Agriculture

National Forest Ecosystem Protection Act of 2002

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2003

National Forest Ecosystem Protection Act of 2002 (sic) - Establishes a National Forest Ecosystem Protection Program composed of lands within existing units of the National Forest System that contain large wilderness areas as a core area and a Primitive Area extending outward from them, hereby designated Ecosystem Protection Areas. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Forest Service, to manage the wilderness areas. Requires the Secretary to promote the reestablishment or protection of animal and plant species native to the designated Ecosystem Protection Areas. Requires the Secretary to strive to acquire private lands and mineral rights located within wilderness designated areas and eliminate, through phase out, commercial grazing in the Ecosystem Protection Areas. Requires the Secretary to provide forest plan revision assessments in specified areas. Specifies original Ecosystem Protection Areas and Primitive Areas. Requires the Secretary to provide technical and financial assistance to enable States to acquire Ecosystem Protection Areas on State-owned lands.

A bill to amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to permit a State to register a Canadian pesticide for distribution and use within that State.

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2003

Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to permit State registration of a Canadian pesticide for distribution and use within such State, subject to certain requirements. Prohibits actions in Federal court against: (1) States acting as registering agencies for damages resulting from the use of a product registered under this Act; or (2) registrants for damages resulting from adulteration or compositional alterations of such a product if the registrant could not reasonably have knowledge of such adulteration or alterations.

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

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2003

Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to establish minimum per plant per reporting day purchase and slaughter requirements through spot purchases from nonaffiliated producers for a covered packer: (1) that is a cooperative; and (2) that is not a cooperative. Sets forth transitional requirements for a covered packer with a specified captive cattle supply. Defines "cooperative association of producers," "covered packer," "nonaffiliated producer," "spot market sale," and "reasonable competitive bidding opportunity."

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

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003

Authorizes expenditures by the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for the 108th Congress.

Fort Donelson National Battlefield Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003

Fort Donelson National Battlefield Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire for inclusion in the Fort Donelson National Battlefield land, interests, and improvements: (1) within the boundaries of the Battlefield; and (2) outside such boundaries if the land has been identified by the American Battlefield Protection Program as part of the battlefield associated with Fort Donelson or the Secretary otherwise determines that acquisition will protect critical resources associated with the Battle of Fort Donelson in1862 and the Union campaign that resulted in the capture of the Fort. Limits the total area encompassed by the Battlefield to 2,000 acres. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into a memorandum of understanding to facilitate cooperative protection and interpretation of the remaining vestiges of Fort Henry and other existing Civil War resources affiliated with the Fort Donelson campaign and located in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

To provide for the exchange of certain lands in the Coconino and Tonto National Forests in Arizona, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to certain private land owners specified lands in the Tonto National Forest in exchange for the conveyance by such land owners of certain lands adjacent to the Montezuma Castle National Monument and certain lands within the Coconino National Forest. Requires that the values of Federal and non-Federal lands be equalized. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to certain private land owners specified lands northeast of Payson, Arizona in exchange for the conveyance by such land owners of certain lands within the Tonto National Forest. Requires that the values of Federal and non-Federal lands be equalized. Directs the Secretary, prior to any conveyance under this Act, to conduct the necessary land surveys and preexchange clearances, reviews, and approvals relating to threatened and endangered species, cultural and historic resources, wetlands and floodplains, and hazardous materials. Requires the Secretary to delete from either exchange any portion of Federal lands that cannot be transferred for any reason thereof. Provides that the land acquired by the Secretary become part of the Tonto or Coconino National Forest, as appropriate. Transfers the land adjacent to the Montezuma Castle National Monument to the jurisdiction of the National Park Service and incorporates it in the Montezuma Castle National Monument.

To amend the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, to provide the Secretary of Agriculture with administrative authority to investigate live poultry dealers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003

Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to: (1) remove the slaughter requirement from the definitions of "poultry grower," "poultry growing arrangement," and "live poultry dealer;" and (2) extend administrative enforcement authority to live poultry dealers.

