HR 2 ENR: Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I One Hundred Fifteenth Congress of the United States of America At the Second SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday, the third day of January, two thousand and eighteen H. R. 2 AN ACT To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2023, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title; table of contents

(a)

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. (b)

Table of contents

The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definition of Secretary. TITLE I—Commodities Subtitle A—Commodity Policy Sec. 1101. Definition of effective reference price. Sec. 1102. Base acres. Sec. 1103. Payment yields. Sec. 1104. Payment acres. Sec. 1105. Producer election. Sec. 1106. Price loss coverage. Sec. 1107. Agriculture risk coverage. Sec. 1108. Repeal of transition assistance for producers of upland cotton. Subtitle B—Marketing Loans Sec. 1201. Extensions. Sec. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans. Sec. 1203. Economic adjustment assistance for textile mills. Sec. 1204. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton. Sec. 1205. Availability of recourse loans. Subtitle C—Sugar Sec. 1301. Sugar policy. Subtitle D—Dairy Margin Coverage and Other Dairy Related Provisions Sec. 1401. Dairy margin coverage. Sec. 1402. Reauthorizations. Sec. 1403. Class I skim milk price. Sec. 1404. Dairy product donation. Subtitle E—Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Sec. 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance. Subtitle F—Noninsured Crop Assistance Sec. 1601. Noninsured crop assistance program. Subtitle G—Administration Sec. 1701. Regulations. Sec. 1702. Suspension of permanent price support authority. Sec. 1703. Payment limitations. Sec. 1704. Adjusted gross income limitations. Sec. 1705. Farm Service Agency accountability. Sec. 1706. Implementation. Sec. 1707. Exemption from certain reporting requirements for certain producers. TITLE II—Conservation Subtitle A—Wetland Conservation Sec. 2101. Wetland conversion. Sec. 2102. Wetland conservation. Sec. 2103. Mitigation banking. Subtitle B—Conservation Reserve Program Sec. 2201. Conservation reserve. Sec. 2202. Conservation reserve enhancement program. Sec. 2203. Farmable wetland program. Sec. 2204. Pilot programs. Sec. 2205. Duties of owners and operators. Sec. 2206. Duties of the Secretary. Sec. 2207. Payments. Sec. 2208. Contracts. Sec. 2209. Eligible land; State law requirements. Subtitle C—Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program Sec. 2301. Repeal of conservation programs. Sec. 2302. Purposes of environmental quality incentives program. Sec. 2303. Definitions under environmental quality incentives program. Sec. 2304. Establishment and administration of environmental quality incentives program. Sec. 2305. Environmental quality incentives program plan. Sec. 2306. Limitation on payments under environmental quality incentives program. Sec. 2307. Conservation innovation grants and payments. Sec. 2308. Conservation stewardship program. Sec. 2309. Grassland conservation initiative. Subtitle D—Other Conservation Programs Sec. 2401. Watershed protection and flood prevention. Sec. 2402. Soil and water resources conservation. Sec. 2403. Emergency conservation program. Sec. 2404. Conservation of private grazing land. Sec. 2405. Grassroots source water protection program. Sec. 2406. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program. Sec. 2407. Wildlife management. Sec. 2408. Feral swine eradication and control pilot program. Sec. 2409. Report on small wetlands. Sec. 2410. Sense of Congress relating to increased watershed-based collaboration. Subtitle E—Funding and Administration Sec. 2501. Commodity Credit Corporation. Sec. 2502. Delivery of technical assistance. Sec. 2503. Administrative requirements for conservation programs. Sec. 2504. Temporary administration of conservation programs. Subtitle F—Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Sec. 2601. Establishment and purposes. Sec. 2602. Definitions. Sec. 2603. Agricultural land easements. Sec. 2604. Wetland reserve easements. Sec. 2605. Administration. Subtitle G—Regional Conservation Partnership Program Sec. 2701. Establishment and purposes. Sec. 2702. Definitions. Sec. 2703. Regional conservation partnerships. Sec. 2704. Assistance to producers. Sec. 2705. Funding. Sec. 2706. Administration. Sec. 2707. Critical conservation areas. Subtitle H—Repeals and Technical Amendments PART I—Repeals Sec. 2811. Repeal of Conservation Corridor Demonstration Program. Sec. 2812. Repeal of cranberry acreage reserve program. Sec. 2813. Repeal of National Natural Resources Foundation. Sec. 2814. Repeal of flood risk reduction. Sec. 2815. Repeal of study of land use for expiring contracts and extension of authority. Sec. 2816. Repeal of Integrated Farm Management Program Option. Sec. 2817. Repeal of clarification of definition of agricultural lands. PART II—Technical Amendments Sec. 2821. Technical amendments. Sec. 2822. State technical committees. TITLE III—Trade Subtitle A—Food for Peace Act Sec. 3101. Labeling requirements. Sec. 3102. Food aid quality assurance. Sec. 3103. Local sale and barter of commodities. Sec. 3104. Minimum levels of assistance. Sec. 3105. Food aid consultative group. Sec. 3106. Issuance of regulations. Sec. 3107. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation. Sec. 3108. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged foods. Sec. 3109. Consideration of impact of provision of agricultural commodities and other assistance on local farmers and economy. Sec. 3110. Allowance for distribution costs. Sec. 3111. Prepositioning of agricultural commodities. Sec. 3112. Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities. Sec. 3113. Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other assistance. Sec. 3114. Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance. Sec. 3115. Termination date for micronutrient fortification programs. Sec. 3116. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer program. Subtitle B—Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 Sec. 3201. Agricultural trade promotion and facilitation. Subtitle C—Other Agricultural Trade Laws Sec. 3301. Growing American Food Exports. Sec. 3302. Food for Progress Act of 1985. Sec. 3303. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act. Sec. 3304. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets. Sec. 3305. Cochran fellowship program. Sec. 3306. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship program. Sec. 3307. International Agricultural Education Fellowship program. Sec. 3308. International food security technical assistance. Sec. 3309. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program. Sec. 3310. Global Crop Diversity Trust. Sec. 3311. Local and regional food aid procurement projects. Sec. 3312. Foreign trade missions. TITLE IV—Nutrition Subtitle A—Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Sec. 4001. Requirements for online acceptance of benefits. Sec. 4002. Re-evaluation of thrifty food plan. Sec. 4003. Food distribution program on Indian reservations. Sec. 4004. Simplified homeless housing costs. Sec. 4005. Employment and training for supplemental nutrition assistance program. Sec. 4006. Improvements to electronic benefit transfer system. Sec. 4007. Review of supplemental nutrition assistance program operations. Sec. 4008. Retail incentives. Sec. 4009. Required action on data match information. Sec. 4010. Incentivizing technology modernization. Sec. 4011. Interstate data matching to prevent multiple issuances. Sec. 4012. Requirement of live-production environments for certain pilot projects relating to cost sharing for computerization. Sec. 4013. Quality control improvements. Sec. 4014. Evaluation of child support enforcement cooperation requirements. Sec. 4015. Longitudinal data for research. Sec. 4016. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 4017. Assistance for community food projects. Sec. 4018. Emergency food assistance program. Sec. 4019. Nutrition education. Sec. 4020. Retail food store and recipient trafficking. Sec. 4021. Public-private partnerships. Sec. 4022. Technical corrections. Subtitle B—Commodity Distribution Programs Sec. 4101. Commodity distribution program. Sec. 4102. Commodity supplemental food program. Sec. 4103. Distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition projects. Sec. 4104. Food donation standards. Subtitle C—Miscellaneous Sec. 4201. Seniors farmers’ market nutrition program. Sec. 4202. Purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to schools and service institutions. Sec. 4203. Service of traditional foods in public facilities. Sec. 4204. Healthy food financing initiative. Sec. 4205. The Gus Schumacher nutrition incentive program. Sec. 4206. Micro-grants for food security. Sec. 4207. Buy American requirements. Sec. 4208. Healthy fluid milk incentives projects. TITLE V—Credit Subtitle A—Farm Ownership Loans Sec. 5101. Modification of the 3-year experience eligibility requirement for farm ownership loans. Sec. 5102. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program. Sec. 5103. Limitations on amount of farm ownership loans. Sec. 5104. Relending program to resolve ownership and succession on farmland. Subtitle B—Operating Loans Sec. 5201. Limitations on amount of operating loans. Sec. 5202. Microloans. Sec. 5203. Cooperative lending pilot projects. Subtitle C—Administrative Provisions Sec. 5301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot program. Sec. 5302. Loan authorization levels. Sec. 5303. Loan fund set-asides. Sec. 5304. Use of additional funds for direct operating microloans under certain conditions. Sec. 5305. Equitable relief. Sec. 5306. Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; qualified beginning farmers and ranchers. Sec. 5307. Emergency loan eligibility. Subtitle D—Miscellaneous Sec. 5401. Technical corrections to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. Sec. 5402. State agricultural mediation programs. Sec. 5403. Compensation of bank directors. Sec. 5404. Sharing of privileged and confidential information. Sec. 5405. Facility headquarters. Sec. 5406. Removal and prohibition authority; industry-wide prohibition. Sec. 5407. Jurisdiction over institution-affiliated parties. Sec. 5408. Definition of institution-affiliated party. Sec. 5409. Prohibition on use of funds. Sec. 5410. Expansion of acreage exception to loan amount limitation. Sec. 5411. Repeal of obsolete provisions; technical corrections. Sec. 5412. Corporation as conservator or receiver; certain other powers. Sec. 5413. Reporting. Sec. 5414. Study on loan risk. Sec. 5415. GAO report on ability of the Farm Credit System to meet the agricultural credit needs of Indian tribes and their members. Sec. 5416. GAO report on credit service to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. TITLE VI—Rural Development Subtitle A—Improving Health Outcomes in Rural America Sec. 6101. Combating substance use disorder in rural America; prioritizations. Sec. 6102. Distance learning and telemedicine. Sec. 6103. Refinancing of certain rural hospital debt. Subtitle B—Connecting Rural Americans to High Speed Broadband Sec. 6201. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas. Sec. 6202. Expansion of middle mile infrastructure into rural areas. Sec. 6203. Modifications to the Rural Gigabit Program. Sec. 6204. Community Connect Grant Program. Sec. 6205. Outdated broadband systems. Sec. 6206. Default and deobligation; deferral. Sec. 6207. Public notice, assessments, and reporting requirements. Sec. 6208. Environmental reviews. Sec. 6209. Use of loan proceeds to refinance loans for deployment of broadband service. Sec. 6210. Smart utility authority for broadband. Sec. 6211. Refinancing of telephone loans. Sec. 6212. Federal broadband program coordination. Sec. 6213. Transition rule. Sec. 6214. Rural broadband integration working group. Subtitle C—Miscellaneous Sec. 6301. Exclusion of certain populations from definition of rural area. Sec. 6302. Establishment of technical assistance program. Sec. 6303. Rural energy savings program. Sec. 6304. Northern Border Regional Commission reauthorization. Sec. 6305. Definition of rural area for purposes of the Housing Act of 1949. Sec. 6306. Council on Rural Community Innovation and Economic Development. Subtitle D—Additional Amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act Sec. 6401. Strategic economic and community development. Sec. 6402. Expanding access to credit for rural communities. Sec. 6403. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants. Sec. 6404. Rural water and wastewater technical assistance and training programs. Sec. 6405. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program. Sec. 6406. Tribal college and university essential community facilities. Sec. 6407. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant program. Sec. 6408. Water systems for rural and native villages in Alaska. Sec. 6409. Rural decentralized water systems. Sec. 6410. Solid waste management grants. Sec. 6411. Rural business development grants. Sec. 6412. Rural cooperative development grants. Sec. 6413. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products. Sec. 6414. Appropriate technology transfer for rural areas program. Sec. 6415. Rural economic area partnership zones. Sec. 6416. Intemediary relending program. Sec. 6417. Access to information to verify income for participants in certain rural housing programs. Sec. 6418. Providing for additional fees for guaranteed loans under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. Sec. 6419. Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs technical assistance and training. Sec. 6420. National Rural Development Partnership. Sec. 6421. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters. Sec. 6422. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program. Sec. 6423. Health care services. Sec. 6424. Rural innovation stronger economy grant program. Sec. 6425. Delta Regional Authority. Sec. 6426. Rural business investment program. Sec. 6427. Rural business investment program. Subtitle E—Additional Amendments to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 Sec. 6501. Amendments to section 2 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. Sec. 6502. Loans for telephone service. Sec. 6503. Cushion of credit payments program. Sec. 6504. Extension of the rural economic development loan and grant program. Sec. 6505. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes. Sec. 6506. Expansion of 911 access. Sec. 6507. Cybersecurity and grid security improvements. Subtitle F—Program Repeals Sec. 6601. Elimination of unfunded programs. Sec. 6602. Repeal of Rural Telephone Bank. Sec. 6603. Amendments to LOCAL TV Act. Subtitle G—Technical Corrections Sec. 6701. Corrections relating to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. Sec. 6702. Corrections relating to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. TITLE VII—Research, Extension, and Related Matters Subtitle A—National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 Sec. 7101. Purposes of agricultural research, extension, and education. Sec. 7102. Matters related to certain school designations and declarations. Sec. 7103. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. Sec. 7104. Specialty crop committee. Sec. 7105. Renewable energy committee discontinued. Sec. 7106. Veterinary services grant program. Sec. 7107. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences education. Sec. 7108. Agricultural and food policy research centers. Sec. 7109. Education grants to Alaska Native serving institutions and Native Hawaiian serving institutions. Sec. 7110. Next generation agriculture technology challenge. Sec. 7111. Land-grant designation. Sec. 7112. Nutrition education program. Sec. 7113. Continuing animal health and disease research programs. Sec. 7114. Carryover of funds for extension at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. Sec. 7115. Extension and agricultural research at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. Sec. 7116. Reports on disbursement of funds for agricultural research and extension at 1862 and 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. Sec. 7117. Scholarships for students at 1890 institutions. Sec. 7118. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee University. Sec. 7119. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food sciences facilities and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions. Sec. 7120. New Beginning for Tribal Students. Sec. 7121. Hispanic-serving institutions. Sec. 7122. Binational agricultural research and development. Sec. 7123. Partnerships to build capacity in international agricultural research, extension, and teaching. Sec. 7124. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and education programs. Sec. 7125. Limitation on indirect costs for agricultural research, education, and extension programs. Sec. 7126. Research equipment grants. Sec. 7127. University research. Sec. 7128. Extension service. Sec. 7129. Supplemental and alternative crops; hemp. Sec. 7130. New Era Rural Technology program. Sec. 7131. Capacity building grants for NLGCA Institutions. Sec. 7132. Agriculture advanced research and development authority pilot. Sec. 7133. Aquaculture assistance programs. Sec. 7134. Rangeland research programs. Sec. 7135. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response. Sec. 7136. Distance education and resident instruction grants program for insular area institutions of higher education. Subtitle B—Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 Sec. 7201. Best utilization of biological applications. Sec. 7202. Integrated management systems. Sec. 7203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer program. Sec. 7204. National training program. Sec. 7205. National strategic germplasm and cultivar collection assessment and utilization plan. Sec. 7206. National Genetics Resources Program. Sec. 7207. National Agricultural Weather Information System. Sec. 7208. Agricultural genome to phenome initiative. Sec. 7209. High-priority research and extension initiatives. Sec. 7210. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative. Sec. 7211. Farm business management. Sec. 7212. Urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production research, education, and extension initiative. Sec. 7213. Centers of excellence at 1890 Institutions. Sec. 7214. Clarification of veteran eligibility for assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities. Sec. 7215. National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse. Subtitle C—Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 Sec. 7301. National food safety training, education, extension, outreach, and technical assistance program. Sec. 7302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program. Sec. 7303. Support for research regarding diseases of wheat, triticale, and barley caused by Fusarium graminearum or by Tilletia indica. Sec. 7304. Grants for youth organizations. Sec. 7305. Specialty crop research initiative. Sec. 7306. Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database program. Sec. 7307. Office of Pest Management Policy. Sec. 7308. Forestry products advanced utilization research. Subtitle D—Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 PART I—Agricultural Security Sec. 7401. Agricultural biosecurity communication center. Sec. 7402. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural biosecurity planning, preparation, and response. Sec. 7403. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures. Sec. 7404. Agricultural biosecurity grant program. PART II—Miscellaneous Sec. 7411. Grazinglands research laboratory. Sec. 7412. Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. Sec. 7413. Natural products research program. Sec. 7414. Sun grant program. Subtitle E—Amendments to Other Laws Sec. 7501. Critical Agricultural Materials Act. Sec. 7502. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994. Sec. 7503. Research Facilities Act. Sec. 7504. Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. Sec. 7505. Extension design and demonstration initiative. Sec. 7506. Repeal of review of agricultural research service. Sec. 7507. Biomass research and development. Sec. 7508. Reinstatement of matching requirement for Federal funds used in extension work at the University of the District of Columbia. Sec. 7509. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978. Sec. 7510. National Aquaculture Act of 1980. Sec. 7511. Federal agriculture research facilities. Subtitle F—Other Matters Sec. 7601. Enhanced use lease authority program. Sec. 7602. Transfer of administrative jurisdiction over portion of Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland. Sec. 7603. Foundation for food and agriculture research. Sec. 7604. Assistance for forestry research under the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act. Sec. 7605. Legitimacy of industrial hemp research. Sec. 7606. Collection of data relating to barley area planted and harvested. Sec. 7607. Collection of data relating to the size and location of dairy farms. Sec. 7608. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program. Sec. 7609. Smith-Lever community extension program. Sec. 7610. Mechanization and automation for specialty crops. Sec. 7611. Experienced services program. Sec. 7612. Simplified plan of work. Sec. 7613. Review of land-grant time and effort reporting requirements. Sec. 7614. Matching funds requirement. TITLE VIII—Forestry Subtitle A—Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 Sec. 8101. Support for State assessments and strategies for forest resources. Sec. 8102. State and private forest landscape-scale restoration program. Subtitle B—Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 Sec. 8201. Repeal of recycling research. Sec. 8202. Repeal of forestry student grant program. Subtitle C—Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 1990 Sec. 8301. Repeals relating to biomass. Subtitle D—Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 Sec. 8401. Promoting cross-boundary wildfire mitigation. Sec. 8402. Authorization of appropriations for hazardous fuel reduction on Federal land. Sec. 8403. Repeal of biomass commercial utilization grant program. Sec. 8404. Water Source Protection Program. Sec. 8405. Watershed Condition Framework. Sec. 8406. Authorization of appropriations to combat insect infestations and related diseases. Sec. 8407. Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 amendments. Sec. 8408. Authorization of appropriations for designation of treatment areas. Subtitle E—Repeal or reauthorization of miscellaneous forestry programs Sec. 8501. Repeal of revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and analysis. Sec. 8502. Semiarid agroforestry research center. Sec. 8503. National Forest Foundation Act. Sec. 8504. Conveyance of Forest Service administrative sites. Subtitle F—Forest management Sec. 8601. Definition of National Forest System. PART I—Expedited environmental analysis and availability of categorical exclusions to expedite forest management activities Sec. 8611. Categorical exclusion for greater sage-grouse and mule deer habitat. PART II—Miscellaneous forest management activities Sec. 8621. Additional authority for sale or exchange of small parcels of National Forest System land. Sec. 8622. Forest Service participation in ACES program. Sec. 8623. Authorization for lease of Forest Service sites. Sec. 8624. Good neighbor authority. Sec. 8625. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest land adjustment. Sec. 8626. Tennessee wilderness. Sec. 8627. Kisatchie National Forest land conveyance. Sec. 8628. Purchase of Natural Resources Conservation Service property, Riverside County, California. Sec. 8629. Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program. Sec. 8630. Utility infrastructure rights-of-way vegetation management pilot program. Sec. 8631. Okhissa Lake rural economic development land conveyance. Sec. 8632. Remote sensing technologies. PART III—Timber innovation Sec. 8641. Definitions. Sec. 8642. Clarification of research and development program for wood building construction. Sec. 8643. Wood innovation grant program. Sec. 8644. Community wood energy and wood innovation program. Subtitle G—Other matters Sec. 8701. Rural revitalization technologies. Sec. 8702. Resource Advisory Committees. Sec. 8703. Tribal forest management demonstration project. Sec. 8704. Technical corrections. Sec. 8705. Streamlining the Forest Service process for consideration of communications facility location applications. Sec. 8706. Report on wildfire, insect infestation, and disease prevention on Federal land. Sec. 8707. West Fork Fire Station. Sec. 8708. Competitive forestry, natural resources, and environmental grants program. TITLE IX—Energy Sec. 9001. Definitions. Sec. 9002. Biobased markets program. Sec. 9003. Biorefinery assistance. Sec. 9004. Repowering assistance program. Sec. 9005. Bioenergy program for advanced biofuels. Sec. 9006. Biodiesel fuel education program. Sec. 9007. Rural Energy for America Program. Sec. 9008. Rural Energy Self-Sufficiency Initiative. Sec. 9009. Feedstock flexibility. Sec. 9010. Biomass Crop Assistance Program. Sec. 9011. Carbon utilization and biogas education program. TITLE X—Horticulture Sec. 10101. Specialty crops market news allocation. Sec. 10102. Local agriculture market program. Sec. 10103. Organic production and market data initiatives. Sec. 10104. Organic certification. Sec. 10105. National organic certification cost-share program. Sec. 10106. Food safety education initiatives. Sec. 10107. Specialty crop block grants. Sec. 10108. Amendments to the Plant Variety Protection Act. Sec. 10109. Multiple crop and pesticide use survey. Sec. 10110. Report on the arrival in the United States of forest pests through restrictions on the importation of certain plants for planting. Sec. 10111. Report on plant biostimulants. Sec. 10112. Clarification of use of funds for technical assistance. Sec. 10113. Hemp production. Sec. 10114. Interstate commerce. Sec. 10115. FIFRA interagency working group. Sec. 10116. Study on methyl bromide use in response to an emergency event. TITLE XI—Crop Insurance Sec. 11101. Definitions. Sec. 11102. Data collection. Sec. 11103. Sharing of records. Sec. 11104. Use of resources. Sec. 11105. Specialty crops. Sec. 11106. Insurance period. Sec. 11107. Cover crops. Sec. 11108. Underserved producers. Sec. 11109. Treatment of forage and grazing. Sec. 11110. Administrative basic fee. Sec. 11111. Enterprise units. Sec. 11112. Continued authority. Sec. 11113. Submission of policies and materials to board. Sec. 11114. Crop production on native sod. Sec. 11115. Use of national agricultural statistics service data to combat waste, fraud, and abuse. Sec. 11116. Submission of information to corporation. Sec. 11117. Continuing education for loss adjusters and agents. Sec. 11118. Program administration. Sec. 11119. Agricultural commodity. Sec. 11120. Maintenance of policies. Sec. 11121. Reimbursement of research, development, and maintenance costs. Sec. 11122. Research and development authority. Sec. 11123. Funding for research and development. Sec. 11124. Technical amendment to pilot programs. Sec. 11125. Education and risk management assistance. Sec. 11126. Repeal of cropland report annual updates. TITLE XII—Miscellaneous Subtitle A—Livestock Sec. 12101. Animal disease prevention and management. Sec. 12102. Sheep production and marketing grant program. Sec. 12103. Feasibility study on livestock dealer statutory trust. Sec. 12104. Definition of livestock. Sec. 12105. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan. Sec. 12106. Veterinary training. Sec. 12107. Report on FSIS guidance and outreach to small meat processors. Sec. 12108. Regional Cattle and Carcass Grading Correlation and Training Centers. Subtitle B—Agriculture and Food Defense Sec. 12201. Repeal of Office of Homeland Security. Sec. 12202. Office of Homeland Security. Sec. 12203. Agriculture and food defense. Sec. 12204. Biological agents and toxins list. Sec. 12205. Authorization of appropriations. Subtitle C—Historically Underserved Producers Sec. 12301. Farming opportunities training and outreach. Sec. 12302. Urban agriculture. Sec. 12303. Tribal Advisory Committee. Sec. 12304. Beginning farmer and rancher coordination. Sec. 12305. Agricultural youth organization coordinator. Sec. 12306. Availability of Department of Agriculture programs for veteran farmers and ranchers. Subtitle D—Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 amendments Sec. 12401. Office of Congressional Relations and Intergovernmental Affairs. Sec. 12402. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison. Sec. 12403. Civil rights analyses. Sec. 12404. Farm Service Agency. Sec. 12405. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Production and Conservation. Sec. 12406. Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. Sec. 12407. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development. Sec. 12408. Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service. Sec. 12409. Rural Health Liaison. Sec. 12410. Natural Resources Conservation Service. Sec. 12411. Office of the Chief Scientist. Sec. 12412. Appointment of national appeals division hearing officers. Sec. 12413. Trade and foreign agricultural affairs. Sec. 12414. Repeals. Sec. 12415. Technical corrections. Sec. 12416. Termination of authority. Subtitle E—Other Miscellaneous Provisions PART I—Miscellaneous agriculture provisions Sec. 12501. Acer access and development program. Sec. 12502. Protecting animals with shelter. Sec. 12503. Marketing orders. Sec. 12504. Establishment of food loss and waste reduction liaison. Sec. 12505. Report on business centers. Sec. 12506. Report on personnel. Sec. 12507. Report on absent landlords. Sec. 12508. Century farms program. Sec. 12509. Report on importation of live dogs. Sec. 12510. Tribal Promise Zones. Sec. 12511. Precision agriculture connectivity. Sec. 12512. Improvements to United States Drought Monitor. Sec. 12513. Dairy business innovation initiatives. Sec. 12514. Report on funding for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and other extension programs. Sec. 12515. Prohibition on slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption. Sec. 12516. Labeling exemption for single ingredient foods and products. Sec. 12517. South Carolina inclusion in Virginia/Carolina peanut producing region. Sec. 12518. Forest Service hire authority. Sec. 12519. Conversion authority. Sec. 12520. Authorization of protection operations for the Secretary of Agriculture and others. PART II—National Oilheat Research Alliance Sec. 12531. National oilheat research alliance. Subtitle F—General Provisions Sec. 12601. Baiting of migratory game birds. Sec. 12602. Pima agriculture cotton trust fund. Sec. 12603. Agriculture wool apparel manufacturers trust fund. Sec. 12604. Wool research and promotion. Sec. 12605. Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund. Sec. 12606. Extension of merchandise processing fees. Sec. 12607. Reports on land access and farmland ownership data collection. Sec. 12608. Reauthorization of rural emergency medical services training and equipment assistance program. Sec. 12609. Commission on Farm Transitions—Needs for 2050. Sec. 12610. Exceptions under United States Grain Standards Act. Sec. 12611. Conference report requirement threshold. Sec. 12612. National agriculture imagery program. Sec. 12613. Report on inclusion of natural stone products in Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996. Sec. 12614. Establishment of food access liaison. Sec. 12615. Eligibility for operators on heirs property land to obtain a farm number. Sec. 12616. Extending prohibition on animal fighting to the territories. Sec. 12617. Exemption of exportation of certain echinoderms from permission and licensing requirements. Sec. 12618. Data on conservation practices. Sec. 12619. Conforming changes to Controlled Substances Act.

