Agriculture

National Food and Agricultural Science Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2004

National Food and Agricultural Science Act of 2004 - Establishes: (1) in the National Science Foundation a Division of Food and Agricultural Science, which shall be administered by a Director of Food and Agricultural Science; and (2) in the Division a Standing Council of Advisors. States that the Division's sole function shall be to award grants to promote complementary, fundamental agricultural research to: (1) individual scientists; (2) single and multi-institutional research centers; and (3) private and public sector entities, including the Department of Agriculture, the Foundation, or other Federal agencies.

Small Business and Farm Energy Emergency Relief Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 19 November 2004

Small Business and Farm Energy Emergency Relief Act of 2004 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make disaster loans to assist small businesses that have suffered or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury as the result of a sharp and significant increase in the price of heating fuel or electricity. Prohibits any such loan from being made if the total amount outstanding and committed to the borrower would exceed $1.5 million, unless the applicant is a major source of employment in its surrounding area. Requires, for such assistance: (1) a declaration by the President or the SBA Administrator that an area is affected by a sharp and significant increase in such price; or (2) a certification from the governor of the State that its small businesses have suffered such economic injury and are in need of assistance which is not otherwise available. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans to farm operations that qualify as a small business and have or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury from a sharp and significant increase in energy costs or input costs from energy sources occurring on or after November 1, 2004, in connection with an energy emergency declared by the President or the Secretary.

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

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2004

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

A resolution to instruct conferees to the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies appropriations bill, 2005 or on a consolidated appropriations measure that includes the substance of that act.

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2004

States that, for the purpose of restoring the provisions governing the conservation security program to those enacted in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act and restoring the practice of treating agricultural disaster assistance as emergency spending, the Senate instructs conferees to the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2005, or a Consolidated Appropriations Measure that includes the substance of that Act, to insist that the conference report contain legislative language striking subsections (e) and (f) of section 101 of division B of H.R. 4837.

A concurrent resolution to correct the enrollment of H.R. 4837

United States · United States Congress · 11 October 2004

Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make certain corrections in the enrollment of H.R. 4837 (Military Construction Appropriations and Emergency Hurricane Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2005). Repeals the requirement that: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture shall use not more than $6.037 billion of the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out the conservation security program for the period of FY 2005 through 2014; and (2) any savings from that requirement not be scored until FY 2008. Replaces such requirement with the designation of agricultural disaster assistance under such Act as an emergency requirement.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the 108th Congress should provide the necessary funds to make disaster assistance available for all customarily eligible agricultural producers as emergency spending and not funded by cuts to the farm bill.

United States · United States Congress · 9 October 2004

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the 108th Congress should provide the necessary funds to make disaster assistance available for all customarily eligible agricultural producers as emergency spending and not funded by cuts to the farm bill.

Green Mountain National Forest Land Adjustment Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004

Green Mountain National Forest Land Adjustment Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or exchange any right, title, and interest of the United States in and to five specified parcels of National Forest System land in Vermont. Directs the Secretary to offer to convey such land to Bromley Mountain Ski Resort, Inc. Makes sale proceeds available for: (1) the location and relocation of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Long National Recreation Trail in Vermont; (2) the acquisition of land for National Forest System purposes within the boundary of Green Mountain National Forest; (3) the acquisition of wetland within the boundary of the Forest to offset the loss of wetland from the parcels sold or exchanged; and (4) the payment of direct administrative costs incurred in carrying out this Act. Allows the Secretary, using funds made available as described above or otherwise made available for acquisition, to acquire land or an interest in land for National Forest System purposes within the boundary of the Forest.

Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004

Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs Improvement Act - Amends Federal transportation law to establish, and replace the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) with, the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), which shall be headed by an Administrator appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Establishes in RITA an Office of Intermodalism. Transfers the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to RITA. Establishes the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) in the Department of Transportation (DOT), headed by an Administrator with professional experience in pipeline safety, hazardous materials safety, or other transportation safety, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Requires the Director of the Office of Intermodalism to develop a plan to improve the national intermodal transportation system. Revises sanitary food transportation requirements to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish procedures for transportation safety inspections in order to identify suspected incidents of contamination or adulteration of food, meat, and poultry products and to train DOT personnel in the appropriate use of the procedures. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to notify the Secretaries of HHS and of Agriculture of instances of potential food contamination or adulteration of a food identified during transportation safety inspections. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of HHS to require shippers, motor vehicle or rail vehicle carriers, receivers, and other persons engaged in the transportation of food to use sanitary transportation practices prescribed by the Secretary of HHS to avoid the adulteration of food.

A bill to amend the Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting Act of 1999 to modify the termination date for mandatory price reporting.

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004

Amends the Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting Act of 1999 to extend the termination date of such Act's mandatory beef and swine reporting and related authorities to September 30, 2005.

Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004

Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, and the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), to convey specified parcels of Federal land to certain counties and cities in central Idaho. Authorizes the conveyance of specified National Forest System land or public land to Custer County or the State of Idaho for public campgrounds, tourism and recreation, and access to trails in or near the Boulder-White Cloud Management Area (BWCMA) established by this Act. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the State of Idaho specified parcels of BLM land for motorized recreation parks. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to construct a trail for use by pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles and as a snowmobile route. Addresses the extension of guide and outfitter operating permits authorizing activities in the BWCMA or wilderness areas designated under this Act. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to submit to Congress a specified study addressing fire risk mitigation measures in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA). Establishes the BWCMA on Federal lands in the Challis National Forest, SNRA, and Challis District of the BLM. Limits activities within the BWCMA. Authorizes appropriations for a grant to Idaho's Off Road Motor Vehicle Program. Designates specified parcels of Federal land in Idaho as wilderness areas and components of the National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS). Repeals existing law requiring review of portions of the SNRA for possible inclusion in the NWPS. Establishes a voluntary grazing permit waiver program.

Act to Save America's Forests

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2004

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.

Safe Food Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004

Safe Food Act of 2004 - Establishes the Food Safety Administration to administer and enforce food safety laws. Directs the Administrator of the Food Safety Administration to: (1) promulgate regulations to ensure the security of the food supply from all forms of contamination; (2) implement Federal food safety inspection, enforcement, and research efforts to protect the public health; (3) develop consistent and science-based standards for safe food; (4) coordinate and prioritize food safety research and education programs with other Federal agencies; (5) prioritize Federal food safety efforts and deployment of resources to achieve the greatest possible benefit in reducing food-borne illness; (6) coordinate the Federal response to food-borne illness outbreaks with other Federal and State agencies; and (7) integrate Federal food safety activities with State and local agencies. Transfers to the Administration all functions of specified Federal agencies that relate to the administration or enforcement of food safety laws, including (1) the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture; and (2) the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and the Center for Veterinary Medicine of the Food and Drug Administration. Requires the Administrator to: (1) administer a national food safety program based on an analysis of the hazards associated with different food and the processing of different food; (2) establish standards for processors of food and food establishments; (3) establish a certification system for foreign governments or food establishments seeking to import food to the United States; (4) establish requirements for tracing food and food producing animals from point of origin to retail sale; (5) maintain an active surveillance system of food, food products, and epidemiological evidence; (6) establish a sampling system to monitor contaminants in food; (7) rank and analyze hazards in the food supply; (8) establish a national public education campaign on food safety; and (9) conduct research relating to food safety. Sets forth provisions regarding prohibited acts, administrative detention, condemnation, temporary holds, recall, penalties for violations of food safety laws, whistle blower protection, and civil actions.

To designate the parcel of land containing the facility of the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture located at State Highway 26 West in Poplarville, Mississippi, as the "Thad Cochran Southern Horticultural Laboratory Site".

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004

Designates the parcel of land containing the facility of the Agriculture Research Service of the Department of Agriculture located at State Highway 26 West in Poplarville, Mississippi, as the Thad Cochran Southern Horticultural Laboratory Site.

Safe Food Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2004

Safe Food Act of 2004 - Establishes the Food Safety Administration to administer and enforce food safety laws. Directs the Administrator of the Food Safety Administration to: (1) promulgate regulations to ensure the security of the food supply from all forms of contamination; (2) implement Federal food safety inspection, enforcement, and research efforts to protect the public health; (3) develop consistent and science-based standards for safe food; (4) coordinate and prioritize food safety research and education programs with other Federal agencies; (5) prioritize Federal food safety efforts and deployment of resources to achieve the greatest possible benefit in reducing food-borne illness; (6) coordinate the Federal response to food-borne illness outbreaks with other Federal and State agencies; and (7) integrate Federal food safety activities with State and local agencies. Transfers to the Administration all functions of specified Federal agencies that relate to the administration or enforcement of food safety laws, including (1) the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture; and (2) the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and the Center for Veterinary Medicine of the Food and Drug Administration. Requires the Administrator to: (1) administer a national food safety program based on an analysis of the hazards associated with different food and the processing of different food; (2) establish standards for processors of food and food establishments; (3) establish a certification system for foreign governments or food establishments seeking to import food to the United States; (4) establish requirements for tracing food and food producing animals from point of origin to retail sale; (5) maintain an active surveillance system of food, food products, and epidemiological evidence; (6) establish a sampling system to monitor contaminants in food; (7) rank and analyze hazards in the food supply; (8) establish a national public education campaign on food safety; and (9) conduct research relating to food safety. Sets forth provisions regarding prohibited acts, administrative detention, condemnation, temporary holds, recall, penalties for violations of food safety laws, whistle blower protection, and civil actions.

Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004

Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 - Defines "specialty crop" as each U.S. agricultural crop other than wheat, feed grains, oilseeds, cotton, rice, peanuts, sugar, and tobacco. Amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act to provide for marketing order specialty crop food safety programs. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to: (1) increase assistance for the tree assistance program; (2) provide for increased fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop purchases; and (3) increase and extend specialty crop technical assistance. Authorizes appropriations for maintenance of the Agricultural Marketing Service inspection training center in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Makes grants to enhance specialty crop competitiveness. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to obligate funds for specialty crop operating loans. Provides for: (1) the study of the extent to which U.S. specialty crops have or have not benefited from any reductions of foreign trade barriers; and (2) a foreign market access strategy plan based on such study. Establishes a division in the Department of Agriculture to process petitions for reducing sanitary and phytosanitary export barriers and an office to develop and protect intellectual property rights in plants and plant materials. Amends Federal patent law to define "essentially derived plant." Provides for specified additional research initiatives. Establishes a fund to support emergency eradication and research activities. Provides for independent scientific advice and peer review with regard to specialty crop import and export requests. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to remove the income limitation from the environmental quality incentives program. Addresses the development of voluntary sustainable practices guidelines for producers and processors of specialty crops.

Pitkin County Land Exchange Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004

Pitkin County Land Exchange Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) and the Secretary of the Interior, upon receipt of title to certain lands located in Pitkin County, Colorado, and certain lands located on Smuggler Mountain in the County, to convey to the County or to the Aspen Valley Land Trust, if the County so requests, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to certain National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands located in the County. Prohibits the conveyance of a specified parcel to the County unless and until specified conditions are met, including that the County grants to the Aspen Valley Land Trust, the Roaring Fork Conservancy, or to another entity mutually agreeable to the County and the Secretary of the Interior, a permanent conservation easement which provides public access to the parcel and limits future use of the parcel to recreational, fish, and wildlife conservation, and open space purposes. States that lands acquired by the Secretary pursuant to this Act shall become part of White River National Forest.

To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to provide for automatic eligibility for free school lunch and breakfast programs to children of parents who are enlisted members of the Armed Forces on active duty.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004

Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to provide for automatic eligibility for free school lunch and breakfast programs for children of enlisted members of the Armed Forces on active duty or of the National Guard on active duty. Provides that such amendment shall cease to have effect two years after enactment of this Act.

To authorize the placement of an equestrian statue depicting frontiersman, explorer, and missionary Jacob Hamblin on the grounds of the Forest Service Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center in Jacob Lake, Arizona, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to authorize the Jacob Hamblin Legacy Organization to install a bronze equestrian statue depicting frontiersman, explorer, and missionary Jacob Hamblin on the grounds of the Forest Service Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center in Jacob Lake, Arizona. Prohibits the use of Federal funds to design, acquire, prepare the site for, or install the statue.

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Disasters Assistance Act, 2005

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Disasters Assistance Act, 2005 - Makes FY 2005 emergency supplemental appropriations for additional natural disaster assistance to: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the Emergency Conservation Program of the Farm Service Agency, the Emergency Watershed Protection Program of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Rural Community Advancement Program, the Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account, and Rural Housing Assistance Grants; (2) the Department of Justice for the Federal Prison System for salaries, expenses, buildings, and facilities; (3) the Department of Commerce for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for operations, research, facilities, procurement, acquisition, and construction; (4) the Small Business Administration for the Disaster Loans Program Account; (5) the Department of Defense for operation and maintenance (including transfer of funds in some cases) for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Defense-Wide, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Army National Guard, Air National Guard, "Other Procurement, Air Force, "Procurement, Defense-Wide," Defense Working Capital Funds, and the Defense Health Program; (6) the Corps of Engineers - Civil for "General Investigations" and "Construction, General," "Flood Control, Mississippi River and Tributaries, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee," "Operation and Maintenance, General," and "Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies;" (7) the U.S. Agency for International Development for International Disaster and Family Assistance; (8) the Department of Homeland Security for the U.S. Coast Guard for Operating Expenses and Emergency Preparedness and Response for Disaster Relief; (9) the Department of the Interior for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service for construction, and the U.S. Geological Survey for surveys, investigations, and research; (10) the Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service for State and private forestry, the National Forest System, wildlife fire management, and capital improvement and maintenance; (11) the Department of Health and Human Services for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund; (12) the Department of Defense for military construction for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Army Reserve, through FY 2007, family housing operation and maintenance of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, and for the Base Realignment and Closure Account; (13) the Department of Transportation for the Federal Aviation Administration for facilities and equipment, Grants-in-Aid for Airports, the Federal Highway Administration for the Emergency Relief Program (including rescission of contract authorization); (14) the Executive Office of the President for unanticipated needs of the American Red Cross; (15) the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Veterans Health Administration for medical services, administration and facilities, general operating expenses, the National Cemetery Administration, construction, and minor projects; (16) the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Community Development Fund; and (17) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for space flight capabilities.

