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Bill· HRH.R. 4231 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2021
Proven Forest Management Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA), when conducting a forest management activity on National Forest System land, to coordinate with impacted parties to increase efficiency and maximize the compatibility of management practices across such land. USDA shall conduct such an activity on National Forest System land in a manner that attains multiple ecosystem benefits, including reducing forest fuels and maintaining biological diversity. However, a forest management activity shall not be conducted if the costs associated with attaining such benefits are excessive. Additionally, the USDA shall (1) establish any post-program ground condition criteria for a ground disturbance caused by a forest management activity required by the applicable forest plan, and (2) provide for monitoring to ascertain the attainment of relevant post-program conditions. The bill categorically excludes certain forest management activities for reducing forest fuels from certain environmental impact requirements. USDA or the Department of the Interior, as appropriate, in conjunction with land adjustment programs, may enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with a qualified entity to provide for fuel reduction, erosion control, reforestation, Stream Environment Zone restoration, and similar management activities on federal lands and nonfederal lands within such programs.
Bill· HRH.R. 4239 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 June 2021
Healthy Dog Importation Act This bill imposes requirements on the importation of live dogs. Specifically, the bill prohibits the importation of a live dog into the United States unless the Department of Agriculture (USDA) determines the dog (1) is in good health, (2) has received all necessary vaccinations and demonstrated negative test results as evidenced by a certificate from a licensed veterinarian, and (3) is officially identified by a permanent method approved by USDA. Additionally, dogs entering the United States for transfer must be at least six months of age and accompanied by a USDA permit. Transfer is defined as a change of ownership or control of an imported dog to another person, including by sale, adoption, exchange, or donation. USDA must provide an exception to any requirements under the bill for dogs that are transferred for (1) research purposes; (2) veterinary treatment under certain conditions, including appropriate quarantining; or (3) lawful importation into the state of Hawaii if the dog is not transported out of Hawaii for resale at less than six months of age. USDA also has enforcement authority under the bill.
Bill· HRH.R. 4195 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 28 June 2021
Community and Senior Center Support Act This bill permits the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide financial assistance for multipurpose senior centers and essential community facilities that provide health, community, social, recreation, or cultural services, without regard to whether the center or facility is in a rural area, In providing this assistance in nonrural areas, USDA must consult with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Currently, USDA may provide such assistance to rural areas.
Bill· HRH.R. 4178 (117th)open
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2021
This bill extends through FY2027 the authority of the Department of Agriculture to collect fees for a marina in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in California.
Bill· HRH.R. 4180 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2021
Keeping Pets and Families Together Act This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to establish a grant program to support animal shelters, pounds, or humane societies implanting microchips into dogs and cats in their care before allowing the animals to be adopted, returned to their owners, or sold to dealers.
Bill· HRH.R. 4169 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 June 2021
Black Farmers and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Increased Market Share Act This bill addresses ways to increase market access for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and to ensure civil rights accountability for Department of Agriculture (USDA) employees. ( Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers are those who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to individual qualities.) Specifically, USDA must establish a program to make grants to support new or expanding food hubs designed to increase market access for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. USDA shall establish a process to prioritize the purchase of agricultural food products from socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. That process must account for barriers to market entry faced by socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers while maintaining the integrity of the purchasing process. The bill also establishes an agriculture hub income tax credit, which shall be an amount equal to 25% of the qualified food hub expenses for the taxable year. USDA must (1) ensure that its officials and employees are held accountable for engaging in discriminatory or retaliatory actions, harassment, civil rights violations, or related misconduct; and (2) bear the burden of proving by substantial evidence that an adverse decision was valid.
Record· NominationPN746 (117th)open
United States · United States Senate · 24 June 2021
Record· NominationPN745 (117th)open
United States · United States Senate · 24 June 2021
Bill· HRH.R. 4140 (117th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021
Butcher Block Act This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture to make (or guarantee) loans and award grants for establishing, expanding, and otherwise supporting livestock and meat processing and related activities.
Bill· SS. 2254 (117th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021
Montana Headwaters Legacy Act This bill designates specified segments of the following rivers and creeks in Montana as wild, scenic, or recreational rivers Smith River, Tenderfoot Creek, Gallatin River, Hyalite Creek, Taylor Creek, Madison River, Bear Creek, Boulder River, Hellroaring Creek, Lake Fork Rock Creek, Rock Creek, Slough Creek, Stillwater River, West Boulder River, West Fork Stillwater River, West Fork of Rock Creek, Yellowstone River, Cabin Creek, Middle Fork of Cabin Creek, and Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River. No land or interest in land located within the boundary of such a river segment may be acquired by the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture without the consent of the owner of the land or interest.
