Agriculture

Phyllis K. Fong, of Maryland, to be Inspector General, Department of Agriculture, vice Roger C. Viadero, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 14 March 2002

T'uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2002

T'uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area Act - Establishes the T'uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area within the Cibola National Forest and the Sandia Mountain Wilderness in New Mexico. Recognizes and protects in perpetuity: (1) the Pueblo of Sandia's rights and interests in such Area; (2) the wilderness and National Forest character of the Area; and (3) the public's longstanding use and enjoyment of the Area. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Forest Service, to continue to administer the Area as National Forest System lands. Sets forth the rights and interests of the Pueblo in such Area: (1) including free and unrestricted access for traditional and cultural uses (except as they conflict with the Wilderness Act and Federal wildlife protection laws); and (2) excluding the conveyance or exchange of land interests and the exclusion of persons or governmental entities. Allocates criminal and civil jurisdiction over such Area among the Pueblo, New Mexico, and the United States, as applicable. Requires the transfer of the La Luz tract and the Piedra Lisa tract (if later acquired) by the Pueblo to the United States to be held in trust. Requires the transfer of certain lands within the Evergreen Hills subdivision to the Pueblo. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to grant specified rights-of-way for roads, utilities, and the Forest Service. Extinguishes all Pueblo claims not specifically recognized within this Act.

Meat and Poultry Pathogen Reduction and Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2002

Meat and Poultry Pathogen Reduction and Enforcement Act - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act, respectively, to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) prescribe initial and final pathogen performance standards for raw meat and raw poultry, and meat and poultry products processed in establishments inspected under such Acts; (2) identify, and publish a list of, such pathogens; (3) initiate pathogen surveys to determine existing levels of meat and poultry contamination; and (4) perform microbial compliance testing at such establishments, and prohibit non-complying establishments from labeling such products as "inspected and passed." Directs the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Committee for Microbiology Criteria for Foods.

To provide for an independent investigation of Forest Service firefighter deaths that are caused by wildfire entrapment or burnover.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2002

Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture to investigate (independent of any Forest Service investigation) and report to Congress and the Secretary of Agriculture on each fatality of a Forest Service officer or employee that occurs due to wildfire entrapment or burnover.

To authorize the establishment of a Center for Plant Disease Control in the Department of Agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2002

Amends the Plant Protection Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to evaluate the need for establishing a Center for Plant Disease Control in the Department of Agriculture that: (1) would facilitate the compiling of information and the conducting of investigations respecting plant pests; and (2) could act as a first responder in the event of an accidental or deliberate use of a plant pest. Authorizes the Secretary, if the evaluation supports such need, to establish the Center. Sets forth Center functions, including: (1) development of tools for disease detection and diagnosis, (2) expansion of genomics and plant biotechnology research; and (3) development of foreign and domestic pathogen databases. Provides for Center coordination with Federal and State agencies, in particular the Office of Homeland Security.

Expressing the sense of Congress that Federal land management agencies should fully support the "Collaborative 10-year Strategy for Reducing Wildland Fire Risks to Communities and the Environment" as prepared by the Western Governors' Association, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior, and other stakeholders, to reduce the overabundance of forest fuels that place national resources at high risk of catastrophic wildfire, and prepare a national assessment of prescribed burning practices to minimize risks of escape.

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2002

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Forest Service and other Federal land management agencies should, among other specified actions, fully implement the Western Governors Association's Collaborative ten-year Strategy for Reducing Wildland Fire Risks to Communities and the Environment to reduce the overabundance of forest fuels that place these resources at high risk of catastrophic wildfire; (2) the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior should immediately prepare for public review a national prescribed fire strategy for public lands; and (3) such strategy should be incorporated into any regulatory land use planning programs that propose the use of prescribed fire as a management practice.

Meat and Poultry Pathogen Reduction and Enforcement Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2002

Meat and Poultry Pathogen Reduction and Enforcement Act - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act, respectively, to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) prescribe initial and final pathogen performance standards for raw meat and raw poultry, and meat and poultry products processed in establishments inspected under such Acts; (2) identify, and publish a list of, such pathogens; (3) initiate pathogen surveys to determine existing levels of meat and poultry contamination; and (4) perform microbial compliance testing at such establishments, and prohibit non-complying establishments from labeling such products as "inspected and passed." Directs the Secretary to establish a National Advisory Committee for Microbiology Criteria for Foods.

