Agriculture

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the periods March 1, 2005, through September 30, 2005, October 1, 2005, through September 30, 2006, and October 1, 2006, through February 28, 2007.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2005

Authorizes expenditures by the following Senate committees from March 1, 2005, through September 30, 2005, October 1, 2005, through September 30, 2006 , and October 1, 2006, through February 28, 2007: (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) Homeland Security and 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) Intelligence; and (18) Indian Affairs. Provides that within the funds in the account "Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations" appropriated by the legislative branch appropriations Acts for FY 2005, 2006, and 2007, there is authorized to be established a special reserve to be available to any committee to meet specified unpaid obligations or expenses.

Climate Stewardship Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2005

Climate Stewardship Act of 2005 - Expands Federal climate change research initiatives by: (1) establishing a graduate fellowship program; (2) requiring a study of technology transfer barriers, best practices, and outcomes; (3) requiring a report on the effects of the Kyoto Protocol absent participation by the United States; (4) creating a grant program for research in identified priority areas; (5) instituting research programs on potential abrupt climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) related standards, measurement technologies, and processes; (6) requiring research on the impact of climate change on low-income populations; (7) authorizing a program to promote the use by small manufacturers of GHG-reducing technologies; and (8) establishing a Climate Change Education and Outreach Initiative Program for agriculture. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator) to establish a National Greenhouse Gas Database consisting of: (1) an inventory of GHG emissions by covered entities (specified entities that emit more than 10,000 metric tons of GHGs per year); and (2) a registry of GHG emission reductions and increased sequestration, applicable to both covered and noncovered entities. Establishes a program for the market-driven reduction of GHGs by covered entities through the use of tradeable emissions allowances. Requires covered entities, beginning in 2010, to submit to the Administrator one tradeable allowance for every metric ton of GHGs emitted. Allows tradeable allowances to be sold, exchanged, purchased, retired, or otherwise used as authorized by this Act. Establishes the Climate Change Credit Corporation (CCCC) to receive, manage, buy, and sell tradeable allowances. Directs the Administrator to make allocations of allowances to covered sectors and entities, and to the CCCC, providing initial allocations for early action and accelerated participation. Imposes civil penalties on covered entities that fail to submit allowances.

Senior Nutrition Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2005

Senior Nutrition Act of 2005 - Amends the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 to make a person who is at least 60 years old eligible for the commodity supplemental food program if such person: (1) is eligible for the food stamp program; or (2) has a household income that is not more than 185 percent of Federal poverty income guidelines.

Farmland Capital Gains Equity Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2005

Farmland Capital Gains Equity Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide an exclusion from gross income of gain from the sale of qualified farm property. Defines "qualified farm property" as U.S. property used by a taxpayer or a member of his family as a farm for farming purposes for at least three years. Requires such taxpayer or family member to materially participate in the operation of the farm. Limits the amount of such exclusion to $500,000 ($250,000 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return), reduced by the aggregate amount of gain excluded for all preceding taxable years.

To amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act to require the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to offer farmers supplemental crop insurance based on an area yield and loss plan of insurance, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2005

Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to require offering farmers supplemental crop insurance based on an area yield and loss plan of insurance.

Farmer Markets Infrastructure Assistance Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2005

Farmers Markets Infrastructure Assistance Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans, loan guarantees, and grants to eligible public agencies and nonprofit organizations for the construction of new farmers markets, or the improvement or rehabilitation of existing farmers markets.

Family Farm Preservation Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2005

Family Farm Preservation Act of 2005 - 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.

MILC Extension Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2005

MILC Extension Act - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend contract authority for national dairy market loss payments.

A bill to strengthen the restrictions of the importation from BSE minimal-risk regions of meat, meat byproducts, and meat food products from bovines.

