Agriculture

A resolution recognizing the American Peanut Shellers Association for a century of effective leadership in the peanut industry and the beneficial work of the peanut industry in the United States and the State of Georgia.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2019

This resolution recognizes (1) the American Peanut Shellers Association for a century of effective leadership in the peanut industry, and (2) the beneficial work of the peanut industry in the United States and the state of Georgia.

A bill to set forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2020 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2021 through 2029.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2019

This bill establishes the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2020 and sets forth budgetary levels for FY2021-FY2029. The bill recommends levels and amounts for FY2020-FY2029 for federal revenues, new budget authority, budget outlays, deficits, public debt, debt held by the public, and the major functional categories of spending. It also recommends levels and amounts for FY2020-FY2029 in the Senate for Social Security and Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses. The bill includes reconciliation instructions that direct several Senate committees to report and submit to the Senate Budget Committee legislation to reduce the deficit by specified amounts over FY2020-FY2029. The committees include the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee; the Senate Armed Services Committee; the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee; the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. The Senate Finance Committee must report and submit legislation to reduce the deficit and revenues by specified amounts over FY2020-FY2029. (Under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, reconciliation bills are considered by Congress using expedited legislative procedures that prevent a filibuster and restrict amendments in the Senate.) The bill establishes reserve funds that provide flexibility in applying budget enforcement rules to legislation relating to (1) efficiencies, consolidations, and other savings; or (2) health savings accounts. It also sets forth budget enforcement procedures for legislation considered in the Senate.

Chronic Wasting Disease Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2019

Chronic Wasting Disease Research Act This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to award grants for research on the transmission of, resistance to, and diagnosis of chronic wasting disease afflicting deer, elk, and moose populations.

Broadband Interagency Coordination Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2019

Broadband Interagency Coordination Act of 2019 This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Department of Agriculture to enter into an interagency agreement to coordinate the distribution of federal funds for new broadband deployment.

Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2019

Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2019 This bill bars the Department of Agriculture from allowing the construction of roads, the reconstruction of roads, or logging in an inventoried roadless area where those activities are prohibited by the Roadless Rule (i.e., certain federal regulations relating to roadless area management).

Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2019

Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 201 9 This bill allows 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 requires 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 specified food programs.

Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2019

Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2019 This bill bars the Department of Agriculture from allowing the construction of roads, the reconstruction of roads, or logging in an inventoried roadless area where those activities are prohibited by the Roadless Rule (i.e., certain federal regulations relating to roadless area management).

Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2019

Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 201 9 This bill allows 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 requires 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 specified food programs.

Puppy Protection Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2019

Puppy Protection Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to expand standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals to include new requirements for commercial dog dealers. Specifically, the standards must require dog dealers to provide to dogs adequate housing, exercise, and veterinary care; appropriate and nutritious food; continuous access to potable water; and meaningful socialization with humans and compatible dogs for at least 30 minutes each day. The standards must also include requirements for breeders to use safe breeding practices and make all reasonable efforts to find humane placement for retired breeding dogs.

Access Business Credit Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 29 April 2019

Access Business Credit Act of 201 9 This bill modifies the requirements for calculating taxable income 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.

American Agriculture First Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2019

American Agriculture First Act This bill requires the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to purchase at least 75% of the agricultural commodities of the Food Purchase and Distribution Program from domestically owned enterprises if it is necessary to respond to trade damage from retaliation by foreign nations with respect to agricultural commodities. The requirement does not apply if the Department of Agriculture reports to Congress that meeting the requirement is not possible because the agricultural commodities available from domestically owned enterprises cannot meet the supply needs of the AMS; or would result in a greater than 150% increase between (1) the amount necessary to purchase the agricultural commodities, and (2) the average cost of the agricultural commodities purchased by the AMS in the prior 3 years. The authority provided by this bill expires on September 30, 2023.

Renewable Energy for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 April 2019

Renewable Energy for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Act This bill addresses renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Specifically, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must establish a grant program under which USDA may award grants for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency activities, energy storage, smart grids, or microgrids. In addition, USDA may award grants to train residents of Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands to develop, construct, maintain, or operate renewable energy systems. The Department of Energy must ensure that its national laboratories offer to provide technical assistance to grant recipients. The Government Accountability Office must study and report on renewable energy and energy efficiency in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Recognizing the importance of the United States-Israel economic relationship and encouraging new areas of cooperation.

