[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 99 (Thursday, July 11, 2013)]
[House]
[Pages H4394-H4475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
FEDERAL AGRICULTURE REFORM AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2013
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 295, I call up
the bill (H.R. 2642) to provide for the reform and continuation of
agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture
through fiscal year 2018,
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and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 295, the bill
is considered read.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 2642
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Federal
Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definition of Secretary of Agriculture.
TITLE I--COMMODITIES
Subtitle A--Repeals and Reforms
Sec. 1101. Repeal of direct payments.
Sec. 1102. Repeal of counter-cyclical payments.
Sec. 1103. Repeal of average crop revenue election program.
Sec. 1104. Definitions.
Sec. 1105. Base acres.
Sec. 1106. Payment yields.
Sec. 1107. Farm risk management election.
Sec. 1108. Producer agreements.
Subtitle B--Marketing Loans
Sec. 1201. Availability of nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for
loan commodities.
Sec. 1202. Loan rates for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans.
Sec. 1203. Term of loans.
Sec. 1204. Repayment of loans.
Sec. 1205. Loan deficiency payments.
Sec. 1206. Payments in lieu of loan deficiency payments for grazed
acreage.
Sec. 1207. Special marketing loan provisions for upland cotton.
Sec. 1208. Special competitive provisions for extra long staple cotton.
Sec. 1209. Availability of recourse loans for high moisture feed grains
and seed cotton.
Sec. 1210. Adjustments of loans.
Subtitle C--Sugar
Sec. 1301. Sugar program.
Subtitle D--Dairy
Part I--Dairy Producer Margin Insurance Program
Sec. 1401. Dairy producer margin insurance program.
Sec. 1402. Rulemaking.
Part II--Repeal or Reauthorization of Other Dairy-related Provisions
Sec. 1411. Repeal of dairy product price support and milk income loss
contract programs.
Sec. 1412. Repeal of dairy export incentive program.
Sec. 1413. Extension of dairy forward pricing program.
Sec. 1414. Extension of dairy indemnity program.
Sec. 1415. Extension of dairy promotion and research program.
Sec. 1416. Repeal of Federal Milk Marketing Order Review Commission.
Part III--Effective Date
Sec. 1421. Effective date.
Subtitle E--Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs
Sec. 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance.
Sec. 1502. National Drought Council and National Drought Policy Action
Plan.
Subtitle F--Administration
Sec. 1601. Administration generally.
Sec. 1602. Repeal of permanent price support authority.
Sec. 1603. Payment limitations.
Sec. 1603A. Payments limited to active farmers.
Sec. 1604. Adjusted gross income limitation.
Sec. 1605. Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
Sec. 1606. Personal liability of producers for deficiencies.
Sec. 1607. Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under
farm commodity programs.
Sec. 1608. Technical corrections.
Sec. 1609. Assignment of payments.
Sec. 1610. Tracking of benefits.
Sec. 1611. Signature authority.
Sec. 1612. Implementation.
Sec. 1613. Protection of producer information.
TITLE II--CONSERVATION
Subtitle A--Conservation Reserve Program
Sec. 2001. Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation
reserve program.
Sec. 2002. Farmable wetland program.
Sec. 2003. Duties of owners and operators.
Sec. 2004. Duties of the Secretary.
Sec. 2005. Payments.
Sec. 2006. Contract requirements.
Sec. 2007. Conversion of land subject to contract to other conserving
uses.
Sec. 2008. Effective date.
Subtitle B--Conservation Stewardship Program
Sec. 2101. Conservation stewardship program.
Subtitle C--Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Sec. 2201. Purposes.
Sec. 2202. Establishment and administration.
Sec. 2203. Evaluation of applications.
Sec. 2204. Duties of producers.
Sec. 2205. Limitation on payments.
Sec. 2206. Conservation innovation grants and payments.
Sec. 2207. Effective date.
Subtitle D--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
Sec. 2301. Agricultural conservation easement program.
Subtitle E--Regional Conservation Partnership Program
Sec. 2401. Regional conservation partnership program.
Subtitle F--Other Conservation Programs
Sec. 2501. Conservation of private grazing land.
Sec. 2502. Grassroots source water protection program.
Sec. 2503. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program.
Sec. 2504. Agriculture conservation experienced services program.
Sec. 2505. Small watershed rehabilitation program.
Sec. 2506. Agricultural management assistance program.
Sec. 2507. Emergency watershed protection program.
Subtitle G--Funding and Administration
Sec. 2601. Funding.
Sec. 2602. Technical assistance.
Sec. 2603. Reservation of funds to provide assistance to certain
farmers or ranchers for conservation access.
Sec. 2604. Annual report on program enrollments and assistance.
Sec. 2605. Review of conservation practice standards.
Sec. 2606. Administrative requirements applicable to all conservation
programs.
Sec. 2607. Standards for State technical committees.
Sec. 2608. Rulemaking authority.
Sec. 2609. Wetlands mitigation.
Sec. 2610. Lesser prairie-chicken conservation report.
Subtitle H--Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional
Provisions; Technical Amendments
Sec. 2701. Comprehensive conservation enhancement program.
Sec. 2702. Emergency forestry conservation reserve program.
Sec. 2703. Wetlands reserve program.
Sec. 2704. Farmland protection program and farm viability program.
Sec. 2705. Grassland reserve program.
Sec. 2706. Agricultural water enhancement program.
Sec. 2707. Wildlife habitat incentive program.
Sec. 2708. Great Lakes basin program.
Sec. 2709. Chesapeake Bay watershed program.
Sec. 2710. Cooperative conservation partnership initiative.
Sec. 2711. Environmental easement program.
Sec. 2712. Technical amendments.
TITLE III--TRADE
Subtitle A--Food for Peace Act
Sec. 3001. General authority.
Sec. 3002. Support for organizations through which assistance is
provided.
Sec. 3003. Food aid quality.
Sec. 3004. Minimum levels of assistance.
Sec. 3005. Food Aid Consultative Group.
Sec. 3006. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation.
Sec. 3007. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation,
delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged
foods.
Sec. 3008. General provisions.
Sec. 3009. Prepositioning of agricultural commodities.
Sec. 3010. Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities.
Sec. 3011. Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other
assistance.
Sec. 3012. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 3013. Micronutrient fortification programs.
Sec. 3014. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program.
Subtitle B--Agricultural Trade Act of 1978
Sec. 3101. Funding for export credit guarantee program.
Sec. 3102. Funding for market access program.
Sec. 3103. Foreign market development cooperator program.
Subtitle C--Other Agricultural Trade Laws
Sec. 3201. Food for Progress Act of 1985.
Sec. 3202. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust.
Sec. 3203. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets.
Sec. 3204. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child
Nutrition Program.
Sec. 3205. Technical assistance for specialty crops.
Sec. 3206. Global Crop Diversity Trust.
Sec. 3207. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural
Services.
Sec. 3208. Department of Agriculture certificates of origin.
TITLE IV--CREDIT
Subtitle A--Farm Ownership Loans
Sec. 4001. Eligibility for farm ownership loans.
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Sec. 4002. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program.
Sec. 4003. Down payment loan program.
Sec. 4004. Elimination of mineral rights appraisal requirement.
Subtitle B--Operating Loans
Sec. 4101. Eligibility for farm operating loans.
Sec. 4102. Elimination of rural residency requirement for operating
loans to youth.
Sec. 4103. Authority to waive personal liability for youth loans due to
circumstances beyond borrower control.
Sec. 4104. Microloans.
Subtitle C--Emergency Loans
Sec. 4201. Eligibility for emergency loans.
Subtitle D--Administrative Provisions
Sec. 4301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts
pilot program.
Sec. 4302. Eligible beginning farmers and ranchers.
Sec. 4303. Loan authorization levels.
Sec. 4304. Priority for participation loans.
Sec. 4305. Loan fund set-asides.
Sec. 4306. Conforming amendment to borrower training provision,
relating to eligibility changes.
Subtitle E--State Agricultural Mediation Programs
Sec. 4401. State agricultural mediation programs.
Subtitle F--Loans to Purchasers of Highly Fractionated Land
Sec. 4501. Loans to purchasers of highly fractionated land.
TITLE V--RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Subtitle A--Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
Sec. 5001. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants.
Sec. 5002. Rural business opportunity grants.
Sec. 5003. Elimination of reservation of community facilities grant
program funds.
Sec. 5004. Utilization of loan guarantees for community facilities.
Sec. 5005. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program.
Sec. 5006. Tribal college and university essential community
facilities.
Sec. 5007. Essential community facilities technical assistance and
training.
Sec. 5008. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant
program.
Sec. 5009. Household water well systems.
Sec. 5010. Rural business and industry loan program.
Sec. 5011. Rural cooperative development grants.
Sec. 5012. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products.
Sec. 5013. Intermediary relending program.
Sec. 5014. Rural college coordinated strategy.
Sec. 5015. Rural water and waste disposal infrastructure.
Sec. 5016. Simplified applications.
Sec. 5017. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters.
Sec. 5018. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program.
Sec. 5019. Delta Regional Authority.
Sec. 5020. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority.
Sec. 5021. Rural business investment program.
Subtitle B--Rural Electrification Act of 1936
Sec. 5101. Relending for certain purposes.
Sec. 5102. Fees for certain loan guarantees.
Sec. 5103. Rural utilities service contracting authority.
Sec. 5104. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or
telephone purposes.
Sec. 5105. Expansion of 911 access.
Sec. 5106. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural
areas.
Subtitle C--Miscellaneous
Sec. 5201. Distance learning and telemedicine.
Sec. 5202. Value-added agricultural market development program grants.
Sec. 5203. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program.
Sec. 5204. Program metrics.
Sec. 5205. Study of rural transportation issues.
Sec. 5206. Certain Federal actions not to be considered major.
Sec. 5207. Telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas.
Sec. 5208. Regional economic and infrastructure development.
TITLE VI--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS
Subtitle A--National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977
Sec. 6101. Option to be included as non-land-grant college of
agriculture.
Sec. 6102. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and
Economics Advisory Board.
Sec. 6103. Specialty crop committee.
Sec. 6104. Veterinary services grant program.
Sec. 6105. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences
education.
Sec. 6106. Policy research centers.
Sec. 6107. Repeal of human nutrition intervention and health promotion
research program.
Sec. 6108. Repeal of pilot research program to combine medical and
agricultural research.
Sec. 6109. Nutrition education program.
Sec. 6110. Continuing animal health and disease research programs.
Sec. 6111. Repeal of appropriations for research on national or
regional problems.
Sec. 6112. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities
at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee
University.
Sec. 6113. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food science facilities
and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions.
Sec. 6114. Repeal of national research and training virtual centers.
Sec. 6115. Hispanic-serving institutions.
Sec. 6116. Competitive Grants Program for Hispanic Agricultural Workers
and Youth.
Sec. 6117. Competitive grants for international agricultural science
and education programs.
Sec. 6118. Repeal of research equipment grants.
Sec. 6119. University research.
Sec. 6120. Extension service.
Sec. 6121. Auditing, reporting, bookkeeping, and administrative
requirements.
Sec. 6122. Supplemental and alternative crops.
Sec. 6123. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions.
Sec. 6124. Aquaculture assistance programs.
Sec. 6125. Rangeland research programs.
Sec. 6126. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response.
Sec. 6127. Distance education and resident instruction grants program
for insular area institutions of higher education.
Sec. 6128. Matching funds requirement.
Sec. 6129. Sense of Congress regarding expansion of the land grant
program to include enhanced funding and additional
institutions.
Subtitle B--Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990
Sec. 6201. Best utilization of biological applications.
Sec. 6202. Integrated management systems.
Sec. 6203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer
program.
Sec. 6204. National training program.
Sec. 6205. National Genetics Resources Program.
Sec. 6206. Repeal of National Agricultural Weather Information System.
Sec. 6207. Repeal of rural electronic commerce extension program.
Sec. 6208. Repeal of agricultural genome initiative.
Sec. 6209. High-priority research and extension initiatives.
Sec. 6210. Repeal of nutrient management research and extension
initiative.
Sec. 6211. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative.
Sec. 6212. Repeal of agricultural bioenergy feedstock and energy
efficiency research and extension initiative.
Sec. 6213. Farm business management.
Sec. 6214. Centers of excellence.
Sec. 6215. Repeal of red meat safety research center.
Sec. 6216. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities.
Sec. 6217. National rural information center clearinghouse.
Subtitle C--Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act
of 1998
Sec. 6301. Relevance and merit of agricultural research, extension, and
education funded by the Department.
Sec. 6302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive
grants program.
Sec. 6303. Repeal of coordinated program of research, extension, and
education to improve viability of small and medium size
dairy, livestock, and poultry operations.
Sec. 6304. Fusarium Graminearum grants.
Sec. 6305. Repeal of Bovine Johne's disease control program.
Sec. 6306. Grants for youth organizations.
Sec. 6307. Specialty crop research initiative.
Sec. 6308. Food animal residue avoidance database program.
Sec. 6309. Repeal of national swine research center.
Sec. 6310. Office of pest management policy.
Sec. 6311. Repeal of studies of agricultural research, extension, and
education.
Subtitle D--Other Laws
Sec. 6401. Critical Agricultural Materials Act.
Sec. 6402. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994.
Sec. 6403. Research Facilities Act.
Sec. 6404. Repeal of carbon cycle research.
Sec. 6405. Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act.
Sec. 6406. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978.
Sec. 6407. National Aquaculture Act of 1980.
Sec. 6408. Repeal of use of remote sensing data.
Sec. 6409. Repeal of reports under Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002.
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Sec. 6410. Beginning farmer and rancher development program.
Sec. 6411. Inclusion of American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia,
and Northern Mariana Islands as a State under McIntire-
Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act.
Subtitle E--Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
Part 1--Agricultural Security
Sec. 6501. Agricultural biosecurity communication center.
Sec. 6502. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural
biosecurity planning, preparation, and response.
Sec. 6503. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures.
Sec. 6504. Agricultural biosecurity grant program.
Part 2--Miscellaneous
Sec. 6511. Enhanced use lease authority pilot program.
Sec. 6512. Grazinglands research laboratory.
Sec. 6513. Budget submission and funding.
Sec. 6514. Research and education grants for the study of antibiotic-
resistant bacteria.
Sec. 6515. Repeal of farm and ranch stress assistance network.
Sec. 6516. Repeal of seed distribution.
Sec. 6517. Natural products research program.
Sec. 6518. Sun grant program.
Sec. 6519. Repeal of study and report on food deserts.
Sec. 6520. Repeal of agricultural and rural transportation research and
education.
Subtitle F--Miscellaneous Provisions
Sec. 6601. Agreements with nonprofit organizations for National
Arboretum.
Sec. 6602. Cotton Disease Research Report.
Sec. 6603. Acceptance of facility for Agricultural Research Service.
Sec. 6604. Miscellaneous technical corrections.
Sec. 6605. Legitimacy of industrial hemp research.
TITLE VII--FORESTRY
Subtitle A--Repeal of Certain Forestry Programs
Sec. 7001. Forest land enhancement program.
Sec. 7002. Watershed forestry assistance program.
Sec. 7003. Expired cooperative national forest products marketing
program.
Sec. 7004. Hispanic-serving institution agricultural land national
resources leadership program.
Sec. 7005. Tribal watershed forestry assistance program.
Sec. 7006. Separate Forest Service decisionmaking and appeals process.
Subtitle B--Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of
1978 Programs
Sec. 7101. State-wide assessment and strategies for forest resources.
Sec. 7102. Forest Legacy Program.
Sec. 7103. Community forest and open space conservation program.
Subtitle C--Reauthorization of Other Forestry-Related Laws
Sec. 7201. Rural revitalization technologies.
Sec. 7202. Office of International Forestry.
Sec. 7203. Change in funding source for healthy forests reserve
program.
Sec. 7204. Stewardship end result contracting project authority.
Subtitle D--National Forest Critical Area Response
Sec. 7301. Definitions.
Sec. 7302. Designation of critical areas.
Sec. 7303. Application of expedited procedures and activities of the
Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to critical
areas.
Sec. 7304. Good neighbor authority.
Subtitle E--Miscellaneous Provisions
Sec. 7401. Revision of strategic plan for forest inventory and
analysis.
Sec. 7402. Forest Service participation in ACES Program.
Sec. 7403. Green science and technology transfer research under Forest
and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978.
Sec. 7404. Extension of stewardship contracts authority regarding use
of designation by prescription to all thinning sales
under National Forest Management Act of 1976.
Sec. 7405. Reimbursement of fire funds expended by a State for
management and suppression of certain wildfires.
Sec. 7406. Ability of National Forest System lands to meet needs of
local wood producing facilities for raw materials.
Sec. 7407. Report on the National Forest System roads.
Sec. 7408. Forest Service large airtanker and aerial asset firefighting
recapitalization pilot program.
Sec. 7409. Land conveyance, Jefferson National Forest in Wise County,
Virginia.
Sec. 7410. Categorical exclusion for forest projects in response to
emergencies.
TITLE VIII--ENERGY
Sec. 8001. Definition of renewable energy system.
Sec. 8002. Biobased markets program.
Sec. 8003. Biorefinery assistance.
Sec. 8004. Repowering assistance program.
Sec. 8005. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels.
Sec. 8006. Biodiesel Fuel Education Program.
Sec. 8007. Rural Energy for America Program.
Sec. 8008. Biomass Research and Development.
Sec. 8009. Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers.
Sec. 8010. Biomass Crop Assistance Program.
Sec. 8011. Community wood energy program.
Sec. 8012. Repeal of biofuels infrastructure study.
Sec. 8013. Repeal of renewable fertilizer study.
Sec. 8014. Energy efficiency report for USDA facilities.
TITLE IX--HORTICULTURE
Sec. 9001. Specialty crops market news allocation.
Sec. 9002. Repeal of grant program to improve movement of specialty
crops.
Sec. 9003. Farmers market and local food promotion program.
Sec. 9004. Organic agriculture.
Sec. 9005. Investigations and enforcement of the Organic Foods
Production Act of 1990.
Sec. 9006. Food safety education initiatives.
Sec. 9007. Specialty crop block grants.
Sec. 9008. Department of Agriculture consultation regarding enforcement
of certain labor law provisions.
Sec. 9009. Report on honey.
Sec. 9010. Bulk shipments of apples to Canada.
Sec. 9011. Consolidation of plant pest and disease management and
disaster prevention programs.
Sec. 9012. Modification, cancellation, or suspension on basis of a
biological opinion.
Sec. 9013. Use and discharges of authorized pesticides.
Sec. 9014. Seed not pesticide or device for purposes of importation.
Sec. 9015. Stay of regulations related to Christmas Tree Promotion,
Research, and Information Order.
Sec. 9016. Study on proposed order pertaining to sulfuryl fluoride.
Sec. 9017. Study on local and regional food production and program
evaluation.
Sec. 9018. Annual report on invasive species.
TITLE X--CROP INSURANCE
Sec. 10001. Information sharing.
Sec. 10002. Publication of information on violations of prohibition on
premium adjustments.
Sec. 10003. Supplemental coverage option.
Sec. 10004. Premium amounts for catastrophic risk protection.
Sec. 10005. Repeal of performance-based discount.
Sec. 10006. Permanent enterprise unit subsidy.
Sec. 10007. Enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated crops.
Sec. 10008. Data collection.
Sec. 10009. Adjustment in actual production history to establish
insurable yields.
Sec. 10010. Submission and review of policies.
Sec. 10011. Equitable relief for specialty crop policies.
Sec. 10012. Budget limitations on renegotiation of the standard
reinsurance agreement.
Sec. 10013. Crop production on native sod.
Sec. 10014. Coverage levels by practice.
Sec. 10015. Beginning farmer and rancher provisions.
Sec. 10016. Stacked income protection plan for producers of upland
cotton.
Sec. 10017. Peanut revenue crop insurance.
Sec. 10018. Authority to correct errors.
Sec. 10019. Implementation.
Sec. 10020. Research and development priorities.
Sec. 10021. Additional research and development contracting
requirements.
Sec. 10022. Program compliance partnerships.
Sec. 10023. Pilot programs.
Sec. 10024. Technical amendments.
Sec. 10025. Advance public notice of crop insurance policy and plan
changes.
TITLE XI--MISCELLANEOUS
Subtitle A--Livestock
Sec. 11101. Repeal of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center.
Sec. 11102. Repeal of certain regulations under the Packers and
Stockyards Act, 1921.
Sec. 11103. Trichinae certification program.
Sec. 11104. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan.
Sec. 11105. Country of origin labeling.
Sec. 11106. National animal health laboratory network.
Sec. 11107. Repeal of duplicative catfish inspection program.
Sec. 11108. National Poultry Improvement Program.
Sec. 11109. Report on bovine tuberculosis in Texas.
Sec. 11110. Economic fraud in wild and farm-raised seafood.
Subtitle B--Socially Disadvantaged Producers and Limited Resource
Producers
Sec. 11201. Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers
and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers.
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Sec. 11202. Office of Advocacy and Outreach.
Sec. 11203. Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research
Center.
Sec. 11204. Receipt for service or denial of service from certain
department of agriculture agencies.
Subtitle C--Other Miscellaneous Provisions
Sec. 11301. Grants to improve supply, stability, safety, and training
of agricultural labor force.
Sec. 11302. Program benefit eligibility status for participants in high
plains water study.
Sec. 11303. Office of Tribal Relations.
Sec. 11304. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.
Sec. 11305. Prohibition on keeping GSA leased cars overnight.
Sec. 11306. Noninsured crop assistance program.
Sec. 11307. Ensuring high standards for agency use of scientific
information.
Sec. 11308. Evaluation required for purposes of prohibition on closure
or relocation of county offices for the Farm Service
Agency.
Sec. 11309. Acer access and development program.
Sec. 11310. Regulatory review by the Secretary of Agriculture.
Sec. 11311. Prohibition on attending an animal fighting venture or
causing a minor to attend an animal fighting venture.
Sec. 11312. Prohibition against interference by State and local
governments with production or manufacture of items in
other States.
Sec. 11313. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the
Missouri River Basin.
Sec. 11314. Increased protection for agricultural interests in the
Black Dirt region.
Sec. 11315. Protection of honey bees and other pollinators.
Sec. 11316. Produce represented as grown in the United States when it
is not in fact grown in the United States.
Sec. 11317. Urban agriculture coordination.
Sec. 11318. Sense of Congress on increased business opportunities for
black farmers, women, minorities, and small businesses.
Sec. 11319. Sense of Congress regarding agriculture security programs.
Sec. 11320. Report on water sharing.
Sec. 11321. Scientific and economic analysis of the FDA Food Safety
Modernization Act.
Sec. 11322. Improved Department of Agriculture consideration of
economic impact of regulations on small business.
Sec. 11323. Silvicultural activities.
Sec. 11324. Applicability of Spill Prevention, Control, and
Countermeasure rule.
Sec. 11325. Agricultural producer information disclosure.
Sec. 11326. Report on National Ocean Policy.
Sec. 11327. Sunsetting of programs.
Subtitle D--Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery
Sec. 11401. Short title.
Sec. 11402. Chesapeake Bay Crosscut Budget.
Sec. 11403. Restoration through adaptive management.
Sec. 11404. Independent Evaluator for the Chesapeake Bay Program.
Sec. 11405. Definitions.
SEC. 2. DEFINITION OF SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.
In this Act, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Agriculture.
TITLE I--COMMODITIES
Subtitle A--Repeals and Reforms
SEC. 1101. REPEAL OF DIRECT PAYMENTS.
(a) Repeal.--Sections 1103 and 1303 of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8713, 8753)
are repealed.
(b) Continued Application for 2013 Crop Year.--Sections
1103 and 1303 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 8713, 8753), as in effect on the day before
the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply
through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered
commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act (7 U.S.C.
8702)) and peanuts on a farm.
(c) Continued Application for 2014 and 2015 Crop Years.--
Subject to this subtitle, the amendments made by sections
1603 and 1604 of this Act, and sections 1607 and 1611 of this
Act, section 1103 of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 8713), as in effect on the day before the date
of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply through the
2014 and 2015 crop years with respect to upland cotton only
(as defined in section 1001 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 8702)),
except that, in applying such section 1103, the term
``payment acres'' means the following:
(1) For crop year 2014, 70 percent of the base acres of
upland cotton on a farm on which direct payments are made.
(2) For crop year 2015, 60 percent of the base acres of
upland cotton on a farm on which direct payments are made.
SEC. 1102. REPEAL OF COUNTER-CYCLICAL PAYMENTS.
(a) Repeal.--Sections 1104 and 1304 of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8714, 8754)
are repealed.
(b) Continued Application for 2013 Crop Year.--Sections
1104 and 1304 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 8714, 8754), as in effect on the day before
the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply
through the 2013 crop year with respect to all covered
commodities (as defined in section 1001 of that Act (7 U.S.C.
8702)) and peanuts on a farm.
SEC. 1103. REPEAL OF AVERAGE CROP REVENUE ELECTION PROGRAM.
(a) Repeal.--Section 1105 of the Food, Conservation, and
Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8715) is repealed.
(b) Continued Application for 2013 Crop Year.--Section 1105
of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
8715), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment
of this Act, shall continue to apply through the 2013 crop
year with respect to all covered commodities (as defined in
section 1001 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 8702)) and peanuts on a
farm for which the irrevocable election under section 1105 of
that Act was made before the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1104. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle and subtitle B:
(1) Actual county revenue.--The term ``actual county
revenue'', with respect to a covered commodity for a crop
year, means the amount determined by the Secretary under
section 1107(c)(4) to determine whether revenue loss coverage
payments are required to be provided for that crop year.
(2) Base acres.--The term ``base acres'', with respect to a
covered commodity and cotton on a farm, means the number of
acres established under sections 1101 and 1302 of the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 7911,
7952) or sections 1101 and 1302 of the Food, Conservation,
and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8711, 8752), as in effect on
September 30, 2013, subject to any adjustment under section
1105 of this Act. For purposes of making payments under
subsections (b) and (c) of section 1107, base acres are
reduced by the payment acres calculated in section 1101(c).
(3) County revenue loss coverage trigger.--The term
``county revenue loss coverage trigger'', with respect to a
covered commodity for a crop year, means the amount
determined by the Secretary under section 1107(c)(5) to
determine whether revenue loss coverage payments are required
to be provided for that crop year.
(4) Covered commodity.--The term ``covered commodity''
means wheat, oats, and barley (including wheat, oats, and
barley used for haying and grazing), corn, grain sorghum,
long grain rice, medium grain rice, pulse crops, soybeans,
other oilseeds, and peanuts.
(5) Effective price.--The term ``effective price'', with
respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the
price calculated by the Secretary under section 1107(b)(2) to
determine whether price loss coverage payments are required
to be provided for that crop year.
(6) Extra long staple cotton.--The term ``extra long staple
cotton'' means cotton that--
(A) is produced from pure strain varieties of the
Barbadense species or any hybrid of the species, or other
similar types of extra long staple cotton, designated by the
Secretary, having characteristics needed for various end uses
for which United States upland cotton is not suitable and
grown in irrigated cotton-growing regions of the United
States designated by the Secretary or other areas designated
by the Secretary as suitable for the production of the
varieties or types; and
(B) is ginned on a roller-type gin or, if authorized by the
Secretary, ginned on another type gin for experimental
purposes.
(7) Farm base acres.--The term ``farm base acres'' means
the sum of the base acreage for all covered commodities and
cotton on a farm in effect as of September 30, 2013, and
subject to any adjustment under section 1105.
(8) Medium grain rice.--The term ``medium grain rice''
includes short grain rice.
(9) Midseason price.--The term ``midseason price'' means
the applicable national average market price received by
producers for the first 5 months of the applicable marketing
year, as determined by the Secretary.
(10) Other oilseed.--The term ``other oilseed'' means a
crop of sunflower seed, rapeseed, canola, safflower,
flaxseed, mustard seed, crambe, sesame seed, or any oilseed
designated by the Secretary.
(11) Payment acres.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraphs (B)
through (D), the term ``payment acres'', with respect to the
provision of price loss coverage payments and revenue loss
coverage payments, means--
(i) 85 percent of total acres planted for the year to each
covered commodity on a farm; and
(ii) 30 percent of total acres approved as prevented from
being planted for the year to each covered commodity on a
farm.
(B) Maximum.--The total quantity of payment acres
determined under subparagraph (A) shall not exceed the farm
base acres.
(C) Reduction.--If the sum of all payment acres for a farm
exceeds the limits established under subparagraph (B), the
Secretary shall reduce the payment acres applicable to each
crop proportionately.
(D) Exclusion.--The term ``payment acres'' does not include
any crop subsequently planted during the same crop year on
the same land for which the first crop is eligible for
payments under this subtitle, unless the crop was approved
for double cropping in the county, as determined by the
Secretary.
[[Page H4399]]
(12) Payment yield.--The term ``payment yield'' means the
yield established for counter-cyclical payments under section
1102 or 1302 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002 (7 U.S.C. 7912, 7952), section 1102 of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8712), as in
effect on September 30, 2013, or under section 1106 of this
Act, for a farm for a covered commodity.
(13) Price loss coverage.--The term ``price loss coverage''
means coverage provided under section 1107(b).
(14) Producer.--
(A) In general.--The term ``producer'' means an owner,
operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper that shares in
the risk of producing a crop and is entitled to share in the
crop available for marketing from the farm, or would have
shared had the crop been produced.
(B) Hybrid seed.--In determining whether a grower of hybrid
seed is a producer, the Secretary shall--
(i) not take into consideration the existence of a hybrid
seed contract; and
(ii) ensure that program requirements do not adversely
affect the ability of the grower to receive a payment under
this title.
(15) Pulse crop.--The term ``pulse crop'' means dry peas,
lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas.
(16) Reference price.--The term ``reference price'', with
respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the
following:
(A) Wheat, $5.50 per bushel.
(B) Corn, $3.70 per bushel.
(C) Grain sorghum, $3.95 per bushel.
(D) Barley, $4.95 per bushel.
(E) Oats, $2.40 per bushel.
(F) Long grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight.
(G) Medium grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight.
(H) Soybeans, $8.40 per bushel.
(I) Other oilseeds, $20.15 per hundredweight.
(J) Peanuts $535.00 per ton.
(K) Dry peas, $11.00 per hundredweight.
(L) Lentils, $19.97 per hundredweight.
(M) Small chickpeas, $19.04 per hundredweight.
(N) Large chickpeas, $21.54 per hundredweight.
(17) Revenue loss coverage.--The term ``revenue loss
coverage'' means coverage provided under section 1107(c).
(18) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(19) State.--The term ``State'' means--
(A) a State;
(B) the District of Columbia;
(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and
(D) any other territory or possession of the United States.
(20) Temperate japonica rice.--The term ``temperate
japonica rice'' means rice that is grown in high altitudes or
temperate regions of high latitudes with cooler climate
conditions, in the Western United States, as determined by
the Secretary.
(21) Transitional yield.--The term ``transitional yield''
has the meaning given the term in section 502(b) of the
Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(b)).
(22) United states.--The term ``United States'', when used
in a geographical sense, means all of the States.
(23) United states premium factor.--The term ``United
States Premium Factor'' means the percentage by which the
difference in the United States loan schedule premiums for
Strict Middling (SM) 1\1/8\-inch upland cotton and for
Middling (M) 1\3/32\-inch upland cotton exceeds the
difference in the applicable premiums for comparable
international qualities.
SEC. 1105. BASE ACRES.
(a) Adjustment of Base Acres.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide for an
adjustment, as appropriate, in the base acres for covered
commodities and cotton for a farm whenever any of the
following circumstances occurs:
(A) A conservation reserve contract entered into under
section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3831) with respect to the farm expires or is voluntarily
terminated.
(B) Cropland is released from coverage under a conservation
reserve contract by the Secretary.
(C) The producer has eligible oilseed acreage as the result
of the Secretary designating additional oilseeds, which shall
be determined in the same manner as eligible oilseed acreage
under section 1101(a)(1)(D) of the Food, Conservation, and
Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8711(a)(1)(D)).
(2) Special conservation reserve acreage payment rules.--
For the crop year in which a base acres adjustment under
subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) is first made, the
owner of the farm shall elect to receive price loss coverage
or revenue loss coverage with respect to the acreage added to
the farm under this subsection or a prorated payment under
the conservation reserve contract, but not both.
(b) Prevention of Excess Base Acres.--
(1) Required reduction.--If the sum of the base acres for a
farm, together with the acreage described in paragraph (2)
exceeds the actual cropland acreage of the farm, the
Secretary shall reduce the base acres for 1 or more covered
commodities or cotton for the farm so that the sum of the
base acres and acreage described in paragraph (2) does not
exceed the actual cropland acreage of the farm.
(2) Other acreage.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall include the following:
(A) Any acreage on the farm enrolled in the conservation
reserve program or wetlands reserve program (or successor
programs) under chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3830 et seq.).
(B) Any other acreage on the farm enrolled in a Federal
conservation program for which payments are made in exchange
for not producing an agricultural commodity on the acreage.
(C) If the Secretary designates additional oilseeds, any
eligible oilseed acreage, which shall be determined in the
same manner as eligible oilseed acreage under subsection
(a)(1)(C).
(3) Selection of acres.--The Secretary shall give the owner
of the farm the opportunity to select the base acres for a
covered commodity or cotton for the farm against which the
reduction required by paragraph (1) will be made.
(4) Exception for double-cropped acreage.--In applying
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make an exception in the
case of double cropping, as determined by the Secretary.
(c) Reduction in Base Acres.--
(1) Reduction at option of owner.--
(A) In general.--The owner of a farm may reduce, at any
time, the base acres for any covered commodity or cotton for
the farm.
(B) Effect of reduction.--A reduction under subparagraph
(A) shall be permanent and made in a manner prescribed by the
Secretary.
(2) Required action by secretary.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall proportionately reduce
base acres on a farm for covered commodities and cotton for
land that has been subdivided and developed for multiple
residential units or other nonfarming uses if the size of the
tracts and the density of the subdivision is such that the
land is unlikely to return to the previous agricultural use,
unless the producers on the farm demonstrate that the land--
(i) remains devoted to commercial agricultural production;
or
(ii) is likely to be returned to the previous agricultural
use.
(B) Requirement.--The Secretary shall establish procedures
to identify land described in subparagraph (A).
SEC. 1106. PAYMENT YIELDS.
(a) Establishment and Purpose.--For the purpose of making
payments under this subtitle, the Secretary shall provide for
the establishment of a yield for each farm for any designated
oilseed for which a payment yield was not established under
section 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 8712) in accordance with this section.
(b) Payment Yields for Designated Oilseeds.--
(1) Determination of average yield.--In the case of
designated oilseeds, the Secretary shall determine the
average yield per planted acre for the designated oilseed on
a farm for the 1998 through 2001 crop years, excluding any
crop year in which the acreage planted to the designated
oilseed was zero.
(2) Adjustment for payment yield.--
(A) In general.--The payment yield for a farm for a
designated oilseed shall be equal to the product of the
following:
(i) The average yield for the designated oilseed determined
under paragraph (1).
(ii) The ratio resulting from dividing the national average
yield for the designated oilseed for the 1981 through 1985
crops by the national average yield for the designated
oilseed for the 1998 through 2001 crops.
(B) No national average yield information available.--To
the extent that national average yield information for a
designated oilseed is not available, the Secretary shall use
such information as the Secretary determines to be fair and
equitable to establish a national average yield under this
section.
(3) Use of county average yield.--If the yield per planted
acre for a crop of a designated oilseed for a farm for any of
the 1998 through 2001 crop years was less than 75 percent of
the county yield for that designated oilseed, the Secretary
shall assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent
of the county yield for the purpose of determining the
average under paragraph (1).
(4) No historic yield data available.--In the case of
establishing yields for designated oilseeds, if historic
yield data is not available, the Secretary shall use the
ratio for dry peas calculated under paragraph (2)(A)(ii) in
determining the yields for designated oilseeds, as determined
to be fair and equitable by the Secretary.
(c) Effect of Lack of Payment Yield.--
(1) Establishment by secretary.--If no payment yield is
otherwise established for a farm for which a covered
commodity is planted and eligible to receive price loss
coverage payments, the Secretary shall establish an
appropriate payment yield for the covered commodity on the
farm under paragraph (2).
(2) Use of similarly situated farms.--To establish an
appropriate payment yield for a covered commodity on a farm
as required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into
consideration the farm program payment yields applicable to
that covered commodity for similarly situated farms. The use
of such data in an appeal, by the Secretary or by the
producer, shall not be subject to any other provision of law.
[[Page H4400]]
(d) Single Opportunity To Update Yields Used To Determine
Price Loss Coverage Payments.--
(1) Election to update.--At the sole discretion of the
owner of a farm, the owner of a farm shall have a 1-time
opportunity to update the payment yields on a covered
commodity-by-covered-commodity basis that would otherwise be
used in calculating any price loss coverage payment for
covered commodities on the farm.
(2) Time for election.--The election under paragraph (1)
shall be made at a time and manner to be in effect for the
2014 crop year as determined by the Secretary.
(3) Method of updating yields.--If the owner of a farm
elects to update yields under this subsection, the payment
yield for a covered commodity on the farm, for the purpose of
calculating price loss coverage payments only, shall be equal
to 90 percent of the average of the yield per planted acre
for the crop of the covered commodity on the farm for the
2008 through 2012 crop years, as determined by the Secretary,
excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to the
crop of the covered commodity was zero.
(4) Use of county average yield.--If the yield per planted
acre for a crop of the covered commodity for a farm for any
of the 2008 through 2012 crop years was less than 75 percent
of the average of the 2008 through 2012 county yield for that
commodity, the Secretary shall assign a yield for that crop
year equal to 75 percent of the average of the 2008 through
2012 county yield for the purposes of determining the average
yield under paragraph (3).
(5) Effect of lack of payment yield.--
(A) Establishment by secretary.--For purposes of this
subsection, if no payment yield is otherwise established for
a covered commodity on a farm, the Secretary shall establish
an appropriate updated payment yield for the covered
commodity on the farm under subparagraph (B).
(B) Use of similarly situated farms.--To establish an
appropriate payment yield for a covered commodity on a farm
as required by subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall take
into consideration the farm program payment yields applicable
to that covered commodity for similarly situated farms. The
use of such data in an appeal, by the Secretary or by the
producer, shall not be subject to any other provision of law.
SEC. 1107. FARM RISK MANAGEMENT ELECTION.
(a) In General.--
(1) Payments required.--Except as provided in paragraph
(2), if the Secretary determines that payments are required
under subsection (b)(1) or (c)(2) for a covered commodity,
the Secretary shall make payments for that covered commodity
available under such subsection to producers on a farm
pursuant to the terms and conditions of this section.
(2) Prohibition on payments; exceptions.--Notwithstanding
any other provision of this title, a producer on a farm may
not receive price loss coverage payments or revenue loss
coverage payments if the sum of the planted acres of covered
commodities on the farm is 10 acres or less, as determined by
the Secretary, unless the producer is--
(A) a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher (as defined
in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2003(e))); or
(B) a limited resource farmer or rancher, as defined by the
Secretary.
(b) Price Loss Coverage.--
(1) Payments.--For the 2014 crop year and each succeeding
crop year, the Secretary shall make price loss coverage
payments to producers on a farm for a covered commodity if
the Secretary determines that--
(A) the effective price for the covered commodity for the
crop year; is less than
(B) the reference price for the covered commodity for the
crop year.
(2) Effective price.--The effective price for a covered
commodity for a crop year shall be the higher of--
(A) the midseason price; or
(B) the national average loan rate for a marketing
assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for such
crop year under subtitle B.
(3) Payment rate.--The payment rate shall be equal to the
difference between--
(A) the reference price for the covered commodity; and
(B) the effective price determined under paragraph (2) for
the covered commodity.
(4) Payment amount.--If price loss coverage payments are
required to be provided under this subsection for the 2014
crop year or any succeding crop year for a covered commodity,
the amount of the price loss coverage payment to be paid to
the producers on a farm for the crop year shall be equal to
the product obtained by multiplying--
(A) the payment rate for the covered commodity under
paragraph (3);
(B) the payment yield for the covered commodity; and
(C) the payment acres for the covered commodity.
(5) Time for payments.--If the Secretary determines under
this subsection that price loss coverage payments are
required to be provided for the covered commodity, the
payments shall be made beginning October 1, or as soon as
practicable thereafter, after the end of the applicable
marketing year for the covered commodity.
(6) Special rule for barley.--In determining the effective
price for barley in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall use
the all-barley price.
(7) Special rule for temperate japonica rice.--The
Secretary shall provide a reference price with respect to
temperate japonica rice in an amount equal to 115 percent of
the amount established in subparagraphs (F) and (G) of
section 1104(16) in order to reflect price premiums.
(c) Revenue Loss Coverage.--
(1) Available as an alternative.--As an alternative to
receiving price loss coverage payments under subsection (b)
for a covered commodity, all of the owners of the farm may
make a one-time, irrevocable election on a covered commodity-
by-covered-commodity basis to receive revenue loss coverage
payments for each covered commodity in accordance with this
subsection. If any of the owners of the farm make different
elections on the same covered commodity on the farm, all of
the owners of the farm shall be deemed to have not made the
election available under this paragraph.
(2) Payments.--In the case of owners of a farm that make
the election described in paragraph (1) for a covered
commodity, the Secretary shall make revenue loss coverage
payments available under this subsection for the 2014 crop
year and each succeeding crop year if the Secretary
determines that--
(A) the actual county revenue for the crop year for the
covered commodity; is less than
(B) the county revenue loss coverage trigger for the crop
year for the covered commodity.
(3) Time for payments.--If the Secretary determines under
this subsection that revenue loss coverage payments are
required to be provided for the covered commodity, payments
shall be made beginning October 1, or as soon as practicable
thereafter, after the end of the applicable marketing year
for the covered commodity.
(4) Actual county revenue.--The amount of the actual county
revenue for a crop year of a covered commodity shall be equal
to the product obtained by multiplying--
(A) the actual county yield, as determined by the
Secretary, for each planted acre for the crop year for the
covered commodity; and
(B) the higher of--
(i) the midseason price; or
(ii) the national average loan rate for a marketing
assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for such
crop year under subtitle B.
(5) County revenue loss coverage trigger.--
(A) In general.--The county revenue loss coverage trigger
for a crop year for a covered commodity on a farm shall equal
85 percent of the benchmark county revenue.
(B) Benchmark county revenue.--
(i) In general.--The benchmark county revenue shall be the
product obtained by multiplying--
(I) subject to clause (ii), the average historical county
yield as determined by the Secretary for the most recent 5
crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest
and lowest yields; and
(II) subject to clause (iii), the average national
marketing year average price for the most recent 5 crop
years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest and
lowest prices.
(ii) Yield conditions.--If the historical county yield in
clause (i)(I) for any of the 5 most recent crop years, as
determined by the Secretary, is less than 70 percent of the
transitional yield, as determined by the Secretary, the
amounts used for any of those years in clause (i)(I) shall be
70 percent of the transitional yield.
(iii) Reference price.--If the national marketing year
average price in clause (i)(II) for any of the 5 most recent
crop years is lower than the reference price for the covered
commodity, the Secretary shall use the reference price for
any of those years for the amounts in clause (i)(II).
(6) Payment rate.--The payment rate shall be equal to the
lesser of--
(A) the difference between--
(i) the county revenue loss coverage trigger for the
covered commodity; and
(ii) the actual county revenue for the crop year for the
covered commodity; or
(B) 10 percent of the benchmark county revenue for the crop
year for the covered commodity.
(7) Payment amount.--If revenue loss coverage payments
under this subsection are required to be provided for the
2014 crop year or any succeeding crop year of a covered
commodity, the amount of the revenue loss coverage payment to
be provided to the producers on a farm for the crop year
shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying--
(A) the payment rate under paragraph (6); and
(B) the payment acres of the covered commodity on the farm.
(8) Duties of the secretary.--In providing revenue loss
coverage payments under this subsection, the Secretary--
(A) shall ensure that producers on a farm do not
reconstitute the farm of the producers to void or change the
election made under paragraph (1);
(B) to the maximum extent practicable, shall use all
available information and analysis, including data mining, to
check for anomalies in the provision of revenue loss coverage
payments;
(C) to the maximum extent practicable, shall calculate a
separate county revenue loss coverage trigger for irrigated
and nonirrigated covered commodities and a separate actual
county revenue for irrigated and nonirrigated covered
commodities;
[[Page H4401]]
(D) shall assign a benchmark county yield for each planted
acre for the crop year for the covered commodity on the basis
of the yield history of representative farms in the State,
region, or crop reporting district, as determined by the
Secretary, if--
(i) the Secretary cannot establish the benchmark county
yield for each planted acre for a crop year for a covered
commodity in the county in accordance with paragraph (5); or
(ii) the yield determined under paragraph (5) is an
unrepresentative average yield for the county (as determined
by the Secretary); and
(E) to the maximum extent practicable, shall ensure that in
order to be eligible for a payment under this subsection, the
producers on the farm suffered an actual loss on the covered
commodity for the crop year for which payment is sought.
(d) Annual Report.--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 annually containing an evaluation of the
impact of price loss coverage and revenue loss coverage--
(1) on the planting, production, price, and export of
covered commodities; and
(2) on the cost of each commodity program.
(e) Cap on Total Obligations and Expenditures.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the
total amount of price loss coverage payments and revenue loss
coverage payments made under this section during the period
of fiscal years 2014 through 2020 shall not exceed
$16,956,500,000. Producer agreements required by section 1108
shall specifically state that payments made under this
section shall be reduced as necessary to comply with this
subsection.
SEC. 1108. PRODUCER AGREEMENTS.
