Agriculture

Christmas Tree Tax Exclusion Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2014

Christmas Tree Tax Exclusion Act - Excludes "choose and cut" Christmas tree producers from the Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order, which was authorized by the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 and includes an assessment on Christmas tree producers to fund a promotion, research, and information program for fresh cut Christmas trees.

Tax Reform Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 10 December 2014

Tax Reform Act of 2014 - Title I: Tax Reform for Individuals - Subtitle A: Individual Income Tax Rate Reform - Revises individual income tax rates to establish three tax brackets (10%, 25%, and 35%). Allows individual taxpayers a deduction from gross income for 40% of adjusted net capital gain. Subtitle B: Simplification of Tax Benefits for Families - Establishes a single standard deduction of $22,000 for married couples filing jointly and $11,000 for single filers. Allows single filers with at least one qualifying child an additional deduction of $5,500, whether or not they itemize deductions. Requires a phaseout of the standard deduction amounts based on adjusted gross income. Increases the amount of the child tax credit. Requires taxpayers who claim the refundable portion of the child tax credit to provide their social security numbers on their tax returns. Modifies the earned income tax credit to provide for a refund of employment and self-employment taxes. Repeals the deduction for personal exemptions after 2014. Subtitle C: Simplification of Education Incentives - Replaces the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning tax credits and the tax deduction for tuition and qualified expenses with a new American Opportunity Tax Credit that allows a 100% tax credit for the first $2,000 of certain higher education expenses and a 25% tax credit for the next $2,000 of such expenses. Expands the tax exclusion for Pell Grants to allow the use of excludible grant funds for any purpose. Repeals specified deductions and exclusions of expenses for educational purposes. Subtitle D: Repeal of Certain Credits for Individuals - Repeals specified tax credits for individuals, including the tax credits for employment-related dependent care expenses, adoption expenses, nonbusiness and residential energy efficiency improvements, investment in qualified electric vehicles and alternative vehicles and refueling property, plug-in electric drive vehicles, health insurance costs, and the tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Subtitle E: Deductions, Exclusions, and Certain Other Provisions - Revises the tax exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence to require a taxpayer to have used the residence as a principal residence for five of the previous eight years. Limits the use of such exclusion to once every five years. Modifies the tax deduction for mortgage interest to allow such deduction for acquisition indebtedness up to $500,000 (currently, $1 million). Revises rules for the tax deduction for charitable contributions. Denies a tax deduction for expenses attributable to the trade or business of performing services as an employee. Repeals or modifies specified tax deductions, including deductions for personal casualty losses, gambling losses, tax preparation expenses, medical expenses, moving expenses, alimony, and contributions to medical savings accounts. Repeals the tax exclusion for employee achievement awards. Subtitle F: Employment Tax Modifications - Revises rules for the deduction of self employment taxes in computing net earnings from self-employment. Eliminates the exemption from employment taxes for certain foreign workers and students. Makes supplemental unemployment benefit payments subject to employment tax. Treats professional employer organizations (PEOs), certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as employers for employment tax purposes (thus allowing such PEOs to pay wages and collect and remit payroll taxes on behalf of an employer). Subtitle G: Pensions and Retirement - Revises the tax treatment of individual and employer-provided retirement plans. Eliminates income eligibility limits for contributing to a Roth individual retirement account (Roth IRA). Prohibits new contributions to traditional IRAs. Repeals the exemption from the 10% penalty for early withdrawals from an IRA for first-time homebuyers. Prohibits employers from establishing new SIMPLE 401(k)s (Simplified Employee Pension plans) after 2014. Subtitle H: Certain Provisions Related to Members of Indian Tribes - Excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, the value of an Indian general welfare benefit. Defines "Indian general welfare benefit" as any payment made or services provided to or on behalf of a member of an Indian tribe under an Indian tribal government program if: (1) such program is administered under specified guidelines and does not discriminate in favor of members of the governing body of the Indian tribe; and (2) the program benefits are available to any tribal member, are for the promotion of general welfare, are not lavish or extravagant, and are not compensation for services. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) establish a Tribal Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary on the taxation of Indians, and (2) establish and require training and education for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) field agents on federal Indian law and the implementation of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to waive any interest or tax penalties related to the exclusion from gross income of Indian general welfare benefits. Title II: Alternative Minimum Tax Repeal - Repeals the alternative minimum tax (AMT). Title III: Business Tax Reform - Subtitle A: Tax Rates - Reduces the maximum income tax rate on corporations to 25% beginning in 2019. Subtitle B: Reform of Business-Related Exclusions and Deductions - Revises the treatment of contributions to the capital of a corporation to require such contributions to be included in gross income. Repeals or modifies business-related tax deductions, including the amortization of pollution control facilities, the net operating loss deduction, amortization of research and experimental expenditures and certain advertising expenses, expensing elections for refineries and environmental remediation costs, the tax deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities, entertainment expenses, percentage depletion, like-kind exchanges, and the exclusion of gain from the sale of small business stock. Revises the accelerated cost recovery system for the depreciation of business assets. Subtitle C: Reform of Business Credits - Repeals tax credits for alcohol and biodiesel used as fuel. Modifies and makes permanent the tax credit for increasing research expenditures. Modifies or repeals specified business-related tax credits, including the low-income housing tax credit, the enhanced oil recovery credit, the Indian employment credit, the employer-provided child care credit, energy-related credits, the rehabilitation credit, and the work opportunity tax credit. Subtitle D: Accounting Methods - Limits the use of the cash method of accounting to a natural person, a farming business, and other entities that meet the gross receipts test. Repeals specified accounting and inventory methods, including the last-in, first-out method of inventory (LIFO) and the lower of cost or market method of inventory. Subtitle E: Financial Instruments - Sets forth rules for the tax treatment of certain financial instruments, including derivatives, hedges, and debt instruments. Terminates tax preferences for private activity bonds and advance refunding bonds and the tax credit for interest on home mortgages. Subtitle F: Insurance Reforms - Modifies rules for the tax treatment of insurance companies, including life insurance companies, property and casualty insurance companies, and certain health insurance organizations. Subtitle G: Pass-Thru and Certain Other Entities - Modifies rules for the tax treatment of S corporations, partnerships, real estate investment trusts, and regulated investment companies. Subtitle H: Taxation of Foreign Persons - Prohibits U.S. insurance companies from deducting reinsurance premiums paid to a related company that is not subject to U.S. taxation on such premiums, unless the related company elects to treat the premium income as effectively connected to a U.S. trade or business subject to U.S. taxation. Makes income of foreign taxpayers that is derived from the operation of passenger cruise ships within U.S. territorial waters subject to U.S. tax. Modifies rules for the deduction of interest payments by a U.S. corporation to a related entity. Prohibits a reduction under any treaty of the United States of tax withholding for a tax deductible payment made between persons who are members of the same foreign controlled group of entities unless there would be a similar reduction for payments made directly to the foreign parent corporation of such entities. Subtitle I: Provisions Related to Compensation - Modifies tax rules relating to executive compensation, including a repeal of exceptions to the $1 million limitation for commissions and performance-based compensation. Imposes a 25% excise tax on the compensation in excess of $1 million paid to any of the five highest paid employees of tax-exempt organizations. Denies a tax deduction for transfers of stock under an incentive stock option plan or an employee stock purchase plan. Sets forth a safe harbor rule for the classification of an individual as an employee or an independent contractor for employment tax purposes. Subtitle J: Zones and Short-Term Regional Benefits - Repeals tax preferences for empowerment zones and enterprise communities, District of Columbia Zones, renewal communities, New York Liberty Zones, and Gulf Opportunity Zones. Title IV: Participation Exemption System for the Taxation of Foreign Income - Subtitle A: Establishment of Exemption System - Revises rules for the taxation of foreign source income to: (1) allow an exemption of 95% of dividends paid by a foreign corporation to a U.S. corporate shareholder that owns 10% or more of the foreign corporation; (2) allow a U.S. parent corporation to reduce the basis of its stock in a foreign subsidiary by the amount of any exempt dividends received by the parent from its foreign subsidiary; (3) allow a U.S. shareholder who owns at least 10% of a foreign subsidiary to include in income for the last tax year beginning before 2015 the pro rata share of historical earnings and profits of the foreign subsidiary to the extent such earnings and profits have not been previously subject to U.S. taxation; and (4) make permanent the look through tax rule exempting dividends, interest, rents, and royalties received or accrued from certain controlled foreign corporations by a related entity from treatment as foreign holding company income (thus permitting deferral of the tax on such income). Subtitle B: Modifications Related to Foreign Tax Credit System - Modifies rules relating to the foreign tax credit. Subtitle C: Rules Related to Passive and Mobile Income - Modifies rules relating to subpart F income (i.e., income of a controlled foreign corporation). Title V: Tax Exempt Entities - Subtitle A: Unrelated Business Income Tax - Revises the unrelated business income tax (UBIT) applicable to tax-exempt organizations by: (1) making all tax-exempt organizations, including government-sponsored entities, subject to UBIT; (2) requiring an exempt organization to calculate separately the net unrelated taxable income of each of its unrelated trades or businesses; (3) limiting the exemption from UBIT for research-related income fundamental research that is made available to the public: (4) increasing from $1,000 to $10,000 the deduction against gross income for UBIT; and (5) eliminating the exemption from UBIT for distressed property (i.e., property in foreclosure). Subtitle B: Penalties - Increases penalties on tax-exempt organizations for failure to file required returns and other information. Subtitle C: Excise Taxes - Expands the excise tax on excess-benefit transactions to labor, agricultural, and horticultural organizations and business leagues, chambers of commerce, real estate boards, and boards of trade. Reduces from 2% to 1% the excise tax rate on the net investment income of tax-exempt private foundations and repeals the 1% reduction in such tax rate for private foundations that meet certain distribution requirements. Makes certain private colleges and universities subject to a 1% excise tax on net investment income. Subtitle D: Requirements for Organizations Exempt From Tax - Repeals the tax exemption for professional sports leagues, for qualified property and casualty insurance companies and qualified health insurance issuers, and for type II and type III supporting organizations. Allows a tax exemption for a workmen's compensation insurance organization only if it provides no insurance coverage other than workmen's compensation insurance required by state law. Title VI: Tax Administration And Compliance - Subtitle A: IRS Investigation-Related Reforms - Requires organizations that intend to operate as a tax-exempt social welfare organization to notify the IRS of such intent not later than 60 days after such organization is established. Allows social welfare organizations to seek declaratory judgment relief in cases involving the initial or continuing qualification of their tax-exempt status. Expands the limitation on mandatory disclosures of information about donors to a social welfare organization to require information about a donor who is either an officer or director of the organization or is one of the five highest compensated employees of the organization for the current or any preceding taxable year. Requires all tax-exempt organizations to file their annual tax returns electronically. Expands the obligation of the IRS to ensure that its employees are familiar, and act in accordance with, specified taxpayer rights. Expands the grounds for mandatory termination of the employment of an IRS employee for performing, delaying, or failing to perform (or threatening to perform, delay, or fail to perform) any official action or audit for the purpose of extracting personal gain or benefit for political purposes. Authorizes the disclosure to any person who provides information indicating a violation of internal revenue laws relating to unauthorized disclosure or inspection of tax information or to unlawful acts of revenue officers or agents: (1) whether an investigation based on such information has been initiated and is open or closed; (2) whether any such investigation substantiated a violation; and (3) whether any action has been taken against a violator, including a referral for prosecution. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to study and report on the process used for determining how IRS enforcement cases are selected and processed. Prohibits any IRS officer or employee from using a personal email account to conduct official business. Prohibits the IRS from holding any conference until the the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration certifies to Congress that the IRS has implemented recommendations in a specified report of the Inspector General. Requires the IRS to apply standards and definitions in effect on January 1, 2010, to determine whether an organization is operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare. Subtitle B: Taxpayer Protection and Service Reforms - Authorizes the IRS to use an identifying number in lieu of an employee's social security number on tax information forms. Directs the IRS, in cooperation with the private sector technology industry, to maintain a program of free tax preparation and electronic filing services to low-income and elderly taxpayers. Directs the IRS to make a simplified form 1040SR (similar to Form 1040EZ) available to taxpayers who have attained age 65. Provides that any refund or credit in excess of $5 million due to a C corporation taxpayer may not be made until the Secretary of the Treasury submits a report to the Joint Committee on Taxation providing information on such refund or credit. Subtitle C: Tax Return Due Date Simplification - Requires the Secretary, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2014, to modify by regulation the due dates for extensions of tax returns for partnerships, trusts and estates, employee benefit plans, tax-exempt organizations, and certain trust funds. Sets a due date of April 15 for the annual information return of a foreign trust with a U.S. owner and for the report of foreign bank and financial accounts (with extensions until October 15). Extends the automatic extension for corporation income tax returns from three to six months. Subtitle D: Compliance Reforms - Increases penalties for failure to file a tax return or to provide correct tax information and payee statements. Makes the six-year limitation period for assessing additional tax applicable to underpayments resulting from an incorrect adjusted basis that is more than 125% of the correct adjusted basis. Directs the Secretary to enter into qualified tax collection contracts to collect outstanding inactive tax receivables. Extends the 100% continuous levy to payments due to Medicare providers and suppliers with delinquent tax debts. Requires that all refundable credit amounts be taken into account in computing the tax penalty for underpayment of tax. Title VII: Excise Taxes - Repeals the medical device excise tax. Extends the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund Financing Rate of 9 cents per barrel for 2018 through 2023. Expands the definition of "crude oil," for purposes of the excise tax on petroleum, to include any bitumen or bituminous mixture, any oil derived from a bitumen or bituminous mixture (including oil derived from tar sands), and any oil derived from kerogen-bearing sources (including oil derived from oil shale). Increases the Inland Waterways Trust Fund financing rate to 26 cents per gallon for fuel used after 2014. Imposes a quarterly excise tax on each systemically important financial institution equal to .035 % of the institution's total consolidated assets in excess of $500 billion (indexed after 2015 for increases in the gross domestic product). Expands the exemption from the annual fee on branded prescription drug sales to include sales of any drug or biological product that is approved or licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) solely for one or more rare diseases or conditions (diseases or conditions affecting less than 200,000 persons). Title VIII: Deadwood And Technical Provisions - Subtitle A: Repeal of Deadwood - Eliminates provisions in the Internal Revenue Code that are not used in computing current tax liabilities (referred to as deadwood provisions). Subtitle B: Conforming Amendments Related to Multiple Sections - Sets forth conforming amendments.

