[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7606 Engrossed in House (EH)]

<DOC>
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
117th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                H. R. 7606

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 AN ACT


 
  To establish the Office of the Special Investigator for Competition 
             Matters within the Department of Agriculture.

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

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Lower Food and 
Fuel Costs Act''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Secretary defined.
             TITLE I--MEAT AND POULTRY SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR

Sec. 101. Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters.
TITLE II--CROP NUTRIENT USE AND PRECISION AGRICULTURE PRACTICE ADOPTION 
                               ASSISTANCE

Sec. 201. Crop nutrient use and precision agriculture practice adoption 
                            assistance.
Sec. 202. Rule of construction.
        TITLE III--AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCY

  Subtitle A--Agriculture and Food System Supply Chain Resilience and 
                       Crisis Response Task Force

Sec. 301. Agriculture and Food System Supply Chain Resilience and 
                            Crisis Response Task Force.
              Subtitle B--Addressing Fertilizer Shortages

Sec. 311. Addressing fertilizer shortages.
           Subtitle C--American Food Supply Chain Resiliency

Sec. 321. Supply Chain Regional Resource Centers.
Sec. 322. Agriculture Innovation Centers Program.
    TITLE IV--BIOFUEL INFRASTRUCTURE AND AGRICULTURE PRODUCT MARKET 
                               EXPANSION

Sec. 401. Biofuel infrastructure and agriculture product market 
                            expansion.
                    TITLE V--YEAR-ROUND FUEL CHOICE

Sec. 501. Ethanol waiver.
TITLE VI--PRODUCING RESPONSIBLE ENERGY AND CONSERVATION INCENTIVES AND 
                SOLUTIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT (PRECISE)

Sec. 601. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program.
Sec. 602. Assistance to rural entities.
Sec. 603. Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
Sec. 604. Conservation Stewardship Program.
Sec. 605. Delivery of technical assistance.
                      TITLE VII--BUTCHER BLOCK ACT

Sec. 701. Assistance for new and expanded livestock or poultry 
                            processors.
Sec. 702. New and expanding livestock or poultry processing grants.
TITLE VIII--LOWER FOOD AND FUEL COSTS SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  2022

SEC. 2. SECRETARY DEFINED.

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

             TITLE I--MEAT AND POULTRY SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR

SEC. 101. OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR FOR COMPETITION MATTERS.

    (a) In General.--The Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act 
of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 216 (7 U.S.C. 6916) the 
following:

``SEC. 217. OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR FOR COMPETITION MATTERS.

    ``(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Department an 
office, to be known as the `Office of the Special Investigator for 
Competition Matters' (referred to in this section as the `Office').
    ``(b) Special Investigator for Competition Matters.--The Office 
shall be headed by the Special Investigator for Competition Matters 
(referred to in this section as the `Special Investigator'), who shall 
be a senior career employee appointed by the Secretary.
    ``(c) Duties.--The Special Investigator shall--
            ``(1) use all available tools, including subpoenas, to 
        investigate and prosecute violations of the Packers and 
        Stockyards Act, 1921 (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.) by packers and live 
        poultry dealers with respect to competition and trade practices 
        in the food and agricultural sector;
            ``(2) serve as a Department liaison to, and act in 
        consultation with, the Department of Justice and the Federal 
        Trade Commission with respect to competition and trade 
        practices in the food and agricultural sector;
            ``(3) act in consultation with the Department of Homeland 
        Security with respect to national security and critical 
        infrastructure security in the food and agricultural sector;
            ``(4) maintain a staff of attorneys and other professionals 
        with appropriate expertise; and
            ``(5) in carrying out the requirements of this subsection, 
        coordinate with the Office of the General Counsel and the 
        Packers and Stockyards Division of the Agricultural Marketing 
        Service.
    ``(d) Prosecutorial Authority.--
            ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding title 28, United States 
        Code, the Special Investigator shall have the authority to 
        bring any civil or administrative action authorized under the 
        Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.) against 
        a packer.
            ``(2) Effect.--Nothing in this section alters the authority 
        of the Secretary to issue a subpoena pursuant to the Packers 
        and Stockyards Act, 1921 (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.).
            ``(3) Notification.--With respect to any of the actions 
        brought under this subsection in Federal district court, the 
        Special Investigator shall notify the Attorney General.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 296(b) of the Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)) is amended by 
adding at the end the following:
            ``(11) The authority of the Secretary to carry out section 
        217.''.
    (c) Technical Amendment.--Subtitle A of the Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by redesignating the 
first section 225 (relating to Food Access Liaison) (7 U.S.C. 6925) as 
section 224A.

