Agriculture

Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to require the term and acreage of permits for the operation of ski areas and associated facilities (under current law, for the operation of nordic and alpine ski areas and facilities) on National Forest System lands to be governed by provisions under the Act relating to such permits and other applicable law. Provides for the issuance of permits for the use and occupancy of suitable lands within the National Forest System for skiing and other snow-sports and such other seasonal or year-round recreational activities associated with mountain resorts as the Secretary of Agriculture may authorize pursuant to this Act. Allows the Secretary to authorize the holder of a permit issued pursuant to the Act to also provide on National Forest System land subject to such permit such other seasonal or year-round natural-resource based, outdoor-developed recreational activities and associated facilities, in addition to skiing and other snow-sports, as determined appropriate. Prohibits the Secretary from authorizing any activity or facility under this Act if its authorization would result in the primary recreational purpose of a National Forest System land with a ski area permit being a purpose other than skiing or any other snow-sport.

Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2009 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish the Office of Water within the Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture, and Trade to: (1) give assistance to provide safe water and sanitation for people worldwide; and (2) be headed by a Director for Safe Water and Sanitation. Outlines the Director's duties. Requires the Secretary of State, in order to increase the capacity of the Department of State to address international issues regarding safe water, sanitation, integrated river basin management, and other international water programs, to establish a Special Coordinator for International Water. Outlines the Special Coordinator's duties. Amends the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005 to: (1) revise requirements concerning the safe water and sanitation strategy; (2) provide for the establishment of a program to build the capacity of host country institutions and officials responsible for water and sanitation in countries that receive assistance to provide safe water and sanitation under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (3) expand the list of activities that may be supported by assistance furnished by the President for programs in developing countries to provide affordable and equitable access to safe water and sanitation; and (4) require the report regarding water for peace and security to include an assessment of political tensions over water sources and a multidisciplinary assessment of the expected impacts of global climate change on water supplies in 10, 25, and 50 years.

Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 March 2009

Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2009 - Prohibits the President from restricting direct transfers from a Cuban depository institution to a U.S. depository institution in payment for a product authorized for sale under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide information and technical assistance to U.S. agricultural producers, cooperative organizations, or state agencies to promote U.S. agricultural exports products to Cuba. Authorizes the issuance of temporary entry visas to Cuban nationals to facilitate purchase of U.S. agricultural products. Amends the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 to repeal the prohibition on enforcement of rights to certain U.S. intellectual properties and such properties' transfer. Prohibits the President from regulating or prohibiting travel to or from Cuba by U.S. citizens or legal residents, or any of the transactions ordinarily incident to such travel, and any regulation restricting or prohibiting such travel shall have no effect, relating to: (1) accompanied personal baggage; (2) payment of living expenses and the acquisition of personal-use goods or services; (3) travel arrangements; (4) nonscheduled air, sea, or land voyage transactions, (such provision does not permit the carriage of articles other than accompanied baggage into Cuba or the United States); and (5) normal banking transactions. States that such provision shall not apply in time of war or armed hostilities between the United States and Cuba, or of imminent danger to the public health or the physical safety of U.S. travelers. Amends the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 to repeal the requirement for onsite verification of certain medical exports to Cuba. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the airport ticket tax for transportation between the United States and Cuba by $1; and (2) establish in the Treasury the Agricultural Export Promotion Trust Fund.

AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2010

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 March 2009

Agriculture Smart Trade Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Agriculture Smart Trade Act - Requires the President, before initiating negotiations to enter into a free trade agreement with a foreign country, to report to Congress on: (1) invasive agricultural pests or diseases in that country; and (2) sanitary or phytosanitary measures imposed by the country's government on goods the country imports.

Western Hemisphere Energy Compact

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Western Hemisphere Energy Compact - Directs the Secretary of State (Secretary) to seek to establish the Western Hemisphere Energy Cooperation Forum to: (1) strengthen relationships between the United States and other countries of the Western Hemisphere through cooperation on energy issues; and (2) promote renewable energy production and lessen oil import dependency. Directs the Secretary to seek to implement: (1) an energy crisis initiative; (2) an energy sustainability initiative; (3) an energy for development initiative; and (4) a climate change mitigation and adaptation initiative. Directs the Secretary to seek to establish a Western Hemisphere Energy Industry Group to increase public-private partnerships and foster private investment. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Energy to seek to establish an Oil and Gas Working Group to strengthen oil- and natural gas-related dialogue among international oil companies, national oil companies, and civil society groups. Directs the Secretary to work with Brazil to: (1) promote biofuel production and use; (2) invite interested countries to expand global biofuels markets and promote biofuels production and use in developing countries; and (3) assess the feasibility of working with the World Bank and relevant regional development banks regarding biofuels. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to work with Brazil, Canada, and other governments in agricultural biofuel extension activities. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a study to determine the feasibility of increasing biofuel production and use; (2) work with Western Hemisphere governments and other countries to organize regional and hemispheric carbon trading mechanisms; and (3) seek to establish a Western Hemisphere energy crisis response mechanism. Directs the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to seek to increase U.S. foreign assistance programming in renewable energy.

No Cost Stimulus Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2009

No Cost Stimulus Act of 2009 - Deems the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010-2015 issued by the Secretary of the Interior approved as a final oil and gas leasing program under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). Deems the Secretary to have issued a final environmental impact statement for the program under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Secretary to conduct a lease sale in each outer Continental Shelf (OCS) planning area for which there is a commercial interest in purchasing federal oil and gas production leases. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct commercial lease sales of federally-owned resources to: (1) produce renewable energy; or (2) cultivate marine organisms in their natural habitat. Amends OCSLA to direct the Secretary to develop: (1) a plan to address streamlining the process of making payments to states; and (2) a procedure to provide expedited funding to projects. Amends the Submerged Lands Act to extend from three geographical miles to 12 nautical miles a coastal state's allowable seaward boundary. Authorizes the leasing of land within the 1002 Coastal Plain Area of Alaska to any person qualified to obtain a lease for deposits of oil and gas under the Mineral Leasing Act. Prescribes procedures for lease sales and grants of leases. Directs the Secretary to administer the leasing program, with respect to Coastal Plain environmental protection, according to the No Significant Adverse Effect Standard. Establishes the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund to finance local government impact aid and community service assistance. Establishes an Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Alternative Energy Trust Fund. Amends the Oil Shale, Tar Sands, and Other Strategic Unconventional Fuels Act of 2005 to require the Secretary to conduct related lease sales in any state during any period for which there is sufficient support and interest in the state in the development of tar sands and oil shale resources. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to repeal the requirement of 30 days' public notice before a hearing on each application for a construction permit for a new new nuclear power plant. Grants the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction to hear all causes and claims arising from any covered project of federal land leasing for exploitation of oil, natural gas, or any other source or form of energy. Amends NEPA to require completion and review of environmental impact statements within 270 days after their commencement or the action concerned shall be considered a final agency action with no significant environmental impact. Amends the Clean Air Act to declare that carbon dioxide, methane from agriculture or livestock, or water vapor are not air pollutants. Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) to require the Secretary concerned, upon the declaration of an emergency by a state governor, for the duration of the emergency, to exempt from the prohibition against taking, and against adverse modification of critical habitat, any action reasonably necessary to avoid or ameliorate the impact of the emergency, including the operation of any water supply or flood control project by a federal agency. Prohibits consideration of the impact of greenhouse gas on any species of fish or wildlife or plant for any purpose in the implementation of the ESA.

