.

Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2011

Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2011 - Prohibits the President from restricting direct transfers from a Cuban depository institution to a U.S. depository institution in payment for a product authorized for sale under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) 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. Authorizes the issuance of temporary entry visas to Cuban nationals to facilitate purchase of U.S. agricultural products. 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. Prohibits the President from regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or legal residents, or any of the transactions ordinarily incident to such travel, and any regulation restricting or prohibiting such travel shall have no effect, relating to: (1) accompanied personal baggage; (2) payment of living expenses and the acquisition of personal-use goods or services; (3) travel arrangements; (4) nonscheduled air, sea, or land voyage transactions, (such provision does not permit the carriage of articles other than accompanied baggage into Cuba or the United States); and (5) normal banking transactions. States that such provision 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. travelers. Amends the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 to repeal the requirement for onsite verification of certain medical exports 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.

Community College Energy Training Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2011

Community College Energy Training Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE), 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) high-performance green building construction, design, and redevelopment; (3) sustainable energy technologies; (4) water, energy, and resource 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, credentials, or degrees in one or more of these industries or practices.

Increase American Energy Production Now Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2011

Increase American Energy Production Now Act of 2011 - Establishes in the Department of the Interior: (1) a Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to administer a program of offshore energy and mineral resources management on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), (2) a Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement to administer safety and environmental enforcement activities related to such resources, (3) a National Oil and Gas Health and Safety Academy to train Department of the Interior personnel, and (4) an Office of Natural Resources Revenue to administer offshore royalty and revenue management functions. Abolishes the Minerals Management Service and transfers specified functions to such Bureaus and Office. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) certify compliance with federal employee ethics laws annually; and (2) establish an Outer Continental Shelf Safety and Environmental Advisory Board to advise the Secretary and the Directors of such Bureaus on safe and environmentally compliant energy and mineral resource exploration, development, and production activities. Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 2011 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), including by: (1) establishing and revising regulations to provide for operational safety and the protection of the marine and coastal environment of OCS natural resources; (2) setting forth minimum requirements for regulatory standards for blowout preventers, well design, and cementing; (3) requiring the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to review the minimum financial responsibility requirements for leases by May 11, 2011, and every five years thereafter; (4) limiting an oil and gas lease of submerged OCS lands to a tract of 5,760 acres; (5) requiring geological exploration permits to include environmental and natural resource conservation requirements; (6) increasing civil penalties for violations; (7) directing the Secretary to require that lessees obtain a permit before any significant modification of a well design; (8) requiring lessees to submit development and production plans for oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico; (9) revoking provisions concerning royalty relief for oil and gas leases in the Planning Areas offshore Alaska; (10) requiring the President to publish a final determination of the boundaries of coastal states projected seaward to the outer margin of the OCS; and (11) prohibiting the Secretary from issuing any license or permit authorizing drilling for oil and gas on the OCS unless the applicant has an approved response plan. Requires the Secretary to take action to apply such requirements to existing leases. Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board to make recommendations on preventing an accidental fire, explosion, or release involving an offshore oil or gas exploration or production facility to the Secretary and the Commandant of the Coast Guard. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal provisions relating to: (1) incentives for natural gas production from deep wells in shallow waters in the Gulf of Mexico; (2) royalty relief for deep water production in the Gulf of Mexico; and (3) a rebuttable presumption that the use of a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 would apply to specified actions by the Secretary in managing the public lands, or to the Secretary of Agriculture in managing National Forest System Lands, if the activity is conducted pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act for the purpose of exploration or development of oil or gas. Amends the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 to increase civil penalties for violations of such Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) complete a pilot project assessing costs and benefits of automatic transmission of certain data produced under federal leases on the OCS, (2) ensure accurate determination and reporting of BTU values of natural gas from federal leases to ensure accurate royalty payments, (3) publish regulations concerning required recordkeeping of natural gas measurement data, and (4) publish regulations prescribing when a lessee must report and pay royalties on oil and gas. Applies any royalty under an OCS lease to oil that is saved, removed, sold, or discharged, without regard to whether the oil is lost or used on, or for the benefit of, the lease. Gulf Coast Restoration Act - Establishes: (1) the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Fund for the conservation, protection, and restoration of the Gulf Coast in accordance with State Coastal Ecosystem Restoration Plans; and (2) the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force to review and approve such plans. Requires the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to establish or designate a Regional Coordination Council for each of the Coordination Regions