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2005

Applies the Code of Federal Regulations as amended by the final rule issued by the Secretary of Agriculture on January 4, 2005 (and any successor regulations) restricting importation from bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) minimal-risk regions of meat and edible products from ruminants only to meat, meat byproducts, and meat food products derived from a bovine that is slaughtered at less than 30 months of age. Provides that if the Secretary, in consultation with appropriate officials in such a minimal risk region, determines that the region is in full compliance with a ruminant feed ban and other BSE safeguards, the Secretary: (1) shall report to specified congressional committees on the determination; and (2) may promulgate regulations to allow such rules to apply to meat, meat byproducts, and meat food products derived from a class of bovines in the region that is determined by the Secretary by the regulations.

A bill to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend and improve national dairy market loss payments.

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2005

Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 with respect to national dairy market loss payments to: (1) extend, by two years, program sign-up and contract periods; and (2) double single dairy operation payment quantities.

Sanctions Policy Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

Sanctions Policy Reform Act - Prescribes procedural guidelines and informational requirements for legislation and executive actions that must be met before imposition of unilateral economic sanctions intended to achieve foreign policy goals. (Excludes from this Act any trade remedies or trade sanctions imposed because of market access restrictions, unfair trade practices, or violations of U.S. commercial or trade laws.) Requires both legislation and executive actions to: (1) terminate within two years; (2) provide contract sanctity; (3) target a sanction as narrowly as possible on foreign governments, entities, and officials responsible for the targeted conduct; (4) exclude restrictions on the provision of medicine, medical equipment, or food; (5) minimize any adverse impact on the humanitarian activities of U.S. and foreign nongovernmental organizations in any sanctioned country; and (6) direct the Secretary of Agriculture to expand agricultural export assistance to offset potential damage to incomes of producers of any affected agricultural commodity. Requires any such legislation to authorize the President to waive or adjust the timing and scope of the sanction if in the national interest. Requires Congress to consider findings by executive branch officials that evaluate the impact of proposed sanctions on American agriculture, energy requirements, and capital markets. Requires the President, before imposing any new unilateral economic sanction, to report to specified congressional committees certain explanations, including an assessment of the sanction's likelihood to achieve specific foreign policy or national security objectives. Establishes an executive branch Sanctions Review Committee to coordinate U.S. policy regarding unilateral economic sanctions, evaluate the effect of any proposed sanctions, and provide appropriate recommendations to the President before their imposition. Authorizes the President to waive the application of any sanction or prohibition under the Arms Export Control Act, the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, or the Export Import Bank Act of 1945 if such waiver would advance the purposes of such Acts or U.S. national security interests. Requires the President to consult with the appropriate congressional committees before exercising such waiver authority.

Paleontological Resources Preservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

Paleontological Resources Preservation Act - Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture (the Secretaries) to: (1) manage and protect paleontological resources on Federal land; and (2) develop plans for inventorying, monitoring, and deriving the scientific and educational use of such resources. Directs the Secretaries to establish a program to increase public awareness about such resources. Prohibits a person from collecting a paleontological resource from Federal land without a permit. Authorizes the Secretaries to allow casual collecting without a permit on certain Federal lands. Recognizes as valid permits issued before enactment. Prohibits: (1) removing or altering a paleontological resource located on Federal lands, with exceptions; (2) receiving, selling, or purchasing a paleontological resource, if the person knew or should have known such resource to have been illegally removed; or (3) making false records of any paleontological resource removed from Federal lands. Imposes criminal penalties. Sets forth requirements for the assessment of civil penalties for violations of any prohibitions issued pursuant to this Act. Requires any recovered amounts to be available for use: (1) to protect or restore paleontological resources and sites; (2) to provide educational materials to the public about paleontological resources and sites; and (3) as a reward. Requires that information on the nature and location of a paleontological resource that requires a permit be withheld from the public, except as specified.

Small Business and Farm Energy Emergency Relief Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

Small Business and Farm Energy Emergency Relief Act of 2005 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to make disaster loans to assist small businesses that have suffered or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury as the result of a significant increase in the price of heating fuel. Prohibits such loan from being made if the total amount outstanding and committed to the borrower would exceed $1.5 million, unless the borrower is a major source of employment in its surrounding area. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans to farm operations that qualify as a small business and that have or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury on or after October 1, 2004, as the result of a significant increase in energy costs in connection with an energy emergency declared by the President or the Secretary.

