Agriculture

Attacking Viral Influenza Across Nations Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Attacking Viral Influenza Across Nations Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to the Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) a proposal related to establishing a Pandemic Fund for countries affected by pandemic influenza. Establishes the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Policy Coordinating Committee to develop an Interagency Preparedness Plan. Requires the Secretary to strengthen, expand, and coordinate domestic pandemic influenza preparedness activities. Requires states to have an approved state preparedness plan as a condition of receiving funds related to bioterrorism from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC and the Administrator of HRSA, to integrate and coordinate public and private influenza surveillance activities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) procure doses of antivirals and developed vaccines needed during pandemic influenza for the Strategic National Stockpile; and (2) assist other counties in preparation for, and response to, pandemic influenza. Allows the Secretary to provide vaccines, antiviral medications, and supplies from the Stockpile to foreign countries. Requires the Secretary to develop and disseminate pandemic influenza training curricula for health professionals and non-medical volunteers. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Director of CDC to expand and intensify influenza research. Directs the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine to study topics related to the pandemic influenza. Establishes the National Pandemic Influenza Economics Advisory Committee. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to expand and intensify efforts to prevent pandemic influenza.

Suburban and Community Forestry and Open Space Program Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Suburban and Community Forestry and Open Space Program Act of 2005 - Amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to establish in the Forest Service the Suburban and Community Forestry and Open Space Program, which shall provide cost-share grants to preserve private forest land, contain suburban sprawl, and support value-added forest product industries in States in which less than 25 percent of the land is owned by the United States. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to authorize a requesting State to permit a qualifying organization to acquire one or more conservation easements to carry out the Forest Legacy Program in such State.

Captive Supply Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Captive Supply Reform Act - Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 respecting livestock producer-packer forward contracts to: (1) require the inclusion of fixed dollar amount base pricing and public bidding; (2) prohibit formula pricing; (3) limit individual contract size; and (4) exclude from the definition of "formula price" futures-based prices and base adjustments resulting from factors outside packer control.

Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2005 - Designates certain lands in the Jefferson National Forest, Virginia (Brush Mountain and Brush Mountain East, Seng Mountain and Raccoon Branch, Stone Mountain, Hunting Camp Creek and Garden Mountain, Lynn Camp Creek, Mountain Lake Additions, Lewis Fork Addition and Little Wilson Creek Additions, Shawvers Run Additions, Peters Mountain Addition, and Kimberling Creek Additions) as wilderness. Designates Seng Mountain and Raccoon Branch, and Bear Creek, as National Scenic Areas (Areas). Establishes such Areas for purposes of: (1) ensuring the protection and preservation of scenic quality, water quality, natural characteristics, and water resources; (2) protecting wildlife and fish habitat; (3) protecting areas that may develop characteristics of old-growth forests; and (4) providing a variety of recreation opportunities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) administer such Areas in accordance with this Act and the laws and regulations generally applicable to the National Forest System (NFS); (2) develop a management plan for such Areas; and (3) establish a trail for NFS lands to develop hiking and equestrian trails within the wilderness areas and non-motorized recreation trails within the Areas. Sets forth provisions regarding roads, vegetation management, motorized travel, fire, insects and disease, water, and mining and geothermal leasing.

Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income 100 percent of the gain, up to $500,000, from the sale of qualified farm property to a first-time farmer who certifies that such property will be used for farming purposes for ten years. Allows: (1) a 50 percent exclusion for the sale of qualified farm property to any other person who certifies that such property will be used for farming purposes for ten years; and (2) a 25 percent exclusion for the sale of qualified farm property to any other person for any other use. Defines "qualified farm property" as real property located in the United States which is used for farming purposes for a specified three-year period and in which there was material participation by the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse or family member. Requires the recapture of tax benefits if qualified farm property is sold or ceases operation as a farm before the required ten-year period.

Federal Land Recreational Visitor Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Federal Land Recreational Visitor Protection Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish an avalanche protection program to: (1) provide early identification of the potential for avalanches that could endanger the safety of recreational users of public land and visitors to units of the National Park System (NPS); and (2) reduce the risks and mitigate the effects of avalanches on visitors, recreational users, neighboring communities, and transportation corridors. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) use the resources of the National Avalanche Center of the Forest Service to carry out this Act; and (2) establish an advisory committee to assist in the development and implementation of the program. Directs such Secretaries and the Secretary of the Army to establish a central depository for weapons, ammunition, and parts for avalanche control purposes, including an inventory that can be made available to Federal and non-Federal entities. Authorizes the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to make grants to carry out projects and activities under the program to: (1) assist in the prevention, forecasting, detection, and mitigation of avalanches; (2) maintain essential transportation and communications; (3) assist avalanche artillery users to ensure the availability of adequate supplies of artillery and other explosives required for avalanche control in or affecting NPS units, other Federal land used for recreation, and adjacent communities, and essential transportation corridors; and (4) assist research and development activities for alternatives to minimize reliance on military weapons for avalanche control.

Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2005 - Designates certain lands in the Jefferson National Forest, Virginia (Brush Mountain and Brush Mountain East, Seng Mountain and Raccoon Branch, Stone Mountain, Hunting Camp Creek and Garden Mountain, Lynn Camp Creek, Mountain Lake Additions, Lewis Fork Addition and Little Wilson Creek Additions, Shawvers Run Additions, Peters Mountain Addition, and Kimberling Creek Additions) as wilderness. Designates Seng Mountain and Raccoon Branch, and Bear Creek, as National Scenic Areas (Areas). Establishes such Areas for purposes of: (1) ensuring the protection and preservation of scenic quality, water quality, natural characteristics, and water resources; (2) protecting wildlife and fish habitat; (3) protecting areas that may develop characteristics of old-growth forests; and (4) providing a variety of recreation opportunities. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) administer such Areas in accordance with this Act and the laws and regulations generally applicable to the National Forest System (NFS); (2) develop a management plan for such Areas; and (3) establish a trail for NFS lands to develop hiking and equestrian trails within the wilderness areas and non-motorized recreation trails within the Areas. Sets forth provisions regarding roads, vegetation management, motorized travel, fire, insects and disease, water, and mining and geothermal leasing.