To respond to recent natural disasters adversely affecting agricultural producers.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide emergency financial assistance to agricultural producers who have incurred qualifying 2003 or 2004 crop losses due to weather or related conditions. Permits producers with qualifying losses in both years to elect to receive payments in either, but not both, of such years. Makes producers ineligible for crop disaster assistance if they did not: (1) get Federal crop insurance for insurable commodities; and (2) file required paperwork and pay related fees for noninsurable commodities. Sets forth: (1) waiver provisions; and (2) payment limitations, including reductions for amounts received under the Florida Disaster Programs. Directs the Secretary to provide payments to livestock producers who have incurred 2003 or 2004 losses in an emergency-designated county, with discretionary set-asides for the American Indian livestock program. Permits producers with qualifying losses in both years to elect to receive payments in either, but not both, of such years. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to commercial orchardists and tree farmers who have suffered losses during the December 1, 2003 through December 31, 2004 period. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance to emergency conservation program participants. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to limit Commodity Credit Corporation amounts available for the conservation security program for FY 2005 through 2014.

Expressing the sense of the Congress on the importance of revitalizing family farming.

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2004

Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States must commit all necessary resources and policies to encourage growth in the number of family farms.

Green Mountain National Forest Land Adjustment Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004

Green Mountain National Forest Land Adjustment Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or exchange any right, title, and interest of the United States in and to five specified parcels of National Forest System land in Vermont. Directs the Secretary to offer to convey such land to Bromley Mountain Ski Resort, Inc. Makes sale proceeds available for: (1) the location and relocation of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Long National Recreation Trail in Vermont; (2) the acquisition of land for National Forest System purposes within the boundary of Green Mountain National Forest; (3) the acquisition of wetland within the boundary of the Forest to offset the loss of wetland from the parcels sold or exchanged; and (4) the payment of direct administrative costs incurred in carrying out this Act. Allows the Secretary, using funds made available as described above or otherwise made available for acquisition, to acquire land or an interest in land for National Forest System purposes within the boundary of the Forest.

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Disasters Assistance Act, 2005

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2004

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane Disasters Assistance Act, 2005 - Makes FY 2005 emergency supplemental appropriations for additional storm disaster assistance to: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service for the National Forest System, including for capital improvements and maintenance; (2) the Department of Commerce for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for operations, research, and facilities, procurement, acquisition, and construction; (3) the Department of Defense for military personnel for the Navy and Airforce, operation and maintenance of the Army, Navy, Airforce, Defense-Wide, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Army National Guard and Air National Guard, the Defense Health Program, Other Procurement, Air Force and Procurement, Defense-Wide, military construction for the Navy and Army Reserve, the Base Realignment and Closure Account, Family Housing, Operation and Maintenance, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and the Working Capital Fund, Defense-Wide; (4) the Department of Health and Human Services for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund; (5) the Department of Homeland Security for the Disaster Relief Fund; (6) the U.S. Coast Guard for operating expenses; (7) the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Community Development Fund; (8) the Department of the Interior for the U.S. Geological Survey for surveys, investigations, and research, the Fish and Wildlife Service for resource management and for construction, the National Park Service for construction and major maintenance; (9) the Department of Justice for the Federal Prison System for buildings, facilities, salaries, and expenses; (10) the Department of Transportation for the Federal Aviation Administration for operations, emergency assistance to airports (to be derived from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund), the Federal Highway Administration for the Emergency Relief Program (to be derived from the Highway Trust Fund other than the Mass Transit Account); (11) the Department of Veterans Affairs for the Veterans Health Administration for medical services, facilities, and administration, for general operating expenses, the National Cemetery Administration, and construction and minor projects; (12) the Corps of Engineers-Civil Works for general operation and maintenance, flood control and coastal emergencies, and Flood Control, Mississippi River and Tributaries, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; (13) the Environmental Protection Agency for buildings and facilities; (14) the Agency for International Development for International Disaster and Famine Assistance; (15) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for space flight capabilities; (16) the Small Business Administration for the Disaster Loans Program Account; and (17) the Executive Office of the President for unanticipated needs.

Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 4 October 2004

Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide emergency financial assistance to agricultural producers who have incurred qualifying 2003 or 2004 crop losses due to weather or related conditions. Permits producers with qualifying losses in both years to elect to receive payments in either, but not both, of such years. Makes producers ineligible for crop disaster assistance if they did not: (1) get Federal crop insurance for insurable commodities; and (2) file required paperwork and pay related fees for noninsurable commodities. Sets forth waiver provisions. Reduces payments for amounts received under a specified crop loss program announced in 2004. Directs the Secretary to provide payments to livestock producers who have incurred 2003 or 2004 losses in an emergency-designated county, with discretionary set-asides for the American Indian livestock program. Permits producers with qualifying losses in both years to elect to receive payments in either, but not both, of such years. Directs the Secretary to provide assistance under the tree assistance program to tree farmers who have suffered losses during the 2003-2004 winter.

