Agriculture

Farm Service Agency Loan Flexibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2018

Farm Service Agency Loan Flexibility Act This bill amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make or guarantee certain farm loans that exceed the aggregate principal amount authorized for the year by up to 25% if the need for loans exceeds the authorized limit. For any year in which USDA uses the authority provided by this bill, USDA may use funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation that are equal to the difference between: (1) the cost of making or guaranteeing the farm loans for that year, and (2) the appropriations provided for the loans for that year.

STRESS Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2018

Stemming the Tide of Rural Economic Stress and Suicide Act or the STRESS Act This bill amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to reauthorize through FY2023 and modify the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, which is a Department of Agriculture (USDA) program to provide grants for programs that provide mental health services to individuals engaged in farming, ranching, and other agriculture-related occupations. The bill also sets forth requirements for USDA to review and evaluate the stress assistance programs carried out using the grants.

To reauthorize the Rural Economic Area Partnership Zones Program through fiscal year 2023.

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2018

This bill amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to reauthorize the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Economic Area Partnership Zones Program through FY2023. (The program assists rural communities suffering from out-migration, lack of employment opportunities, and geographic isolation by providing technical assistance, financial assistance, and priority consideration for certain USDA loan and grant programs.)

Olive Oil Consumer Standards Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 13 March 2018

Olive Oil Consumer Standards Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to: (1) report to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on whether an appropriate federal standard of identity for olive oil would be in the interest of consumers, the olive oil industry, and U.S. agriculture; and (2) take the necessary steps to apply for U.S. membership in the International Olive Council. In preparing the report for the FDA, USDA must consider the citizen petition titled "Standard of Identity for Olive Oil and Olive-Pomace Oil" and filed with the FDA on July 9, 2012.

To amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to expand opportunities for algae-based research, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2018

This bill amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to allow algae to be considered an eligible material under the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP). (Under BCAP, USDA provides matching payments to assist agricultural and forest land owners and operators with the collection, harvest, storage, and transportation of eligible material for use in a biomass conversion facility. Under current law, algae is excluded from the definition of "eligible material.")

Transforming Hiring in Rural Industries and Vital Economies Act of 2017

United States · United States Congress · 8 March 2018

Transforming Hiring in Rural Industries and Vital Economies Act of 2017 This bill establishes the White House Rural Council within the Executive Office of the President to make recommendations and coordinate the efforts of the executive branch regarding economic development in rural areas.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2019

United States · United States House of Representatives · 7 March 2018

Seeds for the Future Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2018

Seeds for the Future Act This bill amends the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure that at least $50 million of USDA grant funding is used each year for competitive research grants that support the development of public cultivars. A "cultivar" is a variety of plant that has been intentionally selected for use in cultivation because of its improved characteristics. A "public cultivar" is the commercially available uniform end product of a publicly funded breeding program that has been sufficiently tested to demonstrate improved characteristics and stable performance. The bill also amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish a public cultivar research activities coordinator within USDA to coordinate research activities relating to the breeding of public cultivars.

To amend the Agricultural Act of 2014 to require producers to elect to receive price loss coverage or agriculture risk coverage under that Act or Federal crop insurance under the Federal Crop Insurance Act.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2018

This bill amends the Agricultural Act of 2014 to require all of the producers on a farm to elect to receive for the 2018 crop year either: (1) price loss coverage or agriculture risk coverage, as determined by the election of the producers on the farm required under current law for the 2014-2018 crop years; or (2) federal crop insurance.

Recognizing the contributions of American Viticultural Areas and winegrowing regions.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2018

Recognizes: (1) the contributions of American wines and distinctive American wine-growing regions; and (2) the value of promoting wines from the regions, including those protected by American Viticultural Area designations or other appellations of origin. Supports efforts to promote awareness of and appreciation for the regions.

A bill to amend the Agricultural Act of 2014 to require producers to elect to receive price loss coverage or agriculture risk coverage under that Act or Federal crop insurance under the Federal Crop Insurance Act.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 2018

This bill amends the Agricultural Act of 2014 to require all of the producers on a farm to elect to receive for the 2018 crop year either: (1) price loss coverage or agriculture risk coverage, as determined by the election of the producers on the farm required under current law for the 2014-2018 crop years; or (2) federal crop insurance.