No Cost Stimulus Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2009

No Cost Stimulus Act of 2009 - Deems the Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program 2010-2015 issued by the Secretary of the Interior approved as a final oil and gas leasing program under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA). Deems the Secretary to have issued a final environmental impact statement for the program under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Directs the Secretary to conduct a lease sale in each outer Continental Shelf (OCS) planning area for which there is a commercial interest in purchasing federal oil and gas production leases. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct commercial lease sales of federally-owned resources to: (1) produce renewable energy; or (2) cultivate marine organisms in their natural habitat. Amends OCSLA to direct the Secretary to develop: (1) a plan to address streamlining the process of making payments to states; and (2) a procedure to provide expedited funding to projects. Amends the Submerged Lands Act to extend from three geographical miles to 12 nautical miles a coastal state's allowable seaward boundary. Authorizes the leasing of land within the 1002 Coastal Plain Area of Alaska to any person qualified to obtain a lease for deposits of oil and gas under the Mineral Leasing Act. Prescribes procedures for lease sales and grants of leases. Directs the Secretary to administer the leasing program, with respect to Coastal Plain environmental protection, according to the No Significant Adverse Effect Standard. Establishes the Coastal Plain Local Government Impact Aid Assistance Fund to finance local government impact aid and community service assistance. Establishes an Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Alternative Energy Trust Fund. Amends the Oil Shale, Tar Sands, and Other Strategic Unconventional Fuels Act of 2005 to require the Secretary to conduct related lease sales in any state during any period for which there is sufficient support and interest in the state in the development of tar sands and oil shale resources. Amends the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to repeal the requirement of 30 days' public notice before a hearing on each application for a construction permit for a new new nuclear power plant. Grants the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction to hear all causes and claims arising from any covered project of federal land leasing for exploitation of oil, natural gas, or any other source or form of energy. Amends NEPA to require completion and review of environmental impact statements within 270 days after their commencement or the action concerned shall be considered a final agency action with no significant environmental impact. Amends the Clean Air Act to declare that carbon dioxide, methane from agriculture or livestock, or water vapor are not air pollutants. Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) to require the Secretary concerned, upon the declaration of an emergency by a state governor, for the duration of the emergency, to exempt from the prohibition against taking, and against adverse modification of critical habitat, any action reasonably necessary to avoid or ameliorate the impact of the emergency, including the operation of any water supply or flood control project by a federal agency. Prohibits consideration of the impact of greenhouse gas on any species of fish or wildlife or plant for any purpose in the implementation of the ESA.

Family Farm Preservation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 March 2009

Family Farm Preservation Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income gain from the sale or exchange of qualified farmland development rights to a tax-exempt conservation organization. Defines "qualified farmland development rights" as a restriction limiting farmland to use as a farm for farming purposes or for exclusively conservation purposes.

Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District Land Exchange Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District Land Exchange Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, if the Sugar Loaf Fire Protection District of Boulder, Colorado, offers to convey non-federal land in unincorporated Boulder County and between the communities of Boulder and Nederland and the offer is acceptable, to accept the offer and, on receipt of acceptable title in and to the non-federal land, to convey federal land in the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests in Colorado. Sets forth requirements regarding the appraisal and equalization of the federal and non-federal land to be exchanged under this Act. Requires the acquired non-federal land to become part of the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests.

FLAME Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act or FLAME Act - Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Land Assistance, Management, and Enhancement Fund (Flame Fund). Requires amounts in the Flame Fund to be made available to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretaries) to pay the costs of catastrophic emergency wildland fire suppression activities that are separate from amounts annually appropriated for the predicted annual workload for such activities. Makes amounts in the Flame Fund available to the Secretaries only after such Secretaries issue a declaration that a wildland fire suppression activity is eligible for funding through the Fund. Directs such Secretaries to establish an accounting and reporting system for the Flame Fund. Requires such Secretaries to: (1) report annually to Congress on the use of the funds from the Flame Fund, together with recommendations to improve administrative control and oversight of the Fund; and (2) submit a report to Congress that contains a cohesive wildland fire management strategy, consistent with the recommendations of Comptroller General reports. Requires the Secretaries to conduct a review of wildfires for which expenses exceeding $10 million were incurred. Authorizes the Secretaries to make grants to fire-ready communities, as defined by this Act, to carry out activities to reduce risks from wildfires.

LEAN Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Labeling Education and Nutrition Act of 2009 or the LEAN Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize a food service establishment to provide nutrition information for a food item by: (1) providing calories and nutrient information required for food intended for human consumption; (2) disclosing such information in written form; and (3) making such disclosure available upon request prior to purchase. Requires the labeling of a standard food item served or offered for sale in a food service establishment that is part of a chain that operates 20 or more establishments under the same trade name to disclose, in a clear and conspicuous manner, prior to the point of purchase: (1) the number of calories on a menu board, on a sign meeting certain requirements, in the menu, or as part of or supplement to the menu; (2) specified nutrient information, in writing and upon request; (3) a statement directing the consumer to the availability of additional nutrient information; and (4) a statement providing suggested daily caloric intake, on a menu or menu board that does not list calories. Declares a person to have knowingly or willfully violated the requirements of this Act if the person: (1) purposefully fails to make a disclosure required by this Act; or (2) makes a disclosure with the intent to deceive. Provides that a reasonable basis determination of nutrition information shall be required only once per standard food item if certain requirements are met. Preempts state laws not identical to this Act.

A resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the periods March 1, 2009, through September 30, 2009, and October 1, 2009, through September 30, 2010, and October 1, 2010, through February 28, 2011.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Authorizes expenditures by the following Senate committees from March 1, 2009-September 30, 2009, October 1, 2009-September 30, 2010, and October 1, 2010-February 28, 2011: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Armed Services; (3) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (4) Budget; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Energy and Natural Resources; (7) Environment and Public Works; (8) Finance; (9) Foreign Relations; (10) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; (11) Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; (12) Judiciary; (13) Rules and Administration; (14) Small Business and Entrepreneurship; (15) Veterans' Affairs; (16) Special Committee on Aging; (17) Select Committee on Intelligence; and (18) Indian Affairs. Authorizes establishment of a special reserve within funds in the account "Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations," appropriated by the legislative branch appropriations Acts for FY2009-FY2011, to be available to any committee to meet specified unpaid obligations or expenses.

