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Bill· SS. 2004 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2003
Protection of Family Farmers and Family Fishermen Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal bankruptcy code to reenact Chapter 12, Adjustment of Debts of a Family Farmer with Regular Annual Income (thus reinstating permanently family farmer bankruptcy relief). Cites circumstances under which the claim of a governmental unit that arises from the disposition of a farm asset used in the debtor's farming operation shall be treated as an unsecured claim not entitled to priority. Increases from $1.5 million to $3.237 million the maximum aggregate debt that permits a farming operation to qualify as a family farming operation for debt adjustment purposes. Decreases from 80 percent to 50 percent the minimum percentage of aggregate, noncontingent liquidated debts arising out of such a farming operation. Modifies the requirement that a family farmer and spouse receive over 50 percent of income from farming operations in the year before a bankruptcy petition is filed. Allows the family farmer to meet the over-50-percent requirement in either the preceding taxable year or each of the second and third preceding taxable years. Prohibits: (1) retroactive assessment of disposable income; and (2) post-confirmation modification of a bankruptcy plan that would increase the amount of payments that were due before such modification. Requires debtor's consent for post-confirmation increase in payments. Extends Chapter 12 coverage to family fishermen whose aggregate debts do not exceed $1.5 million, of which at least 80 percent of aggregate noncontingent, liquidated debts arise out of a commercial fishing operation.
Bill· HRH.R. 3684 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2003
Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to set forth food labeling requirements for a food that is not a raw agricultural commodity and that is, or contains, a major food allergen (as defined by this Act). States that: (1) any person may petition the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exempt a food ingredient from such requirements; and (2) the Secretary's determination of such a petition shall constitute final agency action. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct inspections to ensure compliance with practices to reduce or eliminate cross-contact with major food allergen residues, and ensure that major food allergens are properly labeled on foods; (2) issue a final rule to define, and permit use of, the term "gluten-free" on the labeling of foods; (3) improve food allergen data collection, including physician and health care provider education; (4) convene a panel of allergy and immunology experts to review food allergy research efforts; (5) pursue Food Code revisions in order to provide allergen-free food preparation guidelines for food establishments; and (6) include food allergy treatment in trauma and emergency care technical assistance.
Bill· HRH.R. 3667 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2003
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain land in the Dixie National Forest in Utah to Kirk R. Harrison. Requires proceeds from the conveyance to be used to acquire other real property or interests for inclusion in the Dixie National Forest.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 473 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2003
Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 2673 (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004).
Bill· SS. 1969 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 25 November 2003
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, as reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement of 1937, to include pears and cherries within the category of fruits and vegetables for which imports must meet marketing order size, grade, quality, and maturity requirements.
Bill· SS. 1938 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 24 November 2003
Act to Save America's Forests - Amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to revise eligibility criteria for members of the land and resource management scientific committee. Revises the committee termination date. Directs the Chief of the Forest Service, the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Director of the Bureau of Land Management to each prepare a continuous inventory of forest land administered by each agency head and to document whole-system measures that will be taken as a result of the inventory. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for conservation and restoration of native biodiversity in forested areas. Prohibits clearcutting or other even-age logging operations on any stand or watershed on certain Federal land, National Forest System land, and National Wildlife Refuge System land. Provides for Federal enforcement and a private right of action. Designates special areas which shall be subject to restrictions on road construction and logging in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas,Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Requires the Secretaries concerned to appoint a committee of independent scientists to recommend additional special areas. Restricts road construction and logging on Federal land in ancient forests, special areas, roadless areas, and watershed protection areas. Provides for Federal enforcement and a private right of action. States that this Act shall not apply to Federal wilderness areas designated under the Wilderness Act.
Bill· SS. 1924 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Dairy Farm Workers Fairness Act - Provides H-2A nonimmigrant worker program coverage for dairy farm workers.
