Agriculture

SNAP Transparency Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2013

SNAP Transparency Act of 2013 - Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to: (1) establish a uniform reporting system to enable retail stores participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly the food stamp program) to collect and provide the Secretary with detailed information on SNAP-purchased food items, and (2) publish such information on the Internet.

Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2013

Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2013 - Amends the Egg Products Inspection Act to revise provisions concerning housing and treatment of egg-laying hens and enforcement of such requirements. Sets forth separate caging device and environmental and housing conversion provisions for California. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to delegate to the California Department of Food and Agriculture certain enforcement authority with respect to eggs produced, shipped, handled, transported, or received in California prior to the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

Dairy Freedom Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2013

Dairy Freedom Act - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a dairy producer margin insurance program to protect dairy producer income by paying participating dairy producers margin insurance payments when actual dairy producer margins are less than such payments' threshold levels. Makes the program available to all U.S. dairy producers. Sets forth program provisions. Repeals: (1) the dairy product price support program, (2) the milk income loss contract program, and (3) the dairy export incentive program.

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2013

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2013 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend: (1) the conservation reserve and related programs, and (2) assistance to disadvantaged or beginning farmers or ranchers for access to the environmental quality incentives and the conservation stewardship programs. Permits conservation reserve contract modification to facilitate transfers from retiring owners to limited resource farmers or ranchers. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to: (1) reduce the number of operating years required for a beginning farmer or rancher to qualify for a direct real estate loan; (2) extend conservation loan and loan guarantee authority, and reserve specified amounts for beginning farmers and ranchers; (3) extend the beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program; (4) authorize micro loans for beginning farmers or ranchers; and (5) make the direct operating loan set-aside for beginning farmers and ranchers permanent. Amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 to extend the value-added agricultural product market development grant program. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend the beginning farmer and rancher development program. Provides assistance for agricultural rehabilitation and vocational training for veterans. Amends the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to extend the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. Provides priority assistance for new farming opportunities, including young, beginning, socially disadvantaged, and immigrant issues, as well as farm entry, transition, and transfer issues. Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to provide for risk management programs targeted at beginning, socially disadvantaged, transitioning, or legal immigrant farmers and ranchers. Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish in the Department of Agriculture (USDA) the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that specialty crops are a vital part of agriculture in the United States, that the Committee on Agriculture should propose funding for programs that support specialty crops priorities, and that legislation should be passed that includes funding reflecting specialty crops as a growing and important part of United States agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2013

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) specialty crops are a vital part of U.S. agriculture, (2) the Committee on Agriculture should propose funding for programs that support specialty crop priorities, and (3) legislation should be passed that includes funding reflecting specialty crops as a growing and important part of U.S. agriculture.

Prairie Protection Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2013

Prairie Protection Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to reduce crop insurance assistance and noninsured crop disaster assistance for crops grown on native sod acreage converted to cropland for the first four years.

Local School Foods Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 24 April 2013

Local School Foods Act of 2013 - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a pilot program under which the Secretary will give up to five participating states the option of receiving a grant in an amount equal to the value of the USDA-provided commodities that the participating state would otherwise receive for each of FY2014-FY2018. States that a grant shall be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to schools and service institutions that participate in the food service programs under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.

Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2013

Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Act - Amends the Agricultural Risk Protection Act regarding the value-added agricultural product market development grants program to: (1) include farmers and ranchers who are veterans among priority recipients, and (2) authorize program appropriations through FY2017. Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 regarding the outreach and assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers program to: (1) include farmers and ranchers who are veterans, and (2) extend mandatory funding and authorization of appropriations through FY2017. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 regarding the beginning farmer and rancher development program to: (1) provide set-asides for beginning farmers and ranchers who are veterans, and (2) extend mandatory funding and authorization of appropriations through FY2017. Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the position of Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison to: (1) provide returning veterans with information about beginning farmer training and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs; (2) provide veterans with information concerning the availability of, and eligibility requirements for, agricultural programs; and (3) advocate on behalf of veterans with USDA. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 regarding the conservation reserve transition incentive program to: (1) include farmers and ranchers who are veterans, and (2) authorize appropriations through FY2017. Makes farmers and ranchers who are veterans eligible for increased payments under the environmental quality incentives program. Gives priority to beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers who are veterans for assistance set-asides under the environmental quality incentives program and the conservation stewardship program.

Ranch A Consolidation and Management Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2013

Ranch A Consolidation and Management Improvement Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), through the Forest Service, to convey to Wyoming, without consideration and by quitclaim deed, all interest of the United States in approximately 10 acres of National Forest System land located in the Black Hills National Forest in Crook County, Wyoming.

Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2013

Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Act - Designates specified land in Carson National Forest in New Mexico, which shall be known as the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness, as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Releases any federal land within the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Study Area administered by the Forest Service that is not designated as wilderness by this Act from further review for designation as wilderness. Modifies the boundary of the Wheeler Peak Wilderness in New Mexico as specified on the map entitled "Columbine-Hondo, Wheeler Peak Wilderness." Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to convey to the town of Red River in New Mexico, one or more parcels of federal land in Taos County, New Mexico, identified as Parcels, 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the map entitled "Town of Red River Town Site Act Proposal" (the Red River Conveyance Map). Directs the Secretary to convey to the village of Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico the National Forest System land identified as parcel 1 on the map entitled "Village of Taos Ski Valley Town Site Act Proposal." Authorizes the conveyance of certain National Forest System land in New Mexico involving Parcels 5 and 6 as identified on the Red River Conveyance Map.

Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2013

Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Act - Designates specified land in Carson National Forest in New Mexico, which shall be known as the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness, as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Releases any federal land within the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Study Area administered by the Forest Service that is not designated as wilderness by this Act from further review for designation as wilderness. Modifies the boundary of the Wheeler Peak Wilderness in New Mexico as specified on the map entitled "Columbine-Hondo, Wheeler Peak Wilderness." Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to convey to the town of Red River in New Mexico, one or more parcels of federal land in Taos County, New Mexico, identified as Parcels, 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the map entitled "Town of Red River Town Site Act Proposal" (the Red River Conveyance Map). Directs the Secretary to convey to the village of Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico the National Forest System land identified as parcel 1 on the map entitled "Village of Taos Ski Valley Town Site Act Proposal." Authorizes the conveyance of certain National Forest System land in New Mexico involving Parcels 5 and 6 as identified on the Red River Conveyance Map.

A bill to require the Comptroller General of the United States to submit a report to Congress on the effectiveness of the Federal Communications Commission's universal service reforms.

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2013

Directs the Comptroller General (GAO), beginning on or before December 31, 2013, and annually thereafter for the following five years, to prepare a report to aid Congress in monitoring and measuring the effects of a series of reforms by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) intended to promote the availability and affordability of broadband service throughout the United States. Requires such report to include measurements, statistics, and metrics with respect to: the implementation progress on the reforms adopted in the FCC's Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted on October 27, 2011; any effects of such reforms on retail end-user rates for local voice telephony, interconnected VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol), long distance voice, mobile wireless voice, bundles of voice telephony or VoIP, fixed broadband Internet access, and mobile broadband Internet access services; any disparities or trends with respect to the relative average (such as per consumer) retail rates charged for each service to residential and business consumers located in rural and urban areas as well as between incumbent local exchange carriers subject to price cap regulation and those subject to rate-of-return regulation; any effects on average fixed and mobile broadband Internet access speeds available to residential and business consumers as well as speed disparities between rural and urban areas; any effects on the magnitude and pace of investments in broadband-capable networks in rural areas, including investments financed by the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utilities Service under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, and investment disparities between rural and urban areas; any disparities or trends with respect to the magnitude and pace of investments in broadband-capable networks in areas served by carriers subject to price cap regulation and areas served by carriers subject to rate-of-return regulation; any effects on adoption of broadband Internet access services by end users; and any effects on state universal service funds or initiatives, including carrier-of-last-resort requirements.

A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2014 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2015 through 2023.