United States · United States Congress · 18 April 2019

This resolution affirms that the U.S.-Israel economic partnership has benefitted both countries and is a foundational component of the strong alliance. The resolution recognizes that science and technology innovation present promising new frontiers for U.S.-Israel economic cooperation, particularly in light of widespread drought, cybersecurity attacks, and other major challenges impacting the United States. It also encourages the President to regularize and expand forums of economic dialogue with Israel and foster public and private sector participation. The resolution supports the exploration of new agreements with Israel, including in the fields of energy, water, agriculture, medicine, neurotechnology, and cybersecurity.

Recognizing the National Association of Letter Carriers one-day food drive.

United States · United States Congress · 15 April 2019

This resolution recognizes the National Association of Letter Carriers' one-day food drive and honors the association for its community service and philanthropic efforts.

Anti-Lunch Shaming Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 12 April 2019

Anti-Lunch Shaming Act of 2019 This bill prohibits the stigmatization of a child who is unable to pay for meals provided by schools under the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program. The bill applies to a child who either does not have funds to pay for a meal or has outstanding credit that was extended by a school food authority (SFA). A SFA may not permit public identification or stigmatization of the child, such as by requiring a wristband or hand stamp. The child also may not be required to (1) perform chores or activities that are not required of students generally, or (2) dispose of food after it has been served to the child. Any communication related to outstanding credit must be directed to the child's parent or guardian. A child may be required to deliver a letter regarding outstanding credit that is addressed to a parent or guardian if the letter is not distributed to the child in a manner that stigmatizes the child. The bill also expresses the sense of Congress regarding several issues regarding the administration of the school meal programs.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020

United States · United States Senate · 11 April 2019

Safe School Meals for Kids Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 April 2019

Safe School Meals for Kids Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to ban from the school meal programs all food that has been treated with chlorpyrifos or has a chlorpyrifos residue greater than 0.001 micrograms per kilogram of food. (Chlorpyrifos is a pesticide that some studies have linked to developmental disabilities in children.)

San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2019

San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act This bill establishes the San Gabriel National Recreation Area in California as a unit of the National Park System, consisting of 51,107 acres of federal lands and interests in land. The Department of the Interior must (1) cooperate with the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop opportunities for the management of the federal lands under DOD jurisdiction that are included within the recreation area, (2) create a comprehensive management plan for the recreation area, and (3) develop an integrated visitor services plan for the recreation area. The bill establishes (1) the San Gabriel National Recreation Area Public Advisory Council to advise Interior on the development and implementation of the management plan and the visitor services plan, and (2) the San Gabriel National Recreation Area Partnership to coordinate activities of governmental and private entities in advancing the purposes of this bill and to improve management and recreational opportunities within the recreation area. The Department of Agriculture must modify the boundaries of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument in California to include 109,143 acres of additional, identified National Forest System lands and administer those lands as part of the monument. The bill designates (1) specified areas as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System, and (2) specified river and creek segments as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

To offer persistent poverty counties and political subdivisions of such counties the opportunity to have their rural development loans restructured.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2019

This bill allows persistent poverty counties and political subdivisions of the counties to restructure certain Department of Agriculture rural development loans so that the interest rate is 0% and the loan term is 40 years. A "persistent poverty county" is a county that has had at least 20% of its population living in poverty over the past 30 years, as measured by the 1990, 2000, and 2010 decennial censuses.

A bill to require the establishment of a working group to evaluate the food safety threat posed by beef and poultry imported from Brazil, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2019

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a working group to (1) evaluate the food safety threat posed by beef and poultry imported from Brazil, and (2) make recommendations regarding whether or not the importation of beef and poultry from Brazil should be permitted. The bill also suspends imports of beef and poultry from Brazil until the working group submits its recommendations to USDA.

Anti-Lunch Shaming Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2019

Anti-Lunch Shaming Act of 2019 This bill prohibits the stigmatization of a child who is unable to pay for meals provided by schools under the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program. The bill applies to a child who either does not have funds to pay for a meal or has outstanding credit that was extended by a school food authority (SFA). A SFA may not permit public identification or stigmatization of the child, such as by requiring a wristband or hand stamp. The child also may not be required to (1) perform chores or activities that are not required of students generally, or (2) dispose of food after it has been served to the child. Any communication related to outstanding credit must be directed to the child's parent or guardian. A child may be required to deliver a letter regarding outstanding credit that is addressed to a parent or guardian if the letter is not distributed to the child in a manner that stigmatizes the child. The bill also expresses the sense of Congress regarding several issues regarding the administration of the school meal programs.