Hoopa-Yurak Settlement Amendment Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004

Hoopa-Yurok Settlement Amendment Act of 2004 - Amends the Hoopa-Yurok Settlement Act to provide for the acquisition of land for the Yurok Reservation. Provides that Federal law enforcement and tribal court funds and programs shall be made available to the Hoopa Valley Tribe and Yurok Tribe on the same basis as the funds and programs are available to other Indian tribes. Provides for recognition of the Yurok Tribe. Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into stewardship agreements with the Yurok Tribe with respect to management of Klamath River Basin fisheries and water resources. Authorizes appropriations for Yurok infrastructure development and for Yurok economic development. Amends the Klamath River Basin Fisheries Act to revise the membership of the Klamath Fishery Management Council to include as voting members a representative of the Yurok Tribe appointed by the Yurok Tribal Council and a representative of the Department of the Interior appointed by the Secretary of the Interior. Amends the Hoopa-Yurok Settlement Act to require the Secretary to enter into negotiations with the Yurok Tribe to establish a plan for the economic self-sufficiency of the Yurok Tribe.

To permanently reenact chapter 12 of title 11 of the United States Code, relating to family farmers.

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2004

Reenacts permanently chapter 12 (Adjustments of Debts of a Family Farmer) of the Federal bankruptcy code, as reenacted by division C of the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act 1999.

Natural Stock Conservation Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004

Natural Stock Conservation Act of 2004 - Amends the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 to prohibit specified agencies with aquaculture regulatory jurisdiction from issuing permits for marine aquaculture facilities in the exclusive economic zone until requirements for such permits are enacted into law.

Commodity Assessment, Protection, and Reform Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004

Commodity Assessment, Protection, and Reform Act - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to collect commodity assessments from the proceeds of a marketing assistance loan made in accordance with an agreement between the Secretary and a State. Defines "assessment " as funds that are: (1) collected with respect to a specific commodity; (2) paid by the first purchaser of the commodity; and (3) not collected through a tax or other revenue collection activity of a State.

Protection of Family Farmers Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004

Protection of Family Farmers Act of 2004 - Amends the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999 to extend for 18 additional months (until July 1, 2005) 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.

To extend the authority of the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 through October 22, 2005.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004

Amends the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 to extend such Act's authority through October 22, 2005 (currently October 22, 2004).

Tax Empowerment and Relief for Farmers and Fishermen (TERFF) Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2004

Tax Empowerment and Relief for Farmers and Fishermen (TERFF) Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow certain commercial farming and fishing businesses a tax deduction for cash contributions (up to 20 percent of taxable income) to a Farm, Fishing, and Ranch Risk Management Account (FFARRM Account); (2) exempt agricultural bonds from private activity bond volume caps; (3) allow individuals a tax deduction for charitable contributions of food (currently restricted to C corporations); (4) extend income averaging to fishermen (currently allowed for farmers) and exclude income averaging for farmers and fishermen from the computation of the alternative minimum tax; (5) modify cooperative marketing rules to include value-added processing involving animals; (6) permit farmer cooperatives to seek declaratory judgments with respect to their tax-exempt status; and (7) allow the allocation of the small ethanol tax credit amounts to patrons of tax-exempt cooperatives. Amends the Code and title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to exclude certain rental income and conservation reserve program payments from the self-employment tax. Provides that dividends on the capital stock or other proprietary capital interests of tax-exempt cooperatives shall not reduce the net earnings of such cooperatives. Modifies involuntary conversion rules to extend from two to four years the replacement period for livestock sold due to drought, flood, or other weather-related conditions.

A bill to limit the transfer of certain Commodity Credit Coporation funds between conservation programs for technical assistance for the programs.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004

Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to make technical assistance funding available for producers and landowners participating in specified agricultural conservation programs.

A bill to amend the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to establish certain conditions under which a Farm Credit System institution can terminate its status as a System institution.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004

Amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 with respect to the termination of a Farm Credit System institution's participant status to require the Farm Credit Administration to: (1) hold public hearings in the affected States; and (2) not approve or disapprove the termination plan until at least 180 days after its submission.

Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2005, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 September 2004

Makes continuing appropriations for FY 2005. Appropriates amounts for continuing, at the current rate of operations, projects or activities which were conducted in FY 2004 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were made available in the: (1) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004; (2) Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004; (3) District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2004; (4) Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2004; (5) Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2004; (6) Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2004; (7) Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004; (8) Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004; (9) Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2004; (10) Military Construction Appropriations Act, 2004; (11) Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004; and (12) Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004. Provides funding under this resolution until the earliest of: (1) enactment of an appropriation for any project or activity provided for in this joint resolution; (2) enactment of the applicable appropriations Act without any provision for such project or activity; or (3) November 20, 2004. Authorizes continuation of other specified activities (including activities for entitlements and other mandatory payments) through such date.