TITLE II--CROP NUTRIENT USE AND PRECISION AGRICULTURE PRACTICE ADOPTION 
                               ASSISTANCE

SEC. 201. CROP NUTRIENT USE AND PRECISION AGRICULTURE PRACTICE ADOPTION 
              ASSISTANCE.

    (a) Payments.--During the period beginning on the date of enactment 
of this section and ending on September 30, 2023, the Secretary shall 
make payments under this section to producers--
            (1) to assist in reducing the costs associated with the 
        utilization of crop nutrients; or
            (2) to adopt precision agriculture practices to address the 
        utilization of crop nutrients or water availability.
    (b) Amount.--
            (1) In general.--A payment to a producer under this section 
        shall not exceed 100 percent of the costs of the activity for 
        which the assistance is provided.
            (2) Cost share.--If the Secretary determines that a 
        producer is receiving other Federal funds for the activity for 
        which the assistance is provided, a payment to the producer 
        under this section shall be in an amount that does not, in 
        combination with such other funds, exceed 100 percent of the 
        costs of such activity.
    (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $500,000,000 for the period of 
fiscal years 2022 and 2023.

SEC. 202. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.

    Nothing in this title shall be construed as a conservation or 
environmental program within the meaning of section 5(g) of the 
Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714c(g)).

        TITLE III--AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCY

  Subtitle A--Agriculture and Food System Supply Chain Resilience and 
                       Crisis Response Task Force

SEC. 301. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEM SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE AND 
              CRISIS RESPONSE TASK FORCE.

    (a) In General.--Subtitle B of title II of the Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6931 et seq.) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 229. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEM SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE AND 
              CRISIS RESPONSE TASK FORCE.

    ``(a) Establishment.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the 
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish within the 
Department an Agriculture and Food System Supply Chain Resilience and 
Crisis Response Task Force (in this section referred to as the `Task 
Force').
    ``(b) Mission.--The mission of the Task Force shall be to--
            ``(1) help to promote the leadership of the United States 
        with respect to the stability of the agriculture and food 
        system supply chain;
            ``(2) encourage a government-wide approach through 
        partnerships and collaboration with the private sector, labor 
        organizations, the governments of countries that are allies or 
        key international partners of the United States, States or 
        political subdivisions thereof, and Tribal governments in order 
        to--
                    ``(A) promote the resilience of the agriculture and 
                food system supply chain; and
                    ``(B) identify, prepare for, and respond to shocks 
                to the agriculture and food system supply chain;
            ``(3) monitor the resilience, diversity, security, and 
        strength of the agriculture and food system supply chain;
            ``(4) support the availability of agriculture and food 
        system supply chain goods for domestic manufacturers, domestic 
        producers, and domestic enterprises in the United States and in 
        countries that are allies or key international partners;
            ``(5) assist the Federal Government in preparing for and 
        responding to shocks to the agriculture and food system supply 
        chain;
            ``(6) support the creation of jobs with competitive wages 
        in the United States agriculture and food system sector; and
            ``(7) coordinate executive branch actions necessary to 
        carry out the functions described in paragraphs (1) through 
        (6).
    ``(c) Special Advisor on Supply Chain Resilience and Crisis 
Response.--The head of the Task Force shall be the Special Advisor on 
Supply Chain Resilience and Crisis Response (in this section, referred 
to as the `Special Advisor') who shall be appointed by the Secretary.
    ``(d) Agricultural and Food System Supply Chain Evaluation and 
Report.--
            ``(1) Evaluation.--The Special Advisor, in consultation 
        with the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of 
        Transportation, shall conduct an evaluation of the stability 
        and reliability of the agriculture and food system supply 
        chain. The evaluation shall focus on the items listed in 
        subsection (b).
            ``(2) Report to congress.--Not later than 270 days after 
        the date of the enactment of this section, the Special Advisor 
        shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on 
        Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on Transportation and 
        Infrastructure 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 the evaluation conducted under subsection 
        (a) that includes the following:
                    ``(A) An evaluation of--
                            ``(i) the strengths of the agriculture and 
                        food system supply chain;
                            ``(ii) the weaknesses of the agriculture 
                        and food system supply chain;
                            ``(iii) current and potential future 
                        critical bottlenecks in the agriculture and 
                        food system supply chain, including 
                        transportation bottlenecks in the distribution 
                        of agricultural inputs, processed and 
                        unprocessed food and food input products, and 
                        consumer-ready food products;
                            ``(iv) workforce challenges and 
                        opportunities in the agriculture and food 
                        system supply chain; and
                            ``(v) the overall stability and reliability 
                        of the agriculture and food system supply 
                        chain.
                    ``(B) A discussion of existing Federal legal 
                barriers, if any, that negatively impact the stability 
                and reliability of the agriculture and food system 
                supply chain.
                    ``(C) Specific recommendations to improve the 
                security, safety, and resilience of the agriculture and 
                food system supply chain, including recommendations 
                that address challenges identified under paragraph (1) 
                and that also address--
                            ``(i) long-term strategies;
                            ``(ii) industry best practices;
                            ``(iii) risk-mitigation actions to prevent 
                        future bottlenecks and vulnerabilities at all 
                        levels of the agriculture and food system 
                        supply chain; and
                            ``(iv) legislative and regulatory actions 
                        that would positively impact the security and 
                        resilience of the agriculture and food system 
                        supply chain.
    ``(e) Termination.--The Task Force shall terminate on the earlier 
of--
            ``(1) the date on which the report required by subsection 
        (d) is submitted; or
            ``(2) September 30, 2023.''.
    (b) Technical Amendment.--Section 296(b) of the Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)), as amended 
by section 101, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(12) The authority of the Secretary to establish in the 
        Department the Agriculture and Food System Supply Chain 
        Resilience and Crisis Response Task Force in accordance with 
        section 229.''.