Bill· HRH.R. 4162 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Improvement Act of 2021 This bill modifies and provides additional funding for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), with a particular focus on greenhouse gas reduction. Under the program, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) supports energy efficiency and renewable energy development for agricultural producers and rural small businesses. As part of the selection criteria for a grant or loan from the program, USDA must consider the potential of a project to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide other climate benefits. The bill also prohibits USDA from imposing restrictions on the quantity of energy that is generated under a grant or loan. Further, the bill expands the program by making agricultural producer cooperatives, electric cooperatives, and nongovernmental organizations eligible for financial assistance under the program. The bill also (1) increases from 25% to 50% the portion of a project's cost that may be covered by a grant, and (2) establishes a reserve fund to provide grants and other financial assistance related to underutilized renewable energy technologies. In addition, USDA must study dual-use energy systems (i.e., systems where both renewable energy and agricultural production occur on the same piece of land) and ensure that grant and loan recipients receive outreach, technical assistance, and education concerning such systems.
Bill· SS. 2271 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021
Biofuel Infrastructure and Agricultural Product Market Expansion Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a grant program for expanding the market for biofuels derived from domestic agricultural products. Entities eligible for the grants include (1) state, local, and tribal governments; (2) authorities, agencies, partnerships, and instrumentalities of such governments; and (3) groups of such entities.
Bill· SS. 2223 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021
Community Wood Facilities Assistance Act of 2021 This bill makes changes to grant programs administered by the Forest Service to promote wood products. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2026 and modifies a program that supports capital costs for installing community wood energy systems and building innovative wood products facilities, including by increasing the maximum grant amount per facility. The bill also modifies a program that provides grants to develop and expand the market for innovative wood products. Specifically, the bill (1) modifies the grant priorities, and (2) increases the portion of a project's cost that may be covered by such a grant.
Bill· SS. 2243 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Improvement Act of 2021 This bill modifies and provides additional funding for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), with a particular focus on greenhouse gas reduction. Under the program, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) supports energy efficiency and renewable energy development for agricultural producers and rural small businesses. As part of the selection criteria for a grant or loan from the program, USDA must consider the potential of a project to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide other climate benefits. The bill also prohibits USDA from imposing restrictions on the quantity of energy that is generated under a grant or loan. Further, the bill expands the program by making agricultural producer cooperatives, electric cooperatives, and nongovernmental organizations eligible for financial assistance under the program. The bill also (1) increases from 25% to 50% the portion of a project's cost that may be covered by a grant, and (2) establishes a reserve fund to provide grants and other financial assistance related to underutilized renewable energy technologies. In addition, USDA must study dual-use energy systems (i.e., systems where both renewable energy and agricultural production occur on the same piece of land) and ensure that grant and loan recipients receive outreach, technical assistance, and education concerning such systems.
Bill· SS. 2219 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 June 2021
Removing Excessive Dollars to Uproot and Cut Expensive Government Waste Act or the REDUCE Government Waste Act This bill repeals the rules for peanuts under the nonrecourse marketing assistance loan program administered by the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Under a nonrecourse marketing assistance loan, a farmer pledges a commodity as collateral and may deliver the pledged collateral to USDA to repay the loan. The bill also prohibits federal funds from being used for the development of (1) a beerbot or other robot bartender; or (2) insect-based foods for human consumption, including cricket farming and taste-testing of insect-based foods.
Bill· HRH.R. 4103 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2021
Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act This bill establishes within the Department of Agriculture's Packers and Stockyards Division the Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters. Specifically, the office must use all available tools (e.g., subpoenas) to investigate and prosecute violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921. Further, the bill grants the office the authority to bring any civil or administrative action authorized by that act. Additionally, the office must serve as a liaison to the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission with respect to competition and trade practices in the food and agricultural sector, consult with the Department of Homeland Security on national security and critical infrastructure security in the food and agricultural sector, and maintain a staff of attorneys and other professionals with appropriate expertise.