Bill· HRH.R. 3572 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
AGOA III Act - Declares the sense of Congress that beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries (SSA countries) under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) will benefit if they: (1) implement specified existing obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO); and (2) take steps to promote regional integration, including through agreements to eliminate regional trade barriers. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to repeal the requirement that certain non-apparel articles that are the growth, product, or manufacture of an SSA country shall receive duty-free treatment only if the President determines that they are not import-sensitive in the context of imports from such countries. Extends duty-free treatment for AGOA articles from FY 2008 through FY 2020. Amends AGOA to revise requirements for textile and apparel products from SSA countries receiving duty-free and other preferential import treatment. Permits certain articles to contain fabric or yarn not originating from an SSA country or the United States (third country fabric), regardless of commercial availability in the United States (as long as it is not the component that determines the classification of the article under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States). Extends through FY 2008 the current special rule for lesser developed SSA countries. Extends duty-free treatment to: (1) apparel articles formed on seamless knitting machines in an SSA country from yarns originating either in the United States or one or more SSA countries; and (2) ethnic printed fabric of an SSA country meeting certain criteria. Authorizes the President to extend duty-free treatment, subject to specified conditions, for up to two additional years to a particular lesser developed SSA country lacking sufficient domestic fabric-making capacity, taking into account the extent to which the country has taken steps to increase such capacity by attracting investment. Declares the sense of the Congress that, in negotiating free trade agreements with other countries, the President should negotiate rules of origin for textile and apparel products that allow the use of inputs from SSA countries. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend duty-free treatment to agricultural products from SSA countries that would otherwise be excluded for exceeding a tariff-rate quota. Requires the President to assess a duty (according to a specified formula) on over-quota imports of any agricultural product for which preferential treatment is claimed, if the President determines that the product's unit import price when it enters the United States, determined on an F.O.B. basis, is less than the annual trigger price. Amends AGOA to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to develop a comprehensive plan for public policies and incentives for the private sector to: (1) identify SSA products that can be exported to the United States; (2) analyze critical constraints to U.S.-Africa agricultural trade; and (3) develop a strategy for increasing such SSA agricultural exports. Directs the President to assign at least 20 full-time personnel of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, to not less than ten eligible SSA countries with the greatest potential to increase marketable exports of agricultural products to the United States and the greatest need for technical assistance, particularly in conducting pest risk assessments. Authorizes the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide grants to governmental and nongovernmental entities located in eligible SSA countries that can provide assistance, consultation, and equipment to agribusinesses located in those countries in order to enable agricultural products to meet U.S. import requirements. Requires the Secretary to direct the Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) to work with national African agricultural organizations to identify agricultural equipment and supply needs and implement programs that strengthen the ability of members of African agricultural organizations to fulfill these needs in conjunction with export credit guarantee programs. Amends AGOA to condition the President's termination of the designation of an SSA country upon Congress' not prohibiting it. Requires the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) to focus funding on investments in agriculture, tourism, and nature tourism. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to waive certain prohibitions against OPIC issuance of any contract of insurance or reinsurance, guaranty, or agreement to provide financing for an eligible investor's proposed investment in an SSA country even if such investment is likely to cause a significant reduction in the number of employees in the United States. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the Bank to implement regulations and procedures appropriate to ensure that full consideration is given to the extent to which any credit extension is likely to have a positive effect on industries, including the textile and apparel industry and agricultural production, in SSA countries. States the sense of Congress that USAID, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), and the African Development Bank, should continue to provide technical assistance to SSA countries in tax policy and revenue administration, especially domestic policies and measures to replace lost trade tax revenues resulting from trade liberalization. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to seek negotiations with those SSA countries which the Secretary determines will benefit most from an income tax treaty with the United States to avoid double taxation. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer a deduction from income for cash contributions to the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Directs the USTR to seek to negotiate bilateral investment agreements with interested SSA countries. Directs the USAID Administrator to study the economy of each SSA country, identifying growth sectors and barriers impeding growth, as well as how the U.S. Government and the private sector can provide technical assistance to help dismantle such barriers and promote investment in such sectors. Directs the President to develop and implement policies to assist and encourage: (1) the development of infrastructure projects that will help to increase trade capacity and a sustainable ecotourism industry in SSA countries; and (2) investment in transportation, energy, agriculture, and telecommunications infrastructure in such countries. Directs the USAID Administrator to foster specified port-to-port and airport-to-airport relationships. Authorizes the USTR to provide grants to U.S. nongovernmental organizations and to U.S. representatives of the private sector to host AGOA forums. Directs the President to assemble an interagency task force to facilitate the goals and objectives of this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 3604 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Temporary Agricultural Labor Reform Act of 2003 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise employer and employee association application requirements for admission of H-2A temporary agricultural workers, including assurances: (1) that the job opportunity is temporary or seasonal, and is not the result of a labor dispute; (2) that attempts have been made to hire U.S. workers; (3) respecting wages and benefits, and labor law compliance; (4) respecting nondisplacement of U.S. workers; and (5) respecting limitations on placement with other employers. Revises related provisions respecting: (1) penalties; and (2) admissions and extensions of stay. Provides special provisions for alien sheepherders. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to H-2A employers for the transportation costs of workers whose employment is cut short by natural disaster; and (2) direct the Secretary to establish an H-2A Worker Program Ombudsman within the Office of the Chief Economist of the Department of Agriculture.
