Agriculture

21st Century Conservation Corps for Our Health and Our Jobs Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2020

21st Century Conservation Corps for Our Health and Our Jobs Act This bill provides supplemental appropriations for FY2020 to the Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Commerce for expenses related to primarily for federal land management and other conservation purposes. The funding provided by this bill is designated as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits. The bill also establishes the Outfitters and Guides Relief Fund, establishes the Forest Service Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation Program, establishes the Civilian Conservation Corps program, establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, and makes permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

End Pandemic Hunger for College Students Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020

End Pandemic Hunger for College Students Act of 2020 This bill expands the eligibility of certain low-income students at institutions of higher education to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Eligibility for SNAP benefits shall not be limited for an individual who as of March 1, 2020, or anytime in the prior 30 days, was enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education and participating in SNAP. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) may temporarily adjust eligibility standards under SNAP through national guidance or by request of a state for individuals who are enrolled in an institution of higher education in any state affected by the outbreak of COVID-19. Additionally, USDA must approve a state's request to adjust the eligibility standards under SNAP for such individuals who (1) are members of certain households who are otherwise eligible to participate in SNAP, or (2) had an expected family contribution equal to zero in the most recent academic year. The temporary eligibility standards shall be in effect (1) for initial applications under SNAP until 90 days after the COVID-19 public health emergency is lifted, and (2) until the first recertification of a household beginning no earlier than 90 days after such public health emergency is lifted. USDA must provide guidance to states on the temporary student eligibility requirements and state options within 10 days of this bill's enactment.

Expressing support for assisting East African countries afflicted by the plague of desert locusts.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020

This resolution calls upon the President to (1) elevate locust eradication efforts among relevant U.S. agencies to address the food security crisis in East Africa, (2) allocate appropriate assets to support such efforts, and (3) direct the U.S. Agency for International Development to determine further assistance the United States may provide in East Africa. Further, it supports the coordination efforts of the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations food agencies between the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Farm to Food Bank Enhancement Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020

Farm to Food Bank Enhancement Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide enhanced funding to states to pay for projects to harvest, process, package, or transport donated commodities. USDA must issue guidance to states to encourage them to carry out projects that work with agricultural producers, processors, and distributors who grow or market products that have seen decreased demand due to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak and cannot easily be repackaged for grocery or retail sale. To be eligible for funding, a state must submit a plan of operation for a project that includes (1) a list of emergency feeding organizations in the state that are willing to partner with the state; (2) a list of priority agricultural products located in the state that are for donation to emergency feeding organizations and ready for transport; (3) a description of how the project will serve certain purposes, including to provide food to individuals in need; and (4) a timeline for the project. USDA may reallocate unexpended funds to other eligible states if it determines that a state will not use all of its allocated funds. The bill allows states to enter into cooperative agreements with other states to maximize the use of donated commodities. USDA must make specified documents publicly available on its website, including any guidance issued to states in accordance with the bill.

Recognizing the United Chinese Americans' nationwide food drive and the contributions of Chinese Americans to the United States.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2020

This resolution (1) recognizes the significance of the Chinese-American community as an integral component of the rich diversity and strength of the United States, (2) recognizes the United Chinese Americans' nationwide Food of Love Day meal drive, and (3) honors the Chinese-American community for its community service and philanthropic efforts during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health crisis.

M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2020

M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act This bill designates specified segments of rivers and creeks of the Gila River system in New Mexico as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and transfers 440 acres of land from the Gila National Forest to the Gila Cliff Dwellings Monument. The comprehensive management plan that is to be prepared for such segments pursuant to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act must provide for public involvement, including consultation with tribal governments. Any nonfederal land within or adjacent to such a segment that is acquired by the United States shall be incorporated in, and be administered as part of, the applicable segment. No land or interest in land shall be acquired without the owner's consent. If the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture determines that no other feasible alternative exists, then it may authorize a project or activity that affects the free-flowing characteristics or other values of a segment under its jurisdiction, including (1) the construction, maintenance, and replacement of fish barriers; or (2) the use of chemicals to manage nonnative fish species.