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2013

Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2014, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2014-FY2023. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts for FY2014-FY2023 with respect to: (1) federal revenues, (2) new budget authority, (3) budget outlays, (4) deficits, (5) public debt, and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund (Social Security Trust Funds), and specified major functional categories for FY2014-FY2023. Authorizes the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee to make certain deficit-reduction reserve funds for legislation for: (1) the sale of unused or vacant federal properties, (2) the sale of excess federal lands, (3) repeal of the Davis-Bacon prevailing wage laws, (4) reduction of the federal vehicles fleet, and (5) the sale of financial assets purchased through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Authorizes the Chairman to reduce the allocations of committees for any savings achieved by such sales, repeal, and reduction, with the savings used to reduce the deficit. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any legislation that would cause the discretionary spending limits in this resolution to be exceeded, except by a supermajority waiver. Specifies such discretionary spending limits in the Senate for FY2014-FY2023. Authorizes adjustments to the discretionary spending limits, budgetary aggregates, and allocations for adjustments to support ongoing overseas deployments and other activities. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any legislation that would require advanced appropriations. Sets forth requirements for the treatment of emergency legislation. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any budget resolution after enactment of this resolution that does not achieve balance within 10 fiscal years, except by a supermajority waiver. Requires Senate committees to: (1) review programs and tax expenditures in their jurisdictions to identify waste, fraud, and abuse or duplication, and to increase the use of performance data to inform committee work; (2) review the matters for congressional consideration identified on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) High Risk list report; and (3) make recommendations to the Senate Budget Committee to improve governmental performance in their annual views and estimates reports. Rescinds any unobligated or unspent adjustments of allocations and aggregates made pursuant to this resolution after 36 months. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the Senate Committees on: (1) Foreign Relations; (2) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (3) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (4) Environment and Public Works; (5) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; (6) Finance; and (7) Energy and Natural Resources. Declares the policy of Congress on attainment of Social Security solvency, reduction in Medicare unfunded liabilities, and tax reform. Expresses the sense of Congress on: (1) applying regulatory analysis requirements for executive branch agencies to independent agencies, (2) voting on the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, (3) the automatic biennial sunsetting of all federal regulations unless repromulgated by Congress, (4) implementing regulatory process reform, and (5) incorporating formal rulemaking procedures for all major regulations.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2014

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 April 2013

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014

United States · United States Senate · 18 April 2013

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014

United States · United States Senate · 18 April 2013

A bill to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to improve the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2013

Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to make eligible for the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly the food stamp program) households in which each member receives cash assistance under the temporary assistance to needy families program (TANF), cash assistance under the supplemental security income program (SSI), or aid to the aged, blind, or disabled program (AABD). (Current law bases categorical SNAP eligibility upon state benefits received rather than such assistance.) Requires an eligible household that previously received SNAP benefits and applies for program reenrollment to complete a new application and verify that household income and assets are in program compliance. Limits the employment requirement waiver to areas with an unemployment rate over 10%. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to develop a centralized database to facilitate USDA-state agency cooperation in order to ensure that individuals do not enroll for benefits in more than one state. Requires states that are sanctioned for three consecutive years of improper payments to pay the entire liability amount, with no alternative payment option available. Eliminates: (1) the exclusion of low-income home energy assistance from SNAP household income determinations, (2) funding of employment and training programs, and (3) bonuses for states with low SNAP allocation error rates. Provides funding for state nutrition and obesity prevention grant programs.

Small Lands Tracts Conveyance Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2013

Small Lands Tracts Conveyance Act - Requires the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for a state (respecting certain public lands) or the Regional Forester (respecting certain National Forest System lands) to select an eligible federal lands parcel for conveyance: (1) in response to a request by an adjacent landholder (any holder of non-federal land that shares one or more boundaries with such a parcel and who requests to purchase such a parcel), or (2) upon the recommendation of the BLM District Office or System unit that exercises administration over such parcel. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) and the Secretary of the Interior to each create a process by which an adjacent landholder may request to purchase an eligible parcel. Instructs that such process be open to the public and available on the Internet. Bars a conveyed eligible parcel from exceeding 160 acres unless the Director or Regional Forester concerned approves a request for additional acreage. Permits acquisition by an adjacent landholder of only one eligible parcel a year, subject to an exception. Instructs the Director or Regional Forester concerned, as consideration for the sale of an eligible parcel, to require a cash payment in an amount equal to not less than the fair market value of such parcel, including the mineral estate, being conveyed. Requires the proceeds collected from such conveyances to be deposited into a special fund established by this Act and distributed annually to each state in which the federal government owns more than 33% of the land area of such state. Requires, from amounts collected and deposited: (1) 50% of the amount collected from a conveyance to be distributed to the state in which the conveyance took place, and (2) the remaining 50% to be distributed equally between the remaining states identified pursuant to the preceding paragraph. Requires states receiving such funds to use them only for: (1) purchasing additional eligible parcels consistent with land use management under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act; and (2) being in compliance with federal requirements under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, Federal Water Pollution Control Act (known as the Clean Water Act [CWA]), and National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Requires the purchaser of an eligible federal lands parcel under this Act to cover the costs to be incurred, or to reimburse the Director or Regional Forester concerned for the costs incurred, in carrying out the conveyance. Excludes categorically a conveyance of an eligible federal lands parcel under this Act from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under NEPA.

To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to improve the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2013

Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to make eligible for the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly the food stamp program) households in which each member receives cash assistance under the temporary assistance to needy families program (TANF), cash assistance under the supplemental security income program (SSI), or aid to the aged, blind, or disabled program (AABD). (Current law bases categorical SNAP eligibility upon state benefits received rather than such assistance.) Requires an eligible household that previously received SNAP benefits and applies for program reenrollment to complete a new application and verify that household income and assets are in program compliance. Limits the employment requirement waiver to areas with an unemployment rate over 10%. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to develop a centralized database to facilitate USDA-state agency cooperation in order to ensure that individuals do not enroll for benefits in more than one state. Requires states that are sanctioned for three consecutive years of improper payments to pay the entire liability amount, with no alternative payment option available. Eliminates: (1) the exclusion of low-income home energy assistance from SNAP household income determinations, (2) funding of employment and training programs, and (3) bonuses for states with low SNAP allocation error rates. Provides funding for state nutrition and obesity prevention grant programs.

Great Lakes Assurance Program Verification Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2013

Great Lakes Assurance Program Verification Act of 2013 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to require the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), in consultation with the Great Lakes States, to establish a Great Lakes basin initiative for agricultural non-point source pollution prevention. Gives funding priority to producers that participate in a state verification program. Defines "Great Lakes State" as Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin.

To impose a limitation on the maximum amount of crop insurance premiums paid by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, to repeal the authority to provide direct payments for producers of certain major agricultural commodities and peanuts, to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from making payments to the Brazilian Cotton Institute, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2013

Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to prohibit the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) from paying more than 70% of the premium for any coverage, policy, or plan of insurance. Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to end agricultural direct payments. (Continues such payments through crop year 2013 for covered commodities and peanuts.) Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) from making payments, either directly or through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), to the Brazilian Cotton Institute.

To amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2013

Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to provide grants, in addition to loans and loan guarantees, for the costs of construction, improvement, and acquisition of facilities and equipment for broadband service in rural areas. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to make a grant to an entity for a project with respect to which a loan or loan guarantee is also made.

Census Reform Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2013

Census Reform Act of 2013 - Repeals various census programs of the Department of Commerce, including: (1) the collection and publication of agricultural statistics; (2) the census of manufactures, mineral industries, and other businesses; (3) the mid-decade census, and (4) the census of governments. Repeals the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to conduct any surveys, sampling, or questionnaires other than those necessary to conduct the decennial census of population. Repeals the Census of Agriculture Act of 1997. Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from carrying out any activities required to be conducted in 2013 under such Act.

Building Rural Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2013

Building Rural Communities Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to make grants to rural area-serving public bodies and private nonprofit corporations for technical assistance and training to: (1) assist communities in identifying and planning for community facility needs; (2) identify public and private financial resources; (3) prepare financial assistance applications and related documents; (4) improve management, including financial management; or (5) assist with other areas of need identified by the Secretary. Gives priority to private nonprofit organizations that have experience in providing technical assistance and training to rural entities.