2.

Definition of Secretary

In this Act, the term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.

.

6208.

Environmental reviews

Title VII of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as added by section 6207 of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:

702.

Environmental reviews

The Secretary may obligate, but not disperse, funds under this Act before the completion of otherwise required environmental, historical, or other types of reviews if the Secretary determines that a subsequent site-specific review shall be adequate and easily accomplished for the location of towers, poles, or other broadband facilities in the service area of the borrower without compromising the project or the required reviews.

.

6209.

Use of loan proceeds to refinance loans for deployment of broadband service

Title VII of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as added by section 6207 and amended by section 6208 of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:

703.

Use of loan proceeds to refinance loans for deployment of broadband service

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the proceeds of any loan made or guaranteed by the Secretary under this Act may be used by the recipient of the loan for the purpose of refinancing an outstanding obligation of the recipient on another telecommunications loan made under this Act, or on any other loan if that loan would have been for an eligible telecommunications purpose under this Act.

.

6210.

Smart utility authority for broadband

(a)Section 331 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1981) is amended by adding at the end the following: (e) (1)Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary may allow a recipient of a grant, loan, or loan guarantee provided by the Office of Rural Development under this title to use not more than 10 percent of the amount so provided— (A)for any activity for which assistance may be provided under section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936; or (B)to construct other broadband infrastructure. (2)Paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not apply to a recipient who is seeking to provide retail broadband service in any area where retail broadband service is available at the minimum broadband speeds, as defined under section 601(e) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. (3)The Secretary shall not provide funding under paragraph (1) if the funding would result in competitive harm to any grant, loan, or loan guarantee provided under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.. (b)Title I of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901–918a) is amended by inserting after section 7 the following:

8.

Limitations on use of assistance

(a)Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the Secretary may allow a recipient of a grant, loan, or loan guarantee under this title to set aside not more than 10 percent of the amount so received to provide retail broadband service. (b)A recipient who sets aside funds under subsection (a) of this section may use the funds only in an area that is not being provided with the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under section 601(e), unless the recipient meets the requirements of section 601(d). (c)Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the ability of any borrower to finance or deploy services authorized under this Act. (d)The Secretary shall not provide funding under subsection (a) if the funding would result in competitive harm to any grant, loan, or loan guarantee referred to in subsection (a).

.

6211.

Refinancing of telephone loans

Section 201 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 922) is amended, in the fifth sentence, by striking furnishing telephone service in rural areas: and all that follows through 40 per centum of any loan made under this title. and inserting furnishing telephone service in rural areas, including indebtedness of recipients on another telecommunications loan made under this Act..

6212.

Federal broadband program coordination

(a)

Consultation between USDA and NTIA

The Secretary shall consult with the Assistant Secretary to assist in the verification of eligibility of the broadband loan and grant programs of the Department of Agriculture. In providing assistance under the preceding sentence, the Assistant Secretary shall make available the broadband assessment and mapping capabilities of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. (b)

Consultation between USDA and FCC

(1)

By USDA

The Secretary shall consult with the Commission before providing broadband assistance for a project to serve an area with respect to which another entity is receiving Connect America Fund or Mobility Fund support under the Federal universal service support mechanisms established under section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254). (2)

By FCC

The Commission shall consult with the Secretary before offering or providing Connect America Fund or Mobility Fund support under the Federal universal service support mechanisms established under section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254) to serve an area with respect to which another entity has received broadband assistance under a loan or grant program of the Department of Agriculture. (c)

Report to Congress

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, the Commission, and the Assistant Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on how best to coordinate federally supported broadband programs and activities in order to achieve the following objectives: (1)Promote high-quality broadband service that meets the long-term needs of rural residents and businesses, by evaluating the broadband service needs in rural areas for each decade through 2050. (2)Support the long-term viability, sustainability, and utility of federally supported rural broadband infrastructure, by analyzing the technical capabilities of the technologies currently available and reasonably expected to be available by 2035 to meet the broadband service needs of rural residents identified under paragraph (1), including by analyzing the following: (A)The real-world performance of such technologies, including data rates, latency, data usage restrictions, and other aspects of service quality, as defined by the Commission. (B)The suitability of each such technology for residential, agricultural, educational, healthcare, commercial, and industrial purposes in rural areas. (C)The cost to deploy and support such technologies in several rural geographies. (D)The costs associated with online platforms, specifically the resulting constraints on rural network bandwidth. (3)Identify and quantify the availability of broadband service and ongoing broadband deployment in rural areas, including ways to do the following: (A)Harmonize broadband notification and reporting requirements and develop common verification procedures across all federally supported broadband programs. (B)Consolidate and utilize the existing broadband service data. (C)Collect and share data on those projects in rural areas where Federal programs are currently supporting broadband deployment, including areas with respect to which an entity is receiving— (i)support under a broadband assistance program of the Department of Agriculture; or (ii)Connect America Fund or Mobility Fund support under the Federal universal service support mechanisms established under section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254). (D)Leverage support technologies and services from online platforms for providers of broadband service in rural areas. (d)

Definitions

In this section: (1)

Assistant Secretary

The term Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. (2)

Commission

The term Commission means the Federal Communications Commission. (3)

Rural area

The term rural area has the meaning given the term in section 601(b)(3) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.

6213.

Transition rule

For the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on the date that is one year after such date of enactment, with respect to the implementation of the rural broadband access program under section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb) and the Community Connect Grant Program under section 604 of such Act, as added by section 6204 of this Act, the Secretary shall use the regulations in existence as of the day before the date of enactment of this Act that are applicable to the program involved, until the Secretary issues a final rule implementing the provisions of, and amendments made by, this title that apply to that program.

6214.