(a) Compliance With Certain Requirements.--
(1) Requirements.--Before the producers on a farm may
receive payments under this subtitle with respect to the
farm, the producers shall agree, during the crop year for
which the payments are made and in exchange for the
payments--
(A) to comply with applicable conservation requirements
under subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3811 et seq.);
(B) to comply with applicable wetland protection
requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act (16
U.S.C. 3821 et seq.); and
(C) to effectively control noxious weeds and otherwise
maintain the land in accordance with sound agricultural
practices, as determined by the Secretary.
(2) Compliance.--The Secretary may issue such rules as the
Secretary considers necessary to ensure producer compliance
with the requirements of paragraph (1).
(3) Modification.--At the request of the transferee or
owner, the Secretary may modify the requirements of this
subsection if the modifications are consistent with the
objectives of this subsection, as determined by the
Secretary.
(b) Transfer or Change of Interest in Farm.--
(1) Termination.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a
transfer of (or change in) the interest of the producers on a
farm for which payments under this subtitle are provided
shall result in the termination of the payments, unless the
transferee or owner of the acreage agrees to assume all
obligations under subsection (a).
(B) Effective date.--The termination shall take effect on
the date determined by the Secretary.
(2) Exception.--If a producer entitled to a payment under
this subtitle dies, becomes incompetent, or is otherwise
unable to receive the payment, the Secretary shall make the
payment in accordance with rules issued by the Secretary.
(c) Acreage Reports.--As a condition on the receipt of any
benefits under this subtitle or subtitle B, the Secretary
shall require producers on a farm to submit to the Secretary
annual acreage reports with respect to all cropland on the
farm.
(d) Tenants and Sharecroppers.--In carrying out this
subtitle, the Secretary shall provide adequate safeguards to
protect the interests of tenants and sharecroppers.
(e) Sharing of Payments.--The Secretary shall provide for
the sharing of payments made under this subtitle among the
producers on a farm on a fair and equitable basis.
Subtitle B--Marketing Loans
SEC. 1201. AVAILABILITY OF NONRECOURSE MARKETING ASSISTANCE
LOANS FOR LOAN COMMODITIES.
(a) Definition of Loan Commodity.--In this subtitle, the
term ``loan commodity'' means wheat, corn, grain sorghum,
barley, oats, upland cotton, extra long staple cotton, long
grain rice, medium grain rice, peanuts, soybeans, other
oilseeds, graded wool, nongraded wool, mohair, honey, dry
peas, lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas.
(b) Nonrecourse Loans Available.--
(1) In general.--For the 2014 crops and each succeeding
annual crops of each loan commodity, the Secretary shall make
available to producers on a farm nonrecourse marketing
assistance loans for loan commodities produced on the farm.
(2) Terms and conditions.--The marketing assistance loans
shall be made under terms and conditions that are prescribed
by the Secretary and at the loan rate established under
section 1202 for the loan commodity.
(c) Eligible Production.--The producers on a farm shall be
eligible for a marketing assistance loan under subsection (b)
for any quantity of a loan commodity produced on the farm.
(d) Compliance With Conservation and Wetlands
Requirements.--As a condition of the receipt of a marketing
assistance loan under subsection (b), the producer shall
comply with applicable conservation requirements under
subtitle B of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3811 et seq.) and applicable wetland protection
requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act (16
U.S.C. 3821 et seq.) during the term of the loan.
(e) Special Rules for Peanuts.--
(1) In general.--This subsection shall apply only to
producers of peanuts.
(2) Options for obtaining loan.--A marketing assistance
loan under this section, and loan deficiency payments under
section 1205, may be obtained at the option of the producers
on a farm through--
(A) a designated marketing association or marketing
cooperative of producers that is approved by the Secretary;
or
(B) the Farm Service Agency.
(3) Storage of loan peanuts.--As a condition on the
approval by the Secretary of an individual or entity to
provide storage for peanuts for which a marketing assistance
loan is made under this section, the individual or entity
shall agree--
(A) to provide the storage on a nondiscriminatory basis;
and
(B) to comply with such additional requirements as the
Secretary considers appropriate to accomplish the purposes of
this section and promote fairness in the administration of
the benefits of this section.
(4) Storage, handling, and associated costs.--
(A) In general.--To ensure proper storage of peanuts for
which a loan is made under this section, the Secretary shall
pay handling and other associated costs (other than storage
costs) incurred at the time at which the peanuts are placed
under loan, as determined by the Secretary.
(B) Redemption and forfeiture.--The Secretary shall--
(i) require the repayment of handling and other associated
costs paid under subparagraph (A) for all peanuts pledged as
collateral for a loan that is redeemed under this section;
and
(ii) pay storage, handling, and other associated costs for
all peanuts pledged as collateral that are forfeited under
this section.
(5) Marketing.--A marketing association or cooperative may
market peanuts for which a loan is made under this section in
any manner that conforms to consumer needs, including the
separation of peanuts by type and quality.
(6) Reimbursable agreements and payment of administrative
expenses.--The Secretary may implement any reimbursable
agreements or provide for the payment of administrative
expenses under this subsection only in a manner that is
consistent with those activities in regard to other loan
commodities.
SEC. 1202. LOAN RATES FOR NONRECOURSE MARKETING ASSISTANCE
LOANS.
(a) In General.--For purposes of the 2014 crop year and
each succeeding crop year, the loan rate for a marketing
assistance loan under section 1201 for a loan commodity shall
be equal to the following:
(1) In the case of wheat, $2.94 per bushel.
(2) In the case of corn, $1.95 per bushel.
(3) In the case of grain sorghum, $1.95 per bushel.
(4) In the case of barley, $1.95 per bushel.
(5) In the case of oats, $1.39 per bushel.
(6) In the case of base quality of upland cotton, for the
2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the simple
average of the adjusted prevailing world price for the 2
immediately preceding marketing years, as determined by the
Secretary and announced October 1 preceding the next domestic
plantings, but in no case less than $0.47 per pound or more
than $0.52 per pound.
(7) In the case of extra long staple cotton, $0.7977 per
pound.
(8) In the case of long grain rice, $6.50 per
hundredweight.
(9) In the case of medium grain rice, $6.50 per
hundredweight.
(10) In the case of soybeans, $5.00 per bushel.
(11) In the case of other oilseeds, $10.09 per
hundredweight for each of the following kinds of oilseeds:
(A) Sunflower seed.
(B) Rapeseed.
(C) Canola.
(D) Safflower.
(E) Flaxseed.
(F) Mustard seed.
(G) Crambe.
(H) Sesame seed.
(I) Other oilseeds designated by the Secretary.
(12) In the case of dry peas, $5.40 per hundredweight.
(13) In the case of lentils, $11.28 per hundredweight.
(14) In the case of small chickpeas, $7.43 per
hundredweight.
(15) In the case of large chickpeas, $11.28 per
hundredweight.
(16) In the case of graded wool, $1.15 per pound.
(17) In the case of nongraded wool, $0.40 per pound.
(18) In the case of mohair, $4.20 per pound.
(19) In the case of honey, $0.69 per pound.
[[Page H4402]]
(20) In the case of peanuts, $355 per ton.
(b) Single County Loan Rate for Other Oilseeds.--The
Secretary shall establish a single loan rate in each county
for each kind of other oilseeds described in subsection
(a)(11).
SEC. 1203. TERM OF LOANS.
(a) Term of Loan.--In the case of each loan commodity, a
marketing assistance loan under section 1201 shall have a
term of 9 months beginning on the first day of the first
month after the month in which the loan is made.
(b) Extensions Prohibited.--The Secretary may not extend
the term of a marketing assistance loan for any loan
commodity.
SEC. 1204. REPAYMENT OF LOANS.
(a) General Rule.--The Secretary shall permit the producers
on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan under section
1201 for a loan commodity (other than upland cotton, long
grain rice, medium grain rice, extra long staple cotton,
peanuts and confectionery and each other kind of sunflower
seed (other than oil sunflower seed)) at a rate that is the
lesser of--
(1) the loan rate established for the commodity under
section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with
section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform
Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7283));
(2) a rate (as determined by the Secretary) that--
(A) is calculated based on average market prices for the
loan commodity during the preceding 30-day period; and
(B) will minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits
across State boundaries and across county boundaries; or
(3) a rate that the Secretary may develop using alternative
methods for calculating a repayment rate for a loan commodity
that the Secretary determines will--
(A) minimize potential loan forfeitures;
(B) minimize the accumulation of stocks of the commodity by
the Federal Government;
(C) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal Government in
storing the commodity;
(D) allow the commodity produced in the United States to be
marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and
internationally; and
(E) minimize discrepancies in marketing loan benefits
across State boundaries and across county boundaries.
(b) Repayment Rates for Upland Cotton, Long Grain Rice, and
Medium Grain Rice.--The Secretary shall permit producers to
repay a marketing assistance loan under section 1201 for
upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium grain rice at a
rate that is the lesser of--
(1) the loan rate established for the commodity under
section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with
section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform
Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7283)); or
(2) the prevailing world market price for the commodity, as
determined and adjusted by the Secretary in accordance with
this section.
(c) Repayment Rates for Extra Long Staple Cotton.--
Repayment of a marketing assistance loan for extra long
staple cotton shall be at the loan rate established for the
commodity under section 1202, plus interest (determined in
accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture
Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7283)).
(d) Prevailing World Market Price.--For purposes of this
section and section 1207, the Secretary shall prescribe by
regulation--
(1) a formula to determine the prevailing world market
price for each of upland cotton, long grain rice, and medium
grain rice; and
(2) a mechanism by which the Secretary shall announce
periodically those prevailing world market prices.
(e) Adjustment of Prevailing World Market Price for Upland
Cotton, Long Grain Rice, and Medium Grain Rice.--
(1) Rice.--The prevailing world market price for long grain
rice and medium grain rice determined under subsection (d)
shall be adjusted to United States quality and location.
(2) Cotton.--The prevailing world market price for upland
cotton determined under subsection (d)--
(A) shall be adjusted to United States quality and
location, with the adjustment to include--
(i) a reduction equal to any United States Premium Factor
for upland cotton of a quality higher than Middling (M) 1\3/
32\-inch; and
(ii) the average costs to market the commodity, including
average transportation costs, as determined by the Secretary;
and
(B) may be further adjusted, during the period beginning on
the date of enactment of this Act and ending on July 31,
2019, if the Secretary determines the adjustment is
necessary--
(i) to minimize potential loan forfeitures;
(ii) to minimize the accumulation of stocks of upland
cotton by the Federal Government;
(iii) to ensure that upland cotton produced in the United
States can be marketed freely and competitively, both
domestically and internationally; and
(iv) to ensure an appropriate transition between current-
crop and forward-crop price quotations, except that the
Secretary may use forward-crop price quotations prior to July
31 of a marketing year only if--
(I) there are insufficient current-crop price quotations;
and
(II) the forward-crop price quotation is the lowest such
quotation available.
(3) Guidelines for additional adjustments.--In making
adjustments under this subsection, the Secretary shall
establish a mechanism for determining and announcing the
adjustments in order to avoid undue disruption in the United
States market.
(f) Repayment Rates for Confectionery and Other Kinds of
Sunflower Seeds.--The Secretary shall permit the producers on
a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan under section
1201 for confectionery and each other kind of sunflower seed
(other than oil sunflower seed) at a rate that is the lesser
of--
(1) the loan rate established for the commodity under
section 1202, plus interest (determined in accordance with
section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform
Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7283)); or
(2) the repayment rate established for oil sunflower seed.
(g) Payment of Cotton Storage Costs.--Effective for the
2014 crop year and each succeeding crop year, the Secretary
shall make cotton storage payments available in the same
manner, and at the same rates as the Secretary provided
storage payments for the 2006 crop of cotton, except that the
rates shall be reduced by 10 percent.
(h) Repayment Rate for Peanuts.--The Secretary shall permit
producers on a farm to repay a marketing assistance loan for
peanuts under section 1201 at a rate that is the lesser of--
(1) the loan rate established for peanuts under section
1202(a)(20), plus interest (determined in accordance with
section 163 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform
Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7283)); or
(2) a rate that the Secretary determines will--
(A) minimize potential loan forfeitures;
(B) minimize the accumulation of stocks of peanuts by the
Federal Government;
(C) minimize the cost incurred by the Federal Government in
storing peanuts; and
(D) allow peanuts produced in the United States to be
marketed freely and competitively, both domestically and
internationally.
(i) Authority To Temporarily Adjust Repayment Rates.--
(1) Adjustment authority.--In the event of a severe
disruption to marketing, transportation, or related
infrastructure, the Secretary may modify the repayment rate
otherwise applicable under this section for marketing
assistance loans under section 1201 for a loan commodity.
(2) Duration.--Any adjustment made under paragraph (1) in
the repayment rate for marketing assistance loans for a loan
commodity shall be in effect on a short-term and temporary
basis, as determined by the Secretary.
SEC. 1205. LOAN DEFICIENCY PAYMENTS.
(a) Availability of Loan Deficiency Payments.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in subsection (d), the
Secretary may make loan deficiency payments available to
producers on a farm that, although eligible to obtain a
marketing assistance loan under section 1201 with respect to
a loan commodity, agree to forgo obtaining the loan for the
commodity in return for loan deficiency payments under this
section.
(2) Unshorn pelts, hay, and silage.--
(A) Marketing assistance loans.--Subject to subparagraph
(B), nongraded wool in the form of unshorn pelts and hay and
silage derived from a loan commodity are not eligible for a
marketing assistance loan under section 1201.
(B) Loan deficiency payment.--Effective for the 2014 crop
year and each succeeding crop year, the Secretary may make
loan deficiency payments available under this section to
producers on a farm that produce unshorn pelts or hay and
silage derived from a loan commodity.
(b) Computation.--A loan deficiency payment for a loan
commodity or commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2) shall
be equal to the product obtained by multiplying--
(1) the payment rate determined under subsection (c) for
the commodity; by
(2) the quantity of the commodity produced by the eligible
producers, excluding any quantity for which the producers
obtain a marketing assistance loan under section 1201.
(c) Payment Rate.--
(1) In general.--In the case of a loan commodity, the
payment rate shall be the amount by which--
(A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for the
loan commodity; exceeds
(B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for the
loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204.
(2) Unshorn pelts.--In the case of unshorn pelts, the
payment rate shall be the amount by which--
(A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for
ungraded wool; exceeds
(B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for
ungraded wool may be repaid under section 1204.
(3) Hay and silage.--In the case of hay or silage derived
from a loan commodity, the payment rate shall be the amount
by which--
(A) the loan rate established under section 1202 for the
loan commodity from which the hay or silage is derived;
exceeds
(B) the rate at which a marketing assistance loan for the
loan commodity may be repaid under section 1204.
[[Page H4403]]
(d) Exception for Extra Long Staple Cotton.--This section
shall not apply with respect to extra long staple cotton.
(e) Effective Date for Payment Rate Determination.--The
Secretary shall determine the amount of the loan deficiency
payment to be made under this section to the producers on a
farm with respect to a quantity of a loan commodity or
commodity referred to in subsection (a)(2) using the payment
rate in effect under subsection (c) as of the date the
producers request the payment.
SEC. 1206. PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF LOAN DEFICIENCY PAYMENTS FOR
GRAZED ACREAGE.
(a) Eligible Producers.--
(1) In general.--Effective for the 2014 crop year and each
succeeding crop year, in the case of a producer that would be
eligible for a loan deficiency payment under section 1205 for
wheat, barley, or oats, but that elects to use acreage
planted to the wheat, barley, or oats for the grazing of
livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment to the producer
under this section if the producer enters into an agreement
with the Secretary to forgo any other harvesting of the
wheat, barley, or oats on that acreage.
(2) Grazing of triticale acreage.--Effective for the 2014
crop year and each succeeding crop year, with respect to a
producer on a farm that uses acreage planted to triticale for
the grazing of livestock, the Secretary shall make a payment
to the producer under this section if the producer enters
into an agreement with the Secretary to forgo any other
harvesting of triticale on that acreage.
(b) Payment Amount.--
(1) In general.--The amount of a payment made under this
section to a producer on a farm described in subsection
(a)(1) shall be equal to the amount determined by
multiplying--
(A) the loan deficiency payment rate determined under
section 1205(c) in effect, as of the date of the agreement,
for the county in which the farm is located; by
(B) the payment quantity determined by multiplying--
(i) the quantity of the grazed acreage on the farm with
respect to which the producer elects to forgo harvesting of
wheat, barley, or oats; and
(ii)(I) the payment yield in effect for the calculation of
price loss coverage under subtitle A with respect to that
loan commodity on the farm; or
(II) in the case of a farm without a payment yield for that
loan commodity, an appropriate yield established by the
Secretary in a manner consistent with section 1106(c) of this
Act.
(2) Grazing of triticale acreage.--The amount of a payment
made under this section to a producer on a farm described in
subsection (a)(2) shall be equal to the amount determined by
multiplying--
(A) the loan deficiency payment rate determined under
section 1205(c) in effect for wheat, as of the date of the
agreement, for the county in which the farm is located; by
(B) the payment quantity determined by multiplying--
(i) the quantity of the grazed acreage on the farm with
respect to which the producer elects to forgo harvesting of
triticale; and
(ii)(I) the payment yield in effect for the calculation of
price loss coverage under subtitle A with respect to wheat on
the farm; or
(II) in the case of a farm without a payment yield for
wheat, an appropriate yield established by the Secretary in a
manner consistent with section 1106(c) of this Act.
(c) Time, Manner, and Availability of Payment.--
(1) Time and manner.--A payment under this section shall be
made at the same time and in the same manner as loan
deficiency payments are made under section 1205.
(2) Availability.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish an
availability period for the payments authorized by this
section.
(B) Certain commodities.--In the case of wheat, barley, and
oats, the availability period shall be consistent with the
availability period for the commodity established by the
Secretary for marketing assistance loans authorized by this
subtitle.
(d) Prohibition on Crop Insurance Indemnity or Noninsured
Crop Assistance.--A 2014 crop or succeeding annual crop of
wheat, barley, oats, or triticale planted on acreage that a
producer elects, in the agreement required by subsection (a),
to use for the grazing of livestock in lieu of any other
harvesting of the crop shall not be eligible for an indemnity
under a policy or plan of insurance authorized under the
Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) or
noninsured crop assistance under section 196 of the Federal
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C.
7333).
SEC. 1207. SPECIAL MARKETING LOAN PROVISIONS FOR UPLAND
COTTON.
(a) Special Import Quota.--
(1) Definition of special import quota.--In this
subsection, the term ``special import quota'' means a
quantity of imports that is not subject to the over-quota
tariff rate of a tariff-rate quota.
(2) Establishment.--
(A) In general.--The President shall carry out an import
quota program beginning on August 1, 2014, as provided in
this subsection.
(B) Program requirements.--Whenever the Secretary
determines and announces that for any consecutive 4-week
period, the Friday through Thursday average price quotation
for the lowest-priced United States growth, as quoted for
Middling (M) 1\3/32\-inch cotton, delivered to a definable
and significant international market, as determined by the
Secretary, exceeds the prevailing world market price, there
shall immediately be in effect a special import quota.
(3) Quantity.--The quota shall be equal to the consumption
during a 1-week period of cotton by domestic mills at the
seasonally adjusted average rate of the most recent 3 months
for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are
available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated
by the Secretary.
(4) Application.--The quota shall apply to upland cotton
purchased not later than 90 days after the date of the
Secretary's announcement under paragraph (2) and entered into
the United States not later than 180 days after that date.
(5) Overlap.--A special quota period may be established
that overlaps any existing quota period if required by
paragraph (2), except that a special quota period may not be
established under this subsection if a quota period has been
established under subsection (b).
(6) Preferential tariff treatment.--The quantity under a
special import quota shall be considered to be an in-quota
quantity for purposes of--
(A) section 213(d) of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery
Act (19 U.S.C. 2703(d));
(B) section 204 of the Andean Trade Preference Act (19
U.S.C. 3203);
(C) section 503(d) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C.
2463(d)); and
(D) General Note 3(a)(iv) to the Harmonized Tariff
Schedule.
(7) Limitation.--The quantity of cotton entered into the
United States during any marketing year under the special
import quota established under this subsection may not exceed
the equivalent of 10 weeks' consumption of upland cotton by
domestic mills at the seasonally adjusted average rate of the
3 months immediately preceding the first special import quota
established in any marketing year.
(b) Limited Global Import Quota for Upland Cotton.--
(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(A) Demand.--The term ``demand'' means--
(i) the average seasonally adjusted annual rate of domestic
mill consumption of cotton during the most recent 3 months
for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are
available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated
by the Secretary; and
(ii) the larger of--
(I) average exports of upland cotton during the preceding 6
marketing years; or
(II) cumulative exports of upland cotton plus outstanding
export sales for the marketing year in which the quota is
established.
(B) Limited global import quota.--The term ``limited global
import quota'' means a quantity of imports that is not
subject to the over-quota tariff rate of a tariff-rate quota.
(C) Supply.--The term ``supply'' means, using the latest
official data of the Department of Agriculture--
(i) the carry-over of upland cotton at the beginning of the
marketing year (adjusted to 480-pound bales) in which the
quota is established;
(ii) production of the current crop; and
(iii) imports to the latest date available during the
marketing year.
(2) Program.--The President shall carry out an import quota
program that provides that whenever the Secretary determines
and announces that the average price of the base quality of
upland cotton, as determined by the Secretary, in the
designated spot markets for a month exceeded 130 percent of
the average price of the quality of cotton in the markets for
the preceding 36 months, notwithstanding any other provision
of law, there shall immediately be in effect a limited global
import quota subject to the following conditions:
(A) Quantity.--The quantity of the quota shall be equal to
21 days of domestic mill consumption of upland cotton at the
seasonally adjusted average rate of the most recent 3 months
for which official data of the Department of Agriculture are
available or, in the absence of sufficient data, as estimated
by the Secretary.
(B) Quantity if prior quota.--If a quota has been
established under this subsection during the preceding 12
months, the quantity of the quota next established under this
subsection shall be the smaller of 21 days of domestic mill
consumption calculated under subparagraph (A) or the quantity
required to increase the supply to 130 percent of the demand.
(C) Preferential tariff treatment.--The quantity under a
limited global import quota shall be considered to be an in-
quota quantity for purposes of--
(i) section 213(d) of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery
Act (19 U.S.C. 2703(d));
(ii) section 204 of the Andean Trade Preference Act (19
U.S.C. 3203);
(iii) section 503(d) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C.
2463(d)); and
(iv) General Note 3(a)(iv) to the Harmonized Tariff
Schedule.
(D) Quota entry period.--When a quota is established under
this subsection, cotton may be entered under the quota during
the 90-day period beginning on the date the quota is
established by the Secretary.
(3) No overlap.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), a quota
period may not be established that overlaps an existing quota
period
[[Page H4404]]
or a special quota period established under subsection (a).
(c) Economic Adjustment Assistance to Users of Upland
Cotton.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary
shall, on a monthly basis, make economic adjustment
assistance available to domestic users of upland cotton in
the form of payments for all documented use of that upland
cotton during the previous monthly period regardless of the
origin of the upland cotton.
(2) Value of assistance.--Effective beginning on August 1,
2013, the value of the assistance provided under paragraph
(1) shall be 3 cents per pound.
(3) Allowable purposes.--Economic adjustment assistance
under this subsection shall be made available only to
domestic users of upland cotton that certify that the
assistance shall be used only to acquire, construct, install,
modernize, develop, convert, or expand land, plant,
buildings, equipment, facilities, or machinery.
(4) Review or audit.--The Secretary may conduct such review
or audit of the records of a domestic user under this
subsection as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out
this subsection.
(5) Improper use of assistance.--If the Secretary
determines, after a review or audit of the records of the
domestic user, that economic adjustment assistance under this
subsection was not used for the purposes specified in
paragraph (3), the domestic user shall be--
(A) liable for the repayment of the assistance to the
Secretary, plus interest, as determined by the Secretary; and
(B) ineligible to receive assistance under this subsection
for a period of 1 year following the determination of the
Secretary.
SEC. 1208. SPECIAL COMPETITIVE PROVISIONS FOR EXTRA LONG
STAPLE COTTON.
(a) Competitiveness Program.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the Secretary shall carry out a program--
(1) to maintain and expand the domestic use of extra long
staple cotton produced in the United States;
(2) to increase exports of extra long staple cotton
produced in the United States; and
(3) to ensure that extra long staple cotton produced in the
United States remains competitive in world markets.
(b) Payments Under Program; Trigger.--Under the program,
the Secretary shall make payments available under this
section whenever--
(1) for a consecutive 4-week period, the world market price
for the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple
cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and
for other factors affecting the competitiveness of such
cotton), as determined by the Secretary, is below the
prevailing United States price for a competing growth of
extra long staple cotton; and
(2) the lowest priced competing growth of extra long staple
cotton (adjusted to United States quality and location and
for other factors affecting the competitiveness of such
cotton), as determined by the Secretary, is less than 134
percent of the loan rate for extra long staple cotton.
(c) Eligible Recipients.--The Secretary shall make payments
available under this section to domestic users of extra long
staple cotton produced in the United States and exporters of
extra long staple cotton produced in the United States that
enter into an agreement with the Commodity Credit Corporation
to participate in the program under this section.
(d) Payment Amount.--Payments under this section shall be
based on the amount of the difference in the prices referred
to in subsection (b)(1) during the fourth week of the
consecutive 4-week period multiplied by the amount of
documented purchases by domestic users and sales for export
by exporters made in the week following such a consecutive 4-
week period.
SEC. 1209. AVAILABILITY OF RECOURSE LOANS FOR HIGH MOISTURE
FEED GRAINS AND SEED COTTON.
(a) High Moisture Feed Grains.--
(1) Definition of high moisture state.--In this subsection,
the term ``high moisture state'' means corn or grain sorghum
having a moisture content in excess of Commodity Credit
Corporation standards for marketing assistance loans made by
the Secretary under section 1201.
(2) Recourse loans available.--For the 2014 crop and each
succeeding annual crop of corn and grain sorghum, the
Secretary shall make available recourse loans, as determined
by the Secretary, to producers on a farm that--
(A) normally harvest all or a portion of their crop of corn
or grain sorghum in a high moisture state;
(B) present--
(i) certified scale tickets from an inspected, certified
commercial scale, including a licensed warehouse, feedlot,
feed mill, distillery, or other similar entity approved by
the Secretary, pursuant to regulations issued by the
Secretary; or
(ii) field or other physical measurements of the standing
or stored crop in regions of the United States, as determined
by the Secretary, that do not have certified commercial
scales from which certified scale tickets may be obtained
within reasonable proximity of harvest operation;
(C) certify that the producers on the farm were the owners
of the feed grain at the time of delivery to, and that the
quantity to be placed under loan under this subsection was in
fact harvested on the farm and delivered to, a feedlot, feed
mill, or commercial or on-farm high-moisture storage
facility, or to a facility maintained by the users of corn
and grain sorghum in a high moisture state; and
(D) comply with deadlines established by the Secretary for
harvesting the corn or grain sorghum and submit applications
for loans under this subsection within deadlines established
by the Secretary.
(3) Eligibility of acquired feed grains.--A loan under this
subsection shall be made on a quantity of corn or grain
sorghum of the same crop acquired by the producer equivalent
to a quantity determined by multiplying--
(A) the acreage of the corn or grain sorghum in a high
moisture state harvested on the farm of the producer; by
(B) the lower of the farm program payment yield used to
make payments under subtitle A or the actual yield on a
field, as determined by the Secretary, that is similar to the
field from which the corn or grain sorghum was obtained.
(b) Recourse Loans Available for Seed Cotton.--For the 2014
crop and each succeeding annual crop of upland cotton and
extra long staple cotton, the Secretary shall make available
recourse seed cotton loans, as determined by the Secretary,
on any production.
(c) Repayment Rates.--Repayment of a recourse loan made
under this section shall be at the loan rate established for
the commodity by the Secretary, plus interest (determined in
accordance with section 163 of the Federal Agriculture
Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7283)).
SEC. 1210. ADJUSTMENTS OF LOANS.
(a) Adjustment Authority.--Subject to subsection (e), the
Secretary may make appropriate adjustments in the loan rates
for any loan commodity (other than cotton) for differences in
grade, type, quality, location, and other factors.
(b) Manner of Adjustment.--The adjustments under subsection
(a) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be made in such
a manner that the average loan level for the commodity will,
on the basis of the anticipated incidence of the factors, be
equal to the level of support determined in accordance with
this subtitle and subtitle C.
(c) Adjustment on County Basis.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may establish loan rates for
a crop for producers in individual counties in a manner that
results in the lowest loan rate being 95 percent of the
national average loan rate, if those loan rates do not result
in an increase in outlays.
(2) Prohibition.--Adjustments under this subsection shall
not result in an increase in the national average loan rate
for any year.
(d) Adjustment in Loan Rate for Cotton.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may make appropriate
adjustments in the loan rate for cotton for differences in
quality factors.
(2) Types of adjustments.--Loan rate adjustments under
paragraph (1) may include--
(A) the use of non-spot market price data, in addition to
spot market price data, that would enhance the accuracy of
the price information used in determining quality adjustments
under this subsection;
(B) adjustments in the premiums or discounts associated
with upland cotton with a staple length of 33 or above due to
micronaire with the goal of eliminating any unnecessary
artificial splits in the calculations of the premiums or
discounts; and
(C) such other adjustments as the Secretary determines
appropriate, after consultations conducted in accordance with
paragraph (3).
(3) Consultation with private sector.--
(A) Prior to revision.--In making adjustments to the loan
rate for cotton (including any review of the adjustments) as
provided in this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with
representatives of the United States cotton industry.
(B) Inapplicability of federal advisory committee act.--The
Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not
apply to consultations under this subsection.
(4) Review of adjustments.--The Secretary may review the
operation of the upland cotton quality adjustments
implemented pursuant to this subsection and may make further
adjustments to the administration of the loan program for
upland cotton, by revoking or revising any adjustment taken
under paragraph (2).
(e) Rice.--The Secretary shall not make adjustments in the
loan rates for long grain rice and medium grain rice, except
for differences in grade and quality (including milling
yields).
Subtitle C--Sugar
SEC. 1301. SUGAR PROGRAM.
(a) Continuation of Current Program and Loan Rates.--
(1) Sugarcane.--Section 156(a)(5) of the Federal
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C.
7272(a)(5)) is amended by striking ``the 2012 crop year'' and
inserting ``the 2012 crop year and each succeeding crop
year''.
(2) Sugar beets.--Section 156(b)(2) of the Federal
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C.
7272(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``each of the 2009 through
2012 crop years'' and inserting ``the 2009 crop year and each
succeeding crop year''.
(3) Effective period.--Section 156(i) of the Federal
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C.
7272(i)) is repealed.
(b) Flexible Marketing Allotments for Sugar.--
[[Page H4405]]
(1) Sugar estimates.--Section 359b(a)(1) of the
Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359bb(a)(1))
is amended by striking ``each of the 2008 through 2012 crop
years'' and inserting ``the 2008 crop year and each
succeeding crop year''.
(2) Effective period.--Section 359i(a) of the Agricultural
Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359ii(a)) is amended by
striking ``only for the 2008 through 2012 crop years'' and
inserting ``for the 2008 crop year and each succeeding crop
year''.
Subtitle D--Dairy
PART I--DAIRY PRODUCER MARGIN INSURANCE PROGRAM
SEC. 1401. DAIRY PRODUCER MARGIN INSURANCE PROGRAM.
Subtitle E of title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8771 et seq.) is amended by adding at
the end the following new section:
``SEC. 1511. DAIRY PRODUCER MARGIN INSURANCE PROGRAM.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Actual dairy producer margin.--The term `actual dairy
producer margin' means the difference between the all-milk
price and the average feed cost, as calculated under
subsection (b)(2).
``(2) All-milk price.--The term `all-milk price' means the
average price received, per hundredweight of milk, by dairy
producers for all milk sold to plants and dealers in the
United States, as reported by the National Agricultural
Statistics Service.
``(3) Average feed cost.--The term `average feed cost'
means the average cost of feed used by a dairy operation to
produce a hundredweight of milk, determined under subsection
(b)(1) using the sum of the following:
``(A) The product determined by multiplying--
``(i) 1.0728; by
``(ii) the price of corn per bushel.
``(B) The product determined by multiplying--
``(i) 0.00735; by
``(ii) the price of soybean meal per ton.
``(C) The product determined by multiplying--
``(i) 0.0137; by
``(ii) the price of alfalfa hay per ton.
``(4) Consecutive 2-month period.--The term `consecutive 2-
month period' refers to the 2-month period consisting of the
months of January and February, March and April, May and
June, July and August, September and October, or November and
December, respectively.
``(5) Dairy producer.--The term `dairy producer' means an
individual or entity that directly or indirectly (as
determined by the Secretary)--
``(A) shares in the risk of producing milk; and
``(B) makes contributions (including land, labor,
management, equipment, or capital) to the dairy operation of
the individual or entity that are at least commensurate with
the share of the individual or entity of the proceeds of the
operation.
``(6) Margin insurance program.--The term `margin insurance
program' means the dairy producer margin insurance program
required by this section.
``(7) Participating dairy producer.--The term
`participating dairy producer' means a dairy producer that
registers under subsection (d)(2) to participate in the
margin insurance program.
``(8) Production history.--The term `production history'
means the quantity of annual milk marketings determined for a
dairy producer under subsection (e)(1).
``(9) United states.--The term `United States', in a
geographical sense, means the 50 States.
``(b) Calculation of Average Feed Cost and Actual Dairy
Producer Margins.--
``(1) Calculation of average feed cost.--The Secretary
shall calculate the national average feed cost for each month
using the following data:
``(A) The price of corn for a month shall be the price
received during that month by agricultural producers in the
United States for corn, as reported in the monthly
Agriculture Prices report by the Secretary.
``(B) The price of soybean meal for a month shall be the
central Illinois price for soybean meal, as reported in the
Market News-Monthly Soybean Meal Price Report by the
Secretary.
``(C) The price of alfalfa hay for a month shall be the
price received during that month by agricultural producers in
the United States for alfalfa hay, as reported in the monthly
Agriculture Prices report by the Secretary.
``(2) Calculation of actual dairy producer margins.--The
Secretary shall calculate the actual dairy producer margin
for each consecutive 2-month period by subtracting--
``(A) the average feed cost for that consecutive 2-month
period, determined in accordance with paragraph (1); from
``(B) the all-milk price for that consecutive 2-month
period.
``(c) Establishment of Dairy Producer Margin Insurance
Program.--The Secretary shall establish and administer a
dairy producer margin insurance program for the purpose of
protecting dairy producer income by paying participating
dairy producers margin insurance payments when actual dairy
producer margins are less than the threshold levels for the
payments.
``(d) Eligibility and Registration of Dairy Producers for
Margin Insurance Program.--
``(1) Eligibility.--All dairy producers in the United
States shall be eligible to participate in the margin
insurance program.
``(2) Registration process.--
``(A) Registration.--
``(i) Annual registration.--On an annual basis, the
Secretary shall register all interested dairy producers in
the margin insurance program.
``(ii) Manner and form.--The Secretary shall specify the
manner and form by which a dairy producer shall register for
the margin insurance program.
``(B) Treatment of multi-producer operations.--If a dairy
operation consists of more than 1 dairy producer, all of the
dairy producers of the operation shall be treated as a single
dairy producer for purposes of--
``(i) purchasing margin insurance; and
``(ii) payment of producer premiums under subsection
(f)(4).
``(C) Treatment of producers with multiple dairy
operations.--If a dairy producer operates 2 or more dairy
operations, each dairy operation of the producer shall
require a separate registration to participate and purchase
margin insurance.
``(3) Time for registration.--
``(A) Existing dairy producers.--During the 1-year period
beginning on the date of enactment of this section, and
annually thereafter, a dairy producer that is actively
engaged in a dairy operation as of that date may register
with the Secretary to participate in the margin insurance
program.
``(B) New entrants.--A dairy producer that has no existing
interest in a dairy operation as of the date of enactment of
this section, but that, after that date, establishes a new
dairy operation, may register with the Secretary during the
180-day period beginning on the date on which the dairy
operation first markets milk commercially to participate in
the margin insurance program.
``(4) Retroactivity.--
``(A) Notice of availability of retroactive protection.--
Not later than 30 days after the effective date of this
section, the Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal
Register to inform dairy producers of the availability of
retroactive margin insurance, subject to the condition that
interested producers must file a notice of intent (in such
form and manner as the Secretary specifies in the Federal
Register notice) to participate in the margin insurance
program.
``(B) Retroactive margin insurance.--
``(i) Availability.--If a dairy producer files a notice of
intent under subparagraph (A) to participate in the margin
insurance program before the initiation of the sign-up period
for the margin insurance program and subsequently signs up
for the margin insurance program, the producer shall receive
margin insurance retroactive to the effective date of this
section.
``(ii) Duration.--Retroactive margin insurance under this
paragraph for a dairy producer shall apply from the effective
date of this section until the date on which the producer
signs up for the margin insurance program.
``(C) Notice of intent and obligation to participate.--In
no way does filing a notice of intent under this paragraph
obligate a dairy producer to sign up for the margin insurance
program once the program rules are final, but if a producer
does file a notice of intent and subsequently signs up for
the margin insurance program, that dairy producer is
obligated to pay premiums for any retroactive margin
insurance selected in the notice of intent.
``(5) Reconstitution.--The Secretary shall ensure that a
dairy producer does not reconstitute a dairy operation for
the sole purpose of purchasing margin insurance.
``(e) Production History of Participating Dairy
Producers.--
``(1) Determination of production history.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall determine the
production history of the dairy operation of each
participating dairy producer in the margin insurance program.
``(B) Calculation.--Except as provided in subparagraphs (C)
and (D), the production history of a participating dairy
producer shall be equal to the highest annual milk marketings
of the dairy producer during any 1 of the 3 calendar years
immediately preceding the registration of the dairy producer
for participation in the margin insurance program.
``(C) Updating production history.--So long as a
participating producer remains registered, the production
history of the participating producer shall be annually
updated based on the highest annual milk marketings of the
dairy producer during any one of the 3 immediately preceding
calendar years.
``(D) New producers.--If a dairy producer has been in
operation for less than 1 year, the Secretary shall determine
the initial production history of the dairy producer under
subparagraph (B) by extrapolating the actual milk marketings
for the months that the dairy producer has been in operation
to a yearly amount.
``(2) Required information.--A participating dairy producer
shall provide all information that the Secretary may require
in order to establish the production history of the dairy
operation of the dairy producer.
``(3) Transfer of production history.--
``(A) Transfer by sale.--
[[Page H4406]]
``(i) Request for transfer.--If an existing dairy producer
sells an entire dairy operation to another party, the seller
and purchaser may jointly request that the Secretary transfer
to the purchaser the interest of the seller in the production
history of the dairy operation.
``(ii) Transfer.--If the Secretary determines that the
seller has sold the entire dairy operation to the purchaser,
the Secretary shall approve the transfer and, thereafter, the
seller shall have no interest in the production history of
the sold dairy operation.
``(B) Transfer by lease.--
``(i) Request for transfer.--If an existing dairy producer
leases an entire dairy operation to another party, the lessor
and lessee may jointly request that the Secretary transfer to
the lessee for the duration of the term of the lease the
interest of the lessor in the production history of the dairy
operation.
``(ii) Transfer.--If the Secretary determines that the
lessor has leased the entire dairy operation to the lessee,
the Secretary shall approve the transfer and, thereafter, the
lessor shall have no interest for the duration of the term of
the lease in the production history of the leased dairy
operation.
``(C) Coverage level.--A purchaser or lessee to whom the
Secretary transfers a production history under this paragraph
may not obtain a different level of margin insurance coverage
held by the seller or lessor from whom the transfer was
obtained.
``(D) New entrants.--The Secretary may not transfer the
production history determined for a dairy producer described
in subsection (d)(3)(B) to another person.
``(4) Movement and transfer of production history.--
``(A) Movement and transfer authorized.--Subject to
subparagraph (B), if a dairy producer moves from 1 location
to another location, the dairy producer may maintain the
production history associated with the operation.
``(B) Notification requirement.--A dairy producer shall
notify the Secretary of any move of a dairy operation under
subparagraph (A).
``(C) Subsequent occupation of vacated location.--A party
subsequently occupying a dairy operation location vacated as
described in subparagraph (A) shall have no interest in the
production history previously associated with the operation
at that location.
``(f) Margin Insurance.--
``(1) In general.--At the time of the registration of a
dairy producer in the margin insurance program under
subsection (d) and annually thereafter during the duration of
the margin insurance program, an eligible dairy producer may
purchase margin insurance.
``(2) Selection of payment threshold.--A participating
dairy producer purchasing margin insurance shall elect a
coverage level in any increment of $0.50, with a minimum of
$4.00 and a maximum of $8.00.
``(3) Selection of coverage percentage.--A participating
dairy producer purchasing margin insurance shall elect a
percentage of coverage, equal to not more than 80 percent nor
less than 25 percent, of the production history of the dairy
operation of the participating dairy producer.
``(4) Producer premiums.--
``(A) Premiums required.--A participating dairy producer
that purchases margin insurance shall pay an annual premium
equal to the product obtained by multiplying--
``(i) the percentage selected by the dairy producer under
paragraph (3);
``(ii) the production history applicable to the dairy
producer; and
``(iii) the premium per hundredweight of milk, as specified
in the applicable table under subparagraph (B) or (C).
``(B) Premium per hundredweight for first 4 million pounds
of production.--For the first 4,000,000 pounds of milk
marketings included in the annual production history of a
participating dairy operation, the premium per hundredweight
corresponding to each coverage level specified in the
following table is as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Coverage Level Premium per Cwt.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
$4.00 $0.00
$4.50 $0.01
$5.00 $0.02
$5.50 $0.035
$6.00 $0.045
$6.50 $0.09
$7.00 $0.18
$7.50 $0.60
$8.00 $0.95
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``(C) Premium per hundredweight for production in excess of
4 million pounds.--For milk marketings in excess of 4,000,000
pounds included in the annual production history of a
participating dairy operation, the premium per hundredweight
corresponding to each coverage level is as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Coverage Level Premium per Cwt.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
$4.00 $0.030
$4.50 $0.045
$5.00 $0.066
$5.50 $0.11
$6.00 $0.185
$6.50 $0.29
$7.00 $0.38
$7.50 $0.83
$8.00 $1.06
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``(D) Time for payment.--
``(i) First year.--As soon as practicable after a dairy
producer registers to participate in the margin insurance
program and purchases margin insurance, the dairy producer
shall pay the premium determined under subparagraph (A) for
the dairy producer for the first calendar year of the margin
insurance.
``(ii) Subsequent years.--
``(I) In general.--When the dairy producer first purchases
margin insurance, the dairy producer shall also elect the
method by which the dairy producer will pay premiums under
this subsection for subsequent years in accordance with 1 of
the schedules described in subclauses (II) and (III).
``(II) Single annual payment.--The participating dairy
producer may elect to pay 100 percent of the annual premium
determined under subparagraph (A) for the dairy producer for
a calendar year by not later than January 15 of the calendar
year.
``(III) Semi-annual payments.--The participating dairy
producer may elect to pay--
``(aa) 50 percent of the annual premium determined under
subparagraph (A) for the dairy producer for a calendar year
by not later than January 15 of the calendar year; and
``(bb) the remaining 50 percent of the premium by not later
than June 15 of the calendar year.
``(5) Producer premium obligations.--
``(A) Pro-ration of first year premium.--A participating
dairy producer that purchases margin insurance after initial
registration in the margin insurance program shall pay a pro-
rated premium for the first calendar year based on the date
on which the producer purchases the coverage.
``(B) Subsequent premiums.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (A), the annual premium for a participating
dairy producer shall be determined under paragraph (4) for
each year in which the margin insurance program is in effect.
``(C) Legal obligation.--
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clauses (ii) and
(iii), a participating dairy producer that purchases margin
insurance shall be legally obligated to pay the applicable
premiums for the entire period of the margin insurance
program (as provided in the payment schedule elected under
paragraph (4)(B)), and may not opt out of the margin
insurance program.
``(ii) Death.--If the dairy producer dies, the estate of
the deceased may cancel the margin insurance and shall not be
responsible for any further premium payments.
``(iii) Retirement.--If the dairy producer retires, the
producer may request that Secretary cancel the margin
insurance if the producer has terminated the dairy operation
entirely and certifies under oath that the producer will not
be actively engaged in any dairy operation for at least the
next 7 years.
``(6) Payment threshold.--A participating dairy producer
with margin insurance shall receive a margin insurance
payment whenever the average actual dairy producer margin for
a consecutive 2-month period is less than the coverage level
threshold selected by the dairy producer under paragraph (2).
``(7) Margin insurance payments.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall make a margin
insurance protection payment to each participating dairy
producer whenever the average actual dairy producer margin
for a consecutive 2-month period is less than the coverage
level threshold selected by the dairy producer under
paragraph (2).
``(B) Amount of payment.--The margin insurance payment for
the dairy operation of a participating dairy producer shall
be determined as follows:
``(i) The Secretary shall calculate the difference
between--
``(I) the coverage level threshold selected by the dairy
producer under paragraph (2); and
``(II) the average actual dairy producer margin for the
consecutive 2-month period.
``(ii) The amount determined under clause (i) shall be
multiplied by--
``(I) the percentage selected by the dairy producer under
paragraph (3); and
``(II) the lesser of--
``(aa) the quotient obtained by dividing--
``(AA) the production history applicable to the producer
under subsection (e)(1); by
``(BB) 6; and
``(bb) the actual quantity of milk marketed by the dairy
operation of the dairy producer during the consecutive 2-
month period.