Wildfire Response Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003

Wildfire Response Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to procure the services of military aircraft (and related Armed Forces personnel) to fight a wildfire without first making an otherwise required Armed Forces-commercial cost comparison.

Electing Members and Delegates to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2003

Elects Members and Delegates to the following House Committees: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Budget; (4) Education and the Workforce; (5) Financial Services; (6) Government Reform; (7) House Administration; (8) International Relations; (9) Resources; (10) Science; (11) Small Business; (12) Standards of Official Conduct; and (13) Veterans' Affairs.

A bill to modify the boundaries for a certain empowerment zone designation.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2003

Includes all of Aroostook County, Maine, within the Aroostook County Empowerment Zone (for Department of Agriculture empowerment zone purposes).

Global CARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2003

Global Coordination of HIV/AIDS Response Act or Global CARE Act - Establishes an interagency working group to coordinate Federal programs related to the prevention, treatment, and monitoring of HIV/AIDS in foreign countries and to conduct global HIV/AIDS activities. Establishes the International HIV/AIDS Prevention and Capacity Development Initiative to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and opportunistic infections through specified measures. Establishes the International AIDS Care and Treatment Access Initiative. Authorizes appropriations to the following Federal agencies for such purposes: (1) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (2) the Health Resources and Services Administration; (3) the National Institutes of Health; (4) the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; (5) the Food and Drug Administration; (6) the United States Agency for International Development; and (7) the Departments of Defense, Agriculture, Labor, and Commerce, including the Global Health Fund. States that the United States should make contributions to such Fund consistent with the general principles outlined in the Global AIDS and Tuberculosis Relief Act of 2000. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a (HIV/AIDS) Global Physician Corps using international assignment of physicians to provide care, train host country physicians, and establish or adapt clinical protocols for prevention and treatment. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorizes funds for injection safety. AIDS Orphans Relief Act of 2002 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide assistance to communities affected by AIDS, including microcredit programs. Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to create a pilot program concerning the use of antiretroviral drugs in resource-poor settings.

Florida National Forest Land Management Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003

Florida National Forest Land Management Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or exchange specified land in Florida. Requires the concurrence of the Secretary of the Air Force with respect to the sale or exchange of certain of such land.

Food Freshness Disclosure Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003

Food Freshness Disclosure Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide that a food shall be deemed to be misbranded unless its label bears information on freshness. Requires the label to state a date upon which the food will no longer be fresh (i.e., contain the quantity of nutrients specified on the label and otherwise be not adulterated and of acceptable quality). Requires such date to be preceded by "best if used by," and requires such label to be conspicuously located, easy to read, and in a type size no smaller than eight point. Directs that the freshness date be on the containers of any food sent to the seller of such food to consumers. Makes this Act inapplicable to any food that is exempt from nutrition labeling requirements.

Duwamish Tribal Recognition Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003

Duwamish Tribal Recognition Act - Extends all Federal laws and regulations to the Duwamish Tribe. Declares the Tribe and its members eligible for all services and benefits provided by the Federal Government to federally recognized tribes without regard to the existence of a reservation for the Tribe or the location of the residence of any member on or near any Indian reservation. Defines the Tribe's service area for purposes of the delivery of Federal services. Requires the Tribe to submit to the Secretary of the Interior a membership roll of all individuals enrolled in the Tribe. Requires the Tribe to conduct an election by secret ballot to adopt a constitution and bylaws for the Tribe. Requires the Tribe to elect a governing body in accordance with the procedures set forth in its constitution and bylaws. Requires the Secretary to take Tribe service area or aboriginal lands into trust for the benefit of the Tribe if the Tribe transfers all right, title, and interest in and to the land to the Secretary within ten years. Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to identify those lands which shall be considered the aboriginal homelands of the Tribe.