San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 April 2019

San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act This bill establishes the San Gabriel National Recreation Area in California as a unit of the National Park System, consisting of 51,107 acres of federal lands and interests in land. The Department of the Interior must (1) cooperate with the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop opportunities for the management of the federal lands under DOD jurisdiction that are included within the recreation area, (2) create a comprehensive management plan for the recreation area, and (3) develop an integrated visitor services plan for the recreation area. The bill establishes (1) the San Gabriel National Recreation Area Public Advisory Council to advise Interior on the development and implementation of the management plan and the visitor services plan, and (2) the San Gabriel National Recreation Area Partnership to coordinate activities of governmental and private entities in advancing the purposes of this bill and to improve management and recreational opportunities within the recreation area. The Department of Agriculture must modify the boundaries of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument in California to include 109,143 acres of additional, identified National Forest System lands and administer those lands as part of the monument. The bill designates (1) specified areas as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System, and (2) specified river and creek segments as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

To amend the Small Business Act to require the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman to create a centralized website for compliance guides, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2019

This bill requires the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman to create a website compiling small entity compliance guides and contact information for individuals who can assist small entities with each guide.

Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019

United States · United States Congress · 9 April 2019

Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2019 This bill provides $17.2 billion in FY2019 supplemental appropriations to several federal departments and agencies for expenses related to the consequences of recent wildfires, hurricanes, volcanos, earthquakes, typhoons, and other natural disasters. The funding provided by this bill is designated as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits and other budget enforcement rules. The bill includes appropriations for the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Energy, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Forest Service, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, the Government Accountability Office, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2019

Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a Great Lakes basin initiative for agricultural nonpoint source pollution prevention. (Nonpoint source pollution comes from diffuse sources and is caused by precipitation moving over or through the ground and carrying pollution.) In implementing the initiative, USDA must provide grants to Great Lakes states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin) for education and outreach, technical assistance, and voluntary verification programs regarding nonpoint source pollution from agricultural activities; establish a funding priority within the Great Lakes basin for payments to producers that participate in the initiative to achieve verification through a state verification program; and use existing data where it is available. In carrying out the initiative, states may collaborate with entities that have agricultural or environmental expertise, including academic or nonprofit organizations.

To provide coverage under the Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program to certain crop, tree, bush, and vine losses due to flooding occurring in Iowa in calendar year 2019.

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2019

This bill expands the Department of Agriculture 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program to include coverage for certain crop, tree, bush, and vine losses due to flooding occurring in Iowa in 2019. (Under current law, the program provides disaster payments for certain losses resulting from hurricanes and wildfires during 2017.)

An Act Targeting Resources to Communities in Need

United States · United States Congress · 8 April 2019

An Act Targeting Resources to Communities in Need This bill targets funding for designated development programs to counties and census tracts with persistently high poverty rates. Specifically, agencies that administer these programs must direct at least 10% of funding to counties with poverty rates that have equaled or exceeded 20% for at least 30 years. In addition, agencies must allocate, based on a formula, a certain level of funding to census tracts that have sustained poverty rates of 20% or higher for the past five years. This funding model, known as the 10-20-30 proposal, has been applied through appropriations measures to, among other programs, rural development programs administered by the Department of Agriculture.

Scott Soles, of Texas, to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Agriculture, vice Jon M. Holladay.

United States · United States Senate · 4 April 2019

To amend section 100905 of title 54, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to require annual permits and assess annual fees for commercial filming activities on Federal land for film crews of 5 persons or fewer, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2019

This bill directs the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture (USDA) to assess an annual fee of up to $200 for any film crew of five persons or fewer to conduct commercial filming activities or similar projects on federal land administered by such departments and to require a one-year permit for such activities or projects that occur in areas designated for public use during public hours on federal land and waterways administered by such departments. The bill also requires that the fee for a commercial filming activity or similar project in a unit of the National Park System be sufficient to cover the cost of a film permit and other administrative and personnel costs. Interior and USDA must also assess an annual fee of up to $200 for still photography crews of five persons or fewer. The bill repeals the requirement for collection by Interior and USDA of costs incurred as a result of filming activities or similar projects, including administrative and personnel costs, in addition to the reasonable fee assessed for commercial filming activities or similar projects in a system unit.

Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Advisory Committee Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2019

Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Advisory Committee Act of 2019 This bill establishes the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Advisory Committee to advise the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture on wildlife and habitat conservation, hunting, and recreational shooting. The advisory committee must advise the departments on policies or programs related to implementing Executive Order 13443, titled Facilitation of Hunting Heritage and Wildlife Conservation ; conserving and restoring wetlands, agricultural lands, grasslands, forest, and rangeland habitats; promoting opportunities for and access to hunting and shooting sports on federal lands; recruiting and retaining new hunters and shooters; increasing public awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation and the benefits of recreational hunting and shooting; and encouraging coordination among the public, the hunting and shooting sports community, wildlife conservation groups, states, tribes, and the federal government. The bill abolishes the existing Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council, effective on the date of the first meeting of the advisory committee established by this bill.

Chronic Wasting Disease Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2019

Chronic Wasting Disease Research Act This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to award grants for research on the transmission of, resistance to, and diagnosis of chronic wasting disease afflicting deer, elk, and moose populations.

Cell-Cultured Meat and Poultry Regulation Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2019

Cell-Cultured Meat and Poultry Regulation Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enter into a binding formal agreement regarding the authority of each agency to oversee cell-cultured meat and poultry. The agreement must require the FDA to (1) oversee cell collection, cell banks, and cell growth and differentiation; and (2) transition oversight authority of food products at the beginning of the cell harvest stage to USDA. After the transition, USDA must oversee the processing, preparation, packaging, and labeling of the food products.

SECURING THE FUTURE OF AMERICAN AGRICULTURE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 3 April 2019

An Act Targeting Resources to Communities in Need

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2019

An Act Targeting Resources to Communities in Need This bill targets funding for designated development programs to counties and census tracts with persistently high poverty rates. Specifically, agencies that administer these programs must direct at least 10% of funding to counties with poverty rates that have equaled or exceeded 20% for at least 30 years. In addition, agencies must allocate, based on a formula, a certain level of funding to census tracts that have sustained poverty rates of 20% or higher for the past five years. This funding model, known as the 10-20-30 proposal, has been applied through appropriations measures to, among other programs, rural development programs administered by the Department of Agriculture.

THE SMALL BUSINESS TRADE SNAPSHOT: AGRICULTURE AND WORKERS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 2 April 2019

An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2020 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2021 through 2024.

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2019

This concurrent resolution establishes the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2020 and sets forth budgetary levels for FY2021-FY2024. The resolution recommends levels and amounts for FY2020-FY2024 for federal revenues, new budget authority, budget outlays, deficits, public debt, debt held by the public, and the major functional categories of spending. It also recommends levels and amounts for FY2020-FY2024 in the Senate for Social Security and Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses. The resolution includes reconciliation instructions that direct five Senate committees to report and submit to the Senate Budget Committee legislation to reduce the deficit over FY2020-FY2024 by specified amounts. The committees include the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee; the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; the Senate Finance Committee; the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee; and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. (Under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, reconciliation bills are considered by Congress using expedited legislative procedures that prevent a filibuster and restrict amendments in the Senate.) The resolution establishes several deficit-neutral reserve funds that provide flexibility in applying budget enforcement rules to legislation addressing a wide range of specified issues across the federal budget. It also sets forth budget enforcement procedures for legislation considered in the Senate.

A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2020 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2021 through 2029.

United States · United States Congress · 1 April 2019

This concurrent resolution establishes the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2020 and sets forth budgetary levels for FY2021-FY2029. The resolution recommends levels and amounts for FY2020-FY2029 for federal revenues, new budget authority, budget outlays, deficits, public debt, debt held by the public, and the major functional categories of spending. It also recommends levels and amounts for FY2020-FY2029 in the Senate for Social Security and Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses. The resolution includes reconciliation instructions that direct several Senate committees to report and submit to the Senate Budget Committee legislation to reduce the deficit by specified amounts over FY2020-FY2029. The committees include the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee; the Senate Armed Services Committee; the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee; the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. The Senate Finance Committee must report and submit legislation to reduce the deficit and revenues by specified amounts over FY2020-2029. (Under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, reconciliation bills are considered by Congress using expedited legislative procedures that prevent a filibuster and restrict amendments in the Senate.) The resolution establishes reserve funds that provide flexibility in applying budget enforcement rules to legislation relating to (1) efficiencies, consolidations, and other savings; or (2) health savings accounts. It also sets forth budget enforcement procedures for legislation considered in the Senate.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020

