Agriculture

Protecting Horses from Soring Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 23 December 2021

Protecting Horses from Soring Act of 2021 This bill revises requirements concerning the inspection of horse shows, exhibitions, sales, and actions for sored horses (e.g., horses suffering from pain when moving due to substances or devices placed on their limbs). Specifically, this bill replaces a requirement for the Department of Agriculture to prescribe regulations governing the appointment of inspectors with a requirement for the Horse Industry Organization, which is established by this bill, to appoint inspectors.

Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2021

Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act This bill establishes requirements related to long-distance bike trails. The Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture shall identify not fewer than 10 long-distance bike trails; identify not fewer than 10 areas in which there is an opportunity to develop or complete long-distance bike trails; and coordinate with stakeholders on the feasibility of, and identifying any resources necessary for, completing the development of such trails.

Western Wildfire Support Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2021

Western Wildfire Support Act of 2021 This bill establishes activities to address wildfires. The bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior to establish spatial fire management plans before the end of FY2024. The bill establishes accounts in the Treasury for addressing wildfires, a program to train and certify citizens who wish to be able to volunteer to assist USDA or Interior during a wildland fire incident, a program to award grants to eligible states or units of local government to acquire slip-on tank and pump units for a surge capacity of resources for fire suppression, the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the management of wildfire-related invasive species, and the Management of Wildfire-Related Invasive Species Technology Advisory Board. The bill also requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to reimburse a state or federal agency for the costs of wildfire suppression as a result of a fire caused by DOD activity, requires the Joint Fire Science Program to work with unmanned aircraft test ranges to carry out research and development of unmanned aircraft system fire applications, requires federal and state disaster preparedness programs to include postdisaster assistance, and authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide funding to a state agency to establish and operate a website to provide information relating to postfire recovery funding and resources to a community or an individual impacted by a wildland fire.

SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2021

SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to enter into self-determination contracts upon the request of Indian tribes and tribal organizations to carry out the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

SNAP PLUS Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2021

SNAP Provisions to Lower Undue Struggle Act of 2021 or the SNAP PLUS Act of 2021 This bill expands the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to permit the use of SNAP benefits to purchase prepared foods fit for immediate consumption and hot foods.

Native American Rural Homeownership Improvement Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2021

Native American Rural Homeownership Improvement Act of 2021 This bill provides statutory authority for a Department of Agriculture pilot program that provides direct loans to Native community development financial institutions to increase homeownership opportunities for tribal communities in rural areas.

College Student Hunger Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2021

College Student Hunger Act of 20 21 This bill modifies the eligibility requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to make additional students at institutions of higher education eligible for benefits.

Food Donation Improvement Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2021

Food Donation Improvement Act of 2021 This bill expands liability protections for the donation of food and grocery products. Specifically, the bill expands the liability protections to include donations of an apparently fit grocery product or apparently wholesome food for which the recipient is charged a good Samaritan reduced price that is no greater than the cost of handling, administering, and distributing the food or product; or that is donated directly to a needy individual by a retail grocer, wholesaler, agricultural producer, restaurant, caterer, school food authority, or institution of higher education. The Department of Agriculture must issue regulations that clarify the quality and labeling standards that food products donated under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act must meet to be eligible for liability protection.

Emergency SNAP Staffing Flexibility Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021

Emergency SNAP Staffing Flexibility Act of 2021 This bill authorizes a state agency to hire contractors to administer parts of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if the state experiences an increase in SNAP applications or an inability to timely process the applications because of workforce shortages, emergencies, or disasters.

To delay the implementation of a rule relating to the importation of sheep and goats and products derived from sheep and goats, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to submit a report on the potential costs and benefits of its proposed rule governing the importation of live sheep, goats, other ruminants, and products derived from sheep and goats. It also bars USDA from finalizing, implementing, administering, or enforcing the rule until one year after the date that USDA submits the report.

