[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 29, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11373-S11388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION REFORM ACT OF 1997

  Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
now proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 154, Senate 1150.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:


[[Page S11374]]


       A bill (S. 1150) to ensure that federally funded 
     agricultural research, extension, and education address high-
     priority concerns with national multi-State significance, to 
     reform, extend, and eliminate certain agricultural research 
     programs, and for other purposes.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the immediate 
consideration of the bill?
  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.


                           Amendment No. 1527

                     (Purpose: To improve the bill)

  Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, Senator Lugar has a managers' amendment 
at the desk, and I ask for its consideration.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from Vermont [Mr. Jeffords], for Mr. Lugar and 
     Mr. Harkin, proposes an amendment numbered 1527.

  Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that reading of 
the amendment be dispensed with.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The amendment is as follows:
  (The text of the amendment is printed in today's Record under 
``Amendments Submitted.'')
  Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, today the Senate completes action on the 
Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Reform Act of 1997. This 
legislation was approved by a unanimous rollcall vote of the 18 members 
of the Senate Agriculture Committee in July. I commend Senator Harkin 
and all members of the committee for their bipartisan approach and 
cooperative efforts in constructing this legislation.
  Because research programs were only authorized through 1997 in last 
year's farm bill, the Senate Agriculture Committee has had the 
opportunity this year to review agricultural research, extension and 
education funding. The committee gathered testimony through four 
hearings in March and received more than 100 responses to some relevant 
questions that I posed publicly in January.
  With the growth in world population, U.S. producers may well need to 
triple their production in the next few decades to meet growing demand 
for food and spare the world's rain forests from being uprooted in a 
desperate effort to expand production.
  To increase future food production, our Nation must devote additional 
resources to agricultural research. This bill provides new funding for 
agricultural research to address critical emerging issues related to 
future food production, environmental protection and farm income. Food 
genome science, food safety, agricultural biotechnology and precision 
agriculture are key areas that need additional resources to meet the 
challenges that face U.S. farmers.
  This bill also makes significant reforms to the current agricultural 
research system. This system has served us well. To use our available 
resources most effectively, however, it is important to ensure more 
collaboration and efficiency as well as achieve greater accountability. 
We cannot overlook the relevance or merit of the research, extension, 
and education programs.
  I urge all Members of the Senate to support this important 
legislation.
  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I want to thank Chairman Lugar, Senator 
Harkin, and their staffs for the tremendous effort they have devoted to 
the research reauthorization bill over the past several months, and 
congratulate them for the legislation we have before us today.
  We owe much of the credit for this country's agricultural success to 
our network of land grant institutions, State agriculture experiment 
stations, USDA's Agricultural Research Service, and hundreds of county 
extension offices. These entities work together in a wide range of ways 
to produce cutting-edge research and then convert it into improved 
practices and technology meaningful to producers.
  It is important to strengthen this network further. This bill places 
increased emphasis on collaboration among institutions and disciplines, 
and encourages pursuit of goals benefiting more than one region or 
State. It emphasizes priority-setting so resources can be targeted to 
emerging and critical issues when necessary, and establishes new 
mechanisms for ensuring accountability.
  Specifically, I am pleased that the bill preserves existing programs 
that share these objectives, such as the Fund for Rural America. As you 
know, the fund was designed to provide immediate, flexible, and applied 
research and support to people in rural areas who are adjusting to 
rapid changes in the agricultural sector since the last farm bill.
  The Fund for Rural America promotes value-added processing, which is 
vital to successful rural economic development. Our rural communities 
must capture more of the revenue their locally produced commodities 
ultimately generate. Value-added processing keeps that revenue local, 
which will be critical to the future of those communities.
  I am pleased to say also that this bill treats smaller institutions 
fairly. It significantly levels the playing field for small schools 
competing for limited research funds, and it is sensitive to the 
relative importance of formula funds for institutions in agrarian 
States with low populations.
  Finally, I had hoped we would be able to address the problems with 
the CRP haying and grazing program, but I recognize that consensus on a 
specific remedy remains elusive. I do hope we will be more successful 
on this front in the near future because the current system is creating 
both severe difficulties for the people managing those lands and 
growing uneasiness among all groups interested in CRP's success. I urge 
the committee to continue working on this issue.
  This bill is a positive step forward. Federal investment in 
agricultural research, extension, and education is one of the most 
important duties of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and, again, I 
commend Senator Lugar and Senator Harkin for their commitment to this 
effort.


                          FOOD GENOME STRATEGY

  Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I would like to discuss with the 
distinguished chairman of the Agriculture Committee the food genome 
strategy that is authorized in this bill. Senator Lugar is to be 
commended highly for including this visionary provision in the bill. It 
is my understanding that the food genome strategy, authorized in this 
bill, will include comprehensive, directed, and coordinated plant 
genome and animal genome initiatives. Is my understanding correct?
  Mr. LUGAR. Yes, these initiatives, while allowing for all entities to 
compete competitively for funding, will be directed and coordinated 
programs that are designed to accomplish specific objectives. The 
request for proposals [RFP] that will be published by the USDA could be 
very specific in its requests. For example, one part of the RFP may 
request the development of 100,000 expressed sequence Tags on corn and 
another part may request a very high resolution physical map of corn.
  Mr. BOND. I understand that it is your intention that the plant 
genome initiative and the animal genome initiative will not be 
scientific free-for-alls, if you will, that fund any research project 
that happens to have genome in the proposal. Rather, this program will 
be designed to have specific objectives and milestones that must be met 
along the way so that the taxpayers realize a timely and significant 
return on their dollar invested in this research.
  Mr. LUGAR. The purpose of having a food genome strategy is to ensure 
that there is a comprehensive plan that includes appropriate, specific 
objectives for each aspect of the program, be it mapping, sequencing, 
trait identification, or bioinformatics.
  Mr. BOND. With your assistance, we have established a $40 million 
plant genome initiative within the National Science Foundation [NSF] 
that will be focused on economically significant crops. To facilitate 
the development of a comprehensive plant genome initiative, the 
President's Science Advisor, Dr. Gibbons, established an Inter-Agency 
Working Group on Plant Genomes. This group will be consulting with the 
NSF in the design and implementation of the plant genome initiative. It 
is my understanding that the plant genome initiative, authorized under 
this bill, will be coordinated with the NSF plant genome initiative.
  Mr. LUGAR. Certainly, we intend for the work to be complementary. We 
expect the USDA to work with the Inter-Agency Working Group to ensure 
that

[[Page S11375]]

the total amount of funds from all agencies is coordinated, directed, 
and focused. This will ensure that there is no duplication and better 
coordination.
  Mr. BOND. Since the NSF has $40 million for a plant genome 
initiative, there have been some questions raised concerning which 
agency, NSF or USDA, would serve as the lead agency for the national 
plant genome initiative. In the managers amendment, you clarified this 
issue by providing that USDA be the lead agency unless the funding it 
administered for the plant genome initiative was substantially less 
than that provided by another agency.
  Mr. LUGAR. That is correct. I agree that if the USDA does not provide 
sufficient funding for the plant genome initiative, it should not be 
the lead agency.
  Mr. BOND. It is my understanding that some people have stated that 
this program will be administered in a manner similar to the national 
research initiative, the NRI. While the NRI plays a valuable role in 
the discovery of scientific information related to agriculture, it is 
not a directed, coordinated program. It is my understanding, however, 
that the plant genome initiative will be coordinated and focused on the 
most economically significant crops. Is that correct?
  Mr. LUGAR. Yes. The food genome strategy will be coordinated and 
directed and the outcomes will be focused on economically significant 
plants, animals, and microbes and will ensure that all the funding 
under the program will be directed at achieving results that ultimately 
will yield us the greatest economic returns.
  Mr. BOND. The report accompanying S. 1150 makes clear that the 
committee intends that the Secretary utilize funds from the initiative 
for future agriculture and food systems, established under title III of 
the bill, for the plant genome initiative and the animal genome 
initiative. Under the Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food 
Systems, there is no provision for coordinated, directed, and focused 
programs. Am I correct in assuming that while the funds for the food 
genome strategy may be derived from the Initiative for Future 
Agriculture and Food Systems, it is the intent of the managers that the 
food genome strategy would, in fact, be a coordinated, directed 
program?
  Mr. LUGAR. The food genome strategy will be a coordinated, directed 
program without regard to the origin of the funding.
  Mr. BOND. In addition, under title III, the Secretary is required, in 
making individual grants, to give higher priority to a proposal that is 
multi-state, multi-institutional, or multidisciplinary. While the 
overall Food Genome Strategy will be multi-State, multi-institutional, 
and multidisciplinary, there will be many aspects of the program that 
will not facilitate multi-State, multi-institutional, and 
multidisciplinary grants, especially in the first couple of years. For 
example, the development of expressed sequence tags and high-resolution 
physical maps may, of necessity, be done by one entity. Expressed 
sequence tags and physical maps are the critical foundation of the food 
genome strategy. If the Secretary is required to give higher priority 
to multi-State, multi-institutional, and multidisciplinary proposals, 
this very basic information may not be developed. It is my 
understanding, however, that the managers do not intend for this to 
happen. Rather, since the entire Food Genome Strategy will be multi-
State, multi-institutional, and multi-disciplinary, all aspects of this 
program could receive a higher priority.
  Mr. LUGAR. That is absolutely correct. We recognize that the food 
genome strategy will be different from other projects funded under 
title III. The food genome strategy will be a multi-State, multi-
institutional, and multi-disciplinary program and, therefore, all 
individual proposals and projects could meet the tests for gaining a 
higher priority.
  Mr. BOND. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I commend you and other members of 
the Agriculture Committee for including this vitally important 
provision in the bill. I also appreciate the able assistance of our 
staff throughout this process.
  This legislation, will provide us the tools we need to meet the 
challenges of the 21st century and I congratulate you on your 
continuing leadership.
  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, today, the Senate will pass S. 1150, the 
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act. I am 
pleased, Mr. President, that several amendments I had planned to offer 
on the floor when the Senate took up this bill have been accepted by 
the chairman, Mr. Lugar, and the ranking member, Mr. Harkin, of the 
Agriculture Committee and have been included in the managers' amendment 
to the bill.
  Two of my amendments included in the bill address a new research 
program regarding precision agriculture. Precision agriculture is a 
system of farming that uses very site-specific information on soil 
nutrient needs and presence of plant pests, often gathered using 
advanced technologies such as global positioning systems, high 
performance image processing, and software systems to determine the 
specific fertilizer, pesticide and other input needs of a farmer's 
cropland. This technology may have the benefit of lowering farm 
production costs and increase profitability by helping the producer 
reduce agricultural inputs by applying them only where needed. In 
addition, reducing agricultural inputs may minimize the impact of crop 
production on wildlife and the environment. While precision 
agriculture, generally defined, encompasses a broad range of techniques 
from high-technology satellite imaging systems to manual soil sampling, 
it is most frequently discussed in terms of the use of capital 
intensive advanced technologies.
  Section 232 of the S. 1150 creates a new research program authorizing 
the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants for the development and 
promotion of precision agriculture, including projects to educate 
producers on the benefits of this new technology. One of my amendments, 
which has been included in the managers amendment, ensures that 
educational efforts provide farmers with information about the costs of 
this technology as well. Any responsible federally funded farmer 
education efforts on precision agriculture must inform farmers of costs 
of this new technology.
  Cost considerations are particularly important given that precision 
agriculture technologies tend to be technologically sophisticated and 
capital intensive, requiring investments in computer systems, new 
software, and potentially new mechanical input applicators. Farmers who 
wish to avoid acquiring the equipment needed for precision agriculture 
may have to contract for these services with input suppliers. In either 
case, substantial financial investments may be required of farmers 
adopting precision agriculture technologies. Farmers need information 
that will allow them to balance the potential long-term benefits of 
precision agriculture technologies with the short-term and long-term 
financial costs. My amendment clarifies that any USDA funding provided 
for producer education efforts must provide information on both costs 
and benefits of precision agriculture.
  While precision agriculture may result in production efficiencies and 
improved profitability for some farms, many in agriculture are 
concerned that, because of the capital intensive nature of this 
precision agriculture systems, this new technology will not be 
applicable or accessible to small or highly diversified farms. It is 
unclear whether precision agriculture services, even if provided by 
input suppliers, will be available at affordable rates to small farms. 
Furthermore, some observers are concerned that private firms may find 
that marketing efforts directed at small farms are not lucrative enough 
and thus may avoid efforts to apply the technology to small operations.
  In addition to concerns about the applicability and accessibility of 
precision agriculture to small farms, many are concerned that precision 
agriculture may not be the most appropriate production system for small 
farms given the costs of acquiring new technology or contracting for 
additional services. There may be other production systems, such as 
integrated whole farm crop, livestock, and resource management systems, 
that allow small farmers to reduce input costs, improve profitability, 
and minimize environmental impacts of agricultural production that are 
more appropriate for smaller operations.

[[Page S11376]]

  To address this concern, I have proposed an amendment which adds new 
language to section 232 allowing USDA to fund studies evaluating 
whether precision agriculture technologies are applicable or accessible 
to small- and medium-sized farms. The amendment also allows USDA to 
conduct research on methods to improve the applicability of precision 
agriculture to these operations. It is critical that USDA's research 
investment in this new technology not exclude the needs of small 
farmers. If it does, this new research program could ultimately affect 
the structure of agriculture, potentially providing disproportionate 
advantages to large scale farming operations, furthering the trend to 
fewer and larger farms. My amendment will allow USDA to conduct 
research on low cost precision agriculture systems that do not require 
significant financial investments by farmers and that may be more 
appropriate to small or highly diversified farming operations.
  The final two amendments I have offered and which have been included 
in the managers' amendment authorize and provide funding for research, 
education and extension projects to improve the competitiveness, 
viability and sustainability of small- and medium-size dairy and 
livestock operations.
  Many Senators have expressed concern about the trend toward increased 
concentration in the dairy and livestock sectors. According to a 1996 
report by the USDA Advisory Committee on Agricultural Concentration, 
concentration in cattle feeding has grown dramatically, with 152 
feeders accounting for more than 40 percent of all head sold. 
Meatpacker concentration has also grown, with four packing firms 
accounting for 80 percent of fed cattle in the U.S. Extensive vertical 
integration in the cattle industry has also reduced price discovery and 
market information available to small producers. The combination of 
reduced price information and increased concentration in the feeding 
and packing industry has put small cattle producers under extreme 
financial pressure, necessitating more research, education and 
extension efforts to ensure the viability of small- and medium-sized 
cattle operations.
  Of greatest concern to producers in my home State of Wisconsin is the 
trend toward fewer and larger dairy farms in the United States. In 
1980, there were 45,000 dairy farms in Wisconsin. In 1997, there are 
only 24,000 dairy farms. Of those 24,000 dairy farms, 90 percent are 
operations with fewer than 100 cows. The trend toward fewer but larger 
dairy operations is mirrored in most States throughout the Nation. The 
economic losses associated with the reduction in small farm numbers go 
well beyond the impact on the individual farm families exiting the 
industry. Rather, the reduction in farm numbers has affected the rural 
communities in my home State that have been built around a large number 
of small family-owned dairy farms. The grocery storeowners, input 
suppliers, schoolteachers, truckers, cheese manufacturers, and many 
other small rural businesses have been hurt as Wisconsin has seen its 
dairy farm numbers decline.
  There is substantial concern that past and present Federal 
investments in agricultural research have focused almost solely on the 
needs of larger scale agricultural producers, neglecting the specific 
research needs of small producers. Some have suggested that 
this research bias has exacerbated the trend toward increased 
concentration and vertical integration, particularly in the livestock 
sector.

