Agriculture

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011

United States · United States Senate · 5 March 2010

Rural Access to Credit Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2010

Rural Access to Credit Act of 2010 - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to use commercial lending standards in determining equity requirements for rural entity direct or guaranteed loans. Directs the Secretary, through December 31, 2011, to guarantee up to 90% of high priority business and industry loans up to $10 million. Authorizes the Secretary, beginning on January 1, 2012, to guarantee up to 80% or 90% of high priority business and industry loans up to $10 million. Directs the Secretary to guarantee related line-of-credit loans. Authorizes business and industry loans to be used for refinancing. Waives audit requirements for business and industry loans under $1 million. Authorizes audit waiver for loans of at least $1 million. Directs the Secretary to use the Small Business Administration (SBA) calculation method in calculating the delinquency rate for business and industry loans. Expresses the sense of Congress that in allocating discretionary funds the Secretary should give priority to the rural microentrepreneur assistance program.

Small Business Jobs and Tax Relief Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2010

Small Business Jobs and Tax Relief Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2011 bonus depreciation for certain depreciable business property; (2) extend through 2010 the election to accelerate the alternative minimum tax (AMT) and research tax credits in lieu of bonus depreciation; (3) increase in 2010, 2011, and 2012, the tax deduction for business start-up expenditures; (4) remove restrictions on the tax deduction for employee use of cellular telephones; (5) revise the definition of "qualified nonrecourse financing" to include qualified nonrecourse real property or Small Business Investment Company financing as amounts at risk for purposes of determining the deductibility of losses from certain investment activities, including farming, leasing, and energy exploration; and (6) allow a 100% exclusion from gross income in 2010 of gain from the sale of qualified small business stock.

Florida National Forest Land Adjustment Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010

Florida National Forest Land Adjustment Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to release, convey, and quitclaim to the state of Florida, without monetary consideration, all interest of the United States in and to those lands within or adjacent to the Blackwater River and Withlacoochee State Forests that were conveyed to the state under the authority of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act or under any other law authorizing conveyance subject to restrictions or reversionary interests retained by the United States. Requires the state to cover or reimburse the Secretary for reasonable costs incurred to make the conveyances. Bars the Secretary from seeking reimbursement for administrative overhead costs. Requires the state to agree: (1) that all net proceeds from any sale, exchange, or other disposition of the real property subject to deed restrictions be used by the state for the acquisition of lands or interests within or adjacent to units of Florida's forest and park systems; (2) to address and resolve boundary encroachments for the affected state forests; and (3) to indemnify and hold the United States harmless with regard to any boundary disputes related to any released parcel. Provides for an interchange of certain state lands and National Forest System lands in the Ocala and Apalachicola National Forests in Florida. Authorizes the Secretary to convey by sale or exchange tract W-1979 within Leon County, Florida.

A resolution commending the members of the 45th Agri-Business Development Team of the Oklahoma National Guard, for their efforts to modernize agriculture and sustainable farming practices in Afghanistan and their dedication and service to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010

Commends the members of the 45th Agri-Business Development Team of the Oklahoma National Guard for their efforts to modernize agriculture and sustainable farming practices in Afghanistan and their dedication and service to the United States.

Meat Contamination Prevention Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010

Meat Contamination Prevention Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to permit an entity that purchases carcasses, carcass parts, meat, or meat food products that have been inspected and found to be unadulterated to perform or cause to be performed at the entity's expense a further examination to ensure that the products remain unadulterated. Prohibits a person, firm, or corporation from preventing (by contract or any other means) such further examination. Subjects a violator of such prohibition to imprisonment and/or fine. Makes similar amendments to the Poultry Products Inspection Act.

Energy Education Loan Forgiveness Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2010

Energy Education Loan Forgiveness Act of 2010 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to provide student loan forgiveness under the Federal Family Education Loan, Direct Loan, and Perkins Loans programs to individuals who have been employed for at least one year after this Act's enactment as full-time skilled energy workers in advanced energy industries. Limits the maximum amount of such loan forgiveness to $2,000 after the first year of a skilled energy worker's employment, with incremental increases after each of the following four years, reaching $5,000 of the loan obligation of the borrower outstanding after the completion of the fifth year. Includes as advanced energy industries those involved in: (1) alternative energy; (2) nuclear energy; (3) energy efficient construction, retrofitting, and design; (4) sustainable energy technologies; (5) water and energy conservation; (6) recycling and waste reduction; (7) advanced agriculture; (8) carbon sequestration and storage; (9) natural gas drilling; and (10) clean coal production.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011

United States · United States Senate · 2 March 2010

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011

United States · United States Senate · 2 March 2010

Increased Program Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010

Increased Program Access Act - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to reimburse summer food service programs for children in service institutions and food programs for children in afterschool care for free meals or snacks served to children in areas where at least 40% (currently, 50%) of the children meet the income eligibility criteria for free or reduced price meals under the school lunch and breakfast programs. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to award competitive grants to service institutions to increase participation at congregate feeding sites in summer food service programs for children through innovative approaches to limited transportation in underserved areas.

Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2010

Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act - Declares that it is U.S. policy that the raising of livestock for food production shall be consistent with the basic principles of animal welfare. Prohibits a federal agency from purchasing any food product derived from a pig during pregnancy, a calf raised for veal, or an egg-laying hen used or intended for use in food production (covered animal) unless that animal, during the entire period covered by that definition, was provided adequate space to stand up, lie down, turn around freely, and fully extend all limbs. Exempts a covered animal: (1) during lawful transport; (2) during the slaughter of the animal in compliance with the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1958 and other applicable law and regulations; (3) in lawful rodeo exhibitions, state or county fair exhibitions, or other similar exhibitions; (4) in lawful scientific or agricultural research; (5) while undergoing an examination, test, treatment, or operation for individualized veterinary purposes to improve the animal's well-being; or (6) in the case of a pig during pregnancy, during the seven-day period immediately before the date the pig is expected to give birth. Provides that nothing in this Act shall modify, limit, or repeal any law or preempt any state or local law.

A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to Miami-Dade County certain federally owned land in Florida, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2010

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to Miami-Dade County, Florida, federally owned land comprising the Subtropical Horticulture Research Station in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

Farm to School Improvements Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2010

Farm to School Improvements Act of 2010 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to provide competitive matching grants to schools, nonprofit organizations, and other able entities for farm to school programs that improve the access of school lunch and breakfast program participants to local foods. Provides that each grant may include an implementation grant, training and technical assistance grant, and planning grant. Requires farm to school programs to be designed to: (1) improve the nutritional health and well being of children; (2) procure healthy local foods from small and medium-sized farms; (3) support experiential nutrition education by involving school children in farm and garden-based agricultural education activities; (4) commit public and private community stakeholders to the sustained success of such programs; and (5) increase farmers' income by facilitating their access to institutional markets. Directs the Secretary to provide grant recipients with technical assistance that includes sharing information, best practices, research, and data on existing farm to school programs.

A bill to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to provide children from rural areas with better access to meals served through the summer food service program for children and certain child care programs.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010

Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to reimburse summer food service programs for children in service institutions and food programs for children in afterschool care for free meals or snacks served to children in areas where at least 40% (currently, 50%) of the children meet the income eligibility criteria for free or reduced price meals under the school lunch and breakfast programs. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to award competitive grants to service institutions to increase participation at congregate feeding sites in summer food service programs for children through innovative approaches to limited rural transportation.

Commending the members of the 45th Agri-Business Development Team of the Oklahoma National Guard, for their efforts to modernize agriculture and sustainable farming practices in Afghanistan and their dedication and service to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2010

Commends the members of the 45th Agri-Business Development Team of the Oklahoma National Guard for their efforts to modernize agriculture and sustainable farming practices in Afghanistan and their dedication and service to the United States.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2011

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 February 2010

Foreign Manufacturers Legal Accountability Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2010

Foreign Manufacturers Legal Accountability Act of 2010 - Directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (with respect to drugs, devices, cosmetics, and biological products), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) (with respect to consumer products), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (with respect to chemical substances, new chemical substances, and pesticides) to require foreign manufacturers and producers of such products (or components used to manufacture them), in excess of a minimum value or quantity, to establish a registered agent in the United States who is authorized to accept service of process on their behalf for the purpose of all civil and regulatory actions in state and federal courts. Requires the registered agent to be located in a state with a substantial connection to the importation, distribution, or sale of the products. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish, maintain, and make available to the public a registry of such agents. Deems a foreign manufacturer or producer of products covered under this Act that registers an agent to consent to the personal jurisdiction of the state or federal courts of the state in which the agent is located for the purpose of any civil or regulatory proceeding. Prohibits importation into the United States of a covered product (or component part that will be used in the United States to manufacture a covered product) if the product (or component part) or any part of the product (or component part) was manufactured or produced outside the United States by a manufacturer or producer who does not have a registered agent whose authority is in effect on the date of the importation. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to jointly study the feasibility and advisability of requiring foreign producers of food distributed in commerce to establish a registered agent in the United States who is authorized to accept service of process on behalf of such producers for the purpose of all civil and regulatory actions in state and federal courts.