A bill to delay the implementation of a rule relating to the importation of sheep and goats and products derived from sheep and goats, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to submit a report on the potential costs and benefits of its proposed rule governing the importation of live sheep, goats, other ruminants, and products derived from sheep and goats. It also bars USDA from finalizing, implementing, administering, or enforcing the rule until one year after the date that USDA submits the report.

Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 9 December 2021

Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act of 2021 This bill allows certain dependent children in households of active duty members of the Armed Forces to qualify for free and reduced-price school meals through a direct certification process.

A resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Alabama Farmers Federation and celebrating the long history of the Alabama Farmers Federation serving as the voice for Alabama agriculture and forestry.

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2021

This resolution commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Alabama Farmers Federation and recognizes its efforts to promote and advocate for the agricultural and forestry interests of Alabama.

Study on Improving Lands Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2021

Study on Improving Lands Act This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to (1) direct a study on the state of soil health on federal lands that determines impacts such as grazing, wildfire, recreation, and invasive species; and (2) create a database of the information collected during the study.

DALCI Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2021

Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative Act or the DALCI Act This bill reestablishes an initiative within the Department of Agriculture to assist farmers in fighting erosion and restoring cold water stream corridors in the Driftless Area of the Midwestern United States.

Food Date Labeling Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2021

Food Date Labeling Act of 2021 This bill addresses food waste by establishing requirements to standardize the quality date and discard date labels on food packaging.

Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Alabama Farmers Federation and celebrating the long history of the Alabama Farmers Federation serving as the voice for Alabama agriculture and forestry.

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2021

This resolution commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Alabama Farmers Federation and recognizes its efforts to promote and advocate for the agricultural and forestry interests of Alabama.

Food Date Labeling Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2021

Food Date Labeling Act of 2021 This bill addresses food waste by establishing requirements to standardize the quality date and discard date labels on food packaging.

Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2021

Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to hold national hearings to review Federal Milk Marketing Orders. (USDA uses these orders to establish a minimum price for various classes of milk.) The hearings must include the review of proposals from producers and the dairy industry on the price of Class I skim milk.

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

United States · United States Congress · 1 December 2021

This resolution elects Representative Shontel Brown to the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Food Donation Improvement Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 30 November 2021

Food Donation Improvement Act of 2021 This bill expands liability protections for the donation of food and grocery products. Specifically, the bill expands the liability protections to include donations of an apparently fit grocery product or apparently wholesome food for which the recipient is charged a good Samaritan reduced price that is no greater than the cost of handling, administering, and distributing the food or product; or that is donated directly to a needy individual by a retail grocer, wholesaler, agricultural producer, restaurant, caterer, school food authority, or institution of higher education. The Department of Agriculture must issue regulations that clarify the quality and labeling standards that food products donated under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act must meet to be eligible for liability protection.

America’s Outdoor Recreation Act of 2022

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2021

Outdoor Recreation Act This bill provides for additional recreation opportunities and facilitates greater access to federal public lands. If the public does not need to obtain a permit or reservation to access an existing picnic area, neither the Department of the Interior nor the Department of Agriculture (USDA) may require an outfitter or guide serving fewer than 40 clients to obtain a permit to access that site. Interior and USDA shall construct and designate shooting ranges on National Forest System land and public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management for the public to use for recreational target shooting. Interior and the Forest Service shall enter into an agreement with the Rural Utilities Service to install or construct broadband internet infrastructure at recreation sites on federal land. The Bureau of Reclamation shall establish a competitive grant program to provide grants to conduct inspections and decontamination of watercraft in reservoirs operated and maintained by Interior, including to purchase and operate a watercraft inspection and decontamination station. Interior and USDA shall establish a pilot program under which Interior or USDA may enter into an agreement with a private entity providing for capital improvements (including the construction of structures and improvements), management, and maintenance by the private entity of a campground on federal land.

Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2021

Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act This bill establishes requirements related to long-distance bike trails. The Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture shall identify not fewer than 10 long-distance bike trails; identify not fewer than 10 areas in which there is an opportunity to develop or complete long-distance bike trails; and coordinate with stakeholders on the feasibility of, and identifying any resources necessary for, completing the development of such trails.

Designating November 17, 2021, as "National Butter Day".

United States · United States Congress · 18 November 2021

This resolution supports the designation of National Butter Day. It also encourages the people of the United States to celebrate the day with their favorite buttery dishes and baked goods.

NOMINATION OF CHAVONDA J. JACOBS-YOUNG TO BE UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND ECONOMICS, USDA AND MARGO SCHLANGER TO BE AN ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE, USDA

United States · United States Senate · 17 November 2021

Veteran and Beginning Farmers Assistance Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2021

Veteran and Beginning Farmers Assistance Act of 2021 This bill extends through FY2028 and makes other changes to a technology transfer program for assisting agricultural producers in rural areas. Among the changes, the bill (1) incorporates a specific focus on beginning, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers and ranchers; and (2) expands the scope of the assistance to include improving farm viability, strengthening supply chains, and increasing resilience to extreme weather through conservation practices.

Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2021

Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take various actions to address transparency in pricing and contract terms in the cattle industry. Among these requirements, USDA must (1) establish regional minimum percentages of cattle that meat packers must procure through negotiated purchases or negotiated grid purchases (i.e., transactions where the price is known and negotiated at the time of the transaction), and (2) maintain a publicly available catalog of contracts offered by meat packers to livestock producers for the purchase of fed cattle.

A bill to require the establishment of a working group to evaluate the food safety threat posed by beef imported from Brazil, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2021

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a working group to (1) evaluate the food safety threat posed by beef imported from Brazil, and (2) make recommendations regarding whether or not the importation of beef from Brazil should be permitted. The bill also suspends imports of beef from Brazil until the working group submits its recommendations to USDA.

WIC Healthy Beginnings Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2021

WIC Healthy Beginnings Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to maintain a publicly available, searchable database that contains solicitations for infant formula bids under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Under current law, state agencies must control infant formula costs in the WIC program through competitive bidding for infant formula rebate contracts. The bill requires state WIC agencies to provide USDA with open solicitations for these competitive bids to populate the database.

Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2021

Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take various actions to address transparency in pricing and contract terms in the cattle industry. Among these requirements, USDA must (1) establish regional minimum percentages of cattle that meat packers must procure through negotiated purchases or negotiated grid purchases (i.e., transactions where the price is known and negotiated at the time of the transaction), and (2) maintain a publicly available catalog of contracts offered by meat packers to livestock producers for the purchase of fed cattle.

MODERN WIC Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2021

More Options to Develop and Enhance Remote Nutrition in WIC Act of 2021 or the MODERN WIC Act of 2021 This bill makes various changes to allow individuals to remotely certify their eligibility for, and receive benefits through, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The Department of Agriculture must also report to Congress about the use of remote technologies and other tools in the WIC program.

A resolution designating November 17, 2021, as "National Butter Day".

United States · United States Congress · 17 November 2021

This resolution designates November 17, 2021, as National Butter Day. It also encourages the people of the United States to celebrate the day with their favorite buttery dishes and baked goods.

A resolution celebrating the 125th anniversary of the National Grain and Feed Association and recognizing the Association and its members for transforming the bounty of United States farmers into safe, nutritious, sustainable, and affordable human and animal food.

United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2021

This resolution celebrates the 125th anniversary of the National Grain and Feed Association. It also recognizes the National Grain and Feed Association and its members for transforming the bounty of U.S. farmers into safe, nutritious, sustainable, and affordable human and animal food.

Jose Emilio Esteban, of California, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food Safety, vice Mindy Brashears.

United States · United States Senate · 15 November 2021

Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2021

Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act This bill makes various changes to the Child and Adult Care Food Program, which reimburses child care centers, day care homes, and other sites for meals and snacks provided to low-income individuals. Among these changes, the bill authorizes reimbursements for an additional meal or snack provided to children who are in care for at least eight hours, allows certain child care centers to certify their eligibility on an annual (rather than a monthly) basis, and establishes an advisory committee to make recommendations to reduce unnecessary recordkeeping requirements for program participants.