designated by this Act, which shall submit to CEQ strategic plans to foster comprehensive, integrated, and sustainable development and use of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources, while protecting marine ecosystem health and sustaining the long-term economic and ecosystem values of such waters. Establishes the Ocean Resources Conservation and Assistance Fund, amounts from which shall be used for activities and grants that contribute to the conservation, protection, maintenance, and restoration of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems. Oil Spill Accountability and Environmental Protection Act of 2011 - Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to: (1) repeal the limitation on the liability of the responsible party for an offshore facility for damages and removal costs that result from a discharge of oil into or upon the navigable waters or adjoining shorelines or the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ); (2) increase the amount of financial responsibility required for offshore facilities and guarantors of an offshore facility to $300 million; (3) make responsible parties for vessels or facilities from which oil is discharged liable for damages to human health; (4) authorize the President to require a responsible party to provide information about claims in the event of a spill of national significance; and (5) extend liability to any corporation, partnership, or other person (other than an individual) having an ownership interest exceeding 25% in any responsible party. Limits the: (1) exploration, development, or production of resources in, on, above, or below the EEZ to vessels owned by U.S. citizens; and (2) exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas in, on, above, or below the EEZ to facilities built in the United States. Sets forth provisions concerning safety management systems and standards for mobile offshore drilling units. Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to: (1) revoke the President's authorization to allow tank vessels and facilities to operate without a plan to respond to the discharge of oil or hazardous substances, and (2) require the National Contingency Plan to include guidelines regarding the use of containment booms to contain a discharge of oil or a hazardous substance. Requires the President to: (1) issue a revised regulation for the development of the schedule for the use of dispersants, other chemicals, and other spill mitigating devices and substances; (2) undertake a rulemaking concerning standards for ceasing and removing a worst case discharge of oil or a hazardous substance and for mitigating or preventing a substantial threat of such discharge; (3) create a database to track all discharges of oil or hazardous substances; and (4) delegate specified responsibilities with respect to oil discharges to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the Secretary of Transportation (DOT), and the Secretary of the Interior. Requires the Commandant to inventory and maintain a database of vessels operating in U.S. waters that are capable of meeting oil spill responses needs designated in the National Contingency Plan. Oil Pollution Research and Development Program Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the Oil Pollution Research and Development Program, including by: (1) revising membership requirements of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research; (2) requiring such Committee to develop a national information clearinghouse on oil discharge; (3) removing requirements that the Coast Guard conduct port oil pollution minimization demonstration projects with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Port of New Orleans, Louisiana; and (4) requiring such Committee to establish the Oil Pollution Research Advisory Committee. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate: (1) the $1 billion per incident limitation on expenditures from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for cleanup of oil spills, and (2) restrictions on the borrowing authority of such Trust Fund. Requires diligent development by the leaseholder of each lease authorizing the exploration for or development or production of oil or natural gas issued under the Mineral Leasing Act, the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976 (NPRPA), the OCSLA, and the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands, in order to ensure timely production. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to issue regulations to establish an annual production incentive fee with respect to federal onshore and offshore lands subject to an oil or natural gas production lease under which production is not occurring. Amends the NPRPA to direct the Secretary to accelerate competitive and environmentally responsible leasing of oil and gas in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A), including at least one lease sale during each of calendar years 2011-2016. Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to facilitate the construction of oil and natural gas pipelines from or through the NPR-A to existing transportation or processing infrastructure on the North Slope of Alaska. Prescribes general requirements for project labor agreements and pipeline maintenance. Amends NPRPA to repeal provisions concerning: (1) renewing leasing of oil and gas in the NPR-A; (2) expiration of a lease if no oil or gas is produced from a lease within 30 years of its issuance; (3) expiration of a lease covering lands capable of producing oil or gas in paying quantities for failing to produce such quantities due to circumstances beyond the lessee's control; and (4) waiving, suspending, or reducing rental fees or royalties. Study of Ways to Improve the Accuracy of the Collection of Federal Oil, Condensate, and Natural Gas Royalties Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Engineering to study whether any of specified actions would improve the accuracy of collection of royalties on production of oil, condensate, and natural gas under leases of federal lands (including submerged and deep water lands) and Indian lands. Offshore Oil and Gas Worker Whistleblower Protection Act of 2011 - Prohibits employers from discharging, or discriminating against, a covered employee for providing information for, or participating in, proceedings related to violations of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to make any person or instrumentality that destroys, causes the loss of, or injures any refuge resource liable for the amount of the response costs and resulting damages and interest on amounts paid in satisfaction of claims under such Act. Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA) to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to coastal states to ensure sufficient response capabilities to address impacts of oil spills. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Flow Rate Technical Group to develop expertise in measuring and estimating flow rates and spill volumes.

Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2011

Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to exclude industrial hemp from the definition of "marihuana." Defines "industrial hemp" to mean the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of such plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-nine tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. Deems Cannabis sativa L. to meet that concentration limit if a person grows or processes it for purposes of making industrial hemp in accordance with state law.

To authorize the interstate traffic of unpasteurized milk and milk products that are packaged for direct human consumption.

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2011

Prohibits any federal department, agency, or court from taking any action that would prohibit, interfere with, regulate, or otherwise restrict the interstate traffic of milk, or a milk product, that is unpasteurized and packaged for direct human consumption based on the determination that solely because the milk or milk product is unpasteurized, it is adulterated, misbranded, or otherwise in violation of federal law.

Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011

Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to rename: (1) the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 as the Public Lands Service Corps Act of 1993, and (2) the Public Lands Corps as the Public Lands Service Corps (the Corps). Permits Corps participants to work in the National Marine Sanctuary System, coral reefs, and other coastal, estuarine, and marine habitats, and other lands and facilities administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Requires the: (1) establishment of a department-level office within the Department of the Interior, Forest Service, and NOAA for the coordination of Corps activities; and (2) designation of a Corps coordinator for each agency within the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce that administers such activities. Establishes an Indian Youth Service Corps liaison. Expands those authorized to be in the Corps to permit the enrollment of consulting interns. Permits enrollment for a term of up to two years. Requires: (1) a recruitment program for the Corps, and (2) a training program at residential conservation centers or at other sites to provide training for Corps participants. Describes the types of natural and cultural resources conservation projects that may be carried out by the Corps. Authorizes: (1) the Corps to provide certain visitor and interpretation services, (2) establishing residential conservation centers, and (3) individual placements of consulting interns to perform management analysis activities for agencies under the Secretary's jurisdiction carrying out appropriate natural and cultural resources conservation projects. Authorizes cooperative agreements and competitive grants for Indian tribes and qualified youth or conservation corps to establish Indian Youth Service Corps programs. Requires the Secretary to issue management guidelines for programs of the Corps.

Making Public Lands Public Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011

Making Public Lands Public Access Act - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure, from amounts requested for the Land and Water Conservation Fund per fiscal year, that not less than the greater of 1.5% of the requested amounts or $10 million be made available for certain projects identified on an annual priority list to be developed pursuant to this Act. Requires projects identified on such a list to secure, through rights-of-way or the acquisition of lands or interests from willing sellers, recreational public access to existing federal public lands that have significantly restricted access to hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes.

Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011

Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act of 2011 - Amends the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to allow an agricultural producer, or a hunter with the producer's permission, to take migratory game birds by the aid of baiting, if: (1) the manipulation occurs on the producer's land on which a crop was not harvestable during the current or immediately preceding crop year due to a natural disaster, and (2) a local representative of the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) confirms that the crop has been destroyed and that it would not be economically practicable to harvest the crop.

Free Sugar Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011

Free Sugar Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to repeal the sugar loan program.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the rule treating certain farming business machinery and equipment as 5-year property.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2011

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the classification of certain farming business machinery and equipment as five-year property for purposes of the tax deduction for depreciation.

Eat Local Foods Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2011

Eat Local Foods Act - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants to states, by the beginning of each school year (starting with the 2012-2013 school year), for use in providing school food authorities with local food credits that represent up to 10% of the total value of the commodity assistance (or cash payments in lieu thereof) that the authority would be eligible to receive for the school year. Subtracts the value of the food credit from the amount of commodity assistance (or cash payments in lieu thereof) that a school food authority would otherwise receive. Requires school food authorities to use their credits to purchase locally or regionally produced agricultural food products to serve in the school lunch program.

To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants for the prevention of cruelty to animals to States that have enacted laws prohibiting the devocalization of dogs and cats for purposes of convenience.

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2011

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to make grants for the prevention of cruelty to animals to states that have enacted laws prohibiting the performance of devocalization procedures on dogs and cats for purposes of convenience. Defines: (1) "devocalization procedure" as a surgical procedure that prevents an animal's larynx from producing sound or reduces the ability of the larynx to produce sound, and (2) "for purposes of convenience" meaning that the procedure is not performed primarily for the animal's therapeutic benefit.

Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2011

Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation Act of 2011 - Requires the President to establish the Committee for the Cumulative Analysis of Regulations that Impact Energy and Manufacturing in the United States to analyze and report on the cumulative and incremental impacts of covered rules and actions of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning air, waste, water, and climate change for each of calendar years 2016, 2020, and 2030. Requires such analysis to include: (1) estimates of the impacts of covered rules promulgated as final regulations on or before January 1, 2012, in combination with covered actions on U.S. economic competitiveness, electricity prices, fuel prices, employment, and the reliability and adequacy of bulk power supply in the United States; and (2) a discussion and assessment of the cumulative impact on consumers, small businesses, regional economies, state, local, and tribal governments, local and industry-specific labor markets, and agriculture. Includes among "covered rules" specified national standards for air quality, hazardous and solid waste, and water pollutants and other rules promulgated under specified provisions of the Clean Air Act on or after January 1, 2009. Defines "covered action" as any action on or after such date by the EPA, a state, a local government, or a permitting agency as a result of the application of specified Clean Air Act (CAA) provisions with respect to an air pollutant that is identified as a greenhouse gas.

AT RISK: AMERICAN JOBS, AGRICULTURE, HEALTH AND SPECIES—THE COSTS OF FEDERAL REGULATORY DYSFUNCTION

United States · United States House of Representatives · 3 May 2011

Communities First Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2011

Community Banks Serving Their Communities First Act or Communities First Act - Revises regulatory requirements for community banks, including through amendments to: (1) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to permit certain insured depository institutions to submit a short form report of condition, and (2) the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to exempt certain small-sized depository institutions from the annual management assessment of internal controls requirements. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve Board) to publish in the Federal Register certain proposed revisions to the Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement on Assessment of Financial and Managerial Factors relating to: (1) certain bank holding companies with pro forma consolidated assets of less than $1 billion, and (2) an increased debt-to-equity ratio allowable for a small bank holding company. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to direct the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to: (1) ensure that information, documents, and reports accurately and appropriately reflect the business model of a registered security issuer; (2) approve any new or amended generally accepted accounting principle only if it would have no negative economic impact on certain small-sized insured depository institutions; (3) increase the shareholder registration threshold for certain banks and bank holding companies; and (4) terminate the registration of any class of security, in the case of a bank or bank holding company, whose holders of record are reduced to less than 1700 persons. Amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to: (1) authorize the Financial Stability Oversight Council to set aside a final regulation prescribed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) if the Council decides that it would be inconsistent with the safe and sound operation of U.S. financial institutions, or could adversely impact disproportionately a subset of the banking industry; and (2) repeal the authority of the Federal Reserve Board to delegate to the CFPB its authority to examine persons for compliance with federal consumer financial laws. Amends the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) to instruct the Federal Reserve Board to exempt from escrow or impound account requirements any loan secured by a first lien on a consumer's principal dwelling, if the loan is held by a creditor with assets of $10 billion or less. Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to exempt certain financial institutions from furnishing a mandatory annual privacy notice. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) assess, for certain guaranteed business and industry loans for rural communities under $5 million, a one-time fee of 1% or less of the loan's guaranteed principal; and (2) establish a preferred certified lender's program for specified lenders. Amends the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 to require a government authority to reimburse fees incurred by certain small-sized financial institutions with assets of $10 billion or less for all records required to be furnished for federal law enforcement or investigative purposes. Authorizes specified institutions to amortize losses or write-downs on a quarterly straight-line basis over a 10-year period for purposes of capital calculation under the Financial Institutions Examination Council's Consolidated Reports of Condition. Authorizes an insured depository institution, for purposes of determining statutory capital requirements or measuring capital, to average, over a five-year period, the appraised value of any real estate securing a loan held by the institution. Amends the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act regarding review of reliance on credit ratings to direct federal regulatory agencies to require, in specified circumstances, that ratings-based determinations be confirmed by an analysis of the probability of a loss from holding an asset. Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act with respect to requirements with which a financial institution must comply in collecting data for evaluation of a credit application by a women-owned, minority-owned, or small business. Applies such requirements only to financial institutions having over $1 billion in assets (thus exempting smaller financial institutions). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) defer income recognition on long-term certificates of deposit held by cash basis individuals, (2) exclude from gross income any interest on loans secured by agricultural real property, (3) increase the cap on qualified small issue bonds, (4) allow certain FDIC-insured financial institutions with $10 billion or less in gross assets to elect partnership (limited liability company) tax treatment, and (5) set forth special rules for Roth IRAs for individuals under age 26 (young savers' accounts). Reduces by 20% (up to $250,000) the aggregate tax for a community bank, and by 50% (up to $500,000) for community banks operating in specified distressed areas. Allows similar aggregate tax reductions for small-sized community banks that are subchapter S corporations. Subjects to certain IRS principles a qualifying investment in specified small bank issuers in the same manner as if such investment had been made by the Department of the Treasury. Prescribes requirements for a five-year net operating loss carryback for 2010 and 2011 for certain community banks. Increases to 200 the shareholder limit for small business subchapter S corporations. Permits the issuance of preferred stock for subchapter S corporations.

