Agriculture

Emergency Farm Assistance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2007

Emergency Farm Assistance Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to provide assistance: (1) to producers of specialty crops in disaster counties that suffered losses in 2005 or 2006; (2) to citrus producers in disaster counties that suffered losses in 2007; (3) to producers of other specialty crops in disaster counties that suffered losses in 2007; (4) to dairy producers in disaster counties that suffered losses in 2006; and (5) for livestock indemnity payments to producers in disaster counties that incurred losses in 2006 or 2007, or both. Directs the Secretary to make grants to California for an expedited disaster assistance program to qualified small businesses that suffered losses during the 2005, 2006, or 2007 crop year as a result of weather-related agricultural losses to the California specialty crop or livestock production sectors. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to tree or fruit and tree nut producers in disaster counties that suffered losses in 2005, 2006, or 2007, or any combination of such years. Defines "tree" to include: (1) a tree (including a Christmas tree, ornamental tree, nursery tree, and potted tree); (2) a bush (including a shrub, nursery shrub, nursery bush, ornamental bush, ornamental shrub, potted bush, and potted shrub); and (3) a vine (including a nursery vine and ornamental vine). Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide unemployment assistance and temporary mortgage rental assistance to California agricultural workers (including low-income migrant and seasonal farmworkers) who are unemployed due to disasters in 2007. Directs the Secretary to provide: (1) food coupons and surplus commodities to such workers; and (2) emergency grants for California low-income migrant and seasonal farmworkers who are unemployed due to disasters in 2007. Appropriates additional funds to the Secretary of Commerce for emergency disaster assistance to fishing communities, Indian tribes, and small businesses adversely affected by harvesting restrictions on Klamath River Fall chinook salmon.

Spinach Research and Recovery Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2007

Spinach Research and Recovery Act of 2007 - Authorizes additional FY2008 appropriations for conducting and supporting applied research to enhance the safety of perishable agricultural commodities for consumers for: (1) the Agricultural Research Service: (2) the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; and (3) the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make payments (not to exceed 75% of the value of the unmarketed spinach crop) to growers and first handlers of fresh spinach that were unable to market spinach crops as a result of the Food and Drug Administration Public Health Advisory issued on September 14, 2006.

American Competitiveness and Adjustment Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 February 2007

American Competitiveness and Adjustment Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to: (1) trade adjustment assistance; (2) data collection; (3) industry-wide certifications; (4) trade adjustment assistance for farmers; (5) trade adjustment assistance for firms; and (6) trade adjustment assistance for service workers and firms and industries. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise and increase the health care tax credit. Establishes in the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce an Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance. Extends the trade adjustment assistance program through FY2012.

DISCUSSION OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FARM BILL PROPOSAL

United States · United States Senate · 7 February 2007

Emergency Farm Assistance Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2007

Emergency Farm Assistance Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to provide assistance: (1) to producers of specialty crops in disaster counties that suffered losses in 2005 or 2006; (2) to citrus producers in disaster counties that suffered losses in 2007; (3) to producers of other specialty crops in disaster counties that suffered losses in 2007; (4) to dairy producers in disaster counties that suffered losses in 2006; and (5) for livestock indemnity payments to producers in disaster counties that incurred losses in 2006 or 2007, or both. Directs the Secretary to make grants to California for an expedited disaster assistance program to qualified small businesses that suffered losses during the 2005, 2006, or 2007 crop year as a result of weather-related agricultural losses to the California specialty crop or livestock production sectors. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to tree or fruit and tree nut producers in disaster counties that suffered losses in 2005, 2006, or 2007, or any combination of such years. Defines "tree" to include: (1) a tree (including a Christmas tree, ornamental tree, nursery tree, and potted tree); (2) a bush (including a shrub, nursery shrub, nursery bush, ornamental bush, ornamental shrub, potted bush, and potted shrub); and (3) a vine (including a nursery vine and ornamental vine). Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide unemployment assistance and temporary mortgage rental assistance to California agricultural workers (including low-income migrant and seasonal farmworkers) who are unemployed due to disasters in 2007. Directs the Secretary to provide: (1) food coupons and surplus commodities to such workers; and (2) emergency grants for California low-income migrant and seasonal farmworkers who are unemployed due to disasters in 2007.

Pigford Claims Remedy Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2007

Pigford Claims Remedy Act of 2007 - Declares that any Pigford claimant (relating to a racial discrimination action against the Department of Agriculture) who has not obtained a determination on the merits of a Pigford claim before enactment of this Act may, in a civil action, obtain that determination. Asserts that it is Congress' intent that this Act be liberally construed so as to effectuate its remedial purpose of giving a full determination on the merits for each denied Pigford claim. Defines: (1) "Pigford claimant" as an individual who submitted, before enactment of this Act, a late-filing request under the consent decree in the case of Pigford v. Glickman (1999); and (2) "Pigford claim" as a discrimination complaint as defined and documented by such consent decree.

Wild Sky Wilderness Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2007

Wild Sky Wilderness Act of 2007 - 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. 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. 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.

Colorado Northern Front Range Mountain Backdrop Protection Study Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2007

Colorado Northern Front Range Mountain Backdrop Protection Study Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to review the lands within the study area (certain lands in or adjacent to the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in southern Boulder, northern Jefferson, and northern Gilpin Counties, Colorado) and report to specified officials and to Congress on: (1) the present ownership of such lands; (2) which undeveloped land may be at risk of development; and (3) actions that could be taken by the United States, Colorado, a political subdivision, or any other parties to preserve the open and undeveloped character of such lands.