To amend the United States Cotton Futures Act to exclude certain cotton futures contracts from coverage under such Act.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2014

Amends the United States Cotton Futures Act to exclude cotton future contracts involving cotton that is grown outside of the United States and tendered for delivery from coverage under the Act, including the requirement that the cotton be classified by the Department of Agriculture (USDA).

A bill to modify the definition of cotton futures contracts in the United States Cotton Futures Act.

United States · United States Congress · 4 December 2014

Amends the United States Cotton Futures Act to exclude cotton future contracts involving cotton that is grown outside of the United States and tendered for delivery from coverage under the Act, including the requirement that the cotton be classified by the Department of Agriculture (USDA).

CSA OPPORTUNITY Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 December 2014

Children's Savings Accounts Offer Parents Plenty of Reasons to Understand and Invest in Tuition Yearly Act or the CSA OPPORTUNITY Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to direct a state receiving a TANF grant to disregard the value of any interest in, or distribution from, a qualified tuition program, as well as the value of a child's savings account, in determining individual or family TANF eligibility or the amount or type of assistance. Amends SSA title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) to exclude from an individual's resources for SSI eligibility or benefit purposes the value of any interest in, or distribution from, a qualified tuition program as well as the value of a child's savings account. Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to exclude any child's savings accounts from resources for eligibility and benefit purposes under the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly the food stamp program). Amends the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to exclude from household income any child's savings accounts from resources for eligibility and benefit purposes under the low-income home energy assistance program. Prescribes penalties for noncompliance.

Trade Adjustment Assistance Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 20 November 2014

Trade Adjustment Assistance Act of 2014 - Amends the Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act of 2011 to repeal the declaration that trade adjustment assistance (TAA) program requirements in effect as of February 13, 2011, under the Trade Act of 1974 shall apply to petitions for certification to apply for TAA for workers, firms, and farmers that are filed before January 1, 2014. Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend through December 31, 2020: (1) the TAA program, and (2) the reemployment trade adjustment assistance (RTAA) program. Makes funds available through FY2020, and for the period beginning October 1-December 31, 2020 (first quarter of FY2021), for training of adversely affected workers, employment and case management services, and job search expenses and relocation expenses. Reauthorizes appropriations: (1) through December 31, 2020, for the TAA program for workers; and (2) through FY2020, and for the first quarter of FY2021, for the TAA program for firms, communities, and farmers. Prescribes TAA eligibility requirements for adversely affected workers in public agencies. Revises trade readjustment allowance (TRA) program requirements. Limits to 130 weeks the length of TRA payments for an adversely affected worker who requires a program of remedial education or of prerequisite education in order to complete approved training. Increases from 65 to 78 additional weeks of TRA payments in a 78-week period the length of additional time permissible to complete training. Repeals the authority of a state to use funds for employment and case management services and relocation allowances to allow an adversely affected worker who is certified to file an application for a job search allowance and relocation allowance. (Continues to authorize adversely affected workers to apply for the job search allowance as well as the relocation allowance.) Revises the reemployment trade adjustment assistance (RTAA) program. Increases from: (1) $50,000 to $55,000 the maximum amount an RTAA-eligible worker may earn in wages from reemployment, and (2) $10,000 to $12,000 the maximum payment of RTAA (or wage subsidy) to an eligible older worker. Specifies criteria the Secretary must use to determine the eligibility of workers to apply for TAA if no determination has been made, upon enactment of this Act, as to whether to certify a group of workers or firms as eligible pursuant to a petition filed between January 1, 2014, and enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to reconsider any determination made before enactment of this Act not to certify such workers or firms, and to certify them as eligible if they meet the specified requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through calendar 2021, and increase from 72.5% to 80%, the tax credit for the health insurance coverage costs of Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) pension and TAA recipients and their dependents. Amends the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Public Health Service Act to extend through December 31, 2020, the TAA pre-certification period rule disregarding, for a specified period, any 63-day lapse in creditable health care coverage for TAA workers. Extends also through December 31, 2020, the continued eligibility of certain qualified TAA-eligible individuals and PBGC pension recipients for COBRA premium assistance.

Pest Management Records Modernization Act

United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2014

Pest Management Records Modernization Act - Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize commercial applicators of pesticides to create, retain, submit, and convey a pesticide application-related record, report, data, or other information in electronic form to satisfy any federal, state, or local law.

Reports Reduction Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2014

Reports Reduction Act of 2014 - Eliminates or modifies reporting requirements for programs of the: (1) Department of Agriculture (USDA), (2) Department of Defense (DOD), (3) Department of Education, (4) Department of Homeland Security (DHS), (5) U.S. Coast Guard, (6) Department of State, (7) Executive Office of the President, (8) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and (9) National Science Foundation (NSF). Amends the Children's Health Act of 2000 to eliminate the report on blood lead screening tests received by children. Amends the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to eliminate the annual reporting requirement on disbursements from the Oil Pollution Fund and the biennial report on the oil pollution research and development program. Eliminates the annual report of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on the number of federally-assisted housing units under lease and their per unit cost to HUD. Amends the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act to eliminate the reporting requirement on labor obligations. Eliminates the annual report on investigations of travel costs of federal employees on official business. Eliminates the requirement that the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States be compiled and published in printed form.