Bill· HRH.R. 4079 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2021
Saving America's Pollinators Act of 2021 This bill addresses the use of certain pesticides and the health and status of native bees and other pollinators. First, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a Pollinator Protection Board to develop an independent review process for pesticides that pose a threat to pollinators and their habitats. All active ingredients and pesticide products that contain one or more specified neonicotinoid pesticides must be deemed to generally cause unreasonable adverse effects to the environment. Under the bill, the registration of all uses of neonicotinoid pesticides must be immediately and permanently canceled. The EPA must revoke any tolerance or exemption that allows the presence of a neonicotinoid pesticide, or any pesticide chemical residue that results from neonicotinoid pesticide use, in or on food. The continued sale or use of existing stocks of neonicotinoid pesticides is prohibited, and the EPA may not register any such pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. The bill requires the Department of the Interior, the EPA, and the Department of Agriculture to coordinate monitoring activities and report on the health and population status of native bees and other pollinators. Finally, a state or federal agency may be granted an exemption to use neonicotinoid pesticides if the board votes that use of the pesticide is warranted (1) in an emergency situation to avert significant risk to threatened or endangered species, (2) to quarantine invasive species, or (3) to protect public health.
Bill· HRH.R. 4082 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2021
Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Act of 2021 This bill directs the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to jointly establish a commission to study and make recommendations to improve federal policies relating to wildland fire prevention, mitigation, suppression, management, and rehabilitation. The Department of Defense and other relevant federal departments and agencies must submit to the commission an inventory of surplus cargo and passenger aircraft and excess common-use aircraft parts that may be used for wildland firefighting purposes.
Bill· HRH.R. 4077 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2021
Closing the Meal Gap Act of 202 1 This bill revises the requirements for calculating Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The bill increases the minimum SNAP benefit and requires benefits to be calculated using the value of a low-cost food plan. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must determine the requirements for the low-cost food plan, which is the diet required to feed a family of four, consisting of a man and a woman 19-50 years of age, a child 6-8 years of age, and a child 9-11 years of age. USDA must (1) reevaluate and publish the market baskets of the plan by January 1, 2027, and every five years thereafter, based on current food prices, food composition data, consumption patterns, and dietary guidance; and (2) make adjustments to the plan to account for household size, changes in the cost of the diet, and the costs of food in specified areas. The bill modifies the requirements for calculating household income to determine SNAP eligibility by (1) authorizing a standard medical expense deduction for households containing an elderly or disabled member, and (2) eliminating the cap on the excess shelter expense deduction. The bill eliminates certain work requirements for SNAP. The requirements apply to able-bodied adults who are ages 18-49 and have no dependent children. The bill allows Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands to participate in SNAP. Currently, the three territories receive block grants instead of participating in SNAP.
Bill· HRH.R. 4108 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2021
Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act of 2021 This bill establishes a pilot program for providing 100% plant-based food and milk options in school meals. The Department of Agriculture must award up to 50 grants to school food authorities. Recipients may use funds for activities including training food service personnel on serving 100% plant-based options and covering additional costs of buying plant-based foods and milks.
Bill· SS. 2192 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2021
Closing the Meal Gap Act of 202 1 This bill revises the requirements for calculating Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The bill increases the minimum SNAP benefit and requires benefits to be calculated using the value of a low-cost food plan. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must determine the requirements for the low-cost food plan, which is the diet required to feed a family of four, consisting of a man and a woman 19-50 years of age, a child 6-8 years of age, and a child 9-11 years of age. USDA must (1) reevaluate and publish the market baskets of the plan by December 31, 2027, and every five years thereafter, based on current food prices, food composition data, consumption patterns, and dietary guidance; and (2) make adjustments to the plan to account for household size, changes in the cost of the diet, and the costs of food in specified areas. The bill modifies the requirements for calculating household income to determine SNAP eligibility by (1) authorizing a standard medical expense deduction for households containing an elderly or disabled member, and (2) eliminating the cap on the excess shelter expense deduction. The bill eliminates certain work requirements for SNAP. The requirements apply to able-bodied adults who are ages 18-49 and have no dependent children. The bill allows Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands to participate in SNAP. Currently, the three territories receive block grants instead of participating in SNAP.
Bill· SS. 2150 (117th)open
United States · United States Congress · 21 June 2021
Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Act of 2021 This bill directs the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to jointly establish a commission to study and make recommendations to improve federal policies relating to wildland fire prevention, mitigation, suppression, management, and rehabilitation. The Department of Defense and other relevant federal departments and agencies must submit to the commission an inventory of surplus cargo and passenger aircraft and excess common-use aircraft parts that may be used for wildland firefighting purposes.