Rural broadband integration working group

(a)

In general

(1)

Establishment

There is established the Rural Broadband Integration Working Group (referred to in this subsection as the Working Group). (2)

Membership

The membership of the Working Group shall be composed of the heads, or their designees, of— (A)the Department of Agriculture, acting through the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service; (B)the Department of Commerce, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information; (C)the Department of Defense; (D)the Department of State; (E)the Department of the Interior; (F)the Department of Labor; (G)the Department of Health and Human Services; (H)the Department of Homeland Security; (I)the Department of Housing and Urban Development; (J)the Department of Justice; (K)the Department of Transportation; (L)the Department of the Treasury; (M)the Department of Energy; (N)the Department of Education; (O)the Department of Veterans Affairs; (P)the Environmental Protection Agency; (Q)the General Services Administration; (R)the Small Business Administration; (S)the Institute of Museum and Library Services; (T)the National Science Foundation; (U)the Council on Environmental Quality; (V)the Office of Science and Technology Policy; (W)the Office of Management and Budget; (X)the Council of Economic Advisers; (Y)the Domestic Policy Council; (Z)the National Economic Council; and (AA)such other Federal agencies or entities as are determined appropriate by the co-chairs. (3)

Co-chairs

The following individuals, or their designees, shall serve as co-chairs of the Working Group: (A)The Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service. (B)The Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information. (C)The Director of the National Economic Council. (D)The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. (4)

Consultation; coordination

The Working Group shall consult, as appropriate, with other relevant agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission. The Working Group shall coordinate with existing Federal working groups and committees involved with broadband. (5)

Membership changes

The Director of the National Economic Council and the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall review, on a periodic basis, the membership of the Working Group to ensure that the Working Group— (A)includes necessary Federal Government entities; and (B)is an effective mechanism for coordinating among agencies on the policy described in subsection (b). (b)

Functions of working group

(1)

Consultation

The Working Group shall consult with State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments, telecommunications companies, utilities, trade associations, philanthropic entities, policy experts, and other interested parties to identify, assess, and determine possible actions relating to barriers and opportunities for broadband deployment in rural areas. (2)

Point of contact

Not later than 15 days after the date of enactment of this Act, each member of the Working Group shall— (A)designate a representative to serve as the main point of contact for matters relating to the Working Group; and (B)notify the co-chairs of the Working Group of that designee. (3)

Survey

Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, based on information provided by the members of the Working Group, the Working Group shall publish a comprehensive survey of— (A)Federal programs, including the allocated funding amounts, that currently support or could reasonably be modified to support broadband deployment and adoption; and (B)all Federal agency-specific policies and rules with the direct or indirect effect of facilitating or regulating investment in, or deployment of, wired and wireless broadband networks. (4)

List of actions

Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the members of the Working Group shall submit to the Working Group an initial list of actions that each of the agencies could take to identify and address regulatory barriers to, incentivize investment in, promote best practices within, align funding decisions with respect to, and otherwise support, wired broadband deployment and adoption. (5)

Report

Not later than 150 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Working Group shall submit to the President an agreed-to and prioritized list of recommendations of the Working Group on actions that Federal agencies can take to support broadband deployment and adoption, including— (A)a list of priority actions and rulemakings; and (B)timelines to complete the priority actions and rulemakings.

C

Miscellaneous

6301.

Exclusion of certain populations from definition of rural area

(a)

In general

Section 343(a)(13) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)) is amended— (1)in subparagraph (A), by striking (G) and inserting (I); and (2)by adding at the end the following: (H)

Exclusion of incarcerated populations

Populations of individuals incarcerated on a long-term or regional basis shall not be included in determining whether an area is rural or a rural area. (I)

Limited exclusion of military base populations

The first 1,500 individuals who reside in housing located on a military base shall not be included in determining whether an area is rural or a rural area.. (b)

Broadband

Section 601(b)(3) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb(b)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (C)

Exclusion of certain populations

Such term does not include any population described in subparagraph (H) or (I) of section 343(a)(13) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)).. (c)

Distance learning and telemedicine loans and grants

Section 2332 of the Food Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa–1) is amended by adding at the end the following: (4)

Rural area

The term rural area has the meaning given the term in section 601(b)(3) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936..

6302.

Establishment of technical assistance program

(a)

Definition

In this section, the term `tribally designated housing entity' has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103). (b)

In general

The Secretary shall, in coordination with the Office of Tribal Relations established under section 309 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6921), provide technical assistance to improve access by Tribal entities to rural development programs funded by the Department of Agriculture through available cooperative agreement authorities of the Secretary. (c)

Technical assistance

Technical assistance provided under subsection (b) shall address the unique challenge of Tribal governments, Tribal producers, Tribal businesses, Tribal business entities, and tribally designated housing entities in accessing Department of Agriculture-supported rural infrastructure, rural cooperative development, rural business and industry, rural housing, and other rural development activities.

6303.

Rural energy savings program

Section 6407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107a) is amended— (1)in subsection (b)(2), by striking efficiency. and inserting efficiency (including cost-effective on- or off-grid renewable energy or energy storage systems).; (2)in subsection (c)— (A)by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (7) as paragraphs (5) through (8), respectively; (B)by inserting after paragraph (3) the following: (4)

Eligibility for other loans

The Secretary shall not include any debt incurred by a borrower under this section in the calculation of the debt-equity ratio of the borrower for purposes of eligibility for loans under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.).; (C)in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by striking (6) and inserting (7); and (D)by adding at the end the following: (9)

Accounting

The Secretary shall take appropriate steps to streamline the accounting requirements on borrowers under this section while maintaining adequate assurances of the repayment of the loans.; (3)in subsection (d)(1)— (A)in subparagraph (A), by striking 3 percent and inserting 5 percent; and (B)in subparagraph (D), by striking electric and inserting recurring service; (4)by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i); (5)by inserting after subsection (g) the following: (h)

Publication

Not later than 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall publish a description of— (1)the number of applications received under this section for that fiscal year; (2)the number of loans made to eligible entities under this section for that fiscal year; and (3)the recipients of the loans described in paragraph (2).; and (6)in subsection (i) (as so redesignated), by striking 2018 and inserting 2023.

6304.

Northern Border Regional Commission reauthorization

(a)

Administrative expenses of regional commissions

Section 15304(c)(3)(A) of title 40, United States Code, is amended by striking unanimous and inserting majority. (b)

Economic and infrastructure development grants

Section 15501 of title 40, United States Code, is amended— (1)in subsection (a)— (A)in paragraph (7), by striking and at the end; (B)by redesignating paragraph (8) as paragraph (9); and (C)by inserting after paragraph (7) the following: (8)to grow the capacity for successful community economic development in its region; and; (2)in subsection (b), by striking paragraphs (1) through (3) and inserting paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (7); and (3)in subsection (f), by striking the period at the end and inserting , except that financial assistance may be used as otherwise authorized by this subtitle to attract businesses to the region from outside the United States.. (c)

State capacity building grant program

(1)

Definitions

In this subsection: (A)

Commission

The term Commission means the Northern Border Regional Commission established by section 15301(a)(3) of title 40, United States Code. (B)

Commission State

The term Commission State means each of the States of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. (C)

Eligible county

The term eligible county means a county described in section 15733 of title 40, United States Code. (D)

Program

The term program means the State capacity building grant program established under paragraph (2). (2)

Establishment

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall establish a State capacity building grant program to provide grants to Commission States to carry out the purpose under paragraph (3). (3)

Purpose

The purpose of the program is to support the efforts of the Commission— (A)to better support business retention and expansion in eligible counties; (B)to create programs to encourage job creation and workforce development in eligible counties; (C)to prepare economic and infrastructure plans for eligible counties; (D)to expand access to high-speed broadband in eligible counties; (E)to provide technical assistance that results in Commission investments in transportation, water, wastewater, and other critical infrastructure; (F)to create initiatives to increase the effectiveness of local development districts in eligible counties; and (G)to implement new or innovative economic development practices that will better position the eligible counties of Commission States to compete in the global economy. (4)

Use of funds

(A)

In general

Funds from a grant under the program may be used to support a project, program, or related expense of the Commission State in an eligible county. (B)

Limitation

Funds from a grant under the program shall not be used for— (i)the purchase of furniture, fixtures, or equipment; (ii)the compensation of— (I)any State member of the Commission (as described in section 15301(b)(1)(B) of title 40, United States Code); or (II)any State alternate member of the Commission (as described in section 15301(b)(2)(B) of title 40, United States Code); or (iii)the cost of supplanting existing State programs. (5)

Annual work plan

(A)

In general

For each fiscal year, before providing a grant under the program, each Commission State shall provide to the Commission an annual work plan that includes the proposed use of the grant. (B)

Approval

No grant under the program shall be provided to a Commission State unless the Commission has approved the annual work plan of the State. (6)

Amount of grant

(A)

In general

The amount of a grant provided to a Commission State under the program for a fiscal year shall be based on the proportion that— (i)the amount paid by the Commission State (including any amounts paid on behalf of the Commission State by a nonprofit organization) for administrative expenses for the applicable fiscal year (as determined under section 15304(c) of title 40, United States Code); bears to (ii)the amount paid by all Commission States (including any amounts paid on behalf of a Commission State by a nonprofit organization) for administrative expenses for that fiscal year (as determined under that section). (B)

Requirement

To be eligible to receive a grant under the program for a fiscal year, a Commission State (or a nonprofit organization on behalf of the Commission State) shall pay the amount of administrative expenses of the Commission State for the applicable fiscal year (as determined under section 15304(c) of title 40, United States Code). (C)

Approval

For each fiscal year, a grant provided under the program shall be approved and made available as part of the approval of the annual budget of the Commission. (7)

Grant availability

Funds from a grant under the program shall be available only during the fiscal year for which the grant is provided. (8)

Report

Each fiscal year, each Commission State shall submit to the Commission and make publicly available a report that describes the use of the grant funds and the impact of the program in the State. (9)

Funding

(A)

In general

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023. (B)

Supplement, not supplant

Funds made available to carry out this subsection shall supplement and not supplant funds made available for the Commission and other activities of the Commission. (d)

Northern Border Regional Commission

Section 15733 of title 40, United States Code, is amended— (1)in paragraph (2)— (A)by inserting Belknap, before Carroll,; and (B)by inserting Cheshire, before Coos,; (2)by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following new paragraph: (3)

New York

The counties of Cayuga, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Montgomery, Niagara, Oneida, Orleans, Oswego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Sullivan, Washington, Warren, Wayne, and Yates in the State of New York.; and (3)in paragraph (4)— (A)by inserting Addison, Bennington, before Caledonia,; (B)by inserting Chittenden, before Essex,; (C)by striking and and inserting Orange, and (D)by inserting , Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor after Orleans. (e)

Authorization of appropriations

Section 15751(a) of title 40, United States Code, is amended by striking $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2018 and inserting $33,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023. (f)

Vacancies

Section 15301 of title 40, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: (f)

Succession

Subject to the time limitations under section 3346 of title 5, the Federal Cochairperson may designate a Federal employee of the Commission to perform the functions and duties of the office of the Federal Cochairperson temporarily in an acting capacity if both the Federal Cochairperson and the alternate Federal Cochairperson die, resign, or otherwise are unable to perform the functions and duties of their offices.. (g)

Technical amendments

Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 of subtitle V of title 40, United States Code, are redesignated as chapters 151, 153, 155, and 157, respectively.

6305.

Definition of rural area for purposes of the Housing Act of 1949

The second sentence of section 520 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490) is amended— (1)by striking or 2010 decennial census and inserting 2010, or 2020 decennial census; (2)by striking December 31, 2010, and inserting December 31, 2020, ; and (3)by striking year 2020 and inserting year 2030.

6306.