Secure Borders Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004

Secure Borders Act - Establishes the Land Border Infrastructure Improvement Fund. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) to conduct a vulnerability assessment of land ports of entry (POEs). Directs the Secretary to: (1) make permanent specified pre-enrollment programs that allow expedited inspections at POEs for participants; (2) develop a comprehensive plan to deploy technological surveillance systems along U.S. borders; (3) increase the number of K-9 units working within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); (4) ensure that radiation portal monitors are installed at all southern border POEs no later than September 30, 2005; (5) contract with an independent entity to study the necessary allocation of personnel at POEs and Border Patrol sectors; and (6) provide ongoing training for inspectors. Requires the Commissioner of Customs to submit a report to Congress on the One Face at the Border Initiative (a Department of Homeland Security [DHS] initiative that unifies customs, immigration, and agricultural inspection functions by cross-training CBP personnel) that addresses: (1) the effectiveness of the initiative in enhancing security and facilitating trade; (2) the number of CBP personnel who worked for the former Customs Service or the former Immigration and Naturalization Service before the DHS was established and the number hired after its establishment; (3) training time provided to each employee for initiative components; (4) steps taken by CBP to ensure that expertise is retained with regard to customs, immigration, and agriculture inspection functions under the initiative; and (5) whether the missions of customs, agriculture, and immigration are equally emphasized. Requires the Comptroller General to review such reports and report on the effectiveness of the initiative. Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit unclassified and classified versions of a comprehensive border security strategy; (2) integrate the IDENT and IAFIS databases; and (3) make interoperable those databases used by inspectors in secondary inspections. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to create the positions of Northern Border Coordinator and Southern Border Coordinator within the DHS's Directorate of Border and Transportation Security. Requires the President to submit information regarding progress toward implementation of the Smart Border Accords. Expresses the sense of Congress that Mexicans and Canadians should be treated with parity in establishing periods of lawful admission. States that, once the entry-exit data system required by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 is fully implemented, the period of admission for aliens holding border crossing cards shall be six months. Requires the Secretary to create an Office of US-VISIT Outreach to inform local border officials, residents, and businesses about developments in the US-VISIT program. Amends the Immigration and Naturalization Service Data Management Improvement Act of 2000 to reconstitute the integrated entry-exit system task force. Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure implementation of electronic arrival/departure records no later than December 1, 2005; (2) report on the development and distribution of a transportation worker identification card; and (3) establish standards and verification procedures for the security of intermodal cargo containers. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the need for additional staff for the U.S. Consulate-General in Mexico. Establishes the Office of Tribal Security within DHS. Requires the Secretary to transfer the CBP Customs Patrol Officers unit operating on the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation (known as the Shadow Wolves) to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Requires development and implementation of State identification document standards as a prerequisite for the acceptance of such documents by Federal agencies. Requires the Secretary to make grants to assist States and localities in issuing documents that meet those standards. Authorizes appropriations for an increase in staff and detention space for ICE. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) immigration cases involving incarcerated criminal aliens should be processed while the alien is in prison; and (2) appropriations should be authorized for staff increases for judicial and prosecutorial offices to better enforce immigration laws. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to create a new subclass in the S (witness or informant) nonimmigrant visa category for certain aliens in possession of critical reliable information regarding commercial alien smuggling organizations or enterprises. Provides for adjustment of status for such nonimmigrants. Imposes increased penalties for, and establishes a rewards program to combat, aggravated alien smuggling. Requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC) to promulgate sentencing guidelines that reflect enhanced sentences and fines for alien smuggling. Amends the Federal criminal code to enhance penalties for smuggling merchandise into the United States. Requires the USSC to amend sentencing guidelines to provide sentencing enhancements for merchandise smuggling that results in a death. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to create an Office of Overseas Service within DHS's Office of International Affairs. Requires the Secretary to: (1) report on implementation of prior recommendations regarding visa security; (2) establish an electronic advance passenger screening system for visa waiver program (VWP) participants as part of an integrated entry-exit system; (3) create a VWP Office; and (4) provide fraud detection and foreign language training for inspectors inspecting VWP aliens. Requires the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Ombudsman to launch a public information campaign and to establish an advisory group that provides private sector input. Directs the Comptroller General to assess CIS and report findings to the Secretary, the Secretary of State, and appropriate congressional committees. Requires the Secretary to study biometric identifiers that might be used for immigration benefit applications and petitions. Requires all fingerprints taken for adjudicating such applications or petitions to be digitized, and all such applications or petitions to be registered using a biometric identifier, no later than January 1, 2005.