FLAME Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act or FLAME Act - Establishes in the Treasury the Federal Land Assistance, Management, and Enhancement Fund (Flame Fund). Requires amounts in the Flame Fund to be made available to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretaries) to pay the costs of catastrophic emergency wildland fire suppression activities that are separate from amounts annually appropriated for the predicted annual workload for such activities. Makes amounts in the Flame Fund available to the Secretaries only after such Secretaries issue a declaration that a wildland fire suppression activity is eligible for funding through the Fund. Directs such Secretaries to establish an accounting and reporting system for the Flame Fund. Requires such Secretaries to: (1) report annually to Congress on the use of the funds from the Flame Fund, together with recommendations to improve administrative control and oversight of the Fund; and (2) submit a report to Congress that contains a cohesive wildland fire management strategy, consistent with the recommendations of Comptroller General reports. Requires the Secretaries to conduct a review of wildfires for which expenses exceeding $10 million were incurred. Authorizes the Secretaries to make grants to fire-ready communities, as defined by this Act, to carry out activities to reduce risks from wildfires.

Maple Tapping Access Program Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2009

Maple Tapping Access Program Act of 2009 - Amends the the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a voluntary public access program under which states and tribal governments may apply for grants to encourage owners and operators of privately held farm, ranch, and forest land to voluntarily make such land available for public maple-tapping activities. Gives priority to states and tribal governments that propose to: (1) maximize participation by offering program terms likely to meet with landowner acceptance; (2) ensure that enrolled land has appropriate tree stock; and (3) use additional federal, state, tribal, or private resources in carrying out the program.

Maple Tapping Access Program Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2009

Maple Tapping Access Program Act - Amends the the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to support state and tribal government efforts to encourage owners and operators of privately held farm, ranch, and forest land to: (1) initiate or expand maple-tapping activities; or (2) voluntarily make the land available to the public for maple-tapping activities. Gives priority to states and tribal governments that propose to: (1) maximize participation by offering program terms likely to meet with landowner acceptance; (2) increase maple-tapping activities and maple syrup production; (3) ensure that enrolled land has appropriate tree stock; and (4) use additional federal, state, tribal, or private resources in carrying out the program.

LEAN Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 9 March 2009

Labeling Education and Nutrition Act of 2009 or the LEAN Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize a food service establishment to provide nutrition information for a food item by: (1) providing calories and nutrient information required for food intended for human consumption; (2) disclosing such information in written form; and (3) making such disclosure available upon request prior to purchase. Requires the labeling of a standard food item served or offered for sale in a food service establishment that is part of a chain that operates 20 or more establishments under the same trade name to disclose, in a clear and conspicuous manner, prior to the point of purchase: (1) the number of calories on a menu board, on a sign meeting certain requirements, in the menu, or as part of or supplement to the menu; (2) specified nutrient information, in writing and upon request; (3) a statement directing the consumer to the availability of additional nutrient information; and (4) a statement providing suggested daily caloric intake, on a menu or menu board that does not list calories. Declares a person to have knowingly or willfully violated the requirements of this Act if the person: (1) purposefully fails to make a disclosure required by this Act; or (2) makes a disclosure with the intent to deceive. Provides that a reasonable basis determination of nutrition information shall be required only once per standard food item if certain requirements are met. Preempts state laws not identical to this Act.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that providing breakfast in schools through the national school breakfast program has a positive impact on the lives and classroom performance of low-income children.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2009

Recognizes the positive effect the National School Breakfast Program has had on children's classroom performance and the lives of low-income children and families. Expresses strong support for states that have successfully implemented school breakfast programs and encourages all states to improve their programs. Recognizes: (1) the importance of providing states with resources to improve the availability of adequate and nutritious breakfasts; (2) the role nonprofit and community organizations play in increasing awareness of, and access to, breakfast programs for low-income children; and (3) that National School Breakfast Week helps draw attention to the need for, and success of, the National School Breakfast Program.

Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2009

Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish science-based nutrition standards for foods served in schools other than foods served under the school lunch or breakfast programs. Applies such standards to all food sold outside such programs anywhere on school campuses during the extended school day, with the possible limited exemption of food sold at school fundraisers. Requires the Secretary to: (1) consider the recommendations of authoritative scientific organizations and evidence concerning the relationship between diet and health when establishing the standards; and (2) review the standards as soon as practicable after the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services publish a new edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Farmland Preservation and Land Conservation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2009

Farmland Preservation and Land Conservation Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an estate and gift tax exclusion for real property located in the United States which at the time of a decedent's death was being used as a farm for farming purposes or exclusively for conservation purposes. Imposes: (1) an additional estate or gift tax with respect to such property if an heir or donee disposes of or uses such property for other than farming or conservation purposes; and (2) a federal tax lien on such property until liability for estate or gift tax with respect to such property has been satisfied or has become unenforceable.

Commercial Seafood Consumer Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2009

Commercial Seafood Consumer Protection Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to establish a program to strengthen federal activities for ensuring that commercially distributed seafood meets federal food quality and safety requirements. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into an agreement to strengthen cooperation on seafood safety, including regarding examining and testing seafood imports, inspections of foreign facilities, technical assistance and training of foreign facilities for marine aquaculture, establishing a distribution chain tracking system, and labeling. Directs the Secretary to increase the number of laboratories certified to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. Authorizes the Secretary to increase the number and capacity of laboratories operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) involved in testing and other activities under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to send inspectors to an originating country or exporter to assess seafood practices and processes and to provide technical assistance related to Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) requirements.

Safe FEAST Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2009

Safe Food Enforcement, Assessment, Standards, and Targeting Act of 2009 or the Safe FEAST Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to expand the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to regulate food, including by authorizing the Secretary to: (1) suspend the registration of a food facility; and (2) order a cessation of distribution, or a recall, of food. Requires each food facility to evaluate hazards and implement preventive controls. Directs the Secretary to allocate inspection resources based on the risk profile of food facilities or food. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to prepare the National Agriculture and Food Defense Strategy. Directs the Secretary to assess and collect fees related to: (1) food facility reinspection; (2) food recalls; and (3) the voluntary qualified importer program. Requires the Secretary to: (1) recognize bodies that accredit food testing laboratories; (2) identify preventive programs and practices to promote the safety and security of food; and (3) improve the capacity of the Secretary to track and trace raw agricultural commodities. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to enhance foodborne illness surveillance systems. Provides for: (1) foreign supplier verification activities; (2) a voluntary qualified importer program; and (3) the inspection of foreign facilities registered to import food.