  To address this concern, I have proposed an amendment to S. 1150, 
included in the managers' amendment, which authorizes a coordinated 
program of research, extension, and education to improve the viability 
of small- and medium-size dairy and livestock operations.
  Among the research projects the Secretary is authorized to conduct 
are: Research, development, and on-farm education low-cost production 
facilities, management systems and genetics appropriate for these small 
and medium operations, research and extension on management intensive 
grazing systems which reduce feed costs and improve farm profitability, 
research and extension on integrated crop and livestock systems that 
strengthen the competitive position of small- and medium-size 
operations, economic analyses and feasibility studies to identify new 
marketing opportunities for small- and medium-size producers, 
technology assessment that compares the technological resources of 
large specialized producers with the technological needs of small- and 
medium-size dairy and livestock operations, and research to identify 
the specific research and education needs of these small operations.
  The amendment allows the Secretary to carry out this new program 
using existing USDA funds, facilities and technical expertise. Dairy 
and livestock producers should not be forced to become larger in order 
to remain competitive. Bigger is not necessarily better. And in fact, 
Mr. President, expansion is often counterproductive for small 
operations requiring them to take on an even greater debt load. Farmers 
need more help in determining other methods of maintaining long-term 
profitability. For example, small dairy farmers may find adoption of 
management-intensive grazing systems combined with a diversified 
cropping operation a profitable alternative to expansion. But there has 
been far too little federally funded research devoted to alternative 
livestock production systems. Small producers need more Federal 
research and extension activity devoted to the development of these 
alternatives. I believe this amendment is a good first step in 
establishing the Federal research commitment to help develop and 
promote production and marketing systems that specifically address the 
needs of small producers.
  Using research dollars to help maintain the economic viability of 
small- and medium-size dairy and livestock operations has benefits 
beyond those afforded to such farmers and the communities in which they 
reside. Keeping a large number of small operations in production can 
provide environmental benefits as well. As livestock operations expand 
their herd size without a corresponding increase in cropping acreage, 
manure storage and management practices become more costly and more 
burdensome for the operator and raise additional regulatory concerns 
associated with runoff and water quality among State and Federal 
regulators. Research that helps dairy and livestock operators remain 
competitive and profitable without dramatic expansion will help 
minimize these concerns.
  Finally, Mr. President, I proposed an amendment to require the 
Secretary to fund research on the competitiveness and viability of 
small- and medium-size farms under the Initiative for Future 
Agriculture and Food Systems--a new research program authorized by S. 
1150 funded at total $780 million for fiscal years 1998 through 2002. 
With the inclusion of my amendment in the managers amendment, the 
Secretary is directed to make grants for research projects addressing 
the viability of small- and medium-size farming operations with funding 
made available under the Initiative in fiscal years 1999-2002. This 
amendment ensures that the research needs of small dairy, livestock, 
and cropping operations will be addressed under the substantial new 
funding provided for agricultural research in this bill.
  Mr. President, I appreciate the cooperation of the chairman, Mr. 
Lugar, and the ranking member, Mr. Harkin, of the Agriculture Committee 
and their staff in addressing the important research needs of small- 
and medium-size farms by including my amendments in this important 
bill. I look forward to working with them to maintain these amendments 
during conference committee consideration of this bill.
  Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
amendment be agreed to, the bill be considered read a third time and 
passed, as amended, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, 
and that any statements relating to the bill appear in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The amendment (No. 1527) was agreed to.
  The bill (S. 1150), as amended, was passed, as follows:

                                S. 1150

       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 
     ``Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act 
     of 1997''.

[[Page S11377]]

       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.

   TITLE I--PRIORITIES, SCOPE, AND REVIEW OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, 
                        EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION

Sec. 101. Standards for Federal funding of agricultural research, 
              extension, and education.
Sec. 102. Priority setting process.
Sec. 103. Relevance and merit of federally funded agricultural 
              research, extension, and education.
Sec. 104. Research formula funds for 1862 Institutions.
Sec. 105. Extension formula funds for 1862 Institutions.
Sec. 106. Research facilities.

   TITLE II--OTHER REFORMS OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
                               EDUCATION

 Subtitle A--Amendments to National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
                    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977

Sec. 201. Advisory Board.
Sec. 202. Grants and fellowships for food and agricultural sciences 
              education.
Sec. 203. Policy research centers.
Sec. 204. International agricultural research, extension, and teaching.
Sec. 205. General administrative costs.
Sec. 206. Expansion of authority to enter into cost-reimbursable 
              agreements.

 Subtitle B--Amendments to Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade 
                              Act of 1990

Sec. 211. National Agricultural Weather Information System.
Sec. 212. National Food Genome Strategy.
Sec. 213. Imported fire ant control, management, and eradication.
Sec. 214. Agricultural telecommunications program.
Sec. 215. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities.

                  Subtitle C--Amendments to Other Laws

Sec. 221. 1994 Institutions.
Sec. 222. Cooperative agricultural extension work by 1862, 1890, and 
              1994 Institutions.
Sec. 223. Eligibility of certain colleges and universities for 
              extension funding.
Sec. 224. Integration of research and extension.
Sec. 225. Competitive, special, and facilities research grants.
Sec. 226. Fund for Rural America.
Sec. 227. Honey research, promotion, and consumer information.
Sec. 228. Office of Energy Policy and New Uses.
Sec. 229. Kiwifruit research, promotion, and consumer information 
              program.
Sec. 230. National aquaculture policy, planning, and development.

                        Subtitle D--New Programs

Sec. 231. Biobased products.
Sec. 232. Precision agriculture.
Sec. 233. Formosan termite eradication program.
Sec. 234. Nutrient composition data.
Sec. 235. Consolidated administrative and laboratory facility.
Sec. 236. National Swine Research Center.
Sec. 237. Coordinated program of research, extension, and education to 
              improve viability of small and medium size dairy and 
              livestock operations.
Sec. 238. Support for research regarding diseases of wheat and barley 
              caused by Fusarium graminearum.
Sec. 239. Food animal residue avoidance database program.
Sec. 240. Financial assistance for certain rural areas.

                 Subtitle E--Studies and Miscellaneous

Sec. 241. Evaluation and assessment of agricultural research, 
              extension, and education programs.
Sec. 242. Study of federally funded agricultural research, extension, 
              and education.
Sec. 243. Sense of Congress on State match for 1890 Institutions.

     TITLE III--INITIATIVE FOR FUTURE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS

Sec. 301. Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems.

    TITLE IV--EXTENSION OR REPEAL OF CERTAIN AUTHORITIES; TECHNICAL 
                               AMENDMENTS

Sec. 401. Extensions of authorities.
Sec. 402. Repeal of authorities.
Sec. 403. Short titles for Smith-Lever Act and Hatch Act of 1887.
Sec. 404. Technical corrections to research provisions of Federal 
              Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996.

                 TITLE V--AGRICULTURAL PROGRAM SAVINGS

Sec. 501. Nutrition programs.
Sec. 502. Information technology funding.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) 1862 institution.--The term ``1862 Institution'' means 
     a college or university eligible to receive funds under the 
     Act of July 2, 1862 (12 Stat. 503, chapter 130; 7 U.S.C. 301 
     et seq.).
       (2) 1890 institution.--The term ``1890 Institution'' means 
     a college or university eligible to receive funds under the 
     Act of August 30, 1890 (26 Stat. 419, chapter 841; 7 U.S.C. 
     321 et seq.), including Tuskegee University.
       (3) 1994 institution.--The term ``1994 Institution'' means 
     a 1994 Institution (as defined in section 532 of the Equity 
     in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-
     382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note)).
       (4) Advisory board.--The term ``Advisory Board'' means the 
     National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and 
     Economics Advisory Board established under section 1408 of 
     the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123).
       (5) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the 
     Department of Agriculture.
       (6) Hatch act of 1887.--The term ``Hatch Act of 1887'' 
     means the Hatch Act of 1887 (as designated by section 
     403(b)).
       (7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Agriculture.
       (8) Smith-lever act.--The term ``Smith-Lever Act'' means 
     the Smith-Lever Act (as designated by section 403(a)).
       (9) Stakeholder.--The term ``stakeholder'' means a person 
     who conducts or uses agricultural research, extension, or 
     education.
   TITLE I--PRIORITIES, SCOPE, AND REVIEW OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, 
                        EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION

     SEC. 101. STANDARDS FOR FEDERAL FUNDING OF AGRICULTURAL 
                   RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall ensure that 
     agricultural research, extension, or education activities 
     described in subsection (b) address a concern that--
       (1) is a priority, as determined under section 102(a); and
       (2) has national or multistate significance.
       (b) Application.--Subsection (a) applies to--
       (1) research activities conducted by the Agricultural 
     Research Service; and
       (2) research, extension, or education activities 
     administered, on a competitive basis, by the Cooperative 
     State Research, Education, and Extension Service.

     SEC. 102. PRIORITY SETTING PROCESS.

       (a) In General.--Consistent with section 1402 of the 
     National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101), the Secretary shall 
     establish priorities for agricultural research, extension, 
     and education activities conducted or funded by the 
     Department.
       (b) Input From Stakeholders.--
       (1) In general.--In establishing priorities for 
     agricultural research, extension, and education activities 
     conducted or funded by the Department, the Secretary shall 
     solicit and consider input and recommendations from 
     stakeholders.
       (2) 1862, 1890, and 1994 institutions.--
       (A) In general.--Effective beginning October 1, 1998, to 
     obtain agricultural research, extension, or education formula 
     funds from the Secretary, each 1862 Institution, 1890 
     Institution, and 1994 Institution shall establish and 
     implement a process for obtaining stakeholder input 
     concerning the use of the funds.
       (B) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate 
     regulations that prescribe--
       (i) the requirements for an Institution to comply with 
     subparagraph (A); and
       (ii) the consequences for an Institution of not complying 
     with subparagraph (A), which may include the withholding and 
     redistribution of funds to which the Institution may be 
     entitled until the Institution complies with subparagraph 
     (A).
       (c) Management Principles.--Section 1402 of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by inserting ``AND MANAGEMENT 
     PRINCIPLES'' after ``PURPOSES'';
       (2) by inserting ``(a) Purposes.--'' before ``The 
     purposes''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Management Principles.--To the maximum extent 
     practicable, the Secretary shall ensure that federally 
     supported and conducted agricultural research, education, and 
     extension activities are accomplished in a manner that--
       ``(1) integrates agricultural research, education, and 
     extension functions to better link research to technology 
     transfer and information dissemination activities;
       ``(2) encourages regional and multistate programs to 
     address relevant issues of common concern and to better 
     leverage scarce resources;
       ``(3) achieves agricultural research, education, and 
     extension objectives through multi-institutional and 
     multifunctional approaches and by conducting research at 
     facilities and institutions best equipped to achieve those 
     objectives; and
       ``(4) requires accountability to be measured against shared 
     national goals of the research, education, and economics 
     mission area agencies of the Department and their partners 
     that receive Federal research, extension, and higher 
     education funds, consistent with the Government Performance 
     and Results Act of 1993 (Public Law 103-62) and amendments 
     made by that Act.''.
       (d) Notification of Advisory Board and Congress.--Section 
     1408 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
     Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (d) through (g) as 
     subsections (e) through (h), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
       ``(d) Notification of Advisory Board and Congress.--

[[Page S11378]]

       ``(1) Advisory board.--The Secretary shall provide a 
     written response to the Advisory Board regarding the 
     implementation of any written recommendations made by the 
     Advisory Board to the Secretary under subsection (c).
       ``(2) Congress.--The Secretary shall provide to the 
     Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
     the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
     Senate a copy of the response of the Secretary to an Advisory 
     Board recommendation concerning the priority mission areas of 
     the Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems 
     established under section 301(c)(2)(B) of the Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1997.''.

     SEC. 103. RELEVANCE AND MERIT OF FEDERALLY FUNDED 
                   AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
                   EDUCATION.

       (a) Review of CSREES Research.--The Secretary shall 
     establish procedures that ensure--
       (1) scientific peer review of each agricultural research 
     grant administered, on a competitive basis, by the 
     Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; 
     and
       (2) merit review of each agricultural extension or 
     education grant administered, on a competitive basis, by the 
     Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service.
       (b) Advisory Board Review.--The Advisory Board shall 
     review, on an annual basis, the relevance to the Secretary's 
     priorities established under section 102(a), and adequacy, of 
     the funding of all agricultural research, extension, or 
     education activities of the Department.
       (c) Requests for Proposals.--
       (1) Review results.--As soon as practicable after the 
     initial review is conducted under subsection (b) for a fiscal 
     year, and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall 
     consider the results of the annual review when formulating 
     each request for proposals, and evaluating proposals, 
     involving an agricultural research, extension, or education 
     activity funded, on a competitive basis, by the Department.
       (2) Stakeholder input.--In formulating a request for 
     proposals described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall 
     solicit and consider input from stakeholders on the prior 
     year's request for proposals.
       (d) Scientific Peer Review of ARS Research.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish procedures 
     that ensure scientific peer review of research activities of 
     the Agricultural Research Service.
       (2) Requirements.--The procedures shall require that--
       (A) at least once every 5 years, a review panel verify that 
     a research activity referred to in paragraph (1) and research 
     conducted by each scientist employed by the Agricultural 
     Research Service--
       (i) has scientific merit and relevance to the priorities 
     established under section 102(a); and
       (ii) has national or multistate significance, as required 
     under section 101(a)(2);
       (B) a review panel comprised of individuals with scientific 
     expertise, a majority of whom are not employees of the 
     Agricultural Research Service; and
       (C) the results of the panel reviews are transmitted to--
       (i) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (ii) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 
     of the Senate; and
       (iii) the Advisory Board.
       (e) Merit Review.--
       (1) 1862 and 1890 institutions.--Effective beginning 
     October 1, 1998, to obtain agricultural research or extension 
     funds from the Secretary for an activity, each 1862 
     Institution and 1890 Institution shall--
       (A) establish a process for merit review of the activity; 
     and
       (B) review the activity in accordance with the process.
       (2) 1994 institutions.--Effective beginning October 1, 
     1998, to obtain agricultural extension funds from the 
     Secretary for an activity, each 1994 Institution shall--
       (A) establish a process for merit review of the activity; 
     and
       (B) review the activity in accordance with the process.
       (f) Repeal of Provisions for Withholding Funds.--
       (1) Smith-lever act.--Section 6 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 
     U.S.C. 346) is repealed.
       (2) Hatch act of 1887.--Section 7 of the Hatch Act of 1887 
     (7 U.S.C. 361g) is amended by striking the last paragraph.
       (3) National agricultural research, extension, and teaching 
     policy act of 1977.--Section 1468 of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3314) is repealed.

