[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2129 Introduced in House (IH)]







110th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                H. R. 2129

               To strengthen the Food Stamp Act of 1977.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 3, 2007

 Mr. McGovern (for himself and Mrs. Emerson) introduced the following 
   bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in 
   addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be 
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration 
  of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee 
                               concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
               To strengthen the Food Stamp Act of 1977.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Feeding America's Families Act of 
2007''.

                  TITLE I--IMPROVING BENEFIT ADEQUACY

SEC. 101. ADJUSTING BENEFITS TO RESPOND TO FOOD INFLATION.

    Section 3(o) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2012(o)) is 
amended--
            (1) in paragraph (3) by striking ``and'' at the end; and
            (2) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
            ``(4) on October 1, 2007, adjust the cost of the diet to 
        reflect 101.5 percent of the cost of the diet in the preceding 
        June, and round the result to the nearest lower dollar 
        increment for each household size, except that the Secretary 
        may not reduce the cost of the diet in effect on September 30, 
        2007;
            ``(5) on October 1, 2008 and October 1, 2009, adjust the 
        cost of the diet to reflect 102 percent of the cost of the diet 
        in the preceding June, and round the result to the nearest 
        lower dollar increment for each household size, except that the 
        Secretary may not reduce the cost of the diet in effect during 
        the immediately preceding fiscal year;
            ``(6) on October 1, 2010, adjust the cost of the diet to 
        reflect 102.5 percent of the cost of the diet in the preceding 
        June, and round the result to the nearest lower dollar 
        increment for each household size, except that the Secretary 
        may not reduce the cost of the diet in effect on September 30, 
        2010; and
            ``(7) on October 1, 2011, and each October 1 thereafter, 
        adjust the cost of the diet to reflect 103 percent of the cost 
        of the diet in the preceding June, and round the result to the 
        nearest lower dollar increment for each household size, except 
        that the Secretary may not reduce the cost of the diet in 
        effect during the immediately preceding fiscal year.''.

SEC. 102. STRENGTHENING THE FOOD PURCHASING POWER OF LOW-INCOME 
              AMERICANS.

    Section 5(e)(1) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(1)) 
is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (A)(ii) by striking ``not less than 
        $134'' and all that follows to the end of the clause and 
        inserting the following: ``not less than--
                                    ``(I) for fiscal year 2008, $150, 
                                $256, $212, and $132, respectively;
                                    ``(II) for fiscal year 2009, $170, 
                                $291, $240, and $150, respectively;
                                    ``(III) for fiscal year 2010, $180, 
                                $308, $254, and $159, respectively;
                                    ``(IV) for fiscal year 2011, $201, 
                                $344, $284, and $177, respectively; and
                                    ``(V) for each fiscal year 
                                thereafter, an amount that is equal to 
                                the amount from the previous fiscal 
                                year adjusted to the nearest lower 
                                dollar increment to reflect changes in 
                                the Consumer Price Index for all urban 
                                consumers published by the Bureau of 
                                Labor Statistics, for items other than 
                                food, for the twelve months ending the 
                                preceding June 30.''; and
            (2) in subparagraph (B)(ii) by striking ``not less than 
        $269.'' and inserting the following: ``not less than--
                                    ``(I) for fiscal year 2008, $301;
                                    ``(II) for fiscal year 2009, $341;
                                    ``(III) for fiscal year 2010, $361;
                                    ``(IV) for fiscal year 2011, $404; 
                                and
                                    ``(V) for each fiscal year 
                                thereafter, an amount that is equal to 
                                the amount from the previous fiscal 
                                year adjusted to the nearest lower 
                                dollar increment to reflect changes in 
                                the Consumer Price Index for all urban 
                                consumers published by the Bureau of 
                                Labor Statistics, for items other than 
                                food, for the twelve months ending the 
                                preceding June 30.''.

SEC. 103. SUPPORTING WORKING FAMILIES WITH CHILD CARE EXPENSES.

    Section 5(e)(3)(A) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
2014(e)(3)(A)) is amended by striking ``, the maximum allowable level 
of which shall be $200 per month for each dependent child under 2 years 
of age and $175 per month for each other dependent,''.

SEC. 104. EXCLUSION OF COMBAT-RELATED MILITARY PAY FROM COUNTABLE 
              INCOME.

    Section 5(d) of the Food Stamp Act of 2007 (7 U.S.C. 2014(d)) is 
amended--
            (1) by striking ``and (18)'' and inserting ``(18)''; and
            (2) by inserting before the period at the end the 
        following:
        ``, and (19) any additional payment received under chapter 5 of 
        title 37, United States Code, by a member of the United States 
        Armed Forces deployed to a designated combat zone for the 
        duration of the member's deployment if the additional pay is 
        the result of deployment to or while serving in a combat zone, 
        and it was not received immediately prior to serving in the 
        combat zone''.

SEC. 105. INCREASING THE MINIMUM BENEFIT.

    Section 8(a) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2017(a)) is 
amended by striking ``$10 per month.'' and inserting ``20 percent of 
the thrifty food plan for a household containing one member, as 
determined by the Secretary under section 3(o).''.

  TITLE II--IMPROVING FOOD SECURITY AND SIMPLIFYING PROGRAM OPERATIONS

SEC. 201. ALLOWABLE COUNTABLE RESOURCES.