Celebrating the recent discovery of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker in Eastern Arkansas.

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2005

Celebrates the recent discovery of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker in Eastern Arkansas. Commends: (1) those individuals who spotted, video recorded, and verified the presence of the bird; and (2) the private and public landowners of Arkanas who protected the species' critical habitat. Encourages the the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture to continue working with all parties in Arkansas who have so successfully maintained such habitat. Congratulates the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, and the Nature Conservancy for their leadership in preserving the bottomland hardwood habitat.

NOMINATION OF HON. THOMAS C. DORR, TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND TO A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION

United States · United States Senate · 27 April 2005

TANF Financial Education Promotion Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

TANF Financial Education Promotion Act of 2005 - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require a State to specify in its State plan how it intends to establish goals and take action to promote financial education among parents and caretakers receiving TANF assistance through collaboration with community-based organizations, financial institutions, and the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service of the Department of Agriculture. Defines financial education as education that promotes an understanding of consumer, economic, and personal finance concepts, including the basic principles involved with earning, budgeting, spending, saving, investing, and taxation. Designates financial education a work activity for TANF purposes.

Railroad Competition Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Railroad Competition Act of 2005 - Amends Federal transportation law to specify the primary objectives of U.S. rail transportation policy. Requires a rail carrier, upon shipper request, to establish a rate for transportation and provide requested service between any two points on the carrier's system where traffic originates, terminates, or may reasonably be interchanged. Specifies matters the carrier must disregard when establishing such rate. Prohibits the Surface Transportation Board (STB) from issuing a certificate authorizing construction and operation of railroad lines, or exempt from such certificate requirement any related activity, that involves a transfer of interest in a line of railroad, from a Class I rail carrier to a Class II or III rail carrier, if the activity directly or indirectly would result in a restriction of: (1) the ability of the Class II or Class III rail carrier to interchange traffic with other carriers; or (2) competition between or among rail carriers in the region affected by the activity in a manner or to an extent that would violate Federal antitrust laws. Prescribes a procedure for shipper petition and STB review of any activity alleged to have resulted in a restriction of competition for at least ten years. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the STB to require rail carriers to enter into reciprocal switching agreements. Prohibits the STB from requiring evidence of anticompetitive conduct by a rail carrier from which access is sought. Requires the STB to designate any State or part of a State as an area of inadequate rail competition after making certain findings. Requires the STB to post rail service complaints on its website. Requires submission to arbitration of certain rail rate, service, and other disputes. Requires the STB, with respect to the filing of a complaint, to adopt an alternative method of determining the reasonableness of rail rates using the railroad's actual costs. Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish within the Department of Agriculture an Office of Rail Customer Advocacy with respect to rail transportation of agricultural and forestry commodities or products. Amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to make mandatory the Secretary's authority to provide direct loans and loan guarantees to State and local governments, approved agreements or interstate compacts, sponsored authorities and corporations, railroads, and joint ventures that include at least one railroad for railroad rehabilitation and improvement projects.

Small Tracts Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Small Tracts Reform Act - Amends the Small Tracts Act to: (1) provide for the sale, exchange, or interchange of National Forest System (NFS) lands, the sale or exchange of which is either not practicable or not expedient under any other authority of the Secretary of Agriculture and which are parcels or parts of parcels of 100 acres or less which are interspersed with or adjacent to lands which have been transferred out of Federal ownership and which are determined by the Secretary, because of location or size, not to be subject to efficient administration; and (2) authorize the Forest Supervisor to complete specified interchanges pursuant to such amendment.

To amend the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 to reauthorize State mediation programs.

United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2005

Amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 to extend the authorization of appropriations through FY 2010 for State mediation programs.

Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2005

Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public land, and the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to land of the National Forest System, (the Secretaries) to: (1) track funds expended for firefighter safety and training programs and activities; and (2) include a line item for such funds expended in each budget request submitted after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretaries to jointly submit annual reports to Congress on the implementation and efficacy of wildland firefighter safety and training programs and activities. Requires the Secretaries to: (1) ensure that any Federal contract or agreement with a private entity for wildland firefighting services requires the entity to provide firefighter training in accordance with standards established by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group; and (2) develop a program to monitor and enforce compliance with such requirement.

Efficient Energy Through Certified Technology and Electricity Reliability (EFFECTER) Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2005

Efficient Energy Through Certified Technologies and Electricity Reliability (EFFECTER) Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives affecting: (1) energy efficient commercial building property; (2) new energy efficient homes; (3) certain energy efficient property used in business; (4) nonbusiness energy property; and (5) combined heat and power system property. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to expand the scope of consumer products that fall within the Energy Conservation Program (other than automobiles), including: (1) vending machines and commercial package air conditioning and heating equipment; and (2) commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to initiate a rulemaking regarding: (1) the effectiveness of the consumer products labeling program in assisting consumers to make purchasing decisions and to improve energy efficiency; and (2) changes to the labeling rules that would improve the effectiveness of consumer product labels. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to prescribe guidelines under which the head of an executive agency shall procure either an Energy Star product or a Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)-designated product in order to meet agency requirements for an energy consuming product. Repeals the termination of authority to enter into new energy savings performance contracts (thereby making such authority permanent). Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish certain revised Federal building energy efficiency performance standards. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to include within the mandatory activities funded by the Capital Fund: (1) installing fixtures and fittings to improve energy and water-use efficiency; and (2) integrated utility management and capital planning to maximize energy conservation and efficiency measures. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate energy efficiency standards for rehabilitation and new construction of certain public and assisted housing. Amends the Federal Power Act to grant the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction over the FERC-certified Electric Reliability Organization, including any regional entities, and all users, owners and operators of the bulk-power system for purposes of approving specified reliability standards.