              Subtitle B--Addressing Fertilizer Shortages

SEC. 311. ADDRESSING FERTILIZER SHORTAGES.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall support and 
incentivize domestic activities through grants, loans, and other forms 
of assistance, to address fertilizer shortages and deficiencies, 
diversify fertilizer sources, and reduce dependency on foreign sources 
for fertilizer, including by--
            (1) increasing the availability of innovative fertilizer 
        and fertilizer alternatives, including nitrogen, phosphate, 
        potassium, biological products and technologies, and other 
        nutrients that may assist in the production of agricultural 
        commodities;
            (2) increasing materials or tools that reduce the need for 
        fertilizer or support the more efficient use of fertilizer, 
        including nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, biological products 
        and technologies, and other nutrients that may assist in the 
        production of agricultural commodities;
            (3) supporting materials and facilities and research and 
        development, that may support the purposes of this section;
            (4) supporting sustainable agriculture production through 
        the supporting production of--
                    (A) sustainable fertilizer produced in, or used in 
                a manner that, reduces the greenhouse gas impact; or
                    (B) fertilizer produced through the use of 
                renewable energy sources, including incentivizing 
                greater precision in fertilizer use;
            (5) supporting activities or other measures that may 
        otherwise address competition-related challenges in the United 
        States fertilizer market and obstacles to producers in 
        obtaining affordable, responsibly manufactured fertilizer as 
        referred to in the notice entitled ``Access to Fertilizer: 
        Competition and Supply Chain Concerns'' published by the 
        Department of Agriculture in the Federal Register on March 17, 
        2022 (87 Fed Reg. 15191 et seq.); and
            (6) using the facilities and authorities of the Commodity 
        Credit Corporation and the authorities under section 1473H of 
        the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
        Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319k).
    (b) Priority Applicants.--In selecting activities to support under 
this section, the Secretary shall give priority to applications for 
such support containing proposals that the Secretary determines will 
most quickly address fertilizer shortages in the near term and mid-
term.
    (c) Streamlined Process.--In providing assistance pursuant to this 
section, the Secretary shall ensure that such assistance be provided 
through a streamlined and expedient process (as determined necessary by 
the Secretary) to quickly address fertilizer shortages.
    (d) Administrative Funding.--Not more than 3 percent of the funding 
provided under this section may be used by the Secretary for 
administrative purposes.
    (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to amounts 
otherwise available, there are authorized to be appropriated to carry 
out this section, $100,000,000, to remain available until expended.

           Subtitle C--American Food Supply Chain Resiliency

SEC. 321. SUPPLY CHAIN REGIONAL RESOURCE CENTERS.