Livestock Reinvestment Extension Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003

Livestock Reinvestment Extension Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow farmers to delay the inclusion in income of the amount earned from the sale of excess livestock due to Federal land management policy or action or to severe weather conditions until the second year following the year in which the special circumstance ceased to exist.(present law allows for inclusion of such income in the year following a year of severe weather). Sets forth new rules for drought designations. Modifies rules for replacement of involuntarily converted livestock, including to extend the replacement period (for both weather-related sales and sales forced by Federal policy) and to prescribe that an heir to an estate may replace such property within the required time frame. Applies this Act to sales and exchanges made after December 31, 2000.

Food Ingredient Right to Know Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003

Food Ingredient Right to Know Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide that a food shall be deemed to be misbranded if it contains any spice, flavoring, or coloring derived from meat, poultry, any other animal product (including insects), or a known food allergen unless its labeling bears a statement with appropriate prominence on the information panel providing that fact and the name of the meat, poultry, other animal product, or known food allergen.

To establish Institutes to conduct research on the prevention of, and restoration from, wildfires in forest and woodland ecosystems of the interior West.

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003

Wildfire Prevention Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Chief of the Forest Service, to: (1) establish three Institutes (one each in Arizona at Northern Arizona University, New Mexico, and Colorado) to promote the use of adaptive ecosystem management to reduce the risk of wildfires, and improve the health of forest and woodland ecosystems in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah; and (2) assist the Institutes to promote such management. Defines adaptive ecosystem management as a natural resource management process under which planning, implementation, monitoring, research, evaluation, and incorporation of new knowledge are combined into a management approach that is: (1) based on scientific findings and the needs of society; and (2) used to modify future management methods and policy. Prescribes requirements for cooperation among the Institutes and Federal programs relating to ecological restoration, wildfire risk reduction, and wildfire management technologies.

National Dairy Policy Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003

National Dairy Policy Act of 2003 - Amends Federal law to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to use the Department of Agriculture's preferred Option 1B as the price structure for Class I fluid milk under Federal milk marketing orders. Directs the Secretary to make emergency market loss payments to dairy producers in the 48 contiguous States, including producers on farms not covered by milk marketing orders, whenever the national average for Class III milk under Federal milk marketing orders for a calendar year quarter is less than a specified target price.

Family Farm Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2003

Family Farm Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any gain on the sale of a qualified family farm interest to a family member of the taxpayer. Requires the taxpayer (or a member of the taxpayer's family) to have participated materially in the farming business operation during the five years preceding the sale, and requires the family member purchasing the interest to participate materially during the five years following the sale. Provides for recapture of tax foregone because of the exclusion if during the five years following the sale: (1) the interest ceases to be used in a farming business; or (2) the purchasing family member fails to participate materially in the farming business.

The following-named Career Members of the Senior Foreign Service of the Department of Agriculture for promotion within the Senior Foreign Service to the class indicated: Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service of the United States of America, Class of Minister-Counselor:

United States · United States Senate · 28 January 2003

To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to use unobligated funds from a housing demonstration program in the State of North Carolina to make grants under section 504 of the Housing Act of 1949 in such State.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2003

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to use certain unobligated funds from a North Carolina housing demonstration program to make rural dwelling improvement grants in such State under the Housing Act of 1949.

National Forest Organizational Camp Fee Improvement Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2003

National Forest Organizational Camp Fee Improvement Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to charge an annual acreage and market value-based fee for the occupancy and use of National Forest System lands (land use fees) and facilities (facility fees) by organizational camps (nonprofit or governmental entity-run camps for youth or persons with disabilities). Provides for annual land use fee adjustments. Reduces the land-use fee, but not below a minimum amount to be determined by the Secretary, for: (1) use by persons with disabilities and at-risk children; and (2) youth programs through organized social, citizenship, character-building, or faith-based activities oriented to outdoor recreation. Prohibits facility use fee reductions. Provides for an additional fee if an organizational camp derives revenue from such lands' or facilities' use for purposes other than to introduce young people or people with disabilities to natural resource education or other appropriate experiences.

Designating majority membership on certain standing committees of the House.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2003

Designates majority membership on the following committees of the House of Representatives: (1) Agriculture; (2) Appropriations; (3) Armed Services; (4) Budget; (5) Education and the Workforce; (6) Energy and Commerce; (7) Financial Services; (8) Government Reform; (9) International Relations; (10) Judiciary; (11) Resources; (12) Science; (13) Small Business; (14) Transportation and Infrastructure; (15) Veterans' Affairs; and (16) Ways and Means.