    Section 5(g) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2014(g)) is 
amended --
            (1) by striking ``(g)(1) The Secretary'' and inserting the 
        following:
    ``(g) Allowable Financial Resources.--
            ``(1) Total amount.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary'';
            (2) in subsection (g)(1)(A) (as designated by paragraph 
        (1)--
                    (A) by striking ``$2,000'' and inserting ``$3,700 
                (as adjusted in accordance with subparagraph (B))''; 
                and
                    (B) by striking ``$3,000'' and inserting ``$5,500 
                (as adjusted in accordance with subparagraph (B)),''; 
                and
            (3) in subsection (g)(1) by adding at the end the 
        following:
                    ``(B) Adjustment for inflation.--
                            ``(i) In general.--Beginning on October 1, 
                        2008, and each October 1 thereafter, the 
                        amounts in subparagraph (A) shall be adjusted 
                        to the nearest $100 increment to reflect 
                        changes for the 12-month period ending the 
                        preceding June in the Consumer Price Index for 
                        All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of 
                        Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor.
                            ``(ii) Requirement.--Each adjustment under 
                        clause (i) shall be based on the unrounded 
                        amount for the prior 12-month period.''.

SEC. 202. EXCLUSION OF RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS FROM COUNTABLE FINANCIAL 
              RESOURCES.

    (a) Section 5(g)(2)(B)(v) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
2014(g)(2)(B)(v)) is amended by striking ``or retirement account 
(including an individual account)'' and inserting ``account''.
    (b) Mandatory and Discretionary Exclusions.--Section 5(g) of the 
Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2014(g)) is amended by adding at the 
end the following:
            ``(7) Exclusion of retirement accounts from countable 
        financial resources.--
                    ``(A) Mandatory exclusions.--The Secretary shall 
                exclude from financial resources under this subsection 
                the value of any funds in a plan, contract, or account, 
                described in sections 401(a), 403(a), 403(b), 408, 
                408A, 457(b), and 501(c)(18) of the Internal Revenue 
                Code of 1986 and the value of funds in a Federal Thrift 
                Savings Plan account as provided in section 8439 of 
                title 5, United States Code.
                    ``(B) Discretionary exclusions.--The Secretary may 
                exclude from financial resources under this subsection 
                the value of any other retirement plans, contracts, or 
                accounts (as determined by the Secretary through 
                regulation).''.

SEC. 203. EXCLUSION OF EDUCATION ACCOUNTS FROM COUNTABLE FINANCIAL 
              RESOURCES.

    Section 5(g) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2014(g) (as 
amended by section 202) is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(8) Exclusion of education accounts from countable 
        financial resources.--
                    ``(A) Mandatory exclusions.--The Secretary shall 
                exclude from financial resources under this subsection 
                the value of any funds in a qualified tuition program 
                described in section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code 
                of 1986 or in a Coverdell education savings account 
                under section 530 of that Code.
                    ``(B) Discretional exclusions.--The Secretary may 
                exclude from financial resources under this subsection 
                the value of any other education programs, contracts, 
                or accounts (as determined by the Secretary through 
                regulation).''.

SEC. 204. SIMPLIFYING WORK REQUIREMENT.

    (a) Section 6 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2015) is 
amended by striking subsection (o).
    (b) Section 16(h)(1) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
2025(h)(1)) is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (A)--
                    (A) in clause (vi)(II) by striking ``and'';
                    (B) in clause (vii) by striking the period at the 
                end and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
                            ``(viii) for each of the fiscal years 2008 
                        through 2012, $110,000,000.''; and
            (2) by striking subparagraph (E).

SEC. 205. FAIRNESS FOR LEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

    Notwithstanding sections 401(a), 402(a), and 403(a) of the Personal 
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation At of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 
1611(a), 1612(a), 1613(a)) and section 6(f) of the Food Stamp Act of 
1977 (7 U.S.A. 2015(f)), persons who are lawfully residing in the 
United States shall be not be ineligible for food stamps on the basis 
of their immigration status or date of entry into the United States.

SEC. 206. CLARIFYING ELIGIBILITY.

    Section 421 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity 
Reconciliation At of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1631(d)(3)) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``to the extent that a qualified alien is 
        eligible under section 1612(a)(2)(J) of this title.'' and
            (2) inserting, ``to the extent that a child is a member of 
        the food stamp household.''.

SEC. 207. ENSURING PROPER SCREENING.

    Section 11(e)(2)(B) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
2020(e)(2)(B)) is amended--
            (1) by inserting after clause (v):
                            ``(vi) shall provide a method for 
                        implementing 8 U.S.C. 1631 that does not 
                        require any unnecessary information from 
                        persons who may be exempt from that 
                        provision;''; and
            (2) by redesignating clauses (vi) and (vii) as clauses 
        (vii) and (viii).

SEC. 208. CLARIFICATION OF SIMPLIFIED ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTING 
              REQUIREMENT.

    Section 11(a) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2020(a)) is 
amended by adding the following at the end: ``The administrative 
reporting requirement under 8 U.S.C. 1631(e)(2) shall be satisfied by 
the submission of an aggregate report on the numbers of such exceptions 
granted each year.''.

SEC. 209. STATE OPTION TO PROVIDE FOOD ASSISTANCE TO FOSTER COMMUNITY 
              REINTEGRATION.

    (a) In General.--Section 6 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
2015) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(p) State Option To Provide Food Assistance To Foster Community 
Reintegration.--
            ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 115 of the 
        Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act 
        of 1996 (21 U.S.C. 862a), except as provided in paragraph (2), 
        section 115 of that Act shall not apply in the case of benefits 
        under the food stamp program or any State program carried out 
        under this Act.
            ``(2) Prohibition on receiving food stamp benefits.--In the 
        case of benefits under the food stamp program or any State 
        program carried out under this Act:
                    ``(A) A State may, by specific reference in a law 
                enacted on or after the enactment date of this 
                subsection, elect to apply section 115 of that Act to 
                any or all individuals domiciled in a State, effective 
                beginning on the date of enactment of that law. Section 
                115 of that Act shall apply to any or all individuals 
                domiciled in the State in accordance with that law.
                    ``(B) If, prior to enactment of this subsection, a 
                State exempted any or all individuals domiciled in the 
                State from the application of section 115(a) by 
                specific reference in a law in accordance with section 
                115(d)(1) of that Act, the State may continue to apply 
                section 115 of that Act in accordance with that law.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) takes 
effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
Act.