Restoring America's Watersheds Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 12 November 2014

Restoring America's Watersheds Act of 2014 - Directs the Forest Service to establish a Water Source Protection Program within the region of the National Forest System west of the 100th Meridian. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to enter into water source investment partnerships with specified end water users to protect and restore the condition of National Forest watersheds that provide water to non-federal partners. Allows the Secretary to produce a water source management plan. Directs the Secretary to establish a Forest Service Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation Program within such region to: carry out critical maintenance and urgent repairs and improvements on National Forest System roads, trails, and bridges; restore fish and other aquatic organism passage by removing or replacing unnatural barriers to the passage of fish and other aquatic organisms; decommission unneeded roads and trails; and carry out associated activities. Requires the Chief of the Forest Service to develop a national strategy to implement the Remediation Program. Directs the Forest Service to establish a Watershed Condition Framework within such region to: evaluate and classify the condition of watersheds, identify for restoration up to five priority watersheds in each National Forest and up to two priority watersheds in each national grassland, develop a watershed restoration action plan for each priority watershed, prioritize restoration activities for each watershed restoration action plan, implement each watershed restoration action plan, and monitor the effectiveness of restoration actions and indicators of watershed health. Reauthorizes the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Fund for FY2015-FY2024.

THE BENEFITS OF PROMOTING SOIL HEALTH IN AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AMERICA

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 September 2014

Super Pollutants Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Super Pollutants Act of 2014 - Establishes requirements for agencies to evaluate, mitigate, reduce, and report on the following short-lived climate pollutant emissions (non-carbon dioxide pollutants that contribute to global warming even though they stay in the atmosphere for only a short time): black carbon (soot emissions that absorb sunlight, reduce the reflectivity of snow and ice when deposited on them, and generate heat), methane, and high global warming potential hydrofluorocarbons (high-GWP HFC). Requires the President to establish the Interagency Task Force on Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Mitigation to address these pollutants through an action plan. Directs the Department of State to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce black carbon emissions from international shipping. Requires the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to prioritize black carbon mitigation activities as part of aid distribution activities. Requires the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate the availability of high-GWP HFC alternatives. Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the manufacture of any uncharged hydrochlorofluorocarbon-22 air-conditioning condensing equipment for residential use. Requires the EPA to determine whether the sale of R-134a automotive air-conditioning recharge kits to consumers represents an environmentally significant source of high-GWP HFC emissions. Requires the State Department, the DOE, the EPA, and the Department of Commerce to provide other countries with technical guidance on containing emissions from gas drilling, landfills, coal mining, and agriculture. Directs the EPA to establish an inspection and maintenance program for equipment that has high leak rates of methane gas.

Global Food Security Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Global Food Security Act of 2014 - States the policy objective of promoting global food and nutrition security which is reinforced through programs that eradicate hunger and malnutrition, assist foreign countries with agricultural development, and ensure the effective use of U.S. taxpayer dollars to further these objectives. Requires the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to coordinate the development and implementation of a Feed the Future Strategy to accomplish these policy objectives. Requires the Administrator to coordinate the efforts of federal departments and agencies in the implementation of the strategy by: (1) establishing policy coherence, monitoring, and evaluation systems across all relevant U.S. agencies; (2) establishing linkages with other initiatives and strategies at USAID and other departments and agencies; (3) establishing platforms for regular consultation and collaboration with key stakeholders; (4) leveraging the expertise of the Department of Agriculture (USDA); and (5) establishing and leading regular public consultations in partner countries. Requires the Administrator to submit reports to Congress describing the status of the implementation of the Feed the Future Strategy.

Savings Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Water Supply Cost Savings Act or the Savings Act - Requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to: (1) update their programs that provide drinking water technical assistance by including information on cost-effective, innovative, and alternative drinking water delivery systems; and (2) disseminate information on the cost effectiveness of wells and well systems to communities and nonprofit organizations seeking federal funding for drinking water systems serving small communities (3,300 or fewer persons). Requires applicants for federal grants or loans for those drinking water systems to certify that wells have been considered as an alternative drinking water supply.

To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to modify the eligibility disqualification for certain convicted felons.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to strike a provision that allows individuals convicted of felonies that would otherwise disqualify them from receiving benefits under the Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) to still receive benefits unless they also: failed to comply with the terms of the sentence; fled to avoid prosecution, custody, or confinement; or violated a condition of probation or parole.

Stop Hiding Congressional Farm Subsidies Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Stop Hiding Congressional Farm Subsidies Act - Amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to publicly disclose crop insurance premium subsidies paid on behalf of: Members of Congress and their immediate families, Cabinet Secretaries and their immediate families, or entities of which any of these individuals is a majority shareholder. Requires USDA to publicly disclose benefits for private insurance providers, including: (1) underwriting gains earned through participation in the federal crop insurance program; and (2) amounts paid for administrative and operating expenses, any federal portion of indemnities and reinsurance, and any other purpose.

To provide for the conveyance of the Lake Fannin Tract of the Caddo National Grasslands in Fannin County, Texas, to the County, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to convey a 2,025-acre parcel of real property known as the Lake Fannin Tract of the Caddo National Grasslands in Fannin County, Texas, to Fannin County, without consideration, for the purpose of permitting the County to protect and restore the historic structures on the property and to use the property for recreational purposes. Directs the Secretary to: (1) require the County to cover costs incurred by the Secretary to carry out the conveyance, and (2) adjust the boundaries of the Caddo National Grasslands to reflect the conveyance.

Farm Protection Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Farm Protection Act of 2014 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 2014 to require the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to extend: (1) the term and any due date of a marketing assistance loan, and (2) the due date for repayment of farm ownership, operating, or emergency loans. Requires the extensions in cases where a farmer has sold, transferred, or delivered the commodity subject to the loan to a purchaser who has filed for bankruptcy prior to payment. Provides that the extensions shall last until after the bankruptcy case is closed or dismissed. Suspends the accrual of interest on the loans during the extension period.

To require that hunting activities be a land use in all management plans for Federal land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture to the extent that such use is not clearly incompatible with the purposes for which the Federal land is managed, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Requires an agency: (1) when developing or considering approval of a management plan for federal land, to ensure that hunting activities are allowed as a use of such land to the extent that such use is not clearly incompatible with the purposes for which the land is managed; and (2) to set forth in a management plan the specific reason that hunting activities are not allowed or are restricted. Provides that: (1) allowing contract or quota thinning of wildlife shall not constitute allowing unrestricted hunting, and (2) charging a fee related to hunting activities on federal land that exceeds what is needed to recoup costs of managing such land shall be deemed to be a restriction on hunting. Requires fees charged related to hunting activities on federal land to be: (1) retained by the state or local authority tasked with managing the land (or, where such a state or local authority doesn't exist, by the head of the agency with jurisdiction over such land); and (2) limited to what the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) reasonably estimates to be necessary to offset the costs directly related to management of hunting on such land.

Federal Property Low Hanging Fruit Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Federal Property Low Hanging Fruit Act - Authorizes the head of each executive department to convey real and related property under the department's ownership and control and retain the net proceeds in an account within the Treasury. Makes such proceeds available to the department head to pay necessary and incidental costs for the department's property management activities, including acquisition, improvements, maintenance, reconstruction or construction needs. Directs the head of each of the Departments of Defense (DOD), Agriculture, and Energy (DOE) and the General Services Administration (GSA) to develop and carry out a plan to enter into agreements with a nongovernmental person to: (1) lease at least 5, but not more than 10, federal real properties that are underutilized or excess; and (2) develop, rehabilitate, or renovate facilities on such leased properties. Requires such agreements to provide a lease option to the United States and indemnity for any actions, debts, or liability of the nongovernmental person. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to submit reports to Congress on the effectiveness of the plan.

Urban Agriculture Production Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 September 2014

Urban Agriculture Production Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish an urban agriculture outreach program to award grants to eligible entities for: (1) infrastructure, (2) land acquisition and conversion, (3) education and training, (4) assistance to farmers or ranchers in urban areas, and (5) other activities that support urban agricultural production. Defines "eligible entities" to include a community organization, a nonprofit organization, a municipality, a local educational agency, an institution of higher education, or other entity determined by the USDA. Requires the USDA to give preference to grants for activities in historically underserved communities. Amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to expand the purpose and duties of the USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach to include activities on behalf of urban farmers or ranchers. Requires the USDA to award grants for scientific research on promoting and enhancing agricultural production in urban areas. Amends the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 to expand the Farmer's Market Promotion Program by adding loans and loan guarantees, expanding assistance for development of local food business enterprises, requiring that priority be given to grants that benefit urban areas, and providing additional funding. Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and provide additional funding. Amends the Census of Agriculture Act of 1997 to require additional USDA reporting on farmers markets and agricultural production in urban areas.

Farmer Flexibility Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2014

Farmer Flexibility Act of 2014 - Amends the Agricultural Act of 2014 to require the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to extend the terms of marketing assistance loans in cases where a farmer has sold, transferred, or delivered the commodity subject to the loan to a purchaser who has filed for bankruptcy prior to payment. Provides that the extension shall last until after the bankruptcy case is closed or dismissed. Suspends the accrual of interest on the loan during the extension period.

Cabin Fee Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2014

Cabin Fee Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to set an annual fee for the issuance of a special use permit for the use and occupancy of National Forest System land for recreational residence purposes. Requires the Secretary to: (1) complete the current appraisal cycle, including receipt of timely second appraisals, for such residences within one year after enactment of this Act; and (2) assess an interim annual fee for them according to a specified formula. Specifies the annual fee for each of 11 fee tiers based on the value of the lot of which the recreational residence is located, adjusted annually for inflation. Requires the Secretary to report after 10 years on these annual fees in order to ensure that they reflect fair value for the use of System land, and on any recommendations to modify the fee system. Directs the Secretary to establish a transfer fee of $1,200 for the issuance of a new recreational residence permit due to a change in ownership of the recreational residence. Permits the Secretary, beginning 10 years after enactment of this Act, to: (1) retain and expend any fees collected under this Act, without further appropriation; and (2) use them to administer the recreational residence program and other recreation programs carried out on System land. Repeals the Cabin User Fees Fairness Act of 2000, effective on the date the annual permit fees are first assessed under this Act.

