[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 45 (Wednesday, April 22, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H2171-H2205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONFERENCE REPORT ON S. 1150, AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
                      EDUCATION REFORM ACT OF 1998

  Mr. SMITH of Oregon submitted the following conference report and 
statement on the Senate bill (S. 1150) to ensure that federally funded 
agricultural research, extension, and education address high-priority 
concerns with national or multistate significance, to reform, extend, 
and eliminate certain agricultural research programs, and for other 
purposes:

                  Conference Report (H. Rept. 105-492)

       The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the 
     two Houses on the amendment of the House to the bill (S. 
     1150), to ensure that federally funded agricultural research, 
     extension, and education address high-priority concerns with 
     national or multistate significance, to reform, extend, and 
     eliminate certain agricultural research programs, and for 
     other purposes, having met, after full and free conference, 
     have agreed to recommend and do recommend to their respective 
     Houses as follows:
       That the Senate recede from its disagreement to the 
     amendment of the House and agree to the same with an 
     amendment as follows:
       In lieu of the matter proposed to be inserted by the House 
     amendment, insert the following:

     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 1998''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Sec. 3. Short titles for Smith-Lever Act and Hatch Act of 1887.

 TITLE I--PRIORITIES, SCOPE, REVIEW, AND COORDINATION 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 agricultural research, extension, and 
              education funded by the Department.
Sec. 104. Research formula funds for 1862 Institutions.
Sec. 105. Extension formula funds for 1862 Institutions.
Sec. 106. Research facilities.

  TITLE II--REFORM OF EXISTING AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
                         EDUCATION AUTHORITIES

           Subtitle A--Smith-Lever Act and Hatch Act of 1887

Sec. 201. Cooperative agricultural extension work by 1862, 1890, and 
              1994 Institutions.
Sec. 202. Plans of work to address critical research and extension 
              issues and use of protocols to measure success of plans.
Sec. 203. Consistent matching funds requirements under Hatch Act of 
              1887 and Smith-Lever Act.
Sec. 204. Integration of research and extension.

  Subtitle B--Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act

Sec. 211. Competitive grants.
Sec. 212. Special grants.

  Subtitle C--National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
                           Policy Act of 1977

Sec. 221. Definitions regarding agricultural research, extension, and 
              education.
Sec. 222. Advisory Board.
Sec. 223. Grants and fellowships for food and agricultural sciences 
              education.
Sec. 224. Policy research centers.
Sec. 225. Plans of work for 1890 Institutions to address critical 
              research and extension issues and use of protocols to 
              measure success of plans.
Sec. 226. Matching funds requirement for research and extension 
              activities at 1890 Institutions.
Sec. 227. International research, extension, and teaching.
Sec. 228. United States-Mexico joint agricultural research.
Sec. 229. Competitive grants for international agricultural science and 
              education programs.
Sec. 230. General administrative costs.
Sec. 231. Expansion of authority to enter into cost-reimbursable 
              agreements.

   Subtitle D--Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990

Sec. 241. Agricultural Genome Initiative.
Sec. 242. High-priority research and extension initiatives.
Sec. 243. Nutrient management research and extension initiative.
Sec. 244. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative.
Sec. 245. Agricultural telecommunications program.
Sec. 246. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities.

                         Subtitle E--Other Laws

Sec. 251. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994.
Sec. 252. Fund for Rural America.
Sec. 253. Forest and rangeland renewable resources research.

TITLE III--EXTENSION OR REPEAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
                         EDUCATION AUTHORITIES

Sec. 301. Extensions.
Sec. 302. Repeals.

     TITLE IV--NEW AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION 
                              INITIATIVES

Sec. 401. Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems.
Sec. 402. Partnerships for high-value agricultural product quality 
              research.
Sec. 403. Precision agriculture.
Sec. 404. Biobased products.
Sec. 405. Thomas Jefferson Initiative for Crop Diversification.
Sec. 406. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive 
              grants program.
Sec. 407. Coordinated program of research, extension, and education to 
              improve viability of small and medium size dairy, 
              livestock, and poultry operations.
Sec. 408. Support for research regarding diseases of wheat and barley 
              caused by Fusarium graminearum.

               TITLE V--AGRICULTURAL PROGRAM ADJUSTMENTS

                     Subtitle A--Food Stamp Program

Sec. 501. Reductions in funding of employment and training programs.
Sec. 502. Reductions in payments for administrative costs.
Sec. 503. Extension of eligibility period for refugees and certain 
              other qualified aliens from 5 to 7 years.
Sec. 504. Food stamp eligibility for certain disabled aliens.
Sec. 505. Food stamp eligibility for certain Indians.
Sec. 506. Food stamp eligibility for certain elderly individuals.
Sec. 507. Food stamp eligibility for certain children.
Sec. 508. Food stamp eligibility for certain Hmong and Highland 
              Laotians.
Sec. 509. Conforming amendments.
Sec. 510. Effective dates.

               Subtitle B--Information Technology Funding

Sec. 521. Information technology funding.

                       Subtitle C--Crop Insurance

Sec. 531. Funding.

[[Page H2172]]

Sec. 532. Budgetary offsets.
Sec. 533. Procedures for responding to certain inquiries.
Sec. 534. Time period for responding to submission of new policies.
Sec. 535. Crop insurance study.
Sec. 536. Required terms and conditions of Standard Reinsurance 
              Agreements.
Sec. 537. Effective date.

                   TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

                    Subtitle A--Existing Authorities

Sec. 601. Retention and use of fees.
Sec. 602. Office of Energy Policy and New Uses.
Sec. 603. Kiwifruit research, promotion, and consumer information 
              program.
Sec. 604. Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database program.
Sec. 605. Honey research, promotion, and consumer information.
Sec. 606. Technical corrections.

                      Subtitle B--New Authorities

Sec. 611. Nutrient composition data.
Sec. 612. National Swine Research Center.
Sec. 613. Role of Secretary regarding food and agricultural sciences 
              research and extension.
Sec. 614. Office of Pest Management Policy.
Sec. 615. Food Safety Research Information Office and National 
              Conference.
Sec. 616. Safe food handling education.
Sec. 617. Reimbursement of expenses incurred under Sheep Promotion, 
              Research, and Information Act of 1994.
Sec. 618. Designation of Crisis Management Team within Department.
Sec. 619. Designation of Kika de la Garza Subtropical Agricultural 
              Research Center, Weslaco, Texas.

                          Subtitle C--Studies

Sec. 631. Evaluation and assessment of agricultural research, 
              extension, and education programs.
Sec. 632. Study of federally funded agricultural research, extension, 
              and education.

                     Subtitle D--Senses of Congress

Sec. 641. Sense of Congress regarding Agricultural Research Service 
              emphasis on field research regarding methyl bromide 
              alternatives.
Sec. 642. Sense of Congress regarding importance of school-based 
              agricultural education.

     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 
     1 of the 1994 Institutions (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)) (as amended by section 
     251(a)).
       (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) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Agriculture.

     SEC. 3. 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'.''.
 TITLE I--PRIORITIES, SCOPE, REVIEW, AND COORDINATION 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, multistate, or regional 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) Establishment.--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) Responsibilities of Secretary.--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 persons who conduct or use agricultural 
     research, extension, or education.
       (c) Responsibilities of 1862, 1890, and 1994 
     Institutions.--
       (1) Process.--Effective October 1, 1999, 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 input from persons who conduct or use 
     agricultural research, extension, or education concerning the 
     use of the funds.
       (2) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate 
     regulations that prescribe--
       (A) the requirements for an institution referred to in 
     paragraph (1) to comply with paragraph (1); and
       (B) the consequences for an institution of not complying 
     with paragraph (1), which may include the withholding or 
     redistribution of funds to which the institution may be 
     entitled until the institution complies with paragraph (1).
       (d) Management Principles.--To the maximum extent 
     practicable, the Secretary shall ensure that federally 
     supported and conducted agricultural research, extension, and 
     education activities are accomplished in a manner that--
       (1) integrates agricultural research, extension, and 
     education 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; and
       (3) achieves agricultural research, extension, and 
     education objectives through multi-institutional and 
     multifunctional approaches and by conducting research at 
     facilities and institutions best equipped to achieve those 
     objectives.

     SEC. 103. RELEVANCE AND MERIT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, 
                   EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION FUNDED BY THE 
                   DEPARTMENT.

       (a) Review of Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
     Extension Service.--
       (1) Peer review of research grants.--The Secretary shall 
     establish procedures that provide for scientific peer review 
     of each agricultural research grant administered, on a 
     competitive basis, by the Cooperative State Research, 
     Education, and Extension Service of the Department.
       (2) Merit review of extension and education grants.--
       (A) Establishment of procedures.--The Secretary shall 
     establish procedures that provide for merit review of each 
     agricultural extension or education grant administered, on a 
     competitive basis, by the Cooperative State Research, 
     Education, and Extension Service.
       (B) Consultation with advisory board.--The Secretary shall 
     consult with the Advisory Board in establishing the merit 
     review procedures.
       (b) Advisory Board Review.--On an annual basis, the 
     Advisory Board shall review--
       (1) the relevance to the priorities established under 
     section 102(a) of the funding of all agricultural research, 
     extension, or education activities conducted or funded by the 
     Department; and
       (2) the adequacy of the funding.
       (c) Requests for Proposals.--
       (1) Review results.--As soon as practicable after the 
     review is conducted under subsection (b) for a fiscal year, 
     the Secretary shall consider the results of the 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) Input.--In formulating a request for proposals 
     described in paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary 
     shall solicit and consider input from persons who conduct or 
     use agricultural research, extension, or education regarding 
     the prior year's request for proposals.
       (d) Scientific Peer Review of Agricultural Research.--
       (1) Peer review procedures.--The Secretary shall establish 
     procedures that ensure scientific peer review of all research 
     activities conducted by the Department.
       (2) Review panel required.--As part of the procedures 
     established under paragraph (1), a review panel shall verify, 
     at least once every 5 years, that each research activity of 
     the Department and research conducted under each research 
     program of the Department has scientific merit and relevance.
       (3) Mission area.--If the research activity or program to 
     be reviewed is included in the research, educational, and 
     economics mission area of the Department, the review panel 
     shall consider--
       (A) the scientific merit and relevance of the activity or 
     research in light of the priorities established pursuant to 
     section 102; and
       (B) the national or multistate significance of the activity 
     or research.
       (4) Composition of review panel.--
       (A) In general.--A review panel shall be composed of 
     individuals with scientific expertise, a majority of whom are 
     not employees of the agency whose research is being reviewed.
       (B) Scientists from colleges and universities.--To the 
     maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall use 
     scientists from colleges and universities to serve on the 
     review panels.
       (5) Submission of results.--The results of the panel 
     reviews shall be submitted to the Advisory Board.
       (e) Merit Review.--
       (1) 1862 and 1890 institutions.--Effective October 1, 1999, 
     to be eligible to obtain agricultural research or extension 
     funds from the Secretary for an activity, each 1862 
     Institution and 1890 Institution shall--

[[Page H2173]]

       (A) establish a process for merit review of the activity; 
     and
       (B) review the activity in accordance with the process.
       (2) 1994 institutions.--Effective October 1, 1999, to be 
     eligible 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.--The National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended--
       (A) in section 1444 (7 U.S.C. 3221)--
       (i) by striking subsection (f); and
       (ii) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (f);
       (B) in section 1445(g) (7 U.S.C. 3222(g)), by striking 
     paragraph (3); and
       (C) by striking section 1468 (7 U.S.C. 3314).

     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)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs 1, 2, 3, and 5 as 
     paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4), respectively; and
       (B) 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, or a college or 
     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'.''; 
     and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(h) Peer Review and Plan of Work.--
       ``(1) Peer review.--Research carried out under subsection 
     (c)(3) shall be subject to scientific peer review. The review 
     of a project conducted 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 1998.
       ``(2) Plan of work.--The State shall include in the plan of 
     work of the State required under section 7 a description of 
     the manner in which the State will meet the requirements of 
     subsection (c)(3).''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 3 of the Hatch Act of 
     1887 (7 U.S.C. 361c) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``subsection 
     3(c)(3)'' and inserting ``subsection (c)(3)''; and
       (2) in subsection (e), by striking ``subsection 3(c)3'' and 
     inserting ``subsection (c)(3)''.

     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 paid to 
     a State under subsections (b) and (c) during a fiscal year 
     shall be expended by 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) 1997 expenditures on multistate activities.--Of the 
     Federal formula funds that were paid to each State for fiscal 
     year 1997 under subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary of 
     Agriculture shall determine the percentage that the State 
     expended for multistate activities.
       ``(B) Required expenditures on multistate activities.--Of 
     the Federal formula funds that are paid to each State for 
     fiscal year 2000 and each subsequent fiscal year under 
     subsections (b) and (c), the State shall expend for the 
     fiscal year for multistate activities a percentage 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 expended for multistate 
     activities under subparagraph (B) by a State 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 required under section 4 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) Review required.--Effective October 1, 1999, 
     extension activity carried out under subsection (h) shall be 
     subject to merit review.
       ``(2) Other requirements.--An extension activity for which 
     merit review is conducted under paragraph (1) shall be 
     considered to have satisfied the requirements for review 
     under section 103(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, 
     and Education Reform Act of 1998.''.

     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.''.
  TITLE II--REFORM OF EXISTING AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
                         EDUCATION AUTHORITIES
           Subtitle A--Smith-Lever Act and Hatch Act of 1887

     SEC. 201. 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 1994 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. 202. PLANS OF WORK TO ADDRESS CRITICAL RESEARCH AND 
                   EXTENSION ISSUES AND USE OF PROTOCOLS TO 
                   MEASURE SUCCESS OF PLANS.

       (a) Smith-Lever Act.--Section 4 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 
     U.S.C. 344) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Sec. 4.'' and inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 4. ASCERTAINMENT OF ENTITLEMENT OF STATE TO FUNDS; 
                   TIME AND MANNER OF PAYMENT; STATE REPORTING 
                   REQUIREMENTS; PLANS OF WORK.

       ``(a) Ascertainment of Entitlement.--'';
       (2) in the last sentence, by striking ``Such sums'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(b) Time and Manner of Payment; Related Reports.--The 
     amount to which a State is entitled''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Requirements Related to Plan of Work.--Each extension 
     plan of work for a State required under subsection (a) shall 
     contain descriptions of the following:
       ``(1) The critical short-term, intermediate, and long-term 
     agricultural issues in the State and the current and planned 
     extension programs and projects targeted to address the 
     issues.
       ``(2) The process established to consult with extension 
     users regarding the identification of critical agricultural 
     issues in the State and the development of extension programs 
     and projects targeted to address the issues.
       ``(3) The efforts made to identify and collaborate with 
     other colleges and universities within the State, and within 
     other States, that have a unique capacity to address the 
     identified agricultural issues in the State and the extent of 
     current and emerging efforts (including regional efforts) to 
     work with those other institutions.
       ``(4) The manner in which research and extension, including 
     research and extension activities funded other than through 
     formula funds, will cooperate to address the critical issues 
     in the State, including the activities to be carried out 
     separately, the activities to be carried out sequentially, 
     and the activities to be carried out jointly.
       ``(5) The education and outreach programs already underway 
     to convey available research results that are pertinent to a 
     critical agricultural issue, including efforts to encourage 
     multicounty cooperation in the dissemination of research 
     results.
       ``(d) Extension Protocols.--
       ``(1) Development.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
     develop protocols to be used to evaluate the success of 
     multistate, multi-institutional, and multidisciplinary 
     extension activities and joint research and extension 
     activities in addressing critical agricultural issues 
     identified in the plans of work submitted under subsection 
     (a).
       ``(2) Consultation.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
     develop the protocols in consultation with the National 
     Agricultural Research,

[[Page H2174]]

     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) and land-grant colleges and universities.
       ``(e) Treatment of Plans of Work for Other Purposes.--To 
     the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider 
     a plan of work submitted under subsection (a) to satisfy 
     other appropriate Federal reporting requirements.''.
       (b) Hatch Act of 1887.--Section 7 of the Hatch Act of 1887 
     (7 U.S.C. 361g) (as amended by section 103(f)(2)) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``Sec. 7.'' and inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 7. DUTIES OF SECRETARY; ASCERTAINMENT OF ENTITLEMENT 
                   OF STATE TO FUNDS; PLANS OF WORK.

       ``(a) Duties of Secretary.--'';
       (2) by striking ``On or before'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(b) Ascertainment of Entitlement.--On or before'';
       (3) by striking ``Whenever it shall appear'' and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(c) Effect of Failure To Expend Full Allotment.--Whenever 
     it shall appear''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Plan of Work Required.--Before funds may be provided 
     to a State under this Act for any fiscal year, a plan of work 
     to be carried out under this Act shall be submitted by the 
     proper officials of the State and shall be approved by the 
     Secretary of Agriculture.
       ``(e) Requirements Related to Plan of Work.--Each plan of 
     work for a State required under subsection (d) shall contain 
     descriptions of the following:
       ``(1) The critical short-term, intermediate, and long-term 
     agricultural issues in the State and the current and planned 
     research programs and projects targeted to address the 
     issues.
       ``(2) The process established to consult with users of 
     agricultural research regarding the identification of 
     critical agricultural issues in the State and the development 
     of research programs and projects targeted to address the 
     issues.
       ``(3) The efforts made to identify and collaborate with 
     other colleges and universities within the State, and within 
     other States, that have a unique capacity to address the 
     identified agricultural issues in the State and the extent of 
     current and emerging efforts (including regional efforts) to 
     work with those other institutions.
       ``(4) The manner in which research and extension, including 
     research and extension activities funded other than through 
     formula funds, will cooperate to address the critical issues 
     in the State, including the activities to be carried out 
     separately, the activities to be carried out sequentially, 
     and the activities to be carried out jointly.
       ``(f) Research Protocols.--
       ``(1) Development.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
     develop protocols to be used to evaluate the success of 
     multistate, multi-institutional, and multidisciplinary 
     research activities and joint research and extension 
     activities in addressing critical agricultural issues 
     identified in the plans of work submitted under subsection 
     (d).
       ``(2) Consultation.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
     develop the protocols in consultation with 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) and land-grant colleges and 
     universities.
       ``(g) Treatment of Plans of Work for Other Purposes.--To 
     the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider 
     a plan of work submitted under subsection (d) to satisfy 
     other appropriate Federal reporting requirements.''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     take effect on October 1, 1999.

     SEC. 203. CONSISTENT MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENTS UNDER HATCH 
                   ACT OF 1887 AND SMITH-LEVER ACT.

       (a) Hatch Act of 1887.--Section 3 of the Hatch Act of 1887 
     (7 U.S.C. 361c) is amended by striking subsection (d) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(d) Matching Funds.--
       ``(1) Requirement.--No allotment shall be made to a State 
     under subsection (b) or (c), and no payments from the 
     allotment shall be made to a State, in excess of the amount 
     that the State makes available out of non-Federal funds for 
     agricultural research and for the establishment and 
     maintenance of facilities for the performance of the 
     research.
       ``(2) Failure to provide matching funds.--If a State fails 
     to comply with the requirement to provide matching funds for 
     a fiscal year under paragraph (1), the Secretary of 
     Agriculture shall withhold from payment to the State for that 
     fiscal year an amount equal to the difference between--
       ``(A) the amount that would be allotted and paid to the 
     State under subsections (b) and (c) (if the full amount of 
     matching funds were provided by the State); and
       ``(B) the amount of matching funds actually provided by the 
     State.
       ``(3) Reapportionment.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
     reapportion amounts withheld under paragraph (2) for a fiscal 
     year among the States satisfying the matching requirement for 
     that fiscal year.
       ``(B) Matching requirement.--Any reapportionment of funds 
     under this paragraph shall be subject to the matching 
     requirement specified in paragraph (1).''.
       (b) Smith-Lever Act.--Section 3 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 
     U.S.C. 343) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs 1 and 2 as paragraphs (1) 
     and (2), respectively; and
       (B) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``census: Provided, That payments'' and all that follows 
     through ``Provided further, That any'' and inserting 
     ``census. Any''; and
       (2) by striking subsections (e) and (f) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(e) Matching Funds.--
       ``(1) Requirement.--Except as provided in subsection (f), 
     no allotment shall be made to a State under subsection (b) or 
     (c), and no payments from the allotment shall be made to a 
     State, in excess of the amount that the State makes available 
     out of non-Federal funds for cooperative extension work.
       ``(2) Failure to provide matching funds.--If a State fails 
     to comply with the requirement to provide matching funds for 
     a fiscal year under paragraph (1), the Secretary of 
     Agriculture shall withhold from payment to the State for that 
     fiscal year an amount equal to the difference between--
       ``(A) the amount that would be allotted and paid to the 
     State under subsections (b) and (c) (if the full amount of 
     matching funds were provided by the State); and
       ``(B) the amount of matching funds actually provided by the 
     State.
       ``(3) Reapportionment.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
     reapportion amounts withheld under paragraph (2) for a fiscal 
     year among the States satisfying the matching requirement for 
     that fiscal year.
       ``(B) Matching requirement.--Any reapportionment of funds 
     under this paragraph shall be subject to the matching 
     requirement specified in paragraph (1).
       ``(f) Matching Funds Exception for 1994 Institutions.--
     There shall be no matching requirement for funds made 
     available to a 1994 Institution pursuant to subsection 
     (b)(3).''.
       (c) Technical Corrections.--
       (1) Recognition of statehood of alaska and hawaii.--Section 
     1 of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361a) is amended in the 
     second sentence by striking ``Alaska, Hawaii,''.
       (2) Role of secretary of agriculture.--Section 3 of the 
     Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343) is amended--
       (A) in subsections (b)(1), (c), and (d), by striking 
     ``Federal Extension Service'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``Secretary of Agriculture''; and
       (B) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``through the Federal 
     Extension Service''.
       (3) References to regional research fund.--Section 5 of the 
     Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361e) is amended in the first 
     sentence by striking ``regional research fund authorized by 
     subsection 3(c)(3)'' and inserting ``Multistate Research 
     Fund, State Agricultural Experiment Stations''.

     SEC. 204. INTEGRATION OF RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.

       (a) In General.--Section 3 of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 
     U.S.C. 361c) (as amended by section 104(a)(2)) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(i) 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 paid under 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 expended for activities 
     that integrate cooperative research and extension (referred 
     to in this subsection as `integrated activities').
       ``(2) Applicable percentages.--
       ``(A) 1997 expenditures on multistate activities.--Of the 
     Federal formula funds that were paid to each State for fiscal 
     year 1997 under this Act and subsections (b) and (c) of 
     section 3 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343), the 
     Secretary of Agriculture shall determine the percentage that 
     the State expended for integrated activities.
       ``(B) Required expenditures on multistate activities.--Of 
     the Federal formula funds that are paid to each State for 
     fiscal year 2000 and each subsequent fiscal year under this 
     Act and subsections (b) and (c) of section 3 of the Smith-
     Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343), the State shall expend for the 
     fiscal year for integrated activities a percentage 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 of Agriculture 
     may reduce the minimum percentage required to be expended by 
     a State 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) Plan of work.--The State shall include in the plan of 
     work of the State required under section 7 of this Act or 
     section 4 of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 344), as 
     applicable, 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) Relationship to other requirements.--Federal formula 
     funds described in paragraph (1) that are used by a State for 
     a fiscal year for integrated activities in accordance with 
     paragraph (2)(B) may also be used to satisfy the multistate 
     activities requirements of subsection (c)(3) of this section 
     and section 3(h) of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343(h)) for 
     the same fiscal year.''.

[[Page H2175]]

       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 3 of the Smith-Lever Act 
     (7 U.S.C. 343) (as amended by section 105) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(j) Integration of Research and Extension.--Section 3(i) 
     of the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361c(i)) shall apply to 
     amounts made available to carry out this Act.''.
  Subtitle B--Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act

     SEC. 211. 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,'';
       (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``regional'' and 
     inserting ``multistate'';
       (3) 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''; and
       (4) in paragraph (8)(B)--
       (A) by striking ``the cost'' and inserting ``the cost of''; 
     and
       (B) by adding at the end the following: ``The Secretary may 
     waive all or part of the matching requirement under this 
     subparagraph in the case of a smaller college or university 
     (as described in section 793(c)(2)(C)(ii) of the Federal 
     Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 
     2204f(c)(2)(C)(ii))) if the equipment to be acquired costs 
     not more than $25,000 and has multiple uses within a single 
     research project or is usable in more than 1 research 
     project.''.

     SEC. 212. SPECIAL GRANTS.

       The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act 
     (7 U.S.C. 450i) is amended in subsection (c)--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by striking ``5 years'' and inserting ``3 years'';
       (B) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, extension, or 
     education activities'' after ``conducting research''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting ``, 
     extension, or education'' after ``agricultural research'';
       (ii) in clause (i), by inserting ``, extension, or 
     education'' after ``research''; and
       (iii) in clause (iv), by striking ``among States through 
     regional research'' and inserting ``, extension, or education 
     among States through regional''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Review requirements.--
       ``(A) Research activities.--The Secretary shall make a 
     grant under this subsection for a research activity only if 
     the activity has undergone scientific peer review arranged by 
     the grantee in accordance with regulations promulgated by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(B) Extension and education activities.--The Secretary 
     shall make a grant under this subsection for an extension or 
     education activity only if the activity has undergone merit 
     review arranged by the grantee in accordance with regulations 
     promulgated by the Secretary.
       ``(6) Reports.--
       ``(A) In general.--A recipient of a grant under this 
     subsection shall submit to the Secretary on an annual basis a 
     report describing the results of the research, extension, or 
     education activity and the merit of the results.
       ``(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.''.
  Subtitle C--National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
                           Policy Act of 1977

     SEC. 221. DEFINITIONS REGARDING AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, 
                   EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION.

       (a) Food and Agricultural Sciences.--Section 1404 of the 
     National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103) is amended by striking 
     paragraph (8) and inserting the following:
       ``(8) Food and agricultural sciences.--The term `food and 
     agricultural sciences' means basic, applied, and 
     developmental research, extension, and teaching activities in 
     food and fiber, agricultural, renewable natural resources, 
     forestry, and physical and social sciences, including 
     activities relating to the following:
       ``(A) Animal health, production, and well-being.
       ``(B) Plant health and production.
       ``(C) Animal and plant germ plasm collection and 
     preservation.
       ``(D) Aquaculture.
       ``(E) Food safety.
       ``(F) Soil and water conservation and improvement.
       ``(G) Forestry, horticulture, and range management.
       ``(H) Nutritional sciences and promotion.
       ``(I) Farm enhancement, including financial management, 
     input efficiency, and profitability.
       ``(J) Home economics.
       ``(K) Rural human ecology.
       ``(L) Youth development and agricultural education, 
     including 4-H clubs.
       ``(M) Expansion of domestic and international markets for 
     agricultural commodities and products, including agricultural 
     trade barrier identification and analysis.
       ``(N) Information management and technology transfer 
     related to agriculture.
       ``(O) Biotechnology related to agriculture.
       ``(P) The processing, distributing, marketing, and 
     utilization of food and agricultural products.''.
       (b) References to Teaching or Education.--Section 1404(14) 
     of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
     Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103(14)) is amended by 
     striking ``the term `teaching' means'' and inserting 
     ``Teaching and education.--The terms `teaching' and 
     `education' mean''.
       (c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1404 of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103) is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``title--'' and inserting ``title:'';
       (2) in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (5), (6), (7), (10) 
     through (13), (15), (16), and (17), by striking ``the term'' 
     each place it appears and inserting ``The term'';
       (3) in paragraph (4), by striking ``the terms'' and 
     inserting ``The terms'';
       (4) in paragraph (9), by striking ``the term'' the first 
     place it appears and inserting ``The term'';
       (5) by striking the semicolon at the end of paragraphs (1) 
     through (7) and (9) through (15) and inserting a period; and
       (6) in paragraph (16)(F), by striking ``; and'' and 
     inserting a period.

     SEC. 222. ADVISORY BOARD.

       (a) Representation on 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.''.
       (b) Consultation.--Section 1408(d) of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123(d)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``In'' and inserting the following:
       ``(1) Duties of advisory board.--In''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Duties of secretary.--To comply with a provision of 
     this title or any other law that requires the Secretary to 
     consult or cooperate with the Advisory Board or that 
     authorizes the Advisory Board to submit recommendations to 
     the Secretary, the Secretary shall--
       ``(A) solicit the written opinions and recommendations of 
     the Advisory Board; and
       ``(B) provide a written response to the Advisory Board 
     regarding the manner and extent to which the Secretary will 
     implement recommendations submitted by the Advisory Board.''.
       (c) Limitation on Expenses of Advisory Board.--Section 1408 
     of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
     Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following:
       ``(g) Annual Limitation on Advisory Board Expenses.--
       ``(1) Maximum amount.--Not more than $350,000 may be used 
     to cover the necessary expenses of the Advisory Board for 
     each fiscal year.
       ``(2) General limitation.--The expenses of the Advisory 
     Board shall not be counted toward any general limitation on 
     the expenses of advisory committees, panels, commissions, and 
     task forces of the Department of Agriculture contained in any 
     Act making appropriations for the Department of Agriculture, 
     whether enacted before, on, or after the date of enactment of 
     this paragraph, unless the appropriation Act specifically 
     refers to this subsection and specifically includes this 
     Advisory Board within the general limitation.''.

     SEC. 223. 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 under this section, 
     the Secretary may maintain a national food and agricultural 
     education information system that contains--
       ``(1) information on enrollment, degrees awarded, faculty, 
     and employment placement in the food and agricultural 
     sciences; and
       ``(2) such other similar information as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate.''.

     SEC. 224. 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''.

[[Page H2176]]

     SEC. 225. PLANS OF WORK FOR 1890 INSTITUTIONS TO ADDRESS 
                   CRITICAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION ISSUES AND USE 
                   OF PROTOCOLS TO MEASURE SUCCESS OF PLANS.