 TITLE III--CONNECTING ELIGIBLE FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS TO FOOD STAMPS

SEC. 301. FACILITATING SIMPLIFIED REPORTING.

    Section 6(c) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2015(c)(1)(A)) 
is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by--
                    (A) striking ``reporting by'' and inserting 
                ``reporting'';
                    (B) inserting ``for periods shorter than four 
                months by'' after the clause designations in clauses 
                (i) and (ii); and
                    (C) inserting ``by'' after the clause designation 
                in clause (iii);
            (2) in paragraph (3), by--
                    (A) striking ``Reports required to be filed monthly 
                under paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``Except as 
                provided in paragraph (1)(D)(ii), periodic reports 
                filed under paragraph (1)'';
                    (B) striking ``required to be filed monthly'';
                    (C) striking ``subject matter included in such 
                reports'' and inserting ``such households''; and
                    (D) inserting after the third sentence:
        ``The State agency shall not be required to act on information 
        about such household received from any source between such 
        periodic reports unless the information clearly indicates that 
        the household is not eligible, subject to standards established 
        by the Secretary, or the household requests an increase in 
        benefits.''.

SEC. 302. ACCESS TO BENEFITS.

    Section 7 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2016) is amended 
by adding at the end the following:
    ``(k) No State agency shall establish any additional requirements  
or conditions  on households  to receive benefits other than the 
requirements  or conditions specified in this section.''.

SEC. 303. ACCOUNTABLE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION.

    (a) Prohibition.--Section 11(e)(6)(B) of the Food and Nutrition 
Assistance Act of 2007 (7 U.S.C. 2020(e)(6)(B)) is amended to read:
                    ``(B) only State employees employed in accordance 
                with the current standards for a Merit System of 
                Personnel Administration, or any standards later 
                prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management 
                pursuant to section 208 of the Intergovernmental 
                Personnel Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4728) modifying or 
                superseding such standards relating to the 
                establishment and maintenance of personnel standards on 
                a merit basis, shall--
                            ``(i) represent the State agency in any 
                        communications with a prospective applicant, 
                        applicant, or recipient household;
                            ``(ii) participate in making any 
                        determinations relating to a household's 
                        substantive or procedural compliance with the 
                        requirements of this Act or implementing 
                        regulations, including the adequacy of the 
                        household's application or of verification or 
                        other information the household has submitted 
                        in support of that application; or
                            ``(iii) perform any other acts or 
                        participate in making any other determinations 
                        required under this subsection;''.
    (b) Waivers.--Section 17(b)(1)(B)(iv)(III)(ff) of the Food and 
Nutrition Assistance Act of 2007 (7 U.S.C. 2026(b)(1)(B)(iv)(III)(ff)) 
is amended in inserting ``or 11(e)(6)(B)'' before the semicolon.
    (c) Projects.--Section 26(f)(3)(E) of the Food and Nutrition 
Assistance Act of 2007 (7 U.S.C. 2035(f)(3)(E)) is amended in inserting 
``(6)(B)'' after ``paragraphs''.

SEC. 304. REAUTHORIZATION OF FOOD STAMP PROGRAM AND FOOD DISTRIBUTION 
              PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS.

    (a) Reductions in Payments for Administrative Costs.--Section 
16(k)(3) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2025(k)(3)) is 
amended--
            (1) in the first sentence of subparagraph (A), by striking 
        ``2007'' and inserting ``2012''; and
            (2) in subparagraph (B)(ii) by striking ``2007'' and 
        inserting ``2012''.
    (b) Cash Payment Pilot Projects.--Section 17(b)(1)(B)(vi) of the 
Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2026(b)(1)(B(vi)) is amended by 
striking ``2007'' and inserting ``2012''.
    (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 18(a)(1) of the Food 
Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2027(a)(1)) is amended in the first 
sentence by striking ``2003 through 2007'' and inserting ``2008 through 
2012''.
    (d) Consolidated Block Grants for Puerto Rico and American Samoa.--
Section 19(a)(2) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2028(a)(2)) is 
amended in subparagraph (A)(ii) by striking ``2007'' and inserting 
``2012''.

SEC. 305. PREVENTING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.

    Section 16(a) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2025(a)) is 
amended by inserting ``directly or indirectly'' before ``receive or 
benefit'' in the final sentence.

SEC. 306. LIMITATION ON CONTRACTING.

    Section 16(a) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2025(a)) is 
amended by inserting at the end: ``The Secretary shall not make any 
payments for administrative costs under this or any other section of 
law relating to a contract that a State agency concluded in violation 
of this Act or the Secretary's regulations, whether or not the 
Secretary may approve the contract subsequent to its letting, or for 
any personnel costs to carry out functions specified under section 
11(e)(3) except by persons described under section 11(e)(6)(B).''.

SEC. 307. OUTREACH GRANTS.

    Section 11(t)(1) of the Food Stamp Act of 2007 (7 U.S.C. 
2020(t)(1)) is amended by striking ``For each of fiscal years'' and all 
that follows through ``$5,000,000'' and inserting ``For each of the 
fiscal years 2008 through 2012, the Secretary shall use not more than 
$45,000,000''.