Rural Water Supply Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2005

Rural Water Supply Act of 2005 - Reclamation Rural Water Supply Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a rural water supply program in reclamation states to: (1) investigate and identify opportunities to ensure safe and adequate rural water supply projects for municipal and industrial use in small communities and rural areas; and (2) plan the design and construction, through the conduct of appraisal investigations and feasibility studies, of such projects. Requires activities to be carried out in cooperation with a qualifying non-federal project entity. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and publish in the Federal Register criteria for determining the eligibility of a rural community for assistance and prioritizing assistance requests under the program; and (2) develop an assessment of the status of all rural water supply projects under the Secretary's jurisdiction authorized but not completed prior to this Act's enactment. Sets forth provisions regarding feasibility studies and the financial capability of any non-federal entities participating in the project to pay the capital construction costs. Delineates cost-sharing requirements. Twenty-First Century Water Works Act - Directs the Secretary to develop and publish in the Federal Register criteria for determining the eligibility of a rural water supply project for financial assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to make available loan guarantees to lenders for a project meeting the eligibility criteria. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into a memorandum of agreement providing for Department of Agriculture financial appraisal functions and loan guarantee administration for activities.

Montana Cemetery Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2005

Montana Cemetery Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to convey certain National Forest System land in Montana known as the Elkhorn Cemetery and the Noxon Cemetery to Jefferson County and Sanders County, Montana, respectively.

Federal Milk Marketing Reform Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

Federal Milk Marketing Reform Act of 2005 - Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from using distance or transportation costs from a location not within a marketing area as the basis for pricing Class I (fluid) milk unless such location supplies the recipient marketing area with specified quantities of milk (single base point pricing).

Providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Ninth Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2005

Makes amounts available for expenses, including staff salaries, of the following committees of the House of Representatives in the 109th Congress: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Budget; (4) Education and the Workforce; (5) Energy and Commerce; (6) Financial Services; (7) Government Reform; (8) Homeland Security; (9) House Administration; (10) Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; (11) International Relations; (12) Judiciary; (13) Resources; (14) Rules; (15) Science; (16) Small Business; (17) Standards of Official Conduct; (18) Transportation and Infrastructure; (19) Veterans' Affairs; and (20) Ways and Means. Sets forth first and second session limitations on such amounts.

Ginseng Harvest Labeling Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2005

Ginseng Harvest Labeling Act of 2005 - Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require: (1) the labeling of raw ginseng offered for sale as food or a dietary supplement to contain country of harvest information; (2) ginseng importers to disclose country of harvest information at the point of U.S. entry. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to impose civil monetary penalties for failure to make such disclosures.

Ginseng Harvest Labeling Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2005

Ginseng Harvest Labeling Act of 2005 - Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require: (1) the labeling of raw ginseng offered for sale as food or a dietary supplement to contain country of harvest information; (2) ginseng importers to disclose country of harvest information at the point of U.S. entry. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to impose civil monetary penalties for failure to make such disclosures.

Democracy for Dairy Producers Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2005

Democracy for Dairy Producers Act of 2005 - Requires, with respect to a specified referendum on Federal milk marketing orders and related reforms, that: (1) if a cooperative association of milk producers elects bloc voting on behalf of its members it shall provide each member with written notice of referendum issues, its intended voting position, and individual producer voting procedures; and (2) the Secretary of Agriculture adjust the association vote to reflect individual producer votes.

Quality Cheese Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2005

Quality Cheese Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from using Federal funds to amend specified regulations to include dry ultra-filtered milk or casein in the definition of "milk" or "nonfat milk" as specified in the domestic natural standards for cheese and cheese products.

Together-Immediately Defeating Erosion Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2005

Together-Immediately Defeating Erosion Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use appropriated funds to participate in environmental restoration and resource protection programs and projects in the Louisiana coastal area and to enter into an agreements with other federal agencies to to carry out interagency projects. Amends the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Natural Resources Conservation Service, to use authorized funds to: (1) give technical and financial assistance to local organizations in planning and carrying out watershed projects for flood protection and other purposes consistent with the comprehensive Louisiana coastal conservation, protection, and restoration program; (2) enter into a project agreements with other federal agencies; and (3) implement projects to protect or restore watersheds and the ecosystem in coastal Louisiana.