     SEC. 104. RESEARCH FORMULA FUNDS FOR 1862 INSTITUTIONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 3 of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 
     U.S.C. 361c) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (3) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(3) Not less than 25 percent shall be allotted to the 
     States for cooperative research employing multidisciplinary 
     approaches in which a State agricultural experiment station, 
     working with another State agricultural experiment station, 
     the Agricultural Research Service, a college, or a 
     university, cooperates to solve problems that concern more 
     than 1 State. The funds available under this paragraph, 
     together with the funds available under subsection (b) for a 
     similar purpose, shall be designated as the `Multistate 
     Research Fund, State Agricultural Experiment Stations'.
       ``(4) Research carried out under paragraph (3) shall be 
     subject to scientific peer review. A project review under 
     this paragraph shall be considered to satisfy the merit 
     review requirements of section 103(e) of the Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1997.''; and
       (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``regional research 
     fund, State agricultural experiment stations,'' and inserting 
     ``Multistate Research Fund, State Agricultural Experiment 
     Stations,''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 5 of the Hatch Act of 
     1887 (7 U.S.C. 361e) is amended in the first sentence by 
     striking ``regional research fund'' and inserting 
     ``Multistate Research Fund, State Agricultural Experiment 
     Stations''.

     SEC. 105. EXTENSION FORMULA FUNDS FOR 1862 INSTITUTIONS.

       Section 3 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343) is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(h) Multistate Cooperative Extension Activities.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not less than the applicable percentage 
     specified under paragraph (2) of the amounts that are made 
     available to carry out subsections (b) and (c) during a 
     fiscal year shall be allotted to States for cooperative 
     extension activities in which 2 or more States cooperate to 
     solve problems that concern more than 1 State (referred to in 
     this subsection as `multistate activities').
       ``(2) Applicable percentages.--
       ``(A) Current expenditures on multistate activities.--The 
     Secretary of Agriculture shall determine the percentage of 
     Federal formula funds described in paragraph (1) that each 
     State expended for fiscal year 1997 for multistate 
     activities.
       ``(B) Planned expenditures on multistate activities.--For 
     fiscal year 2000 and each subsequent fiscal year, a State 
     shall expend for multistate activities a percentage of the 
     Federal formula funds described in paragraph (1) for a fiscal 
     year that is at least equal to the lesser of--
       ``(i) 25 percent; or
       ``(ii) twice the percentage for the State determined under 
     subparagraph (A).
       ``(C) Reduction by secretary.--The Secretary may reduce the 
     minimum percentage required to be allotted for multistate 
     activities under subparagraph (B) in a case of hardship, 
     infeasibility, or other similar circumstance beyond the 
     control of the State, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(D) Plan of work.--The State shall include in the plan of 
     work of the State a description of the manner in which the 
     State will meet the requirements of this paragraph.
       ``(3) Applicability.--This subsection does not apply to 
     funds provided--
       ``(A) by a State or local government pursuant to a matching 
     requirement;
       ``(B) to a 1994 Institution (as defined in section 532 of 
     the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 
     (Public Law 103-382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note)); or
       ``(C) to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin 
     Islands, or Guam.
       ``(i) Merit Review.--
       ``(1) In general.--Effective beginning October 1, 1998, 
     extension activity carried out under subsection (h) shall be 
     subject to merit review.
       ``(2) Other requirements.--An extension activity that is 
     merit reviewed under paragraph (1) shall be considered to 
     have been reviewed under section 103(e) of the Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1997.''.

     SEC. 106. RESEARCH FACILITIES.

       (a) Criteria for Approval.--Section 3(c)(2)(C)(ii) of the 
     Research Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390a(c)(2)(C)(ii)) is 
     amended by striking ``regional needs'' and inserting 
     ``national or multistate needs''.
       (b) National or Multistate Needs Served by ARS 
     Facilities.--Section 3 of the Research Facilities Act (7 
     U.S.C. 390a) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) National or Multistate Needs Served by ARS 
     Facilities.--The Secretary shall ensure that each research 
     activity conducted by a facility of the Agricultural Research 
     Service serves a national or multistate need.''.
       (c) 10-Year Strategic Plan.--Section 4(d) of the Research 
     Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390b(d)) is amended by striking 
     ``regional'' and inserting ``multistate''.
       (d) Comprehensive Research Capacity.--Section 4 of the 
     Research Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390b) is amended by adding 
     at the end the following:
       ``(g) Comprehensive Research Capacity.--After submission of 
     the 10-year strategic plan required under subsection (d), the 
     Secretary shall continue to review periodically each 
     operating agricultural research facility constructed in whole 
     or in part with Federal funds, and each planned agricultural 
     research facility proposed to be constructed in whole or in 
     part with Federal funds, pursuant to criteria established by 
     the Secretary, to ensure that a comprehensive research 
     capacity is maintained.''.
       (e) Priority Research.--The Competitive, Special, and 
     Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) is amended in 
     subsection (b)(2) by striking ``regional'' and inserting 
     ``multistate''.

[[Page S11379]]

   TITLE II--OTHER REFORMS OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
                               EDUCATION
 Subtitle A--Amendments to National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
                    and Teaching Policy Act of 1977

     SEC. 201. ADVISORY BOARD.

       Section 1408(b) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123(b)) 
     is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(7) Equal representation of public and private sector 
     members.--In appointing members to serve on the Advisory 
     Board, the Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, equal representation of public and private 
     sector members.''.

     SEC. 202. GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL 
                   SCIENCES EDUCATION.

       Section 1417 of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3152) is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), 
     (h), (i), and (j) as subsections (d), (f), (g), (h), (i), 
     (j), (k), and (l), respectively;
       (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
       ``(c) Priorities.--In awarding grants under subsection (b), 
     the Secretary shall give priority to--
       ``(1) applications for teaching enhancement projects that 
     demonstrate enhanced coordination among all types of 
     institutions eligible for funding under this section; and
       ``(2) applications for teaching enhancement projects that 
     focus on innovative, multidisciplinary education programs, 
     material, and curricula.''; and
       (3) by inserting after subsection (d) (as redesignated by 
     paragraph (1)) the following:
       ``(e) Food and Agricultural Education Information System.--
     From amounts made available for grants authorized under this 
     section, the Secretary may maintain a national food and 
     agricultural education information system that contains 
     information on enrollment, degrees awarded, faculty, and 
     employment placement in the food and agricultural sciences 
     and such other information as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.''.

     SEC. 203. POLICY RESEARCH CENTERS.

       Section 1419A(a) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155(a)) 
     is amended by inserting ``and trade agreements'' after 
     ``public policies''.

     SEC. 204. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
                   TEACHING.

       (a) Teaching.--
       (1) In general.--Section 1458 of the National Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
     U.S.C. 3291) is amended--
       (A) in the section heading, by striking ``RESEARCH AND 
     EXTENSION'' and inserting ``RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
     TEACHING'';
       (B) in subsection (a)--
       (i) in paragraph (1)--

       (I) by striking ``related research and extension'' and 
     inserting ``related research, extension, and teaching''; and
       (II) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``research and 
     extension on'' and inserting ``research, extension, and 
     teaching initiatives addressing'';

       (ii) in paragraph (2), by striking ``education'' and 
     inserting ``teaching'';
       (iii) in paragraph (4), by striking ``scientists and 
     experts'' and inserting ``science and education experts'';
       (iv) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``teaching,'' after 
     ``development,'';
       (v) in paragraph (6), by striking ``education'' and 
     inserting ``teaching'';
       (vi) in paragraph (7), by striking ``research and 
     extension'' and inserting ``research, extension, and 
     teaching''; and
       (vii) in paragraph (8), by striking ``research 
     capabilities'' and inserting ``research, extension, and 
     teaching capabilities''; and
       (C) in subsection (b), by striking ``counterpart agencies'' 
     and inserting ``counterpart research, extension, and teaching 
     agencies''.
       (2) Conforming amendment.--The subtitle heading of subtitle 
     I of title XIV of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291 et 
     seq.) is amended by striking ``Research and Extension'' and 
     inserting ``Research, Extension, and Teaching''.
       (b) Grants for Collaborative Projects.--Section 1458(a) of 
     the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(9) make competitive grants for collaborative projects 
     that--
       ``(A) involve Federal scientists or scientists from land-
     grant colleges and universities or other colleges and 
     universities with scientists at international agricultural 
     research centers in other nations, including the 
     international agricultural research centers of the 
     Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research;
       ``(B) focus on developing and using new technologies and 
     programs for--
       ``(i) increasing the production of food and fiber, while 
     safeguarding the environment worldwide and enhancing the 
     global competitiveness of United States agriculture; or
       ``(ii) training scientists;
       ``(C) are mutually beneficial to the United States and 
     other countries; and
       ``(D) encourage private sector involvement and the 
     leveraging of private sector funds.''.
       (c) Reports.--Section 1458 of the National Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
     U.S.C. 3291) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Reports.--The Secretary shall provide biennial 
     reports to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, 
     and Forestry of the Senate on efforts of the Federal 
     Government to--
       ``(1) coordinate international agricultural research within 
     the Federal Government; and
       ``(2) more effectively link the activities of domestic and 
     international agricultural researchers, particularly 
     researchers of the Agricultural Research Service.''.

     SEC. 205. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.

       (a) In General.--Subtitle K of the National Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is 
     amended by inserting before section 1463 (7 U.S.C. 3311) the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 1461. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.

       ``(a) In General.--Except as otherwise provided in law, 
     indirect costs charged against a grant described in 
     subsection (b) shall not exceed 25 percent of the total 
     Federal funds provided under the grant award, as determined 
     by the Secretary.
       ``(b) Applicability.--Subsection (a) shall apply to--
       ``(1) a competitive research grant made under subsection 
     (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research 
     Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)); and
       ``(2) except as otherwise provided in law, a competitive 
     research, extension, or education grant made under--
       ``(A) section 793 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement 
     and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 2204f); or
       ``(B) section 301 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, 
     and Education Reform Act of 1997.''.
       (b) Administrative Costs.--Section 1469 of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3315) is amended--
       (1) by striking the section heading and all that follows 
     through ``Except as'' and inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 1469. AUDITING, REPORTING, BOOKKEEPING, AND 
                   ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS.

       ``(a) In General.--Except as'';
       (2) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
       ``(3) the Secretary may retain up to 4 percent of amounts 
     appropriated for agricultural research, extension, and 
     teaching assistance programs for the administration of those 
     programs authorized under this or any other Act; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Community Food Projects.--The Secretary may retain, 
     for the administration of community food projects under 
     section 25 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2034), 4 
     percent of amounts available for the projects, 
     notwithstanding the availability of any appropriation for 
     administrative expenses of the projects.''.

     SEC. 206. EXPANSION OF AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO COST-
                   REIMBURSABLE AGREEMENTS.

       Section 1473A of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319a) 
     is amended in the first sentence by inserting ``or other 
     colleges and universities'' after ``institutions''.
 Subtitle B--Amendments to Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade 
                              Act of 1990

     SEC. 211. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL WEATHER INFORMATION SYSTEM.

       Title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade 
     Act of 1990 is amended by striking subtitle D (7 U.S.C. 5851 
     et seq.) and inserting the following:
     ``Subtitle D--National Agricultural Weather Information System

     ``SEC. 1637. SHORT TITLE; PURPOSES.

       ``(a) Short Title.--This subtitle may be cited as the 
     `National Agricultural Weather Information System Act of 
     1997'.
       ``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this subtitle are--
       ``(1) to facilitate the management and coordination of a 
     national agricultural weather and climate station network for 
     Federal and State agencies, colleges and universities, and 
     the private sector;
       ``(2) to ensure that timely and accurate information is 
     obtained and disseminated; and
       ``(3) to aid research and education that requires a 
     comprehensive agricultural weather and climate database.

     ``SEC. 1638. AGRICULTURAL WEATHER SYSTEM.

       ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Agriculture may 
     establish the National Agricultural Weather Information 
     System (referred to in this subtitle as the `System'). The 
     System shall be comprised of the operational and research 
     activities of the Federal, State, and regional agricultural 
     weather information systems.
       ``(b) Authority.--Notwithstanding chapter 63 of title 31, 
     United States Code, to carry out this subtitle, the Secretary 
     may--
       ``(1) enter into contracts, grants, cooperative agreements 
     and interagency agreements without regard to competitive 
     requirements, except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, 
     with other Federal and State agencies to--

[[Page S11380]]

       ``(A) support operational weather and climate data 
     observations, analysis, and derived products;
       ``(B) preserve historical data records for research studies 
     useful in agriculture;
       ``(C) jointly develop improved computer models and 
     computing capacity for storage, retrieval, dissemination and 
     analysis of agricultural weather and climate information;
       ``(D) enhance the quality and availability of weather and 
     climate information needed by the private sector for value-
     added products and agriculturalists for decisionmaking; and
       ``(E) sponsor joint programs to train private sector 
     meteorologists and agriculturalists about the optimum use of 
     agricultural weather and climate data;
       ``(2) obtain standardized weather observation data 
     collected in near real time through regional and State 
     agricultural weather information systems;
       ``(3) coordinate the activities of the Chief Meteorologist 
     of the Department of Agriculture and weather and climate 
     research activities of the Department of Agriculture with 
     other Federal agencies and the private sector;
       ``(4) make grants to plan and administer State and regional 
     agricultural weather information systems, including research 
     in atmospheric sciences and climatology;
       ``(5) encourage private sector participation in the System 
     through cooperation with the private sector, including 
     cooperation in the generation of weather and climate data 
     useful for site-specific agricultural weather forecasting; 
     and
       ``(6) make competitive grants to carry out research in all 
     aspects of atmospheric sciences and climatology regarding the 
     collection, retention, and dissemination of agricultural 
     weather and climate observations and information with 
     priority given to proposals that emphasize--
       ``(A) techniques and processes that relate to--
       ``(i) weather- or climate-induced agricultural losses; and
       ``(ii) improvement of information on weather and climate 
     extremes (such as drought, floods, freeze, and storms) well 
     in advance of their occurrence;
       ``(B) the improvement of site-specific weather data 
     collection and forecasting;
       ``(C) the impact of weather on economic and environmental 
     costs in agricultural production; or
       ``(D) the preservation and management of the ecosystem.