Farmers-Feeding-Families Coronavirus Response Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2020

Farmers-Feeding-Families Coronavirus Response Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to use specified federal funding to purchase specialty crops, dairy, meat, and poultry products from specific agricultural producers relying on markets affected by COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) to provide to food assistance programs, including the Emergency Food Assistance Program. USDA must also provide additional funding to the states for the purpose of procuring food products to support food assistance programs within each state. USDA and the states must use at least 10% of the funding to purchase crops and products that would otherwise have been sold through direct-to-consumer, direct-to-institution, direct-to-retail, or direct-to-restaurant marketing channels.

Suspend School Meal Debt Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2020

Suspend School Meal Debt Act of 2020 This bill prohibits each school food authority and local educational agency participating in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program from collecting unpaid school meal fees (including late fees associated with unpaid meals) or using a debt collector to collect such fees during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. The prohibition ends 30 days after the date on which the public health emergency is terminated. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture must reimburse each school food authority and local educational agency participating in either program for unpaid meal fees (including late fees associated with unpaid meals) owed to the authority or agency as of the date of the enactment of this bill.

COVID–19 DISASTER in Indian Country Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2020

COVID-19 Designation of Immediate Special Authority of Spectrum for Tribes' Emergency Response in Indian Country Act or the COVID-19 DISASTER in Indian Country Act This bill grants emergency special temporary authority and provides funds to deploy wireless broadband service on tribal lands and Hawaiian home lands. Specifically, the bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant emergency special temporary authority to Indian tribes, certain tribal entities, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands if they request such authority to use electromagnetic spectrum to provide wireless broadband service over tribal lands or Hawaiian home lands. The FCC must grant such emergency authority within 10 days of receiving a request. In addition, the bill provides funds to specified Department of Agriculture grant programs for (1) immediate deployment of wireless broadband service on tribal lands and Hawaiian home lands, including repairs to damaged infrastructure and backhaul costs; and (2) technical assistance and training.

Food for Families in Crisis Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

Food for Families in Crisis Act of 2020 This bill revises the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) during an elevated unemployment period in the United States. Additionally, the bill directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics to include in each monthly employment situation report it publishes a specific determination of whether an elevated unemployment period is in existence in the United States. During an elevated unemployment period, the bill (1) eliminates work requirements under SNAP, (2) increases benefits under SNAP, (3) revises eligibility requirements under SNAP to ensure the use of a broad-based categorical eligibility, and (4) requires the Department of Agriculture to make $150 million (adjusted for inflation) available for the costs of state administrative expenses associated with carrying out this bill and administering SNAP. The bill waives the non-federal share requirement to carry out activities for the food distribution program on Indian reservations. The bill also prohibits funding from being used to implement certain rules related to SNAP, including the final rule titled Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents , published on December 5, 2019.

Farm System Reform Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

Farm System Reform Act of 2020 This bill places a moratorium on large concentrated animal feeding operations; requires country-of-origin labeling for beef, pork, and dairy products; and otherwise revises provisions related to the marketing of livestock, poultry, and meat.

Eating Disorder Prevention in Schools Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

Eating Disorder Prevention in Schools Act of 2020 This bill requires local educational agencies (LEAs) participating in the school lunch or breakfast programs to include goals for reducing disordered eating in children of all sizes in their local school wellness policies. Such LEAs must also include registered dietitians and licensed mental health professionals in the development, implementation, and periodic review of such policies. The bill also requires the Department of Agriculture to provide information and technical assistance to LEAs, school food authorities, school health professionals, and state educational agencies for use in establishing healthy school environments. Such technical assistance must promote eating disorder prevention and encourage screening for such disorders.