``(g) Effect of Failure To Pay Premiums.--
``(1) Loss of benefits.--A participating dairy producer
that is in arrears on premium payments for margin insurance--
``(A) remains legally obligated to pay the premiums; and
``(B) may not receive margin insurance until the premiums
are fully paid.
``(2) Enforcement.--The Secretary may take such action as
is necessary to collect premium payments for margin
insurance.
``(h) Use of Commodity Credit Corporation.--The Secretary
shall use the funds, facilities, and the authorities of the
Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this section.
``(i) Program Start Date.--The Secretary shall conduct the
margin insurance program beginning on October 1, 2013.''.
[[Page H4407]]
SEC. 1402. RULEMAKING.
(a) Procedure.--The promulgation of regulations for the
initiation of the margin insurance program, and for
administration of the margin insurance program, shall be
made--
(1) without regard to chapter 35 of title 44, United States
Code (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act);
(2) without regard to the Statement of Policy of the
Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed.
Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and
public participation in rulemaking; and
(3) subject to subsection (b), pursuant to section 553 of
title 5, United States Code.
(b) Special Rulemaking Requirements.--
(1) Interim rules authorized.--With respect to the margin
insurance program, the Secretary may promulgate interim rules
under the authority provided in subparagraph (B) of section
553(b) of title 5, United States Code, if the Secretary
determines such interim rules to be needed. Any such interim
rules for the margin insurance program shall be effective on
publication.
(2) Final rules.--With respect to the margin insurance
program, the Secretary shall promulgate final rules, with an
opportunity for public notice and comment, no later than 21
months after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Inclusion of Additional Order.--Section 143(a)(2) of
the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7
U.S.C. 7253(a)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the
following new sentence: ``Subsection (b)(2) does not apply to
the authority of the Secretary under this subsection.''.
PART II--REPEAL OR REAUTHORIZATION OF OTHER DAIRY-RELATED PROVISIONS
SEC. 1411. REPEAL OF DAIRY PRODUCT PRICE SUPPORT AND MILK
INCOME LOSS CONTRACT PROGRAMS.
(a) Repeal of Dairy Product Price Support Program.--Section
1501 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 8771) is repealed.
(b) Repeal of Milk Income Loss Contract Program.--Section
1506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 8773) is repealed.
SEC. 1412. REPEAL OF DAIRY EXPORT INCENTIVE PROGRAM.
(a) Repeal.--Section 153 of the Food Security Act of 1985
(15 U.S.C. 713a-14) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 902(2) of the Trade
Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (22
U.S.C. 7201(2)) is amended--
(1) by striking subparagraph (D); and
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as
subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively.
SEC. 1413. EXTENSION OF DAIRY FORWARD PRICING PROGRAM.
Section 1502(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8772(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2015'' and inserting
``2021''.
SEC. 1414. EXTENSION OF DAIRY INDEMNITY PROGRAM.
Section 3 of Public Law 90-484 (7 U.S.C. 450l) is amended
by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 1415. EXTENSION OF DAIRY PROMOTION AND RESEARCH PROGRAM.
Section 113(e)(2) of the Dairy Production Stabilization Act
of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 4504(e)(2)) is amended by striking ``2012''
and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 1416. REPEAL OF FEDERAL MILK MARKETING ORDER REVIEW
COMMISSION.
Section 1509 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 1726) is repealed.
PART III--EFFECTIVE DATE
SEC. 1421. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
Subtitle E--Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs
SEC. 1501. SUPPLEMENTAL AGRICULTURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible producer on a farm.--
(A) In general.--The term ``eligible producer on a farm''
means an individual or entity described in subparagraph (B)
that, as determined by the Secretary, assumes the production
and market risks associated with the agricultural production
of crops or livestock.
(B) Description.--An individual or entity referred to in
subparagraph (A) is--
(i) a citizen of the United States;
(ii) a resident alien;
(iii) a partnership of citizens of the United States; or
(iv) a corporation, limited liability corporation, or other
farm organizational structure organized under State law.
(2) Farm-raised fish.--The term ``farm-raised fish'' means
any aquatic species that is propagated and reared in a
controlled environment.
(3) Livestock.--The term ``livestock'' includes--
(A) cattle (including dairy cattle);
(B) bison;
(C) poultry;
(D) sheep;
(E) swine;
(F) horses; and
(G) other livestock, as determined by the Secretary.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(b) Livestock Indemnity Payments.--
(1) Payments.--For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding
fiscal year, the Secretary shall use such sums as are
necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to
make livestock indemnity payments to eligible producers on
farms that have incurred livestock death losses in excess of
the normal mortality, as determined by the Secretary, due
to--
(A) attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the
Federal Government or protected by Federal law, including
wolves and avian predators; or
(B) adverse weather, as determined by the Secretary, during
the calendar year, including losses due to hurricanes,
floods, blizzards, disease, wildfires, extreme heat, and
extreme cold.
(2) Payment rates.--Indemnity payments to an eligible
producer on a farm under paragraph (1) shall be made at a
rate of 75 percent of the market value of the applicable
livestock on the day before the date of death of the
livestock, as determined by the Secretary.
(3) Special rule for payments made due to disease.--The
Secretary shall ensure that payments made to an eligible
producer under paragraph (1) are not made for the same
livestock losses for which compensation is provided pursuant
to section 10407(d) of the Animal Health Protection Act (7
U.S.C. 8306(d)).
(c) Livestock Forage Disaster Program.--
(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(A) Covered livestock.--
(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), the
term ``covered livestock'' means livestock of an eligible
livestock producer that, during the 60 days prior to the
beginning date of a qualifying drought or fire condition, as
determined by the Secretary, the eligible livestock
producer--
(I) owned;
(II) leased;
(III) purchased;
(IV) entered into a contract to purchase;
(V) is a contract grower; or
(VI) sold or otherwise disposed of due to qualifying
drought conditions during--
(aa) the current production year; or
(bb) subject to paragraph (3)(B)(ii), 1 or both of the 2
production years immediately preceding the current production
year.
(ii) Exclusion.--The term ``covered livestock'' does not
include livestock that were or would have been in a feedlot,
on the beginning date of the qualifying drought or fire
condition, as a part of the normal business operation of the
eligible livestock producer, as determined by the Secretary.
(B) Drought monitor.--The term ``drought monitor'' means a
system for classifying drought severity according to a range
of abnormally dry to exceptional drought, as defined by the
Secretary.
(C) Eligible livestock producer.--
(i) In general.--The term ``eligible livestock producer''
means an eligible producer on a farm that--
(I) is an owner, cash or share lessee, or contract grower
of covered livestock that provides the pastureland or grazing
land, including cash-leased pastureland or grazing land, for
the livestock;
(II) provides the pastureland or grazing land for covered
livestock, including cash-leased pastureland or grazing land
that is physically located in a county affected by drought;
(III) certifies grazing loss; and
(IV) meets all other eligibility requirements established
under this subsection.
(ii) Exclusion.--The term ``eligible livestock producer''
does not include an owner, cash or share lessee, or contract
grower of livestock that rents or leases pastureland or
grazing land owned by another person on a rate-of-gain basis.
(D) Normal carrying capacity.--The term ``normal carrying
capacity'', with respect to each type of grazing land or
pastureland in a county, means the normal carrying capacity,
as determined under paragraph (3)(D)(i), that would be
expected from the grazing land or pastureland for livestock
during the normal grazing period, in the absence of a drought
or fire that diminishes the production of the grazing land or
pastureland.
(E) Normal grazing period.--The term ``normal grazing
period'', with respect to a county, means the normal grazing
period during the calendar year for the county, as determined
under paragraph (3)(D)(i).
(2) Program.--For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding
fiscal year, the Secretary shall use such sums as are
necessary of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to
provide compensation for losses to eligible livestock
producers due to grazing losses for covered livestock due
to--
(A) a drought condition, as described in paragraph (3); or
(B) fire, as described in paragraph (4).
(3) Assistance for losses due to drought conditions.--
(A) Eligible losses.--
(i) In general.--An eligible livestock producer may receive
assistance under this subsection only for grazing losses for
covered livestock that occur on land that--
(I) is native or improved pastureland with permanent
vegetative cover; or
(II) is planted to a crop planted specifically for the
purpose of providing grazing for covered livestock.
[[Page H4408]]
(ii) Exclusions.--An eligible livestock producer may not
receive assistance under this subsection for grazing losses
that occur on land used for haying or grazing under the
conservation reserve program established under subchapter B
of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.).
(B) Monthly payment rate.--
(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), the
payment rate for assistance under this paragraph for 1 month
shall, in the case of drought, be equal to 60 percent of the
lesser of--
(I) the monthly feed cost for all covered livestock owned
or leased by the eligible livestock producer, as determined
under subparagraph (C); or
(II) the monthly feed cost calculated by using the normal
carrying capacity of the eligible grazing land of the
eligible livestock producer.
(ii) Partial compensation.--In the case of an eligible
livestock producer that sold or otherwise disposed of covered
livestock due to drought conditions in 1 or both of the 2
production years immediately preceding the current production
year, as determined by the Secretary, the payment rate shall
be 80 percent of the payment rate otherwise calculated in
accordance with clause (i).
(C) Monthly feed cost.--
(i) In general.--The monthly feed cost shall equal the
product obtained by multiplying--
(I) 30 days;
(II) a payment quantity that is equal to the feed grain
equivalent, as determined under clause (ii); and
(III) a payment rate that is equal to the corn price per
pound, as determined under clause (iii).
(ii) Feed grain equivalent.--For purposes of clause
(i)(II), the feed grain equivalent shall equal--
(I) in the case of an adult beef cow, 15.7 pounds of corn
per day; or
(II) in the case of any other type of weight of livestock,
an amount determined by the Secretary that represents the
average number of pounds of corn per day necessary to feed
the livestock.
(iii) Corn price per pound.--For purposes of clause
(i)(III), the corn price per pound shall equal the quotient
obtained by dividing--
(I) the higher of--
(aa) the national average corn price per bushel for the 12-
month period immediately preceding March 1 of the year for
which the disaster assistance is calculated; or
(bb) the national average corn price per bushel for the 24-
month period immediately preceding that March 1; by
(II) 56.
(D) Normal grazing period and drought monitor intensity.--
(i) FSA county committee determinations.--
(I) In general.--The Secretary shall determine the normal
carrying capacity and normal grazing period for each type of
grazing land or pastureland in the county served by the
applicable committee.
(II) Changes.--No change to the normal carrying capacity or
normal grazing period established for a county under
subclause (I) shall be made unless the change is requested by
the appropriate State and county Farm Service Agency
committees.
(ii) Drought intensity.--
(I) D2.--An eligible livestock producer that owns or leases
grazing land or pastureland that is physically located in a
county that is rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having a
D2 (severe drought) intensity in any area of the county for
at least 8 consecutive weeks during the normal grazing period
for the county, as determined by the Secretary, shall be
eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph in an
amount equal to 1 monthly payment using the monthly payment
rate determined under subparagraph (B).
(II) D3.--An eligible livestock producer that owns or
leases grazing land or pastureland that is physically located
in a county that is rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as
having at least a D3 (extreme drought) intensity in any area
of the county at any time during the normal grazing period
for the county, as determined by the Secretary, shall be
eligible to receive assistance under this paragraph--
(aa) in an amount equal to 3 monthly payments using the
monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B);
(bb) if the county is rated as having a D3 (extreme
drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 4
weeks during the normal grazing period for the county, or is
rated as having a D4 (exceptional drought) intensity in any
area of the county at any time during the normal grazing
period, in an amount equal to 4 monthly payments using the
monthly payment rate determined under subparagraph (B); or
(cc) if the county is rated as having a D4 (exceptional
drought) intensity in any area of the county for at least 4
weeks during the normal grazing period, in an amount equal to
5 monthly payments using the monthly rate determined under
subparagraph (B).
(4) Assistance for losses due to fire on public managed
land.--
(A) In general.--An eligible livestock producer may receive
assistance under this paragraph only if--
(i) the grazing losses occur on rangeland that is managed
by a Federal agency; and
(ii) the eligible livestock producer is prohibited by the
Federal agency from grazing the normal permitted livestock on
the managed rangeland due to a fire.
(B) Payment rate.--The payment rate for assistance under
this paragraph shall be equal to 50 percent of the monthly
feed cost for the total number of livestock covered by the
Federal lease of the eligible livestock producer, as
determined under paragraph (3)(C).
(C) Payment duration.--
(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), an eligible
livestock producer shall be eligible to receive assistance
under this paragraph for the period--
(I) beginning on the date on which the Federal agency
excludes the eligible livestock producer from using the
managed rangeland for grazing; and
(II) ending on the last day of the Federal lease of the
eligible livestock producer.
(ii) Limitation.--An eligible livestock producer may only
receive assistance under this paragraph for losses that occur
on not more than 180 days per year.
(5) No duplicative payments.--An eligible livestock
producer may elect to receive assistance for grazing or
pasture feed losses due to drought conditions under paragraph
(3) or fire under paragraph (4), but not both for the same
loss, as determined by the Secretary.
(d) Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and
Farm-Raised Fish.--
(1) In general.--For fiscal year 2012 and each succeeding
fiscal year, the Secretary shall use not more than
$20,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation
to provide emergency relief to eligible producers of
livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish to aid in the
reduction of losses due to disease (including cattle tick
fever), adverse weather, or other conditions, such as
blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary, that
are not covered under subsection (b) or (c).
(2) Use of funds.--Funds made available under this
subsection shall be used to reduce losses caused by feed or
water shortages, disease, or other factors as determined by
the Secretary.
(3) Availability of funds.--Any funds made available under
this subsection shall remain available until expended.
(e) Tree Assistance Program.--
(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(A) Eligible orchardist.--The term ``eligible orchardist''
means a person that produces annual crops from trees for
commercial purposes.
(B) Natural disaster.--The term ``natural disaster'' means
plant disease, insect infestation, drought, fire, freeze,
flood, earthquake, lightning, or other occurrence, as
determined by the Secretary.
(C) Nursery tree grower.--The term ``nursery tree grower''
means a person who produces nursery, ornamental, fruit, nut,
or Christmas trees for commercial sale, as determined by the
Secretary.
(D) Tree.--The term ``tree'' includes a tree, bush, and
vine.
(2) Eligibility.--
(A) Loss.--Subject to subparagraph (B), for fiscal year
2012 and each succeeding fiscal year, the Secretary shall use
such sums as are necessary of the funds of the Commodity
Credit Corporation to provide assistance--
(i) under paragraph (3) to eligible orchardists and nursery
tree growers that planted trees for commercial purposes but
lost the trees as a result of a natural disaster, as
determined by the Secretary; and
(ii) under paragraph (3)(B) to eligible orchardists and
nursery tree growers that have a production history for
commercial purposes on planted or existing trees but lost the
trees as a result of a natural disaster, as determined by the
Secretary.
(B) Limitation.--An eligible orchardist or nursery tree
grower shall qualify for assistance under subparagraph (A)
only if the tree mortality of the eligible orchardist or
nursery tree grower, as a result of damaging weather or
related condition, exceeds 15 percent (adjusted for normal
mortality).
(3) Assistance.--Subject to paragraph (4), the assistance
provided by the Secretary to eligible orchardists and nursery
tree growers for losses described in paragraph (2) shall
consist of--
(A)(i) reimbursement of 65 percent of the cost of
replanting trees lost due to a natural disaster, as
determined by the Secretary, in excess of 15 percent
mortality (adjusted for normal mortality); or
(ii) at the option of the Secretary, sufficient seedlings
to reestablish a stand; and
(B) reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost of pruning,
removal, and other costs incurred by an eligible orchardist
or nursery tree grower to salvage existing trees or, in the
case of tree mortality, to prepare the land to replant trees
as a result of damage or tree mortality due to a natural
disaster, as determined by the Secretary, in excess of 15
percent damage or mortality (adjusted for normal tree damage
and mortality).
(4) Limitations on assistance.--
(A) Definitions of legal entity and person.--In this
paragraph, the terms ``legal entity'' and ``person'' have the
meaning given those terms in section 1001(a) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308(a)).
(B) Amount.--The total amount of payments received,
directly or indirectly, by a person or legal entity
(excluding a joint venture or general partnership) under this
subsection may not exceed $125,000 for any crop year, or an
equivalent value in tree seedlings.
[[Page H4409]]
(C) Acres.--The total quantity of acres planted to trees or
tree seedlings for which a person or legal entity shall be
entitled to receive payments under this subsection may not
exceed 500 acres.
(f) Payment Limitations.--
(1) Definitions of legal entity and person.--In this
subsection, the terms ``legal entity'' and ``person'' have
the meaning given those terms in section 1001(a) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308(a)).
(2) Amount.--The total amount of disaster assistance
payments received, directly or indirectly, by a person or
legal entity (excluding a joint venture or general
partnership) under this section (excluding payments received
under subsection (e)) may not exceed $125,000 for any crop
year.
(3) Direct attribution.--Subsections (e) and (f) of section
1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308) or any
successor provisions relating to direct attribution shall
apply with respect to assistance provided under this section.
SEC. 1502. NATIONAL DROUGHT COUNCIL AND NATIONAL DROUGHT
POLICY ACTION PLAN.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Council.--The term ``Council'' means the National
Drought Council established by this section.
(2) Drought.--The term ``drought'' means a natural disaster
that is caused by a deficiency in precipitation--
(A) that may lead to a deficiency in surface and subsurface
water supplies (including rivers, streams, wetlands, ground
water, soil moisture, reservoir supplies, lake levels, and
snow pack); and
(B) that causes or may cause--
(i) substantial economic or social impacts; or
(ii) physical damage or injury to individuals, property, or
the environment.
(3) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian tribe'' has the
meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
(4) Member.--The term ``member'', with respect to the
National Drought Council, means a member of the Council
specified or appointed under this section or, in the absence
of the member, the member's designee.
(5) Mitigation.--The term ``mitigation'' means a short- or
long-term action, program, or policy that is implemented in
advance of or during a drought to minimize any risks and
impacts of drought.
(6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(7) State.--The term ``State'' means the several States,
the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin
Islands.
(8) Trigger.--The term ``trigger'' means the thresholds or
criteria that must be satisfied before mitigation or
emergency assistance may be provided to an area--
(A) in which drought is emerging; or
(B) that is experiencing a drought.
(9) Watershed.--The term ``watershed'' means a region or
area with common hydrology, an area drained by a waterway
that drains into a lake or reservoir, the total area above a
given point on a stream that contributes water to the flow at
that point, or the topographic dividing line from which
surface streams flow in two different directions. In no case
shall a watershed be larger than a river basin.
(10) Watershed group.--The term ``watershed group'' means a
group of individuals, formally recognized by the appropriate
State or States, who represent the broad scope of relevant
interests within a watershed and who work together in a
collaborative manner to jointly plan the management of the
natural resources contained within the watershed.
(b) Effect of Section.--This section does not affect--
(1) the authority of a State to allocate quantities of
water under the jurisdiction of the State; or
(2) any State water rights established as of the date of
enactment of this Act.
(c) National Drought Council.--
(1) Establishment.--There is established in the Office of
the Secretary of Agriculture a council to be known as the
``National Drought Council''.
(2) Membership.--
(A) Composition.--The Council shall be composed of--
(i) the Secretary (or the designee of the Secretary);
(ii) the Secretary of Commerce (or the designee of the
Secretary of Commerce);
(iii) the Secretary of the Army (or the designee of the
Secretary of the Army);
(iv) the Secretary of the Interior (or the designee of the
Secretary of the Interior);
(v) the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(or the designee of the Director);
(vi) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency (or the designee of the Administrator);
(vii) 4 members appointed by the Secretary, in coordination
with the National Governors Association, each of whom shall
be the Governor of a State (or the designee of the Governor)
and who collectively shall represent the geographic diversity
of the Nation;
(viii) 1 member appointed by the Secretary, in coordination
with the National Association of Counties;
(ix) 1 member appointed by the Secretary, in coordination
with the United States Conference of Mayors;
(x) 1 member appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, in
coordination with Indian tribes, to represent the interests
of tribal governments; and
(xi) 1 member appointed by the Secretary, in coordination
with the National Association of Conservation Districts, to
represent local soil and water conservation districts.
(B) Date of appointment.--The appointment of each member of
the Council shall be made not later than 120 days after the
date of enactment of this Act.
(3) Term; vacancies.--
(A) Term.--A non-Federal member of the Council appointed
under paragraph (2) shall be appointed for a term of two
years.
(B) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Council--
(i) shall not affect the powers of the Council; and
(ii) shall be filled in the same manner as the original
appointment was made.
(C) Terms of members filling vacancies.--Any member
appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration
of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed
shall be appointed only for the remainder of that term.
(4) Meetings.--
(A) In general.--The Council shall meet at the call of the
co-chairs.
(B) Frequency.--The Council shall meet at least
semiannually.
(5) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Council shall
constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings or
conduct other business.
(6) Council leadership.--
(A) In general.--There shall be a Federal co-chair and non-
Federal co-chair of the Council.
(B) Appointment.--
(i) Federal co-chair.--The Secretary shall be the Federal
co-chair.
(ii) Non-federal co-chair.--The non-Federal members of the
Council shall elect, on a biannual basis, a non-Federal co-
chair of the Council from among the members appointed under
paragraph (2).
(d) Duties of the Council.--
(1) In general.--The Council shall--
(A) not later than one year after the date of the first
meeting of the Council, develop a comprehensive National
Drought Policy Action Plan that--
(i)(I) delineates and integrates responsibilities for
activities relating to drought (including drought
preparedness, mitigation, research, risk management,
training, and emergency relief) among Federal agencies; and
(II) ensures that those activities are coordinated with the
activities of the States, local governments, Indian tribes,
and neighboring countries;
(ii) is consistent with--
(I) this Act and other applicable Federal laws; and
(II) the laws and policies of the States for water
management;
(iii) is integrated with drought management programs of the
States, Indian tribes, local governments, watershed groups,
and private entities; and
(iv) avoids duplicating Federal, State, tribal, local,
watershed, and private drought preparedness and monitoring
programs in existence on the date of enactment of this Act;
(B) evaluate Federal drought-related programs in existence
on the date of enactment of this Act and make recommendations
to Congress and the President on means of eliminating--
(i) discrepancies between the goals of the programs and
actual service delivery;
(ii) duplication among programs; and
(iii) any other circumstances that interfere with the
effective operation of the programs;
(C) make recommendations to the President, Congress, and
appropriate Federal agencies on--
(i) the establishment of common interagency triggers for
authorizing Federal drought mitigation programs; and
(ii) improving the consistency and fairness of assistance
among Federal drought relief programs;
(D) encourage and facilitate the development of drought
preparedness plans under subtitle C, including establishing
the guidelines under this section;
(E) based on a review of drought preparedness plans,
develop and make available to the public drought planning
models to reduce water resource conflicts relating to water
conservation and droughts;
(F) develop and coordinate public awareness activities to
provide the public with access to understandable and
informative materials on drought, including--
(i) explanations of the causes of drought, the impacts of
drought, and the damages from drought;
(ii) descriptions of the value and benefits of land
stewardship to reduce the impacts of drought and to protect
the environment;
(iii) clear instructions for appropriate responses to
drought, including water conservation, water reuse, and
detection and elimination of water leaks;
(iv) information on State and local laws applicable to
drought; and
(v) opportunities for assistance to resource-dependent
businesses and industries in times of drought; and
(G) establish operating procedures for the Council.
(2) Consultation.--In carrying out this subsection, the
Council shall consult with groups affected by drought
emergencies.
[[Page H4410]]
(3) Reports to congress.--
(A) Annual report.--
(i) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of
the first meeting of the Council, and annually thereafter,
the Council shall submit to Congress a report on the
activities carried out under this section.
(ii) Inclusions.--
(I) In general.--The annual report shall include a summary
of drought preparedness plans.
(II) Initial report.--The initial report submitted under
subparagraph (A) shall include any recommendations of the
Council.
(B) Final report.--Not later than seven years after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Council shall submit to
Congress a report that recommends--
(i) amendments to this section; and
(ii) whether the Council should continue.
(e) Powers of the Council.--
(1) Hearings.--The Council may hold hearings, meet and act
at any time and place, take any testimony and receive any
evidence that the Council considers advisable to carry out
this section.
(2) Information from federal agencies.--
(A) In general.--The Council may obtain directly from any
Federal agency any information that the Council considers
necessary to carry out this section.
(B) Provision of information.--
(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), on
request of the Secretary or the non-Federal co-chair of the
Council, the head of a Federal agency may provide information
to the Council.
(ii) Limitation.--The head of a Federal agency shall not
provide any information to the Council that the Federal
agency head determines the disclosure of which may cause harm
to national security interests.
(3) Postal services.--The Council may use the United States
mail in the same manner and under the same conditions as
other agencies of the Federal Government.
(4) Gifts.--The Council may accept, use, and dispose of
gifts or donations of services or property.
(f) Council Personnel Matters.--
(1) Compensation of members.--
(A) Non-federal employees.--A member of the Council who is
not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall
serve without compensation.
(B) Federal employees.--A member of the Council who is an
officer or employee of the United States shall serve without
compensation in addition to the compensation received for
services of the member as an officer or employee of the
Federal Government.
(2) Travel expenses.--A member of the Council shall be
allowed travel expenses at rates authorized for an employee
of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5,
United States Code, while away from the home or regular place
of business of the member in the performance of the duties of
the Council.
(g) Termination of Council.--The Council shall terminate at
the end of the eighth fiscal year beginning on or after the
date of the enactment of this Act.
Subtitle F--Administration
SEC. 1601. ADMINISTRATION GENERALLY.
(a) Use of Commodity Credit Corporation.--The Secretary of
Agriculture shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities
of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this title.
(b) Determinations by Secretary.--A determination made by
the Secretary under this title shall be final and conclusive.
(c) Regulations.--
(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this
subsection, not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Commodity Credit
Corporation, as appropriate, shall promulgate such
regulations as are necessary to implement this title and the
amendments made by this title.
(2) Procedure.--The promulgation of the regulations and
administration of this title and the amendments made by this
title and sections 10003 and 10016 of this Act shall be
made--
(A) pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code,
including by interim rules effective on publication under the
authority provided in subparagraph (B) of subsection (b) of
such section if the Secretary determines such interim rules
to be needed and final rules, with an opportunity for notice
and comment, no later than 21 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act;
(B) without regard to chapter 35 of title 44, United States
Code (commonly known as the ``Paperwork Reduction Act''); and
(C) without regard to the Statement of Policy of the
Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed.
Reg. 13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and
public participation in rulemaking.
(d) Adjustment Authority Related to Trade Agreements
Compliance.--
(1) Required determination; adjustment.--If the Secretary
determines that expenditures under this title that are
subject to the total allowable domestic support levels under
the Uruguay Round Agreements (as defined in section 2 of the
Uruguay Round Agreements Act (19 U.S.C. 3501)) will exceed
the allowable levels for any applicable reporting period, the
Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, make
adjustments in the amount of the expenditures during that
period to ensure that the expenditures do not exceed the
allowable levels.
(2) Congressional notification.--Before making any
adjustment under paragraph (1), 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 describing the determination made under
that paragraph and the extent of the adjustment to be made.
SEC. 1602. REPEAL OF PERMANENT PRICE SUPPORT AUTHORITY.
(a) Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938.--
(1) Repeals.--The following provisions of the Agricultural
Adjustment Act of 1938 are repealed:
(A) Parts II through V of subtitle B of title III (7 U.S.C.
1326 et seq.).
(B) Subtitle D of title III (7 U.S.C. 1379a et seq.).
(C) Title IV (7 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.).
(2) Inapplicability to upland cotton.--Section 377 of the
Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1377) is
amended by striking ``was not fully planted'' and inserting
``was not fully planted: Provided further, That effective on
the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform
and Risk Management Act of 2013, this section shall not apply
to upland cotton''.
(b) Agricultural Act of 1949.--The following provisions of
the Agricultural Act of 1949 are repealed:
(1) Section 101 (7 U.S.C. 1441).
(2) Section 103(a) (7 U.S.C. 1444(a)).
(3) Section 105 (7 U.S.C. 1444b).
(4) Section 107 (7 U.S.C. 1445a).
(5) Section 110 (7 U.S.C. 1445e).
(6) Section 112 (7 U.S.C. 1445g).
(7) Section 115 (7 U.S.C. 1445k).
(8) Section 201 (7 U.S.C. 1446).
(9) Title III (7 U.S.C. 1447 et seq.).
(10) Title IV (7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.), other than sections
404, 412, and 416 (7 U.S.C. 1424, 1429, and 1431).
(11) Title V (7 U.S.C. 1461 et seq.).
(12) Title VI (7 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.).
(c) Suspension of Certain Quota Provisions.--The joint
resolution entitled ``A joint resolution relating to corn and
wheat marketing quotas under the Agricultural Adjustment Act
of 1938, as amended'', approved May 26, 1941 (7 U.S.C. 1330,
1340), is repealed.
SEC. 1603. PAYMENT LIMITATIONS.
(a) In General.--Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of
1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (3) and
inserting the following:
``(3) Legal entity.--
``(A) In general.--The term `legal entity' means--
``(i) an organization that (subject to the requirements of
this section and section 1001A) is eligible to receive a
payment under a provision of law referred to in subsection
(b), (c), or (d);
``(ii) a corporation, joint stock company, association,
limited partnership, limited liability company, limited
liability partnership, charitable organization, estate,
irrevocable trust, grantor of a revocable trust, or other
similar entity (as determined by the Secretary); and
``(iii) an organization that is participating in a farming
operation as a partner in a general partnership or as a
participant in a joint venture.
``(B) Exclusion.--The term `legal entity' does not include
a general partnership or joint venture.'';
(2) by striking subsections (b) through (d) and inserting
the following:
``(b) Limitation on Payments for Covered Commodities and
Peanuts.--The total amount of payments received, directly or
indirectly, by a person or legal entity for any crop year for
1 or more covered commodities and peanuts under title I of
the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of
2013 may not exceed $125,000, of which--
``(1) not more than $75,000 may consist of marketing loan
gains and loan deficiency payments under subtitle B of title
I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act
of 2013; and
``(2) not more than $50,000 may consist of any other
payments made for covered commodities and peanuts under title
I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act
of 2013.
``(c) Spousal Equity.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection (b), except
as provided in paragraph (2), if a person and the spouse of
the person are covered by paragraph (2) and receive, directly
or indirectly, any payment or gain covered by this section,
the total amount of payments or gains (as applicable) covered
by this section that the person and spouse may jointly
receive during any crop year may not exceed an amount equal
to twice the applicable dollar amounts specified in
subsection (b).
``(2) Exceptions.--
``(A) Separate farming operations.--In the case of a
married couple in which each spouse, before the marriage, was
separately engaged in an unrelated farming operation, each
spouse shall be treated as a separate person with respect to
a farming operation brought into the marriage by a spouse,
subject to the condition that the farming operation shall
remain a separate farming operation, as determined by the
Secretary.
``(B) Election to receive separate payments.--A married
couple may elect to receive payments separately in the name
of each spouse if the total amount of payments and benefits
described in subsection (b) that the married couple receives,
directly or indirectly, does not exceed an amount equal to
twice the applicable dollar amounts specified in those
subsections.'';
[[Page H4411]]
(3) in paragraph (3)(B) of subsection (f), by adding at the
end the following:
``(iii) Irrevocable trusts.--In promulgating regulations to
define the term `legal entity' as the term applies to
irrevocable trusts, the Secretary shall ensure that
irrevocable trusts are legitimate entities that have not been
created for the purpose of avoiding a payment limitation.'';
and
(4) in subsection (h), in the second sentence, by striking
``or other entity'' and inserting ``or legal entity''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C.
1308) is amended--
(A) in subsection (e), by striking ``subsections (b) and
(c)'' each place it appears in paragraphs (1) and (3)(B) and
inserting ``subsection (b)'';
(B) in subsection (f)--
(i) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Subsections (b) and
(c)'' and inserting ``Subsection (b)'';
(ii) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``subsection (b) or
(c)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)'';
(iii) in paragraph (5)--
(I) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``subsection (d)'';
and
(II) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``subsection (b),
(c), or (d)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)''; and
(iv) in paragraph (6)--
(I) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``Notwithstanding
subsection (d), except as provided in subsection (g)'' and
inserting ``Except as provided in subsection (f)''; and
(II) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``subsections (b),
(c), and (d)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)'';
(C) in subsection (g)--
(i) in paragraph (1)--
(I) by striking ``subsection (f)(6)(A)'' and inserting
``subsection (e)(6)(A)''; and
(II) by striking ``subsection (b) or (c)'' and inserting
``subsection (b)''; and
(ii) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``subsections (b) and
(c)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)''; and
(D) by redesignating subsections (e) through (h) as
subsections (d) through (g), respectively.
(2) Section 1001A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7
U.S.C. 1308-1) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ``subsections (b) and
(c) of section 1001'' and inserting ``section 1001(b)''; and
(B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``subsection (b) or
(c) of section 1001'' and inserting ``section 1001(b)''.
(3) Section 1001B(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7
U.S.C. 1308-2(a)) is amended in the matter preceding
paragraph (1) by striking ``subsections (b) and (c) of
section 1001'' and inserting ``section 1001(b)''.
(c) Application.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply beginning with the 2014 crop year.
SEC. 1603A. PAYMENTS LIMITED TO ACTIVE FARMERS.
Section 1001A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C.
1308-1) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) by striking ``or active personal management'' each
place it appears in subparagraphs (A)(i)(II) and (B)(ii); and
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``, as applied to the
legal entity, are met by the legal entity, the partners or
members making a significant contribution of personal labor
or active personal management'' and inserting ``are met by
partners or members making a significant contribution of
personal labor, those partners or members''; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
following:
``(A) the landowner share-rents the land at a rate that is
usual and customary;'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) the share of the payments received by the landowner
is commensurate with the share of the crop or income received
as rent.'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``active personal
management or'';
(C) in paragraph (5)--
(i) by striking ``(5)'' and all that follows through ``(A)
In general.--A person'' and inserting the following:
``(5) Custom farming services.--A person'';
(ii) by inserting ``under usual and customary terms'' after
``services''; and
(iii) by striking subparagraph (B); and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Farm managers.--A person who otherwise meets the
requirements of this subsection other than (b)(2)(A)(i)(II)
shall be considered to be actively engaged in farming, as
determined by the Secretary, with respect to the farming
operation, including a farming operation that is a sole
proprietorship, a legal entity such as a joint venture or
general partnership, or a legal entity such as a corporation
or limited partnership, if the person--
``(A) makes a significant contribution of management to the
farming operation necessary for the farming operation, taking
into account--
``(i) the size and complexity of the farming operation; and
``(ii) the management requirements normally and customarily
required by similar farming operations;
``(B)(i) is the only person in the farming operation
qualifying as actively engaged in farming by using the farm
manager special class designation under this paragraph; and
``(ii) together with any other persons in the farming
operation qualifying as actively engaged in farming under
subsection (b)(2) or as part of a special class under this
subsection, does not collectively receive, directly or
indirectly, an amount equal to more than the applicable
limits under section 1001(b);
``(C) does not use the management contribution under this
paragraph to qualify as actively engaged in more than 1
farming operation; and
``(D) manages a farm operation that does not substantially
share equipment, labor, or management with persons or legal
entities that with the person collectively receive, directly
or indirectly, an amount equal to more than the applicable
limits under section 1001(b).''.
SEC. 1604. ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME LIMITATION.
(a) Limitations and Covered Benefits.--Section 1001D(b) of
the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a(b)) is
amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Limitations''
and inserting ``Limitations on Commodity and Conservation
Programs'';
(2) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the
following new paragraphs:
``(1) Limitation.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, a person or legal entity shall not be eligible to
receive any benefit described in paragraph (2) during a crop,
fiscal, or program year, as appropriate, if the average
adjusted gross income of the person or legal entity exceeds
$950,000.
``(2) Covered benefits.--Paragraph (1) applies with respect
to a payment or benefit under subtitle A, B, or E of title I,
or title II of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk
Management Act of 2013, title II of the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002, title II of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, title XII of the Food
Security Act of 1985, section 524(b) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1524(b)), or section 196 of the
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7
U.S.C. 7333).''.
(b) Elimination of Unused Definitions.--Paragraph (1) of
section 1001D(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C.
1308-3a(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``(1) Average adjusted gross income.--In this section, the
term `average adjusted gross income', with respect to a
person or legal entity, means the average of the adjusted
gross income or comparable measure of the person or legal
entity over the 3 taxable years preceding the most
immediately preceding complete taxable year, as determined by
the Secretary.''.
(c) Income Determination.--Section 1001D of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (c); and
(2) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as
subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively.
(d) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1001D of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)--
(A) by striking ``subparagraph (A) or (B) of''; and
(B) by striking ``, the average adjusted gross farm income,
and the average adjusted gross nonfarm income'';
(2) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``, average adjusted
gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm
income'' both places it appears;
(3) in subsection (c) (as redesignated by subsection (c)(2)
of this section)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, average adjusted
gross farm income, and average adjusted gross nonfarm
income'' both places it appears; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``paragraphs (1)(C) and
(2)(B) of subsection (b)'' and inserting ``subsection
(b)(2)''; and
(4) in subsection (d) (as redesignated by subsection (c)(2)
of this section)--
(A) by striking ``paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of
subsection (b)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)(2)''; and
(B) by striking ``, average adjusted gross farm income, or
average adjusted gross nonfarm income''.
(e) Effective Period.--Subsection (e) of section 1001D of
the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a), as
redesignated by subsection (c)(2) of this section, is
repealed.
(f) Limitation on Applicability.--Section 1001(d) of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308) is amended by
inserting before the period at the end the following: ``or
title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management
Act of 2013''.
(g) Transition.--Section 1001D of the Food Security Act of
1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a), as in effect on the day before the
date of the enactment of this Act, shall apply with respect
to the 2013 crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate,
for each program described in paragraphs (1)(C) and (2)(B) of
subsection (b) of that section (as so in effect on that day).
SEC. 1605. GEOGRAPHICALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND RANCHERS.
Section 1621(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8792(d)) is amended by striking ``each of
fiscal years 2009 through 2012'' and inserting ``fiscal year
2009 and each succeeding fiscal year''.
SEC. 1606. PERSONAL LIABILITY OF PRODUCERS FOR DEFICIENCIES.
Section 164 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and
Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7284) is amended by striking
``and title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
[[Page H4412]]
2008'' each place it appears and inserting ``title I of the
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8702 et
seq.), and title I of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk
Management Act of 2013''.
SEC. 1607. PREVENTION OF DECEASED INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING
PAYMENTS UNDER FARM COMMODITY PROGRAMS.
(a) Reconciliation.--At least twice each year, the
Secretary shall reconcile Social Security numbers of all
individuals who receive payments under this title, whether
directly or indirectly, with the Commissioner of Social
Security to determined if the individuals are alive.
(b) Preclusion.--The Secretary shall preclude the issuance
of payments to, and on behalf of, deceased individuals that
were not eligible for payments.
SEC. 1608. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
(a) Missing Punctuation.--Section 359f(c)(1)(B) of the
Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C.
1359ff(c)(1)(B)) is amended by adding a period at the end.
(b) Erroneous Cross Reference.--
(1) Amendment.--Section 1603(g) of the Food, Conservation,
and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 1739)
is amended in paragraphs (2) through (6) and the amendments
made by those paragraphs by striking ``1703(a)'' each place
it appears and inserting ``1603(a)''.
(2) Effective date.--This subsection and the amendments
made by this subsection take effect as if included in the
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-
246; 122 Stat. 1651).
(c) Continued Applicability of Appropriations General
Provision.--Section 767 of division A of Public Law 108-7 (7
U.S.C. 7911 note; 117 Stat. 48) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``sections 1101 and 1102 of Public Law 107-
171'' and inserting ``subtitle A of title I of the Federal
Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013''; and
(B) by striking ``such section 1102'' and inserting ``such
subtitle''; and
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following
new subsection:
``(b) This section, as amended by section 1608(c) of the
Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013,
shall take effect beginning with the 2014 crop year.''.
SEC. 1609. ASSIGNMENT OF PAYMENTS.
(a) In General.--The provisions of section 8(g) of the Soil
Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590h(g)),
relating to assignment of payments, shall apply to payments
made under this title.
(b) Notice.--The producer making the assignment, or the
assignee, shall provide the Secretary with notice, in such
manner as the Secretary may require, of any assignment made
under this section.
SEC. 1610. TRACKING OF BENEFITS.
As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary may track the benefits provided, directly
or indirectly, to individuals and entities under titles I and
II and the amendments made by those titles.
SEC. 1611. SIGNATURE AUTHORITY.
(a) In General.--In carrying out this title and title II
and amendments made by those titles, if the Secretary
approves a document, the Secretary shall not subsequently
determine the document is inadequate or invalid because of
the lack of authority of any person signing the document on
behalf of the applicant or any other individual, entity,
general partnership, or joint venture, or the documents
relied upon were determined inadequate or invalid, unless the
person signing the program document knowingly and willfully
falsified the evidence of signature authority or a signature.
(b) Affirmation.--
(1) In general.--Nothing in this section prohibits the
Secretary from asking a proper party to affirm any document
that otherwise would be considered approved under subsection
(a).
(2) No retroactive effect.--A denial of benefits based on a
lack of affirmation under paragraph (1) shall not be
retroactive with respect to third-party producers who were
not the subject of the erroneous representation of authority,
if the third-party producers--
(A) relied on the prior approval by the Secretary of the
documents in good faith; and
(B) substantively complied with all program requirements.
SEC. 1612. IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) Streamlining.--In implementing this title, the
Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable--
(1) seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs to
producers by streamlining and reducing paperwork, forms, and
other administrative requirements;
(2) improve coordination, information sharing, and
administrative work with the Risk Management Agency and the
Natural Resources Conservation Service; and
(3) take advantage of new technologies to enhance
efficiency and effectiveness of program delivery to
producers.
(b) Maintenance of Base Acres and Payment Yields.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall maintain, for each
covered commodity and upland cotton, base acres and payment
yields on a farm established under--
(A)(i) in the case of covered commodities and upland
cotton, sections 1101 and 1102 of the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 7911, 7912); and
(ii) in the case of peanuts, section 1302 of that Act (7
U.S.C. 7952); and
(B)(i) in the case of covered commodities and upland
cotton, sections 1101 and 1102 of the Food, Conservation, and
Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8711, 8712); and
(ii) in the case of peanuts, section 1302 of that Act (7
U.S.C. 8752).
(2) Special rule for long grain and medium grain rice.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall maintain separate base
acres for long grain rice and medium grain rice.
(B) Limitation.--In carrying out this paragraph, the
Secretary shall use the same total base acres and payment
yields established with respect to rice under sections 1108
of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
8718), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment
of this Act, subject to any adjustment under section 1105.
(c) Implementation.--The Secretary shall make available to
the Farm Service Agency to carry out this title $100,000,000.
SEC. 1613. PROTECTION OF PRODUCER INFORMATION.
(a) Prohibition of Public Disclosure of Protected
Information.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the
Secretary, any officer or employee of the Department of
Agriculture, any contractor or cooperator of the Department,
and any officer or employee of another Federal agency shall
not disclose--
(1) information submitted by a producer or owner of
agricultural land to the Federal Government pursuant to title
I or II of this Act; or
(2) other information provided by a producer or owner of
agricultural land concerning the agricultural operation,
farming or conservation practices, or the land itself in
order to participate in programs of the Department of
Agriculture or other Federal agencies.
(b) Exceptions.--Information described in subsection (a)
may be disclosed if--
(1) the information is required to be made publicly
available under any other provision of Federal law;
(2) the producer or owner of agricultural land who provided
the information has lawfully publicly disclosed the
information;
(3) the producer or owner of agricultural land who provided
the information consents to the disclosure; or
(4) the information is disclosed to the Attorney General,
to the extent necessary, to ensure compliance and law
enforcement.
(c) Notice of Disclosure.--Any disclosure of information
pursuant to an exception provided in subsection (b) shall be
reported to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
and Forestry of the Senate within 24 hours after the
disclosure.
(d) Producer Defined.--In this section, the term
``producer'' has the meaning given that term in section
1104(14) of this Act.
TITLE II--CONSERVATION
Subtitle A--Conservation Reserve Program
SEC. 2001. EXTENSION AND ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS OF
CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM.
(a) Extension.--Section 1231(a) of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(a)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2018''.
(b) Eligible Land.--Section 1231(b) of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``the date of
enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008''
and inserting ``the date of the enactment of the Federal
Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013'';
(2) by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraph
(3) as paragraph (2);
(3) by inserting before paragraph (4) the following new
paragraph:
``(3) grasslands that--
``(A) contain forbs or shrubland (including improved
rangeland and pastureland) for which grazing is the
predominant use;
``(B) are located in an area historically dominated by
grasslands; and
``(C) could provide habitat for animal and plant
populations of significant ecological value if the land is
retained in its current use or restored to a natural
condition;'';
(4) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking ``filterstrips devoted
to trees or shrubs'' and inserting ``filterstrips or riparian
buffers devoted to trees, shrubs, or grasses''; and
(5) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following
new paragraph:
``(5) the portion of land in a field not enrolled in the
conservation reserve in a case in which--
``(A) more than 50 percent of the land in the field is
enrolled as a buffer or filterstrip, or more than 75 percent
of the land in the field is enrolled as a conservation
practice other than as a buffer or filterstrip; and
``(B) the remainder of the field is--
``(i) infeasible to farm; and
``(ii) enrolled at regular rental rates.''.
(c) Planting Status of Certain Land.--Section 1231(c) of
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(c)) is amended
by striking ``if'' and all that follows through the period at
the end and inserting ``if, during the crop year, the land
was devoted to a conserving use.''.