Creating Real Opportunities for Prosperity (CROP) Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011

Creating Real Opportunities for Prosperity (CROP) Act - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to suspend the limitation on the period for which borrowers are eligible for loan guarantee assistance through December 31, 2013.

Commonsense Ozone Regulation Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011

Commonsense [ sic ] Ozone Regulation Act - Prohibits a nonattainment area for ozone classified as extreme as of January 1, 2011, pursuant to the 8-hour national primary ambient air quality standard for ozone promulgated on July 18, 1997, from being subject to any control pursuant to the 1-hour national primary ambient air quality standard for ozone. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to classify such an area pursuant to any rule setting the level of the 8-hour standard for ozone below 0.08 parts per million. Provides that such rule will not apply, and the 8-hour national primary ambient air quality standard for ozone will continue to apply, until six months after a report on the feasibility of compliance with such rule is submitted to Congress and the Administrator. Applies such requirements with respect to such areas only if the governing board of the responsible local air agency agrees to establish a  local advisory committee to study the feasibility of compliance with such rule.  Requires each feasibility study to address the potential adverse employment impacts of, and the cost of compliance with, such rule for local businesses, agriculture operations, and residents in such areas. Requires such committees to report to such boards on the results of such study no later than five years after such rule is promulgated.

Farmland Preservation and Land Conservation Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2011

Farmland Preservation and Land Conservation Act of 2011- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an estate and gift tax exclusion for real property located in the United States which at the time of a decedent's death was being used as a farm for farming purposes or exclusively for conservation purposes. Imposes: (1) an additional estate or gift tax with respect to such property if an heir or donee disposes of or uses such property for other than farming or conservation purposes, and (2) a federal tax lien on such property until liability for estate or gift tax with respect to such property has been satisfied or has become unenforceable.

Dairy COOL Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2011

Dairy COOL Act of 2011 - Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to extend mandatory country of origin labeling to dairy products (fluid milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, butter, and other dairy products). Requires a dairy product retailer to designate the product's origin as: (1) each country in which or from the one or more dairy ingredients were produced or originated, and each country in which the product was processed; and (2) if a U.S.-produced dairy product, the state, region, or locality where the product was produced.

Putting Our Resources Toward Security (PORTS) Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2011

Putting Our Resources Toward Security (PORTS) Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, between FY2012-FY2016, to increase the number of full-time Customs and Border Protection officers, agriculture specialists, and border security support personnel for U.S. ports of entry by not fewer than 5,000, 1,200, and 350, respectively, above the number of such personnel for which funds were made available during FY2010. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) for each of FY2012-FY2016 to make improvements to existing U.S. ports of entry to improve border security. Directs the Administrator to give priority to ports determined to be in most need of repair in accordance with required infrastructure assessment studies.

H-2A VISA PROGRAM: MEETING THE GROWING NEEDS OF AMERICAN AGRICULTURE?

United States · United States House of Representatives · 13 April 2011

Rural Access to Credit Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2011

Rural Access to Credit Act of 2011 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to use commercial lending standards in determining equity requirements for rural entity direct or guaranteed loans. Directs the Secretary, through December 31, 2012, to guarantee up to 90% of high priority business and industry loans up to $10 million. Authorizes the Secretary, beginning on January 1, 2013, to guarantee up to 80% or 90% of high priority business and industry loans up to $10 million. Directs the Secretary to guarantee related line-of-credit loans. Authorizes business and industry loans to be used for refinancing. Waives audit requirements for business and industry loans under $1 million. Authorizes audit waiver for loans of at least $1 million. Directs the Secretary to use the Small Business Administration (SBA) calculation method in calculating the delinquency rate for business and industry loans. Expresses the sense of Congress that in allocating discretionary funds the Secretary should give priority to the rural microentrepreneur assistance program.

Border Security Enforcement Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2011

