Agriculture

Nanotechnology Infrastructure Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2007

Nanotechnology Infrastructure Enhancement Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a geographically diverse, interdisciplinary Center for Nanotechnology Research and Engineering (the Center) to focus on: (1) the science and engineering of manufacturing at the nanoscale in multiple dimensions; or (2) nanotechnology for sustainable energy, water, agriculture, and the environment. Allows the Center to be a Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center or a National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network node. Requires that the Center shall consist of: (1) a lead academic institution located in an EPSCoR (the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) state; and (2) at least one additional academic institution located in a second EPSCoR state. Permits the Center to include other institutions within or outside of the United States. Requires the Center to: (1) conduct state-of-the-art research on nanomanufacturing; (2) collaborate with other NSF grantees, and with grantees from other federal agencies, working on nanomanufacturing; (3) share resources with the programs of such grantees for the purpose of mutual advantage; and (4) work toward a nanomanufacturing network that encourages extensive industrial collaboration.

HEARING TO REVIEW FOOD AID AND AGRICULTURE TRADE PROGRAMS OPERATED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 May 2007

HEARING TO REVIEW AGRICULTURE RESEARCH PROGRAMS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 May 2007

Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007

Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007 - Applies this Act to any mining claim, millsite claim, or tunnel site claim located under the general mining laws. Conditions federal issuance of a patent for any mining claim located under the general mining laws upon specified determinations made by the Secretary of the Interior. Subjects production of locatable minerals from a mining claim to a royalty of 8 % of the net smelter return. Sets forth requirements governing: (1) lands open to location; (2) environmental protection standards, including reclamation, in connection with mineral activities on mining claims, millsite claims, or tunnel site claims; and (3) state or local law that meets or exceeds requirements of this Act. Establishes the Abandoned Locatable Minerals Mine Reclamation Fund and the Locatable Minerals Community Impact Assistance Fund. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretaries) to establish user fees to reimburse federal expenditures in administering this Act. Requires the Secretaries to inspect and monitor mineral activities to ensure compliance with the environmental protection requirements of this Act. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to subject oil shale claims to the reclamation requirements of this Act. Declares the Multiple Minerals Development Act, and specified federal law regarding unpatented mining claims, applicable to all mining claims located under the general mining laws and maintained in compliance with this Act. Subjects deposits of specified mineral materials to disposal only under the Materials Act of 1947.

Rural America Energy Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007

Rural America Energy Act of 2007 - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to redefine "bioenergy" to include: (1) cellulosic cogeneration; (2) biomass gasification; and (3) hydrogen made from cellulosic commodities for fuel cells. Instructs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to make available increased funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to implement: (1) the bioenergy program; (2) renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements; and (3) grants for small projects. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide a five-year extension of credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources; and (2) allow a tax credit for certain wind energy property placed in service or installed by the taxpayer during the taxable year. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to spend up to $1 million to fund feasibility studies for the construction of dedicated ethanol pipelines. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to: (1) extend the conservation reserve program through calendar 2012; and (2) direct the Secretary to ensure that, as contracts expire and lands are taken out of the program, the lands are replaced with the most environmentally sensitive acres, so that the program continues to protect highly erodible lands while increasing the acreage outside of the program available for the production of crops to accommodate biofuel production. Instructs the Secretary to make transitional assistance payments to an agricultural producer during the first year in which the producer devotes land to the production of a qualified cellulosic crop. Requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to revise specified accounting practices of persons engaged in crude oil or natural gas production in the United States to establish a renewable reserves classification and disclosure system, which shall treat contracted biomass crops for a cellulosic biorefinery as renewable reserves.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat certain farming business machinery and equipment as 5-year property for purposes of depreciation.

United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a five-year depreciation recovery period for certain farming business machinery or equipment placed in service before January 1, 2010.

CHESSEA Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2007

Chesapeake's Healthy and Environmentally Sound Stewardship of Energy and Agriculture Act of 2007 or CHESSEA Act of 2007 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend funding for the the environmental quality incentives program. Gives program allocation priority to interstate watersheds. Provides a cost-share payment exception for limited resource and beginning farmers. Provides: (1) cost-share and incentive payments for private forest owners to carry out specified conservation activities; and (2) state performance incentives. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to offer to enter into agreements with states and the District of Columbia containing all or a portion of a large waterbody or its tributaries (including the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries) for water quality initiatives. Authorizes appropriations. Directs (current law authorizes) the Secretary to pay the cost of conservation innovation grants. Makes such grants available for projects that include a technology transfer plan. Extends: (1) the conservation reserve program; (2) the conservation security program; and (3) the wetlands reserve program. Directs the Secretary to establish a conservation planning pilot program in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Authorizes appropriations. Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to: (1) extend the agricultural management assistance program; and (2) make Virginia eligible for such assistance. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 with respect to the biorefinery and biofuel grant program to: (1) extend such program; and (2) provide grants for Chesapeake Bay Watershed states (Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia and the District of Columbia) to develop the commercial viability of no-till soybean biodiesel production, cellulosic ethanol production, manure to energy processes, and other technologies that promote the conversion of biomass to fuels and chemicals and the reduction of nutrient impacts to water. Extends the renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements program. Obligates amounts for Chesapeake Bay Watershed states.