(d) Enrollment.--Subsection (d) of section 1231 of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831) is amended to read as
follows:
``(d) Enrollment.--
``(1) Maximum acreage enrolled.--The Secretary may maintain
in the conservation reserve at any one time during--
[[Page H4413]]
``(A) fiscal year 2014, no more than 27,500,000 acres;
``(B) fiscal year 2015, no more than 26,000,000 acres;
``(C) fiscal year 2016, no more than 25,000,000 acres;
``(D) fiscal year 2017, no more than 24,000,000 acres; and
``(E) fiscal year 2018, no more than 24,000,000 acres.
``(2) Grasslands.--
``(A) Limitation.--For purposes of applying the limitations
in paragraph (1), no more than 2,000,000 acres of the land
described in subsection (b)(3) may be enrolled in the program
at any one time during the 2014 through 2018 fiscal years.
``(B) Priority.--In enrolling acres under subparagraph (A),
the Secretary may give priority to land with expiring
conservation reserve program contracts.
``(C) Method of enrollment.--In enrolling acres under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall make the program
available to owners or operators of eligible land on a
continuous enrollment basis with one or more ranking
periods.''.
(e) Duration of Contract.--Section 1231(e) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(e)) is amended by
striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following
new paragraph:
``(2) Special rule for certain land.--In the case of land
devoted to hardwood trees, shelterbelts, windbreaks, or
wildlife corridors under a contract entered into under this
subchapter, the owner or operator of the land may, within the
limitations prescribed under paragraph (1), specify the
duration of the contract.''.
(f) Conservation Priority Areas.--Section 1231(f) of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``watershed areas of the
Chesapeake Bay Region, the Great Lakes Region, the Long
Island Sound Region, and other'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``watersheds.--
Watersheds'' and inserting ``areas.--Areas''; and
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``a watershed's
designation--'' and all that follows through the period at
the end and inserting ``an area's designation if the
Secretary finds that the area no longer contains actual and
significant adverse water quality or habitat impacts related
to agricultural production activities.''.
SEC. 2002. FARMABLE WETLAND PROGRAM.
(a) Extension.--Section 1231B(a)(1) of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''; and
(2) by striking ``a program'' and inserting ``a farmable
wetland program''.
(b) Eligible Acreage.--Section 1231B(b)(1)(B) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b(b)(1)(B)) is amended by
striking ``flow from a row crop agriculture drainage system''
and inserting ``surface and subsurface flow from row crop
agricultural production''.
(c) Acreage Limitation.--Section 1231B(c)(1)(B) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b(c)(1)(B)) is amended by
striking ``1,000,000'' and inserting ``750,000''.
(d) Clerical Amendment.--The heading of section 1231B of
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b) is amended to
read as follows: ``FARMABLE WETLAND PROGRAM.''.
SEC. 2003. DUTIES OF OWNERS AND OPERATORS.
(a) Limitation on Harvesting, Grazing, or Commercial Use of
Forage.--Section 1232(a)(8) of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3832(a)(8)) is amended by striking ``except that''
and all that follows through the semicolon at the end of the
paragraph and inserting ``except as provided in subsection
(b) or (c) of section 1233;''.
(b) Conservation Plan Requirements.--Subsection (b) of
section 1232 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3832) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Conservation Plans.--The plan referred to in
subsection (a)(1) shall set forth--
``(1) the conservation measures and practices to be carried
out by the owner or operator during the term of the contract;
and
``(2) the commercial use, if any, to be permitted on the
land during the term.''.
(c) Rental Payment Reduction.--Section 1232 of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3832) is amended by striking
subsection (d).
SEC. 2004. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.
Section 1233 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3833) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 1233. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.
``(a) Cost-Share and Rental Payments.--In return for a
contract entered into by an owner or operator under the
conservation reserve program, the Secretary shall--
``(1) share the cost of carrying out the conservation
measures and practices set forth in the contract for which
the Secretary determines that cost sharing is appropriate and
in the public interest; and
``(2) for a period of years not in excess of the term of
the contract, pay an annual rental payment in an amount
necessary to compensate for--
``(A) the conversion of highly erodible cropland or other
eligible lands normally devoted to the production of an
agricultural commodity on a farm or ranch to a less intensive
use;
``(B) the retirement of any base history that the owner or
operator agrees to retire permanently; and
``(C) the development and management of grasslands for
multiple natural resource conservation benefits, including to
soil, water, air, and wildlife.
``(b) Specified Activities Permitted.--The Secretary shall
permit certain activities or commercial uses of land that is
subject to a contract under the conservation reserve program
in a manner that is consistent with a plan approved by the
Secretary, as follows:
``(1) Harvesting, grazing, or other commercial use of the
forage in response to a drought or other emergency created by
a natural disaster, without any reduction in the rental rate.
``(2) Consistent with the conservation of soil, water
quality, and wildlife habitat (including habitat during
nesting seasons for birds in the area), and in exchange for a
reduction of not less than 25 percent in the annual rental
rate for the acres covered by the authorized activity--
``(A) managed harvesting and other commercial use
(including the managed harvesting of biomass), except that in
permitting managed harvesting, the Secretary, in coordination
with the State technical committee--
``(i) shall develop appropriate vegetation management
requirements; and
``(ii) shall identify periods during which managed
harvesting may be conducted, such that the frequency is not
more than once every three years;
``(B) routine grazing or prescribed grazing for the control
of invasive species, except that in permitting such routine
grazing or prescribed grazing, the Secretary, in coordination
with the State technical committee--
``(i) shall develop appropriate vegetation management
requirements and stocking rates for the land that are
suitable for continued routine grazing; and
``(ii) shall identify the periods during which routine
grazing may be conducted, such that the frequency is not more
than once every two years, taking into consideration regional
differences such as--
``(I) climate, soil type, and natural resources;
``(II) the number of years that should be required between
routine grazing activities; and
``(III) how often during a year in which routine grazing is
permitted that routine grazing should be allowed to occur;
and
``(C) the installation of wind turbines and associated
access, except that in permitting the installation of wind
turbines, the Secretary shall determine the number and
location of wind turbines that may be installed, taking into
account--
``(i) the location, size, and other physical
characteristics of the land;
``(ii) the extent to which the land contains wildlife and
wildlife habitat; and
``(iii) the purposes of the conservation reserve program
under this subchapter.
``(3) The intermittent and seasonal use of vegetative
buffer practices incidental to agricultural production on
lands adjacent to the buffer such that the permitted use does
not destroy the permanent vegetative cover.
``(c) Authorized Activities on Grasslands.--For eligible
land described in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall
permit the following activities:
``(1) Common grazing practices, including maintenance and
necessary cultural practices, on the land in a manner that is
consistent with maintaining the viability of grassland, forb,
and shrub species appropriate to that locality.
``(2) Haying, mowing, or harvesting for seed production,
subject to appropriate restrictions during the nesting season
for critical bird species in the area.
``(3) Fire presuppression, fire-related rehabilitation, and
construction of fire breaks.
``(4) Grazing-related activities, such as fencing and
livestock watering.
``(d) Resource Conserving Use.--
``(1) In general.--Beginning on the date that is 1 year
before the date of termination of a contract under the
program, the Secretary shall allow an owner or operator to
make conservation and land improvements that facilitate
maintaining protection of enrolled land after expiration of
the contract.
``(2) Conservation plan.--The Secretary shall require an
owner or operator carrying out the activities described in
paragraph (1) to develop and implement a conservation plan.
``(3) Re-enrollment prohibited.--Land improved under
paragraph (1) may not be re-enrolled in the conservation
reserve program for 5 years after the date of termination of
the contract.''.
SEC. 2005. PAYMENTS.
(a) Trees, Windbreaks, Shelterbelts, and Wildlife
Corridors.--Section 1234(b)(3)(A) of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(b)(3)(A)) is amended--
(1) in clause (i), by inserting ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(2) by striking clause (ii); and
(3) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (ii).
(b) Annual Rental Payments.--Section 1234(c) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or other eligible
lands'' after ``highly erodible cropland'' both places it
appears; and
(2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following
new paragraph:
``(2) Methods of determination.--
``(A) In general.--The amounts payable to owners or
operators in the form of rental
[[Page H4414]]
payments under contracts entered into under this subchapter
may be determined through--
``(i) the submission of bids for such contracts by owners
and operators in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe;
or
``(ii) such other means as the Secretary determines are
appropriate.
``(B) Grasslands.--In the case of eligible land described
in section 1231(b)(3), the Secretary shall make annual
payments in an amount that is not more than 75 percent of the
grazing value of the land covered by the contract.''.
(c) Payment Schedule.--Subsection (d) of section 1234 of
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834) is amended to
read as follows:
``(d) Payment Schedule.--
``(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this
section, payments under this subchapter shall be made in cash
in such amount and on such time schedule as is agreed on and
specified in the contract.
``(2) Advance payment.--Payments under this subchapter may
be made in advance of determination of performance.''.
(d) Payment Limitation.--Section 1234(f) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, including rental
payments made in the form of in-kind commodities,'';
(2) by striking paragraph (3); and
(3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (2).
SEC. 2006. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Early Termination by Owner or Operator.--Section
1235(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835(e))
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(A)--
(A) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting ``During
fiscal year 2014, the Secretary''; and
(B) by striking ``before January 1, 1995,'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (C) and
inserting the following:
``(C) Land devoted to hardwood trees.
``(D) Wildlife habitat, duck nesting habitat, pollinator
habitat, upland bird habitat buffer, wildlife food plots,
State acres for wildlife enhancement, shallow water areas for
wildlife, and rare and declining habitat.
``(E) Farmable wetland and restored wetland.
``(F) Land that contains diversions, erosion control
structures, flood control structures, contour grass strips,
living snow fences, salinity reducing vegetation, cross wind
trap strips, and sediment retention structures.
``(G) Land located within a federally-designated wellhead
protection area.
``(H) Land that is covered by an easement under the
conservation reserve program.
``(I) Land located within an average width, according to
the applicable Natural Resources Conservation Service field
office technical guide, of a perennial stream or permanent
water body.''; and
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``60 days after the date
on which the owner or operator submits the notice required
under paragraph (1)(C)'' and inserting ``upon approval by the
Secretary''.
(b) Transition Option for Certain Farmers or Ranchers.--
Section 1235(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3835(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``Duties'' and all that follows through ``a beginning
farmer'' and inserting ``Transition to covered farmer or
rancher.--In the case of a contract modification approved in
order to facilitate the transfer of land subject to a
contract from a retired farmer or rancher to a beginning
farmer'';
(B) in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting ``, including
preparing to plant an agricultural crop'' after
``improvements'';
(C) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``the farmer or
rancher'' and inserting ``the covered farmer or rancher'';
and
(D) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``section
1001A(b)(3)(B)'' and inserting ``section 1001''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``requirement of section
1231(h)(4)(B)'' and inserting ``option pursuant to section
1234(c)(2)(A)(ii)''.
(c) Final Year Contract.--Section 1235 of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835) is amended by adding at the end
the following new subsections:
``(g) Final Year of Contract.--The Secretary shall not
consider an owner or operator to be in violation of a term or
condition of the conservation reserve contract if--
``(1) during the year prior to expiration of the contract,
the land is enrolled in the conservation stewardship program;
and
``(2) the activity required under the conservation
stewardship program pursuant to such enrollment is consistent
with this subchapter.
``(h) Land Enrolled in Agricultural Conservation Easement
Program.--The Secretary may terminate or modify a contract
entered into under this subchapter if eligible land that is
subject to such contract is transferred into the agricultural
conservation easement program under subtitle H.''.
SEC. 2007. CONVERSION OF LAND SUBJECT TO CONTRACT TO OTHER
CONSERVING USES.
Section 1235A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3835a) is repealed.
SEC. 2008. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) In General.--The amendments made by this subtitle shall
take effect on October 1, 2013, except the amendment made by
section 2001(d), which shall take effect on the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(b) Effect on Existing Contracts.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
amendments made by this subtitle shall not affect the
validity or terms of any contract entered into by the
Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter 1 of
subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3831 et seq.) before October 1, 2013, or any payments
required to be made in connection with the contract.
(2) Updating of existing contracts.--The Secretary shall
permit an owner or operator of land subject to a contract
entered into under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of
title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et
seq.) before October 1, 2013, to update the contract to
reflect the activities and uses of land under contract
permitted under the terms and conditions of section 1233(b)
of that Act (as amended by section 2004), as determined
appropriate by the Secretary.
Subtitle B--Conservation Stewardship Program
SEC. 2101. CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) Revision of Current Program.--Subchapter B of chapter 2
of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq.) is amended to read as follows:
``Subchapter B--Conservation Stewardship Program
``SEC. 1238D. DEFINITIONS.
``In this subchapter:
``(1) Agricultural operation.--The term `agricultural
operation' means all eligible land, whether or not
contiguous, that is--
``(A) under the effective control of a producer at the time
the producer enters into a contract under the program; and
``(B) operated with equipment, labor, management, and
production or cultivation practices that are substantially
separate from other agricultural operations, as determined by
the Secretary.
``(2) Conservation activities.--
``(A) In general.--The term `conservation activities' means
conservation systems, practices, or management measures.
``(B) Inclusions.--The term `conservation activities'
includes--
``(i) structural measures, vegetative measures, and land
management measures, including agriculture drainage
management systems, as determined by the Secretary; and
``(ii) planning needed to address a priority resource
concern.
``(3) Conservation stewardship plan.--The term
`conservation stewardship plan' means a plan that--
``(A) identifies and inventories priority resource
concerns;
``(B) establishes benchmark data and conservation
objectives;
``(C) describes conservation activities to be implemented,
managed, or improved; and
``(D) includes a schedule and evaluation plan for the
planning, installation, and management of the new and
existing conservation activities.
``(4) Eligible land.--
``(A) In general.--The term `eligible land' means--
``(i) private or tribal land on which agricultural
commodities, livestock, or forest-related products are
produced; and
``(ii) lands associated with the land described in clause
(i) on which priority resource concerns could be addressed
through a contract under the program.
``(B) Inclusions.--The term `eligible land' includes--
``(i) cropland;
``(ii) grassland;
``(iii) rangeland;
``(iv) pasture land;
``(v) nonindustrial private forest land; and
``(vi) other agricultural areas (including cropped
woodland, marshes, and agricultural land used or capable of
being used for the production of livestock), as determined by
the Secretary.
``(5) Priority resource concern.--The term `priority
resource concern' means a natural resource concern or
problem, as determined by the Secretary, that--
``(A) is identified at the national, State, or local level
as a priority for a particular area of a State;
``(B) represents a significant concern in a State or
region; and
``(C) is likely to be addressed successfully through the
implementation of conservation activities under this program.
``(6) Program.--The term `program' means the conservation
stewardship program established by this subchapter.
``(7) Stewardship threshold.--The term `stewardship
threshold' means the level of management required, as
determined by the Secretary, to conserve and improve the
quality and condition of a natural resource.
``SEC. 1238E. CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.
``(a) Establishment and Purpose.--During each of fiscal
years 2014 through 2018, the Secretary shall carry out a
conservation stewardship program to encourage producers to
address priority resource concerns in a comprehensive
manner--
``(1) by undertaking additional conservation activities;
and
``(2) by improving, maintaining, and managing existing
conservation activities.
``(b) Exclusions.--
``(1) Land enrolled in other conservation programs.--
Subject to paragraph (2),
[[Page H4415]]
the following land (even if covered by the definition of
eligible land) is not eligible for enrollment in the program:
``(A) Land enrolled in the conservation reserve program,
unless--
``(i) the conservation reserve contract will expire at the
end of the fiscal year in which the land is to be enrolled in
the program; and
``(ii) conservation reserve program payments for land
enrolled in the program cease before the first program
payment is made to the applicant under this subchapter.
``(B) Land enrolled in a wetland easement through the
agricultural conservation easement program.
``(C) Land enrolled in the conservation security program.
``(2) Conversion to cropland.--Eligible land used for crop
production after October 1, 2013, that had not been planted,
considered to be planted, or devoted to crop production for
at least 4 of the 6 years preceding that date shall not be
the basis for any payment under the program, unless the land
does not meet the requirement because--
``(A) the land had previously been enrolled in the
conservation reserve program;
``(B) the land has been maintained using long-term crop
rotation practices, as determined by the Secretary; or
``(C) the land is incidental land needed for efficient
operation of the farm or ranch, as determined by the
Secretary.
``SEC. 1238F. STEWARDSHIP CONTRACTS.
``(a) Submission of Contract Offers.--To be eligible to
participate in the conservation stewardship program, a
producer shall submit to the Secretary a contract offer for
the agricultural operation that--
``(1) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary
that the producer, at the time of the contract offer, meets
or exceeds the stewardship threshold for at least 2 priority
resource concerns; and
``(2) would, at a minimum, meet or exceed the stewardship
threshold for at least 1 additional priority resource concern
by the end of the stewardship contract by--
``(A) installing and adopting additional conservation
activities; and
``(B) improving, maintaining, and managing existing
conservation activities across the entire agricultural
operation in a manner that increases or extends the
conservation benefits in place at the time the contract offer
is accepted by the Secretary.
``(b) Evaluation of Contract Offers.--
``(1) Ranking of applications.--In evaluating contract
offers submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary shall
rank applications based on--
``(A) the level of conservation treatment on all applicable
priority resource concerns at the time of application;
``(B) the degree to which the proposed conservation
activities effectively increase conservation performance;
``(C) the number of applicable priority resource concerns
proposed to be treated to meet or exceed the stewardship
threshold by the end of the contract;
``(D) the extent to which other priority resource concerns
will be addressed to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold
by the end of the contract period;
``(E) the extent to which the actual and anticipated
conservation benefits from the contract are provided at the
least cost relative to other similarly beneficial contract
offers; and
``(F) the extent to which priority resource concerns will
be addressed when transitioning from the conservation reserve
program to agricultural production.
``(2) Prohibition.--The Secretary may not assign a higher
priority to any application because the applicant is willing
to accept a lower payment than the applicant would otherwise
be eligible to receive.
``(3) Additional criteria.--The Secretary may develop and
use such additional criteria that the Secretary determines
are necessary to ensure that national, State, and local
priority resource concerns are effectively addressed.
``(c) Entering Into Contracts.--After a determination that
a producer is eligible for the program under subsection (a),
and a determination that the contract offer ranks
sufficiently high under the evaluation criteria under
subsection (b), the Secretary shall enter into a conservation
stewardship contract with the producer to enroll the eligible
land to be covered by the contract.
``(d) Contract Provisions.--
``(1) Term.--A conservation stewardship contract shall be
for a term of 5 years.
``(2) Required provisions.--The conservation stewardship
contract of a producer shall--
``(A) state the amount of the payment the Secretary agrees
to make to the producer for each year of the conservation
stewardship contract under section 1238G(d);
``(B) require the producer--
``(i) to implement a conservation stewardship plan that
describes the program purposes to be achieved through 1 or
more conservation activities;
``(ii) to maintain and supply information as required by
the Secretary to determine compliance with the conservation
stewardship plan and any other requirements of the program;
and
``(iii) not to conduct any activities on the agricultural
operation that would tend to defeat the purposes of the
program;
``(C) permit all economic uses of the eligible land that--
``(i) maintain the agricultural nature of the land; and
``(ii) are consistent with the conservation purposes of the
conservation stewardship contract;
``(D) include a provision to ensure that a producer shall
not be considered in violation of the contract for failure to
comply with the contract due to circumstances beyond the
control of the producer, including a disaster or related
condition, as determined by the Secretary;
``(E) include provisions requiring that upon the violation
of a term or condition of the contract at any time the
producer has control of the land--
``(i) if the Secretary determines that the violation
warrants termination of the contract--
``(I) the producer shall forfeit all rights to receive
payments under the contract; and
``(II) the producer shall refund all or a portion of the
payments received by the producer under the contract,
including any interest on the payments, as determined by the
Secretary; or
``(ii) if the Secretary determines that the violation does
not warrant termination of the contract, the producer shall
refund or accept adjustments to the payments provided to the
producer, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate;
``(F) include provisions in accordance with paragraphs (3)
and (4) of this section; and
``(G) include any additional provisions the Secretary
determines are necessary to carry out the program.
``(3) Change of interest in land subject to a contract.--
``(A) In general.--At the time of application, a producer
shall have control of the eligible land to be enrolled in the
program. Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a change in
the interest of a producer in eligible land covered by a
contract under the program shall result in the termination of
the contract with regard to that land.
``(B) Transfer of duties and rights.--Subparagraph (A)
shall not apply if--
``(i) within a reasonable period of time (as determined by
the Secretary) after the date of the change in the interest
in eligible land covered by a contract under the program, the
transferee of the land provides written notice to the
Secretary that all duties and rights under the contract have
been transferred to, and assumed by, the transferee for the
portion of the land transferred;
``(ii) the transferee meets the eligibility requirements of
the program; and
``(iii) the Secretary approves the transfer of all duties
and rights under the contract.
``(4) Modification and termination of contracts.--
``(A) Voluntary modification or termination.--The Secretary
may modify or terminate a contract with a producer if--
``(i) the producer agrees to the modification or
termination; and
``(ii) the Secretary determines that the modification or
termination is in the public interest.
``(B) Involuntary termination.--The Secretary may terminate
a contract if the Secretary determines that the producer
violated the contract.
``(5) Repayment.--If a contract is terminated, the
Secretary may, consistent with the purposes of the program--
``(A) allow the producer to retain payments already
received under the contract; or
``(B) require repayment, in whole or in part, of payments
received and assess liquidated damages.
``(e) Contract Renewal.--At the end of the initial 5-year
contract period, the Secretary may allow the producer to
renew the contract for 1 additional 5-year period if the
producer--
``(1) demonstrates compliance with the terms of the initial
contract;
``(2) agrees to adopt and continue to integrate
conservation activities across the entire agricultural
operation, as determined by the Secretary; and
``(3) agrees, by the end of the contract period--
``(A) to meet the stewardship threshold of at least two
additional priority resource concerns on the agricultural
operation; or
``(B) to exceed the stewardship threshold of two existing
priority resource concerns that are specified by the
Secretary in the initial contract.
``SEC. 1238G. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.
``(a) In General.--To achieve the conservation goals of a
contract under the conservation stewardship program, the
Secretary shall--
``(1) make the program available to eligible producers on a
continuous enrollment basis with 1 or more ranking periods,
one of which shall occur in the first quarter of each fiscal
year;
``(2) identify not less than 5 priority resource concerns
in a particular watershed or other appropriate region or area
within a State; and
``(3) establish a science-based stewardship threshold for
each priority resource concern identified under paragraph
(2).
``(b) Allocation to States.--The Secretary shall allocate
acres to States for enrollment, based--
``(1) primarily on each State's proportion of eligible land
to the total acreage of eligible land in all States; and
``(2) also on consideration of--
``(A) the extent and magnitude of the conservation needs
associated with agricultural production in each State;
[[Page H4416]]
``(B) the degree to which implementation of the program in
the State is, or will be, effective in helping producers
address those needs; and
``(C) other considerations to achieve equitable geographic
distribution of funds, as determined by the Secretary.
``(c) Acreage Enrollment Limitation.--During the period
beginning on October 1, 2013, and ending on September 30,
2021, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent
practicable--
``(1) enroll in the program an additional 8,695,000 acres
for each fiscal year; and
``(2) manage the program to achieve a national average rate
of $18 per acre, which shall include the costs of all
financial assistance, technical assistance, and any other
expenses associated with enrollment or participation in the
program.
``(d) Conservation Stewardship Payments.--
``(1) Availability of payments.--The Secretary shall
provide annual payments under the program to compensate the
producer for--
``(A) installing and adopting additional conservation
activities; and
``(B) improving, maintaining, and managing conservation
activities in place at the agricultural operation of the
producer at the time the contract offer is accepted by the
Secretary.
``(2) Payment amount.--The amount of the conservation
stewardship annual payment shall be determined by the
Secretary and based, to the maximum extent practicable, on
the following factors:
``(A) Costs incurred by the producer associated with
planning, design, materials, installation, labor, management,
maintenance, or training.
``(B) Income forgone by the producer.
``(C) Expected conservation benefits.
``(D) The extent to which priority resource concerns will
be addressed through the installation and adoption of
conservation activities on the agricultural operation.
``(E) The level of stewardship in place at the time of
application and maintained over the term of the contract.
``(F) The degree to which the conservation activities will
be integrated across the entire agricultural operation for
all applicable priority resource concerns over the term of
the contract.
``(G) Such other factors as determined appropriate by the
Secretary.
``(3) Exclusions.--A payment to a producer under this
subsection shall not be provided for--
``(A) the design, construction, or maintenance of animal
waste storage or treatment facilities or associated waste
transport or transfer devices for animal feeding operations;
or
``(B) conservation activities for which there is no cost
incurred or income forgone to the producer.
``(4) Delivery of payments.--In making payments under this
subsection, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable--
``(A) prorate conservation performance over the term of the
contract so as to accommodate, to the extent practicable,
producers earning equal annual payments in each fiscal year;
and
``(B) make payments as soon as practicable after October 1
of each fiscal year for activities carried out in the
previous fiscal year.
``(e) Supplemental Payments for Resource-conserving Crop
Rotations.--
``(1) Availability of payments.--The Secretary shall
provide additional payments to producers that, in
participating in the program, agree to adopt or improve
resource-conserving crop rotations to achieve beneficial crop
rotations as appropriate for the eligible land of the
producers.
``(2) Beneficial crop rotations.--The Secretary shall
determine whether a resource-conserving crop rotation is a
beneficial crop rotation eligible for additional payments
under paragraph (1) based on whether the resource-conserving
crop rotation is designed to provide natural resource
conservation and production benefits.
``(3) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a payment
described in paragraph (1), a producer shall agree to adopt
and maintain beneficial resource-conserving crop rotations
for the term of the contract.
``(4) Resource-conserving crop rotation.--In this
subsection, the term `resource-conserving crop rotation'
means a crop rotation that--
``(A) includes at least 1 resource-conserving crop (as
defined by the Secretary);
``(B) reduces erosion;
``(C) improves soil fertility and tilth;
``(D) interrupts pest cycles; and
``(E) in applicable areas, reduces depletion of soil
moisture or otherwise reduces the need for irrigation.
``(f) Payment Limitations.--A person or legal entity may
not receive, directly or indirectly, payments under the
program that, in the aggregate, exceed $200,000 under all
contracts entered into during fiscal years 2014 through 2018,
excluding funding arrangements with Indian tribes, regardless
of the number of contracts entered into under the program by
the person or legal entity.
``(g) Specialty Crop and Organic Producers.--The Secretary
shall ensure that outreach and technical assistance are
available, and program specifications are appropriate to
enable specialty crop and organic producers to participate in
the program.
``(h) Coordination With Organic Certification.--The
Secretary shall establish a transparent means by which
producers may initiate organic certification under the
Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.)
while participating in a contract under the program.
``(i) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate
regulations that--
``(1) prescribe such other rules as the Secretary
determines to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable
application of the limitations established under subsection
(f); and
``(2) otherwise enable the Secretary to carry out the
program.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
(c) Effect on Existing Contracts.--
(1) In general.--The amendment made by this section shall
not affect the validity or terms of any contract entered into
by the Secretary of Agriculture under subchapter B of chapter
2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq.) before October 1, 2013, or any
payments required to be made in connection with the contract.
(2) Conservation stewardship program.--Funds made available
under section 1241(a)(4) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3841(a)(4)) (as amended by section 2601(a) of this
title) may be used to administer and make payments to program
participants that enrolled into contracts during any of
fiscal years 2009 through 2013.
Subtitle C--Environmental Quality Incentives Program
SEC. 2201. PURPOSES.
Section 1240 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3839aa) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C)
and, in such subparagraph, by inserting ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new
subparagraph:
``(B) developing and improving wildlife habitat; and'';
(2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
period; and
(3) by striking paragraph (5).
SEC. 2202. ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION.
Section 1240B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3839aa-2) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``2014'' and inserting
``2018'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (2) and
inserting the following new paragraph:
``(2) Term.--A contract under the program shall have a term
that does not exceed 10 years.'';
(3) in subsection (d)(4)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause
(i), by inserting ``, veteran farmer or rancher (as defined
in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))),'' before ``or a
beginning farmer or rancher''; and
(B) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following new subparagraph:
``(B) Advance payments.--
``(i) In general.--Not more than 50 percent of the amount
determined under subparagraph (A) may be provided in advance
for the purpose of purchasing materials or contracting.
``(ii) Return of funds.--If funds provided in advance are
not expended during the 90-day period beginning on the date
of receipt of the funds, the funds shall be returned within a
reasonable time frame, as determined by the Secretary.'';
(4) by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following
new subsection:
``(f) Allocation of Funding.--
``(1) Livestock.--For each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018, at least 60 percent of the funds made available for
payments under the program shall be targeted at practices
relating to livestock production.
``(2) Wildlife habitat.--For each of fiscal years 2014
through 2018, 7.5 percent of the funds made available for
payments under the program shall be targeted at practices
benefitting wildlife habitat.'';
(5) in subsection (g)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Federally
Recognized Native American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native
Corporations'' and inserting ``Indian Tribes'';
(B) by striking ``federally recognized Native American
Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Corporations (including their
affiliated membership organizations)'' and inserting ``Indian
tribes''; and
(C) by striking ``or Native Corporation''; and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Wildlife Habitat Incentive Practice.--The Secretary
shall provide payments to producers under the program for
practices, including recurring practices for the term of the
contract, that support the restoration, development,
protection, and improvement of wildlife habitat on eligible
land, including--
``(1) upland wildlife habitat;
``(2) wetland wildlife habitat;
``(3) habitat for threatened and endangered species;
``(4) fish habitat;
``(5) habitat on pivot corners and other irregular areas of
a field; and
``(6) other types of wildlife habitat, as determined
appropriate by the Secretary.
[[Page H4417]]
``(k) Funding for Community Irrigation Associations.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may enter into an
alternative funding arrangement with an eligible irrigation
association if the Secretary determines that--
``(A) the purposes of the program will be met by such an
arrangement; and
``(B) statutory limitations regarding contracts with
individual producers will not be exceeded by any member of
the irrigation association.
``(2) Eligible irrigation associations.--In this
subsection, the term `eligible irrigation association' means
an irrigation association that is--
``(A) comprised of producers; and
``(B) a local government entity, but does not have the
authority to impose taxes or levies.''.
SEC. 2203. EVALUATION OF APPLICATIONS.
Section 1240C(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3839aa-3(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``environmental'' and
inserting ``conservation''; and
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``purpose of the
environmental quality incentives program specified in section
1240(1)'' and inserting ``purposes of the program''.
SEC. 2204. DUTIES OF PRODUCERS.
Section 1240D(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3839aa-4(2)) is amended by striking ``farm, ranch, or
forest'' and inserting ``enrolled''.
SEC. 2205. LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS.
Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3839aa-7) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 1240G. LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS.
``A person or legal entity may not receive, directly or
indirectly, cost-share or incentive payments under this
chapter that, in aggregate, exceed $450,000 for all contracts
entered into under this chapter by the person or legal entity
during the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018,
regardless of the number of contracts entered into under this
chapter by the person or legal entity.''.
SEC. 2206. CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS AND PAYMENTS.
Section 1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3839aa-8) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period and
inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
``(E) facilitate on-farm conservation research and
demonstration activities; and
``(F) facilitate pilot testing of new technologies or
innovative conservation practices.''; and
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following
new subsection:
``(b) Reporting.--Not later than December 31, 2014, and
every two years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives a report on the status of projects funded
under this section, including--
``(1) funding awarded;
``(2) project results; and
``(3) incorporation of project findings, such as new
technology and innovative approaches, into the conservation
efforts implemented by the Secretary.''.
SEC. 2207. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) In General.--The amendments made by this subtitle shall
take effect on October 1, 2013.
(b) Effect on Existing Contracts.--The amendments made by
this subtitle shall not affect the validity or terms of any
contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under
chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq.) before October 1, 2013, or
any payments required to be made in connection with the
contract.
Subtitle D--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
SEC. 2301. AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--Title XII of the Food Security Act of
1985 is amended by adding at the end the following new
subtitle:
``Subtitle H--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
``SEC. 1265. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an
agricultural conservation easement program for the
conservation of eligible land and natural resources through
easements or other interests in land.
``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the program are to--
``(1) combine the purposes and coordinate the functions of
the wetlands reserve program established under section 1237,
the grassland reserve program established under section
1238N, and the farmland protection program established under
section 1238I, as such sections were in effect on September
30, 2013;
``(2) restore, protect, and enhance wetlands on eligible
land;
``(3) protect the agricultural use and related conservation
values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses of
that land; and
``(4) protect grazing uses and related conservation values
by restoring and conserving eligible land.
``SEC. 1265A. DEFINITIONS.
``In this subtitle:
``(1) Agricultural land easement.--The term `agricultural
land easement' means an easement or other interest in
eligible land that--
``(A) is conveyed for the purpose of protecting natural
resources and the agricultural nature of the land; and
``(B) permits the landowner the right to continue
agricultural production and related uses subject to an
agricultural land easement plan, as approved by the
Secretary.
``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
``(A) an agency of State or local government or an Indian
tribe (including a farmland protection board or land resource
council established under State law); or
``(B) an organization that is--
``(i) organized for, and at all times since the formation
of the organization has been operated principally for, 1 or
more of the conservation purposes specified in clause (i),
(ii), (iii), or (iv) of section 170(h)(4)(A) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986;
``(ii) an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of
that Code that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a)
of that Code; or
``(iii) described in--
``(I) paragraph (1) or (2) of section 509(a) of that Code;
or
``(II) section 509(a)(3) of that Code and is controlled by
an organization described in section 509(a)(2) of that Code.
``(3) Eligible land.--The term `eligible land' means
private or tribal land that is--
``(A) in the case of an agricultural land easement,
agricultural land, including land on a farm or ranch--
``(i) that is subject to a pending offer for purchase of an
agricultural land easement from an eligible entity;
``(ii) that--
``(I) has prime, unique, or other productive soil;
``(II) contains historical or archaeological resources; or
``(III) the protection of which will further a State or
local policy consistent with the purposes of the program; and
``(iii) that is--
``(I) cropland;
``(II) rangeland;
``(III) grassland or land that contains forbs, or shrubland
for which grazing is the predominate use;
``(IV) pastureland; or
``(V) nonindustrial private forest land that contributes to
the economic viability of an offered parcel or serves as a
buffer to protect such land from development;
``(B) in the case of a wetland easement, a wetland or
related area, including--
``(i) farmed or converted wetlands, together with adjacent
land that is functionally dependent on that land, if the
Secretary determines it--
``(I) is likely to be successfully restored in a cost-
effective manner; and
``(II) will maximize the wildlife benefits and wetland
functions and values, as determined by the Secretary in
consultation with the Secretary of the Interior at the local
level;
``(ii) cropland or grassland that was used for agricultural
production prior to flooding from the natural overflow of--
``(I) a closed basin lake and adjacent land that is
functionally dependent upon it, if the State or other entity
is willing to provide 50 percent share of the cost of an
easement; and
``(II) a pothole and adjacent land that is functionally
dependent on it;
``(iii) farmed wetlands and adjoining lands that--
``(I) are enrolled in the conservation reserve program;
``(II) have the highest wetland functions and values, as
determined by the Secretary; and
``(III) are likely to return to production after they leave
the conservation reserve program;
``(iv) riparian areas that link wetlands that are protected
by easements or some other device that achieves the same
purpose as an easement; or
``(v) other wetlands of an owner that would not otherwise
be eligible, if the Secretary determines that the inclusion
of such wetlands in a wetland easement would significantly
add to the functional value of the easement; or
``(C) in the case of either an agricultural land easement
or wetland easement, other land that is incidental to land
described in subparagraph (A) or (B), if the Secretary
determines that it is necessary for the efficient
administration of the easements under this program.
``(4) Program.--The term `program' means the agricultural
conservation easement program established by this subtitle.
``(5) Wetland easement.--The term `wetland easement' means
a reserved interest in eligible land that--
``(A) is defined and delineated in a deed; and
``(B) stipulates--
``(i) the rights, title, and interests in land conveyed to
the Secretary; and
``(ii) the rights, title, and interests in land that are
reserved to the landowner.
``SEC. 1265B. AGRICULTURAL LAND EASEMENTS.
``(a) Availability of Assistance.--The Secretary shall
facilitate and provide funding for--
``(1) the purchase by eligible entities of agricultural
land easements and other interests in eligible land; and
``(2) technical assistance to provide for the conservation
of natural resources pursuant to an agricultural land
easement plan.
[[Page H4418]]
``(b) Cost-Share Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall protect the
agricultural use, including grazing, and related conservation
values of eligible land through cost-share assistance to
eligible entities for purchasing agricultural land easements.
``(2) Scope of assistance available.--
``(A) Federal share.--An agreement described in paragraph
(4) shall provide for a Federal share determined by the
Secretary of an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the fair
market value of the agricultural land easement or other
interest in land, as determined by the Secretary using--
``(i) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal
Practice;
``(ii) an area-wide market analysis or survey; or
``(iii) another industry-approved method.
``(B) Non-federal share.--
``(i) In general.--Under the agreement, the eligible entity
shall provide a share that is at least equivalent to that
provided by the Secretary.
``(ii) Source of contribution.--An eligible entity may
include as part of its share a charitable donation or
qualified conservation contribution (as defined by section
170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) from the private
landowner if the eligible entity contributes its own cash
resources in an amount that is at least 50 percent of the
amount contributed by the Secretary.
``(C) Exception.--In the case of grassland of special
environmental significance, as determined by the Secretary,
the Secretary may provide an amount not to exceed 75 percent
of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement.
``(3) Evaluation and ranking of applications.--
``(A) Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish evaluation
and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit of Federal
investment under the program.
``(B) Considerations.--In establishing the criteria, the
Secretary shall emphasize support for--
``(i) protecting agricultural uses and related conservation
values of the land; and
``(ii) maximizing the protection of areas devoted to
agricultural use.
``(C) Bidding down.--If the Secretary determines that 2 or
more applications for cost-share assistance are comparable in
achieving the purpose of the program, the Secretary shall not
assign a higher priority to any of those applications solely
on the basis of lesser cost to the program.
``(4) Agreements with eligible entities.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall enter into
agreements with eligible entities to stipulate the terms and
conditions under which the eligible entity is permitted to
use cost-share assistance provided under this section.
``(B) Length of agreements.--An agreement shall be for a
term that is--
``(i) in the case of an eligible entity certified under the
process described in paragraph (5), a minimum of five years;
and
``(ii) for all other eligible entities, at least three, but
not more than five years.
``(C) Minimum terms and conditions.--An eligible entity
shall be authorized to use its own terms and conditions for
agricultural land easements so long as the Secretary
determines such terms and conditions--
``(i) are consistent with the purposes of the program;
``(ii) permit effective enforcement of the conservation
purposes of such easements;
``(iii) include a right of enforcement for the Secretary,
that may be used only if the terms of the easement are not
enforced by the holder of the easement;
``(iv) subject the land in which an interest is purchased
to an agricultural land easement plan that--
``(I) describes the activities which promote the long-term
viability of the land to meet the purposes for which the
easement was acquired;
``(II) requires the management of grasslands according to a
grasslands management plan; and
``(III) includes a conservation plan, where appropriate,
and requires, at the option of the Secretary, the conversion
of highly erodible cropland to less intensive uses; and
``(v) include a limit on the impervious surfaces to be
allowed that is consistent with the agricultural activities
to be conducted.
``(D) Substitution of qualified projects.--An agreement
shall allow, upon mutual agreement of the parties,
substitution of qualified projects that are identified at the
time of the proposed substitution.
``(E) Effect of violation.--If a violation occurs of a term
or condition of an agreement under this subsection--
``(i) the Secretary may terminate the agreement; and
``(ii) the Secretary may require the eligible entity to
refund all or part of any payments received by the entity
under the program, with interest on the payments as
determined appropriate by the Secretary.
``(5) Certification of eligible entities.--
``(A) Certification process.--The Secretary shall establish
a process under which the Secretary may--
``(i) directly certify eligible entities that meet
established criteria;
``(ii) enter into long-term agreements with certified
eligible entities; and
``(iii) accept proposals for cost-share assistance for the
purchase of agricultural land easements throughout the
duration of such agreements.
``(B) Certification criteria.--In order to be certified, an
eligible entity shall demonstrate to the Secretary that the
entity will maintain, at a minimum, for the duration of the
agreement--
``(i) a plan for administering easements that is consistent
with the purpose of this subtitle;
``(ii) the capacity and resources to monitor and enforce
agricultural land easements; and
``(iii) policies and procedures to ensure--
``(I) the long-term integrity of agricultural land
easements on eligible land;
``(II) timely completion of acquisitions of such easements;
and
``(III) timely and complete evaluation and reporting to the
Secretary on the use of funds provided under the program.
``(C) Review and revision.--
``(i) Review.--The Secretary shall conduct a review of
eligible entities certified under subparagraph (A) every
three years to ensure that such entities are meeting the
criteria established under subparagraph (B).
``(ii) Revocation.--If the Secretary finds that the
certified eligible entity no longer meets the criteria
established under subparagraph (B), the Secretary may--
``(I) allow the certified eligible entity a specified
period of time, at a minimum 180 days, in which to take such
actions as may be necessary to meet the criteria; and
``(II) revoke the certification of the eligible entity, if,
after the specified period of time, the certified eligible
entity does not meet such criteria.
``(c) Method of Enrollment.--The Secretary shall enroll
eligible land under this section through the use of--
``(1) permanent easements; or
``(2) easements for the maximum duration allowed under
applicable State laws.
``(d) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may provide
technical assistance, if requested, to assist in--
``(1) compliance with the terms and conditions of
easements; and
``(2) implementation of an agricultural land easement plan.
``SEC. 1265C. WETLAND EASEMENTS.
``(a) Availability of Assistance.--The Secretary shall
provide assistance to owners of eligible land to restore,
protect, and enhance wetlands through--
``(1) wetland easements and related wetland easement plans;
and
``(2) technical assistance.
``(b) Easements.--
``(1) Method of enrollment.--The Secretary shall enroll
eligible land under this section through the use of--
``(A) 30-year easements;
``(B) permanent easements;
``(C) easements for the maximum duration allowed under
applicable State laws; or
``(D) as an option for Indian tribes only, 30-year
contracts (which shall be considered to be 30-year easements
for the purposes of this subtitle).
``(2) Limitations.--
``(A) Ineligible land.--The Secretary may not acquire
easements on--
``(i) land established to trees under the conservation
reserve program, except in cases where the Secretary
determines it would further the purposes of the program; and
``(ii) farmed wetlands or converted wetlands where the
conversion was not commenced prior to December 23, 1985.
``(B) Changes in ownership.--No wetland easement shall be
created on land that has changed ownership during the
preceding 24-month period unless--
``(i) the new ownership was acquired by will or succession
as a result of the death of the previous owner;
``(ii)(I) the ownership change occurred because of
foreclosure on the land; and
``(II) immediately before the foreclosure, the owner of the
land exercises a right of redemption from the mortgage holder
in accordance with State law; or
``(iii) the Secretary determines that the land was acquired
under circumstances that give adequate assurances that such
land was not acquired for the purposes of placing it in the
program.
``(3) Evaluation and ranking of offers.--
``(A) Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish evaluation
and ranking criteria to maximize the benefit of Federal
investment under the program.
``(B) Considerations.--When evaluating offers from
landowners, the Secretary may consider--
``(i) the conservation benefits of obtaining a wetland
easement, including the potential environmental benefits if
the land was removed from agricultural production;
``(ii) the cost-effectiveness of each wetland easement, so
as to maximize the environmental benefits per dollar
expended;
``(iii) whether the landowner or another person is offering
to contribute financially to the cost of the wetland easement
to leverage Federal funds; and
``(iv) such other factors as the Secretary determines are
necessary to carry out the purposes of the program.
``(C) Priority.--The Secretary shall place priority on
acquiring wetland easements based on the value of the wetland
easement for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory
birds and other wildlife.
``(4) Agreement.--To be eligible to place eligible land
into the program through a wetland easement, the owner of
such land shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary
to--
[[Page H4419]]
``(A) grant an easement on such land to the Secretary;
``(B) authorize the implementation of a wetland easement
plan developed for the eligible land under subsection (f);
``(C) create and record an appropriate deed restriction in
accordance with applicable State law to reflect the easement
agreed to;
``(D) provide a written statement of consent to such
easement signed by those holding a security interest in the
land;
``(E) comply with the terms and conditions of the easement
and any related agreements; and
``(F) permanently retire any existing base history for the
land on which the easement has been obtained.
``(5) Terms and conditions of easement.--
``(A) In general.--A wetland easement shall include terms
and conditions that--
``(i) permit--
``(I) repairs, improvements, and inspections on the land
that are necessary to maintain existing public drainage
systems; and
``(II) owners to control public access on the easement
areas while identifying access routes to be used for
restoration activities and management and easement
monitoring;
``(ii) prohibit--
``(I) the alteration of wildlife habitat and other natural
features of such land, unless specifically authorized by the
Secretary;
``(II) the spraying of such land with chemicals or the
mowing of such land, except where such spraying or mowing is
authorized by the Secretary or is necessary--
``(aa) to comply with Federal or State noxious weed control
laws;
``(bb) to comply with a Federal or State emergency pest
treatment program; or
``(cc) to meet habitat needs of specific wildlife species;
``(III) any activities to be carried out on the owner's or
successor's land that is immediately adjacent to, and
functionally related to, the land that is subject to the
easement if such activities will alter, degrade, or otherwise
diminish the functional value of the eligible land; and
``(IV) the adoption of any other practice that would tend
to defeat the purposes of the program, as determined by the
Secretary;
``(iii) provide for the efficient and effective
establishment of wildlife functions and values; and
``(iv) include such additional provisions as the Secretary
determines are desirable to carry out the program or
facilitate the practical administration thereof.