Council on Rural Community Innovation and Economic Development

(a)

Purpose

The purpose of this section is to enhance the efforts of the Federal Government to address the needs of rural areas in the United States by— (1)establishing a council to better coordinate Federal programs directed to rural communities; (2)maximizing the impact of Federal investment to promote economic prosperity and quality of life in rural communities in the United States; and (3)using innovation to resolve local and regional challenges faced by rural communities. (b)

Establishment

(1)There is established a Council on Rural Community Innovation and Economic Development (referred to in this section as the Council). (2)The Council shall be the successor to the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity established by Executive Order 13790. (c)

Membership

(1)

In general

The membership of the Council shall be composed of the heads of the following executive branch departments, agencies, and offices: (A)The Department of Agriculture. (B)The Department of the Treasury. (C)The Department of Defense. (D)The Department of Justice. (E)The Department of the Interior. (F)The Department of Commerce. (G)The Department of Labor. (H)The Department of Health and Human Services. (I)The Department of Housing and Urban Development. (J)The Department of Transportation. (K)The Department of Energy. (L)The Department of Education. (M)The Department of Veterans Affairs. (N)The Department of Homeland Security. (O)The Environmental Protection Agency. (P)The Federal Communications Commission. (Q)The Office of Management and Budget. (R)The Office of Science and Technology Policy. (S)The Office of National Drug Control Policy. (T)The Council of Economic Advisers. (U)The Domestic Policy Council. (V)The National Economic Council. (W)The Small Business Administration. (X)The Council on Environmental Quality. (Y)The White House Office of Public Engagement. (Z)The White House Office of Cabinet Affairs. (AA)Such other executive branch departments, agencies, and offices as the President or the Secretary may, from time to time, designate. (2)

Chair

The Secretary shall serve as the Chair of the Council. (3)

Designees

A member of the Council may designate, to perform the Council functions of the member, a senior-level official who is— (A)part of the department, agency, or office of the member; and (B)a full-time officer or employee of the Federal Government. (4)

Administration

The Council shall coordinate policy development through the rural development mission area. (d)

Funding

The Secretary shall provide funding and administrative support for the Council to the extent permitted by law and within existing appropriations. (e)

Mission and function of the council

The Council shall work across executive departments, agencies, and offices to coordinate development of policy recommendations— (1)to maximize the impact of Federal investment on rural communities; (2)to promote economic prosperity and quality of life in rural communities; and (3)to use innovation to resolve local and regional challenges faced by rural communities. (f)

Duties

The Council shall— (1)make recommendations to the President, acting through the Director of the Domestic Policy Council and the Director of the National Economic Council, on streamlining and leveraging Federal investments in rural areas, where appropriate, to increase the impact of Federal dollars and create economic opportunities to improve the quality of life in rural areas in the United States; (2)coordinate and increase the effectiveness of Federal engagement with rural stakeholders, including agricultural organizations, small businesses, education and training institutions, health-care providers, telecommunications services providers, electric service providers, transportation providers, research and land grant institutions, law enforcement, State, local, and tribal governments, and nongovernmental organizations regarding the needs of rural areas in the United States; (3)coordinate Federal efforts directed toward the growth and development of rural geographic regions that encompass both metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas; (4)identify and facilitate rural economic opportunities associated with energy development, outdoor recreation, and other conservation related activities; and (5)identify common economic and social challenges faced by rural communities that could be served through— (A)better coordination of existing Federal and non-Federal resources; and (B)innovative solutions utilizing governmental and nongovernmental resources. (g)

Executive departments and agencies

(1)

In general

The heads of executive departments and agencies shall assist and provide information to the Council, consistent with applicable law, as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Council. (2)

Expenses

Each executive department or agency shall be responsible for paying any expenses of the executive department or agency for participating in the Council. (h)

Council working groups

(1)

In general

The Council may establish, in addition to the working groups established under paragraph (3), such other working groups as necessary. (2)

Membership

The Secretary shall include as members of each working group such Council members, other heads of Federal agencies (or their designees as defined in (d)(3)), and non-Federal partners as determined appropriate to the subject matter. (3)

Required working groups

The working groups specified in this paragraph are each of the following: (A)

The Rural Smart Communities Working Group

(i)

Establishment

The Council shall establish a Rural Smart Communities Working Group. (ii)

Duties

The Rural Smart Communities Working Group shall— (I)not later than 1 year after the establishment of such Working Group, submit to Congress a report describing efforts of rural areas to integrate smart technology into their communities to solve challenges relating to governance, economic development, quality of life, or other relevant rural issues, as determined by the Secretary; and (II)create, publish, and maintain a resource guide designed to assist States and other rural communities in developing and implementing rural smart community programs. (iii)

Smart community defined

For the purposes of this subparagraph, the term smart community means a community that has the ability to integrate multiple technological solutions, in a secure fashion, to manage a community’s assets, including local government information systems, schools, libraries, transportation systems, hospitals, power plants, law enforcement, and other community services with the goal of promoting quality of life through the use of technology in ways that improve the efficiency of services and meet residents’ needs. (B)

Jobs Accelerator Working Group

(i)

Establishment

The Council shall establish a Jobs Accelerator Working Group. (ii)

Goals

The Jobs Accelerator Working Group shall support rural jobs accelerators (as defined in section 379I(a)(4) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act)— (I)to improve the ability of rural communities to create high-wage jobs, accelerate the formation of new businesses with high-growth potential, and strengthen regional economies, including by helping to build capacity in the applicable region to achieve those goals; and (II)to help rural communities identify and maximize local assets and connect to regional opportunities, networks, and industry clusters that demonstrate high growth potential. (iii)

Duties

The Jobs Accelerator Working Group shall— (I)provide the public with available information and technical assistance on Federal resources relevant to a project and region; (II)establish a Federal support team comprised of staff from participating agencies in the working group that shall provide coordinated and dedicated support services to rural jobs accelerators; and (III)provide opportunities for rural jobs accelerators to share best practices and further collaborate with one another.

D

Additional Amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act

6401.

Strategic economic and community development

Section 379H of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008v) is amended to read as follows:

379H.

Strategic economic and community development

(a)

In general

In the case of any program under this title or administered by the Secretary, acting through the rural development mission area, as determined by the Secretary (referred to in this section as a covered program), the Secretary shall give priority to an application for a project that, as determined and approved by the Secretary— (1)meets the applicable eligibility requirements of this title or the other applicable authorizing law; (2)will be carried out in a rural area; and (3)supports the implementation of a strategic community investment plan described in subsection (d) on a multisectoral and multijurisdictional basis, to include considerations for improving and expanding broadband services as needed. (b)

Reserve

(1)

In general

Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall reserve not more than 15 percent of the funds made available for a fiscal year for covered programs for projects that support the implementation of a strategic community investment plan described in subsection (d) on a multisectoral and multijurisdictional basis. (2)

Period

Any funds reserved under paragraph (1) shall only be reserved for the 1-year period beginning on the date on which the funds were first made available, as determined by the Secretary. (c)

Approved applications

(1)

In general

Subject to paragraph (2), any applicant who submitted an application under a covered program that was approved before the date of enactment of this section may amend the application to qualify for the funds reserved under subsection (b). (2)

Rural utilities

Any applicant who submitted an application under paragraph (2), (14), or (24) of section 306(a), or section 306A or 310B(b), that was approved by the Secretary before the date of enactment of this section shall be eligible for the funds reserved under subsection (b)— (A)on the same basis as an application submitted under this section; and (B)until September 30, 2019. (d)

Strategic community investment plans

(1)

In general

The Secretary shall provide assistance to rural communities in developing strategic community investment plans. (2)

Plans

A strategic community investment plan described in paragraph (1) shall include— (A)a variety of activities designed to facilitate the vision of a rural community for the future, including considerations for improving and expanding broadband services as needed; (B)participation by multiple stakeholders, including local and regional partners; (C)leverage of applicable regional resources; (D)investment from strategic partners, such as— (i)private organizations; (ii)cooperatives; (iii)other government entities; (iv)Indian Tribes; and (v)philanthropic organizations; (E)clear objectives with the ability to establish measurable performance metrics; (F)action steps for implementation; and (G)any other elements necessary to ensure that the plan results in a comprehensive and strategic approach to rural economic development, as determined by the Secretary. (3)

Coordination

The Secretary shall coordinate with Indian Tribes and local, State, regional, and Federal partners to develop strategic community investment plans under this subsection. (4)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, to remain available until expended.

.

6402.

Expanding access to credit for rural communities

(a)

Certain programs under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act

Section 343(a)(13) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)) is amended— (1)in subparagraph (B)— (A)in the heading, by striking and guaranteed; and (B)in the text— (i)by striking and guaranteed; and (ii)by striking (1), (2), and (24) and inserting (1) and (2); and (2)in subparagraph (C)— (A)by striking and guaranteed; and (B)by striking (21), and (24) and inserting and (21). (b)

Population caps for guaranteed lending

Section 306(a)(24) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(24)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (D)

Priority

(i)

Water or waste facility

The Secretary shall prioritize water and waste facility projects under this paragraph in rural areas with a population of not more than 10,000 people. (ii)

Community facility

Of the funds made available to carry out this paragraph for community facility loan guarantees for a fiscal year the following amounts shall be reserved for projects in rural areas with a population of not more than 20,000 inhabitants: (I)100 percent of the first $200,000,000 so made available; (II)50 percent of the next $200,000,000 so made available; and (III)25 percent of all amounts exceeding $400,000,000 so made available,except that, to the extent that the Secretary demonstrates that the funds so reserved are not needed to finance a community facility project in such a rural area, the Secretary may use the funds for other community facility projects in accordance with this paragraph..

6403.

Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants

Section 306(a)(2)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(B)) is amended— (1)in clause (iii), by striking $100,000 each place it appears and inserting $200,000; and (2)in clause (vii), by striking $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2018 and inserting $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.

6404.

Rural water and wastewater technical assistance and training programs

Section 306(a)(14) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(14)) is amended— (1)in subparagraph (A)— (A)in clause (ii), by striking and at the end; (B)in clause (iii), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (C)by adding at the end the following: (iv)identify options to enhance the long-term sustainability of rural water and waste systems, including operational practices, revenue enhancements, partnerships, consolidation, regionalization, or contract services; and (v)address the contamination of drinking water and surface water supplies by emerging contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.; and (2)in subparagraph (C)— (A)by striking 1 nor more than 3 and inserting 3 percent and not more than 5; and (B)by striking 1 per centum and inserting 3 percent.

6405.

Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program

Section 306(a)(22)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(22)(B)) is amended by striking $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter and inserting $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.

6406.

Tribal college and university essential community facilities

Section 306(a)(25)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(25)(C)) is amended by striking 2018 and inserting 2023.

6407.

Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant program

(a)

In general

Section 306A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926a) is amended— (1)in subsection (b)(1), by striking ; and and inserting the following: “, particularly to projects to address contamination that— (A)poses a threat to human health or the environment; and (B)was caused by circumstances beyond the control of the applicant for a grant, including circumstances that occurred over a period of time; and; (2)in subsection (d)(1)(D), by inserting , other than those covered above for not to exceed 120 days when a more permanent solution is not feasible in a shorter time frame. Where drinking water supplies are inadequate due to an event, as determined by the Secretary, including drought, severe weather, or contamination, the Secretary may provide potable water for an additional period of time not to exceed an additional 120 days in order to protect public health before the period; (3)in subsection (e)(1)(B), by striking according to the most recent decennial census of the United States; (4)in subsection (f)(1), by striking $500,000 and inserting $1,000,000; and (5)in subsection (i)— (A)in paragraph (1)— (i)in subparagraph (A), by striking 3 nor more than 5 and inserting 5 percent and not more than 7; and (ii)by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: (B)

Release

(i)

In general

Funds reserved under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year shall be reserved only until July 1 of the fiscal year. (ii)

Exception

Notwithstanding clause (i), in response to an eligible community where the drinking water supplies are inadequate, as determined by the Secretary, due to an event, including drought, severe weather, or contamination, the Secretary may use funds described in subparagraph (A) from July 1 through September 30 each fiscal year to provide potable water under this section in order to protect public health.; and (B)in paragraph (2), by striking $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2018 and inserting $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023. (b)

Interagency task force on rural water quality

(1)

In general

Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall coordinate an interagency task force to examine drinking water and surface water contamination in rural communities, particularly rural communities that are in close proximity to active or decommissioned military installations in the United States. (2)

Membership

The interagency task force shall consist of— (A)the Secretary; (B)the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers; (C)the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through— (i)the Director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; and (ii)the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (D)the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; (E)the Secretary of the Interior, acting through— (i)the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and (ii)the Director of the United States Geological Survey; (F)the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; and (G)representatives from rural drinking and wastewater entities, State and community regulators, and appropriate scientific experts that reflect a diverse cross-section of the rural communities described in paragraph (1). (3)

Report

(A)

In general

Not later than 360 days after the date of enactment of this section, the task force shall submit to the committees described in subparagraph (B) a report that— (i)examines, and identifies issues relating to, water contamination in rural communities, particularly rural communities that are in close proximity to active or decommissioned military installations in the United States; (ii)reviews the extent to which Federal, State, and local government agencies coordinate with one another to address the issues identified under clause (i); (iii)recommends how Federal, State, and local government agencies can work together in the most effective, efficient, and cost-effective manner practicable, to address the issues identified under clause (i); and (iv)recommends changes to existing statutory requirements, regulatory requirements, or both, to improve interagency coordination and responsiveness to address the issues identified under clause (i). (B)

Committees described

The committees referred to in subparagraph (A) are— (i)the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives; (ii)the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; (iii)the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives; (iv)the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate; (v)the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; and (vi)the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate.

6408.

Water systems for rural and native villages in Alaska

Section 306D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926d) is amended— (1)in subsection (a), by striking Alaska for and inserting Alaska, a consortium formed pursuant to section 325 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 (Public Law 105–83; 111 Stat. 1597), and Native villages (as defined in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602)) for; (2)in subsection (b), by inserting for any grant awarded under subsection (a) before the period at the end; and (3)in subsection (d)— (A)in paragraph (1), by striking 2018 and inserting 2023; and (B)in paragraph (2), by striking Alaska and inserting Alaska, and not more than 2 percent of the amount made available under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year may be used by a consortium formed pursuant to section 325 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 (Public Law 105–83; 111 Stat. 1597),.

6409.

Rural decentralized water systems

Section 306E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926e) is amended— (1)by striking the section heading and inserting Rural decentralized water systems; (2)in subsection (a), by striking 100 and inserting 60; (3)in subsection (b)— (A)in paragraph (1)— (i)by inserting and subgrants after loans; and (ii)by inserting and individually owned household decentralized wastewater systems after well systems; (B)by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: (2)

Terms and amounts

(A)

Terms of loans

A loan made with grant funds under this section— (i)shall have an interest rate of 1 percent; and (ii)shall have a term not to exceed 20 years. (B)

Amounts

A loan or subgrant made with grant funds under this section shall not exceed $15,000 for each water well system or decentralized wastewater system described in paragraph (1).; and (C)by adding at the end the following: (4)

Ground well water contamination

In the event of ground well water contamination, the Secretary shall allow a loan or subgrant to be made with grant funds under this section for the installation of water treatment where needed beyond the point of entry, with or without the installation of a new water well system.; (4)in subsection (c), by striking productive use of individually-owned household water well systems and inserting effective use of individually owned household water well systems, individually owned household decentralized wastewater systems,; and (5)in subsection (d)— (A)by striking $5,000,000 and inserting $20,000,000; and (B)by striking 2014 through 2018 and inserting 2019 through 2023.

6410.

Solid waste management grants

Section 310B(b)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(b)(2)) is amended by striking 2018 and inserting 2023.

6411.

Rural business development grants

Section 310B(c)(4)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)(4)(A)) is amended by striking 2018 and inserting 2023.

6412.

Rural cooperative development grants

(a)

In general

Section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(e)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (10), by inserting (including research and analysis based on data from the latest available Economic Census conducted by the Bureau of the Census) after conduct research; and (2)in paragraph (13), by striking 2018 and inserting 2023. (b)

Technical correction

Section 310B(e)(11)(B)(i) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(e)(11)(B)(i)) is amended by striking (12) and inserting (13).

6413.

Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products

Section 310B(g)(9)(B)(iv)(I) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)(iv)(I)) is amended by striking 2018 and inserting 2023.

6414.

Appropriate technology transfer for rural areas program

Section 310B(i)(4) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(i)(4)) is amended by striking 2018 and inserting 2023.

6415.

Rural economic area partnership zones

Section 310B(j) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(j)) is amended by striking 2018 and inserting 2023.

6416.

Intemediary relending program

Section 310H of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1936b) is amended— (1)by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (i); (2)by inserting after subsection (d) the following: (e)

Limitation on loan amounts

The maximum amount of a loan by an eligible entity described in subsection (b) to individuals and entities for a project under subsection (c), including the unpaid balance of any existing loans, shall be the lesser of— (1)$400,000; and (2)50 percent of the loan to the eligible entity under subsection (a). (f)

Applications

(1)

In general

To be eligible to receive a loan or loan guarantee under subsection (a), an eligible entity described in subsection (b) shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (2)

Evaluation

In evaluating applications submitted under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (A) (i)take into consideration the previous performance of an eligible entity in carrying out projects under subsection (c); and (ii)in the case of satisfactory performance under clause (i), require the eligible entity to contribute less equity for subsequent loans without modifying the priority given to subsequent applications; and (B)in assigning priorities to applications, require an eligible entity to demonstrate that it has a governing or advisory board made up of business, civic, and community leaders who are representative of the communities of the service area, without limitation to the size of the service area. (g)

Return of equity

The Secretary shall establish a schedule that is consistent with the amortization schedules of the portfolio of loans made or guaranteed under subsection (a) for the return of any equity contribution made under this section by an eligible entity described in subsection (b), if the eligible entity is— (1)current on all principal and interest payments; and (2)in compliance with loan covenants. (h)

Regulations

The Secretary shall promulgate regulations and establish procedures reducing the administrative requirements on eligible entities described in subsection (b), including regulations to carry out the amendments made to this section by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.; and (3)in subsection (i) (as so redesignated), by striking 2018 and inserting 2023.

6417.

Access to information to verify income for participants in certain rural housing programs

Section 331 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1981), as amended by section 6210(a) of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following: (f)

Access to information to verify income for participants in certain rural housing programs

The Secretary and the designees of the Secretary are hereby granted the same access to information and subject to the same requirements applicable to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as provided in section 453 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 653) and section 6103(l)(7)(D)(ix) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 6103(l)(7)(D)(ix)) to verify income for individuals participating in sections 502, 504, 521, and 542 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472, 1474, 1490a, and 1490r), notwithstanding section 453(l) of the Social Security Act..

6418.

Providing for additional fees for guaranteed loans under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act

Section 333 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983) is amended— (1)by striking and at the end of paragraph (5); (2)by striking the period at the end of paragraph (6) and inserting ; and; and (3)by adding at the end the following: (7)in the case of an insured or guaranteed loan issued or modified under section 306(a), charge and collect from the lender fees in such amounts as to bring down the costs of subsidies for the insured or guaranteed loan, except that the fees shall not act as a bar to participation in the programs nor be inconsistent with current practices in the marketplace..

6419.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs technical assistance and training

The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is amended by inserting after section 367, as added by section 5306 of this Act, the following:

368.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs technical assistance and training

(a)

In general

The Secretary may make grants to public bodies, private nonprofit corporations, economic development authorities, institutions of higher education, federally recognized Indian Tribes, and rural cooperatives for the purpose of providing or obtaining technical assistance and training to support funding applications for programs carried out by the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service. (b)

Purposes

A grant under subsection (a) may be used— (1)to assist communities in identifying and planning for business and economic development needs; (2)to identify public and private resources to finance business and small and emerging business needs; (3)to prepare reports and surveys necessary to request financial assistance for businesses in rural communities; and (4)to prepare applications for financial assistance. (c)

Selection priority

In selecting recipients of grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to grants serving persistent poverty counties and high poverty communities, as determined by the Secretary. (d)

Funding

(1)

In general

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, to remain available until expended. (2)

Availability

Any amounts authorized to be appropriated under paragraph (1) for any fiscal year that are not appropriated for that fiscal year may be appropriated for the immediately succeeding fiscal year.

.

6420.

National Rural Development Partnership

Section 378 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008m) is amended in each of subsections (g)(1) and (h), by striking 2018 and inserting 2023 each place it appears.

6421.

Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters

Section 379B(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008p(d)) is amended by striking 2018 and inserting 2023.

6422.

Rural microentrepreneur assistance program

Section 379E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008s) is amended— (1)in subsection (b)(4)(B)(ii)— (A)in the clause heading, by striking Maximum amount and inserting Amount; (B)by inserting not less than 20 percent and before not more than 25 percent; and (C)by striking the period at the end and inserting the following: “, subject to— (I)satisfactory performance by the microenterprise development organization under this section, and (II)the availability of funding.; and (2)by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following: (d)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023..

6423.

Health care services

Section 379G(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008u(e)) is amended by striking 2018 and inserting 2023.

6424.

Rural innovation stronger economy grant program

Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1981 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

379I.