Supporting Healthy Mothers and Infants Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2021

Supporting Healthy Mothers and Infants Act of 20 21 This bill modifies the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to add requirements for supporting individuals impacted by a substance use disorder. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Agriculture to collaborate with the Department of Health and Human Services to develop and disseminate nutrition education materials for individuals impacted by a substance use disorder, including materials for infants impacted by prenatal substance exposure and neonatal abstinence syndrome; conduct outreach to individuals who are potentially eligible for the WIC program and who are impacted by such a disorder; and make available to states through an online clearinghouse any nutrition education and training materials related to nutrition for individuals impacted by a substance use disorder or neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Water Infrastructure for Rural and Impoverished Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2021

Water Infrastructure for Rural and Impoverished Communities Act This bill makes rural communities with up to 30,000 residents eligible to apply, under certain conditions, for grants and loans for water and waste disposal infrastructure. (Current law limits eligibility to communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.) In making the grants and loans, the Department of Agriculture must prioritize communities in counties where at least 20% of the population has persistently lived in poverty.

Recognizing the 125th anniversary of the National Grain and Feed Association and celebrating the history and longstanding efforts of the Association and its members in transforming the American farmer's bounty into safe, nutritious, sustainable, and affordable human and animal food.

United States · United States Congress · 5 November 2021

This resolution commemorates the 125th anniversary of the National Grain and Feed Association. It also recognizes the National Grain and Feed Association for 125 years of promoting the noble purpose of its members in transforming the American farmer's bounty into safe, nutritious, sustainable, and affordable human and animal food.

North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2021

North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to exchange, at the election of North Dakota, certain federal land for certain state land of substantially equal value. Specifically, if North Dakota elects to relinquish a parcel of state land located wholly or partially within the boundaries of any Indian reservation or the Little Missouri National Grassland in North Dakota, the bill authorizes North Dakota to select one or more parcels of federal land of substantially equivalent value within that state. No later than 60 days after Interior approves North Dakota's selection of federal land, Interior shall initiate the actions necessary to convey the federal land to the state. As consideration for the conveyance of the federal land, North Dakota shall concurrently relinquish and convey the state land to Interior or, for a parcel that is located wholly or partially within the boundaries of the grassland, to the Department of Agriculture. Land conveyed to Interior that is within the boundaries of a reservation becomes part of the reservation on request of the tribe.

North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 November 2021

North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to exchange, at the election of North Dakota, certain federal land for certain state land of substantially equal value. Specifically, if North Dakota elects to relinquish a parcel of state land located wholly or partially within the boundaries of any Indian reservation or the Little Missouri National Grassland in North Dakota, the bill authorizes North Dakota to select one or more parcels of federal land of substantially equivalent value within that state. No later than 60 days after Interior approves North Dakota's selection of federal land, Interior shall initiate the actions necessary to convey the federal land to the state. As consideration for the conveyance of the federal land, North Dakota shall concurrently relinquish and convey the state land to Interior or, for a parcel that is located wholly or partially within the boundaries of the grassland, to the Department of Agriculture. Land conveyed to Interior that is within the boundaries of a reservation becomes part of the reservation on request of the tribe.

M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 November 2021

M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act This bill designates specified segments of rivers and creeks of the Gila River system in New Mexico as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and transfers 440 acres of land from the Gila National Forest to the Gila Cliff Dwellings Monument. The Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture must consult with tribal governments, applicable political subdivisions of states, and interested members of the public when preparing the comprehensive management plan for such segments pursuant to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Any nonfederal land within or adjacent to such a segment that is acquired by the United States shall be incorporated in, and be administered as part of, the applicable segment. No land or interest in land shall be acquired without the owner's consent. The Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture may authorize the construction, maintenance, or replacement of one or more fish barriers or other projects with respect to a segment under its jurisdiction if that fish barrier or other project is necessary for the recovery of a species that is listed as endangered or threatened and identified as an outstandingly remarkable value of the segment, and is included in the applicable species recovery plan.