    The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:

               ``Subtitle H--Food Supply Chain Resiliency

``SEC. 298. SUPPLY CHAIN REGIONAL RESOURCE CENTERS.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Administrator 
of the Agricultural Marketing Service, shall enter into cooperative 
agreements with eligible entities to establish not fewer than 6 Supply 
Chain Regional Resource Centers to support small-sized and medium-sized 
producers of agricultural products and small-sized and medium-sized 
agricultural businesses through activities, which may include--
            ``(1) offering coordination, technical assistance, and 
        capacity building support to small-sized and medium-sized 
        producers of agricultural products and agricultural businesses;
            ``(2) supporting supply chain and value chain 
        coordination--
                    ``(A) in the region in which such producers or 
                businesses are located; and
                    ``(B) with the Department of Agriculture, other 
                Federal, State, and Tribal agencies with relevant 
                resources, regional commissions, and other Supply Chain 
                Regional Resource Centers;
            ``(3) providing technical assistance to such producers and 
        businesses;
            ``(4) providing grants or other financial assistance to 
        such producers and businesses looking to expand production or a 
        business or start production or a business in such region; and
            ``(5) carrying out such other activities as may be 
        specified by the Secretary.
    ``(b) Focus on Tribal Supply Chain Issues.--At least one Supply 
Chain Regional Resource Center established pursuant to subsection (a) 
shall provide coordination, assistance, and capacity building support 
to address supply chain issues faced by Indian tribes and Tribal 
organizations (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination 
and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)).
    ``(c) Application.--
            ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity (including an entity 
        representing a partnership) seeking to enter into a cooperative 
        agreement under this section shall submit to the Secretary an 
        application, at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
        information as the Secretary may require, including how the 
        Supply Chain Regional Resource Centers established by such 
        entity will address food and agricultural supply chain issues 
        faced by underserved communities.
            ``(2) Regional diversity.--In selecting eligible entities 
        to enter into a cooperative agreement under this section, the 
        Secretary shall ensure the regional diversity of such entities.
    ``(d) Term.--The term of a cooperative agreement entered into under 
this section shall be not less than 4 years.
    ``(e) Coordination.--A Supply Chain Regional Resource Center shall, 
as a condition on entering into a cooperative agreement under this 
section, agree to coordinate with other Supply Chain Regional Resource 
Centers, when appropriate.
    ``(f) Report to Congress.--Beginning not later than 2 years after 
the date of the enactment of the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act, and 
every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee 
on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report on--
            ``(1) with respect to the activities carried out by the 
        Secretary under this section--
                    ``(A) a description of such activities; and
                    ``(B) the impact of such activities on supply chain 
                issues faced by small-sized and medium-sized producers 
                of agricultural products; and
            ``(2) with respect to the activities carried out by the 
        Supply Chain Regional Resource Centers under this section--
                    ``(A) a description of such activities;
                    ``(B) the impact of such activities on supply chain 
                issues faced by small-sized and medium-sized producers 
                of agricultural products and agricultural businesses; 
                and
                    ``(C) any grants awarded by Supply Chain Regional 
                Resource Centers to such producers and businesses.
    ``(g) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
                    ``(A) a State government (or a political 
                subdivision thereof), regional authority, or an Indian 
                Tribe or Tribal organization;
                    ``(B) a college or university (as defined in 
                section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, 
                Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
                3103)) (including a land-grant college or university); 
                or
                    ``(C) a nonprofit organization, including a 
                producer network or association, a food council, an 
                economic development corporation, or another 
                organization.
            ``(2) State.--The term `State' has the meaning given such 
        term in section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, 
        Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103).
    ``(h) Funding.--In addition to amounts otherwise available, there 
is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $6,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2026.
    ``(i) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be 
interpreted to undermine or narrow the authority of the Secretary to 
carry out activities described in subsection (a) under any other 
authority of the Secretary.''.

SEC. 322. AGRICULTURE INNOVATION CENTERS PROGRAM.

    Section 6402(a) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
2002 (7 U.S.C. 1632b(a)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) applied research, technical assistance, support 
        services, outreach, and other services to strengthen, maintain, 
        and secure supply chains related to value-added agricultural 
        commodities and products produced in the United States.''.

    TITLE IV--BIOFUEL INFRASTRUCTURE AND AGRICULTURE PRODUCT MARKET 
                               EXPANSION

SEC. 401. BIOFUEL INFRASTRUCTURE AND AGRICULTURE PRODUCT MARKET 
              EXPANSION.