United States · United States Senate · 28 March 2019

Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2019

Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 201 9 This bill establishes restrictions and requirements for checkoff programs, which are programs overseen by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote and provide research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to specific producers or brands. The bill prohibits boards established to carry out a checkoff program or a USDA order issued under a checkoff program from entering into a contract or agreement to carry out program activities with a party that engages in activities to influence any government policy or action that relates to agriculture. A board or its employees or agents acting in their official capacity may not engage in any act that may involve a conflict of interest; anticompetitive activity; unfair or deceptive act or practice; or act that may be disparaging to, or in any way negatively portray, another agricultural commodity or product. Upon approval of USDA, a board may enter directly into contracts and agreements to carry out generic promotion, research, or other activities authorized by law if the agreement or contract requires records accounting for the funds received to be submitted to the board. The board must meet specified requirements regarding the publication of budgets and disbursements of funds. The USDA Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office must conduct specified audits regarding checkoff programs.

Voluntary Checkoff Program Participation Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2019

Voluntary Checkoff Program Participation Act This bill prohibits mandatory or compulsory checkoff programs and requires producer participation in the programs to be voluntary at the point of sale. (A checkoff program is a program to promote and provide research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to specific producers or brands. The Department of Agriculture oversees the programs, which are requested and funded by industry.)

Protect Children, Farmers, and Farmworkers from Nerve Agent Pesticides Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 28 March 2019

Protect Children, Farmers, and Farmworkers from Nerve Agent Pesticides Act of 2019 This bill imposes prohibitions on the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides that contain chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate pesticide. Specifically, the bill prohibits the sale of any food that contains chlorpyrifos. The bill also prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from registering any pesticide containing chlorpyrifos as an active ingredient. Additionally, the EPA must cancel registration of any pesticide containing chlorpyrifos as an active ingredient. The bill prohibits the export of pesticides containing chlorpyrifos as an active ingredient to foreign countries. Currently, during emergency conditions, the EPA is authorized to exempt federal or state agencies from laws and regulations that govern the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides. Under the bill, the EPA is prohibited from exempting federal and state agencies from such laws and regulations with respect to any pesticide containing chlorpyrifos as an active ingredient.

DEER Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2019

Detection, Enhanced Education, and Response Act of 2019 or the DEER Act This bill addresses chronic wasting disease, which is a transmissible disease that afflicts deer, elk, and moose populations. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support state efforts to develop and implement chronic wasting disease surveillance, testing, management, and response activities. In addition, USDA must (1) establish a multiagency task force to respond to the disease, and (2) award a grant to a land-grant college or university to establish a policy research center for wildlife diseases.

Cuba Agricultural Exports Act

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2019

Cuba Agricultural Exports Act This bill exempts from prohibitions against U.S. assistance to Cuba (1) any exports under the market access program, the export credit guarantee program, or the foreign market development cooperator program; and (2) any obligation or expenditure of funds to promote trade with Cuba by federal commodity promotion programs established in accordance with a commodity promotion law. This exemption shall not apply if the U.S. assistance recipient would be an entity controlled by the Cuban government, including the armed forces or the Ministry of the Interior. A person subject to U.S. jurisdiction may invest in the development of an agricultural business in Cuba if the Department of State and the Department of Agriculture jointly determine that the agricultural business is not controlled by the government of Cuba, including the armed forces or the Ministry of the Interior; and does not traffic in property of persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction that was confiscated by Cuba on or after January 1, 1959. A person subject to U.S. jurisdiction may provide payment or financing for agricultural sales to Cuba or to an individual or entity in Cuba.

Nutrition Coordinators for Local Healthy Youth Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2019

Nutrition Coordinators for Local Healthy Youth Act This bill establishes a Department of Agriculture program to award grants to local educational agencies to appoint nutrition coordinators with a background in nutrition education, dietetics, or nutrition program management. The responsibilities of the coordinators include ensuring compliance with local school wellness policies under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, coordinating nutrition education programs with school food service directors, conducting training and facilitating information sharing of best practices, working with programs that promote and motivate students to participate in school wellness activities, coordinating and collaborating with other nutrition education programs, providing community outreach to promote nutrient-rich foods and farm-to-school activities, promoting regular physical activity in students, ensuring students receive effective and consistent messages regarding healthy eating and active living, and promoting nutrition education and team network nutrition programs in the state by coordinating and collaborating with the team nutrition network coordinator and community partners.