Calling for effective measures to end the sexual exploitation of refugees.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2002

Declares that Congress supports the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) in condemning the sexual exploitation of children by humanitarian aid workers. Urges the UN Office of Investigative Oversight Services to investigate sexual exploitation of refugees by such workers of both non-governmental organizations and government-sponsored agencies. Urges the President to: (1) affirm the U.S. commitment to protecting the well-being and human rights of women and girls; and (2) instruct the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Secretary of Agriculture to review the distribution of food assistance to refugee communities to ensure that the provision of U.S. humanitarian assistance is respectful of the human rights of women and girls and supports young girls identified as victims of sexual exploitation.

To designate and provide for the management of the James V. Hansen Shoshone National Trail, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2002

Designates specified trails in Utah as the Shoshone National Recreation Trail. Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to cooperate with the State of Utah Department of Natural Resources in managing the Trail to provide recreational opportunities for motorized vehicle use. Allows nonmotorized use of the Trail to the extent that such use is compatible with motorized use. Allows the appropriate Secretary to: (1) add trails to the Trail; and (2) acquire land and interests in land for the Trail only from willing sellers.

Tobacco Livelihood and Economic Assistance for our Farmers Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2002

Tobacco Livelihood and Economic Assistance for Our Farmers Act of 2002 - Amends, and repeals, specified agricultural Acts to eliminate tobacco quota and price support programs, including no net cost provisions. Sets forth transition provisions, including provision of compensation to eligible quota holders. Continues Federal crop insurance for tobacco producers. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture to establish in the Department of Agriculture the Tobacco Quality Board; and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) to assess fees on tobacco product manufacturers and importers that sell tobacco products in U.S. domestic commerce. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to extend Food and Drug Administration regulatory authority to tobacco products, with exceptions for certain health-or disease treatment-related uses. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) adulterated and misbranded tobacco products; (2) required health information; (3) registration and recordkeeping; (4) control of tobacco products; (5) performance standards; (6) remedies; (7) premarket review; (8) judicial review; (9) reduced risk tobacco products; (10) access and marketing restrictions; and (11) mandatory disclosures. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act and the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986, respectively, to revise cigarette and smokeless tobacco labeling and advertising warning provisions. Amends the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act to direct the Secretary to determine whether cigarette labeling and advertising shall be required to provide tar, nicotine, and other smoke constituent information.

To improve implementation of the National Fire Plan on Federal lands managed by the Forest Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior.

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2002

Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to establish an interagency council to coordinate implementation of the National Fire Plan. Requires the council to: (1) define consistent criteria to identify the communities within the wildland/urban interface that are most at risk from severe wildfires; (2) establish goals and objectives for implementing agencies; (3) establish measures to assess progress in reducing the risks to such communities; (4) develop a comprehensive long-term strategy for Plan implementation; and (5) provide for collection of data to assist the Secretaries in determining the most effective and appropriate methods of utilizing fuel materials removed from covered public lands. Requires the Secretaries to assure that: (1) in conducting fuel reduction efforts, priority is given to such communities; and (2) no other projects to reduce fuels are carried out in a State until all necessary fuel-reduction efforts with respect to such communities in that State are completed.

Gunn McKay Nature Preserve Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2002

Gunn McKay Nature Preserve Act - Designates specified National Forest System land in Utah as the Gunn McKay Nature Preserve. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a Preserve management plan and authorizes the Secretary to enter into a cooperative management agreement with the Gunn McKay Nature Preserve Foundation, Inc. Withdraws the Preserve from all forms of location, entry, and patent under public land laws and mining and mineral leasing laws.

Seafood Safety and Mercury Screening Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2002

Seafood Safety and Mercury Screening Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) provide that seafood containing an unsafe quantity of methyl mercury shall be deemed to be adulterated; (2) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a tolerance for methyl mercury in seafood based on a scientific analysis of the health risks attributable to such substance; and (3) deem unsafe any seafood containing methyl mercury over the tolerance limits. Requires the Secretary to ensure that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to pregnant women, infants, and children from aggregate exposure to methyl mercury. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a sampling system to determine the extent of tolerance compliance; (2) design and implement a related public education program; (3) develop national and regional methyl mercury advisories; and (4) consider certain findings of the National Academy of Sciences regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's recommended level for methyl mercury.