Accelerating Innovative Conservation Technologies and Practices Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2018

Accelerating Innovative Conservation Technologies and Practices Act This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA), within 180 days of the enactment of this bill, to develop an administrative process for: (1) expediting the establishment and revision of conservation practice standards, and (2) considering conservation innovations with respect to the establishment or revision of the standards. USDA must report to Congress on the administrative process developed under this bill, including conservation practice standards that were established and conservation innovations that were considered under the process. Each state technical committee must regularly review new and innovative technologies and practices (including processes to conserve water) and make recommendations to USDA for further consideration of, and possible development of, standards that incorporate the technologies and practices.

SOIL Stewardship Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2018

Strengthening Our Investment in Land Stewardship Act or the SOIL Stewardship Act This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to reauthorize and modify Department of Agriculture conservation programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program. The bill addresses requirements for the programs relating to: enrollment and funding levels, the length and renewal process for contracts, payment rates, payment limitations, coordinating the application and enrollment processes for the two programs, set-asides and the enrollment process for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers, soil health and carbon storage, and wildlife conservation and organic production.

To amend the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act to prioritize research on sensor and imager technology in agriculture, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2018

This bill amends the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act and the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to authorize the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide competitive grants for sensor and imager technology. The bill authorizes USDA to provide the grants under: (1) the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, and (2) the Specialty Crop Research Initiative.

To amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to establish seaweed as a high-priority research and extension area, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2018

This bill amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to establish seaweed as a high-priority research and extension area for which the Department of Agriculture (USDA) may make competitive grants to support research and extension activities. USDA may make grants for carrying out or enhancing research with respect to the harvesting of seaweed for voluntary use for the livestock, poultry, and food animal production industries for purposes of the reduction of methane emissions. The bill also reauthorizes the USDA high-priority research and extension initiatives through FY2023.

United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2018

United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2018 This bill extends Military Financing Program grants for Israel through FY2023. The Department of Defense shall conduct a joint assessment with Israel regarding: (1) precision guided munitions needed by Israel in a sustained armed confrontation with Hezbollah and other armed groups and terrorist organizations, and (2) related U.S. assistance and resupply planning. The President may utilize the Special Defense Acquisition Fund to transfer precision guided munitions and related defense articles and services to reserve stocks for Israel. Authorities for loan guarantees and the war reserves stockpile for Israel are extended through FY2023. The Department of Homeland Security shall establish a seven-year grant program with Israel to support: (1) cybersecurity research and development, and (2) commercialization of cybersecurity technology. The U.S. Agency for International Development may enter into memoranda of understanding with Israel to advance common goals on energy, agriculture and food security, democracy, economic growth, education, and health. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shall continue to work with the Israel Space Agency to pursue peaceful space exploration and science initiatives. The President may enter into a cooperative project agreement with Israel to carry out research and joint production of defense articles and services to detect and destroy unmanned aerial vehicles (i.e., drones) that threaten the United States or Israel. The bill states that it is U.S. policy to ensure that Israel maintains its qualitative military edge.

Tribal Food and Housing Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2018

Tribal Food and Housing Security Act This bill provides support to Indian tribes for rural development, including by: (1) allowing the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to extend financial assistance through the Farmers Home Administration for tribal housing and buildings, and (2) establishing a technical assistance program to help tribal entities access USDA rural development programs.

Agriculture Data Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2018

Agriculture Data Act of 2018 This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to collect, review, analyze, and disseminate certain data on the impact of conservation practices on farm and ranch profitability, including the effect on crop yields, soil health, and other risk-reducing factors. The bill also requires USDA to establish a conservation and farm productivity data warehouse to make the results of the data collection and analysis available to academic institutions and researchers. USDA must also provide technical assistance, including through internet-based tools, based on the analysis conducted and other relevant data, to assist producers in improving sustainable production practices that increase yields and enhance environmental outcomes.