Scrap the MAP Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2010

Scrap the MAP Act - Amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to repeal the Market Access Program (MAP) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA). (MAP is a program that uses funds from the USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation [CCC] to aid in the creation, expansion, and maintenance of foreign markets for U.S. agricultural products.)

Benton MacKaye Cherokee National Forest Land Consolidation Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2010

Benton MacKaye Cherokee National Forest Land Consolidation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) convey to the Towee Falls Baptist Church a parcel of National Forest System land in Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee, which surrounds the Church; and (2) acquire from the Monroe County Tennessee Board of Education a parcel of land in Monroe County, Tennessee, known as the Doc Rogers tract. Requires Towee Fall Baptist Church to pay an amount that is equal to the fair market value of such parcel, as determined by an appraisal satisfactory to the parties.

Healthy Start Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 2010

Healthy Start Act - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to deliver commodity assistance to states for their school breakfast programs. (Currently, commodity assistance is delivered to states for their school lunch programs.) Sets forth the formula for determining the amount of such assistance to be provided to each state for its school breakfast program.

Dietary Supplement Safety Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2010

Dietary Supplement Safety Act of 2010 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to deem a dietary supplement that is manufactured, packaged, held, distributed, labeled, or licensed by a dietary supplement facility that is not registered with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to be adulterated. Requires annual registration of dietary supplement facilities. Revises provisions that deem a dietary supplement to be adulterated to remove a provision that would allow dietary supplements that contained only dietary ingredients which have been present in the food supply as an article used for food in a form in which the food has not been chemically altered. Requires any person submitting information to the Secretary on the safety of dietary ingredients to create and maintain a scientifically reasonable substantiation file relating to the claim that the dietary ingredient or dietary supplement will reasonably be expected to be safe. Requires a dietary supplement facility or retailer to obtain adequate written evidence from the previous responsible entity in the chain of commerce that registration and safety requirements have been met. Sets forth civil penalties for FFDCA violations related to dietary supplements. Allows fines of not more than twice the gross profits or other proceeds derived from such dietary supplement. Requires reports to the Secretary on all non-serious adverse events associated with dietary supplements when used in the United States. Sets forth the Secretary's authority to order an immediate cease of distribution and to order a recall, after a hearing, of a dietary supplement.

Healthy Food for Healthy Schools Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2010

Healthy Food for Healthy Schools Act of 2010 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) provide states, school food authorities, local educational agencies, and local processing entities with model product specifications and practices for foods offered in the school lunch and breakfast programs so that such foods reflect the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans; (2) analyze, and report to Congress on, the quantity and quality of nutritional information available to school food authorities about food service products and commodities; and (3) purchase, to the maximum extent possible, the widest variety of healthful foods for the school lunch and breakfast programs that reflect the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Commending the members of the Agri-business Development Teams of the National Guard and the National Guard Bureau for their efforts, together with personnel of the Department of Agriculture and the United States Agency for International Development, to modernize agriculture practices and increase food production in war-torn countries.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2010

Commends the personnel of the Agri-business Development Teams of the National Guard, the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for their efforts to modernize agriculture practices and increase food production in war-torn countries.

School Meal Safety and Standards Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2010

School Meal Safety and Standards Act - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) develop guidelines for determining when it is appropriate to institute an administrative hold on suspect food and commodities being used in school meal programs; (2) work with states to increase the timeliness and completeness of their notifications to schools and school food authorities of food and commodity holds and recalls; (3) improve the timeliness and completeness of direct notifications to states, schools, and school food authorities about holds and recalls; (4) establish a timeframe for improving commodity hold and recall procedures so that they address the role of processors and distributors and facilitate the provision of more timely and complete information to states, schools, and school food authorities; (5) revise procedures to provide states with more specific instructions for schools and school food authorities about how to dispose of recalled foods and commodities and obtain timely reimbursement; (6) institute a systematic quality check procedure to ensure that holds and recalls on foods and commodities used by schools are carried out effectively; (7) study existing commercial practices and standards regarding food quality, safety, and testing; and (8) implement regulations that require the Department of Agriculture to meet or exceed, with respect to the school meal programs, commercial practices and standards. Directs the Secretary, within one year of this Act's enactment, to revise the procedures of the Food Safety and Inspection Service to ensure that schools are included in recall effectiveness checks.