Bill· HRH.R. 3628 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
National Food Safety Database Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the establishment of an electronic food safety database which shall be made available, through State agreements, to hospitals, nursing homes, schools, child care facilities, and other eligible institutions. Authorizes related State grants. Requires such database to maintain information concerning: (1) enforcement actions; (2) recalls; (3) food-borne illness outbreaks; and (4) facility inspections. Provides for the establishment of a related interagency task force and advisory committee.
Bill· HRH.R. 3588 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 21 November 2003
Health Empowerment Zone Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate a community as a health empowerment zone if a participating community partnership: (1) requests such designation; and (2) demonstrates that the community is a community of color experiencing disproportionate disparities in health status and health care. Directs the Secretary to make: (1) grants to community partnerships of private and public entities to establish health empowerment zone programs to assist individuals, businesses, schools, minority health associations, nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, hospitals, health care clinics, and foundations in a health empowerment zone that are seeking to improve the health or environment of minority individuals and eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health status and health care; (2) at least one grant in a health empowerment zone in a U.S. territory or possession; and (3) establish a health empowerment zone coordinating committee for each zone. Directs the Secretary, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide assistance for such programs.
Bill· SS. 1910 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to use geospatial and information management technologies (including remote sensing imaging and decision support systems) to inventory, monitor, and identify National Forest System and private (with consent) forest stands. Directs the Secretary to carry out such program through: (1) remote sensing technology of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United States Geological Survey; (2) emerging geospatial capabilities in research activities; (3) validating techniques; and (4) integration of results into pilot operational systems. Directs the Secretary to address: (1) environmental threats (including insect, disease, invasive species, fire, acid deposition, and weather-related risks and other episodic events); (2) forest degradation, and preventive management practices; and (3) characterization of vegetation types, density, fire regimes, and post-fire effects. Directs the Secretary to designate a facility in the Ochoco National Forest headquarters in Prineville, Oregon, to address such issues, with particular emphasis on coniferous forest stands in the Western United States. Directs the Secretary develop an early warning system for catastrophic environmental forest threats.
Bill· SS. 1900 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
United States-Africa Partnership Act of 2003 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to repeal the requirement that certain non-apparel articles that are the growth, product, or manufacture of a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country (SSA country) under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) shall receive duty-free treatment only if the President determines that they are not import-sensitive in the context of imports from such countries. Extends duty-free treatment for AGOA articles from FY 2008 through FY 2015. Amends AGOA to revise requirements for textile and apparel products from SSA countries receiving duty-free and other preferential import treatment. Permits certain articles to contain fabric or yarn not originating from an SSA country or the United States (third country fabric), regardless of commercial availability in the United States. Extends through FY 2008 the current special rule for lesser developed SSA countries. Extends duty-free treatment to ethnic printed fabric of an SSA country meeting certain criteria. Amends AGOA to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to develop a comprehensive plan for public policies and incentives for the private sector to: (1) identify SSA products that can be exported to the United States; (2) analyze critical constraints to U.S.-Africa agricultural trade; and (3) develop a strategy for increasing such SSA agricultural exports. Requires the President and the Secretary to direct the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to evaluate methods for training African agricultural producers and for implementing capacity building programs to help the producers meet U.S. food safety standards. Directs the President to assign at least 20 full-time APHIS personnel to at least ten eligible SSA countries with the greatest: (1) potential to increase marketable exports of agricultural products to the United States; and (2) need for technical training and capacity building in meeting phytosanitary standards for such products. Amends AGOA to condition the President's termination of the designation of an SSA country upon Congress' not prohibiting it. Requires the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) to focus funding on investments in agribusiness, electronics, textiles, and apparel. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to waive certains prohibitions against OPIC issuance of any contract of insurance or reinsurance, guaranty, or agreement to provide financing for an eligible investor's proposed investment in an SSA country even if such investment is likely to cause a significant reduction in the number of employees in the United States. Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to require the Bank to implement regulations and procedures appropriate to ensure that full consideration is given to the extent to which any credit extension is likely to have a positive effect on industries, including the textile and apparel industry and agricultural production, in SSA countries. Requires the Secretary to direct the Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) to work with national African agricultural organizations to identify agricultural equipment and supply needs and implement programs that strengthen the ability of members of African agricultural organizations to fulfill these needs in conjunction with export credit guarantee programs. States the sense of Congress that USAID, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), and the African Development Bank, should continue to provide technical assistance to SSA countries in tax policy and revenue administration. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to seek negotiations with those SSA countries which the Secretary determines will benefit most from an income tax treaty with the United States to avoid double taxation. Directs the USAID Administrator to study the economy of each SSA country, identifying growth sectors and barriers impeding growth, as well as how the U.S. Government and the private sector can provide technical assistance to help dismantle such barriers and promote investment in such sectors. Directs the President to develop and implement policies to encourage, and assist with, investment in transportation, energy, agriculture, and telecommunications infrastructure in SSA countries. Directs the USAID Administrator to foster specified port-to-port and airport-to-airport relationships. Directs the President to assemble an interagency task force to facilitate the goals and objectives of this Act. Authorizes the USTR to provide grants to U.S. nongovernmental organizations and to U.S. representatives of the private sector to host AGAO forums.