A resolution designating the year of 2014 as the "International Year of Family Farming".

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2014

Designates the year 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming, congratulates family farmers, recognizes the role they play in the economic and social well-being of the United States and the world, and advocates for the protection of the viability of family farms.

Propane Supply and Security Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2014

Propane Supply and Security Act of 2014 - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to publish weekly inventory data on propane storage and propane markets, including pricing data for residential customers in states that voluntarily choose to participate in the State Heating Oil and Propane Program (SHOPP) of the EIA. Directs the Administrator to publish data on storage at: (1) major market centers, and (2) the regions reported in specified weekly and monthly inventory data. Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to lead and coordinate federal and state emergency response efforts regarding propane supply emergencies in any state or region characterized by either sudden increases in consumer prices for propane, or propane supply shortages that threaten public safety or livestock safety. Amends the Propane Education and Research Act of 1996 to direct the Propane Education and Research Council to develop for propane distributors and consumers training programs on strategies to mitigate negative effects of future propane price spikes. Directs the Secretary to study the effectiveness and feasibility of establishing propane storage facilities operated separately from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Authorizes the Secretary to submit to Congress and the President a plan describing such regional propane reserve. Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to include within the storage facility loan program funding for propane storage and handling facilities used for drying and heating. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to study facilities appurtenant to propane pipelines that are not subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to determine: (1) whether the nonjurisdictional nature of the facilities had an impact on the propane price spike during the winter of 2013-2014, or (2) whether such finding demonstrates it would be in the public interest to place such facilities under FERC jurisdiction.

Jobs for America Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2014

Jobs for America Act - Division I: Ways and Means - Title I: Save American Workers - Save American Workers Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to redefine "full-time employee," for purposes of the mandate requiring employers to provide health care coverage for their employees, as an employee who is employed on average at least 40 hours of service a week (currently, at least 30 hours of service a week). Title II: Hire More Heroes - Hire More Heroes Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit an employer, for purposes of determining whether such employer is an applicable large employer and thus required to provide health care coverage to its employees under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to exclude employees who have coverage under a health care program administered by the Department of Defense (DOD), including TRICARE, or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Title III: American Research and Competitiveness - American Research and Competitiveness Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for research expenses, to establish a 20% tax rate for such credit and make such credit permanent. Title IV: America's Small Business Tax Relief - America's Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the expensing allowance for depreciable business property, to make permanent: (1) the increased $500,000 expensing allowance for such property, (2) the increased $2,000,000 threshold amount for such property over which the amount of the expensing allowance is reduced, (3) expensing of computer software, and (4) rules for the expensing of qualified real property (i.e., leasehold improvement, restaurant, and retail improvement property). Allows an inflation adjustment to the dollar amounts of the expensing allowance for taxable years beginning after 2014. Makes air conditioning and heating units eligible for the expensing allowance. Title V: S Corporation Permanent Tax Relief - S Corporation Permanent Tax Relief Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the taxation of S corporations, to make permanent: (1) the reduction of the period (from 10 years to 5 years) during which the built-in gains of such corporations are subject to tax, and (2) the rule requiring an adjustment to the basis of a shareholder's stock in an S corporation that makes tax deductible contributions of appreciated property. Title VI: Bonus Depreciation Modified and Made Permanent - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the additional 50% depreciation allowance (bonus depreciation) for qualified property (i.e., property which has a recovery period of 20 years or less and is computer software, water utility property, or qualified leasehold or retail improvement property); (2) make permanent the election to increase the alternative minimum tax (AMT) credit limitation in lieu of bonus depreciation; and (3) allow an additional depreciation allowance for a tree or vine bearing fruits or nuts, in the taxable year in which the tree or vine is planted or grafted to a plant in the ordinary course of the taxpayer's farming business. Title VII: Repeal of Medical Device Excise Tax - Repeals the excise tax on medical devices. Division II: Financial Services - Title I: Small Business Capital Access And Job Preservation - Small Business Capital Access And Job Preservation Act - Amends the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to exempt private equity fund investment advisers from its registration and reporting requirements, provided that each private equity fund has not borrowed and does not have outstanding a principal amount exceeding twice its invested capital commitments. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to promulgate final rules that: (1) require such investment advisers to maintain records the SEC may require, taking into account fund size, governance, investment strategy, and risk; and (2) define the term "private equity fund" for purposes of this Act. Title II: Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, and Brokerage Simplification - Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, and Brokerage Simplification Act of 2014 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to exempt from its registration requirements certain merger and acquisition brokers and associated persons. Denies such registration exemption, however, to brokers who: (1) receive, hold, transmit, or have custody of any funds or securities to be exchanged by parties to a transfer of ownership of an eligible privately held company; or (2) engage on behalf of an issuer in a public offering of securities that are either subject to mandatory registration, or with respect to which the issuer must file periodic information, documents, and reports. Prohibits this Act from being construed to limit any other authority of the SEC to exempt any person, or any class of persons, from any provision of this Act, including any related rule or regulation. Division III: Oversight - Subdivision A: Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency - Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2014 -Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require Congressional Budget Office (CBO) studies on the costs for state, local, or tribal governments to comply with changes to conditions of federal assistance. Expands the point of order against legislation increasing the costs of federal intergovernmental mandates above the statutory threshold to include private sector mandates. Amends the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 to establish principles for agencies to use in assessing the effects of federal regulatory actions. Expands the scope of agency statements accompanying significant regulatory actions to require a more detailed analysis of the effect on state, local, tribal governments, or the private sector. Revises the process for consulting state, local, and tribal governments about proposed regulations to include private sector input. Requires the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs to provide guidance and oversight so that each agency's regulations are consistent with this title, other laws, and policies of other agencies.  Expands judicial review to include agency assessments of regulations and selection of the least costly or least burdensome regulatory alternative. Subdivision B: Achieving Less Excess in Regulation and Requiring Transparency - Achieving Less Excess in Regulation and Requiring Transparency Act of 2014 or the ALERRT Act of 2014 - Title I: All Economic Regulations Are Transparent Act - All Economic Regulations are Transparent Act of 2014 or the ALERT Act of 2014 - Requires the head of each federal agency to submit a monthly report to the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each rule such agency expects to propose or finalize during the following year. Requires the Administrator to publish in the Federal Register, by October 1 of each year, information that the Administrator receives from each agency under this Act and statistics on each rule proposed by an agency. Requires the Administrator to make publicly available on the Internet, by October 1 of each year, the analysis of the costs or benefits of each proposed or final rule issued by an agency for the previous year and other information pertaining to each such rule. Prohibits a rule from taking effect until the information required by this Act is posted on the Internet for not less than six months, with exceptions. Title II: Regulatory Accountability Act - Regulatory Accountability Act of 2014 - Revises procedures for rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) to require a federal agency to make all preliminary and final factual determinations based on evidence and to consider other criteria in evaluating a rule. Revises rulemaking notice requirements. Imposes new requirements for issuing any major guidance or guidance that involves a novel legal or policy issue arising out of statutory mandates. Provides for electronic access to transcripts of testimony and exhibits and other papers filed in a rulemaking proceeding. Requires the record of decision in a rulemaking proceeding to include information from a hearing under the Information Quality Act or information on a high-impact rule. Requires an agency to grant a petition for a hearing in the case of a major rule, unless the agency reasonably determines that a hearing would not advance consideration of the rule or would unreasonably delay completion of the rulemaking. Provides that an agency's denial of an Information Quality Act petition, or a failure to grant or deny such petition within 90 days, is reviewable by a court as a final action. Allows immediate judicial review of interim rules issued without compliance with the notice requirements of this Act, other than in cases involving national security interests. Revises standards for the scope of judicial review of agency rulemaking. Defines "substantial evidence" for purposes of evaluating agency adjudications and for rulemaking under APA. Title III: Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act - Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2014 - Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) to revise the definitions of "rule" and "economic impact" under such Act. Requires initial and final regulatory flexibility analyses to: (1) describe alternatives to a proposed rule that minimize any adverse significant economic impact or that maximize the beneficial significant economic impact on small entities, and (2) include revisions or amendments to a land management plan developed by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior under specified Acts. Requires each federal agency to include in its regulatory flexibility agenda a brief description of the sector of the North American Industrial Classification System that is affected by a proposed agency rule that is likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Requires an agency's detailed statement in an initial regulatory flexibility analysis to include an estimate of the additional cumulative economic impact of the proposed rule on small entities and a description of any disproportionate economic impact on small entities or a specific class of such entities. Requires an agency, in developing an initial and final regulatory flexibility analysis, to provide: (1) a quantifiable or numerical description of the effects of a proposed or final rule and alternatives to such rule, or (2) a more general descriptive statement and a detailed statement explaining why quantification is not practicable or reliable. Repeals provisions allowing a waiver or delay of the completion of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis. Revises requirements for agency notification of the SBA Chief Counsel for Advocacy prior to the publication of any proposed rule. Provides for judicial review of an agency final rule for compliance with RFA requirements after publication of such rule. Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration's (SBA's) Chief Counsel for Advocacy to specify detailed definitions or standards by which a business may be determined to be a small business (size standard). Amends the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 to require federal agencies, in developing small entity compliance guides, to solicit input from affected small entities or associations of small entities. Requires the Comptroller General to complete and publish a study that examines whether the SBA Chief Counsel for Advocacy has the capacity and resources to carry out the duties of Chief Counsel under this Act. Title IV: Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act - Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2014 - Defines a "covered civil action" as a civil action seeking to compel agency action and alleging that an agency is unlawfully withholding or unreasonably delaying an agency action relating to a regulatory action that would affect the rights of: (1) private persons other than the person bringing the action; or (2) a state, local, or tribal government. Defines a "covered consent decree" and a "covered settlement agreement" as: (1) a consent decree or settlement agreement entered into in a covered civil action; and (2) any other consent decree or settlement agreement that requires agency action relating to a regulatory action affecting the rights of private persons other than the person bringing the action or a state, local, or tribal government. Requires an agency against which a covered civil action is brought to publish the notice of intent to sue and the complaint in a readily accessible manner and to provide interested parties an opportunity to intervene and to conduct settlement negotiations through mediation. Requires an agency seeking to enter a covered consent decree or settlement agreement to publish such decree or agreement in the Federal Register and online. Requires a court to grant de novo review to any motion filed by an agency to modify a previously-entered consent decree if the basis of such motion is that the terms of the decree are no longer fully in the public interest due to the agency's obligations to fulfill other duties or due to changed facts and circumstances. Division IV: Judiciary - Title I: Regulations From The Executive In Need Of Scrutiny - Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2014 - States that the purpose of this Act is to increase accountability for and transparency in the federal regulatory process by requiring Congress to approve all new major regulations. Revises provisions relating to congressional review of agency rulemaking to require a federal agency promulgating a rule to include in its report to Congress and to the Comptroller General a classification of the rule as a major or nonmajor rule. Requires a joint resolution of approval of major rules to be enacted before such rules may take effect. Provides that if a joint resolution of approval is not enacted by the end of 70 session days or legislative days, as applicable, after the agency proposing the rule submits its report on such rule to Congress, the major rule shall be deemed not to be approved and shall not take effect. Permits a major rule to take effect for one 90-calendar-day period without such approval if the President determines it is necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, for the enforcement of criminal laws, for national security, or to implement an international trade agreement. Sets forth the congressional approval procedure for major rules and the congressional disapproval procedure for nonmajor rules. Requires the introduction of a joint resolution addressing a report classifying a rule as a major rule within three legislative days in the House of Representative and three session days in the Senate. Prohibits any amendments to such a joint resolution at any stage of the legislative process. Provides for expedited consideration of a joint resolution of approval and requires a vote on such resolution in the Senate within 15 session days after it is reported by the committee to which it was referred, or after such committee has been discharged from further consideration of the resolution. Allows a court to review whether an agency has completed the necessary requirements under this Act for a rule to take effect. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to provide that any congressional approval procedure set forth in this Act affecting budget authority, outlays, or receipts shall be assumed to be effective unless it is not approved in accordance with this Act. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to conduct and report on a study to determine how many rules and major rules were in effect as of the date of enactment of this Act and the total estimated economic cost imposed by all such rules. Title II: Permanent Internet Tax Freedom - Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act - Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to make permanent the ban on state and local taxation of Internet access and on multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce. Division V: Natural Resources - Subdivision A: Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities - Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act - Title I: Restoring the Commitment to Rural Counties and Schools - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish at least one Forest Reserve Revenue Area within each unit of the National Forest System (NFS) designated for sustainable forest management for the production of national forest materials (the sale of trees, portions of trees, or forest products from NFS lands) and forest reserve revenues (to be derived from the sale of such materials in such an Area). Title II: Healthy Forest Management and Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to NFS land, and the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public lands, to implement a hazardous fuel reduction project or forest health project in at-risk forests in a manner that focuses on surface, ladder, and canopy fuels reduction activities. Allows a state governor to designate high-risk areas of federal land in the state for purposes of addressing: (1) deteriorating forest health conditions due to the bark beetle epidemic or drought, with the resulting imminent risk of devastating wildfires; and (2) the future risk of insect infestations or disease outbreaks through preventative treatments to improve forest health conditions. Title III: Oregon and California Railroad Grant Lands Trust, Conservation, and Jobs - O&C Trust, Conservation, and Jobs Act - Establishes the Oregon and California Railroad Grant Lands Trust to produce annual maximum sustained revenues in perpetuity for Trust counties by managing the timber resources on Trust lands. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer administrative jurisdiction over all Oregon and California Railroad Grant lands and O&C Region Public Domain lands not designated as O&C Trust lands, except for certain tribal lands, to the Secretary of Agriculture for inclusion in the NFS. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint an Old Growth Review Panel to define old growth as it applies to the ecologically, geographically, and climatologically unique Oregon and California Railroad Grant lands and O&C Region Public Domain lands managed by the O&C Trust or the Forest Service only (but not to tribal lands). Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer management authority over the reconveyed Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant lands, with certain exceptions, and their surface resources to the Coos County government in Oregon. Designates certain federal land in Oregon as the Devil's Staircase Wilderness for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate specified segments of the Molalla River and the Rogue River in Oregon as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Holds in trust for the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians all interest of the United States in and to the Council Creek specified land composed of approximately 17,519 acres. Makes that land part of the Tribe's reservation. Holds in trust for the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians all interest of the United States in and to approximately 14,804 acres of specified federal land. Makes that land part of the Tribes' reservation. Title IV: Community Forest Management Demonstration - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the community forest demonstration area of a state. Conditions establishment of an area upon: (1) inclusion of at least 200,000 acres of NFS land; (2) a state forest practices law applicable to state or privately owned forest land, or established silvicultural best management practices or other regulations for forest management practices related to clean water, soil quality, wildlife, or forest health; and (3) a revenue-sharing agreement between a county and the state governor requiring the county, in using certain revenues received from the area, to continue to meet obligations for the use of such revenues for the benefit of public schools and roads. Limits to a total of 4 million acres the amount of NFS land that may be established as community forest demonstration areas. Title V: Reauthorization and Amendment of Existing Authorities and Other Matters - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, during February 2015, to distribute to each beneficiary county a payment equal to the amount distributed to the county for FY2010 under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. Directs the Secretary of the Interior, during February 2015, to distribute to all counties that received a payment for FY2010new payments totalling the difference between: (1) the total amount distributed to all such counties for FY2010, and (2) $27 million. Subdivision B: National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production - National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2014 - Title I: Development Of Domestic Sources Of Strategic And Critical Minerals - Deems a domestic mine that will provide strategic and critical minerals to be an "infrastructure project" as described in Presidential Order "Improving Performance of Federal Permitting and Review of Infrastructure Projects" dated March 22, 2012. Sets forth the responsibilities of the lead agency (federal, state, local, tribal, or Alaska Native Corporation) with responsibility for issuing a mineral exploration or mine permit with respect to project coordination, agency consultation, project proponents, contractors, and the status and scope of any environmental impact statement. Requires the lead agency to determine that any such action does not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 if the procedural and substantive safeguards of the lead agency's permitting process alone, any applicable state permitting process alone, or a combination of the two processes together, provide an adequate mechanism to ensure that environmental factors are taken into account. Requires the lead agency's project lead, at a project proponent's request, to enter into an agreement with the project proponent and other cooperating agencies that sets time limits for each part of the permitting process. Applies this Act to a mineral exploration or mine permit for which an application was submitted before enactment of this Act if the applicant so requests in writing. Requires the lead agency, with respect to strategic and critical minerals within a federally administered unit of the NFS, to: (1) exempt from federal regulations governing Special Areas all areas of identified mineral resources in Land Use Designations (other than Non-Development Land Use Designations); (2) apply such exemption to all additional routes and areas that the agency finds necessary to facilitate the construction, operation, maintenance, and restoration of the areas of the identified mineral resources; and (3) continue to apply such exemptions after approval of the Minerals Plan of Operations for the unit. Title II: Judicial Review of Agency Actions Relating to Exploration and Mine Permits - Authorizes the holder of a mineral exploration or mine permit to intervene as of right in any covered civil action by a person affecting rights or obligations of the permit holder under the permit. Bars a civil action claiming legal wrong caused by an agency action unless it is filed within the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date of the final federal agency action to which it relates. Requires the court to hear and determine any covered civil action as expeditiously as possible. Prohibits the court, in a covered civil action, from granting or approving prospective relief unless it finds that it is narrowly drawn, extends no further than necessary to correct the violation of a legal requirement, and is the least intrusive means necessary to correct such violation. Prohibits payment from the federal government for court costs of a party in such a civil action, including attorneys' fees and expenses. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Prohibits the construction of this subdivision to affect any aspect of Secretarial Order 3324, issued by the Secretary of the Interior on December 3, 2012, with respect to potash and oil and gas operators.