AG RESEARCH Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2018

Augmenting Research and Educational Sites to Ensure Agriculture Remains Cutting-Edge and Helpful Act or the AG RESEARCH Act This bill amends the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to provide funding for maintenance at agricultural research facilities. The bill requires the Department of Agriculture to: (1) establish a grant program within the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to provide agricultural research facilities with a federal share of the cost for the alteration, modernization, renovation, or remodeling of the research facilities or the equipment necessary for agricultural research; and (2) use specified Commodity Credit Corporation funds to provide direct payments to research facilities of the Agricultural Research Service for addressing deferred maintenance.

SNAP Work Opportunities and Veteran Protection Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 2018

SNAP Work Opportunities and Veteran Protection Act of 201 8 This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to exempt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) beneficiaries from work requirements if they are not offered a position in a state job training or workfare program. The bill also exempts from work requirements veterans who are participating in certain programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs or a state to further employment or rehabilitation goals. The bill permits the Department of Agriculture to allocate specified funds to states for the employment programs.

Tribal Uranium Exposure Treatment Enhancement Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2018

Tribal Uranium Exposure Treatment Enhancement Act of 2018 This bill amends the Agricultural Act of 1961 to authorize the Department of Agriculture to award grants for cancer treatments to Indians who reside on reservations where uranium mining or milling occurred and whose health was impacted by the mining or milling.

HBCU Parity Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 2018

HBCU Parity Act of 2018 This bill amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to reauthorize and provide mandatory funding for Department of Agriculture grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. (Under current law funding for the grant program is subject to the annual appropriations process. Mandatory spending is not controlled by appropriations bills.)

Measuring the Economic Impact of Broadband Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2018

Measuring the Economic Impact of Broadband Act of 2018 This bill requires the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) of the Department of Commerce to assess, and submit a report regarding, the effects on the U.S. economy of the deployment and adoption of broadband Internet Protocol-based transmission services that enable users to send and receive voice, video, data, or graphics. In conducting the assessment, the BEA must: (1) consider employment, job creation, business headcount, online commerce, income, education and distance learning, telehealth, telework, agriculture, population growth and density, broadband speed, and geography; and (2) consult with other government agencies, businesses, rural and urban Internet service and telecommunications infrastructure providers, and consumer and community organizations.

Agricultural Research Advisory Board Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2018

Agricultural Research Advisory Board Improvement Act This bill amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to extend and modify the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education, and Economics Advisory Board. The bill reduces the membership of the board from 25 to 15 members and modifies the membership categories. It also specifies that the duties of the board include making recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture regarding agricultural research, extension, education, and economics programs.

Grain Inspection Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2018

Grain Inspection Improvement Act This bill restores certain exceptions to the United States Grain Standards Act that permit certain grain handling facilities to have their grain inspected by grain inspection agencies outside of the official service boundary. The bill applies to grain handling facilities that were granted exceptions by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) that were revoked by USDA on or before April 14, 2017.

State Assistance for Tropical Floriculture Research Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 16 February 2018

State Assistance for Tropical Floriculture Research Act of 2018 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish and carry out a program to make grants, on a competitive basis, to state departments of agriculture for the research and development of disease resistant varieties of tropical flowers. A grant awarded under the program must be at least $250,000 for a fiscal year. A state department of agriculture that receives a grant must conduct and submit to USDA an audit regarding the use of the grant funds.

Naomi C. Earp, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, vice Joe Leonard, Jr.

United States · United States Senate · 15 February 2018

National FFA Organization's Federal Charter Amendments Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018

National FFA Organization's Federal Charter Amendments Act This bill revises the charter of the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America). Such revisions include (1) making it a purpose of the organization to be an integral component of agricultural education, and (2) removing the Secretary of Education as the chair of the National FFA Board of Directors.

Acequia Conservation Program Eligibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018

Acequia Conservation Program Eligibility Act This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to make acequias eligible for assistance under several Department of Agriculture conservation programs. An "acequia" is a political subdivision of a state that is organized to manage the operation of an irrigation ditch and does not have the power to impose taxes or levies.