Gateway Communities Cooperation Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

Gateway Communities Cooperation Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture (the relevant Secretary) to: (1) solicit involvement by government officials of local gateway communities in the development of land use plans or policies for public lands under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, the United States Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management which are likely to have a significant impact; (2) facilitate such involvement; (3) at the request of a gateway community, offer training sessions for officials for understanding and participating in agency planning processes; and (4) at the request of a gateway community, make available personnel, on a temporary basis, to assist gateway communities. Authorizes the relevant Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with gateway communities to coordinate the management of: (1) land use inventory, planning, and management activities; and (2) land use planning and management activities of other Federal agencies, State agencies, and local and tribal governments in the vicinity of such lands. Requires, when the plans of two or more Federal agencies are anticipated to have an impact on a gateway community, the consolidation and coordination of the agencies' plans and planning processes. Directs the relevant Secretary to allow any affected gateway communities the opportunity to be recognized as cooperating agencies under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 when a proposed action is determined to require an environmental impact statement. Allows the relevant Secretary to make grants to any gateway community with a population of 10,000 or less to carry out the purposes of this Act.

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 · 2 February 2005

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.

Right-to-Ride Livestock on Federal Lands Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

Right-to-Ride Livestock on Federal Lands Act of 2005 - Amends Public Law 91-383 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to preserve and facilitate the continued use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on parts of National Park System lands where there is a historical tradition of such use. Directs that as a general rule, all trails, routes, and areas used by such animals shall remain open and accessible for such use. Allows the Secretary of the Interior to implement a proposed reduction in the use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on such lands only after complying with the full review process required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Makes the same amendments to other laws regarding other public lands as follows: (1) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, with respect to Bureau of Land Management lands; (2) the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, with respect to National Wildlife Refuge System lands; and (3) the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, with respect to National Forest System lands (with the Secretary directed to act in this case being the Secretary of Agriculture). Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to issue final rules to define the meaning of a historical tradition of use of pack and saddle stock animals on federal lands for purposes of this Act.

Federal Lands Restoration, Enhancement, Public Education, and Information Resources Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

Federal Lands Restoration, Enhancement, Public Education, and Information Resources Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, the National Park Service Organic Act, the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, and Federal law relating to National Forest System Lands, to make available any moneys received from fines forfeitures, judgments, compromises, or settlements for violations of rules and regulations applicable to Federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture for certain restoration and public informational activities on such lands. Transfers any such excess funds to the Crime Victims Fund established under the Victims of Crime Act of 1984.

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

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 2005

Elects specified Members to the Committees on: (1) Agriculture; (2) the Budget; (3) Government Reform; (4) Resources; (5) Science; (6) Small Business; and (7) Veterans' Affairs.

Central Nevada Rural Cemeteries Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005

Central Nevada Rural Cemeteries Act - 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.

Federal Land Recreational Visitor Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005

Federal Land Recreational Visitor Protection Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish an avalanche protection program to: (1) provide early identification of the potential for avalanches that could endanger the safety of recreational users of public land and visitors to units of the National Park System (NPS); and (2) reduce the risks and mitigate the effects of avalanches on visitors, recreational users, neighboring communities, and transportation corridors. Requires the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) use the resources of the National Avalanche Center of the Forest Service to carry out this Act; and (2) establish an advisory committee to assist in the development and implementation of the program. Directs such Secretaries and the Secretary of the Army to establish a central depository for weapons, ammunition, and parts for avalanche control purposes, including an inventory that can be made available to Federal and non-Federal entities. Authorizes the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to make grants to carry out projects and activities under the program to: (1) assist in the prevention, forecasting, detection, and mitigation of avalanches; (2) maintain essential transportation and communications; (3) assist avalanche artillery users to ensure the availability of adequate supplies of artillery and other explosives required for avalanche control in or affecting NPS units, other Federal land used for recreation, and adjacent communities, and essential transportation corridors; and (4) assist research and development activities for alternatives to minimize reliance on military weapons for avalanche control.