    (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to amounts 
otherwise available, there is authorized to be appropriated to the 
Secretary $200,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2022 and 2023, to 
remain available until expended, to carry out this section.
    (b) Use of Funds.--The Secretary shall use the amounts made 
available pursuant to subsection (a) to provide grants, on a 
competitive basis, to eligible entities described in subsection (c)--
            (1) to install, retrofit, or otherwise upgrade fuel 
        dispensers or pumps and related equipment, storage tank system 
        components, and other infrastructure required at a location to 
        ensure the environmentally safe availability of fuel containing 
        ethanol blends at levels greater than 10 percent (as determined 
        by the Secretary) or fuel containing biodiesel blends at levels 
        greater than 5 percent (as determined by the Secretary); and
            (2) to build and retrofit distribution systems for ethanol 
        blends, traditional and pipeline biodiesel terminal operations 
        (including rail lines), and home heating oil distribution 
        centers or equivalent entities--
                    (A) to blend biodiesel; and
                    (B) to carry ethanol and biodiesel.
    (c) Eligible Entities.--Entities eligible to receive a grant under 
this section are transportation fueling facilities and distribution 
facilities, including fueling stations, convenience stores, hypermarket 
retailer fueling stations, fleet facilities, as well as fuel terminal 
operations, midstream partners, and heating oil distribution facilities 
or equivalent entities.
    (d) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the total cost of carrying 
out a project for which a grant is provided under this section shall be 
not more than 75 percent.
    (e) Limitation.--The Secretary may not limit the amount of funding 
an eligible entity may receive under this section, except that such 
funding is subject to the availability of appropriations.

                    TITLE V--YEAR-ROUND FUEL CHOICE

SEC. 501. ETHANOL WAIVER.

    Section 211 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (f)(4)--
                    (A) by striking ``(4) The Administrator, upon'' and 
                inserting the following:
            ``(4) Waiver.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Administrator, on''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(B) Reid vapor pressure.--A fuel or fuel additive 
                that has been granted a waiver under subparagraph (A) 
                prior to January 1, 2017, and meets all the conditions 
                of that waiver other than any limitations of the waiver 
                with respect to Reid Vapor Pressure, may be introduced 
                into commerce if the fuel or fuel additive meets all 
                other applicable Reid Vapor Pressure requirements.''; 
                and
            (2) in subsection (h)--
                    (A) in paragraph (4)--
                            (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph 
                        (A), by inserting ``or more'' after ``10 
                        percent''; and
                            (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking 
                        ``additional alcohol or''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (5)(A), by inserting ``or more'' 
                after ``10 percent''.

TITLE VI--PRODUCING RESPONSIBLE ENERGY AND CONSERVATION INCENTIVES AND 
                SOLUTIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT (PRECISE)

SEC. 601. CONSERVATION LOAN AND LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM.

    Section 304 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1924) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)(3), by redesignating subparagraphs 
        (F) and (G) as subparagraphs (G) and (H), respectively, and 
        inserting after subparagraph (E) the following:
                    ``(F) the adoption of precision agriculture 
                practices, and the acquisition of precision agriculture 
                technology;'';
            (2) in subsection (d)--
                    (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'';
                    (B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period and 
                inserting ``; and''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) producers who use the loans to adopt precision 
        agriculture practices or acquire precision agriculture 
        technology, including adoption or acquisition for the purpose 
        of participating in the environmental quality incentives 
        program under subchapter A of chapter 4 of subtitle D of title 
        XII of the Food Security Act of 1985.'';
            (3) in subsection (e), by striking paragraph (2) and 
        inserting the following:
            ``(2) 90 percent of the principal amount of the loan in the 
        case of--
                    ``(A) a producer that is a qualified socially 
                disadvantaged farmer or rancher or a beginning farmer 
                or rancher; or
                    ``(B) loans that are used for the purchase of 
                precision agriculture technology.''; and
            (4) in subsection (f)--
                    (A) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(1) Geographic diversity.--The Secretary''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(2) Coordination with nrcs.--In making or guaranteeing 
        loans under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that there 
        is coordination between the Farm Service Agency and the Natural 
        Resources Conservation Service.''.

SEC. 602. ASSISTANCE TO RURAL ENTITIES.

    Section 310B(a)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(a)(2)) is amended--
            (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (C);
            (2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (D) 
        and inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(E) expanding precision agriculture practices, 
                including by financing equipment and farm-wide 
                broadband connectivity, in order to promote best-
                practices, reduce costs, and improve the 
                environment.''.

SEC. 603. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM.