Rural innovation stronger economy grant program

(a)

Definitions

In this section: (1)

Eligible entity

The term eligible entity means a rural jobs accelerator partnership established after the date of enactment of this section that— (A)organizes key community and regional stakeholders into a working group that— (i)focuses on the shared goals and needs of the industry clusters that are objectively identified as existing, emerging, or declining; (ii)represents a region defined by the partnership in accordance with subparagraph (B); (iii)includes 1 or more representatives of— (I)an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)); (II)a private entity; or (III)a government entity; and (iv)has, as a lead applicant— (I)a District Organization (as defined in section 300.3 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation)); (II)an Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)), or a consortium of Indian tribes; (III)a State or a political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; (IV)an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or (V)a public or private nonprofit organization; and (B)subject to approval by the Secretary, may— (i)serve a region that is— (I)a single jurisdiction; or (II)if the region is a rural area, multijurisdictional; and (ii)define the region that the partnership represents, if the region— (I)is large enough to contain critical elements of the industry cluster prioritized by the partnership; (II)is small enough to enable close collaboration among members of the partnership; (III)includes a majority of communities that are located in— (aa)a nonmetropolitan area that qualifies as a low-income community (as defined in section 45D(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986); and (bb)an area that has access to or has a plan to achieve broadband service (within the meaning of title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb et seq.)); and (IV) (aa)has a population of 50,000 or fewer inhabitants; or (bb)for a region with a population of more than 50,000 inhabitants, is the subject of a positive determination by the Secretary with respect to a rural-in-character petition, including such a petition submitted concurrently with the application of the partnership for a grant under this section. (2)

Industry cluster

The term industry cluster means a broadly defined network of interconnected firms and supporting institutions in related industries that accelerate innovation, business formation, and job creation by taking advantage of assets and strengths of a region in the business environment. (3)

High-wage job

The term high-wage job means a job that provides a wage that is greater than the median wage for the applicable region, as determined by the Secretary. (4)

Jobs accelerator

The term jobs accelerator means a jobs accelerator center or program located in or serving a low-income rural community that may provide co-working space, in-demand skills training, entrepreneurship support, and any other services described in subsection (d)(1)(B). (5)

Small and disadvantaged business

The term small and disadvantaged business has the meaning given the term small business concern owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in section 8(d)(3)(C) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(3)(C)). (b)

Establishment

(1)

In general

The Secretary shall establish a grant program under which the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to establish jobs accelerators, including related programming, that— (A)improve the ability of distressed rural communities to create high-wage jobs, accelerate the formation of new businesses with high-growth potential, and strengthen regional economies, including by helping to build capacity in the applicable region to achieve those goals; and (B)help rural communities identify and maximize local assets and connect to regional opportunities, networks, and industry clusters that demonstrate high growth potential. (2)

Cost-sharing

(A)

In general

The Federal share of the cost of any activity carried out using a grant made under paragraph (1) shall be not greater than 80 percent. (B)

In-kind contributions

The non-Federal share of the total cost of any activity carried out using a grant made under paragraph (1) may be in the form of donations or in-kind contributions of goods or services fairly valued. (3)

Selection criteria

In selecting eligible entities to receive grants under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider— (A)the commitment of participating core stakeholders in the jobs accelerator partnership, including a demonstration that— (i)investment organizations, including venture development organizations, venture capital firms, revolving loan funders, angel investment groups, community lenders, community development financial institutions, rural business investment companies, small business investment companies (as defined in section 103 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 662)), philanthropic organizations, and other institutions focused on expanding access to capital, are committed partners in the jobs accelerator partnership and willing to potentially invest in projects emerging from the jobs accelerator; and (ii)institutions of higher education, applied research institutions, workforce development entities, and community-based organizations are willing to partner with the jobs accelerator to provide workers with skills relevant to the industry cluster needs of the region, with an emphasis on the use of on-the-job training, registered apprenticeships, customized training, classroom occupational training, or incumbent worker training; (B)the ability of the eligible entity to provide the non-Federal share as required under paragraph (2); (C)the identification of a targeted industry cluster; (D)the ability of the partnership to link rural communities to markets, networks, industry clusters, and other regional opportunities and assets; (E)other grants or loans of the Secretary and other Federal agencies that the jobs accelerator would be able to leverage; and (F)prospects for the proposed center and related programming to have sustainability beyond the full maximum length of assistance under this subsection, including the maximum number of renewals. (4)

Grant term and renewals

(A)

Term

The initial term of a grant under paragraph (1) shall be 4 years. (B)

Renewal

The Secretary may extend the term of a grant under paragraph (1) for an additional period of not longer than 2 years if the Secretary is satisfied, using the evaluation under subsection (e)(2), that the grant recipient has successfully established a jobs accelerator and related programming. (5)

Geographic distribution

To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall provide grants under paragraph (1) for jobs accelerators and related programming in not fewer than 25 States at any time. (c)

Grant amount

A grant awarded under subsection (b) may be in an amount equal to— (1)not less than $500,000; and (2)not more than $2,000,000. (d)

Use of funds

(1)

In general

Subject to paragraph (2), funds from a grant awarded under subsection (b) may be used— (A)to construct, purchase, or equip a building to serve as an innovation center; (B)to support programs to be carried out at, or in direct partnership with, the jobs accelerator that support the objectives of the jobs accelerator, including— (i)linking rural communities and entrepreneurs to markets, networks, industry clusters, and other regional opportunities to support high-wage job creation, new business formation, business expansion, and economic growth; (ii)integrating small businesses into a supply chain; (iii)creating or expanding commercialization activities for new business formation; (iv)identifying and building assets in rural communities that are crucial to supporting regional economies; (v)facilitating the repatriation of high-wage jobs to the United States; (vi)supporting the deployment of innovative processes, technologies, and products; (vii)enhancing the capacity of small businesses in regional industry clusters, including small and disadvantaged businesses; (viii)increasing United States exports and business interaction with international buyers and suppliers; (ix)developing the skills and expertise of local workforces, entrepreneurs, and institutional partners to meet the needs of employers and prepare workers for high-wage jobs in the identified industry clusters, including the upskilling of incumbent workers; (x)ensuring rural communities have the capacity and ability to carry out projects relating to housing, community facilities, infrastructure, or community and economic development to support regional industry cluster growth; or (xi)any other activities that the Secretary may determine to be appropriate. (2)

Requirement

(A)

In general

Subject to subparagraph (B), not more than 10 percent of a grant awarded under subsection (b) shall be used for indirect costs associated with administering the grant. (B)

Increase

The Secretary may increase the percentage described in subparagraph (A) on a case-by-case basis. (e)

Annual activity report and evaluation

Not later than 1 year after receiving a grant under this section, and annually thereafter for the duration of the grant, an eligible entity shall— (1)report to the Secretary on the activities funded with the grant; and (2) (A)evaluate the progress that the eligible entity has made toward the strategic objectives identified in the application for the grant; and (B)measure that progress using performance measures during the project period, which may include— (i)high-wage jobs created; (ii)high-wage jobs retained; (iii)private investment leveraged; (iv)businesses improved; (v)new business formations; (vi)new products or services commercialized; (vii)improvement of the value of existing products or services under development; (viii)regional collaboration, as measured by such metrics as— (I)the number of organizations actively engaged in the industry cluster; (II)the number of symposia held by the industry cluster, including organizations that are not located in the immediate region defined by the partnership; and (III)the number of further cooperative agreements; (ix)the number of education and training activities relating to innovation; (x)the number of jobs relocated from outside of the United States to the region; (xi)the amount and number of new equity investments in industry cluster firms; (xii)the amount and number of new loans to industry cluster firms; (xiii)the dollar increase in exports resulting from the project activities; (xiv)the percentage of employees for which training was provided; (xv)improvement in sales of participating businesses; (xvi)improvement in wages paid at participating businesses; (xvii)improvement in income of participating workers; or (xviii)any other measure the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (f)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.

.

6425.

Delta Regional Authority

(a)

Authorization of Appropriations

Section 382M(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa–12(a)) is amended by striking 2008 through 2018 and inserting 2019 through 2023. (b)

Termination of authority

Section 382N of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa–13) is amended by striking 2018 and inserting 2023.

6426.

Rural business investment program

(a)

Definitions

Section 384A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc) is amended— (1)in paragraph (2)— (A)in the paragraph heading, by striking venture; and (B)by striking venture; and (2)by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: (4)

Equity capital

The term equity capital means— (A)common or preferred stock or a similar instrument, including subordinated debt with equity features; and (B)any other type of equity-like financing that might be necessary to facilitate the purposes of this Act, excluding financing such as senior debt or other types of financing that competes with routine loanmaking of commercial lenders.. (b)

Purposes

Section 384B of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc–1) is amended— (1)in paragraph (1), by striking venture; and (2)in paragraph (2)— (A)in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking venture; and (B)in subparagraph (B), by striking venture. (c)

Selection of rural business investment companies

Section 384D(b)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc–3(b)(1)) is amended by striking developmental venture and inserting developmental. (d)

Fees

Section 384G of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc–6) is amended— (1)in subsections (a) and (b), by striking a fee that does not exceed $500 each place it appears and inserting such fees as the Secretary considers appropriate, so long as those fees are proportionally equal for each rural business investment company,; and (2)in subsection (c)(2)— (A)in subparagraph (B), by striking solely to cover the costs of licensing examinations and inserting as the Secretary considers appropriate; and (B)by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following: (C)shall be in such amounts as the Secretary considers appropriate.. (e)

Limitation on rural business investment companies controlled by Farm Credit System institutions

Section 384J(c) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc–9(c)) is amended by striking 25 and inserting 50. (f)

Flexibility on sources of investment or capital

Section 384J(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc–9(a)) is amended— (1)by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting appropriately; (2)by striking the subsection designation and heading and all that follows through Except as in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated) and inserting the following: (a)

Investment

(1)

In general

Except as; and (3)by adding at the end the following: (2)

Limitation on requirements

The Secretary may not require that an entity described in paragraph (1) provide investment or capital that is not required of other companies eligible to apply to operate as a rural business investment company under section 384D(a)..

6427.

Rural business investment program

Section 384S of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc–18) is amended by striking 2018 and inserting 2023.

E

Additional Amendments to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936

6501.

Amendments to section 2 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936

(a)

Electric loan refinancing

Section 2(a) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 902(a)) is amended by striking loans in and inserting loans, or refinance loans made by the Secretary under this Act, in. (b)

Technical assistance for rural electrification loans

Section 2 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 902) is amended by adding at the end the following: (c)

Technical assistance

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Energy under which the Secretary of Energy shall provide technical assistance to the Rural Utilities Service on loans to be made under subsection (a) of this section and section 4(a)..

6502.

Loans for telephone service

Section 201 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 922) is amended— (1)by striking the section designation and all that follows through From such sums and inserting the following:

201.

Loans for telephone service

From such sums

; (2)in the second sentence, by striking associations: and all that follows through same subscribers. and inserting associations.; and (3)in the sixth sentence, by striking , nor shall such loan be made in any State and all that follows through writing) in the seventh sentence and inserting the following: and.

6503.

Cushion of credit payments program

Section 313(a) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c(a)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (1)— (A)by striking (1) In general.—The and inserting the following: (1)

In general

(A)

Development and promotion of program

The; and (B)by adding after and below the end the following: (B)

Termination

Effective on the date of enactment of this subparagraph, no deposits may be made under subparagraph (A).; (2)in paragraph (2)— (A)by striking (2) Interest.—Amounts and inserting the following: (2)

Interest

(A)

In general

Amounts; and (B)by adding after and below the end the following: (B)

Reduction

Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), amounts in each cushion of credit account shall accrue interest to the borrower at a rate equal to— (i)4 percent per annum in fiscal year 2021; and (ii)the then applicable 1-year Treasury rate thereafter.; and (3)in paragraph (3)— (A)by striking (3) Balance.—A and inserting the following: (3)

Balance

(A)

In general

A; and (B)by after and below the end the following: (B)

Prepayment

Notwithstanding subparagraph (A) and subject to subparagraph (C), beginning on the date of the enactment of this subparagraph and ending with September 30, 2020, a borrower may, at the sole discretion of the borrower, reduce the balance of its cushion of credit account if the amount obtained from the reduction is used to prepay loans made or guaranteed under this Act. (C)

No prepayment premium

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, no prepayment premium shall be imposed or collected with respect to that portion of a loan that is prepaid by a borrower in accordance with subparagraph (B). (D)

Mandatory funding

Notwithstanding section 504 of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall make available such sums as necessary to cover any loan modification costs as defined in section 502 of such Act..

6504.