SEC. 308. FUNDS TO STATES FOR IMPROVING AND INNOVATING PROGRAM ACCESS 
              AND INTEGRITY.

    Section 16 of the Food Stamp Act of 2007 (7 U.S.C. 2025), as 
amended by section 304, is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(m) Funds to States for Improving and Innovating Program Access 
and Integrity.--
            ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the 
        Secretary shall provide that with respect to administrative 
        expenditures described in paragraph (2) the percent specified 
        in (a) shall be increased to such percentage as the Secretary 
        specifies.
            ``(2) Administrative expenditures described.--The 
        administrative expenditures described in this paragraph are 
        expenditures described in (a) that a State demonstrates to the 
        satisfaction of the Secretary are attributable to a program 
        innovation that--
                    ``(A) improves access to the food stamp program;
                    ``(B) improves the efficiency and effectiveness of 
                program operations; or
                    ``(C) improves program integrity.
            ``(3) Limitations.--The total amount of additional Federal 
        funds that are made available under this subsection shall not 
        exceed $80,000,000 in each of the fiscal years 2008 through 
        2012. In applying this paragraph, the Secretary shall use 
        discretion in determining the State innovations that have the 
        greatest likelihood of meeting the goals described in paragraph 
        (2). The Secretary shall only make funds available under 
        paragraph (2) that will result in new activities or 
        operations.''.

SEC. 309. IMPROVING PROGRAM OPERATIONS AND PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS.

    Section 17 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2026) is amended 
by adding at the end--
    ``(k) Research To Improve Program Operation Effectiveness.--
            ``(1) For each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2010, the 
        Secretary shall use no less than $9,000,000 of funds made 
        available under section 18(a)(1) to conduct research and 
        demonstration projects in support of this Act.
            ``(2) Of the funds provided in paragraph (1), no less than 
        $4,000,000 in each fiscal year shall be used to conduct 
        research and studies on how to improve the effectiveness of 
        food stamp program operations by increasing access for eligible 
        households, reducing State agency and household administrative 
        burdens, and improving program integrity. Such studies may 
        evaluate the most effective--
                    ``(A) use of verification;
                    ``(B) telephonic and internet applications;
                    ``(C) call centers;
                    ``(D) efforts to retain eligible households at 
                recertification; and
                    ``(E) methods of providing food stamp benefits to 
                working households, seniors, legal immigrants, and 
                households with limited English proficient households, 
                particularly in areas and States that have experienced 
                rapid growth in their non-English speaking 
                populations.''.

SEC. 310. IMPROVING PERFORMANCE BONUSES FOR STATES.

    Section 16(d)(2)(B)(ii) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
2025(d)) is amended by--
            (1) inserting ``through fiscal year 2007'' after ``each 
        fiscal year'';
            (2) inserting at the end ``For fiscal years 2008 and 
        thereafter, $68 million shall be available under this clause 
        for performance bonus payments.''.

SEC. 311. SUPPORTING STATE EFFORTS DURING NATURAL DISASTERS.

    Section 5(h) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2014(h)) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(4) In lieu of the payments section 16(a) would otherwise 
require, the Secretary shall pay each State agency an amount equal to 
90 percent of administrative costs allowable under section 16(a) for 
costs related to planning and operating disaster food stamp programs 
under this subsection.''.

SEC. 312. EXPANDING THE USE OF FOOD STAMPS AT FARMERS' MARKETS.

    Section 25 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2034) is amended 
by adding at the end:
    ``(i) Grants To Expand the Number of Farmers' Markets That Accept 
Food Stamp Benefits.--
            ``(1) In general.--For each of the fiscal years 2008 
        through 2010, the Secretary shall use not more than $5 million 
        of funds made available under section 18(a)(1) to make grants 
        to pay 100 percent of the costs of eligible entities approved 
        by the Secretary to carry out projects to expand the number of 
        farmers' markets that accept food stamp benefits by--
                    ``(A) providing equipment and training necessary 
                for markets to accept food stamp benefits;
                    ``(B) educating and providing technical assistance 
                to farmers and farmers' market operators about the 
                process and benefits of accepting food stamp benefits; 
                or
                    ``(C) other activities deemed appropriate by the 
                Secretary.
            ``(2) Limitation.--A grant made under this subsection shall 
        not be made for the cost of the on-going cost of carrying out 
        any project.
            ``(3) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to receive a grant 
        under this subsection, an entity shall be--
                    ``(A) a State agency administering the Food Stamp 
                Program;
                    ``(B) a State or local government; or
                    ``(C) a private nonprofit entity that coordinates 
                farmers' markets in or within a State and that operates 
                in cooperation with State or local government.
            ``(4) Selection of eligible entities.--The Secretary--
                    ``(A) shall develop criteria for the selection of 
                eligible entities to receive grants under this 
                subsection; and
                    ``(B) may give preference to any eligible entity 
                that consists of a partnership between a government 
                entity and a nongovernmental entity.''.

    TITLE IV--SUPPORTING THE EMERGENCY FOOD BANK NETWORK AND OTHER 
                           COMMUNITY PARTNERS

SEC. 401. ASSISTANCE FOR COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECTS.

    Section 25(b)(2) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
2034(b)(2)) is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (2) in subparagraph (B) by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by inserting at the end:
                    ``(C) for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 
                2012, the amount available in the immediately preceding 
                fiscal year adjusted to reflect changes in the Consumer 
                Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the 
                Bureau of Labor Statistics for the twelve months ending 
                the preceding June 30.''.

SEC. 402. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL COMMODITIES 
              UNDER THE FOOD STAMP ACT.