THE NOMINATION OF LISA AFUA SERWAH MENSAH, OF MARYLAND, TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

United States · United States Senate · 10 September 2014

To amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to increase the availability of pesticides for the management of parasitic pests that adversely impact the health of managed pollinator bees, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2014

Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to allow expedited review of an application for the registration of a pesticide or an amendment to a currently registered pesticide if use of the pesticide proposed is reasonably expected to improve the health of managed pollinator bees (bees raised and housed in a managed hive or other appropriate housing and used for honey production, managed pollination of crops, or breeding for commercial purposes), including by managing resistance to parasitic pests of managed pollinator bees. Requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to report on the extent and scope of the threat to the health of managed pollinator bees from: (1) pathological factors, including the species of parasitic mite known as Varroa mite (Varroa destructor), other arthropod pests, and fungal, microbial, and viral diseases; and (2) environmental factors, including the habitat, forage, beekeeper practices and husbandry, and nutritional needs of managed pollinator bees. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to report on: (1) the availability of pesticides for management of parasitic pests that adversely impact the health of managed pollinator bees; and (2) EPA efforts to expedite approvals of new products to control parasitic pests of managed pollinator bees, including products to mitigate resistance to available products.

Bringing Awareness and Knowledge to Exempt Schools Against Legislative Encroachment Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2014

Bringing Awareness and Knowledge to Exempt Schools Against Legislative Encroachment Act - Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) from applying the rule entitled "National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program: Nutrition Standards for All Foods Sold in School as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010" to food sold as a fundraiser that takes place on the grounds of a school. (The rule requires the Secretary to set nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools that are not foods sold under the school lunch and breakfast programs.)