Las Cienegas Enhancement and Saguaro National Park Boundary Adjustment Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2007

Las Cienegas Enhancement and Saguaro National Park Boundary Adjustment Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior, if Las Cienegas Conservation, LLC offers to convey to the Secretary title to the Empirita-Simonson parcel of land and the Bloom parcel of land (the non-federal land), to accept the offer and simultaneously convey to Las Cienegas Conservation, LLC the Sahuarita parcel of land (the federal land). Requires the values of the federal and non-federal lands exchanged to be equal, as determined by appraisals. Requires Las Cienegas Conservation, LLC, to: (1) pay the costs of carrying out the exchange of such lands; (2) enter into an agreement with Pima County, Arizona, to convey to Pima County a certain well site; and (3) relinquish to Pima County any water rights to such well site held by Las Cienegas Conservation, LLC. Requires: (1) the Empirita-Simonson parcel of non-federal land, upon acquisition by the Secretary, to become part of the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area; and (2) the Bloom parcel of non-federal, upon acquisition by the Secretary, to become part of the Saguaro National Park. Modifies the boundary of the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area to exclude the 40-acre tract that is leased by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the town of Elgin, Arizona, for a sanitary landfill. Instructs the Secretary to provide to the Secretary of Agriculture a right-of-way through the non-federal land for motorized public road access to the boundary of the Coronado National Forest.

Resource Conservation and Community Development Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 May 2007

Resource Conservation and Community Development Enhancement Act - Amends the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 to provide for a locally led planning process under the resource conservation and development program. Replaces the permanent authorization of appropriations with an annual obligation of specified amounts from the Commodity Credit Corporation for FY2008-FY2012.

REVIEW OF THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS IN AGRICULTURE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 May 2007

Biofuels Energy Independence Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007

Biofuels Energy Independence Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make and guarantee loans for biofuel production, distribution, development, and storage. Sets forth loan eligibility requirements. Directs the Secretary to establish a related revolving fund. Authorizes the Secretary to administer a Biofuels Feedstocks Energy Reserve to: (1) provide feedstocks in furtherance of biofuel-based energy production; and (2) support the biofuels energy industry when production is at risk due to feedstock reductions or commodity price increases. Sets forth related provisions respecting commercial commodity purchases, release of commodity stocks, and storage payments.

Captive Supply Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007

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.

U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007

U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes emergency supplemental FY2007 appropriations for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as specified activities, including international and security-related activities, of the Departments of Defense (Military, including funds for Iraqi and Afghan security forces), of Justice, of Energy, of Homeland Security, of Defense (military construction and base closure), of State (including international peacekeeping operations), related agencies, and the House of Representatives and the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Provides funds to enable military commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan to respond to urgent humanitarian relief and reconstruction requirements. Requires the Secretary of Defense to inspect annually military medical treatment facilities, including military quarters housing medical hold or holdover personnel, to insure that they meet acceptable standards for their maintenance and operation. Requires additional inspections of identified deficiencies. Provides funds to the Government of Iraq to support the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of militias and illegal armed groups. Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Woodrow W. Keeble for valor during the Korean War. Provides funds to local education agencies (LEAs) in districts adversely affected by significant changes in the military population. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) as battalions of the Iraqi security forces achieve a level of combat proficiency to conduct independent combat operations without support from Iraqi Coalition forces, U.S. Armed Forces units should be redeployed from Iraq; and (2) regular, accurate accounts of the combat proficiency of Iraqi battalions security forces are necessary for the American public to gauge the development of them. Prohibits the use of funds to deploy or redeploy any unit of the Armed Forces to Iraq unless the President has certified to the congressional appropriations committees in advance that the unit is fully mission capable. Sets a maximum number of days for deployment or redeployment in Iraq for military units. Authorizes the President to waive such prohibition and deployment or redeployment limits on a unit-by-unit basis for reasons of national security. Provides that such limitations shall not be construed to require force levels in Iraq to be decreased below total U.S. force levels before January 10, 2007. Prohibits the use of funds to close Walter Reed Army Medical Center until equivalent medical facilities at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, and/or the Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Community Hospital have been constructed and equipped. Specifies conditions for assistance to Lebanon. Provides funds to assist Liberia in retiring its debt arrearages. Requires the Department of State to provide GAO staff members the country clearances, life support, and logistical and security support necessary for them to establish a presence in Iraq for at least 45 days. Makes additional appropriations for disaster relief and recovery related to Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma, Dennis, and Rita to the Departments of Agriculture, of Justice, of Commerce, of Defense (Civil), of Homeland Security, of the Interior, of Education, of Transportation, of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the Small Business Administration (SBA). Makes other emergency appropriations for specified purposes to the Departments of Defense (Civil), of the Interior, of Agriculture, of Health and Human Services (for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and for response to an influenza pandemic), of Veterans Affairs (particularly veterans' health programs), of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the legislative branch. Makes appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to eliminate the FY2007 shortfall in funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the federal minimum wage to: (1) $5.85 an hour, beginning on the 60th day after enactment of this Act; (2) $6.55 an hour, beginning 12 months after that 60th day; and (3) $7.25 an hour, beginning 24 months after that 60th day. Applies federal minimum wage requirements to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and to American Samoa. Small Business and Work Opportunity Tax Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend and revise certain tax provisions affecting small business owners, including the work opportunity tax credit and expensing of small business assets; (2) extend and expand certain tax incentives for investment in the Gulf Opportunity (GO) Zone; (3) revise requirements relating to subchapter S corporations; and (4) modify certain miscellaneous tax administration requirements.