A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to establish pilot project offices to improve Federal permit coordination for renewable energy.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2009

Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require the Secretary of Energy to: (1) designate field or district offices of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, and Wyoming to serve as Renewable Energy Pilot Project Offices for coordination of federal permits for renewable energy projects and transmission lines to integrate renewable energy; and (2) enter into an amended memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Chief of Engineers to provide for the inclusion of the additional Renewable Energy Pilot Project Offices in the Federal Permit Streamlining Pilot Project. Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to make the BLM Permit Processing Improvement Fund available to the Secretary of the Interior for expenditures for the coordination and processing of oil and gas and renewable energy use authorizations on onshore federal land under the jurisdiction of the Pilot Project Offices.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that providing breakfast in schools through the National School Breakfast Program has a positive impact on classroom performance.

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2009

Recognizes the importance of the National School Breakfast Program and its overall positive effect on the lives of low-income children and families, as well as its effect on helping to improve a child's overall classroom performance. Expresses the support of the House of Representatives for states that have successfully implemented school breakfast programs in order to improve the test scores and grades of their participating students. Encourages states to: (1) strengthen their school breakfast programs by improving student access; (2) promote improvements in the nutritional quality of breakfasts served; and (3) inform students and parents of healthy nutritional and lifestyle choices. Recognizes: (1) the importance of providing states with resources to improve the availability of adequate and nutritious breakfasts; (2) the role nonprofit and community organizations play in increasing awareness of, and access to, breakfast programs for low-income children; and (3) that National School Breakfast Week helps draw attention to the need for, and success of, the National School Breakfast Program.

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2009

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to expand the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to regulate food, including by authorizing the Secretary to suspend the registration of a food facility. Requires each food facility to evaluate hazards and implement preventive controls. Directs the Secretary to assess and collect fees related to: (1) food facility reinspection; (2) food recalls; and (3) the voluntary qualified importer program. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to prepare the National Agriculture and Food Defense Strategy. Requires the Secretary to: (1) identify preventive programs and practices to promote the safety and security of food; (2) promulgate regulations on sanitary food transportation practices; (3) develop a policy to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools and early childhood education programs; (4) allocate inspection resources based on the risk profile of food facilities or food; (5) recognize bodies that accredit food testing laboratories; and (6) improve the capacity of the Secretary to track and trace raw agricultural commodities. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to enhance foodborne illness surveillance systems. Authorizes the Secretary to order an immediate cessation of distribution, or a recall, of food. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assist state, local, and tribal governments in preparing for, assessing, decontaminating, and recovering from an agriculture or food emergency. Provides for: (1) foreign supplier verification activities; (2) a voluntary qualified importer program; and (3) the inspection of foreign facilities registered to import food.

Youth Prevention and Tobacco Harm Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2009

Youth Prevention and Tobacco Harm Reduction Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Tobacco Harm Reduction Center within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Gives the Center's Administrator the authority to regulate tobacco products, including through disclosure, registration, and inspection. Sets forth criteria by which tobacco products are deemed adulterated or misbranded and prohibits the introduction or receipt of any such product in interstate commerce. Prohibits any person from using certain descriptors on packaging or advertising of any cigarette brand style. Allows the Administrator to adopt additional smoking article standards as appropriate to protect the public health. Sets forth provisions governing cigarette tar yield limits. Prohibits the Administrator from: (1) banning specific classes of tobacco products; (2) requiring the reduction of tar or nicotine yields to zero; or (3) establishing a minimum age of sale of smoking articles to any person older than 18. Requires premarket approval of all new tobacco products. Sets forth standards for the sale of modified risk tobacco products. Directs the Administrator to establish the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee. Revises tobacco product warning labels and advertising requirements. Requires the Administrator to establish standards requiring tobacco product manufacturers to publicly disclose a list of ingredients in each brand style. Directs the Administrator to study and report on illicit trade in tobacco products. Amends the Public Health Service Act to limit substance abuse funds for states that do not have in effect a statute setting forth specific provisions to prevent the sale of tobacco products to minors. Directs the Administrator to establish standards and procedures for ranking tobacco products based on the relative risks of serious or chronic tobacco-related diseases and adverse health conditions. Declares that no provision in this Act shall allow any person to require changes to traditional farming practices.

Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2009

Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act of 2009 - Amends the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to allow an agricultural producer, or a hunter with the producer's permission, to take migratory game birds by the aid of baiting, if: (1) the manipulation occurs on the producer's land on which a crop was not harvestable during the current or immediately preceding crop year due to a natural disaster; and (2) a local representative of the Secretary of Agriculture confirms that the crop has been destroyed and that it would not be economically practicable to harvest the crop.

Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2009

Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to prohibit the importation into the United States of any ruminant or swine, or any fresh (including chilled or frozen) meat or product of any ruminant or swine, that is born, raised, or slaughtered in Argentina until the Secretary certifies to Congress that every region of Argentina is free of foot and mouth disease without vaccination.

A bill to amend the Agriculture Marketing Act of 1946 to foster efficient markets and increase competition and transparency among packers that purchase livestock from producers.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2009

Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require that 25% of a covered packer's daily kill comes through spot market sales from nonaffiliated producers. Sets forth a different percentage for covered packers who reported in the 2008 annual report that more than 75% of their livestock were captive supply livestock

Backcountry Landing Strip Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009

Backcountry Landing Strip Access Act - Prohibits the Secretaries of the Interior or Agriculture from taking any action that would permanently close, restrict, or render or declare unserviceable any aircraft landing strip located on land under their jurisdiction unless: (1) the action has been approved by the head of the aviation department of the state in which the landing strip is located; (2) the Secretary publishes notice of the proposed action and provides for a 90-day public comment thereafter; and (3) the Secretary and appropriate state aviation department head have taken into consideration any comments received. Requires the Secretaries to: (1) establish a nationwide policy for governing backcountry aviation issues relating to the management of federal land under the jurisdiction of the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture; and (2) require officials with jurisdiction over such land to adhere to such policy. Requires private and publicly-owned aircraft land strips acquired by the government to be made available to the public for unrestricted use.

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009

Authorizes expenditures by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry for the 111th Congress.

Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009

Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009 - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing a Chapter 13 debtor (adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income). Excludes from computation of debts the secured or unsecured portions of: (1) debts secured by the debtor's principal residence if the value of the residence as of the date of the order for relief is less than the applicable maximum amount of noncontingent, liquidated, secured debts; or (2) debts secured or formerly secured by the debtor's principal residence that was either sold in foreclosure or surrendered to the creditor, if the property's value as of the date of the order for relief was also less than the applicable maximum amount of noncontingent, liquidated, secured debts. Declares the credit counseling requirement inapplicable to a Chapter 13 debtor who certifies that he or she has received notice that the holder of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence may commence a foreclosure on it. Requires the court to disallow a claim that is subject to any remedy for rescission under the Truth in Lending Act, notwithstanding the prior entry of a foreclosure judgment. Authorizes reduction of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence, but only in specified circumstances, particularly if the debtor sells the residence. Permits a Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan to: (1) modify the rights of claim holders with respect to a claim for a loan originated before the effective date of this Act and secured by a security interest in the debtor's principal residence that is the subject of a foreclosure notice; and (2) deny debtor liability for certain fees and charges incurred while the bankruptcy case is pending and arising from a debt secured by the debtor's principal residence, unless the claim holder observes specified requirements. Adds to conditions for court confirmation of a plan in bankruptcy that: (1) the holder of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence retain the lien securing the claim until the later of the payment of the claim as reduced and modified or the discharge of a debtor from all debts; and (2) the plan modifies the claim in good faith and the court does not find that the debtor has been convicted of obtaining by actual fraud the extension, renewal, or refinancing of credit that gives rise to a modified claim. Excludes from the final discharge of a debtor from all debts any unpaid portion of such a claim as reduced. Amends the federal judicial code to prescribe standing trustee fees regarding certain payments received under a Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan. Expands federal procedures governing default on veterans' housing loans. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in the event of a modification in bankruptcy, to pay the holder of the obligation the unpaid balance due as of the date of the filing of the bankruptcy petition, plus accrued interest, but only upon assignment, transfer, and delivery of all rights, interest, claims, evidence, and records regarding the loan. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to: (1) pay Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance benefits for a mortgage modified under federal bankruptcy law; and (2) implement a program solely to encourage loan modifications for eligible delinquent mortgages through the payment of insurance benefits and assignment of the mortgage to the Secretary and the subsequent modification of the terms of the mortgage according to a loan modification approved by the mortgagee. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to pay: (1) the guaranteed portion of any losses incurred by the holder of a note or the loan servicer resulting from a modification in a bankruptcy proceeding; and (2) for losses incurred by holders or servicers in the event of a modification pursuant to a bankruptcy proceeding. Declares unenforceable as contrary to public policy certain investment contracts between servicers and securitization vehicles or investors that require excess bankruptcy losses that exceed a certain dollar amount on residential mortgages. Shields servicers from liability for implementing mortgage loan modifications or loss mitigation plans if they are in compliance with fiduciary duties mandated by the Truth in Lending Act. Amends the National Housing Act to modify the HOPE for Homeowners Program (HOPE) to: (1) require mortgagor certification to HUD that the mortgagor has neither intentionally defaulted on an existing mortgage, nor provided false information; (2) ban from HOPE those mortgagors whose net worth exceeds $1 million; (3) authorize HUD to establish a payment to the loan servicer of the existing senior mortgage for every loan insured under HOPE that does not exceed $1,000; (4) direct HUD to establish, if feasible, an auction to refinance eligible mortgages on a wholesale or bulk basis; and (5) reduce Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds to offset costs of program changes. Sets limitations upon participation in origination and mortgagee approval. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) and the Federal Credit Union Act (FCUA) to: (1) increase deposit insurance coverage permanently to $250,000; and (2) increase the borrowing authority of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Amends the FDIA to: (1) extend to eight years the time period applicable to a Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) restoration plan; and (2) revise requirements for special assessments to recover the loss to the DIF arising from actions taken to contain systemic risk with respect to certain insured depository institutions. Amends the FCUA to direct the NCUA Board to establish a National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund Restoration Plan whenever the Board projects that the equity ratio of the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund will fall below a minimum designated equity ratio.

Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009

Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 for specified: (1) agricultural programs; (2) conservation programs; (3) rural development programs; (4) domestic food programs; (5) foreign assistance and related programs; and (6) related agency and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) purposes. Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Department of Commerce Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Commerce, including transfers of funds. Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Justice for various agencies and programs. Science Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Office of Science and Technology Policy; (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), including the Office of Inspector General; and (3) the National Science Foundation (NSF), including the Office of the National Science Board and the Office of Inspector General. Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Commission on Civil Rights; (2) the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); (3) the International Trade Commission (ITC); (4) the Legal Services Corporation; (5) the Marine Mammal Commission; (6) the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR); and (7) the State Justice Institute. Rescinds certain unobligated balances. Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Defense (DOD)-Civil, the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers-Civil, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Energy (DOE), and related agencies. Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Appalachian Regional Commission; (2) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board; (3) the Delta Regional Authority; (4) the Denali Commission; (5) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), including the Office of Inspector General; (6) the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board; and (7) the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects. Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2009 - Department of the Treasury Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of the Treasury, including transfers of funds. Rescinds certain unobligated balances. Executive Office of the President Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Executive Office of the President. Judiciary Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Justice for the U.S. Supreme Court and other federal courts and related offices. District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the District of Columbia. Makes appropriations for FY2009, including transfers of funds, to: (1) the Administrative Conference of the United States; (2) the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation; (3) the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); (4) the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC); (5) the Election Assistance Commission (EAC); (6) the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); (7) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), including the Office of Inspector General; (8) the Federal Election Commission (FEC); (9) the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); (10) the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); (11) the General Services Administration (GSA), including the Office of Inspector General; (12) the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation Trust Fund; (13) the Merit Systems Protection Board; (14) the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation, including its Trust Fund; (15) the Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund; (16) the National Archives and Records Administration; (17) the National Historical Publications and Records Commission Grants Program; (18) the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA); (19) the Office of Government Ethics; (20) the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), including the Office of Inspector General; (21) the Office of Special Counsel; (22) the Postal Regulatory Commission; (23) the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board; (24) the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); (25) the Selective Service System; (26) the Small Business Administration (SBA), including the Office of Inspector General; (27) the U.S. Postal Service, including the Office of Inspector General; and (28) the United States Tax Court. Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other related agencies, including transfers of funds. Rescinds certain unobligated balances. Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Departments of Agriculture and of Health and Human Services (HHS); (2) the National Institutes of Health (NIH); (3) the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; (4) the Executive Office of the President, Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Environmental Quality; (5) the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; (6) the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation; (7) the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development; (8) the Smithsonian Institution; (9) the National Gallery of Art; (10) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; (11) the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; (12) the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities; (13) the National Endowment for the Arts; (14) the National Endowment for the Humanities; (15) the Commission of Fine Arts; (16) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; (17) the National Capital Planning Commission; (18) the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum; (19) the Presidio Trust Fund; and (20) the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Labor, including transfers of funds. Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Health and Human Services, including transfers of funds. Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Education, including deferral and transfers of funds. Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled; (2) the Corporation for National and Community Service, for domestic volunteer service programs and operating expenses, administrative expenses and salaries, and the Office of Inspector General; (3) the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) the Institute of Museum and Library Services; (7) the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (8) the National Council on Disability; (9) the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB); (10) the National Mediation Board; (11) the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (12) the Railroad Retirement Board for the dual benefits payments account, federal payments to the railroad retirement accounts, administration, and the Office of Inspector General; and (13) the Social Security Administration (SSA) for payments to the Social Security trust funds, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, administrative expenses, and the Office of Inspector General. Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary), or the Secretary of State in consultation with the Secretary, to provide special immigrant status for an Afghan citizen or national (and accompanying or surviving spouse or child) who: (1) was employed for at least one year by, and provided documented valuable service to, the U.S. government in Afghanistan; and (2) is experiencing an ongoing threat as a result of such service. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust such an alien's status to permanent resident if the alien: (1) was paroled or admitted as a nonimmigrant into the United States; and (2) is otherwise eligible for special immigrant status. Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the legislative branch, including transfers of funds. Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of State for foreign operations and related programs, including transfers of funds. Makes appropriations for FY2009, including transfers of funds, to: (1) the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); (2) Global Health and Child Survival; (3) Development Assistance; (4) the Economic Support Fund; (5) the International Fund for Ireland; (6) assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia; (7) the Department of State; (8) migration and refugee assistance; (9) the Peace Corps; (10) the Millennium Challenge Corporation; (11) the Inter-American Foundation; (12) the African Development Foundation; (13) the Department of the Treasury; (14) international security assistance; (15) multilateral assistance; (16) the Export-Import Bank of the United States; (17) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC); and (18) the Trade and Development Agency. Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Transportation. Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board; (2) the Federal Maritime Commission; (3) the National Transportation Safety Board; (4) the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation; and (5) the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Rescinds certain unobligated balances. Makes additional appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the U.S. Secret Service. Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