     ``SEC. 1639. FUNDING AND ADMINISTRATION.

       ``(a) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
     Work.--Not more than \2/3\ of the funds made available for a 
     fiscal year to carry out this subtitle shall be used for work 
     with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
       ``(b) Administrative Costs.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
     may retain for administration of the System up to 4 percent 
     of the amounts made available to carry out this subtitle, 
     notwithstanding the availability of any appropriation for 
     administrative expenses to carry out this subtitle.
       ``(c) Limitations.--
       ``(1) Buildings or facilities.--Funds made available to 
     carry out this subtitle shall not be used for the planning, 
     repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of a 
     building or facility.
       ``(2) Equipment purchases.--Of funds made available under a 
     grant award under this subtitle, a grantee may use for 
     equipment purchases not more than the lesser of--
       ``(A) $15,000; or
       ``(B) \1/3\ of the amount of the grant award.

     ``SEC. 1640. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
     subtitle $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1998 through 
     2002.''.

     SEC. 212. NATIONAL FOOD GENOME STRATEGY.

       Section 1671 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5924) is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``SEC. 1671. NATIONAL FOOD GENOME STRATEGY.

       ``(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
       ``(1) to expand the knowledge of public and private sector 
     entities and persons concerning genomes for species of 
     importance to the food and agriculture sectors in order to 
     maximize the return on the investment in plant, animal, and 
     microbial genomics;
       ``(2) to focus on the species that will yield early, 
     scientifically important results that will enhance the 
     usefulness of many plant, animal, and microbial species;
       ``(3) to build on genomic research, such as the Human 
     Genome Initiative and the Arabidopsis Genome Project, to 
     understand gene structure and function that is expected to 
     have considerable payoffs in crop species ranging from corn 
     to soybean to cotton and animal species ranging from cattle 
     to swine to poultry;
       ``(4) to develop improved bioinformatics to enhance both 
     sequence or structure determination and analysis of the 
     biological function of genes and gene products;
       ``(5) to develop, within the National Food Genome Strategy 
     required under subsection (b) for agriculturally important 
     plants, animals, and microbes, a Plant Genome Initiative 
     under which--
       ``(A) the Plant Genome Initiative will be an interagency 
     activity conducted with--
       ``(i) as the lead Federal agency--

       ``(I) the Department of Agriculture; or
       ``(II) if funding provided for the Plant Genome Initiative 
     through the Department of Agriculture is substantially less 
     than funding provided for the Initiative through another 
     Federal agency, the other Federal agency, as determined by 
     the President; and

       ``(ii) the National Science Foundation and the Department 
     of Energy as participants; and
       ``(B) the National Institutes of Health will continue to 
     invest in the underlying critical technologies through its 
     Human Genome Initiative and other genetics research;
       ``(6) to establish, within the National Food Genome 
     Strategy, an Animal Genome Initiative--
       ``(A) to address the obstacles limiting the development and 
     implementation of gene-based approaches for animal 
     improvement, such as high-resolution genomic maps; and
       ``(B) to take advantage of complementary work of the Human 
     Genome Initiative, the Agricultural Research Service, and 
     State agricultural experiment stations;
       ``(7) to encourage Federal Government participants to 
     maximize the utility of public and private partnerships for 
     food genome research;
       ``(8) to allow resources developed under this section, 
     including data, software, germplasm, and other biological 
     materials, to be openly accessible to all persons, subject to 
     any confidentiality requirements imposed by law; and
       ``(9) to encourage international partnerships with each 
     partner country responsible for financing its own strategy 
     for food genome research.
       ``(b) Duties of Secretary.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
     (referred to in this section as the `Secretary') shall 
     develop and carry out a National Food Genome Strategy to--
       ``(1) study and map agriculturally significant genes to 
     achieve sustainable and secure agricultural production;
       ``(2) ensure that current gaps in existing agricultural 
     genetics knowledge are filled;
       ``(3) identify and develop a functional understanding of 
     genes responsible for economically important traits in 
     plants, animals, and microbes of importance to agriculture;
       ``(4) ensure future genetic improvement of agriculturally 
     important species;
       ``(5) support preservation of diverse germplasm;
       ``(6) ensure preservation of biodiversity to maintain 
     access to genes that may be of importance in the future; and
       ``(7) otherwise carry out the purposes of this section.
       ``(c) Contracts, Grants, and Cooperative Agreements.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may enter into or make 
     contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements with individuals 
     and organizations in accordance with section 1472 of the 
     National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3318).
       ``(2) Competitive basis.--A grant under this subsection 
     shall be made on a competitive basis.
       ``(d) Administration.--
       ``(1) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate such 
     regulations as are necessary to carry out this section.
       ``(2) Consultation with the national academy of sciences.--
     The Secretary may use funds made available under this section 
     to consult with the National Academy of Sciences regarding 
     the administration of the National Food Genome Strategy.
       ``(3) Indirect costs.--Indirect costs under this section 
     shall be allowable at the rate indirect costs are allowable 
     for contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements entered into 
     or made by the National Science Foundation for genomic 
     research.''.

     SEC. 213. IMPORTED FIRE ANT CONTROL, MANAGEMENT, AND 
                   ERADICATION.

       Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsections (a), (d), (e), and (f);
       (2) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (g) as 
     subsections (a), (b), and (c), respectively; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Imported Fire Ant Control, Management, and 
     Eradication.--
       ``(1) National advisory and implementation board on 
     imported fire ant control, management, and eradication.--
       ``(A) Establishment.--The Secretary of Agriculture may 
     establish a National Advisory and Implementation Board on 
     Imported Fire Ant Control, Management, and Eradication 
     (referred to in this subsection as the `Board').
       ``(B) Membership.--The Board shall consist of 12 members 
     who are experts in entomology, ant ecology, wildlife biology, 
     electrical engineering, economics, or agribusiness and who 
     are appointed by the Secretary from academia, research 
     institutes, and the private sector.
       ``(C) Compensation.--
       ``(i) In general.--A member of the Board shall not receive 
     any compensation by reason of service on the Board.
       ``(ii) Expenses.--A member of the Board shall be reimbursed 
     for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses 
     incurred by the member in the performance of a duty of the 
     member.
       ``(D) Termination.--The Board shall terminate 60 days after 
     the date on which the national plan is submitted to the Board 
     under paragraph (4)(B).
       ``(2) Initial grants.--
       ``(A) Request for proposals.--

[[Page S11381]]

       ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall publish a request 
     for proposals for grants for research or demonstration 
     projects related to the control, management, and possible 
     eradication of imported fire ants.
       ``(ii) Input from board.--In developing a request for 
     proposals under clause (i), the Secretary shall solicit and 
     consider input from the Board.
       ``(B) Selection.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     publication of the request for proposals, the Secretary shall 
     evaluate and select meritorious research or demonstration 
     projects related to the control, management, and possible 
     eradication of imported fire ants.
       ``(C) Grants.--The Secretary may award a total of 
     $6,000,000 for each fiscal year in grants to colleges, 
     universities, research institutes, Federal laboratories, or 
     private entities selected under subparagraph (B), for a term 
     of not to exceed 5 years, for the purpose of conducting 
     research or demonstration projects related to the control, 
     management, and possible eradication of imported fire ants. 
     Each project shall be completed not later than the end of the 
     term of the grant.
       ``(3) Subsequent grants.--
       ``(A) Evaluation; selection.--If the Secretary awards 
     grants under paragraph (2)(C), the Secretary shall--
       ``(i) evaluate all of the research or demonstration 
     projects conducted under paragraph (2)(C) for their use as 
     the basis of a national plan for the control, management, and 
     possible eradication of imported fire ants by the Federal 
     Government, State and local governments, and owners and 
     operators of land; and
       ``(ii) on the basis of the evaluation, select the projects 
     the Secretary considers most promising for additional 
     research or demonstration related to the control, management, 
     and possible eradication of imported fire ants and notify the 
     Board of the selection.
       ``(B) Grants.--The Secretary may award a grant of up to 
     $4,000,000 for each fiscal year to each of the colleges, 
     universities, research institutes, Federal laboratories, or 
     private entities selected under subparagraph (A)(ii) for the 
     purpose of conducting research or demonstration projects for 
     the preparation of a national plan for the control, 
     management, and possible eradication of imported fire ants. 
     Each project shall be completed not later than 2 years after 
     the grant is made.
       ``(4) National plan.--
       ``(A) Evaluation; selection.--If the Secretary awards 
     grants under paragraph (3)(B), the Secretary shall--
       ``(i) evaluate all of the research or demonstration 
     projects conducted under paragraph (3)(B) for their use as 
     the basis of a national plan for the control, management, and 
     possible eradication of imported fire ants by the Federal 
     Government, State and local governments, and owners and 
     operators of land; and
       ``(ii) on the basis of the evaluation, select 1 project 
     funded under paragraph (3)(B), or a combination of grant 
     projects, as the basis for the plan and notify the Board of 
     the selection.
       ``(B) Grant.--The Secretary may award a grant of up to 
     $5,000,000 to the sponsor or sponsors of the grant project 
     selected under subparagraph (A)(ii) for the purpose of the 
     final preparation of the national plan for the control, 
     management, and possible eradication of imported fire ants 
     that is based on the project. If the Secretary awards a grant 
     under this subparagraph, the national plan shall be 
     completed, and submitted to the Board, not later than 1 year 
     after the grant is made.
       ``(C) Report to congress.--Not later than 60 days after the 
     plan is submitted to the Board under subparagraph (B), the 
     Secretary shall submit to Congress the national plan for the 
     control, management, and possible eradication of imported 
     fire ants.
       ``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to 
     carry out this subsection for each of fiscal years 1998 
     through 2002.''.

     SEC. 214. AGRICULTURAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM.

       Section 1673 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5926) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (5) as 
     paragraphs (2) through (6), respectively;
       (B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(1) A*DEC.--The term `A*DEC' means the distance education 
     consortium known as A*DEC.''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(7) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary 
     of Agriculture, acting through A*DEC.'';
       (2) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``The Secretary shall 
     establish a program, to be administered by the Assistant 
     Secretary for Science and Education,'' and inserting ``The 
     Secretary of Agriculture shall establish a program, to be 
     administered through a grant provided to A*DEC under terms 
     and conditions established by the Secretary of 
     Agriculture,''; and
       (3) in the first sentence of subsection (f)(2), by striking 
     ``the Assistant Secretary for Science and Education'' and 
     inserting ``A*DEC''.

     SEC. 215. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM FOR FARMERS WITH 
                   DISABILITIES.

       Section 1680 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (6);
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in striking ``Dissemination.--'' and all that follows 
     through ``general.--The'' and inserting ``Dissemination.--
     The''; and
       (B) by striking paragraph (2); and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), there is 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
     $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1998 through 2002.
       ``(2) National grant.--Not more than 15 percent of the 
     amounts made available under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year 
     shall be used to carry out subsection (b).''.
                  Subtitle C--Amendments to Other Laws

     SEC. 221. 1994 INSTITUTIONS.

       (a) Definition.--Section 532 of the Equity in Educational 
     Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-382; 7 U.S.C. 
     301 note) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(30) Little Priest Tribal College.''.
       (b) Accreditation.--Section 533(a) of the Equity in 
     Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-
     382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(3) Accreditation.--To receive funding under sections 534 
     and 535, a 1994 Institution shall certify to the Secretary 
     that the Institution is--
       ``(A) accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting 
     agency or association determined by the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Education, to be a 
     reliable authority as to the quality of training offered; or
       ``(B) as determined by the agency or association, making 
     progress toward the accreditation.''.

     SEC. 222. COOPERATIVE AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION WORK BY 1862, 
                   1890, AND 1994 INSTITUTIONS.

       Section 3(b)(3) of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343(b)(3)) 
     is amended in the last sentence by striking ``State 
     institutions'' and all that follows through the period at the 
     end and inserting ``1994 Institutions (in accordance with 
     regulations that the Secretary may promulgate) and may be 
     administered by the Institutions through cooperative 
     agreements with colleges and universities eligible to receive 
     funds under the Act of July 2, 1862 (12 Stat. 503, chapter 
     130; 7 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), or the Act of August 30, 1890 (26 
     Stat. 419, chapter 841; 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.), including 
     Tuskegee University, located in any State.''.

     SEC. 223. ELIGIBILITY OF CERTAIN COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES 
                   FOR EXTENSION FUNDING.

       (a) In General.--Section 3 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 
     343) is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(d) Funding of Extension Activities.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall receive such amounts 
     as Congress shall determine for administrative, technical, 
     and other services and for coordinating the extension work of 
     the Department and the several States, territories, and 
     possessions of the United States.
       ``(2) Eligibility of certain colleges and universities for 
     extension funding.--
       ``(A) Competitive awards.--Colleges and universities (as 
     defined in section 1404 of the National Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
     U.S.C. 3103)), including a foundation established by the 
     colleges or universities, shall be eligible for extension 
     funding awarded under paragraph (1) on a competitive basis.
       ``(B) Noncompetitive awards.--
       ``(i) In general.--An entity described in clause (ii) shall 
     be eligible for extension funding awarded under paragraph (1) 
     on a noncompetitive basis.
       ``(ii) Applicability.--Clause (i) shall apply to--

       ``(I) a college or university eligible to receive funds 
     under the Act of July 2, 1862 (12 Stat. 503, chapter 130; 7 
     U.S.C. 301 et seq.);
       ``(II) a college or university eligible to receive funds 
     under the Act of August 30, 1890 (26 Stat. 419, chapter 841; 
     7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.), including Tuskegee University;
       ``(III) a 1994 Institution (as defined in section 532 of 
     the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 
     (Public Law 103-382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note)); and
       ``(IV) a foundation established by a college, university, 
     or Institution described in this clause.

       ``(3) Memoranda of understanding, cooperative agreements, 
     and reimbursable agreements.--To maximize the use of Federal 
     resources, the Secretary of Agriculture shall, to the maximum 
     extent practicable, enter into memoranda of understanding, 
     cooperative agreements, or reimbursable agreements with other 
     Federal agencies under which the agencies provide funds, 
     facilities, and other resources of the agencies to the 
     Department of Agriculture to assist the Department in 
     carrying out extension work.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 3 of the Smith-Lever 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 343) is amended--
       (1) in subsections (b)(1) and (c), by striking ``Federal 
     Extension Service'' each place it appears and inserting 
     ``Secretary of Agriculture''; and
       (2) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``through the Federal 
     Extension Service''.