``(B) Violation.--On the violation of the terms or
conditions of a wetland easement, the wetland easement shall
remain in force and the Secretary may require the owner to
refund all or part of any payments received by the owner
under the program, together with interest thereon as
determined appropriate by the Secretary.
``(C) Compatible uses.--Land subject to a wetland easement
may be used for compatible economic uses, including such
activities as hunting and fishing, managed timber harvest, or
periodic haying or grazing, if such use is specifically
permitted by the wetland easement plan developed for the land
under subsection (f) and is consistent with the long-term
protection and enhancement of the wetland resources for which
the easement was established.
``(D) Reservation of grazing rights.--The Secretary may
include in the terms and conditions of a wetland easement a
provision under which the owner reserves grazing rights if--
``(i) the Secretary determines that the reservation and use
of the grazing rights--
``(I) is compatible with the land subject to the easement;
``(II) is consistent with the historical natural uses of
the land and the long-term protection and enhancement goals
for which the easement was established; and
``(III) complies with the wetland easement plan developed
for the land under subsection (f); and
``(ii) the agreement provides for a commensurate reduction
in the easement payment to account for the grazing value, as
determined by the Secretary.
``(6) Compensation.--
``(A) Determination.--
``(i) Permanent easements.--The Secretary shall pay as
compensation for a permanent wetland easement acquired under
the program an amount necessary to encourage enrollment in
the program, based on the lowest of--
``(I) the fair market value of the land, as determined by
the Secretary, using the Uniform Standards of Professional
Appraisal Practice or an area-wide market analysis or survey;
``(II) the amount corresponding to a geographical cap, as
determined by the Secretary in regulations; or
``(III) the offer made by the landowner.
``(ii) 30-year easements.--Compensation for a 30-year
wetland easement shall be not less than 50 percent, but not
more than 75 percent, of the compensation that would be paid
for a permanent wetland easement.
``(B) Form of payment.--Compensation for a wetland easement
shall be provided by the Secretary in the form of a cash
payment, in an amount determined under subparagraph (A).
``(C) Payment schedule.--
``(i) Easements valued at $500,000 or less.--For wetland
easements valued at $500,000 or less, the Secretary may
provide easement payments in not more than 10 annual
payments.
``(ii) Easements valued at more than $500,000.--For wetland
easements valued at more than $500,000, the Secretary may
provide easement payments in at least 5, but not more than 10
annual payments, except that, if the Secretary determines it
would further the purposes of the program, the Secretary may
make a lump-sum payment for such an easement.
``(c) Easement Restoration.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide financial
assistance to owners of eligible land to carry out the
establishment of conservation measures and practices and
protect wetland functions and values, including necessary
maintenance activities, as set forth in a wetland easement
plan developed for the eligible land under subsection (f).
``(2) Payments.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) in the case of a permanent wetland easement, pay an
amount that is not less than 75 percent, but not more than
100 percent, of the eligible costs, as determined by the
Secretary; and
``(B) in the case of a 30-year wetland easement, pay an
amount that is not less than 50 percent, but not more than 75
percent, of the eligible costs, as determined by the
Secretary.
``(d) Technical Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall assist owners in
complying with the terms and conditions of wetland easements.
``(2) Contracts or agreements.--The Secretary may enter
into 1 or more contracts with private entities or agreements
with a State, non-governmental organization, or Indian tribe
to carry out necessary restoration, enhancement, or
maintenance of a wetland easement if the Secretary determines
that the contract or agreement will advance the purposes of
the program.
``(e) Wetland Enhancement Option.--The Secretary may enter
into 1 or more agreements with a State (including a political
subdivision or agency of a State), nongovernmental
organization, or Indian tribe to carry out a special wetland
enhancement option that the Secretary determines would
advance the purposes of program.
``(f) Administration.--
``(1) Wetland easement plan.--The Secretary shall develop a
wetland easement plan for eligible lands subject to a wetland
easement, which shall include practices and activities
necessary to restore, protect, enhance, and maintain the
enrolled lands.
``(2) Delegation of easement administration.--The Secretary
may delegate--
``(A) any of the easement management, monitoring, and
enforcement responsibilities of the Secretary to other
Federal or State agencies that have the appropriate
authority, expertise, and resources necessary to carry out
such delegated responsibilities; and
``(B) any of the easement management responsibilities of
the Secretary to other conservation organizations if the
Secretary determines the organization has the appropriate
expertise and resources.
``(3) Payments.--
``(A) Timing of payments.--The Secretary shall provide
payment for obligations incurred by the Secretary under this
section--
``(i) with respect to any easement restoration obligation
under subsection (c), as soon as possible after the
obligation is incurred; and
``(ii) with respect to any annual easement payment
obligation incurred by the Secretary, as soon as possible
after October 1 of each calendar year.
``(B) Payments to others.--If an owner who is entitled to a
payment under this section dies, becomes incompetent, is
otherwise unable to receive such payment, or is succeeded by
another person or entity who renders or completes the
required performance, the Secretary shall make such payment,
in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary
and without regard to any other provision of law, in such
manner as the Secretary determines is fair and reasonable in
light of all of the circumstances.
``SEC. 1265D. ADMINISTRATION.
``(a) Ineligible Land.--The Secretary may not use program
funds for the purposes of acquiring an easement on--
``(1) lands owned by an agency of the United States, other
than land held in trust for Indian tribes;
``(2) lands owned in fee title by a State, including an
agency or a subdivision of a State, or a unit of local
government;
``(3) land subject to an easement or deed restriction
which, as determined by the Secretary, provides similar
protection as would be provided by enrollment in the program;
or
``(4) lands where the purposes of the program would be
undermined due to on-site or off-site conditions, such as
risk of hazardous substances, proposed or existing rights of
way, infrastructure development, or adjacent land uses.
``(b) Priority.--In evaluating applications under the
program, the Secretary may give priority to land that is
currently enrolled in the conservation reserve program in a
contract that is set to expire within 1 year and--
``(1) in the case of an agricultural land easement, is
grassland that would benefit from protection under a long-
term easement; and
``(2) in the case of a wetland easement, is a wetland or
related area with the highest functions and value and is
likely to return to production after the land leaves the
conservation reserve program.
``(c) Subordination, Exchange, Modification, and
Termination.--
[[Page H4420]]
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may subordinate, exchange,
modify, or terminate any interest in land, or portion of such
interest, administered by the Secretary, either directly or
on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation under the
program if the Secretary determines that--
``(A) it is in the Federal Government's interest to
subordinate, exchange, modify, or terminate the interest in
land;
``(B) the subordination, exchange, modification, or
termination action--
``(i) will address a compelling public need for which there
is no practicable alternative; or
``(ii) such action will further the practical
administration of the program; and
``(C) the subordination, exchange, modification, or
termination action will result in comparable conservation
value and equivalent or greater economic value to the United
States.
``(2) Consultation.--The Secretary shall work with the
owner, and eligible entity if applicable, to address any
subordination, exchange, modification, or termination of the
interest, or portion of such interest, in land.
``(3) Notice.--At least 90 days before taking any
termination action described in paragraph (1), the Secretary
shall provide written notice of such action to the Committee
on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
Senate.
``(d) Land Enrolled in Conservation Reserve Program.--The
Secretary may terminate or modify a contract entered into
under section 1231(a) if eligible land that is subject to
such contract is transferred into the program.
``(e) Allocation of Funds for Agricultural Land
Easements.--Of the funds made available under section 1241 to
carry out the program for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall,
to the extent practicable, use for agricultural land
easements--
``(1) no less than 40 percent in each of fiscal years 2014
through 2017; and
``(2) no less than 50 percent in fiscal year 2018.''.
(b) Compliance With Certain Requirements.--Before an
eligible entity or owner of eligible land may receive
assistance under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security
Act of 1985, the eligible entity or person shall agree,
during the crop year for which the assistance is provided and
in exchange for the assistance--
(1) to comply with applicable conservation requirements
under subtitle B of title XII of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3811 et
seq.); and
(2) to comply with applicable wetland protection
requirements under subtitle C of title XII of that Act (16
U.S.C. 3821 et seq.).
(c) Cross Reference; Calculation.--Section 1244 of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (A);
(ii) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B);
and
(iii) by striking subparagraph (C);
(B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new
paragraph:
``(2) the agricultural conservation easement program
established under subtitle H; and''; and
(2) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``programs
administered under subchapters B and C of chapter 1 of
subtitle D'' and inserting ``conservation reserve program
established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D and
wetland easements under section 1265C''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``an easement
acquired under subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D'' and
inserting ``a wetland easement under section 1265C''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) Calculation.--In calculating the percentages
described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include any
acreage that was included in calculations of percentages made
under such paragraph, as in effect on September 30, 2013, and
that remains enrolled when the calculation is made after that
date under paragraph (1).''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
Subtitle E--Regional Conservation Partnership Program
SEC. 2401. REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985
is amended by inserting after subtitle H, as added by section
2301, the following new subtitle:
``Subtitle I--Regional Conservation Partnership Program
``SEC. 1271. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a
regional conservation partnership program to implement
eligible activities on eligible land through--
``(1) partnership agreements with eligible partners; and
``(2) contracts with producers.
``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the program are as
follows:
``(1) To use covered programs to accomplish purposes and
functions similar to those of the following programs, as in
effect on September 30, 2013:
``(A) The agricultural water enhancement program
established under section 1240I.
``(B) The Chesapeake Bay watershed program established
under section 1240Q.
``(C) The cooperative conservation partnership initiative
established under section 1243.
``(D) The Great Lakes basin program for soil erosion and
sediment control established under section 1240P.
``(2) To further the conservation, restoration, and
sustainable use of soil, water, wildlife, and related natural
resources on eligible land on a regional or watershed scale.
``(3) To encourage eligible partners to cooperate with
producers in--
``(A) meeting or avoiding the need for national, State, and
local natural resource regulatory requirements related to
production on eligible land; and
``(B) implementing projects that will result in the
carrying out of eligible activities that affect multiple
agricultural or nonindustrial private forest operations on a
local, regional, State, or multistate basis.
``SEC. 1271A. DEFINITIONS.
``In this subtitle:
``(1) Covered program.--The term `covered program' means
the following:
``(A) The agricultural conservation easement program.
``(B) The environmental quality incentives program.
``(C) The conservation stewardship program.
``(D) The healthy forests reserve program established under
section 501 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
(16 U.S.C. 6571).
``(2) Eligible activity.--The term `eligible activity'
means any of the following conservation activities:
``(A) Water quality or quantity conservation, restoration,
or enhancement projects relating to surface water and
groundwater resources, including--
``(i) the conversion of irrigated cropland to the
production of less water-intensive agricultural commodities
or dryland farming; or
``(ii) irrigation system improvement and irrigation
efficiency enhancement.
``(B) Drought mitigation.
``(C) Flood prevention.
``(D) Water retention.
``(E) Air quality improvement.
``(F) Habitat conservation, restoration, and enhancement.
``(G) Erosion control and sediment reduction.
``(H) Other related activities that the Secretary
determines will help achieve conservation benefits.
``(3) Eligible land.--The term `eligible land' means land
on which agricultural commodities, livestock, or forest-
related products are produced, including--
``(A) cropland;
``(B) grassland;
``(C) rangeland;
``(D) pastureland;
``(E) nonindustrial private forest land; and
``(F) other land incidental to agricultural production
(including wetlands and riparian buffers) on which
significant natural resource issues could be addressed under
the program.
``(4) Eligible partner.--The term `eligible partner' means
any of the following:
``(A) An agricultural or silvicultural producer association
or other group of producers.
``(B) A State or unit of local government.
``(C) An Indian tribe.
``(D) A farmer cooperative.
``(E) A water district, irrigation district, rural water
district or association, or other organization with specific
water delivery authority to producers on agricultural land.
``(F) An institution of higher education.
``(G) An organization or entity with an established history
of working cooperatively with producers on agricultural land,
as determined by the Secretary, to address--
``(i) local conservation priorities related to agricultural
production, wildlife habitat development, or nonindustrial
private forest land management; or
``(ii) critical watershed-scale soil erosion, water
quality, sediment reduction, or other natural resource
issues.
``(5) Partnership agreement.--The term `partnership
agreement' means an agreement entered into under section
1271B between the Secretary and an eligible partner.
``(6) Program.--The term `program' means the regional
conservation partnership program established by this
subtitle.
``SEC. 1271B. REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS.
``(a) Partnership Agreements Authorized.--The Secretary may
enter into a partnership agreement with an eligible partner
to implement a project that will assist producers with
installing and maintaining an eligible activity on eligible
land.
``(b) Length.--A partnership agreement shall be for a
period not to exceed 5 years, except that the Secretary may
extend the agreement one time for up to 12 months when an
extension is necessary to meet the objectives of the program.
``(c) Duties of Partners.--
``(1) In general.--Under a partnership agreement, the
eligible partner shall--
``(A) define the scope of a project, including--
``(i) the eligible activities to be implemented;
``(ii) the potential agricultural or nonindustrial private
forest land operations affected;
[[Page H4421]]
``(iii) the local, State, multistate, or other geographic
area covered; and
``(iv) the planning, outreach, implementation, and
assessment to be conducted;
``(B) conduct outreach to producers for potential
participation in the project;
``(C) at the request of a producer, act on behalf of a
producer participating in the project in applying for
assistance under section 1271C;
``(D) leverage financial or technical assistance provided
by the Secretary with additional funds to help achieve the
project objectives;
``(E) conduct an assessment of the project's effects; and
``(F) at the conclusion of the project, report to the
Secretary on its results and funds leveraged.
``(2) Contribution.--An eligible partner shall provide a
significant portion of the overall costs of the scope of the
project that is the subject of the agreement entered into
under subsection (a), as determined by the Secretary.
``(d) Applications.--
``(1) Competitive process.--The Secretary shall conduct a
competitive process to select applications for partnership
agreements and may assess and rank applications with similar
conservation purposes as a group.
``(2) Criteria used.--In carrying out the process described
in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make public the
criteria used in evaluating applications.
``(3) Content.--An application to the Secretary shall
include a description of--
``(A) the scope of the project, as described in subsection
(c)(1)(A);
``(B) the plan for monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on
progress made toward achieving the project's objectives;
``(C) the program resources requested for the project,
including the covered programs to be used and estimated
funding needed from the Secretary;
``(D) eligible partners collaborating to achieve project
objectives, including their roles, responsibilities,
capabilities, and financial contribution; and
``(E) any other elements the Secretary considers necessary
to adequately evaluate and competitively select applications
for funding under the program.
``(4) Priority to certain applications.--The Secretary may
give a higher priority to applications that--
``(A) assist producers in meeting or avoiding the need for
a natural resource regulatory requirement;
``(B) have a high percentage of eligible producers in the
area to be covered by the agreement;
``(C) significantly leverage non-Federal financial and
technical resources and coordinate with other local, State,
or national efforts;
``(D) deliver high percentages of applied conservation to
address conservation priorities or regional, State, or
national conservation initiatives;
``(E) provide innovation in conservation methods and
delivery, including outcome-based performance measures and
methods; or
``(F) meet other factors that are important for achieving
the purposes of the program, as determined by the Secretary.
``SEC. 1271C. ASSISTANCE TO PRODUCERS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall enter into contracts
with producers to provide financial and technical assistance
to--
``(1) producers participating in a project with an eligible
partner, as described in section 1271B; or
``(2) producers that fit within the scope of a project
described in section 1271B or a critical conservation area
designated under section 1271F, but who are seeking to
implement an eligible activity on eligible land independent
of a partner.
``(b) Terms and Conditions.--
``(1) Consistency with program rules.--Except as provided
in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall ensure that the terms
and conditions of a contract under this section are
consistent with the applicable rules of the covered programs
to be used as part of the project, as described in the
application under section 1271B(d)(3)(C).
``(2) Adjustments.--Except with respect to statutory
program requirements governing appeals, payment limitations,
and conservation compliance, the Secretary may adjust the
discretionary program rules of a covered program--
``(A) to provide a simplified application and evaluation
process; and
``(B) to better reflect unique local circumstances and
purposes if the Secretary determines such adjustments are
necessary to achieve the purposes of the program.
``(c) Payments.--
``(1) In general.--In accordance with statutory
requirements of the covered programs involved, the Secretary
may make payments to a producer in an amount determined by
the Secretary to be necessary to achieve the purposes of the
program.
``(2) Payments to producers in states with water quantity
concerns.--The Secretary may provide payments to producers
participating in a project that addresses water quantity
concerns for a period of five years in an amount sufficient
to encourage conversion from irrigated farming to dryland
farming.
``(3) Waiver authority.--To assist in the implementation of
the program, the Secretary may waive the applicability of the
limitation in section 1001D(b)(2) of this Act for
participating producers if the Secretary determines that the
waiver is necessary to fulfill the objectives of the program.
``SEC. 1271D. FUNDING.
``(a) Availability of Funds.--The Secretary shall use
$100,000,000 of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation
for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to carry out the
program.
``(b) Duration of Availability.--Funds made available under
subsection (a) shall remain available until expended.
``(c) Additional Funding and Acres.--
``(1) In general.--In addition to the funds made available
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall reserve 6 percent
of the funds and acres made available for a covered program
for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 in order to ensure
additional resources are available to carry out this program.
``(2) Unused funds and acres.--Any funds or acres reserved
under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year from a covered program
that are not obligated under this program by April 1 of that
fiscal year shall be returned for use under the covered
program.
``(d) Allocation of Funding.--Of the funds and acres made
available for the program under subsections (a) and (c), the
Secretary shall allocate--
``(1) 25 percent of the funds and acres to projects based
on a State competitive process administered by the State
Conservationist, with the advice of the State technical
committee established under subtitle G;
``(2) 50 percent of the funds and acres to projects based
on a national competitive process to be established by the
Secretary; and
``(3) 25 percent of the funds and acres to projects for the
critical conservation areas designated under section 1271F.
``(e) Limitation on Administrative Expenses.--None of the
funds made available under the program may be used to pay for
the administrative expenses of eligible partners.
``SEC. 1271E. ADMINISTRATION.
``(a) Disclosure.--In addition to the criteria used in
evaluating applications as described in section 1271B(d)(2),
the Secretary shall make publicly available information on
projects selected through the competitive process described
in section 1271B(d)(1).
``(b) Reporting.--Not later than December 31, 2014, and
every two years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
Senate a report on the status of projects funded under the
program, including--
``(1) the number and types of eligible partners and
producers participating in the partnership agreements
selected;
``(2) the number of producers receiving assistance; and
``(3) total funding committed to projects, including from
Federal and non-Federal resources.
``SEC. 1271F. CRITICAL CONSERVATION AREAS.
``(a) In General.--In administering funds under section
1271D(d)(3), the Secretary shall select applications for
partnership agreements and producer contracts within critical
conservation areas designated under this section.
``(b) Critical Conservation Area Designations.--
``(1) Priority.--In designating critical conservation areas
under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to
geographical areas based on the degree to which the
geographical area--
``(A) includes multiple States with significant
agricultural production;
``(B) is covered by an existing regional, State,
binational, or multistate agreement or plan that has
established objectives, goals, and work plans and is adopted
by a Federal, State, or regional authority;
``(C) would benefit from water quality improvement,
including through reducing erosion, promoting sediment
control, and addressing nutrient management activities
affecting large bodies of water of regional, national, or
international significance;
``(D) would benefit from water quantity improvement,
including improvement relating to--
``(i) groundwater, surface water, aquifer, or other water
sources; or
``(ii) a need to promote water retention and flood
prevention; or
``(E) contains producers that need assistance in meeting or
avoiding the need for a natural resource regulatory
requirement that could have a negative economic impact on
agricultural operations within the area.
``(2) Limitation.--The Secretary may not designate more
than 8 geographical areas as critical conservation areas
under this section.
``(c) Administration.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
Secretary shall administer any partnership agreement or
producer contract under this section in a manner that is
consistent with the terms of the program.
``(2) Relationship to existing activity.--The Secretary
shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that
eligible activities carried out in critical conservation
areas designated under this section complement and are
consistent with other Federal and State programs and water
quality and quantity strategies.
``(3) Additional authority.--For a critical conservation
area described in subsection (b)(1)(D), the Secretary may use
authorities under the Watershed Protection and Flood
[[Page H4422]]
Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), other than section
14 of such Act (16 U.S.C. 1012), to carry out projects for
the purposes of this section.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
Subtitle F--Other Conservation Programs
SEC. 2501. CONSERVATION OF PRIVATE GRAZING LAND.
Section 1240M(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3839bb(e)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 2502. GRASSROOTS SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM.
Section 1240O(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3839bb-2) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Funding.--
``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2008 through 2018.
``(2) Availability of funds.--In addition to funds made
available under paragraph (1), of the funds of the Commodity
Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use $5,000,000, to
remain available until expended.''.
SEC. 2503. VOLUNTARY PUBLIC ACCESS AND HABITAT INCENTIVE
PROGRAM.
(a) Funding.--Section 1240R(f)(1) of the Food Security Act
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-5(f)(1)) is amended by inserting
before the period at the end the following: ``and $30,000,000
for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018''.
(b) Report on Program Effectiveness.--Not later than two
years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Agriculture 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 evaluating the effectiveness of the voluntary public
access program established by section 1240R of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-5), including--
(1) identifying cooperating agencies;
(2) identifying the number of land holdings and total acres
enrolled by each State and tribal government;
(3) evaluating the extent of improved access on eligible
lands, improved wildlife habitat, and related economic
benefits; and
(4) any other relevant information and data relating to the
program that would be helpful to such committees.
SEC. 2504. AGRICULTURE CONSERVATION EXPERIENCED SERVICES
PROGRAM.
(a) Funding.--Subsection (c) of section 1252 of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3851) is amended to read as
follows:
``(c) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may carry out the ACES
program using funds made available to carry out each program
under this title.
``(2) Exclusion.--Funds made available to carry out the
conservation reserve program may not be used to carry out the
ACES program.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 2505. SMALL WATERSHED REHABILITATION PROGRAM.
(a) Availability of Funds.--Section 14(h)(1) of the
Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C.
1012(h)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(2) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period and
inserting a semicolon;
(3) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(H) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2014, to remain
available until expended.''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 14(h)(2)(E)
of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16
U.S.C. 1012(h)(2)(E)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 2506. AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) Uses.--Section 524(b)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance
Act (7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(2)) is amended--
(1) by striking subparagraph (B) and redesignating
subparagraphs (C) through (F) as subparagraphs (B) through
(E), respectively; and
(2) in subparagraph (B) (as so redesignated)--
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``or
resource conservation practices''; and
(B) by striking clause (i) and redesignating clauses (ii)
through (iv) as clauses (i) through (iii), respectively.
(b) Commodity Credit Corporation.--
(1) Funding.--Section 524(b)(4)(B) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(4)(B)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(B) Funding.--The Commodity Credit Corporation shall make
available to carry out this subsection not less than
$10,000,000 for each fiscal year.''.
(2) Certain uses.--Section 524(b)(4)(C) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1524(b)(4)(C)) is amended--
(A) in clause (i)--
(i) by striking ``50'' and inserting ``30''; and
(ii) by striking ``(A), (B), and (C)'' and inserting ``(A)
and (B)''; and
(B) in clause (iii), by striking ``40'' and inserting
``60''.
SEC. 2507. EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM.
Section 403 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16
U.S.C. 2203) is amended by adding at the end the following
new sentence: ``In evaluating requests for assistance under
this section, the Secretary shall give priority consideration
to projects that address runoff retardation and soil-erosion
preventive measures needed to mitigate the risks and
remediate the effects of catastrophic wildfire on land that
is the source of drinking water for landowners and land
users.''.
Subtitle G--Funding and Administration
SEC. 2601. FUNDING.
(a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 1241 of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841) is amended to read as
follows:
``(a) Annual Funding.--For each of fiscal years 2014
through 2018, the Secretary shall use the funds, facilities,
and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry
out the following programs under this title (including the
provision of technical assistance):
``(1) The conservation reserve program under subchapter B
of chapter 1 of subtitle D, including, to the maximum extent
practicable, $25,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014
through 2018 to carry out section 1235(f) to facilitate the
transfer of land subject to contracts from retired or
retiring owners and operators to beginning farmers or
ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
``(2) The agriculture conservation easement program under
subtitle H, using, to the maximum extent practicable--
``(A) $425,000,000 in fiscal year 2014;
``(B) $450,000,000 in fiscal year 2015;
``(C) $475,000,000 in fiscal year 2016;
``(D) $500,000,000 in fiscal year 2017; and
``(E) $200,000,000 in fiscal year 2018.
``(3) The conservation security program under subchapter A
of chapter 2 of subtitle D, using such sums as are necessary
to administer contracts entered into before September 30,
2008.
``(4) The conservation stewardship program under subchapter
B of chapter 2 of subtitle D.
``(5) The environmental quality incentives program under
chapter 4 of subtitle D, using, to the maximum extent
practicable, $1,750,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014
through 2018.''.
(b) Regional Equity; Guaranteed Availability of Funds.--
Section 1241 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3841) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (d);
(2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections
(c) and (d), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new
subsection:
``(b) Availability of Funds.--Amounts made available by
subsection (a) shall be used by the Secretary to carry out
the programs specified in such subsection for fiscal years
2014 through 2018 and shall remain available until expended.
Amounts made available for the programs specified in such
subsection during a fiscal year through modifications,
cancellations, terminations, and other related administrative
actions and not obligated in that fiscal year shall remain
available for obligation during subsequent fiscal years, but
shall reduce the amount of additional funds made available in
the subsequent fiscal year by an amount equal to the amount
remaining unobligated.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 2602. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Subsection (c) of section 1241 of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841), as redesignated by
section 2601(b)(2) of this Act, is amended to read as
follows:
``(c) Technical Assistance.--
``(1) Availability of funds.--Commodity Credit Corporation
funds made available for a fiscal year for each of the
programs specified in subsection (a)--
``(A) shall be available for the provision of technical
assistance for the programs for which funds are made
available as necessary to implement the programs effectively;
and
``(B) shall not be available for the provision of technical
assistance for conservation programs specified in subsection
(a) other than the program for which the funds were made
available.
``(2) Report.--Not later than December 31, 2013, the
Secretary shall submit (and update as necessary in subsequent
years) to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
and Forestry of the Senate a report--
``(A) detailing the amount of technical assistance funds
requested and apportioned in each program specified in
subsection (a) during the preceding fiscal year; and
``(B) any other data relating to this subsection that would
be helpful to such committees.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 2603. RESERVATION OF FUNDS TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO
CERTAIN FARMERS OR RANCHERS FOR CONSERVATION
ACCESS.
(a) In General.--Subsection (g) of section 1241 of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) Preference.--In providing assistance under paragraph
(1), the Secretary shall give
[[Page H4423]]
preference to a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in
section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))) that qualifies under
subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1).''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 2604. ANNUAL REPORT ON PROGRAM ENROLLMENTS AND
ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Subsection (h) of section 1241 of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``wetlands reserve
program'' and inserting ``agricultural conservation easement
program'';
(2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and redesignating
paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4),
respectively; and
(3) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)--
(A) by striking ``agricultural water enhancement program''
and inserting ``regional conservation partnership program'';
and
(B) by striking ``1240I(g)'' and inserting ``1271C(c)(3)''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 2605. REVIEW OF CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARDS.
Section 1242(h)(1)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3842(h)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008'' and inserting ``the
Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013''.
SEC. 2606. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO ALL
CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by adding at the end the
following new subparagraph:
``(E) Veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in section
2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))).'';
(2) in subsection (d), by inserting ``, H, and I'' before
the period at the end;
(3) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``country'' and
inserting ``county''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``subsection (c)(2)(B) or
(f)(4)'' and inserting ``subsection (c)(2)(A)(ii) or
(f)(2)'';
(4) in subsection (h)(2), by inserting ``, including, to
the extent practicable, practices that maximize benefits for
honey bees'' after ``pollinators''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
``(j) Improved Administrative Efficiency and
Effectiveness.--In administrating a conservation program
under this title, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent
practicable--
``(1) seek to reduce administrative burdens and costs to
producers by streamlining conservation planning and program
resources; and
``(2) take advantage of new technologies to enhance
efficiency and effectiveness.
``(k) Relation to Other Payments.--Any payment received by
an owner or operator under this title, including an easement
payment or rental payment, shall be in addition to, and not
affect, the total amount of payments that the owner or
operator is otherwise eligible to receive under any of the
following:
``(1) This Act.
``(2) The Agricultural Act of 1949 (7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.).
``(3) The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management
Act of 2013.
``(4) Any law that succeeds a law specified in paragraph
(1), (2), or (3).''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 2607. STANDARDS FOR STATE TECHNICAL COMMITTEES.
Section 1261(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3861(b)) is amended by striking ``Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and
Energy Act of 2008, the Secretary shall develop'' and
inserting ``The Secretary shall review and update as
necessary''.
SEC. 2608. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.
Subtitle E of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3841 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``SEC. 1246. REGULATIONS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall promulgate such
regulations as are necessary to implement programs under this
title, including such regulations as the Secretary determines
to be necessary to ensure a fair and reasonable application
of the limitations established under section 1244(f).
``(b) Rulemaking Procedure.--The promulgation of
regulations and administration of programs under this title--
``(1) shall be carried out without regard to--
``(A) the Statement of Policy of the Secretary effective
July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to notices of
proposed rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking;
and
``(B) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly
known as the Paperwork Reduction Act); and
``(2) shall be made pursuant to section 553 of title 5,
United States Code, including by interim rules effective on
publication under the authority provided in subparagraph (B)
of subsection (b) of such section if the Secretary determines
such interim rules to be needed and final rules, with an
opportunity for notice and comment, no later than 21 months
after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture
Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013.''.
SEC. 2609. WETLANDS MITIGATION.
Section 1222 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3822) is amended--
(1) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(D), by striking ``unless more acreage
is needed to provide equivalent functions and values that
will be lost as a result of the wetland conversion to be
mitigated''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(E)--
(i) by inserting ``not'' before ``greater than''; and
(ii) by striking ``if more acreage is needed to provide
equivalent functions and values that will be lost as a result
of the wetland conversion that is mitigated''; and
(2) by striking subsection (g).
SEC. 2610. LESSER PRAIRIE-CHICKEN CONSERVATION REPORT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 90 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 containing the results of a review and
analysis of each of the programs administered by the
Secretary that pertain to the conservation of the lesser
prairie-chicken, including the conservation reserve program,
the environmental quality incentives program, the wildlife
habitat incentive program, and the Lesser Prairie-Chicken
Initiative.
(b) Contents.--The Secretary shall include in the report
required by this section, at a minimum--
(1) with respect to each program described in subsection
(a) as it relates to the conservation of the lesser prairie-
chicken, findings regarding--
(A) the cost of the program to the Federal Government,
impacted State governments, and the private sector;
(B) the conservation effectiveness of the program; and
(C) the cost-effectiveness of the program; and
(2) a ranking of the programs described in subsection (a)
based on their relative cost-effectiveness.
Subtitle H--Repeal of Superseded Program Authorities and Transitional
Provisions; Technical Amendments
SEC. 2701. COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) Repeal.--Section 1230 of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3830) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The heading of chapter 1 of
subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3830 et seq.) is amended to read as follows:
``CONSERVATION RESERVE''.
SEC. 2702. EMERGENCY FORESTRY CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM.
(a) Repeal.--Section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3831a) is repealed.
(b) Transitional Provisions.--
(1) Effect on existing contracts.--The amendment made by
this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any
contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under
section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3831a) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be
made in connection with the contract.
(2) Funding.--The Secretary may use funds made available to
carry out the conservation reserve program under subchapter B
of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.) to continue to carry out
contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions
of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they
existed on September 30, 2013.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 2703. WETLANDS RESERVE PROGRAM.
(a) Repeal.--Subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of
title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3837 et
seq.) is repealed.
(b) Transitional Provisions.--
(1) Effect on existing contracts.--The amendment made by
this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any
contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under
subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3837 et seq.) before
October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in
connection with the contract.
(2) Funding.--The Secretary may use funds made available to
carry out the agricultural conservation easement program
under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of
1985, as added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to
carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the
provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts
as they existed on September 30, 2013.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 2704. FARMLAND PROTECTION PROGRAM AND FARM VIABILITY
PROGRAM.
(a) Repeal.--Subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of
title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838h
et seq.) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The heading of chapter 2 of
subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3838 et seq.) is amended by striking ``AND FARMLAND
PROTECTION''.
[[Page H4424]]
(c) Transitional Provisions.--
(1) Effect on existing contracts.--The amendments made by
this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any
contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under
subchapter C of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838h et seq.) before
October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in
connection with the contract.
(2) Funding.--The Secretary may use funds made available to
carry out the agricultural conservation easement program
under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of
1985, as added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to
carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the
provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts
as they existed on September 30, 2013.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 2705. GRASSLAND RESERVE PROGRAM.
(a) Repeal.--Subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of
title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838n
et seq.) is repealed.
(b) Transitional Provisions.--
(1) Effect on existing contracts.--The amendment made by
this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any
contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under
subchapter D of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838n et seq.) before
October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be made in
connection with the contract.
(2) Funding.--The Secretary may use funds made available to
carry out the agricultural conservation easement program
under subtitle H of title XII of the Food Security Act of
1985, as added by section 2301 of this Act, to continue to
carry out contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the
provisions of law and regulation applicable to such contracts
as they existed on September 30, 2013.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 2706. AGRICULTURAL WATER ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) Repeal.--Section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3839aa-9) is repealed.
(b) Transitional Provisions.--
(1) Effect on existing contracts.--The amendment made by
this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any
contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under
section 1240I of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3839aa-9) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to
be made in connection with the contract.
(2) Funding.--The Secretary may use funds made available to
carry out the regional conservation partnership program under
subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as
added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out
contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions
of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they
existed on September 30, 2013.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 2707. WILDLIFE HABITAT INCENTIVE PROGRAM.
(a) Repeal.--Section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3839bb-1) is repealed.
(b) Transitional Provisions.--
(1) Effect on existing contracts.--The amendment made by
this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any
contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under
section 1240N of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3839bb-1) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to
be made in connection with the contract.
(2) Funding.--The Secretary may use funds made available to
carry out the environmental quality incentives program under
chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq.) to continue to carry out
contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions
of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they
existed on September 30, 2013.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 2708. GREAT LAKES BASIN PROGRAM.
(a) Repeal.--Section 1240P of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3839bb-3) is repealed.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 2709. CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED PROGRAM.
(a) Repeal.--Section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3839bb-4) is repealed.
(b) Transitional Provisions.--
(1) Effect on existing contracts.--The amendment made by
this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any
contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under
section 1240Q of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3839bb-4) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to
be made in connection with the contract.
(2) Funding.--The Secretary may use funds made available to
carry out the regional conservation partnership program under
subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as
added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out
contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions
of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they
existed on September 30, 2013.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 2710. COOPERATIVE CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE.
(a) Repeal.--Section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3843) is repealed.
(b) Transitional Provisions.--
(1) Effect on existing contracts.--The amendment made by
this section shall not affect the validity or terms of any
contract entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture under
section 1243 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3843) before October 1, 2013, or any payments required to be
made in connection with the contract.
(2) Funding.--The Secretary may use funds made available to
carry out the regional conservation partnership program under
subtitle I of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985, as
added by section 2401 of this Act, to continue to carry out
contracts referred to in paragraph (1) using the provisions
of law and regulation applicable to such contracts as they
existed on September 30, 2013.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 2711. ENVIRONMENTAL EASEMENT PROGRAM.
Chapter 3 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839 et seq.) is repealed.
SEC. 2712. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.
(a) Definitions.--Section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801(a)) is amended in the matter
preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``E'' and inserting
``I''.
(b) Program Ineligibility.--Section 1211(a) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3811(a)) is amended by
striking ``predominate'' each place it appears and inserting
``predominant''.
(c) Specialty Crop Producers.--Section 1242(i) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(i)) is amended in the
header by striking ``Speciality'' and inserting
``Specialty''.
TITLE III--TRADE
Subtitle A--Food for Peace Act
SEC. 3001. GENERAL AUTHORITY.
Section 201 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1721) is
amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting
``(to be implemented by the Administrator)'' after ``under
this title''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (7) and the second sentence and
inserting the following new paragraph:
``(7) build resilience to mitigate and prevent food crises
and reduce the future need for emergency aid.''.
SEC. 3002. SUPPORT FOR ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH WHICH ASSISTANCE
IS PROVIDED.
Section 202(e)(1) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C.
1722(e)(1)) is amended by striking ``13 percent'' and
inserting ``11 percent''.
SEC. 3003. FOOD AID QUALITY.
Section 202(h) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722(h))
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``The Administrator shall use funds made
available for fiscal year 2009'' and inserting ``In
consultation with the Secretary, the Administrator shall use
funds made available for fiscal year 2013''; and
(ii) by inserting ``to establish a mechanism'' after ``this
title'';
(B) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B); and
(C) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the
following new subparagraphs:
``(C) to evaluate, as necessary, the use of current and new
agricultural commodities and products thereof in different
program settings and for particular recipient groups,
including the testing of prototypes;
``(D) to establish and implement appropriate protocols for
quality assurance of food products procured by the Secretary
for food aid programs; and
``(E) to periodically update program guidelines on the
recommended use of agricultural commodities and food products
in food aid programs to reflect findings from the
implementation of this subsection and other relevant
information.'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``The Administrator'' and
inserting ``In consultation with the Secretary, the
Administrator''; and
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``section 207(f)'' and
all that follows through the period at the end and inserting
the following: ``section 207(f)--
``(A) for fiscal years 2009 through 2013, not more than
$4,500,000 may be used to carry out this subsection; and
``(B) for fiscal years 2014 through 2018, not more than
$1,000,000 may be used to carry out this subsection.''.
SEC. 3004. MINIMUM LEVELS OF ASSISTANCE.
Section 204(a) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1724(a))
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''.
SEC. 3005. FOOD AID CONSULTATIVE GROUP.
(a) Membership.--Section 205(b) of the Food for Peace Act
(7 U.S.C. 1725(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (6);
(2) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new
paragraph:
[[Page H4425]]
``(7) representatives from the United States agricultural
processing sector involved in providing agricultural
commodities for programs under this Act; and''.
(b) Consultation.--Section 205(d) of the Food for Peace Act
(7 U.S.C. 1725(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking the first sentence and inserting the
following:
``(1) Consultation in advance of issuance of implementation
regulations, handbooks, and guidelines.--Not later than 45
days before a proposed regulation, handbook, or guideline
implementing this title, or a proposed significant revision
to a regulation, handbook, or guideline implementing this
title, becomes final, the Administrator shall provide the
proposal to the Group for review and comment.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Consultation regarding food aid quality efforts.--The
Administrator shall seek input from and consult with the
Group on the implementation of section 202(h).''.
(c) Reauthorization.--Section 205(f) of the Food for Peace
Act (7 U.S.C. 1725(f)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 3006. OVERSIGHT, MONITORING, AND EVALUATION.
(a) Regulations and Guidance.--Section 207(c) of the Food
for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726a(c)) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``and
Guidance'' after ``Regulations'';
(2) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following
new sentence: ``Not later than 270 days after the date of the
enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk
Management Act of 2013, the Administrator shall issue all
regulations and revisions to agency guidance necessary to
implement the amendments made to this title by such Act.'';
and
(3) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``and guidance'' after
``develop regulations''.
(b) Funding.--Section 207(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7
U.S.C. 1726a(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by inserting ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (D);
(B) by striking ``; and'' at the end of subparagraph (E)
and inserting the period; and
(C) by striking subparagraph (F);
(2) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4); and
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs
(3) and (4), respectively; and
(4) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``2012'' and all that
follows through the period at the end and inserting ``2013,
and up to $10,000,000 of such funds for each of fiscal years
2014 through 2018.''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2018''.
(c) Implementation Reports.--Not later than 270 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of
the Agency for International Development shall submit to the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
Senate and the Committees on Agriculture and Foreign Affairs
of the House of Representatives a report describing--
(1) the implementation of section 207(c) of the Food for
Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726a(c));
(2) the surveys, studies, monitoring, reporting, and audit
requirements for programs conducted under title II of such
Act (7 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.) by an eligible organization that
is a nongovernmental organization (as such term is defined in
section 402 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1732)); and
(3) the surveys, studies, monitoring, reporting, and audit
requirements for such programs by an eligible organization
that is an intergovernmental organization, such as the World
Food Program or other multilateral organization.
SEC. 3007. ASSISTANCE FOR STOCKPILING AND RAPID
TRANSPORTATION, DELIVERY, AND DISTRIBUTION OF
SHELF-STABLE PREPACKAGED FOODS.
Section 208(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C.
1726b(f)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''.
SEC. 3008. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(a) Impact on Local Farmers and Economy.--Section 403(b) of
the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733(b)) is amended by
adding at the end the following new sentence: ``The Secretary
or the Administrator, as appropriate, shall seek information,
as part of the regular proposal and submission process, from
implementing agencies on the potential benefits to the local
economy of sales of agricultural commodities within the
recipient country.''.
(b) Prevention of Price Disruptions.--Section 403(e) of the
Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``reasonable market
price'' and inserting ``fair market value''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) Coordination on assessments.--The Secretary and the
Administrator shall coordinate in assessments to carry out
paragraph (1) and in the development of approaches to be used
by implementing agencies for determining the fair market
value described in paragraph (2).''.
(c) Report on Use of Funds.--Section 403 of the Food for
Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(m) Report on Use of Funds.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture
Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, and annually
thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a
report--
``(1) specifying the amount of funds (including funds for
administrative costs, indirect cost recovery, and internal
transportation, storage and handling, and associated
distribution costs) provided to each eligible organization
that received assistance under this Act in the previous
fiscal year; and
``(2) describing how those funds were used by the eligible
organization.''.
SEC. 3009. PREPOSITIONING OF AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.
Section 407(c)(4) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C.
1736a(c)(4)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''; and
(B) by striking ``for each such fiscal year not more than
$10,000,000 of such funds'' and inserting ``for each of
fiscal years 2001 through 2013 not more than $10,000,000 of
such funds and for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018 not
more than $15,000,000 of such funds''; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following new subparagraph:
``(B) Additional prepositioning sites.--The Administrator
may establish additional sites for prepositioning in foreign
countries or change the location of current sites for
prepositioning in foreign countries after conducting, and
based on the results of, assessments of need, the
availability of appropriate technology for long-term storage,
feasibility, and cost.''.
SEC. 3010. ANNUAL REPORT REGARDING FOOD AID PROGRAMS AND
ACTIVITIES.
Section 407(f)(1) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C.
1736a(f)(1)) is amended--
(1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``agricultural
trade'' and inserting ``food aid'';
(2) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by inserting before the
semicolon at the end the following: ``and the total number of
beneficiaries of the project and the activities carried out
through such project''; and
(3) in subparagraph (B)(iii)--
(A) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by inserting ``,
and the total number of beneficiaries in,'' after
``commodities made available to'';
(B) by striking ``and'' at the end of subclause (I);
(C) by inserting ``and'' at the end of subclause (II); and
(D) by inserting after subclause (II) the following new
subclause:
``(III) the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education
and Child Nutrition Program established by section 3107 of
the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C.
1736o-1);''.
SEC. 3011. DEADLINE FOR AGREEMENTS TO FINANCE SALES OR TO
PROVIDE OTHER ASSISTANCE.
Section 408 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736b) is
amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 3012. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 412(a)(1) of
the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736f(a)(1)) is amended by
striking ``for fiscal year 2008 and each fiscal year
thereafter, $2,500,000,000'' and inserting ``$2,500,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2013 and $2,000,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018''.
(b) Minimum Level of Nonemergency Food Assistance.--
Paragraph (1) of section 412(e) of the Food for Peace Act (7
U.S.C. 1736f(e)) is amended to read as follows:
``(1) Funds and commodities.--For each of fiscal years 2014
through 2018, of the amounts made available to carry out
emergency and nonemergency food assistance programs under
title II, not less than $400,000,000 shall be expended for
nonemergency food assistance programs under such title.''.
SEC. 3013. MICRONUTRIENT FORTIFICATION PROGRAMS.
(a) Elimination of Obsolete Reference to Study.--Section
415(a)(2)(B) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736g-
2(a)(2)(B)) is amended by striking ``, using
recommendations'' and all that follows through ``quality
enhancements''.
(b) Extension.--Section 415(c) of the Food for Peace Act (7
U.S.C. 1736g-2(c)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 3014. JOHN OGONOWSKI AND DOUG BEREUTER FARMER-TO-FARMER
PROGRAM.
Section 501 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1737) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2013, and not less
than the greater of $15,000,000 or 0.5 percent of the amounts
made available for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018,'';
and
(2) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2018''.
Subtitle B--Agricultural Trade Act of 1978
SEC. 3101. FUNDING FOR EXPORT CREDIT GUARANTEE PROGRAM.
Section 211(b) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7
U.S.C. 5641(b)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''.
SEC. 3102. FUNDING FOR MARKET ACCESS PROGRAM.
Section 211(c)(1)(A) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978
(7 U.S.C. 5641(c)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 3103. FOREIGN MARKET DEVELOPMENT COOPERATOR PROGRAM.
Section 703(a) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7
U.S.C. 5723(a)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''.
[[Page H4426]]
Subtitle C--Other Agricultural Trade Laws
SEC. 3201. FOOD FOR PROGRESS ACT OF 1985.
(a) Extension.--The Food for Progress Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C.