Bill· HRH.R. 3997 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2021
Caregivers, Access, and Responsible Expansion for Kids Act of 2021 or the CARE for Kids Act of 20 21 This bill extends eligibility 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 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 that cares for the child full-time or that 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.
Law· SS. 2089 (117th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2021
Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act of 2021 This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from establishing a condition for a cemetery grant that restricts the ability of a state to inter certain reservists (or their spouses and children) at a state-owned veterans' cemetery solely because such individuals are ineligible for burial in an open national cemetery. Specifically, as a condition for grants, the VA cannot restrict the ability of a state to inter a member of a reserve component whose service was terminated under honorable conditions; member of the Army National Guard or Air National Guard whose service was terminated under honorable conditions; member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps of the Army, Navy, or Air Force who died under honorable conditions while a member; and spouse, minor child, or unmarried adult child of any member described above. The VA is prohibited from (1) denying an application for a grant solely on the basis that the recipient state may use funds to expand, improve, operate, or maintain a veterans' cemetery to allow for the internment of the specified individuals; and (2) enforcing certain conditions on grants for state veterans' cemeteries that were established before the date of enactment of this bill. The bill also provides for plot allowances for the burial of veterans at cemeteries that allow the internment of the individuals listed in the bill.
Bill· SS. 2092 (117th)open
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2021
Native American Rural Homeownership Improvement Act of 2021 This bill provides statutory authority for a Department of Agriculture pilot program that provides direct loans to Native community development financial institutions to increase homeownership opportunities for tribal communities in rural areas.
Bill· HRH.R. 3939 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 June 2021
Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act of 2021 This bill allows energy tax credits through 2023 for investments in (1) qualified biogas property, or (2) qualified manure resource recovery property. The bill also permits new clean renewable energy bonds to be used for such properties. Qualified biogas property comprises a system that (1) uses anaerobic digesters or other specified processes to convert biomass into a gas which is at least 52% methane, and (2) captures the gas for use as a fuel. The term includes property that cleans and conditions the gas for use as a fuel. Qualified manure resource recovery property comprises a system that uses specified processes to recover the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus from a non-treated digestate or animal manure by reducing or separating at least 50% of the nutrients, excluding any reductions during the incineration, storage, composting, or field application of the non-treated digestate or animal manure. The term also includes certain processing equipment. The Department of the Treasury must enter into an agreement with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for a study of biogas and report to Congress on the study.
Report· HearingS.Hrg.117published
United States · United States Senate · 15 June 2021
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 268 (117th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2021
This resolution (1) supports the designation of June 2021 as National Dairy Month, and (2) encourages the people of the United States to visit with dairy producers to learn more about agriculture and the vital role dairy producers play in our global food system.
Bill· HRH.R. 3835 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2021
Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption Act or the PRIME Act This bill expands the exemption of custom slaughtering of animals from federal inspection requirements. Under current law, the exemption applies if the meat is slaughtered for personal, household, guest, and employee uses. The bill expands the exemption to include meat that is slaughtered and prepared at a custom slaughter facility in accordance with the laws of the state where the facility is located; and prepared exclusively for distribution to household consumers in the state or restaurants, hotels, boarding houses, grocery stores, or other establishments in the state that either prepare meals served directly to consumers or offer meat and food products for sale directly to consumers in the state. The bill does not preempt any state law concerning (1) the slaughter of animals or the preparation of carcasses, parts thereof, meat and meat food products at a custom slaughter facility; or (2) the sale of meat or meat food products.
Bill· HRH.R. 3829 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2021
Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions Act or the CURD Act This bill provides statutory authority for a definition of natural cheese . Under the bill, natural cheese is defined as cheese that is produced from animal milk or certain dairy ingredients and is produced in accordance with established cheese-making standards.
Bill· HRH.R. 3821 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 11 June 2021
This bill provides funding to expand the Department of Agriculture's Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) to include coverage for losses of crops (including losses due to high winds or derechos) occurring in 2020. Under current law, the program provides disaster payments to agricultural producers who suffered crop, tree, bush, and vine losses resulting from hurricanes, wildfires, and other qualifying natural disasters that occurred in 2018 and 2019.