To provide for the conveyance of the National Forest System lands underlying the George Kirkpatrick Dam on the Ocklawaha River near Palatka, Florida, and related lands to the State of Florida.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2002

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the State of Florida: (1) National Forest System lands underlying the George Kirkpatrick Dam on the Ocklawaha River near Palatka, Florida; (2) National Forest System lands laying below the 21-feet National Geodetic Vertical Datum underlying the Rodman Reservoir formed by such dam; and (3) National Forest tract #C-615. Conditions such conveyance on the State agreeing to assume responsibility for environmental remediation activities.

A bill to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to exclude certain basic allowances for housing of a member of a uniformed service from the determination of eligibility for free and reduced price meals of a child of the member.

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2002

Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to exclude for a two-year period certain basic housing allowances of a member of the uniformed services from determination of the eligibility of the member's child for free and reduced price meals.

National Appeals Division Reform Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 2002

National Appeals Division Reform Act of 2001 - Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 respecting the National Appeals Division of the Department of Agriculture to: (1) require an annual report regarding all final determinations and equitable relief requests; (2) prohibit appeal of informal hearing decisions against an agency involving claims of less than $5,000; (3) prohibit agency requests for review of a hearing officer's determination; and (4) provide, upon request, for agency assistance to appellants.

To amend the Education Land Grant Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to pay the costs of environmental reviews with respect to conveyances under that Act.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2002

Amends the Education Land Grant Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to pay environmental review costs with respect to conveyances under such Act.

Health Information Independence Act of 2001

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2002

Health Information Independence Act of 2001 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to extend certain food nutrition labeling requirements to dietary supplements. Requires nutrition labels to include the relationship of a nutrient to the prevention, treatment or cure of a disease. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to solicit Independent Scientific Reviewers from the university community to review, evaluate, and make recommendations on a particular nutrient-disease association, based on the scientific evidence available. Excludes health claims only if they are unsupported by credible scientific evidence and no disclaimer could eliminate potentially misleading connotations. Makes recommendations of Reviewers binding on the Secretary and reviewable only by the U.S. Court of Appeals for D.C. Requires costs of this program to be offset against the operating budget of the Department of Health and Human Services..

Livestock Ownership Fairness Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2002

Livestock Ownership Fairness Act of 2002 - Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to prohibit livestock packers directly or through a subsidiary, from conspiring to, or owning or feeding livestock to such an extent that the producer no longer materially participates in the management of the operation, with respect to livestock held for more than 14 days prior to slaughter. Exempts from such prohibition certain: (1) forward contracting arrangements under which the producer retains pre-delivery operational control of the livestock; (2) cooperatives that own, or feed livestock and provide such livestock for slaughter; or (3) certain small producer-owned or-controlled packers. Directs the Attorney General to establish in the Department of Justice an Office of Special Counsel for Agriculture to handle agricultural antitrust and related matters. Requires: (1) a person in the business of purchasing livestock, poultry, or a basic agricultural commodity for wholesale resale who files a premerger notice under the Clayton Act to file simultaneously a premerger notice with the Secretary of Agriculture; and (2) the Secretary to review the proposed merger and report to the Office of Special Counsel for Agriculture. .

To amend the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, to prohibit livestock packers from owning or feeding livestock intended for slaughter for more than 14 days before such slaughter.

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2002

Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to prohibit livestock packers from owning, controlling, or feeding livestock to such an extent that the producer no longer materially participates in the management of the operation, with exceptions for: (1) animals held for not more than 14 days before slaughter; (2) certain cooperatives that own, control or feed livestock and provide such livestock for slaughter; or (3) certain small producer-owned or-controlled packers.

Biobased Energy Incentive Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2002

Biobased Energy Incentive Act of 2002 - Amends the Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish: (1) a biobased energy incentive program of payments to eligible producers to promote the use of commodities to produce biobased energy products (biodiesel or ethanol fuel); and (2) a program to encourage wider availability of biobased energy products to consumers of gasoline and diesel fuel.