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2014

Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015 - Provides continuing FY2015 appropriations to federal agencies at the current annual rate until December 11, 2014, or specified conditions are met. Appropriates funds to federal agencies for continuing projects and activities at the rate and under the authority and conditions provided in the applicable divisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014: the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014; the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014; the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2014; the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014; the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2014; the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2014; the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014; the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014; the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2014; the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014; the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2014; and   the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014. Provides funding until whichever of the following first occurs: (1) enactment of an appropriation for any project or activity funded in this joint resolution, (2) enactment of the applicable FY2015 appropriations Act without any provision for the project or activity, or (3) December 11, 2014. Extends the operating authority of the Export-Import Bank through June 30, 2015. Provides funding to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to respond to the outbreak of the Ebola virus in Africa. Extends the Internet Tax Freedom Act through December 11, 2014. Provides U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with funding flexibility to sustain staffing levels, border security operations, and immigration enforcement activities. Specifies additional changes to existing law and funding levels.

Fairness for Farmers Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 1 August 2014

Fairness for Farmers Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude nonimmigrant agricultural seasonal workers from the definition of "full-time employee" for purposes of the employer mandate to provide employees with minimum essential health care coverage.

Protecting Children and America's Homeland Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Protecting Children and America's Homeland Act of 2014 - Division A: Supplemental Appropriations - Provides supplemental FY2014 appropriations for expenses related to the rise in unaccompanied alien children and alien adults accompanied by an alien minor at the southwest border. Makes such supplemental appropriations to: (1) the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice (DOJ), science, and related agencies; (2) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); and (3) the Department of Labor, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Education, and related agencies. Specifies other authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. Division B: Unaccompanied Alien Children and Border Security - Amends the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 to declare that any unaccompanied alien child (UAC) who has not been a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons or does not have a credible fear of persecution on returning to his or her country of nationality or of last habitual residence shall be: (1) placed in removal proceedings, (2) eligible for voluntary departure at no cost to the child, and (3) provided with access to counsel. (Currently such expedited removal requirements apply only to unaccompanied children from countries that are contiguous to the United States.) Directs the Secretary of State to negotiate agreements regarding the repatriation of children with Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and any other appropriate foreign country. (Currently such agreements are to be negotiated between the United States and countries contiguous to the United States.) Directs the DHS Secretary to place any UAC that is a criminal or gang member in a proceeding for expedited removal. Prohibits removal of a UAC from U.S. custody during preliminary proceedings until repatriation or unless placed in removal proceedings. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a proceeding to expedite due process and screening for UACs. Requires an immigration judge to: conduct and conclude a proceeding to inspect and determine the status of a UAC who applies for U.S. admission within 7 days after screening the child, and issue within 72 hours after the proceeding's conclusion an order for further proceedings, for removal, or for referral to an asylum officer for interview. Prescribes treatment for any UAC who intends to make a claim of asylum or fear of persecution. Prescribes procedures for expedited due process for a UAC present in the United States, including due process protections, among them protective HHS custody. Requires the HHS Secretary and the DHS Secretary to exchange specified information with regard to placement of a UAC. Requires regular inspections of HHS facilities for the care and custody of UACs. Prescribes requirements, especially for nongovernmental sponsors, in connection with the custody of UACs in a formal removal proceeding. Prohibits the HHS Secretary from placing a UAC in the custody of an individual convicted of a sex offense or a crime involving a severe form of trafficking in persons. Requires related biometric criminal background checks. Makes it unlawful for a person to obtain custody of a UAC by fraudulent representations. Requires DHS or HHS to notify the governor of a state within 48 hours before placing a UAC in the care of a facility or sponsor in the state. Requires HHS to monitor regularly and frequently the physical and emotional well-being of each UAC discharged to a sponsor or remaining in HHS custody until resolution of the child's immigration case. Directs the Attorney General (DOJ) to designate up to 100 immigration judges to conduct expedited inspection and screening of UACs. Requires the HHS Secretary to report to Congress on the care of UACs. Directs the Secretary of State to carry out in-country processing of refugee applications in El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras. Requires the President to certify annually whether the government of each of these countries: (1) is actively working to reduce the number of UACs from that country attempting to migrate illegally to the United States; (2) is cooperating with the United States to facilitate the repatriation of UACs removed from the United States and returned to their countries; and (2) has negotiated or is actively negotiating an agreement for the repatriation of UACs. Prescribes requirements for treatment and deportation of aliens associated with criminal gangs, especially the expedited removal of dangerous criminals, terrorists, and gang members. Authorizes DHS to: (1) hire 350 ICE detention officers that comprise 50 Fugitive Operations Teams responsible for identifying, locating, and arresting fugitive aliens; and (2) increase by at least 5,000 the number of detention beds available for aliens placed in removal proceedings, including beds available for family units. Prohibits the use of federal funds or resources to issue a new directive, memorandum, or executive order providing for relief from removal or work authorization to a class of individuals not otherwise eligible for it under the Immigration and Nationality Act, including expanding deferred action for childhood arrivals. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior, for the federal lands under their jurisdictions, to authorize and grant CBP personnel immediate access to such lands for specified security activities, conducted in a manner that will best protect natural and cultural resources. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make grants to state and local governments in Border Patrol Sectors on the along the U.S.-Mexican border for costs related to enhancing law enforcement preparedness, humanitarian responses, and operational readiness along the southern border through Operation Stonegarden. Makes it a crime to: (1) transmit (spot) to another person the location, movement, or activities of law enforcement agents with the intent to further a federal crime relating to immigration, customs, controlled substances, agriculture, monetary instruments, or other border controls; and (2) destroy, alter, or damage any physical or electronic device used by the federal government to control the border or any port of entry. Prohibits the carrying or use of a firearm in an alien smuggling crime. Prohibits an individual acting for financial gain from directing or participating in an effort to bring or attempt to bring three or more persons unlawfully into the United States. Prescribes criminal penalties, including enhanced penalties for certain violations. Directs the DHS Secretary to implement a strategy to deter and interdict human smuggling across the international land and maritime borders of the United States.

A bill making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Secure the Southwest Border Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2014 - Provides supplemental FY2014 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); the Department of Defense (DOD); the Department of Justice (DOJ); and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for expenses related to the rise in unaccompanied alien children and alien adults accompanied by an alien minor at the southwest border. Permits funds previously appropriated for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for assistance to the countries in Central America to be used for repatriation and reintegration activities. Specifies other authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. Includes rescissions of funds previously appropriated to various federal agencies. Secure the Southwest Border Act of 2014 - Amends the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Authorization Act of 2008 and the Immigration and Nationality Act to change the procedures for screening and processing unaccompanied alien children who arrive at the border from certain countries. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include the commission of certain drug-related offenses as grounds for per se ineligibility for asylum. Permits appropriations provided to DOD under this Act to be used for the National Guard to provide support for operations on the southern border. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) from impeding, prohibiting, or restricting certain CBP activities on federal lands. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should not allow the placement of unauthorized aliens at military installations unless certain conditions are met.

American Livestock Protection and Ranching Opportunity Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

American Livestock Protection and Ranching Opportunity Act of 2014 - Expresses the sense of Congress that: the majority of consumers in the United States want to know where animals used to produce the meat eaten are born, raised, and slaughtered; country-of-origin labeling provides information that consumers have a right to know; and country-of-origin labeling facilitates supply chain information critical for food safety. Amends the Animal Health Protection Act to prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) from allowing or advancing regulations that allow the importation of fresh meat and meat products from a country until the Secretary certifies to Congress that a country is free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination. Amends the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to establish a USDA livestock disease initiative to provide competitive grants for research and development related to surveillance methods, vaccines, vaccination delivery systems, or diagnostic tests for diseases in domestic livestock that present a potential concern to public health and safety. Makes federal agencies, national laboratories, institutions of higher education, research institutions, and state agricultural experiment stations eligible for grants. Amends the Agricultural Act of 2014 to provide eligible livestock producers with assistance for losses due to brucellosis and to alter the payment rates USDA uses to provide agricultural disaster assistance under the Livestock Indemnity Program and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program.

Propane Supply and Security Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Propane Supply and Security Act of 2014 - Directs the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to publish weekly inventory data on propane storage and propane markets, including pricing data for residential customers in states that voluntarily choose to participate in the State Heating Oil and Propane Program (SHOPP) of the EIA. Directs the Administrator to publish data on storage at: (1) major market centers, and (2) the regions reported in specified weekly and monthly inventory data. Directs the Administrator to work with the states participating in SHOPP to develop a comparable program to collect data on wood pellets, firewood, and other biomass. Directs the Secretary of Energy to lead federal and state emergency response efforts regarding propane supply emergencies in any state or region characterized by either sudden increases in consumer prices for propane, or propane supply shortages that threaten public safety or livestock safety. Amends the Propane Education and Research Act of 1996 to direct the Propane Education and Research Council to develop for propane distributors and consumers training programs on strategies to mitigate negative effects of future propane price spikes. Directs the Secretary to study the effectiveness and feasibility of establishing propane storage facilities operated separately from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Authorizes the Secretary to submit to Congress and the President a plan describing such regional propane reserve. Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to include within the storage facility loan program funding for propane storage and handling facilities used for drying and heating. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to study facilities appurtenant to propane pipelines that are not subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to determine: (1) whether the nonjurisdictional nature of the facilities is injurious to shippers or consumers; and (2) whether the facilities can be placed under FERC jurisdiction or, if not, whether changes in law to place them under FERC jurisdiction are in the public interest.

Rural and Tribal Voter Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Rural and Tribal Voter Rights Act - Directs the Election Assistance Commission to make a payment each fiscal year to each state which meets early voting location distribution plan development requirements for ensuring that eligible voters have adequate access to early voting locations. Requires a state or local election official to provide at least one one early voting location on tribal land when requested by the tribal government. Requires each state to, after reasonable notice and public hearings, adopt and submit to the Commission a plan which provides for the equitable distribution of early voting locations. Requires each state to make early voting available to any eligible voter for at least 10 days before an election for federal office. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, the Postmaster General, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of the Interior to permit a state to designate facilities of the respective agencies located in the state as voter registration agencies. Requires each state to permit any eligible individual on the same day as a federal election and on any day when voting, including early voting, is permitted for a federal election to: (1) register to vote in the election, and (2) cast a vote in it. Requires each state to provide a secure online interface available to the public on a public, government website that allows any eligible individual to register electronically to vote or to update their voter registration. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in an appropriate district court for declaratory or injunctive relief as necessary to carry out this Act. Allows any aggrieved person a private right of action, too.