Pitkin County Land Exchange Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2004

Pitkin County Land Exchange Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) and the Secretary of the Interior, upon receipt of title to certain lands located in Pitkin County, Colorado, and certain lands located on Smuggler Mountain in the County, to convey to the County or to the Aspen Valley Land Trust, if the County so requests, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to certain National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands located in the County. Prohibits the conveyance of a specified parcel to the County unless and until the County grants to the Aspen Valley Land Trust, the Roaring Fork Conservancy, or both, or to another entity mutually agreeable to the County and the Secretary of the Interior, a permanent conservation easement which provides public access to the parcel and limits future use of the parcel to recreational, fish, and wildlife conservation, and open space purposes. States that, prior to the conveyance to the County of a specified parcel, the County shall deliver to the Secretary a quitclaim deed to the parcel from any party who, prior to the introduction of this Act, had asserted a claim of any right, title, or interest in such parcel, and shall permanently relinquish any such claim against the United States in or to the parcel. States that lands acquired by the Secretary pursuant to this Act shall become part of White River National Forest.

U.S. National Arboretum Appreciation Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2004

U.S. National Arboretum Appreciation Act of 2004 - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into a contract with the Friends of the National Arboretum, either through a sole-source contract or other method, to authorize the Friends of the National Arboretum to act as agent of the Department of Agriculture to: (1) allow the use of the grounds and facilities of the National Arboretum by private persons and entities; (2) provide services related to planning and overseeing special events there; and (3) make such other arrangements as appropriate for its private use. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with other persons or entities for private use of such grounds and facilities so long as the contracts do not conflict with the contract with the Friends of the National Arboretum.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4422) making appropriations for the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Services, and Transportation for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2004

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4422) making appropriations for the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Services, and Transportation for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005.

To amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act to expand the Agricultural Management Assistance Program to include the State of Hawaii.

United States · United States Congress · 21 September 2004

Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to include Hawaii in the agricultural management assistance program.

Prescott Marine Mammal Stranding Program Amendments of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2004

Prescott Marine Mammal Stranding Program Amendments of 2004 - Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA) to authorize appropriations for FY 2005 through 2009 for: (1) the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program; and (2) the Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Event Fund. Limits the import and export of marine mammal products to noncommercial or cultural exchange activities of specified groups. Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to: (1) publish for public comment necessary changes to the list of commercial and recreational fisheries that have frequent, occasional, or remote likelihood of incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammals; and (2) develop and implement a take reduction plan designed to assist in the recovery, or prevent the depletion of, each strategic stock that interacts with a fishery. Directs the Secretary to conduct research on the nonlethal removal and control of nuisance pinnipeds (seals and sea lions). Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to eligible applicants to carry out such nonlethal control projects. Makes it unlawful for any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction to release any captive marine mammal unless specifically authorized by law. Prohibits the export of marine mammals for public display unless the Secretary of Agriculture evaluates and verifies, and thereafter notifies the Secretary, that the receiving facility meets certain standards. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a research mini-grant program to foster the use of gear that reduces the incidental taking of marine mammals. Expands the marine mammal research grant program to include research into ecosystems. Increases penalties for MMPA violations. Authorizes the use of Alaska Native organizations to enforce MMPA. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative management agreements with such organizations to conserve and manage stocks of marine mammals and provide comanagement of subsistence use by Alaska Natives. Makes it unlawful for any Alaska Native within the geographic area to which a harvest management plan covers to take, transport, sell, or possess a marine mammal in violation of any regulation adopted by an Alaska Native organization to implement and enforce a harvest management plan.

Michael J. Harrison, of Connecticut, to be an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, vice Lou Gallegos, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 15 September 2004

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt containers used primarily in potato farming from the excise tax on heavy trucks and trailers.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the excise tax on heavy trucks and trailers boxes, containers, receptacles, bins, or similar articles used by a potato farmer for hauling potatoes.

Wild Sky Wilderness and Backcountry Wilderness Management Area Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2004

Wild Sky Wilderness and Backcountry Wilderness Management Area Act of 2004 - Designates specified Federal lands in the State of Washington (the State) as: (1) the Wild Sky Wilderness (the Wilderness); and (2) the Skykomish Backcountry Wilderness Management Area (the Area). Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to manage the Wilderness in accordance with the Wilderness Act and this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to use helicopter access to construct and maintain a joint U.S. Forest Service and Snohomish County repeater site, in compliance with a Forest Service-approved communications site plan, to improve communication for safety, health, and emergency services. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a management plan for the Area (but prohibits the Secretary from permitting commercial timber harvest in the Area); (2) establish a trail plain for specified National Forest System lands to develop a system of hiking and equestrian trails in the Wilderness and the Area, and trails adjacent to the Wilderness or the Area; and (3) carry out a land exchange with the Chelan County Public Utility District in the State, subject to specified requirements.