[[Page S11382]]

     SEC. 224. INTEGRATION OF RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.

       (a) In General.--Section 3 of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 
     U.S.C. 361c) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(h) Integration of Research and Extension.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not less than the applicable percentage 
     specified under paragraph (2) of the Federal formula funds 
     that are made available to carry out this Act and subsections 
     (b) and (c) of section 3 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 
     343), to colleges and universities eligible to receive funds 
     under the Act of July 2, 1862 (12 Stat. 503, chapter 130; 7 
     U.S.C. 301 et seq.), during a fiscal year shall be allotted 
     to activities that integrate cooperative research and 
     extension (referred to in this subsection as `integrated 
     activities').
       ``(2) Applicable percentages.--
       ``(A) Current expenditures on integrated activities.--The 
     Secretary of Agriculture shall determine the percentage of 
     the Federal formula funds described in paragraph (1) that 
     each State expended for fiscal year 1997 for integrated 
     activities.
       ``(B) Planned expenditures on integrated activities.--For 
     fiscal year 2000 and each subsequent fiscal year, a State 
     shall expend for integrated activities a percentage of the 
     Federal formula funds described in paragraph (1) for a fiscal 
     year that is at least equal to the lesser of--
       ``(i) 25 percent; or
       ``(ii) twice the percentage for the State determined under 
     subparagraph (A).
       ``(C) Reduction by secretary.--The Secretary may reduce the 
     minimum percentage required to be allotted for integrated 
     activities under subparagraph (B) in a case of hardship, 
     infeasibility, or other similar circumstance beyond the 
     control of the State, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(D) Compliance.--The State shall provide to the Secretary 
     a description of the manner in which the State will meet the 
     requirements of this paragraph.
       ``(3) Applicability.--This subsection does not apply to 
     funds provided--
       ``(A) by a State or local government pursuant to a matching 
     requirement;
       ``(B) to a 1994 Institution (as defined in section 532 of 
     the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 
     (Public Law 103-382; 7 U.S.C. 301 note)); or
       ``(C) to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin 
     Islands, or Guam.
       ``(4) Other requirements.--Funds that are used in 
     accordance with paragraph (2)(B) may also be used to satisfy 
     the requirements of subsection (c)(3) and the requirements of 
     section 3(h) of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343(h)).''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 3 of the Smith-Lever Act 
     (7 U.S.C. 343) (as amended by section 105(2)) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(j) Reference to Other Law.--Section 3(h) of the Hatch 
     Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361c(h)) shall apply to amounts made 
     available to carry out this Act.''.

     SEC. 225. COMPETITIVE, SPECIAL, AND FACILITIES RESEARCH 
                   GRANTS.

       (a) Competitive Grants.--The Competitive, Special, and 
     Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) is amended in 
     subsection (b)--
       (1) in the first sentence of paragraph (1), by inserting 
     ``national laboratories,'' after ``Federal agencies,''; and
       (2) in the second sentence of paragraph (3)(E), by striking 
     ``an individual shall have less than'' and all that follows 
     through ``research experience'' and inserting ``an individual 
     shall be within 5 years of the individual's initial career 
     track position''.
       (b) Special Grants.--
       (1) In general.--The Competitive, Special, and Facilities 
     Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) is amended by striking 
     subsection (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) Special Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture may make 
     grants, for periods not to exceed 3 years, to colleges, 
     universities, other research institutions and organizations, 
     Federal agencies, private organizations or corporations, and 
     individuals for the purpose of conducting research to 
     address--
       ``(A) agricultural research needs of immediate importance, 
     by themselves or in conjunction with extension or education; 
     or
       ``(B) new or emerging areas of agricultural research, by 
     themselves or in conjunction with extension or education.
       ``(2) Limitations.--The Secretary may not make a grant 
     under this subsection--
       ``(A) for any purpose for which a grant may be made under 
     subsection (d); or
       ``(B) for the planning, repair, rehabilitation, 
     acquisition, or construction of a building or facility.
       ``(3) Review requirements.--
       ``(A) Research activities.--The Secretary shall make a 
     grant under this subsection for a research activity only if--
       ``(i) the activity has undergone scientific peer review 
     arranged by the grantee in accordance with regulations 
     promulgated by the Secretary; and
       ``(ii) except in the case of a grant awarded competitively 
     under this subsection, the grantee provides to the Secretary 
     a proposed plan for graduation from noncompetitive Federal 
     funding for grants under this subsection.
       ``(B) Extension and education activities.--The Secretary 
     shall make a grant under this subsection for an extension or 
     education activity only if--
       ``(i) the activity has undergone merit review arranged by 
     the grantee in accordance with regulations promulgated by the 
     Secretary; and
       ``(ii) except in the case of a grant awarded competitively 
     under this subsection, the grantee provides to the Secretary 
     a proposed plan for graduation from noncompetitive Federal 
     funding for grants under this subsection.
       ``(4) Partnerships.--
       ``(A) Immediate needs.--Except in the case of a grant 
     awarded competitively under this subsection, to receive a 
     grant under paragraph (1)(A), a recipient of a grant shall 
     enter into a partnership to carry out the grant with another 
     entity referred to in paragraph (1).
       ``(B) New and emerging areas.--Except in the case of a 
     grant awarded competitively under this subsection, after a 
     recipient has received a grant under paragraph (1)(B) for 3 
     consecutive years, to receive such a grant for an additional 
     year, the recipient shall enter into a partnership to carry 
     out the grant with 2 or more entities referred to in 
     paragraph (1).
       ``(5) Reports.--
       ``(A) In general.--A recipient of a grant under this 
     subsection shall--
       ``(i) prepare on an annual basis a report describing the 
     results of the research, extension, or education activity and 
     the merit of the results; and
       ``(ii) submit the report to the Secretary.
       ``(B) Public availability.--
       ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), on 
     request, the Secretary shall make the report available to the 
     public.
       ``(ii) Exceptions.--Clause (i) shall not apply to the 
     extent that making the report, or a part of the report, 
     available to the public is not authorized or permitted by 
     section 552 of title 5, United States Code, or section 1905 
     of title 18, United States Code.
       ``(6) Set aside for administrative costs.--Of the amounts 
     made available for a fiscal year to carry out this 
     subsection, not more than 4 percent of the amounts may be 
     retained by the Secretary to pay administrative costs 
     incurred by the Secretary to carry out this subsection.''.
       (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) 
     takes effect on October 1, 1998.

     SEC. 226. FUND FOR RURAL AMERICA.

       Section 793(b) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and 
     Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 2204f(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``January 1, 1997, 
     October 1, 1998, and October 1, 1999'' and inserting 
     ``October 1, 1997, and each October 1 thereafter through 
     October 1, 2001''; and
       (2) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
       ``(3) Purposes.--Subject to subsection (d), of the amounts 
     transferred to the Account for a fiscal year, the Secretary 
     shall make available--
       ``(A) for activities described in subsection (c)(1), not 
     less than 50 percent, and not more than 67 percent, of the 
     funds in the Account; and
       ``(B) for activities described in subsection (c)(2), all 
     funds in the Account not made available under subparagraph 
     (A).''.

     SEC. 227. HONEY RESEARCH, PROMOTION, AND CONSUMER 
                   INFORMATION.

       (a) Findings and Purposes.--Section 2 of the Honey 
     Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 
     4601) is amended--
       (1) by striking the section heading and ``Sec. 2. The 
     Congress'' and inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

       ``(a) Findings.--Congress''; and
       (2) in subsection (a) (as designated by paragraph (1)), by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(8) Research directed at improving the cost-effectiveness 
     and efficiency of beekeeping and developing better means of 
     dealing with pest and disease problems is essential to 
     keeping honey and honey product prices competitive, 
     facilitating market growth, and maintaining the financial 
     well-being of the honey industry.
       ``(9) Research involving the quality, safety, and image of 
     honey and honey products, and how that quality, safety, and 
     image may be affected during the extraction, processing, 
     packaging, marketing, and other stages of the honey and honey 
     product production and distribution process, is highly 
     important to building and maintaining markets for honey and 
     honey products.''.
       (b) Research Projects.--Section 7(f) of the Honey Research, 
     Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4606(f)) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``(f) Funds'' and inserting the following:
       ``(f) Use of Funds.--
       ``(1) In general.--Funds'';
       (2) by striking ``The Secretary shall'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(3) Reimbursement.--The Secretary shall''; and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as designated by 
     paragraph (1)) the following:
       ``(2) Research projects.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Honey Board shall reserve at least 8 
     percent of all assessments collected during a year for 
     expenditure on approved research projects designed to advance 
     the cost-effectiveness, competitiveness, efficiency, pest and 
     disease control, and other management aspects of beekeeping 
     and honey production.
       ``(B) Subsequent availability.--If all funds reserved under 
     subparagraph (A) are

[[Page S11383]]

     not allocated to approved research projects in a year, any 
     unallocated reserved funds shall be carried forward for 
     allocation and expenditure under subparagraph (A) in 
     subsequent years.''.

     SEC. 228. OFFICE OF ENERGY POLICY AND NEW USES.

       Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization 
     Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6911 et seq.) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following:

     ``SEC. 220. OFFICE OF ENERGY POLICY AND NEW USES.

       ``An Office of Energy Policy and New Uses of the Department 
     shall be established in the Office of the Secretary.''.

     SEC. 229. KIWIFRUIT RESEARCH, PROMOTION, AND CONSUMER 
                   INFORMATION PROGRAM.

       (a) Amendments to Orders.--Section 554(c) of the National 
     Kiwifruit Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act 
     (7 U.S.C. 7463(c)) is amended in the second sentence by 
     inserting before the period at the end the following: ``, 
     except that an amendment to an order shall not require a 
     referendum to become effective''.
       (b) National Kiwifruit Board.--Section 555 of the National 
     Kiwifruit Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act 
     (7 U.S.C. 7464) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraphs (1) through 
     (3) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) 10 members who are producers, exporters, or importers 
     (or their representatives), based on a proportional 
     representation of the level of domestic production and 
     imports of kiwifruit (as determined by the Secretary).
       ``(2) 1 member appointed from the general public.'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``Membership.--'' and all that follows 
     through ``paragraph (2), the'' and inserting ``Membership.--
     Subject to the 11-member limit, the''; and
       (B) by striking paragraph (2); and
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``who are producers'' 
     after ``members'';
       (B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``who are importers or 
     exporters'' after ``members''; and
       (C) in the second sentence of paragraph (5), by inserting 
     ``and alternate'' after ``member''.

     SEC. 230. NATIONAL AQUACULTURE POLICY, PLANNING, AND 
                   DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) Definitions.--Section 3 of the National Aquaculture Act 
     of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2802) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``the propagation'' and 
     all that follows through the period at the end and inserting 
     the following: ``the commercially controlled cultivation of 
     aquatic plants, animals, and microorganisms, but does not 
     include private for-profit ocean ranching of Pacific salmon 
     in a State in which the ranching is prohibited by law.'';
       (2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``or aquatic plant'' and 
     inserting ``aquatic plant, or microorganism'';
       (3) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (9) as 
     paragraphs (8) through (10), respectively; and
       (4) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
       ``(7) Private aquaculture.--The term `private aquaculture' 
     means the commercially controlled cultivation of aquatic 
     plants, animals, and microorganisms other than cultivation 
     carried out by the Federal Government, any State or local 
     government, or an Indian tribe recognized by the Bureau of 
     Indian Affairs.''.
       (b) National Aquaculture Development Plan.--Section 4 of 
     the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2803) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by adding ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' and 
     inserting a period; and
       (C) by striking subparagraph (C);
       (2) in the second sentence of subsection (d), by striking 
     ``Secretaries determine that'' and inserting ``Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of 
     the Interior, and the heads of such other agencies as the 
     Secretary determines are appropriate, determines that''; and
       (3) in subsection (e), by striking ``Secretaries'' and 
     inserting ``Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of 
     Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, and the heads of 
     such other agencies as the Secretary determines are 
     appropriate,''.
       (c) Functions and Powers of Secretaries.--Section 5(b)(3) 
     of the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 
     2804(b)(3)) is amended by striking ``Secretaries deem'' and 
     inserting ``Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of 
     Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, and the heads of 
     such other agencies as the Secretary determines are 
     appropriate, consider''.
       (d) Coordination of National Activities Regarding 
     Aquaculture.--The first sentence of section 6(a) of the 
     National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2805(a)) is 
     amended by striking ``(f)'' and inserting ``(e)''.
       (e) National Policy for Private Aquaculture.--The National 
     Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating sections 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 as 
     sections 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after section 6 (16 U.S.C. 2805) the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 7. NATIONAL POLICY FOR PRIVATE AQUACULTURE.

       ``(a) In General.--In consultation with the Secretary of 
     Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary 
     shall coordinate and implement a national policy for private 
     aquaculture in accordance with this section. In developing 
     the policy, the Secretary may consult with other agencies and 
     organizations.
       ``(b) Department of Agriculture Aquaculture Plan.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall develop and 
     implement a Department of Agriculture Aquaculture Plan 
     (referred to in this section as the `Department plan') for a 
     unified aquaculture program of the Department of Agriculture 
     (referred to in this section as the `Department') to support 
     the development of private aquaculture.
       ``(2) Elements of department plan.--The Department plan 
     shall address--
       ``(A) programs of individual agencies of the Department 
     related to aquaculture that are consistent with Department 
     programs related to other areas of agriculture, including 
     livestock, crops, products, and commodities under the 
     jurisdiction of agencies of the Department;
       ``(B) the treatment of cultivated aquatic animals as 
     livestock and cultivated aquatic plants as agricultural 
     crops; and
       ``(C) means for effective coordination and implementation 
     of aquaculture activities and programs within the Department, 
     including individual agency commitments of personnel and 
     resources.
       ``(c) National Aquaculture Information Center.--In carrying 
     out section 5, the Secretary may maintain and support a 
     National Aquaculture Information Center at the National 
     Agricultural Library as a repository for information on 
     national and international aquaculture.
       ``(d) Treatment of Aquaculture.--The Secretary shall 
     treat--
       ``(1) private aquaculture as agriculture; and
       ``(2) commercially cultivated aquatic animals, plants, and 
     microorganisms, and products of the animals, plants, and 
     microorganisms, produced by private persons and transported 
     or moved in standard commodity channels as agricultural 
     livestock, crops, and commodities.
       ``(e) Private Aquaculture Policy Coordination, Development, 
     and Implementation.--
       ``(1) Responsibility.--The Secretary shall have 
     responsibility for coordinating, developing, and carrying out 
     policies and programs for private aquaculture.
       ``(2) Duties.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) coordinate all intradepartmental functions and 
     activities relating to private aquaculture; and
       ``(B) establish procedures for the coordination of 
     functions, and consultation with, the coordinating group.
       ``(f) Liaison With Departments of Commerce and the 
     Interior.--The Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the 
     Interior shall each designate an officer or employee of the 
     Department of the Secretary to be the liaison of the 
     Department to the Secretary of Agriculture.''.
       (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 11 of the 
     National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (as redesignated by 
     subsection (e)(1)) is amended by striking ``the fiscal years 
     1991, 1992, and 1993'' each place it appears and inserting 
     ``fiscal years 1991 through 2002''.
                        Subtitle D--New Programs

     SEC. 231. BIOBASED PRODUCTS.