Border Security Enforcement Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to deploy at least 6,000 National Guard personnel to perform operations in the Southwest Border region (Region) (the area in the United States that is within 150 miles of the U.S.-Mexico international border) to assist U.S. Customs and Border Protection in securing such border. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to increase, by September 30, 2016, the number of Border Patrol agents stationed in the Region by 5,000. Directs the Attorney General (DOJ), the Secretary, and the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to: (1) implement Operation Streamline in the Region; and (2) reimburse state, local, and tribal law enforcement for related detention costs. Authorizes the chief judge of each federal judicial district in the Region to appoint additional full-time magistrate judges who shall have the authority to hear all cases and controversies in the district in which the respective judges are appointed. Directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enhance border enforcement preparedness and operational readiness through Operation Stonegarden. Directs the Secretary to: (1) construct, as needed, additional Border Patrol stations in the Region to provide operational support in rural, high-trafficked areas; (2) upgrade existing Border Patrol forward operating bases and establish new bases as needed; (3) complete the construction of a permanent checkpoint near Tubac, Arizona, and deploy additional temporary roving checkpoints in the Region. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to direct the Secretary to: (1) complete the required 700 mile southwest border fencing by December 31, 2011; and (2) construct double- and triple-layer fencing at appropriate locations in the Region. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) and the Secretary of the Interior to provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel with access to federal lands under their respective jurisdictions (within 150 miles of the Region) for security activities. Directs the Secretary to establish a two-year grant program to improve emergency communications for persons who live or work in the Region and who are at greater risk from border violence. Provides for: (1) specified equipment and technology enhancements; and (2) reimbursement of state, county, tribal, and municipal costs associated with the prosecution and pre-trial detention of federally initiated criminal cases declined by local U.S. Attorneys' offices. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to include ultralight vehicles within the definition of "aircraft" for purposes of aviation smuggling provisions. Provides for DOD-DHS cooperation in identifying DOD equipment and technology that could be used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to improve security along the U.S.-Mexico border by: (1) detecting border tunnels and ultralight aircraft, and (2) enhancing wide aerial surveillance.

National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2011

National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act - Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) from taking action on public lands which impede the border security activities of the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) (Secretary). States that the Secretary shall have immediate access to any public land managed by the federal government in order to conduct activities that assist in securing the border (including access to maintain and construct roads, construct a fence, use patrol vehicles, and set up monitoring equipment). States that a specified waiver by the Secretary of certain laws regarding sections of the international border between the United States and Mexico and between the United States and Canada shall apply to all sections of the international land and maritime borders of the United States within 100 miles of such borders with respect to the Secretary's activities under this Act.

Border Security Enforcement Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2011

Border Security Enforcement Act of 2011 - Directs the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to deploy at least 6,000 National Guard personnel to perform operations in the Southwest Border region (Region) (the area in the United States that is within 150 miles of the U.S.-Mexico international border) to assist U.S. Customs and Border Protection in securing such border. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to increase, by September 30, 2016, the number of Border Patrol agents stationed in the Region by 5,000. Directs the Attorney General, the Secretary, and the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to: (1) implement Operation Streamline in the Region; and (2) reimburse state, local, and tribal law enforcement for related detention costs. Authorizes the chief judge of each federal judicial district in the Region to appoint additional full-time magistrate judges who shall have the authority to hear all cases and controversies in the district in which the respective judges are appointed. Directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enhance border enforcement preparedness and operational readiness through Operation Stonegarden. Directs the Secretary to: (1) construct, as needed, additional Border Patrol stations in the Region to provide operational support in rural, high-trafficked areas; (2) upgrade existing Border Patrol forward operating bases and establish new bases as needed; (3) complete the construction of a permanent checkpoint near Tubac, Arizona, and deploy additional temporary roving checkpoints in the Region. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to direct the Secretary to: (1) complete the required 700 mile southwest border fencing by December 31, 2011; and (2) construct double- and triple-layer fencing at appropriate locations in the Region. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) and the Secretary of the Interior to provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel with access to federal lands under their respective jurisdictions (within 150 miles of the Region) for security activities. Directs the Secretary to establish a two-year grant program to improve emergency communications for persons who live or work in the Region and who are at greater risk from border violence. Provides for: (1) specified equipment and technology enhancements; and (2) reimbursement of state, county, tribal, and municipal costs associated with the prosecution and pre-trial detention of federally initiated criminal cases declined by local U.S. Attorneys' offices. Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to include ultralight vehicles within the definition of "aircraft" for purposes of aviation smuggling provisions. Provides for DOD-DHS cooperation in identifying DOD equipment and technology that could be used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to improve security along the U.S.-Mexico border by: (1) detecting border tunnels and ultralight aircraft, and (2) enhancing wide aerial surveillance.

Catastrophic Wildfire Community Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2011

Catastrophic Wildfire Community Protection Act - Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture (USDA) and the Interior to carry out eligible projects on National Forest System lands and public lands, respectively, which are within or adjacent to at-risk communities or watersheds if the project is consistent with the applicable community wildfire protection 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 prepare an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for each proposed eligible project and 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.

Poison-Free Poultry Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2011

Poison-Free Poultry Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem the arsenic compound known as roxarsone to be an unsafe food additive.