       (a) Extension at 1890 Institutions.--Section 1444(d) of the 
     National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221(d)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``(d)'' and inserting the following:
       ``(d) Ascertainment of Entitlement to Funds; Time and 
     Manner of Payment; State Reporting Requirements; Plans of 
     Work.--
       ``(1) Ascertainment of entitlement.--'';
       (2) in the last sentence, by striking ``Such sums'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(2) Time and manner of payment; related reports.--The 
     amount to which an eligible institution is entitled''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Requirements related to plan of work.--Each plan of 
     work for an eligible institution required under this section 
     shall contain descriptions of the following:
       ``(A) The critical short-term, intermediate, and long-term 
     agricultural issues in the State in which the eligible 
     institution is located and the current and planned extension 
     programs and projects targeted to address the issues.
       ``(B) The process established to consult with extension 
     users regarding the identification of critical agricultural 
     issues in the State and the development of extension programs 
     and projects targeted to address the issues.
       ``(C) The efforts made to identify and collaborate with 
     other colleges and universities within the State, and within 
     other States, that have a unique capacity to address the 
     identified agricultural issues in the State and the extent of 
     current and emerging efforts (including regional extension 
     efforts) to work with those other institutions.
       ``(D) The manner in which research and extension, including 
     research and extension activities funded other than through 
     formula funds, will cooperate to address the critical issues 
     in the State, including the activities to be carried out 
     separately, the activities to be carried out sequentially, 
     and the activities to be carried out jointly.
       ``(E) The education and outreach programs already underway 
     to convey currently available research results that are 
     pertinent to a critical agricultural issue, including efforts 
     to encourage multicounty cooperation in the dissemination of 
     research results.
       ``(4) Extension protocols.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall develop protocols to 
     be used to evaluate the success of multistate, multi-
     institutional, and multidisciplinary extension activities and 
     joint research and extension activities in addressing 
     critical agricultural issues identified in the plans of work 
     submitted under this section.
       ``(B) Consultation.--The Secretary shall develop the 
     protocols in consultation with the Advisory Board and land-
     grant colleges and universities.
       ``(5) Treatment of plans of work for other purposes.--To 
     the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider 
     a plan of work submitted under this section to satisfy other 
     appropriate Federal reporting requirements.''.
       (b) Agricultural Research At 1890 Institutions.--Section 
     1445(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
     Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222(c)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``(c)'' and inserting the following:
       ``(c) Program and Plans of Work.--
       ``(1) Initial comprehensive program of agricultural 
     research.--''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Plan of work required.--Before funds may be provided 
     to an eligible institution under this section for any fiscal 
     year, a plan of work to be carried out under this section 
     shall be submitted by the research director specified in 
     subsection (d) and shall be approved by the Secretary.
       ``(3) Requirements related to plan of work.--Each plan of 
     work required under paragraph (2) shall contain descriptions 
     of the following:
       ``(A) The critical short-term, intermediate, and long-term 
     agricultural issues in the State in which the 
     eligible institution is located and the current and 
     planned research programs and projects targeted to address 
     the issues.
       ``(B) The process established to consult with users of 
     agricultural research regarding the identification of 
     critical agricultural issues in the State and the development 
     of research programs and projects targeted to address the 
     issues.
       ``(C) Other colleges and universities within the State, and 
     within other States, that have a unique capacity to address 
     the identified agricultural issues in the State.
       ``(D) The current and emerging efforts to work with those 
     other institutions to build on each other's experience and 
     take advantage of each institution's unique capacities.
       ``(E) The manner in which research and extension, including 
     research and extension activities funded other than through 
     formula funds, will cooperate to address the critical issues 
     in the State, including the activities to be carried out 
     separately, the activities to be carried out sequentially, 
     and the activities to be carried out jointly.
       ``(4) Research protocols.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall develop protocols to 
     be used to evaluate the success of multistate, multi-
     institutional, and multidisciplinary research activities and 
     joint research and extension activities in addressing 
     critical agricultural issues identified in the plans of work 
     submitted under paragraph (2).
       ``(B) Consultation.--The Secretary shall develop the 
     protocols in consultation with the Advisory Board and land-
     grant colleges and universities.
       ``(5) Treatment of plans of work for other purposes.--To 
     the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider 
     a plan of work submitted under paragraph (2) to satisfy other 
     appropriate Federal reporting requirements.''.
       (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section 
     take effect on October 1, 1999.

     SEC. 226. MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT FOR RESEARCH AND 
                   EXTENSION ACTIVITIES AT 1890 INSTITUTIONS.

       (a) Imposition of Requirement.--Subtitle G of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 is amended by inserting after section 1448 (7 U.S.C. 
     3222c) the following:

     ``SEC. 1449. MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT FOR RESEARCH AND 
                   EXTENSION ACTIVITIES AT ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Eligible institution.--The term `eligible 
     institution' means a college eligible to receive funds under 
     the Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.) (commonly 
     known as the `Second Morrill Act'), including Tuskegee 
     University.
       ``(2) Formula funds.--The term `formula funds' means the 
     formula allocation funds distributed to eligible institutions 
     under sections 1444 and 1445.
       ``(b) Determination of Non-Federal Sources of Funds.--Not 
     later than September 30, 1999, each eligible institution 
     shall submit to the Secretary a report describing for fiscal 
     year 1999--
       ``(1) the sources of non-Federal funds made available by 
     the State to the eligible institution for agricultural 
     research, extension, and education to meet the requirements 
     of this section; and
       ``(2) the amount of such funds generally available from 
     each source.
       ``(c) Matching Formula.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of this subtitle, the distribution of formula funds 
     to an eligible institution shall be subject to the following 
     matching requirements:
       ``(1) For fiscal year 2000, the State shall provide 
     matching funds from non-Federal sources in an amount equal to 
     not less than 30 percent of the formula funds to be 
     distributed to the eligible institution.
       ``(2) For fiscal year 2001, the State shall provide 
     matching funds from non-Federal sources in an amount equal to 
     not less than 45 percent of the formula funds to be 
     distributed to the eligible institution.
       ``(3) For fiscal year 2002 and each fiscal year thereafter, 
     the State shall provide matching funds from non-Federal 
     sources in an amount equal to not less than 50 percent of the 
     formula funds to be distributed to the eligible institution.
       ``(d) Limited Waiver Authority.--
       ``(1) Fiscal year 2000.--Notwithstanding subsection (f), 
     the Secretary may waive the matching funds requirement under 
     subsection (c)(1) for fiscal year 2000 for an eligible 
     institution of a State if the Secretary determines that, 
     based on the report received under subsection (b), the State 
     will be unlikely to satisfy the matching requirement.
       ``(2) Future fiscal years.--The Secretary may not waive the 
     matching requirement under subsection (c) for any fiscal year 
     other than fiscal year 2000.
       ``(e) Use of Matching Funds.--Under terms and conditions 
     established by the Secretary, matching funds provided as 
     required by subsection (c) may be used by an eligible 
     institution for agricultural research, extension, and 
     education activities.
       ``(f) Redistribution of Funds.--
       ``(1) Redistribution required.--Federal funds that are not 
     matched by a State in accordance with subsection (c) for a 
     fiscal year shall be redistributed by the Secretary to 
     eligible institutions whose States have satisfied the 
     matching funds requirement for that fiscal year.
       ``(2) Administration.--Any redistribution of funds under 
     this subsection shall be subject to the applicable matching 
     requirement specified in subsection (c) and shall be made in 
     a manner consistent with sections 1444 and 1445, as 
     determined by the Secretary.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1445(g) of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222(g)) is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (2); and
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (2).
       (c) References to Tuskegee University.--The National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 is amended--
       (1) in section 1404 (7 U.S.C. 3103), by striking ``the 
     Tuskegee Institute'' in paragraphs (10) and (16)(B) and 
     inserting ``Tuskegee University'';
       (2) in section 1444 (7 U.S.C. 3221)--
       (A) by striking the section heading and ``Sec. 1444.'' and 
     inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 1444. EXTENSION AT 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES, INCLUDING 
                   TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.'';

     and

       (B) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking ``Tuskegee 
     Institute'' each place it appears and inserting ``Tuskegee 
     University''; and
       (3) in section 1445 (7 U.S.C. 3222)--
       (A) by striking the section heading and ``Sec. 1445.'' and 
     inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 1445. AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AT 1890 LAND-GRANT 
                   COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.'';

     and
       (B) in subsections (a) and (b)(2)(B), by striking 
     ``Tuskegee Institute'' each place it appears and inserting 
     ``Tuskegee University''.

     SEC. 227. INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND TEACHING.

       (a) Inclusion of Teaching.--Section 1458 of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension,

[[Page H2177]]

     and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking 
     ``
       
     
     '' and inserting 
     ``
     , 
     
     ,  
     
     '';
       (2) in subsection (a)--
       (A) 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 activities that address'';
       (B) in paragraphs (2) and (6), by striking ``education'' 
     each place it appears and inserting ``teaching'';
       (C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``scientists and 
     experts'' and inserting ``science and education experts'';
       (D) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``teaching,'' after 
     ``development,'';
       (E) in paragraph (7), by striking ``research and extension 
     that is'' and inserting ``research, extension, and teaching 
     programs''; and
       (F) in paragraph (8), by striking ``research capabilities'' 
     and inserting ``research, extension, and teaching 
     capabilities''; and
       (3) in subsection (b), by striking ``counterpart agencies'' 
     and inserting ``counterpart research, extension, and teaching 
     agencies''.
       (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--
       ``(1) to coordinate international agricultural research 
     within the Federal Government; and
       ``(2) to more effectively link the activities of domestic 
     and international agricultural researchers, particularly 
     researchers of the Agricultural Research Service.''.
       (d) Full Payment of Funds Made Available for Certain 
     Binational Projects.--Section 1458 of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291) is amended by inserting after subsection 
     (d) (as added by subsection (c) of this section) the 
     following:
       ``(e) Full Payment of Funds Made Available for Certain 
     Binational Projects.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, the full amount of any funds appropriated or otherwise 
     made available to carry out cooperative projects under the 
     arrangement entered into between the Secretary and the 
     Government of Israel to support the Israel-United States 
     Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund shall 
     be paid directly to the Fund.''.
       (e) Subtitle Heading.--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 the subtitle heading and inserting the following:
    ``Subtitle I--International Research, Extension, and Teaching''.

     SEC. 228. UNITED STATES-MEXICO JOINT AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH.

       Subtitle I of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended by 
     inserting after section 1458 (7 U.S.C. 3291) the following:

     ``SEC. 1459. UNITED STATES-MEXICO JOINT AGRICULTURAL 
                   RESEARCH.

       ``(a) Research and Development Program.--The Secretary may 
     provide for an agricultural research and development program 
     with the United States/Mexico Foundation for Science. The 
     program shall focus on binational problems facing 
     agricultural producers and consumers in the 2 countries, in 
     particular pressing problems in the areas of food safety, 
     plant and animal pest control, and the natural resources base 
     on which agriculture depends.
       ``(b) Administration.--Grants under the research and 
     development program shall be awarded competitively through 
     the Foundation.
       ``(c) Matching Requirements.--The provision of funds to the 
     Foundation by the United States Government shall be subject 
     to the condition that the Government of Mexico match, on at 
     least a dollar-for-dollar basis, any funds provided by the 
     United States Government.
       ``(d) Limitation on Use of Funds.--Funds provided under 
     this section may not be used for the planning, repair, 
     rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of a building or 
     facility.''.

     SEC. 229. COMPETITIVE GRANTS FOR INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL 
                   SCIENCE AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

       Subtitle I of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291 et 
     seq.) is amended by inserting after section 1459 (as added by 
     section 228) the following:

     ``SEC. 1459A. COMPETITIVE GRANTS FOR INTERNATIONAL 
                   AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

       ``(a) Competitive Grants Authorized.--The Secretary may 
     make competitive grants to colleges and universities in order 
     to strengthen United States economic competitiveness and to 
     promote international market development.
       ``(b) Purpose of Grants.--Grants under this section shall 
     be directed to agricultural research, extension, and teaching 
     activities that will--
       ``(1) enhance the international content of the curricula in 
     colleges and universities so as to ensure that United States 
     students acquire an understanding of the international 
     dimensions and trade implications of their studies;
       ``(2) ensure that United States scientists, extension 
     agents, and educators involved in agricultural research and 
     development activities outside of the United States have the 
     opportunity to convey the implications of their activities 
     and findings to their peers and students in the United States 
     and to the users of agricultural research, extension, and 
     teaching;
       ``(3) enhance the capabilities of colleges and universities 
     to do collaborative research with other countries, in 
     cooperation with other Federal agencies, on issues relevant 
     to United States agricultural competitiveness;
       ``(4) enhance the capabilities of colleges and universities 
     to provide cooperative extension education to promote the 
     application of new technology developed in foreign countries 
     to United States agriculture; and
       ``(5) enhance the capability of United States colleges and 
     universities, in cooperation with other Federal agencies, to 
     provide leadership and educational programs that will assist 
     United States natural resources and food production, 
     processing, and distribution businesses and industries to 
     compete internationally, including product market 
     identification, international policies limiting or enhancing 
     market production, development of new or enhancement of 
     existing markets, and production efficiencies.
       ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to 
     carry out this section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 
     2002.''.

     SEC. 230. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.

       (a) Limitation on Charging Indirect Costs.--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. 1462. LIMITATION ON INDIRECT COSTS FOR AGRICULTURAL 
                   RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION PROGRAMS.

       ``Except as otherwise provided in law, indirect costs 
     charged against a competitive agricultural research, 
     education, or extension grant awarded under this Act or any 
     other Act pursuant to authority delegated to the Under 
     Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and 
     Economics shall not exceed 19 percent of the total Federal 
     funds provided under the grant award, as determined by the 
     Secretary.''.
       (b) Limitation on Department 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 Act 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.
       ``(c) Peer Panel Expenses.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of law regarding a competitive research, education, 
     or extension grant program of the Department of Agriculture, 
     the Secretary may use grant program funds, as necessary, to 
     supplement funds otherwise available for program 
     administration, to pay for the costs associated with peer 
     review of grant proposals under the program.
       ``(d) Definition of In-Kind Support.--In any law relating 
     to agricultural research, education, or extension activities 
     administered by the Secretary, the term `in-kind support', 
     with regard to a requirement that the recipient of funds 
     provided by the Secretary match all or part of the amount of 
     the funds, means contributions such as office space, 
     equipment, and staff support.''.

     SEC. 231. 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''.

[[Page H2178]]

   Subtitle D--Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990

     SEC. 241. AGRICULTURAL GENOME INITIATIVE.

       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. AGRICULTURAL GENOME INITIATIVE.

       ``(a) Goals.--The goals 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 genomics of 
     agriculturally important species;
       ``(2) to focus on the species that will yield 
     scientifically important results that will enhance the 
     usefulness of many agriculturally important 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 agriculturally important 
     species;
       ``(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 encourage Federal Government participants to 
     maximize the utility of public and private partnerships for 
     agricultural genome research;
       ``(6) 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
       ``(7) to encourage international partnerships with each 
     partner country responsible for financing its own strategy 
     for agricultural genome research.
       ``(b) Duties of Secretary.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
     (referred to in this section as the `Secretary') shall 
     conduct a research initiative (to be known as the 
     `Agricultural Genome Initiative') for the purpose of--
       ``(1) studying and mapping agriculturally significant genes 
     to achieve sustainable and secure agricultural production;
       ``(2) ensuring that current gaps in existing agricultural 
     genetics knowledge are filled;
       ``(3) identifying and developing a functional understanding 
     of genes responsible for economically important traits in 
     agriculturally important species, including emerging plant 
     and animal diseases causing economic hardship;
       ``(4) ensuring future genetic improvement of agriculturally 
     important species;
       ``(5) supporting preservation of diverse germplasm;
       ``(6) ensuring preservation of biodiversity to maintain 
     access to genes that may be of importance in the future; and
       ``(7) otherwise carrying out this section.
       ``(c) Grants and Cooperative Agreements.--
       ``(1) Authority.--The Secretary may make grants or enter 
     into 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 or cooperative agreement 
     under this subsection shall be made or entered into on a 
     competitive basis.
       ``(d) Administration.--Paragraphs (1), (6), (7), and (11) 
     of subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities 
     Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) shall apply with respect 
     to the making of a grant or cooperative agreement under this 
     section.
       ``(e) Matching of Funds.--
       ``(1) General requirement.--If a grant or cooperative 
     agreement under this section provides a particular benefit to 
     a specific agricultural commodity, the Secretary shall 
     require the recipient to provide funds or in-kind support to 
     match the amount of funds provided by the Secretary under the 
     grant or cooperative agreement.
       ``(2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching funds 
     requirement of paragraph (1) with respect to a research 
     project if the Secretary determines that--
       ``(A) the results of the project, while of particular 
     benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to 
     be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or
       ``(B) the project involves a minor commodity, the project 
     deals with scientifically important research, and the 
     recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds 
     requirement.
       ``(f) Consultation With 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 Agricultural Genome Initiative.''.

     SEC. 242. HIGH-PRIORITY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVES.

       Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925) is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``SEC. 1672. HIGH-PRIORITY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION 
                   INITIATIVES.

       ``(a) Competitive Specialized Research and Extension Grants 
     Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in 
     this section as the `Secretary') may make competitive grants 
     to support research and extension activities specified in 
     subsections (e), (f), and (g). The Secretary shall make the 
     grants in consultation with the National Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board.
       ``(b) Administration.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
     section, paragraphs (1), (6), (7), and (11) of subsection (b) 
     of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) shall apply with respect to the making of 
     grants under this section.
       ``(2) Use of task forces.--To facilitate the making of 
     research and extension grants under this section in the 
     research and extension areas specified in subsection (e), the 
     Secretary may appoint a task force for each such area to make 
     recommendations to the Secretary. The Secretary may not incur 
     costs in excess of $1,000 for any fiscal year in connection 
     with each task force established under this paragraph.
       ``(c) Matching Funds Required.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall require the 
     recipient of a grant under this section to provide funds or 
     in-kind support from non-Federal sources in an amount at 
     least equal to the amount provided by the Federal Government.
       ``(2) Waiver authority.--The Secretary may waive the 
     matching funds requirement specified in paragraph (1) with 
     respect to a research project if the Secretary determines 
     that--
       ``(A) the results of the project, while of particular 
     benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to 
     be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or
       ``(B) the project involves a minor commodity, the project 
     deals with scientifically important research, and the grant 
     recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds 
     requirement.
       ``(d) Partnerships Encouraged.--Following the completion of 
     a peer review process for grant proposals received under this 
     section, the Secretary may provide a priority to those grant 
     proposals, found in the peer review process to be 
     scientifically meritorious, that involve the cooperation of 
     multiple entities.
       ``(e) High-Priority Research and Extension Areas.--
       ``(1) Brown citrus aphid and citrus tristeza virus research 
     and extension.--Research and extension grants may be made 
     under this section for the purpose of--
       ``(A) developing methods to control or eradicate the brown 
     citrus aphid and the citrus tristeza virus from citrus crops 
     grown in the United States; or
       ``(B) adapting citrus crops grown in the United States to 
     the brown citrus aphid and the citrus tristeza virus.
       ``(2) Ethanol research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of carrying out or enhancing research on ethanol 
     derived from agricultural crops as an alternative fuel 
     source.
       ``(3) Aflatoxin research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of identifying and controlling aflatoxin in the food 
     and feed chains.
       ``(4) Mesquite research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of developing enhanced production methods and 
     commercial uses of mesquite.
       ``(5) Prickly pear research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of investigating enhanced genetic selection and 
     processing techniques of prickly pears.
       ``(6) Deer tick ecology research and extension.--Research 
     and extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of studying the population ecology of deer ticks and 
     other insects and pests that transmit Lyme disease.
       ``(7) Red meat safety research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of developing--
       ``(A) intervention strategies that reduce microbial 
     contamination on carcass surfaces;
       ``(B) microbiological mapping of carcass surfaces; and
       ``(C) model hazard analysis and critical control point 
     plans.
       ``(8) Grain sorghum ergot research and extension.--Research 
     and extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of developing techniques for the eradication of 
     sorghum ergot.
       ``(9) Peanut market enhancement research and extension.--
     Research and extension grants may be made under this section 
     for the purpose of evaluating the economics of applying 
     innovative technologies for peanut processing in a commercial 
     environment.
       ``(10) Dairy financial risk management research and 
     extension.--Research and extension grants may be made under 
     this section for the purpose of providing research, 
     development, or education materials, information, and 
     outreach programs regarding risk management strategies for 
     dairy producers and for dairy cooperatives and other 
     processors and marketers of milk.
       ``(11) Cotton research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of improving pest management, fiber quality 
     enhancement, economic assessment, textile production, and 
     optimized production systems for short staple cotton.
       ``(12) Methyl bromide research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of--
       ``(A) developing and evaluating chemical and nonchemical 
     alternatives, and use and emission reduction strategies, for 
     pre-planting and post-harvest uses of methyl bromide; and
       ``(B) transferring the results of the research for use by 
     agricultural producers.
       ``(13) Potato research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of developing and evaluating new strains of potatoes 
     that are resistant to blight and other diseases, as well as 
     insects. Emphasis may be placed on developing potato 
     varieties that lend themselves to innovative marketing 
     approaches.
       ``(14) Wood use research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of developing new uses for wood from underused tree 
     species as well as investigating methods of modifying

[[Page H2179]]

     wood and wood fibers to produce better building materials.
       ``(15) Low-bush blueberry research and extension.--Research 
     and extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of evaluating methods of propagating and developing 
     low-bush blueberry as a marketable crop.
       ``(16) Wetlands use research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of better use of wetlands in diverse ways to provide 
     various economic, agricultural, and environmental benefits.
       ``(17) Wild pampas grass control, management, and 
     eradication research and extension.--Research and extension 
     grants may be made under this section for the purpose of 
     control, management, and eradication of wild pampas grass.
       ``(18) Food safety, including pathogen detection and 
     limitation, research and extension.--Research and extension 
     grants may be made under this section for the purpose of 
     increasing food safety, including the identification of 
     advanced detection and processing methods to limit the 
     presence of pathogens (including hepatitis A and E. coli 
     0157:H7) in domestic and imported foods.
       ``(19) Financial risk management research and extension.--
     Research and extension grants may be made under this section 
     for the purpose of providing research, development, or 
     education materials, information, and outreach programs 
     regarding financial risk management strategies for 
     agricultural producers and for cooperatives and other 
     processors and marketers of any agricultural commodity.
       ``(20) Ornamental tropical fish research and extension.--
     Research and extension grants may be made under this section 
     for the purpose of meeting the needs of commercial producers 
     of ornamental tropical fish and aquatic plants for 
     improvements in the areas of fish reproduction, health, 
     nutrition, predator control, water use, water quality 
     control, and farming technology.
       ``(21) Sheep scrapie research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of investigating the genetic aspects of scrapie in 
     sheep.
       ``(22) Gypsy moth research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of developing biological control, management, and 
     eradication methods against nonnative insects, including 
     Lymantria dispar (commonly known as the `gypsy moth'), that 
     contribute to significant agricultural, economic, or 
     environmental harm.
       ``(23) Forestry research and extension.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section to develop 
     and distribute new, high-quality, science-based information 
     for the purpose of improving the long-term productivity of 
     forest resources and contributing to forest-based economic 
     development by addressing such issues as--
       ``(A) forest land use policies;
       ``(B) multiple-use forest management, including wildlife 
     habitat development, improved forest regeneration systems, 
     and timber supply; and
       ``(C) improved development, manufacturing, and marketing of 
     forest products.
       ``(24) Tomato spotted wilt virus research and extension.--
     Research and extension grants may be made under this section 
     for the purpose of control, management, and eradication of 
     tomato spotted wilt virus.
       ``(f) Imported Fire Ant Control, Management, and 
     Eradication.--
       ``(1) Task force.--The Secretary shall establish a task 
     force pursuant to subsection (b)(2) regarding the control, 
     management, and eradication of imported fire ants. The 
     Secretary shall solicit and evaluate grant proposals under 
     this subsection in consultation with the task force.
       ``(2) Initial grants.--
       ``(A) Request for proposals.--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.
       ``(B) Selection.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     publication of the request for proposals, the Secretary shall 
     evaluate the grant proposals submitted in response to the 
     request and may select meritorious research or demonstration 
     projects related to the control, management, and possible 
     eradication of imported fire ants to receive an initial grant 
     under this subsection.
       ``(3) Subsequent grants.--
       ``(A) Evaluation of initial grants.--If the Secretary 
     awards grants under paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary shall 
     evaluate all of the research or demonstration projects 
     conducted under the grants 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.
       ``(B) Selection.--On the basis of the evaluation under 
     subparagraph (A), the Secretary may select the projects that 
     the Secretary considers most promising for additional 
     research or demonstration related to preparation of a 
     national plan for the control, management, and possible 
     eradication of imported fire ants. The Secretary shall notify 
     the task force of the projects selected under this 
     subparagraph.
       ``(4) Selection and submission of national plan.--
       ``(A) Evaluation of subsequent grants.--If the Secretary 
     awards grants under paragraph (3)(B), the Secretary shall 
     evaluate all of the research or demonstration projects 
     conducted under the grants for 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.
       ``(B) Selection.--On the basis of the evaluation under 
     subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall select 1 project funded 
     under paragraph (3)(B), or a combination of those projects, 
     for award of a grant for final preparation of the national 
     plan.
       ``(C) Submission.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress 
     the final national plan prepared under subparagraph (B) for 
     the control, management, and possible eradication of imported 
     fire ants.
       ``(g) Formosan Termite Research and Eradication.--
       ``(1) Research program.--The Secretary may make competitive 
     research grants under this subsection 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.
       ``(2) Eradication program.--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.
       ``(3) Funding priority.--In allocating funds made available 
     to carry out paragraph (2), the Secretary shall provide a 
     higher priority for regions or locations with the highest 
     historical rates of infestation of Formosan termites.
       ``(4) Management coordination.--The program management of 
     research grants, cooperative agreements, and projects under 
     this subsection shall be conducted under existing authority 
     in coordination with the national formosan termite management 
     and research demonstration program conducted by the 
     Agricultural Research Service.
       ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to 
     carry out this section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 
     2002.''.

     SEC. 243. NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT RESEARCH AND EXTENSION 
                   INITIATIVE.

       The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 
     is amended by inserting after section 1672 (7 U.S.C. 5925) 
     the following:

     ``SEC. 1672A. NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT RESEARCH AND EXTENSION 
                   INITIATIVE.

       ``(a) Competitive Research and Extension Grants 
     Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in 
     this section as the `Secretary') may make competitive grants 
     to support research and extension activities specified in 
     subsection (e). The Secretary shall make the grants in 
     consultation with the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board.
       ``(b) Administration.--
       ``(1) In general.--Paragraphs (1), (6), (7), and (11) of 
     subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities 
     Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) shall apply with respect 
     to the making of grants under this section.
       ``(2) Use of task forces.--To facilitate the making of 
     research and extension grants under this section in the 
     research and extension areas specified in subsection (e), the 
     Secretary may appoint a task force for each such area to make 
     recommendations to the Secretary. The Secretary may not incur 
     costs in excess of $1,000 for any fiscal year in connection 
     with each task force established under this paragraph.
       ``(c) Matching Funds Required.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall require the 
     recipient of a grant under this section to provide funds or 
     in-kind support from non-Federal sources in an amount at 
     least equal to the amount provided by the Federal Government.
       ``(2) Waiver authority.--The Secretary may waive the 
     matching funds requirement specified in paragraph (1) with 
     respect to a research project if the Secretary determines 
     that--
       ``(A) the results of the project, while of particular 
     benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to 
     be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or
       ``(B) the project involves a minor commodity, the project 
     deals with scientifically important research, and the grant 
     recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds 
     requirement.
       ``(d) Partnerships Encouraged.--Following the completion of 
     a peer review process for grant proposals received under this 
     section, the Secretary may provide a priority to those grant 
     proposals, found in the peer review process to be 
     scientifically meritorious, that involve the cooperation of 
     multiple entities.
       ``(e) Nutrient Management Research and Extension Areas.--
       ``(1) Animal waste and odor management.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of--
       ``(A) identifying, evaluating, and demonstrating innovative 
     technologies for animal waste management and related air 
     quality management and odor control;
       ``(B) investigating the unique microbiology of specific 
     animal wastes, such as swine waste, to develop improved 
     methods to effectively manage air and water quality; and
       ``(C) conducting information workshops to disseminate the 
     results of the research.
       ``(2) Water quality and aquatic ecosystems.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of investigating the impact on aquatic food webs, 
     especially commercially important aquatic species and their 
     habitats, of microorganisms of the genus Pfiesteria and other 
     microorganisms that are a threat to human or animal health.
       ``(3) Rural and urban interface.--Research and extension 
     grants may be made under this section for the purpose of 
     identifying, evaluating, and demonstrating innovative 
     technologies to be used for animal waste management 
     (including odor control) in rural areas adjacent to

[[Page H2180]]

     urban or suburban areas in connection with waste management 
     activities undertaken in urban or suburban areas.
       ``(4) Animal feed.--Research and extension grants may be 
     made under this section for the purpose of maximizing 
     nutrition management for livestock, while limiting risks, 
     such as mineral bypass, associated with livestock feeding 
     practices.
       ``(5) Alternative uses of animal waste.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purpose of finding innovative methods and technologies for 
     economic use or disposal of animal waste.
       ``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to 
     carry out this section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 
     2002.''.

     SEC. 244. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION 
                   INITIATIVE.

       The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 
     is amended by inserting after section 1672A (as added by 
     section 243) the following:

     ``SEC. 1672B. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION 
                   INITIATIVE.

       ``(a) Competitive Specialized Research and Extension Grants 
     Authorized.--In consultation with the National Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board, 
     the Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this section as 
     the `Secretary') may make competitive grants to support 
     research and extension activities regarding organically grown 
     and processed agricultural commodities for the purposes of--
       ``(1) facilitating the development of organic agriculture 
     production and processing methods;
       ``(2) evaluating the potential economic benefits to 
     producers and processors who use organic methods; and
       ``(3) exploring international trade opportunities for 
     organically grown and processed agricultural commodities.
       ``(b) Grant Types and Process, Prohibition on 
     Construction.--Paragraphs (1), (6), (7), and (11) of 
     subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities 
     Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) shall apply with respect 
     to the making of grants under this section.
       ``(c) Matching Funds Required.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall require the 
     recipient of a grant under this section to provide funds or 
     in-kind support from non-Federal sources in an amount at 
     least equal to the amount provided by the Federal Government.
       ``(2) Waiver authority.--The Secretary may waive the 
     matching funds requirement specified in paragraph (1) with 
     respect to a research project if the Secretary determines 
     that--
       ``(A) the results of the project, while of particular 
     benefit to a specified agricultural commodity, are likely to 
     be applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or
       ``(B) the project involves a minor commodity, the project 
     deals with scientifically important research, and the grant 
     recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds 
     requirement.
       ``(d) Partnerships Encouraged.--Following the completion of 
     a peer review process for grant proposals received under this 
     section, the Secretary may provide a priority to those grant 
     proposals, found in the peer review process to be 
     scientifically meritorious, that involve the cooperation of 
     multiple entities.
       ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to 
     carry out this section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 
     2002.''.

     SEC. 245. 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.--Except as provided in subsection (d)(1), 
     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. 246. 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) by 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 1999 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 E--Other Laws

     SEC. 251. EQUITY IN EDUCATIONAL LAND-GRANT STATUS ACT OF 
                   1994.

       (a) Definition of 1994 Institutions.--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 1994 Institution--
       ``(A) is 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 regarding the quality of training offered; 
     or
       ``(B) is making progress toward the accreditation, as 
     determined by the nationally recognized accrediting agency or 
     association.''.
       (c) Research Grants.--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:

     ``SEC. 536. RESEARCH GRANTS.

       ``(a) Research Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of 
     Agriculture may make grants under this section, on the basis 
     of a competitive application process (and in accordance with 
     such regulations as the Secretary may promulgate), to a 1994 
     Institution to assist the Institution to conduct agricultural 
     research that addresses high priority concerns of tribal, 
     national, or multistate significance.
       ``(b) Requirements.--Grant applications submitted under 
     this section shall certify that the research to be conducted 
     will be performed under a cooperative agreement with at least 
     1 other land-grant college or university (exclusive of 
     another 1994 Institution).
       ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to 
     carry out this section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 
     2002. Amounts appropriated shall remain available until 
     expended.''.

     SEC. 252. 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 by striking 
     paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--On October 1, 1998, and each October 1 
     thereafter through October 1, 2002, out of any funds in the 
     Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the 
     Treasury shall transfer $60,000,000 to the Account.''.