Food Security is National Security Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 27 October 2021

Food Security is National Security Act of 2021 This bill places the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Further, the bill requires CFIUS to consider the potential effects of a proposed or pending transaction on the security of the U.S. food and agriculture systems, including any effects on the availability of, access to, or safety and quality of food.

White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger, and Health Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2021

White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger, and Health Act This bill directs the President to convene a conference to make policy recommendations for ending hunger, creating sustainable markets for agricultural producers, and improving nutrition and the resiliency of the food system. The bill also requires specified congressional committees to hold hearings on the conference recommendations and on the status of hunger, nutrition security, and food systems.

White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger, and Health Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 October 2021

White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger, and Health Act This bill directs the President to convene a conference to make policy recommendations for ending hunger, creating sustainable markets for agricultural producers, and improving nutrition and the resiliency of the food system. The bill also requires specified congressional committees to hold hearings on the conference recommendations and on the status of hunger, nutrition security, and food systems.

Expressing support for the designation of the week of October 24, 2021, to October 31, 2021, as "BatWeek".

United States · United States Congress · 25 October 2021

This resolution expresses support for the designation of BatWeek and acknowledges the important role bats play as pollinators and pest control for agriculture.

To make technical amendments to update statutory references to certain provisions classified to title 7, title 20, and title 43, United States Code.

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2021

This bill makes technical amendments to the U.S. Code to revise references to statutory provisions in the following titles: Title 5 (Government Organization and Employees), Title 7 (Agriculture), Title 11 (Bankruptcy), Title 16 (Conservation), Title 20 (Education), Title 21 (Food and Drugs), Title 26 (Internal Revenue Code), Title 42 (The Public Health and Welfare), Title 43 (Public Lands), and Title 48 (Territories and Insular Possessions).

SWEETER Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2021

Saving Workers by Eliminating Economic Tampering and Ensuring Reliability Act or the SWEETER Act This bill eliminates certain Department of Agriculture (USDA) sugar subsidy programs. Specifically, the bill eliminates (1) the price support loan program available to processors of domestically grown sugarcane and sugar beets; (2) the sugar marketing allotments and tariff-rate quotas that limit the quantities of domestically produced sugar that processors may sell and the sugar that may be imported under lower tariff rates; and (3) the feedstock flexibility program for bioenergy producers, which operates to avoid loan forfeitures to the USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation by requiring USDA to purchase surplus sugar from domestic processors for resale to bioenergy producers.

BARK Act of 2021

United States · United States Congress · 22 October 2021

Bring Animals Relief and Kibble Act of 2021 or as the BARK Act of 2021 This bill extends federal protection from civil and criminal liability that applies to donations of food or grocery products for needy individuals to the donation of pet food or supplies.

Honoring the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation on its 100th anniversary.

United States · United States Congress · 21 October 2021

This resolution honors and congratulates the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation on its 100th anniversary and commemorates the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation for its service to the farmers and rural communities in the state of Tennessee.

Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 October 2021

Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address chronic wasting disease afflicting deer, elk, and moose populations. Specifically, the bill directs USDA to establish a program to research and manage the disease. Under the program, USDA must offer to enter into agreements with state or tribal wildlife agencies and departments of agriculture, institutions of higher education, and research centers to support research on the transmission of, resistance to, and diagnosis of the disease. In addition, USDA must offer to enter into agreements with such agencies and departments to support state and tribal efforts to develop and implement management strategies that address the disease. USDA must also develop and maintain materials to inform the public on chronic wasting disease and techniques to help prevent the spread of the disease. In addition, USDA must solicit public feedback on potential updates and improvements to standards of the chronic wasting disease herd certification program.