FRAME Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2013

Farm Risk Abatement and Mitigation Election Act of 2013 or the FRAME Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish tax-exempt farm risk management accounts (FRAME Accounts) and allow taxpayers actively engaged in the business of farming or ranching to use distributions from such accounts to protect the solvency of the farm to which the FRAME Account relates and to procure revenue or crop insurance; (2) allow a deduction from gross income for cash contributions to such accounts; (3) specify minimum levels of contributions to, and maximum levels of distributions from, such accounts; (4) set forth tax rules relating to account distributions, excess contributions, and prohibited transactions; and (5) allow a variable business-related tax credit for contributions made to a FRAME Account in the first nine years after such Account is established.

Shellfish Marketing Assistance Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2013

Shellfish Marketing Assistance Fairness Act - Amends the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 to include farmed shellfish as a specialty crop.

Farming Flexibility Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2013

Farming Flexibility Act of 2013 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to consider mung beans and pulse crops as covered commodities whose planting on base acres is prohibited unless the commodity, if planted, is destroyed before harvest. Provides that: (1) as of crop year 2014 producers on a farm may reduce the base acres for any covered commodity for a crop year by one acre for each acre used for the production of fruits or vegetables (other than potatoes) for processing; (2) such acres devoted to fruits or vegetables shall be included in base acres for the covered commodity for the subsequent crop year unless the producers on the farm make the election to produce fruits and vegetables for the subsequent crop year; and (3) if a farm's base acres are recalculated the production of fruits or vegetables shall be considered to be the same as the planting, prevented planting, or production of a covered commodity.

A bill to amend the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to establish a market-driven inventory system.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2013

Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), for each of the 2014-2018 crops of each market commodity, to make recourse loans available to producers on a farm electing to participate in the program. Sets forth: (1) the recourse loan rate for corn, oats, barley, grain sorghum, wheat, and soybeans; and (2) market commodity-specific limitations on participation (inventory caps) for such crops. Requires participating producers, until the Secretary authorizes loan repayment and release, to: (1) store and maintain the market commodity, and (2) not sell or otherwise release the commodity into the market. Provides that during such storage period: (1) title to the commodity shall remain with the producers, and (2) the Secretary shall have a first lien on the commodity for which a recourse loan is received. Provides USDA payments to producers at $0.40 per bushel per crop year. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a partial commodity release if the market release of all of the stored commodity would depress prices below the release level. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a set-aside program under which qualifying producers on a farm may remove acres from production for the following crop year if the inventory cap for a commodity is reached and such commodity's market price is below the recourse loan rate. Requires participating producers to maintain a cover crop on all enrolled acreage.

National Forest Insect and Disease Treatment Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2013

National Forest Insect and Disease Treatment Act of 2013 - Amends the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) or the Secretary of the Interior, as appropriate, to designate as part of an insect and disease treatment and research pilot program at least one subwatershed in at least one national forest in each state that is experiencing an insect or disease epidemic and characterized by: (1) substantially increased tree mortality due to infestation; (2) the risk of substantially increased tree mortality over the next 15 years due to infestation; or (3) presence in an area in which the risk of hazard trees poses an imminent risk to public infrastructure, health, or safety. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out priority projects on federal land in the designated subwatersheds to reduce the risk or extent of, or increase the resilience to, insect or disease infestation in the subwatersheds. Deems such projects to be authorized hazardous fuel reduction projects. Extends the authorization of appropriations for the insect infestation and related diseases program through FY2018.

Map It Once, Use It Many Times Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2013

Map It Once, Use It Many Times Act - Establishes the National Geospatial Technology Administration in the Department of the Interior. Directs the Administrator of the National Geospatial Technology Administration to: (1) establish a National Geospatial Database of all U.S. owned or managed lands (including public lands), Indian trust parcels, and non-federal lands in each state; (2) provide a return on investment analysis and an economic benefit assessment of the Database; and (3) provide data to heads of federal agencies to determine if any U.S. owned or managed property could be better managed through ownership by a non-federal entity. Requires the Administrator to implement the recommendations of the National Geospatial Data Plan developed by the National Geospatial Policy Commission established by this Act. Requires the Administrator to promulgate standards for ensuring the interoperability of geospatial data collected by or with the support of the federal government. Transfers to the Administrator all geospatial functions vested by law in the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) with respect to the National Forest System, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Sets forth provisions for the acquisition of geospatial data, as specified, from public and commercial sources. Requires the Commission to identify in the Plan each geospatial activity performed by the federal government that: (1) is unnecessary and provide for its elimination, or (2) may be converted to performance by a private geospatial firm or a state or local government. Specifies, subject to stated exceptions, that all federal contracts for the performance of a geospatial activity include: (1) a condition that the activity be performed in the United States, and (2) a written certification that the funding will not be used for activities performed outside the United States. Directs the Administrator to develop: (1) a strategy for encouraging the use of private geospatial firms by federal agencies and other entities that receive federal funding, including foreign governments; (2) a Geospatial Research Plan to provide for U.S. investment in geospatial research and development activities; and (3) policy directives for the implementation of such activities.

To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to use funds derived from conservation-related programs executed on National Forest System lands to utilize the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services Program.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2013

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), through the Forest Service, to use funds derived from conservation-related programs executed on National Forest System lands to utilize the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services Program to provide technical services for conservation-related programs and authorities carried out by the Secretary on such lands.

Farming Flexibility Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2013

Farming Flexibility Act of 2013 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to consider mung beans and pulse crops as covered commodities whose planting on base acres is prohibited unless the commodity, if planted, is destroyed before harvest. Provides that: (1) as of crop year 2014 producers on a farm may reduce the base acres for any covered commodity for a crop year by one acre for each acre used for the production of fruits or vegetables (other than potatoes) for processing; (2) such acres devoted to fruits or vegetables shall be included in base acres for the covered commodity for the subsequent crop year unless the producers on the farm make the election to produce fruits and vegetables for the subsequent crop year; and (3) if a farm's base acres are recalculated the production of fruits or vegetables shall be considered to be the same as the planting, prevented planting, or production of a covered commodity.

Livestock Disaster Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2013

Livestock Disaster Protection Act - Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to make FY2012-FY2018 livestock indemnity payments (at 75% of market value) to eligible producers on farms that have incurred livestock death losses in excess of the normal mortality due to: (1) attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by federal law, including wolves and avian predators; or (2) adverse weather, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, blizzards, extreme heat, disease, or wildfires. Provides FY2012-FY2018 compensation for losses to eligible livestock producers for livestock grazing losses due to specified drought or fire circumstances. Excludes from coverage grazing losses on conservation reserve program land used for haying or grazing. Provides FY2012-FY2018 emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees, and farm-raised fish to reduce losses due to disease, adverse weather, or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires.

Crop Risk Options Plan Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2013

Crop Risk Options Plan Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to make available to crop producers additional coverage to cover part of a crop insurance policy deductible based upon: (1) an individual or area yield and loss basis, (2) an individual yield and loss basis supplemented with coverage based on an area yield and loss basis (supplemental coverage option), or (3) a margin basis alone or in combination with the coverages available in (1) or (2). Triggers the supplemental coverage option only if area losses exceed 10% of normal levels. Provides for: (1) 60% premium coverage plus operating and administrative costs paid by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC), and (2) coverage to begin no later than crop year 2014. Provides that in the case of the supplemental coverage option, FCIC shall offer producers the opportunity to purchase coverage that pays indemnities on a county-wide level or on a larger geographical area level in counties that lack sufficient data. Directs FCIC, in developing yield guarantees, to use county data collected by the Risk Management Agency and/or the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Shellfish Marketing Assistance Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2013

Shellfish Marketing Assistance Fairness Act - Amends the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 to include farmed shellfish as a specialty crop.

Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2013

Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act - States that passage of this Act recognizes that the primary tenets of its success depend on securing U.S. sovereignty and establishing a coherent and just system for integrating those who seek to join American society. Establishes a Southern Border Security Commission if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not achieved effective control in all high-risk border sectors within five years after enactment of this Act. States that the Commission's primary responsibility shall be to make border security policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary), and Congress. Directs the Secretary to implement: (1) a Comprehensive Southern Border Security Strategy for achieving control between the ports of entry in all high-risk sectors along the Southern border, and (2) a Southern Border Fencing Strategy to identify where fencing and technology should be deployed along the Southern border. Establishes in the Treasury the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Trust Fund. Prohibits the Secretary from processing applications for registered provisional immigrant status (RPI), as established by this Act, until the Secretary has submitted to Congress the notice of commencement of implementation of the Comprehensive Southern Border Security Strategy and the Southern Border Fencing Strategy. Prohibits the Secretary from adjusting RPI aliens to lawful permanent resident status, with certain exceptions, until the Secretary certifies to the President and Congress that: (1) the Comprehensive Southern Border Security Strategy is substantially operational, (2) the Southern Border Fencing Strategy is substantially completed, (3) a mandatory employment verification system to be used by all employers to prevent unauthorized workers from obtaining U.S. employment has been implemented, and (4) an electronic exit system at air and sea ports of entry that operates by collecting machine-readable visa or passport information from air and vessel carriers is in use. Title I: Border Security - Directs the Secretary to increase the number of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers by 3,500 by September 30, 2017. Authorizes the governor of a state, with the approval of the Secretary of Defense (DOD), to order National Guard units or personnel to perform operations in the Southwest border region to assist CBP in securing the southern border. Directs DOD to provide material and logistical assistance as needed. Directs the Secretary to: (1) increase the number of border crossing prosecutions in the Tucson sector of the Southwest border region, (2) enhance border infrastructure, and (3) establish a two-year grant program to improve emergency communications in the Southwest border region. Directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enhance law enforcement and operational readiness along the U.S. borders through Operation Stonegarden. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) or the Secretary of the Interior to provide CBP personnel with immediate access to federal lands in the Southwest border region in Arizona for security activities. Directs the Attorney General (DOJ) to reimburse state, county, tribal, and municipal governments for costs associated with the prosecution and pre-trial detention of federally initiated criminal cases declined by local offices of the United States Attorneys. Requires CBP to deploy additional mobile, video, and agent-portable surveillance systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles in the Southwest border region. Authorizes appropriations for the state criminal alien assistance program (SCAAP) through FY2015. Directs the Secretary to: (1) issue policies regarding the use of force by DHS personnel; and (2) provide appropriate training for CBP officers, U.S. Border Patrol officers, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and agriculture specialists stationed within 100 miles of any U.S. land or marine border, or at any U.S. port of entry. Establishes the Department of Homeland Security Border Oversight Task Force. Title II: Immigrant Visas - Subtitle A: Registration and Adjustment of Registered Provisional Immigrants - Authorizes the Secretary, after conducting the required national security and law enforcement clearances, to grant RPI status to an alien unlawfully in the United States who: (1) meets specified eligibility requirements, (2) applies before the end of the application period, (3) has paid the required fee and penalty if applicable, and (4) has been physically present in the United States since December 31, 2011, and maintains such presence until RPI status has been granted. Sets forth bars to eligibility based upon criminal convictions, terrorist activity, and grounds for excludability. Provides derivative RPI status to the spouse or child of an RPI alien if the spouse or child is physically present in the United States: (1) on the date on which the RPI alien is granted such status and on or before December 30, 2012, and (2) meets specified eligibility requirements. Requires an alien applicant to satisfy federal tax liabilities and security and law enforcement clearances. Grants RPI status for an initial six-year period, which may be extended under specified conditions. Permits an RPI alien to work and travel outside the United States under specified conditions. Enumerates the grounds under which the Secretary may revoke RPI status. Prohibits an RPI alien from being removed unless such person was ineligible for RPI status or RPI status has been revoked. Makes an RPI alien ineligible for any federal means-tested benefit, and considers such person to be a noncitizen for certain other federal benefits. Authorizes an RPI alien to be issued a Social Security number. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust the status of an RPI alien to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence if such person meets specified eligibility requirements, including: (1) evidence of employment or full-time education, and (2) English language skills. Prohibits an RPI alien from applying for legal permanent resident status until the Secretary of State certifies that immigrant visas have become available for all approved petitions filed before the date of enactment of this Act. States that an RPI alien may only adjust status under the merit-based system provided for by this Act. States that a lawful permanent resident who was lawfully present in the United States and eligible for work authorization for not less than 10 years before becoming a lawful permanent resident may be naturalized in three years upon compliance with all requirements if such person, immediately preceding the date of filing a naturalization application, has: (1) been physically present in the United States for at least 50% of the three-year period preceding such filing date, and (2) resided for at least three months in the state or the jurisdiction of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office in which the application was filed. Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2013 or DREAM Act 2013 - Authorizes the Secretary to adjust the status of an RPI alien to that of a lawful permanent resident if the person demonstrates that he or she: (1) has been in RPI status for at least five years; (2) was younger than 16 years of age when such person entered the United States; (3) has earned a high school diploma or obtained a general education development certificate in the United States; (4) has acquired a degree from an institution of higher education or has completed at least two years in a program for a bachelor's or higher degree in the United States, or has served in the Uniformed Services for at least four years and, if discharged, received an honorable discharge; and (5) has provided a list of each secondary school attended in the United States. Prohibits the Secretary from adjusting the status of an RPI alien to lawful permanent resident status unless the person: (1) satisfies citizenship requirements, (2) submits appropriate biometric and biographic data, and (3) undergoes security and law enforcement background checks. Considers for naturalization purposes an RPI alien granted lawful permanent resident status to have been: (1) lawfully admitted for permanent residence, and (2) in the United States as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence during the period the alien was in RPI status. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to repeal the denial of an unlawful alien's eligibility for higher education benefits based on state residence unless a U.S. national is similarly eligible without regard to such state residence. Sets forth RPI program provisions regarding: (1) prohibited and required disclosures, (2) employer protections, (3) audits and information evaluation, (4) administrative review, (5) privacy and civil liberties, and (6) judicial review. Establishes a criminal penalty of up to $10,000 for a person who knowingly uses, publishes, or permits the improper use of RPI application information. Authorizes the Secretary to establish within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services a program to award grants to eligible nonprofit organizations to assist RPI applicants. Establishes a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands-only lawful permanent resident status for certain long-term Commonwealth legal residents. Authorizes such aliens to receive an immigrant visa or to adjust to lawful permanent (U.S.) resident status beginning five years after the date of enactment of this Act. Subtitle B: Agricultural Worker Program - Agricultural Worker Program Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary to confer "blue card status" upon an alien who: (1) has performed specified periods of agricultural employment in the United States or is a qualifying alien's spouse or child, (2) applied for such status during the one-year application period (with a discretionary 18-month extension period), and (3) is not ineligible under the grounds applicable to RPI aliens. Prohibits the Secretary from granting blue card status to an alien (or dependent spouse or child) unless such person submits eligibility-related security and law enforcement biometric and biographic data. States that blue card status expires eight years after the date on which final blue card regulations are published. Permits a blue card alien to work and travel outside the United States under specified conditions. Enumerates the grounds under which the Secretary may revoke blue card status. Makes a blue card alien ineligible for any federal means-tested benefit. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust the status of an alien who has been granted blue card status to RPI status if the alien is unable to fulfill the agricultural service requirement. Directs the Secretary to adjust a blue card alien (and spouse and children) to permanent resident status if the alien has fulfilled specified periods of agricultural employment. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to create: (1) a W-3 nonimmigrant visa for an alien to perform agricultural services who has a written contract that specifies the wages, benefits, and working conditions of such full-time employment with a designated agricultural employer for a specified period of time; and (2) a W-4 nonimmigrant visa for an alien to perform agricultural services who has a full-time employment offer from a designated agricultural employer for such employment. Establishes the nonimmigrant agricultural (W-3 and W-4 visa) worker program. Sets forth employer and worker program provisions and requirements, including penalties for program violations and U.S. worker protections. Establishes a limit for the first five years of the program which may be adjusted annually based upon specified demand and economic factors. Bases subsequent year limitations upon specified demand and economic factors. Provides for a three-year period of admission, with one additional three-year extension without having to leave the United States. Provides for worker portability. Prohibits derivative status for the spouses and children of program aliens. Excludes W-3 and W-4 workers from need-based federal financial assistance programs. Establishes a cut-off date for petitioning for H-2A temporary agricultural workers that is one year after the effective date of the regulations implementing the agricultural worker program under this Act. Subtitle C: Future Immigration - Establishes a merit-based and points immigrant admissions system. Provides for: (1) 120,000 admissions per fiscal year, annual increases based upon specified conditions, and a maximum admissions cap of 250,000; (2) recapture of unused visas; and (3) lawful permanent resident status for such entrants. Provides that: (1) for the first four fiscal years the worldwide level of merit-based immigrant visas shall be available for skilled workers, professionals, and certain other workers; and (2) for subsequent fiscal years preference will be given to tier 1 and tier 2 aliens based upon a point allocation system. Awards tier 1 and tier 2 points to applicants for specified criteria, including: (1) education, (2) employment, (3) entrepreneurship, (4) high demand occupation, (5) English language, (6) age, (7) country of origin, and (8) family