1736o) is amended--
(1) in subsection (f)(3), by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2018'';
(2) in subsection (g), by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018'';
(3) in subsection (k), by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''; and
(4) in subsection (l)(1), by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2018''.
(b) Repeal of Completed Project.--Subsection (f) of the
Food for Progress Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1736o) is amended by
striking paragraph (6).
SEC. 3202. BILL EMERSON HUMANITARIAN TRUST ACT.
Section 302 of the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act (7
U.S.C. 1736f-1) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)(B)(i), by striking ``2012'' both
places it appears and inserting ``2018''; and
(2) in subsection (h), by striking ``2012'' both places it
appears and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 3203. PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TO EMERGING
MARKETS.
(a) Direct Credits or Export Credit Guarantees.--Section
1542(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
of 1990 (Public Law 101-624; 7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is amended
by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
(b) Development of Agricultural Systems.--Section
1542(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-624; 7 U.S.C. 5622 note) is
amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 3204. MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND
CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM.
(a) Reauthorization.--Section 3107(l)(2) of the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o-
1(l)(2)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''.
(b) Technical Correction.--Section 3107(d) of the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o-
1(d)) is amended by striking ``to'' in the matter preceding
paragraph (1).
SEC. 3205. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR SPECIALTY CROPS.
(a) Purpose.--Section 3205(b) of the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 5680(b)) is amended by
striking ``related barriers to trade'' and inserting
``technical barriers to trade''.
(b) Funding.--Section 3205(e)(2) of the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 5680(e)(2)) is
amended--
(1) by inserting ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (C);
and
(2) by striking subparagraphs (D) and (E) and inserting the
following new subparagraph:
``(D) $9,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through
2018.''.
(c) U.S. Atlantic Spiny Dogfish Study.--Not later than 90
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall conduct an economic study on the existing
market in the United States for U.S. Atlantic Spiny Dogfish.
SEC. 3206. GLOBAL CROP DIVERSITY TRUST.
Section 3202(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act
of 2008 (Public Law 110-246; 22 U.S.C. 2220a note) is amended
by striking ``section'' and all that follows through the
period and inserting the following: ``section--
``(1) $60,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008
through 2013; and
``(2) $50,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014
through 2018.''.
SEC. 3207. UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR FOREIGN
AGRICULTURAL SERVICES.
(a) In General.--Subtitle B of the Department of
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by
inserting after section 225 (7 U.S.C. 6931) the following new
section:
``SEC. 225A. UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR FOREIGN
AGRICULTURAL SERVICES.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary is authorized to
establish in the Department the position of Under Secretary
of Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services.
``(b) Confirmation Required.--If the Secretary establishes
the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Foreign
Agricultural Services under subsection (a), the Under
Secretary shall be appointed by the President, by and with
the advice and consent of the Senate.
``(c) Functions of Under Secretary.--
``(1) Principal functions.--Upon establishment, the
Secretary shall delegate to the Under Secretary of
Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services those functions
under the jurisdiction of the Department that are related to
foreign agricultural services.
``(2) Additional functions.--The Under Secretary of
Agriculture for Foreign Agricultural Services shall perform
such other functions as may be required by law or prescribed
by the Secretary.
``(d) Succession.--Any official who is serving as Under
Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural
Services on the date of the enactment of this section and who
was appointed by the President, by and with the advice and
consent of the Senate, shall not be required to be
reappointed under subsection (b) or section 225(b) to the
successor position authorized under subsection (a) or section
225(a) if the Secretary establishes the position, and the
official occupies the new position, with 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this section (or such later date set
by the Secretary if litigation delays rapid succession).''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 225 of the Department
of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6931) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm
and Foreign Agricultural Services'' each place it appears and
inserting ``Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm
Services''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``and foreign
agricultural''.
(c) Permanent Authority.--Section 296(b) of the Department
of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b))
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6)(C), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(8) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the
Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for
Foreign Agricultural Services in accordance with section
225A;''.
SEC. 3208. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN.
The Secretary of Agriculture shall seek to ensure that
Department of Agriculture certificates of origin are accepted
by any country with respect to which the United States has
entered into a free trade agreement providing for
preferential duty treatment.
TITLE IV--CREDIT
Subtitle A--Farm Ownership Loans
SEC. 4001. ELIGIBILITY FOR FARM OWNERSHIP LOANS.
(a) In General.--Section 302(a) of the Consolidated Farm
and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``(a) In General.--The'' and inserting the
following:
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Eligibility requirements.--The'';
(2) in the 1st sentence, by inserting after ``limited
liability companies'' the following: ``, and such other legal
entities as the Secretary deems appropriate,'';
(3) in the 2nd sentence, by redesignating clauses (1)
through (4) as clauses (A) through (D), respectively;
(4) in each of the 2nd and 3rd sentences, by striking ``and
limited liability companies'' each place it appears and
inserting ``limited liability companies, and such other legal
entities'';
(5) in the 3rd sentence, by striking ``(3)'' and ``(4)''
and inserting ``(C)'' and ``(D)'', respectively; and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Special deeming rules.--
``(A) Eligibility of certain operating-only entities.--An
entity that is or will become only the operator of a family
farm is deemed to meet the owner-operator requirements of
paragraph (1) if the individuals that are the owners of the
family farm own more than 50 percent (or such other
percentage as the Secretary determines is appropriate) of the
entity.
``(B) Eligibility of certain embedded entities.--An entity
that is an owner-operator described in paragraph (1), or an
operator described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph that
is owned, in whole or in part, by other entities, is deemed
to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under
paragraph (1) if at least 75 percent of the ownership
interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned
directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family
farm.''.
(b) Direct Farm Ownership Experience Requirement.--Section
302(b)(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1922(b)(1)) is amended by
inserting ``or has other acceptable experience for a period
of time, as determined by the Secretary,'' after ``3 years''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 304(c)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1924(c)(2)) by
striking ``paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 302(a)'' and
inserting ``clauses (A) and (B) of section 302(a)(1)''.
(2) Section 310D of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1934) is amended--
(A) by inserting after ``partnership'' the following: ``,
or such other legal entities as the Secretary deems
appropriate,''; and
(B) by striking ``or partners'' each place it appears and
inserting ``partners, or owners''.
SEC. 4002. CONSERVATION LOAN AND LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM.
(a) Eligibility.--Section 304(c) of the Consolidated Farm
and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1924(c)) is amended by
inserting after ``limited liability companies'' the
following: ``, or such other legal entities as the Secretary
deems appropriate,''.
(b) Limitation on Loan Guarantee Amount.--Section 304(e) of
such Act (7 U.S.C. 1924(e)) is amended by striking ``75
percent'' and inserting ``90 percent''.
(c) Extension of Program.--Section 304(h) of such Act (7
U.S.C. 1924(h)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''.
SEC. 4003. DOWN PAYMENT LOAN PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 310E(b)(1)(C) of the Consolidated
Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1935(b)(1)(C)) is
amended by striking ``$500,000'' and inserting ``$667,000''.
(b) Technical Correction.--Section 310E(b) of such Act (7
U.S.C. 1935(b)) is amended by striking the 2nd paragraph (2).
SEC. 4004. ELIMINATION OF MINERAL RIGHTS APPRAISAL
REQUIREMENT.
Section 307 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1927) is
[[Page H4427]]
amended by striking subsection (d) and redesignating
subsection (e) as subsection (d).
Subtitle B--Operating Loans
SEC. 4101. ELIGIBILITY FOR FARM OPERATING LOANS.
Section 311(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1941(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``(a) In General.--The'' and inserting the
following:
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Eligibility requirements.--The'';
(2) in the 1st sentence, by inserting after ``limited
liability companies'' the following: ``, and such other legal
entities as the Secretary deems appropriate,'';
(3) in the 2nd sentence, by redesignating clauses (1)
through (4) as clauses (A) through (D), respectively;
(4) in each of the 2nd and 3rd sentences, by striking ``and
limited liability companies'' each place it appears and
inserting ``limited liability companies, and such other legal
entities'';
(5) in the 3rd sentence, by striking ``(3)'' and ``(4)''
and inserting ``(C)'' and ``(D)'', respectively; and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Special deeming rule.--An entity that is an operator
described in paragraph (1) that is owned, in whole or in
part, by other entities, is deemed to meet the direct
ownership requirement imposed under paragraph (1) if at least
75 percent of the ownership interests of each embedded entity
of such entity is owned directly or indirectly by the
individuals that own the family farm.''.
SEC. 4102. ELIMINATION OF RURAL RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR
OPERATING LOANS TO YOUTH.
Section 311(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1941(b)(1)) is amended by striking
``who are rural residents''.
SEC. 4103. AUTHORITY TO WAIVE PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR YOUTH
LOANS DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND BORROWER
CONTROL.
Section 311(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1941(b)) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(5) The Secretary may, on a case-by-case basis, waive the
personal liability of a borrower for a loan made under this
subsection if any default on the loan was due to
circumstances beyond the control of the borrower.''.
SEC. 4104. MICROLOANS.
(a) In General.--Section 313 of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1943) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(c) Microloans.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary
may establish a program to make or guarantee microloans.
``(2) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not make or
guarantee a microloan under this subsection that exceeds
$35,000 or that would cause the total principal indebtedness
outstanding at any 1 time for microloans made under this
chapter to any 1 borrower to exceed $70,000.
``(3) Applications.--To the maximum extent practicable, the
Secretary shall limit the administrative burdens and
streamline the application and approval process for
microloans under this subsection.
``(4) Cooperative lending projects.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
Secretary may contract with community-based and
nongovernmental organizations, State entities, or other
intermediaries, as the Secretary determines appropriate--
``(i) to make or guarantee a microloan under this
subsection; and
``(ii) to provide business, financial, marketing, and
credit management services to borrowers.
``(B) Requirements.--Before contracting with an entity
described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary--
``(i) shall review and approve--
``(I) the loan loss reserve fund for microloans established
by the entity; and
``(II) the underwriting standards for microloans of the
entity; and
``(ii) establish such other requirements for contracting
with the entity as the Secretary determines necessary.''.
(b) Exceptions for Direct Loans.--Section 311(c)(2) of such
Act (7 U.S.C. 1941(c)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
``(2) Exceptions.--In this subsection, the term `direct
operating loan' shall not include--
``(A) a loan made to a youth under subsection (b); or
``(B) a microloan made to a beginning farmer or rancher or
a veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(e) of
the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 2279(e)).''.
(c) Section 312(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1942(a)) is
amended by inserting ``(including a microloan, as defined by
the Secretary)'' after ``A direct loan''.
(d) Section 316(a)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1946(a)(2)) is
amended by inserting ``a microloan to a beginning farmer or
rancher or veteran farmer or rancher (as defined in section
2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e)), or'' after ``The interest rate
on''.
Subtitle C--Emergency Loans
SEC. 4201. ELIGIBILITY FOR EMERGENCY LOANS.
Section 321(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1961(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``owner-operators (in the case of loans for
a purpose under subtitle A) or operators (in the case of
loans for a purpose under subtitle B)'' each place it appears
and inserting ``(in the case of farm ownership loans in
accordance with subtitle A) owner-operators or operators, or
(in the case of loans for a purpose under subtitle B)
operators'';
(2) by inserting after ``limited liability companies'' the
1st place it appears the following: ``, or such other legal
entities as the Secretary deems appropriate'';
(3) by inserting after ``limited liability companies'' the
2nd place it appears the following: ``, or other legal
entities'';
(4) by striking ``and limited liability companies,'' and
inserting ``limited liability companies, and such other legal
entities'';
(5) by striking ``ownership and operator'' and inserting
``ownership or operator''; and
(6) by adding at the end the following: ``An entity that is
an owner-operator or operator described in this subsection is
deemed to meet the direct ownership requirement imposed under
this subsection if at least 75 percent of the ownership
interests of each embedded entity of such entity is owned
directly or indirectly by the individuals that own the family
farm.''.
Subtitle D--Administrative Provisions
SEC. 4301. BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER INDIVIDUAL
DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS PILOT PROGRAM.
Section 333B(h) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983b(h)) is amended by striking
``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 4302. ELIGIBLE BEGINNING FARMERS AND RANCHERS.
(a) Conforming Amendments Relating to Changes in
Eligibility Rules.--Section 343(a)(11) of such Act (7 U.S.C.
1991(a)(11)) is amended--
(1) by inserting after ``joint operation,'' the 1st place
it appears the following: ``or such other legal entity as the
Secretary deems appropriate,'';
(2) by striking ``or joint operators'' each place it
appears and inserting ``joint operators, or owners''; and
(3) by inserting after ``joint operation,'' the 2nd and 3rd
place it appears the following: ``or such other legal
entity,''.
(b) Modification of Acreage Ownership Limitation.--Section
343(a)(11)(F) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11)(F)) is
amended by striking ``median acreage'' and inserting
``average acreage''.
SEC. 4303. LOAN AUTHORIZATION LEVELS.
Section 346(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(1)) is amended in the
matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 4304. PRIORITY FOR PARTICIPATION LOANS.
Section 346(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)(i)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(III) Priority.--In order to maximize the number of
borrowers served under this clause, the Secretary--
``(aa) shall give priority to applicants who apply under
the down payment loan program under section 310E or joint
financing arrangements under section 307(a)(3)(D); and
``(bb) may offer other financing options under this
subtitle to applicants only if the Secretary determines that
down payment or other participation loan options are not a
viable approach for the applicants.''.
SEC. 4305. LOAN FUND SET-ASIDES.
Section 346(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2)(A)(ii)(III)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''; and
(2) by striking ``of the total amount''.
SEC. 4306. CONFORMING AMENDMENT TO BORROWER TRAINING
PROVISION, RELATING TO ELIGIBILITY CHANGES.
Section 359(c)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2006a(c)(2)) is amended by striking
``section 302(a)(2) or 311(a)(2)'' and inserting ``section
302(a)(1)(B) or 311(a)(1)(B)''.
Subtitle E--State Agricultural Mediation Programs
SEC. 4401. STATE AGRICULTURAL MEDIATION PROGRAMS.
Section 506 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (7
U.S.C. 5106) is amended by striking ``2015'' and inserting
``2018''.
Subtitle F--Loans to Purchasers of Highly Fractionated Land
SEC. 4501. LOANS TO PURCHASERS OF HIGHLY FRACTIONATED LAND.
The first section of Public Law 91-229 (25 U.S.C. 488) is
amended in subsection (b)(1) by striking ``pursuant to
section 205(c) of the Indian Land Consolidation Act (25
U.S.C. 2204(c))'' and inserting ``or to intermediaries in
order to establish revolving loan funds for the purchase of
highly fractionated land''.
TITLE V--RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Subtitle A--Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
SEC. 5001. WATER, WASTE DISPOSAL, AND WASTEWATER FACILITY
GRANTS.
Section 306(a)(2)(B)(vii) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(B)(vii)) is
amended by striking ``2008 through 2012'' and inserting
``2014 through 2018''.
SEC. 5002. RURAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY GRANTS.
Section 306(a)(11)(D) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C.
[[Page H4428]]
1926(a)(11)(D)) is amended by striking ``$15,000,000 for each
of fiscal years 2008 through 2012'' and inserting
``$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018''.
SEC. 5003. ELIMINATION OF RESERVATION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES
GRANT PROGRAM FUNDS.
Section 306(a)(19) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19)) is amended by striking
subparagraph (C).
SEC. 5004. UTILIZATION OF LOAN GUARANTEES FOR COMMUNITY
FACILITIES.
Section 306(a)(24) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(24)) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(C) Utilization of loan guarantees for community
facilities.--The Secretary shall consider the benefits to
communities that result from using loan guarantees in the
Community Facilities Program and to the maximum extent
possible utilize guarantees to enhance community
involvement.''.
SEC. 5005. RURAL WATER AND WASTEWATER CIRCUIT RIDER PROGRAM.
Section 306(a)(22) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(22)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(22) Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall continue a national
rural water and wastewater circuit rider program that--
``(i) is consistent with the activities and results of the
program conducted before the date of enactment of this
paragraph, as determined by the Secretary; and
``(ii) receives funding from the Secretary, acting through
the Rural Utilities Service.
``(B) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $20,000,000
for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter.''.
SEC. 5006. TRIBAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY
FACILITIES.
Section 306(a)(25)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(25)(C)) is amended by
striking ``$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through
2012'' and inserting ``$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2014 through 2018''.
SEC. 5007. ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING.
Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19)) is amended by adding
at the end the following new paragraph:
``(26) Essential community facilities technical assistance
and training.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may make grants to public
bodies and private nonprofit corporations, such as States,
counties, cities, townships, and incorporated towns and
villages, boroughs, authorities, districts and Indian tribes
on Federal and State reservations which will serve rural
areas for the purpose of enabling them to provide to
associations described in this subsection technical
assistance and training, with respect to essential community
facilities programs authorized under this subsection, to--
``(i) assist communities in identifying and planning for
community facility needs;
``(ii) identify public and private resources to finance
community facilities needs;
``(iii) prepare reports and surveys necessary to request
financial assistance to develop community facilities;
``(iv) prepare applications for financial assistance;
``(v) improve the management, including financial
management, related to the operation of community facilities;
or
``(vi) assist with other areas of need identified by the
Secretary.
``(B) Selection priority.--In selecting recipients of
grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give
priority to private, nonprofit, or public organizations that
have experience in providing technical assistance and
training to rural entities.
``(C) Funding.--Not less than 3 nor more than 5 percent of
any funds appropriated to carry out each of the essential
community facilities grant, loan and loan guarantee programs
as authorized under this subsection for any fiscal year shall
be reserved for grants under this paragraph.''.
SEC. 5008. EMERGENCY AND IMMINENT COMMUNITY WATER ASSISTANCE
GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 306A(i)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926a(i)(2)) is amended by striking
``$35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012''
and inserting ``$27,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014
through 2018''.
SEC. 5009. HOUSEHOLD WATER WELL SYSTEMS.
Section 306E(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926e(d)) is amended by striking
``$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012''
and inserting ``$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014
through 2018''.
SEC. 5010. RURAL BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY LOAN PROGRAM.
(a) Flexibility for the Business and Loan Program.--Section
310B(a)(2)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(a)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting
``including working capital'' after ``employment''.
(b) Greater Flexibility for Adequate Collateral Through
Accounts Receivable.--Section 310B(g)(7) of such Act (7
U.S.C. 1932(g)(7)) is amended by adding at the end the
following: ``In the discretion of the Secretary, if the
Secretary determines that the action would not create or
otherwise contribute to an unreasonable risk of default or
loss to the Federal Government, the Secretary may take
account receivables as security for the obligations entered
into in connection with loans and a borrower may use account
receivables as collateral to secure a loan made or guaranteed
under this subsection.''.
(c) Regulations.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate
such regulations as are necessary to implement the amendments
made by this section.
SEC. 5011. RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.
Section 310B(e)(12) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(e)(12)) is amended by striking
``$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012''
and inserting ``$40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014
through 2018''.
SEC. 5012. LOCALLY OR REGIONALLY PRODUCED AGRICULTURAL FOOD
PRODUCTS.
Section 310B(g)(9)(B)(v)(I) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)(v)(I)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''; and
(2) by inserting ``and not more than 7 percent'' after ``5
percent''.
SEC. 5013. INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Subtitle A of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922-1936a) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 310H. INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall make loans to the
entities, for the purposes, and subject to the terms and
conditions specified in the 1st, 2nd, and last sentences of
section 623(a) of the Community Economic Development Act of
1981 (42 U.S.C. 9812(a)).
``(b) Limitations on Authorization of Appropriations.--For
loans under subsection (a), there are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary not more than $10,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1323(b)(2) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-198; 7 U.S.C. 1932 note)
is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by adding ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a period; and
(3) by striking subparagraph (C).
SEC. 5014. RURAL COLLEGE COORDINATED STRATEGY.
Section 331 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1981) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(d) Rural College Coordinated Strategy.--The Secretary
shall develop a coordinated strategy across the relevant
programs within the Rural Development mission areas to serve
the specific, local needs of rural communities when making
investments in rural community colleges and technical
colleges through other current authorities. During the
development of a coordinated strategy, the Secretary shall
consult with groups representing rural-serving community
colleges and technical colleges to coordinate critical
investments in rural community colleges and technical
colleges involved in workforce training. Nothing in this
subsection shall be construed to provide a priority for
funding within current authorities. The Secretary shall use
the coordinated strategy and information developed for the
strategy to more effectively serve rural communities with
respect to investments in community colleges and technical
colleges.''.
SEC. 5015. RURAL WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL INFRASTRUCTURE.
Section 333 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1983) is amended--
(1) by striking ``require'';
(2) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``require'' after
``(1)'';
(3) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, require'' after
``314'';
(4) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``require'' after
``loans,'';
(5) in paragraph (4)--
(A) by inserting ``require'' after ``(4)''; and
(B) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(6) in paragraph (5)--
(A) by inserting ``require'' after ``(5)''; and
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
and''; and
(7) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) with respect to water and waste disposal direct and
guaranteed loans provided under section 306, encourage, to
the maximum extent practicable, private or cooperative
lenders to finance rural water and waste disposal facilities
by--
``(A) maximizing the use of loan guarantees to finance
eligible projects in rural communities where the population
exceeds 5,500;
``(B) maximizing the use of direct loans to finance
eligible projects in rural communities where the impact on
rate payers will be material when compared to financing with
a loan guarantee;
``(C) establishing and applying a materiality standard when
determining the difference in impact on rate payers between a
direct loan and a loan guarantee;
``(D) in the case of projects that require interim
financing in excess of $500,000, requiring that such projects
initially seek such financing from private or cooperative
lenders; and
``(E) determining if an existing direct loan borrower can
refinance with a private or cooperative lender, including
with a loan guarantee, prior to providing a new direct
loan.''.
[[Page H4429]]
SEC. 5016. SIMPLIFIED APPLICATIONS.
(a) In General.--Section 333A of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(h) Simplified Application Forms.--Except as provided in
subsection (g)(2) of this section, the Secretary shall, to
the maximum extent practicable, develop a simplified
application process, including a single page application
where possible, for grants and relending authorized under
sections 306, 306C, 306D, 306E, 310B(b), 310B(c), 310B(e),
310B(f), 310H, 379B, and 379E.''.
(b) Report to the Congress.--Within 2 years after the date
of the 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 written report that contains an evaluation of
the implementation of the amendment made by subsection (a).
SEC. 5017. GRANTS FOR NOAA WEATHER RADIO TRANSMITTERS.
Section 379B(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008p(d)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.''.
SEC. 5018. RURAL MICROENTREPRENEUR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 379E(d)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008s(d)(2)) is amended by striking
``$40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012''
and inserting ``$20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014
through 2018''.
SEC. 5019. DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 382M(a) of
the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
2009aa-12(a)) is amended by striking ``$30,000,000 for each
of fiscal years 2008 through 2012'' and inserting
``$12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018''.
(b) Termination of Authority.--Section 382N of such Act (7
U.S.C. 2009aa-13) is amended by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 5020. NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS REGIONAL AUTHORITY.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 383N(a) of
the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
2009bb-12(a)) is amended by striking ``$30,000,000 for each
of fiscal years 2008 through 2012'' and inserting
``$2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018''.
(b) Termination of Authority.--Section 383O of such Act (7
U.S.C. 2009bb-13) is amended by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 5021. RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM.
Section 384S of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc-18) is amended by striking ``$50,000,000
for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2012'' and
inserting ``$20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018''.
Subtitle B--Rural Electrification Act of 1936
SEC. 5101. RELENDING FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.
(a) In General.--The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7
U.S.C. 901 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 2(a), by inserting ``(including relending
for this purpose as provided in section 4)'' after
``efficiency'';
(2) in section 4(a), by inserting ``(including relending to
ultimate consumers for this purpose by borrowers enumerated
in the proviso in this section)'' after ``efficiency''; and
(3) in section 313(b)(2)(B)--
(A) by inserting ``(acting through the Rural Utilities
Service)'' after ``Secretary''; and
(B) by inserting ``energy efficiency (including relending
to ultimate consumers for this purpose),'' after
``promoting''.
(b) Current Authority.--The authority provided in this
section is in addition to any other relending authority of
the Secretary under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7
U.S.C. 901 et. seq.) or any other law.
(c) Administration.--The Secretary (acting through the
Rural Utilities Service) shall continue to carry out section
313 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c)
in the same manner as on the day before enactment of this Act
until such time as any regulations necessary to carry out the
amendments made by this section are fully implemented.
SEC. 5102. FEES FOR CERTAIN LOAN GUARANTEES.
The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et
seq.) is amended by inserting after section 4 the following:
``SEC. 5. FEES FOR CERTAIN LOAN GUARANTEES.
``(a) In General.--For electrification baseload generation
loan guarantees, the Secretary shall, at the request of the
borrower, charge an upfront fee to cover the costs of the
loan guarantee.
``(b) Fee.--The fee described in subsection (a) for a loan
guarantee shall be equal to the costs of the loan guarantee
(within the meaning of section 502(5)(C) of the Federal
Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a(5)(C))).
``(c) Limitation.--Funds received from a borrower to pay
the fee described in this section shall not be derived from a
loan or other debt obligation that is made or guaranteed by
the Federal Government.''.
SEC. 5103. RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE CONTRACTING AUTHORITY.
Section 18(c) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7
U.S.C. 918(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Rural Electrification
Administration'' each place it appears and inserting ``Rural
Utilities Service''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in the paragraph heading, by inserting ``cooperative''
before ``agreements''; and
(B) by inserting after the 1st sentence the following: ``A
contract funded by a borrower that is to be paid for out of
the general funds of the borrower is not a public contract
within the meaning of title 41, United States Code.''.
SEC. 5104. GUARANTEES FOR BONDS AND NOTES ISSUED FOR
ELECTRIFICATION OR TELEPHONE PURPOSES.
Section 313A(f) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7
U.S.C. 940c-1(f)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 5105. EXPANSION OF 911 ACCESS.
Section 315(d) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7
U.S.C. 940e(d)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''.
SEC. 5106. ACCESS TO BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN
RURAL AREAS.
Section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7
U.S.C. 950bb) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (2) and
inserting the following:
``(2) Priorities.--In making or guaranteeing loans under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give--
``(A) the highest priority to applicants that offer to
provide broadband service to the greatest proportion of
households that, prior to the provision of the broadband
service, had no incumbent service provider; and
``(B) priority to applicants that offer in their
applications to provide broadband service not predominantly
for business service, but where at least 25 percent of
customers in the proposed service territory are commercial
interests.'';
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (5)--
(i) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B);
(ii) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C)
and inserting a semicolon; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) the amount and type of support requested; and
``(E) a list of the census block groups or tracts proposed
to be so served.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) Additional process.--The Secretary shall establish a
process under which an incumbent service provider which, as
of the date of the publication of notice under paragraph (5)
with respect to an application submitted by the provider, is
providing broadband service to a remote rural area, may (but
shall not be required to) submit to the Secretary, not less
than 15 and not more than 30 days after that date,
information regarding the broadband services that the
provider offers in the proposed service territory, so that
the Secretary may assess whether the application meets the
requirements of this section with respect to eligible
projects.'';
(3) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Requirement.--In considering the technology needs of
customers in a proposed service territory, the Secretary
shall take into consideration the upgrade or replacement cost
for the construction or acquisition of facilities and
equipment in the territory.''; and
(4) in each of subsections (k)(1) and (l), by striking
``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
Subtitle C--Miscellaneous
SEC. 5201. DISTANCE LEARNING AND TELEMEDICINE.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 2335A of the
Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 950aaa-5) is amended by striking ``$100,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 1996 through 2012'' and inserting
``$65,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1(b) of Public Law 102-
551 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa note) is amended by striking ``2012''
and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 5202. VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM GRANTS.
Section 231(b)(7) of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act
of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 1632a(b)(7)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking ``2008'' and inserting ``2013''; and
(B) by striking ``$15,000,000'' and inserting
``$50,000,000''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''.
SEC. 5203. AGRICULTURE INNOVATION CENTER DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM.
Section 6402(i) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1632b(i)) is amended by striking
``$6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012'' and
inserting ``$1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018''.
SEC. 5204. PROGRAM METRICS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall collect
data regarding economic activities created through grants and
loans, including any technical assistance provided as a
component of the grant or loan program, and measure the short
and long term viability of award recipients and any entities
to whom those recipients provide assistance using award funds
under section 231 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of
2000 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 106-224),
[[Page H4430]]
section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107), section 313(b)(2) of the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c(b)(2)), or section
306(a)(11), 310B(c), 310B(e), 310B(g), 310H, or 379E, or
subtitle E, of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(11), 1932(c), 1932(e), 1932(g), 2008s,
or 2009 through 2009m).
(b) Data.--The data collected under subsection (a) shall
include information collected from recipients both during the
award period and after the period as determined by the
Secretary, but not less than 2 years after the award period
ends.
(c) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that contains
the data described in subsection (a). The report shall
include detailed information regarding--
(1) actions taken by the Secretary to utilize the data;
(2) the number of jobs, including self-employment and the
value of salaries and wages;
(3) how the provision of funds from the grant or loan
involved affected the local economy;
(4) any benefit, such as an increase in revenue or customer
base; and
(5) such other information as the Secretary deems
appropriate.
SEC. 5205. STUDY OF RURAL TRANSPORTATION ISSUES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture and the
Secretary of Transportation shall publish an updated version
of the study described in section 6206 of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (as amended by
subsection (b)).
(b) Addition to Study.--Section 6206(b) of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122
Stat. 1971) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) the sufficiency of infrastructure along waterways in
the United States and the impact of such infrastructure on
the movement of agricultural goods in terms of safety,
efficiency and speed, as well as the benefits derived through
upgrades and repairs to locks and dams.''.
(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture
and the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the
Congress the updated version of the study required by
subsection (a).
SEC. 5206. CERTAIN FEDERAL ACTIONS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED
MAJOR.
In the case of a loan, loan guarantee, or grant program in
the rural development mission area of the Department of
Agriculture, an action of the Secretary before, on, or after
the date of enactment of this Act that does not involve the
provision by the Department of Agriculture of Federal dollars
or a Federal loan guarantee, including--
(1) the approval by the Department of Agriculture of the
decision of a borrower to commence a privately funded
activity;
(2) a lien accommodation or subordination;
(3) a debt settlement or restructuring; or
(4) the restructuring of a business entity by a borrower,
shall not be considered a major Federal action.
SEC. 5207. TELEMEDICINE AND DISTANCE LEARNING SERVICES IN
RURAL AREAS.
Section 2333(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa-2(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (12); and
(2) by redesignating paragraph (13) as paragraph (14) and
inserting after paragraph (12) the following:
``(13) whether the applicant for assistance is located in a
designated health professional shortage area (within the
meaning of section 332 of the Public Health Service Act)''.
SEC. 5208. REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT.
Section 15751 of title 40, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``Not more than'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), not
more than''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Limited funding.--In a case in which less than
$10,000,000 is made available to a Commission for a fiscal
year under this section, paragraph (1) shall not apply.''.
TITLE VI--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS
Subtitle A--National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977
SEC. 6101. OPTION TO BE INCLUDED AS NON-LAND-GRANT COLLEGE OF
AGRICULTURE.
Section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103) is
amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following
new paragraph:
``(5) Cooperating forestry school.--
``(A) In general.--The term `cooperating forestry school'
means an institution--
``(i) that is eligible to receive funds under the Act of
October 10, 1962 (16 U.S.C. 582a et seq.), commonly known as
the McIntire-Stennis Act of 1962; and
``(ii) with respect to which the Secretary has not received
a declaration of the intent of that institution to not be
considered a cooperating forestry school.
``(B) Termination of declaration.--A declaration of the
intent of an institution to not be considered a cooperating
forestry school submitted to the Secretary shall be in effect
until September 30, 2018.''; and
(2) in paragraph (10)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking
``that'';
(ii) in clause (i)--
(I) by inserting ``that'' before ``qualify''; and
(II) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(iii) in clause (ii)--
(I) by inserting ``that'' before ``offer''; and
(II) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(iii) with respect to which the Secretary has not
received a statement of the declaration of the intent of a
college or university to not be considered a Hispanic-serving
agricultural college or university.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) Termination of declaration of intent.--A declaration
of the intent of a college or university to not be considered
a Hispanic-serving agricultural college or university
submitted to the Secretary shall be in effect until September
30, 2018.''.
SEC. 6102. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION,
EDUCATION, AND ECONOMICS ADVISORY BOARD.
(a) Extension of Termination Date.--Section 1408(h) of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123(h)) is amended by striking
``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
(b) Duties of National Agricultural Research, Extension,
Education, and Economics Advisory Board.--Section 1408(c) of
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) consult with industry groups on agricultural
research, extension, education, and economics, and make
recommendations to the Secretary based on that
consultation.''.
SEC. 6103. SPECIALTY CROP COMMITTEE.
Section 1408A(c) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3123a(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Measures'' and
inserting ``Programs'';
(2) by striking paragraph (2);
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) as
paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively; and
(4) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``Programs that would'' and inserting ``Research, extension,
and teaching programs designed to improve competitiveness in
the specialty crop industry, including programs that would'';
(B) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``, including
improving the quality and taste of processed specialty
crops'' before the semicolon; and
(C) in subparagraph (G), by inserting ``the remote sensing
and the'' before ``mechanization''.
SEC. 6104. VETERINARY SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM.
The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after section
1415A (7 U.S.C. 3151a) the following new section:
``SEC. 1415B. VETERINARY SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Qualified entity.--The term `qualified entity'
means--
``(A) a for-profit or nonprofit entity located in the
United States that, or an individual who, operates a
veterinary clinic providing veterinary services--
``(i) in a rural area, as defined in section 343(a) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1991(a)); and
``(ii) in a veterinarian shortage situation;
``(B) a State, national, allied, or regional veterinary
organization or specialty board recognized by the American
Veterinary Medical Association;
``(C) a college or school of veterinary medicine accredited
by the American Veterinary Medical Association;
``(D) a university research foundation or veterinary
medical foundation;
``(E) a department of veterinary science or department of
comparative medicine accredited by the Department of
Education;
``(F) a State agricultural experiment station; or
``(G) a State, local, or tribal government agency.
``(2) Veterinarian shortage situation.--The term
`veterinarian shortage situation' means a veterinarian
shortage situation as
[[Page H4431]]
determined by the Secretary under section 1415A.
``(b) Establishment.--
``(1) Competitive grants.--The Secretary shall carry out a
program to make competitive grants to qualified entities that
carry out programs or activities described in paragraph (2)
for the purpose of developing, implementing, and sustaining
veterinary services.
``(2) Eligibility requirements.--A qualified entity shall
be eligible to receive a grant described in paragraph (1) if
the entity carries out programs or activities that the
Secretary determines will--
``(A) substantially relieve veterinarian shortage
situations;
``(B) support or facilitate private veterinary practices
engaged in public health activities; or
``(C) support or facilitate the practices of veterinarians
who are providing or have completed providing services under
an agreement entered into with the Secretary under section
1415A(a)(2).
``(c) Award Processes and Preferences.--
``(1) Application, evaluation, and input processes.--In
administering the grant program established under this
section, the Secretary shall--
``(A) use an appropriate application and evaluation
process, as determined by the Secretary; and
``(B) seek the input of interested persons.
``(2) Coordination preference.--In selecting recipients of
grants to be used for any of the purposes described in
subsection (d)(1), the Secretary shall give a preference to
qualified entities that provide documentation of coordination
with other qualified entities, with respect to any such
purpose.
``(3) Consideration of available funds.--In selecting
recipients of grants to be used for any of the purposes
described in subsection (d), the Secretary shall take into
consideration the amount of funds available for grants and
the purposes for which the grant funds will be used.
``(4) Nature of grants.--A grant awarded under this section
shall be considered to be a competitive research, extension,
or education grant.
``(d) Use of Grants To Relieve Veterinarian Shortage
Situations and Support Veterinary Services.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a
qualified entity may use funds provided by a grant awarded
under this section to relieve veterinarian shortage
situations and support veterinary services for any of the
following purposes:
``(A) To promote recruitment (including for programs in
secondary schools), placement, and retention of
veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students of veterinary
medicine, and students of veterinary technology.
``(B) To allow veterinary students, veterinary interns,
externs, fellows, and residents, and veterinary technician
students to cover expenses (other than the types of expenses
described in section 1415A(c)(5)) to attend training programs
in food safety or food animal medicine.
``(C) To establish or expand accredited veterinary
education programs (including faculty recruitment and
retention), veterinary residency and fellowship programs, or
veterinary internship and externship programs carried out in
coordination with accredited colleges of veterinary medicine.
``(D) To provide continuing education and extension,
including veterinary telemedicine and other distance-based
education, for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and
other health professionals needed to strengthen veterinary
programs and enhance food safety.
``(E) To provide technical assistance for the preparation
of applications submitted to the Secretary for designation as
a veterinarian shortage situation under this section or
section 1415A.
``(2) Qualified entities operating veterinary clinics.--A
qualified entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A) may only
use funds provided by a grant awarded under this section to
establish or expand veterinary practices, including--
``(A) equipping veterinary offices;
``(B) sharing in the reasonable overhead costs of such
veterinary practices, as determined by the Secretary; or
``(C) establishing mobile veterinary facilities in which a
portion of the facilities will address education or extension
needs.
``(e) Special Requirements for Certain Grants.--
``(1) Terms of service requirements.--
``(A) In general.--Funds provided through a grant made
under this section to a qualified entity described in
subsection (a)(1)(A) and used by such entity under subsection
(d)(2) shall be subject to an agreement between the Secretary
and such entity that includes a required term of service for
such entity (including a qualified entity operating as an
individual), as prospectively established by the Secretary.
``(B) Considerations.--In establishing a term of service
under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider only--
``(i) the amount of the grant awarded; and
``(ii) the specific purpose of the grant.
``(2) Breach remedies.--
``(A) In general.--An agreement under paragraph (1) shall
provide remedies for any breach of the agreement by the
qualified entity referred to in paragraph (1)(A), including
repayment or partial repayment of the grant funds, with
interest.
``(B) Waiver.--The Secretary may grant a waiver of the
repayment obligation for breach of contract if the Secretary
determines that such qualified entity demonstrates extreme
hardship or extreme need.
``(C) Treatment of amounts recovered.--Funds recovered
under this paragraph shall--
``(i) be credited to the account available to carry out
this section; and
``(ii) remain available until expended without further
appropriation.
``(f) Prohibition on Use of Grant Funds for Construction.--
Except as provided in subsection (d)(2), funds made available
for grants under this section may not be used--
``(1) to construct a new building or facility; or
``(2) to acquire, expand, remodel, or alter an existing
building or facility, including site grading and improvement
and architect fees.
``(g) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall promulgate
regulations to carry out this section.
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out
this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal
year thereafter, to remain available until expended.''.
SEC. 6105. GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
SCIENCES EDUCATION.
Section 1417(m) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3152(m))
is amended by striking ``section $60,000,000'' and all that
follows and inserting the following: ``section--
``(1) $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1990 through
2013; and
``(2) $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 6106. POLICY RESEARCH CENTERS.
Section 1419A of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155) is
amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``AGRICULTURAL AND
FOOD'' before ``POLICY'';
(2) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1)--
(A) by striking ``Secretary may'' and inserting ``Secretary
shall, acting through the Office of the Chief Economist,'';
(B) by striking ``make grants, competitive grants, and
special research grants to, and enter into cooperative
agreements and other contracting instruments with,'' and
inserting ``make competitive grants to, or enter into
cooperative agreements with,''; and
(C) by inserting ``with a history of providing unbiased,
nonpartisan economic analysis to Congress'' after
``subsection (b)'';
(3) in subsection (b), by striking ``other research
institutions'' and all that follows through ``shall be
eligible'' and inserting ``and other public research
institutions and organizations shall be eligible'';
(4) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections
(d) and (e), respectively;
(5) by inserting after subsection (b), the following new
subsection:
``(c) Preference.--In awarding grants under this section,
the Secretary shall give a preference to policy research
centers that have extensive databases, models, and
demonstrated experience in providing Congress with
agricultural market projections, rural development analysis,
agricultural policy analysis, and baseline projections at the
farm, multiregional, national, and international levels.'';
and
(6) by striking subsection (e) (as redesignated by
paragraph (4)) and inserting the following new subsection:
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section--
``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years
1996 through 2013; and
``(2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 6107. REPEAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION INTERVENTION AND HEALTH
PROMOTION RESEARCH PROGRAM.
Effective October 1, 2013, section 1424 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3174) is repealed.
SEC. 6108. REPEAL OF PILOT RESEARCH PROGRAM TO COMBINE
MEDICAL AND AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH.
Effective October 1, 2013, section 1424A of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3174a) is repealed.
SEC. 6109. NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM.
Section 1425(f) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3175(f))
is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 6110. CONTINUING ANIMAL HEALTH AND DISEASE RESEARCH
PROGRAMS.
Section 1433 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3195) is
amended by striking the section designation and heading and
all that follows through subsection (a) and inserting the
following:
``SEC. 1433. APPROPRIATIONS FOR CONTINUING ANIMAL HEALTH AND
DISEASE RESEARCH PROGRAMS.
``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to support continuing animal health and disease research
programs at eligible institutions--
``(A) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through
2013; and
[[Page H4432]]
``(B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.
``(2) Use of funds.--Funds made available under this
section shall be used--
``(A) to meet the expenses of conducting animal health and
disease research, publishing and disseminating the results of
such research, and contributing to the retirement of
employees subject to the Act of March 4, 1940 (7 U.S.C. 331);
``(B) for administrative planning and direction; and
``(C) to purchase equipment and supplies necessary for
conducting the research described in subparagraph (A).''.
SEC. 6111. REPEAL OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR RESEARCH ON NATIONAL
OR REGIONAL PROBLEMS.
(a) Repeal.--Effective October 1, 2013, section 1434 of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3196) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Matching funds.--Section 1438 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3200) is amended in the first sentence by
striking ``, exclusive of the funds provided for research on
specific national or regional animal health and disease
problems under the provisions of section 1434 of this
title,''.
(2) Authorization of appropriations for existing and
certain new agricultural research programs.--Section 1463(c)
of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3311(c)) is amended by
striking ``sections 1433 and 1434'' and inserting ``section
1433''.
SEC. 6112. GRANTS TO UPGRADE AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD SCIENCES
FACILITIES AT 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES,
INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.
Section 1447(b) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3222b(b)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''.
SEC. 6113. GRANTS TO UPGRADE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SCIENCE
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT AT INSULAR AREA LAND-
GRANT INSTITUTIONS.
(a) Supporting Tropical and Subtropical Agricultural
Research.--
(1) In general.--Section 1447B(a) of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b-2(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Purpose.--It is the intent of Congress to assist the
land-grant colleges and universities in the insular areas in
efforts to--
``(1) acquire, alter, or repair facilities or relevant
equipment necessary for conducting agricultural research; and
``(2) support tropical and subtropical agricultural
research, including pest and disease research.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 1447B of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b-2) is amended in the heading--
(A) by inserting ``AND SUPPORT TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH'' after ``EQUIPMENT''; and
(B) by striking ``INSTITUTIONS'' and inserting ``COLLEGES
AND UNIVERSITIES''.
(b) Extension.--Section 1447B(d) of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222b-2(d)) is amended by striking ``2012''
and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 6114. REPEAL OF NATIONAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING VIRTUAL
CENTERS.
Effective October 1, 2013, section 1448 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222c) is repealed.
SEC. 6115. HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS.
Section 1455(c) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3241(c))
is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 6116. COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM FOR HISPANIC
AGRICULTURAL WORKERS AND YOUTH.
Section 1456(e)(1) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3243(e)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
competitive grants program--
``(A) to fund fundamental and applied research and
extension at Hispanic-serving agricultural colleges and
universities in agriculture, human nutrition, food science,
bioenergy, and environmental science; and
``(B) to award competitive grants to Hispanic-serving
agricultural colleges and universities to provide for
training in the food and agricultural sciences of Hispanic
agricultural workers and Hispanic youth working in the food
and agricultural sciences.''.
SEC. 6117. COMPETITIVE GRANTS FOR INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL
SCIENCE AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
Section 1459A(c) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3292b(c)) is amended to read as follows:
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section--
``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years
1999 through 2013; and
``(2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 6118. REPEAL OF RESEARCH EQUIPMENT GRANTS.
Effective October 1, 2013, section 1462A of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310a) is repealed.
SEC. 6119. UNIVERSITY RESEARCH.
Section 1463 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3311) is
amended in both of subsections (a) and (b) by striking
``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 6120. EXTENSION SERVICE.
Section 1464 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3312) is
amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 6121. AUDITING, REPORTING, BOOKKEEPING, AND
ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS.
Section 1469 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3315) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by adding ``and'' at the end;
(B) by striking paragraph (3); and
(C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3);
(2) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as
subsections (d), (e), and (f), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new
subsections:
``(b) Administrative Expenses.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2) and
notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may
retain not more than 4 percent of amounts made available for
agricultural research, extension, and teaching assistance
programs for the administration of those programs authorized
under this Act or any other Act.
``(2) Exceptions.--The limitation on administrative
expenses under paragraph (1) shall not apply to peer panel
expenses under subsection (d) or any other provision of law
related to the administration of agricultural research,
extension, and teaching assistance programs that contains a
limitation on administrative expenses that is less than the
limitation under paragraph (1).
``(c) Agreements With Non-Federal Entities.--
``(1) Former agricultural research facilities of the
department.--To the maximum extent practicable, the
Secretary, for purposes of supporting ongoing research and
information dissemination activities, including supporting
research and those activities through co-locating scientists
and other technical personnel, sharing of laboratory and
field equipment, and providing financial support, shall enter
into grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other
legal instruments with former Department of Agriculture
agricultural research facilities.