Nutrient Management Technical Service Provider Certification Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 15 February 2018

Nutrient Management Technical Service Provider Certification Act of 2018 This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to provide alternative certification methods for third-party technical service providers (TSPs). (TSPs provide technical expertise to agricultural producers on behalf of the Department of Agriculture [USDA] Natural Resource Conservation Service to assist in planning and implementing conservation measures.) USDA must approve certain professional certifications that meet or exceed national criteria and were established by: the USDA, an agriculture-related retailer, a farmer cooperative, the American Society of Agronomy, or the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants. A qualified certification includes a certifications as: a Certified Crop Advisor by the American Society for Agronomy, a Certified Professional Agronomist by the American Society for Agronomy, and a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan Specialist by USDA.

To amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to require the specialty crops committee to make an additional recommendation regarding agricultural technology, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2018

This bill amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to require the Department of Agriculture Specialty Crops Committee to include in its annual report recommendations regarding research, extension, and teaching programs designed to improve competitiveness in the specialty crop industry by increasing the use of agricultural technology, including sensor and imaging technology.

Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2018

Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2018 This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to increase and extend through FY2023 the authorization of mandatory funding for the Department of Agriculture Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program. (The program provides grants for state and tribal governments to encourage owners and operators of privately-held farm, ranch, and forest land to voluntarily make the land available for access by the public for wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting or fishing.)

Healthy Food Financing Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2018

Healthy Food Financing Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2018 This bill amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to reauthorize and modify the Healthy Food Financing Initiative. The initiative authorizes the Department of Agriculture to provide financial and technical assistance to food retailers, farmers markets, cooperatives, and other entities for projects to improve access to healthy food in underserved communities. The purposes of the initiative include: improving access to, and expanding the supply of, healthy food in low-income, underserved communities; creating and preserving quality jobs and businesses; revitalizing distressed rural, urban, and small town economies; supporting the development of local and regional food systems; increasing the distribution of locally produced agricultural products; and strengthening farm-to-consumer relationships.

Dairy Premium Refund Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2018

Dairy Premium Refund Act of 2018 This bill amends the Agricultural Act of 2014, with respect to the Dairy Margin Protection Program, to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to repay certain premiums to participating dairy operations. (The Dairy Margin Protection Program is a voluntary program that makes payments to participating dairy operations when a formula-based national margin [the difference between the national all milk price and the national average feed cost] falls below a producer-selected insured margin.) For 2015 and each succeeding year, USDA must repay to participating dairy operations an amount equal to the difference between: the total amount of premiums paid by participating dairy operations under the program for the year; and the sum of: (1) the total payments made to participating dairy operations under the program for the year, and (2) the costs of carrying out the program for the year. A repayment made to a participating dairy operation must be reduced by the amount of payments made to the operation under the program during the year.

A resolution designating the third week of March 2018 as "National CACFP Week".

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2018

Recognizes the role of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in improving the health of the country's most vulnerable children and adults in child care centers, adult day care homes, and after-school care by providing nutritious meals and snacks. Designates the week beginning on March 11, 2018, as National CACFP Week.

A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain Federal land to facilitate scientific research supporting Federal space and defense programs.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2018

This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to convey to the Utah State University Research Foundation, without consideration, approximately 80 acres of real property, including improvements, located outside of the boundaries of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Rich County, Utah, for use for scientific and educational purposes. The foundation shall pay or reimburse USDA for the costs of the conveyance, including any survey costs, costs for environmental documentation, and other related administrative costs, except that USDA shall pay for the costs of any environmental remediation of the real property.

Carryover Equity Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2018

Carryover Equity Act This bill amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to allow 1890 land-grant colleges and universities (historically black colleges and universities that were established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890 and receive funding from the Department of Agriculture) to carry over all extension funding into the succeeding fiscal year. (Under current law, the institutions are prohibited from carrying over more than 20% of the funds received in any fiscal year.)

Conservation Assistance Loan Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2018

Conservation Assistance Loan Act of 2018 This bill establishes a Department of Agriculture (USDA) nonrecourse conservation assistance loan program. Under the program, farmers who receive loans must meet certain conservation requirements, including: (1) complying with applicable conservation and wetland protection requirements under the Food Security Act of 1985, (2) using a reduced tillage method and nutrient management practices, and (3) planting a cover crop. (Under a nonrecourse loan, a farmer pledges a commodity as collateral and may deliver the pledged collateral to USDA to repay the loan.)

Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2018

Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 2018 This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Act to allow an Indian tribe to assume, from a nearby local educational agency (LEA) and in lieu of a state, responsibility for administration of the school breakfast program, the school lunch program, the child and adult care food program, or the summer food service program for children.  The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must identify, for optional use in LEAs on or near Indian reservations, alternatives to current program requirements related to the daily counting of meals by category, the use of annual applications to determine program eligibility, and the use of universal meal service. USDA may implement such alternatives, as limited by the bill, as well as further test them in demonstration projects. The bill also amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require USDA to increase the amount of administrative funds paid to an Indian tribe that agrees to assume responsibility for the administration of one of the aforementioned food programs.

Organic Agriculture Research Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2018

Organic Agriculture Research Act of 2018 This bill amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to: (1) reauthorize through FY2023 the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative, and (2) increase mandatory funding for the program above the FY2018 level. (The program is administered by the Department of Agriculture and provides grants for research, education, and extension programs that enhance the ability of producers and processors who have adopted organic standards to grow and market organic agricultural products.)

Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2018

Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 201 8 This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Act to allow an Indian tribe to assume, from a nearby local educational agency (LEA) and in lieu of a state, responsibility for administration of the school breakfast program, the school lunch program, the child and adult care food program, or the summer food service program for children.  The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must identify, for optional use in LEAs on or near Indian reservations, alternatives to current program requirements related to the daily counting of meals by category, the use of annual applications to determine program eligibility, and the use of universal meal service. USDA may implement such alternatives, as limited by the bill, as well as further test them in demonstration projects. The bill also amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require USDA to increase the amount of administrative funds paid to an Indian tribe that agrees to assume responsibility for the administration of one of the aforementioned food programs.

Empowering State Forestry to Improve Forest Health Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2018

Empowering State Forestry to Improve Forest Health Act of 2018 This bill amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to direct the Forest Service to establish a landscape-scale restoration program to provide financial and technical assistance for landscape-scale restoration projects on state and private forest lands that maintain or improve benefits from trees and forests on such lands. The program shall: address the national private forest conservation priorities specified under the Act; and enhance public benefits from trees and forests, as identified in a state-wide assessment and a long-term state-wide forest resource strategy under the Act. The program shall also have one or more objectives, including to: protect or improve water quality or quantity; reduce wildfire risk, including through hazardous fuels treatment; protect or enhance wildlife habitat; improve forest health and forest ecosystems, including addressing native, nonnative, and invasive pests; or enhance opportunities for new and existing markets in which the production and use of wood products strengthens local and regional economies. The Forest Service shall allocate from the amounts made available under this bill: 50% for the competitive process for distributing funds for landscape-scale restoration projects; and 50% proportionally to states to maximize the achievement of the restoration program's objectives and to address the highest national priorities, as identified in state-wide assessments and long-term state-wide forest resource strategies. The bill amends the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to allocate funds and use specified authorities of the Department of Agriculture or of the Department of the Interior, as appropriate, to assist cross-boundary hazardous fuel reduction and wildfire mitigation projects.

Monuments Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018

Monuments Protection Act This bill directs the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture (USDA) to enter into an agreement with a state, the District of Columbia, a federally recognized Indian tribe, a U.S. territory or possession, or a political subdivision that offers to assume activities to resume or continue operations and public access to any covered unit when those activities would not otherwise be carried out: (1) because there is a lapse in available federal funds as a result of a failure to enact appropriations, or (2) because of a failure of the federal government to make sufficient funds available to operate such unit. The bill defines a "covered unit" to mean: public lands; units of the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, and the National Forest System; federally owned open air monuments and memorials; and federally owned roads and off ramps on all such lands. The bill requires Interior and USDA to reimburse an entity for such activities once funds are made available.