Nevada National Forest Land Disposal Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005

Nevada National Forest Land Disposal Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to sell any right, title, or interest of the United States in and to certain parcels of National Forest System lands in Carson City and Douglas County, Nevada. Declares that the Secretary and the relevant unit of local government shall jointly decide whether land is to be offered for sale under this Act. Sets forth percentages of the gross proceeds from sales under this Act that shall be earmarked for: (1) the State of Nevada general education program; (2) the Carson Water Subconservancy District in Nevada; (3) the fund established in the Sisk Act, to be used for land sales costs and for the development and maintenance of parks, trails, and natural areas in specified Nevada counties; and (4) the Minden Interagency Dispatch Center in Minden, Nevada. Declares that the lands authorized to be sold under this Act shall not be subject to specified Federal law pertaining to property management.

Pine Springs Land Exchange Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005

Pine Springs Land Exchange Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to Lubbock Christian University by quitclaim deed all right of the United States to specified Federal lands in the Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico, in exchange for the conveyance of certain non-Federal land owned by the University. Requires the Secretary to complete, to the extent practicable, the land exchange not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act. Requires that: (1) title to the non-Federal land conform with the title approval standards of the Attorney General applicable to Federal land acquisitions and be otherwise acceptable to the Secretary; and (2) the costs of implementing the exchange be shared equally by the Secretary and the University. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the correction of minor errors in the map and legal descriptions; (2) equalization of values; (3) revocation and withdrawal of Federal land; and (4) administration of land acquired by the United States.

To amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005

Amends the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to detain for examination, testing, or the taking of evidence: (1) any horse at any horse show, horse exhibition, or horse sale or auction which is sore or which the Secretary has probable cause to believe is sore; and (2) any horse or other equine which the Secretary has probable cause to believe is being shipped, transported, moved, delivered, received, possessed, purchased, sold, or donated in violation of such prohibition.

Salt Cedar and Russian Olive Control Assessment and Demonstration Act

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2005

Salt Cedar and Russian Olive Control Assessment and Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior, to assess the extent of Salt Cedar and Russian Olive invasion in the western United States. Directs the Secretaries to submit a report containing the results of such assessment and identifying: (1) long-term management and funding strategies; and (2) deficiencies or areas for further study and where actual field demonstrations would be useful in the control effort. Authorizes the Secretaries to make grants to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or both) in order to obtain technical experience, support, and recommendations related to the identification of the long-term management and funding strategies required to be included in such report. Directs the Secretaries to initiate a program of at least three demonstration projects in the western States designed to address deficiencies and areas for further study to address the invasion of Salt Cedar and Russian Olive. Sets forth required project elements.

Valles Caldera Preservation Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2005

Valles Caldera Preservation Act of 2005 - Amends the Valles Caldera Preservation Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to negotiate a price for buying the remaining mineral interests of the Valles Caldera Preserve in New Mexico. Directs that any difference between the sum estimated to be just compensation by the Secretary and the amount awarded be paid from the permanent judgment appropriation. Requires the Trust to determine the character of, and the necessity for, any obligations and expenditures of the Trust and the manner in which obligations and expenditures shall be incurred, allowed, and paid. Grants authority to use monies received from claims, judgments, or settlements arising from activities occurring on the Baca Ranch or the Preserve after October 27, 1999, for specified purposes. Provides for the rate of compensation of the chairperson of the Trust. Authorizes the Trust to dispose of forage, forest products, or marketable renewable resources as part of its resource management authority. Directs the Secretary to develop a plan to carry out fire preparedness, suppression, and emergency rehabilitation services on the Preserve. Authorizes the Secretary to provide presuppression and non-emergency rehabilitation and restoration services for the Trust, to the extent generally authorized at other National Forest System units, at any time on a reimbursable basis.