FEED Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries Act or the FEED Act This bill authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to approve state, local, and Indian tribal government plans to partner with small and mid-size restaurants and nonprofit organizations to provide nutritious meals to individuals in need. Specifically, during the period following the President's emergency declaration of March 13, 2020, and under any subsequent major disaster declaration that supersedes it, FEMA may approve plans from state, local, and Indian tribal governments that (1) establish contracts with small and mid-sized restaurants and nonprofits, including faith-based organizations and soup kitchens, to prepare healthy meals for people in need; and (2) provide for partnerships with nonprofit organizations to purchase directly from food producers and farmers. FEMA shall waive federal matching requirements under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act during such period.

To amend the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to raise the borrowing limit of the Commodity Credit Corporation.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

This bill raises the borrowing limit of the Commodity Credit Corporation from $30 billion to $68 billion.

Farmers Feeding Families Coronavirus Response Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

Farmers Feeding Families Coronavirus Response Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to use specified federal funding to purchase specialty crops, dairy, meat, and poultry products from specific agricultural producers relying on markets affected by COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) to provide to food assistance programs, including the Emergency Food Assistance Program. USDA must also provide additional funding to the states for the purpose of procuring food products to support food assistance programs within each state. USDA and the states must use at least 10% of the funding to purchase crops and products that would otherwise have been sold through direct-to-consumer, direct-to-institution, direct-to-retail, or direct-to-restaurant marketing channels.

Food Bank Access to Farm Fresh Produce Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

Food Bank Access to Farm Fresh Produce Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to provide specialty crop block grants to each of the 20 states that have produced the highest quantity of specialty crops during the most recent three-year period to fund certain state food banks and food access networks. The grants may only be used to (1) procure and distribute specialty crops; (2) purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire vehicles, including refrigerated vehicles, or other equipment to carry out activities related to procurement and distribution of specialty crops; (3) pay for the cost of additional personnel; (4) pay for travel relating to procurement of specialty crops; and (5) pay for preparation, storage, and transportation of specialty crops, including delivery to end-consumers. Each grant provided to a state shall be not less than $100 million.

FEED Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries Act or the FEED Act This bill authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to approve state, local, and Indian tribal government plans to partner with small and mid-size restaurants and nonprofit organizations to provide nutritious meals to individuals in need. Specifically, during the period following the President's emergency declaration of March 13, 2020, and under any subsequent major disaster declaration that supersedes it, FEMA may approve plans from state, local, and Indian tribal governments that (1) establish contracts with small and mid-sized restaurants and nonprofits, including faith-based organizations and soup kitchens, to prepare healthy meals for people in need; and (2) provide for partnerships with nonprofit organizations to purchase directly from food producers and farmers. FEMA shall waive federal matching requirements under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act during such period.

Relief for America's Small Farmers Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2020

Relief for America's Small Farmers Act This bill provides loan forgiveness of up to $250,000 for certain borrowers who are actively engaged in farming, have an average annual adjusted gross income of $300,000 or less over the previous five years, and have certain Department of Agriculture farm loans. The loan forgiveness is subject to the condition that the applicable borrower must continue to be actively engaged in farming for at least two years after receiving such forgiveness.

Scott Hutchins, of Indiana, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics, vice Catherine E. Woteki.

United States · United States Senate · 4 May 2020

SNAP COVID–19 Anti-Hunger Restaurant Relief for You Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2020

SNAP COVID-19 Anti-Hunger Restaurant Relief for You Act of 2020 This bill modifies the Restaurant Meals Program under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to make additional individuals and food retailers eligible to use and participate in the program during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

To provide for a waiver of the matching funds requirement for the farmers market and local food promotion program and value added producer grant program.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2020

This bill waives matching funds requirements for entities that receive grants from the Department of Agriculture through the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program or the Value-Added Producer Grant program. The matching funds requirements shall not apply with respect to grants awarded during the period beginning on January 1, 2019, and ending on December 31, 2021.

Relief for America's Small Farmers Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2020

Relief for America's Small Farmers Act This bill provides loan forgiveness of up to $250,000 for certain borrowers who are actively engaged in farming, have an average annual adjusted gross income of $300,000 or less over the previous five years, and have certain Department of Agriculture farm loans. The loan forgiveness is subject to the condition that the applicable borrower must continue to be actively engaged in farming for at least two years after receiving such forgiveness.