Electing Members, Delegates, and Resident Commissioners to standing committees of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2003

Elects Members, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner to the following House standing Committees: (1) Agriculture; (2) Appropriations; (3) Armed Services; (4) Budget; (5) Education and the Workforce; (6) Energy and Commerce; (7) Financial Services; (8) Government Reform; (9) International Relations; (10) Judiciary; (11) Resources; (12) Science; (13) Small Business; (14) Transportation and Infrastructure; (15) Veterans' Affairs; and (16) Ways and Means.

Family Farmers and Family Fishermen Protection Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2003

Family Farmers and Family Fishermen Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Bankruptcy Code to reenact Chapter 12, Adjustment of Debts of a Family Farmer with Regular Annual Income (thus reinstating permanently family farmer bankruptcy relief). Provides periodic adjustments for inflation of the debt limit for family farmers. Cites circumstances under which the claim of a governmental unit that arises from the disposition of a farm asset used in the debtor's farming operation shall be treated as an unsecured claim not entitled to priority. Increases from $1.5 million to $3.237 million the maximum aggregate debt that permits a farming operation to qualify as a family farming operation for debt adjustment purposes. Decreases from 80 percent to 50 percent the minimum percentage of aggregate, noncontingent liquidated debts arising out of such farming operation. Repeals the requirement that a family farmer and spouse receive over 50 percent of income from farming operations in the year before a bankruptcy petition is filed. Prohibits: (1) retroactive assessment of disposable income; and (2) post-confirmation modification of a bankruptcy plan that would increase the amount of payments that were due before such modification. Requires debtor's consent for post-confirmation increase in payments. Extends Chapter 12 coverage to family fishermen whose aggregate debts do not exceed $1.5 million, of which at least 80 percent of aggregate noncontingent, liquidated debts arise out of a commercial fishing operation.

To authorize former Federal employees who receive voluntary separation incentive payments under the Department of Agriculture program to accept subsequent employment with the Federal Government, without loss of their payments, when such employment is directly related to fighting forest fires.

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2003

Amends the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 to authorize former Federal employees who receive Department of Agriculture voluntary separation incentive payments to accept subsequent Federal employment without loss of their payments when such employment is directly related to fighting forest fires.

Sierra National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2003

Sierra National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2003 - Provides, in the Sierra National Forest, California, for the exchange of lands between the current owners and the Secretary of Agriculture. Makes the conveyance contingent on the owners conveying their parcel to the Sequoia Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Emergency Farmer and Rancher Assistance Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2003

Emergency Farmer and Rancher Assistance Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide: (1) emergency financial assistance to agricultural producers who have incurred qualifying 2001 or 2002 crop losses due to weather or related conditions; and (2) payments to livestock producers who have incurred 2001 or 2002 losses in an emergency-designated county, with permitted set-asides for the American Indian livestock program.

Louisiana Rice Economic Relief Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 27 January 2003

Louisiana Rice Economic Relief Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide economic disaster assistance ($40,000 maximum per person) to producers of the 2002 rice crop in Louisiana.

National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Registry Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2003

National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Registry Act of 2003 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish and administer: (1) a national greenhouse gas emissions information system to collect annual lists required to be submitted under this Act of an entity's greenhouse gas emissions and their sources; and (2) a national greenhouse gas registry to collect voluntarily reported information on emissions reductions. Specifies factors for adjustment of emissions records by a reporting entity. Directs the Administrator and the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture, and Energy to develop greenhouse gas emissions quantification and verification protocols, electronic reporting methods, and accounting and reporting standards. Requires verification of reported emissions information. Requires the Administrator to publish an annual national greenhouse gas emissions inventory.