    (a) Section 27(a) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2011-
2036a) is amended to read as follows:
            (1) by striking ``(a) Purchase of Commodities.--'' and all 
        that follows through ``2007'' and inserting the following:
    ``(a) Purchase of Commodities.--
            ``(1) In general.--As provided in paragraph (2), for each 
        of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012''; and
            (2) by striking ``$140,000,000 of''; and
            (3) by inserting at the end:
            ``(2) Amounts.--The following amounts are made available to 
        carry out this subsection:
                    ``(A) for fiscal year 2008, $250,000,000;
                    ``(B) for each of the fiscal years 2009 through 
                2012, the dollar amount of commodities available in the 
                immediately preceding fiscal year adjusted by the 
                percentage by which the thrifty food plan has been 
                adjusted under section 3(o)(4) between June 30, 2007 
                and June 30 of the immediately preceding fiscal 
                year.''.
    (b) Section 204(a) of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 
U.S.C. 612C note) is amended in subparagraph (1) by striking 
``$60,000,000'' and inserting ``$100,000,000.''.

SEC. 403. COMMUNITY FOOD ASSISTANCE AND FOOD BANK INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS 
              UNDER THE FOOD STAMP ACT.

    The Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) is amended by 
adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 28. COMMUNITY FOOD ASSISTANCE AND FOOD BANK INFRASTRUCTURE 
              COMPETITIVE GRANTS.

    ``(a) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term 
eligible entity means an emergency feeding organization (as defined in 
Section 201A(4) of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 
7501(4))).
    ``(b) Program Authorized.--
            ``(1) In general.--From amounts made available to carry out 
        this Act, the Secretary shall make available not less than 
        $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and for the each of the fiscal 
        years 2009 through 2012, the amount available in the 
        immediately preceding fiscal year adjusted to reflect changes 
        in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers published 
        by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the twelve months ending 
        the preceding June 30 for the purposes of making grants to 
        eligible entities to support the work of food banks and similar 
        nonprofit emergency feeding organizations.
    ``(c) Application.--
            ``(1) In general.--To receive a grant under this section, 
        an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary 
        at the time and manner and accompanied by any information the 
        Secretary may require.
            ``(2) Contents.--Each application submitted under paragraph 
        (1) shall--
                    ``(A) identify the activity described in subsection 
                (d) that the grant will be used to fund; and
                    ``(B) describe the means by which an activity 
                identified under subparagraph (A) will reduce hunger in 
                the community or support the efforts of food banks or 
                other nonprofit emergency feeding organizations as 
                defined in Section (a) to reduce hunger or food 
                insecurity in their communities.
            ``(3) Priority.--In making grants under this section, the 
        Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities the 
        applications of which demonstrate two of the following 
        criteria:
                    ``(A) The eligible entity serves a predominantly 
                rural and geographically underserved area.
                    ``(B) The eligible entity serves a community in 
                which the rates of food insecurity, very low food 
                insecurity, hunger, poverty, or unemployment are 
                demonstrably higher than national average rates.
                    ``(C) The eligible entity serves a community that 
                provides demonstrable public support for the efforts of 
                the eligible entity through the direct provision of 
                private sector food assistance to low-income 
                individuals.
                    ``(D) The eligible entity can show that the grant 
                will assist in the support of rural communities, small 
                or mid-size farms, and the consumption of locally 
                produced agricultural products by low-income people in 
                need of temporary food assistance.
    ``(d) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity shall use a grant received 
under this section for fiscal year to carry out activities of the 
eligible entity, including--
            ``(1) constructing, expanding, or repairing a facility or 
        equipment to support hunger relief agencies in the community;
            ``(2) assisting an emergency feeding organization in the 
        community in obtaining locally-grown or raised produce, dairy 
        or protein products; and
            ``(3) assisting an emergency feeding organization in the 
        community for the procurement, storage, handling and 
        distribution of locally produced agricultural products.''.