Agricultural Disaster Assistance and Western States Emergency Unfinished Business Appropriations Act, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007

Agricultural Disaster Assistance and Western States Emergency Unfinished Business Appropriations Act, 2007 - Appropriates FY2007 amounts for emergency financial assistance to producers on a farm that incurred qualifying quantity or quality losses for the 2005 or 2006 crop, or that part of the 2007 crop year before February 28, 2007, due to damaging weather or any related condition (including crop diseases, insects, and delayed planting). Requires that an eligible crop must have been planted before February 28, 2007, or in the case of prevented planting or other total loss, would have been planted before such date. Requires a producer who suffered qualifying losses to elect assistance for only one of such years. Appropriates amounts for payments through the livestock compensation program for livestock assistance for disaster-caused losses between January 1, 2005 and February 28, 2007, including losses from blizzards that began in 2006 and continued into January 2007. States that a producer: (1) shall elect to receive payments in only one of such years, and that such losses must have been incurred in a disaster-designated county; and (2) may elect to receive compensation for wildfire-caused losses in the 2007 grazing season. Appropriates amounts for livestock indemnity payments to producers on farms in disaster-designated counties that have incurred livestock losses between January 1, 2005 and February 28, 2007, including losses from blizzards that started in 2006 and continued into January 2007. Requires a producer who suffered qualifying losses to elect assistance for only one of such years. Appropriates amounts for agricultural and farm production land cleanup and restoration under the emergency conservation program. Reduces specified producer payments by amounts received for the same or similar loss under: (1) the Department of Defense, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to Address Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, and Pandemic Influenza Act, 2006; (2) an agricultural disaster assistance provision contained in the announcement of the Secretary on January 26, 2006, or August 29, 2006; or (3) the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Hurricane Recovery, 2006. Sets forth administrative provisions. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to revise national dairy market loss payment amount provisions. Appropriates amounts for dairy production losses in disaster counties. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in states with a shortage of claims adjusters, to permit the use of one certified claims adjuster with respect to animal forage crops (under the noninsured crop disaster assistance program). Appropriates amounts for emergency grants for low-income migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Appropriates amounts for Farm Service Agency salaries and expenses. Appropriates additional funds to the Department of Commerce, to remain available through FY2008, for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for operations, research, and facilities. Directs the National Marine Fisheries Service to distribute such amounts among eligible recipients of assistance for the commercial fishery failure declared by the Secretary of Commerce on August 10, 2006. Appropriates additional funds to the Department of the Interior (Bureau of Land Management) and to the Department of Agriculture (Forest Service) for wildland fire management/suppression, to be made available only if previously provided funds are insufficient. Appropriates additional funds to the Department of Agriculture for FY2007 for payments to be made, to the maximum extent practicable, in the same amounts and in the same manner as were paid to states and counties in 2006 under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000.

To amend the Agricultural Adjustment Act to add clementines to the list of fruits and vegetables subject to minimum quality import requirements issued by the Secretary of Agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2007

Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to subject imported clementines to applicable domestic grade, size, quality, or maturity requirements.

Animal Protection Accountability Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2007

Animal Protection Accountability Improvement Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit a person from using a live animal to: (1) demonstrate a medical device or product to a sales representative, or in a workshop or training session, for marketing purposes; (2) train a sales representative to use a medical device or product; or (3) create a multimedia recording for the purpose of marketing a medical device or product. Exempts from this requirement the training of medical personnel for a purpose other than marketing a medical device or product. Increases the cap on the fine for violations of humane standards and record keeping requirements at auction sales from $2,500 to $10,000 for each violation. Provides that each animal that is the subject of a violation shall be a separate offense. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to include in a report to Congress an identification of all research facilities, intermediate handlers, carriers, and exhibitors registered under such Act.

Katrina Recovery Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2007

Katrina Recovery Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2007 - Makes emergency supplemental FY2007 appropriations for disaster relief and recovery related to Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma, Dennis, and Rita to the Departments of Agriculture, of Justice, of Commerce, of Defense (Civil), of Homeland Security, of Interior, of Education, of Transportation, of Housing and Urban Development, and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

A bill to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from allowing the importation of certain cattle and beef from Canada until the implementation of country of origin labeling requirements.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from permitting the import of live Canadian cattle (or beef from such cattle) over 30 months of age until certain country of origin labeling requirements become effective.