Bill· HRH.R. 3542 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Protection of Family Farmers Act of 2003 - Amends the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999 to extend for six additional months (until July 1, 2004) the period for which chapter 12 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code (Adjustments of Debts of a Family Farmer) is reenacted. States that such extension shall take effect on January 1, 2004.
Bill· HRH.R. 3547 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Safe and Fair Enforcement and Recall for Meat, Poultry and Food Act or SAFER Meat, Poultry and Food Act - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to: (1) require a person, other than a household consumer, who has reason to believe meat, poultry, or food products to be adulterated or misbranded to so notify the Secretary of Agriculture; and (2) provide the Secretary with authority for voluntary and mandatory nondistribution and recall, withdrawal of inspectors from violating facilities, and civil penalties.
Bill· HRH.R. 3566 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to use geospatial and information management technologies (including remote sensing imaging and decision support systems) to inventory, monitor, and identify National Forest System and private (with consent) forest stands. Directs the Secretary to carry out such program through: (1) remote sensing technology of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United States Geological Survey; (2) emerging geospatial capabilities in research activities; (3) validating techniques; and (4) integration of results into pilot operational systems. Directs the Secretary to address: (1) environmental threats (including insect, disease, invasive species, fire, acid deposition, and weather-related risks and other episodic events); (2) forest degradation, and preventive management practices; and (3) characterization of vegetation types, density, fire regimes, and post-fire effects. Directs the Secretary to designate a facility in the Ochoco National Forest headquarters within Forest Service Region 6 to address such issues, with particular emphasis on coniferous forest stands in the Western United States. Directs the Secretary develop an early warning system for catastrophic environmental forest threats.
Bill· HRH.R. 3546 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Meat and Poultry Products Traceability and Safety Act of 2003 - Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to direct that cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, mules and other equines, and poultry presented for slaughter for human consumption, and the carcasses or parts of carcasses and the meat and food products of those animals, shipped in interstate commerce be identified in a manner that enables the Secretary of Agriculture to trace: (1) each animal to any location at which the animal was held at any time before slaughter; and (2) each carcass or part of a carcass and food product forward from slaughter through processing and distribution to the ultimate consumer. Authorizes the Secretary to prohibit or restrict entry to a slaughtering establishment of an animal not so identified. Directs the Secretary to establish a traceability system for all stages of production, processing, and distribution of meat and meat food products and poultry and poultry food products.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 457 (108th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2003
Waives points of order against the consideration of the conference report on H.R. 1904 (healthy forests restoration).
Bill· SS. 1884 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2003
Enhance Domestic Manufacturing and Worker Assistance Act of 2003 - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend through FY 2012 trade adjustment assistance for workers, small businesses, farmers, and fishermen who harvest wild stock. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Trade Adjustment Assistance for Communities (TAAC) Program at the Department of Commerce. Prescribes criteria for determination of TAAC-eligible communities negatively impacted by trade, considering: (1) the number of jobs affected compared to the size of workforce; (2) the severity of the rates of unemployment and the duration of the unemployment in the community; (3) the income levels and the extent of underemployment; (4) the outmigration of population from the community and the extent to which the outmigration is causing economic injury in the community; and (5) the community's unique problems and needs. Authorizes an eligible community to develop a strategic plan for community economic adjustment and diversification. Authorizes the Secretary to award a grant to an eligible community to: (1) develop and implement such plan; and (2) upon its approval, carry out any project or program included in the plan. Provides for award of supplemental grants Requires the Secretary to develop guidelines to ensure that rural communities receive preference in the allocation of resources. Establishes an Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance in the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce. Authorizes appropriations for the National Institute of Standards and Technology for: (1) the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program through FY 2015; and (2) the Advanced Technology Program through FY 2013. Establishes an Office of Small Business in the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
Bill· SS. 1877 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2003
Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to include playas (temporary water areas) in the wetland and buffer acreage conservation pilot program (farmable wetlands program). Increases maximum acreage and payment acreage limits.
Bill· HRH.R. 3514 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2003
Pennsylvania National Forest Improvement Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) convey specified National Forest System lands and administrative sites in Pennsylvania; (2) convey the Sheffield Ranger District Headquarters to the Warren County Development Association, Warren County, Pennsylvania; and (3) convey, without consideration, the Marienville ranger residence to the Marienville Volunteer Fire Department, Forest County, Pennsylvania.