     SEC. 253. FOREST AND RANGELAND RENEWABLE RESOURCES RESEARCH.

       (a) Findings.--Section 2 of the Forest and Rangeland 
     Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1641) is 
     amended by striking ``Sec. 2.'' and subsection (a) and 
     inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

       ``(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       ``(1) Forests and rangeland, and the resources of forests 
     and rangeland, are of strategic economic and ecological 
     importance to the United States, and the Federal Government 
     has an important and substantial role in ensuring the 
     continued health, productivity, and sustainability of the 
     forests and rangeland of the United States.
       ``(2) Over 75 percent of the productive commercial forest 
     land in the United States is privately owned, with some 60 
     percent owned by small nonindustrial private owners. These 
     10,000,000 nonindustrial private owners are critical to 
     providing both commodity and noncommodity values to the 
     citizens of the United States.
       ``(3) The National Forest System manages only 17 percent of 
     the commercial timberland of the United States, with over 
     half of the standing softwoods inventory located on that 
     land. Dramatic changes in Federal agency policy during the 
     early 1990's have significantly curtailed the management of 
     this vast timber resource, causing abrupt shifts in the 
     supply of timber from public to private ownership. As a 
     result of these shifts in supply, some 60 percent of total 
     wood production in the United States is now coming from 
     private forest land in the southern United States.
       ``(4) At the same time that pressures are building for the 
     removal of even more land from commercial production, the 
     Federal Government is significantly reducing its commitment 
     to productivity-related research regarding forests and 
     rangeland, which is critically needed by the private sector 
     for the sustained management of remaining available timber 
     and forage resources for the benefit of all species.
       ``(5) Uncertainty over the availability of the United 
     States timber supply, increasing regulatory burdens, and the 
     lack of Federal Government support for research is causing 
     domestic wood and paper producers to move outside the United 
     States to find reliable sources of wood supplies, which in 
     turn results in a worsening of the United States trade 
     balance, the loss of employment and infrastructure 
     investments, and an increased risk of infestations of exotic 
     pests and diseases from imported wood products.
       ``(6) Wood and paper producers in the United States are 
     being challenged not only by shifts in Federal Government 
     policy, but also by international competition from tropical 
     countries where growth rates of trees far exceed those in the 
     United States. Wood production per acre will need to 
     quadruple from 1996 levels for the United States forestry 
     sector to remain internationally competitive on an ever 
     decreasing forest land base.
       ``(7) Better and more frequent forest inventorying and 
     analysis is necessary to identify productivity-related 
     forestry research needs

[[Page H2181]]

     and to provide forest managers with the current data 
     necessary to make timely and effective management 
     decisions.''.
       (b) High Priority Forestry and Rangeland Research and 
     Education.--Section 3 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable 
     Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1642) is amended by 
     striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
       ``(d) High Priority Forestry and Rangeland Research and 
     Education.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may conduct, support, and 
     cooperate in forestry and rangeland research and education 
     that is of the highest priority to the United States and to 
     users of public and private forest land and rangeland in the 
     United States.
       ``(2) Priorities.--The research and education priorities 
     include the following:
       ``(A) The biology of forest organisms and rangeland 
     organisms.
       ``(B) Functional characteristics and cost-effective 
     management of forest and rangeland ecosystems.
       ``(C) Interactions between humans and forests and 
     rangeland.
       ``(D) Wood and forage as a raw material.
       ``(E) International trade, competition, and cooperation.
       ``(3) Northeastern states research cooperative.--The 
     Secretary may cooperate with the northeastern States of New 
     Hampshire, New York, Maine, and Vermont, land-grant colleges 
     and universities of those States, natural resources and 
     forestry schools of those States, other Federal agencies, and 
     other interested persons in those States to coordinate and 
     improve ecological and economic research relating to 
     agricultural research, extension, and education, including--
       ``(A) research on ecosystem health, forest management, 
     product development, economics, and related fields;
       ``(B) research to assist those States and landowners in 
     those States to achieve sustainable forest management;
       ``(C) technology transfer to the wood products industry of 
     technologies that promote efficient processing, pollution 
     prevention, and energy conservation;
       ``(D) dissemination of existing and new information to 
     landowners, public and private resource managers, State 
     forest citizen advisory committees, and the general public 
     through professional associations, publications, and other 
     information clearinghouse activities; and
       ``(E) analysis of strategies for the protection of areas of 
     outstanding ecological significance or high biological 
     diversity, and strategies for the provision of important 
     recreational opportunities and traditional uses, including 
     strategies for areas identified through State land 
     conservation planning processes.''.
       (c) Forest Inventory and Analysis.--Section 3 of the Forest 
     and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 
     U.S.C. 1642) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Forest Inventory and Analysis.--
       ``(1) Program required.--In compliance with other 
     applicable provisions of law, the Secretary shall establish a 
     program to inventory and analyze, in a timely manner, public 
     and private forests and their resources in the United States.
       ``(2) Annual state inventory.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than the end of each full 
     fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this 
     subsection, the Secretary shall prepare for each State, in 
     cooperation with the State forester for the State, an 
     inventory of forests and their resources in the State.
       ``(B) Sample plots.--For purposes of preparing the 
     inventory for a State, the Secretary shall measure annually 
     20 percent of all sample plots that are included in the 
     inventory program for that State.
       ``(C) Compilation of inventory.--On completion of the 
     inventory for a year, the Secretary shall make available to 
     the public a compilation of all data collected for that year 
     from measurements of sample plots as well as any analysis 
     made of the samples.
       ``(3) 5-year reports.--Not more often than every 5 full 
     fiscal years after the date of enactment of this subsection, 
     the Secretary shall prepare, publish, and make available to 
     the public a report, prepared in cooperation with State 
     foresters, that--
       ``(A) contains a description of each State inventory of 
     forests and their resources, incorporating all sample plot 
     measurements conducted during the 5 years covered by the 
     report;
       ``(B) displays and analyzes on a nationwide basis the 
     results of the annual reports required by paragraph (2); and
       ``(C) contains an analysis of forest health conditions and 
     trends over the previous 2 decades, with an emphasis on such 
     conditions and trends during the period subsequent to the 
     immediately preceding report under this paragraph.
       ``(4) National standards and definitions.--To ensure 
     uniform and consistent data collection for all forest land 
     that is publicly or privately owned and for each State, the 
     Secretary shall develop, in consultation with State foresters 
     and Federal land management agencies not under the 
     jurisdiction of the Secretary, and publish national standards 
     and definitions to be applied in inventorying and analyzing 
     forests and their resources under this subsection. The 
     standards shall include a core set of variables to be 
     measured on all sample plots under paragraph (2) and a 
     standard set of tables to be included in the reports under 
     paragraph (3).
       ``(5) Protection for private property rights.--The 
     Secretary shall obtain authorization from property owners 
     prior to collecting data from sample plots located on private 
     property pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3).
       ``(6) Strategic plan.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall 
     prepare and submit to Congress a strategic plan to implement 
     and carry out this subsection, including the annual updates 
     required by paragraph (2) and the reports required by 
     paragraph (3), that shall describe in detail--
       ``(A) the financial resources required to implement and 
     carry out this subsection, including the identification of 
     any resources required in excess of the amounts provided for 
     forest inventorying and analysis in recent appropriations 
     Acts;
       ``(B) the personnel necessary to implement and carry out 
     this subsection, including any personnel in addition to 
     personnel currently performing inventorying and analysis 
     functions;
       ``(C) the organization and procedures necessary to 
     implement and carry out this subsection, including proposed 
     coordination with Federal land management agencies and State 
     foresters;
       ``(D) the schedules for annual sample plot measurements in 
     each State inventory required by paragraph (2) within the 
     first 5-year interval after the date of enactment of this 
     subsection;
       ``(E) the core set of variables to be measured in each 
     sample plot under paragraph (2) and the standard set of 
     tables to be used in each State and national report under 
     paragraph (3); and
       ``(F) the process for employing, in coordination with the 
     Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration, remote sensing, global 
     positioning systems, and other advanced technologies to carry 
     out this subsection, and the subsequent use of the 
     technologies.''.
       (d) Forestry and Rangeland Competitive Research Grants.--
     Section 5 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources 
     Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1644) is amended--
       (1) by striking the section heading and ``Sec. 5.'' and 
     inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 5. FORESTRY AND RANGELAND COMPETITIVE RESEARCH GRANTS.

       ``(a) Competitive Grant Authority.--''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Emphasis on Certain High Priority Forestry 
     Research.--The Secretary may use up to 5 percent of the 
     amounts made available for research under section 3 to make 
     competitive grants regarding forestry research in the high 
     priority research areas identified under section 3(d).
       ``(c) Emphasis on Certain High Priority Rangeland 
     Research.--The Secretary may use up to 5 percent of the 
     amounts made available for research under section 3 to make 
     competitive grants regarding rangeland research in the high 
     priority research areas identified under section 3(d).
       ``(d) Priorities.--In making grants under subsections (b) 
     and (c), the Secretary shall give priority to research 
     proposals under which--
       ``(1) the proposed research will be collaborative research 
     organized through a center of scientific excellence;
       ``(2) the applicant agrees to provide matching funds (in 
     the form of direct funding or in-kind support) in an amount 
     equal to not less than 50 percent of the grant amount; and
       ``(3) the proposed research will be conducted as part of an 
     existing private and public partnership or cooperative 
     research effort and involves several interested research 
     partners.''.
TITLE III--EXTENSION OR REPEAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
                         EDUCATION AUTHORITIES

     SEC. 301. EXTENSIONS.

       (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 223(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 1424A(d) (7 U.S.C. 3174a(d)), by striking 
     ``fiscal year 1997'' and inserting ``each of fiscal years 
     1997 through 2002'';
       (6) in section 1425(c)(3) (7 U.S.C. 3175(c)(3)), by 
     striking ``and 1997'' and inserting ``through 2002'';
       (7) in the first sentence of section 1433(a) (7 U.S.C. 
     3195(a)), by striking ``1997'' and inserting ``2002'';
       (8) in section 1434(a) (7 U.S.C. 3196(a)), by striking 
     ``1997'' and inserting ``2002'';
       (9) in section 1447(b) (7 U.S.C. 3222b(b)), by striking 
     ``and 1997'' and inserting ``through 2002'';
       (10) 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'';
       (11) in section 1455(c) (7 U.S.C. 3241(c)), by striking 
     ``fiscal year 1997'' and inserting ``each of fiscal years 
     1997 through 2002'';
       (12) in section 1463 (7 U.S.C. 3311), by striking ``1997'' 
     each place it appears in subsections (a) and (b) and 
     inserting ``2002'';
       (13) in section 1464 (7 U.S.C. 3312), by striking ``1997'' 
     and inserting ``2002'';
       (14) in section 1473D(a) (7 U.S.C. 3319d(a)), by striking 
     ``1997'' and inserting ``2002'';
       (15) in the first sentence of section 1477 (7 U.S.C. 3324), 
     by striking ``1997'' and inserting ``2002''; and
       (16) 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'';

[[Page H2182]]

       (2) in section 1673(h) (7 U.S.C. 5926(h)), by striking 
     ``1997'' and inserting ``2002'';
       (3) in section 2381(e) (7 U.S.C. 3125b(e)), 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 (Public Law 99-198; 99 Stat. 1556) 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) 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''.
       (h) 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.''.
       (i) National Aquaculture Act of 1980.--Section 10 of the 
     National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2809) is amended 
     by striking ``the fiscal years 1991, 1992, and 1993'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``fiscal years 1991 through 
     2002''.

     SEC. 302. REPEALS.

       (a) National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977.--Section 1476 of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3323) is repealed.
       (b) National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act Amendments of 1981.--Subsection (b) of section 
     1432 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
     Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1981 (Public Law 97-98; 7 
     U.S.C. 3222 note) is repealed.
         (c) 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.
       (d) Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 
     1996.--Subtitle E of title VIII of the Federal Agriculture 
     Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-127; 110 
     Stat. 1184) is repealed.
     TITLE IV--NEW AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION 
                              INITIATIVES

     SEC. 401. INITIATIVE FOR FUTURE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS.

       (a) Treasury Account.--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.--On October 1, 1998, and each October 1 
     thereafter through October 1, 2002, out of any funds in the 
     Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the 
     Treasury shall transfer $120,000,000 to the Account.
       (2) Entitlement.--The Secretary of Agriculture--
       (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 quality and natural resource management; 
     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.--In making grants under this 
     section, the Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory 
     Board, shall address priority mission areas related to--
       (A) agricultural genome;
       (B) food safety, food technology, and human nutrition;
       (C) new and alternative uses and production of agricultural 
     commodities and products;
       (D) agricultural biotechnology;
       (E) natural resource management, including precision 
     agriculture; and
       (F) farm efficiency and profitability, 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) Special Considerations.--
       (1) Smaller institutions.--The Secretary may award grants 
     under this section in a manner that ensures that the faculty 
     of small and mid-sized institutions that have not previously 
     been successful in obtaining competitive grants under 
     subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities 
     Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)) receive a portion of 
     the grants under this section.
       (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 persons who conduct or 
     use agricultural research, extension, or education in 
     accordance with section 102(b).
       (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.--The Secretary shall administer this 
     section through the Cooperative State Research, Education, 
     and Extension Service of the Department. 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 to the Secretary 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).

     SEC. 402. PARTNERSHIPS FOR HIGH-VALUE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT 
                   QUALITY RESEARCH.

       (a) Definition of Eligible Partnership.--In this section, 
     the term ``eligible partnership'' means a partnership 
     consisting of a land-grant college or university and other 
     entities specified in subsection (c)(1) that satisfies the 
     eligibility criteria specified in subsection (c).
       (b) Establishment of Partnerships by Grant.--The Secretary 
     of Agriculture may make competitive grants to an eligible 
     partnership to coordinate and manage research and extension 
     activities to enhance the quality of high-value agricultural 
     products.
       (c) Criteria for an Eligible Partnership.--
       (1) Primary institutions in partnership.--The primary 
     institution involved in an eligible partnership shall be a 
     land-grant college or university, acting in partnership with 
     other colleges or universities, nonprofit research and 
     development entities, and Federal laboratories.
       (2) Prioritization of research activities.--An eligible 
     partnership shall prioritize research and extension 
     activities in order to--
       (A) enhance the competitiveness of United States 
     agricultural products;
       (B) increase exports of such products; and
       (C) substitute such products for imported products.
       (3) Coordination.--An eligible partnership shall coordinate 
     among the entities comprising the partnership the activities 
     supported by the eligible partnership, including the 
     provision of mechanisms for sharing resources between 
     institutions and laboratories and the coordination of public 
     and private sector partners to maximize cost-effectiveness.
       (d) Types of Research and Extension Activities.--Research 
     or extension supported by an eligible partnership may address 
     the full spectrum of production, processing, packaging, 
     transportation, and marketing issues related to a high-value 
     agricultural product. Such issues include--
       (1) environmentally responsible--
       (A) pest management alternatives and biotechnology;
       (B) sustainable farming methods; and
       (C) soil conservation and enhanced resource management;
       (2) genetic research to develop improved agricultural-based 
     products;
       (3) refinement of field production practices and technology 
     to improve quality, yield, and production efficiencies;
       (4) processing and package technology to improve product 
     quality, stability, or flavor intensity;
       (5) marketing research regarding consumer perceptions and 
     preferences;
       (6) economic research, including industry characteristics, 
     growth, and competitive analysis; and
       (7) research to facilitate diversified, value-added 
     enterprises in rural areas.
       (e) Elements of Grant Making Process.--

[[Page H2183]]

       (1) Period of grant.--The Secretary may award a grant under 
     this section for a period not to exceed 5 years.
       (2) Preferences.--In making grants under this section, the 
     Secretary shall provide a preference to proposals that--
       (A) demonstrate linkages with--
       (i) agencies of the Department;
       (ii) other related Federal research laboratories and 
     agencies;
       (iii) colleges and universities; and
       (iv) private industry; and
       (B) guarantee matching funds in excess of the amounts 
     required by paragraph (3).
       (3) Matching funds.--An eligible partnership shall 
     contribute an amount of non-Federal funds for the operation 
     of the partnership that is at least equal to the amount of 
     grant funds received by the partnership under this section.
       (f) Limitation on Use of Grant Funds.--Funds provided under 
     this section may not be used for the planning, repair, 
     rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of a building or 
     facility.
       (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out 
     this section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.

     SEC. 403. 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, feed 
     stuffs, veterinary drugs and vaccines, 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 or State government entity or agency;
       (E) a national laboratory;
       (F) a private organization or corporation;
       (G) an agricultural producer or other land manager; or
       (H) a precision agriculture partnership referred to in 
     subsection (g).
       (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 and 
     livestock production systems;
       (B) gathering on-farm information pertaining to the 
     variation and interaction of site-specific spatial and 
     temporal factors affecting crop and livestock production;
       (C) integrating such information with appropriate data 
     derived from field scouting, remote sensing, and other 
     precision agriculture technologies in a timely manner in 
     order to facilitate on-farm decisionmaking; or
       (D) using such 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; or
       (D) machines that deliver information-based management 
     practices.
       (5) Systems research.--The term ``systems research'' means 
     an integrated, coordinated, and iterative investigative 
     process that involves--
       (A) the multiple interacting components and aspects of 
     precision agriculture systems, including synthesis of new 
     knowledge regarding the physical-chemical-biological 
     processes and complex interactions of the systems with 
     cropping, livestock production practices, and natural 
     resource systems;
       (B) precision agriculture technologies development and 
     implementation;
       (C) data and information collection and interpretation;
       (D) production scale planning;
       (E) production-scale implementation; and
       (F) farm production efficiencies, productivity, and 
     profitability.
     (b) Grants Authorized.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture may make 
     competitive grants, for periods not to exceed 5 years, to 
     eligible entities to conduct research, education, or 
     information dissemination projects for the development and 
     advancement of precision agriculture.
       (2) Private sector financing.--A grant under this section 
     shall be used to support only a project that the Secretary 
     determines is unlikely to be financed by the private sector.
       (3) Consultation with advisory board.--The Secretary shall 
     make grants under this section in consultation with the 
     Advisory Board.
     (c) Purposes of Projects.--A research, education, or 
     information dissemination project supported by a grant under 
     this section shall address 1 or more of the following 
     purposes:
       (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 (including 
     grazing land), pest management systems, and meteorological 
     variability.
       (3) The provision of training and educational programs for 
     State cooperative extension services agents, and other 
     professionals involved in the production and transfer of 
     integrated precision agriculture technology.
       (4) The development, demonstration, and dissemination of 
     information regarding precision agriculture technologies and 
     systems and the potential costs and benefits of precision 
     agriculture as it relates to--
       (A) increased long-term farm production efficiencies, 
     productivity, and profitability;
       (B) the maintenance of the environment;
       (C) improvements in international trade; and
       (D) an integrated program of education for agricultural 
     producers and consumers, including family owned and operated 
     farms.
       (5) 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.
       (6) 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 those farms.
     (d) Grant Priorities.--In making grants to eligible entities 
     under this section, the Secretary, in consultation with the 
     Advisory Board, shall give priority to research, education, 
     or information dissemination projects designed to accomplish 
     the following:
       (1) Evaluate the use of precision agriculture technologies 
     using a systems research approach to increase long-term site-
     specific and whole farm production efficiencies, 
     productivity, profitability.
       (2) Integrate research, education, and information 
     dissemination components in a practical and readily available 
     manner  so that the findings of the project will be made 
     readily usable by agricultural producers.
       (3) Demonstrate the efficient use of agricultural inputs, 
     rather than the uniform reduction in the use of agricultural 
     inputs.
       (4) Maximize the involvement and cooperation of precision 
     agriculture producers, certified crop advisers, State 
     cooperative extension services agents, agricultural input 
     machinery, product and service providers, nonprofit 
     organizations, agribusinesses, veterinarians, land-grant 
     colleges and universities, and Federal agencies in precision 
     agriculture systems research projects involving on-farm 
     research, education, and dissemination of precision 
     agriculture information.
       (5) Maximize collaboration with multiple agencies and other 
     partners, including through leveraging of funds and 
     resources.
       (e) Matching Funds.--The amount of a grant under this 
     section to an eligible entity (other than a Federal agency) 
     may not exceed the amount that the eligible entity makes 
     available out of non-Federal funds for precision agriculture 
     research and for the establishment and maintenance of 
     facilities necessary for conducting precision agriculture 
     research.
       (f) Reservation of Funds for Education and Information 
     Dissemination Projects.--Of the funds made available for 
     grants under this section, the Secretary shall reserve a 
     portion of the funds for grants for projects regarding 
     precision agriculture related to education or information 
     dissemination.
       (g) Precision Agriculture Partnerships.--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 
     between--
       (1) land-grant colleges and universities, State 
     agricultural experiment stations, State cooperative extension 
     services, other colleges and universities with demonstrable 
     expertise regarding precision agriculture, agencies of the 
     Department, national laboratories, agribusinesses, 
     agricultural equipment and input manufacturers and retailers, 
     certified crop advisers, commodity organizations, 
     veterinarians, other Federal or State government entities and 
     agencies, or nonagricultural industries and nonprofit 
     organizations with demonstrable expertise regarding precision 
     agriculture; and
       (2) agricultural producers or other land managers.
       (h) Limitation Regarding Facilities.--A grant made under 
     this section may not be used for the planning, repair, 
     rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of a building or 
     facility.
       (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for each 
     of fiscal years 1999 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; and
       (B) not less than 40 percent shall be available to make 
     grants for research to be conducted by eligible entities 
     conducting systems research directly applicable to producers 
     and agricultural production systems.
       (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. 404. BIOBASED PRODUCTS.

       (a) Definition of Biobased Product.--In this section, the 
     term ``biobased product'' means

[[Page H2184]]

     a product suitable for food or nonfood use that is derived in 
     whole or in part from renewable agricultural and forestry 
     materials.
       (b) Coordination of Biobased Product Activities.--The 
     Secretary of Agriculture 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) Cooperative Agreements for Biobased Products.--
       (1) Agreements authorized.--The Secretary may enter into 
     cooperative agreements with private entities described in 
     subsection (d), under which the facilities and technical 
     expertise of the Agricultural Research Service may be made 
     available to operate pilot plants and other large-scale 
     preparation facilities for the purpose of bringing 
     technologies necessary for the development and 
     commercialization of new biobased products to the point of 
     practical application.
       (2) Description of cooperative activities.--Cooperative 
     activities may include--
       (A) research on potential environmental impacts of a 
     biobased product;
       (B) methods to reduce the cost of manufacturing a biobased 
     product; and
       (C) other appropriate research.
       (d) Eligible Partners.--The following entities shall be 
     eligible to enter into a cooperative agreement under 
     subsection (c):
       (1) A party that has entered into a cooperative research 
     and development agreement with the Secretary under section 12 
     of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 
     U.S.C. 3710a).
       (2) 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).
       (3) A recipient of funding from the Biotechnology Research 
     and Development Corporation.
       (4) A recipient of funding from the Secretary under a Small 
     Business Innovation Research Program established under 
     section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638).
       (e) Pilot Project.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Agricultural Research Service, may establish and carry out a 
     pilot project under which grants are provided, on a 
     competitive basis, to scientists of the Agricultural Research 
     Service to--
       (1) encourage innovative and collaborative science; and
       (2) during each of fiscal years 1999 through 2001, develop 
     biobased products with promising commercial potential.
       (f) Source of Funds.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), to 
     carry out this section, the Secretary may use--
       (A) funds appropriated to carry out this section; and
       (B) funds otherwise available for cooperative research and 
     development agreements under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology 
     Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.).
       (2) Exception.--The Secretary may not use funds referred to 
     in paragraph (1)(B) to carry out subsection (e).
       (g) Sale of Developed Products.--For the purpose of 
     determining the market potential for new biobased products 
     produced at a pilot plant or other large-scale preparation 
     facility under a cooperative agreement under this section, 
     the Secretary shall authorize the private partner or partners 
     to the agreement to sell the products.
       (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out 
     this section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.

     SEC. 405. THOMAS JEFFERSON INITIATIVE FOR CROP 
                   DIVERSIFICATION.

       (a) Initiative Required.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
     shall provide for a research initiative (to be known as the 
     ``Thomas Jefferson Initiative for Crop Diversification'') for 
     the purpose of conducting research and development, in 
     cooperation with other public and private entities, on the 
     production and marketing of new and nontraditional crops 
     needed to strengthen and diversify the agricultural 
     production base of the United States.
       (b) Research and Education Efforts.--The initiative shall 
     include research and education efforts regarding new and 
     nontraditional crops designed--
       (1) to identify and overcome agronomic barriers to 
     profitable production;
       (2) to identify and overcome other production and marketing 
     barriers; and
       (3) to develop processing and utilization technologies for 
     new and nontraditional crops.
       (c) Purposes.--The purposes of the initiative are--
       (1) to develop a focused program of research and 
     development at the regional and national levels to overcome 
     barriers to the development of--
       (A) new crop opportunities for agricultural producers; and
       (B) related value-added enterprises in rural communities; 
     and
       (2) to ensure a broad-based effort encompassing research, 
     education, market development, and support of entrepreneurial 
     activity leading to increased agricultural diversification.
       (d) Establishment of Initiative.--The Secretary shall 
     coordinate the initiative through a nonprofit center or 
     institute that will coordinate research and education 
     programs in cooperation with other public and private 
     entities. The Secretary shall administer research and 
     education grants made under this section.
       (e) Regional Emphasis.--
       (1) Required.--The Secretary shall support development of 
     multistate regional efforts in crop diversification.
       (2) Site-specific crop development efforts.--Of funding 
     made available to carry out the initiative, not less than 50 
     percent shall be used for regional efforts centered at 
     colleges and universities in order to facilitate site-
     specific crop development efforts.
       (f) Eligible Grantee.--The Secretary may award funds under 
     this section to colleges or universities, nonprofit 
     organizations, public agencies, or individuals.
       (g) Administration.--
       (1) Grants and contracts.--Grants awarded through the 
     initiative shall be selected on a competitive basis.
       (2) Private businesses.--The recipient of a grant may use a 
     portion of the grant funds for standard contracts with 
     private businesses, such as for test processing of a new or 
     nontraditional crop.
       (3) Terms.--The term of a grant awarded through the 
     initiative may not exceed 5 years.
       (4) Matching funds.--The Secretary shall require the 
     recipient of a grant awarded through the initiative to 
     contribute an amount of funds from non-Federal sources that 
     is at least equal to the amount provided by the Federal 
     Government.
       (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out 
     this section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.

     SEC. 406. INTEGRATED RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION 
                   COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM.

       (a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section to 
     authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an 
     integrated research, education, and extension competitive 
     grant program to provide funding for integrated, 
     multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and 
     education activities.
       (b) Competitive Grants Authorized.--Subject to the 
     availability of appropriations to carry out this section, the 
     Secretary may award grants to 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)) on a competitive basis for integrated 
     agricultural research, education, and extension projects in 
     accordance with this section.
       (c) Criteria for Grants.--Grants under this section shall 
     be awarded to address priorities in United States 
     agriculture, determined by the Secretary in consultation with 
     the Advisory Board, that involve integrated research, 
     extension, and education activities.
       (d) Matching of Funds.--
       (1) General requirement.--If a grant under this section 
     provides a particular benefit to a specific agricultural 
     commodity, the Secretary shall require the recipient of the 
     grant to provide funds or in-kind support to match the amount 
     of funds provided by the Secretary in the grant.
       (2) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching funds 
     requirement specified in paragraph (1) with respect to a 
     grant if the Secretary determines that--
       (A) the results of the project, while of particular benefit 
     to a specific agricultural commodity, are likely to be 
     applicable to agricultural commodities generally; or
       (B) the project involves a minor commodity, the project 
     deals with scientifically important research, and the grant 
     recipient is unable to satisfy the matching funds 
     requirement.
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out 
     this section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.

     SEC. 407. COORDINATED PROGRAM OF RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
                   EDUCATION TO IMPROVE VIABILITY OF SMALL AND 
                   MEDIUM SIZE DAIRY, LIVESTOCK, AND POULTRY 
                   OPERATIONS.

       (a) Program Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture may 
     carry out a coordinated program of research, extension, and 
     education to improve the competitiveness, viability, and 
     sustainability of small and medium size dairy, livestock, and 
     poultry 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) in the case of dairy and livestock operations, research 
     and extension on management-intensive grazing systems for 
     dairy and livestock 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 
     or poultry 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, 
     meat, and poultry production and processing; and
       (5) technology assessment that compares the technological 
     resources of large specialized producers with the 
     technological needs of producers

[[Page H2185]]

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

       (a) Research Grant Authorized.--The Secretary of 
     Agriculture 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 1999 through 2002.
               TITLE V--AGRICULTURAL PROGRAM ADJUSTMENTS
                     Subtitle A--Food Stamp Program

     SEC. 501. REDUCTIONS IN FUNDING OF EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING 
                   PROGRAMS.

       Section 16(h)(1)(A) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
     2025(h)(1)(A)) is amended--
       (1) in clause (iv)(II), by striking ``$131,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``$31,000,000''; and
       (2) in clause (v)(II), by striking ``$131,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``$86,000,000''.

     SEC. 502. REDUCTIONS IN PAYMENTS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.

       (a) In General.--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.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this subsection, 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 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.--
       ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     this section, effective for each of fiscal years 1999 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). The Secretary shall, to the extent 
     practicable, make the reductions required by this paragraph 
     on a quarterly basis.
       ``(B) Application.--If the Secretary of Health and Human 
     Services does not make the determinations required by 
     paragraph (2) by September 30, 1999--
       ``(i) during the fiscal year in which the determinations 
     are made, the Secretary shall reduce the amount paid under 
     subsection (a) to each State by an amount equal to the sum of 
     the amounts determined for the food stamp program under 
     paragraph (2)(B) for fiscal year 1999 through the fiscal year 
     during which the determinations are made; and
       ``(ii) for each subsequent fiscal year through fiscal year 
     2002, subparagraph (A) applies.
       ``(4) Appeal of determinations.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 5 days after the date on 
     which the Secretary of Health and Human Services makes any 
     determination required by paragraph (2) with respect to a 
     State, the Secretary shall notify the chief executive officer 
     of the State of the determination.
       ``(B) Review by administrative law judge.--
       ``(i) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date on 
     which a State receives notice under subparagraph (A) of a 
     determination, the State may appeal the determination, in 
     whole or in part, to an administrative law judge of the 
     Department of Health and Human Services by filing an appeal 
     with the administrative law judge.
       ``(ii) Documentation.--The administrative law judge shall 
     consider an appeal filed by a State under clause (i) on the 
     basis of such documentation as the State may submit and as 
     the administrative law judge may require to support the final 
     decision of the administrative law judge.
       ``(iii) Review.--In deciding whether to uphold a 
     determination, in whole or in part, the administrative law 
     judge shall conduct a thorough review of the issues and 
     take into account all relevant evidence.
       ``(iv) Deadline.--Not later than 60 days after the date on 
     which the record is closed, the administrative law judge 
     shall--

       ``(I) make a final decision with respect to an appeal filed 
     under clause (i); and
       ``(II) notify the chief executive officer of the State of 
     the decision.