Energy Policy Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2005

Energy Policy Act of 2005 - Sets forth an energy research and development program, including: (1) energy efficiency; (2) renewable energy; (3) oil and gas; (4) coal; (5) Indian energy; (6) nuclear matters and security; (7) vehicles and motor fuels, including ethanol; (8) hydrogen; (9) electricity; and (10) energy tax incentives. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to: (1) institute grant programs for low-income community energy efficiency and energy efficient public buildings; and (2) revise energy conservation standards for additional consumer products. Amends the National Housing Act and related Federal law regarding affordable housing, assisted housing, and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance incentives for energy efficient housing. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to prescribe incentive payments for renewable energy production facilities. Amends the Federal Power Act to prescribe guidelines for hydroelectric licensing proposals for alternative conditions and requirements governing project works within a Federal reservation. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to make incentive payments to promote hydroelectric production. Amends the Natural Gas Act to prescribe authorization procedures governing: (1) construction, expansion, or operation of liquefaction or gasification natural gas terminals; and (2) natural gas market transparency. Prescribes procedural guidelines for the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding regarding oil and gas leasing on Federal lands. United States Refinery Revitalization Act of 2005 - Prescribes procedural guidelines for: (1) designation of refinery revitalization zones; and (2) coordination and expeditious review of permitting process for such zones. Sets forth a Clean Coal Power Initiative campaign that includes grants to universities to establish Centers of Excellence for Energy Systems of the Future. Authorizes Federal loan guarantees for designated coal gasification projects. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to prescribe implementation guidelines for a clean air coal program. Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act of 2005 - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to establish the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs to promote Indian tribal energy resource development through a program of grants and loans. Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2005 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to modify and extend indemnification authority and liability limits for Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensees and Department of Energy (DOE) contractors. Prohibits assumption by the U.S. Government of liability for certain foreign incidents. Directs the NRC to establish a training and fellowship program for individuals with critical nuclear safety regulatory skills. Revises requirements for: (1) uranium sales; (2) special demonstration projects for the uranium mining industry; (3) whistleblower protection prescriptions; (4) medical isotope production; (5) uranium enrichment facilities; and (6) the national uranium stockpile. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish an Advanced Reactor Hydrogen Co-Generation Project. Provides for disposal of: (1) Fernald uranium processing facility byproduct material; and (2) greater-than-class C radioactive waste. Sets forth programs to promote: (1) hybrid vehicles; (2) hybrid retrofit and electric conversion technologies for combustion engine vehicles; and (3) alternative fuels for dual-fueled vehicles. Sets forth implementation guidelines for pilot programs that target: (1) alternative fueled vehicles; (2) fuel cell buses and alternative fuel and altra-low sulfur diesel fuel (clean) school buses; (3) advanced vehicles; and (4) hybrid vehicles. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to conduct programs that address: (1) production of hydrogen from diverse energy sources; and (2) solar and wind technologies. Energy Research, Development, Demonstration, and Commercial Application Act of 2005 - Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) conduct research and development programs in specified sciences; and (2) maintain within the Department of Energy the Office of Scientific and Technical Information. Directs the Secretary to conduct: (1) a secondary electric vehicle battery use program; and (2) a Next Generation Lighting Initiative. Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement initiatives regarding: (1) energy efficiency; (2) distributed energy and electric energy systems; (3) renewable energy; (4) nuclear energy; (5) nuclear energy research programs; (6) Next Generation Nuclear Plant Program; (7) fossil energy; (8) ultra-deepwater and unconventional natural gas, and other petroleum resource exploration and production; (9) coordination of civilian science and technology programs; and (10) Department of Energy management. Electric Reliability Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Power Act to grant FERC regulatory jurisdiction over an Electric Reliability Organization. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to: (1) require electric utilities to make net metering and smart metering available upon consumer request; and (2) terminate mandatory purchase and sale requirements pertaining to cogeneration and small power production utilities. Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 - Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. Amends the Federal Power Act to: (1) direct FERC to promulgate market transparency rules governing wholesale electric energy and transmission services; and (2) prohibit round trip trading. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue rules that prohibit in the absence of consumer consent: (1) the change of selection of an electric utility ("slamming"); and (2) the sale of goods and services to an electric consumer ("cramming"). Requires a study of Federal agency review authorities over mergers to determine if duplicative authorities exist. Revises Federal Power Act requirements for electric utility mergers. Directs FERC to convene a joint board to study the issue of security constrained economic dispatch for a market region. Enhanced Energy Infrastructure and Technology Tax Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish energy infrastructure tax incentives, including: (1) new property depreciation; (2) tax credits for certain residential and business property and equipment; and (3) alternative minimum tax relief. Retains the effect of Department of Energy Order No. 202-03-2 (August 28, 2003) regarding transmission security. Extends the attainment date for certain downwind ozone nonattainment areas. Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator) to promulgate regulations ensuring that domestic motor vehicle fuel consumption includes renewable fuel containing ethanol. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make grants to provide assistance to merchant producers of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in making the transition from producing MTBE to producing iso-octane, iso-octene, alkylates, or renewable fuels. Prohibits the use of MTBE in motor vehicle fuel by December 31, 2014, in any State that does not specifically authorize it. Authorizes the President to determine by June 30, 2014, that this prohibition against the use of MTBE in motor vehicle fuel shall not take place and that the legal authority to prohibit its use in motor vehicle fuel shall become null and void. Eliminates the oxygen content requirement for reformulated gasoline. Conditions the Administrator's approval of State fuel restrictions upon a finding that they will neither cause fuel supply or distribution interruptions nor have a significant adverse impact on fuel producibility. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to: (1) make loan guarantees for private sector construction of facilities for the processing and conversion of municipal solid waste and cellulosic biomass into fuel ethanol and other commercial byproducts; and (2) provide grants for construction of ethanol production facilities. Underground Storage Tank Compliance Act of 2005 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Administrator to distribute specified fund percentages from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund to States to pay costs for regulation of underground storage tanks (USTs). Amends the Clean Air Act to cite conditions under which the Administrator may waive the prohibition against the use of extreme and unusual fuel or fuel additive supplies ("boutique fuels"). Establishes a grant program to improve the commercial value of forest biomass for electric energy, useful heat, transportation fuels, petroleum-based product substitutes, and other commercial purposes. John Rishel Geothermal Steam Act Amendments of 2005 - Amends the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to revamp guidelines governing leasing and permitting for geothermal development of public and National Forest System lands, including those withdrawn for military purposes. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to make adjustments in Bureau of Reclamation water pumping facilities to minimize the amount of electric power consumed for such pumping during periods of peak electric power consumption. Sets forth a program of production incentives, including: (1) oil and gas royalties in kind; (2) marginal property production; (3) natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico; and (4) oil and gas leasing in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. Directs the President to establish the Office of Federal Energy Project Coordination. National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement a National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program. Transfers from the Secretary of Energy to the Secretary of the Interior administrative jurisdiction and control over certain public domain lands within Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 2 (Kern County, California), in order to implement production of hydrocarbon resources. Conveys a portion of Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 2 to the City of Taft, California. Sets forth royalty relief provisions affecting certain leases for offshore oil or gas production under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Establishes the Secure Energy Reinvestment Fund to fund a domestic offshore energy reinvestment program. Coal Leasing Amendments Act of 2005 -Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to modify statutory requirements governing Federal coal leases affecting acreage limitations, mining plans, and advance royalty payments. Arctic Coastal Plain Domestic Energy Security Act of 2005 - Prescribes guidelines under which the Secretary of the Interior shall establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program for the exploration, development, and production of the oil and gas resources of the Coastal Plain (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge -- ANWR). Set America Free Act of 2005 or the SAFE Act - Establishes the United States Commission on North American Energy Freedom to make recommendations for a coordinated and comprehensive North American energy policy that will achieve energy self-sufficiency by 2025 within the three contiguous North American nation area of Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Grand Canyon Hydrogen-Powered Transportation Demonstration Act of 2005 - Instructs the Secretaries of Energy and of the Interior to jointly: (1) establish a research and development program, in partnership with the private sector, relating to hydrogen-based transportation technologies suitable for operations in national parks; and (2) conduct a demonstration of hydrogen-based public transportation technology at Grand Canyon. Shields from review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 such actions by the Secretary of the Interior that involve activities on the public lands conducted for exploration or development of a domestic Federal energy source (including oil and gas pipelines and drilling).