       (a) Definition of Biobased Product.--In this section, the 
     term ``biobased product'' means a product that is produced 
     from a renewable agricultural or forestry product.
       (b) Coordination of Biobased Product Activities.--The 
     Secretary shall--
       (1) coordinate the research, technical expertise, economic 
     information, and market information resources and activities 
     of the Department to develop, commercialize, and promote the 
     use of biobased products;
       (2) solicit input from private sector persons who produce, 
     or are interested in producing, biobased products;
       (3) provide a centralized contact point for advice and 
     technical assistance for promising and innovative biobased 
     products; and
       (4) submit an annual report to Congress describing the 
     coordinated research, marketing, and commercialization 
     activities of the Department relating to biobased products.
       (c) Research and Cooperative Agreements for Biobased 
     Products.--
       (1) Definition of eligible contractor.--In this subsection, 
     the term ``eligible contractor'' means--
       (A) a party that has entered into a cooperative research 
     and development agreement with the Department under section 
     12 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 
     (15 U.S.C. 3710a);
       (B) a recipient of funding from the Alternative 
     Agricultural Research and Commercialization Corporation 
     established under section 1658 of the Food, Agriculture, 
     Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5902);
       (C) a recipient of funding from the Biotechnology Research 
     and Development Center; or
       (D) a recipient of funding from the Department under a 
     Small Business Innovation Research Program established under 
     section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638).
       (2) Research.--The Secretary may use the funds, facilities, 
     and technical expertise of

[[Page S11384]]

     the Agricultural Research Service, cooperative research and 
     development agreement funds, or other funds--
       (A) to enter into cooperative agreements with eligible 
     contractors to operate pilot plants and other large-scale 
     preparation facilities to promote the practical application 
     of biobased technologies; and
       (B) to conduct--
       (i) research on environmental impacts of the technologies;
       (ii) research on lowering the cost of manufacturing 
     biobased products; or
       (iii) other appropriate research.
       (3) Sale of biobased products.--For the purpose of 
     determining the market potential for biobased products, an 
     eligible contractor who enters into a cooperative agreement 
     may sell biobased products produced at a pilot plant or other 
     large-scale preparation facility under paragraph (2).
       (d) Pilot Project.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Agricultural Research Service, shall establish and carry out 
     a pilot project under which grants are provided, on a 
     competitive basis, to scientists of the Agricultural Research 
     Service to--
       (A) encourage innovative and collaborative science; and
       (B) during each of fiscal years 1999 through 2001, develop 
     biobased products with promising commercial potential.
       (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $10,000,000 
     for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.

     SEC. 232. PRECISION AGRICULTURE.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Agricultural inputs.--The term ``agricultural inputs'' 
     includes all farm management, agronomic, and field-applied 
     agricultural production inputs, such as machinery, labor, 
     time, fuel, irrigation water, commercial nutrients, livestock 
     waste, crop protection chemicals, agronomic data and 
     information, application and management services, seed, and 
     other inputs used in agricultural production.
       (2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
       (A) a State agricultural experiment station;
       (B) a college or university;
       (C) a research institution or organization;
       (D) a Federal agency;
       (E) a national laboratory;
       (F) a private organization or corporation; or
       (G) an individual.
       (3) Precision agriculture.--The term ``precision 
     agriculture'' means an integrated information- and 
     production-based farming system that is designed to increase 
     long-term site-specific and whole-farm production 
     efficiencies, productivity, and profitability while 
     minimizing unintended impacts on wildlife and the environment 
     by--
       (A) combining agricultural sciences, agricultural inputs 
     and practices, agronomic production databases, and precision 
     agriculture technologies to efficiently manage agronomic 
     systems;
       (B) gathering on-farm information pertaining to the 
     variation and interaction of site-specific spatial and 
     temporal factors affecting crop production;
       (C) integrating the information with appropriate data 
     derived from remote sensing and other precision agriculture 
     technologies in a timely manner in order to facilitate on-
     farm decisionmaking; or
       (D) using the information to prescribe and deliver site-
     specific application of agricultural inputs and management 
     practices in agricultural production systems.
       (4) Precision agriculture technologies.--The term 
     ``precision agriculture technologies'' includes--
       (A) instrumentation and techniques ranging from 
     sophisticated sensors and software systems to manual sampling 
     and data collection tools that measure, record, and manage 
     spatial and temporal data;
       (B) technologies for searching out and assembling 
     information necessary for sound agricultural production 
     decisionmaking;
       (C) open systems technologies for data networking and 
     processing that produce valued systems for farm management 
     decisionmaking, including high bandwidth networks, 
     distributed processing, spatial databasing, object 
     technology, global positioning systems, data modeling, high 
     performance image processing, high resolution satellite 
     imagery, digital orthophotogrammetry simulation, geographic 
     information systems, computer aided design, and digital 
     cartography; or
       (D) machines that deliver information based management 
     practices, including global positioning satellites, digital 
     field mapping, on-the-go yield monitoring, automated pest 
     scouting, and site-specific agricultural input application to 
     accomplish the objectives of precision agriculture.
       (5) Systems research.--The term ``systems research'' means 
     an integrated, coordinated, and iterative investigative 
     process that considers the multiple interacting components 
     and aspects of precision agriculture systems, including 
     synthesis of new knowledge regarding the physical-chemical-
     biological processes and complex interactions with cropping 
     and natural resource systems, precision agriculture 
     technologies development and implementation, data and 
     information collection and interpretation, production scale 
     planning, production-scale implementation, and farm 
     production efficiencies, productivity, and profitability.
       (b) Grants.--After consultation with the Advisory Board, 
     the Secretary may make competitive grants, for periods not to 
     exceed 5 years, to eligible entities to carry out research, 
     education, and information dissemination projects for the 
     development and promotion of precision agriculture. The 
     projects shall address 1 or more of the following:
       (1) The study and promotion of components of precision 
     agriculture technologies using a systems research approach 
     designed to increase long-term site-specific and whole-farm 
     production efficiencies, productivity, and profitability.
       (2) The improvement in the understanding of agronomic 
     systems, including soil, water, land cover, and 
     meteorological variability.
       (3) The development, demonstration, and dissemination of 
     information regarding precision agriculture technologies and 
     systems into an integrated program.
       (4) The promotion of systems research and education 
     projects focusing on the integration of the multiple aspects 
     of precision agriculture, including development, production-
     scale implementation, and farm production efficiencies, 
     productivity, and profitability.
       (5) The education of agricultural producers and consumers 
     regarding the costs and benefits of precision agriculture as 
     it relates to increased long-term farm production 
     efficiencies, productivity, and profitability, as well as the 
     maintenance of the environment and improvements in 
     international trade.
       (6) The provision of training and educational programs for 
     State cooperative extension services agents, agricultural 
     producers, agricultural input machinery, product, and service 
     providers, and certified crop advisers and other 
     professionals involved in agricultural production and the 
     transfer of integrated precision agriculture technology.
       (7) The study of whether precision agriculture technologies 
     are applicable and accessible to small and medium size farms 
     and the study of methods of improving the applicability of 
     precision agriculture technologies to the farms.
       (c) Education and Information Dissemination.--Of the funds 
     allocated for grants under this section, the Secretary shall 
     reserve a portion of the funds for education and information 
     dissemination grants regarding precision agriculture.
       (d) Precision Agriculture Partnerships.--
       (1) Establishment.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Board, shall 
     encourage the establishment of appropriate multistate and 
     national partnerships or consortia among--
       (A) land-grant colleges and universities;
       (B) State agricultural experiment stations;
       (C) State cooperative extension services;
       (D) other colleges and universities with demonstrable 
     expertise regarding precision agriculture;
       (E) agencies of the Department;
       (F) national laboratories;
       (G) agribusinesses;
       (H) agricultural equipment and input manufacturers and 
     retailers;
       (I) certified crop advisers;
       (J) commodity organizations;
       (K) other Federal or State government entities and 
     agencies;
       (L) nonagricultural industries and nonprofit organizations 
     with demonstrable expertise regarding precision agriculture; 
     and
       (M) agricultural producers and other land managers.
       (2) Agreement between secretary of energy and secretary of 
     agriculture.--The partnerships established pursuant to this 
     subsection may include the agreement entered into (before the 
     date of enactment of this Act) by the Secretary of Energy (on 
     behalf of the national laboratories of the Department of 
     Energy) and the Secretary of Agriculture (on behalf of 
     agencies of the Department) to promote cooperation and 
     coordination between the national laboratories of the 
     Department of Energy and agencies of the Department of 
     Agriculture in the areas of systems research, technology 
     research and development, and the transfer, utilization, and 
     private-sector commercialization of technology.
       (3) Role of partnerships.--Partnerships described in 
     paragraph (1) shall be eligible grantees for conducting 
     systems research (including on-farm research) regarding 
     precision agriculture and precision agriculture technologies.
       (e) Limitation.--A grant made under this section may not be 
     used for the planning, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, 
     or construction of a building or facility.
       (f) Matching Funds.--The Secretary may not take the offer 
     or availability of matching funds into consideration in 
     making a grant under this section.
       (g) Annual Report.--Not later than January 1 of each year, 
     the Secretary shall transmit to Congress an annual report 
     describing the policies, priorities, and operations of the 
     grant program authorized by this section during the preceding 
     fiscal year.
       (h) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate such 
     regulations as the Secretary considers necessary to carry out 
     this section.
       (i) Applicability of Other Laws.--The Federal Advisory 
     Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) and title XVIII of the Food and 
     Agriculture Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2281 et seq.) shall not 
     apply to a panel or board created for the purpose of 
     reviewing applications or proposals submitted under this 
     section.
       (j) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     such sums as are necessary to

[[Page S11385]]

     carry out this section for each of fiscal years 1998 through 
     2002, of which, for each fiscal year--
       (A) not less than 30 percent shall be available to make 
     grants for research to be conducted by multidisciplinary 
     teams;
       (B) not less than 40 percent shall be available to make 
     grants for research to be conducted by eligible entities 
     conducting mission-linked systems research; and
       (C) not more than 4 percent may be retained by the 
     Secretary to pay administrative costs incurred by the 
     Secretary in carrying out this section.
       (2) Availability of funds.--Funds made available under 
     paragraph (1) shall be available for obligation for a 2-year 
     period beginning on October 1 of the fiscal year for which 
     the funds are made available.

     SEC. 233. FORMOSAN TERMITE ERADICATION PROGRAM.

       (a) Research Program.--The Secretary may make competitive 
     research grants for terms of not to exceed 5 years to 
     regional and multijurisdictional entities, local government 
     planning organizations, and local governments for the purpose 
     of conducting research for the control, management, and 
     possible eradication of Formosan termites in the United 
     States.
       (b) Eradication Program.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary may enter into cooperative 
     agreements with regional and multijurisdictional entities, 
     local government planning organizations, and local 
     governments for the purposes of--
       (A) conducting projects for the control, management, and 
     possible eradication of Formosan termites in the United 
     States; and
       (B) collecting data on the effectiveness of the projects.
       (2) Funding priority.--In allocating funds made available 
     to carry out this subsection, the Secretary shall provide a 
     higher priority for regions or locations with the highest 
     historical rates of infestation of Formosan termites.
       (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for 
     each of fiscal years 1998 through 2002.

     SEC. 234. NUTRIENT COMPOSITION DATA.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall update, on a periodic 
     basis, nutrient composition data.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, 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 that describes--
       (1) the method the Secretary will use to update nutrient 
     composition data, including the quality assurance criteria 
     that will be used and the method for generating the data; and
       (2) the timing for updating the data.

     SEC. 235. CONSOLIDATED ADMINISTRATIVE AND LABORATORY 
                   FACILITY.

       (a) In General.--Notwithstanding the Federal Property and 
     Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.), 
     the Public Buildings Act of 1959 (40 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), or 
     section 5 of the Public Buildings Amendments of 1972 (40 
     U.S.C. 602a), the Secretary, in consultation with the 
     Administrator of General Services, may enter into contracts 
     for the design, construction, and operation of a consolidated 
     administrative and laboratory facility of the Animal and 
     Plant Health Inspection Service to be located in or near 
     Ames, Iowa.
       (b) Awarding of Contract.--
       (1) Solicitation.--The Secretary may solicit contract 
     proposals from interested parties to carry out subsection 
     (a).
       (2) Priority.--In awarding contracts under subsection (a), 
     the Secretary shall--
       (A) review the proposals; and
       (B) provide a higher priority to proposals that--
       (i) are--

       (I) the most cost effective for the Federal Government; or
       (II) safer, based on the relative safety of the proposed 
     facility in comparison to facilities of the Animal and Plant 
     Health Inspection Service located in Ames, Iowa, in existence 
     on the date of enactment of this Act; and

       (ii) allow for the use of donated land, federally owned 
     property, or lease-purchase arrangements.
       (c) Donations.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary 
     may, in connection with real property, buildings, and 
     facilities, accept on behalf of the Animal and Plant Health 
     Inspection Service such gifts or donations of services or 
     property, real or personal, as the Secretary determines 
     necessary.
       (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out 
     this section for each of fiscal years 1998 through 2002, to 
     remain available until expended.

     SEC. 236. NATIONAL SWINE RESEARCH CENTER.

       Subject to the availability of appropriations to carry out 
     this section, or through a reprogramming of funds provided 
     for swine research to carry out this section pursuant to 
     established procedures, during the period beginning on the 
     date of enactment of this Act and ending December 31, 1998, 
     the Secretary, acting through the Agricultural Research 
     Service, may accept as a gift, and administer, the National 
     Swine Research Center located in Ames, Iowa.