A resolution making minority appointments to certain Senate committees for the 108th Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2003

Makes minority party appointments to the Joint Economic Committee and the following Senate Committees for the 108th Congress: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Appropriations; (3) Armed Services; (4) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Energy and Natural Resources; (7) Environment and Public Works; (8) Finance; (9) Foreign Relations; (10) Governmental Affairs; (11) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; (12) Judiciary; (13) Rules and Administration; (14) Small Business and Entrepreneurship; (15) Veterans' Affairs; (16) Aging; (17) Budget; (18) Ethics; (19) Indian Affairs; and (20) Intelligence.

Vernon Bernard Parker, of Arizona, to be an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture. (New Position)

United States · United States Senate · 14 January 2003

Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2003

Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide: (1) emergency financial assistance to agricultural producers who have incurred qualifying 2001 or 2002 crop losses due to weather or related conditions; and (2) payments to livestock producers who have incurred 2001 and 2002 losses in an emergency-designated county, with set-asides for the American Indian livestock program. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to impose tariff-rate quotas (quantitative import limits) and provide various duty rates on certain casein, caseinates, milk protein concentrate, and other casein derivatives and glues imported into the United States (except imports from Mexico). Authorizes the President to: (1) enter into a trade agreement with a foreign country to grant new concessions as compensation in order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions; and (2) proclaim any necessary modification or continuance of any existing duty, or continuance of existing duty-free or excise treatment. Sets forth certain limits on the reduction of duties on such products. Biodiesel Renewable Fuels Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit of between 3 and 20 cents per gallon for soy or specified vegetable based biodiesel fuel mixtures; and (2) make corresponding reductions to motor fuel excise taxes. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1922 to set forth Federal agency (except the Department of Defense) purchasing requirements for ethanol-blended gasoline and biodiesel for use in agency vehicles.

A resolution making majority party appointments to certain Senate committees for the 108th Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2003

Makes majority party appointments to the Joint Economic Committee and the following Senate Committees for the 108th Congress: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; (2) Appropriations; (3) Armed Services; (4) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Energy and Natural Resources; (7) Environment and Public Works; (8) Finance; (9) Foreign Relations; (10) Governmental Affairs; (11) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; (12) Judiciary; (13) Rules and Administration; (14) Small Business and Entrepreneurship; (15) Veterans' Affairs; (16) Aging; (17) Budget; (18) Ethics; (19) Indian Affairs; and (20) Intelligence.

Thomas C. Dorr, of Iowa, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development, vice Jill L. Long, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 9 January 2003

Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2003

Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide: (1) emergency financial assistance to agricultural producers (without regard to Federal crop insurance coverage) who have incurred qualifying 2001 and/or 2002 crop losses due to weather or related conditions; and (2) payments to livestock producers who have incurred 2001 and/or 2002 losses in an emergency-designated county, with set-asides for the American Indian livestock program.

A bill to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to suspend the requirement that rental payments under the conservation reserve program be reduced by reason of harvesting or grazing conducted in response to a drought or other emergency.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2003

Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to eliminate rental payment reduction authority under the conservation reserve program because of harvesting of forage or grazing during a drought-caused emergency for 2002.

Florida National Forest Land Management Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2003

Florida National Forest Land Management Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or exchange specified land in Florida. Requires the concurrence of the Secretary of the Air Force with respect to the sale or exchange of certain parcels of such land.

A bill to improve the administration of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2003

Exempts any migratory bird management carried out by the Secretary of Agriculture through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service from the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (including regulations). Authorizes a Service employee acting under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to: (1) issue a depredation permit to a Service stakeholder or cooperator; and (2) manage and take migratory birds.

Florida National Forest Land Management Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2003

Florida National Forest Land Management Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or exchange specified land in Florida. Requires the concurrence of the Secretary of the Air Force with respect to the sale or exchange of certain of such land.

Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2003

Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide: (1) emergency financial assistance to agricultural producers who have incurred qualifying 2001 or 2002 crop losses due to weather or related conditions; and (2) payments to livestock producers who have incurred 2001 and 2002 losses in an emergency-designated county. Permits producers with qualifying losses in both years to elect to receive payments in either, but not both, of such years. Makes producers ineligible for crop disaster assistance if they did not: (1) get Federal crop insurance for insurable commodities; and (2) file required paperwork and pay related fees for noninsurable commodities. Sets forth waiver provisions.

