Agriculture

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017

United States · United States Senate · 2 March 2016

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017

United States · United States Senate · 2 March 2016

REFUEL Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2016

Renewable Fuel Utilization, Expansion, and Leadership Act or the REFUEL Act This bill amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to direct the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a competitive grant program for renewable and alternative energy fueling infrastructure projects. Projects may be new or for the retrofit of existing renewable and alternative energy infrastructure and must be capable of dispensing fuel or energy not widely available. USDA must prioritize awarding grants for projects located in rural areas. Entities that receive funding from USDA must contribute at least 30% of any allotted amount towards the project and are eligible to receive a maximum of $100,000.

Nepal Recovery Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2016

Nepal Recovery Act This bill authorizes the President to provide technical and financial assistance for programs that: (1) improve Nepal's basic infrastructure following the earthquakes in affected communities; (2) support economic growth, including through agriculture and small-scale enterprise opportunities; (3) promote health and basic education programs; and (4) support democracy programs that promote political reforms, including strengthening democratic institutions and rule of law. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency may provide accelerated response in Nepal for: project identification and investment analyses; trade capacity building and sector development activities, including technical assistance and feasibility studies that support investments in infrastructure that contribute to overseas development; and trade capacity building and sector development assistance supporting the establishment of industry standards, market liberalization, and other policy reform, with a particular focus on engineering and construction. The U.S Agency for International Development shall report to Congress regarding: the effectiveness of U.S. investment in Nepal in disaster risk reduction and recovery program improvement; and the effectiveness of international humanitarian and reconstruction assistance provided to Nepal, and a related assessment of U.S. anti-corruption efforts. The Department of State shall report to Congress regarding impediments to Nepal's recovery efforts.

An original bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a national voluntary labeling standard for bioengineered foods, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2016

This bill amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a national voluntary bioengineered food labeling standard. The standard applies to food that either contains or was developed or produced using genetic material that: (1) has been modified through in vitro recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) techniques, and (2) could not otherwise be obtained through conventional breeding or found in nature. (Recombinant DNA is DNA that has been altered by joining genetic material from two or more different organisms.) USDA regulations implementing this bill must: prohibit claims regarding the safety or quality of food based on whether or not the food is bioengineered, determine the amounts of a bioengineered substance that may be present for a food to be labeled as bioengineered, and establish a process for requesting and granting determinations regarding other factors and conditions under which a food may be labeled as bioengineered. USDA must provide science-based information through education, outreach, and promotion to address consumer acceptance of agricultural biotechnology. USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services must report to Congress regarding the availability of information for determining whether food is bioengineered or bioengineering was used in the development or production process. The labeling standard established by this bill preempts state and local laws regarding the labeling of bioengineered or genetically engineered food or seeds.

American Discovery Trail Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2016

American Discovery Trail Act of 2016 This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to place on federal land at points along the American Discovery Trail (from Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware, to Point Reyes National Seashore, California) acceptable signage donated to the United States for that purpose. No federal funding may be used to acquire the signage authorized for placement by this Act.

A resolution recognizing the importance of the United States-Israel economic relationship and encouraging new areas of cooperation.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2016

Affirms that the U.S.-Israel economic partnership has benefitted both countries and is a foundational component of the strong alliance. Recognizes that science and technology innovation present promising new frontiers for U.S.-Israel economic cooperation, particularly in light of widespread drought, cybersecurity attacks, and other major challenges impacting the United States. Encourages the President to regularize and expand forums of economic dialogue with Israel and foster public and private sector participation. Supports the exploration of new agreements with Israel, including in the fields of energy, water, agriculture, medicine, neurotechnology and cybersecurity.

Recognizing the important work of Meals on Wheels America and senior nutrition programs throughout the Nation in addressing hunger and isolation and improving the health and quality of life for millions of our Nation's seniors each year.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2016

Recognizes and honors: (1) the work of Meals on Wheels America and senior nutrition programs throughout the nation in addressing hunger, isolation, and the quality of life of seniors; (2) the volunteers for the programs; and (3) the role that March for Meals celebrations play in increasing awareness of the need for non-federal funds and volunteers for the programs. Encourages Members of Congress to support their local senior nutrition programs by participating in March for Meals events and by delivering meals to homebound seniors and serving them in a group setting throughout the year.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: EFFORTS TO DEFEND THE NATION'S AGRICULTURE AND FOOD

United States · United States House of Representatives · 26 February 2016

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2017

United States · United States House of Representatives · 25 February 2016

To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require that the Buy American purchase requirement for the school lunch program include fish harvested within United States waters, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require a school food authority that purchases fish or fish products for a school lunch or breakfast program to purchase, to the maximum extent practicable, fish harvested within U.S. waters or tuna harvested by a U.S.-flag vessel.