Food Safety and Tracking Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Food Safety and Tracking Improvement Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a traceability system for all stages of manufacturing, processing, packaging, and distribution of food through which the Secretary can retrieve the history, use, and location of each article of food shipped in interstate commerce. Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to require a person (other than a household consumer) who has reason to believe that any meat, poultry, egg, or egg product handled by such person is adulterated or misbranded to notify the Secretary of Agriculture of the identity and location of the article. Directs the Secretary, upon finding that the article is adulterated or misbranded and there is a reasonable probability that human consumption would present a threat to public health, to: (1) provide all appropriate persons an opportunity to cease distribution of the article, make appropriate notifications, and recall the article; and (2) require an immediate cessation of distribution if voluntary action is not taken. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) refuse to provide, or to withdraw, inspections of an establishment for willful or repeated violations of the respective Act; (2) deny or suspend inspection in the public interest to protect the health or welfare of consumers or to ensure the effective performance of an official duty under the respective Act; and (3) assess civil penalties for violations. Amends the FFDCA to require a person (other than a household consumer or other individual who is an intended consumer) who has reason to believe that an article of food introduced into interstate commerce is adulterated or misbranded in a manner that, if consumed, may result in illness or injury to notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Directs the Secretary, upon finding that to be the case, to: (1) provide all appropriate persons an opportunity to cease distribution of such article, make appropriate notifications, and recall the article; and (2) require an immediate cessation of distribution if voluntary action is not taken. Allows the Secretary to assess penalties for prohibited acts.

Ending Agricultural Threats: Safeguarding America's Food for Everyone (EAT SAFE) Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Ending Agricultural Threats: Safeguarding America's Food for Everyone (EAT SAFE) Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish food safety and agroterrorism training programs for appropriate federal employees and border patrol agents; (2) hire additional Food Safety and Inspection Service personnel; (3) provide notification of smuggled food products to the public and to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and (4) provide the public with notification of recalled food products. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide notification of smuggled food products to the public and to DHS. Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to establish civil penalties for failure to present imported meat and poultry products for inspection. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require federal certification of food safety labs. Amends the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary, through the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, to establish a foodborne illness education and outreach grant program.

Deafy Glade Land Exchange Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Deafy Glade Land Exchange Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to Solano County, California, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the parcel of land in the Mendocino National Forest comprising approximately 82 acres and known as the Fouts Springs Ranch, as depicted on the map entitled "Fouts Springs-Deafy Glade Federal and Non-Federal Lands" and dated July 17, 2008, if the county conveys to the Secretary all right, title, and interest of the county in and to four parcels of land consisting of approximately 160 acres identified on such map.

Restore Our American Mustangs Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Amends the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act to revise provisions concerning the management of such animals. Requires the Secretary of the Interior (for Bureau of Land Management- [BLM] administered lands) or the Secretary of Agriculture (for Forest Service-administered lands) to: (1) update the inventory of such animals annually and make it publicly available on the BLM website; (2) take specified actions to estimate populations of, and establish management levels for, such animals; (3) identify new rangelands, arrange for supervised protection on private lands, and establish sanctuaries or exclusive use areas for such animals; (4) implement enhanced surgical or immunocontraception sterilization or other safe methods of fertility control; (5) exhaust all practicable options of maintaining horse and burro populations in the range before providing for the capture and removal of excess animals for private maintenance; (6) take specified actions to promote the adoption program; (7) temporarily remove horses or burros from the range if their immediate health or safety is threatened; and (8) provide specified public information on animal removals, range changes, and treatment. Requires adopters of horses and burros to affirm that adopted animals will not be slaughtered for human consumption. Prohibits: (1) the use of helicopters or other airborne devices to remove such animals; (2) containing such animals in holding facilities for more than six months while awaiting disposition; or (3) the destruction of such an animal unless the Secretary determines it is terminally ill. Expands the membership of the advisory board on the management and protection of such animals. Applies criminal penalties to any person who transports a live or deceased horse or burro for processing into commercial products. Sets forth new reporting requirements on the management of such animals.

Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2009

Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) accept a conveyance of non-federal land in Gila, Yavapai, Maricopa, Pinal, and Coconino Counties, Arizona, from Resolution Copper Mining, LLC (Resolution Copper); (2) convey to Resolution Copper certain federal land located in Pinal County, Arizona; (3) convey specified land in Pinal County to the town of Superior, Arizona; and (4) appraise lands exchanged or conveyed under this Act. Instructs Resolution Copper to surrender, without compensation, the rights held by it under mining and other U.S. laws to: (1) commercially extract minerals under Apache Leap or certain of the non-federal land in Pinal County (the Pond); and (2) disturb the surface of Apache Leap. Permits Resolution Copper to carry out mineral exploration activities under the Oak Flat withdrawal area by any method that will not disturb the surface of the area. Requires implementation of a management plan for Apache Leap. Makes lands acquired by the Secretary under this Act part of the National Forest within which the land is located. Requires Resolution Copper to make a specified payment to the Secretary to be used to promote and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities in the upper Pond area or the areas commonly known as "Inconceivables" and "Chill Hill." Directs the Secretary to construct in the Global Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest, Arizona, one or more replacement campgrounds for the Oak Flat Campground. Requires Resolution Copper to make value adjustment payments to the United States based upon locatable minerals produced from the federal land in Pinal County, Arizona.

Derivatives Markets Transparency and Accountability Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2009

Derivatives Markets Transparency and Accountability Act of 2009 - Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to prohibit the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from permitting a foreign board of trade to provide its U.S-located members with access to the CFTC electronic trading system and order matching system with respect to an agreement, contract, or transaction that settles against any price (including the daily or final settlement price) of one or more contracts listed for trading on a registered entity, unless such board meets requirements similar to those imposed upon U.S. exchanges. Directs the CFTC to: (1) define and classify index traders and swap dealers for purposes of data reporting requirements; and (2) set routine detailed reporting requirements for any positions of such entities in contracts traded on designated contract markets, derivatives transaction execution facilities, foreign boards of trade, and electronic trading facilities with respect to significant price discovery contracts. Requires the CFTC, to the extent information is available, to disaggregate and make public monthly: (1) the number of positions and total notional value of index funds and other passive, long-only and short-only positions in all markets; and (2) data on speculative positions relative to bona fide physical hedgers in those markets. Subjects persons involved in derivative and swap transactions, as well as large traders in over-the-counter contracts, to reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Directs the CFTC to set position limits for any one person with respect to: (1) contracts of sale for future delivery; or (2) options on such contracts or commodities traded on or subject to the rules of a contract market or derivatives transaction execution facility or on an electronic trading facility as a significant price discovery contract. Directs the CFTC to: (1) appoint a sufficient number of new full-time employees; (2) review prior actions to ensure compliance with this Act; and (3) review over-the-counter markets. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study and report to specified congressional committees on the international regime for regulating the trading of energy commodity futures and derivatives. Directs the CFTC to assess whether certain derivative, swap, and similar agreements, contracts, or transactions that are fungible with agreements, contracts, or transactions traded on or subject to the rules of any board of trade or electronic trading facility with respect to a significant price discovery contract have the potential to: (1) disrupt the liquidity or price discovery function on a registered entity; (2) cause a severe market disturbance in the underlying cash or futures market; or (3) prevent or otherwise impair the price of a contract listed for trading on a registered entity from reflecting the forces of supply and demand in any market. Authorizes the CFTC, upon a positive finding, to impose position limits. Authorizes the CFTC to use expedited procedures to carry out this Act. Makes specified exclusions and exemptions from the Commodity Exchange Act available only for certain transactions settled and cleared through registered derivatives clearing organizations or other regulated entities, including national banks, state member banks, insured state nonmember banks, affiliates of any of these, or corporations chartered to do foreign banking. Treats as commodities exempt from Commodity Exchange Act coverage: (1) any allowance authorized under law to emit a greenhouse gas; and (2) any credit authorized under law toward the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions or an increase in carbon sequestration. Directs the CFTC to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Agriculture which shall ensure that any procedures and protocols developed for a market-based greenhouse gas program are properly constructed and coordinated to maximize credits for carbon sequestration. Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 with respect to the Office of Inspector General of the CFTC. Authorizes the CFTC to: (1) suspend trading of credit default swaps; and (2) initiate and conduct criminal litigation relating to a violation of the Commodity Exchange Act if the Attorney General has declined to do so.

Keeping America's Food Safe Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2009

Keeping America's Food Safe Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require: (1) certification of any food safety laboratory or a sampling service that is analyzing, testing, or collecting samples of imported food; and (2) such laboratories or services to submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services the results of all tests conducted on behalf of an importer. Sets forth civil penalties for: (1) an importer that knowingly engages in the falsification of test results submitted to the Secretary; and (2) a laboratory or service that knowingly submits false test results to the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to establish a certification program to ensure that imported food meets the food safety standards applied to food produced in the United States. Prohibits food from being permitted entry into the United States from a foreign facility in a foreign country unless there are certifications from the facility and country, except if the certification is not needed for the Secretary's evaluation of whether the facility's or country's standards are at least equivalent to standards applicable to food produced in the United States. Sets forth certification requirements for foreign countries. Requires the Secretary to develop and maintain websites on: (1) food safety issues; and (2) the development of school curricula regarding food safety issues. Establishes whistle-blower's protections. Revises the definition of "responsible party" to include an establishment that analyzes or tests samples of food for consumption in the United to States to ensure its safety. Requires a responsible party to notify the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within 24 hours about test results that suggest that an article of food is reportable food, irrespective of whether the party subsequently determines that such article isn't reportable food. Authorizes the Secretary to request and, in the absence of voluntary compliance, to order an establishment to recall food that has been distributed and that presents a risk of illness, injury, or gross consumer deception when necessary to protect the public health.

Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2009

Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act - Designates the following lands in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System (System): (1) Greater Glacier/Northern Continental Divide ecosystem; (2) Greater Yellowstone ecosystem; (3) Greater Salmon/Selway ecosystem; (4) Greater Cabinet/Yaak/Selkirk ecosystem; (5) Greater Hells Canyon ecosystem; (6) Islands in the Sky Wilderness; and (7) Blackfeet Wilderness. Designates: (1) specified wild land areas as Biological Connecting Corridors to protect the life flow of the Northern Rockies Bioregion; (2) the inventoried roadless areas identified as part of the Corridors as wilderness and components of the System; and (3) certain biological connecting corridors as special corridor management areas. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate segments of specified rivers and creeks in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Establishes the National Wildland Restoration and Recovery System and the National Wildland Recovery Corps. Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to assure nonexclusive access to the specified areas and corridors designated by this Act by Native Americans for traditional cultural and religious purposes.

Providing amounts for the expenses of the Committee on Agriculture in the One Hundred Eleventh Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2009

Provides amounts for expenses of the House Committee on Agriculture for the 111th Congress.