Pandemic Disaster Assistance Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2020

Pandemic Disaster Assistance Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide direct assistance to individuals who have been impacted by a pandemic and appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor for unemployment compensation and disaster relief. Specifically, at the discretion of a governor or the President, individuals impacted by a pandemic will be eligible to apply directly to federal agencies for various forms of assistance, including (1) assistance under the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program; (2) assistance under the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program; and (3) other needs assistance through FEMA's Individual Assistance program, including medical, funeral, and child care assistance. With respect to the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program, the bill creates a national floor for benefits at 1.5 times the national weekly average and provides a waiver to the requirement to exhaust state unemployment insurance options. With respect to the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program, the Department of Agriculture must provide options other than an in-person interview.

Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Chain Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2020

Securing America's Critical Minerals Supply Chain Act This bill allows a new tax deduction for 10% of the cost of specified domestically-produced materials if such materials are acquired directly from the domestic smelter or processor of the materials. The bill defines specified domestically-produced materials as materials that are smelted or processed in the United States by direct smelting of ore, from a mine product, by a taxpayer in the trade or business of smelting or processing such materials. The term specified material includes minerals necessary for national defense and security, for U.S. energy infrastructure, for community resiliency, to support domestic manufacturing, agriculture, housing, telecommunications, healthcare, and transportation infrastructure, or for U.S. economic security and balance of trade. The term does not include fuel minerals, water, ice, or snow, or sand, stone, gravel, pumice, pumicite, cinders, or clay.

Making supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2020 for the Department of Agriculture to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 23 April 2020

This bill provides $50 billion in FY2020 supplemental appropriations for the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support agricultural producers impacted by the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. The supplemental appropriations are designated as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits. USDA may not apply any payment limitations to payments made to producers using funding provided by this bill, except to ensure that the total payments made to producers do not exceed the total damages related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recognizing the important role Victory Gardens played in America's World War efforts and reaffirming their purpose as essential to strengthening food security, health education, and community morale during the 2020 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.

United States · United States Congress · 22 April 2020

This resolution recognizes (1) the importance of the health consciousness, food security, and community morale that is spurred by planting of Victory Gardens; and (2) that the Department of Agriculture should collaborate with the House of Representatives to encourage citizens to plant Victory Gardens and to supply seeds, preserving materials, and manuals to help citizens grow and preserve crops from their Victory Gardens during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) crisis.

Food for Working Families Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020

Food for Working Families Act of 2020 This bill revises the requirements for calculating income under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) to exclude from income and resources emergency federal pandemic unemployment compensation paid to an individual under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act due to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).

Emergency Ensuring Access to SNAP (EATS) Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020

Emergency Ensuring Access to SNAP (EATS) Act of 2020 This bill temporarily suspends eligibility requirements for certain students under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) during a public health emergency declaration due to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), allowing students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education who would have lost eligibility due to such requirements to continue to receive SNAP benefits.

Fresh Produce for Kids in Need Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 April 2020

Fresh Produce for Kids in Need Act This bill modifies food and nutrition programs of the Department of Agriculture to include the fresh fruit and vegetable program as a qualified program for purposes of allowing certain waivers of program requirements for the school meal programs due to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).

Wildfire and Community Health Response Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020

Wildfire and Community Health Response Act of 2020 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture, for National Forest System lands, and the Department of the Interior, for public lands, by May 31, 2020, to jointly submit to Congress a report on their activities to mitigate wildfire risk during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, including activities to minimize the impact of wildfires on the respiratory health of communities; identify methods of fuels reduction used during the COVID-19 pandemic to minimize the threat of wildfire on such lands; and slow the spread of COVID-19 between firefighters and emergency response teams. Such report shall also include the recommendations of the departments with respect to the federal support necessary to carry out these activities. Not later than December 31, 2020, such departments shall jointly submit to Congress a report on (1) the activities and recommendations, and (2) the outcomes of forest and wildfire management in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the recommendations of the departments with respect to such outcomes.