``(2) Agreements with agricultural research
organizations.--The Secretary, for purposes of receiving from
a non-Federal agricultural research organization support for
agricultural research, including staffing, laboratory and
field equipment, or direct financial assistance, may enter
into grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other
legal instruments with a non-Federal agricultural research
organization, the operation of which is consistent with the
research mission and programs of an agricultural research
facility of the Department of Agriculture.''.
SEC. 6122. SUPPLEMENTAL AND ALTERNATIVE CROPS.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations and Termination.--
Section 1473D of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319d)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(e) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out
this section--
``(1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and
``(2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
(b) Competitive Grants.--Section 1473D(c)(1) of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319d(c)(1)) is amended by
striking ``use such research funding, special or competitive
grants, or other means, as the Secretary determines,'' and
inserting ``make competitive grants''.
SEC. 6123. CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS FOR NLGCA INSTITUTIONS.
Section 1473F(b) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3319i(b)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''.
SEC. 6124. AQUACULTURE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.
(a) Competitive Grants.--Section 1475(b) of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3322(b)) is amended in the matter preceding
paragraph (1), by inserting ``competitive'' before
``grants''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 1477 of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3324) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 1477. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to carry out this subtitle--
``(1) $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through
2013; and
``(2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.
``(b) Prohibition on Use.--Funds made available under this
section may not be used to acquire or construct a
building.''.
SEC. 6125. RANGELAND RESEARCH PROGRAMS.
Section 1483(a) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching
[[Page H4433]]
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3336(a)) is amended by striking
``subtitle'' and all that follows and inserting the
following: ``subtitle--
``(1) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 through
2013; and
``(2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 6126. SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION FOR BIOSECURITY PLANNING AND
RESPONSE.
Section 1484(a) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3351(a))
is amended by striking ``response such sums as are
necessary'' and all that follows and inserting the following:
``response--
``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years
2002 through 2013; and
``(2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 6127. DISTANCE EDUCATION AND RESIDENT INSTRUCTION GRANTS
PROGRAM FOR INSULAR AREA INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER
EDUCATION.
(a) Distance Education Grants for Insular Areas.--
(1) Competitive grants.--Section 1490(a) of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3362(a)) is amended by striking ``or
noncompetitive''.
(2) Authorization of appropriations.--Section 1490(f) of
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3362(f)) is amended by striking
``section'' and all that follows and inserting the following:
``section--
``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years
2002 through 2013; and
``(2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
(b) Resident Instruction Grants for Insular Areas.--Section
1491(c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3363(c)) is amended by
striking ``such sums as are necessary'' and all that follows
and inserting the following: ``to carry out this section--
``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years
2002 through 2013; and
``(2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 6128. MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT.
(a) In General.--The National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101 et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subtitle:
``Subtitle P--General Provisions
``SEC. 1492. MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT.
``(a) In General.--The recipient of a competitive grant
that is awarded by the Secretary under a covered law shall
provide funds, in-kind contributions, or a combination of
both, from sources other than funds provided through such
grant in an amount at least equal to the amount of such
grant.
``(b) Exception.--The matching funds requirement under
subsection (a) shall not apply to grants awarded--
``(1) to a research agency of the Department of
Agriculture; or
``(2) to an entity eligible to receive funds under a
capacity and infrastructure program (as defined in section
251(f)(1)(C) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization
Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(C))), including a partner of
such entity.
``(c) Covered Law.--In this section, the term `covered law'
means each of the following provisions of law:
``(1) This title.
``(2) Title XVI of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.).
``(3) The Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601 et seq.).
``(4) Part III of subtitle E of title VII of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 3202 et seq.).
``(5) The Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research
Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i).''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Paragraph (9) of subsection (b)
of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant
Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking subparagraph (B);
(2) in the heading, by inserting ``for equipment grants''
after ``funds'';
(3) by striking ``(A) Equipment grants.--''; and
(4) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subparagraphs
(A) and (B), respectively, and moving the margins of such
subparagraphs two ems to the left.
(c) Application to Amendments.--
(1) New grants.--Section 1492 of the National Agricultural,
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as
added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to grants
described in such section awarded after October 1, 2013,
unless the provision of a covered law under which such grants
are awarded specifically exempts such grants from the
matching funds requirement under such section.
(2) Existing grants.--A matching funds requirement in
effect on or before October 1, 2013, under a covered law
shall continue to apply to a grant awarded under such
provision of law on or before that date.
SEC. 6129. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING EXPANSION OF THE LAND
GRANT PROGRAM TO INCLUDE ENHANCED FUNDING AND
ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
It is the sense of the Congress that--
(1) institutions of higher education designated under the
Act of August 30, 1890 (commonly known, and referred to in
this section, as the ``Second Morrill Act''; 7 U.S.C. 321 et
seq.) have played an integral role in the education and
advancement of agriculture and mechanic arts for over a
century;
(2) in addition to those institutions, a number of colleges
and universities have fulfilled similar and parallel missions
in successfully training and graduating generations of
students who have gone on to be leaders in their field;
(3) the colleges and universities, both with and without
designation under the Second Morrill Act, fulfill a vital
role to the future of industry, opportunities for increased
job creation, and the strength of agriculture in the United
States;
(4) Congress must ensure that the United States' higher
education framework and policies meet the needs of young
individuals in the United States, and that students from
across the country are able to choose from a variety of
institutions and programs that will equip them with the
skills and training necessary to achieve their individual
goals; and
(5) as Congress and the agricultural community generally
consider policies and approaches to improve research,
extension, and education in the agricultural sciences,
expansion of the land grant program under the Second Morrill
Act to include enhanced funding and additional institutions
should be considered.
Subtitle B--Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990
SEC. 6201. BEST UTILIZATION OF BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS.
Section 1624 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5814) is amended in the first
sentence--
(1) by striking ``$40,000,000 for each fiscal year''; and
(2) by inserting ``$40,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2013 through 2018'' after ``chapter''.
SEC. 6202. INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.
Section 1627(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5821(d)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture
$20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2018.''.
SEC. 6203. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND
TRANSFER PROGRAM.
Section 1628(f) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5831(f)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section--
``(1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and
``(2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 6204. NATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM.
Section 1629(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5832(i)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out the National
Training Program $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013
through 2018.''.
SEC. 6205. NATIONAL GENETICS RESOURCES PROGRAM.
Section 1635(b) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5844(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``such funds as may be necessary''; and
(2) by striking ``subtitle'' and all that follows and
inserting the following: ``subtitle--
``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years
1991 through 2013; and
``(2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 6206. REPEAL OF NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL WEATHER
INFORMATION SYSTEM.
Effective October 1, 2013, subtitle D of title XVI of the
Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 5851 et seq.) is repealed.
SEC. 6207. REPEAL OF RURAL ELECTRONIC COMMERCE EXTENSION
PROGRAM.
Effective October 1, 2013, section 1670 of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
5923) is repealed.
SEC. 6208. REPEAL OF AGRICULTURAL GENOME INITIATIVE.
Effective October 1, 2013, section 1671 of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
5924) is repealed.
SEC. 6209. 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--
(1) in the first sentence of subsection (a), by striking
``subsections (e) through (i)'' and inserting ``subsections
(e), (f), and (g)'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2), in the first sentence, by
striking ``subsections (e) through (i)'' and inserting ``
`subsections (e), (f), and (g)' '';
(3) by striking subsections (e), (f), and (i);
(4) by redesignating subsections (g), (h), and (j) as
subsections (e), (f), and (h), respectively;
(5) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (4))--
(A) by striking ``2012'' each place it appears in
paragraphs (1)(B), (2)(B), and (3) and inserting ``2018'';
and
(B) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and honey bee
health disorders'' after ``collapse''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, including best
management practices'' after ``strategies'';
[[Page H4434]]
(6) by inserting after subsection (f) (as redesignated by
paragraph (4)) the following new subsection:
``(g) Coffee Plant Health Initiative.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a
coffee plant health initiative to address the critical needs
of the coffee industry by--
``(A) developing and disseminating science-based tools and
treatments to combat the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus
hampei); and
``(B) establishing an area-wide integrated pest management
program in areas affected by, or areas at risk of, being
affected by the coffee berry borer.
``(2) Eligible entities.--The Secretary may carry out the
coffee plant health initiative through--
``(A) Federal agencies, including the Agricultural Research
Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture;
``(B) National Laboratories;
``(C) institutions of higher education;
``(D) research institutions or organizations;
``(E) private organizations or corporations;
``(F) State agricultural experiment stations;
``(G) individuals; or
``(H) groups consisting of 2 or more entities or
individuals described in subparagraphs (A) through (G).
``(3) Project grants and cooperative agreements.--In
carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall--
``(A) enter into cooperative agreements with eligible
entities, as appropriate; and
``(B) award grants on a competitive basis.
``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $2,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.''; and
(7) in subsection (h) (as redesignated by paragraph (4)),
by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 6210. REPEAL OF NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT RESEARCH AND
EXTENSION INITIATIVE.
Effective October 1, 2013, section 1672A of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
5925a) is repealed.
SEC. 6211. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION
INITIATIVE.
Section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925b) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following
new subsection:
``(e) Farm Business Management Encouraged.--Following the
completion of a peer review process for grant proposals
received under this section, the Secretary shall give a
priority to grant proposals found in the review process to be
scientifically meritorious using the same criteria the
Secretary uses to give priority to grants under section
1672D(b).''; and
(2) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the heading of such paragraph, by striking ``2012''
and inserting ``2018'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the heading of such paragraph, by striking ``2009
through 2012'' and inserting ``2014 through 2018''; and
(ii) by striking ``2009 through 2012'' and inserting ``2014
through 2018''.
SEC. 6212. REPEAL OF AGRICULTURAL BIOENERGY FEEDSTOCK AND
ENERGY EFFICIENCY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION
INITIATIVE.
(a) Repeal.--Effective October 1, 2013, section 1672C of
the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 5925e) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 251(f)(1)(D) of the
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7
U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(D)) is amended--
(1) by striking clause (xi); and
(2) by redesignating clauses (xii) and (xiii) as clauses
(xi) and (xii), respectively.
SEC. 6213. FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT.
Section 1672D(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925f(d)) is amended by
striking ``such sums as are necessary to carry out this
section.'' and inserting the following: ``to carry out this
section--
``(1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and
``(2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 6214. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.
The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990
is amended by inserting after section 1672D (7 U.S.C. 5925f)
the following new section:
``SEC. 1673. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.
``(a) Funding Priorities.--The Secretary shall prioritize
centers of excellence established for specific agricultural
commodities for the receipt of funding for any competitive
research or extension program administered by the Secretary.
``(b) Composition.--A center of excellence is composed of 1
or more of the eligible entities specified in subsection
(b)(7) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research
Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(7)) that provide financial or in-
kind support to the center of excellence.
``(c) Criteria for Centers of Excellence.--
``(1) Required efforts.--The criteria for consideration to
be recognized as a center of excellence shall include
efforts--
``(A) to ensure coordination and cost effectiveness by
reducing unnecessarily duplicative efforts regarding
research, teaching, and extension;
``(B) to leverage available resources by using public/
private partnerships among agricultural industry groups,
institutions of higher education, and the Federal Government;
``(C) to implement teaching initiatives to increase
awareness and effectively disseminate solutions to target
audiences through extension activities; and
``(D) to increase the economic returns to rural communities
by identifying, attracting, and directing funds to high-
priority agricultural issues.
``(2) Additional efforts.--Where practicable, the criteria
for consideration to be recognized as a center of excellence
shall include efforts to improve teaching capacity and
infrastructure at colleges and universities (including land-
grant institutions, schools of forestry, schools of
veterinary medicine, and NLGCA Institutions).''.
SEC. 6215. REPEAL OF RED MEAT SAFETY RESEARCH CENTER.
Effective October 1, 2013, section 1676 of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
5929) is repealed.
SEC. 6216. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM FOR FARMERS WITH
DISABILITIES.
Section 1680(c)(1) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933(c)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``is'' and inserting ``are''; and
(2) by striking ``section'' and all that follows and
inserting the following: ``section--
``(A) $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 through
2013; and
``(B) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 6217. NATIONAL RURAL INFORMATION CENTER CLEARINGHOUSE.
Section 2381(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 3125b(e)) is amended by striking
``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
Subtitle C--Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act
of 1998
SEC. 6301. RELEVANCE AND MERIT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH,
EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION FUNDED BY THE
DEPARTMENT.
Section 103(a)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613(a)(2)) is
amended--
(1) in the heading by striking ``Merit review of
extension'' and inserting ``Relevance and merit review of
research, extension,'';
(2) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by inserting ``relevance and'' before ``merit''; and
(B) by striking ``extension or education'' and inserting
``research, extension, or education''; and
(3) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``on a continuous
basis'' after ``procedures''.
SEC. 6302. INTEGRATED RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION
COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM.
Section 406(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7626(f)) is amended by
striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 6303. REPEAL OF COORDINATED PROGRAM OF RESEARCH,
EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION TO IMPROVE VIABILITY
OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZE DAIRY, LIVESTOCK, AND
POULTRY OPERATIONS.
(a) Repeal.--Effective October 1, 2013, section 407 of the
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of
1998 (7 U.S.C. 7627) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 251(f)(1)(D) of the
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7
U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(D)), as amended by section 6212(b), is
further amended--
(1) by striking clause (xi) (as redesignated by section
6212(b)); and
(2) by redesignating clause (xii) (as redesignated by
section 6212(b)) as clause (xi).
SEC. 6304. FUSARIUM GRAMINEARUM GRANTS.
Section 408(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7628(e)) is amended to
read as follows:
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section--
``(1) such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal
years 1999 through 2013; and
``(2) $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 6305. REPEAL OF BOVINE JOHNE'S DISEASE CONTROL PROGRAM.
Effective October 1, 2013, section 409 of the Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7
U.S.C. 7629) is repealed.
SEC. 6306. GRANTS FOR YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS.
Section 410(d) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7630(d)) is amended by
striking ``section such sums as are necessary'' and all that
follows and inserting the following: ``section--
``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years
2008 through 2013; and
``(2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
[[Page H4435]]
SEC. 6307. SPECIALTY CROP RESEARCH INITIATIVE.
Section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and genomics'' and
inserting ``genomics, and other methods''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``handling and
processing,'' after ``production efficiency,'';
(2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following
new subsection:
``(d) Research Projects.--In carrying out this section, the
Secretary shall award competitive grants on the basis of--
``(1) an initial scientific peer review conducted by a
panel of subject matter experts from Federal agencies, non-
Federal entities, and the specialty crop industry; and
``(2) a final funding determination made by the Secretary
based on a review and ranking for merit, relevance, and
impact conducted by a panel of specialty crop industry
representatives for the specific specialty crop.''; and
(3) in subsection (h)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``(1) Mandatory funding for fiscal years
2008 through 2012.--Of the funds'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) Mandatory funding.--
``(A) Fiscal years 2008 through 2012.--Of the funds''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(B) Subsequent funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to
carry out this section--
``(i) $50,000,000 for fiscal years 2014 and 2015;
``(ii) $55,000,000 for fiscal years 2016 and 2017; and
``(iii) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 and each fiscal
year thereafter.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the heading, by striking ``2008 Through 2012'' and
inserting ``2014 Through 2018''; and
(ii) by striking ``2008 through 2012'' and inserting ``2014
through 2018''.
SEC. 6308. FOOD ANIMAL RESIDUE AVOIDANCE DATABASE PROGRAM.
Section 604(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7642(e)) is amended by
striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 6309. REPEAL OF NATIONAL SWINE RESEARCH CENTER.
Effective October 1, 2013, section 612 of the Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (Public
Law 105-185; 112 Stat. 605) is repealed.
SEC. 6310. OFFICE OF PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY.
Section 614(f) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7653(f)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``such sums as are necessary''; and
(2) by striking ``section'' and all that follows and
inserting the following: ``section--
``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years
1999 through 2013; and
``(2) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 6311. REPEAL OF STUDIES OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH,
EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION.
Effective October 1, 2013, subtitle C of title VI of the
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of
1998 (7 U.S.C. 7671 et seq.) is repealed.
Subtitle D--Other Laws
SEC. 6401. CRITICAL AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS ACT.
Section 16(a) of the Critical Agricultural Materials Act (7
U.S.C. 178n(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``such sums as are necessary''; and
(2) by striking ``Act'' and all that follows and inserting
the following: ``Act--
``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years
1991 through 2013; and
``(2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 6402. 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 (7 U.S.C.
301 note; Public Law 103-382) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (8), by striking ``Memorial'';
(2) in paragraph (26), by striking ``Community'';
(3) by striking paragraphs (5), (10), and (27);
(4) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (6),
(7), (8), (9), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), (20),
(21), (22), (23), (24), (25), (26), (28), (29), (30), (31),
(32), (33), and (34) as paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (7), (8),
(9), (5), (10), (15), (17), (18), (19), (20), (22), (23),
(24), (25), (32), (26), (27), (28), (29), (30), (31), (33),
(34), (35), and (14), respectively, and transferring the
paragraphs so as to appear in numerical order;
(5) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated),
the following new paragraph:
``(1) Aaniih Nakoda College.'';
(6) by inserting after paragraph (5) (as so redesignated),
the following new paragraph:
``(6) College of the Muscogee Nation.'';
(7) by inserting after paragraph (15) (as so redesignated)
the following new paragraph:
``(16) Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College.''; and
(8) by inserting after paragraph (20) (as so redesignated)
the following new paragraph:
``(21) Navajo Technical College.''.
(b) Endowment for 1994 Institutions.--Section 533(b) of the
Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
301 note; Public Law 103-382) is amended in the first
sentence by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
(c) Institutional Capacity Building Grants.--Section 535 of
the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7
U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103-382) is amended by striking
``2012'' each place it appears in subsections (b)(1) and (c)
and inserting ``2018''.
(d) Research Grants.--
(1) Authorization of appropriations.--Section 536(c) of the
Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
301 note; Public Law 103-382) is amended in the first
sentence by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
(2) Research grant requirements.--Section 536(b) of the
Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.
301 note; Public Law 103-382) is amended by striking ``with
at least 1 other land-grant college or university'' and all
that follows and inserting the following: ``with--
``(1) the Agricultural Research Service of the Department
of Agriculture; or
``(2) at least 1--
``(A) other land-grant college or university (exclusive of
another 1994 Institution);
``(B) non-land-grant college of agriculture (as defined in
section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103));
or
``(C) cooperating forestry school (as defined in that
section).''.
SEC. 6403. RESEARCH FACILITIES ACT.
Section 6(a) of the Research Facilities Act (7 U.S.C.
390d(a)) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''.
SEC. 6404. REPEAL OF CARBON CYCLE RESEARCH.
Effective October 1, 2013, section 221 of the Agricultural
Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 6711) is repealed.
SEC. 6405. COMPETITIVE, SPECIAL, AND FACILITIES RESEARCH
GRANT ACT.
(a) Extension.--Subsection (b)(11)(A) of the Competitive,
Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C.
450i(b)(11)(A)) is amended in the matter preceding clause (i)
by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
(b) Priority Areas.--Subsection (b)(2) of the Competitive,
Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C.
450i(b)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) in clause (vi), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in clause (vii), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(viii) plant-based foods that are major sources of
nutrients of concern (as determined by the Secretary).'';
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) in clause (vii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in clause (viii), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new clauses:
``(ix) the research and development of surveillance
methods, vaccines, vaccination delivery systems, or
diagnostic tests for pests and diseases (especially zoonotic
diseases) in wildlife reservoirs presenting a potential
concern to public health or domestic livestock and pests and
diseases in minor species (including deer, elk, and bison);
and
``(x) the identification of animal drug needs and the
generation and dissemination of data for safe and effective
therapeutic applications of animal drugs for minor species
and minor uses of such drugs in major species.'';
(3) in subparagraph (C)--
(A) in clause (ii), by inserting before the semicolon ``,
including the effects of plant-based foods that are major
sources of nutrients of concern on diet and health'';
(B) in clause (iii), by inserting before the semicolon ``,
including plant-based foods that are major sources of
nutrients of concern'';
(C) in clause (iv), by inserting before the semicolon ``,
including postharvest practices conducted with respect to
plant-based foods that are major sources of nutrients of
concern''; and
(D) in clause (v), by inserting before the period ``,
including improving the functionality of plant-based foods
that are major sources of nutrients of concern'';
(4) in subparagraph (D)--
(A) by redesignating clauses (iv), (v), and (vi) as clauses
(v), (vi), and (vii), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after clause (iii) the following new
clause:
``(iv) the effectiveness of conservation practices and
technologies designed to address nutrient losses and improve
water quality;''; and
(5) in subparagraph (F)--
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting
``economics,'' after ``trade,'';
(B) by redesignating clauses (v) and (vi) as clauses (vi)
and (vii), respectively; and
(C) by inserting after clause (iv) the following new
clause:
``(v) the economic costs, benefits, and viability of
producers adopting conservation
[[Page H4436]]
practices and technologies designed to improve water
quality;''.
(c) General Administration.--Subsection (b)(4) of the
Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7
U.S.C. 450i(b)(4)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(F) establish procedures under which a commodity board
established under a commodity promotion law (as such term is
defined under section 501(a) of the Federal Agriculture
Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7401(a))) or a
State commodity board (or other equivalent State entity) may
directly submit to the Secretary proposals for requests for
applications to specifically address particular issues
related to the priority areas specified in paragraph (2).''.
(d) Special Considerations.--Subsection (b)(6) of the
Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7
U.S.C. 450i(b)(6)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(E) to eligible entities to carry out the specific
research proposals submitted under procedures established
under paragraph (4)(F).''.
(e) Eligible Entities.--Subsection (b)(7)(G) of the
Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7
U.S.C. 450i(b)(7)(G)) is amended by striking ``or
corporations'' and inserting ``, foundations, or
corporations''.
(f) Inter-Regional Research Project Number 4.--Subsection
(e) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research
Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``minor use
pesticides'' and inserting ``pesticides for minor
agricultural use and for use on specialty crops (as defined
in section 3 of the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act of
2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note)),''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and for use on
specialty crops'' after ``minor agricultural use'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (G);
and
(D) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new
subparagraphs:
``(C) prioritize potential pest management technology for
minor agricultural use and for use on specialty crops;
``(D) conduct research to develop the data necessary to
facilitate pesticide registrations, reregistrations, and
associated tolerances;
``(E) assist in removing trade barriers caused by residues
of pesticides registered for minor agricultural use and for
use on domestically grown specialty crops;
``(F) assist in the registration and reregistration of pest
management technologies for minor agricultural use and for
use on specialty crops; and''.
(g) Emphasis on Sustainable Agriculture.--The Competitive,
Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i) is
amended by striking subsection (k).
SEC. 6406. RENEWABLE RESOURCES EXTENSION ACT OF 1978.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 6 of the
Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1675) is
amended in the first sentence by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2018''.
(b) Termination Date.--Section 8 of the Renewable Resources
Extension Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1671 note; Public Law 95-
306) is amended by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 6407. NATIONAL AQUACULTURE ACT OF 1980.
Section 10 of the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16
U.S.C. 2809) is amended by striking ``2012'' each place it
appears and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 6408. REPEAL OF USE OF REMOTE SENSING DATA.
Effective October 1, 2013, section 892 of the Federal
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C.
5935) is repealed.
SEC. 6409. REPEAL OF REPORTS UNDER FARM SECURITY AND RURAL
INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002.
(a) Repeal of Report on Producers and Handlers for Organic
Products.--Effective October 1, 2013, section 7409 of the
Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C.
5925b note; Public Law 107-171) is repealed.
(b) Repeal of Report on Genetically Modified Pest-Protected
Plants.--Effective October 1, 2013, section 7410 of the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-
171; 116 Stat. 462) is repealed.
(c) Repeal of Study on Nutrient Banking.--Effective October
1, 2013, section 7411 of the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 5925a note; Public Law 107-
171) is repealed.
SEC. 6410. BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
Section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraphs (A) through
(R) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:
``(A) basic livestock, forest management, and crop farming
practices;
``(B) innovative farm, ranch, and private, nonindustrial
forest land transfer strategies;
``(C) entrepreneurship and business training;
``(D) financial and risk management training (including the
acquisition and management of agricultural credit);
``(E) natural resource management and planning;
``(F) diversification and marketing strategies;
``(G) curriculum development;
``(H) mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships;
``(I) resources and referral;
``(J) farm financial benchmarking;
``(K) assisting beginning farmers or ranchers in acquiring
land from retiring farmers and ranchers;
``(L) agricultural rehabilitation and vocational training
for veterans; and
``(M) other similar subject areas of use to beginning
farmers or ranchers.'';
(B) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and community-based
organizations'' and inserting ``, community-based
organizations, and school-based agricultural educational
organizations'';
(C) by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the following
new paragraph:
``(8) Military veteran beginning farmers and ranchers.--
``(A) In general.--Not less than 5 percent of the funds
used to carry out this subsection for a fiscal year shall be
used to support programs and services that address the needs
of military veteran beginning farmers and ranchers.
``(B) Coordination permitted.--A recipient of a grant under
this section using the grant as described in subparagraph (A)
may coordinate with a recipient of a grant under section 1680
of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990
(7 U.S.C. 5933) in addressing the needs of military veteran
beginning farmers and ranchers with disabilities.''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(11) Limitation on indirect costs.--A recipient of a
grant under this section may not use more than 10 percent of
the funds provided by the grant for the indirect costs of
carrying out the initiatives described in paragraph (1).'';
(2) in subsection (h)(1)--
(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``2012'' and
inserting ``2018'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(C) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018, to remain available until expended.''; and
(3) in subsection (h)(2)--
(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``2008 through
2012'' and inserting ``2014 through 2018''; and
(B) by striking ``2008 through 2012'' and inserting ``2014
through 2018''.
SEC. 6411. INCLUSION OF AMERICAN SAMOA, FEDERATED STATES OF
MICRONESIA, AND NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS AS A
STATE UNDER MCINTIRE-STENNIS COOPERATIVE
FORESTRY ACT.
Section 8 of Public Law 87-788 (commonly known as the
McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act; 16 U.S.C. 582a-7)
is amended by striking ``and Guam'' and inserting ``Guam,
American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands''.
Subtitle E--Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
PART 1--AGRICULTURAL SECURITY
SEC. 6501. AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY COMMUNICATION CENTER.
Section 14112(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8912(c)) is amended to read as follows:
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section--
``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years
2008 through 2013; and
``(2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 6502. ASSISTANCE TO BUILD LOCAL CAPACITY IN AGRICULTURAL
BIOSECURITY PLANNING, PREPARATION, AND
RESPONSE.
Section 14113 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 8913) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)--
(A) by striking ``such sums as may be necessary''; and
(B) by striking ``subsection'' and all that follows and
inserting the following: ``subsection--
``(A) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years
2008 through 2013; and
``(B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this subsection'' and all that
follows and inserting the following: ``are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this subsection--
``(A) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through
2013; and
``(B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 6503. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL
COUNTERMEASURES.
Section 14121(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8921(b)) is
[[Page H4437]]
amended by striking ``is authorized to be appropriated to
carry out this section'' and all that follows and inserting
the following: ``are authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this section--
``(1) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through
2013; and
``(2) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 6504. AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 14122(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8922(e)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``sums as are necessary''; and
(2) by striking ``section'' and all that follows and
inserting the following: ``section--
``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years
2008 through 2013, to remain available until expended; and
``(2) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018, to remain available until expended.''.
PART 2--MISCELLANEOUS
SEC. 6511. ENHANCED USE LEASE AUTHORITY PILOT PROGRAM.
Section 308 of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7
U.S.C. 3125a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(6)(A), by striking ``5 years'' and
inserting ``10 years''; and
(2) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``1, 3, and 5 years''
and inserting ``6, 8, and 10 years''.
SEC. 6512. GRAZINGLANDS RESEARCH LABORATORY.
Section 7502 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2019) is amended by
striking ``5-year period'' and inserting ``10-year period''.
SEC. 6513. BUDGET SUBMISSION AND FUNDING.
Section 7506 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 7614c) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following
new subsection:
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Covered program.--The term `covered program' means--
``(A) each research program carried out by the Agricultural
Research Service or the Economic Research Service for which
annual appropriations are requested in the annual budget
submission of the President; and
``(B) each competitive program carried out by the National
Institute of Food and Agriculture for which annual
appropriations are requested in the annual budget submission
of the President.
``(2) Request for awards.--The term `request for awards'
means a funding announcement published by the National
Institute of Food and Agriculture that provides detailed
information on funding opportunities at the Institute,
including the purpose, eligibility, restriction, focus areas,
evaluation criteria, regulatory information, and instructions
on how to apply for such opportunities.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
``(e) Additional Presidential Budget Submission
Requirement.--
``(1) In general.--Each year, the President shall submit to
Congress, together with the annual budget submission of the
President, the information described in paragraph (2) for
each funding request for a covered program.
``(2) Information described.--The information described in
this paragraph includes--
``(A) baseline information, including with respect to each
covered program--
``(i) the funding level for the program for the fiscal year
preceding the year the annual budget submission of the
President is submitted;
``(ii) the funding level requested in the annual budget
submission of the President, including any increase or
decrease in the funding level; and
``(iii) an explanation justifying any change from the
funding level specified in clause (i) to the level specified
in clause (ii);
``(B) with respect to each covered program that is carried
out by the Economic Research Service or the Agricultural
Research Service, the location and staff years of the
program;
``(C) the proposed funding levels to be allocated to, and
the expected publication date, scope, and allocation level
for, each request for awards to be published under or
associated with--
``(i) each priority area specified in subsection (b)(2) of
the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act
(7 U.S.C. 450i(b)(2));
``(ii) each research and extension project carried out
under section 1621(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5811(a));
``(iii) each grant to be awarded under section 1672B(a) of
the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 5925b(a));
``(iv) each grant awarded under section 412(d) of the
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of
1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632(d)); and
``(v) each grant awarded under 7405(c)(1) of the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C.
3319f(c)(1)); or
``(D) any other information the Secretary determines will
increase congressional oversight with respect to covered
programs.
``(3) Prohibition.--Unless the President submits the
information described in paragraph (2)(C) for a fiscal year,
the President may not carry out any program during the fiscal
year that is authorized under--
``(A) subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and
Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 450i(b));
``(B) section 1621 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5811);
``(C) section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925b);
``(D) section 412 of the Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632); or
``(E) section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f).
``(f) Report of the Secretary of Agriculture.--Each year on
a date that is not later than the date on which the President
submits the annual budget, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress a report containing a description of the
agricultural research, extension, and education activities
carried out by the Federal Government during the fiscal year
that immediately precedes the year for which the report is
submitted, including--
``(1) a review of the extent to which those activities--
``(A) are duplicative or overlap within the Department of
Agriculture; or
``(B) are similar to activities carried out by--
``(i) other Federal agencies;
``(ii) the States (including the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and other territories or
possessions of the United States);
``(iii) institutions of higher education (as defined in
section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001)); or
``(iv) the private sector; and
``(2) for each report submitted under this section on or
after January 1, 2013, a 5-year projection of national
priorities with respect to agricultural research, extension,
and education, taking into account domestic needs.''.
SEC. 6514. RESEARCH AND EDUCATION GRANTS FOR THE STUDY OF
ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT BACTERIA.
Section 7521(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 3202(c)) is amended by striking ``2012''
and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 6515. REPEAL OF FARM AND RANCH STRESS ASSISTANCE
NETWORK.
Effective October 1, 2013, section 7522 of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 5936) is
repealed.
SEC. 6516. REPEAL OF SEED DISTRIBUTION.
Effective October 1, 2013, section 7523 of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 415-1) is
repealed.
SEC. 6517. NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH PROGRAM.
Section 7525(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 5937(e)) is amended to read as follows:
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.''.
SEC. 6518. SUN GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 7526 of the Food, Conservation,
and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8114) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(4)(B), by striking ``the Department
of Energy'' and inserting ``other appropriate Federal
agencies (as determined by the Secretary)'';
(2) in subsection (c)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``multistate'' and all
that follows through the period and inserting ``integrated,
multistate research, extension, and education programs on
technology development and technology implementation.'';
(B) by striking subparagraph (C); and
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C);
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``in accordance with paragraph (2)'';
(ii) by striking ``gasification'' and inserting
``bioproducts''; and
(iii) by striking ``the Department of Energy'' and
inserting ``other appropriate Federal agencies'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2); and
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs
(2) and (3), respectively; and
(4) in subsection (g), by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 7526(f)(1) of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8114(f)(1)) is
amended by striking ``subsection (c)(1)(D)(i)'' and inserting
``subsection (c)(1)(C)(i)''.
SEC. 6519. REPEAL OF STUDY AND REPORT ON FOOD DESERTS.
Effective October 1, 2013, section 7527 of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122
Stat. 2039) is repealed.
SEC. 6520. REPEAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL TRANSPORTATION
RESEARCH AND EDUCATION.
Effective October 1, 2013, section 7529 of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 5938) is
repealed.
Subtitle F--Miscellaneous Provisions
SEC. 6601. AGREEMENTS WITH NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS FOR
NATIONAL ARBORETUM.
Section 6 of the Act of March 4, 1927 (20 U.S.C. 196), is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (1) and
inserting the following new paragraph:
[[Page H4438]]
``(1) negotiate agreements for the National Arboretum with
nonprofit scientific or educational organizations, the
interests of which are complementary to the mission of the
National Arboretum, or nonprofit organizations that support
the purpose of the National Arboretum, except that the net
proceeds of the organizations from the agreements shall be
used exclusively for research and educational work for the
benefit of the National Arboretum and the operation and
maintenance of the facilities of the National Arboretum,
including enhancements, upgrades, restoration, and
conservation;''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Recognition of Donors.--A non-profit organization
that entered into an agreement under subsection (a)(1) may
recognize donors if that recognition is approved in advance
by the Secretary. In considering whether to approve such
recognition, the Secretary shall broadly exercise the
discretion of the Secretary to the fullest extent allowed
under Federal law in effect on the date of the enactment of
this subsection.''.
SEC. 6602. COTTON DISEASE RESEARCH REPORT.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on
the fungus fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum race 4
(referred to in this section as ``FOV Race 4'') and the
impact of such fungus on cotton, including--
(1) an overview of the threat FOV Race 4 poses to the
cotton industry in the United States;
(2) the status and progress of Federal research initiatives
to detect, contain, or eradicate FOV Race 4, including
current FOV Race 4-specific research projects; and
(3) a comprehensive strategy to combat FOV Race 4 that
establishes--
(A) detection and identification goals;
(B) containment goals;
(C) eradication goals; and
(D) a plan to partner with the cotton industry in the
United States to maximize resources, information sharing, and
research responsiveness and effectiveness.
SEC. 6603. ACCEPTANCE OF FACILITY FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
SERVICE.
(a) Construction Authorized.--Subject to subsections (b)
and (c), the Secretary of Agriculture may authorize a non-
Federal entity to construct, at no cost and without
obligation to the Federal Government, a facility for use by
the Agricultural Research Service on land owned by the
Agricultural Research Service and managed by the Secretary.
(b) Acceptance of Gift.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), upon the
completion of the construction of the facility by the non-
Federal entity under subsection (a), the Secretary shall
accept the facility as a gift in accordance with Public Law
95-442 (7 U.S.C. 2269).
(2) Certification.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall
certify in advance that the acceptance under paragraph (1)
complies with the limitations specified in paragraphs (1) and
(2) of subsection (c).
(c) Limitations.--
(1) Value.--The Secretary may not accept a facility as a
gift under this section if the fair market value of the
facility is more than $5,000,000.
(2) No federal cost.--The Secretary shall not enter into
any acquisitions, demonstrations, exchanges, grants,
contracts, incentives, leases, procurements, sales, or other
transaction authorities or arrangements that would obligate
future appropriations with respect to the facility
constructed under subsection (a).
(d) Termination of Authority.--No facility may be accepted
by the Secretary for use by the Agricultural Research Service
under this section after September 30, 2018.
SEC. 6604. MISCELLANEOUS TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
Sections 7408 and 7409 of the Food, Conservation, and
Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2013) are
both amended by striking ``Title III of the Department of
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994'' and inserting
``Title III of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994''.
SEC. 6605. LEGITIMACY OF INDUSTRIAL HEMP RESEARCH.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding the Controlled Substances
Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), the Drug-Free Workplace Act of
1988 (41 U.S.C. 8101 et seq.), the Safe and Drug-Free Schools
and Communities Act of 1986 (20 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), or any
other Federal law, an institution of higher education (as
defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1001)) may grow or cultivate industrial hemp if--
(1) the industrial hemp is grown or cultivated for purposes
of agricultural research or other academic research; and
(2) the growing or cultivating of industrial hemp is
allowed under the laws of the State in which such institution
of higher education is located and such research occurs.
(b) Industrial Hemp Defined.--In this section, the term
``industrial hemp'' means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and
any part of such plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-
9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3
percent on a dry weight basis.
TITLE VII--FORESTRY
Subtitle A--Repeal of Certain Forestry Programs
SEC. 7001. FOREST LAND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) Repeal.--Section 4 of the Cooperative Forestry
Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 8002 of the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-
171; 16 U.S.C. 2103 note) is amended by striking subsection
(a).
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 7002. WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) Repeal.--Section 6 of the Cooperative Forestry
Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103b) is repealed.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 7003. EXPIRED COOPERATIVE NATIONAL FOREST PRODUCTS
MARKETING PROGRAM.
Section 18 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of
1978 (16 U.S.C. 2112) is repealed.
SEC. 7004. HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTION AGRICULTURAL LAND
NATIONAL RESOURCES LEADERSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) Repeal.--Section 8402 of the Food, Conservation, and
Energy Act of 2008 (16 U.S.C. 1649a) is repealed.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 7005. TRIBAL WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) Repeal.--Section 303 of the Healthy Forests Restoration
Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6542) is repealed.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2013.
SEC. 7006. SEPARATE FOREST SERVICE DECISIONMAKING AND APPEALS
PROCESS.
Section 322 of the Department of the Interior and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993 (Public Law 102-381; 16
U.S.C. 1612 note) is repealed. Section 428 of division E of
the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112-74;
125 Stat. 1046; 16 U.S.C. 6515 note) shall not apply to any
project or activity implementing a land and resource
management plan developed under section 6 of the Forest and
Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C.
1604) that is categorically excluded from documentation in an
environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement
under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
Subtitle B--Reauthorization of Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of
1978 Programs
SEC. 7101. STATE-WIDE ASSESSMENT AND STRATEGIES FOR FOREST
RESOURCES.
Section 2A(c) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of
1978 (16 U.S.C. 2101a(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and'';
(2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new
paragraph:
``(5) as feasible, appropriate military installations where
the voluntary participation and management of private or
State-owned or other public forestland is able to support,
promote, and contribute to the missions of such
installations; and''.
SEC. 7102. FOREST LEGACY PROGRAM.
Subsection (m) of section 7 of the Cooperative Forestry
Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103c) is amended to read
as follows:
``(m) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this
section, there are authorized to be appropriated--
``(1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and
``(2) $55,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 7103. COMMUNITY FOREST AND OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION
PROGRAM.
Subsection (g) of section 7A of the Cooperative Forestry
Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103d) is amended to read
as follows:
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this
section, there are authorized to be appropriated--
``(1) such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2013; and
``(2) $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
Subtitle C--Reauthorization of Other Forestry-Related Laws
SEC. 7201. RURAL REVITALIZATION TECHNOLOGIES.
Section 2371(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6601(d)(2)) is amended by
striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 7202. OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL FORESTRY.
Subsection (d) of section 2405 of the Global Climate Change
Prevention Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6704) is amended to read as
follows:
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this
section, there are authorized to be appropriated--
``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years
1996 through 2013; and
``(2) $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 7203. CHANGE IN FUNDING SOURCE FOR HEALTHY FORESTS
RESERVE PROGRAM.
Section 508 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
(16 U.S.C. 6578) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``In General'' and
inserting ``Fiscal Years 2009 Through 2013'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (d); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new
subsections:
[[Page H4439]]
``(b) Fiscal Years 2014 Through 2018.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry
out this section $9,750,000 for each of fiscal years 2014
through 2018.
``(c) Additional Source of Funds.--In addition to funds
appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations
in subsection (b) for a fiscal year, the Secretary may use
such amount of the funds appropriated for that fiscal year to
carry out the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act
(16 U.S.C. 590a et seq.) as the Secretary determines
necessary to cover the cost of technical assistance,
management, and enforcement responsibilities for land
enrolled in the healthy forests reserve program pursuant to
subsections (a) and (b) of section 504.''.
SEC. 7204. STEWARDSHIP END RESULT CONTRACTING PROJECT
AUTHORITY.
Section 347 of the Department of the Interior and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 (as contained in section
101(e) of division A of Public Law 105-277; 16 U.S.C. 2104
note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``2013'' and inserting
``2018''; and
(2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following
new paragraphs:
``(6) Contract for sale of property.--At the discretion of
the Secretary of Agriculture, a contract entered into by the
Forest Service under this section may be considered a
contract for the sale of property under such terms as the
Secretary may prescribe without regard to any other provision
of law.
``(7) Fire liability provisions.--Not later than 90 days
after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Chief and
the Director shall issue for use in all contracts and
agreements under this section fire liability provisions that
are in substantially the same form as the fire liability
provisions contained in--
``(A) integrated resource timber contracts, as described in
the Forest Service contract numbered 2400-13, part H, section
H.4; and
``(B) timber sale contracts conducted pursuant to section
14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C.
472a).''.
Subtitle D--National Forest Critical Area Response
SEC. 7301. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Critical area.--The term ``critical area'' means an
area of the National Forest System designated by the
Secretary under section 7302.
(2) National forest system.--The term ``National Forest
System'' has the meaning given that term in section 11(a) of
the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of
1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)).
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
SEC. 7302. DESIGNATION OF CRITICAL AREAS.
(a) Designation Requirements.--The Secretary of Agriculture
shall designate critical areas within the National Forest
System for the purposes of addressing--
(1) deteriorating forest health conditions in existence as
of the date of the enactment of this Act due to insect
infestation, drought, disease, or storm damage; and
(2) the future risk of insect infestations or disease
outbreaks through preventative treatments.
(b) Designation Method.--In considering National Forest
System land for designation as a critical area, the Secretary
shall use--
(1) for purposes of subsection (a)(1), the most recent
annual forest health aerial surveys of mortality and
defoliation; and
(2) for purposes of subsection (a)(2), the National Insect
and Disease Risk Map.
(c) Time for Initial Designations.--The first critical
areas shall be designated by the Secretary not later than 60
days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(d) Duration of Designation.--The designation of a critical
area shall expire not later than 10 years after the date of
the designation.
SEC. 7303. APPLICATION OF EXPEDITED PROCEDURES AND ACTIVITIES
OF THE HEALTHY FORESTS RESTORATION ACT OF 2003
TO CRITICAL AREAS.
(a) Applicability.--Subject to subsections (b) through (e),
title I of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6511 et seq.) (including the environmental analysis
requirements of section 104 of that Act (16 U.S.C. 6514), the
special administrative review process under section 105 of
that Act (16 U.S.C. 6515), and the judicial review process
under section 106 of that Act (16 U.S.C. 6516)), shall apply
to all Forest Service projects and activities carried out in
a critical area.
(b) Application of Other Law.--Section 322 of Public Law
102-381 (16 U.S.C. 1612 note; 106 Stat. 1419) shall not apply
to projects conducted in accordance with this section.
(c) Required Modifications.--In applying title I of the
Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511 et
seq.) to Forest Service projects and activities in a critical
area, the Secretary shall make the following modifications:
(1) The authority shall apply to the entire critical area,
including land that is outside of a wildland-urban interface
area or that does not satisfy any of the other eligibility
criteria specified in section 102(a) of that Act (16 U.S.C.
6512(a)).
(2) All projects and activities of the Forest Service,
including necessary connected actions (as described in
section 1508.25(a)(1) of title 40, Code of Federal
Regulations (or a successor regulation)), shall be considered
to be authorized hazardous fuel reduction projects for
purposes of applying the title.
(d) Smaller Projects.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a
project conducted in a critical area in accordance with this
section that comprises less than 10,000 acres shall be--
(A) considered an action categorically excluded from the
requirements for an environmental assessment or an
environmental impact statement under section 1508.4 of title
40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation);
and
(B) exempt from the special administrative review process
under section 105 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of
2003 (16 U.S.C. 6515).
(2) Exclusion of certain areas.--Paragraph (1) does not
apply to--
(A) a component of the National Wilderness Preservation
System;
(B) any Federal land on which, by Act of Congress or
Presidential proclamation, the removal of vegetation is
restricted or prohibited;
(C) a congressionally designated wilderness study area; or
(D) an area in which activities under paragraph (1) would
be inconsistent with the applicable land and resource
management plan.
(e) Forest Management Plans.--All projects and activities
carried out in a critical area pursuant to this subtitle
shall be consistent with the land and resource management
plan established under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland
Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604) for
the unit of the National Forest System containing the
critical area.
SEC. 7304. GOOD NEIGHBOR AUTHORITY.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Eligible state.--The term ``eligible State'' means a
State that contains National Forest System land.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(3) State forester.--The term ``State forester'' means the
head of a State agency with jurisdiction over State forestry
programs in an eligible State.
(b) Cooperative Agreements and Contracts.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may enter into a cooperative
agreement or contract (including a sole source contract) with
a State forester to authorize the State forester to provide
the forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration, management,
and protection services described in paragraph (2) on
National Forest System land in the eligible State.
(2) Authorized services.--The forest, rangeland, and
watershed restoration, management, and protection services
referred to in paragraph (1) include the conduct of--
(A) activities to treat insect infected forests;
(B) activities to reduce hazardous fuels;
(C) activities involving commercial harvesting or other
mechanical vegetative treatments; or
(D) any other activities to restore or improve forest,
rangeland, and watershed health, including fish and wildlife
habitat.