Support Our Troops Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Support Our Troops Act of 2007 - Makes emergency appropriations for FY2007 for the Global War on Terror, including for: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the Foreign Agricultural Service; and (2) the Department of Justice for salaries and expenses, the U.S. Marshals Service, the National Security Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Federal Prison System. Makes emergency appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military personnel; (2) operation and maintenance; (3) the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund; (4) the Iraq Security Forces Fund; (5) the Iraq Freedom Fund; (6) the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; (7) procurement; (8) research, development, test and evaluation; (9) revolving and management funds; (10) the Defense Health Program; (11) defense drug interdiction and counter-drug activities; and (12) the Intelligence Community Management Account. Makes emergency appropriations for: (1) the Department of Energy (DOE) for defense nuclear nonproliferation; (2) DOD for military construction; (3) diplomatic and consular programs; (4) the Office of Inspector General; (5) educational and cultural exchange programs; (6) international peacekeeping activities; (7) international broadcasting operations; (8) the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the Child Survival and Health Programs Fund; (9) international disaster and famine assistance; and (10) the Economic Support Fund. Makes emergency appropriations for the Department of State for: (1) assistance for Eastern Europe and the Baltic states; (2) international narcotics and law enforcement; (3) migration and refugee assistance; (4) the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund; and (5) nonproliferation, anti-terrorism, demining, and related programs. Makes emergency appropriations for: (1) the Department of the Treasury for international affairs technical assistance; (2) the Foreign Military Financing Program; (3) peacekeeping operations; and (3) the Department of Defense Base Closure Account, 2005.

Meat and Poultry Products Traceability and Safety Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Meat and Poultry Products Traceability and Safety Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to direct that amenable species presented for slaughter for human consumption, and the carcasses or parts of carcasses and the meat and food products of those animals, shipped in interstate commerce be identified in a manner that enables the Secretary of Agriculture to trace: (1) each animal or group of animals to any location at which the animal was held at any time before slaughter; and (2) each carcass or part of a carcass and food and food product forward from slaughter through processing and distribution to the ultimate consumer. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) prohibit or restrict entry to a slaughtering establishment of an animal not so identified; and (2) require that each person, firm, or corporation required to identify livestock maintain accurate records. Directs the Secretary to establish a traceability system for all stages of production, processing, and distribution of meat and meat food products and poultry and poultry food products.

A resolution designating June 5, 2007, as "National Hunger Awareness Day" and authorizing the Senate offices of Senators Gordon H. Smith, Blanche L. Lincoln, Elizabeth Dole, and Richard J. Durbin to collect donations of food during the period beginning May 7, 2007, and ending June 5, 2007, from concerned Members of Congress and staff to assist families suffering from hunger and food insecurity in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Designates June 5, 2007, as National Hunger Awareness Day. Authorizes the offices of Senators Gordon H. Smith, Blanche L. Lincoln, Elizabeth Dole, and Richard J. Durbin to collect donations of food from May 7-June 5, 2007, from concerned Members of Congress and staff to assist families suffering from hunger and food insecurity in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

Feeding America's Families Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Feeding America's Families Act of 2007 - Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 with respect to: (1) inflation adjustments; (2) standard deduction increases; (3) combat pay, retirement account, and education account exclusions; (4) minimum benefit increases; (5) countable resource increases; (6) legal immigrant eligibility; (7) work requirements; (8) state option to provide food assistance to foster community reintegration; (9) program administration; (10) cash payment pilot projects; (11) food stamp program reauthorization; (12) block grants for Puerto Rico and American Samoa; (13) outreach; (14) food stamp use at farmers' markets; (15) community food projects, community food assistance, and food bank infrastructure; (16) creation of the national food for the hungry transportation, self-help, and job-training fund; and (17) hunger-free communities collaborative grants. Establishes in the Department of Agriculture the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship Program and the Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellowship Program. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to repeal the hunger fellowship program. Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to extend the commodity supplemental food program.

Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2007 - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish in the Department of Agriculture the Office of Rural Broadband Initiatives, to be headed by the Under Secretary for Rural Broadband Initiatives. States that the Under Secretary shall: (1) administer all rural broadband-related grant and loan programs previously administered by the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service, including the rural broadband access loan and loan guarantee program and the community connect grant program; (2) conduct rural outreach; (3) foster development of a comprehensive rural broadband strategic vision; (4) assess relevant technologies; (5) serve as a single information source for all federal rural broadband programs and services; and (6) provide technical assistance to state, regional, and local governments to develop broadband deployment strategies. Directs the Under Secretary to submit: (1) to the President and to Congress a comprehensive rural broadband strategy report; and (2) to Congress a plan for a Rural Broadband Advisory Panel. Establishes in the Treasury the National Rural Broadband Innovation Fund.

Rural Energy for America Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Rural Energy for America Act of 2007 - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to rename the renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements program as the rural energy for America program (REAP). Makes rural school districts eligible for REAP. Authorizes REAP assistance to produce and sell electricity generated by new renewable energy systems. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to eligible entities to provide rebates for farmers, ranchers, rural school districts, and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Defines eligible entities as: (1) a state energy or agriculture office; (2) a nonprofit state-based energy efficiency or renewable energy organization that uses public funds provided directly or under contract with a state agency; (3) any other nonprofit organization with a demonstrated ability to administer a statewide energy efficiency or renewable energy rebate program; or (4) a consortium of such entities. Limits rebates to the lower of $10,000 or 50% of the cost to purchase a renewable energy system or an energy efficiency improvement. Extends REAP funding through FY 2012 with set-asides for the rebate program. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary should implement a direct loan program to complement REAP grants.