A bill to amend the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, to make it unlawful for a packer to own, feed, or control livestock intended for slaughter.

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2005

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 seven days before slaughter; (2) certain cooperatives that own, control or feed livestock and provide such livestock for slaughter; (3) packers that are not required to report price and quantity information on each reporting day; or (4) packers that own one livestock processing plant.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

United States · United States Senate · 14 April 2005

Right-to-Ride Livestock on Federal Land Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Right-to-Ride Livestock on Federal Land Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to manage National Park System land in a manner that preserves and facilitates the continued use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on land where there is a historical tradition of using such animals. Requires such National Park System land to remain open and accessible to the use of such animals. Allows the Secretary of the Interior to implement a proposed reduction in the use and access of such animals on such land after complying with the full review process required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Makes the same amendments to other laws regarding other public land as follows: (1) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, with respect to Bureau of Land Management land; (2) the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, with respect to National Wildlife Refuge System land and (3) the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, with respect to National Forest System land (with the Secretary directed to act in this case being the Secretary of Agriculture). Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to issue final rules to define the term "historical tradition of use of pack and saddle stock animals" for purposes of this Act.

National Drought Preparedness Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

National Drought Preparedness Act of 2005 - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture the National Drought Council which shall develop a comprehensive National Drought Policy Action Plan, evaluate and coordinate Federal drought-related programs, establish and improve the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), and undertake public awareness activities. Terminates the Council eight years after enactment of this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish the National Office of Drought Preparedness to assist the Council. Establishes in the Treasury the Drought Assistance Fund, which shall be used to pay the cost of technical and financial assistance to States, Indian tribes, local governments, watershed groups, and critical service providers for: (1) drought preparedness plans and drought mitigation; (2) expanding the technology transfer of drought and water conservation strategies and innovative water supply techniques; (3) developing post-drought evaluations and recommendations; and (4) supplementing the costs of implementing NIDIS-related actions undertaken pursuant to this Act. Directs the Secretary to issue related implementing guidelines, including special requirements applicable to interstate watersheds. Requires Federal agencies to develop and implement drought preparedness plans. Authorizes States, Indian tribes, local governments, watershed groups, and regional water providers to develop and implement such plans. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to require the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reimburse States for costs of prepositioning wildfire suppression resources.

Natural Stock Conservation Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Natural Stock Conservation Act of 2005 - Amends the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 to prohibit specified agencies with aquaculture regulatory jurisdiction from issuing permits for marine aquaculture facilities in the exclusive economic zone until requirements for such permits are enacted into law.

Puerto Rico Karst Conservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Puerto Rico Karst Conservation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants, enter contracts, and exercise specified authorities to acquire, protect, and manage land and forest resources in and adjacent to the Karst Region of Puerto Rico for the purpose of protecting and conserving the water quality and aquifers and the geological, ecological, fish and wildlife, and other natural values of the Region. Establishes the Puerto Rico Karst Conservation Fund which shall be available to the Secretary for purposes of this Act. Makes all lands in the Region eligible for inclusion in the Forest Legacy Program.