Report· HearingS.Hrg.117published
United States · United States Senate · 10 June 2021
Bill· SS. 2001 (117th)open
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2021
Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption Act or the PRIME Act This bill expands the exemption of custom slaughtering of animals from federal inspection requirements. Under current law, the exemption applies if the meat is slaughtered for personal, household, guest, and employee uses. The bill expands the exemption to include meat that is slaughtered and prepared at a custom slaughter facility in accordance with the laws of the state where the facility is located; and prepared exclusively for distribution to household consumers in the state or restaurants, hotels, boarding houses, grocery stores, or other establishments in the state that either prepare meals served directly to consumers or offer meat and food products for sale directly to consumers in the state. The bill does not preempt any state law concerning (1) the slaughter of animals or the preparation of carcasses, parts thereof, meat and meat food products at a custom slaughter facility; or (2) the sale of meat or meat food products.
Bill· SS. 2023 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2021
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. The bill provides emergency funding for loan forgiveness.
Bill· SS. 2005 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2021
Hunger-Free Summer for Kids Act of 2021 This bill revises the Summer Food Service Program to direct the Department of Agriculture to permanently establish electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards and off-site consumption as two alternative delivery options for certain children through schools and service institutions in the program. These options shall be available to a child only if (1) the child lives or attends school in a rural area or outside of an area in which poor economic conditions exist, and (2) the child is eligible for a free or reduced price lunch and breakfast. In the case of off-site consumption, the option is also available if the summer program is available to the child at a congregate feeding site but (1) the site is closed due to extreme weather conditions, (2) violence or other public safety concerns in the area prevent the child from traveling safely to the site, (3) the site is open not more than four days a week, or (4) the site provides only one meal per day. A state may not operate the EBT card option and the off-site consumption option simultaneously in the same area. Each state desiring to participate in the summer food service program shall include in its annual management and administration plan the state's plans for using one or both of these alternative delivery options.
Bill· SS. 2036 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 10 June 2021
Meat Packing Special Investigator Act This bill establishes within the Department of Agriculture's Packers and Stockyards Division the Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters. Specifically, the office must use all available tools (e.g., subpoenas) to investigate and prosecute violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 by packers. Further, the bill grants the office the authority to bring any civil or administrative action authorized by that act against a packer. Additionally, the office must serve as a liaison to the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission with respect to competition and trade practices in the food and agricultural sector, consult with the Department of Homeland Security on national security and critical infrastructure security in the food and agricultural sector, and maintain a staff of attorneys and other professionals with appropriate expertise.
Bill· HRH.R. 3784 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2021
Advancing IoT for Precision Agriculture Act of 2021 This bill supports research and development for connected technologies that advance precision agriculture. In awarding grants under its sensor systems and networked systems programs, the National Science Foundation (NSF) shall consider certain research and development on sensor connectivity in environments of intermittent connectivity and intermittent computation. The NSF must prioritize applications that incorporate distance learning tools and approaches in awarding grants under the Advanced Technological Education Program to (1) junior or community colleges to develop or improve associate degree or certificate programs in an in-demand industry sector or occupation; or (2) institutions of higher education partnering with private sector employers, industry partnerships, or sector partnerships that commit to offering apprenticeships, internships, research opportunities, or applied learning experiences to enrolled students. The Government Accountability Office shall provide (1) a technology assessment of precision agriculture technologies; and (2) a review of federal programs that provide support for precision agriculture research, development, adoption, education, or training.
Bill· HRH.R. 3790 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2021
Rural Forest Markets Act of 202 1 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the Rural Forest Market Investment Program to guarantee investments to finance certain projects that will enable rural private forest landowners to participate in an innovative market for forest carbon or other products. In establishing the program, USDA must consider ways to ensure that the program minimizes disruptions to traditional forest products markets. Eligible projects are projects developed by a private entity or a publicly supported, charitable nonprofit organization engaged in the aggregation of sustainable forestry practices implemented by rural private forest landowners to facilitate the sale of credits in the voluntary carbon market or other environmental market using a methodology approved by a credible, third-party entity. USDA may guarantee up to $150 million with respect to each investment. Authority to carry out the program terminates on September 30, 2023.