Agricultural Security Risk Review Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020

Agricultural Security Risk Review Act This bill expands the membership of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to include the Secretary of Agriculture. (The committee reviews the national security implications of certain foreign investments in U.S. businesses or real estate, including critical infrastructure or technologies.)

CARE for Kids Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020

Caregivers, Access, and Responsible Expansion for Kids Act of 2020 or the CARE for Kids Act of 20 20 This bill modifies program requirements for the National School Lunch Program and school breakfast program of the Department of Agriculture. A local educational agency (including any school operated by the Bureau of Indian Education) may certify as eligible for free lunches or breakfasts, without further application, the following: children whose placement with a caregiver was carried out with the involvement of an agency that administers a state plan or a tribal child welfare agency, without regard to whether the agency is responsible for the care and placement of the child; children being raised by a relative who receives adoption or guardianship assistance; and children of a family that lives in housing dedicated to low-income families with a caregiver who is a grandparent or another older person who cares for the child full-time or who receives housing or housing assistance under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996. The bill also extends eligibility for free or reduced-price school lunches for children who were determined to be eligible in the school year prior to placement with a grandparent or relative for the school year immediately following placement. The bill provides children who receive medical assistance under the Medicaid program with direct certification for free lunches and breakfasts under the school lunch and breakfast programs.

Recognizing the heroism of our Nation's essential employees, including drivers, tradesmen, convenience store workers, manufacturers, airport workers, restaurant employees, farmers, energy employees, public utility workers, and others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

United States · United States Congress · 17 April 2020

This resolution recognizes drivers, tradesmen, grocery store workers, manufacturers, airport workers, restaurant employees, farmers, energy employees, public utility workers, and other essential employees for their contributions during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus 2019) public-health emergency.

SNAP Online Purchasing Flexibility Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 14 April 2020

SNAP Online Purchasing Flexibility Act of 2020 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to authorize all states to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) online purchasing program during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. The program allows approved retail food stores to accept SNAP benefits through online transactions.

Food Assistance for Kids and Families During COVID-19 Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2020

Food Assistance for Kids and Families During COVID-19 Act of 2020 This bill modifies food and nutrition programs of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The bill modifies the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) to require USDA to (1) notify retailers of the existing opportunities through which they can deliver groceries to SNAP participants; and (2) authorize public-private partnerships between itself, authorized SNAP retailers, and community-based organizations to support grocery delivery during the COVID-19 national emergency. The bill provides funding for USDA to support grocery delivery for SNAP participants who are seniors, immunocompromised individuals, or other individuals who are unable to travel safely to a grocery store. Additionally, the bill (1) extends the certification period under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) for infants to two years, instead of the current one year; and (2) authorizes states to increase the certification time under WIC for breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women to two years postpartum. The bill also allows any federal agency charged with the administration of a federal assistance program to modify or waive administrative conditions during an emergency.

Suspend School Meal Debt Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 April 2020

Suspend School Meal Debt Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to reimburse each school food authority and local educational agency participating in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program for unpaid meal fees owed to the authority or agency as of the date of the enactment of this bill. The bill also prohibits each school food authority and local educational agency from collecting unpaid meal fees or using a debt collector to collect such fees during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. The prohibition ends 30 days after the date on which the public health emergency is terminated.

Community Meals Fund

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2020

Community Meals Fund This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture to award grants to community-based nonprofit feeding and anti-hunger groups to partner with small and mid-sized restaurants or food contractors to expand meal access and food security to meet the needs of children, families, and vulnerable populations during a pandemic such as COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Grants awarded may not exceed $500,000.