Clean, Learn, Educate, Abolish, Neutralize, and Undermine Production (CLEAN-UP) of Methamphetamines Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2002

Clean, Learn, Educate, Abolish, Neutralize, and Undermine Production (CLEAN-UP) of Methamphetamines Act of 2002 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to carry out environmental cleanup and remediation programs involving specified lands that are contaminated with hazardous substances associated with illegal methamphetamine manufacture. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate as hazardous certain byproducts of the methamphetamine production process and expand penalties against laboratory operators; (2) the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration to list byproducts likely to cause long-term environmental harm; (3) the Secretary of Labor, acting through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, to provide grants to local law enforcement for specified training and equipment acquisition; (4) the EPA Administrator to study the impact of methamphetamine laboratory operation on the environment; and (5) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study contamination issues. Amends: (1) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize grants for educational programs; (2) the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to provide treatment; (3) the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include among permissible grant projects under the "cops on the beat" program hiring personnel and purchasing equipment; and (4) the Controlled Substances Act to set penalties for promoting an entertainment event where the promoter knows that a controlled substance will be used or distributed in violation of specified law. Urges the President to seek commitments from the Canadian Government regarding the availability of pseudoephedrine.

American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2002

American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act - Prohibits a person from: (1) slaughtering a horse for human consumption; (2) importing to, or exporting from, the United States horseflesh or horses for human consumption; or (3) selling, bartering, transferring, receiving, or distributing horseflesh or horses for human consumption. Sets forth provisions respecting: (1) criminal and civil penalties; (2) enforcement authority of the Secretary of Agriculture; (3) placement of confiscated horses; (4) euthanasia of unplaceable or severely injured or diseased horses; (4) funding of animal rescue facilities; and (5) exemptions.

To provide clarification regarding the market name for bison and compliance with section 403 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2002

Requires labels on water buffalo meat to indicate that the product is water buffalo (not "buffalo" alone) and not American or Canadian bison in order not to be deemed misbranded under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

A bill to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish a grant program to train farm workers in new agricultural technologies.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2002

Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to eligible organizations to provide farm workers with training for: (1) agricultural-use technology; and (2) skills development for higher value crop production.

Global CARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2002

Global Coordination of HIV/AIDS Response Act or Global CARE Act - Establishes an interagency working group to coordinate Federal programs related to the prevention, treatment, and monitoring of HIV/AIDS in foreign countries and to conduct global HIV/AIDS activities. Establishes the International HIV/AIDS Prevention and Capacity Development Initiative to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and opportunistic infections through specified measures. Establishes the International AIDS Care and Treatment Access Initiative. Authorizes appropriations to the following Federal agencies for such purposes: (1) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (2) the Health Resources and Services Administration; (3) the National Institutes of Health; (4) the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; (5) the Food and Drug Administration; (6) the United States Agency for International Development; and (7) the Departments of Defense, Agriculture, Labor, and Commerce, including the Global Health Fund. States that the United States should make contributions to such Fund consistent with the general principles outlined in the Global AIDS and Tuberculosis Relief Act of 2000. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a (HIV/AIDS) Global Physician Corps using international assignment of physicians to provide care, train host country physicians, and establish or adapt clinical protocols for prevention and treatment. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorizes funds for injection safety. AIDS Orphans Relief Act of 2002 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide assistance to communities affected by AIDS, including microcredit programs. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to create a pilot program concerning the use of antiretroviral drugs in resource-poor settings.

Wind Energy Promotion Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2002

Wind Energy Promotion Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary), acting through the Rural Business Cooperative Service, to establish a competitive grants and low-interest loans program to assist in establishing new farmer or rancher cooperatives (or other rural business ventures) to construct wind energy facilities. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to authorize the Secretary to permit an owner or operator of certain land enrolled in the conservation reserve program to install wind turbines on the land. Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a research, demonstration, and technology deployment program to enhance the use of wind energy. Mandates periodic Federal agency review of regulations and standards that act as barriers to market entry for wind energy technologies. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a feasibility study pertaining to a combined wind and hydropower demonstration project involving wind energy generated by Indian tribes and hydropower generated by the Army Corps of Engineers at the Garrison Dam on the Missouri River to supply firming power to the Western Area Power Administration. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to develop guidelines for a pilot program for the development of wind energy on Federal land. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to consider development of wind energy in revisions of land and resource management plans under their respective jurisdictions. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to conduct an assessment of wind energy resources and transmission capacity.