Wild Sky Wilderness Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2007

Wild Sky Wilderness Act of 2007 - 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. 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. 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.

Pigford Claims Remedy Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2007

Pigford Claims Remedy Act of 2007 - Declares that any Pigford claimant (relating to a racial discrimination action against the Department of Agriculture) who has not previously obtained a determination on the merits of a Pigford claim may, in a civil action, obtain that determination. Asserts that it is Congress' intent that this Act be liberally construed so as to effectuate its remedial purpose of giving a full determination on the merits for each denied Pigford claim. Defines: (1) "Pigford claimant" as an individual who previously submitted a late-filing request under the consent decree in the case of Pigford v. Glickman (1999); and (2) "Pigford claim" as a discrimination complaint as defined and documented by such consent decree.

NEW ERA Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 7 February 2007

National Endowment for Workforce Education in Renewables and Agriculture Act of 2007, or NEW ERA Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make competitive grants to community colleges and advanced technology education centers located in Iowa or other midwestern states to support the education and training of technicians in the fields of bioenergy and other agricultural, renewable energy resources. Requires grant applicants to demonstrate the ability to leverage existing partnerships and develop educational and occupation outreach and training programs with secondary schools, four-year institutions of higher education, and the agricultural extension system. Gives funding priority to specified occupational education and training initiatives, which include: (1) improving the capacity of bioenergy service industry technicians to meet the needs of agricultural bioenergy businesses; (2) teacher training in agricultural bioenergy research, efficiency, and conservation; (3) the identification of agricultural bioenergy employment opportunities; and (4) the development of partnerships with nonprofit organizations dedicated to bioenergy education and training. Requires grant applications to include a comprehensive education and training evaluation component.

California Wild Heritage Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2007

California Wild Heritage Act of 2007 - Designates specified national forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public land in California as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System (System). Requires such areas to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior or Agriculture, whichever has current administrative jurisdiction over each area. Designates specified California public land as: (1) salmon restoration areas; (2) wilderness study areas; and (3) a potential wilderness area. Releases any parts of a specified wilderness study area from further study for designation as wilderness. Designates specified California national park lands as wilderness areas and components of the System, requiring such lands to be managed by the National Park Service (NPS). Designates specified land in Joshua Tree National Park as potential wilderness, which shall be managed by the Secretary of the Interior. Designates specified California rivers as wild, scenic, and recreational rivers. Requires the review of one additional California river to determine its suitability as a wild, scenic, or recreational river. Establishes the Sacramento River National Recreation Area. Permits the Secretary concerned to acquire land or interests within the boundaries of the Area. Requires the development of a comprehensive plan for the long-range protection and management of such Area. Establishes the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest for public enjoyment and scientific study. Requires the development of a comprehensive management plan for such Forest.

California Wild Heritage Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 6 February 2007

California Wild Heritage Act of 2007 - Designates specified national forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public land in California as wilderness and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System (System). Requires such areas to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior or Agriculture, whichever has current administrative jurisdiction over each area. Designates specified California public land as: (1) salmon restoration areas; (2) wilderness study areas; and (3) a potential wilderness area. Releases any parts of a specified wilderness study area from further study for designation as wilderness. Designates specified California national park lands as wilderness areas and components of the System, requiring such lands to be managed by the National Park Service (NPS). Designates specified land in Joshua Tree National Park as potential wilderness, which shall be managed by the Secretary of the Interior. Designates specified California rivers as wild, scenic, and recreational rivers. Requires the review of one additional California river to determine its suitability as a wild, scenic, or recreational river. Establishes the Sacramento River National Recreation Area. Permits the Secretary concerned to acquire land or interests within the boundaries of the Area. Requires the development of a comprehensive plan for the long-range protection and management of such Area. Establishes the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest for public enjoyment and scientific study. Requires the development of a comprehensive management plan for such Forest.

Coffman Cove Administrative Site Conveyance Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2007

Coffman Cove Administrative Site Conveyance Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the city of Coffman Cove, Alaska, a specified parcel of National Forest System land within the city.

Congratulating the Department of Agronomy in the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University for 100 years of excellent service to Kansas agriculture.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2007

Congratulates and commends the Department of Agronomy in the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University for 100 years of excellent service to Kansas and the world.

Global Warming Reduction Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 2007

Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act of 2007 - Amends the Clean Air Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) promulgate regulations necessary to reduce the aggregate net level of global warming pollution emissions; and (2) establish a market-based emissions cap and global warming pollutants trading program. Establishes the Climate Reinvestment Fund. Requires EPA to: (1) establish, and revise every five years, standards for passenger vehicle emissions; and (2) research global climate change standards and processes. Sets forth requirements for retail electricity suppliers and EPA concerning: (1) energy efficiency and peak load reduction; (2) a related trading system; (3) renewable energy types and sources; and (4) a renewable energy credit program and related penalties. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for accrediting certified reductions in carbon dioxide emission through biological sequestration activities. Requires major stationary sources to report annually to EPA about global warming pollutant emissions. Directs the National Academy of Sciences to report biennially to EPA and Congress about U.S. progress in avoiding dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Replaces specified volumes of renewable fuel required in gasoline for 2006-2012 with benchmarks for 2010, 2020, and 2030 and a requirement that EPA determine the volume for each year not specified annually. Requires the Secretary of Energy to ensure that major oil companies that sell gasoline in the United States through wholly-owned or branded stations provide pumps that dispense E-85 fuel at specified percentages. Creates a related trading program. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to double the new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle credit, the new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle credit, and the conservation credit. Creates a new plug-in hybrid motor vehicle credit and an advanced technology motor vehicles manufacturing credit. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to: (1) require securities issuers to inform investors of financial and economic risks relating to global warming; and (2) declare that U.S. commitments to reduce emissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change are considered to be a material effect and that global warming constitutes a known trend. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish a National Climate Change Vulnerability and Resilience Program and an Office of Climate Change Vulnerability and Resilience Research.