Energy Policy Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Energy Policy Act of 2005 - Sets forth an energy research and development program, including: (1) energy efficiency; (2) renewable energy; (3) oil and gas; (4) coal; (5) Indian energy; (6) nuclear matters and security; (7) vehicles and motor fuels, including ethanol; (8) hydrogen; (9) electricity; and (10) energy tax incentives. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to: (1) institute grant programs for low-income community energy efficiency and energy efficient public buildings; and (2) revise energy conservation standards for additional consumer products. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to prescribe incentive payments for renewable energy production facilities. Amends the Federal Power Act to prescribe guidelines for hydroelectric licensing proposals for alternative conditions and requirements governing project works within a federal reservation. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to make incentive payments to promote hydroelectric production. Amends the Natural Gas Act with respect to: (1) construction, expansion, or operation of liquefaction or gasification natural gas terminals; and (2) natural gas market transparency. Prescribes procedural guidelines for the Secretaries of the Interior and of Agriculture to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding regarding oil and gas leasing on federal lands. United States Refinery Revitalization Act of 2005 - Prescribes procedural guidelines for: (1) designation of refinery revitalization zones; and (2) coordination and expeditious review of permitting process for such zones. Sets forth a Clean Coal Power Initiative campaign that includes grants to universities to establish Centers of Excellence for Energy Systems of the Future. Authorizes federal loan guarantees for designated coal gasification projects. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to prescribe implementation guidelines for a clean air coal program. Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act of 2005 - Amends the Department of Energy Organization Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to establish the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs to promote Indian tribal energy resource development through grants and loans. Prescribes guidelines for energy efficiency in federally assisted housing on Indian lands. Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2005 - Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to modify and extend indemnification authority and liability limits for Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensees and Department of Energy (DOE) contractors. Prohibits assumption by the U.S. Government of liability for certain foreign incidents. Directs the NRC to establish a training and fellowship program for individuals with critical nuclear safety regulatory skills. Revises requirements for: (1) uranium sales; (2) special demonstration projects for the uranium mining industry; (3) whistleblower protection requirements; (4) medical isotope production; (5) uranium enrichment facilities; and (6) the national uranium stockpile. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to establish an Advanced Reactor Hydrogen Co-Generation Project. Provides for disposal of: (1) Fernald uranium processing facility byproduct material; and (2) greater-than-class C radioactive waste. Establishes programs to promote: (1) hybrid vehicles; (2) hybrid retrofit and electric conversion technologies for combustion engine vehicles; and (3) alternative fuels for dual-fueled vehicles. Sets forth implementation guidelines for pilot programs that target: (1) alternative fueled vehicles; (2) fuel cell buses and alternative fuel and altra-low sulfur diesel fuel (clean) school buses; (3) advanced vehicles; and (4) hybrid vehicles. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to conduct programs that address: (1) production of hydrogen from diverse energy sources; and (2) solar and wind technologies. Directs the Secretary to conduct: (1) a secondary electric vehicle battery use program; and (2) a Next Generation Lighting Initiative. Directs the Secretary of Energy to implement initiatives regarding: (1) energy efficiency; (2) distributed energy and electric energy systems; (3) renewable energy; (4) nuclear energy; (5) fossil energy; (6) ultra-deepwater and unconventional natural gas, and other petroleum resources; (7) energy sciences; (8) energy and environment; (9) United States-Israel cooperation; and (10) Department of Energy management. Electric Reliability Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Power Act to grant Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulatory jurisdiction over an Electric Reliability Organization. Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to: (1) require electric utilities to make net metering and smart metering available upon consumer request; and (2) terminate mandatory purchase and sale requirements pertaining to cogeneration and small power production utilities. Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 - Repeals the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. Amends the Federal Power Act to: (1) direct FERC to promulgate market transparency rules governing wholesale electric energy and transmission services; and (2) prohibit round trip trading. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue rules that prohibit in the absence of consumer consent: (1) the change of selection of an electric utility ("slamming"); and (2) the sale of goods and services to an electric consumer ("cramming"). Revises Federal Power Act requirements for electric utility mergers. Directs FERC to convene a joint board to study the issue of security constrained economic dispatch for a market region. Retains the effect of Department of Energy Order No. 202-03-2 (August 28, 2003) regarding transmission security. Extends the attainment date for certain downwind ozone nonattainment areas. Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator) to promulgate regulations ensuring that domestic motor vehicle fuel consumption includes renewable fuel containing ethanol. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make grants to provide assistance to merchant producers of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in making the transition from producing MTBE to producing iso-octane, iso-octene, alkylates, or renewable fuels. Prohibits the use of MTBE in motor vehicle fuel by December 31, 2014, in any state that does not specifically authorize it. Authorizes the President to determine by June 30, 2014, that this prohibition against the use of MTBE in motor vehicle fuel shall not take place and that the legal authority to prohibit its use in motor vehicle fuel shall become null and void. Eliminates the oxygen content requirement for reformulated gasoline. Conditions the Administrator's approval of state fuel restrictions upon a finding that they will neither cause fuel supply or distribution interruptions nor have a significant adverse impact on fuel producibility. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to: (1) make loan guarantees for private sector construction of facilities for the processing and conversion of municipal solid waste and cellulosic biomass into fuel ethanol and other commercial byproducts; and (2) provide grants for construction of ethanol production facilities. Underground Storage Tank Compliance Act of 2005 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Administrator to distribute specified fund percentages from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund to states to pay costs for regulation of underground storage tanks (USTs). Amends the Clean Air Act to cite conditions under which the Administrator may waive the prohibition against the use of extreme and unusual fuel or fuel additive supplies ("boutique fuels").

Commodities Exchange Improvements Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2005

Commodities Exchange Improvements Act of 2005 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to include natural gas as an agricultural commodity within the purview of the Act, including hybrid instruments based upon natural gas. States that an agreement, contract, or transaction involving natural gas may not be exempted from the regulatory requirements of the Act. Prohibits a board of trade that is a designated contract market from changing, without prior Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) approval, a rule, regulation, or contract specification that applies to any agreement, contract, or transactions involving natural gas. Requires back-up reporting of large positions as prescribed by the CFTC in order to deter manipulation of the price of contracts of sale of natural gas for future delivery. Directs the CFTC to prescribe rules requiring any board of trade to implement rules that provide for any contract of sale for future delivery of natural gas to be settled in cash in lieu of making delivery of the natural gas in circumstances in which the CFTC has determined that market conditions suggest possible manipulation. Subjects commodity price manipulation to a civil penalty. Prohibits, for one year, CFTC members from working for any organization subject to Commission regulation.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

United States · United States Senate · 13 April 2005

Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Reform Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2005

Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Reform Act of 2005 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to repeal the authorization that certain moneys in the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund may be used: (1) by the Secretary of Agriculture for reclamation of rural lands; and (2) by the Department of the Interior for studies by contract with organizations for advice and research and development projects technical assistance. Reduces the reclamation fee required to be paid by operators of coal mining operations. Revises Fund allocation requirements with respect to reclamation fees. Repeals Fund objectives concerning: (1) protection , construction, or enhancement of public facilities affected by coal mining practices; and (2) development of publicly owned land adversely affected by coal mining practices, including land acquired for recreation and historic purposes, conservation, reclamation, and open space. Expands certification guidelines to prescribe payments to: (1) qualified States and Indian tribes; and (2) non-qualified States and Indian tribes. Prescribes procedural guidelines for transfers of interest earned by the Fund to: (1) the United Mine Workers of America Combined Benefit Fund; (2) the United Mine Workers of America 1992 Benefit Plan; and (3) a specified multiemployer health benefit plan.

Rural America Preservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2005

Rural America Preservation Act - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to reduce maximum annual direct and counter-cyclical commodity payments to $20,000 and $30,000, respectively. Revises limitation provisions for marketing loan gains, loan deficiency payments, and commodity certificate transactions, and establishes an annual combined limitation of $75,000 for such payments. Doubles payment limitations for single farming operations. Limits an individual to a combined annual payment of $250,000. Makes a person who commits fraud in connection with a scheme or device to evade certain program limitations (multiple entities, citizenship) ineligible for farm benefits for six years.