SEC. 404. FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY TRANSPORTATION GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
            (1) to authorize the creation of the National Food for the 
        Hungry Transportation, Self-Help, and Job Training Fund to 
        facilitate the procurement and transportation of highly 
        perishable, healthy food to low-income individuals in the 
        United States;
            (2) to establish a competitive mechanism in the Department 
        of Agriculture by which appropriations made available from the 
        Fund would be allocated;
            (3) to ensure the direct involvement of the private carrier 
        trucking fleet of the United States in carrying out this 
        section;
            (4) to increase the quantity of nutritious food available 
        to low-income individuals in the United States by supporting 
        the procurement and distribution of highly perishable food, 
        such as fresh produce and protein products, to the low-income 
        individuals;
            (5) to offer job training and employment opportunities in 
        the food transportation and distribution systems;
            (6) to better identify potential providers of donated foods 
        and enhance the nonprofit food donation system; and
            (7) to provide adequate funding to carry out this section.
    (b) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the National Food for 
        the Hungry Transportation, Self-Help, and Job Training Fund 
        established under subsection (c).
            (2) Nongovernmental organization.--The term 
        ``nongovernmental organization'' means a national nonprofit 
        charitable organization that--
                    (A) is described in section 501(c)(3) of the 
                Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
                    (B) is capable of, and has at least 10 years 
                experience in, procuring donated food and other 
                services from major domestic food manufacturers and 
                processors, grocery wholesalers and retailers, food 
                warehouse operations, agricultural producer 
                organizations, fishing interests commercial transport 
                providers (such as trucking companies), and Federal and 
                State food assistance agencies;
                    (C) is capable of, and has shown proficiency in, 
                the national distribution of highly perishable food 
                through contracts with member emergency feeding 
                organizations (as defined in section 201A of the 
                Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7501));
                    (D) has at least 10 years experience in procuring 
                commercial freight for the distribution of time-
                sensitive food products through a network of emergency 
                food assistance organizations;
                    (E) has at least 10 years experience in working 
                with transport providers in creating, coordinating, and 
                maintaining transfer systems designed to assist, at the 
                national level, the delivery of time-sensitive food 
                products, for distribution to emergency food assistance 
                organizations in all 50 States and the District of 
                Columbia;
                    (F) does not operate any commercial, private, or 
                public subsidiary trucking or freight operations for 
                the purposes of transporting food; and
                    (G) agrees--
                            (i) to contribute in-kind resources to help 
                        carry out this section;
                            (ii) to provide to eligible emergency food 
                        assistance organizations services and 
                        information free of charge; and
                            (iii) to regularly certify and inspect any 
                        member emergency feeding organization with 
                        which the nongovernmental organization entered 
                        into a contract to carry out an activity 
                        described in subparagraph (B).
            (3) Primary nongovernmental organization.--The term 
        ``primary nongovernmental organization'' means a 
        nongovernmental organization selected by the Secretary on a 
        competitive basis from among nongovernmental organizations.
            (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of Transportation.
            (5) Time-sensitive food product.--
                    (A) In general.--The term ``time-sensitive food 
                product'' means a fresh, raw, or processed food with a 
                short time limitation for safe and acceptable 
                consumption, as determined by the Secretary.
                    (B) Inclusions.--The term ``time-sensitive food 
                product'' includes fruits, vegetables, dairy products, 
                meat, fish, and poultry.
    (c) National Food for the Hungry Transportation Fund.--The 
Secretary shall offer to enter into a contract or grant agreement with 
a primary nongovernmental organization to establish the National Food 
for the Hungry Transportation Fund to track, collect, and deliver time-
sensitive food products.
    (d) Program Requirements.--The Secretary shall ensure that funds 
made available under this Act are used for
            (1) the development and maintenance of a computerized 
        system for the tracking of time-sensitive food products;
            (2) capital and operating costs associated with the 
        collection and transportation of time-sensitive food products;
            (3) capital and operating costs associated with the storage 
        and distribution of time-sensitive food products;
            (4) job training opportunities in trucking, food handling, 
        food recovery, and related industries;
            (5) improving the security and diversity of the food 
        distribution and recovery systems of the United States with the 
        use of--
                    (A) family-sized farms; and
                    (B) donations from entities of food products to 
                persons in need;
            (6) providing recovered healthy foods to non-profit 
        emergency food providers to reduce hunger in the United States; 
        and
            (7) improving the identification of--
                    (A) potential providers of donated foods;
                    (B) potential nonprofit emergency food providers; 
                and
                    (C) persons in need of emergency food assistance 
                throughout the United States.
    (e) Additional Nongovernmental Organizations.--
            (1) In general.--The primary nongovernmental organization 
        may enter into one or more contracts with, and provide funds 
        to, not more than two additional nongovernmental organizations 
        that the Secretary determines meet the requirements in 
        paragraph (2) to carry out some of the functions required by 
        this section.
            (2) Requirements.--An additional nongovernmental 
        organization selected under paragraph (1) shall--
                    (A) have expertise in operating for several years a 
                national information clearinghouse relating to anti-
                hunger activities;
                    (B) have extensive experience in working with other 
                anti-hunger organizations throughout the United States;
                    (C) have significant experience in working with the 
                Department of Agriculture; and
                    (D) operate, at a national level, a hotline to 
                provide information about--
                            (i) access to food for low-income families;
                            (ii) programs in existence on the date of 
                        enactment of this Act that transport fresh 
                        produce to food pantries, homeless shelters, 
                        and soup kitchens that could serve as national 
                        models for replication in other areas; and
                            (iii) ways low-income individuals and 
                        families may become self-reliant.
    (f) Audits.--The Secretary shall establish fair and reasonable 
procedures to audit the expenditure of funds made available to carry 
out this section.
    (g) Funding.--From funds not otherwise appropriated from the 
Treasury, $5,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary for 
fiscal year 2008 and for each of the fiscal years 2009 through 2012, 
the amount appropriated for the immediately preceding fiscal year 
adjusted to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban 
Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the twelve 
months ending the preceding June 30.

SEC. 405. HUNGER-FREE COMMUNITIES COLLABORATIVE GRANTS.