relationships. Provides that: (1) RPI aliens may begin accruing points no earlier than 10 years after enactment of this Act, and (2) aliens with a pending or approved petition in another immigrant category are ineligible for a merit-based immigrant visa. Makes specified employment- and family-based applicants and long-term workers eligible for merit-based immigrant visas beginning on October 1, 2014. Sets forth worldwide levels of employment- and family-based immigrants. Includes the spouse or minor child of a lawful permanent resident alien in the definition of "immediate family." Eliminates the per-country limit for employment-based immigrants and increases the per-country limit for family-based immigrants. Revises family-based immigrant visa allocations for: (1) unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, (2) married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (and requires that they be under 31 years old at time of filing, and (3) unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. lawful permanent residents. Eliminates the visa category for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. Includes among immigrants not subject to numerical limitations aliens: (1) who are derivative beneficiaries of employment-based immigrants; (2) with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics; (3) who are outstanding professors and researchers; (4) who are multinational executives and managers; (5) who have earned a doctorate degree; (6) who are physicians with completed foreign residency requirements; and (7) who have earned a graduate degree in a field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM field) from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education with an offer of U.S. employment. Increases visa allocations for: (1) certain special immigrants, (2) employment creation immigrants, and (3) skilled workers and professionals. Repeals the diversity immigrant program as of October 1, 2014. Permits aliens selected for FY2013 or FY2014 to retain program eligibility. Revises nonimmigrant V-visa (spouses and children of lawful permanent residents coming to the United States to wait for completion of the immigrant visa process) provisions. Makes fiances of lawful permanent residents eligible for a nonimmigrant K-visa (fiance or fiancee). Redefines "child" for purposes of titles I and II of INA to include a stepchild under 21 years old. Permits children under 18 years old to be adopted. Provides specified relief for orphans and spouses regarding: (1) petitions for immediate relative status, (2) parole eligibility, (3) naturalization, (4) processing of immigrant visas and derivative petitions, (5) waivers of inadmissibility, (6) surviving relative consideration for certain petitions and applications, and (7) immediate relative status. Authorizes an immigration judge, under specified conditions, to: (1) decline to order an alien removed, deported, or excluded; and (2) terminate such proceedings. Revises waiver of inadmissibility provisions, including: (1) waiving inadmissibility for certain persons who entered the United States before they were 16 years old who have earned a degree from a U.S. institution of higher education; (2) adding a three-year limit on immigration-related misrepresentations; and (3) waiving inadmissibility for false claims of U.S. citizenship by persons under 18 years old, or otherwise lacking mental competence. Extends the Iraqi special immigrant visa program and the Afghan special immigrant visa program. Requires application processing improvements. Makes the special immigrant non-minister religious worker and the EB-5 regional center programs permanent. Subtitle D: Conrad State 30 and Physician Access - Makes the J-1 visa waiver (Conrad state 30/medical services in underserved areas) program permanent. Excludes from numerical immigration limitations alien physicians who have completed national interest waiver requirements by working in a health care shortage area (including alien physicians who completed such service before the date of enactment of this Act and their spouse and children). Sets forth specified employment protections and contract requirements for alien physicians working in underserved areas. Increases the number of alien physicians that a state may be allocated to 35 per fiscal year under specified circumstances. Provides for additional increases or decreases based upon demand. Provides up to three visa waivers per fiscal year per state for physicians in academic medical centers. Permits dual intent for an alien coming to the United States to receive graduate medical education or training, or to take examinations required for graduate medical education or training. Subtitle E: Integration - Renames the Office of Citizenship of DHS as the Office of Citizenship and New Americans. Authorizes the Office to make grants to states and local governments to assist them in integrating immigrants. Authorizes the Secretary, through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, to: (1) establish the United States Citizenship Foundation to expand citizenship preparation programs; and (2) award initial entry, adjustment, and citizenship assistance grants to eligible nonprofit organizations for immigration integration programs. Waives, with respect to naturalization: (1) English language and civics requirements for persons over 65 years old who have lived in the United States for at least 5 years as lawful permanent residents, and (2) the English language requirement for persons over 60 years old who have lived in the United States for at least 10 years as lawful permanent residents. Title III: Interior Enforcement - Subtitle A: Employment Verification System - Prohibits an employer from: (1) hiring, recruiting, or referring for a fee an alien who is not authorized to work in the United States or failing to comply with E-Verify or document requirements; or (2) continuing to employ an unauthorized alien. Authorizes an employer to rely on a state employment agency's referral of an employee if the agency has certified that it has complied with document requirements. Provides a good faith defense for an employer who has complied with document and E-Verify requirements. Requires an employer to: (1) examine specified documents to verify an individual's identity and employment status and use an identity authentication mechanism once it becomes available, and (2) retain verification records for the later of three years after hiring or one year after termination. Requires an employee to provide an employer with such documents and attest that he or she is authorized to work in the United States. Sets forth employer penalties and civil rights protections. States that these provisions shall not be construed to authorize the establishment of a national identification card. Requires: (1) federal agencies and departments to participate in E-Verify 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, (2) federal contractors to participate as provided for by a final rule, (3) employers with more than 5,000 employees to participate within two years after implementing regulations are published, (4) employers with more than 500 employees to participate within three years after implementing regulations are published, (5) agricultural laborers to participate four years after enactment of the Legal Workforce Act, (6) tribal employers to participate within five years after implementing regulations are published, and (7) all other employers to participate within four years after implementing regulations are published. Provides that one year after implementing regulations are published the Secretary may authorize or direct critical infrastructure employers to participate in E-Verify. States that failure to participate in E-Verify shall constitute a civil violation. Sets forth E-Verify program provisions. Requires that within five years all Social Security cards issued shall be fraud-, tamper-, wear-, and identity theft-resistant. Makes specified forms of Social Security fraud punishable by fine, up to five years' imprisonment, or both. Amends the Social Security Act to direct the Commissioner of Social Security (SSA) establish a secure method to check specified employee data against SSA data in order to confirm identity and employment eligibility. Makes it an unfair immigration-related employment practice for a person, entity, or employment agency to discriminate based upon an individual's national origin or citizenship status with respect to hiring, firing, or verifying employment eligibility. Subtitle B: Protecting United States Workers - Expands the U-visa (crime victims) category to include aliens who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse or harm, or who would suffer extreme hardship upon removal, as a result of having been a victim of the following covered violations: (1) certain workplace abuses, (2) slavery or trafficking in persons, or (3) deprivation of due process or constitutional rights. Provides specified protections for aliens arrested or detained as part of a workplace enforcement action at a facility about which a workplace claim has been filed, including non-removal until interviewed by DHS. Authorizes a U-visa applicant to work in the United States. Limits the disclosure of information provided by alien victims of certain crimes. Subtitle C: Other Provisions - Establishes in the Treasury the Interior Enforcement Account. Directs the Secretary, by December 31, 2015, to establish a mandatory exit data system that shall include the collection of data from machine-readable visas, passports, and other travel and entry documents for all aliens who are exiting the United States from air and sea ports of entry. Directs the Secretary to implement an interoperable electronic data system to access database information from federal law enforcement agencies and the intelligence community for purposes of visa issuance or admissibility or deportability. Requires an appropriate official of each commercial aircraft or vessel departing from the United States to any port or place outside the United States to ensure transmission to CBP of identity-theft resistant departure manifest information covering alien passengers, crew, and non-crew. Prohibits federal law enforcement officers, in making routine law enforcement decisions (such as ordinary traffic stops), from using race or ethnicity to any degree, except that officers may rely on race and ethnicity if a specific suspect description exists. Subtitle D: Asylum and Refugee Provisions - Eliminates the one-year time limit for filing an asylum claim. Permits, and sets forth the requirements for, reopening a claim that was denied because of failure to file within one year. Authorizes the spouse or child of a refugee or asylee to bring his or her accompanying or joining child into the United States as a refugee or asylee. Authorizes the President to designate refugee groups. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to designate specific groups of individuals as stateless persons, (2) the Secretary or the Attorney General to provide conditional lawful status to a qualifying stateless person who is otherwise inadmissible or deportable, and (3) the Secretary or the Attorney General to adjust such person to lawful permanent resident status after one year in conditional lawful status. Sets forth protections for stateless persons in the United States, including work and travel authorizations. Increases the number of annual U-visas, with a set-aside for victims of a covered violation. Subtitle E: Shortage of Immigration Court Resources for Removal Proceedings - Directs the Attorney General to: (1) increase the number of immigration court judges and Immigration Board of Appeals staff attorneys in each of FY2014-FY2016; (2) appoint counsel in certain removal proceedings involving an unaccompanied child, an individual with a serious mental disability, or a particularly vulnerable individual; and (3) establish within the Executive Office for Immigration Review an Office of Legal Access Programs to develop programs to make immigration proceedings more efficient by educating aliens regarding administrative procedures and legal rights. Requires the Board of Immigration Appeals to review decisions of immigration judges. Subtitle F: Prevention of Trafficking in Persons and Abuses Involving Workers Recruited Abroad - Requires any person who engages in foreign labor contracting to disclose in writing in English and in the primary language of the worker being recruited specified information, including the identity of the employer and the recruiter, worker protections, and a signed copy of the work contract. Requires a foreign labor contractor to register with the Secretary of Labor. Sets forth registration requirements. Prohibits certain recruitment fees. Prohibits any person who engages in foreign labor contracting from discriminating in hiring based upon race, color, creed, sex, national origin, religion, age, or disability. Directs the Secretary of Labor to: (1) maintain a list of all foreign labor contractors registered and a list of all foreign labor contractors whose registration has been revoked; and (2) establish a process for receipt, investigation, and disposition of complaints. Sets forth administrative and civil action enforcement provisions. Subtitle G: Interior Enforcement - Makes an alien who has been convicted of an offense for which an element was active and knowing participation in a criminal street gang inadmissible and deportable. Makes an alien inadmissible who is physically outside the United States and since the age of 18 knowingly and willingly participated in a criminal street gang. Makes an alien who is at least 18 years old ineligible for RPI status for such criminal street gang activities. Makes an alien who has been convicted three or more times for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated inadmissible and deportable. Revises criminal penalty and related affirmative defense provisions regarding illegal entry and reentry. Increases: (1) monetary penalties for owners and operators of vessels and aircraft regarding stowaways and execution of removal orders; and (2) criminal penalties for passport and immigration fraud, including penalties for a passport crime committed to facilitate international terrorism or drug trafficking. Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action to enjoin any fraudulent immigration service provider from continuing to provide services that substantially interfere with the administration of the immigration laws or from continuing to willfully misrepresent such provider's legal authority to provide representation. Makes an alien who is convicted of a passport or visa violation under the federal criminal code inadmissible and removable. Makes certain aliens inadmissible who: (1) refuse to comply with a lawful request for biometric information; (2) have been convicted of a crime of domestic violence, stalking, child abuse, child neglect, or child abandonment; or (3) are in violation of a domestic protection order by engaging in conduct that constitutes criminal contempt of such order. Prohibits an individual acting for financial gain from directing or participating in an effort to bring or attempt to bring five or more persons unlawfully into the United States. Establishes: (1) monetary and/or prison penalties for such actions; and (2) increased penalties for such actions that result in death or serious bodily injury or that place a life in jeopardy or involve bribery of a government official, robbery, or sexual abuse. Makes it a crime to: (1) transmit to another person the location, movement, or activities of law enforcement agents while intending to further a federal crime relating to U.S. immigration; and (2) destroy, alter, or damage any physical or electronic device used by the federal government to control the border or any port of entry. Prohibits the carrying or use of a firearm in an alien smuggling crime. Directs the Secretary to establish secure alternatives programs with community-based organizations to ensure appearances at immigration proceedings and public safety. Prohibits a U.S. national from renouncing his or her citizenship during wartime. Authorizes the Secretary to use secure alternatives programs to maintain custody over detained aliens, except for terrorist aliens. Sets forth oversight and related provisions for detention facilities. Directs the Secretary of State, upon notification from the Secretary, to prohibit visas to be granted to persons of a country whose government denies or unreasonably delays accepting their citizens, subjects, nationals, or residents back. Makes inadmissible an alien who has committed acts of torture, extrajudicial killings, war crimes, or systematic attacks on civilians. Title IV: Reforms to Nonimmigrant Visa Programs - Subtitle A: Employment-based Nonimmigrant Visas - Establishes: (1) an H-1B visa (specialty occupation) cap of 110,000 for the fiscal year after the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) a market and unemployment based adjustment mechanism that increases or reduces the annual cap by not more than 10,000, with a minimum floor of 110,000 and a maximum ceiling of 180,000. Limits the exemption from H-1B numerical limitations to STEM occupations and increases the annual STEM allocation to 25,000. Authorizes an H-1B spouse to work if he or she is the national of a country that permits reciprocal employment. Provides deference to prior H-1B or L-visa (intra-company transferee) adjudications involving the same employer and nonimmigrant absent material error, changed circumstances, or new information adversely affecting eligibility. Provides a 60-day lawful status period for an H-1B nonimmigrant whose employment is terminated. Authorizes visa revalidation within the United States for specified nonimmigrant visa categories. Establishes: (1) in the Treasury the STEM Education and Training Account, and (2) a low-income STEM scholarship program. Subtitle B: H-1B Visa Fraud and Abuse Protections - Revises H-1B requirements for employer applications and application reviews. Revises provisions regarding nonimmigrant nurses (H-1C visa) in health professional shortage areas to: (1) permit a one-time three-year extension of admission, (2) reduce the maximum number of such visas per fiscal year to 300, and (3) authorize such nonimmigrants to accept new employment as a registered nurse at any H-1C-qualifying facility. Revises provisions regarding complaints against H-1B employers, including: (1) extending the statute of limitations on complaint investigations, (2) increasing fines for specified violations, (3) enhancing whistle-blower protections, and (4) authorizing the Department of Labor to initiate investigations. Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish an H-1B recruitment website. Establishes: (1) specified filing fees for H-1B-dependent employers, and (2) a fee for premium processing of employment-based immigrant petitions. Subtitle C: L Visa Fraud and Abuse Protections - Authorizes and enumerates the requirements for: (1) outplacement of L-visa nonimmigrants, and (2) 12-month approvals of new office L-visa petitions. Prohibits employers with 50 or more employees in the United States from hiring new or additional H-1B or L-visa workers if their workforce comprises more than 75% H-1B or L-visa workers in FY2015, 65% in FY2016, and 50% H-1B and L-visa workers in FY2017 and thereafter. (Excludes nonprofit institutions of higher education or nonprofit research organizations from such limitation.) Sets forth filing fee provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to initiate complaints against L-visa employers. Sets forth related penalty provisions. Directs the Inspector General of DHS to report to Congress regarding the use of L-visa blanket petitions. Subtitle D: Other Nonimmigrant Visas - Authorizes dual intent for F-1 visa foreign students (and dependents), including students who commute from Canada or Mexico to study in the United States. Establishes additional accreditation requirements for colleges, universities, and language schools. Revises the nonimmigrant E-visa (treaty trader) category to: (1) include aliens seeking to enter the United States pursuant to a bilateral investment treaty or a free trade agreement; (2) establish an E-4 visa for specialty occupation workers (other than from Chile, Singapore, or Australia) to enter the United States pursuant to a free trade agreement; and (3) establish an E-5 visa for specialty occupation workers who are nationals of the Republic of Korea (South Korea). Limits E-4 entrants to 5,000 per fiscal year per country. Includes in the nonimmigrant E-3 visa category certain nationals of Ireland coming to the United States under a treaty of commerce to perform specialty occupation services. Extends portability to certain nonimmigrant O-1 visa holders (extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry). Eliminates the 12-month attendance limit for elementary and secondary foreign students. Subtitle E: Jobs Originated through Launching Travel Act of 2013 or the JOLT Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of State to establish a pilot fee-based premium processing service to expedite visa interview appointments. Authorizes the Secretary to admit into the United States a qualifying Canadian citizen over 55 years old and spouse for a period not to exceed 240 days if the person maintains a Canadian residence and owns a U.S. residence or has rented a U.S. accommodation for the duration of such stay. Establishes a nonimmigrant Y-visa for: (1) an alien who invests (and maintains) at least $500,000 in U.S. residential real estate, of which at least $250,000 must be for a U.S. primary residence where such person will reside for more than 180 days per year; and (2) such alien's accompanying spouse and children. Makes such visa renewable every three years. Requires a Y-visa alien to: (1) be at least 55 years old, (2) have purchased a qualifying residence, (3) not need public assistance, and (4) live in the United States for more than 180 days per year. Directs the Secretary to make publicly available each month data for the previous two years regarding visa appointment availability for each visa processing post to allow applicants to identify periods of low demand. Revises the visa waiver program to: (1) authorize the Secretary to designate any country as a program country; (2) adjust visa refusal rate criteria, including addition of a 3% maximum overstay rate; and (3) revise probationary and termination provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to expand registered traveler programs to include individuals who meet security requirements and are employed and sponsored by an international organization which maintains a strong working relationship with the United States. Prohibits enrollment of an individual who is a citizen of a state sponsor of terror. Directs the Secretary of State to require U.S. diplomatic and consular missions to: (1) conduct nonimmigrant visa application interviews expeditiously, consistent with national security requirements and in recognition of resource allocation considerations; and (2) explore expanding visa processing capacity in China and Brazil. Subtitle F: Reforms to the H-2B Visa Program - Exempts returning workers from the nonimmigrant H-2B visa (temporary nonagricultural services) annual numerical limitations through FY2018. Includes ski instructors in the nonimmigrant P-visa (athletes, artists, and entertainers). Requires H-2B employers to: (1) attest that they will not displace a U.S. worker in the same metropolitan statistical area where the H-2B worker will be hired within the period beginning 90 days before the start date and ending on the end date of the H-2B employment, (2) pay certain H-2B worker transportation costs, and (3) pay a $500 labor certification application fee. Authorizes the nonimmigrant admission of: (1) multinational executives and managers for up to 90 days to oversee U.S. operations of their related companies, (2) multinational company employees for up to 180 days to participate in leadership and development activities, and (3) certain relief workers for up to 90 days in response to a federal or state declared disaster. Prohibits the receipt of U.S.-sourced salaries for such activities. Establishes a nonimmigrant Z-visa for certain aliens coming to the United States for up to 90 days to perform health and safety-related maintenance or repairs for common carriers on equipment or machinery manufactured outside of the United States. Subtitle G: W Nonimmigrant Visas - Establishes the Bureau of Immigration and Labor Market Research which shall: (1) devise a methodology to determine the annual change to the W-visa nonimmigrant cap and use such methodology to set such caps, (2) supplement W-visa recruitment methods, (3) conduct a survey every three months of construction worker unemployment, (4) devise a methodology to designate shortage occupations by job zone, and (5) report to Congress on employment-based and immigrant and nonimmigrant visa programs. Establishes: (1) a nonimmigrant W-1 visa for an alien having a foreign residence who is coming to the United States to perform services or labor for a registered employer in a registered position, and (2) a nonimmigrant W-2 visa for the accompanying or joining spouse or children of such alien. Requires such alien to be certified abroad by the Secretary of State as eligible for a W-visa. Provides that: (1) a certified alien may be granted W-visa status for an initial three-year period, with additional three-year extensions which may be made while in the United States; and (2) a W-visa nonimmigrant must leave the United States if unemployed for more than 60 consecutive days. Sets forth employer registration and related provisions. Subtitle H: Investing in New Venture, Entrepreneurial Startups, and Technologies - Establishes a nonimmigrant X-visa for a qualified entrepreneur: (1) who has secured at least $100,000 in investments from an accredited investor, venture capitalist, or government entity for such alien's U.S. business; or (2) whose U.S. business has created at least three qualified jobs during the previous two years and has generated at least $250,000 in annual revenue in the United States. Provides for an initial three-year period of authorized admission, with three-year extensions based upon job creation, investment, or revenue and up to two one-year extensions based upon performance waivers. Establishes an immigrant investor visa (capped at 10,000 per year) for qualifying entrepreneur aliens (including aliens with advanced STEM degrees) living in the United States whose U.S. business has met specified job creation, revenue, and/or venture capital or investment requirements.