Balancing Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 13 April 2005

Family and Workplace Balancing Act of 2005 - Balancing Act of 2005 - Provides assistance for working families through: (1) family and medical care leave; (2) expanded child care for young children and incentives for child care providers; (3) preschool, in-school, and afterschool nutrition and education; (4) temporary and part-time workers pension and health plan benefits; and (5) encouragement of business use of employee telecommuting. Family Income to Respond to Significant Transitions Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make five-year grants to a State or local government to pay for the Federal share of the cost of carrying out projects that assist families by providing wage replacement for eligible individuals responding to caregiving needs resulting from the birth or adoption of a son or daughter or other family caregiving needs. Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2005 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) to allow employees covered by FMLA to take up to four hours during any 30-day period, and up to 24 hours during any 12-month period, of parental involvement leave to participate in or attend their children's or grandchildren's educational and extracurricular activities. Amends Federal civil service law to apply the same parental involvement leave allowance to Federal employees. Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to authorize additional funds for expanding child care activities for young children less than three years of age. Establishes: (1) the Child Care Provider Development and Retention Grant Program; and (2) the Child Care Provider Scholarship Program. Healthy Early Education Workforce Grant Program Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to allot funds to eligible States (and Indian tribes and tribal organizations) to pay for the Federal share of the cost of providing access to affordable health benefits coverage for: (1) eligible child care providers; and (2) at State option, the spouses, domestic partners, and dependents of such providers. Child Care Construction and Renovation Incentive Grants Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to provide for use of community development block grants to establish child care facilities. Amends the National Housing Act to provide for insurance for mortgages: (1) on new and rehabilitated child care facilities; and (2) for acquisition of or the refinancing of debt on existing child care facilities. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make technical and financial assistance grants to acquire or improve child care facilities or equipment. Directs the Secretary of HHS to establish a business child care incentive grant program. Universal Prekindergarten Act - Directs the Secretary of HHS to make grants to State agencies to develop full-day, full-year universal prekindergarten programs for all children three, four, and five years old. Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a universal free school breakfast program without regard to family incomes. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program of healthy school nutrition environment incentive grants. Afterschool Education Enhancement Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require State educational agencies to give priority to 21st century community learning centers program applications submitted jointly by eligible entities. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to provide for treatment of employees working at less than full-time under participation, vesting, and accrual rules governing pension plans and under group health plans. United States Business Telework Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to conduct, in not more than five States, a pilot program to raise awareness about telework among employers, and encourage them to offer telework options to employees.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

United States · United States Senate · 12 April 2005

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

United States · United States Senate · 12 April 2005

National Food and Agricultural Science Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2005

National Food and Agricultural Science Act of 2005 - Establishes: (1) in the National Science Foundation (NSF) a Division of Food and Agricultural Science, which shall be administered by a Director of Food and Agricultural Science; and (2) in the Division, a Standing Council of Advisors. States that the Division's sole function shall be to award grants to promote complementary, fundamental agricultural research to: (1) individual scientists; (2) single and multi-institutional research centers; and (3) private and public sector entities, including the Department of Agriculture, the Foundation, or other Federal agencies.

National Food and Agricultural Science Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2005

National Food and Agricultural Science Act of 2005 - Establishes: (1) in the National Science Foundation (NSF) a Division of Food and Agricultural Science, which shall be administered by a Director of Food and Agricultural Science; and (2) a Standing Council of Advisors. States that the Division's sole function shall be to award grants to promote complementary, fundamental agricultural research to: (1) individual scientists; (2) single and multi-institutional research centers; and (3) private and public sector entities, including the Department of Agriculture, the Foundation, or other Federal agencies.

Oregon National Forest Administrative Site Disposal Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2005

Oregon National Forest Administrative Site Disposal Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or exchange any or all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to specified National Forest System lands, and improvements on those lands, located in the Rogue River, Siskiyou, Siuslaw, Umpqua, and Williamette National Forests in Oregon. Allows the Secretary to convey, without consideration, any or all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to such land to the State of Oregon or a local government for public purposes. Grants the Eugene Mission the first right to acquire certain of such land in a direct sale for market value. Allows the Secretary to accept a cash equalization payment exceeding 25 percent of the value of any such land conveyed by exchange as directed above. Provides for the deposit and treatment of the proceeds from the conveyance of all such land. Describes the authorized uses of deposited funds. Revokes any public land orders applicable to such land. Withdraws such land from location, entry, and patent under the U.S. mining laws. Directs the Secretary to convey, without consideration, certain of such land to the city of Oakridge, Oregon, to facilitate the establishment of a timber museum on such land to be managed by the Upper Williamette Pioneer Association. Adjusts the the Rogue-Umpqua Divide wilderness boundary as identified on the "Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness Boundary Modification" map, dated May 6, 2003. .

Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2005

Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to deny an application for a new animal drug that is a critical antimicrobial animal drug unless the applicant demonstrates that there is a reasonably certainty of no harm to human health due to the development of antimicrobial resistance attributable to the nontherapeutic use of the drug. Defines "critical antimicrobial animal drug" as a drug intended for use in food-producing animals that contains specified antibiotics or other drugs used in humans to treat or prevent disease or infection caused by microorganisms. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to withdraw approval of a nontherapeutic use of such drugs in food-producing animals two years after the date of enactment of this Act unless certain safety requirements are met. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments to livestock or poultry producers to defray the costs of reducing the use of such drugs, with priority given to family-owned or small farms and ranches. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to award grants to colleges and universities to establish programs to phase out the nontherapeutic use of such drugs in livestock or poultry. Requires the manufacturer of such a drug or an animal feed for food-producing animals containing such a drug to report sales information to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

NOMINATION HEARING OF CHARLES F. CONNER TO BE DEPUTY SECRETARY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

United States · United States Senate · 6 April 2005

Safe Food Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2005

Safe Food Act of 2005 - Establishes the Food Safety Administration to administer and enforce food safety laws. Directs the Administrator of the Food Safety Administration to: (1) promulgate regulations to ensure the security of the food supply from all forms of contamination; (2) implement Federal food safety inspection, enforcement, and research efforts to protect the public health; (3) develop consistent and science-based standards for safe food; (4) coordinate and prioritize food safety research and education programs with other Federal agencies; (5) prioritize Federal food safety efforts and deployment of resources to achieve the greatest possible benefit in reducing food-borne illness; (6) coordinate the Federal response to food-borne illness outbreaks with other Federal and State agencies; and (7) integrate Federal food safety activities with State and local agencies. Transfers to the Administration all functions of specified Federal agencies that relate to the administration or enforcement of food safety laws, including (1) the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture; and (2) the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and the Center for Veterinary Medicine of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Requires the Administrator to: (1) administer a national food safety program based on an analysis of the hazards associated with different food and the processing of different food; (2) establish standards for processors of food and food establishments; (3) establish a certification system for foreign governments or food establishments seeking to import food to the United States; (4) establish requirements for tracing food and food producing animals from point of origin to retail sale; (5) maintain an active surveillance system of food, food products, and epidemiological evidence; (6) establish a sampling system to monitor contaminants in food; (7) rank and analyze hazards in the food supply; (8) establish a national public education campaign on food safety; and (9) conduct research relating to food safety. Sets forth provisions regarding prohibited acts, administrative detention, condemnation, temporary holds, recall, penalties for violations of food safety laws, whistle blower protection, and civil actions.