Trans Fat Truth in Labeling Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2011

Trans Fat Truth in Labeling Act of 2011 - Directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA) to promulgate a final regulation revising federal nutrition labeling regulations to: (1) require the label of a food that has less than 0.5 grams and greater than 0.0 grams of trans fat per serving to contain an asterisk or other notation and a note that the food has a low trans fat content per serving, and (2) prohibit the label or labeling on such a food from indicating that the trans fat content per serving is zero.

Establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2012 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal year 2011 and fiscal years 2013 through 2021.

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2011

Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2012, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2011, and FY2013-FY2021. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts for FY2011-FY2021 with respect to: (1) federal revenues, (2) new budget authority, (3) budget outlays, (4) deficits (on-budget), (5) debt subject to limit, and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified major functional categories for FY2011-FY2021. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the House Committees on: (1) Agriculture, (2) Education and the Workforce, (3) Energy and Commerce, (4) Financial Services, (5) Natural Resources, (6) Oversight and Government Reform, and (7) Ways and Means. Requires the House Committee on the Budget to report a reconciliation bill that slows the growth in mandatory spending and achieves deficit reduction. Requires each House Committees to identify savings amounting to 1% of total mandatory spending under its jurisdiction from activities determined to be wasteful, unnecessary, or lower-priority. Prohibits House legislation that would require advance appropriations, except for certain FY2013-FY2014 programs, projects, activities, or accounts. Prescribes requirements for legislation reported out of committee and designated as an emergency requirement. Requires the Joint Committee on Taxation to calculate the impact of any proposal to change federal revenues on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), total domestic employment, and other specified economic variables. Prohibits the chairman of the House Committee on the Budget from taking into account the provisions of any piece of legislation which propose to increase revenue or offsetting collections if the net effect of the bill is to increase the level of revenue or offsetting collections beyond the level assumed in this budget resolution. Requires the chairman to maintain a Budget Protection Mandatory Account and a Budget Protection Discretionary Account. Requires the Majority Leader to introduce rescission bills quarterly. Prescribes legislative procedures for their floor consideration. Expresses the sense of the House regarding: (1) baseline revenue projections, and (2) long-term budget projections. Establishes an earmark moratorium for FY2011-FY2012 for legislation providing or authorizing discretionary budget authority, credit or other spending authority, providing a federal tax deduction, credit, or exclusion, or modifying the Harmonized Tariff Schedule in FY2011-FY2012. Prohibits the House Committee on Rules from reporting a rule or order waiving such moratorium. Declares the policy of this resolution on: (1) health care law repeal, (2) bailouts of state and local governments, (3) means-tested welfare programs, and (4) reforming the federal budget process.

Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2011

Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 - Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2011 - Appropriates funds for FY2011 to the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military personnel; (2) operation and maintenance, including for the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, environmental restoration, overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic aid, former Soviet Union cooperative threat reduction, and the Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Fund; (3) procurement, including for aircraft, missiles, weapons, tracked combat vehicles, ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and purchases under the Defense Production Act of 1950; (4) research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E); (5) Defense Working Capital Funds and the National Defense Sealift Fund; (6) the Defense Health Program; (7) chemical agents and munitions destruction; (8) drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; (9) the Office of the Inspector General; (10) the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund; (11) the Intelligence Community Management Account; and (12) overseas contingency operations, including regular, reserve, and National Guard personnel, operation and maintenance, the Afghanistan Infrastructure Fund, the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund, the Iraq Security Forces Fund, the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Fund, procurement, National Guard and Reserve equipment, the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Fund, RDT&E, and the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund. Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. Rescinds specified funds from various accounts under prior defense appropriations Acts. Reduces specified funds. Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 - Makes continuing appropriations for FY2011. Appropriates amounts for continuing operations, projects, or activities which were conducted in FY2010 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were made available in: (1) the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010; (2) the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010; (3) the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010; (4) the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010; (5) the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2010; (6) the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010; and (7) that part of chapter 1 of title I of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2010 that addresses guaranteed loans in the rural housing insurance fund. Provides funding under this division through FY2011. Authorizes continuation of other specified activities (including activities for entitlements and other mandatory payments) through such fiscal year. Bars any language specifying an earmark in an appropriations Act for FY2010, or in a committee report or joint explanatory statement accompanying such an Act, from having legal effect with respect to funds appropriated by this Act. Prohibits the use of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to transfer, release, or assist in the transfer of, or release to or within the United States, its territories, or possessions of, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed or any other detainee who: (1) is not a U.S. citizen or a member of the U.S. Armed Forces; and (2) is or was held by DOD on or after June 24, 2009, at the U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Establishes the level of funding for specified agricultural and rural development programs, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and related agencies programs. Establishes the level of funding for the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and for science, and related agencies. Authorizes, restricts, or prohibits specified uses of appropriated funds in the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, with respect to funds appropriated by this Act. Establishes the level of funding for: (1) energy and water development, and related agencies; (2) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); (3) certain loan guarantees under the Energy Policy Act of 2005; (4) financial services and general government; (5) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and (6) the Department of the Interior, the Environmental and Protection Agency (EPA), and related agencies. Requires specified federal departments and agencies to submit to the congressional appropriations committees a spending, expenditure, or operating plan for FY2011 at a detail level below the account level. Establishes the level of funding for: (1) the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education, and related agencies; (2) the legislative branch; and (3) DOD military construction, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and related agencies. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on the costs and processes of implementing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Eliminates the PPACA requirement that employers provide free (qualified health plan) choice vouchers to certain employees. Establishes the level of funding for: (1) the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs; and (2) the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and related agencies. Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. Rescinds and/or reduces specified funds from or within various accounts. Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act or SOAR Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to nonprofit organizations to carry out a program to provide expanded school choice opportunities to students who are District of Columbia (DC) residents and who come from certain qualifying low-income households. Repeals the DC School Choice Incentive Act of 2003.