First Look for Primary Residence Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2010

First Look for Primary Residence Act of 2010 - Requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (covered entities) to make certain single-family housing properties they own available for purchase, for a period of at least 15 days, only by a preferred purchaser. Defines preferred purchaser as: (1) an individual or family who indicates that upon purchase it will occupy the property as the principal residence for at least 90 days; or (2) a state or local governmental agency or other entity that purchases the property using funds made available through one or more specified housing programs. Prohibits the covered entities, during such period, from soliciting, receiving, considering, negotiating, or accepting any offer to purchase any such property except from a preferred purchaser. Requires the covered entities to notify real estate brokers and other interested parties in writing of such purchase availability.

To amend the Clean Air Act relating to greenhouse gases, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2010

Amends the Clean Air Act to exclude from the definition of "air pollutant" any of the following solely on the basis of its effect on global climate change: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride. Prohibits the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing activities relating to the inclusion of international indirect land use change in the implementation of the renewable fuel program. Excludes indirect emissions from international land use changes from the definition of lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Requires the Administrator and the Secretary of Agriculture (currently, the Administrator) to determine the aggregate quantity of GHG emissions in liefecycyle GHG emissions related to the full fuel lifecycle. Amends the Clean Air Act to redefine "renewable biomass" as: (1) materials, pre-commercial thinnings, or invasive species from certain National Forest System land and public lands that are byproducts of preventive treatments that are removed to reduce hazardous fuels, reduce or contain disease or insect infestation, or restore ecosystem health, that would not otherwise be used for higher-value products, and that are harvested in accordance with specified requirements for old-growth forests and large tree retention; or (2) any organic matter that is available on a renewable or recurring basis from nonfederal land or land belonging to an Indian or Indian tribe that is held in trust by the United States or subject to a restriction against alienation imposed by the United States, including specified renewable plant material and waste material.

Idaho Wilderness Water Facilities Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2010

Idaho Wilderness Water Facilities Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue a special use authorization to each of the 20 owners of a water storage, transport, or diversion facility located on National Forest System land in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in Idaho for continued operation, maintenance, and reconstruction of such facility if it is determined that: (1) the facility was in existence on the date on which the land upon which it is located was designated as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System; (2) the facility has been in continuous use to deliver water for beneficial use on the owner's non-federal land since the date of designation; (3) the owner holds a valid water right for use of the water on such land under Idaho state law, with a priority date that predates such date; and (4) it is not practicable or feasible to relocate the facility to land outside of the wilderness and continue the beneficial use of water on the non-federal land. Authorizes the Secretary, in a special use authorization under this Act, to: (1) allow the use of motorized equipment and mechanized transport for operation, maintenance, or reconstruction of a facility, if it is determined that the use is necessary to continue delivery of water to the non-federal land for beneficial uses and, after conducting a minimum tool analysis for a facility, that the use of nonmotorized equipment and nonmechanized transport is impracticable or infeasible; and (2) preclude use of the facility for the storage, diversion, or transport of water in excess of the water right. Authorizes the Secretary, in such an authorization, to: (1) require or allow modification or relocation of a facility in the wilderness, as determined necessary, to reduce impacts to wilderness values if the beneficial use of water on the non-federal land is not diminished; and (2) require that the owner provide a reciprocal right of access across the non-federal property, in which case the owner shall receive market value for any right-of-way or other interest in real property conveyed to the United States. Permits the market value to be paid by the Secretary, in whole or in part, by the grant of a reciprocal right-of-way or by reduction of fees or other costs that may accrue to the owner in obtaining an authorization for water facilities.

Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2010

Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2010 - 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) a comprehensive rural broadband strategy report to the President and to Congress; and (2) a plan for a Rural Broadband Advisory Panel to Congress. Establishes in the Treasury the National Rural Broadband Innovation Fund.

Elisabeth Ann Hagen, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food Safety, vice Richard A. Raymond, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 26 January 2010

National Wildfire Infrastructure Improvement and Cost Containment Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2010

National Wildfire Infrastructure Improvement and Cost Containment Act - Amends federal civil service law to raise the age for mandatory separation of a wildland firefighter from 57 to 65 years of age, or until her or she is certified by a licensed physician as being unable to successfully complete all applicable physical standards testing. Prohibits the use of funds appropriated to a federal department or agency to contract for the performance of firefighting or security guard functions that are performed, as of this Act's enactment, by a federal employee of any such department or agency. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), in cooperation with the federal land management agencies, to commence development of a separate wildland firefighter occupational series that will more accurately reflect the variety of duties performed by wildland firefighters. Requires a wildland firefighter's hours of work officially ordered or approved in excess of 40 hours per week or 8 hours per day to be considered overtime work. Makes time the firefighter is away from his or her official duty station assigned to an emergency incident, in support of an emergency incident, or pre-positioned for emergency response, compensable as work time. Includes hazardous duty differentials as basic pay for retirement purposes. Prohibits OPM from excluding wildland firefighters from government employees' life insurance coverage. Permits, under specified circumstances: (1) the continuation of health benefits for a wildland firefighter between wildfire seasons; and (2) anyone subject to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) as a firefighter to have any qualifying firefighter service treated as creditable service, regarding service performed between 1989 and this Act's enactment. Provides for investigations of firefighter fatalities by the Inspectors General of the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior. Repeals a requirement for an independent investigation of Forest Service firefighter deaths caused by wildfire entrapment or burnover.