Bill· HRH.R. 3505 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2003
Amends the Bend Pine Nursery Land Conveyance Act to reduce the acreage estimate for Tract A of the Bend Pine Nursery in Oregon from 210 to 185 acres. Rescinds the right of first refusal previously granted to the Bend Metro Park and Recreation District in Deschutes County, Oregon to purchase Tract A of the Bend Pine Nursery. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to offer to sell specified acreage in Tract A of the Bend Pine Nursery to the Bend Metro Park and Recreation District for recreational purposes only and to convey specified acreage to the Administrative School District No. 1, Deschutes County, Oregon for educational purposes only.
Bill· HRH.R. 3500 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2003
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and maintain the national 2004 marketing quota for Flue-cured and Burley tobacco at 2003 levels. Provides that: (1) A producer-owned cooperative marketing association may fully settle, without further cost to the association, a loan made for the 2004 crop of Flue-cured and Burley tobacco by forfeiting to the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) the Flue-cured or Burley tobacco covered by the loan regardless of the condition of the tobacco; (2) any resultant CCC losses shall not be charged to the No Net Cost Tobacco Account; or affect certain related assessments; and (3) forfeited tobacco shall not be counted towards quotas, or sold for use in the United States.
Bill· SS. 1861 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2003
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 conduct being targeted; (4) exclude restrictions on the provision of medicine, medical equipment, or food; (5) seek to minimize any adverse impact on the humanitarian activities of U.S. and foreign nongovernmental organizations in any country against which the sanction may be imposed; and (6) direct the Secretary of Agriculture to expand agricultural export assistance under U.S. market development, food assistance, or export promotion programs to offset any potential damage to incomes of producers of any affected agricultural commodity. Requires any such legislation to provide authority for the President both to adjust the timing and scope of the sanction and to waive the sanction, if the President determines it is in the national interest to do so. 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 within a stated period of time. 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 the President determines that such a 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.
Bill· SS. 1858 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2003
National Veterinary Medical Service Act - Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a veterinary school loan repayment program (including resultant tax liability payments) for persons who perform qualifying veterinary services in shortage and emergency situations.
Law· SS. 1848 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 11 November 2003
Amends the Bend Pine Nursery Land Conveyance Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to offer to sell for recreational use the Bend Pine Nursery Administrative Site to the Bend Metro Park and Recreation District, Deschutes County, Oregon. Directs the Secretary to convey for no consideration certain land for educational use to Administrative School District No. 1, Deschutes County, Oregon.
Bill· SS. 1840 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2003
Voluntary Public Access and Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program Act of 2003 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program under which States may apply for grants to encourage owners and operators of privately-held farm and ranch land to voluntarily make such land available for public access and habitat-related activities under State-administered plans. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to exclude from excess base acreage computation for direct and counter-cyclical payment purposes certain conservation enrolled farm land not planted in an agricultural commodity.
Law· HRH.R. 3479 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2003
Brown Tree Snake Control and Eradication Act of 2003 - Expresses the sense of Congress that there is a need for better coordinated control, interdiction, research, and eradication of the brown tree snake. Requires all Federal agencies to take measures to prevent the introduction or spread of the snake in the United States and to fund programs for the control and eradication of the snake. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to: (1) fund snake control, interdiction, research, and eradication efforts; (2) establish quarantine protocols to prevent the introduction or spread of the snake in the United States; and (3) establish a committee to be known as the Brown Tree Snake Control and Eradication Committee to coordinate activities among Federal agencies and between the U.S. Government and State, territorial, and local governments for the control, interdiction, research, and eradication of the snake. Designates the brown tree snake as: (1) an agricultural pest under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; and (2) non-mailable matter.
Bill· HRH.R. 3482 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 2003
Voluntary Public Access and Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program Act of 2003 - Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program under which States may apply for grants to encourage owners and operators of privately-held farm and ranch land to voluntarily make such land available for public access and habitat-related activities under State-administered plans. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to exclude from excess base acreage computation for direct and counter-cyclical payment purposes certain conservation enrolled farm land not planted in an agricultural commodity.
Bill· SS. 1829 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003
Better Eating for Better Living Act of 2003 - Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) and the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to revise school lunch programs with respect to reimbursement rates, nutrition guidelines, milk guidelines, and funds for nutrition education and training. Amends NLSA to increase the reimbursement rate for school lunches by 20.5 cents per meal (from 10.5 to 31). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to evaluate nutrition guidelines for school meals, and issue any necessary revised guidelines, every five years. Revises milk guidelines. Requires schools, at a minimum, to offer students a choice of low fat or nonfat fluid milk. Allows schools, in addition, to offer any other varieties of fluid milk that are: (1) consistent with expressed preferences of the student population; and (2) reasonably equivalent in calcium, protein, vitamin A, and vitamin K content and cost. Amends CNA to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Secretary specified amounts of funds for implementing and administering nutrition education and training programs. Requires grants to each State from such amounts to be: (1) based on a rate of 1/2 cent per average daily number of meals served; and (2) allocated among State, district, and school food service and health education authorities, as determined by the Secretary. Sets a minimum grant amount.