       ``(C) Review by departmental appeals board.--
       ``(i) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date on 
     which a State receives notice under subparagraph (B) of a 
     final decision, the State may appeal the decision, in whole 
     or in part, to the Departmental Appeals Board established in 
     the Department of Health and Human Services (referred to in 
     this paragraph as the `Board') by filing an appeal with the 
     Board.
       ``(ii) Review.--The Board shall review the decision on the 
     record.
       ``(iii) Deadline.--Not later than 60 days after the date on 
     which the appeal is filed, the Board shall--

       ``(I) make a final decision with respect to an appeal filed 
     under clause (i); and
       ``(II) notify the chief executive officer of the State of 
     the decision.

       ``(D) Judicial review.--The determinations of the Secretary 
     of Health and Human Services under paragraph (2), and a final 
     decision of the administrative law judge or Board under 
     subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively, shall not be subject 
     to judicial review.
       ``(E) Reduced payments pending appeal.--The pendency of an 
     appeal under this paragraph shall not affect the requirement 
     that the Secretary reduce payments in accordance with 
     paragraph (3).
       ``(5) Allocation of administrative costs.--
       ``(A) In general.--No funds or expenditures described in 
     subparagraph (B) may be used to pay for costs--
       ``(i) eligible for reimbursement under subsection (a) (or 
     costs that would have been eligible for reimbursement but for 
     this subsection); and
       ``(ii) allocated for reimbursement to the food stamp 
     program under a plan submitted by a State to the Secretary of 
     Health and Human Services to allocate administrative costs 
     for public assistance programs.
       ``(B) Funds and expenditures.--Subparagraph (A) applies 
     to--
       ``(i) funds made available to carry out part A of title IV, 
     or title XX, of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et 
     seq., 1397 et seq.);
       ``(ii) expenditures made as qualified State expenditures 
     (as defined in section 409(a)(7)(B) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 
     609(a)(7)(B)));
       ``(iii) any other Federal funds (except funds provided 
     under subsection (a)); and
       ``(iv) any other State funds that are--

       ``(I) expended as a condition of receiving Federal funds; 
     or
       ``(II) used to match Federal funds under a Federal program 
     other than the food stamp program.''.

       (b) Review of Methodology Used to Make Certain 
     Determinations.--Not later

[[Page H2186]]

     than 1 year after the date of enactment, the Comptroller 
     General of the United States shall--
       (1) review the adequacy of the methodology used in making 
     the determinations required under section 16(k)(2)(B) of the 
     Food Stamp Act of 1977 (as added by subsection (a)(2)); and
       (2) submit a written report on the results of the review to 
     the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives 
     and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of 
     the Senate.

     SEC. 503. EXTENSION OF ELIGIBILITY PERIOD FOR REFUGEES AND 
                   CERTAIN OTHER QUALIFIED ALIENS FROM 5 TO 7 
                   YEARS.

       Section 402(a)(2)(A) of the Personal Responsibility and 
     Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 
     1612(a)(2)(A)) is amended--
       (1) by striking clause (ii);
       (2) by striking ``asylees.--'' and all that follows through 
     ``paragraph (3)(A)'' and inserting ``asylees.--With respect 
     to the specified Federal programs described in paragraph 
     (3)''; and
       (3) by redesignating subclauses (I) through (V) as clauses 
     (i) through (v) and indenting appropriately.

     SEC. 504. FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN DISABLED ALIENS.

       Section 402(a)(2)(F) of the Personal Responsibility and 
     Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 
     1612(a)(2)(F)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``program defined in paragraph (3)(A) 
     (relating to the supplemental security income program)'' and 
     inserting ``specified Federal programs described in paragraph 
     (3)''; and
       (2) in clause (ii)--
       (A) by inserting ``(I) in the case of the specified Federal 
     program described in paragraph (3)(A),'' after ``(ii)'';
       (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(II) in the case of the specified Federal program 
     described in paragraph (3)(B), is receiving benefits or 
     assistance for blindness or disability (within the meaning of 
     section 3(r) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
     2012(r))).''.

     SEC. 505. FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY 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--
       (1) in the subparagraph heading, by striking ``SSI 
     exception'' and inserting ``Exception''; and
       (2) by striking ``program defined in paragraph (3)(A) 
     (relating to the supplemental security income program)'' and 
     inserting ``specified Federal programs described in paragraph 
     (3)''.

     SEC. 506. FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN ELDERLY 
                   INDIVIDUALS.

       Section 402(a)(2) of the Personal Responsibility and Work 
     Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)) 
     is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(I) Food stamp exception for certain elderly 
     individuals.--With respect to eligibility for benefits for 
     the specified Federal program described in paragraph (3)(B), 
     paragraph (1) shall not apply to any individual who on August 
     22, 1996--
       ``(i) was lawfully residing in the United States; and
       ``(ii) was 65 years of age or older.''.

     SEC. 507. FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN CHILDREN.

       Section 402(a)(2) of the Personal Responsibility and Work 
     Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)) 
     (as amended by section 506) is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:
       ``(J) Food stamp exception for certain children.--With 
     respect to eligibility for benefits for the specified Federal 
     program described in paragraph (3)(B), paragraph (1) shall 
     not apply to any individual who--
       ``(i) was lawfully residing in the United States on August 
     22, 1996; and
       ``(ii) is under 18 years of age.''.

     SEC. 508. FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN HMONG AND 
                   HIGHLAND LAOTIANS.

       Section 402(a)(2) of the Personal Responsibility and Work 
     Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)) 
     (as amended by section 507) is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:
       ``(K) Food stamp exception for certain hmong and highland 
     laotians.--With respect to eligibility for benefits for the 
     specified Federal program described in paragraph (3)(B), 
     paragraph (1) shall not apply to--
       ``(i) any individual who--

       ``(I) is lawfully residing in the United States; and
       ``(II) was a member of a Hmong or Highland Laotian tribe at 
     the time that the tribe rendered assistance to United States 
     personnel by taking part in a military or rescue operation 
     during the Vietnam era (as defined in section 101 of title 
     38, United States Code);

       ``(ii) the spouse, or an unmarried dependent child, of such 
     an individual; or
       ``(iii) the unremarried surviving spouse of such an 
     individual who is deceased.''.

     SEC. 509. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

       Section 403(d) of the Personal Responsibility and Work 
     Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1613(d)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``SSI'' and all 
     that follows through ``Indians'' and inserting ``Benefits for 
     Certain Groups'';
       (2) by striking ``not apply to an individual'' and 
     inserting ``not apply to--
       ``(1) an individual'';
       (3) by striking ``(a)(3)(A)'' and inserting ``(a)(3)''; and
       (4) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     or''; and
       (5) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) an individual, spouse, or dependent described in 
     section 402(a)(2)(K), but only with respect to the specified 
     Federal program described in section 402(a)(3)(B).''.

     SEC. 510. EFFECTIVE DATES.

       (a) Reductions.--The amendments made by sections 501 and 
     502 take effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
       (b) Food Stamp Eligibility.--The amendments made by 
     sections 503 through 509 take effect on November 1, 1998.
               Subtitle B--Information Technology Funding

     SEC. 521. 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.
                       Subtitle C--Crop Insurance

     SEC. 531. FUNDING.

       Section 516 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1516) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) Discretionary expenses.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated for fiscal year 1999 and each subsequent fiscal 
     year such sums as are necessary to cover the salaries and 
     expenses of the Corporation.''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by inserting after ``are necessary to cover'' the 
     following: ``for each of the 1999 and subsequent reinsurance 
     years''; and
       (ii) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) the administrative and operating expenses of the 
     Corporation for the sales commissions of agents; and''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Payment of Corporation Expenses From Insurance 
     Fund.--
       ``(1) Expenses generally.--For each of the 1999 and 
     subsequent reinsurance years, the Corporation may pay from 
     the insurance fund established under subsection (c) all 
     expenses of the Corporation (other than expenses covered by 
     subsection (a)(1) and expenses covered by paragraph (2)(A)), 
     including--
       ``(A) premium subsidies and indemnities;
       ``(B) administrative and operating expenses of the 
     Corporation necessary to pay the sales commissions of agents; 
     and
       ``(C) all administrative and operating expense 
     reimbursements due under a reinsurance agreement with an 
     approved insurance provider.
       ``(2) Research and development expenses.--
       ``(A) In general.--For each of the 1999 and subsequent 
     reinsurance years, the Corporation may pay from the insurance 
     fund established under subsection (c) research and 
     development expenses of the Corporation, but not to exceed 
     $3,500,000 for each fiscal year.
       ``(B) Dairy options pilot program.--Amounts necessary to 
     carry out the dairy options pilot program shall not be 
     counted toward the limitation on research and development 
     expenses specified in subparagraph (A).''.

     SEC. 532. BUDGETARY OFFSETS.

       (a) Administrative Fee for Catastrophic Risk Protection.--
     Section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1508(b)) is amended by striking paragraph (5) and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(5) Administrative fee.--
       ``(A) Basic fee.--Each producer shall pay an administrative 
     fee for catastrophic risk protection in an amount equal to 10 
     percent of the premium for the catastrophic risk protection 
     or $50 per crop per county, whichever is greater, as 
     determined by the Corporation.
       ``(B) Additional fee.--In addition to the amount required 
     under subparagraph (A), the producer shall pay a $10 fee for 
     each amount determined under subparagraph (A).
       ``(C) Time for payment.--The amounts required under 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall be paid by the producer on 
     the date that premium for a policy of additional coverage 
     would be paid by the producer.
       ``(D) Use of fees.--
       ``(i) In general.--The amounts paid under this paragraph 
     shall be deposited in the crop insurance fund established 
     under section 516(c), to be available for the programs and 
     activities of the Corporation.
       ``(ii) Limitation.--No funds deposited in the crop 
     insurance fund under this subparagraph may be used to 
     compensate an approved insurance provider or agent for the 
     delivery of services under this subsection.
       ``(E) Waiver of fee.--The Corporation shall waive the 
     amounts required under this paragraph for limited resource 
     farmers, as defined by the Corporation.''.
       (b) Administrative Fee for Additional Coverage.--Section 
     508(c)(10) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1508(c)(10)) is amended--
       (1) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) Fee required.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
     paragraph, if a producer elects to purchase additional 
     coverage for a crop at a level that is less than 65 percent 
     of the recorded or appraised average yield indemnified at 100 
     percent of the expected market price, or an equivalent 
     coverage, the producer shall pay an administrative fee for 
     the additional coverage. The administrative fee for the 
     producer shall be $50 per crop per county, but not to exceed 
     $200 per producer per county, up to a maximum of $600 per 
     producer for all counties in which a producer has insured 
     crops. Subparagraphs (D) and (E) of subsection (b)(5) shall 
     apply with respect to the use of administrative fees under 
     this subparagraph.''; and

[[Page H2187]]

       (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``$10'' and inserting 
     ``$20''.
       (c) Reimbursement for Administrative and Operating Costs.--
     Section 508(k) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1508(k)) is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(4) Rate.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     the rate established by the Board to reimburse approved 
     insurance providers and agents for the administrative and 
     operating costs of the providers and agents shall not 
     exceed--
       ``(i) for the 1998 reinsurance year, 27 percent of the 
     premium used to define loss ratio; and
       ``(ii) for each of the 1999 and subsequent reinsurance 
     years, 24.5 percent of the premium used to define loss ratio.
       ``(B) Proportional reductions.--A policy of additional 
     coverage that received a rate of reimbursement for 
     administrative and operating costs for the 1998 reinsurance 
     year that is lower than the rate specified in subparagraph 
     (A)(i) shall receive a reduction in the rate of reimbursement 
     that is proportional to the reduction in the rate of 
     reimbursement between clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph 
     (A).''.
       (d) Loss Adjustment Expenses for Catastrophic Risk 
     Protection.--Section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act 
     (7 U.S.C. 1508(b)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(11) Loss adjustment.--The rate for reimbursing an 
     approved insurance provider or agent for expenses incurred by 
     the approved insurance provider or agent for loss adjustment 
     in connection with a policy of catastrophic risk protection 
     shall not exceed 11 percent of the premium for catastrophic 
     risk protection that is used to define loss ratio.''.

     SEC. 533. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO CERTAIN INQUIRIES.

       Section 506 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1506) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(s) Procedures for Responding to Certain Inquiries.--
       ``(1) Procedures required.--The Corporation shall establish 
     procedures under which the Corporation will provide a final 
     agency determination in response to an inquiry regarding the 
     interpretation by the Corporation of this title or any 
     regulation issued under this title.
       ``(2) Implementation.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this subsection, the Corporation shall 
     issue regulations to implement this subsection. At a minimum, 
     the regulations shall establish--
       ``(A) the manner in which inquiries described in paragraph 
     (1) are required to be submitted to the Corporation; and
       ``(B) a reasonable maximum number of days within which the 
     Corporation will respond to all inquiries.
       ``(3) Effect of failure to timely respond.--If the 
     Corporation fails to respond to an inquiry in accordance with 
     the procedures established pursuant to this subsection, the 
     person requesting the interpretation of this title or 
     regulation may assume the interpretation is correct for the 
     applicable reinsurance year.''.

     SEC. 534. TIME PERIOD FOR RESPONDING TO SUBMISSION OF NEW 
                   POLICIES.

       Section 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1508(h)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(10) Time limits for response to submission of new 
     policies.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Board shall establish a reasonable 
     time period within which the Board shall approve or 
     disapprove a proposal from a person regarding a new policy 
     submitted in accordance with this subsection.
       ``(B) Effect of failure to meet time limits.--Except as 
     provided in subparagraph (C), if the Board fails to provide a 
     response to a proposal described in subparagraph (A) in 
     accordance with subparagraph (A), the new policy shall be 
     deemed to be approved by the Board for purposes of this 
     subsection for the initial reinsurance year designated for 
     the new policy in the request.
       ``(C) Exceptions.--Subparagraph (B) shall not apply to a 
     proposal submitted under this subsection if the Board and the 
     person submitting the request agree to an extension of the 
     time period.''.

     SEC. 535. CROP INSURANCE STUDY.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall 
     enter into a contract, with 1 or more entities outside the 
     Federal Government with expertise in the establishment and 
     delivery of crop and revenue insurance to agricultural 
     producers, under which the contractor shall conduct a study 
     of crop insurance issues specified in the contract, 
     including--
       (1) improvement of crop insurance service to agricultural 
     producers;
       (2) options for transforming the role of the Federal 
     Government from a crop insurance provider to solely that of a 
     crop insurance regulator; and
       (3) privatization of crop insurance coverage.
       (b) Contractor.--Not later than 180 days after the date the 
     contract is entered into, the contractor shall complete the 
     study and submit a report on the study, including appropriate 
     recommendations, to the Secretary.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 30 days after the date the 
     Secretary receives the report, the Secretary shall submit the 
     report, and any comments on the report, to the Committee on 
     Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.

     SEC. 536. REQUIRED TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STANDARD 
                   REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``approved 
     insurance provider'' and ``Corporation'' have the meanings 
     given the terms in section 502(b) of the Federal Crop 
     Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(b)).
       (b) Terms and Conditions.--
       (1) Incorporation of amendments.--For each of the 1999 and 
     subsequent reinsurance years, the Corporation shall ensure 
     that each Standard Reinsurance Agreement between an approved 
     insurance provider and the Corporation reflects the 
     amendments to the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 
     et seq.) that are made by this subtitle to the extent the 
     amendments are applicable to approved insurance providers.
       (2) Retention of existing provisions.--Except to the extent 
     necessary to implement the amendments made by this subtitle, 
     each Standard Reinsurance Agreement described in paragraph 
     (1) shall contain the following provisions of the Standard 
     Reinsurance Agreement for the 1998 reinsurance year:
       (A) Section II, concerning the terms of reinsurance and 
     underwriting gain and loss for an approved insurance 
     provider.
       (B) Section III, concerning the terms for subsidies and 
     administrative fees for an approved insurance provider.
       (C) Section IV, concerning the terms for loss adjustment 
     for an approved insurance provider under catastrophic risk 
     protection.
       (D) Section V.C., concerning interest payments between the 
     Corporation and an approved insurance provider.
       (E) Section V.I.5., concerning liquidated damages.
       (c) Implementation.--To implement this subtitle and the 
     amendments made by this subtitle, the Corporation is not 
     required to amend provisions of the Standard Reinsurance 
     Agreement not specifically affected by this subtitle or an 
     amendment made by this subtitle.

     SEC. 537. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       Except as provided in section 535, this subtitle and the 
     amendments made by this subtitle take effect on July 1, 1998.
                   TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
                    Subtitle A--Existing Authorities

     SEC. 601. RETENTION AND USE OF FEES.

       (a) Organic Certification.--Section 2107 of the Organic 
     Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6506) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Availability of Fees.--
       ``(1) Account.--Fees collected under subsection (a)(10) 
     (including late payment penalties and interest earned from 
     investment of the fees) shall be credited to the account that 
     incurs the cost of the services provided under this title.
       ``(2) Use.--The collected fees shall be available to the 
     Secretary, without further appropriation or fiscal-year 
     limitation, to pay the expenses of the Secretary incurred in 
     providing accreditation services under this title.''.
       (b) National Arboretum.--Section 6(b) of the Act of March 
     4, 1927 (20 U.S.C. 196(b)), is amended by striking 
     ``Treasury'' and inserting ``Treasury. Amounts in the special 
     fund shall be available to the Secretary of Agriculture, 
     without further appropriation,''.
       (c) Patent Culture Collection Fees.--
       (1) Retention.--All funds collected by the Agricultural 
     Research Service of the Department of Agriculture in 
     connection with the acceptance of microorganisms for deposit 
     in, or the distribution of microorganisms from, the Patent 
     Culture Collection maintained and operated by the 
     Agricultural Research Service shall be credited to the 
     appropriation supporting the maintenance and operation of the 
     Patent Culture Collection.
       (2) Use.--The collected funds shall be available to the 
     Agricultural Research Service, without further appropriation 
     or fiscal-year limitation, to carry out its responsibilities 
     under law (including international treaties) with respect to 
     the Patent Culture Collection.

     SEC. 602. OFFICE OF ENERGY POLICY AND NEW USES.

       The Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is 
     amended by inserting after section 219 (7 U.S.C. 6919) the 
     following:

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

       ``The Secretary shall establish for the Department, in the 
     Office of the Secretary, an Office of Energy Policy and New 
     Uses.''.

     SEC. 603. 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'';

[[Page H2188]]

       (B) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by inserting ``who are importers or exporters'' after 
     ``members''; and
       (ii) by striking ``(a)(2)'' and inserting ``(a)(1)''; and
       (C) in the second sentence of paragraph (5), by inserting 
     ``and alternate'' after ``member''.

     SEC. 604. FOOD ANIMAL RESIDUE AVOIDANCE DATABASE PROGRAM.

       (a) Continuation of Program.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
     shall continue operation of the Food Animal Residue Avoidance 
     Database program (referred to in this section as the ``FARAD 
     program'') through contracts, grants, or cooperative 
     agreements 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 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) Contract, Grants, and Cooperative Agreements.--The 
     Secretary shall offer to enter into a contract, grant, or 
     cooperative agreement with 1 or more appropriate colleges and 
     universities to operate the FARAD program. The term of the 
     contract, grant, or cooperative agreement shall be 3 years, 
     with options to extend the term of the contract triennially.
       (d) Indirect Costs.--Federal funds provided by the 
     Secretary under a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement 
     under this section shall be subject to reduction for indirect 
     costs of the recipient of the funds in an amount not to 
     exceed 19 percent of the total Federal funds provided under 
     the contract, grant, or cooperative agreement.

     SEC. 605. 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 all that follows 
     through ``The Congress finds that:'' and inserting the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

       ``(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:'';
       (2) in subsection (a) (as so designated)--
       (A) in paragraphs (6) and (7), by striking ``and consumer 
     education'' each place it appears and inserting ``consumer 
     education, and industry information''; and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
       ``(8) The ability to develop and maintain purity standards 
     for honey and honey products is critical to maintaining the 
     consumer confidence, safety, and trust that are essential 
     components of any undertaking to maintain and develop markets 
     for honey and honey products.
       ``(9) Research directed at improving the cost effectiveness 
     and efficiency of beekeeping, as well as developing better 
     means of dealing with pest and disease problems, is essential 
     to keeping honey and honey product prices competitive and 
     facilitating market growth as well as maintaining the 
     financial well-being of the honey industry.
       ``(10) 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.''; and
       (3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
       ``(1) to authorize the establishment of an orderly 
     procedure for the development and financing, through an 
     adequate assessment, of an effective, continuous, and 
     nationally coordinated program of promotion, research, 
     consumer education, and industry information designed to--
       ``(A) strengthen the position of the honey industry in the 
     marketplace;
       ``(B) maintain, develop, and expand domestic and foreign 
     markets and uses for honey and honey products;
       ``(C) maintain and improve the competitiveness and 
     efficiency of the honey industry; and
       ``(D) sponsor research to develop better means of dealing 
     with pest and disease problems;
       ``(2) to maintain and expand the markets for all honey and 
     honey products in a manner that--
       ``(A) is not designed to maintain or expand any individual 
     producer's, importer's, or handler's share of the market; and
       ``(B) does not compete with or replace individual 
     advertising or promotion efforts designed to promote 
     individual brand name or trade name honey or honey products; 
     and
       ``(3) to authorize and fund programs that result in 
     government speech promoting government objectives.
       ``(c) Administration.--Nothing in this Act--
       ``(1) prohibits the sale of various grades of honey;
       ``(2) provides for control of honey production;
       ``(3) limits the right of the individual honey producer to 
     produce honey; or
       ``(4) creates a trade barrier to honey or honey products 
     produced in a foreign country.''.
       (b) Definitions.--Section 3 of the Honey Research, 
     Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4602) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following:
       ``(7) Handle.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `handle' means to process, 
     package, sell, transport, purchase, or in any other way place 
     or cause to be placed in commerce, honey or a honey product.
       ``(B) Inclusion.--The term `handle' includes selling 
     unprocessed honey that will be consumed or used without 
     further processing or packaging.
       ``(C) Exclusions.--The term `handle' does not include--
       ``(i) the transportation of unprocessed honey by a producer 
     to a handler;
       ``(ii) the transportation by a commercial carrier of honey, 
     whether processed or unprocessed, for a handler or producer; 
     or
       ``(iii) the purchase of honey or a honey product by a 
     consumer or other end-user of the honey or honey product.'';
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(19) Department.--The term `Department' means the 
     Department of Agriculture.
       ``(20) Honey production.--The term `honey production' means 
     all beekeeping operations related to--
       ``(A) managing honey bee colonies to produce honey;
       ``(B) harvesting honey from the colonies;
       ``(C) extracting honey from the honeycombs; and
       ``(D) preparing honey for sale for further processing.
       ``(21) Industry information.--The term `industry 
     information' means information or a program that will lead to 
     the development of new markets, new marketing strategies, or 
     increased efficiency for the honey industry, or an activity 
     to enhance the image of honey and honey products and of the 
     honey industry.
       ``(22) National honey marketing cooperative.--The term 
     `national honey marketing cooperative' means a cooperative 
     that markets its products in at least 2 of the following 4 
     regions of the United States, as determined by the Secretary:
       ``(A) The Atlantic Coast, including the District of 
     Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
       ``(B) The Mideast.
       ``(C) The Midwest.
       ``(D) The Pacific, including the States of Alaska and 
     Hawaii.
       ``(23) Qualified national organization representing handler 
     interests.--The term `qualified national organization 
     representing handler interests' means an organization that 
     the Secretary certifies as being eligible to recommend 
     nominations for the Committee handler, handler-importer, 
     alternate handler, and alternate handler-importer members of 
     the Honey Board under section 7(b).
       ``(24) Qualified national organization representing 
     importer interests.--The term `qualified national 
     organization representing importer interests' means an 
     organization that the Secretary certifies as being eligible 
     to recommend nominations for the Committee importer, handler-
     importer, alternate importer, and alternate handler-importer 
     members of the Honey Board under section 7(b).''; and
       (3) by reordering the paragraphs so that they are in 
     alphabetical order by term defined and redesignating the 
     paragraphs accordingly.
       (c) Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information 
     Order.--Section 4 of the Honey Research, Promotion, and 
     Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4603) is amended by 
     inserting ``and regulations'' after ``orders''.
       (d) Notice and Hearing.--Section 5 of the Honey Research, 
     Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4604) is 
     amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 5. NOTICE AND HEARING.

       ``(a) Notice and Comment.--In issuing an order under this 
     Act, an amendment to an order, or a regulation to carry out 
     this Act, the Secretary shall comply with section 553 of 
     title 5, United States Code.
       ``(b) Formal Agency Action.--Sections 556 and 557 of that 
     title shall not apply with respect to the issuance of an 
     order, an amendment to an order, or a regulation under this 
     Act.
       ``(c) Proposal of an Order.--A proposal for an order may be 
     submitted to the Secretary by any organization or interested 
     person affected by this Act.''.
       (e) Findings and Issuance of Order.--Section 6 of the Honey 
     Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 
     4605) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 6. FINDINGS AND ISSUANCE OF ORDER.

       ``After notice and opportunity for comment has been 
     provided in accordance with section 5(a), the Secretary shall 
     issue an order, an amendment to an order, or a regulation 
     under this Act, if the Secretary finds, and specifies in the 
     order, amendment, or regulation, that the

[[Page H2189]]

     issuance of the order, amendment, or regulation will assist 
     in carrying out the purposes of this Act.''.
       (f) Required Terms of an Order.--
       (1) National honey nominations committee.--Section 7(b) of 
     the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act 
     (7 U.S.C. 4606(b)) is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``except'' and all that 
     follows through ``three-year terms'' and inserting ``except 
     that the term of appointments to the Committee may be 
     staggered periodically, as determined by the Secretary''; and
       (B) in paragraph (5)--
       (i) in the second sentence, by striking ``after the first 
     annual meeting''; and
       (ii) in the third sentence, by striking ``per centum'' and 
     inserting ``percent''.
       (2) Honey board.--Section 7(c) of the Honey Research, 
     Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4606(c)) is 
     amended--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (6) as 
     paragraphs (8) through (11), respectively;
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``seven'' and 
     inserting ``7''; and
       (ii) by striking subparagraphs (B) through (E) and all that 
     follows and inserting the following:
       ``(B) 2 members who are handlers appointed from nominations 
     submitted by the Committee from recommendations made by 
     qualified national organizations representing handler 
     interests;
       ``(C) if approved in a referendum conducted under this Act, 
     2 members who--
       ``(i) are handlers of honey;
       ``(ii) during any 3 of the preceding 5 years, were also 
     importers of record of at least 40,000 pounds of honey; and
       ``(iii) are appointed from nominations submitted by the 
     Committee from recommendations made by--

       ``(I) qualified national organizations representing handler 
     interests or qualified national organizations representing 
     importer interests; or
       ``(II) if the Secretary determines that there is not a 
     qualified national organization representing handler 
     interests or a qualified national organization representing 
     importer interests, individual handlers or importers that 
     have paid assessments to the Honey Board on imported honey or 
     honey products;

       ``(D) 2 members who are importers appointed from 
     nominations submitted by the Committee from recommendations 
     made by--
       ``(i) qualified national organizations representing 
     importer interests; or
       ``(ii) if the Secretary determines that there is not a 
     qualified national organization representing importer 
     interests, individual importers that have paid assessments to 
     the Honey Board on imported honey or honey products; and
       ``(E) 1 member who is an officer, director, or employee of 
     a national honey marketing cooperative appointed from 
     nominations submitted by the Committee from recommendations 
     made by qualified national honey marketing cooperatives.'';
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Alternates.--The Committee shall submit nominations 
     for an alternate for each member of the Honey Board described 
     in paragraph (2). An alternate shall be appointed in the same 
     manner as a member and shall serve when the member is absent 
     from a meeting or is disqualified.
       ``(4) Reconstitution.--
       ``(A) Review.--If approved in a referendum conducted under 
     this Act and in accordance with rules issued by the 
     Secretary, the Honey Board shall review, at times determined 
     under subparagraph (E)--
       ``(i) the geographic distribution of the quantities of 
     domestically produced honey assessed under the order; and
       ``(ii) changes in the annual average percentage of 
     assessments owed by importers under the order relative to 
     assessments owed by producers and handlers of domestic honey, 
     including--

       ``(I) whether any changes in assessments owed on imported 
     quantities are owed by importers described in paragraph 
     (5)(B); or
       ``(II) whether such importers are handler-importers 
     described in paragraph (2)(C).

       ``(B) Recommendations.--If warranted and in accordance with 
     this subsection, the Honey Board shall recommend to the 
     Secretary--
       ``(i) changes in the regional representation of honey 
     producers established by the Secretary;
       ``(ii) if necessary to reflect any changes in the 
     proportion of domestic and imported honey assessed under the 
     order or the source of assessments on imported honey or honey 
     products, the reallocation of--

       ``(I) handler-importer member positions under paragraph 
     (2)(C) as handler member positions under paragraph (2)(B);
       ``(II) importer member positions under paragraph (2)(D) as 
     handler-importer member positions under paragraph (2)(C); or
       ``(III) handler-importer member positions under paragraph 
     (2)(C) as importer member positions under paragraph (2)(D); 
     or

       ``(iii) if necessary to reflect any changes in the 
     proportion of domestic and imported honey or honey products 
     assessed under the order, the addition of members to the 
     Honey Board under subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D) of 
     paragraph (2).
       ``(C) Scope of review.--The review required under 
     subparagraph (A) shall be based on data from the 5-year 
     period preceding the year in which the review is conducted.
       ``(D) Basis for recommendations.--
       ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (F), 
     recommendations made under subparagraph (B) shall be based 
     on--

       ``(I) the 5-year average annual assessments, excluding the 
     2 years containing the highest and lowest disparity between 
     the proportion of assessments owed from imported and domestic 
     honey or honey products, determined pursuant to the review 
     that is conducted under subparagraph (A); and
       ``(II) whether any change in the average annual assessments 
     is from the assessments owed by importers described in 
     paragraph (5)(B) or from the assessments owed by handler-
     importers described in paragraph (2)(C).

       ``(ii) Proportions.--The Honey Board shall recommend a 
     reallocation or addition of members pursuant to clause (ii) 
     or (iii) of subparagraph (B) only if 1 or more of the 
     following proportions change by more than 6 percent from the 
     base period proportion determined in accordance with 
     subparagraph (F):

       ``(I) The proportion of assessments owed by handler-
     importers described in paragraph (2)(C) compared with the 
     proportion of assessments owed by importers described in 
     paragraph (2)(D).
       ``(II) The proportion of assessments owed by importers 
     compared with the proportion of assessments owed on domestic 
     honey by producers and handlers.