To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain land to Lander County, Nevada, and the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain land to Eureka County, Nevada, for continued use as cemeteries.

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain land to Lander County, Nevada, and the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain land to Eureka County, Nevada, for continued cemetery use.

Dairy Consumers and Producers Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Dairy Consumers and Producers Protection Act - Amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to include Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania within the Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact. Eliminates: (1) the Compact's termination date; and (2) certain restrictive authority respecting non-Compact milk. States that Ohio is the only additional State that may join such Compact. Eliminates and revises specified provisions regarding Compact implementation, duration, restricting authority, and Commodity Credit Corporation compensation. States that Congress consents to the Southern Dairy Compact entered into by Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. States that Florida, Nebraska, and Texas are the only additional States that may join such Compact. Limits price regulatory authority to Class I fluid milk unless otherwise consented to by the Congress. Provides for Commodity Credit Corporation compensation. Sets forth the Southern Dairy Compact. States that Congress consents to: (1) the Pacific Northwest Dairy Compact proposed for California, Oregon, and Washington; and (2) the Intermountain Dairy Compact proposed for Colorado, Nevada, and Utah. Limits price regulatory authority to Class I fluid milk. Provides for Corporation compensation.

Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide: (1) emergency financial assistance to agricultural producers who have incurred qualifying 2002 crop losses due to weather or related conditions; and (2) payments to livestock producers who have incurred 2001 and 2002 losses in an emergency-designated county. Permits livestock producers with qualifying losses in both years to elect to receive payments in either, but not both, of such years. Makes producers ineligible for crop disaster assistance if they did not: (1) get Federal crop insurance for insurable commodities; and (2) file required paperwork and pay related fees for noninsurable commodities. Sets forth waiver provisions.

Farm Disaster Emergency Assistance Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Farm Disaster Emergency Assistance Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide: (1) emergency financial assistance to agricultural producers who have incurred qualifying 2001 or 2002 crop losses due to weather or related conditions; and (2) payments to livestock producers who have incurred 2001 and 2002 losses in an emergency-designated county, with discretionary set-asides for the American Indian livestock program. Permits producers with qualifying losses in both years to elect to receive payments in either, but not both, of such years. Makes producers ineligible for crop disaster assistance if they did not: (1) get Federal crop insurance for insurable commodities; and (2) file required paperwork and pay related fees for noninsurable commodities. Sets forth waiver provisions. Directs the Secretary to transfer specified Commodity Credit Corporation amounts to a certain account established to encourage domestic consumption and foreign exportation of agricultural commodities.

Tobacco Equity Elimination Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Tobacco Equity Elimination Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) make payments to qualifying tobacco quota holders as compensation for the loss of tobacco quota asset value; (2) make transition payments to active tobacco producers, including producers who forgo obtaining a tobacco production license; and (3) assess an annual user fee on tobacco manufacturers and importers who sell in domestic U.S. commerce. Amends the Agricultural Act of 1949 with respect to tobacco price supports to: (1) revise such provisions to reflect annual production costs for each type of tobacco; (2) eliminate references to quota tobacco in no net cost provisions; and (3) eliminate tobacco from the definition of "basic agricultural commodity." Directs the Secretary and cigarette and other tobacco-product manufacturers, respectively, to estimate annual export and domestic quantity and industry purchase requirements. Directs the Secretary to issue to each historic tobacco producer a tobacco production license in order to harmonize annual purchase intentions and production. Assesses tobacco producers for administrative costs. Repeals the Tobacco Control Act and specified related provisions ( thus terminating marketing quota program provisions). Authorizes the establishment of a nonprofit Center for Tobacco-Dependent Communities which shall provide economic and community development assistance to tobacco communities in transition to non-tobacco economies.

Electing chairmen of certain standing committees of the House.