Protecting Children and America's Homeland Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Protecting Children and America's Homeland Act of 2014 - Division A: Supplemental Appropriations - Provides supplemental FY2014 appropriations for expenses related to the rise in unaccompanied alien children and alien adults accompanied by an alien minor at the southwest border. Makes such supplemental appropriations to: (1) the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice (DOJ), science, and related agencies; (2) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); and (3) the Department of Labor, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Education, and related agencies. Specifies other authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. Division B: Unaccompanied Alien Children and Border Security - Amends the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 to declare that any unaccompanied alien child (UAC) who has not been a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons or does not have a credible fear of persecution on returning to his or her country of nationality or of last habitual residence shall be: (1) placed in removal proceedings, (2) eligible for voluntary departure at no cost to the child, and (3) provided with access to counsel. (Currently such expedited removal requirements apply only to unaccompanied children from countries that are contiguous to the United States.) Directs the Secretary of State to negotiate agreements regarding the repatriation of children with Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and any other appropriate foreign country. (Currently such agreements are to be negotiated between the United States and countries contiguous to the United States.) Directs the DHS Secretary to place any UAC that is a criminal or gang member in a proceeding for expedited removal. Prohibits removal of a UAC from U.S. custody during preliminary proceedings until repatriation or unless placed in removal proceedings. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a proceeding to expedite due process and screening for UACs. Requires an immigration judge to: conduct and conclude a proceeding to inspect and determine the status of a UAC who applies for U.S. admission within 7 days after screening the child, and issue within 72 hours after the proceeding's conclusion an order for further proceedings, for removal, or for referral to an asylum officer for interview. Prescribes treatment for any UAC who intends to make a claim of asylum or fear of persecution. Prescribes procedures for expedited due process for a UAC present in the United States, including due process protections, among them protective HHS custody. Requires the HHS Secretary and the DHS Secretary to exchange specified information with regard to placement of a UAC. Requires regular inspections of HHS facilities for the care and custody of UACs. Prescribes requirements, especially for nongovernmental sponsors, in connection with the custody of UACs in a formal removal proceeding. Prohibits the HHS Secretary from placing a UAC in the custody of an individual convicted of a sex offense or a crime involving a severe form of trafficking in persons. Requires related biometric criminal background checks. Makes it unlawful for a person to obtain custody of a UAC by fraudulent representations. Requires DHS or HHS to notify the governor of a state within 48 hours before placing a UAC in the care of a facility or sponsor in the state. Requires HHS to monitor regularly and frequently the physical and emotional well-being of each UAC discharged to a sponsor or remaining in HHS custody until resolution of the child's immigration case. Directs the Attorney General (DOJ) to designate up to 100 immigration judges to conduct expedited inspection and screening of UACs. Requires the HHS Secretary to report to Congress on the care of UACs. Directs the Secretary of State to carry out in-country processing of refugee applications in El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras. Requires the President to certify annually whether the government of each of these countries: (1) is actively working to reduce the number of UACs from that country attempting to migrate illegally to the United States; (2) is cooperating with the United States to facilitate the repatriation of UACs removed from the United States and returned to their countries; and (2) has negotiated or is actively negotiating an agreement for the repatriation of UACs. Prescribes requirements for treatment and deportation of aliens associated with criminal gangs, especially the expedited removal of dangerous criminals, terrorists, and gang members. Authorizes DHS to: (1) hire 350 ICE detention officers that comprise 50 Fugitive Operations Teams responsible for identifying, locating, and arresting fugitive aliens; and (2) increase by at least 5,000 the number of detention beds available for aliens placed in removal proceedings, including beds available for family units. Prohibits the use of federal funds or resources to issue a new directive, memorandum, or executive order providing for relief from removal or work authorization to a class of individuals not otherwise eligible for it under the Immigration and Nationality Act, including expanding deferred action for childhood arrivals. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior, for the federal lands under their jurisdictions, to authorize and grant CBP personnel immediate access to such lands for specified security activities, conducted in a manner that will best protect natural and cultural resources. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make grants to state and local governments in Border Patrol Sectors on the along the U.S.-Mexican border for costs related to enhancing law enforcement preparedness, humanitarian responses, and operational readiness along the southern border through Operation Stonegarden. Makes it a crime to: (1) transmit (spot) to another person the location, movement, or activities of law enforcement agents with the intent to further a federal crime relating to immigration, customs, controlled substances, agriculture, monetary instruments, or other border controls; and (2) destroy, alter, or damage any physical or electronic device used by the federal government to control the border or any port of entry. Prohibits the carrying or use of a firearm in an alien smuggling crime. Prohibits an individual acting for financial gain from directing or participating in an effort to bring or attempt to bring three or more persons unlawfully into the United States. Prescribes criminal penalties, including enhanced penalties for certain violations. Directs the DHS Secretary to implement a strategy to deter and interdict human smuggling across the international land and maritime borders of the United States.

To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit work by children in tobacco-related agriculture as particularly hazardous oppressive child labor.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to require any employment in which children under the age of 18 come into direct contact with tobacco plants or dried tobacco leaves to be considered particularly hazardous oppressive child labor, which is prohibited under such Act.

Air and Health Quality Empowerment Zone Designation Act of 2013

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2014

Air and Health Quality Empowerment Zone Designation Act of 2013 - Allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate an area as an air and health quality empowerment zone if the air pollution control district or other local governmental entity (area entity) authorized to regulate air quality for the area nominates the area for the designation and the area meets the following criteria: it has been designated as being in extreme nonattainment of the national ambient air quality standard for ozone and in nonattainment of the national ambient air quality standard for PM2.5 (particulate matter diameter); it had nitrogen oxide emissions from farm equipment, emissions of volatile organic compounds from farming, or nitrogen oxide emissions from sources governed primarily through international law in excess of specified amounts; it meets or exceeds the national average per capita incidence of asthma; it experiences unemployment rates higher than the national average; and the area entity will provide matching contributions of federal funds toward the activities to be carried out under the area's strategic plan to address air quality challenges, achieve attainment of air quality standards, and improve the health of the population in the area. Makes the effective period of area designation the shorter of 10 years or the period ending with revocation by the EPA. Authorizes grants for carrying out an area's strategic plan.

Pet and Women Safety Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2014

Pet and Women Safety Act of 2014 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit threats or acts of violence against a person's pet under the offenses of stalking and interstate violation of a protection order. Defines "pet" to mean a domesticated animal that is kept for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes. Requires the "full amount of the victim's losses" for purposes of restitution in domestic violence and stalking offenses to include any costs incurred for veterinary services relating to physical care for the victim's pet. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to award grants to eligible entities to carry out programs to provide specified housing assistance, support services, and training of relevant stakeholders to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking and their pets. Expresses the sense of Congress that states should encourage the inclusion of protections against violent or threatening acts against the pet of the person in domestic violence protection orders.

Lesser Prairie Chicken Voluntary Recovery Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2014

Lesser Prairie Chicken Voluntary Recovery Act of 2014 - Removes the Department of the Interior's listing of the lesser prairie chicken as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Prohibits further treatment of the species as threatened or endangered before January 31, 2020. Requires Interior to monitor and submit an annual report on progress in the conservation of the lesser prairie chicken under: the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Range-Wide Conservation Plan of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, all related Candidate Conservation Agreements (agreements to voluntarily undertake measures to conserve a covered species), all related Candidate Conservation Agreements With Assurances (agreements to voluntarily undertake measures to conserve a covered species with assurances that additional measures will not be imposed if the species becomes listed in the future), conservation programs administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), state conservation programs, and private conservation efforts. Prohibits the lesser prairie chicken from being treated as threatened or endangered beginning on January 31, 2020, unless Interior publishes a determination that conservation efforts under the Range-Wide Plan, agreements, programs, and efforts have not achieved the Plan's conservation goals.

Stop Child Summer Hunger Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2014

Stop Child Summer Hunger Act of 2014 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a program providing eligible households with summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards that give children access to food during the summer months to: (1) reduce or eliminate children's food insecurity and hunger, and (2) improve their nutritional status. Defines an "eligible household" as a household that includes one or more children who are eligible to receive free or reduced price meals under the school lunch or breakfast programs. Sets the amount on each summer EBT card at $150 per child in 2016, with adjustments thereafter reflecting changes in reimbursement rates for school meals under the school lunch program. Requires children to be enrolled in the program without further application if they are enrolled to receive free or reduced price meals under the school lunch or breakfast programs. Requires summer EBT cards to be used only to purchase food from retail food stores that have been approved for participation in the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to limit the amount of a taxpayer's foreign-related interest expense that is allowed as a deduction for any taxable year. Sets that limit pursuant to a formula that takes into account a domestic corporation's undistributed foreign earnings.

Making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2014

Secure the Southwest Border Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2014 - Provides supplemental FY2014 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); the Department of Defense (DOD); the Department of Justice (DOJ); and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for expenses related to the rise in unaccompanied alien children and alien adults accompanied by an alien minor at the southwest border. Permits funds previously appropriated for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for assistance to the countries in Central America to be used for repatriation and reintegration activities. Specifies other authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds. Includes rescissions of funds previously appropriated to various federal agencies. Secure the Southwest Border Act of 2014 - Amends the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Authorization Act of 2008 and the Immigration and Nationality Act to change the procedures for screening and processing unaccompanied alien children who arrive at the border from certain countries. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include the commission of certain drug-related offenses as grounds for per se ineligibility for asylum. Permits appropriations provided to DOD under this Act to be used for the National Guard to provide support for operations on the southern border. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) from impeding, prohibiting, or restricting certain CBP activities on federal lands. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should not allow the placement of unauthorized aliens at military installations unless certain conditions are met.