       ``(E) Timing of review.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Honey Board shall conduct the 
     reviews required under this paragraph not more than once 
     during each 5-year period.
       ``(ii) Initial review.--The Honey Board shall conduct the 
     initial review required under this paragraph prior to the 
     initial continuation referendum conducted under section 13(c) 
     following the referendum conducted under section 14.
       ``(F) Base period proportions.--
       ``(i) In general.--The base period proportions for 
     determining the magnitude of change under subparagraph (D) 
     shall be the proportions determined during the prior review 
     conducted under this paragraph.
       ``(ii) Initial review.--In the case of the initial review 
     required under subparagraph (E)(ii), the base period 
     proportions shall be the proportions determined by the Honey 
     Board for fiscal year 1996.
       ``(5) Restrictions on nomination and appointment.--
       ``(A) Producer-packers as producers.--No producer-packer 
     that, during any 3 of the preceding 5 years, purchased for 
     resale more honey than the producer-packer produced shall be 
     eligible for nomination or appointment to the Honey Board as 
     a producer described in paragraph (2)(A) or as an alternate 
     to such a producer.
       ``(B) Importers.--No importer that, during any 3 of the 
     preceding 5 years, did not receive at least 75 percent of the 
     gross income generated by the sale of honey and honey 
     products from the sale of imported honey and honey products 
     shall be eligible for nomination or appointment to the Honey 
     Board as an importer described in paragraph (2)(D) or an 
     alternate to such an importer.
       ``(6) Certification of organizations.--
       ``(A) In general.--The eligibility of an organization to 
     participate in the making of recommendations to the Committee 
     for nomination to the Honey Board to represent handlers or 
     importers under this section shall be certified by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(B) Eligibility criteria.--Subject to the other 
     provisions of this paragraph, the Secretary shall certify an 
     organization that the Secretary determines meets the 
     eligibility criteria established by the Secretary under this 
     paragraph.
       ``(C) Finality.--An eligibility determination of the 
     Secretary under this paragraph shall be final.
       ``(D) Basis for certification.--Certification of an 
     organization under this paragraph shall be based on, in 
     addition to other available information, a factual report 
     submitted by the organization that contains information 
     considered relevant by the Secretary, including--
       ``(i) the geographic territory covered by the active 
     membership of the organization;
       ``(ii) the nature and size of the active membership of the 
     organization, including the proportion of the total number of 
     active handlers or importers represented by the organization;
       ``(iii) evidence of the stability and permanency of the 
     organization;
       ``(iv) sources from which the operating funds of the 
     organization are derived;
       ``(v) the functions of the organization; and
       ``(vi) the ability and willingness of the organization to 
     further the purposes of this Act.
       ``(E) Primary considerations.--A primary consideration in 
     determining the eligibility of an organization under this 
     paragraph shall be whether--
       ``(i) the membership of the organization consists primarily 
     of handlers or importers that derive a substantial quantity 
     of their income from sales of honey and honey products; and
       ``(ii) the organization has an interest in the marketing of 
     honey and honey products.
       ``(F) Nonmembers.--As a condition of certification under 
     this paragraph, an organization shall agree--
       ``(i) to notify nonmembers of the organization of Honey 
     Board nomination opportunities for which the organization is 
     certified to make recommendations to the Committee; and
       ``(ii) to consider the nomination of nonmembers when making 
     the nominations of the organization to the Committee, if 
     nonmembers indicate an interest in serving on the Honey 
     Board.
       ``(7) Minimum percentage of honey producers.--
     Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, at 
     least 50 percent of the members of the Honey Board shall be 
     honey producers.''; and
       (D) in paragraph (8) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``except'' and all that follows through ``three-year terms'' 
     and inserting ``except that appointments to the Honey Board 
     may be staggered periodically, as determined by the 
     Secretary, to maintain continuity of the Honey Board with 
     respect to all members and with respect to members 
     representing particular groups.''.

[[Page H2190]]

       (3) Assessments.--Section 7(e) of the Honey Research, 
     Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4606(e)) is 
     amended--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
     (4) and (5), respectively;
       (B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--The Honey Board shall administer 
     collection of the assessment provided for in this subsection, 
     and may accept voluntary contributions from other sources, to 
     finance the expenses described in subsections (d) and (f).
       ``(2) Rate.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), the 
     assessment rate shall be $0.0075 per pound (payable in the 
     manner described in section 9), with--
       ``(A) in the case of honey produced in the United States, 
     $0.0075 per pound payable by honey producers; and
       ``(B) in the case of honey or honey products imported into 
     the United States, $0.0075 per pound payable by honey 
     importers.
       ``(3) Alternative rate approved in referendum.--If approved 
     in a referendum conducted under this Act, the assessment rate 
     shall be $0.015 per pound (payable in the manner described in 
     section 9)--
       ``(A) in the case of honey produced in the United States--
       ``(i) $0.0075 per pound payable by--

       ``(I) honey producers; and
       ``(II) producer-packers on all honey produced by the 
     producer-packers; and

       ``(ii) $0.0075 per pound payable by--

       ``(I) handlers; and
       ``(II) producer-packers on all honey and honey products 
     handled by the producer-packers, including honey produced by 
     the producer-packers); and

       ``(B) in the case of honey and honey products imported into 
     the United States, $0.015 per pound payable by honey 
     importers, of which $0.0075 per pound represents the 
     assessment due from the handler to be paid by the importer on 
     behalf of the handler.'';
       (C) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:
       ``(B) Small quantities.--
       ``(i) In general.--A producer, producer-packer, handler, or 
     importer that produces, imports, or handles during a year 
     less than 6,000 pounds of honey or honey products shall be 
     exempt in that year from payment of an assessment on honey or 
     honey products that the person distributes directly through 
     local retail outlets, as determined by the Secretary, during 
     that year.
       ``(ii) Inapplicability.--If a person no longer meets the 
     requirements of clause (i) for an exemption, the person 
     shall--

       ``(I) file a report with the Honey Board in the form and 
     manner prescribed by the Honey Board; and
       ``(II) pay an assessment on or before March 15 of the 
     subsequent year on all honey or honey products produced, 
     imported, or handled by the person during the year in which 
     the person no longer meets the requirements of clause (i) for 
     an exemption.''; and

       (D) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated)--
       (i) by inserting ``handler,'' after ``producer-packer'' 
     each place it appears;
       (ii) by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting 
     ``paragraph (4)''; and
       (iii) by inserting ``, handler,'' after ``producer'' the 
     last place it appears.
       (4) Use of funds.--Section 7(f) of the Honey Research, 
     Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4606(f)) is 
     amended--
       (A) by striking ``(f) Funds collected by the Honey Board 
     from the assessments'' and inserting the following:
       ``(f) Funds.--
       ``(1) Use.--Funds collected by the Honey Board'';
       (B) by striking ''The Secretary shall'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(3) Reimbursement.--The Secretary shall''; and
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as designated by 
     subparagraph (A)) the following:
       ``(2) Research projects.--
       ``(A) In general.--If approved in a referendum conducted 
     under this Act, 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, 
     honey production, and honey bees.
       ``(B) Carryover.--If all funds reserved under subparagraph 
     (A) are not allocated to approved research projects in a 
     year, any reserved funds remaining unallocated shall be 
     carried forward for allocation and expenditure under 
     subparagraph (A) in subsequent years.''.
       (5) False or unwarranted claims or statements.--Section 
     7(g) of the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer 
     Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4606(g)) is amended by striking 
     ``with assessments collected'' and inserting ``by the Honey 
     Board''.
       (6) Influencing governmental policy or action.--Section 
     7(h) of the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer 
     Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4606(h)) is amended by striking 
     ``through assessments authorized by'' and inserting ``by the 
     Honey Board under''.
       (g) Permissive Terms and Provisions.--Section 8 of the 
     Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 
     U.S.C. 4607) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``On''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(8) If approved in a referendum conducted under this Act, 
     providing authority for the development of programs and 
     related rules and regulations that will, with the approval of 
     the Secretary, establish minimum purity standards for honey 
     and honey products that are designed to maintain a positive 
     and wholesome marketing image for honey and honey products.
       ``(b) Inspection and Monitoring System.--
       ``(1) Inspection.--Any program, rule, or regulation under 
     subsection (a)(8) may provide for the inspection, by the 
     Secretary, of honey and honey products being sold for 
     domestic consumption in, or for export from, the United 
     States.
       ``(2) Monitoring system.--The Honey Board may develop and 
     recommend to the Secretary a system for monitoring the purity 
     of honey and honey products being sold for domestic 
     consumption in, or for export from, the United States, 
     including a system for identifying adulterated honey.
       ``(3) Coordination with other federal agencies.--The 
     Secretary may coordinate, to the maximum extent practicable, 
     with the head of any other Federal agency that has authority 
     to ensure compliance with labeling or other requirements 
     relating to the purity of honey and honey products concerning 
     an enforcement action against any person that does not comply 
     with a rule or regulation issued by any other Federal agency 
     concerning the labeling or purity requirements of honey and 
     honey products.
       ``(4) Authority to issue regulations.--The Secretary may 
     issue such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry 
     out this subsection.
       ``(c) Voluntary Quality Assurance Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--In addition to or independent of any 
     program, rule, or regulation under subsection (b), the Honey 
     Board, with the approval of the Secretary, may establish and 
     carry out a voluntary quality assurance program concerning 
     purity standards for honey and honey products.
       ``(2) Components.--The program may include--
       ``(A) the establishment of an official Honey Board seal of 
     approval to be displayed on honey and honey products of 
     producers, handlers, and importers that participate in the 
     voluntary program and are found to meet such standards of 
     purity as are established under the program;
       ``(B) actions to encourage producers, handlers, and 
     importers to participate in the program;
       ``(C) actions to encourage consumers to purchase honey and 
     honey products bearing the official seal of approval; and
       ``(D) periodic inspections by the Secretary, or other 
     parties approved by the Secretary, of honey and honey 
     products of producers, handlers, and importers that 
     participate in the voluntary program.
       ``(3) Display of seal of approval.--To be eligible to 
     display the official seal of approval established under 
     paragraph (2)(A) on a honey or honey product, a producer, 
     handler, or importer shall participate in the voluntary 
     program under this subsection.
       ``(d) Authority of the Secretary.--Notwithstanding any 
     other provision of this Act, the Secretary shall have the 
     authority to approve or disapprove the establishment of 
     minimum purity standards, the inspection and monitoring 
     system under subsection (b), and the voluntary quality 
     assurance program under subsection (c).''.
       (h) Collection of Assessments.--
       (1) New assessment.--Section 9 of the Honey Research, 
     Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4608) is 
     amended--
       (A) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
       ``(a) Handlers.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
     section, a first handler of honey shall be responsible, at 
     the time of first purchase--
       ``(1) for the collection, and payment to the Honey Board, 
     of the assessment payable by a producer under section 
     7(e)(2)(A) or, if approved in a referendum conducted under 
     this Act, under section 7(e)(3)(A)(i); and
       ``(2) if approved in a referendum conducted under this Act, 
     for the payment to the Honey Board of an additional 
     assessment payable by the handler under section 
     7(e)(3)(A)(ii).'';
       (B) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) Importers.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
     section, at the time of entry of honey and honey products 
     into the United States, an importer shall remit to the Honey 
     Board through the United States Customs Service--
       ``(1) the assessment on the imported honey and honey 
     products required under section 7(e)(2)(B); or
       ``(2) if approved in a referendum conducted under this Act, 
     the assessment on the imported honey and honey products 
     required under section 7(e)(3)(B), of which the amount 
     payable under section 7(e)(3)(A)(ii) represents the 
     assessment due from the handler to be paid by the importer on 
     behalf of the handler.''; and
       (C) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
       ``(e) Producer-Packers.--Except as otherwise provided in 
     this section, a producer-packer shall be responsible for the 
     collection, and payment to the Honey Board, of--
       ``(1) the assessment payable by the producer-packer under 
     section 7(e)(2)(A) or, if approved in a referendum conducted 
     under this Act, under section 7(e)(3)(A)(i) on honey produced 
     by the producer-packer;
       ``(2) at the time of first purchase, the assessment payable 
     by a producer under section 7(e)(2)(A) or, if approved in a 
     referendum conducted under this Act, under section 
     7(e)(3)(A)(i) on honey purchased by the producer-packer as a 
     first handler; and
       ``(3) if approved in a referendum conducted under this Act, 
     an additional assessment payable by the producer-packer under 
     section 7(e)(3)(A)(ii).''.
       (2) Inspection; books and records.--Section 9 of the Honey 
     Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 
     4608) is amended by striking subsection (f) and inserting the 
     following:

[[Page H2191]]

       ``(f) Inspection; Books and Records.--
       ``(1) In general.--To make available to the Secretary and 
     the Honey Board such information and data as are necessary to 
     carry out this Act (including an order or regulation issued 
     under this Act), a handler, importer, producer, or producer-
     packer responsible for payment of an assessment under this 
     Act, and a person receiving an exemption from an assessment 
     under section 7(e)(4), shall--
       ``(A) maintain and make available for inspection by the 
     Secretary and the Honey Board such books and records as are 
     required by the order and regulations issued under this Act; 
     and
       ``(B) file reports at the times, in the manner, and having 
     the content prescribed by the order and regulations, which 
     reports shall include the total number of bee colonies 
     maintained, the quantity of honey produced, and the quantity 
     of honey and honey products handled or imported.
       ``(2) Employee or agent.--To conduct an inspection or 
     review a report of a handler, importer, producer, or 
     producer-packer under paragraph (1), an individual shall be 
     an employee or agent of the Department or the Honey Board, 
     and shall not be a member or alternate member of the Honey 
     Board.
       ``(3) Confidentiality.--An employee or agent described in 
     paragraph (2) shall be subject to the confidentiality 
     requirements of subsection (g).''.
       (3) Confidentiality of information; disclosure.--Section 9 
     of the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 4608) is amended by striking subsection (g) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(g) Confidentiality of Information; Disclosure.--
       ``(1) In general.--All information obtained under 
     subsection (f) shall be kept confidential by all officers, 
     employees, and agents of the Department or of the Honey 
     Board.
       ``(2) Disclosure.--Information subject to paragraph (1) may 
     be disclosed--
       ``(A) only in a suit or administrative hearing brought at 
     the request of the Secretary, or to which the Secretary or 
     any officer of the United States is a party, that involves 
     the order with respect to which the information was furnished 
     or acquired; and
       ``(B) only if the Secretary determines that the information 
     is relevant to the suit or administrative hearing.
       ``(3) Exceptions.--Nothing in this subsection prohibits--
       ``(A) the issuance of general statements based on the 
     reports of a number of handlers subject to an order, if the 
     statements do not identify the information furnished by any 
     person; or
       ``(B) the publication, by direction of the Secretary, of 
     the name of any person that violates any order issued under 
     this Act, together with a statement of the particular 
     provisions of the order violated by the person.
       ``(4) Violation.--Any person that knowingly violates this 
     subsection, on conviction--
       ``(A) shall be fined not more than $1,000, imprisoned not 
     more than 1 year, or both; and
       ``(B) if the person is an officer or employee of the Honey 
     Board or the Department, shall be removed from office.''.
       (4) Refunds.--Section 9 of the Honey Research, Promotion, 
     and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4608) is amended by 
     striking subsection (h).
       (5) Administration and remittance.--Section 9 of the Honey 
     Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 
     4608) (as amended by paragraph (4)) is amended by inserting 
     after subsection (g) the following:
       ``(h) Administration and Remittance.--Administration and 
     remittance of the assessments under this Act shall be 
     conducted--
       ``(1) in the manner prescribed in the order and regulations 
     issued under this Act; and
       ``(2) if approved in a referendum conducted under this Act, 
     in a manner that ensures that all honey and honey products 
     are assessed a total of, but not more than, $0.015 per pound, 
     including any producer or importer assessment.''.
       (6) Liability for assessments.--Section 9(i) of the Honey 
     Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 
     4608(i)) is amended--
       (A) by striking ``(i) If'' and inserting the following:
       ``(i) Liability for Assessments.--
       ``(1) Producers.--If''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Importers.--If the United States Customs Service 
     fails to collect an assessment from an importer or an 
     importer fails to pay an assessment at the time of entry of 
     honey and honey products into the United States under this 
     section, the importer shall be responsible for the remission 
     of the assessment to the Honey Board.''.
       (i) Petition and Review.--Section 10 of the Honey Research, 
     Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 4609) is 
     amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) Filing of Petition; Hearing.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (4), a person 
     subject to an order may file a written petition with the 
     Secretary--
       ``(A) that states that the order, any provision of the 
     order, or any obligation imposed in connection with the order 
     is not in accordance with law; and
       ``(B) that requests--
       ``(i) a modification of the order, provision, or 
     obligation; or
       ``(ii) to be exempted from the order, provision, or 
     obligation.
       ``(2) Hearing.--In accordance with regulations issued by 
     the Secretary, the petitioner shall be given an opportunity 
     for a hearing on the petition.
       ``(3) Ruling.--After the hearing, the Secretary shall make 
     a ruling on the petition that shall be final, if in 
     accordance with law.
       ``(4) Statute of limitations.--A petition filed under this 
     subsection that challenges an order, any provision of the 
     order, or any obligation imposed in connection with the 
     order, shall be filed not later than 2 years after the later 
     of--
       ``(A) the effective date of the order, provision, or 
     obligation challenged in the petition; or
       ``(B) the date on which the petitioner became subject to 
     the order, provision, or obligation challenged in the 
     petition.''.
       (j) Enforcement.--Subsections (a) and (b) of section 11 of 
     the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act 
     (7 U.S.C. 4610) are amended by striking ``plan'' each place 
     it appears and inserting ``order''.
       (k) Requirements of Referendum.--Section 12 of the Honey 
     Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 
     4611) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 12. REQUIREMENTS OF REFERENDUM.

       ``(a) In General.--For the purpose of ascertaining whether 
     issuance of an order is approved by producers, importers, and 
     in the case of an order assessing handlers, handlers, the 
     Secretary shall conduct a referendum among producers, 
     importers, and, in the case of an order assessing handlers, 
     handlers, not exempt under section 7(e)(4), that, during a 
     representative period determined by the Secretary, have been 
     engaged in the production, importation, or handling of honey 
     or honey products.
       ``(b) Effectiveness of Order.--
       ``(1) In general.--No order issued under this Act shall be 
     effective unless the Secretary determines that--
       ``(A) the order is approved by a majority of the producers, 
     importers, and if covered by the order, handlers, voting in 
     the referendum; and
       ``(B) the producers, importers, and handlers comprising the 
     majority produced, imported, and handled not less than 50 
     percent of the quantity of the honey and honey products 
     produced, imported, and handled during the representative 
     period by the persons voting in the referendum.
       ``(2) Amendments to orders.--The Secretary may amend an 
     order in accordance with the administrative procedures 
     specified in sections 5 and 6, except that the Secretary may 
     not amend a provision of an order that implements a provision 
     of this Act that specifically provides for approval in a 
     referendum without the approval provided for in this section.
       ``(c) Producer-Packers and Importers.--
       ``(1) In general.--Each producer-packer and each importer 
     shall have 1 vote as a handler as well as 1 vote as a 
     producer or importer (unless exempt under section 7(e)(4)) in 
     all referenda concerning orders assessing handlers to the 
     extent that the individual producer-packer or importer owes 
     assessments as a handler.
       ``(2) Attribution of quantity of honey.--For the purpose of 
     subsection (b)(1)(B)--
       ``(A) the quantity of honey or honey products on which the 
     qualifying producer-packer or importer owes assessments as a 
     handler shall be attributed to the person's vote as a handler 
     under paragraph (1); and
       ``(B) the quantity of honey or honey products on which the 
     producer-packer or importer owes an assessment as a producer 
     or importer shall be attributed to the person's vote as a 
     producer or importer.
       ``(d) Confidentiality.--The ballots and other information 
     or reports that reveal, or tend to reveal, the identity or 
     vote of any producer, importer, or handler of honey or honey 
     products shall be held strictly confidential and shall not be 
     disclosed.''.
       (l) Termination or Suspension.--Section 13 of the Honey 
     Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 
     4612) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 13. TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION.

       ``(a) Definition of Person.--In this section, the term 
     `person' means a producer, importer, or handler.
       ``(b) Authority of Secretary.--If the Secretary finds that 
     an order issued under this Act, or any provision of the 
     order, obstructs or does not tend to effectuate the purposes 
     of this Act, the Secretary shall terminate or suspend the 
     operation of the order or provision.
       ``(c) Periodic Referenda.--Except as provided in subsection 
     (d)(3) and section 14(g), on the date that is 5 years after 
     the date on which the Secretary issues an order authorizing 
     the collection of assessments on honey or honey products 
     under this Act, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary 
     shall conduct a referendum to determine if the persons 
     subject to assessment under the order approve continuation of 
     the order in accordance with section 12.
       ``(d) Referenda on Request.--
       ``(1) In general.--On the request of the Honey Board or the 
     petition of at least 10 percent of the total number of 
     persons subject to assessment under the order, the Secretary 
     shall conduct a referendum to determine if the persons 
     subject to assessment under the order approve continuation of 
     the order in accordance with section 12.
       ``(2) Limitation.--Referenda conducted under paragraph (1) 
     may not be held more than once every 2 years.
       ``(3) Effect on periodic referenda.--If a referendum is 
     conducted under this subsection and the Secretary determines 
     that continuation of the order is approved under section 12, 
     any referendum otherwise required to be conducted under 
     subsection (c) shall not be held before the date that is 5 
     years after the date of the referendum conducted under this 
     subsection.
       ``(e) Timing and Requirements for Termination or 
     Suspension.--

[[Page H2192]]

       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall terminate or suspend 
     an order at the end of the marketing year during which a 
     referendum is conducted under subsection (c) or (d) if the 
     Secretary determines that continuation of an order is not 
     approved under section 12.
       ``(2) Subsequent referendum.--If the Secretary terminates 
     or suspends an order that assesses the handling of honey and 
     honey products under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, not 
     later than 90 days after submission of a proposed order by an 
     interested party--
       ``(A) propose another order to establish a research, 
     promotion, and consumer information program; and
       ``(B) conduct a referendum on the order among persons that 
     would be subject to assessment under the order.
       ``(3) Effectiveness of order.--Section 12 shall apply in 
     determining the effectiveness of the subsequent amended order 
     under paragraph (2).''.
       (m) Implementation of Amendments.--The Honey Research, 
     Promotion, and Consumer Information Act is amended by 
     inserting after section 13 (7 U.S.C. 4612) the following:

     ``SEC. 14. IMPLEMENTATION OF AMENDMENTS MADE BY AGRICULTURAL 
                   RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION REFORM ACT 
                   OF 1998.

       ``(a) Issuance of Amended Order.--To implement the 
     amendments made to this Act by section 605 of the 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 
     1998 (other than subsection (m) of that section), the 
     Secretary shall issue an amended order under section 4 that 
     reflects those amendments.
       ``(b) Proposal of Amended Order.--Not later than 90 days 
     after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary 
     shall publish a proposed order under section 4 that reflects 
     the amendments made by section 605 of the Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998. The 
     Secretary shall provide notice and an opportunity for public 
     comment on the proposed order in accordance with section 5.
       ``(c) Issuance of Amended Order.--Not later than 240 days 
     after publication of the proposed order, the Secretary shall 
     issue an order under section 6, taking into consideration the 
     comments received and including in the order such provisions 
     as are necessary to ensure that the order conforms with the 
     amendments made by section 605 of the Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998.
       ``(d) Referendum on Amended Order.--
       ``(1) Requirement.--
       ``(A) In general.--On issuance of an order under section 6 
     reflecting the amendments made by section 605 of the 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 
     1998, the Secretary shall conduct a referendum under this 
     section for the sole purpose of determining whether the order 
     as amended shall become effective.
       ``(B) Individual provisions.--No individual provision of 
     the amended order shall be subject to a separate vote under 
     the referendum.
       ``(2) Eligible voters.--The Secretary shall conduct the 
     referendum among persons subject to assessment under the 
     order that have been producers, producer-packers, importers, 
     or handlers during the 2-calendar-year period that precedes 
     the referendum, which period shall be considered to be the 
     representative period.
       ``(3) Determination of quantity.--
       ``(A) In general.--Producer-packers, importers, and 
     handlers shall be allowed to vote as if--
       ``(i) the amended order had been in place during the 
     representative period described in paragraph (2); and
       ``(ii) they had owed the increased assessments provided by 
     the amended order.
       ``(B) Votes and attributed quantity for producer-packers 
     and importers.--The votes and the quantity of honey and honey 
     products attributed to the votes of producer-packers and 
     importers shall be determined in accordance with section 12.
       ``(C) Attributed quantity for handlers.--The quantity of 
     honey and honey products attributed to the vote of a handler 
     shall be the quantity handled in the representative period 
     described in paragraph (2) for which the handler would have 
     owed assessments had the amended order been in effect.
       ``(4) Effectiveness of order.--The amended order shall 
     become effective only if the Secretary determines that the 
     amended order is effective in accordance with section 12.
       ``(e) Continuation of Existing Order If Amended Order is 
     Rejected.--If adoption of the amended order is not approved--
       ``(1) the order issued under section 4 that is in effect on 
     the date of enactment of this section shall continue in full 
     force and effect; and
       ``(2) the Secretary may amend the order to ensure the 
     conformity of the order with this Act (as in effect on the 
     day before the date of enactment of this section).
       ``(f) Effect of Rejection on Subsequent Orders.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), if adoption of 
     the amended order is not approved in the referendum required 
     under subsection (d), the Secretary may issue an amended 
     order that implements some or all of the amendments made to 
     this Act by section 605 of the Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998, or makes other 
     changes to an existing order, in accordance with the 
     administrative procedures specified in sections 5 and 6.
       ``(2) Approval.--An amendment to an order that implements a 
     provision that is subject to a referendum shall be approved 
     in accordance with section 12 before becoming effective.
       ``(g) Effect on Periodic Referenda.--If the amended order 
     becomes effective, any referendum otherwise required to be 
     conducted under section 13(c) shall not be held before the 
     date that is 5 years after the date of the referendum 
     conducted under this section.''.

     SEC. 606. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

       (a) Supplemental and Alternative Crops Research.--Effective 
     as of April 6, 1996, 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) Animal Health and Disease Research.--The National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 is amended--
       (1) in section 1430 (7 U.S.C. 3192)--
       (A) in paragraph (3), by adding ``and'' at the end;
       (B) by striking paragraph (4); and
       (C) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4);
       (2) in section 1433(b)(3) (7 U.S.C. 3195(b)(3)), by 
     striking ``with the advice, when available, of the Board'';
       (3) in section 1434(c) (7 U.S.C. 3196(c))--
       (A) in the second sentence, by striking ``and the Board''; 
     and
       (B) in the fourth sentence, by striking ``, the Advisory 
     Board, and the Board'' and inserting ``and the Advisory 
     Board''; and
       (4) in the first sentence of section 1437 (7 U.S.C. 3199), 
     by striking ``with the advice, when available, of the 
     Board''.
       (e) Rangeland Research.--The second sentence of section 
     1483(b) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
     Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3336(b)) is amended by 
     striking the last sentence.
       (f) 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,''.
       (g) Grants To Upgrade 1890 Institutions Extension 
     Facilities.--Effective as of April 6, 1996, 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''.
       (h) Competitive and Special Grants.--The Competitive, 
     Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``Joint Council on 
     Food and Agricultural Sciences and the National Agricultural 
     Research and Extension Users Advisory Board'' and inserting 
     ``National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and 
     Economics Advisory Board (as established under section 1408 
     of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
     Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123))''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (l).
                      Subtitle B--New Authorities

     SEC. 611. NUTRIENT COMPOSITION DATA.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture 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. 612. 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 of Agriculture, acting through the Agricultural 
     Research Service, may accept as a gift, and administer, the 
     National Swine Research Center located in Ames, Iowa.

     SEC. 613. ROLE OF SECRETARY REGARDING FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL 
                   SCIENCES RESEARCH AND EXTENSION.

       The Secretary of Agriculture shall be the principal 
     official in the executive branch responsible for coordinating 
     all Federal research and extension activities related to food 
     and agricultural sciences.

     SEC. 614. OFFICE OF PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY.

       (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to establish 
     an Office of Pest Management Policy to provide for the 
     effective coordination of agricultural policies and 
     activities within the Department of Agriculture related to 
     pesticides and of the development and use of pest management 
     tools, while taking into account the effects of regulatory 
     actions of other government agencies.
       (b) Establishment of Office; Principal Responsibilities.--
     The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish in the 
     Department an Office of

[[Page H2193]]

     Pest Management Policy, which shall be responsible for--
       (1) the development and coordination of Department policy 
     on pest management and pesticides;
       (2) the coordination of activities and services of the 
     Department, including research, extension, and education 
     activities, regarding the development, availability, and use 
     of economically and environmentally sound pest management 
     tools and practices;
       (3) assisting other agencies of the Department in 
     fulfilling their responsibilities related to pest management 
     or pesticides under the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 
     (Public Law 104-170; 110 Stat. 1489), the Federal 
     Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et 
     seq.), the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 
     301 et seq.), and other applicable laws; and
       (4) performing such other functions as may be required by 
     law or prescribed by the Secretary.
       (c) Interagency Coordination.--In support of its 
     responsibilities under subsection (b), the Office of Pest 
     Management Policy shall provide leadership to ensure 
     coordination of interagency activities with the Environmental 
     Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, and 
     other Federal and State agencies.
       (d) Outreach.--The Office of Pest Management Policy shall 
     consult with agricultural producers that may be affected by 
     pest management or pesticide-related activities or actions of 
     the Department or other agencies as necessary in carrying out 
     the Office's responsibilities under this section.
       (e) Director.--The Office of Pest Management Policy shall 
     be under the direction of a Director appointed by the 
     Secretary, who shall report directly to the Secretary or a 
     designee of the Secretary.
       (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out 
     this section for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002.

     SEC. 615. FOOD SAFETY RESEARCH INFORMATION OFFICE AND 
                   NATIONAL CONFERENCE.

       (a) Food Safety Research Information Office.--
       (1) Establishment.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
     establish a Food Safety Research Information Office at the 
     National Agricultural Library.
       (2) Purpose.--The Office shall provide to the research 
     community and the general public information on publicly 
     funded, and to the maximum extent practicable, privately 
     funded food safety research initiatives for the purpose of--
       (A) preventing unintended duplication of food safety 
     research; and
       (B) assisting the executive and legislative branches of the 
     Federal Government and private research entities to assess 
     food safety research needs and priorities.
       (3) Cooperation.--The Office shall carry out this 
     subsection in cooperation with the National Institutes of 
     Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for 
     Disease Control and Prevention, public institutions, and, on 
     a voluntary basis, private research entities.
       (b) National Conference; Annual Workshops.--Not later than 
     120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary shall sponsor a conference to be known as the 
     ``National Conference on Food Safety Research'', for the 
     purpose of beginning the task of prioritization of food 
     safety research. The Secretary shall sponsor annual workshops 
     in each of the subsequent 4 years after the conference so 
     that priorities can be updated or adjusted to reflect 
     changing food safety concerns.
       (c) Food Safety Report.--With regard to the study and 
     report to be prepared by the National Academy of Sciences on 
     the scientific and organizational needs for an effective food 
     safety system, the study shall include recommendations to 
     ensure that the food safety inspection system, within the 
     resources traditionally available to existing food safety 
     agencies, protects the public health.

     SEC. 616. SAFE FOOD HANDLING EDUCATION.

       The Secretary of Agriculture shall continue to develop a 
     national program of safe food handling education for adults 
     and young people to reduce the risk of food-borne illness. 
     The national program shall be suitable for adoption and 
     implementation through State cooperative extension services 
     and school-based education programs.

     SEC. 617. REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES INCURRED UNDER SHEEP 
                   PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ACT OF 
                   1994.

       Using funds available to the Agricultural Marketing 
     Service, the Service may reimburse the American Sheep 
     Industry Association for expenses incurred by the American 
     Sheep Industry Association between February 6, 1996, and 
     May 17, 1996, in preparation for the implementation of a 
     sheep and wool promotion, research, education, and 
     information order under the Sheep Promotion, Research, and 
     Information Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.).