To require that hunting activities be a land use in all management plans for Federal land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture to the extent that such use is not clearly incompatible with the purposes for which the Federal land is managed, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2011

Requires an agency with jurisdiction over federal land, when developing or considering approval of a management plan, to ensure that hunting activities are allowed as a use of such land to the extent that such use is not clearly incompatible with the purposes for which the federal land is managed.

Assuring You Uniform Dietary Assistance (AYUDA) Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2011

Assuring You Uniform Dietary Assistance (AYUDA) Act of 2011 - Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (formerly the Food Stamp Act of 1977) to provide the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands with the same food assistance benefits as are nationally available.

Outdoor Sports Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2011

Outdoor Sports Protection Act - Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from prohibiting or otherwise restricting, the manufacture, importation, sale, or use of any traditional hunting and fishing implement based on material content. Defines "traditional hunting and fishing implement" as any firearm, ammunition, ammunition component, fishing lure, fishing sinker or weight, and fishing line that contains lead, zinc, copper, or brass. Requires the Administrator to report any determination that the best scientific evidence available demonstrates that the use of any such implement has a substantially detrimental effect on the environment. Prohibits the Departments of the Interior and of Agriculture (USDA) from newly prohibiting or limiting the use of any such implement on federal public lands based on material content. Directs the Secretary of either department to report any determination that the best scientific evidence available demonstrates that such use has a substantially detrimental effect on the sustainability of a local fish or wildlife population. Prohibits a state or U.S. territory from being eligible for any funding or apportionment under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act or the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act if the state or territory newly prohibits or otherwise restricts the sale or use of any such implement based on material content.

Oregon Caves Revitalization Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2011

Oregon Caves Revitalization Act of 2011 - Redesignates the Oregon Caves National Monument and lands identified as proposed addition lands as the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to transfer the proposed addition lands to the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) and adjust the boundary of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest to exclude such lands transferred to the Secretary. Adjusts the boundary of the Monument and Preserve to exclude certain land in the city of Cave Junction. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary to accept the donation of a grazing lease or permit from a lessee or permittee for: (1) the Big Grayback Grazing Allotment located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, or (2) the Billy Mountain Grazing Allotment located on a parcel of BLM-managed land. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate: (1) the subterranean segment of the Cave Creek in Oregon known as the River Styx as a component of the national wild and scenic rivers system, and (2) certain additional segments of the Monument and Preserve for study for potential addition to the system.

To amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend the suspension of the limitation on the period for which certain borrowers are eligible for guaranteed assistance.

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2011

Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to suspend the limitation on the period for which borrowers are eligible for loan guarantee assistance through December 31, 2013.

Oregon Caves Revitalization Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2011

Oregon Caves Revitalization Act of 2011 - Redesignates the Oregon Caves National Monument as the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to transfer certain land identified as proposed addition lands to the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) and adjust the boundary of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest to exclude such lands transferred by the Secretary. Directs the Secretaries to accept the donation of a grazing lease or permit from a lessee or permittee for the Big Grayback Grazing Allotment located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest or the Billy Mountain Grazing Allotment located on a parcel of BLM-managed land. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate the subterranean segment of the Cave Creek in Oregon known as the River Styx as a component of the national wild and scenic rivers system and certain additional segments of the Monument and Preserve for study for potential addition to the system.