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2004

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes FY 2005 appropriations for the: (1) Department of Agriculture; (2) Food and Drug Administration; (3) Commodity Futures Trading Commission; and (4) Farm Credit Administration. Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2004

Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2005 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005 for the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Bureau of Land Management; (2) the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; (3) the National Park Service (including transfer of funds); (4) the U.S. Geological Survey; (5) the Minerals Management Service; (6) the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement; (7) the Bureau of Indian Affairs; (8) departmental offices for insular affairs; (9) departmental management (including transfer of funds); (10) the Office of the Solicitor; (11) the Office of Inspector General; (12) the Office of Special Trustee for American Indians; and (13) natural resource damage assessment and restoration. Makes appropriations for FY 2005 for: (1) the Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service; (2) the Department of Energy for specified activities, including fossil energy research and development activities and energy conservation activities; and (3) the Department of Health and Human Services for the Indian Health Service. Makes appropriations for FY 2005 for specified related agencies, including: (1) the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation; (2) the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development; (3) the Smithsonian Institution; (4) the National Gallery of Art; (5) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; (6) the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; (7) the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities; (8) the National Endowment for the Arts; (9) the National Endowment for the Humanities; (10) the Commission of Fine Arts; (11) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; (12) the National Capital Planning Commission; (13) the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; and (14) the Presidio Trust.

Colville Land Conveyance Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 14 September 2004

Colville Land Conveyance Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey to Ferry County Public Hospital District No. 1. specified land in Colville National Forest, Washington.

To amend the Department of Agriculture Organic Act of 1944 to ensure that the dependents of employees of the Forest Service stationed in Puerto Rico receive a high-quality elementary and secondary education.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004

Amends the Department of Agriculture Organic Act of 1944 to make Forest Service appropriations available to cover the cost of primary and secondary schooling (which may include transportation costs) of dependents of Forest Service personnel who are stationed in Puerto Rico and are subject to transfer to other U.S. locations if the Secretary of Agriculture determines that the area schools are unable to provide adequately for such dependents' education.

Montana National Forests Boundary Adjustment Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004

Montana National Forests Boundary Adjustment Act of 2004 - Modifies the boundaries of the Helena, Lolo, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests (the Forests) in Montana as depicted on specified maps. Requires such maps to be on file and available for public inspection in the offices of the Chief of the Forest Service and Regional Forester. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make technical corrections to the map. Requires land acquired within the boundaries of the Forests for National Forest System (NFS) purposes to be managed in accordance with the Weeks Law and laws applicable to the NFS. States that the boundaries of the Forests as modified under this Act shall, for purposes of certain fund allocation provisions of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (LWCFA), be considered the boundaries of such Forests as of January 1, 1965 (the effective date of the LWCFA).

Electing a Member to a certain standing committee of the House of Representatives.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2004

Elects a minority Member to the House Committees on Agriculture, and on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Water Resources Development Act of 2004

United States · United States Congress · 25 August 2004

Water Resources Development Act of 2004 - Sets forth provisions providing authorizations for, modifications to, deauthorizations of, and study requirements for inland waterway, port and harbor, flood damage reduction, coastal storm damage reduction, ecosystem restoration, environmental remediation, water storage, water quality, and watershed planning projects or programs throughout the country. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to: (1) engage in activities in support of foreign governments; and (2) include individuals from the private sector in Corps of Engineers training classes. Establishes the Corps of Engineers River Stewardship Commission. Directs: (1) the Secretary to establish within the civil works function of the Department of the Army a Water Resource Planning Council; (2) the Inspector General of the Army to convene an independent peer review panel; and (3) the Secretary to carry out a program to provide public access to water resource and related water quality data in the Corps' custody. Directs the Secretary to: (1) carry out ecosystem restoration projects regarding the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois River; (2) develop a system to rank proposed projects; and (3) carry out (over at least a ten-year period) a pilot program to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat in the middle Mississippi River. Establishes: (1) the Coastal Louisiana Ecosystem Protection and Restoration Task Force; and (2) a Coastal Louisiana Ecosystem Science and Technology Program. Directs the Secretary to establish a Science Board to review and comment on Program activities. Enacts Executive Order 13340 entitled "Establishment of Great Lakes Interagency Task Force and Promotion of a Regional Collaboration of National Significance for the Great Lakes." Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop a general management plan for ecosystem restoration of the Upper Connecticut River ecosystem; and (2) complete work on the San Pablo Bay watershed, California. Modifies provisions regarding the Mississippi River Headwaters Reservoir. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out the Conservation Corridor Demonstration Program, Delaware and Maryland. Designates the Division Engineer, North Atlantic Division, of the Corps, the ex officio U.S. member under the Susquehanna River Basin Compact and the Delaware River Basin Compact.