     SEC. 618. DESIGNATION OF CRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAM WITHIN 
                   DEPARTMENT.

       (a) Designation of Crisis Management Team.--The Secretary 
     of Agriculture shall designate a Crisis Management Team 
     within the Department of Agriculture, which shall be--
       (1) composed of senior departmental personnel with strong 
     subject matter expertise selected from each relevant agency 
     of the Department; and
       (2) headed by a team leader with management and 
     communications skills.
       (b) Duties of Crisis Management Team.--The Crisis 
     Management Team shall be responsible for the following:
       (1) Developing a Department-wide crisis management plan, 
     taking into account similar plans developed by other 
     government agencies and other large organizations, and 
     developing written procedures for the implementation of the 
     crisis management plan.
       (2) Conducting periodic reviews and revisions of the crisis 
     management plan and procedures developed under paragraph (1).
       (3) Ensuring compliance with crisis management procedures 
     by personnel of the Department and ensuring that appropriate 
     Department personnel are familiar with the crisis management 
     plan and procedures and are encouraged to bring information 
     regarding crises or potential crises to the attention of 
     members of the Crisis Management Team.
       (4) Coordinating the Department's information gathering and 
     dissemination activities concerning issues managed by the 
     Crisis Management Team.
       (5) Ensuring that Department spokespersons convey accurate, 
     timely, and scientifically sound information regarding crises 
     or potential crises that can be easily understood by the 
     general public.
       (6) Cooperating with, and coordinating among, other Federal 
     agencies, States, local governments, industry, and public 
     interest groups, Department activities regarding a crisis.
       (c) Role in Prioritizing Certain Research.--The Crisis 
     Management Team shall cooperate with the Advisory Board in 
     the prioritization of agricultural research conducted or 
     funded by the Department regarding animal health, natural 
     disasters, food safety, and other agricultural issues.
       (d) Cooperative Agreements.--The Secretary shall seek to 
     enter into cooperative agreements with other Federal 
     departments and agencies that have related programs or 
     activities to help ensure consistent, accurate, and 
     coordinated dissemination of information throughout the 
     executive branch in the event of a crisis, such as, in the 
     case of a threat to human health from food-borne pathogens, 
     developing a rapid and coordinated response among the 
     Department, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Food and 
     Drug Administration.

     SEC. 619. DESIGNATION OF KIKA DE LA GARZA SUBTROPICAL 
                   AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER, WESLACO, TEXAS.

       (a) Designation.--The Federal facilities located at 2413 
     East Highway 83, and 2301 South International Boulevard, in 
     Weslaco, Texas, and known as the ``Subtropical Agricultural 
     Research Center'', shall be known and designated as the 
     ``Kika de la Garza Subtropical Agricultural Research 
     Center''.
       (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, 
     document, paper, or other record of the United States to the 
     Federal facilities referred to in subsection (a) shall be 
     deemed to be a reference to the ``Kika de la Garza 
     Subtropical Agricultural Research Center''.
                          Subtitle C--Studies

     SEC. 631. EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, 
                   EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

       (a) Evaluation.--The Secretary of Agriculture 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.--The Secretary shall enter into a contract 
     with 1 or more entities with expertise 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.
       (c) Guidelines for Performance Measurement.--The contractor 
     selected under subsection (b) shall develop and propose to 
     the Secretary practical guidelines for measuring performance 
     of federally funded agricultural research, extension, and 
     education programs. 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. 632. STUDY OF FEDERALLY FUNDED AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, 
                   EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION.

       (a) Study.--Not later than January 1, 1999, the Secretary 
     of Agriculture 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 appropriateness of the formulas for the 
     allocation of funds under the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 341 
     et seq.) and the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361a et seq.) 
     with respect to current conditions of the agricultural 
     economy and other factors of the various regions and States 
     of the United States and develop recommendations to revise 
     the formulas to more accurately reflect the current 
     conditions; 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)

[[Page H2194]]

     and (4) of subsection (b), including the recommendations 
     developed under paragraph (3) of subsection (b) and other 
     appropriate recommendations.
                     Subtitle D--Senses of Congress

     SEC. 641. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH 
                   SERVICE EMPHASIS ON FIELD RESEARCH REGARDING 
                   METHYL BROMIDE ALTERNATIVES.

       It is the sense of Congress that, of the Agricultural 
     Research Service funds made available for a fiscal year for 
     research regarding the development for agricultural use of 
     alternatives to methyl bromide, the Secretary of Agriculture 
     should use a substantial portion of the funds for research to 
     be conducted in real field conditions, especially pre-
     planting and post-harvest conditions, so as to expedite the 
     development and commercial use of methyl bromide 
     alternatives.

     SEC. 642. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL-
                   BASED AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION.

       It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of 
     Agriculture and the Secretary of Education should collaborate 
     and cooperate in providing both instructional and technical 
     support for school-based agricultural education.
       And the House agree to the same.

     Robert Smith,
     Larry Combest,
     Bill Barrett,
     Charles W. Stenholm,
     Calvin Dooley,
                                Managers on the Part of the House.

     Richard G. Lugar,
     Thad Cochran,
     Paul D. Coverdell,
     Tom Harkin,
     Patrick Leahy,
                               Managers on the Part of the Senate.

       JOINT EXPLANATORY STATEMENT OF THE COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE

       The Managers on the part of the House and the Senate at the 
     Conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the 
     amendment of the House to the bill (S. 1150) to ensure that 
     federally funded agricultural research, extension, and 
     education address high-priority concerns with national or 
     multistate significance and to reform, extend, and eliminate 
     certain agricultural research programs and for other 
     purposes, submit the following joint statement to the House 
     and the Senate in explanation of the effect of the action 
     agreed upon by the managers and recommended in the 
     accompanying conference report: 1
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
     \1\ The House Report (H.Rept.105-376) and the Senate Report 
     (S.Rept.105-73) are incorporated by reference.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
       The House amendment struck out all of the Senate bill after 
     the enacting clause and inserted a substitute text.
       The Senate recedes from its disagreement to the amendment 
     of the House with an amendment which is a substitute for the 
     Senate bill and the House amendment. The differences between 
     the Senate bill, the House amendment, and the substitute 
     agreed to in conference are noted below, except for clerical 
     corrections, conforming changes made necessary by agreements 
     reached by the conferees, and minor drafting and clarifying 
     changes.


                   (1) Short Title; Table of Contents

       The Senate bill titles the Act the ``Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1997''. (Section 1)
       The House amendment states that this Act may be cited at 
     the ``Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education 
     Reauthorization Act of 1997''. (Section 1)
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision. 
     (Section 1)


                            (2) Definitions

       The Senate bill contains definitions for terms used 
     throughout the bill, including ``1862'', ``1890'' and 
     ``1994'' Institutions, ``Advisory Board,'' ``Department,'' 
     ``Hatch Act of 1887,'' ``Secretary,'' ``Smith-Lever Act,'' 
     and ``Stakeholder.'' (Section 2)
       The House amendment amends the definition of ``Food and 
     Agricultural Sciences'' as it currently appears in the 
     National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977 to simplify the references to animal and 
     plant production and health; specify food safety as a 
     research objective; substitute the term ``rural human 
     ecology'' for rural community welfare and development; and 
     add information management, technology transfer, and 
     agricultural biotechnology as subject areas under the food 
     and agricultural sciences. The House amendment in subsection 
     (b) clarifies that references to ``Teaching'' shall mean 
     ``Teaching and Education.''
       The House amendment defines ``in-kind support'' and 
     designates the definitions included in the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 as the principle definitions when used in this title or 
     any law pertaining to the Department of Agriculture relating 
     to research, extension, or education regarding the food 
     and agricultural sciences unless the context requires 
     otherwise. (Section 102)
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     an amendment striking the definition for stakeholder (Section 
     2) and adopts the House provision with an amendment to retain 
     current law on processing of agricultural commodities 
     (Sections 221 and 230).
       The Managers consider many critical emerging issues related 
     to international agricultural trade as being of primary 
     importance to United States agricultural competitiveness and 
     farm income. The Managers encourage the Secretary to provide 
     priority funding for research to address these issues and 
     facilitate export market expansion for United States 
     agricultural products, including the identification, removal 
     or reduction of barriers to agricultural trade. The Managers 
     intend that the Secretary should take into account input and 
     recommendations from the agricultural community and others 
     concerned with agricultural trade in order to ensure that 
     research activities in food and agricultural sciences respond 
     to the current and anticipated needs of United States 
     agricultural producers and exporters.


(3) Standards for Federal Funding of Agricultural Research, Extension, 
                             and Education

       The Senate bill requires the Secretary to ensure that 
     agricultural research, extension or education activities 
     conducted by ARS or on a competitive basis by CSREES address 
     concerns that are high priority and have national or multi 
     state significance. (Section 101)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     an amendment to clarify that research have national, multi 
     state or regional significance. (Section 101)
       This section establishes a standard for research conducted 
     by the ARS and funding awarded competitively by CSREES. The 
     Managers expect that the Department would require applicants 
     for grant funding to demonstrate that the project is of multi 
     state or national relevance and to demonstrate the gap in 
     knowledge they are trying to fill. The Managers intend that 
     the term ``regional'' as used in this section may include a 
     region covering a multi-state area or an area within one 
     state.


                      (4) Priority Setting Process

       The Senate bill requires the Secretary to establish 
     priorities for agricultural research, extension and education 
     activities conducted by or for the Department. In 
     establishing these priorities, the Secretary must solicit and 
     consider input and recommendations from stakeholders. The 
     Secretary must notify the Advisory Board in writing regarding 
     the implementation of its recommendations and must send 
     copies of the letter to the Senate and House Agriculture 
     Committees regarding the recommendations of the Advisory 
     Board if the recommendations are regarding the priority 
     mission areas under the Initiative for Future Agriculture and 
     Food Systems. This section also requires the 1862, 1890, and 
     1994 institutions to establish and implement a process for 
     obtaining stakeholder input concerning the uses of Federal 
     formula funds and the Secretary is directed to establish 
     regulations on the requirements for complying with the 
     stakeholder input requirement and the consequences of not 
     complying.
       The section also adds a list of management principles for 
     research, extension and education funded by the Department. 
     (Section 102)
       The House amendment requires the Secretary, in consultation 
     with the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
     Education, and Economics Advisory Board (Advisory Board) and 
     persons who conduct or use agricultural research, to 
     establish priorities for Federally funded agricultural 
     research, extension, and education activities that are 
     conducted by or funded by the Department.
       The House amendment also adds a list of management 
     principles for research, education, and extension activities 
     funded by the Department. (Section 101)
       The House amendment amends section 1408 of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 by requiring that the Advisory Board, whenever there is 
     a required consultation, solicit opinions and recommendations 
     from persons who will benefit from and use Federally funded 
     agricultural research, extension, education, and economics. 
     Whenever the Secretary proposes to perform any duty or 
     activity that requires the Secretary to consult or cooperate 
     with the Advisory Board or authorizes the Advisory Board to 
     submit recommendations with regard to that duty or activity, 
     the Secretary shall solicit written opinions and 
     recommendations from the Advisory Board and provide a written 
     response to the Advisory Board regarding the manner and 
     extent to which the Secretary will implement the 
     recommendations. (Section 103)
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     an amendment to delete one of the management principles and 
     an amendment exempting the Advisory Board from Departmental 
     limitations on expenses for advisory committees and setting 
     an annual cap of $350,000 for Advisory Board expenses. 
     (Section 102 and Section 222)
       The Managers intend that the term ``regional'' as used in 
     this section may include a region covering a multi-state area 
     or an area within one state.
       The Managers recognize the increasingly important role that 
     international trade plays in ensuring the viability of United 
     States agriculture. The Managers are aware that many 
     historical tariff barriers have been replaced with various 
     non-tariff trade barriers to agricultural trade, such as the 
     sanitary and phytosanitary restrictions. The Managers feel 
     strongly that the Secretary and the research community should 
     take into account the tremendous importance of

[[Page H2195]]

     agricultural trade when establishing priorities for federally 
     funded agricultural research, extension, and education. The 
     Secretary should designate an appropriate person in the 
     Department to receive input from the agricultural community, 
     the Advisory Board, Federal agencies concerned with 
     agricultural trade, and other interested parties to help 
     ensure that research activities in food and agricultural 
     sciences are prioritized in a way that responds to the 
     current and future needs of agricultural producers and 
     exporters, including the development of methods to identify, 
     remove, or reduce potential and existing barriers to 
     agricultural trade. By recognizing the significance of 
     agricultural trade in the priority setting process, the 
     Secretary will be better able to focus agricultural research 
     to help enhance the competitiveness of the United States 
     agriculture and food industry.


  (5) Relevance and Merit of Federally Funded Agricultural Research, 
                        Extension, and Education

       The Senate bill requires the Secretary to establish 
     procedures that ensure scientific peer review of each 
     agricultural research grant funded, on a competitive basis, 
     by CSREES. This section also requires the Secretary to 
     establish procedures that ensure merit review of each 
     agricultural extension or education grant funded, on a 
     competitive basis, by CSREES.
       The Senate bill requires the Advisory Board to perform an 
     annual review of the relevancy of the Department's 
     agricultural research, extension and education funding 
     portfolio in relation to the Secretary's priorities 
     established under section 102. The results of this review are 
     to be considered when formulating requests for proposals for 
     the next fiscal year, if the results are available then. The 
     Secretary is also required to solicit and consider input from 
     stakeholders on the prior year's request for proposals when 
     formulating a request for proposals for a new year.
       The Senate bill requires the Secretary to establish 
     procedures to ensure scientific peer review of ARS research 
     activities and the research of each scientist employed by ARS 
     at least once every 5 years by a review panel to verify that 
     the activities have scientific merit and relevance to the 
     Secretary's priorities as well as national or multistate 
     significance. The review panel under this section is to be 
     comprised of individuals with scientific expertise, a 
     majority of whom are not employees of ARS. The results of 
     these reviews are to be transmitted to Congress and the 
     Advisory Board.
       The Senate bill requires the 1862 and 1890 Institutions to 
     establish and implement a process for merit review in order 
     to obtain agricultural research or extension funds and 1994 
     Institutions are required to establish and implement a merit 
     review process in order to receive extension funds from the 
     Secretary.
       The Senate bill also repeals outdated authority of the 
     Secretary to withhold formula funds. (Section 103)
       The House amendment amends subtitle K of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 by inserting a new section before section 1463. This new 
     section requires the Secretary to establish procedures to 
     ensure scientific peer-review of each agricultural research 
     grant funded on a competitive basis by CSREES. The Secretary, 
     in consultation with the Advisory Board, must establish 
     procedures that ensure merit review of each agricultural 
     extension or education grant competitively funded by CSREES. 
     When formulating a request for proposals involving an 
     agricultural research, extension, or education activity 
     funded on a competitive basis, the Secretary shall solicit 
     and consider input from the Advisory Board and users of 
     agricultural research, extension, and education regarding the 
     request for proposals from the previous year. If the activity 
     has not been the subject of a previous request for proposals, 
     the Secretary shall solicit and consider input from the 
     Advisory Board and users of such research, extension, and 
     education.
       The House amendment requires the Secretary to establish 
     procedures for a scientific peer-review of all research 
     activities conducted by the Department. A review panel 
     comprised of individuals with scientific expertise, the 
     majority of which cannot be USDA employees, shall verify that 
     each research project has scientific merit, and the panel 
     shall review each research activity at least once every three 
     years.
       In the House amendment, beginning October 1, 1998, each 
     1862 and 1890 Institution shall develop a process for merit 
     review of the activity and review the activity in accordance 
     with that process as a condition for receiving Federal 
     formula funds for research or extension. In the House 
     amendment, beginning October 1, 1998 each 1994 institution 
     shall develop a process for merit review of the activity in 
     accordance with that process as a condition for receiving 
     Federal formula funds for extension.
       The House amendment repeals outdated provisions of the 
     Smith-Lever Act, Hatch Act of 1887, and the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 that require the Secretary to report to the President 
     when the Secretary withholds funds from a land-grant college 
     or university. (Section 104)
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision with 
     amendments to delete the requirement that input be required 
     before issuing a RFP, to require that review of USDA research 
     be every five years, to require the Advisory Board to perform 
     an annual relevancy review, and to strike the FACA exemption. 
     (Section 103)


            (6) Research Formula Funds for 1862 Institutions

       The Senate bill amends the Hatch Act to require that not 
     less than 25 percent of a State's Hatch Act funds will be 
     used for projects in which a state agricultural experiment 
     station, working with another agricultural experiment 
     station, ARS, or a college or university, cooperates to solve 
     multi-state problems utilizing multidisciplinary approaches. 
     This research will be subject to scientific peer review. A 
     project reviewed under this section will also be deemed to 
     have satisfied the merit review requirements of section 103. 
     (Section 104).
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     an amendment to reference the plans of work. (Section 104)
       The Managers recognize that issues of national significance 
     would meet the requirement of multi-state interest as 
     required by this section, and that the research of national 
     significance may be conducted between partners in a single 
     state.


           (7) Extension Formula Funds for 1862 Institutions

       The Senate bill amends the Smith-Lever Act by requiring 
     that a certain percentage of Smith-Lever (b) and (c) funds 
     going to a State be used for cooperative extension activities 
     in which 2 or more states cooperate to solve problems that 
     concern more than one State. In order to determine the 
     applicable percentage, the Secretary shall determine the 
     percentage of Federal formula funds that a State spent for 
     fiscal year 1997 for multistate activities. Then starting in 
     fiscal year 2000, the applicable percentage will be 25 
     percent or twice the percentage determined to be spent on 
     multistate activities in 1997, whichever is less. The 
     Secretary is given the authority to reduce the minimum 
     percentage required in a case of hardship, infeasibility or 
     other similar circumstance beyond the control of the State.
       In the Senate bill, States are to include in their plans of 
     work the manner in which they will meet the applicable 
     percentage requirement. State and local matching funds are 
     not subject to the percentage requirement. The section also 
     imposes a merit review requirement for these funds. The merit 
     review in this section will satisfy the merit review 
     requirement of section 103 as well. (Section 105)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     an amendment to reference plans of work. (Section 105)


                        (8) Research Facilities

       The Senate bill amends the Research Facilities Act by 
     replacing the word ``regional'' everywhere it appears with 
     ``multi state.'' This section requires the Secretary to 
     ensure that ARS research facilities serve national or multi 
     state needs. The section requires the Secretary to 
     periodically review each operating agricultural research 
     facilities constructed in whole or in part with Federal funds 
     and each planned agricultural research facility. The 
     Competitive, Special and Facilities Research Grant Act is 
     also amended by replacing the word ``regional'' everywhere it 
     appears with ``national or multi state.'' (Section 106)
       The House amendment repeals the Research Facilities Act but 
     transfers the existing authority for the task force on 
     agriculture research facilities to the National Agriculture 
     Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977. 
     (Section 214)
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision. 
     (Section 106)


                           (9) Advisory Board

       The Senate bill requires the Secretary to ensure, to the 
     maximum extent practicable, equal representation of public 
     and private sector members on the Advisory Board. (Section 
     201)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision. 
     (Section 222)


    (10) Grants and Fellowships for Food and Agricultural Sciences 
                               Education

       The Senate bill requires the Secretary to give priority in 
     this grant program to teaching enhancement projects that 
     demonstrate enhanced cooperation among all types of 
     institutions and priority to teaching enhancement projects 
     that focus on innovative, multi disciplinary education 
     programs, materials and curricula. This section also 
     authorizes the Secretary to maintain a national food and 
     agricultural education information system containing 
     information on enrollment, degrees awarded, faculty and 
     employment placement in the food and agricultural sciences. 
     (Section 202).
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision. 
     (Section 223)


                      (11) Policy Research Centers

       The Senate bill amends current grant making authority to 
     include grants for studies that concern the effect of trade 
     agreements on farm and agricultural sector; the environment; 
     rural families, households and economies; and consumer, food, 
     and nutrition. (Section 203)

[[Page H2196]]

       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision. 
     (Section 224)
       The Managers recognize the growing importance of 
     international markets on the farm and agricultural sectors; 
     the environment; rural families, households and economies and 
     consumers, food and nutrition. While the overall impact of 
     increased trade opportunities will benefit all of these 
     areas, the conferees recognize that different areas of the 
     country face unique situations. For instance, the Northern 
     Plains states encompass a unique set of factors including 
     climate, crop mix, and marketing of agricultural commodities 
     and products. This section would allow a policy research 
     center to evaluate the impact of multinational trade on this 
     or any other area of the country.


   (12) International Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching

       The Senate bill adds the word ``teaching'' to the purposes 
     of several grant programs and authorizes competitive grants 
     for collaborative projects between U.S. scientists, land 
     grant scientists, or scientists from other colleges and 
     universities and scientists from international agricultural 
     research centers in other nations, including the 
     international agricultural research centers of the 
     Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research. 
     This section also requires the Secretary to submit a biennial 
     report to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees about 
     efforts to coordinate international agricultural research and 
     better link domestic and international agricultural research. 
     (Section 204)
       The House amendment adds the word ``teaching'' throughout 
     Section 1458 of the National Agriculture Research, Extension, 
     and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 concerning international 
     agricultural research and extension programs. In the case of 
     the cooperative agreement entered into between the Secretary 
     and Israel, the full amount of appropriated funds shall be 
     transferred directly to the Binational Agricultural Research 
     and Development Fund. This section prohibits the Secretary 
     from retaining any portion of the funds for overhead or any 
     other administrative expense. (Section 213)
       The House amendment amends the National Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
     U.S.C. 3291) by inserting a new section which authorizes the 
     Secretary to establish an agricultural research and 
     development program with the United States/Mexico Foundation 
     for Science. The Foundation shall award competitive grants, 
     with a matching funds requirement by the Mexican government, 
     to focus on binational problems such as food safety, plant 
     and animal pest control, and the natural resource base on 
     which agriculture depends. (Section 423)
       The House amendment amends the National Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 by 
     adding a section authorizing the Secretary to award 
     competitive grants to colleges and universities to strengthen 
     U.S. economic competitiveness and promote international 
     market development. Grants will be awarded to research, 
     extension, and teaching activities that enhance the 
     international content of curricula in colleges and 
     universities, disseminates the findings of agricultural 
     research outside the United States to students and users of 
     agricultural research within the United States, enhances 
     collaborative research with other countries, and enhances the 
     capability of U.S. colleges and institutions in assisting 
     food production, processing, and distribution. (Section 424)
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision with 
     an amendment to authorize competitive grants as described in 
     the Senate bill and to require the Secretary to submit a 
     biennial report to the House and Senate Agriculture 
     Committees. (Sections 227, 228, and 229)


                   (13) General Administrative Costs

       The Senate bill amends subtitle K of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 by inserting section 1461 which sets an indirect cost 
     cap of 25 percent of total Federal funds provided under a 
     grant for competitive research, extension, or education 
     awarded under the National Research Initiative, the Fund for 
     Rural America, or the Initiative for Future Agriculture and 
     Food Systems.
       The Senate bill amends section 1469 of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 to allow the Secretary of Agriculture to retain up to 4 
     percent of amounts appropriated for an agricultural research, 
     extension, or teaching assistance program for the 
     administration of such program, except where the act 
     authorizing such program specifically authorizes the 
     Secretary to withhold a percentage of funds for the 
     administration of that specific program. This subsection 
     would also amend section 1469 to provide for the retention 
     for administrative costs of 4 percent of funds made available 
     under section 25 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 for community 
     food projects. (Section 205)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     an amendment to cap indirect costs at 19% of total federal 
     funds for all competitively awarded agricultural research, 
     education, or extension grants and an amendment to authorize 
     use of program funds for peer review panels. (Section 230)


 (14) Expansion of Authority to Enter Into Cost-Reimbursable Agreements

       The Senate bill amends section 1473A of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 to expand current authority of the Secretary of 
     Agriculture to enter into cost-reimbursable agreements with 
     State cooperative institutions (i.e., land-grant colleges and 
     universities) for the acquisition of goods or services, 
     including personal services, to carry out agricultural 
     research, extension, or teaching activities of mutual 
     interest, by additionally allowing the Secretary to enter 
     into such agreements with any college or university. (Section 
     206)
       The House amendment amends section 1473A of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 to expand current authority of the Secretary to enter 
     into cost-reimbursable agreements with State cooperative 
     institutions (i.e. land-grant colleges and universities) for 
     the acquisition of goods and services, including personnel 
     services, to carry out agricultural research, extension, or 
     teaching activities of mutual interest by additionally 
     allowing the Secretary to enter into such agreements with any 
     college or university. (Section 105)
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision. 
     (Section 231)


         (15) National Agricultural Weather Information System

       The Senate bill amends subtitle D of title XVI of the Food, 
     Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 and provides 
     that section 1637 of the Act establish the short title for 
     the subtitle as the ``National Agricultural Weather 
     Information System Act of 1997'' and establishes the purposes 
     of this subtitle to coordinate national agricultural weather 
     and climate station network, ensure timely and accurate 
     agriculture related weather information is disseminated and 
     aid research and education projects which require 
     agricultural weather and climate data.
       The Senate bill provides that section 1638 of the Food, 
     Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 would 
     authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the 
     National Agricultural Weather Information System (NAWIS). The 
     Senate bill authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter 
     into cooperative projects with, and award grants to other 
     Federal, regional, and State agencies to support development 
     and dissemination of agricultural weather and climate 
     information; to collect weather data through regional and 
     State agricultural weather information systems; coordinate 
     the weather activities of the Department of Agriculture with 
     other Federal agencies and the private sector; make grants 
     regarding State and regional agricultural weather information 
     systems; and to encourage private sector participation in 
     NAWIS activities. The Senate bill authorizes a competitive 
     grants program to support projects to improve the manner in 
     which agricultural weather and climate information is 
     collected, retained, and distributed.
       The Senate bill amends section 1639 of the Food, 
     Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to require 
     that no more than two-thirds of the funds appropriated for 
     the subtitle shall be used for work with the National Oceanic 
     and Atmospheric Administration. This revised section would 
     also prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from awarding any 
     grant funds for the construction of facilities and would 
     limit the purchase of equipment with grants funds to no more 
     than the lesser of one-third of the award or $15,000.
       The Senate bill amends section 1640 of the Food, 
     Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize 
     to be appropriated $15 million for each of the 1998 through 
     2002 fiscal years to carry out the purposes of the revised 
     subtitle. (Section 211)
       The House has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision.


                   (16) National Food Genome Strategy

       The Senate bill amends section 1671 of the Food, 
     Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize 
     the Secretary to establish a National Food Genome Strategy 
     for agriculturally important plants, animals, and microbes. 
     Subsection (a) establishes the purposes of the section. This 
     section also provides that USDA is to be the lead federal 
     agency for the Plant Genome Initiative unless funding 
     provided through USDA for the Plant Genome Initiative is 
     substantially less than funding provided through another 
     Federal agency, in which case the other Federal agency would 
     be the lead agency as determined by the President. Subsection 
     (b) requires the Secretary of Agriculture develop and carry 
     out a National Food Genome Strategy on the development and 
     dissemination of information regarding the genetics of 
     agriculturally important plants, animals, and microbes. 
     Subsection (c) authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to 
     enter into 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 to carryout the purposes of this 
     section. This subsection also requires that grants made 
     under this subsection be awarded on a competitive basis. 
     Subsection (d) requires the Secretary of Agriculture to 
     issue necessary regulations. The Senate bill authorizes 
     the Secretary to consult with the National Academy of 
     Sciences regarding the National Food Genome Strategy. The 
     Senate bill authorizes the Secretary to include in 
     contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements an allowance 
     for indirect costs in the

[[Page H2197]]

     same manner such costs are allowed under contracts, grants 
     and cooperative agreements by the National Science 
     Foundation. (Section 212)
       The House amendment amends the heading of Section 1671 of 
     the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to 
     ``Agricultural Genome Initiative.'' The Secretary shall 
     conduct research for the purposes of supporting basic and 
     applied research and technology, studying and mapping 
     agriculturally significant genes, ensuring that current gaps 
     in existing agricultural genetics knowledge are filled, and 
     preserving diverse germplasm and biodiversity.
       Grants made under the House amendment would be awarded on a 
     competitive basis, and no funds awarded under this section 
     may be used to fund construction. In the House amendment, a 
     one-to-one match or in-kind support is required for any grant 
     which is to benefit a specific commodity but the Secretary 
     may waive the matching requirement with respect to an 
     individual project if (1) the Secretary determines the 
     results of the project, while of particular benefit to a 
     specific commodity, are likely to be applicable to 
     agricultural commodities generally or (2) the project 
     involves a minor commodity, deals with scientifically 
     important research, and the grant recipient would be unable 
     to satisfy the matching requirement.
       The House amendment authorizes the necessary funds to be 
     appropriated for each of the 1998 through 2002 fiscal years 
     to carry out the purposes of the revised section. (Section 
     232)
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision with 
     amendments to modify the goals, to prescribe duties of the 
     Secretary, to provide authority for cooperative agreements 
     which would be subject to matching requirements, to require 
     grants or cooperative agreements to be made on a competitive 
     basis, to allow consultation with the National Academy of 
     Sciences and to strike the authorization of appropriations. 
     (Section 241)
       In establishing the Agricultural Genome Initiative, it is 
     the intent of the Managers that USDA would continue to be the 
     lead federal agency for agricultural genomic research.


      (17) Imported Fire Ant Control, Management, and Eradication

       The Senate bill creates a three tiered grant program and 
     authorizes the Secretary to establish a National Advisory 
     Board on fire ant control, management, and eradication. 
     Eligible grant recipients include colleges, universities, 
     research institutes, Federal labs, or private entities 
     selected by the Secretary on a competitive basis. (Section 
     213)
       The House amendment authorizes the Secretary to make 
     competitive grants for 32 high priority research and 
     extension issues including fire ants. (Section 421 (e)(10))
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     an amendment to strike the board and instead allow formation 
     of a task force and inserts the provision in the section for 
     high priority research and extension issues. (Section 242)
       The Managers intend that in carrying out these grants the 
     Secretary may establish a task force consisting of 
     individuals from academia, research institutes, and the 
     private sector and who are experts in entomology, ant 
     ecology, wildlife biology, electrical engineering, economics, 
     and agribusiness. The Managers intend that the Secretary 
     shall solicit and consider input from this task force in 
     developing a request for proposals for grants.


              (18) Agricultural Telecommunications Program

       The Senate bill authorizes the Secretary to award a grant 
     to A*DEC to enable it to administer the Agricultural 
     Telecommunications Program. (Section 214).
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision. 
     (Section 245)
       This section authorizes the Secretary to award a grant to 
     A*DEC to enable it to administer a competitive grant program 
     as authorized under the agricultural telecommunications 
     program. It is the intent of the Managers that a cohesive, 
     affordable and sustainable agricultural telecommunications 
     network be developed that makes optimal use of available 
     resources for agriculture and rural America. The network must 
     disseminate and share academic instruction, extension 
     programming, agricultural research and domestic and 
     international marketing information.
       A*DEC is a consortium whose members include the U.S. 
     Department of Agriculture, numerous state universities and 
     land grant institutions, and a growing number of 
     international associate members. The Managers intend that the 
     Secretary of Agriculture, acting through A*DEC, administer a 
     competitive grant program that uses the power and efficiency 
     of the Internet, audio and video conferencing, and printed 
     materials. The Managers expect A*DEC to design an open 
     process for disseminating grant information and requirements, 
     to utilize a peer review process for grant applications, and 
     to use an on-line submission, report and evaluation process. 
     These steps will assure that all aspects of the grant program 
     are open, transparent, and will allow for partnership 
     development and rapid feedback from the review process.
       The Managers expect that the transfer of the management of 
     the program to A*DEC will not affect the awarding of these 
     grants on a competitive basis to all eligible institutions 
     and entities, regardless of membership in the A*DEC 
     consortium.