Small Business Investment and Promotion Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Small Business Investment and Promotion Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide to small business owners and operators of farming or commercial fishing businesses a temporary credit for excessive fuel costs paid or incurred in the operation of such business; (2) make permanent the credit for increasing research activities; and (3) treat as 15-year property for purposes of the depreciation deduction qualified restaurant property, qualified retail improvement property, and certain systems installed in nonresidential buildings. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2009 for: (1) the Advanced Technology Program; (2) the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE); (3) small business development centers; (4) the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program; and (5) the Women's Business Centers program. Expresses the sense of Congress calling for appropriate funding for the above programs and the Small Business Act's 7(a) loan program. Amends the Small Business Act to include awards for contracts performed outside the United States within the federal government's small business contracting goal.

Farm, Nutrition, and Community Investment Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Farm, Nutrition, and Community Investment Act of 2007 - Establishes the farm and ranch profitability grant program. Extends the market access program. Revises (and extends certain of) the following conservation programs: (1) the environmental quality incentives program; (2) the conservation innovation grant program; (3) the cost share and incentive payment program; (4) state performance incentives; (5) the wildlife habitat incentive program; (6) the conservation reserve program; and (7) the wetlands reserve program. Establishes: (1) the cooperative conservation partnership initiative; (2) the comprehensive conservation planning pilot program; (3) the farmland protection program; (4) the debt for agricultural easements program; (5) the conservation risk management pilot program; (6) the (Delmarva) conservation corridor demonstration program; (7) biomass and biorefinery research and development programs; (8) the climate carbon cycle, renewable energy, and climate change research program; (9) the farm and ranch energy efficiency rebate program; (10) the alternative use for biofuel byproducts research program; and (11) the farmers' market pilot program for the disabled. Authorizes a conservation loan guarantee program. Revises farmland protection policy provisions. Requires an electric utility to provide net metering service to a requesting electric consumer. Extends the: (1) fresh fruit and vegetable program; (2) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) farmers' market nutrition program; (3) senior farmers' market nutrition program; and (4) farmers' market promotion program. Provides for Department of Agriculture and Department of Defense (DOD) procurement of locally produced agricultural products. Revises healthy forests reserve program provisions. Establishes the community forest and open space conservation program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 with respect to: (1) standard deduction increases; (2) combat pay and retirement account exclusions; (3) minimum benefits; (4) countable resource increases; (5) work requirements; (6) program reauthorization; (7) program administration; (8) cash payment pilot projects; (9) block grants for Puerto Rico and American Samoa; (10) legal immigrant eligibility; (11) the emergency food assistance program; (12) the commodity supplemental food program; and (13) community food project competitive grants. Revises (and extends certain of) the following programs under the Federal Crop Insurance Act: (1) the agricultural management assistance program; (2) the adjusted gross revenue insurance pilot program; (3) crop insurance incentives for beginning farmers; and (4) organic crop provisions. Extends the: (1) national dairy market loss payment program; (2) dairy export incentive program; (3) dairy indemnity program; and (4) dairy research program. Sets the FY2008 minimum price for Class 1 milk under a federal marketing order at $15.58 per hundredweight. Revises: (1) federal milk marketing order provisions; and (2) dairy reporting provisions. Establishes a federal dairy education loan forgiveness program. Establishes the: (1) national organic agriculture conversion and stewardship incentives program; and (2) national organic certification cost share program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude gains on the sale of development rights or conservation easements on agricultural land for conservation purposes to qualifying entities. Establishes: (1) a research program to improve specialty crop and livestock survivability; (2) a national clean plant network; and (3) an early pest detection and surveillance improvement program.

Preventing the Endangerment of Children on Recreational Lands by Sexual Violators Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Preventing the Endangerment of Children on Recreational Lands by Sexual Violators Act - Prohibits an individual convicted of a sexual offense involving a minor from serving in the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture. Provides that this Act does not require the separation of any employee or contractor whose service began before enactment of this Act.

Competitive and Fair Agricultural Markets Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2007

Competitive and Fair Agricultural Markets Act of 2007 - Amends the Agricultural Fair Practices Act of 1967 to define specified terms. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Office of Special Counsel for Competition Matters, which shall be headed by a Special Counsel for Competition Matters. States that the Office shall: (1) investigate and prosecute violations of this Act and the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921; (2) serve as a liaison between the Department and the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with respect to competition and trade practices in the food and agricultural sector; and (3) maintain a staff of attorneys and other appropriate professionals. Prohibits unfair or deceptive agricultural commerce acts or practices respecting: (1) crops; (2) producer associations; and (3) agricultural production and marketing contracts. Sets forth agricultural and production contract and enforcement provisions. Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to eliminate the "slaughter" requirement from the definitions of "poultry grower," "poultry growing arrangement," and "live poultry dealer." States that the term "poultry grower" does not include an employee of such grower. Extends: (1) administrative enforcement authority to live poultry dealers; and (2) temporary injunction or restraining order authority to instances of poultry care. Increases the maximum civil penalty for violations by live poultry dealers. States that it shall be an unlawful practice to engage in an unfair or discriminatory practice or device or to control or manipulate prices regardless of whether the practice, device, or course of business causes a competitive injury or otherwise adversely effects competition, and regardless of any alleged business justification.