Bioenergy Investment and Opportunity Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2002

Bioenergy Investment and Opportunity Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to continue the program to promote industrial consumption of eligible agricultural commodities (including animal fats, oils, and by-products) for bioenergy production through FY 2011.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the importance of United States foreign assistance programs as a diplomatic tool for fighting global terrorism and promoting United States security interests.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2002

Calls for: (1) an increased role of U.S. foreign assistance in the global fight against terrorism to complement national security objectives; (2) the United States to lead coordinated international efforts to provide increased financial assistance to countries with impoverished and disadvantaged populations that are the breeding grounds for terrorism; (3) use of economic incentives, consistent with U.S. foreign policy, to end state support or tolerance of terrorism; and (4) the United States Agency for International Development and the Department of Agriculture to substantially increase humanitarian, economic development, and agricultural assistance to foster international peace and stability and the promotion of human rights.

Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers, Farmers, Fishermen, Communities, and Firms Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2002

Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers, Farmers, Fishermen, Communities, and Firms Act of 2002 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to revise requirements with respect to: (1) agreements between the United States and cooperating States for certain services for workers adversely affected by import competition; (2) eligibility certification of a group of adversely affected workers for trade adjustment assistance; (3) payment to them of trade adjustment allowances; (4) training programs for them; and (5) the maximum amount of job search and relocation allowances payable to an adversely affected worker. Provides for the eligibility certification for such assistance of adversely affected secondary workers employed at a downstream producer (a firm that performs additional, value-added production processes to articles produced by another firm) or a supplier. Establishes a self-employment training pilot program to be administered by the Small Business Administration for adversely affected workers. Reauthorizes the trade adjustment assistance program for firms adversely affected by import competition. Revises eligibility requirements for certification of communities for trade adjustment assistance. Establishes trade adjustment assistance programs for adversely affected groups of agricultural commodity producers and commercial fishermen or U.S. fish processors. Establishes a program to provide 75 percent of the premium for COBRA continuation health coverage for workers (and their families) eligible for trade adjustment assistance. Allows a State to elect to provide temporary coverage under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act for: (1) certain uninsured workers; and (2) for the unsubsidized portion of COBRA continuation premiums.

Job Creation and Economic Security Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2002

Job Creation and Economic Security Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide for a supplemental rebate; and (2) accelerate the 25 percent individual income tax rate. Provides for a special depreciation allowance for certain property acquired after September 10, 2001, and before September 11, 2004. Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2002 - Provides a program of temporary extended unemployment compensation. Establishes a displaced worker health insurance credit. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, with respect to national emergency grants, to authorize grants for employment and training assistance and temporary health care coverage assistance to workers affected by major economic dislocations. Establishes a small ethanol producer credit by allowing a tax-exempt farmers' cooperative to allocate such a credit to its patrons on the basis of the quantity or value of business done with or for them for the taxable year. Declares that cooperative marketing includes the value-added processing of the products of cooperative members and other producers through animals by: (1) feeding such products to cattle, hogs, fish, chickens, or other animals; and then (2) selling the animals (or animal products) which were fed such feed products. Authorizes a U.S. district court to issue a declaratory judgment relating to the initial or continuing qualification of a farmers' cooperative as tax-exempt.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the national nutrition program for the elderly, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of its establishment.

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2002

Expresses the sense of the Senate, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of its establishment, that the Elderly Nutrition Program is of great importance to the health and well-being of participants, is well-run, and continues to achieve its objectives on behalf of the senior citizens it serves. Declares that the Senate: (1) expresses appreciation for the daily work of all the individuals, including volunteers, who administer the program at the local level; and (2) recognizes the importance of the present and future health and well-being of the millions of senior citizens across the Nation, including the maintenance of their independence and dignity.