Wind Power Tax Incentives Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2005

Wind Power Tax Incentives Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit: (1) individual taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes (taxable incomes in the case of corporate taxpayers) of $1 million or less to offset passive activity losses and credits from energy-producing wind facilities against regular income; and (2) tax-exempt cooperative organizations (including farmers' cooperatives) to apportion pro rata among their shareholders tax credits received for investment in energy-producing wind facilities.

Farmland Protection Program Challenge Grant Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2005

Farmland Protection Program Challenge Grant Act of 2005 - Amends the Farm Security Act of 1985 to obligate at least 15 percent of farmland protection funds for cost-share grants (25 percent maximum Federal share) to support eligible State agencies, county, and one or more eligible entities to purchase conservation easements whose title shall be held by the entity rather than the United States.

Safe Food Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2005

Safe Food Act of 2005 - Establishes the Food Safety Administration to administer and enforce food safety laws. Directs the Administrator of the Food Safety Administration to: (1) promulgate regulations to ensure the security of the food supply from all forms of contamination; (2) implement Federal food safety inspection, enforcement, and research efforts to protect the public health; (3) develop consistent and science-based standards for safe food; (4) coordinate and prioritize food safety research and education programs with other Federal agencies; (5) prioritize Federal food safety efforts and deployment of resources to achieve the greatest possible benefit in reducing food-borne illness; (6) coordinate the Federal response to food-borne illness outbreaks with other Federal and State agencies; and (7) integrate Federal food safety activities with State and local agencies. Transfers to the Administration all functions of specified Federal agencies that relate to the administration or enforcement of food safety laws, including (1) the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture; and (2) the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and the Center for Veterinary Medicine of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Requires the Administrator to: (1) administer a national food safety program based on an analysis of the hazards associated with different food and the processing of different food; (2) establish standards for processors of food and food establishments; (3) establish a certification system for foreign governments or food establishments seeking to import food to the United States; (4) establish requirements for tracing food and food producing animals from point of origin to retail sale; (5) maintain an active surveillance system of food, food products, and epidemiological evidence; (6) establish a sampling system to monitor contaminants in food; (7) rank and analyze hazards in the food supply; (8) establish a national public education campaign on food safety; and (9) conduct research relating to food safety. Sets forth provisions regarding prohibited acts, administrative detention, condemnation, temporary holds, recall, penalties for violations of food safety laws, whistle blower protection, and civil actions.

Efficient Energy Through Certified Technologies and Electricity Reliability (EFFECTER) Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

Efficient Energy Through Certified Technologies and Electricity Reliability (EFFECTER) Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives affecting: (1) energy efficient commercial building property; (2) new energy efficient homes; (3) certain energy efficient property used in business; (4) nonbusiness energy property; and (5) combined heat and power system property; and (6) energy efficient appliances. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to expand the scope of consumer products that fall within the Energy Conservation Program (other than automobiles), including: (1) commercial package air conditioning and heating equipment; and (2) commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. Directs the Federal Trade Commission to initiate a rulemaking regarding: (1) the effectiveness of the current consumer products labeling program in assisting consumers to make purchasing decisions and to improve energy efficiency; and (2) changes to the labeling rules that would improve the effectiveness of consumer product labels. Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to prescribe guidelines under which the head of an executive agency shall procure either an Energy Star product or a Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)-designated product in order to meet agency requirements for an energy consuming product. Repeals the termination of authority to enter into new energy savings performance contracts (thereby making such authority permanent). Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish certain revised Federal building energy efficiency performance standards. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to include within the mandatory activities funded by the Capital Fund: (1) installing fixtures and fittings to improve energy and water-use efficiency; and (2) integrated utility management and capital planning to maximize energy conservation and efficiency measures. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate energy efficiency standards for rehabilitation and new construction of certain public and assisted housing. Amends the Federal Power Act to grant the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jurisdiction over the FERC-certified Electric Reliability Organization, including any regional entities, and all users, owners and operators of the bulk-power system for purposes of approving specified reliability standards.

New Homestead Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2005

New Homestead Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Education to repay a specified percentage (up to $2,000 per year) of certain education loans to an individual who completes a degree and both resides and is employed for at least five years in an area outside a metropolitan statistical area which for 20 years has a net out-migration of inhabitants of at least ten percent of the county population (qualifying county). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a: (1) tax credit for the lesser of $5,000 or ten percent of the purchase price of a principal residence in a qualifying county; and (2) capital loss deduction with respect to a sale or exchange of a principal residence in a qualifying county. Provides for the creation of tax-exempt individual homestead accounts, funded by individual cash contributions and matching Federal contributions according to a specified formula, whose tax-free distributions after five years are used by residents of qualifying counties for qualified higher education or medical expenses, first-time homebuyer or business capitalization costs, or rollovers. Establishes a rural investment tax credit of 70 percent of the present value of new buildings (including rehabilitation projects) or 30 percent of the present value of existing buildings. Establishes a qualified rural small business investment credit of 30 percent of expenditures for starting or expanding a business, including costs for capital, plant and equipment, inventory expenses, and wages, but not including interest costs. Provides for accelerated depreciation of business property in rural investment projects. New Homestead Venture Capital Fund Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish the New Homestead Venture Capital Fund (Fund), owned by private investors, to generate and provide equity capital to rural businesses in qualifying counties. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide funding and guarantees for private investors in the Fund.