    (19) Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities

       The Senate bill changes the AgrAbility authorization to 
     reflect the current distribution of funds. It eliminates the 
     separate spending authority for the national grant program in 
     favor of a combined authorization of $6 million, with 
     instructions that 15 percent of total program appropriations 
     be designated for nationally coordinated AgrAbility 
     activities. (Section 215)
       The House amendment reauthorizes existing program until 
     fiscal year 2002. (Section 323)
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision. 
     (Section 246)


                         (20) 1994 Institutions

       The Senate bill amends the Equity In Education Land-Grant 
     Status Act of 1994 by adding Little Priest Tribal College of 
     Nebraska to the list of 1994 Institutions and adds a 
     requirement that 1994 Institutions either be accredited or 
     working towards accreditation in order to receive funding 
     under the Act. (Section 221)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision. 
     (Section 251)


 (21) Cooperative Agricultural Extension Work by 1862, 1890, and 1994 
                              Institutions

       The Senate bill amends the Smith-Lever Act to provide 
     funding and authority for 1994 Institutions for extension 
     activities which may be carried out through cooperative 
     agreements with land grant colleges in any State. (Section 
     222)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision. 
     (Section 201)


  (22) Eligibility of Certain Colleges and Universities for Extension 
                                Funding

       The Senate bill amends section 3(d) of the Smith-Lever Act 
     by expanding the list of institutions eligible to receive 
     competitive funding under the Act to include all colleges and 
     universities. It further amends section 3(d) of the Act by 
     making 1890 and 1994 Institutions eligible for non-
     competitive extension funding, as well as the 1862 
     Institutions. The Secretary is authorized to enter into 
     memoranda of understanding, cooperative agreements and 
     reimbursable agreements with other Federal agencies to assist 
     in carrying out extension programs. The section also contains 
     a conforming amendment. (Section 223)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision.


               (23) Integration of Research and Extension

       The Senate bill amends the Smith-Lever and Hatch Acts by 
     requiring that a certain percentage of Smith-Lever (b) and 
     (c) and Hatch Act funds going to a State be used for 
     integrated cooperative extension and research activities. In 
     order to determine the applicable percentage, the Secretary 
     shall determine the percentage of Federal formula funds that 
     a State spent for fiscal year 1997 for integrated research 
     and cooperative extension activities. Then starting in fiscal 
     year 2000, the applicable percentage will be 25 percent or 
     twice the percentage determined to be spent on integrated 
     activities in 1997, whichever is less. The Secretary is given 
     the authority to reduce the minimum percentage required in a 
     case of hardship, infeasibility or other similar circumstance 
     beyond the control of the State.
       Under the Senate bill the States would inform the Secretary 
     of the manner in which they will meet the applicable 
     percentage requirement. The section also provides that funds 
     used towards meeting the integration requirement may also be 
     used to satisfy the percentage requirements contained in 
     sections 104 and 105 of the Bill. The section contains 
     language exempting any State and local matching funds from 
     the integration requirement. (Section 224)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     an amendment to reference plans of work. (Section 204)


        (24) Competitive, Special and Facilities Research Grants

       The Senate bill amends the Competitive, Special, and 
     Facilities Research Grants Act by adding national 
     laboratories to the list of eligible grantees under the NRI.
       The section amends the time period for special grants from 
     5 years to 3 years and requires that the grants be for the 
     purpose of conducting research to address agricultural 
     research needs of immediate importance, by themselves or in 
     conjunction with extension or education; or new or emerging 
     areas of agricultural research, by themselves or in 
     conjunction with extension or education. This section retains 
     the prohibition on providing special grants for facilities. 
     Scientific peer review is required for research projects 
     funded under this section and merit review is required for 
     extension or education projects funded by a special grant. 
     Eligible grantees include colleges, universities, other 
     research institutions and organizations, Federal agencies, 
     private organizations or corporations, and individuals.
       The Senate bill imposes a partnership requirement for 
     projects that address immediate needs. For projects that 
     address new or emerging research issues, a partnership is 
     required after three years in order to receive

[[Page H2198]]

     funding for additional years and the partnership must be 
     comprised of at least 2 other entities, in addition to the 
     grantee. Each grantee must also provide to the Secretary a 
     proposed plan for graduation from Federal funding under this 
     section. Graduation plans and partnership requirements do not 
     apply to non-competitive special grants. Grant recipients are 
     required to file annual reports describing the results of 
     their research, extension or education activities and the 
     merit of those results. To the extent allowable by law, these 
     reports are to be made available to the public. The section 
     also contains a 4 percent set aside for administrative costs. 
     The effective date for the section is October 1, 1998.
       The Senate bill allows grant awards under the NRI to a new 
     investigator who is still within 5 years of the individual's 
     initial career track position rather than investigators who 
     have less than 5 years of post-graduate research experience. 
     (Section 225)
       The House amendment amends the matching requirement 
     provision for equipment purchase of the National Research 
     Initiative, Competitive Grants Program to provide that the 
     Secretary may waive all or a portion of the matching 
     requirement in the case of small colleges or universities if 
     (1) the cost of the equipment does not exceed $25,000 and (2) 
     has multiple uses within a single research project or is 
     usable in more than one research project. (Section 241)
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision with 
     amendments to add national laboratories to NRI eligibility, 
     to allow NRI grants for new investigators within 5 years of 
     the individual's initial career track position, to require 
     scientific peer or merit review of special grants, to 
     authorize special grants for three years rather than five 
     years, and to require annual reports for special grants. 
     (Sections 211 and 212)


                      (25) Fund for Rural America

       The Senate bill provides funding for the Fund through 
     October 1, 2001, including FY 1998 which had not been funded. 
     The percentage of the Fund to be allocated among Rural 
     Development programs is increased to 50 percent and the 
     Research portion is established at 33 percent with the 
     remaining 17 percent to be allocated among either the 
     Research or Rural Development Accounts at the discretion 
     of the Secretary. (Section 226)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     amendments to provide an additional $100 million for the Fund 
     so that $60 million will be provided each year for FY99-03 
     and to retain current law on the distribution of funding 
     under the Fund for Rural America. (Section 252)
       The Managers strongly encourage that each year the 
     Secretary award half of the funds within his discretion to 
     research.


                          (26) Honey Research

       The Senate bill contains an amendment to the Honey 
     Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Improvement Act 
     of 1997 and requires the Honey Board to reserve at least 8 
     percent of all assessments collected for expenditure on 
     approved research projects to advance the competitiveness of 
     the honey industry. (Section 227)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     amendments to provide for a 3/4 of a cent per pound 
     assessment on honey producers, handlers and importers to 
     provide funding for research; to change representation on the 
     National Honey Board and allow for periodic review of the 
     Board composition; and to establish, with approval of the 
     Secretary, a program to improve the quality and purity of 
     honey and honey products. (Section 605)


               (27) Office of Energy Policy and New Uses

       The Senate bill amends the Department of Agriculture 
     Reorganization Act of 1994 by establishing, within the Office 
     of the Secretary, an Office of Energy Policy and New Uses. 
     (Section 228)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision. 
     (Section 602)


  (28) Kiwifruit Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Program

       The Senate bill would amend the National Kiwifruit 
     Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information Act to require 
     that producer, exporter, and importer representation on the 
     National Kiwifruit Board be proportional to the level of 
     domestic production and imports of kiwifruit. (Section 229)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision. 
     (Section 603)


      (29) National Aquaculture Policy, Planning, and Development

       The Senate bill amends the National Aquaculture Act by 
     changing the definition of aquaculture and defining private 
     aquaculture; by designating USDA as the lead agency for 
     aquaculture and establishing a national policy for private 
     aquaculture; by requiring the Secretary to develop and 
     implement a plan for coordinating and implementing 
     aquaculture activities and programs within the Department and 
     supporting the development of private aquaculture. The 
     Secretary is also authorized to maintain and support a 
     National Aquaculture Information Center at the National 
     Agricultural Library. The Secretary is directed to treat 
     private aquaculture as agriculture and is directed to 
     coordinate interdepartmental functions and activities 
     relating to private aquaculture. The authorization of 
     appropriations is extended through 2002. (Section 230)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     an amendment striking the Senate language and substituting 
     reauthorization of the National Aquaculture Act through 2002. 
     (Section 301)


                         (30) Biobased Products

       The Senate bill directs the Secretary to coordinate 
     research, economic information, market information and other 
     activities to develop and promote biobased products. The 
     Secretary shall consult with private sector biobased product 
     producers and provide a centralized contact point to provide 
     advice and technical assistance to individuals interested in 
     developing biobased products. The Secretary will make an 
     annual report to Congress on biobased activities. The 
     Secretary is given the authority to use scientific expertise 
     and facilities to conduct research leading to the further 
     development and market testing of biobased products. This 
     authority is open to CRADA partners, and individuals who have 
     received funding through AARC, BRDC and SBIR. The Secretary 
     is given the authority to award ARS funds competitively to 
     encourage scientific excellence and creativity. The first 
     three years of this authority direct the Secretary to focus 
     such grants toward the development of biobased products with 
     promising commercial potential. The section provides an 
     authorization of appropriations of $10 million per year. 
     (Section 231)
       The House amendment authorizes the Secretary to enter into 
     cooperative agreements with eligible partners, as specified, 
     so that the facilities and technical expertise of ARS may be 
     made available to operate pilot plants in order to bring 
     technologies of biobased products to the point of practical 
     application. This section defines ``biobased products'' as a 
     product suitable for food and nonfood use that is derived in 
     whole or in part from renewable agricultural and forestry 
     materials. The Secretary may use appropriated funds to carry 
     out this section and cooperative research and development 
     agreement funds. The Secretary shall authorize the private 
     partner to sell biobased products for the purpose of 
     determining market potential. (Section 426)
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision with 
     amendments to add the coordination provisions from the Senate 
     bill and to modify the pilot project authority in the Senate 
     bill. (Section 404)
       The Managers expect that the coordination of biobased 
     product activities required under this section will be 
     coordinated by the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses 
     created in Section 602.


                       (31) Precision Agriculture

       The Senate bill authorizes a new competitive grant program 
     for research, education and information dissemination 
     projects for the development and promotion of precision 
     agriculture. (Section 232)
       The House amendment defines ``precision agriculture'' as 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 in specified ways. This section also 
     defines ``precision agricultural technologies,'' ``Advisory 
     Board,'' ``agricultural inputs,'' ``eligible entity,'' and 
     ``systems research.'' (Section 411)
       The House amendment authorizes the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Advisory Board, to make 5 year 
     competitive grants for research, education, or information 
     dissemination projects for precision agriculture. The 
     Secretary may only give grants to projects that are unlikely 
     to be financed by the private sector in the absence of a 
     grant, and the partnership must match the amount of Federal 
     funds. Priority shall be given to research, education, or 
     information dissemination projects that evaluate precision 
     agricultural technologies to increase long-term efficiencies, 
     make the findings readily available to farmers, demonstrates 
     the efficient use of agricultural inputs, maximizes 
     cooperation between all interested parties, and maximizes 
     leveraging of funds and resources. (Section 412)
       The House amendment provides that, of the funds 
     appropriated for precision agriculture research grants, the 
     Secretary shall reserve a portion for grants for projects 
     regarding precision agriculture related to education and 
     information dissemination. (Section 413)
       The House amendment provides that the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Advisory Board, shall encourage the 
     establishment of multi-State and national partnerships 
     between land-grant institutions, State Agricultural 
     Experiment Stations, State cooperative extension services, 
     other colleges and universities, USDA agencies, national 
     laboratories, agribusinesses, certified crop advisers, 
     commodity organizations, other Federal or State government 
     entities, non-agricultural industries and nonprofit 
     organizations, and agricultural producers and agricultural 
     producers or other land managers. (Section 414)
       The House amendment prohibits the use of grant money to be 
     used for facility construction. (Section 415)
       The House amendment authorizes $40,000,000 to be 
     appropriated for each of the

[[Page H2199]]

     fiscal years 1998 through 2002 for this subtitle. The House 
     amendment also limits the amount retained by the Secretary 
     for administrative costs to 3% of the amount appropriated. 
     (Section 415)
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision with 
     amendments to modify the purposes of the grants; to strike 
     the FACA exemption; and to authorize to be appropriated such 
     sums as necessary each fiscal year of which not less than 30% 
     must be multidisciplinary, not less than 40% must be systems 
     research directly applicable to producers and agricultural 
     production systems, and not more than 4% may be used for 
     administrative costs. (Section 403)


               (32) Formosan Termite Eradication Program

       The Senate bill authorizes a new competitive grant program 
     for the purposes of conducting research for the control, 
     management and possible eradication of Formosan termites in 
     the United States. It also provides that the Secretary may 
     enter into cooperative agreements for conducting projects for 
     Formosan termite control and management and data collection. 
     (Section 233)
       The House amendment authorizes the Secretary to make 
     competitive grants for 32 high priority research and 
     extension issues including Formosan termites. (Section 
     421(e)(20))
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     an amendment and inserts the provision in the section for 
     high priority research and extension issues. (Section 242)
       The Managers expect the Agricultural Research Service to 
     cooperate and collaborate with the U.S. Forest Service Wood 
     Products Insect Research unit in its administration of the 
     Formosan termite research program.


                     (33) Nutrient Composition Data

       The Senate bill requires the Secretary to periodically 
     update nutrient composition data and to report to Congress 
     the method that will be used to update the data and the 
     timing of the update. (Section 234)
       The House amendment directs the Secretary to update 
     nutrient composition data periodically. (Section 504)
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision. 
     (Section 611)


        (34) Consolidated Administrative and Laboratory Facility

       The Senate bill provides authority for the Secretary to 
     contract for construction of a consolidated APHIS laboratory 
     facility in Ames, Iowa. (Section 235)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision. 
     (Section 611)


                  (35) National Swine Research Center

       The Senate bill authorizes the Secretary, subject to the 
     availability of appropriations and prior to December 31, 
     1998, to accept as a gift and administer the National Swine 
     Research Center located in Ames, Iowa. ( Section 236)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision. 
     (Section 612)


   (36) Coordinated Program of Research, Extension and Education to 
Improve the Competitiveness, Viability and Sustainability of Small and 
               Medium Size Dairy and Livestock Operations

       The Senate bill would authorize the Secretary to carry out 
     a coordinated program of research, extension and education to 
     improve the competitiveness, viability and sustainability of 
     small and medium sized dairy and livestock operations. 
     (Section 237)
       The House amendment authorizes the Secretary to make 
     competitive grants for 32 high priority research and 
     extension issues including dairy efficiency, profitability 
     and competitiveness. (Section 421 (e)(13))
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     an amendment to add poultry. (Section 407)
       Small and medium-size farms are independent owner-operated 
     farms where the individual or family that owns the production 
     provides the majority of the labor and management. It is the 
     intent of the Managers that particular attention be directed 
     toward the needs of independent beginning farmers seeking to 
     establish small and medium-size farms.


(37) Support for Research Regarding Diseases of Wheat and Barley Caused 
                        by Fusarium Graminearum

       The Senate bill would authorize the Secretary to make 
     grants to a consortium of land-grant colleges and 
     universities for multi-State research projects aimed at 
     understanding and combating diseases of wheat and barley 
     caused by Fusarium graminearum and related fungi (``wheat 
     scab'). An authorization of appropriations for $5.2 million 
     for each of fiscal years 1998 through 2002 is included. 
     (Section 238).
       The House amendment authorizes the Secretary to make 
     competitive grants for 32 high priority research and 
     extension issues including wheat scab. (Section 421 (e)(11))
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision. 
     (Section 408)


          (38) Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database Program

       The Senate bill directs the Secretary to continue operation 
     of the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database program through 
     contracts with appropriate colleges or universities. An 
     authorization of appropriations for $1 million for each 
     fiscal year is included. (Section 239)
       The House amendment provides that the Secretary shall 
     continue operation of the Food Animal Residue Avoidance 
     Database program (FARAD program). The Secretary shall provide 
     the necessary information to the appropriate specialists, 
     maintain up-to-date information, disseminate information to 
     the public, furnish up-to-date data on approved drugs, 
     maintain a comprehensive residue avoidance database, provide 
     professional advice for determining the withdrawal times 
     necessary for food safety in the use of drugs in food 
     animals, and engage in other activities that promote food 
     safety. The Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory 
     Board, may make 3 year grants to colleges and universities to 
     operate the FARAD program. (Section 425)
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     amendments to provide authority for grants or cooperative 
     agreements, to cap indirect costs at 19% of total federal 
     funds, and to strike the authorization of appropriations. 
     (Section 604)


           (39) Financial Assistance for Certain Rural Areas

       The Senate bill would authorize the Secretary to provide 
     financial assistance to a nationally recognized organization 
     to promote educational opportunities at the primary and 
     secondary levels is rural areas with a historic incidence of 
     poverty and low academic achievement, including the Lower 
     Mississippi River Delta. An authorization of appropriations 
     for up to $10 million for each fiscal year is included. 
     (Section 240)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision.


   (40) Evaluation of Agricultural Research, Extension and Education 
                                Program

       The Senate bill directs the Secretary to conduct a 
     performance evaluation to determine whether federally funded 
     agricultural research, extension, and education programs 
     result in public goods that have national or multi state 
     significance. This section also requires the Secretary to 
     contract with an expert in research assessment and 
     performance to provide to the Secretary practical guidelines 
     for measuring performance of federally funded agricultural 
     research, extension or education programs. This input should 
     be consistent with the Government Performance and Results Act 
     of 1993. (Section 241)
       The House amendment directs the Secretary shall create 
     guidelines for performance measurement of agricultural 
     research, extension, and education programs and then conduct 
     an evaluation to determine whether agricultural research, 
     extension, and education programs conducted or funded by the 
     Department result in public benefits that have national or 
     multi-State significance. (Section 106)
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     an amendment to replace the expert with entity or entities 
     with expertise. (Section 631)


 (41) Study of Federally Funded Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
                               Education

       The Senate bill directs the Secretary to request the 
     National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of the role 
     and mission of federally funded agricultural research, 
     extension, and education. The study will include an 
     evaluation of the strength of science conducted by the ARS 
     and the relevance of that science to national priorities; and 
     examination of the formulas for agricultural research and 
     extension funding and examination of the competitive grant 
     system. A report of the study is to be submitted to Congress 
     in two stages beginning eighteen months after the 
     commencement of the Study and concluding within 3 years of 
     the commencement. (Section 242)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     an amendment to revise study requirements. (Section 632)


      (42) Sense of Congress on State Match for 1890 Institutions

       The Senate bill states that it is the Sense of Congress 
     that states should provide matching funds for Federal formula 
     funds provided to the 1890 Institutions. (Section 243)
       The House amendment amends the National Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to 
     phase-in a non-Federal matching requirement for research and 
     extension formula funds to 1890 Institutions. Beginning in 
     fiscal year 1999, 1890 Institutions shall submit a report 
     describing sources of non-Federal funds available to the 
     institution for fiscal year 1999. The phase-in schedule 
     begins in fiscal year 2000 with 70% of the formula allocation 
     requiring no match and 30% requiring a non-Federal match. In 
     fiscal year 2001, the matching requirement increases to 45% 
     of the Federal allocation; and 50% in fiscal year 2002 and 
     thereafter. Based on the 1999 report, the Secretary may waive 
     the match requirement for specific institutions in the fiscal 
     year 2000; however, these institutions would be required to 
     make the 45% match for fiscal year 2001. Non-Federal matching 
     funds may be directed to agricultural research, extension, or 
     teaching programs at the discretion of the 1890 institution. 
     The Secretary shall withhold the difference between the total 
     amount that should have been provided and the non-Federal 
     funds that were actually provided during the fiscal year from 
     States which fail to provide funds for the fiscal

[[Page H2200]]

     year. The Secretary shall redistribute the withheld funds to 
     other eligible 1890 institutions satisfying the matching 
     funds requirement for that fiscal year, and the re-
     apportioned funds shall be subject to a match requirement. 
     (Section 212)
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision with 
     technical amendments. (Section 226)


        (43) Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems

       The Senate bill creates a new mandatory spending account 
     that provides $780 million over 5 years for research funding. 
     In FY 1998, the amount is $100 million and in FY 1999-2002, 
     the amount is $170 million per year. This competitively 
     awarded research funding must address critical emerging 
     agricultural issues related to future food production, 
     environmental protection, or farm income or be for activities 
     carried out under the Alternative Agricultural Research and 
     Commercialization Act of 1990. Priority mission areas to be 
     addressed with funding in the first year are food genome; 
     food safety, food technology and human nutrition; new and 
     alternative uses and production of agricultural commodities 
     and products; agricultural biotechnology; and natural 
     resource management including precision agriculture. In 
     fiscal years 1999 through 2001, the Secretary, after 
     consultation with the Advisory Board, may change or add to 
     the list of priority mission areas.
       The Senate bill provides that eligible grantees include 
     Federal research agencies, national laboratories, colleges or 
     universities, and private research organizations with 
     established research capacity. The Secretary may award grants 
     to ensure that the faculty of small and mid-sized 
     institutions who have not previously obtained competitive 
     grants from the Secretary receive a portion of the grants. 
     The Secretary is to give priority to grants that are multi-
     state, multi-institutional, or multi-disciplinary and to 
     grants that integrate agricultural research, extension and 
     education. The Secretary is also directed to solicit and 
     consider input from stakeholders as required in section 102 
     of the bill in formulating the requests for grant proposals. 
     Scientific peer review or merit review are required as stated 
     in section 103 of the Bill.
       The Senate bill requires that matching funds be provided 
     from a non-Federal source if the grant is for research that 
     is commodity-specific and not of national scope. The 
     Secretary is authorized to establish one or more institutes 
     to carry out all or part of the section. (Section 301)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     amendments to provide $120 million annually for FY99-03 and 
     to add an additional priority mission area of farm efficiency 
     and profitability. (Section 401)
       The Managers intend that the Secretary may establish one or 
     more institutes to carry out this section. The Managers 
     intend that such institutes would be virtual in nature and 
     designed to maximize efficiency of research funding and not 
     result in investment in physical infrastructure or 
     designation of specific institutions as institutes.
       The Managers intend that among the research, education and 
     extension activities conducted and carried out under the 
     priority mission area related to farm efficiency are ways to 
     improve the efficiency and profitability of rural business 
     enterprises.


                     (44) Extensions of Authorities

       The Senate bill reauthorizes most existing research 
     programs until the year 2002. (Section 401)
       The House amendment reauthorizes most existing research 
     programs until the year 2002. (Subtitle A of Title III)
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     amendments to reauthorize the pilot research program to 
     combine medical and agricultural research, to strike 
     extension of red meat safety research center, and to strike 
     extension of global climate change. (Section 301)


                       (45) Repeal of Authorities

       The Senate bill repeals authority for certain agricultural 
     research programs. (Section 402)
       The House amendment repeals authority for certain 
     agricultural research programs. (Subtitle B of Title III)
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     an amendment to repeal the dairy goat research grant. 
     (Section 302)


      (46) Short Titles for Smith-Lever Act and Hatch Act of 1887

        The Senate bill amends the Smith-Lever and Hatch Acts to 
     include short titles of each Act. (Section 403)
       The House amendment amends the Smith-Lever and Hatch Acts 
     to include short titles of each Act. (Section 201)
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision. 
     (Section 3)


     (47) Technical Corrections to Research Provisions of Federal 
             Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996

       The Senate bill contains technical corrections to the 
     Research title of the 1996 Farm Bill. (Section 404)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision. 
     (Section 606)


                        (48) Nutrition Programs

                     Subtitle A--Food Stamp Program

     Current law
       Employment and Training Funds.--All states are entitled to 
     a formula share of specific amounts (established in the Food 
     Stamp Act) for employment and training programs for food 
     stamp recipients. These are set at: $81 million in fiscal 
     year 1998, $84 million in fiscal year 1999, $86 million in 
     fiscal year 2000, $88 million in fiscal year 2001, and $90 
     million in fiscal year 2002.
       States that meet a ``maintenance of effort'' requirement 
     are entitled to a formula share of additional amounts 
     (established in the Food Stamp Act) for employment and 
     training programs. These additional payments are: $131 
     million a year in fiscal years 1998 through 2001 and $75 
     million in fiscal year 2002.
       Administrative Funds.--The Federal Government pays half of 
     States' food stamp-related administrative costs, without 
     limit. In addition, some States' Temporary Assistance for 
     Needy Families (TANF) block grants include amounts 
     attributable to food stamp-related administrative costs.
       Public assistance programs, such as food stamps, Medicaid, 
     and cash welfare, are often administered together. Some 
     administrative activities, such as the collection of 
     information on income and assets, need only be done once when 
     determining eligibility and benefits for applicants or 
     recipients of multiple programs. The cost of collecting and 
     verifying this information is ``common'' among the programs 
     involved.
       Before the 1996 welfare reform law (P.L. 104-193), States 
     often ``charged'' the Aid to Families with Dependent Children 
     (AFDC) program for the common costs of determining 
     eligibility for multiple public assistance benefits. The 1996 
     law replaced the AFDC program (and some related programs) 
     with the TANF block grant program and based each State's 
     block grant on historical Federal payments under the AFDC 
     program (including those for administrative costs). To the 
     extent that common costs for administering public assistance 
     programs were charged to the AFDC program in the past, they 
     were included in the calculation of each State's new TANF 
     grant. States may amend their cost allocation plans in such a 
     way as to receive a second reimbursement for common costs in 
     the Food Stamp (and Medicaid) programs, while retaining their 
     full TANF block grant.
       Aliens.--The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity 
     Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA; P.L. 104-193) barred most 
     legal immigrants, or ``qualified aliens,'' from the Food 
     Stamp program. ``Qualified alien'' is defined to include 
     legal permanent residents, refugees, aliens paroled into the 
     United States for at least one year, aliens granted asylum or 
     related relief, and certain abused spouses and children. Non-
     citizens who remain eligible include: (1) those who meet a 
     10-year requirement for work covered under the social 
     security system and (2) veterans and active duty military 
     personnel, together with their families. In addition, 
     refugees and asylees (including Cuban/Haitian entrants and 
     Amerasians) are eligible for food stamps for five years after 
     entering as refugees or being granted asylum.
     Senate bill
       The Senate bill would reduce food stamp administrative 
     reimbursements to States prospectively by the amount of food 
     stamp administrative costs assumed in each State's TANF block 
     grant. The Department of Health and Human Services would 
     determine, for each State, the extent to which common 
     administrative costs were incorporated into the State's TANF 
     allocation and the extent to which those costs could have 
     been attributed to the Food Stamp Program had States 
     allocated costs equally among Food Stamp, Medicaid and cash 
     welfare programs. The Secretary of Agriculture would reduce 
     future food stamp administrative reimbursements to States by 
     the amounts in TANF that could have been attributed to the 
     Food Stamp Program. The Food Stamp Program's share would be 
     approximately one-third of the common costs of administering 
     the Food Stamp, AFDC, and Medicaid programs that were charged 
     to AFDC during the historical base period used to establish 
     the State's TANF grant. The provision lapses in fiscal year 
     2002 (sec. 501(a)).
       The Senate bill would require the Secretary of Agriculture 
     to establish a competitive low-income area grant program to 
     provide funding to initiate school breakfast and summer food 
     service programs in low-income areas. The grant program would 
     be funded at $5,000,000 annually and the Secretary must use 
     the funds to the extent that a sufficient number of schools 
     and service institutions meet eligibility guidelines 
     established by the Secretary, but the Secretary is not 
     required to use all of the money provided. The grant program 
     gives priority to school food authorities (typically school 
     districts) serving primarily low-income children which do not 
     already operate school breakfast or summer food service 
     programs (sec. 501(b)).
       The Senate bill would require the Secretary to reimburse 
     child care centers for serving a fourth meal or supplement to 
     children who are in centers longer than eight hours per day 
     in order to accommodate working parents. This section also 
     would require the Secretary to reimburse service institutions 
     running summer food service programs at camps for low-income 
     children or that serve primarily migrant children for up to 
     four meals or supplements during each day of operation. This 
     requirement would take effect on September 1, 1998 (sec. 
     501(b)).
       The Senate bill would provide $185,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 1998 through 2002 for the

[[Page H2201]]

     Information Clearinghouse. The clearinghouse provides 
     information to groups that assist low-income individuals in 
     becoming self-reliant and less dependent on Federal, State or 
     local governmental agencies for food and other assistance 
     (sec. 501(c)).
       The Senate bill would restore food stamp benefits to 
     American Indians living along the Mexican and Canadian 
     borders (sec. 501(d)).
     House amendment
       The House amendment contains no comparable provision.
     Conference agreement
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provisions with 
     technical amendments and amendments that:
       ``Delete provisions to: (1) establish a low-income area 
     grant program to provide funding to initiate school breakfast 
     and summer food service programs in low-income areas; (2) 
     reimburse child care centers for serving a fourth meal to 
     children in centers longer than eight hours; and (3) 
     reauthorize and provide funding for the Information 
     Clearinghouse;
       ``Reduce additional amounts to States for employment and 
     training programs by $100 million in fiscal year 1999 and $45 
     million in fiscal year 2000 (sec. 501);
       ``Stipulate that, if determined by the Secretary of Health 
     and Human Services, food stamp administrative reimbursements 
     will be reduced for fiscal years 1999 through 2002 and that 
     the reductions will be made, to the extent practicable, on a 
     quarterly basis (sec. 502);
       ``Make clear that no TANF funds, funds available to carry 
     out title XX of the Social Security Act, State expenditures 
     that qualify as ``maintenance of effort'' spending under the 
     TANF program, or any other Federal funds from programs (other 
     than the Food Stamp Program) or any other State funds 
     expended as a condition to receive Federal matching funds, 
     may be used to replace reductions being made by the Secretary 
     of Agriculture (sec. 502);
       ``Require the Comptroller General of the United States to 
     review the methodology used by the Secretary of Health and 
     Human Services to determine amounts serving as a basis for 
     the reductions in each States' food stamp administrative 
     reimbursement and require the Comptroller General to submit a 
     written report to the Committee on Agriculture of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
     Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate (sec. 502);
       ``Establish an appeals process under which States may 
     appeal the Secretary of Health and Human Services' 
     determinations serving as the basis for reductions in their 
     food stamp administrative reimbursements to an administrative 
     law judge and the Department of Health and Human Services' 
     Departmental Appeals Board (but bar judicial review) (sec. 
     502);
       ``Maintain the requirement for reductions in food stamp 
     administrative reimbursements during the pendency of a 
     State's appeal (sec.502);
       ``Extend food stamp eligibility to refugees and asylees for 
     7 years after entry as refugees or obtaining asylum status in 
     the United States, instead of 5 years under current law (sec. 
     503);
       ``Restore food stamp eligibility to `qualified aliens' with 
     disabilities who were lawfully residing in the United States 
     on August 22, 1996 (the enactment date of the PRWORA), 
     including those who become disabled after that date (sec. 
     504);
       ``Restore food stamp eligibility to `qualified aliens' who 
     were lawfully residing in the United States and were 65 years 
     of age or over as of August 22, 1996 (sec. 506);
       ``Restore food stamp eligibility to `qualified alien' 
     children under age 18 who were lawfully residing in the 
     United States on August 22, 1996 (sec.507); and
       ``Restore food stamp eligibility to individuals (including 
     the spouse, unmarried dependent child of such individuals or 
     unremarried surviving spouse of such deceased individuals) 
     who: (1) were a member of a Hmong or Highland Laotian tribe 
     at the time that the tribe rendered assistance to United 
     States personnel by taking part in a military or rescue 
     operation during the Vietnam era, and (2) are lawfully 
     residing in the United States (sec. 508).
       The Managers intend that, to the extent that the food stamp 
     disability definition has a disparate application in a 
     particular State because of unique State programs or 
     policies, the Secretary will review available options under 
     section 3(r) of the Food Stamp Act and inform States about 
     their options so that the exemption for disabled individuals 
     will be implemented in that State in a manner which is 
     consistent with the implementation in other States.
       The Managers note that the State of Oregon has proposed a 
     food stamp demonstration project incorporating plans to move 
     food stamp participants to self-sufficiency through a case 
     management strategy. This project would build on a similar 
     initiative Oregon has pursued for its TANF participants. In 
     the 1996 welfare reform measure, Congress changed food stamp 
     law substantially to: (1) increase the Secretary's ability to 
     approve pilot projects that ``increase self- sufficiency of 
     food stamp participants, test innovative welfare reform 
     strategies, or allow greater conformity with the rules of 
     other programs,'' (2) give States the option to apply many 
     TANF rules to food stamp participants, (3) permit States to 
     disqualify participants from the Food Stamp Program for 
     violating other public assistance program rules, and (4) 
     expand States' control over work and training requirements. 
     This was with the intent that States' efforts to innovate and 
     coordinate among public assistance programs be supported by 
     the Federal Government. In light of this, the conferees 
     strongly urge the Secretary to carefully consider and 
     promptly act on Oregon's request.