Bill· HRH.R. 3766 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2021
Optimizing the Cattle Market Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish and maintain a library or catalog of each type of contract offered by packers to producers for the purchase of all or part of the production of fed cattle (including cattle that are purchased or committed for delivery). Fed cattle means a steer or heifer that has been feeding on a ration of roughage and feed concentrates prior to slaughter, including grains, protein meal, grass, and other nutrient-rich feeds. USDA must create and maintain a publicly available library or catalog of the types of contracts that are being offered by packers to, and are open to acceptance by, producers for the purchase of fed cattle. It must also conduct educational outreach activities for producers on how best to use the library or catalog. Additionally, USDA must also establish (1) regional mandatory minimum thresholds to enhance price discovery and transparency for cattle market participants; and (2) methods for establishing such thresholds, which shall be publicly available. Further, the bill revises daily reporting requirements for packer processing plants by requiring them to include the number of cattle scheduled to be delivered for slaughter each day for the subsequent 14 days.
Bill· HRH.R. 3782 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2021
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.
Bill· HRH.R. 3794 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2021
Farm Subsidy Transparency Act This bill requires the collection and disclosure of demographic and other information about recipients of agricultural benefits. Specifically, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must collect and make publicly available (1) the race and gender of individuals who directly or indirectly received or applied for certain benefits, such as grants or other funding under USDA's commodity, conservation, research, extension, and education programs; and (2) the farm or ranch acreage of the recipients of such benefits. USDA must also collect and track the race and gender of individuals who register for the USDA service center information management system (a repository of participants in programs offered by USDA's Farm Service Agency, Natural Resource and Conservation Service, and rural development agencies). Additionally, the Commodity Credit Corporation must collect and disclose (1) the race and gender of individuals who receive or apply for benefits from the corporation, and (2) the farm or ranch acreage of the recipients of such benefits. The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation must collect and disclose (1) the name, race, gender, and farm or ranch acreage of individuals who receive federally subsidized insurance for crops, livestock, or forage; and (2) the premium subsidy amount for each recipient. The bill also requires financial institutions to gather demographic information in response to loan applications for farms and ranches that are minority-owned or women-owned. (Currently, institutions must gather that information in response to loan applications from women-owned and minority-owned small businesses.)
Bill· SS. 1980 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2021
Farm Subsidy Transparency Act of 2021 This bill requires the collection and disclosure of demographic and other information about recipients of agricultural benefits. Specifically, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must collect and make publicly available (1) the race and gender of individuals who directly or indirectly received or applied for certain benefits, such as grants or other funding under USDA's commodity, conservation, research, extension, and education programs; and (2) the farm or ranch acreage of the recipients of such benefits. USDA must also collect and track the race and gender of individuals who register for the USDA service center information management system (a repository of participants in programs offered by USDA's Farm Service Agency, Natural Resource and Conservation Service, and rural development agencies). Additionally, the Commodity Credit Corporation must collect and disclose (1) the race and gender of individuals who receive or apply for benefits from the corporation, and (2) the farm or ranch acreage of the recipients of such benefits. The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation must collect and disclose (1) the name, race, gender, and farm or ranch acreage of individuals who receive federally subsidized insurance for crops, livestock, or forage; and (2) the premium subsidy amount for each recipient. The bill also requires financial institutions to gather demographic information in response to loan applications for farms and ranches that are minority-owned or women-owned. (Currently, institutions must gather that information in response to loan applications from women-owned and minority-owned small businesses.)
Bill· HRH.R. 3687 (117th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2021
Environmental Justice in Recreation Permitting Act This bill requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to complete an interagency report on the use of special recreation permits by recreation service providers serving environmental justice communities. The bill defines an environmental justice community as a community with significant representation of communities of color, low-income communities, or tribal and indigenous communities, that experiences, or is at risk of experiencing, higher or more adverse human health or environmental effects than other communities. Interior and USDA shall contact all existing or prospective recreation service providers to request a voluntary estimate of the number of user days used by, or, in the case of a prospective recreation service provider, expected to be used by, individuals from environmental justice communities during the period covered by the report; request from recreation service providers and interested members of the public any other information required for the report; and not use the participation of, or the provision of information to the Secretaries by, a recreation service provider under this subsection as a condition of a special recreation permit.