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

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2007

Authorizes expenditures by the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for the 110th Congress.

Save America Comprehensive Immigration Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2007

Save America Comprehensive Immigration Act of 2007 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to provide increased protections and eligibility for family-sponsored immigrants. Directs the Secretary of State to establish a Board of Family-based Visa Appeals within the Department of State. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to deny a family-based immigration petition by a U.S. petitioner for an alien spouse or child if: (1) the petitioner is on the national sex offender registry for a conviction that resulted in more than one year's imprisonment; (2) the petitioner has failed to rebut such information within 90 days; and (3) granting the petition would put a spouse or child beneficiary in danger of sexual abuse. Directs the Secretary to establish the Task Force to Rescue Immigrant Victims of American Sex Offenders. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust the status of aliens who would otherwise be inadmissible (due to unlawful presence, document fraud, or other specified grounds of inadmissibility) if such aliens have been in the United States for at least five years and meet other requirements. Authorizes the emergency deployment of Border Patrol agents to a requesting border state. Sets forth provisions for Border Patrol acquisition and use of specified equipment. Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for additional detention space for illegal aliens; (2) increase Border Patrol agents, airport and land border immigration inspectors, immigration enforcement officers, and fraud and document fraud investigators; (3) enhance Border Patrol training and operational facilities; (4) establish immigration, customs, and agriculture inspector occupations within the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection; (5) reestablish the Border Patrol anti-smuggling unit; (6) establish criminal investigator occupations within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); (7) increase Border Patrol agent and investigator pay; (8) require foreign language training for appropriate DHS employees; and (9) establish the Fraudulent Documents Task Force. Redefines the term "law enforcement officer" under provisions of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) to include: (1) federal employees not otherwise covered by such term whose duties include the investigation or apprehension of suspected or convicted individuals and who are authorized to carry a firearm; and (2) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees whose duties are primarily the collection of delinquent taxes and the securing of delinquent returns. Authorizes S (witness or informant) nonimmigrant status for aliens in possession of critical reliable information concerning commercial alien smuggling or trafficking in immigration documents. Establishes a reward program to assist in eliminating immigration-related commercial document fraud operations. Sets forth unfair immigration-related employment practices. Requires petitioners for nonimmigrant labor to describe their efforts to recruit lawful permanent residents or U.S. citizens. Makes permanent an INA provision allowing adjustment of status of certain aliens for whom family-sponsored or employment-based applications or petitions were filed by a specified date. Lessens immigration consequences for minor criminal offenses. Eliminates retroactive changes in grounds of inadmissibility and removal. Amends criminal offense removal-related provisions. Increases the worldwide level of diversity immigrants. Authorizes adjustment of status for certain nationals or citizens of Haiti. Eliminates mandatory detention in expedited removal proceedings. Amends the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 to: (1) waive document fraud as a ground of inadmissibility; and (2) address determinations with respect to children. Eliminates the one-year filing requirement for asylum applicants. Includes gender persecution within the particular social group category of persecution. Provides for the permanent resident status adjustment of certain temporary protected status persons. Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to eliminate a provision prohibiting restrictions on the communication of immigration status information by a government entity. Replaces the existing fashion model H-1B visa classification with an O-visa classification.

Biofuels Investment Trust Fund Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2007

Biofuels Investment Trust Fund Act - Establishes a Biofuels Investment Trust Fund consisting of transferred amounts received in the U.S. Treasury from duties collected on imports of ethyl alcohol or any mixture containing ethyl alcohol that is to be used as a fuel or in producing a mixture of gasoline and alcohol, a mixture of a special fuel and alcohol, or any other mixture to be used as a fuel (including motor fuel). Directs the Secretary of Energy to use amounts in the Trust Fund to: (1) provide assistance to farmers, producers, biorefiners, researchers, universities, and other persons or entities involved in the research, development, and deployment, or production of biofuels, especially for cellulosic ethanol production; or (2) advance research, development, and deployment of biofuels, especially cellulosic ethanol produced from biomass feedstocks.

Chattahoochee National Forest Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2007

Chattahoochee National Forest Act of 2007 - Establishes the Mountaintown National Scenic Area in the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to develop a management plan for the Scenic Area as an amendment to the land and resource management plan for the Forest. Designates specified lands in Georgia which are administered by the Secretary as part of the Chattahoochee National Forest as wilderness and incorporates such lands into the existing wilderness area to which they adjoin.

Cloned Food Labeling Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2007

Cloned Food Labeling Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Federal Meat Inspection Act to deem as misbranded a food or meat food product that contains any part of a cloned animal and does not bear a conspicuous label including a notice of that information. Requires individuals to maintain a verifiable recordkeeping audit trail that will permit verification of compliance with this Act. Deems as misbranded a food that bears a label indicating that it does not contain cloned product, unless the label is in accordance with applicable regulations that may not: (1) require such a label to include a statement indicating that the fact that a food does not contain such product has no bearing on the safety of the food for human consumption; and (2) prohibit such a label on the basis that, in the case of the type of food involved, there is no version of the food in commercial distribution that does contain such product. Sets forth civil penalties for violation of this Act. Exempts a person who establishes a guaranty, signed by the person residing in the United States from whom the food was received in good faith, that the food does not contain any cloned product. Allows a person to commence a civil action against a person who is alleged to have violated this Act or the applicable Secretary where a failure of the Secretary to perform any act or duty that is not discretionary is alleged.