A bill to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to provide incentives to landowners to protect and improve streams and riparian habitat.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2005

Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish within the Natural Resources Conservation Service a stream habitat improvement program to provide cost-share payments to landowners for stream habitat improvement projects; and (2) provide a higher payment share to a landowner who carries out a project in partnership with a nonprofit organization. Gives priority for projects that: (1) remove a small dam or in-stream structure; (2) improve fish passage; (3) protect streamside areas; (4) improve water flow; or (5) improve in-stream flow quality or temperature regimes. Authorizes the Secretary to provide a higher payment share to a landowner who carries out a priority project.

A bill to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to permit the planting of chicory on base acres.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to permit the planting of chicory on base acres for purposes of direct and counter-cyclical payments.

Sierra National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Sierra National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey specified land in Mt. Diablo Meridian, California, in exchange for certain non-Federal land and a payment of $50,000, if the owner of such land: (1) offers to make such exchange during the year following enactment of this Act; and (2) agrees to convey the Federal land to the Sequoia Council of the Boy Scouts of America within four months of receiving it. Assigns values to the lands to be conveyed. Directs the Secretary to: (1) manage the non-Federal land received in accordance with the Weeks Act and other laws and regulations pertaining to National Forest System lands; and (2) deposit the cash payment received into the fund established by the Sisk Act, to be expended for the acquisition of lands and interests in lands for the National Forest System in California. Makes the owner of the non-Federal land responsible for all direct costs associated with processing the land exchange. Grants an easement to the owner of a specified hydroelectric project located on Federal land authorized for exchange under this Act. Requires that the easement owner be given the right of first offer for any subsequent conveyance of the Federal land by the Sequoia Council as a condition of the initial conveyance to the Council.

Salt Cedar and Russian Olive Control Demonstration Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Salt Cedar and Russian Olive Control Demonstration Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary), acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation and in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Defense, to carry out a salt cedar (Tamarix spp) and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) assessment and demonstration program to: (1) assess the extent of the infestation by salt cedar and Russian olive trees in the western United States; (2) demonstrate strategic solutions for the long-term management of such trees and the reestablishment of native vegetation; and (3) assess economic means to dispose of biomass created as a result of removal of those trees. Requires the Secretary to: (1) complete an assessment of the extent of the infestation on public and private land; (2) identify and document long-term management and funding strategies that could be implemented by federal, state, and private land managers in addressing the infestation and that should be tested as components of specified demonstration projects; and (3) establish a program that selects and funds at least five projects proposed by and implemented in collaboration with federal agencies, state and local governments, national laboratories, Indian tribes, institutions of higher education, individuals, organizations, or soil and water conservation districts to demonstrate and evaluate the most effective methods of controlling salt cedar and Russian olive trees.

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

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Authorizes expenditures by the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for the 109th Congress.

Cattleman's Bill of Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Cattleman's Bill of Rights Act - Directs the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Bureau of Land Management (the Federal land management agency), whenever a land exchange, special-use land designation, or a biological opinion issued pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 involving Federal land under the agency's jurisdiction results in the elimination or reduction in permitted grazing animal unit months, to: (1) make available alternative, suitable, functionally equivalent forage to the holder of the grazing permit or lease eliminated or subject to the reduction; or (2) compensate the holder of the grazing permit or lease for the value of the permit or lease lost, when alternative forage is not available. Requires a Federal land management agency to allow the holder of a grazing permit or lease issued by the agency to sublease all or any part of the Federal land allotment covered by the permit or lease, without any fee or charge imposed by the agency, when the sublease will: (1) promote more sustainable use of forage within an area; (2) support ranchers who may be facing economic distress; or (3) promote other objectives identified by the agency. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to develop, implement, and update a training course for employees of the Federal land management agencies regarding the historical uses of the Federal land managed by such employees. Requires range managers to attend such course.