Stop Taxpayer-Funded Alcohol Marketing Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2016

Stop Taxpayer-Funded Alcohol Marketing Act This bill amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 to prohibit the Department of Agriculture (USDA) from awarding value-added agricultural product market development grants to support the marketing of beer, wine, distilled spirits, hard cider, or other alcohol products. The bill also rescinds $8 million of the unobligated funds that were previously provided to USDA for the grants.

California Desert Conservation, Off-Road Recreation, and Renewable Energy Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2016

California Desert Conservation, Off-Road Recreation, and Renewable Energy Act This bill designates specified lands in the California Desert Conservation Area or San Bernardino National Forest in California as wilderness areas. Specified wilderness study areas are released from further study. There is established the Vinagre Wash Special Management Area. Boundaries are revised for Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, and Joshua Tree National Park. The bill designates specified off-highway vehicle recreation areas within the Conservation Area in San Bernardino County, California. The Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture (USDA), as appropriate, shall complete a study to identify Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands within the Conservation Area suitable for addition to: (1) the national off-highway vehicle recreation areas designated by this Act, or (2) the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area. There is established the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area in Inyo County, California. Specified federal land in California shall be taken into trust for the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe's reservation. The bill authorizes: a conveyance of specified federal land to Reginald Cook, a specified transfer of certain BLM land to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and a conveyance of specified BLM land to Imperial County Holtville Airport. Interior or USDA (as appropriate) shall: assess the impacts of climate change on the Conservation Area, and establish policies and procedures to ensure preservation of wildlife corridors and facilitate species migration likely to occur due to climate change. Interior and USDA shall ensure that members of specified tribes have access to designated areas for traditional and cultural purposes. The bill releases federal reversionary interests in certain land in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The California Desert Protection Act of 1994 is amended to authorize the acquisition of land for the Joshua Tree National Park for purposes of operating a visitor center. The bill revises certain requirements of that Act for specified California state school land. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act is revised to designate certain wild, scenic, and recreational rivers in California. Interior shall take no action within the Conservation Area with regard to the distribution of groundwater for municipal, commercial, or industrial use from specified aquifers in quantities that exceed the estimated perennial safe yield or annual recharge rate, as determined by the U.S. Geological Survey. The bill prescribes the disposition of revenues received from the development of wind and solar energy on BLM-managed lands, and establishes a Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund to address the impacts of wind and solar development on federal lands.

Utah Test and Training Range Encroachment Prevention and Temporary Closure Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2016

Utah Test and Training Range Encroachment Prevention and Temporary Closure Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior and the Air Force to enter into a memorandum of agreement for the continued management by Interior of approximately 625,643 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in Utah in a manner that provides for its limited use by the Air Force. Under such Agreement the BLM shall continue to manage the BLM land, subject to use by the Air Force for: the preservation of the Utah Test and Training Range against encroachments incompatible with test and training requirements; the testing of advanced weapons systems, including hypersonic weapons, and the standoff distance for weapons; increased public safety for civilians accessing the BLM land; and other purposes related to meeting national security needs. If military operations, public safety, or national security require the temporary closure of the use of roads, trails, or other portions of the BLM land to the public, the Air Force may take necessary action to carry out such closure. The bill establishes the Utah Test and Training Range Community Resource Group to give input to Interior and the Air Force on matters involving public access to, use of, and management of the BLM land. Interior shall convey to the state of Utah, through the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration in Utah, BLM land in Box Elder, Millard, Juab, Tooele, and Beaver Counties, Utah, in exchange for non-federal land owned by Utah in Box Elder, Juab, and Tooele Counties. Upon conveyance, the non-federal land located: (1) within the Utah Test and Training Range shall be managed according to the memorandum of agreement, and (2) within the Cedar Mountains Wilderness shall be added to and administered as part of such Wilderness. Interior, respecting BLM land, and the Department of Agriculture, respecting Forest Service land, shall convey to Utah and to Box Elder, Juab, and Tooele Counties separate easements for motorized travel rights of way across the federal land for certain highways.

100 Years of Women in Congress Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2016

100 Years of Women in Congress Act This bill amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to designate as Jeannette Rankin Women and Minorities in STEM Fields Program Grants the current research and extension grants to increase participation by women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

To amend the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to provide investment authority to support rural infrastructure development, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2016

This bill amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to authorize Federal Home Loan Banks to make investments related to rural infrastructure development. Federal Home Loan Banks may purchase investment-grade securities from nonmember lenders that are organized as cooperatives, have received financing from the Federal Financing Bank, and have experience providing loans to cooperatives eligible to receive loans from the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service.