Bill· HRH.R. 3699 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 4 June 2021
Toxic Free Food Act of 2021 This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to revise its regulations relating to food additives that may be considered generally recognized as safe (GRAS). (A substance deemed GRAS is not subject to the premarket review requirements for food additives. A manufacturer may notify the FDA that it has determined that a substance is GRAS.) The revised regulations must prohibit a manufacturer from marketing a substance as GRAS (or manufacturing or selling a food containing that substance) unless the manufacturer has notified the FDA that it has determined that the substance is GRAS and submitted certain information supporting this position, including information about the substance's cumulative effects. The FDA must maintain a public website with each GRAS submission and supporting information. There must be a period of at least 90 days for the FDA and the public to review and object to such submissions. Furthermore, under the revised regulations, newly synthesized or novel chemicals and carcinogenic substances may not be deemed GRAS. The FDA may not rely on experts with conflicts of interest when making a GRAS determination. The FDA must also (1) incorporate in its rules certain best practices for convening a GRAS panel, (2) create a process to systematically reassess any substances previously determined to be GRAS, and (3) reestablish the Food Advisory Committee to assist with establishing standards and procedures for reassessing substances.
Bill· HRH.R. 3670 (117th)open
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2021
Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act or the SOAR Act This bill addresses access to public lands for outdoor recreation, including through special recreation permits and annual entrance passes. The bill sets forth and revises provisions regarding special recreation permits for use by individuals and groups to engage in recreational activities on federal recreational lands and waters. The bill requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to sell online the America the Beautiful-the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management shall (1) enhance private-sector volunteer programs; (2) actively promote private-sector volunteer opportunities; and (3) provide outreach to, and coordinate with, the private sector for such purposes.
Bill· HRH.R. 3652 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2021
National Food Waste Reduction Act This bill requires the Department of Agriculture's Food Loss and Waste Reduction Liaison to establish a Food Waste Research Program in partnership with five regional institutions of higher education. The program must focus on food waste reduction and food recovery issues on a national, regional, and local level and support certain areas of study, such as the diversion of surplus food to those in need and the use of food waste for environmental purposes. The program must share best practices for food waste reduction with governmental entities, agriculture organizations, farmers, and other relevant entities, and must post research and resources on its website. The bill also establishes a grant program for research centers and nonprofits to support other cooperative efforts relating to food loss and waste reduction.
Bill· HRH.R. 3654 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 1 June 2021
Rural Opportunities for Broadband in Underserved Settlements and Towns Act or the ROBUST Act This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to determine whether spectrum usage rights under covered licenses are unutilized or underutilized in rural areas. A covered license is an FCC-issued license for the use of electromagnetic spectrum (1) whereby a licensee may use such spectrum for the provision of broadband service, and (2) that includes a rural area in any part of its geographic scope. If the FCC determines that a licensee's spectrum usage rights are unutilized or underutilized in a rural area, it must recommend that the licensee lease the rights to other entities to provide broadband service in that area. The bill also establishes prioritization and eligibility requirements for funding provided under the Department of Agriculture's Broadband ReConnect Program, which furnishes loans and grants for the costs of infrastructure needed to provide broadband service in rural areas.
Report· HearingS.Hrg.117-91published
United States · United States Senate · 27 May 2021
Bill· SS. 1874 (117th)open
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2021
Recreation Not Red-Tape Act This bill revises and sets forth provisions related to recreation areas and special recreation permits issued by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for individual or group use of federal recreational lands and waters. The bill makes permanent certain authorizations, including regarding such permits and the fees charged for them and for related administration, overhead, and indirect costs. Interior and USDA shall evaluate the special recreation permitting process and identify opportunities for eliminating duplicative processes, reducing costs, and decreasing processing times; establish categorical exclusions from environmental review requirements for special recreation permits if it would reduce processing times or costs without significantly affecting the human environment; authorize the issuance of temporary permits for new or additional recreational uses of federal lands and waters managed by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management; allow online payment of certain federal passes and fees; develop initiatives to promote private-sector volunteer opportunities; and establish an interagency trail management plan. Permittees issued a special recreation permit may voluntarily and temporarily return one or more of their service days. The bill sets forth requirements for review by USDA of the renewal or adjustment of the allocations for the use of a special recreation permit. Interior and USDA may enter into agreements with states to allow the purchase of federal and state recreation passes in the same transaction. The bill establishes a National Recreation Area System.
Bill· SS. 1908 (117th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 27 May 2021
Broadband Internet for Small Ports Act This bill requires the Department of Agriculture, when distributing funds for broadband deployment, to give priority to projects for ports in rural areas. In addition, a recipient of such rural broadband buildout funding must provide certain geolocation information as a condition of receiving the funds.