Sierra National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2006

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Sierra National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey specified land in Mt. Diablo Meridian, California, in exchange for certain non-Federal land and a payment of $50,000, if the owner of such land: (1) offers to make such exchange during the year following enactment of this Act; and (2) agrees to convey the Federal land to the Sequoia Council of the Boy Scouts of America within four months of receiving it. Assigns values to the lands to be conveyed. Directs the Secretary to: (1) manage the non-Federal land received in accordance with the Weeks Act and other laws and regulations pertaining to National Forest System lands; and (2) deposit the cash payment received into the fund established by the Sisk Act, to be expended for the acquisition of lands and interests in lands for the National Forest System in California. Makes the owner of the non-Federal land responsible for all direct costs associated with processing the land exchange. Grants an easement to the owner of a specified hydroelectric project located on Federal land authorized for exchange under this Act. Requires that the easement owner be given the right of first offer for any subsequent conveyance of the Federal land by the Sequoia Council as a condition of the initial conveyance to the Council.

Biofuels Energy Independence Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Biofuels Energy Independence Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make and guarantee loans for biofuel production, distribution, development, and storage. Sets forth loan eligibility provisions. Directs the Secretary to establish a related revolving fund. Authorizes the Secretary to administer a Biofuels Feedstocks Energy Reserve to: (1) provide feedstocks in furtherance of biofuel-based energy production; and (2) support the biofuels energy industry when production is at risk due to feedstock reductions or commodity price increases. Sets forth related provisions respecting commercial commodity purchases, release of commodity stocks, and storage payments.

Western Cotton Research Laboratory Conveyance Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Western Cotton Research Laboratory Conveyance Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, after the completion of Agricultural Research Service operations at the Western Cotton Research Laboratory located at 4135 East Broadway Road in Phoenix, Arizona, to convey, without consideration, to the Arizona Cotton Growers Association and to Supima (the successor of the Arizona Cotton Planting Seed Distributors) all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the real property at that location, including improvements thereon, which was originally conveyed to the United States by the Arizona Cotton Growers Association and the Arizona Cotton Planting Seed Distributors in 1966 for nominal consideration.

To prohibit the operation during a calendar year of the final rule issued by the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for the designation of minimal-risk regions for the introduction of bovine spongiform encephalopathy into the United States, including designation of Canada as a minimal-risk region, and the importation into the United States from Canada of certain bovine ruminant products during that calendar year, unless country of origin labeling is required for the retail sale of a covered commodity during that calendar year.

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Prohibits the operation during a calendar year of the January 4, 2005, final rule issued by the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for the designation of minimal-risk regions for the introduction of bovine spongiform encephalopathy into the United States, including designation of Canada as a minimal-risk region, and the importation into the United States from Canada of certain bovine ruminant products unless country of origin labeling is required for the retail sale of a covered commodity during that calendar year.

Northern Arizona Land Exchange and Verde River Basin Partnership Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Northern Arizona Land Exchange and Verde River Basin Partnership Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to simultaneously convey title to certain land in the Prescott, Coconino, and Kaibab National Forests, Arizona, to the Yavapai Ranch Limited Partnership and the Northern Yavapai, L.L.C. (the Yavapai Ranch), in exchange for privately-owned land within the boundaries of the Prescott National Forest, Arizona. Requires the values of the land exchanged to be equal. Provides for the establishment of conservation easements on certain of the land transferred to the Yavapai Ranch to conserve water. Reserves for the Yavapai Ranch water rights and perpetual easements for up to three existing wells and related equipment on the land it is transferring to Federal control, with certain water rights reserved for the United States. Provides that land acquired by the United States under this Act shall become part of the Prescott National Forest. Revokes any public orders withdrawing any of the Federal land from appropriation or disposal as necessary to permit disposal of such land. Withdraws the Federal land from all forms of entry and appropriation under the public land laws, until the date of the exchange. Directs the Secretary to convey certain land in Coconino County, Arizona, to a person representing the majority of landowners with encroachments on the lot in exchange for specified payment. Authorizes the Secretary's participation in the establishment of the Verde River Basin Partnership, which shall conduct Verde River Basin water resource studies.