    Section 25 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2034), as 
amended by section 312, is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(j) Hunger-Free Communities Collaborative Grants.--
            ``(1) Definition of eligible entity.--In this subsection, 
        the term `eligible entity' means a public food program service 
        provider or a nonprofit organization, including but not limited 
        to an emergency feeding organization, that demonstrates the 
        organization has collaborated, or will collaborate, with 1 or 
        more local partner organizations to reduce hunger in the 
        community.
            ``(2) Program authorized.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall use not more 
                than 50 percent of any funds made available under this 
                subsection to make grants to eligible entities to pay 
                the Federal share of the costs of an activity described 
                in paragraph (3)(A).
                    ``(B) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost 
                of carrying out an activity under this subsection shall 
                not exceed 80 percent.
                    ``(C) Non-federal share.--
                            ``(i) Calculation.--The non-Federal share 
                        of the cost of an activity under this 
                        subsection may be provided in cash or in kind, 
                        fairly evaluated, including facilities, 
                        equipment, or services.
                            ``(ii) Sources.--Any entity may provide the 
                        non-Federal share of the cost of an activity 
                        under this subsection through a State 
                        government, a local government, or a private 
                        source.
            ``(3) Application.--
                    ``(A) In general.--To receive a grant under this 
                subsection, an eligible entity shall submit an 
                application to the Secretary at the time and in the 
                manner and accompanied by any information the Secretary 
                may require.
                    ``(B) Priority.--In making grants under this 
                subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to 
                eligible entities that--
                            ``(i) demonstrate in the application of the 
                        eligible entity that the eligible entity makes 
                        collaborative efforts to reduce hunger in the 
                        community of the eligible entity; and
                            ``(ii)(I) serve a predominantly rural and 
                        geographically underserved area;
                            ``(II) serve communities in which the rates 
                        of food insecurity, hunger, poverty, or 
                        unemployment are demonstrably higher than 
                        national average rates;
                            ``(III) provide evidence of long-term 
                        efforts to reduce hunger in the community; or
                            ``(IV) provide evidence of public support 
                        for the efforts of the eligible entity.
            ``(4) Use of funds.--An eligible entity shall use a grant 
        received under this subsection for any fiscal year for 
        activities of the eligible entity, including--
                    ``(A) meeting the immediate needs of people in the 
                community served by the eligible entity who experience 
                hunger by--
                            ``(i) distributing food;
                            ``(ii) providing community outreach to 
                        connect needy people with nutrition assistance 
                        for which they may be eligible; or
                            ``(iii) providing nutrition assistance and 
                        food distribution as part of comprehensive 
                        services;
                    ``(B) developing new resources and strategies to 
                help reduce hunger in the community;
                    ``(C) establishing a program to prevent, monitor, 
                and treat children in the community experiencing hunger 
                or poor nutrition; and
                    ``(D) providing community outreach to foster the 
                involvement of community members and organizations in 
                local efforts that provide nutrition assistance and 
                food distribution;
                    ``(E) establishing a program coordinating 
                community-based comprehensive services, including food 
                distribution or nutrition assistance, or adding food 
                distribution or nutrition assistance or existing 
                comprehensive service programs.
            ``(5) Amounts.--The following amounts are made available to 
        carry out this subsection:
                    ``(A) For fiscal year 2008, $4,000,000.
                    ``(B) For each of the fiscal years 2009 through 
                2012, the dollar amount of, the amount appropriated to 
                carry out this subsection for the immediately preceding 
                fiscal year adjusted to reflect changes in the Consumer 
                Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the 
                Bureau of Labor Statistics for the twelve months ending 
                the preceding June 30.''.

SEC. 406. REAUTHORIZATION OF THE COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM.

    Section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 
(7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93-86) is amended in the first sentence 
by striking ``2007'' and inserting ``2012''.

SEC. 407. BILL EMERSON NATIONAL HUNGER FELLOWS AND MICKEY LELAND 
              INTERNATIONAL HUNGER FELLOWS.

    (a) In General.--The Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et 
seq.), as amended by section 403, is amended by adding at the end the 
following:

``SEC. 29. BILL EMERSON NATIONAL HUNGER FELLOWS AND MICKEY LELAND 
              INTERNATIONAL HUNGER FELLOWS.