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Designates majority membership on the House Committees on Agriculture, on Appropriations, on Armed Services, on the Budget, on Education and the Workforce, on Energy and Commerce, on Financial Services, on Government Reform, on House Administration, on International Relations, on the Judiciary, on Resources, on Science, on Small Business, on Standards of Official Conduct, on Transportation and Infrastructure, on Veterans' Affairs, and on Ways and Means.

Electing certain ranking minority members to standing committees.

United States · United States Congress · 8 January 2003

Designates minority membership on the House Committees on Agriculture, on Appropriations, on Armed Services, on the Budget, on Education and the Workforce, on Energy and Commerce, on Financial Services, on Government Reform, on International Relations, on the Judiciary, on Resources, on Science, on Small Business, on Transportation and Infrastructure, on Veterans' Affairs, and on Ways and Means.

Southwest Forest Health and Wildfire Prevention Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003

The Southwest Forest Health and Wildfire Prevention Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Chief of the Forest Service, to: (1) establish three Institutes (one each in Arizona at Northern Arizona University, New Mexico, and Colorado) to promote the use of adaptive ecosystem management to reduce the risk of wildfires, and improve the health of forest and woodland ecosystems in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah; and (2) assist the Institutes to promote such management. Defines adaptive ecosystem management as a natural resource management process under which planning, implementation, monitoring, research, evaluation, and incorporation of new knowledge are combined into a management approach that is: (1) based on scientific findings and the needs of society; and (2) used to modify future management methods and policy. Prescribes requirements for cooperation among the Institutes and Federal programs relating to ecological restoration, wildfire risk reduction, and wildfire management technologies.

Right Start Act of 2003

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2003

Right Start Act of 2003 - Extends and increases authorizations of appropriations for: (1) the Head Start Act; (2) State entitlements to funding for child care, under Social Security Act (SSA) provisions for block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families (TANF); and (3) services to low-income families through the social services block grant under SSA. Increases set-aside portion of funds for child care quality under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity Act - IMPACT Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to address issues of overweight and obesity. Expands certain existing grant programs for health professional training to include the treatment of overweight and obesity. Creates grant programs at the local level to promote increased physical activity and improved nutrition. Expands an existing coordinated school health program to include grants for the development of programs which focus on healthy lifestyle, including balanced diet and physical activity. Authorizes the collection and analysis of data concerning the fitness levels of children and youth. Requires a study of the food and nutrition assistance programs run by the Department of Agriculture to determine how they can be improved or altered to help prevent obesity and overweight. Requires an evidence report study on the effectiveness of weight reduction programs. Permits the use of preventive health and health services block grants for community education programs which promote healthy eating and exercise habits. Creates a Medicare demonstration project to reduce obesity and other chronic disease risks in older Americans. Makes grants available to local healthcare delivery systems for overweight and obesity treatment and prevention demonstration programs. Provides grants and contracts for a national youth media campaign to change children's health behaviors. Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act - Family Income to Respond to Significant Transitions Insurance Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to a State or local government to pay for the Federal share of the cost of carrying out projects that assist families by providing wage replacement for eligible individuals responding to caregiving needs resulting from the birth or adoption of a son or daughter or other family caregiving needs. Family and Medical Leave Fairness Act of 2003 - Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) to extend coverage to employees at worksites where the employer employs at least 25 (currently 50) employees at the worksite and within 75 miles of that worksite. Amends FMLA and Federal civil service law to entitle to leave those employees who must address the effects of domestic violence. Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2003 - Permits the Office of Personnel Management to contract with one or more employing agencies to conduct a demonstration project that provides paid leave for eligible individuals who are responding to caregiving needs resulting from the birth or adoption of a son or daughter or other family caregiving needs. Requires the leave to last for at least six weeks during a 12-month period. Time for Schools Act of 2003 - Amends FMLA to allow employees covered by such Act to take up to 24 hours, during any 12-month period, of school involvement leave to participate in: (1) an academic activity of their child's school, such as a parent-teacher conference or an interview for a school; or (2) literacy training under a family literacy program. Amends Federal civil service law to provide the same school involvement leave allowance for Federal employees.