Federal Wildland Firefighter Emergency Response Compensation Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Federal Wildland Firefighter Emergency Response Compensation Act of 2005 - Entitles a wildland firefighter employed by the Department of Agriculture or the Department of the Interior to compensation for the entire period of time such firefighter is engaged in officially ordered or approved duties in responding to a wildland fire or other emergency. Limits such compensation, for any 24-hour period, to the sum of 16 times the firefighter's hourly rate of basic pay, and eight times the firefighter's overtime hourly rate of pay. Treats wildland firefighter compensation received pursuant to this Act as basic pay for Federal retirement pay purposes.

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

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Elects specified Members to the following standing committees of the House of Representatives: (1) Agriculture; (2) Armed Services; (3) Budget; (4) Education and the Workforce; (5) Energy and Commerce; (6) Financial Services; (7) Government Reform; (8) Homeland Security; (9) House Administration; (10) International Relations; (11) Judiciary; (12) Resources; (13) Rules; (14) Science; (15) Small Business; (16) Transportation and Infrastructure; and (17) Veterans' Affairs.

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

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2005

Elects specified Members to the following standing 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) House Administration; (10) International Relations; (11) Judiciary; (12) Resources; (13) Rules; (14) Science; (15) Small Business; (16) Standards of Official Conduct; (17) Transportation and Infrastructure; (18) Veterans' Affairs; and (19) Ways and Means.

Northern Arizona Land Exchange and Verde River Basin Partnership Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2005

Northern Arizona Land Exchange and Verde River Basin Partnership Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to simultaneously convey title to certain land in the Prescott, Coconino, and Kaibab National Forests, Arizona, to the Yavapai Ranch Limited Partnership and the Northern Yavapai, L.L.C. (the Yavapai Ranch), in exchange for privately-owned land within the boundaries of the Prescott National Forest, Arizona. Requires the values of the land exchanged to be equal. Provides for the establishment of conservation easements on certain of the land transferred to the Yavapai Ranch to conserve water. Reserves for the Yavapai Ranch water rights and perpetual easements for up to three existing wells and related equipment on the land it is transferring to Federal control, with certain water rights reserved for the United States. Provides that land acquired by the United States under this Act shall become part of the Prescott National Forest. Revokes any public orders withdrawing any of the Federal land from appropriation or disposal as necessary to permit disposal of such land. Withdraws the Federal land from all forms of entry and appropriation under the public land laws, until the date of the exchange. Directs the Secretary to convey certain land in Coconino County, Arizona, to a person representing the majority of landowners with encroachments on the lot in exchange for specified payment. Authorizes the Secretary's participation in the establishment of the Verde River Basin Partnership, which shall conduct Verde River Basin water resource studies.

Wild Sky Wilderness Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2005

Wild Sky Wilderness Act of 2005 - Designates certain lands in the Skykomish River valley, Washington, as the Wild Sky Wilderness, to be managed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Directs the Secretary to establish a trail plan. Authorizes the use of helicopter access to construct and maintain a joint Forest Service-Snohomish County telecommunications repeater site to provide improved communication for safety, health, and emergency purposes. Allows the continued use of floatplanes on Lake Isabel in the Wild Sky Wilderness, subject to reasonable restrictions. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire lands in the Wild Sky Wilderness by purchase, donation, or exchange, with priority to be given to specified Priority Acquisition Lands. Requires the boundaries of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and the Wild Sky Wilderness to be adjusted to encompass any lands so acquired. Directs the Secretary to ensure adequate access to private in-holdings within the Wild Sky Wilderness. States that valuation of private lands shall be determined without reference to any restrictions on access or use which arise out of designation as a wilderness area. Requires the Secretary to accept specified lands within the Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington, from the Chelan County Public Utility District if the District offers such lands to the Secretary (in title acceptable to the Secretary, and provided there is no hazardous material on the site) in exchange for a permanent easement, including helicopter access, to maintain an existing telemetry site to monitor snow pack on land within the Wenatchee National Forest, Washington. Provides for extinguishment of the easement and reversion of all conveyed rights to the United States if the District no longer needs to maintain a telemetry site.