Country of Origin Labeling Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 26 January 2007

Country of Origin Labeling Act of 2007 - Amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to change the country of origin labeling implementation date from September 30, 2008, to September 30, 2007.

Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 25 January 2007

Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act of 2007 - States that it is U.S. policy that all nonambulatory livestock in interstate and foreign commerce be immediately and humanely euthanized when such livestock become nonambulatory. Amends the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations providing for the humane treatment, handling, and disposition of nonambulatory livestock by a covered entity, including a requirement that nonambulatory livestock be humanely euthanized. Requires an entity to: (1) humanely euthanize nonambulatory livestock (while not limiting the Secretary's ability to test nonambulatory livestock for disease, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy); and (2) not move nonambulatory livestock while such livestock is conscious, and ensure that such livestock remains unconscious until death. Prohibits an inspector at an establishment covered by the Federal Meat Inspection Act to pass nonambulatory livestock, carcass, or carcass parts through inspection. Requires an inspector or other employee at such establishment to label such material as "inspected and condemned." Defines "covered entity," "nonambulatory livestock," and "humanely euthanize."

Early Pest Detection and Surveillance Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2007

Early Pest Detection and Surveillance Improvement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into a cooperative agreement with any state department of agriculture that agrees to conduct early plant pest detection surveillance activities, including inspection and surveillance of domestic plant shipments between a state and other states.

Caribbean National Forest Preservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2007

Caribbean National Forest Preservation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire, by donation or purchase, from willing sellers tracts of land intended to assist in the consolidation of lands within or adjacent to the boundaries of the Caribbean National Forest in Puerto Rico. Requires the Secretary to adjust the boundaries of the Caribbean National Forest to include acquired lands.

Puerto Rico Karst Conservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2007

Puerto Rico Karst Conservation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants, enter contracts, and exercise specified authorities to acquire, protect, and manage land and forest resources in and adjacent to the Karst Region of Puerto Rico for the purpose of protecting and conserving the water quality and aquifers and the geological, ecological, fish and wildlife, and other natural values of the Region. Establishes the Puerto Rico Karst Conservation Fund which shall be available to the Secretary for purposes of this Act. Makes all lands in the Region eligible for inclusion in the Forest Legacy Program.

Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2007

Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act - States that it is U.S. policy that all nonambulatory livestock in interstate and foreign commerce be immediately and humanely euthanized when such livestock become nonambulatory. Amends the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations providing for the humane treatment, handling, and disposition of nonambulatory livestock by a covered entity, including a requirement that nonambulatory livestock be humanely euthanized. Requires an entity to: (1) humanely euthanize nonambulatory livestock (while not limiting the Secretary's ability to test nonambulatory livestock for disease, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy); and (2) not move nonambulatory livestock while such livestock is conscious, and ensure that such livestock remains unconscious until death. Prohibits an inspector at an establishment covered by the Federal Meat Inspection Act to pass nonambulatory livestock, carcass, or carcass parts through inspection. Requires an inspector or other employee at such establishment to label such material as "inspected and condemned." Defines "covered entity," "nonambulatory livestock," and "humanely euthanize."

Honoring the life and achievements of the late Dr. John Garang de Mabior and reaffirming the continued commitment of the House of Representatives to a just and lasting peace in the Republic of the Sudan.

United States · United States Congress · 24 January 2007

Honors the life and achievements of Dr. John Garang de Mabior. Reaffirms the House of Representatives' commitment to a lasting peace in the Republic of the Sudan, and calls for full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Supports the creation of a Dr. John Garang de Mabior Institute for Agriculture, Peace, and Economic Development. Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the Secretary of State with a request that the Secretary transmit it to Dr. Garang's widow, Rebecca Garang, and to the government of Southern Sudan, through the Office of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) in the District of Columbia.

Jornada Experimental Range Transfer Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2007

Jornada Experimental Range Transfer Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park Board (Board) for educational purposes not more than 1,000 acres of land that is located in the Jornada Experimental Range in the State of New Mexico and that is subject to an easement granted by the Agricultural Research Service to the Board.

DRIVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2007

Dependence Reduction through Innovation in Vehicles and Energy Act or DRIVE Act - Instructs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to publish in the Federal Register an oil savings target and action plan for specified calendar years. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop: (1) a fuel efficiency consumer education program for motor vehicle tires; (2) a fuel efficiency program for passenger automobile and light truck tires; and (3) a program to designate Transit-Oriented Development Corridors. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) develop a testing and assessment program to determine heavy duty vehicle fuel economy; (2) establish a task force to develop minimum certification standards for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; and (3) establish a near-term electric transportation deployment program. Instructs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe average heavy duty vehicle fuel economy standards. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit for 50% of the cost and installation (up to $3,500) of a qualifying idling reduction device (includes off-truck infrastructure equipment) on a heavy-duty diesel-powered on-highway vehicle; (2) allow a credit for 35% of the advanced motor vehicle technology expenses of certain motor vehicle manufacturers or component parts manufacturers; (3) terminate the limitation on the number of new qualified hybrid and advanced lean burn vehicles eligible for the alternative motor vehicle credit; (4) extend the alternative motor vehicle credit; (5) establish a fuel-efficient tax credit for private fleets; (6) subject heavy vehicles to the depreciation limitation for certain luxury automobiles; (7) increase the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit; (8) extend biodiesel income and excise tax credits; (9) increase the small ethanol producer tax credit for sucrose and cellulosic ethanol producers; and (10) provide plug-in electric vehicle incentives. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) establish a lightweight material research and development program; (2) carry out a research and commercial application program for electric drive transportation technology and engine dominant hybrid vehicle technology; (3) provide hybrid technology loan guarantees; and (4) require that by FY2016 each federal agency achieve at least a 30% reduction in its fleet petroleum consumption, and have at least 30% of its alternative fuel vehicles be hybrid or lean burn vehicles; (5) establish an alternative fuels pilot grant program; and (6) conduct a national media campaign to decrease U.S. oil consumption over the next decade. Sets forth a federal agency motor vehicle efficiency and fuel requirements. Requires certain minimum percentages of light-duty motor vehicles manufactured for model years 2012 and beyond to use specified propulsion technologies and fuels. Amends the Clean Air Act to prescribe minimum annual quantities of renewable fuel from cellulosic biomass and sugar. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a low-interest loan and grant program for farmer-owned ethanol producers to develop infrastructure, including pump stations, for the retail delivery of any fuel containing at least 85% ethanol.

Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2007

Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2007 - Provides for increases in the numbers of federal immigration enforcement-related positions and technological assets for use along the borders, including Department of Defense (DOD) equipment. Provides for: (1) recruitment of former military personnel; (2) border control facilities construction; (3) land border port of entry construction and improvements; (4) border patrol checkpoints; and (5) fencing, barrier, and road construction and improvements in the Yuma and Tucson sectors. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to develop: (1) a comprehensive land and maritime border surveillance plan; (2) a National Strategy for Border Security; (3) a plan to combat human smuggling; (4) a southern border study; and (5) a schedule for equippng all land border ports of entry with the U.S.-Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) system. Directs the Secretary of State to: (1) report to Congress on improving the exchange of North American security information; (2) work with Canada and Mexico to assist Guatemala and Belize in border security activities; (3) work with Mexico on border security and drug and human smuggling matters; and (4) work with appropriate countries to share information and track Central American gang members. Provides for biometric data (including entry-exit data collection), document, and other border security enhancements. Requires mandatory detention of an alien (other than a Mexican national) apprehended illegally seeking to enter the United States at a U.S. port of entry or land or maritime border as of October 1, 2008, unless such alien is: (1) paroled into the United States for humanitarian or public benefit reasons; or (2) permitted to withdraw an admission application and immediately departs from the United States. Exempts from mandatory detention an alien who is a native or citizen of a Western Hemisphere country with whose government the United States does not have full diplomatic relations (currently, Cuba). Makes it unlawful for a person to elude customs, immigration, or agriculture inspection. Authorizes (until January 1, 2009) a state (including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands) to use National Guard personnel or units of such state for up to 21 days annually to perform certain border security activities in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. Extends the implementation date for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Directs the Secretary of State to develop a Passport Card for U.S. citizen travel from the United States to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean countries, and Bermuda. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of State to enter into a state enrollment demonstration program with at least one state. Border Law Enforcement Relief Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to a tribal, state, or local law enforcement agency located in a county within 100 miles of a U.S. border with Canada or Mexico, or in a county beyond 100 miles that has been certified by the Secretary as a high impact area to provide assistance in addressing: (1) criminal activity that occurs by virtue of proximity to the border; and (2) the impact of any lack of border security. Authorizes the Secretary, if the governor of a border state declares an international border security emergency and requests additional Border Patrol agents, to provide such state with up to 1,000 additional agents. Raises the annual increase in the number of full-time Border Patrol agents. Makes all aliens inadmissible on terrorism-related grounds ineligible for asylum. Increases the class of aliens ineligible on security-related grounds for cancellation of removal or voluntary departure. Revises provisions respecting detention and removal of aliens under order of removal. Makes alien members of criminal street gangs inadmissible and deportable. Denies temporary protected status to gang members. Revises alien smuggling provisions. Establishes extraterritorial federal jurisdiction over smuggling offenses. Directs the Secretary to establish the American Local and Interior Enforcement Needs (ALIEN) Task Force to respond to the use of government transportation infrastructure to further unlawful alien trafficking. Provides a mandatory minimum sentence for carrying or using a firearm during an alien smuggling crime. Revises illegal entry, reentry after removal, and related criminal penalty provisions. Makes it a crime to knowingly be illegally present in the United States. Revises passport and visa provisions. Criminalizes: (1) trafficking in passports; (2) executing a scheme to defraud a person in connection with any federal immigration matter; and (3) knowing use of any immigration document issued or designed for use by another. Provides an exception for refugees, asylees, and certain other vulnerable persons. Makes an alien convicted of a passport or visa violation inadmissible and removable. Revises and increases penalties for marriage fraud. Continues and provides for the expansion to all states of the institutional removal program (IRP). Revises voluntary departure provisions. Prohibits the knowing sale of firearms to, or the possession of firearms by, an alien parolee. Establishes a 10-year statute of limitations for specified immigration-related offenses. States that no provision of law shall be construed to provide immigration benefits to an alien who poses a security threat, is under investigation for removal, or for whom background checks have not been completed. Provides reimbursement to states and local government for costs associated with: (1) processing undocumented criminal aliens through the criminal justice system; and (2) immigration enforcement training. Directs the Secretary to provide sufficient transportation and officers to take state- and locally-apprehended illegal aliens into Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody. Authorizes grants for Indian tribes with lands adjacent to an international border of the United States that have been adversely affected by illegal immigration. Revises alien registration provisions. Includes in the definition of aggravated felony a third drunk driving conviction. Makes the J-1 visa (medical services in underserved areas) program permanent. Requires expedited removal of an illegal alien apprehended within 100 miles of the border and within 14 days of entry. Prohibits certain sex offenders from sponsoring an immigrant applicant. Affirms state law enforcement authority to assist (including transfer to federal custody) the federal government in enforcing U.S. immigration laws during the normal course of law enforcement duties. Provides for related federal reimbursement of state costs. Provides for listing of immigration violators in the National Crime Information Center Database. Directs the Secretary to: (1) construct or acquire 20 additional detention facilities for aliens detained pending removal (or a decision on removal); (2) utilize cost-effective alternatives, including federal facilities; and (3) consider the transfer of military installations under base closure laws for such purposes. Requires the office of the U.S. Attorney that is prosecuting a criminal case in federal court to determine whether each defendant is lawfully present in the United States within 30 days of filing the initial case pleadings, and report such information to the court. Directs the Attorney General to expand the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transfer System (JPATS). Establishes a W-visa guest worker category for an alien having a residence in a foreign country who is coming to the United States to perform: (1) agricultural labor or services; or (2) any other labor or services. Prohibits any alien who is unlawfully employed in the United States as of January 1, 2007, from receiving a nonimmigrant W-visa (nonimmigrant guest worker) unless the alien applies for registration and fingerprinting and applies for a guest worker visa within one year. States that: (1) an illegal alien who fails to register is subject to immediate deportation and is ineligible to receive such a W-visa; and (2) an employer who knowingly employs an illegal alien shall be ineligible to employ a W- visa alien. Increases criminal penalties for: (1) document fraud; and (2) specified crimes committed by illegal aliens. States that any program authorized by this Act which grants legal status or status adjustment to any individual who enters or entered the United States in violation of federal law shall be effective on the date that the Secretary submits a written certification to the President and Congress that the border security/enforcement measures and federal detention space increases under this Act have been completed and are operational.