United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2019

United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act This bill authorizes various joint research and cooperation programs between the United States and Israel, reauthorizes security assistance to Israel, and establishes reporting requirements regarding various related issues. The bill authorizes the Department of State to work with Israel on research and development to establish directed energy capabilities. It authorizes through FY2024 cooperative projects involving the United States, Israel, and developing countries to identify and address sustainability challenges related to water resources, agriculture, and energy storage. The bill authorizes through FY2022 (1) activities of the U.S.-Israel Energy Center; (2) cooperation with and assistance to Israel related to security, explosives detection, and cybersecurity; (3) activities related to the U.S.-Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund; and (4) activities to establish a cooperative program with Israel to develop health technologies. The State Department shall establish a grant program to support cybersecurity research and development and commercialization of cybersecurity technology open to joint ventures involving U.S. and Israeli entities. The President shall establish contingency plans to provide Israel with necessary defense articles and services and assess plans to assist and supply Israel with munitions in the event of a sustained armed confrontation with Hezbollah. The bill authorizes the President to (1) waive export control requirements and immediately transfer defense articles to Israel in response to an existing or imminent military threat, and (2) transfer precision guided munitions to Israel as necessary for legitimate self-defense. The bill extends through FY2024 security assistance and loan guarantees for Israel.

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

United States · United States Congress · 21 March 2019

This resolution sets forth the levels of payment for 116th Congress expenses (including staff salaries) for the following House Committees: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) the Budget; (4) Select Committee on the Climate Crisis; (5) Education and Labor; (6) Energy and Commerce; (7) Ethics; (8) Financial Services; (9) Foreign Affairs; (10) Homeland Security; (11) House Administration; (12) Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; (13) the Judiciary; (14) Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; (15) Natural Resources; (16) Oversight and Reform; (17) Rules; (18) Science, Space, and Technology; (19) Small Business; (20) Transportation and Infrastructure; (21) Veterans' Affairs; and (22) Ways and Means. Among other things, this resolution (1) prescribes limitations to such expenses for the 1st and 2nd sessions of the 116th Congress, and (2) establishes a reserve fund for unanticipated committee expenses for the 116th Congress.

United States-Israel International Development Cooperation Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 18 March 2019

United States-Israel International Development Cooperation Act of 2019 This bill authorizes projects among the United States, Israel, and developing countries to support local solutions to sustainability challenges relating to water resources, agriculture, and energy storage. The U.S. Agency for International Development may enter into a memorandum of understanding with Israel to work together toward common goals in areas such as energy, agriculture, democracy, human rights, economic growth, and education.

Keep Food Safe from Glyphosate Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

Keep Food Safe from Glyphosate Act of 2019 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a permanent tolerance for the use of glyphosate on oats not to exceed 0.1 parts per million. The labeling for pesticides containing glyphosate must include specific wording, or shall be considered misbranded and subject to enforcement procedures. The bill also requires the Department of Agriculture to annually test foods that are most likely to be consumed by infants and children (e.g., oats) for residues of glyphosate.

Student Agriculture Protection Act of 2019

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

Student Agriculture Protection Act of 2019 This bill modifies the requirements for calculating taxable income to exclude from the gross income of a student agriculturist up to $5,000 of the gain from the sale or exchange of personal property (including livestock, crops, and agricultural mechanics or shop products) produced or raised by the student agriculturist. A "student agriculturist" is an individual who is under 22 years of age and is enrolled in (1) an FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter or a program established by the National FFA Organization; (2) a 4H Club or other program established by 4H; or (3) a student agriculture program that is under the direction or guidance of an agricultural educator, advisor, or club leader.

Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 March 2019

Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act This bill designates specified National Forest System lands, National Park System lands, and public lands in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming as wilderness and as components or additions to existing components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The bill also designates specified federal lands as biological connecting corridors and as special corridor management areas. The bill designates segments of specified rivers and creeks in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The bill designates specified areas as wildland recovery areas. The Department of Agriculture shall develop a wildland recovery plan for each recovery area. A specified panel of independent scientists shall study roadless lands greater than 1,000 acres that are within the National Forest System in the Wild Rockies bioregion in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, or Wyoming, but not designated as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System, for their role in maintaining biological diversity in the Northern Rockies and as part of the overall forest reserve system. Any new or existing road construction or reconstruction or timber harvest is prohibited in those lands after the evaluation. Oil or gas leasing, mining, or other development that impairs the natural and roadless qualities of the land is also prohibited. The Department of the Interior may apply the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act in carrying out this bill.