    (a) Definitions.--Section 1240A(6)(B)(v) of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-1(6)(B)(v)) is amended by inserting 
``(including the adoption of precision agriculture practices and the 
acquisition of precision agriculture technology)'' after ``planning''.
    (b) Payments.--
            (1) Other payments.--Section 1240B(d)(6) of the Food 
        Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(d)(6)) is amended--
                    (A) by striking ``A producer shall'' and inserting 
                the following:
                    ``(A) Payments under this subtitle.--A producer 
                shall''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(B) Conservation loan and loan guarantee program 
                payments.--
                            ``(i) In general.--A producer receiving 
                        payments for practices on eligible land under 
                        the program may also receive a loan or loan 
                        guarantee under section 304 of the Consolidated 
                        Farm and Rural Development Act to cover costs 
                        for the same practices on the same land.
                            ``(ii) Notice to producer.--The Secretary 
                        shall inform a producer participating in the 
                        program in writing of the availability of a 
                        loan or loan guarantee under section 304 of the 
                        Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act as 
                        it relates to costs of implementing practices 
                        under this program.''.
            (2) Increased payments for high-priority practices.--
        Section 1240B(d)(7) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
        3839aa-2(d)(7)) is amended, in the subsection heading, by 
        inserting ``State-determined'' before ``high-priority''.
            (3) Increased payments for precision agriculture.--Section 
        1240B(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-
        2(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(8) Increased payments for precision agriculture.--
        Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the Secretary may increase the 
        amount that would otherwise be provided for a practice under 
        this subsection to not more than 90 percent of the costs 
        associated with adopting precision agriculture practices and 
        acquiring precision agriculture technology.''.
    (c) Conservation Incentive Contracts.--Section 1240B(j)(2)(A)(i) of 
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(j)(3)(A)(i)) is 
amended by inserting ``(which may include the adoption of precision 
agriculture practices and the acquisition of precision agriculture 
technology)'' after ``incentive practices''.

SEC. 604. CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

    (a) Supplemental Payments for Resource-Conserving Crop Rotations 
and Advanced Grazing Management.--Section 1240L(d) of the Food Security 
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-24(d)) is amended--
            (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``and Advanced 
        Grazing Management'' and inserting ``, Advanced Grazing 
        Management, and Precision Agriculture'';
            (2) in paragraph (2)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``; or'' and 
                inserting a semicolon;
                    (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at 
                the end and inserting ``; or''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(C) precision agriculture.''; and
            (3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``or advanced grazing 
        management'' and inserting ``, advanced grazing management, or 
        precision agriculture''.

SEC. 605. DELIVERY OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

    Section 1242(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3842(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(6) Soil health planning.--The Secretary shall emphasize 
        the use of third-party providers in providing technical 
        assistance for soil health planning, including planning related 
        to the use of cover crops, precision conservation management, 
        comprehensive nutrient management planning, and other 
        innovative plans.''.