Rural Infrastructure Development and Partnerships Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018

Rural Infrastructure Development and Partnerships Act This bill establishes within the Department of Agriculture a Rural Partnerships Office to be headed by a director appointed by the President. The duties of the office include: establishing and running a program to provide technical assistance to improve delivery, financing, operations, and maintenance of rural infrastructure; establishing an online clearinghouse of best practices; providing grants to assist rural communities in developing cost-effective infrastructure projects; and coordinating activities of rural liaisons to develop guidelines for rural funding or financing programs at federal agencies and identify opportunities to work across agencies. The bill also requires each federal agency that provides financial assistance to a rural community for an activity related to rural infrastructure to designate a rural liaison to: review and make recommendations regarding regulations, guidance, and procedures that present hardships to rural communities; participate in reviewing applications for technical assistance; serve as an ombudsperson for rural communities; and meet regularly with other rural liaisons to coordinate efforts and identify ways to work together to support rural infrastructure needs.

Rural Health Liaison Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018

Rural Health Liaison Act of 2018 This bill amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish a Rural Health Liaison within the Department of Agriculture to coordinate the role of the department with respect to rural health; provide expertise, guidance, and technical assistance; and perform other specified advocacy, communications, and consulting duties.

AIRWAVES Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018

Advancing Innovation and Reinvigorating Widespread Access to Viable Electromagnetic Spectrum Act or the AIRWAVES Act This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to complete auctions by December 31, 2020, that will grant priority access broadcast licenses for specified frequency spectrum bands. The FCC and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration are directed to identify frequencies in specified spectrum bands that may be utilized for non-federal unlicensed use and commercial licensed use. The FCC must allocate 10% of proceeds from each of the spectrum band auctions specified in the bill to expand wireless infrastructure in rural areas that are underserved or unserved. The FCC shall conduct a study on how unlicensed frequency spectrum bands can be utilized for: (1) the provision of healthcare in rural areas, (2) distance learning, and (3) facilitating innovations in agriculture.

Carryover Equity Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018

Carryover Equity Act of 2018 This bill amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to allow 1890 land-grant colleges and universities (historically black colleges and universities that were established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890 and receive funding from the Department of Agriculture) to carry over all extension funding into the succeeding fiscal year. (Under current law, the institutions are prohibited from carrying over more than 20% of the funds received in any fiscal year.)

Access Business Credit Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2018

Access Business Credit Act of 2018 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of certain banks interest received on small business loans of up to $5 million. The bill applies to loans that are: (1) secured by land situated in the United States that is used or held by the small business in connection with the active conduct of a farming business, or (2) incurred in the ordinary course of the trade or business of the small business. To be eligible for the exclusion, the bank must have less than $50 billion in assets at the closing of the preceding taxable year.

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2018

Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 DIVISION B -- FURTHER EXTENSION OF CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018 Further Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 This division amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 to provide continuing FY2018 appropriations to most federal agencies through March 23, 2018 (February 8, 2018, under current law). It prevents a partial government shutdown that would otherwise occur when the existing continuing resolution expires because the FY2018 appropriations bills have not been enacted. The division also: (1) authorizes the Department of Energy to drawdown and sell specified crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in FY2018; and (2) makes additional funding available for the 2020 Decennial Census Program, the Southeastern Power Administration, and juror fees. The division provides emergency funding for the Small Business Administration Disaster Loans Program Account. (Emergency spending is exempt from discretionary spending limits and other budget enforcement rules.) DIVISION C--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018 This division provides appropriations to the Department of Defense for the remainder of FY2018. DIVISION D--MISCELLANEOUS This division amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to extend the Department of Agriculture Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) through FY2019. (EQIP provides financial and technical assistance for agricultural producers and land owners to implement certain conservation practices.) DIVISION E--BUDGETARY EFFECTS This division exempts the budgetary effects of division D from Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) rules and certain budget scorekeeping guidelines.

SNAP Abuse and Fraud Prevention Act of 2018

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2018

SNAP Abuse and Fraud Prevention Act of 2018 This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement the National Accuracy Clearinghouse (NAC) on a nationwide basis. (The NAC is currently a five-state pilot program.) The NAC is a database of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) information for states to use to prevent SNAP participants from receiving duplicative benefits in multiple states. The bill requires all states to use the NAC when making SNAP eligibility determinations and specifies requirements for USDA regulations implementing this bill.