                  (49) Information Technology Funding

       The Senate bill allows CCC funding to be used to purchase 
     automated data processing equipment, telecommunications 
     equipment, and other information technology was capped in the 
     FAIR Act. This section, as of the 1998 fiscal year, would 
     further lower the funding cap to achieve a savings of $82 
     million dollars through 2002. (Section 502)
       The House amendment has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the Senate provision with 
     amendments regarding crop insurance. (Section 521)
       An amendment to Section 516 of the Federal Crop Insurance 
     Act would provide mandatory funding for the sales commissions 
     of crop insurance agents beginning in the 1999 reinsurance 
     year. The section also limits to $3.5 million annually 
     mandatory funding available to the Agriculture Department's 
     Risk Management Agency for crop insurance research, 
     development, and risk management education. This limitation 
     does not affect mandatory funding for the Dairy Options Pilot 
     Program. (Section 531)
       An amendment to Section 508(b)(5) and (c)(10) of the 
     Federal Crop Insurance Act would change the amount and use of 
     the administrative fee producers pay for catastrophic 
     risk protection and the amount of fees paid for additional 
     coverage protection effective with the 1999 reinsurance 
     year. The amount a producer must pay for catastrophic risk 
     protection is changed to the maximum of $50 per crop or 10 
     percent of the premium for such protection as determined 
     by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. Producers would 
     also pay an additional $10 fee for catastrophic risk 
     protection. Producers would be required to pay 
     catastrophic policy fees at the same time premium is paid 
     on additional coverage policies. All catastrophic coverage 
     fees would be deposited in the FCIC Fund to be available 
     for programs and activities of the Corporation, except as 
     compensation to an approved insurance provider or agent. 
     The section also increases the fee paid for additional 
     coverage protection to $20 with the proceeds similarly 
     deposited in the FCIC Fund. (Section 532)
       An amendment to Section 508(k) of the Federal Crop 
     Insurance Act would reduce the maximum rate payable by the 
     FCIC Board to reimburse approved insurance providers and 
     agents for their administrative and operating costs. 
     Effective with the 1999 reinsurance year, the maximum 
     reimbursement rate for additional coverage policies is 
     reduced to 24.5 percent of the premium. Additional coverage 
     policies that currently receive a rate lower than 27 percent 
     receive a reduction in the reimbursement rate that is 
     proportional to the reduction between 25 percent and 27 
     percent. Also, the loss adjustment expense reimbursement 
     companies receive for delivery of catastrophic policies is 
     reduced to 11% of premium. (Section 532)
       An amendment codifies provisions of the 1998 Standard 
     Reinsurance Agreement as modified by this subtitle that 
     affect payments to approved insurance providers or agents. 
     (Section 536)
       An amendment requires the Corporation to establish 
     procedures for responding to inquiries about its 
     interpretations of the Act and its regulations. (Section 533)
       An amendment requires the Corporation to establish 
     regulations regarding time limits for approving a new policy 
     of insurance proposed by a private entity. (Section 534)
       An amendment requires the Secretary of Agriculture to 
     contract with a private entity to study: (1) improvement of 
     services to agricultural producers; (2) transforming the role 
     of the Agriculture Department's Risk Management Agency to 
     that of an arm's-length regulator and (3) privatization of 
     crop insurance coverage. (Section 535)
       These amendments to the Federal Crop Insurance Act are 
     effective as of the 1999 reinsurance year. (Section 537)


(50) Consistent matching funds requirements under Hatch Act of 1887 and 
                            Smith-Lever Act

       The House amendment amends the Hatch Act of 1887 to clarify 
     that States receiving Federal formula funds for research and 
     education under the Act must provide a minimum of a one-to-
     one match with non-Federal dollars for each fiscal year and 
     eliminates a 1955 amendment that gave States a $90,000 
     allocation before requiring the one-to-one match. This 
     section requires the Secretary to withhold the difference 
     between the total amount that should have been provided and 
     the non-Federal funds that were actually provided during the 
     fiscal year from States which fail to provide matching funds 
     for the fiscal year. The Secretary shall re-apportion 
     withheld funds among the States satisfying the matching 
     requirement for the fiscal year, and the re-apportionment 
     shall be subject to the match requirement. An exception to 
     the match requirement is granted to States for funds received 
     for regional research.
       The House amendment amends the Smith-Lever Act to clarify 
     that States receiving Federal formula funds for extension 
     under the Act must provide a minimum of a one-to-

[[Page H2202]]

     one match with non-Federal dollars for each fiscal year. The 
     section requires the Secretary to withhold the difference 
     between the total amount that should have been provided and 
     the non-Federal funds that were actually provided during the 
     fiscal year from States which fail to provide matching funds 
     for any fiscal year. The Secretary shall re-apportion 
     withheld funds among the States satisfying the matching 
     requirement for the fiscal year, and the re-apportionment 
     shall be subject to the match requirement. An exception to 
     the match requirement is granted for matching funds to 1994 
     Institutions. (Section 202)
       The Senate bill has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision. 
     (Section 203)


 (51) Plans of work to address critical research and extension issues 
            and use of protocols to measure success of plans

       The House amendment amends section 4 of the Smith-Lever 
     Act. Beginning October 1, 1998, as a condition of receipt for 
     Federal formula funds for extension, this section requires 
     that institutions develop a plan of work that contains a 
     description of important State agricultural issues and 
     activities in which two or more State institutions cooperate 
     to address those issues; identifies other colleges and 
     universities in the State and other States with capacity to 
     participate with them in current and emerging efforts towards 
     improved collaborations; and provides a summary of current 
     programs. The Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory 
     Board and land-grant colleges and universities, shall develop 
     protocols to be used to evaluate the plans of work. To the 
     extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider plans of 
     work submitted under this section to satisfy other 
     appropriate Federal reporting requirements.
       The House amendment amends section 7 of the Hatch Act of 
     1887. Beginning October 1, 1998, as a condition of receipt 
     for Federal formula funds for extension, this section 
     requires that institutions develop a plan of work that 
     contain a description of important State agricultural issues 
     and activities in which two or more State institutions 
     cooperate to address those issues; describes the consultation 
     process with users of funds; identifies other colleges and 
     universities in the State and other States with capacity to 
     participate with them in current and emerging efforts towards 
     improved collaborations; and provides a summary of current 
     programs. The Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory 
     Board and land-grant colleges and universities, shall develop 
     protocols to be used to evaluate the plans of work. To the 
     extent practicable, the Secretary shall consider plans of 
     work submitted under this section to satisfy other 
     appropriate Federal reporting requirements. The Secretary may 
     delay the applicability of these requirements until October 
     1, 1999 if the Secretary finds that the State will be unable 
     to meet such requirements despite good faith efforts. 
     (Section 203)
       The Senate bill has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision. 
     (Section 202)


 (52) Plans of Work for 1890 Institutions to address critical research 
 and extension issues and use of protocols to measure success of plans

       The House amendment amends section 1444(d) of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teach Policy Act of 
     1977. Beginning October 1, 1998, as a condition of receipt 
     for Federal formula funds for extension, 1890 Institutions 
     shall develop a plan of work that contains a description of 
     important State agricultural issues and activities in which 
     two or more State institutions cooperate to address those 
     issues; describes the consultation process with users of 
     funds; identifies other colleges and universities in the 
     State and other States with capacity to participate with them 
     in current and emerging efforts towards improved 
     collaborations; and provides a summary of current programs. 
     The Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Board and 
     land-grant colleges and universities, shall develop protocols 
     to be used to evaluate the plans of work. To the extent 
     practicable, the Secretary shall consider plans of work 
     submitted under this section to satisfy other appropriate 
     Federal reporting requirements.
       This section requires that beginning October 1, 1998 as a 
     condition of receipt for Federal formula funds for research, 
     1890 Institutions shall develop a plan of work that contains 
     a description of important State agricultural issues and 
     activities in which two or more State institutions cooperate 
     to address those issues; identifies other colleges and 
     universities in the State and other States with capacity to 
     participate with them in current and emerging efforts towards 
     improved collaborations; and provides a summary of current 
     programs. The Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory 
     Board and land-grant colleges and universities, shall develop 
     protocols to be used to evaluate the plans of work. The 
     Secretary may delay the applicability of these requirements 
     until October 1, 1999, if the Secretary finds that the 
     eligible institution will be unable to meet such requirements 
     despite good faith efforts. (Section 211)
       The Senate has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision. 
     (Section 225)


   (53) Findings, Authorities, and Competitive Research Grants under 
     Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978

       The House Amendment amends the congressional statement of 
     findings and purposes of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable 
     Resources Act of 1978. The Secretary is authorized to 
     conduct, support, and cooperate in forestry and rangeland 
     research and education that is of the highest priority to the 
     United States and users of public and private forest lands 
     and rangelands in the United States. This section includes 5 
     priorities for Federal forest and range research and 
     education which include: the biology of forest and range 
     organisms; functional characteristics and cost-effective 
     management of forest and rangelands ecosystems; interactions 
     between humans and forests and rangelands; wood and forage as 
     a raw material; and international trade, competition, and 
     cooperation.
       Under the House amendment, the Secretary shall inventory 
     and analyze public and private forests and their resources at 
     least every five years as compared with the current eight to 
     ten years. The Secretary shall also prepare a State forest 
     inventory for each State. At least every five years, the 
     Secretary shall prepare a report that contains a description 
     of the State forest inventories, analyzes the results of the 
     annual nationwide reports, and analyzes forest health trends.
       The House amendment modifies the competitive grants 
     authority under the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources 
     Act of 1978 to allow the Secretary to use up to 5% of 
     appropriated funds to make competitive grants for forestry 
     research and up to 5% for rangeland research in the five 
     priority areas. The Secretary shall give priority to 
     proposals with collaborative research, matching funds, and in 
     cooperation with existing research efforts. (Section 251)
       The Senate has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision with 
     an amendment regarding authorization from private property 
     owners for the inventory and an amendment authorizing 
     forestry research for Northeastern states . (Section 253)
       The Managers recognize that the Forest Service already 
     obtains verbal permission from private landowners before 
     visiting plots located on private land, abides by provisions 
     of the Privacy Act of 1974 to safeguard the confidentiality 
     of data collected on private lands, and assumes the liability 
     for any injury suffered by field crew members while on 
     private land. Where a landowner wishes a written 
     authorization, a written notice shall be provided outlining 
     the purpose and legal authority for conducting the forest 
     inventory, the voluntary nature of private landowner 
     participation, and a means for the landowner to communicate 
     in writing a denial of access. Landowners participating in 
     the inventory program by allowing data collection on their 
     property shall be provided a written communication of the 
     date and time when data were collected and a copy of the 
     annual compilation required by paragraph (2) that is based, 
     in part, on their data.
       The Managers intend that the core set of variables 
     collected on federal lands, such as the National Forest 
     System should be consistent across all landownerships.
       The Managers intend the words ``and education'' in the 
     subsection related to high priority forestry research and 
     education exclude the teaching of full semester-long 
     university courses by Forest Service employees as a regular 
     part of their Federal employment.


 (54) Partnerships for High-Value Agricultural Product Quality Research

       The House amendment defines ``eligible partnership,'' 
     ``high-value agricultural product,'' and ``Secretary.'' 
     (Section 401)
       The House amendment authorizes the Secretary to make 
     competitive grants to establish partnerships to coordinate 
     and manage research and extension activities to enhance the 
     quality of high-value agricultural products. The primary 
     institution involved in a partnership shall be a land-grant 
     college or university acting in partnership with other 
     colleges or universities, nonprofit research and development 
     entities, and Federal laboratories. Partnerships shall 
     prioritize research and extension activities to enhance the 
     competitiveness of agricultural products, increase 
     agricultural exports, and substitute such products for 
     imports. (Section 402)
       The House amendment provides that the partnership may 
     address a spectrum of production, processing, packaging, 
     transportation, and marketing issues regarding effective and 
     environmentally responsible pest management alternatives and 
     biotechnology, genetic research, refinement of field 
     production practices, processing and packaging technology, 
     and research to facilitate diversified, value-added 
     enterprises in rural areas. (Section 402)
       The House amendment provides that grants may be awarded for 
     a maximum of 5 years with a possibility for renewal. The 
     Secretary shall give preference to multi-institutional 
     proposals that guarantee matching funds in excess of the 
     required amount. The non-Federal sponsors of a partnership 
     shall contribute, at a minimum, the same amount awarded by 
     the Federal Government. (Section 403)
       The House amendment authorizes the necessary funds to be 
     appropriated for this subtitle for fiscal years 1998 through 
     2002. (Section 404)
       The Senate bill has no comparable provision.

[[Page H2203]]

       The conference substitute adopts the House provision. 
     (Section 402)
       The Managers recognize the need for additional research 
     emphasis on high value agricultural commodities such as wine, 
     horticultural and floriculture products, and other products 
     that depend on quality issues that are best addressed through 
     cooperative research agreements. The Managers intend that 
     this initiative will emphasize a team approach which furthers 
     cooperation among industry, government and academic 
     researchers.


         (55) High-priority research and extension initiatives

       The House amendment amends Section 1672 of the Food, 
     Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
     5925) to allow the Secretary, in consultation with the 
     Advisory Board, to make competitive grants for high-priority 
     research and extension grants and provides that the Secretary 
     shall seek proposals for grants and perform peer-review of 
     the proposals from State agricultural experiment stations, 
     all colleges and universities, Federal agencies, and the 
     private sector for high priority research and extension. The 
     grant may not be used for construction of a facility.
       The House amendment requires grant recipients to contribute 
     non-Federal matching funds or in-kind support. The Secretary 
     may waive this matching funds requirement if the Secretary 
     determines that the results of the project are likely to be 
     applicable to agricultural commodities generally or that the 
     project involves a minor commodity, deals with scientifically 
     important research, and the recipient would be unable to 
     satisfy the match requirement.
       The House amendment permits the Secretary to give priority, 
     after the peer-review process for all grant proposals, to 
     proposals involving the cooperation of multiple institutions.
       The House amendment identifies and describes the thirty-two 
     high-priority research and extension areas for which the 
     Secretary will make grants and authorizes the necessary funds 
     to be appropriated for fiscal years 1998 through 2002.
       The House amendment authorizes the Secretary to establish 
     task forces to make recommendations in the high priority 
     research and extension areas. The Secretary may not incur 
     costs greater than $1,000 in any fiscal year in connection 
     with each task force. (Section 421)
       The Senate bill authorizes separate research programs for 
     fire ants, formosan termite, wheat scab, small and medium 
     sized dairy and livestock operations and reauthorizes the red 
     meat safety research center. (Sections 213, 233, 238, 237, 
     and 401)
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision with 
     amendments to strike the authorization for dairy efficiency, 
     profitability and competitiveness and instead adopt the 
     Senate research provision for dairy, livestock and poultry 
     operations; to insert an authorization for tomato spotted 
     wilt virus; to insert modified Senate provisions regarding 
     Formosan termites and imported fire ants; and to create a 
     separate nutrient management research and extension 
     initiative focusing on authorization for animal waste and 
     odor, water quality and ecosystems, rural/urban interfaces, 
     animal feed, and alternative uses of animal waste. (Sections 
     242 and 243)
       The Managers recognize the growing threat of the Tomato 
     Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV), to several integral crops in the 
     Southeast such as peanuts, tobacco, and tomatoes. Spotted 
     wilt epidemics in the Southeast involve two thrips species, 
     western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and 
     tobacco thrips (F. Fusca) in which the virus multiplies and 
     thus can be transmitted for the life of the thrips. The TSWV 
     and related viruses cause approximately $1 billion a year in 
     damages. The TSWV has an extremely wide host range that 
     includes many important cultivated crops as well as weeds. 
     Two of the species of thrips that transmit TSWV are endemic 
     in the Southeast. The wide host range of the virus and its 
     thrips vectors make spotted wilt control extremely difficult. 
     Progress in better managing spotted wilt has been limited by 
     an inadequate understanding of the disease. The Managers 
     encourage the Secretary to give priority funding to those 
     areas with the highest historical rates of infestation.
       The Managers strongly believe that food safety research 
     should be a priority at the Department of Agriculture and our 
     nation's colleges and universities. We applaud the efforts of 
     institutions whose work on E. coli 0157:H7, Cyclospora, and 
     other foodborne pathogens has helped us gain a better 
     understanding of these new and emerging threats. The Managers 
     consider this matter of extreme importance and encourage the 
     Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with other agencies 
     and institutions, to utilize funds for research partnerships.
       The Managers encourage the Secretary to direct research 
     toward practices that preserve the nutrient value of manure 
     and its use as a crop nutrient source. This would include 
     methods to alter the storage and use of manure from different 
     production systems but would also include the assessment of 
     the nutrient value of manure once applied to the soil. 
     Research should especially focus on gaining understanding of 
     the process of odor formation, transport across landscapes, 
     and effective techniques for odor reduction.
       The Managers recognize that animal waste management 
     involves the investigation of the nutrient properties of 
     manure that can be used in crop and pasture production 
     systems, including composting to enhance manure 
     characteristics. Furthermore, it is clear that efforts need 
     to be directed toward methods to assess manure quality, 
     processing to improve nutrient value and methods of reducing 
     water content to improve transport characteristics. As this 
     research continues to progress, the Managers further 
     encourage the integration of research concepts into 
     demonstration trials in order to transfer this information to 
     producers.
       The Managers intend that the Department make every effort 
     to implement the new section dealing with swine nutrient 
     management and odor control research and extension with 
     minimal disruption. The Managers are aware that laboratories 
     are currently doing swine odor research. To the maximum 
     extent possible, the Department should integrate this new 
     section with ongoing microbiology and water quality research, 
     emphasizing environmentally sound animal production methods.


      (56) Organic agricultural research and extension initiative

       The House amendment authorizes the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Advisory Board, to make competitive 
     specialized research and extension grants for organic 
     activities. The recipient must provide matching, non-Federal 
     funds; however, the Secretary may waive the match if the 
     results of the project, while of particular benefit to one 
     commodity, are likely to be applicable to agriculture 
     generally or the project involves a minor commodity, deals 
     with scientifically important research, and the recipient 
     would be unable to satisfy the matching funds requirement. 
     (Section 422)
       The Senate bill does not contain a comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision with 
     an amendment to direct that fees collected under the Organic 
     Foods Production Act be provided to USDA to cover the cost of 
     the program. (Sections 244 and 601)


       (57) Thomas Jefferson Initiative for Crop Diversification

       Section 427 establishes the Thomas Jefferson Initiative in 
     order to conduct research and development, in cooperation 
     with other public and private entities, on the production and 
     marketing of new and nontraditional crops. The Secretary 
     shall coordinate the initiative through a nonprofit center 
     that will coordinate research and education programs in 
     cooperation with other public and private entities. The 
     Secretary shall support development of multi-State regional 
     efforts in crop diversification, and 50% of available funding 
     shall be used for regional efforts centered at land-grant 
     institutions. The Secretary may award the remaining funds to 
     colleges or universities, nonprofit organizations, or public 
     agencies in 5 year, competitive grants. Recipients must 
     contribute matching non-Federal funds. (Section 427)
       The Senate bill does not contain a comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision. 
     (Section 405)


 (58) Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants 
                                Program

       The House amendment authorizes the Secretary to award 
     competitive grants to colleges and universities for 
     integrated research, education, and extension projects that 
     address priorities of U.S. agriculture. The Secretary shall 
     require matching funds or in-kind support if the grant will 
     benefit a particular commodity; however, the Secretary may 
     waive the requirement if the results are likely to benefit 
     agriculture generally or the project involves a minor 
     commodity, deals with scientifically important research, and 
     the recipient would be unable to meet the match requirement. 
     (Section 428)
       The Senate bill does not contain a comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision. 
     (Section 406)


(59) Research grants under Equity in Education Land-Grant States Act of 
                                  1994

       The House amendment amends the Equity in Education Land-
     Grant States Act to authorize the Secretary to make 
     competitive grants to 1994 Institutions to conduct 
     agricultural research that addresses high priority concerns 
     of tribal, national, and multi-State significance. Research 
     will be conducted under a cooperative agreement with land-
     grant colleges and universities. (Section 429)
       The Senate bill does not contain a comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision. 
     (Section 251)


 (60) Role of Secretary of Agriculture regarding food and agricultural 
              sciences research, education, and extension

       The House amendment designates the Secretary of Agriculture 
     as the principal official in the Executive branch responsible 
     for coordinating all Federal research and extension 
     activities related to food and agricultural sciences. 
     (Section 501)
       The Senate bill has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision. 
     (Section 613)


                 (61) Office of Pest Management Policy

       The House amendment requires the Secretary to establish an 
     Office of Pest Management Policy. This Office of Pest 
     Management Policy shall, in addition to its assigned

[[Page H2204]]

     responsibilities within the Department of Agriculture, shall 
     provide leadership in coordinating interagency activities 
     with the EPA, FDA, and other Federal and State agencies and 
     coordinate agricultural policies within the Department 
     related to pesticides. This section requires the Office of 
     Pest Management Policy to consult with and provide services 
     to producer groups and interested parties. (Section 502)
       The Senate bill has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision. 
     (Section 614)
       The Managers believe that the creation of an Office of Pest 
     Management Policy is necessary to focus and coordinate the 
     many pest management and pesticide-related activities carried 
     out within the Department. The Managers feel strongly that 
     this is a necessary step if the Department is to be effective 
     in carrying out its statutory responsibilities with respect 
     to pesticide issues and pest management research. For 
     example, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), in conjunction 
     with the National Institute of Environmental and Health 
     Sciences and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are 
     conducting a series of epidemiological studies, collectively 
     called the ``Agricultural Health Study.'' The studies are 
     designed to evaluate the health of farmers and will focus 
     primarily on pesticide exposures. The managers believe that 
     the studies should be carried out and the results reported 
     according to the highest standards of epidemiological 
     science. The Managers expect the Office of Pest Management 
     Policy to closely monitor this project and provide input and 
     advice whenever appropriate.
       The Managers also expect the Office of Pest Management 
     Policy to coordinate with the EPA to ensure effective 
     implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 
     (FQPA). The Managers recommend the Director of the office 
     work with EPA, producers, and other appropriate groups to 
     develop effective, efficient mechanisms for gathering data 
     necessary for making regulatory decisions under FQPA. The 
     Managers expect the Director and the Administrators of the 
     relevant Departmental agencies to work with producers in 
     reorienting research priorities in pest management to 
     facilitate development, evaluation and delivery of 
     alternative pest management tools.
       The Managers expect the office to be created within and 
     staffed by an official within the Office of the Secretary. 
     The managers intend for the Director of the office to report 
     directly to the Secretary or the Deputy Secretary of 
     Agriculture.


  (62) Food Safety Research Information Office and National Conference

       The House amendment directs the Secretary to establish a 
     Food and Safety Research Information Office at the National 
     Agricultural Library to provide information on food safety 
     research initiatives to the research community and the 
     general public and further directs the Secretary to sponsor a 
     National Conference on Food Safety Research within 120 days 
     after the enactment of this Act as well as annual workshops 
     in each of the subsequent four years after the conference.
       The House amendment provides that the National Academy of 
     Sciences' study include recommendations to ensure that the 
     food safety inspection system, within the resources 
     traditionally available to existing food safety agencies, 
     protects the public health. (Section 503)
       The Senate bill has no comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision with 
     an amendment to authorize continued development of food 
     safety handling education. (Section 615)


(63) Availability of funds received or collected on behalf of National 
                               Arboretum

       The House amendment provides a technical amendment to 
     clarify that fees collected at the National Arboretum under 
     the Act of March 4, 1927 are available for use by the 
     Secretary without further appropriation. (Section 505)
       The Senate bill does not contain a comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision. 
     (Section 601)


(64) Retention and use of agricultural research service patent culture 
                            collection fees

       The House amendment provides that fees collected by ARS 
     from the Patent Culture Collection shall be retained by ARS 
     for maintenance and operation of the Patent Culture 
     Collection. (Section 506)
       The Senate bill does not contain a comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision. 
     (Section 601)


    (65) Reimbursement of expenses incurred under Sheep Promotion, 
                 Research, and Information Act of 1994

       The House amendment provides that the Agricultural 
     Marketing Service may use its funds to reimburse the American 
     Sheep Industry Association for expenses incurred by the 
     Association in preparation for the implementation of a sheep 
     and wool promotion, research, education, and information 
     order. (Section 507)
       The Senate bill does not contain a comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision. 
     (Section 617)


(66) Designation of Kika de la Garza Subtropical Agricultural Research 
                         Center, Weslaco, Texas

       The House amendment designates the Subtropical Agricultural 
     Research Center in Weslaco, Texas, as the Kika de la Garza 
     Subtropical Agricultural Research Center. (Section 508)
       The Senate bill does not contain a comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision. 
     (Section 619)


(67) Sense of Congress regarding Agricultural Research Service emphasis 
        on field research regarding methyl bromide alternatives

       The House amendment provides that it is the sense of 
     Congress that the Secretary of Agriculture should use a 
     substantial portion of the ARS funds appropriated for the 
     development of agricultural alternatives to methyl bromide 
     for research to be conducted in real field conditions such as 
     pre-planting and post-harvest conditions. (Section 509)
       The Senate bill does not contain a comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision. 
     (Section 641)


      (68) Sense of Congress regarding importance of school-based 
                         agricultural education

       The House amendment contains Sense of Congress that the 
     Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Education 
     cooperate in providing support for school-based agricultural 
     education. (Section 510)
       The Senate bill does not contain a comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision. 
     (Section 642)


   (69) Sense of Congress regarding designation of Department crisis 
                            management team

       Based on congressional findings, it is the sense of 
     Congress that the Secretary should designated a Crisis 
     Management Team, composed of senior departmental personnel in 
     relevant areas, to develop and implement a department-wide 
     crisis management plan. (Section 511)
       The Senate bill does not contain a comparable provision.
       The conference substitute adopts the House provision with 
     an amendment to strike the findings and require the Secretary 
     to develop a crisis management strategy and to designate a 
     crisis management team. (Section 618)

                                           Committee on Resources,
                                   Washington, DC, March 20, 1998.
     Hon. Robert F. Smith,
     Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, Longworth HOB, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: Although S. 1150 contains substantial 
     amendments to the National Aquaculture Act of 1980, an act 
     within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Resources, I was 
     disappointed that the Committee on Resources was not named a 
     conferee on the bill.
       However, I understand that there is some interest in 
     including a simple authorization of the National Aquaculture 
     Act in the conference report on S. 1150. As funding 
     authorization for the National Aquaculture Act has expired 
     and no reauthorization vehicle has been introduced this 
     Congress, in the interests of efficiency, I would have no 
     objection to including a level reauthorization of 
     appropriations for the Department of Interior, Commerce and 
     Agriculture through 2003 in the conference report. 
     Reauthorization of the National Aquaculture Act has been 
     included in other bills reported from the Committee on 
     Agriculture in the past, but the Committee on Merchant Marine 
     (the predecessor to the Committee on Resources in this 
     jurisdictional area) had always been named a conferee on 
     those provisions. In addition, S. 1150 itself was never 
     referred to a committee in the House of Representatives. 
     Therefore, I make this request with the understanding that 
     the inclusion of funding for these agencies in a bill 
     authorizing agricultural research, a matter within the 
     jurisdiction of the Agriculture Committee, does not diminish 
     or otherwise affect the long-standing jurisdiction of the 
     Committee on Resources over the National Aquaculture Act.
       I appreciate you keeping me informed on the progress of the 
     conference on this bill and I thank you for your continued 
     recognition of the role of the Committee on Resources in 
     aquaculture.
           Sincerely,
                                                        Don Young,
     Chairman.
                                                                    ____



                                     Committee on Agriculture,

                                   Washington, DC, March 24, 1998.
     Hon. Don Young,
     Chairman, Committee on Resources, Longworth HOB, Washington, 
         DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your letter of March 20, 
     1998 agreeing to include in the conference report on S. 1150 
     a simple reauthorization of appropriations for that portion 
     of the National Aquaculture Act under the jurisdiction of the 
     Committee on Resources.
       As you noted, funding authorization for the Act has expired 
     and no bill addressing this matter has been introduced in the 
     House. I appreciate your willingness to expedite the 
     reauthorizing process by using S. 1150 as the vehicle. You 
     duly noted in your letter that had S. 1150 been referred to 
     committee, you would have requested referral to the Committee 
     on Resources and that you had requested conferees from that 
     committee after that bill passed the House. I can assure you 
     that inclusion of this provision in

[[Page H2205]]

     S. 1150, a bill authorizing agricultural research, a matter 
     within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture, 
     should not be construed to diminish or otherwise affect the 
     jurisdiction of the Committee on Resources over subject 
     matter contained in the National Aquaculture Act.
       I look forward to working with you and the Committee on 
     Resources, of which I am a member, on aquaculture and other 
     issues of shared jurisdiction.
           Sincerely,
                                            Robert F. (Bob) Smith,
                                                         Chairman.

     Robert Smith,
     Larry Combest,
     Bill Barrett,
     Charles W. Stenholm,
     Calvin Dooley,
                                Managers on the Part of the House.

     Richard G. Lugar,
     Thad Cochran,
     Paul D. Coverdell,
     Tom Harkin,
     Patrick Leahy,
     Managers on the Part of the Senate.

                          ____________________