                      TITLE VII--BUTCHER BLOCK ACT

SEC. 701. ASSISTANCE FOR NEW AND EXPANDED LIVESTOCK OR POULTRY 
              PROCESSORS.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary may make or guarantee a loan for the 
purpose of--
            (1) increasing capacity of livestock and poultry 
        processing, facilitating economic opportunity for livestock and 
        poultry producers through processing activities, and 
        diversifying processing ownership;
            (2) increasing the customer base or revenue returns of 
        livestock and poultry producers through investment in 
        processing capacity;
            (3) improving, developing, or financing livestock and 
        poultry processing capacity or employment including through the 
        financing of working capital; or
            (4) promoting the interstate trade and local sales of 
        processed livestock and poultry by financing improvements to 
        meet relevant Federal, State, and local regulatory standards.
    (b) Eligibility; General Limitations.--
            (1) Eligible recipient.--An entity shall be eligible for a 
        loan or guarantee under this section if the entity is--
                    (A) a public, private, or cooperative organization 
                organized on a for-profit or nonprofit basis;
                    (B) an Indian tribe on a Federal or State 
                reservation, or any other federally recognized Indian 
                tribal group; or
                    (C) an individual.
            (2) Facility location.--
                    (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph 
                (B), a facility constructed, expanded, modified, 
                refurbished, or re-equipped with proceeds from a loan 
                made or guaranteed under this section shall be in a 
                rural area.
                    (B) Exception.--A facility constructed, expanded, 
                modified, refurbished, or re-equipped with proceeds 
                from a loan made or guaranteed under this section may 
                be in a non-rural area if--
                            (i) the primary use of the loan involved is 
                        for the facility, and the facility will 
                        increase the customer base or revenue returns 
                        of livestock and poultry producers that are 
                        located within 300 miles of the facility;
                            (ii) the loan involved will be used to 
                        increase the capacity in livestock and poultry 
                        processing in a region; and
                            (iii) the principal amount of the loan 
                        involved does not exceed $50,000,000.
                    (C) Rural area defined.--In this paragraph, the 
                term ``rural area'' has the meaning given the term in 
                section 343(a)(13) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
                Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)).
            (3) Limitations.--
                    (A) Limitation on amount of loan involved.--A loan 
                of more than $50,000,000 may not be made or guaranteed 
                under this section.
                    (B) Limitation on eligibility.--A loan may not be 
                made or guaranteed under this section to an entity that 
                is owned in partnership or in whole by--
                            (i) a foreign entity; or
                            (ii) an entity that currently processes 
                        over 5 percent of the daily harvest of any 
                        species.
    (c) Special Rules Applicable With Respect to Cooperatives.--
            (1) Limitation on amount of loan involved.--
                    (A) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection (b)(3), 
                a loan of not more than $100,000,000 may be made or 
                guaranteed for a cooperative organization under this 
                section.
                    (B) Conditions applicable if loan involved is for 
                more than $50,000,000.--A loan of more than $50,000,000 
                may not be made or guaranteed for a cooperative 
                organization under this section unless the loan is used 
                to carry out a project that significantly increases the 
                livestock and poultry processing in a region, where 
                insufficient processing capacity exists, as determined 
                by the Secretary.
            (2) Intangible assets.--
                    (A) In general.--In determining whether a 
                cooperative organization is eligible for a loan or 
                guarantee under this section, the Secretary may 
                consider the market value of a properly appraised brand 
                name, patent, or trademark of the cooperative.
                    (B) Accounts receivable.--In the sole discretion of 
                the Secretary, if the Secretary determines that the 
                action would not create or otherwise contribute to an 
                unreasonable risk of default or loss to the Federal 
                Government, the Secretary may take accounts receivable 
                as security for the obligations entered into in 
                connection with a loan made or guaranteed under this 
                section, and a borrower may use accounts receivable as 
                collateral to secure such a loan.
            (3) Purchase of cooperative stock.--
                    (A) In general.--The Secretary may make or 
                guarantee a loan in accordance with this section to an 
                individual farmer or rancher for the purpose of 
                purchasing capital stock of a farmer or rancher 
                cooperative undertaking an eligible project under this 
                section.
                    (B) Processing contracts during initial period.--A 
                cooperative described in subparagraph (A) with respect 
                to which a farmer or rancher receives a guarantee to 
                purchase stock under subparagraph (A) may contract for 
                services to fulfill any eligible purpose under this 
                section, during the 5-year period beginning on the date 
                the cooperative commences operations, in order to 
                provide adequate time for the planning and construction 
                of the processing facility of the cooperative.
                    (C) Financial information.--A farmer or rancher 
                from whom the Secretary requires financial information 
                as a condition of making or guaranteeing a loan under 
                subparagraph (A) shall provide the information in the 
                manner generally required by commercial agricultural 
                lenders in the geographical area in which the farmer or 
                rancher is located.
    (d) Conditions Applicable With Respect to Using Loan Involved for 
Refinancing.--A borrower may use 25 percent of a loan made or 
guaranteed under this section to refinance a loan made for a purpose 
described in subsection (a) if--
            (1) the borrower is current and performing with respect to 
        the loan to be refinanced;
            (2) the borrower has not defaulted on any payment required 
        to be made with respect to the loan to be refinanced;
            (3) none of the collateral for the loan to be refinanced 
        has been converted; and
            (4) there is adequate security or full collateral for the 
        loan to be refinanced.
    (e) Loan Appraisal.--The Secretary may require that any appraisal 
made in connection with a loan made or guaranteed under this section be 
conducted by a specialized appraiser that uses standards that are 
similar to standards used for similar purposes in the private sector, 
as determined by the Secretary.
    (f) Preference.--In making or guaranteeing a loan under this 
section, the Secretary shall give a preference to applicants that have 
experience in livestock and poultry processing and can quickly scale-up 
to increase overall processing capacity in the region involved.
    (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to amounts 
otherwise available, there is authorized to be appropriated to carry 
out this section $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 
2025.