Alaska Subsistence Structure Protection Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2013

Alaska Subsistence Structure Protection Act of 2013 - Requires the maximum fee for the issuance of a covered cabin special use permit by the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) for the use and occupancy of National Forest System land in Alaska to be not more than $250. Defines "covered cabin" to mean a cabin (including related structures) on System land in Alaska: (1) that is used for subsistence uses; (2) that is subject to the disclaimer of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) allowing the renewal or continuation of valid existing cabin leases or permits for cabins, homesites, and similar structures on federal lands; (3) that is subject to the ANILCA requirement that the Secretary permit the continuation of existing uses, and the future establishment and use of, temporary campsites, tent platforms, shelters, and other related temporary facilities and equipment with respect to the taking of fish and wildlife; or (4) that is used for commercial fishing by a permittee not generating more than $15,000 in gross annual income from the fishery.

Energy Infrastructure Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2013

Energy Infrastructure Improvement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior (or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate for administrative jurisdiction over the federal lands involved) to issue permits for rights-of-way, temporary easements, or other necessary authorizations to allow a permittee to construct, operate, maintain, expand, or modify a natural gas, oil, or petroleum products pipeline and related facilities on eligible federal lands. Directs the Secretary to: (1) charge fees for such permits, (2) determine the initial fixed term for a permit, and (3) renew any right-of-way issued under this Act if the pipeline and its related facility is in commercial operation and operated and maintained in accordance with this Act. Grants the Secretary enforcement and modification powers, including fines and suspension or termination of rights-of-way.

Small Farm Insurance Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 16 April 2013

Small Farm Insurance Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to provide coverages for eligible crops based on individual yields (other than for value-loss crops) under the noninsured crop disaster assistance program equivalent to: (1) catastrophic risk protection, or (2) specified additional coverage. Provides reduced premiums for limited resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged producers.

New Fair Deal CEO's Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2013

New Fair Deal Consolidating and Eliminating Outdated Subsidies Act of 2013 or New Fair Deal CEO's Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to repeal the sugar price support and production adjustment programs, and terminate sugar marketing quotas and allotments. Eliminates tariffs on: (1) raw sugar cane, (2) beet sugar, and (3) certain refined sugar. Repeals the Fish and Seafood Promotion Act of 1986. Amends federal shipping law to terminate the authority of the Secretary of Commerce or the Administrator of the Maritime Administration to guarantee the payment of principal and interest on direct loans for fisheries. Repeals: (1) the high-speed rail corridor development program, (2) the authority of the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) (Secretary) under the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to provide direct loans and loan guarantees for railroad rehabilitation and improvement projects, and (3) the Secretary's authority to carry out railroad safety research and development programs. Repeals the Maritime Guaranteed Loan Program. Repeals the Secretary's authority to reimburse (subsidize) the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) for increased ocean freight and ocean freight differential transportation charges incurred in the export of agricultural commodities and their products. Terminates: (1) the Appalachian Regional Commission, and (2) the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the Department of Commerce. Repeals the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965. Requires the President to take necessary action to conclude the outstanding affairs of each program and activity terminated by this Act.