Bill· SS. 1831 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide that income averaging for farmers and fisherman will not increase their alternative minimum tax liability; and (2) permit income averaging for fishermen.
Resolution· SRESS.Res. 260 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Health and Human Services has the authority to determine that dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids are dangerous and should be taken off the market.
Bill· HRH.R. 3472 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003
Establishes the Federal Interagency Task Force to Promote the Benefits, Safety, and Potential Uses of Agricultural Biotechnology to improve interagency cooperation and to develop and disseminate accurate written scientific information on the benefits, safety, and potential uses of agricultural biotechnology. Terminates the Task Force ten years after enactment of this Act.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 435 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 6 November 2003
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Health and Human Services has the authority to determine that dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids are dangerous and should be taken off the market.
Bill· SS. 1827 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2003
Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act, reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, to eliminate pear marketing order requirements that: (1) processors be members of an agency administering a marketing order; and (2) processor and producer agency representation be equal respecting a marketing order for canned or frozen pears.
Bill· HRH.R. 3448 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2003
Includes all of Aroostook County, Maine, within the Aroostook County Empowerment Zone (for Department of Agriculture empowerment zone purposes).
Bill· HRH.R. 3441 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2003
School Nutrition Enhancement Act - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to phase out reduced price lunches and breakfasts by phasing in increases in income eligibility for free lunches and breakfasts by specified increments from 130 percent of the Office of Management and Budget nonfarm income poverty guidelines for July 1, 2003, to 185 percent of such guidelines for July 1, 2008, and every subsequent school year.
Bill· SS. 1819 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2003
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.
Bill· HRH.R. 3433 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2003
Transfers (with a reversionary interest for non-Job Corps use) administrative jurisdiction of certain Federal lands in Stoddard County, Missouri, from the Secretary of the Interior to the Secretary of Agriculture for continued operation of the Mingo Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center. Maintains Department of Labor agreements with respect to such Center.
Law· SS. 1814 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2003
Transfers (with a reversionary interest for non-Job Corps use) administrative jurisdiction of certain Federal lands in Stoddard County, Missouri, from the Secretary of the Interior to the Secretary of Agriculture for continued operation of the Mingo Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center. Maintains Department of Labor agreements with respect to such Center.
Law· SJRESS.J.Res. 22 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 3 November 2003
Recognizes the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture for 50 years of outstanding service to the Nation through agricultural research.
Bill· HRH.R. 3422 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2003
Bridges to the Cuban People Act of 2003 - Exempts from the embargo on trade with Cuba (including prohibitions under the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 against the unloading at a U.S. port of vessels that previously entered a Cuban port to engage in trade) the export of any agricultural commodity, farm machinery or equipment, medicine, medical device, assistive technology device, personal care products, or products intended for the exclusive use by children, or any travel incident to the sale or delivery of such items. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report on export promotion and credit programs for Cuba. Prohibits the President from prohibiting or regulating travel to or from or within Cuba by U.S. nationals or lawful resident aliens, including specified transactions ordinarily incident to such travel, financial or otherwise. Authorizes the President to provide scholarships, with funds under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 for Cuban nationals who seek to undertake graduate study in public health, public policy, economics, law, or other field of social science. Authorizes the President to waive certain sanctions against, and restrictions on assistance to, Cuba, including the exclusion from the United States of certain aliens who have confiscated property in Cuba of U.S. nationals or who traffic in such property, if he determines that it will promote the peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba or will further U.S. national economic interests. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from limiting the amount of remittances to Cuba that any U.S. person may make. Authorizes the import into the United States of a Cuban-originated medical article if the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that there is a medical need in the United States for such article that is not being met by any medicine or medical device in commercial distribution in the United States. Repeals a prohibition, under the Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999, on certain transactions or payments with respect to U.S. intellectual property. Requires the U.S. Postal Service to provide direct mail service to and from Cuba. Amends the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 to provide for expedited security checks for certain visiting Cubans. Prohibits the President from regulating or prohibiting travel to, from, or within Cuba by U.S. persons for the purpose of engaging in or financing motion picture or television projects, or engaging in music recording projects, or any transactions incidental to such travel. Removes certain restrictions under specified Federal laws in order to allow Cuban nationals to come to the United States to play organized professional sports.