Imported Seafood Safety Standards Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2010

Imported Seafood Safety Standards Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the importation of any seafood from a foreign country unless the country complies with U.S. standards for seafood manufacturing, processing, and holding. Requires an annual inspection of each foreign facility that exports seafood to the United States to ensure compliance with such standards. Requires periodic follow-up inspections of such foreign facilities as determined necessary by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Requires the Secretary to inspect and test: (1) not less than 20% of all imported seafood each year; and (2) the first 15 shipments of seafood imported or offered for import into the United States from an exporter. Sets forth inspection and test requirements that apply with respect to exporters that fail to meet inspection or test requirements. Directs the Secretary to: (1) refuse entry of all seafood shipments from a country that repeatedly fails to meet inspection or testing requirements; and (2) establish exporter fees as necessary. Requires the detention or destruction of imported seafood that fails to meet safety standards unless the shipment meets criteria for re-export. Allows importation of seafood at only those U.S. ports of entry that have the personnel trained to conduct the applicable testing and inspections. Prohibits: (1) making a knowingly false statement with respect to a test or inspection under this Act; or (2) knowingly misbranding any seafood imported under this Act. Establishes a civil penalty for violations. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program under which a state may conduct inspection, testing, and certification of U.S. seafood imports.

Idaho Wilderness Water Facilities Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2010

Idaho Wilderness Water Facilities Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to issue a special use authorization to each of the 20 owners of a water storage, transport, or diversion facility located on National Forest System land in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in Idaho for continued operation, maintenance, and reconstruction of such facility if it is determined that: (1) the facility was in existence on the date on which the land upon which it is located was designated as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System; (2) the facility has been in continuous use to deliver water for beneficial use on the owner's non-federal land since the date of designation; (3) the owner holds a valid water right for use of the water on such land under Idaho state law, with a priority date that predates such date; and (4) it is not practicable or feasible to relocate the facility to land outside of the wilderness and continue the beneficial use of water on the non-federal land. Authorizes the Secretary, in a special use authorization under this Act, to: (1) allow the use of motorized equipment and mechanized transport for operation, maintenance, or reconstruction of a facility, if it is determined that the use is necessary to continue delivery of water to the non-federal land for beneficial uses and, after conducting a minimum tool analysis for a facility, that the use of nonmotorized equipment and nonmechanized transport is impracticable or infeasible; and (2) preclude use of the facility for the storage, diversion, or transport of water in excess of the water right. Authorizes the Secretary, in such an authorization, to: (1) require or allow modification or relocation of a facility in the wilderness, as determined necessary, to reduce impacts to wilderness values if the beneficial use of water on the non-federal land is not diminished; and (2) require that the owner provide a reciprocal right of access across the non-federal property, in which case the owner shall receive market value for any right-of-way or other interest in real property conveyed to the United States. Permits the market value to be paid by the Secretary, in whole or in part, by the grant of a reciprocal right-of-way or by reduction of fees or other costs that may accrue to the owner in obtaining an authorization for water facilities.

Supporting the designation of the facility under development by the Stanislaus County Ag Center Foundation, in Stanislaus County, California, as the National Ag Science Center.

United States · United States Congress · 20 January 2010

Supports the designation of the facility under development by the Stanislaus County Ag Center Foundation, in Stanislaus County, California, as the "National Ag Science Center."

SNAP Education and Outreach Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2010

SNAP Education and Outreach Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants to eligible entities for outreach and enrollment efforts to increase supplemental nutrition assistance program participation. Obligates 10% of such amounts for a national enrollment campaign.

Livestock Farmer Risk Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2010

Livestock Farmer Risk Reduction Act - Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to: (1) increase expenditure limits under pilot programs evaluating the effectiveness of risk management tools for livestock producers; (2) include livestock insurance within the scope of the partnerships for risk management education program; and (3) increase education and information program funding levels.