     SEC. 237. COORDINATED PROGRAM OF RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
                   EDUCATION TO IMPROVE VIABILITY OF SMALL AND 
                   MEDIUM SIZE DAIRY AND LIVESTOCK OPERATIONS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary may carry out a coordinated 
     program of research, extension, and education to improve the 
     competitiveness, viability, and sustainability of small and 
     medium size dairy and livestock operations (referred to in 
     this section as ``operations'').
       (b) Components.--To the extent the Secretary elects to 
     carry out the program, the Secretary shall conduct--
       (1) research, development, and on-farm extension and 
     education concerning low-cost production facilities and 
     practices, management systems, and genetics that are 
     appropriate for the operations;
       (2) research and extension on management-intensive grazing 
     systems for livestock and dairy production to realize the 
     potential for reduced capital and feed costs through greater 
     use of management skills, labor availability optimization, 
     and the natural benefits of grazing pastures;
       (3) research and extension on integrated crop and livestock 
     systems that increase efficiencies, reduce costs, and prevent 
     environmental pollution to strengthen the competitive 
     position of the operations;
       (4) economic analyses and market feasibility studies to 
     identify new and expanded opportunities for producers on the 
     operations that provide tools and strategies to meet consumer 
     demand in domestic and international markets, such as 
     cooperative marketing and value-added strategies for milk and 
     meat production and processing; and
       (5) technology assessment that compares the technological 
     resources of large specialized producers with the 
     technological needs of producers on the operations to 
     identify and transfer existing technology across all sizes 
     and scales and to identify the specific research and 
     education needs of the producers.
       (c) Administration.--The Secretary may use the funds, 
     facilities, and technical expertise of the Agricultural 
     Research Service and the Cooperative State Research, 
     Education, and Extension Service and other funds available to 
     the Secretary (other than funds of the Commodity Credit 
     Corporation) to carry out this section.

     SEC. 238. SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH REGARDING DISEASES OF WHEAT 
                   AND BARLEY CAUSED BY FUSARIUM GRAMINEARUM.

       (a) Research Grant Authorized.--The Secretary may make a 
     grant to a consortium of land-grant colleges and universities 
     to enhance the ability of the consortium to carry out a 
     multi-State research project aimed at understanding and 
     combating diseases of wheat and barley caused by Fusarium 
     graminearum and related fungi (referred to in this section as 
     ``wheat scab'').
       (b) Research Components.--Funds provided under this section 
     shall be available for the following collaborative, multi-
     State research activities:
       (1) Identification and understanding of the epidemiology of 
     wheat scab and the toxicological properties of vomitoxin, a 
     toxic metabolite commonly occurring in wheat and barley 
     infected with wheat scab.
       (2) Development of crop management strategies to reduce the 
     risk of wheat scab occurrence.
       (3) Development of--
       (A) efficient and accurate methods to monitor wheat and 
     barley for the presence of wheat scab and resulting vomitoxin 
     contamination;
       (B) post-harvest management techniques for wheat and barley 
     infected with wheat scab; and
       (C) milling and food processing techniques to render 
     contaminated grain safe.
       (4) Strengthening and expansion of plant-breeding 
     activities to enhance the resistance of wheat and barley to 
     wheat scab, including the establishment of a regional 
     advanced breeding material evaluation nursery and a germplasm 
     introduction and evaluation system.
       (5) Development and deployment of alternative fungicide 
     application systems and formulations to control wheat scab 
     and consideration of other chemical control strategies to 
     assist farmers until new more resistant wheat and barley 
     varieties are available.
       (c) Communications Networks.--Funds provided under this 
     section shall be available for efforts to concentrate, 
     integrate, and disseminate research, extension, and outreach-
     orientated information regarding wheat scab.
       (d) Management.--To oversee the use of a grant made under 
     this section, the Secretary may establish a committee 
     composed of the directors of the agricultural experiment 
     stations in the States in which land-grant colleges and 
     universities that are members of the consortium are located.
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,200,000 for 
     each of fiscal years 1998 through 2002.

     SEC. 239. FOOD ANIMAL RESIDUE AVOIDANCE DATABASE PROGRAM.

       (a) Continuation of Program.--The Secretary shall continue 
     operation of the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database 
     program (referred to in this section as the ``FARAD 
     program'') through contracts with appropriate colleges or 
     universities.
       (b) Activities.--In carrying out the FARAD program, the 
     Secretary shall--
       (1) provide livestock producers, extension specialists, 
     scientists, and veterinarians with information to prevent 
     drug, pesticide, and

[[Page S11386]]

     environmental contaminant residues in food animal products;
       (2) maintain up-to-date information concerning--
       (A) withdrawal times on FDA-approved food animal drugs and 
     appropriate withdrawal intervals for drugs used in food 
     animals in the United States, as established under section 
     512(a) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 
     360b(a));
       (B) official tolerances for drugs and pesticides in 
     tissues, eggs, and milk;
       (C) descriptions and sensitivities of rapid screening tests 
     for detecting residues in tissues, eggs, and milk; and
       (D) data on the distribution and fate of chemicals in food 
     animals;
       (3) publish periodically a compilation of food animal drugs 
     approved by the Food and Drug Administration;
       (4) make information on food animal drugs available to the 
     public through handbooks and other literature, computer 
     software, a telephone hotline, and the Internet;
       (5) furnish producer quality-assurance programs with up-to-
     date data on approved drugs;
       (6) maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date, residue 
     avoidance database;
       (7) provide professional advice for determining the 
     withdrawal times necessary for food safety in the use of 
     drugs in food animals; and
       (8) engage in other activities designed to promote food 
     safety.
       (c) Contracts.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall offer to enter into 
     contracts with appropriate colleges and universities to 
     operate the FARAD program.
       (2) Term.--The term of a contract under subsection (a) 
     shall be 3 years, with options to extend the term of the 
     contract triennially.
       (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for 
     each fiscal year.

     SEC. 240. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN RURAL AREAS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary may provide financial 
     assistance to a nationally recognized organization to promote 
     educational opportunities at the primary and secondary levels 
     in rural areas with a historic incidence of poverty and low 
     academic achievement, including the Lower Mississippi River 
     Delta.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section up to 
     $10,000,000 for each fiscal year.
                 Subtitle E--Studies and Miscellaneous

     SEC. 241. EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, 
                   EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

       (a) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall conduct a performance 
     evaluation to determine whether federally funded agricultural 
     research, extension, and education programs result in public 
     goods that have national or multistate significance.
       (b) Contract.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall enter into a contract 
     with an expert in research assessment and performance 
     evaluation to provide input and recommendations to the 
     Secretary with respect to federally funded agricultural 
     research, extension, and education programs.
       (2) Guidelines for performance measurement.--
       (A) In general.--The contractor under paragraph (1) shall 
     develop and propose to the Secretary practical guidelines for 
     measuring performance of federally funded agricultural 
     research, extension, and education programs.
       (B) Consistency with gpra.--The guidelines shall be 
     consistent with the Government Performance and Results Act of 
     1993 (Public Law 103-62) and amendments made by that Act.

     SEC. 242. STUDY OF FEDERALLY FUNDED AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, 
                   EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION.

       (a) Study.--Not later than January 1, 1999, the Secretary 
     shall request the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a 
     study of the role and mission of federally funded 
     agricultural research, extension, and education.
       (b) Requirements.--The study shall--
       (1) evaluate the strength of science conducted by the 
     Agricultural Research Service and the relevance of the 
     science to national priorities;
       (2) examine how the work of the Agricultural Research 
     Service relates to the capacity of the agricultural research, 
     extension, and education system of the United States;
       (3) examine the formulas for funding agricultural research 
     and extension; and
       (4) examine the system of competitive grants for 
     agricultural research, extension, and education.
       (c) Reports.--The Secretary shall prepare and submit to the 
     Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
     the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry of the 
     Senate--
       (1) not later than 18 months after the commencement of the 
     study, a report that describes the results of the study as it 
     relates to paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b), 
     including any appropriate recommendations; and
       (2) not later than 3 years after the commencement of the 
     study, a report that describes the results of the study as it 
     relates to paragraphs (3) and (4) of subsection (b), 
     including any appropriate recommendations.

     SEC. 243. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON STATE MATCH FOR 1890 
                   INSTITUTIONS.

       It is the sense of Congress that States should provide 
     matching funds for agricultural research and extension 
     formula funds provided by the Federal Government to 1890 
     Institutions.
     TITLE III--INITIATIVE FOR FUTURE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS

     SEC. 301. INITIATIVE FOR FUTURE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS.

       (a) In General.--There is established in the Treasury of 
     the United States an account to be known as the Initiative 
     for Future Agriculture and Food Systems (referred to in this 
     section as the ``Account'') to provide funds for activities 
     authorized under this section.
       (b) Funding.--
       (1) In general.--Out of any funds in the Treasury not 
     otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall 
     transfer to the Account--
       (A) on October 1, 1997, $100,000,000; and
       (B) on October 1, 1998, and each October 1 thereafter 
     through October 1, 2001, $170,000,000.
       (2) Entitlement.--The Secretary--
       (A) shall be entitled to receive the funds transferred to 
     the Account under paragraph (1);
       (B) shall accept the funds; and
       (C) shall use the funds to carry out this section.
       (c) Purposes.--
       (1) Critical emerging issues.--The Secretary shall use the 
     funds in the Account--
       (A) subject to paragraph (2), for research, extension, and 
     education grants (referred to in this section as ``grants'') 
     to address critical emerging agricultural issues related to--
       (i) future food production;
       (ii) environmental protection; or
       (iii) farm income; and
       (B) for activities carried out under the Alternative 
     Agricultural Research and Commercialization Act of 1990 (7 
     U.S.C. 5901 et seq.).
       (2) Priority mission areas.--
       (A) Fiscal year 1998.--In making grants under this section 
     for fiscal year 1998, the Secretary shall address priority 
     mission areas related to--
       (i) food genome;
       (ii) food safety, food technology, and human nutrition;
       (iii) new and alternative uses and production of 
     agricultural commodities and products;
       (iv) agricultural biotechnology; and
       (v) natural resource management, including precision 
     agriculture.
       (B) Fiscal years 1999 through 2002.--In making grants under 
     this section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002, the 
     Secretary shall address--
       (i) priority mission areas described in subparagraph (A); 
     or
       (ii) after consultation with the Advisory Board, new or 
     different priority mission areas, including the viability and 
     competitiveness of small and medium sized dairy, livestock, 
     crop, and other commodity operations.
       (d) Eligible Grantees.--The Secretary may make a grant 
     under this section to--
       (1) a Federal research agency;
       (2) a national laboratory;
       (3) a college or university or a research foundation 
     maintained by a college or university; or
       (4) a private research organization with an established and 
     demonstrated capacity to perform research or technology 
     transfer.
       (e) Use of Grants.--
       (1) Smaller institutions.--The Secretary may award grants 
     under this section to ensure that the faculty of small and 
     mid-sized institutions who have not previously been 
     successful in obtaining competitive grants awarded by the 
     Secretary under subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, 
     and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)) receive 
     a portion of the grants.
       (2) Priorities.--In making grants under this section, the 
     Secretary shall provide a higher priority to--
       (A) a project that is multistate, multi-institutional, or 
     multidisciplinary; or
       (B) a project that integrates agricultural research, 
     extension, and education.
       (f) Administration.--
       (1) In general.--In making grants under this section, the 
     Secretary shall--
       (A) seek and accept proposals for grants;
       (B) determine the relevance and merit of proposals through 
     a system of peer review in accordance with section 103;
       (C) award grants on the basis of merit, quality, and 
     relevance to advancing the purposes and priority mission 
     areas established under subsection (c); and
       (D) solicit and consider input from stakeholders in 
     accordance with section 102(b)(1).
       (2) Competitive basis.--A grant under this section shall be 
     awarded on a competitive basis.
       (3) Term.--A grant under this section shall have a term 
     that does not exceed 5 years.
       (4) Matching funds.--As a condition of making a grant under 
     this section, the Secretary shall require the funding of the 
     grant be matched with equal matching funds from a non-Federal 
     source if the grant is--
       (A) for applied research that is commodity-specific; and
       (B) not of national scope.
       (5) Delegation.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary shall administer this 
     section through the Cooperative State Research, Education, 
     and Extension Service of the Department.

[[Page S11387]]

       (B) Institutes.--The Secretary may establish 1 or more 
     institutes to carry out all or part of the activities 
     authorized under this section.
       (6) Availability of funds.--Funds for grants under this 
     section shall be available for obligation for a 2-year 
     period.
       (7) Administrative costs.--The Secretary may use not more 
     than 4 percent of the funds made available for grants under 
     this section for administrative costs incurred by the 
     Secretary in carrying out this section.
       (8) Buildings and facilities.--Funds made available for 
     grants under this section shall not be used for the 
     construction of a new building or facility or the 
     acquisition, expansion, remodeling, or alteration of an 
     existing building or facility (including site grading and 
     improvement and architect fees).
    TITLE IV--EXTENSION OR REPEAL OF CERTAIN AUTHORITIES; TECHNICAL 
                               AMENDMENTS

     SEC. 401. EXTENSIONS OF AUTHORITIES.