HEARING TO REVIEW U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE'S RELEASE OF PROGRAM BENEFICIARIES' SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AND THE DEPARTMENT'S INFORMATION SYSTEMS, GENERALLY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 2 May 2007

Human and Pet Food Safety Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Human and Pet Food Safety Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to require a person that has reason to believe that any food introduced into interstate commerce may be in violation of the FFDCA to immediately notify the Secretary of the Health and Human Services of the identity and location of the food. Requires the Secretary, upon a determination that such food is in violation of the FFDCA and that there is a reasonable probability that the food, if consumed, would present a threat to the public health, to give appropriate persons an opportunity to: (1) cease distribution of the food; (2) notify all relevant persons to cease distribution of the food; (3) recall the food; and (4) provide notice to consumers and public health officials. Authorizes the Secretary to control and possess the food and to order the person to immediately cease distribution of the food if the person refuses or does not adequately carry out such actions. Sets forth certification and inspection requirements for foreign governments and foreign firms seeking to import food into the Unites States. Directs the Secretary to take certain action during an ongoing recall of human or pet food, including posting information regarding recalled products on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) processing and ingredient standards for feed, pet food, animal waste, and ingredient definitions; (2) update standards for pet food labeling that includes nutritional information and ingredient information; and (3) an early warning and surveillance system to identify contaminations of the pet food supply and outbreaks of illness from pet food.

National Institute of Food and Agriculture Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

National Institute of Food and Agriculture Act of 2007 - Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which shall be an agency composed of a Director (who shall be an agricultural researcher and scientist) and a Standing Council of Advisors. Authorizes the Director to establish standing committees. Requires the Director to establish: (1) an Office of Advanced Science and Application which shall monitor national needs and advances in research to identify problems for which solutions are realistically achievable through research; (2) an Office of Scientific Assessment and Liaison which shall monitor programs and expenditures; and (3) an Office of Scientific Personnel which shall assess the number of, and need for additional, agricultural scientists in the United States. Directs the Institute to provide grants to support and promote the highest quality of fundamental agricultural research, including grants to fund research proposals submitted by: (1) individual scientists; (2) research centers composed of a single institution or multiple institutions; and (3) other individuals and entities from the private and public sectors, including Department and other federal researchers.

Human and Pet Food Safety Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Human and Pet Food Safety Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to require a person that has reason to believe that any food introduced into interstate commerce may be in violation of the FFDCA to immediately notify the Secretary of the Health and Human Services of the identity and location of the food. Requires the Secretary, upon a determination that such food is in violation of the FFDCA and that there is a reasonable probability that the food, if consumed, would present a threat to the public health, to give appropriate persons an opportunity to: (1) cease distribution of the food; (2) notify all relevant persons to cease distribution of the food; (3) recall the food; and (4) provide notice to consumers and public health officials. Authorizes the Secretary to control and possess the food and to order the person to immediately cease distribution of the food if the person refuses or does not adequately carry out such actions. Sets forth certification and inspection requirements for foreign governments and foreign firms seeking to import food into the Unites States. Directs the Secretary to take certain action during an ongoing recall of human or pet food, including posting information regarding recalled products on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) processing and ingredient standards for feed, pet food, animal waste, and ingredient definitions; (2) update standards for pet food labeling that includes nutritional information and ingredient information; and (3) an early warning and surveillance system to identify contaminations of the pet food supply and outbreaks of illness from pet food.

Health Freedom Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2007

Health Freedom Protection Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to provide that a food or dietary supplement is not a drug solely because the label or labeling contains a claim to cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent disease. Prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from: (1) restricting the reprinting and distribution or sale of any U.S. government publication or any accurate quotations of such a publication, including content concerning nutrients and disease treatment or prevention; or (2) construing the distribution or sale of, or accurate quotation from, such a publication in connection with the sale of a food or dietary supplement as evidence of an intent to sell that food or dietary supplement as a drug. Requires the Secretary to allow claims on food or nutrient labeling that characterize the relationship of a nutrient to the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of a disease (with no more than a three-sentence disclaimer) unless the Secretary proves by clear and convincing evidence that: (1) there is no scientific evidence that supports the claim; and (2) the claim is inherently misleading and incapable of being rendered nonmisleading through the addition of a disclaimer. Authorizes the use of specified health claims on the label of all foods and dietary supplements, including claims related to saw palmetto, omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and calcium. Allows a statement for a dietary supplement to include words that are recognized as signs or symptoms of disease so long as the statement does not include the name of a specific disease. Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to exempt from being regulated as advertising: (1) government publications exempted from reprinting or distribution restrictions under FFDCA; or (2) accurate summaries of scientific publications. Places the burden of proof that an advertisement for a dietary supplement or ingredient is false and misleading on the Federal Trade Commission.

REVIEW OF RURAL BROADBAND PROGRAMS OPERATED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE'S RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 1 May 2007

To require the Secretary of Agriculture to provide cost-share payments in support of on-farm water conservation projects to enhance regional water availability and quality.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2007

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) provide cost-share payments to agricultural producers for water conservation projects on farms involving the construction, improvement, or maintenance of irrigation ponds and the implementation of other measures that improve groundwater and surface water conservation; and (2) administer such payments as part of the environmental quality incentives program. Bases project priority on: (1) irrigation cost effectiveness (in cases of comparable project purposes); and (2) control of surface water runoff.

Hass Avocado Quality Assurance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Hass Avocado Quality Assurance Act of 2007 - Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for mandatory minimum maturity standards for all domestic and imported Hass avocados sold to consumers in California. Provides exceptions for commercial processing and charitable and relief uses. Sets forth penalty provisions.