Bill· HRH.R. 3427 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2003
Craig Recreation Land Purchase Act - Requires: (1) that, if the City of Craig, Alaska (the City), tenders all right, title, and interest of the City in and to the municipal lands identified as the "Sunnahae Trail and Recreation Parcel and Craig Cannery Property" and dated August 2003, to the Secretary of Agriculture not later than six months after the date the City receives the results of the Secretary's appraisal, the Secretary shall accept such tender; (2) the City to use the funds received for such transfer to purchase the "Wards Cove Property"; (3) that the lands being transferred shall be of equal value; (4) the Secretary, prior to any conveyance under this Act, to conduct the appraisal of the municipal lands in accordance with specified standards; and (5) that the municipal lands received by the Secretary shall become part of the Tongass National Forest.
Bill· HRH.R. 3416 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 30 October 2003
Healthy Children Through Better Nutrition Act of 2003 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) to reauthorize various programs, including the national school lunch and breakfast, child and adult care food, after-school snack, summer food service, and special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC). Revises requirements relating to eligibility for and access to such programs. Establishes programs for: (1) year-round community child nutrition; (2) school meals improvements grants; and (3) free fruit and vegetables at schools. Expands eligibility for free meals. Makes homeless children and youth automatically eligible for free lunches and breakfasts. Lowers area eligibility thresholds under the child and adult care food programs and the summer food service program. Provides for direct certification of children as eligible for free meals, without further application, based on their being in households receiving assistance under the food stamp program or the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program under title IV part A of the Social Security Act, and through other means-tested programs. Provides for categorical eligibility for recipients of other means-tested benefits. Revises the summer food service program to make it a permanent rather than a pilot program, and to provide startup and expansion grants. Revises school breakfast programs to provide: (1) startup and expansion grants; and (2) universal secondary school breakfast pilot projects. Provides commodity assistance for school breakfast, as well as school lunch, programs. Revises the child and adult care food program to provide for nutrition education pilot programs. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to establish a year-round community child nutrition program. Requires local educational agencies (LEAs) participating in school meals programs to establish school nutrition policies that at a minimum ensure that operational responsibility for school food services includes approval of all foods sold on campus, excluding occasional sales. Revises prohibitions and restrictions on competitive foods sold within food service areas. Revises requirements for nutritional reviews. Authorizes the Secretary to make school meals improvement grants to State educational agencies. Directs the Secretary to carry out an expanded pilot program for availability of free fruits and vegetables throughout the schoolday. Revises the system of nutrition education grants to SEAs to provide Team Nutrition Network (TNN) program grants to States for various State and local community activities, including subgrants to schools and school food authorities to carry out nutrition education activities at the local level. Requires schools to serve milk in a variety of fat contents. Permits soy milk to be included as a fluid milk option if the Secretary determines it to be nutritionally equivalent and to meet nutritional standards. Revises certification requirements for WIC program participation to: (1) allow a State to certify breastfeeding women for up to one year or until they stop breastfeeding, whichever is earlier; and (2) modify physical presence requirements. Expands the definition of nutrition education under WIC to include not only dietary habits but related matters such as physical activity, parenting, and child development. Directs the Secretary to engage the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine every ten years to reevaluate the supplemental foods available in the WIC program and recommend changes. Extends through FY 2009 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) the WIC program; (2) WIC nutrition services and administrative funds; and (3) WIC farmers' market nutrition program. Directs the Secretary to make competitive grants to private nonprofit entities and educational institutions to establish and carry out Farm-to-Cafeteria projects to improve access to local foods in schools and institutions receiving funds under NSLA and CNA (except the WIC program, which already has a WIC Farmers Market Nutrition program). Requires States to amend their plans to describe how funds for State administrative expenses will be used for technology and information management systems (TIMS), and how they will use such systems to improve program integrity in certain ways. Directs the Secretary to make funds available, on a competitive basis, to provide for grants to schools and school food authorities to purchase or upgrade TIMS for use in NSLA or CNA programs. Directs the Secretary to develop policy and establish procedures regarding the purchase, distribution, notice of consumption, and provision of information regarding irradiated foods in Federal school meals programs. Extends through FY 2009 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) State administrative expenses (CNA); (2) the commodity distribution program; (3) training, technical assistance, and food service management institute (NSLA); and (4) accommodation of the special dietary needs of individuals with disabilities (NSLA). Reauthorizes through FY 2009 the exclusion of military housing allowances from consideration as income in determining eligibility for free or reduced price lunches.