African-American Farmers Benefits Relief Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2007

African-American Farmers Benefits Relief Act of 2007 - Provides de novo review for qualifying claims filed under the consolidated class action action lawsuits of Pigford v. Veneman and Brewington v. Veneman .

Paleontological Resources Preservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 January 2007

Paleontological Resources Preservation Act - Directs the the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate, to: (1) manage and protect paleontological resources on federal land, using scientific principles and expertise; and (2) develop plans for inventorying, monitoring, and deriving the scientific and educational use of such resources. Directs the Secretary 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 issued under this Act by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to allow casual collecting of a reasonable amount of common invertebrate and plant paleontological resources for non-commercial personal uses without a permit on certain federal lands. Recognizes as valid permits issued before enactment of this Act. Sets forth permit requirements concerning: (1) ownership of the property by the United States; (2) preservation for the public of the paleontological resource and records in an approved repository; and (3) conditions for release of specific locality data. Sets forth criminal and civil penalties for violations of this Act and regulations issued under it.

Reducing the Incentives to Guzzle Gas Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2007

Reducing the Incentives to Guzzle Gas Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) include certain heavy vehicles (with a gross vehicle weight of between 6,000 and 14,000 pounds) as passenger vehicles to which the limitations on the depreciation allowed for luxury automobiles apply; (2) exempt vehicles used in a farming business from such depreciation limitations; (3) revise the limitation amounts for the depreciation of luxury automobiles; and (4) allow the expensing of up to $30,000 of the cost of vehicles used in a farming business.

Electric Utility Cap and Trade Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2007

Electric Utility Cap and Trade Act of 2007 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish an allowance trading program to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from electric generating facilities that: (1) have a nameplate capacity greater than 25 megawatts; (2) combust GHG emitting fuels; and (3) generate electricity for sale. Provides for annual tonnage limitations for GHG emissions from such facilities for 2011-2020. Requires the Administrator to establish: (1) a Climate Science Advisory Panel; (2) a safe climate level; (3) a Climate Action Trust Fund for the Administrator to use to carry out this Act; and (4) an innovative low- and zero-emitting carbon technologies program, a clean coal technologies program, and an energy efficiency technology program. Requires the Administrator to use portions of the Climate Action Trust Fund for specified programs, including: (1) providing adaptation assistance for workers and communities to address and mitigate local or regional impacts of climate change; and (2) mitigating the impacts of climate change on fish and wildlife habitat, including funding for the federal aid to wildlife restoration fund under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations concerning early reduction credits for GHG reduction or sequestrations projects carried out between 2000 and 2010. Allows facilities to meet obligations by surrendering certain international GHG credits. Requires the Administrator to determine if allowance prices have reached and sustained a level that is causing or will cause significant harm to the U.S. economy. Allows the Administrator to permit facilities to use allowances early and to increase the use of international credits if allowances have sustained such a level. Allows credits obtained under this Act to be used in other GHG allowance trading programs, including state programs approved by the Administrator. Sets forth provisions concerning; (1) outreach to landowners about reductions in GHGs and revenue enhancement; and (2) offset credits for GHG reductions from land use-related sequestration projects. Requires the Administrator to establish and operate a national registry for allowances and credits. Amends the Global Change Research Act of 1990 to provide for initiatives concerning: (1) priority research areas; (2) abrupt climate change research; (3) measurement technologies to calculate GHGs; (4) the promotion of the use of technologies and techniques that reduce GHGs by small manufacturers; (5) assessments by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior about increased sequestration and reduction of GHGs on public land; and (6) research on the increase in sea levels from polar ice sheet melting.