Family Farm Relief Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2013

Family Farm Relief Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a process for receiving H-2A nonimmigrant visas (temporary agricultural workers) which shall ensure that that petitioners may file such petitions over the Internet or in paper form. (Transfers administration of the H-2A program from the Department of Labor to USDA.) Includes year-round livestock workers, including dairy workers, in the H-2A category with a maximum 12-month period of admissions which may be renewed three months after the end of each such period. Revises H-2A certification provisions.

STOP Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2013

Stopping Taxpayer Outlays for Propaganda Act or STOP Act - Prohibits the use of any part of any appropriation contained in any Act for print, radio, television or any other media advertisement, campaign, or form of publicity against the use of a food or non-alcoholic beverage that is lawfully marketed under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2014

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 April 2013

Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2013

Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish at least one Forest Reserve Revenue Area within each unit of the National Forest System designated for sustainable forest management for the production of national forest materials (the sale of trees, portions of trees, or forest products from System lands) and forest reserve revenues (to be derived from the sale of such materials in such an Area). States that the purpose of an Area is to provide a dependable source of 25% payments and economic activity for each beneficiary county containing System land that was eligible to receive payments through its state under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. Instructs the Secretary to: (1) manage Areas in the manner necessary to achieve their annual volume requirement, and (2) conduct covered forest reserve projects within those Areas in accordance with this Act. Defines "annual volume requirement" and "covered forest reserve project." Requires a covered project to be implemented consistent with the land and resource management plan for the System unit in which the project will be carried out. Requires forest reserve revenues to be used to make: (1) deposits into the Knutson-Vandenburg Fund and the salvage sale fund in contributions equal to the monies collected under such Acts for projects conducted on System land, and (2) 25% payments to states for the benefit of public schools and public roads of beneficiary counties.

Save America Comprehensive Immigration Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2013

Save America Comprehensive Immigration Act of 2013 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to provide increased protections and eligibility for family-sponsored immigrants. Directs the Secretary of State to establish a Board of Family-based Visa Appeals within the Department of State. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to deny a family-based immigration petition by a U.S. petitioner for an alien spouse or child if: (1) the petitioner is on the national sex offender registry for a conviction that resulted in more than one year's imprisonment, (2) the petitioner has failed to rebut such information within 90 days, and (3) granting the petition would put a spouse or child beneficiary in danger of sexual abuse. Directs the Secretary to establish the Task Force to Rescue Immigrant Victims of American Sex Offenders. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust the status of aliens who would otherwise be inadmissible (due to unlawful presence, document fraud, or other specified grounds of inadmissibility) if such aliens have been in the United States for at least five years and meet other requirements. Authorizes the emergency deployment of Border Patrol agents to a requesting border state. Sets forth provisions for Border Patrol acquisition and use of specified equipment. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for additional detention space for illegal aliens; (2) increase Border Patrol agents, airport and land border immigration inspectors, immigration enforcement officers, and fraud and document fraud investigators; (3) enhance Border Patrol training and operational facilities; (4) establish immigration, customs, and agriculture inspector occupations within the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection; (5) reestablish the Border Patrol anti-smuggling unit; (6) establish criminal investigator occupations within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); (7) increase Border Patrol agent and investigator pay; (8) require foreign language training for appropriate DHS employees; and (9) establish the Fraudulent Documents Task Force. Redefines the term "law enforcement officer" under provisions of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) to include: (1) federal employees not otherwise covered by such term whose duties include the investigation or apprehension of suspected or convicted individuals and who are authorized to carry a firearm, and (2) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees whose duties are primarily the collection of delinquent taxes and the securing of delinquent returns. Authorizes S (witness or informant) nonimmigrant status for aliens in possession of critical reliable information concerning commercial alien smuggling or trafficking in immigration documents. Establishes a reward program to assist in eliminating immigration-related commercial document fraud operations. Sets forth unfair immigration-related employment practices. Requires petitioners for nonimmigrant labor to describe their efforts to recruit lawful permanent residents or U.S. citizens. Makes permanent an INA provision allowing adjustment of status of certain aliens for whom family-sponsored or employment-based applications or petitions were filed by a specified date. Lessens immigration consequences for minor criminal offenses. Eliminates retroactive changes in grounds of inadmissibility and removal. Amends criminal offense removal-related provisions. Increases the worldwide level of diversity immigrants. Authorizes adjustment of status for certain nationals or citizens of Haiti. Eliminates mandatory detention in expedited removal proceedings. Amends the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 to: (1) waive document fraud as a ground of inadmissibility, and (2) address determinations with respect to children. Eliminates the one-year filing requirement for asylum applicants. Includes gender persecution within the particular social group category of persecution. Provides for the permanent resident status adjustment of certain temporary protected status persons. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to eliminate a provision prohibiting restrictions on the communication of immigration status information by a government entity. Replaces the existing fashion model H-1B visa classification with an O-visa classification.

To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of the South Sacramento County Agriculture and Habitat Lands Water Recycling Project in Sacramento County, California.

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2013

Amends the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of, and land acquisition for, a project to reclaim and reuse wastewater in Sacramento County, California. Requires the project to consist of three phases, the first of which shall include the planning, design, and construction of water conveyance and related infrastructure to provide recycled water to irrigate approximately 4,500 acres of land in southern Sacramento County.

Safeguarding American Commerce and Agriculture Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2013

Safeguarding American Commerce and Agriculture Act of 2013 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the Office of Agriculture Inspection within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which shall be headed by an Assistant Commissioner. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), acting through the CBP Commissioner, to: (1) identify career paths for customs and border protection agriculture specialists; (2) provide such specialists the opportunity to acquire the education, training, and experience necessary to qualify for promotion; (3) develop a plan to recruit and retain qualified specialists; and (4) identify, and develop a plan to address, any deficiencies in equipment and other resources that are necessary at CBP agriculture inspection stations and facilities to enable such specialists to carry out their mission. Authorizes the DHS Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish an interagency rotation program. Directs the DHS Secretary to report to Congress regarding: (1) the implementation status of the action plans developed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service-U.S. Customs and Border Protection Joint Task Force on Improved Agriculture Inspection, and (2) any additional legal authority the Secretary determines is necessary to carry out the agriculture inspection mission of DHS.

To amend the definition of State in certain Federal agricultural laws to include the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2013

Amends the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act and the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to include within the definition of "state" the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

No Hungry Kids Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2013

No Hungry Kids Act - Nullifies the rule published by the Department of Agriculture on January 26, 2012, establishing nutrition standards for the school lunch and breakfast programs. (This rule is summarized as requiring most schools to increase the availability of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free and low-fat fluid milk in school meals; reduce the levels of sodium, saturated fat and trans fat in meals; and meet the nutrition needs of school children within their calorie requirements.) Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture's minimum nutritional requirements for school lunches from being construed as establishing a calorie maximum for individual school lunches or prohibiting a child from eating a lunch provided by the child's parent or legal guardian.

To amend the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to promote timely emergency rehabilitation and restoration of Federal forest land impacted by catastrophic events, to redirect for a 5-year period funding normally made available for land acquisition to mechanical forest treatment and salvage operations due to catastrophic events, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2013

Amends the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) and the Secretary of the Interior, as appropriate, to implement procedures to ensure that not less than 600,000 acres of federal land each fiscal year are treated with mechanical treatments intended to produce merchantable wood. Directs the Secretary to: (1) declare that emergency circumstances exist for all federal land affected by a catastrophic event, including federal land outside urban interface areas; and (2) take actions necessary for the rehabilitation or restoration of such federal land, with highest priority given to land impacted by large-scale beetle infestations. Directs the Secretary to initiate salvage activities on federal land affected by a catastrophic event so as to prevent significant deterioration of timber values, development of significant fire hazard, or other forest mortality that would prevent such land from regenerating to forest within five years. Excludes from the provisions of this Act: (1) a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System; (2) federal land on which the removal of vegetation is prohibited or restricted by Congress, the President, or a land management plan; or (3) a wilderness study area.