Securing the Assistance of Victims of Exploitation Act of 2014 (SAVE Act)

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2014

Securing the Assistance of Victims of Exploitation Act of 2014 (SAVE Act) - Prohibits funds made available to carry out the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 from being used in contravention of provisions of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 related to the eligibility of human trafficking victims to receive services and benefits under certain federal or state programs, such as the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program) .    

United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014

United States · United States Congress · 28 July 2014

United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 - Expresses the sense of Congress that Israel is a major U.S. strategic partner. Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005 to extend authority to transfer certain obsolete or surplus Department of Defense (DOD) items to Israel. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to extend authority to make additions to foreign-based defense stockpiles for use as war reserve stocks through FY2015. Directs the President to take steps to make Israel eligible for the strategic trade authorization exception to the requirement for a license for the export, reexport, or in-country transfer of an item subject to certain export controls. Authorizes the President to carry out U.S.-Israel cooperative activities and to provide assistance for cooperation in the fields of energy, water, homeland security, agriculture, and alternative fuel technologies. Directs the President to report to Congress regarding U.S.-Israel cyber cooperation. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) should designate Israel as a visa waiver program county when Israel meets certain program requirements. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to: enter into cooperative agreements supporting dialogue and planning involving international partnerships between the Department of Energy (DOE), including DOE National Laboratories, and the government of Israel and its ministries, offices, and institutions; and establish a joint United States-Israel Center based in an area of the United States with offshore energy development expertise to develop academic cooperation in energy innovation technology and engineering, water science, technology transfer, and analysis of geopolitical implications of new natural resource development. Extends, and expands the scope of covered energy, under the grant program to support U.S.-Israel research, development, and commercialization of renewable energy or energy efficiency.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Community Gardening Awareness Month.

United States · United States Congress · 25 July 2014

Supports the goals and ideals of National Community Gardening Awareness Month, including raising awareness about the importance of community gardens and urban agriculture; improving access to public land for the creation of sustainable food projects; encouraging growth of community gardens; and supporting cooperative efforts among federal, state, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to promote the development and expansion of community gardens.

MODERNIZING AGRICULTURE PRODUCER SIZE STANDARDS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 July 2014

USA Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 July 2014

Unified Savings and Accountability Act or the USA Act - Title I: Provisions Relating to Federal Property, Federal Contracts and Information Technology - Requires: (1) the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy to issue guidance to federal agencies for reinvigorating the role of the competition advocate, and (2) agency chief information officers to use transparency mechanisms to report to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), annually, on efforts to identify and eliminate potentially duplicative information technology investment. Requires the Director of OMB to: issue a policy requiring consistency among all agencies in identifying information technology investments in any required reporting, issue government-wide savings goals for the strategic sourcing of goods and services by executive agencies required to have a Chief Financial Officer, require each executive agency to develop a policy consistent with OMB guidance for performing analysis to measure how well each operational/steady state information technology investment is achieving expected goals and to determine whether the investment provides the most cost effective way of delivering business value, issue guidance for specified agencies to complete their commodity IT baselines, require specified agencies to report quarterly on progress in the migration of enterprise IT systems and IT infrastructure to a shared service, and direct the Federal Chief Information Officer (Federal CIO) to require agencies to report on specified IT actions as part of integrated data collection quarterly reporting. Requires: (1) the Federal Acquisition Regulation to be revised to address reverse auctions by federal agencies, and (2) the OMB Director to issue government-wide guidance advising agencies to collect and analyze data on the level of interactive bidding and fees paid to determine the cost effectiveness of using reverse auctions in procurement and on best practices to maximize competition and savings in the use of reverse auctions. Requires the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to develop and use criteria to prioritize potential long-term ownership solutions to current high-value leases among other capital investments and to use this ranking to create long-term cross agency strategy that facilitates consideration of targeted investments in ownership Requires the Federal CIO to develop, implement, and report annually on agency progress in carrying out a Federal Data Center Optimization Initiative. Requires each agency included in the Initiative to: (1) use specified methods to achieve maximum server utilization and maximum energy efficiency for federal data centers, (2) use the most cost-effective measures to implement the Initiative, and (3) report to the Federal CIO annually on resulting costs and savings. Requires agency savings to be used to enhance information technology capabilities and services. Requires OMB to issue, and executive agencies to implement, recommendations for reducing or consolidating the number of federal data centers by at least 40% by the end of FY2018 and by at least 80% by the end of FY2023. Title II: Other Matters - Amends the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to report on: (1) efforts to finalize plans and schedules for fully implementing and expanding the use of the Integrated Data Repository and actions taken to define expected financial benefits; and (2) actions taken to plan, schedule, and conduct training on the One Program Integrity System used to analyze and extract data from such Repository and actions taken to define expected financial benefits. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury, upon receiving certification by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue (IRS) that any individual has a seriously delinquent tax debt in excess of $50,000, with specified exceptions, to transmit such certification and disclose certain tax return information to the Secretary of State for action with respect to denial, revocation, or limitation of a passport for such individual pursuant to the Passport Act of 1926. Prohibits the Secretary of State, upon receiving such certification, from issuing a passport to such individual, except in emergency circumstances or for humanitarian reasons. Requires the Secretary to revoke a passport previously issued to such individual, but authorizes limiting such a passport to return travel to the United States. Prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from minting or issuing any circulating coin, or engraving or printing any U.S. currency, that costs more to produce than its denomination. Directs the Public Printer to make any House or Senate document available only in an electronic format that is accessible through the Internet, with specified exceptions. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to: (1) sequester all $1 coins bearing the design common to those $1 coins minted and issued from 1979 through 1981 and in 1999; (2) undertake and report on efforts to improve the circulation of the $1 coin, other than those sequestered; (3) continuously conduct education programs to help businesses using or accepting cash to choose the best mix of $1 coins and bank notes to facilitate and reduce transaction costs; and (4) work with the Departments of State and Treasury to ensure that countries that have adopted the dollar as a base unit of exchange and that place orders for supplies of $1 monetary units are fully briefed on the durability and longevity of $1 coins in high-circulation economies. Declares it to be U.S. policy that after $1 coins achieve sufficient market penetration, $1 coins should replace $1 Federal Reserve notes. Allows Federal Reserve banks to continue to place $1 Federal Reserve notes into circulation until the number of $1 coins placed into circulation exceeds 600 million annually, or until four years after enactment of this Act, whichever is earlier. Directs the IRS Commissioner to develop a long-term strategy to improve web services provided to taxpayers. Directs the Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Agriculture (USDA), and Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) analyze, annually, the effectiveness and long-term costs and benefits of their programs, actions, and strategies for avoidance or mitigation of foreclosure losses regarding loans for and mortgages on one- to four-family homes made, insured, or guaranteed by such Department; and (2) provide additional guidance on loss mitigation efforts to servicers of such loans and mortgages.

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2014

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2014

Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2014 - Appropriates supplemental funds for FY2014 to specified federal agencies and programs to respond to the increased apprehensions of unaccompanied children and minors along the southwestern border, fight wildfires, and support Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile defense system. Provides appropriations for the Department of Justice (DOJ); the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); and the Department of State to cover necessary expenses to respond to the significant rise in unaccompanied children and adults with children at the southwest border. Provides appropriations for the U.S Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Forest Service to cover anticipated wildfire suppression funding shortfalls if funds previously provided for wildfire suppression will be exhausted imminently and USDA notifies the appropriations committees of the need for additional funds. Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to require certain adjustments to discretionary spending limits for FY2015-FY2021 for wildfire suppression operations in the wildland fire management accounts at the Department of the Interior and the USDA. Provides appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) to assist the government of Israel with procurement of the Iron Dome defense system to counter short-range rocket threats. Designates funding provided in the Act as an emergency requirement pursuant to the Balanced Budget And Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds.

Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015

United States · United States Congress · 23 July 2014

Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015 - Makes appropriations for FY2015 for the Department of the Interior for: (1) the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), (2) the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (3) the National Park Service, (4) the U.S. Geological Survey, (5) the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, (6) the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, (7) the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, (8) the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, (9) the Office of the Secretary, (10) departmental offices for insular affairs, (11) the Office of the Solicitor, (12) the Office of Inspector General, (13) the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians, (14) wildland fire management, (15) the Central Hazardous Materials Fund, and (16) natural resource damage assessment and restoration. Makes appropriations for FY2015 for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the Forest Service, and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the Indian Health Service. Makes appropriations for FY2015 for specified related agencies, including: (1) the National Institutes of Health (NIH), (2) the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, (3) the Executive Office of the President, (4) the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, (5) the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation, (6) the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development, (7) the Smithsonian Institution, (8) the National Gallery of Art, (9) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, (10) the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, (11) the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities, (12) the Commission of Fine Arts, (13) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, (14) the National Capital Planning Commission, and (15) the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Specifies authorized, restricted, and prohibited uses of appropriated funds.

Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument Correction Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 July 2014

Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument Correction Act - Prohibits construing either the national monument designation or any management plan in furtherance of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, New Mexico (designated on May 21, 2014) as: (1) preventing the Secretary of Homeland Security from undertaking law enforcement and border security activities within the areas designated as the Monument, including the ability to use motorized vehicles within it; (2) limiting the 2006 Memorandum of Understanding among the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding cooperative national security and counterterrorism efforts on federal land along U.S. borders; (3) preventing the DHS Secretary from conducting low-level overflights over the Monument for law enforcement and border security purposes; or (4) preventing the Secretary of the Interior from allowing within the Monument the installation and maintenance of communication or surveillance infrastructure necessary for law enforcement or border security activities. Makes the route excluded from the Potrillo Mountains, identified as "Restricted--Administrative Access" on the map entitled "Potrillo Mountains Complex," dated December 10, 2013, available for administrative and law enforcement uses, including border security activities. Specifies that nothing in the national monument designation or any management plan in furtherance of the Monument shall restrict or preclude low-level overflights of military aircraft, the designation of new units of special airspace, or the use or establishment of military flight training routes, over the Monument.