A bill 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 · 17 January 2007

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 that is sore or which the Secretary has probable cause to believe is sore; and (2) any horse or other equine that the Secretary has probable cause to believe is being shipped, transported, moved, delivered, received, possessed, purchased, sold, or donated in violation of such prohibition.

Paleontological Resources Preservation Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2007

Paleontological Resources Preservation Act - Directs the the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) to: (1) manage and protect paleontological resources on federal land, using scientific principles and expertise; and (2) develop plans for inventorying, monitoring, and deriving the scientific and educational use of such resources. Directs the Secretary 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 issued under this Act by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to allow casual collecting of a reasonable amount of common invertebrate and plant paleontological resources for non-commercial personal uses without a permit on certain federal lands. Recognizes as valid permits issued before enactment of this Act. Requires that information on the nature and specific location of a paleontological resource that requires a permit under this Act or other federal law be withheld from the public, except as specified.

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 · 17 January 2007

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.

Independence from Oil with Agriculture Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 17 January 2007

Independence from Oil with Agriculture Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to delete provisions that terminate tax credits after a certain time (thus extending such credits) for: (1) alcohol fuels; (2) biodiesel fuels; (3) alcohol fuel mixtures; (4) biodiesel mixtures; (5) electricity produced from wind and open-loop or close-loop biomass facilities; and (6) alternative fuel vehicle refueling property. Amends the Clean Air Act to: (1) increase the applicable volume of renewable fuel for calendar years 2008-2012 that must be part of gasoline in the United States (except in noncontiguous states or territories); and (2) increase the number of gallons of renewable fuel in the calculation used to determine the required volume of renewable fuel in gasoline for calendar years 2013 and thereafter.

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the availability of the cash method of accounting for small businesses, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2007

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt certain small business taxpayers from the requirements of using the accrual method of accounting and of using inventories. Allows such taxpayers to use a cash method of accounting if they meet the gross receipts test and are not engaged in farming as a corporation. Increases the amount of the gross receipts test to $10 million (currently, $5 million) and permits an annual inflation adjustment of that amount.

Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2007

Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act - Amends the Clean Air Act to set forth provisions concerning global warming pollution emissions. Directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) set milestones to reduce the aggregate net levels of emissions (authorizes EPA to establish market-based programs to achieve such reduction); (2) require each fleet of automobiles sold by a manufacturer beginning in model year 2016 to meet emission standards; (3) contract with the National Academy of Sciences to study the potential contribution of the non-highway portion of the transportation sector towards meeting the emission reduction goal; (4) require that electric generation units meet an emission standard that is not higher than the emission rate of a new combined cycle natural gas generating unit; and (5) establish a low-carbon generation trading program. Requires covered generators to provide a minimum percentage of the base quantity of electricity produced for sale from low-carbon generation. Requires EPA to: (1) establish a competitive grant program for geological disposal deployment projects; and (2) carry out a global climate change standards and processes research program. Expresses the sense of the Senate that federal funds for clean, low-carbon energy research, development, and deployment should be increased by at least 100% each year for 10 years. Directs: (1) EPA to promulgate requirements concerning the energy efficiency and peak load reduction of electricity suppliers and to establish a renewable energy credit program; (2) the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for accrediting certified reductions in carbon dioxide emissions through biological sequestration activities; and (3) major stationary sources to report to EPA on emissions of global warming pollutants. Requires the President to establish the Task Force on International Clean, Low Carbon Energy Cooperation. Authorizes the President to adjust, suspend, or waive any regulation promulgated pursuant to this Act in a national emergency. Requires EPA to require that gasoline contain the applicable volume of low-carbon renewable fuel. Directs EPA to require manufacturers to meet standards for new motor vehicles or engines. Requires executive agency automobiles to be as fuel-efficient as practicable. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Commerce to report on the effects of U.S. failure to adopt measures that require or result in a reduction in total emissions in accordance with the goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; (2) the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to require securities issuers to inform investors of risks relating to global warming; and (3) the SEC to clarify that U.S. commitments to reduce emissions under the Framework are considered to be a material effect and that global warming constitutes a known trend. Directs federal agency environmental impact statements or analyses to evaluate the effects on, and impact of, global warming.

A bill to amend the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, to make it unlawful for a packer to own, feed, or control livestock intended for slaughter.

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2007

Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to prohibit livestock packers from owning, controlling, or feeding livestock to such an extent that the producer no longer materially participates in the management of the operation, with exceptions for: (1) animals held for not more than seven days before slaughter; (2) certain cooperatives that own, control or feed livestock and provide such livestock for slaughter; (3) packers that are not required to report price and quantity information on each reporting day; or (4) packers that own one livestock processing plant.

To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out certain land exchanges involving small parcels of National Forest System land in the Tahoe National Forest in the State of California, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2007

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire from Irving N. Christensen and from Dennis W. and Cindy M. McCreary certain parcels of land in exchange for certain parcels of National Forest System lands in Tahoe National Forest, California. Withdraws all exchanged lands from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws.