COVID-19 Emergency Housing Relief Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020

COVID-19 Emergency Housing Relief Act of 2020 This bill establishes certain flexibilities related to public housing during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus 2019) emergency. For example, the bill suspends work requirements and time limitations on assistance associated with the Move to Work program; suspends the requirement that families residing in public housing must pay a minimum amount in rent; suspends the requirement that families may not be absent from a public housing unit for more than 180 consecutive calendar days; prohibits public housing agencies (PHAs) from terminating a household's eligibility for a housing choice voucher based on the household's failure to enter into a lease for an assisted unit; requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to suspend income reviews, except in certain instances; allows HUD and USDA to suspend or delay certain deadlines relating to PHAs or owners of federally assisted housing; and suspends requirements for owners of federally assisted multifamily housing to remit residual receipts to HUD.

Ensuring Affordable Housing Security During the Coronavirus Emergency Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2020

Ensuring Affordable Housing Security During the Coronavirus Emergency Act of 2020 This bill provides for housing assistance during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. Specifically, tenants in certain federally assisted housing shall not be required to make rent payments from the date of the bill's enactment until six months after the end of the COVID-19 emergency declaration. The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Agriculture must reimburse public housing agencies (PHAs) and owners of federally assisted housing for these suspended rent payments, including any increase in low-income housing choice voucher assistance payments made by PHAs to compensate for the suspended rent payments.

Food Assistance for Kids and Families During COVID-19 Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 22 March 2020

Food Assistance for Kids and Families During COVID-19 Act of 2020 This bill modifies food and nutrition programs of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The bill modifies the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) to require USDA to (1) notify retailers of the existing opportunities through which they can deliver groceries to SNAP participants; and (2) authorize public-private partnerships between itself, authorized SNAP retailers, and community-based organizations to support grocery delivery during the national emergency regarding COVID-19. The bill provides funding for USDA to support grocery delivery for SNAP participants who are seniors, immunocompromised individuals, or other individuals who are unable to travel safely to a grocery store. Additionally, the bill (1) extends the certification period under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) for infants to two years, instead of the current one year; and (2) authorizes states to increase the certification time under WIC for breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women to two years postpartum. The bill also allows any federal agency charged with the administration of a federal assistance program to modify or waive administrative conditions during an emergency.

A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to provide payments to cattle producers to offset losses due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 20 March 2020

This bill requires the Farm Service Agency to provide payments to producers that sold feeder cattle or live cattle during any month in calendar year 2020 to offset losses due to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, payments must be provided (1) in the case of feeder cattle, if the average national sale price per hundredweight for feeder cattle for that month is less than $150; and (2) in the case of live cattle, if the average national sale price per hundredweight for live cattle for that month is less than $121. A producer may receive payments for not more than 10,000 head of cattle in calendar year 2020. Additionally, a producer must have owned the feeder cattle or live cattle for not less than 30 days before the date on which the cattle were sold.

COVID-19 WIC Response Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020

COVID-19 WIC Response Act of 2020 This bill modifies food and nutrition programs of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allow certain waivers and deferments of requirements under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak. Specifically, USDA may grant waivers allowing participants under WIC to get certified or recertified without being physically present at a WIC clinic; defer anthropometric and bloodwork requirements necessary to determine nutritional risk; and grant waivers from administrative requirements for WIC if it determines that the requirement cannot be met by a state due to COVID-19, and the waiver is necessary to provide assistance under WIC. USDA authority under this bill expires on July 31, 2020.

Pandemic Disaster Assistance Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020

Pandemic Disaster Assistance Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide direct assistance to individuals who have been impacted by a pandemic. Specifically, at the discretion of a governor or the President, individuals impacted by a pandemic will be eligible to apply directly to federal agencies for various forms of assistance, including (1) assistance under the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program; (2) assistance under the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program; and (3) other needs assistance through FEMA's Individual Assistance program, including medical, funeral, and child care assistance. With respect to the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program, the Department of Agriculture must provide options other than an in-person interview. With respect to the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program, the bill creates a national floor for benefits at 1.5 times the national weekly average and provides a waiver to the requirement to exhaust state unemployment insurance options.