    ``(a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the `Bill Emerson 
National Hunger Fellows and Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows 
Program Act of 2007'.
    ``(b) Findings.--Congress finds that--
            ``(1) there is a critical need for compassionate 
        individuals who are committed to assisting people who suffer 
        from hunger to initiate and administer solutions to the hunger 
        problem;
            ``(2) Bill Emerson, the distinguished late Representative 
        from the 8th District of Missouri, demonstrated--
                    ``(A) his commitment to solving the problem of 
                hunger in a bipartisan manner;
                    ``(B) his commitment to public service; and
                    ``(C) his great affection for the institution and 
                ideals of the United States Congress;
            ``(3) George T. (Mickey) Leland, the distinguished late 
        Representative from the 18th District of Texas, demonstrated--
                    ``(A) his compassion for those in need;
                    ``(B) his high regard for public service; and
                    ``(C) his lively exercise of political talents;
            ``(4) the special concern that Mr. Emerson and Mr. Leland 
        demonstrated during their lives for the hungry and poor was an 
        inspiration for others to work toward the goals of equality and 
        justice for all;
            ``(5) these 2 outstanding leaders maintained a special bond 
        of friendship regardless of political affiliation and worked 
        together to encourage future leaders to recognize and provide 
        service to others; and
            ``(6) it is especially appropriate to honor the memory of 
        Mr. Emerson and Mr. Leland by creating a fellowship program to 
        develop and train the future leaders of the United States to 
        pursue careers in humanitarian service.
    ``(c) Definitions.--In this subsection:
            ``(1) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means--
                    ``(A) if the Secretary enters into a contract 
                described in subsection (d)(3), the head of the 
                Congressional Hunger Center; or
                    ``(B) if the Secretary does not enter into such a 
                contract, the Secretary.
            ``(2) Fellow.--The term `fellow' means--
                    ``(A) a Bill Emerson Hunger Fellow; or
                    ``(B) Mickey Leland Hunger Fellow
            ``(3) Fellowship programs.--The term `Fellowship Programs' 
        means the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship Program and 
        the Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellowship Program 
        established under subsection (d)(1).
    ``(d) Fellowship Programs.--
            ``(1) In general.--There is established in the Department 
        of Agriculture the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship 
        Program and the Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellowship 
        Program.
            ``(2) Purposes.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The purposes of the Fellowship 
                Programs are--
                            ``(i) to encourage future leaders of the 
                        United States--
                                    ``(I) to pursue careers in 
                                humanitarian and public service;
                                    ``(II) to recognize the needs of 
                                low-income people and hungry people;
                                    ``(III) to provide assistance to 
                                people in need; and
                                    ``(IV) to seek public policy 
                                solutions to the challenges of hunger 
                                and poverty;
                            ``(ii) to provide training and development 
                        opportunities for such leaders through 
                        placement in programs operated by appropriate 
                        organizations or entities; and
                            ``(iii) to increase awareness of the 
                        importance of public service.
                    ``(B) Bill emerson hunger fellowship program.--The 
                purpose of the Bill Emerson Hunger Fellowship Program 
                is to address hunger and poverty in the United States.
                    ``(C) Mickey leland hunger fellowship program.--The 
                purpose of the Mickey Leland Hunger Fellowship Program 
                is to address international hunger and other 
                humanitarian needs.
            ``(3) Administration.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the 
                Secretary shall offer to enter into a contract with the 
                Congressional Hunger Center to administer the 
                Fellowship Programs.
                    ``(B) Requirement.--As a condition of a contract 
                described in subparagraph (A), the Congressional Hunger 
                Center shall agree to submit to Congress each year the 
                results of an independent financial audit that 
                demonstrates that the Congressional Hunger Center uses 
                accounting procedures that conform to generally 
                accepted accounting principles and auditing procedures 
                that conform to chapter 75 of title 31, United States 
                Code (commonly known as the `Single Audit Act of 
                1984').
    ``(e) Fellowships.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall make available 
        Bill Emerson Hunger Fellowships and Mickey Leland Hunger 
        Fellowships in accordance with this subsection.
            ``(2) Curriculum.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Fellowship Programs shall 
                provide experience and training to develop the skills 
                necessary to train fellows to carry out the purposes 
                described in subsection (d)(2), including--
                            ``(i) training in direct service programs 
                        for the hungry and other anti-hunger programs 
                        in conjunction with community-based 
                        organizations through a program of field 
                        placement; and
                            ``(ii) providing experience in policy 
                        development through placement in a governmental 
                        entity or nongovernmental, nonprofit, or 
                        private sector organization.
                    ``(B) Work plan.--To carry out subparagraph (A) and 
                assist in the evaluation of the fellowships under 
                paragraph (6), the Administrator shall, for each 
                fellow, approve a work plan that identifies the target 
                objectives for the fellow in the fellowship, including 
                specific duties and responsibilities relating to those 
                objectives.
            ``(3) Period of fellowship.--
                    ``(A) Bill emerson hunger fellow.--A Bill Emerson 
                Hunger Fellowship awarded under this section shall be 
                for not more than 15 months.
                    ``(B) Mickey leland hunger fellow.--A Mickey Leland 
                Hunger Fellowship awarded under this section shall be 
                for not more than 2 years.
            ``(4) Selection of fellows.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Fellowships shall be awarded 
                pursuant to a nationwide competition established by the 
                Administrator.
                    ``(B) Qualifications.--A successful program 
                applicant shall be an individual who has demonstrated--
                            ``(i) an intent to pursue a career in 
                        humanitarian services and outstanding potential 
                        for such a career;
                            ``(ii) leadership potential or actual 
                        leadership experience;
                            ``(iii) diverse life experience;
                            ``(iv) proficient writing and speaking 
                        skills;
                            ``(v) an ability to live in poor or diverse 
                        communities; and
                            ``(vi) such other attributes as are 
                        considered to be appropriate by the 
                        Administrator.
            ``(5) Amount of award.--
                    ``(A) In general.--A fellow shall receive--
                            ``(i) a living allowance during the term of 
                        the Fellowship; and
                            ``(ii) subject to subparagraph (B), an end-
                        of-service award.
                    ``(B) Requirement for successful completion of 
                fellowship.--Each fellow shall be entitled to receive 
                an end-of-service award at an appropriate rate for each 
                month of satisfactory service completed, as determined 
                by the Administrator.
                    ``(C) Terms of fellowship.--A fellow shall not be 
                considered an employee of--
                            ``(i) the Department of Agriculture;
                            ``(ii) the Congressional Hunger Center; or
                            ``(iii) a host agency in the field or 
                        policy placement of the fellow.
                    ``(D) Recognition of fellowship award.--
                            ``(i) Emerson fellow.--An individual 
                        awarded a fellowship from the Bill Emerson 
                        Hunger Fellowship shall be known as an `Emerson 
                        Fellow'.
                            ``(ii) Leland fellow.--An individual 
                        awarded a fellowship from the Mickey Leland 
                        Hunger Fellowship shall be known as a `Leland 
                        Fellow'.
            ``(6) Evaluation.--The Administrator shall conduct periodic 
        evaluations of the Fellowship Programs.
    ``(f) Authority.--
            ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), in carrying 
        out this section, the Administrator may solicit, accept, use, 
        and dispose of gifts, bequests, or devises of services or 
        property, both real and personal, for the purpose of 
        facilitating the work of the Fellowship Programs.
            ``(2) Limitation.--Gifts, bequests, or devises of money and 
        proceeds from sales of other property received as gifts, 
        bequests, or devises shall be used exclusively for the purposes 
        of the Fellowship Programs.
    ``(g) Report.--Each year, the Administrator shall submit to the 
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a 
report that describes the activities and expenditures of the Fellowship 
Programs during the preceding fiscal year.
    ``(h) Funding.--To carry out this section, $3,000,000 shall be 
appropriated in fiscal year 2008 from funds otherwise not appropriated 
from the Treasury and in for each fiscal year thereafter, an amount 
that is equal to the amount from the previous fiscal year adjusted to 
the nearest lower dollar increment to reflect changes in the Consumer 
Price Index for all Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor 
Statistics, for items other than food, for the twelve months ending the 
preceding June 30.''.
    (b) Repeal.--Section 4404 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment 
Act of 2002 (2 U.S.C. 1161) is repealed.
                                 <all>