Oregon Water Resources Management Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2007

Oregon Water Resources Management Act of 2007 - Amends the Oregon Resource Conservation Act of 1996 to: (1) replace references to the Deschutes River Basin Working Group with the Deschutes River Conservancy Working Group; (2) require the two representatives of private interests from irrigated agriculture on the Working Group to actively farm more than 100 acres of irrigated land and not be irrigation district managers; (3) direct the Bureau of Reclamation to pay up to a total amount of $2 million for each of FY2007-FY2016 for 50% of the cost of performing projects proposed by the Working Group and approved by the Secretary of the Interior; and (4) authorize appropriations for Deschutes Basin ecosystem restoration projects for FY2007-FY2016. Authorizes the Secretary, acting through: (1) the Commissioner of Reclamation, to provide grants to, or enter into agreements with, tribal, state, and local governmental entities and the Associated Ditch Companies, Incorporated (ADC) to plan, design, and construct facilities needed to implement the Wallowa Lake Dam Rehabilitation Program, subject to specified conditions; and (2) the Bureau, to participate in the Water for Irrigation, Streams and the Economy Project water management feasibility study and environmental impact statement in accordance with a specified memorandum dated July 2, 2004. North Unit Irrigation District Act of 2007 - Modifies a repayment contract between the Secretary and the North Unit Irrigation District, Oregon, to permit the District to engage in, or take advantage of, conserved water projects authorized by Oregon law.

Small Tracts Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2007

Small Tracts Reform Act - Amends the Small Tracts Act to provide for the sale, exchange, or interchange of National Forest System (NFS) lands, the sale or exchange of which is either not practicable or not expedient under any other authority of the Secretary of Agriculture and which are parcels or parts of parcels of 100 acres or less which are interspersed with or adjacent to lands which have been transferred out of Federal ownership and which are determined by the Secretary, because of location or size, not to be subject to efficient administration.

Emergency Farm Relief Act of 2007

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2007

Emergency Farm Relief Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial assistance for: (1) crop disaster assistance for qualifying quantity or quality losses (other than sugar beets) for the 2005 and/or 2006 crop due to weather or related conditions (including disease, insects, and delayed harvest); (2) dairy losses; (3) livestock assistance for 2005 and 2006 disaster-caused losses, including losses from blizzards that began in 2006 and continued into 2007; (4) livestock indemnity payments for 2005 and 2006 disaster-caused losses, including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, extreme heat, anthrax, and blizzards that began in 2006 and continued into 2007; (5) ewe lamb replacement and retention; (6) sugar beet disaster assistance for crop year 2005 or 2006; (7) sugarcane growers in Hawaii through a payment to an agricultural transportation cooperative in Hawaii; and (8) flooded crop and grazing land in the Devils Lake basin, the McHugh, Lake Laretta, and Rose Lake closed drainage areas, North Dakota. Directs the Secretary to make grants to state agriculture departments or comparable agencies in qualified states for direct economic loss payments to eligible small businesses that suffered weather-related agricultural losses in crop year 2005 or 2006. Directs the Secretary to use specified funds to carry out emergency measures under: (1) the emergency watershed protection program, including specified projects in Hawaii; (2) the emergency conservation program, including wildfire recovery efforts in Montana and other states and specified projects in Hawaii; and (3) the environmental quality incentives program, including wildfire and blizzard recovery efforts in Montana and other states. Directs the Secretary to use specified funds to hire additional county Farm Service Agency personnel to expedite the delivery of agricultural disaster and economic assistance.

A resolution to constitute the minority party's membership on certain committees for the One Hundred Tenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen.

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2007

Makes minority party appointments to the following Senate Committees for the 110th 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) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; (11) Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; (12) the Judiciary; (13) the Budget; (14) Rules and Administration; (15) Small Business and Entrepreneurship; (16) Veterans Affairs; (17) Aging; (18) Intelligence; (19) Joint Economic; (20) Ethics; and (21) Indian Affairs.

A resolution to constitute the majority party's membership on certain committees of the One Hundred Tenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen.

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2007

Makes majority party appointments to the following Senate Committees for the 110th 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) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; (11) Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; (12) the Judiciary; (13) Intelligence; (14) the Budget; (15) Rules and Administration; (16) Small Business and Entrepreneurship; (17) Veterans Affairs; (18) Aging; (19) Joint Economic; (20) Ethics; and (21) Indian Affairs.

Backcountry Landing Strip Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2007

Backcountry Landing Strip Access Act - Prohibits the Secretaries of the Interior or Agriculture from taking any action that would permanently close, restrict, or render or declare unserviceable any aircraft landing strip located on land under their jurisdiction unless: (1) the head of the aviation department of the state in which the landing strip is located approves the action; (2) the Secretary publishes notice of the proposed action and allows for a 90-day public comment thereafter; and (3) the Secretary and appropriate state aviation department head have taken into consideration any comments received. Requires the Secretaries to: (1) adopt a nationwide policy for governing backcountry aviation issues relating to the management of federal land under their jurisdiction; and (2) require regional managers to adhere to such policy.

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

United States · United States Congress · 12 January 2007

Elects majority Members to the House Committee on Rules. Elects majority Members to the House Committees (including the Chairman) on: (1) Financial Services; (2) Agriculture; (3) Foreign Affairs; (4) Homeland Security; (5) Oversight and Government Reform; and (6) Veterans Affairs.