Bill· SS. 1796 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2003
Rural Renaissance Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish the Rural Renaissance Corporation to issue rural renaissance bonds for the financing of qualified projects. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited credit to the holder of a rural renaissance bond. Sets an annual rural renaissance bond limit and provides for allocation among the States. Describes qualified projects as: (1) a water or waste treatment project; (2) a conservation project, including any project to protect water quality or air quality (including odor abatement), any project to prevent soil erosion, and any project to protect wildlife habitat, including any project to assist agricultural producers in complying with Federal, State, or local regulations; (3) an affordable housing project; (4) a community facility project, including hospitals, fire and police stations, and nursing and assisted-living facilities; (5) a value-added agriculture or renewable energy facility project for agricultural producers or farmer-owned entities, including any project to promote the production or processing of ethanol, biodiesel, animal waste, biomass, raw commodities, or wind as a fuel; (6) a rural venture capital project for, among others, farmer-owned entities; (7) a distance learning or telemedicine project; (8) a project to expand broadband technology; and (9) a rural teleworks project.
Bill· HRH.R. 3403 (108th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2003
Amends the Clean Air Act to authorize the production of methyl bromide in the same amount requested by the United States under the critical use exemption process of the Montreal Protocol, even if the parties to the protocol do not approve the entire amount. (Methyl bromide is a fumigant used to control insects, nematodes, weeds, and pathogens that has been defined under the Montreal Protocol of 1991 as a chemical that contributes to depletion of the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol requires a phase out in production in the United States on a more accelerated schedule than that required of developing countries with which U.S. agriculture competes.)
Bill· HRH.R. 3402 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 29 October 2003
Permanent Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to use Commodity Credit Corporation funds for emergency financial assistance to: (1) crop producers who have suffered qualifying weather-caused crop losses in 2001, 2002, or 2003; and (2) livestock producers for losses in 2001, 2002, or 2003, including livestock under the American Indian livestock program, in a disaster-designated county. Reduces (other than crop insurance) other agricultural assistance by amounts received under this Act. Directs the Secretary to make emergency financial assistance available after 2003 to producers with specified crop insurance coverage who have suffered qualifying weather-caused crop damage in a disaster-designated area.
Bill· HRH.R. 3377 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 28 October 2003
Dietary Supplement Access and Awareness Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require reports to the Secretary of Health and Human Services by: (1) manufacturers and processors of dietary supplements respecting dietary supplement product listing (including labeling, ingredient, and discontinuance information); and (2) manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements respecting serious adverse experiences resulting from a supplement's use (requires manufacturer or distributor investigation of such occurrence). Authorizes the Secretary to require a manufacturer to: (1) provide postmarket surveillance if there is a reasonable possibility of a supplement causing adverse health consequences; and (2) demonstrate that a supplement is not adulterated if the Secretary has reasonable grounds for believing that a supplement may be adulterated (permits distribution during such demonstration period unless determined to be an imminent public health hazard, and requires a final determination of adulteration by the Secretary). Deems a supplement as adulterated for noncompliance with such safety demonstration provisions. Authorizes the Secretary to make a determination that a dietary supplement may pose a significant risk to individuals under the age of 18, and prohibit (as misbranded while held for sale) the supplement's sale to such individuals. Includes among prohibited acts failure to comply with the requirements added by this Act (other than safety demonstration requirements). Extends inspection authority to records, controls, and facilities related to a determination of supplement adulteration. Directs the Secretary to carry out dietary supplement education programs for health care professionals and consumers.
Bill· HRH.R. 3373 (108th)open
United States · United States Congress · 24 October 2003
Missouri River Enhancement and Monitoring Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Biological Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey, to establish a program at the River Studies Center of the Biological Resources Division to: (1) determine and monitor the biological and chemical characteristics of the Missouri River; (2) determine and monitor the interrelationship of those characteristics with the hydrology and geomorphology of the River; and (3) monitor and assess the biota, including threatened or endangered species, habitats, and water quality of the River. Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to: (1) establish a database on River biota; and (2) make such database readily available to specified entities, including the Governors of affected States, the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Army, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Missouri River Basin Indian tribes, and the public. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Geological Survey, to: (1) review the program; (2) establish and revise the program's objectives, as necessary; and (3) report to Congress on the environmental health of the River.
Law· SS. 1778 (108th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 23 October 2003
Craig Recreation Land Purchase Act - Requires: (1) that, if the City of Craig, Alaska (the City), tenders all right, title, and interest of the City in and to the municipal lands identified as the "Sunnahae Trail and Recreation Parcel and Craig Cannery Property" and dated August 2003, to the Secretary of Agriculture not later than six months after the date the City receives the results of the Secretary's appraisal, the Secretary shall accept such tender; (2) the City to use the funds received for such transfer to purchase the "Wards Cove Property"; (3) that the lands being transferred shall be of equal value; (4) the Secretary, prior to any conveyance under this Act, to conduct the appraisal of the municipal lands in accordance with specified standards; and (5) that the municipal lands received by the Secretary shall become part of the Tongass National Forest.