Global Food Security Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2009

Global Food Security Act of 2009 - States that it is U.S. policy to promote global food security, improve agricultural productivity, and support the development of institutions of higher learning. Directs the President to designate an individual to serve as the Special Coordinator for Food Security to advise the President on international food security issues and oversee implementation of a comprehensive food security strategy. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize appropriations for programs of agriculture, rural development, and nutrition. Permits certain of such funds to be made available for: (1) the collaborative research support program; and (2) the consultative group on international agricultural research. Establishes the higher education collaboration for technology, agriculture, research, and extension to provide assistance for policies and programs in eligible countries that advance agricultural productivity and hunger alleviation through partnerships with institutions of higher education. Authorizes the President to provide assistance under this Act or the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for unexpected urgent food assistance needs. Establishes a United States Emergency Food Assistance Fund to carry out such purposes.

To convey the New River State Park campground located in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in the Jefferson National Forest in Carroll County, Virginia, to the Commonwealth of Virginia, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2009

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the Commonwealth of Virginia certain federally owned land in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in the Jefferson National Forest in Carroll County, Virginia, as depicted on the map titled "Potential Conveyance of the New River Campground to the Commonwealth of Virginia."

Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2009

Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Food Safety Administration. Assigns all the authorities and responsibilities of the Secretary of Health and Human Services related to food safety to the Administrator of Food Safety. Transfers to the Administration all functions of specified federal agencies that relate to the administration or enforcement of food safety laws. Renames the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the Federal Drug and Device Administration. Directs the Administrator to: (1) administer a national food safety program; and (2) ensure that persons who produce, process, or distribute food prevent or minimize food safety hazards. Sets forth requirements for the Administrator to carry out such duties, including: (1) requiring food establishments to adopt preventive process controls; (2) enforcing performance standards for food safety; (3) establishing an inspection program; (4) strengthening and expanding foodborne illness surveillance systems; (5) requiring imported food to meet the same standards as U.S. food; and (6) establishing a national traceability system for food. Requires the Administrator to: (1) identify priorities for food safety research and data collection; (2) maintain a DNA matching system and epidemiological system for foodborne illness identification, outbreaks, and containment; (3) establish guidelines for a sampling system; (4) establish a national public education program on food safety; (5) conduct research on food safety; and (6) establish a working group on foodborne illness surveillance. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to develop the Food-Borne Illness Health Registry. Directs the Comptroller General to report on the federal resources being dedicated to foodborne illness and food safety research. Sets forth provisions regarding prohibited acts, recalls, penalties for violations of food safety laws, whistleblower protections, and civil actions.

Electing minority members to certain standing committees.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2009

Elects named minority Members to the House Committees on: (1) Agriculture; (2) Education and Labor; and (3) Small Business.

Agriculture Competition Enhancement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2009

Agriculture Competition Enhancement Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice a Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Agricultural Antitrust Matters who shall: (1) be responsible for oversight and coordination of agriculture-related antitrust and related matters; and (2) work in coordination with the Task Force and the Department of Agriculture on all agricultural competition matters. Establishes under the authority of the Attorney General the Agriculture Competition Task Force to examine problems in agricultural competition. Amends the Clayton Act to revise the defendant's burden of proof in agribusiness mergers in which the plaintiff is: (1) the federal or state government; or (2) any other plaintiff. Directs the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to: (1) draft agriculture-specific guidelines to use when reviewing agriculture mergers; and (2) conduct post merger reviews of certain agribusiness mergers five years after approval. Establishes within the Department of Agriculture the Office of Competition and Fair Practices to be headed by a Special Counsel for Competition Matters who shall: (1) analyze mergers within the food and agricultural sectors; and (2) investigate and prosecute violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921. Provides for agribusiness merger review and enforcement by the Department of Agriculture. Authorizes appropriations for additional staff for the Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration to investigate the competitive implications of structural changes in the meat packing and poultry industries.

TRACE Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2009

Tracing and Recalling Agricultural Contamination Everywhere Act of 2009 or TRACE Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a traceability system for all stages of manufacturing, processing, packaging, and distribution of food. States that cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, mules and other equines, and poultry presented for slaughter for human consumption, and the carcasses or parts of carcasses and the meat and food products of those animals, shipped in interstate commerce shall be identified in a manner that enables the Secretary to trace: (1) each animal to any location at which the animal was held at any time before slaughter; and (2) each carcass or part of a carcass and food product forward from slaughter through processing and distribution to the ultimate consumer. Directs the Secretary to establish a traceability system for all stages of production, processing, and distribution of meat and meat food products produced through the slaughter of such animals. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) prohibit or restrict entry to a slaughtering establishment of an animal not so identified; and (2) require a person or entity to maintain records. Amends the Poultry Products Inspection Act and the Egg Products Inspection Act to establish similar provisions for poultry and poultry products and for eggs and egg products.

SAFER Meat, Poultry, and Food Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2009

Safe And Fair Enforcement and Recall for Meat, Poultry, and Food Act of 2009 or the SAFER Meat, Poultry, and Food Act of 2009 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to require a person (other than a household consumer) who has reason to believe that a meat or poultry article handled by such person is adulterated or misbranded to notify the Secretary of Agriculture of the identity and location of the article. Directs the Secretary, upon finding that the article is adulterated or misbranded and there is a reasonable probability that human consumption would present a threat to public health, to: (1) provide all appropriate persons an opportunity to cease distribution of the article, make appropriate notifications, and recall the article; and (2) require an immediate cessation of distribution if voluntary action is not taken. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) refuse to provide, or to withdraw, inspections of an establishment for willful or repeated violations of the respective Act; (2) deny or suspend inspection in the public interest to protect the health or welfare of consumers or to ensure the effective performance of an official duty under the respective Act; and (3) assess civil penalties for violations. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require a person (other than a household consumer or other individual who is an intended consumer) who has reason to believe that an article of food introduced into interstate commerce is adulterated or misbranded in a manner that, if consumed, may result in illness or injury to notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Directs the Secretary, upon finding that to be the case, to: (1) provide all appropriate persons an opportunity to cease distribution of such article, make appropriate notifications, and recall the article; and (2) require an immediate cessation of distribution if voluntary action is not taken. Allows the Secretary to assess penalties for prohibited acts.

Farming Flexibility Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2009

Farming Flexibility Act of 2009 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to limit the pilot project permitting the planting of cucumbers, green peas, lima beans, pumpkins, snap beans, sweet corn, and tomatoes grown for processing on base acres to crop year 2009. (Under current law such pilot program is authorized through crop year 2012.) Provides that: (1) as of crop year 2010 producers on a farm may reduce the base acres for any covered commodity if such acres are used for the production of fruits or vegetables for processing; (2) such acres devoted to fruits or vegetables shall be included in base acres for the covered commodity for the subsequent crop year unless the producers on the farm make the election to produce fruits and vegetables for the subsequent crop year; and (3) if a farm's base acres are recalculated the production of fruits or vegetables shall be considered to be the same as the planting, prevented planting, or production of the covered commodity.