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

United States · United States Senate · 24 January 2005

Pitkin County Land Exchange Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005

Pitkin County Land Exchange Act of 2005 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) and the Secretary of the Interior, upon receipt of title to certain lands located in Pitkin County, Colorado, and certain lands located on Smuggler Mountain in the County, to convey to the County or to the Aspen Valley Land Trust, if the County so requests, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to certain National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands located in the County. Prohibits the conveyance of a specified parcel to the County unless and until specified conditions are met, including that the County grants to the Aspen Valley Land Trust, the Roaring Fork Conservancy, or to another entity mutually agreeable to the County and the Secretary of the Interior, a permanent conservation easement which provides public access to the parcel and limits future use of the parcel to recreational, fish, and wildlife conservation, and open space purposes. States that lands acquired by the Secretary pursuant to this Act shall become part of White River National Forest.

A bill to prohibit the operation during a calendar year of the final rule issued by the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for the designation of minimal-risk regions for the introduction of bovine spongiform encephalopathy into the United States, including designation of Canada as a minimal-risk region, and the importation into the United States from Canada of certain bovine ruminant products during that calendar year, unless country of origin labeling is required for the retail sale of a covered commodity during that calendar year.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005

Prohibits the operation during a calendar year of the January 4, 2005, final rule issued by the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for the designation of minimal-risk regions for the introduction of bovine spongiform encephalopathy into the United States, including designation of Canada as a minimal-risk region, and the importation into the United States from Canada of certain bovine ruminant products unless country of origin labeling is required for the retail sale of a covered commodity during that calendar year.

A bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to expand country of origin labeling for certain covered commodities.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005

Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 with respect to country of origin labeling provisions to: (1) include as a covered commodity ground and muscle cuts of beef, lamb, and pork as a processed food ingredient; and (2) make country of origin provisions applicable to retail sales as of September 30, 2005.

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 · 24 January 2005

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.

Pecos National Historical Park Land Exchange Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005

Pecos National Historical Park Land Exchange Act of 2005 - Directs, on conveyance by the landowner(s) of approximately 154 acres of specified non-Federal land in Pecos National Historical Park in New Mexico to the Secretary of the Interior: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the landowner(s) approximately 160 acres of specified Federal land within the Sante Fe National Forest in New Mexico; and (2) the Secretary of the Interior to grant the landowner(s) an easement for water pipelines to two well sites located in the Park.

Animal Feed Protection Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2005

Animal Feed Protection Act of 2005 - Makes it unlawful for any person to introduce into interstate or foreign commerce a covered article that contains: (1) specified risk material from a ruminant, or any material from a ruminant that was in any foreign country when there was a risk of transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and may contain specified risk material from a ruminant; or (2) any material from a ruminant exhibiting signs of a neurological disease. States that the head of a Federal agency may: (1) seize and destroy an article that is introduced into interstate or foreign commerce in violation of this Act; or (2) require any person who is in violation of this Act to cease the violation, to recall any sold article and refund the purchase price, to destroy or forfeit the article to the United States for destruction, or to cease production operations until the head of the appropriate Federal agency determines that there is no longer a violation of this Act. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for related civil and monetary penalties. Defines "covered article" as: (1) animal feed, nutritional supplement, or medicine; and (2) any other article that is ordinarily ingested, implanted, or otherwise taken into an animal. Sets forth exceptions. Defines "specified risk material" as: (1) the skull, brain, trigeminal ganglia, eyes, tonsils, spinal cord, vertebral column, or dorsal root ganglia of cattle and bison 30 months of age and older, or sheep, goats, deer, and elk 12 months of age and older; (2) the intestinal tract of any ruminant; and (3) any other material of a ruminant that may carry a prion disease.

[ERRATA] NOMINATION OF HON. MICHAEL JOHANNS, TO BE SECRETARY OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

United States · United States Senate · 6 January 2005

NOMINATION OF HON. MICHAEL JOHANNS, TO BE SECRETARY OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

United States · United States Senate · 6 January 2005