Extension of the rural economic development loan and grant program

(a)Section 12(b)(3)(D) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 912(b)(3)(D)) is amended by striking 313(b)(2)(A) and inserting 313(b)(2). (b)Section 313(b)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 940c(b)(2)) is amended— (1)by striking all that precedes shall maintain and inserting the following: (2)

Rural economic development subaccount

The Secretary; and (2)by striking the 5 percent and all that follows through subparagraph (E) and inserting 5 percent.. (c)Title III of such Act (7 U.S.C. 931–940h) is amended by inserting after section 313A the following:

313B.

Rural development loans and grants

(a)

In general

The Secretary shall provide grants or zero interest loans to borrowers under this Act for the purpose of promoting rural economic development and job creation projects, including funding for project feasibility studies, start-up costs, incubator projects, and other reasonable expenses for the purpose of fostering rural development. (b)

Repayments

In the case of zero interest loans, the Secretary shall establish such reasonable repayment terms as will encourage borrower participation. (c)

Proceeds

All proceeds from the repayment of such loans made under this section shall be returned to the subaccount that the Secretary shall maintain in accordance with sections 313(b)(2) and 313B(f). (d)

Number of grants

Loans and grants required under this section shall be made to the full extent of the amounts made available under subsection (e). (e)

Funding

(1)

Discretionary funding

In addition to other funds that are available to carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated not more than $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to carry out this section, to remain available until expended. (2)

Mandatory funding

Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall credit to the subaccount to use for the cost of grants and loans under this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 and 2023, to remain available until expended. (3)

Other funds

In addition to the funds described in paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary shall use, without fiscal year limitation, to provide grants and loans under this section— (A)the interest differential sums credited to the subaccount described in subsection (c); and (B)subject to section 313A(e)(2), the fees described in subsection (c)(4) of such section. (f)

Maintenance of account

The Secretary shall maintain the subaccount described in section 313(b)(2), as in effect in fiscal year 2017, for purposes of carrying out this section.

. (d)Section 313A of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c–1) is amended— (1)in subsection (c)(4)— (A)in subparagraph (A), by striking maintained under section 313(b)(2)(A) and inserting that shall be maintained as required by sections 313(b)(2) and 313B(f); and (B)in subparagraph (B), by striking 313(b)(2)(B) and inserting 313(b)(2); and (2)in subsection (e)(2), by striking maintained under section 313(b)(2)(A) and inserting required to be maintained by sections 313(b)(2) and 313B(f). (e) (1)Subject to section 313B(e) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (as added by this section), the Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out the loan and grant program required under such section in the same manner as the loan and grant program under section 313(b)(2) of such Act is carried out on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, until such time as any regulations necessary to carry out the amendments made by this section are fully implemented. (2)Paragraph (1) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.

6505.

Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or telephone purposes

(a)

In general

Section 313A of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c–1) is amended— (1)in subsection (a)— (A)by striking Subject to and inserting the following: (1)

Guarantees

Subject to; (B)in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking basis and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting basis, if the proceeds of the bonds or notes are used to make utility infrastructure loans, or refinance bonds or notes issued for those purposes, to a borrower that has at any time received, or is eligible to receive, a loan under this Act.; and (C)by adding at the end the following: (2)

Terms

A bond or note guaranteed under this section shall, by agreement between the Secretary and the borrower— (A)be for a term of 30 years (or another term of years that the Secretary determines is appropriate); and (B)be repaid by the borrower— (i)in periodic installments of principal and interest; (ii)in periodic installments of interest and, at the end of the term of the bond or note, as applicable, by the repayment of the outstanding principal; or (iii)through a combination of the methods described in clauses (i) and (ii).; (2)in subsection (b)— (A)in paragraph (1), by striking electrification and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting purposes described in subsection (a)(1).; (B)by striking paragraph (2); (C)by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and (D)in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)— (i)in subparagraph (A), by striking for electrification or telephone purposes and inserting for eligible purposes described in subsection (a)(1); and (ii)in subparagraph (C), by striking subsection (a) and inserting subsection (a)(1); and (3)in subsection (f), by striking 2018 and inserting 2023. (b)

Administration

Beginning on the date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the Secretary shall continue to carry out section 313A of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c–1) (as amended by subsection (a)) under a Notice of Solicitation of Applications until the date on which any regulations necessary to carry out the amendments made by subsection (a) are fully implemented.

6506.

Expansion of 911 access

Section 315 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940e) is amended— (1)in subsection (a)(2), by striking commercial or transportation and inserting critical transportation-related; and (2)in subsection (d), by striking 2018 and inserting 2023.

6507.

Cybersecurity and grid security improvements

Title III of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 931 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

319.

Cybersecurity and grid security improvements

(a)

Definition of cybersecurity and grid security improvements

In this section, the term cybersecurity and grid security improvements means investment in the development, expansion, and modernization of rural utility infrastructure that addresses known cybersecurity and grid security risks. (b)

Loans and loan guarantees

The Secretary may make or guarantee loans under this title and title I for cybersecurity and grid security improvements.

.

F

Program Repeals

6601.

Elimination of unfunded programs

(a)

Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act

(1)

Repealers

The following provisions of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act are hereby repealed: (A)Section 306(a)(23) (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(23)). (B)Section 310B(f) (7 U.S.C. 1932(f)). (C)Section 379 (7 U.S.C. 2008n). (D)Section 379A (7 U.S.C. 2008o). (E)Section 379C (7 U.S.C. 2008q). (F)Section 379D (7 U.S.C. 2008r). (G)Section 379F (7 U.S.C. 2008t). (H)Subtitle I (7 U.S.C. 2009dd–2009dd–7). (2)

Conforming amendment

Section 333A(h) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a(h)) is amended by striking 310B(f),. (b)

Rural Electrification Act of 1936

Section 314 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940d) is hereby repealed.

6602.

Repeal of Rural Telephone Bank

(a)

Repeal

Title IV of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 941–950b) is repealed. (b)

Conforming amendments

(1)Section 18 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 918) is amended in each of subsections (a) and (b) by striking and the Governor of the telephone bank. (2)Section 204 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 925) is amended by striking and the Governor of the telephone bank. (3)Section 205(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 926) is amended— (A)in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking and the Governor of the telephone bank; and (B)in paragraph (2), by striking or the Governor of the telephone bank. (4)Section 206(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 927(a)) is amended— (A)in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking and the Governor of the telephone bank; (B)by striking paragraph (1); (C)in paragraph (4), by striking or 408; and (D)by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (4) as paragraphs (1) through (3), respectively. (5)Section 206(b) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 927(b)) is amended— (A)in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking and the Governor of the telephone bank; (B)in paragraph (1), by striking , or a Rural Telephone Bank loan,; and (C)in paragraph (2), by striking , the Rural Telephone Bank,. (6)Section 207(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 928(1)) is amended— (A)by striking 305, and inserting 305 or; and (B)by striking , or a loan under section 408,. (7)Section 301 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 931) is amended— (A)in paragraph (3), by striking except for net collection proceeds previously appropriated for the purchase of class A stock in the Rural Telephone Bank,; (B)by adding or at the end of paragraph (4); (C)by striking ; and at the end of paragraph (5) and inserting a period; and (D)by striking paragraph (6). (8)Section 305(d)(2)(B) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 935(d)(2)(B)) is amended— (A)in clause (i), by striking and a loan under section 408; and (B)in clause (ii), by striking and under section 408 each place it appears. (9)Section 305(d)(3)(C) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 935(d)(3)(C)) is amended by striking and section 408(b)(4)(C), the Secretary and the Governor of the telephone bank and inserting the Secretary. (10)Section 306 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 936) is amended by striking the Rural Telephone Bank, National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation, and inserting the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation. (11)Section 309 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 739) is amended by striking the last sentence. (12)Section 2352(b) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 901 note) is amended by striking the Rural Telephone Bank and. (13)The first section of Public Law 92–12 (7 U.S.C. 921a) is repealed. (14)The first section of Public Law 92–324 (7 U.S.C. 921b) is repealed. (15)Section 1414 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 944a) is repealed. (16)Section 1411 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 948 notes) is amended by striking subsections (a) and (b). (17)Section 3.8(b)(1)(A) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2129(b)(1)(A)) is amended by striking or a loan or loan commitment from the Rural Telephone Bank,. (18)Section 105(d) of the National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act (12 U.S.C. 3015(d)) is amended by striking the Rural Telephone Bank,. (19)Section 9101 of title 31, United States Code, is amended— (A)in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (H) and redesignating subparagraphs (I), (J), and (K) as subparagraphs (H), (I), and (J), respectively; and (B)in paragraph (3), by striking subparagraphs (K) and (O) and redesignating subparagraphs (L) through (N) and (P) through (R) as subparagraphs (K) through (P), respectively. (20)Section 9108(d)(2) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking the Rural Telephone Bank (when the ownership, control, and operation of the Bank are converted under section 410(a) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950(a))),.

6603.

Amendments to LOCAL TV Act

The Launching Our Communities’ Access to Local Television Act of 2000 (title X of H.R. 5548 of the 106th Congress, as enacted by section 1(a)(2) of Public Law 106–553; 114 Stat. 2762A–128) is amended— (1)by striking the title heading and inserting the following: ; (2)by striking sections 1001 through 1007 and 1009 through 1012; and (3)by redesignating section 1008 as section 1001.

G

Technical Corrections

6701.

Corrections relating to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act

(a) (1)Section 306(a)(19)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19)(A)) is amended by inserting after nonprofit corporations the following: , Indian Tribes (as defined in section 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act). (2)The amendment made by this subsection shall take effect as if included in section 773 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 (H.R. 5426 of the 106th Congress, as enacted by Public Law 106–387 (114 Stat. 1549A–45)) in lieu of the amendment made by such section. (b) (1)Section 309A(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1929a(b)) is amended by striking and section 308. (2)The amendment made by this subsection shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 661(c)(2) of the Federal Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–127). (c)Section 310B(c)(3)(A)(v) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)(3)(A)(v)) is amended by striking and after the semicolon and inserting or. (d) (1)Section 310B(e)(5)(F) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(e)(5)(F)) is amended by inserting , except that the Secretary shall not require non-Federal financial support in an amount that is greater than 5 percent in the case of a 1994 institution (as defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103–382)) before the period at the end. (2)The amendment made by this subsection shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 6015 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–171). (e) (1)Section 381E(d)(3) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009d(d)(3)) is amended by striking subparagraph (A) and redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively. (2)The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 6012(b) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–79). (f) (1)Section 382A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa) is amended by adding at the end the following: (4)Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State of Alabama shall be a full member of the Delta Regional Authority and shall be entitled to all rights and privileges that said membership affords to all other participating States in the Delta Regional Authority.. (2)The amendment made by this subsection shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 153(b) of division B of H.R. 5666, as introduced in the 106th Congress, and as enacted by section 1(4) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2001 (Appendix D of Public Law 106–554; 114 Stat. 2763A–252). (g)Section 382E(a)(1)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.2009aa-4(a)(1)(B)) is amended by moving clause (iv) 2 ems to the right. (h)Section 383G(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009bb-5(c)) is amended— (1)in the subsection heading by striking Telecommunication Renewable Energy,, and inserting Telecommunication, Renewable Energy,; and (2)in the text, by striking ,, and inserting a comma.

6702.

Corrections relating to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936

Section 201 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 922) is amended— (1)in the 3rd sentence by striking wildest and inserting widest; and (2)in the 6th sentence, by striking centifies and inserting certifies.

Speaker of the House of Representatives.Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.