A bill to amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act and Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to establish a biofuel pilot program to offer crop insurance to producers of experimental biofuel crops and a program to make loans and loan guarantees to producers of experimental biofuel crops.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to establish a crop insurance pilot program for experimental biofuel crops (nonpetroleum fuel source or nonpetroleum lubricant use). Amends the Farm Security and Reinvestment Act to: (1) direct the Secretary of Agriculture to provide loans and loan guarantees to producers of experimental biofuel crops; and (2) authorize the Secretary to make grants to research facilities and institutions of higher education for studies of such crops as animal feed and research on harvesting and planting techniques for such crops.

Hass Avocado Quality Assurance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Hass Avocado Quality Assurance Act of 2007 - Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for mandatory minimum maturity standards for all domestic and imported Hass avocados sold to consumers in California. Provides exceptions for commercial processing and charitable and relief uses. Sets forth penalty provisions.

To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal a rebuttable presumption that the use of a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 would apply with respect to actions by the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to certain activities for the purpose of exploration or development of oil or gas.

United States · United States Congress · 26 April 2007

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to repeal the rebuttable presumption that the use of a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 would apply to actions by either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture in managing public lands with respect to specified activities if such activities are conducted pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act.

Biogas Production Incentive Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007

Biogas Production Incentive Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business tax credit for the production and sale of biogas. Defines "biogas" as a gas that is derived by processing qualified energy feedstock (i.e., manure of agricultural livestock and other waste material) in an anaerobic digester and which contains at least 60% methane and carbon dioxide and trace gases. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) use Commodity Credit Corporation funds for making countercyclical payments to qualified biogas producers for biogas production facilities placed in service before December 31, 2013; and (2) make loans, loan guarantees, and grants to providers of qualified energy feedstock for collecting and transporting such feedstock to a biogas facility or for the purchase or construction of equipment of facilities for such collection and transportation activities.

To amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1992 to require States to meet certain goals for the use of renewable fuels, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2007

Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1992 to require each state and the District of Columba to prescribe rules and regulations to ensure that according to a specified goal schedule gasoline sales will, on an average annual basis, contain certain percentages of renewable fuel. Cites the following sanctions for non-compliance with such schedule: (1) no permit may be issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the construction or operation of any nuclear power plant; (2) no license may be issued for the construction or operation of any hydroelectric facility; and (3) neither the Secretary of Energy, nor the Secretary of Agriculture under the Rural Utilities Program, may make any grant or loan to that state or to any of its political subdivisions, or to any entity located within it.

Clean Power Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2007

Clean Power Act of 2007 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) promulgate regulations to achieve specified reductions in emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, global warming pollutants, and mercury from certain electric generation facilities; and (2) establish an emission allowance tracking and transfer system for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide. Requires facilities to achieve specified emission standards should emission limitation regulations not be promulgated. Directs the Administrator to study the impact of emission allowance trading. Limits the trading of allowances with facilities other than electricity generating facilities to certain carbon dioxide emission control programs. Sets forth an allocation scheme for emission allowances. Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish and annually review emission limitations for mercury; and (2) promulgate regulations preventing captured or recovered emissions from being re-released into the environment. Requires the Administrator to: (1) request information from owners/operators of coal-fired electric generation facilities about hazardous air pollutants other than mercury; and (2) propose and promulgate emission standards for such pollutants by January 1, 2009. Directs the Administrator to require units designed to provide electricity at a unit capacity factor of at least 60% that begin operation after December 31, 2011, to meet a global warming pollution emission standard that is not higher than the emission rate of a new combined cycle natural gas generating unit. Requires a covered generator to provide a minimum percentage of the base quantity of electricity it produces for sale for a year from low-carbon generation. Directs the Administrator to establish: (1) a low-carbon generation trading program; and (2) a competitive grant program for projects to geologically dispose of carbon dioxide. Requires: (1) each retail electricity supplier to implement programs to achieve improvements in energy efficiency and peak load reduction; and (2) the Administrator to establish targets to reduce peak demand and electricity use. Requires the Administrator to define the types and sources of renewable energy generation that may be carried out under this Act, which shall include all types of renewable energy other than energy generated from municipal solid waste, wood contaminated with plastics or metals, or tires. Sets forth the minimum quantity of electricity that shall be generated by renewable energy sources. Requires the Administrator to establish a renewable energy credit program. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for accrediting certified reductions in the emission of carbon dioxide through biological sequestration activities. Makes noncompliance with requirements or regulations under this Act unlawful. Authorizes the President to temporarily adjust, suspend, or waive any such regulation to minimize the effects of a national security emergency. Modifies reporting requirements for the acid precipitation research program.

Farming Flexibility Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2007

Farming Flexibility Act of 2007 - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, with respect to direct and counter-cyclical payments, to: (1) permit a producer to reduce a covered commodity base acreage by electing to plant such acres with fruits or vegetables for processing; (2) require such election to be made annually; and (3) provide that if a farm's base acreage is recalculated, such fruit or vegetable production shall be considered the same as the planning, prevented planting, or production of the covered commodity.

Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 April 2007

Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act - Designates the following lands in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System (System): (1) Greater Glacier/Northern Continental Divide ecosystem; (2) Greater Yellowstone ecosystem; (3) Greater Salmon/Selway ecosystem; (4) Greater Cabinet/Yaak/Selkirk ecosystem; (5) Greater Hells Canyon ecosystem; (6) Islands in the Sky Wilderness; and (7) Blackfeet Wilderness. Designates: (1) specified wild land areas as Biological Connecting Corridors to protect the life flow of the Northern Rockies Bioregion; (2) the inventoried roadless areas identified as part of the Corridors as wilderness and components of the System; and (3) certain biological connecting corridors as special corridor management areas. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate segments of specified rivers and creeks in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Establishes the National Wildland Restoration and Recovery System and the National Wildland Recovery Corps. Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to assure nonexclusive access to the specified areas and corridors designated by this Act by Native Americans for traditional cultural and religious purposes.

Hunger-Free Communities Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2007

Hunger-Free Communities Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture conduct a study of hunger in the United States and develop recommendations on reducing domestic hunger. Directs the Secretary to make: (1) hunger-free communities collaborative grants to eligible public food program service providers or nonprofit organizations; (2) hunger-free communities infrastructure grants to eligible emergency feeding organizations; and (3) hunger-free communities training and technical assistance grants to eligible national or regional nonprofit organizations. (States that such grants' federal share shall not exceed 80%.) Sets forth grant priorities.

Specialty Crops Competition Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2007

Specialty Crops Competition Act of 2007 - Defines "specialty crop" as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, nursery crops, floriculture, and horticulture. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act to provide for marketing order specialty crop food safety programs. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) carry out fruit and vegetable market news activities; (2) make grants to states to enhance specialty crop competitiveness; (3) prepare a foreign market access strategy plan; (4) establish in the Department of Agriculture an office for the protection of intellectual property rights in plants and plant-derived materials; (5) make grants for market analysis of antidumping and countervailing duty cases; (6) establish a program of specialty crop research and grants; (7) establish an invasive pest threat identification and mitigation program; (8) establish the national clean plant network to provide diagnostic and pathogen elimination services; (9) establish the nutrition education program review committee; (10) carry out an integrated pest management initiative; and (11) carry out a specialty crop census every five years. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to obligate funds for specialty crop operating loans. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to: (1) increase and extend specialty crop technical assistance; (2) make nursery tree growers eligible for tree program assistance; (3) provide for increased fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop purchases; and (4) remove the income limitation from the environmental quality incentives program. Amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 to increase and extend funding for value-added agricultural market development grants. Revises specified plant patent provisions. Amends the Plant Protection Act to revise compensation provisions. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to restore import and entry agricultural inspection functions to the Department of Agriculture. Establishes the international agricultural inspection program within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Amends the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 to direct the Secretary to provide emergency assistance to specialty crop producers who suffer qualifying losses in disaster-designated counties. Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to expand the fresh fruit and vegetable program. Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to include food stamp nutrition education (as defined by this Act) within the scope of the food stamp program. Establishes a food stamp fruit and vegetable electronic benefit transfer pilot program. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) make transportation infrastructure grants to eligible state and local governments, shippers, and specialty crop producers; and (2) carry out food safety initiatives. Establishes in the Department an Office of Pest Management Policy. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to provide loans and grants for housing farm laborers admitted for temporary residence (H-2A visas).

Haley's Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2007

Haley's Act - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to: (1) define the term "big cat" to mean any live species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar or any hybrid of such species; (2) allow the Secretary of Agriculture to deny or revoke licenses to animal dealers and exhibitors based on recommendations from state or local officials with jurisdiction over captive wildlife; (3) require the Secretary to include in standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals by dealers, research facilities, and exhibitors a minimum requirement to provide for public safety; (4) increase civil and criminal penalties for violations of such Act; (5) prohibit a licensed exhibitor or dealer from allowing direct contact between a big cat and a member of the public, with an exception for zoos; and (6) prohibit the Secretary from granting a license to a dealer or exhibitor of a big cat until the Secretary has issued regulations to implement this Act.

Hunger-Free Communities Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 19 April 2007

Hunger-Free Communities Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture conduct a study of hunger in the United States and develop recommendations on reducing domestic hunger. Directs the Secretary to make: (1) hunger-free communities collaborative grants to eligible public food program service providers or nonprofit organizations; (2) hunger-free communities infrastructure grants to eligible emergency feeding organizations; and (3) hunger-free communities training and technical assistance grants to eligible national or regional nonprofit organizations. (States that such grants' federal share shall not exceed 80%.) Sets forth grant priorities.

Wildland Fire Safety and Transparency Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2007

Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Directors of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, (the Secretaries) to jointly submit annual reports to Congress on the wildland firefighter safety practices of the Secretaries, including training programs and activities for wildland fire suppression, prescribed burning, and wildland fire use.

Biogas Production Incentive Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2007

Biogas Production Incentive Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business tax credit for the production and sale of biogas. Defines "biogas" as a gas that is derived by processing qualified energy feedstock (i.e., manure of agricultural livestock and other waste material) in an anaerobic digester and which contains at least 60% methane and carbon dioxide and trace gases. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) use Commodity Credit Corporation funds for making countercyclical payments to qualified biogas producers for biogas production facilities placed in service before December 31, 2013; and (2) make loans, loan guarantees, and grants to providers of qualified energy feedstock for collecting and transporting such feedstock to a biogas facility or for the purchase or construction of equipment of facilities for such collection and transportation activities.