       (a) National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977.--The National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (l) of section 1417 (7 U.S.C. 3152) (as 
     redesignated by section 202(1)), by striking ``1997'' and 
     inserting ``2002'';
       (2) in section 1419(d) (7 U.S.C. 3154(d)), by striking 
     ``1997'' and inserting ``2002'';
       (3) in section 1419A(d) (7 U.S.C. 3155(d)), by striking 
     ``fiscal years 1996 and 1997'' and inserting ``each of fiscal 
     years 1996 through 2002'';
       (4) in section 1424(d) (7 U.S.C. 3174(d)), by striking 
     ``fiscal years 1996 and 1997'' and inserting ``each of fiscal 
     years 1996 through 2002'';
       (5) in section 1425(c)(3) (7 U.S.C. 3175(c)(3)), by 
     striking ``and 1997'' and inserting ``through 2002'';
       (6) in the first sentence of section 1433(a) (7 U.S.C. 
     3195(a)), by striking ``1997'' and inserting ``2002'';
       (7) in section 1434(a) (7 U.S.C. 3196(a)), by striking 
     ``1997'' and inserting ``2002'';
       (8) in section 1447(b) (7 U.S.C. 3222b(b)), by striking 
     ``and 1997'' and inserting ``through 2002'';
       (9) in section 1448 (7 U.S.C. 3222c)--
       (A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``and 1997'' and 
     inserting ``through 2002''; and
       (B) in subsection (f), by striking ``1997'' and inserting 
     ``2002'';
       (10) in section 1455(c) (7 U.S.C. 3241(c)), by striking 
     ``fiscal year 1997'' and inserting ``each of fiscal years 
     1997 through 2002'';
       (11) in section 1463 (7 U.S.C. 3311), by striking ``1997'' 
     each place it appears in subsections (a) and (b) and 
     inserting ``2002'';
       (12) in section 1464 (7 U.S.C. 3312), by striking ``1997'' 
     and inserting ``2002'';
       (13) in section 1473D(a) (7 U.S.C. 3319d(a)), by striking 
     ``1997'' and inserting ``2002'';
       (14) in the first sentence of section 1477 (7 U.S.C. 3324), 
     by striking ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''; and
       (15) in section 1483(a) (7 U.S.C. 3336(a)), by striking 
     ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''.
       (b) Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 
     1990.--The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 
     1990 is amended--
       (1) in section 1635(b) (7 U.S.C. 5844(b)), by striking 
     ``1997'' and inserting ``2002'';
       (2) in section 1673(h) (7 U.S.C. 5926(h)), by striking 
     ``1997'' and inserting ``2002'';
       (3) in section 1676(e) (7 U.S.C. 5929(e)), by striking 
     ``fiscal year 1997'' and inserting ``each of fiscal years 
     1997 through 2002'';
       (4) in section 2381(e) (7 U.S.C. 3125b(e)), by striking 
     ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''; and
       (5) in section 2412 (7 U.S.C. 6710), by striking ``1997'' 
     and inserting ``2002''.
       (c) Critical Agricultural Materials Act.--Section 16(a) of 
     the Critical Agricultural Materials Act (7 U.S.C. 178n(a)) is 
     amended by striking ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''.
       (d) Research Facilities Act.--Section 6(a) of the Research 
     Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390d(a)) is amended by striking 
     ``fiscal years 1996 and 1997'' and inserting ``each of fiscal 
     years 1996 through 2002''.
       (e) National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act Amendments of 1985.--Section 1431 of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act 
     Amendments of 1985 (99 Stat. 1566) is amended by striking 
     ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''.
       (f) Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant 
     Act.--Subsection (b)(10) of the Competitive, Special, and 
     Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(10)) is 
     amended by striking ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''.
       (g) National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act Amendments of 1981.--Section 1432(b)(5) of the 
     National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act Amendments of 1981 (Public Law 97-98; 7 U.S.C. 
     3222 note) is amended by striking ``1997'' and inserting 
     ``2002''.
       (h) Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994.--
     Sections 533(b) and 535 of the Equity in Educational Land-
     Grant Status Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-382; 7 U.S.C. 301 
     note) are amended by striking ``2000'' each place it appears 
     and inserting ``2002''.
       (i) Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978.--Section 6 
     of the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 
     1675) is amended in the first sentence by striking ``the 
     fiscal year ending September 30, 1988,'' and all that follows 
     through the period at the end and inserting ``each of fiscal 
     years 1987 through 2002.''.

     SEC. 402. REPEAL OF AUTHORITIES.

       (a) National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977.--Sections 1424A and 1476 of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3174a, 3323) are repealed.
       (b) Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 
     1990.--Subtitle G of title XIV and sections 1670 and 1675 of 
     the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 
     U.S.C. 5501 et seq., 5923, 5928) are repealed.
       (c) Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 
     1996.--Subtitle E of title VIII of the Federal Agriculture 
     Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (110 Stat. 1184) is 
     repealed.

     SEC. 403. SHORT TITLES FOR SMITH-LEVER ACT AND HATCH ACT OF 
                   1887.

       (a) Smith-Lever Act.--The Act of May 8, 1914 (commonly 
     known as the ``Smith-Lever Act'') (38 Stat. 372, chapter 79; 
     7 U.S.C. 341 et seq.), is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 11. SHORT TITLE.

       ``This Act may be cited as the `Smith-Lever Act'.''.
       (b) Hatch Act of 1887.--The Act of March 2, 1887 (commonly 
     known as the ``Hatch Act of 1887'') (24 Stat. 440, chapter 
     314; 7 U.S.C. 361a et seq.), is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

     ``SEC. 10. SHORT TITLE.

       ``This Act may be cited as the `Hatch Act of 1887'.''.

     SEC. 404. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO RESEARCH PROVISIONS OF 
                   FEDERAL AGRICULTURE IMPROVEMENT AND REFORM ACT 
                   OF 1996.

       (a) Supplemental and Alternative Crops Research.--Section 
     819(b)(5) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform 
     Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-127; 110 Stat. 1167) is amended 
     by striking ``paragraph (3)'' and inserting ``subsection 
     (c)(3)''.
       (b) Joint Council on Food and Agricultural Sciences.--
     Section 1413(b) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3128(b)) 
     is amended by striking ``Joint Council, the Advisory Board,'' 
     and inserting ``Advisory Board''.
       (c) Advisory Board.--
       (1) Support for advisory board.--Section 1412 of the 
     National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3127) is amended--
       (A) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking ``their 
     duties'' each place it appears and inserting ``its duties''; 
     and
       (B) in subsection (c), by striking ``their 
     recommendations'' and inserting ``its recommendations''.
       (2) General provisions.--Section 1413(a) of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3128(a)) is amended by striking ``their 
     powers'' and inserting ``its duties''.
       (d) Plant and Animal Pest and Disease Control Program.--
     Section 1629(g) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5832(g)) is amended by striking 
     ``section 1650,''.
       (e) Grants To Upgrade 1890 Land-Grant College Extension 
     Facilities.--Section 873 of the Federal Agriculture 
     Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-127; 110 
     Stat. 1175) is amended by striking ``1981'' and inserting 
     ``1985''.
       (f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     take effect on April 4, 1996.
                 TITLE V--AGRICULTURAL PROGRAM SAVINGS

     SEC. 501. NUTRITION PROGRAMS.

       (a) Food Stamps.--Section 16 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 
     (7 U.S.C. 2025) is amended--
       (1) in the first sentence of subsection (a), by striking 
     ``The Secretary'' and inserting ``Subject to subsection (k), 
     the Secretary''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(k) Reductions in Payments for Administrative Costs.--
       ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) AFDC program.--The term `AFDC program' means the 
     program of aid to families with dependent children 
     established under part A of title IV of the Social Security 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq. (as in effect, with respect to a 
     State, during the base period for that State)).
       ``(B) Base period.--The term `base period' means the period 
     used to determine the amount of the State family assistance 
     grant for a State under section 403 of the Social Security 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 603).
       ``(C) Medicaid program.--The term `medicaid program' means 
     the program of medical assistance under a State plan or under 
     a waiver of the plan under title XIX of the Social Security 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).
       ``(2) Determinations of amounts attributable to benefiting 
     programs.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the 
     States, shall, with respect to the base period for each 
     State, determine--
       ``(A) the annualized amount the State received under 
     section 403(a)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
     603(a)(3) (as in effect during the base period)) for 
     administrative costs common to determining the eligibility of 
     individuals, families, and households eligible or applying 
     for the AFDC program and the food stamp program, the AFDC 
     program and the medicaid program, and the AFDC

[[Page S11388]]

     program, the food stamp program, and the medicaid program 
     that were allocated to the AFDC program; and
       ``(B) the annualized amount the State would have received 
     under section 403(a)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
     603(a)(3) (as so in effect)), section 1903(a)(7) of the 
     Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b(a)(7) (as so in 
     effect)), and subsection (a) of this section (as so in 
     effect), for administrative costs common to determining the 
     eligibility of individuals, families, and households eligible 
     or applying for the AFDC program and the food stamp program, 
     the AFDC program and the medicaid program, and the AFDC 
     program, the food stamp program, and the medicaid program, if 
     those costs had been allocated equally among such programs 
     for which the individual, family, or household was eligible 
     or applied for.
       ``(3) Reduction in payment.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of this section, effective for each of fiscal years 
     1998 through 2002, the Secretary shall reduce, for each 
     fiscal year, the amount paid under subsection (a) to each 
     State by an amount equal to the amount determined for the 
     food stamp program under paragraph (2)(B).
       ``(4) Determinations not subject to review.--The 
     determinations of the Secretary of Health and Human Services 
     under paragraph (2) shall be final and not subject to 
     administrative or judicial review.
       ``(5) Allocation of common administrative costs.--In 
     allocating administrative costs common to determining the 
     eligibility of individuals, families, and households eligible 
     or applying for 2 or more State-administered public benefit 
     programs, the head of a Federal agency may require States to 
     allocate the costs among the programs.''.
       (b) Meals for Children of Working Families.--
       (1) Grants for low-income areas.--Section 4 of the Child 
     Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773) is amended by adding 
     at the end the following:
       ``(f) Low-Income Area Grant Program.--
       ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Eligible school.--The term `eligible school' means a 
     school--
       ``(i) attended by children, a significant percentage of 
     whom are members of low-income families, as determined by the 
     Secretary; and
       ``(ii)(I) as used with respect to a school breakfast 
     program, that agrees to operate the school breakfast program 
     established or expanded with the assistance provided under 
     this subsection for a period of not less than 3 years; and
       ``(II) as used with respect to a summer food service 
     program for children, that agrees to operate the summer food 
     service program for children established or expanded with the 
     assistance provided under this subsection for a period of not 
     less than 3 years.
       ``(B) Service institution.--The term `service institution' 
     means an institution or organization described in paragraph 
     (1)(B) or (7) of section 13(a) of the National School Lunch 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 1761(a)).
       ``(C) Summer food service program for children.--The term 
     `summer food service program for children' means a program 
     authorized by section 13 of the National School Lunch Act (42 
     U.S.C. 1761).
       ``(2) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     program under this subsection to be known as the `Low-Income 
     Area Grant Program' (referred to in this subsection as the 
     `Program') to assist eligible schools and service 
     institutions through grants to initiate or expand programs 
     under the school breakfast program and the summer food 
     service program for children.
       ``(3) Payments.--
       ``(A) Appropriation.--Out of any moneys in the Treasury not 
     otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall 
     provide to the Secretary $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1998 and 
     each fiscal year thereafter.
       ``(B) Entitlement to funds.--The Secretary shall be 
     entitled to receive the funds made available under 
     subparagraph (A) and shall accept the funds.
       ``(C) Use of funds.--The Secretary shall use the funds made 
     available under subparagraph (A) to make payments under the 
     Program--
       ``(i) in the case of the school breakfast program, to 
     school food authorities for eligible schools; and
       ``(ii) in the case of the summer food service program for 
     children, to service institutions.
       ``(D) Insufficient number of applicants.--The Secretary may 
     expend less than the amount described in subparagraph (A) for 
     a fiscal year to the extent that there is an insufficient 
     number of suitable applicants to initiate or expand programs 
     under this subsection for the fiscal year.
       ``(4) Priority.--The Secretary shall make payments under 
     the Program on a competitive basis and in the following order 
     of priority (subject to the other provisions of this 
     subsection) to:
       ``(A) School food authorities for eligible schools to 
     assist the schools with nonrecurring expenses incurred in--
       ``(i) initiating a school breakfast program under this 
     section; or
       ``(ii) expanding a school breakfast program.
       ``(B) Service institutions to assist the institutions with 
     nonrecurring expenses incurred in--
       ``(i) initiating a summer food service program for 
     children; or
       ``(ii) expanding a summer food service program for 
     children.
       ``(5) Payments additional.--Payments under the Program 
     shall be in addition to payments under subsection (b) of this 
     section and section 13 of the National School Lunch Act (42 
     U.S.C. 1761).
       ``(6) Preferences.--Consistent with paragraph (4), in 
     making payments under the Program for any fiscal year to 
     initiate or expand school breakfast programs or summer food 
     service programs for children, the Secretary shall provide a 
     preference to a school food authority for an eligible school 
     or service institution that--
       ``(A) in the case of a summer food service program for 
     children, is a public or private nonprofit school food 
     authority;
       ``(B) has significant public or private resources that will 
     be used to carry out the initiation or expansion of the 
     programs during the year;
       ``(C) serves an unmet need among low-income children, as 
     determined by the Secretary; or
       ``(D) is not operating a school breakfast program or summer 
     food service program for children, as appropriate.
       ``(7) Recovery and reallocation.--The Secretary shall act 
     in a timely manner to recover and reallocate to other school 
     food authorities for eligible schools or service institutions 
     any amounts under the Program that are not expended within a 
     reasonable period (as determined by the Secretary).
       ``(8) Maintenance of effort.--Expenditures of funds from 
     State, local, and private sources for the maintenance of the 
     school breakfast program and the summer food service program 
     for children shall not be diminished as a result of payments 
     received under the Program.''.
       (2) Meals and supplements.--Section 13(b)(2) of the 
     National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1761(b)(2)) is amended--
       (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses 
     (i) and (ii), respectively;
       (B) by striking ``(2) Any service'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(2) Meals and supplements.--
       ``(A) In general.--Any service'';
       (C) by striking ``3 meals, or 2 meals and 1 supplement,'' 
     and inserting ``4 meals''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) Camps and migrant programs.--A camp or migrant 
     program may serve a breakfast, a lunch, a supper, and meal 
     supplements.''.
       (3) Number of meals and supplements.--Section 17(f)(2) of 
     the National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1766(f)(2)) is 
     amended by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(B) Number of meals and supplements.--
       ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), no 
     reimbursement may be made to any institution under this 
     paragraph, or to a family or group day care home sponsoring 
     organization under paragraph (3), for more than 2 meals and 1 
     supplement per day per child.
       ``(ii) Child care.--A reimbursement may be made to an 
     institution under this paragraph (but not a family or group 
     day care home sponsoring organization) for 2 meals and 2 
     supplements, or 3 meals and 1 supplement, per day per child 
     for children that are maintained in a child care setting for 
     8 or more hours per day.''.
       (4) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraphs (2) 
     and (3) take effect on September 1, 1998.
       (c) Information Clearinghouse.--Section 26(d) of the 
     National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769g(d)) is amended in 
     the first sentence by striking ``$150,000'' and all that 
     follows through ``1998'' and inserting ``$150,000 for fiscal 
     year 1997, and $185,000 for each of fiscal years 1998 through 
     2002''.
       (d) Food Stamp Eligibility for Certain Indians.--
       (1) Exception for certain indians.--Section 402(a)(2)(G) of 
     the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity 
     Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)(G)) is 
     amended--
       (A) in the subparagraph heading, by striking ``SSI 
     exception'' and inserting ``Exception''; and
       (B) by striking ``program defined in paragraph (3)(A) 
     (relating to the supplemental security income program)'' and 
     inserting ``specified Federal programs described in paragraph 
     (3)''.
       (2) Benefits for certain indians.--Section 403(d) of the 
     Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation 
     Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1613(d)) is amended--
       (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``SSI and 
     Medicaid''; and
       (B) by striking ``(a)(3)(A)'' and inserting ``(a)(3)''.

     SEC. 502. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FUNDING.

       (a) In General.--Section 4(g) of the Commodity Credit 
     Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714b(g)) is amended in the 
     first sentence by striking ``$275,000,000'' and inserting 
     ``$193,000,000''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     takes effect on October 1, 1997.

                          ____________________