Coronavirus Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2020

Coronavirus Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act of 2020 This bill expands support programs for older adults and individuals with disabilities during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency. Specifically, the bill provides supplemental appropriations for (1) the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for quality improvement and laboratory certification activities; (2) the Administration on Community Living to expand nutrition and other programs for older adults; and (3) the Department of Agriculture to provide food packages to low-income, elderly individuals. The funds are designated as an emergency requirement and are therefore exempt from discretionary funding limits and other budget enforcement rules. In addition, the bill (1) temporarily requires state Medicaid programs to provide Medicare cost-sharing assistance to certain individuals who qualify for, or are enrolled in, the low-income subsidy program under the Medicare prescription drug benefit; and (2) authorizes a grant program to support Medicaid home- and community-based services during the public health emergency. The bill also allows states to transfer funds, in greater amounts and without prior approval, between congregate and home-delivered nutrition programs, The Department of Health and Human Services must prioritize home-delivered nutrition services for individuals who are unable to obtain nutrition as a result of the emergency, such as those under quarantine, just as it prioritizes delivery to individuals who are homebound by illness.

AGRICULTURE INNOVATION AND THE FEDERAL BIOTECHNOLOGY REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

United States · United States Senate · 12 March 2020

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021

United States · United States Senate · 12 March 2020

Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act of 2020 This bill provides for the designation, withdrawal, conveyance, exchange, sale, or disposal of certain federal and nonfederal lands in Nevada. The bill designates specified parcels of federal land as wilderness and as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture shall not issue an oil or gas lease within the area identified as National Forest System Lands as depicted on the map titled S. 258 Ruby Mountains Protective Act and dated December 5, 2019. The bill establishes a federal complex for specified Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bureau of Indian Affairs offices or headquarters in Nevada. The bill requires the issuance of corrective patents for private lands adjacent to public land in White Pine County when (1) a cloud on the title demonstrates that the private land had been patented before 1976, and (2) the correction is for five acres or less.

No Welfare for Terrorists Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

No Welfare for Terrorists Act of 2020 This bill revises eligibility requirements under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) to disqualify an individual from receiving SNAP benefits if the individual is convicted of a crime related to terrorism and is not in compliance with the terms of the sentence, is a fleeing felon, or is violating a condition of probation or parole.

HOPE Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

Health, Opportunity, and Personal Empowerment Act of 2020 or the HOPE Act of 2020 This bill establishes several Health, Opportunity, and Personal Empowerment (HOPE) pilot projects to improve economic security for individuals who meet income or other requirements. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development must collaborate on the projects and report to Congress on project implementation and outcomes. The HOPE Accounts Pilots provide awards to certain nonprofits to assist eligible individuals in establishing HOPE accounts through banks, credit unions, or governmental agencies. Through technology platforms and other means, HOPE accounts must (1) provide access to specified financial services and information related to public benefits, health insurance, and other topics; and (2) facilitate activities such as applying for government benefits and filing taxes. HHS, in consultation with the other departments, must also hold a merit-based competition to award contracts to private businesses and nonprofits to develop technology applications and other tools for HOPE accounts. Grants for the HOPE Action Plans Pilot Projects allow nonprofits to enter voluntary agreements with eligible individuals to carry out long-term plans related to improving economic security and upward mobility.

Cover Crop Flexibility Act of 2020

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2020

Cover Crop Flexibility Act of 2020 This bill modifies the federal crop insurance program to address the planting of cover crops following prevented planting. Specifically, the bill allows a producer that is prevented from planting its first crop to plant a second crop and receive an indemnity equal to the full guarantee for the first crop if the second crop (1) is an approved cover crop, and (2) cannot be harvested for grain or other uses unrelated to livestock forage or conservation. Under current law, if a producer plants a second crop it can only get an indemnity worth at most 35% of the prevented planting guarantee for the first crop. For a producer planting a cover crop following prevented planting, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) may provide separate prevented planting coverage factors that include preplanting costs, the cost of cover crop seed, and the cost of fencing and supplying water to livestock. Further, the FCIC must conduct research and development regarding a policy to insure crops on fields that regularly utilize cover crops, including research to examine the extent that cover crops reduce risks of prevented planting and other crop insurance losses.