SEC. 702. NEW AND EXPANDING LIVESTOCK OR POULTRY PROCESSING GRANTS.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary may make grants to--
            (1) expand, diversify, and increase capacity in livestock 
        or poultry processing activities;
            (2) improve compliance with livestock and poultry 
        processing statutes (including the regulations issued 
        thereunder), such as the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 
        661) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 454);
            (3) identify and reduce barriers to entry for new livestock 
        and poultry processors; or
            (4) update, expand, or otherwise improve existing 
        facilities.
    (b) Eligible Grantees.--An entity shall be eligible for a grant 
under this section if the entity is--
            (1) a governmental entity;
            (2) a public, private, or cooperative organization 
        organized on a for-profit or nonprofit basis; or
            (3) an Indian tribe on a Federal or State reservation or 
        any other federally recognized Indian tribal group.
    (c) Use of Funds.--An entity to which a grant is made under this 
section may use the grant funds to establish or support new or expanded 
livestock or poultry processing activity, or other activity which will 
increase the customer base or revenue returns of livestock and poultry 
producers, by undertaking a project, that--
            (1) identifies and analyzes business opportunities, 
        including feasibility studies as required for creditworthiness;
            (2) identifies, trains, and provides technical assistance 
        to existing or prospective rural entrepreneurs and managers or 
        processing facilities;
            (3) provides technical assistance to gain compliance with 
        Federal, State, or local regulations;
            (4) conducts regional, community, and local economic 
        development planning and coordination, and leadership 
        development; or
            (5) establishes a center for training, technology, and 
        trade that will provide training to livestock or poultry 
        processing employees.
    (d) Preference.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
Secretary shall give a preference to applicants that have experience in 
livestock and poultry processing and can quickly scale-up to increase 
overall processing capacity in the region involved.
    (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to amounts 
otherwise available, there is authorized to be appropriated to carry 
out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 
2025.

TITLE VIII--LOWER FOOD AND FUEL COSTS SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  2022

     The following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the 
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the fiscal year ending 
September 30, 2022, and for other purposes, namely:

                         AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS

                  Processing, Research, and Marketing

                        office of the secretary

                     (including transfer of funds)

    For an additional amount for ``Office of the Secretary'', 
$200,000,000, to remain available until expended, to carry out title IV 
of the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act: Provided, That the Secretary may 
use up to 5 percent of amounts made available under this heading in 
this title for administrative costs, including salaries and expenses, 
research, data collection, and other associated costs, for carrying out 
such title IV: Provided further, That amounts made available for 
administrative costs pursuant to the preceding proviso may be 
transferred to ``Rural Development Programs--Rural Development--
Salaries and Expenses'' for the purposes specified in such proviso.

                     GENERAL PROVISIONS--THIS TITLE

    Sec. 801.  In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is 
appropriated to the Department of Agriculture, $500,000,000, to remain 
available until expended, to carry out title II of the Lower Food and 
Fuel Costs Act, of which up to 5 percent may be used by the Secretary 
to provide technical assistance under such title II.
    Sec. 802.  Each amount appropriated or made available by this title 
is in addition to amounts otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 
involved.
    Sec. 803.  Unless otherwise provided for by this title, the 
additional amounts appropriated by this title to appropriations 
accounts shall be available under the authorities and conditions 
applicable to such appropriations accounts for fiscal year 2022.
    Sec. 804.  Each amount provided by this title is designated by the 
Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursuant to section 
4001(a)(1) and section 4001(b) of S. Con. Res. 14 (117th Congress), the 
concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2022.
    Sec. 805. (a) Statutory PAYGO Scorecards.--The budgetary effects of 
this title shall not be entered on either PAYGO scorecard maintained 
pursuant to section 4(d) of the Statutory Pay As-You-Go Act of 2010.
    (b) Senate PAYGO Scorecards.--The budgetary effects of this title 
shall not be entered on any PAYGO scorecard maintained for purposes of 
section 4106 of H. Con. Res. 71 (115th Congress).
    (c) Classification of Budgetary Effects.--Notwithstanding Rule 3 of 
the Budget Scorekeeping Guidelines set forth in the joint explanatory 
statement of the committee of conference accompanying Conference Report 
105-217 and section 250(c)(7) and (c)(8) of the Balanced Budget and 
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, the budgetary effects of this 
title shall be estimated for purposes of section 251 of such Act and as 
appropriations for discretionary accounts for purposes of the 
allocation to the Committee on Appropriations pursuant to section 
302(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
     This title may be cited as the ``Lower Food and Fuel Costs 
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022''.

            Passed the House of Representatives June 16, 2022.

            Attest:

                                                                 Clerk.
117th CONGRESS

  2d Session

                               H. R. 7606

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 AN ACT

  To establish the Office of the Special Investigator for Competition 
             Matters within the Department of Agriculture.