SNAP Empowerment and Accountability Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2016

SNAP Empowerment and Accountability Act of 2016 This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to permit states to use drug test results for determining eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration must award grants to states to treat individuals who test positive. The bill increases from $20 to $50 the amount of annual benefits received under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 or a similar energy assistance program which qualifies a SNAP applicant to use a standard utility allowance to document heating and cooling costs for calculating benefits.

A bill to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require that the Buy American purchase requirement for the school lunch program include fish harvested within United States waters, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2016

This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require a school food authority that purchases fish or fish products for a school lunch or breakfast program to purchase, to the maximum extent practicable, fish harvested within U.S. waters or tuna harvested by a U.S.-flag vessel.

Bolts Ditch Access and Use Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016

Bolts Ditch Access and Use Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to permit by special use authorization nonmotorized access and use of the Bolts Ditch headgate and the Bolts Ditch within the Holy Cross Wilderness in Colorado for the diversion of water and use, maintenance, and repair of the ditch and headgate by the town of Minturn, Colorado.

Bolts Ditch Access and Use Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2016

Bolts Ditch Access and Use Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to permit by special use authorization nonmotorized access and use of the Bolts Ditch headgate and the Bolts Ditch within the Holy Cross Wilderness in Colorado for the diversion of water and use, maintenance, and repair of the ditch and headgate by the town of Minturn, Colorado.

Cottonwood Land Exchange Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2016

Cottonwood Land Exchange Act of 2016 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA), if Yavapai County in Arizona offers to convey to the USDA 369 acres of specified nonfederal land in the county, to accept the offer and convey to Yavapai County 80 acres of specified federal land within the Coconino National Forest in the county. The USDA shall determine the values of the lands to be exchanged through appraisals following specified requirements. The values shall be equal, or if they are not equal, equalized as prescribed by this bill. Lands acquired by the USDA under this bill shall become part of the Coconino National Forest.

Fairness for Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2016

Fairness for Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the placed-in-service restriction on the depreciation of certain farming business machinery and equipment and to make permanent the five-year recovery period for such property.

A resolution congratulating the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture on the celebration of its 100th anniversary.

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2016

Congratulates the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture on the 100th anniversary of its founding.

No Welfare for Terrorists Act of 2016

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2016

No Welfare for Terrorists Act of 2016 This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to make convicted terrorists ineligible to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program).

A resolution congratulating the Farm Credit System on the celebration of its 100th anniversary.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2016

Congratulates the Farm Credit System (FCS) on its 100th anniversary and commends the service of the cooperative owners and employees of the FCS in helping to meet the credit and financial services needs of rural communities and agriculture. (The FCS is a network of borrower-owned lending institutions that operates as a government-sponsored enterprise to provide credit and other services to agricultural producers and farmer-owned agricultural and aquatic cooperatives. It also makes loans for agricultural processing and marketing activities, rural housing, farm-related businesses, rural utilities, and companies involved in international agricultural trade.)

Commending the cooperative owners and the employees of the Farm Credit System for their continuing service in meeting the credit and financial-services needs of rural communities and agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2016

Commends the cooperative owners and the employees of the Farm Credit System for their continuing service in meeting the credit and financial-services needs of rural communities and agriculture.

SAFETY Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2016

Safe Academic Facilities and Environments for Tribal Youth Act or the SAFETY Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior to carry out a Tribal School Construction Demonstration Program to award grants to Indian tribes for the construction of replacement tribal schools. The program provides additional funding and opportunities for tribes to construct schools. Tribes on the Interior priority list for construction of tribal schools receive the highest priority for a grant under this program. This bill amends the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978 to revise the grant program for construction at tribal colleges and universities. The bill eliminates the requirements for Interior to identify the need for construction and tribal colleges and universities to provide matching funds. Restrictions on grant amounts and the use of constructed facilities are removed. This bill amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize the Department of Agriculture to award grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal housing entities for the construction or renovation of housing in rural areas for educators at Indian schools and schools where at least 25% of the students are Indian. The Bureau of Indian Education and the Office of Management and Budget must develop a 10-year plan to bring up to good condition certain Bureau of Indian Education school facilities. The Government Accountability Office must report on Impact Aid for construction provided to local education agencies impacted by military dependent children and children who reside on Indian lands.

A bill to improve the effectiveness and coordination of nutrition education.

United States · United States Congress · 19 January 2016

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study and report to Congress on state administrative expense funds, including: the use of the funds by state agencies; policies, practices, and training methods being implemented using the funds; factors that interfere with the ability of a state agency to use the funds effectively; and ways the funds are being used to encourage the implementation of effective and consistent school nutrition workforce training and technical assistance. USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion must study and report to Congress on the effectiveness and level of coordination between nutrition education in the child nutrition programs and other federal programs that include nutrition education.