(3) State as agent.--Except as provided in paragraph (6), a
cooperative agreement or contract entered into under
paragraph (1) may authorize the State forester to serve as
the agent for the Secretary in providing the restoration,
management, and protection services authorized under that
paragraph.
(4) Subcontracts.--In accordance with applicable contract
procedures for the eligible State, a State forester may enter
into subcontracts to provide the restoration, management, and
protection services authorized under a cooperative agreement
or contract entered into under paragraph (1).
(5) Timber sales.--Subsections (d) and (g) of section 14 of
the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a)
shall not apply to services performed under a cooperative
agreement or contract entered into under paragraph (1).
(6) Retention of nepa responsibilities.--Any decision
required to be made under the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) with respect to any
restoration, management, and protection services to be
provided under this section by a State forester on National
Forest System land shall not be delegated to a State forester
or any other officer or employee of the eligible State.
(7) Applicable law.--The restoration, management, and
protection services to be provided under this section shall
be carried out on a project-to-project basis under existing
authorities of the Forest Service.
Subtitle E--Miscellaneous Provisions
SEC. 7401. REVISION OF STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FOREST INVENTORY
AND ANALYSIS.
(a) Revision Required.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Agriculture shall revise the strategic plan for forest
inventory and analysis initially prepared pursuant to section
3(e) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research
Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1642(e)) to address the requirements
imposed by subsection (b).
(b) Elements of Revised Strategic Plan.--In revising the
strategic plan, the Secretary of Agriculture shall describe
in detail the organization, procedures, and funding needed to
achieve each of the following:
(1) Complete the transition to a fully annualized forest
inventory program and include inventory and analysis of
interior Alaska.
(2) Implement an annualized inventory of trees in urban
settings, including the status and trends of trees and
forests, and assessments of their ecosystem services, values,
health, and risk to pests and diseases.
[[Page H4440]]
(3) Report information on renewable biomass supplies and
carbon stocks at the local, State, regional, and national
level, including by ownership type.
(4) Engage State foresters and other users of information
from the forest inventory and analysis in reevaluating the
list of core data variables collected on forest inventory and
analysis plots with an emphasis on demonstrated need.
(5) Improve the timeliness of the timber product output
program and accessibility of the annualized information on
that database.
(6) Foster greater cooperation among the forest inventory
and analysis program, research station leaders, and State
foresters and other users of information from the forest
inventory and analysis.
(7) Promote availability of and access to non-Federal
resources to improve information analysis and information
management.
(8) Collaborate with the Natural Resources Conservation
Service, National Aeronautics and Space Administration,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and United
States Geological Survey to integrate remote sensing, spatial
analysis techniques, and other new technologies in the forest
inventory and analysis program.
(9) Understand and report on changes in land cover and use.
(10) Expand existing programs to promote sustainable forest
stewardship through increased understanding, in partnership
with other Federal agencies, of the over 10 million family
forest owners, their demographics, and the barriers to forest
stewardship.
(11) Implement procedures to improve the statistical
precision of estimates at the sub-State level.
(c) Submission of Revised Strategic Plan.--The Secretary of
Agriculture shall submit the revised strategic plan to the
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
Senate.
SEC. 7402. FOREST SERVICE PARTICIPATION IN ACES PROGRAM.
The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of
the Forest Service, may use funds derived from conservation-
related programs executed on National Forest System lands to
utilize the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services
Program established pursuant to section 1252 of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3851) to provide technical
services for conservation-related programs and authorities
carried out by the Secretary on National Forest System lands.
SEC. 7403. GREEN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER RESEARCH
UNDER FOREST AND RANGELAND RENEWABLE RESOURCES
RESEARCH ACT OF 1978.
(a) Additional Forestry and Rangeland Research and
Education High Priority.--Section 3(d)(2) of the Forest and
Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C.
1642(d)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(F) Science and technology transfer, through the Forest
Products Laboratory, to demonstrate the beneficial
characteristics of wood as a green building material,
including investments in life cycle assessment for wood
products.''.
(b) Research Facilities and Cooperation.--Section 4 of the
Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978
(16 U.S.C. 1643) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(e) 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 an
annual report describing, for the period covered by the
report--
``(1) the research conducted in furtherance of the research
and education priority specified in section 3(d)(2)(F);
``(2) the number of buildings the Forest Service has built
with wood as the primary structural material; and
``(3) the investments made by the Forest Service in green
building wood promotion.''.
SEC. 7404. EXTENSION OF STEWARDSHIP CONTRACTS AUTHORITY
REGARDING USE OF DESIGNATION BY PRESCRIPTION TO
ALL THINNING SALES UNDER NATIONAL FOREST
MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1976.
Subsection (g) of section 14 of the National Forest
Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a) is amended to read as
follows:
``(g) Designation, including but not limited to, marking
when necessary, designation by description, or designation by
prescription, and supervision of harvesting of trees,
portions of trees, or forest products shall be conducted by
persons employed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Such
persons shall have no personal interest in the purchase or
harvest of such products and shall not be directly or
indirectly in the employment of the purchaser thereof.
Designation by prescription and designation by prescription
shall be considered valid methods for designation, and may be
supervised by use of post-harvest cruise, sample weight
scaling, or other methods determined by the Secretary to be
appropriate.''.
SEC. 7405. REIMBURSEMENT OF FIRE FUNDS EXPENDED BY A STATE
FOR MANAGEMENT AND SUPPRESSION OF CERTAIN
WILDFIRES.
(a) Definition of State.--In this section, the term
``State'' includes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(b) Reimbursement Authority.--If a State seeks
reimbursement for amounts expended for resources and services
provided to another State for the management and suppression
of a wildfire, the Secretary of Agriculture, subject to
subsections (c) and (d)--
(1) may accept the reimbursement amounts from the other
State; and
(2) shall pay those amounts to the State seeking
reimbursement.
(c) Mutual Assistance Agreement.--As a condition of seeking
and providing reimbursement under subsection (b), the State
seeking reimbursement and the State providing reimbursement
must each have a mutual assistance agreement with the Forest
Service or an agency of the Department of the Interior for
providing and receiving wildfire management and suppression
resources and services.
(d) Terms and Conditions.--The Secretary of Agriculture may
prescribe the terms and conditions determined to be necessary
to carry out subsection (b).
(e) Effect on Prior Reimbursements.--Any acceptance of
funds or reimbursements made by the Secretary of Agriculture
before the date of enactment of this Act that otherwise would
have been authorized under this section shall be considered
to have been made in accordance with this section.
SEC. 7406. ABILITY OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS TO MEET
NEEDS OF LOCAL WOOD PRODUCING FACILITIES FOR
RAW MATERIALS.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to
Congress a report containing--
(1) an assessment of the raw material needs of wood
producing facilities located within the boundaries of each
unit of the National Forest System or located outside of the
unit, but within 100 miles of such boundaries;
(2) the volume of timber which would be available if the
unit of the National Forest System annually sold its
Allowable Sale Quantity in the current Forest Plan;
(3) the volume of timber actually sold and harvested from
each unit of the National Forest System for the previous
decade;
(4) a comparison of the volume actually sold and harvested
from the previous decade to the Allowable Sale Quantity
calculated in that decade by preceding or current forest
plans; and
(5) an assessment of the ability of each unit of National
Forest System to meet the needs of these facilities for raw
materials.
SEC. 7407. REPORT ON THE NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM ROADS.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on
the following:
(1) The total mileage of National Forest System roads and
trails not meeting forest plan standards and guidelines.
(2) The total amount, in dollars, of Capital Improvement &
Maintenance deferred maintenance needs for National Forest
System roads, including a five-year analysis in the trend in
total deferred maintenance costs.
(3) The sources of funds used for capital improvement &
maintenance roads, including appropriated funds, mandatory
funds, and receipts from activities on National Forest System
lands.
(4) The impact of road closures on recreational activities
and timber harvesting.
(5) The impact on land acquisitions, whether through fee
acquisition, donation, or easement, on the maintenance
backlog.
SEC. 7408. FOREST SERVICE LARGE AIRTANKER AND AERIAL ASSET
FIREFIGHTING RECAPITALIZATION PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations, the Secretary, acting through the Chief of
the Forest Service, may establish a large airtanker and
aerial asset lease program in accordance with this section.
(b) Aircraft Requirements.--In carrying out the program
described in subsection (a), the Secretary may enter into a
multiyear lease contract for up to five aircraft that meet
the criteria--
(1) described in the Forest Service document entitled
``Large Airtanker Modernization Strategy'' and dated February
10, 2012, for large airtankers; and
(2) determined by the Secretary, for other aerial assets.
(c) Lease Terms.--The term of any individual lease
agreement into which the Secretary enters under this section
shall be--
(1) up to five years, inclusive of any options to renew or
extend the initial lease term; and
(2) in accordance with section 3903 of title 41, United
States Code.
(d) Prohibition.--No lease entered into under this section
shall provide for the purchase of the aircraft by, or the
transfer of ownership to, the Forest Service.
SEC. 7409. LAND CONVEYANCE, JEFFERSON NATIONAL FOREST IN WISE
COUNTY, VIRGINIA.
(a) Conveyance Required.--Upon payment by the Association
of the consideration under subsection (b) and the costs under
subsection (d), the Secretary shall, subject to valid
existing rights, convey to the Association all right, title,
and interest of the United States in and to a parcel of
National Forest System land in the Jefferson National Forest
in Wise County, Virginia, consisting of approximately 0.70
acres and containing the Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery and an
easement to provide access to the parcel, as generally
depicted on the map.
(b) Consideration.--
(1) Fair market value.--As consideration for the land
conveyed under subsection (a), the Association shall pay to
the Secretary cash in an amount equal to the market value
[[Page H4441]]
of the land, as determined by an appraisal approved by the
Secretary and conducted in conformity with the Uniform
Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions and section
206 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1716).
(2) Deposit.--The consideration received by the Secretary
under paragraph (1) shall be deposited into the general fund
of the Treasury of the United States for the purposes of
deficit reduction.
(c) Description of Property.--The exact acreage and legal
description of the land to be conveyed under subsection (a)
shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the
Secretary.
(d) Costs.--The Association shall pay to the Secretary at
closing the reasonable costs of the survey, the appraisal,
and any administrative and environmental analyses required by
law.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Association.--The term ``Association'' means the
Mullins and Sturgill Cemetery Association of Pound, Virginia.
(2) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map titled ``Mullins
and Sturgill Cemetery'' dated March 1, 2013.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(f) Additional Terms and Conditions.-- The Secretary may
require such additional terms and conditions in connection
with the conveyance under subsection (a) as the Secretary
considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United
States.
SEC. 7410. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR FOREST PROJECTS IN
RESPONSE TO EMERGENCIES.
In the case of National Forest System land damaged by a
natural disaster regarding which the President declares a
disaster or emergency pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121
et seq.), any forest project carried out to clean up or
restore the damaged National Forest System land during the
two-year period beginning on the date of the declaration
shall be categorically excluded from the requirements
relating to environmental assessments or environmental impact
statements under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal
Regulations.
TITLE VIII--ENERGY
SEC. 8001. DEFINITION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM.
Section 9001 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8101) is amended by--
(1) striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following new
paragraph:
``(4) Biobased product.--
``(A) In general.--The term `biobased product' means a
product determined by the Secretary to be a commercial or
industrial product (other than food or feed) that is--
``(i) composed, in whole or in significant part, of
biological products, including renewable domestic
agricultural materials and forestry materials; or
``(ii) an intermediate ingredient or feedstock.
``(B) Inclusion.--The term `biobased product', with respect
to forestry materials, includes forest products that meet
biobased content requirements, notwithstanding the market
share the product holds, the age of the product, or whether
the market for the product is new or emerging.'';
(2) redesignating paragraphs (9), (10), (11), (12), (13),
and (14) as paragraphs (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), and
(16);
(3) inserting after paragraph (8), the following new
paragraph:
``(9) Forest product.--
``(A) In general.--The term `forest product' means a
product made from materials derived from the practice of
forestry or the management of growing timber.
``(B) Inclusions.--The term `forest product' includes--
``(i) pulp, paper, paperboard, pellets, lumber, and other
wood products; and
``(ii) any recycled products derived from forest
materials.''; and
(4) inserting after paragraph (14) (as so redesignated),
the following new paragraph:
``(15) Renewable energy system.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the term
`renewable energy system' means a system that--
``(i) produces usable energy from a renewable energy
source; and
``(ii) may include distribution components necessary to
move energy produced by such system to the initial point of
sale.
``(B) Limitation.--A system described in subparagraph (A)
may not include a mechanism for dispensing energy at
retail.''.
SEC. 8002. BIOBASED MARKETS PROGRAM.
Section 9002(h) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8102(h)) is amended by--
(1) striking ``(h) Funding.--'' and all that follows
through ``to carry out this section, there'' and inserting
``(h) Funding.--There''; and
(2) striking ``2013'' and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 8003. BIOREFINERY ASSISTANCE.
(a) Program Adjustments.--Section 9003 of the Farm Security
and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8103) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c), by striking ``to eligible entities''
and all that follows through ``guarantees for loans'' and
inserting ``to eligible entities guarantees for loans'';
(2) by striking subsection (d);
(3) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h) as
subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g), respectively; and
(4) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)--
(A) by striking ``subsection (c)(2)'' each place it appears
and inserting ``subsection (c)''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking ``subsection (h)'' and
inserting ``subsection (g)''.
(b) Funding.--Section 9003(g) of the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002, as redesignated by subsection
(a)(3), is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1);
(2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1);
(3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``Discretionary funding''
and inserting ``Fiscal years 2009 through 2013''; and
(B) by striking ``In addition to any other funds made
available to carry out this section, there'' and inserting
``There''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.''.
SEC. 8004. REPOWERING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 9004(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8104(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1);
(2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1);
(3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``Discretionary funding''
and inserting ``Fiscal years 2009 through 2013''; and
(B) by striking ``In addition to any other funds made
available to carry out this section, there'' and inserting
``There''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.''.
SEC. 8005. BIOENERGY PROGRAM FOR ADVANCED BIOFUELS.
Section 9005(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8105(c)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1);
(2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1);
(3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``Discretionary funding''
and inserting ``Fiscal years 2009 through 2013''; and
(B) by striking ``In addition to any other funds made
available to carry out this section, there'' and inserting
``There''; and
(4) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)
the following new paragraph:
``(2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.''.
SEC. 8006. BIODIESEL FUEL EDUCATION PROGRAM.
Section 9006(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8106(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1);
(2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1);
(3) in the heading of paragraph (1) (as so redesignated),
by striking ``Authorization of appropriations'' and inserting
``Fiscal year 2013''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.''.
SEC. 8007. RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM.
(a) Tiered Application Process.--Section 9007(c) of the
Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C.
8107(c)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs
(3) and (4), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new
paragraph:
``(2) Tiered application process.--In carrying out this
subsection, the Secretary shall establish a three-tiered
application, evaluation, and oversight process that varies
based on the cost of the proposed project with the process
most simplified for projects referred to in subparagraph (A),
more comprehensive for projects referred to in subparagraph
(B), and most comprehensive for projects referred to in
subparagraph (C). The three tiers for such process shall be
as follows:
``(A) Tier 1.--Projects for which the cost of the project
funded under this subsection is not more than $80,000.
``(B) Tier 2.--Projects for which the cost of the project
funded under this subsection is more than $80,000 but less
than $200,000.
``(C) Tier 3.--Projects for which the cost of the project
funded under this subsection is $200,000 or more.''.
(b) Funding.--Section 9007(g) of the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107(g)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2);
(2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (1);
(3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``Discretionary funding''
and inserting ``Fiscal years 2009 through 2013''; and
(B) by striking ``In addition to any other funds made
available to carry out this section, there'' and inserting
``There''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
[[Page H4442]]
``(2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $45,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.''.
SEC. 8008. BIOMASS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
Section 9008(h) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8108(h)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1);
(2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1);
(3) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``Discretionary funding''
and inserting ``Fiscal years 2009 through 2013''; and
(B) by striking ``In addition to any other funds made
available to carry out this section, there'' and inserting
``There''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.''.
SEC. 8009. FEEDSTOCK FLEXIBILITY PROGRAM FOR BIOENERGY
PRODUCERS.
Section 9010(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8110(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``2013'' and inserting
``2018''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``2013'' and inserting
``2018''.
SEC. 8010. BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 9011 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8111) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking paragraph (6); and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (7) and (8) as paragraphs
(6) and (7), respectively;
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``Program to'' and all that follows through
``support the establishment'' and inserting ``Program to
support the establishment'';
(B) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a period; and
(C) by striking paragraph (2);
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(B)--
(i) in clause (viii), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon;
(ii) by redesignating clause (ix) as clause (x); and
(iii) by inserting after clause (viii) the following new
clause:
``(ix) existing project areas that have received funding
under this section and the continuation of funding of such
project areas to advance the maturity of such project areas;
and''; and
(B) in paragraph (5)(C)(ii)--
(i) by striking subclause (III); and
(ii) by redesignating subclauses (IV) and (V) as subclauses
(III) and (IV), respectively;
(4) by striking subsection (d);
(5) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections
(d) and (e), respectively; and
(6) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1);
(B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (1);
(C) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)--
(i) by striking ``Fiscal year 2013'' and all that follows
through ``There is authorized'' and inserting ``Fiscal year
2013.--There is authorized''; and
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as paragraph (3) and
moving the margin of such paragraph (as so redesignated) two
ems to the left;
(D) by inserting after paragraph (1), the following new
paragraph:
``(2) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.''; and
(E) in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by subparagraph
(C)(ii) of this paragraph), by striking ``this paragraph''
and inserting ``this subsection''.
SEC. 8011. COMMUNITY WOOD ENERGY PROGRAM.
Section 9013(e) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8113(e)) is amended by striking ``carry
out this section'' and all that follows and inserting the
following: ``carry out this section--
``(1) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through
2013; and
``(2) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 8012. REPEAL OF BIOFUELS INFRASTRUCTURE STUDY.
Section 9002 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2095) is repealed.
SEC. 8013. REPEAL OF RENEWABLE FERTILIZER STUDY.
Section 9003 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2096) is repealed.
SEC. 8014. ENERGY EFFICIENCY REPORT FOR USDA FACILITIES.
(a) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall
submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
and Forestry of the Senate a report on energy use and energy
efficiency projects at Department of Agriculture facilities.
(b) Contents.--The report required by subsection (a) shall
include the following:
(1) An analysis of energy use by Department of Agriculture
facilities.
(2) A list of energy audits that have been conducted at
such facilities.
(3) A list of energy efficiency projects that have been
conducted at such facilities.
(4) A list of energy savings projects that could be
achieved with enacting a consistent, timely, and proper
mechanical insulation maintenance program and upgrading
mechanical insulation at such facilities.
TITLE IX--HORTICULTURE
SEC. 9001. SPECIALTY CROPS MARKET NEWS ALLOCATION.
Section 10107(b) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 1622b(b)) is amended by striking ``2012''
and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 9002. REPEAL OF GRANT PROGRAM TO IMPROVE MOVEMENT OF
SPECIALTY CROPS.
Effective October 1, 2013, section 10403 of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 1622c) is
repealed.
SEC. 9003. FARMERS MARKET AND LOCAL FOOD PROMOTION PROGRAM.
Section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of
1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005) is amended--
(1) in the heading of such section, by inserting ``AND
LOCAL FOOD'' after ``FARMERS' MARKET'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting ``and Local Food'' after ``Farmers'
Market'';
(B) by striking ``farmers' markets and to promote''; and
(C) by striking the period and inserting ``and assist in
the development of local food business enterprises.'';
(3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following
new subsection:
``(b) Program Purposes.--The purposes of the Program are to
increase domestic consumption of, and consumer access to,
locally and regionally produced agricultural products by
assisting in the development, improvement, and expansion of--
``(1) domestic farmers' markets, roadside stands,
community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism
activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market
opportunities; and
``(2) local and regional food business enterprises that
process, distribute, aggregate, and store locally or
regionally produced food products.'';
(4) in subsection (c)(1)--
(A) by inserting ``or other agricultural business entity''
after ``cooperative''; and
(B) by inserting ``, including a community supported
agriculture network or association'' after ``association'';
(5) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f);
(6) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new
subsection:
``(e) Funds Requirements for Eligible Entities.--
``(1) Matching funds.--An entity receiving a grant under
this section for a project to carry out a purpose described
in subsection (b)(2) shall provide matching funds in the form
of cash or an in-kind contribution in an amount equal to 25
percent of the total cost of such project.
``(2) Limitation on use of funds.--An eligible entity may
not use a grant or other assistance provided under this
section for the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of
a building or structure.''; and
(7) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (5))--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(D) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.'';
(B) by striking paragraphs (3) and (5);
(C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (6); and
(D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new
paragraphs:
``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
``(4) Use of funds.--Of the funds made available to carry
out this section for a fiscal year, 50 percent of such funds
shall be used for the purposes described in paragraph (1) of
subsection (b) and 50 percent of such funds shall be used for
the purposes described in paragraph (2) of such subsection.
``(5) Limitation on administrative expenses.--Not more than
3 percent of the total amount made available to carry out
this section for a fiscal year may be used for administrative
expenses.''.
SEC. 9004. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE.
(a) Organic Production and Market Data Initiatives.--
Section 7407(d)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 5925c(d)(2)) is amended--
(1) in the heading of such paragraph, by striking ``2008
through 2012'' and inserting ``2014 through 2018''; and
(2) by striking ``2008 through 2012'' and inserting ``2014
through 2018''.
(b) Modernization and Technology Upgrade for National
Organic Program.--Section 2122 of the Organic Foods
Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6521) is amended by adding
at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Modernization and Technology Upgrade for National
Organic Program.--The Secretary shall modernize database and
technology systems of the national organic program.''.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations for National Organic
Program.--Effective October 1, 2013, section 2123(b)(6) of
the Organic
[[Page H4443]]
Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6522(b)(6)) is amended
to read as follows:
``(6) $11,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
(d) National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program.--
Effective October 1, 2013, section 10606 of the Farm Security
and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 6523) is repealed.
(e) Exemption of Certified Organic Products From Promotion
Order Assessments.--Subsection (e) of section 501 of the
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7
U.S.C. 7401) is amended to read as follows:
``(e) Exemption of Certified Organic Products From
Promotion Order Assessments.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any provision of a
commodity promotion law, a person that produces, handles,
markets, or imports organic products may be exempt from the
payment of an assessment under a commodity promotion law with
respect to any agricultural commodity that is certified as
`organic' or `100 percent organic' (as defined in part 205 of
title 7, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor
regulation).
``(2) Split operations.--The exemption described in
paragraph (1) shall apply to the certified `organic' or `100
percent organic' (as defined in part 205 of title 7 of the
Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation))
products of a producer, handler, or marketer regardless of
whether the agricultural commodity subject to the exemption
is produced, handled, or marketed by a person that also
produces, handles, or markets conventional or nonorganic
agricultural products, including conventional or nonorganic
agricultural products of the same agricultural commodity as
that for which the exemption is claimed.
``(3) Approval.--The Secretary shall approve the exemption
of a person under this subsection if the person maintains a
valid organic certificate issued under the Organic Foods
Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.).
``(4) Termination of effectiveness.--This subsection shall
be effective until the date on which the Secretary issues an
organic commodity promotion order in accordance with
subsection (f).
``(5) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate
regulations concerning eligibility and compliance for an
exemption under paragraph (1).''.
(f) Organic Commodity Promotion Order.--Section 501 of the
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7
U.S.C. 7401) is amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection:
``(f) Organic Commodity Promotion Order.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Certified organic farm.--The term `certified organic
farm' has the meaning given the term in section 2103 of the
Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502).
``(B) Covered person.--The term `covered person' means a
producer, handler, marketer, or importer of an organic
agricultural commodity.
``(C) Dual-covered agricultural commodity.--The term `dual-
covered agricultural commodity' means an agricultural
commodity that--
``(i) is produced on a certified organic farm; and
``(ii) is covered under both--
``(I) an organic commodity promotion order issued pursuant
to paragraph (2); and
``(II) any other agricultural commodity promotion order
issued under section 514.
``(2) Authorization.--The Secretary may issue an organic
commodity promotion order under section 514 that includes any
agricultural commodity that--
``(A) is produced or handled (as defined in section 2103 of
the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502)) and
that is certified to be sold or labeled as `organic' or `100
percent organic' (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of
Federal Regulations or a successor regulation)); or
``(B) is imported with a valid organic certificate (as
defined in such part).
``(3) Election.--If the Secretary issues an organic
commodity promotion order described in paragraph (2), a
covered person may elect, for applicable dual-covered
agricultural commodities and in the sole discretion of the
covered person, whether to be assessed under the organic
commodity promotion order or another applicable agricultural
commodity promotion order.
``(4) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate
regulations concerning eligibility and compliance for an
exemption under paragraph (1).''.
(g) Definition of Agricultural Commodity.--Section 513(1)
of the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of
1996 (7 U.S.C. 7412(1)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as
subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new
subparagraph:
``(E) products, as a class, that are produced on a
certified organic farm (as defined in section 2103 of the
Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502)) and
that are certified to be sold or labeled as `organic' or `100
percent organic' (as defined in part 205 of title 7, Code of
Federal Regulations or a successor regulation);''.
SEC. 9005. INVESTIGATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORGANIC
FOODS PRODUCTION ACT OF 1990.
The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 is amended by
inserting after section 2122 (7 U.S.C. 6521) the following
new section:
``SEC. 2122A. INVESTIGATION AND ENFORCEMENT.
``(a) Expedited Administrative Hearing.--The Secretary
shall establish an expedited administrative hearing procedure
under which the Secretary may suspend or revoke the organic
certification of a producer or handler or the accreditation
of a certifying agent in accordance with subsection (d). Such
a hearing may be conducted in addition to a hearing conducted
pursuant to section 2120.
``(b) Investigation.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may take such
investigative actions as the Secretary considers to be
necessary to carry out this title--
``(A) to verify the accuracy of any information reported or
made available under this title; and
``(B) to determine, with regard to actions, practices, or
information required under this title, whether a person
covered by this title has committed a violation of this
title.
``(2) Investigative powers.--The Secretary may administer
oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel attendance
of witnesses, take evidence, and require the production of
any records required to be maintained under section 2112(d)
or 2116(c) that are relevant to the investigation.
``(c) Unlawful Act.--It shall be unlawful and a violation
of this title for any person covered by this title--
``(1) to refuse to provide information required by the
Secretary under this title; or
``(2) to violate--
``(A) a suspension or revocation of the organic
certification of a producer or handler; or
``(B) a suspension or revocation of the accreditation of a
certifying agent.
``(d) Enforcement.--
``(1) Suspension.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may, after notice and
opportunity for an expedited administrative hearing, suspend
the organic certification of a producer, handler or the
accreditation of a certifying agent if--
``(i) the Secretary, during such expedited administrative
hearing, proved that--
``(I) in the case of a producer or handler, the producer or
handler--
``(aa) has recklessly committed a violation of a term,
condition, or requirement of the organic plan to which the
producer or handler is subject; or
``(bb) has recklessly committed, or is recklessly
committing, a violation of this title; or
``(II) in the case of a certifying agent, the agent has
recklessly committed, or is recklessly committing, a
violation of this title; or
``(ii) the producer, handler, or certifying agent has
waived such expedited administrative hearing.
``(B) Issuance of suspension.--A suspension issued under
this paragraph shall be issued not later than five days after
the date on which--
``(i) the expedited administrative hearing referred to in
clause (i) of subparagraph (A) concludes; or
``(ii) the Secretary receives notice of the waiver referred
to in clause (ii) of such subparagraph.
``(C) Duration of suspension.--The period of a suspension
issued under this paragraph shall be not more than 90 days,
beginning on the date on which the Secretary issues the
suspension.
``(D) Curing of violations.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary may not issue a suspension
of a certification or accreditation under this paragraph if
the producer, handler, or certifying agent subject to such
suspension--
``(I) before the date on which the suspension would
otherwise have been issued, cures, or corrects the deficiency
giving rise to, the violation for which the certification or
accreditation would have been suspended; or
``(II) within a reasonable timeframe (as determined by the
Secretary), enters into a settlement with the Secretary
regarding a deficiency referred to in subclause (I).
``(ii) During suspension.--The Secretary shall terminate
the suspension of an organic certification or accreditation
issued under this paragraph if the producer, handler, or
certifying agent subject to such suspension cures the
violation for which the certification or accreditation was
suspended under this paragraph before the date on which the
period of the suspension ends.
``(2) Revocation.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may, after notice and
opportunity for an expedited administrative hearing under
this section and an expedited administrative appeal under
section 2121, revoke the organic certification of a producer
or handler, or the accreditation of a certifying agent if--
``(i) the Secretary, during such hearing, proved that--
``(I) in the case of a producer or handler, the producer or
handler--
``(aa) has knowingly committed an egregious violation of a
term, condition, or requirement of the organic plan to which
the producer or handler is subject; or
``(bb) has knowingly committed, or is knowingly committing,
an egregious violation of this title; or
``(II) in the case of a certifying agent, the agent has
knowingly committed, or is knowingly committing, an egregious
violation of this title; or
[[Page H4444]]
``(ii) the producer, handler, or certifying agent has
waived such expedited administrative hearing and such an
expedited administrative appeal.
``(B) Initiation of revocation proceedings.--
``(i) In general.--If the Secretary finds, during an
investigation or during the period of a suspension under
paragraph (1), that a producer, handler, or certifying agent
has knowingly committed an egregious violation of this title,
the Secretary shall initiate revocation proceedings with
respect to such violation not later than 30 days after the
date on which the producer, handler, or certifying agent
receives notice of such finding in accordance with clause
(ii). The Secretary may not initiate revocation proceedings
with respect to such violation after the date on which that
30-day period ends.
``(ii) Notice.--Not later than five days after the date on
which the Secretary makes the finding described in clause
(i), the Secretary shall provide to the producer, handler, or
certifying agent notice of such finding.
``(e) Appeal.--
``(1) Suspensions.--
``(A) In general.--The suspension of a certification or
accreditation under subsection (d)(1) by the Secretary may be
appealed to a United States district court in accordance with
section 2121(b) not later than 30 business days after the
date on which the person subject to such suspension receives
notice of the suspension.
``(B) Suspension final and conclusive.--A suspension of a
certification or accreditation under subsection (d)(1) by the
Secretary shall be final and conclusive--
``(i) in the case of a suspension that is appealed under
subparagraph (A) within the 30-day period specified in such
subparagraph, on the date on which judicial review of such
suspension is complete; or
``(ii) in the case of a suspension that is not so appealed,
the date on which such 30-day period ends.
``(2) Revocations.--
``(A) In general.--The revocation of a certification or an
accreditation under subsection (d)(2) by the Secretary may be
appealed to a United States district court in accordance with
section 2121(b) not later than 30 business days after the
date on which the person subject to such revocation receives
notice of the revocation.
``(B) Revocation final and conclusive.--A revocation of a
certification or an accreditation under subsection (d)(2) by
the Secretary shall be final and conclusive--
``(i) in the case of a revocation that is appealed under
subparagraph (A) within the 30-day period specified in such
subparagraph, on the date on which judicial review of such
revocation is complete; or
``(ii) in the case of a revocation that is not so appealed,
the date on which such 30-day period ends.
``(3) Standards for review of suspensions and
revocations.--A suspension or revocation of a certification
or an accreditation under subsection (d) shall be reviewed in
accordance with the standards of review specified in section
706(2) of title 5, United States Code.
``(f) Noncompliance.--
``(1) In general.--If a person covered by this title fails
to obey a revocation of a certification or an accreditation
under subsection (d)(2) after such revocation has become
final and conclusive or after the appropriate United States
district court has entered a final judgment in favor of the
Secretary, the United States may apply to the appropriate
United States district court for enforcement of such
revocation.
``(2) Enforcement.--If the court determines that the
revocation was lawfully made and duly served and that the
person violated the revocation, the court shall enforce the
revocation.
``(3) Civil penalty.--If the court finds that the person
violated the revocation of a certification or an
accreditation under subsection (d)(2), the person shall be
subject to one or more of the penalties provided in
subsections (a) and (b) of section 2120.
``(g) Violation of This Title Defined.--In this section,
the term `violation of this title' means a violation
specified in section 2120.''.
SEC. 9006. FOOD SAFETY EDUCATION INITIATIVES.
Section 10105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 7655) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``,
including farm workers'' after ``industry'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) practices that prevent bacterial contamination of
food, how to identify sources of food contamination, and
other means of decreasing food contamination.''; and
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ``2012'' and inserting
``2018''.
SEC. 9007. SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANTS.
Section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of
2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; Public Law 108-465) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``subsection (j)'' and inserting
``subsection (l)''; and
(B) by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018'';
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following
new subsection:
``(b) Grants Based on Value and Acreage.--Subject to
subsection (c), for each State whose application for a grant
for a fiscal year that is accepted by the Secretary under
subsection (f), the amount of the grant for such fiscal year
to the State under this section shall bear the same ratio to
the total amount made available under subsection (l)(1) for
such fiscal year as--
``(1) the average of the most recent available value of
specialty crop production in the State and the acreage of
specialty crop production in the State, as demonstrated in
the most recent Census of Agriculture data; bears to
``(2) the average of the most recent available value of
specialty crop production in all States and the acreage of
specialty crop production in all States, as demonstrated in
the most recent Census of Agriculture data.'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) an assurance that any grant funds received under this
section that are used for equipment or capital-related
research costs determined to enhance the competitiveness of
specialty crops--
``(A) shall be supplemented by the expenditure of State
funds in an amount that is not less than 50 percent of such
costs during the fiscal year in which such costs were
incurred; and
``(B) shall be completely replaced by State funds on the
day after the date on which such fiscal year ends.'';
(4) by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (l);
(5) by inserting after subsection (i) the following new
subsections:
``(j) Multistate Projects.--Not later than 180 days after
the effective date of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk
Management Act of 2013, the Secretary of Agriculture shall
issue guidance for the purpose of making grants to multistate
projects under this section for projects involving--
``(1) food safety;
``(2) plant pests and disease;
``(3) research;
``(4) crop-specific projects addressing common issues; and
``(5) any other area that furthers the purposes of this
section, as determined by the Secretary.
``(k) Administration.--
``(1) Department.--The Secretary of Agriculture may not use
more than 3 percent of the funds made available to carry out
this section for a fiscal year for administrative expenses.
``(2) States.--A State receiving a grant under this section
may not use more than 8 percent of the funds received under
the grant for a fiscal year for administrative expenses.'';
and
(6) in subsection (l) (as redesignated by paragraph (4))--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as
subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), respectively, and moving the
margins of such subparagraphs two ems to the right;
(B) by striking ``Of the funds'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--Of the funds'';
(C) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)--
(i) in subparagraph (B) (as redesignated by subparagraph
(A)), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (C) (as redesignated by subparagraph
(A)), by striking the period at the end and inserting a
semicolon; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
``(D) $72,500,000 for fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and
``(E) $85,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Multistate projects.--Of the funds made available
under paragraph (1), the Secretary may use to carry out
subsection (j), to remain available until expended--
``(A) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2014;
``(B) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2015;
``(C) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2016;
``(D) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2017; and
``(E) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.''.
SEC. 9008. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONSULTATION REGARDING
ENFORCEMENT OF CERTAIN LABOR LAW PROVISIONS.
Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with the
Secretary of Labor regarding the restraining of shipments of
agricultural commodities, or the confiscation of such
commodities, by the Department of Labor for actual or
suspected labor law violations in order to consider--
(1) the perishable nature of such commodities;
(2) the impact of such restraining or confiscation on the
economic viability of farming operations; and
(3) the competitiveness of specialty crops through grants
awarded to States under section 101 of the Specialty Crops
Competitiveness Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note).
SEC. 9009. REPORT ON HONEY.
(a) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, in
consultation with persons affected by the potential
establishment of a Federal standard for the identity of
honey, shall submit to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs a
report describing how an appropriate Federal standard for the
[[Page H4445]]
identity of honey would be in the interest of consumers, the
honey industry, and United States agriculture.
(b) Considerations.--In preparing the report required under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall take into consideration
the March 2006, Standard of Identity citizens petition filed
with the Food and Drug Administration, including any current
industry amendments or clarifications necessary to update
such petition.
SEC. 9010. BULK SHIPMENTS OF APPLES TO CANADA.
(a) Bulk Shipment of Apples to Canada.--Section 4 of the
Export Apple Act (7 U.S.C. 584) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Apples in'' and inserting ``(a) Apples
in''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(b) Apples may be shipped to Canada in bulk bins without
complying with the provisions of this Act.''.
(b) Definition of Bulk Bin.--Section 9 of the Export Apple
Act (7 U.S.C. 589) is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(5) The term `bulk bin' means a bin that contains a
quantity of apples weighing more than 100 pounds.''.
(c) Regulations.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall
issue regulations to carry out the amendments made by this
section.
SEC. 9011. CONSOLIDATION OF PLANT PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT
AND DISASTER PREVENTION PROGRAMS.
(a) Relocation of Legislative Language Relating to National
Clean Plant Network.--Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act
(7 U.S.C. 7721) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new
subsection:
``(e) National Clean Plant Network.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a program
to be known as the `National Clean Plant Network' (referred
to in this subsection as the `Program').
``(2) Requirements.--Under the Program, the Secretary shall
establish a network of clean plant centers for diagnostic and
pathogen elimination services--
``(A) to produce clean propagative plant material; and
``(B) to maintain blocks of pathogen-tested plant material
in sites located throughout the United States.
``(3) Availability of clean plant source material.--Clean
plant source material may be made available to--
``(A) a State for a certified plant program of the State;
and
``(B) private nurseries and producers.
``(4) Consultation and collaboration.--In carrying out the
Program, the Secretary shall--
``(A) consult with--
``(i) State departments of agriculture; and
``(ii) land-grant colleges and universities and NLGCA
Institutions (as those terms are defined in section 1404 of
the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)); and
``(B) to the extent practicable and with input from the
appropriate State officials and industry representatives, use
existing Federal or State facilities to serve as clean plant
centers.
``(5) Funding for fiscal year 2013.--There is authorized to
be appropriated to carry out the Program $5,000,000 for
fiscal year 2013.''.
(b) Funding.--Subsection (f) of section 420 of the Plant
Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7721) (as so redesignated) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and each fiscal year
thereafter.'' and inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(5) $62,500,000 for fiscal years 2014 through 2017; and
``(6) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.''.
(c) Repeal of Existing Provision.--Section 10202 of the
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7761) is
repealed.
(d) Clarification of Use of Funds for Technical
Assistance.--Section 420 of the Plant Protection Act (7
U.S.C. 7721), as amended by subsection (a), is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(g) Relationship to Other Law.--The use of Commodity
Credit Corporation funds under this section to provide
technical assistance shall not be considered an allotment or
fund transfer from the Commodity Credit Corporation for
purposes of the limit on expenditures for technical
assistance imposed by section 11 of the Commodity Credit
Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714i).''.
(e) Use of Funds for Clean Plant Network.--Section 420 of
the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7721), as amended by
subsections (a) and (d), is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(h) Use of Funds for Clean Plant Network.--Of the funds
made available under subsection (f) to carry out this section
for a fiscal year, not less than $5,000,000 shall be
available to carry out the national clean plant network under
subsection (e).''.
SEC. 9012. MODIFICATION, CANCELLATION, OR SUSPENSION ON BASIS
OF A BIOLOGICAL OPINION.
(a) In General.--Except in the case of a voluntary request
from a pesticide registrant to amend a registration under
section 3 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a), a registration of a
pesticide may be modified, canceled, or suspended on the
basis of the implementation of a Biological Opinion issued by
the National Marine Fisheries Service or the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service prior to the date of completion of
the study referred to in subsection (b), or January 1, 2015,
whichever is earlier, only if--
(1) the modification, cancellation, or suspension is
undertaken pursuant to section 6 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 136d);
and
(2) the Biological Opinion complies with the
recommendations contained in the study referred to in
subsection (b).
(b) National Academy of Sciences Study.--The study
commissioned by the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency on March 10, 2011, shall include, at a
minimum, each of the following:
(1) A formal, independent, and external peer review,
consistent with Office of Management and Budget policies, of
each Biological Opinion described in subsection (a).
(2) Assessment of economic impacts of measures or
alternatives recommended in each such Biological Opinion.
(3) An examination of the specific scientific and
procedural questions and issues pertaining to economic
feasibility contained in the June 23, 2011, letter sent to
the Administrator (and other Federal officials) by the
Chairmen of the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on
Natural Resources, and the Subcommittee on Interior,
Environment, and Related Agencies of the Committee on
Appropriations, of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 9013. USE AND DISCHARGES OF AUTHORIZED PESTICIDES.
(a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the
``Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2013''.
(b) Use of Authorized Pesticides.--Section 3(f) of the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C.
136a(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Use of authorized pesticides.--Except as provided in
section 402(s) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act,
the Administrator or a State may not require a permit under
such Act for a discharge from a point source into navigable
waters of a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or
use under this Act, or the residue of such a pesticide,
resulting from the application of such pesticide.''.
(c) Discharges of Pesticides.--Section 402 of the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(s) Discharges of Pesticides.--
``(1) No permit requirement.--Except as provided in
paragraph (2), a permit shall not be required by the
Administrator or a State under this Act for a discharge from
a point source into navigable waters of a pesticide
authorized for sale, distribution, or use under the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or the residue
of such a pesticide, resulting from the application of such
pesticide.
``(2) Exceptions.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the
following discharges of a pesticide or pesticide residue:
``(A) A discharge resulting from the application of a
pesticide in violation of a provision of the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act that is relevant
to protecting water quality, if--
``(i) the discharge would not have occurred but for the
violation; or
``(ii) the amount of pesticide or pesticide residue in the
discharge is greater than would have occurred without the
violation.
``(B) Stormwater discharges subject to regulation under
subsection (p).
``(C) The following discharges subject to regulation under
this section:
``(i) Manufacturing or industrial effluent.
``(ii) Treatment works effluent.
``(iii) Discharges incidental to the normal operation of a
vessel, including a discharge resulting from ballasting
operations or vessel biofouling prevention.''.
SEC. 9014. SEED NOT PESTICIDE OR DEVICE FOR PURPOSES OF
IMPORTATION.
Section 17(c) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136o(c)) is amended by adding at
the end the following new sentences: ``Solely for purposes of
notifications of arrival upon importation, for purposes of
this subsection, seed, including treated seed, shall not be
considered a pesticide or device. Nothing in this subsection
shall be construed as precluding or limiting the authority of
the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to the importation
or movement of plants, plant products, or seeds, under the
Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) or the Federal
Seed Act (7 U.S.C. 1551 et seq.).''.
SEC. 9015. STAY OF REGULATIONS RELATED TO CHRISTMAS TREE
PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ORDER.
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall lift the
administrative stay that was imposed by the rule entitled
``Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order;
Stay of Regulations'' and published by the Department of
Agriculture on November 17, 2011 (76 Fed. Reg. 71241), on the
regulations in subpart A of part 214 of title 7, Code of
Federal Regulations, establishing an industry-funded
promotion, research, and information program for fresh cut
Christmas trees.
SEC. 9016. STUDY ON PROPOSED ORDER PERTAINING TO SULFURYL
FLUORIDE.
Not later than two years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator of
[[Page H4446]]
the Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with the
Secretary of Agriculture, shall submit to the Committee on
Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report on the
potential economic and public health effects that would
result from finalization of the proposed order published in
the January 19, 2011, Federal Register (76 Fed. Reg. 3422)
pertaining to the pesticide sulfuryl fluoride, including the
anticipated impacts of such finalization on the production of
an adequate, wholesome, and economical food supply and on
farmers and related agricultural sectors.
SEC. 9017. STUDY ON LOCAL AND REGIONAL FOOD PRODUCTION AND
PROGRAM EVALUATION.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall--
(1) collect data on the production and marketing of locally
or regionally produced agricultural food products;
(2) facilitate interagency collaboration and data sharing
on programs related to local and regional food systems; and
(3) monitor the effectiveness of programs designed to
expand or facilitate local food systems.
(b) Requirements.--In carrying out this section, the
Secretary shall--
(1) collect and distribute comprehensive reporting of
prices of locally or regionally produced agricultural food
products;
(2) conduct surveys and analysis and publish reports
relating to the production, handling, distribution, and
retail sales of, and trend studies (including consumer
purchasing patterns) on, locally or regionally produced
agricultural food products;
(3) evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs in
growing local and regional food systems, including--
(A) the impact of local food systems on job creation and
economic development;
(B) the level of participation in the Farmers' Market and
Local Food Promotion Program established under section 6 of
the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C.
3005), including the percentage of projects funded in
comparison to applicants and the types of eligible entities
receiving funds;
(C) the ability for participants to leverage private
capital and a synopsis of the places from which non-Federal
funds are derived; and
(D) any additional resources required to aid in the
development or expansion of local and regional food systems;
(4) expand the Agricultural Resource Management Survey to
include questions on locally or regionally produced
agricultural food products; and
(5) seek to establish or expand private-public partnerships
to facilitate, to the maximum extent practicable, the
collection of data on locally or regionally produced
agricultural food products, including the development of a
nationally coordinated and regionally balanced evaluation of
the redevelopment of locally or regionally produced food
systems.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until
September 30, 2018, 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 describing the progress that has been made in
implementing this section and identifying any additional
needs related to developing local and regional food systems.
SEC. 9018. ANNUAL REPORT ON INVASIVE SPECIES.
(a) Initial Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress a report on invasive species.
(2) Matters included.--The report under paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) A list of each invasive species that is in the United
States as of the date of the report.
(B) For each invasive species listed under subparagraph
(A)--
(i) the country from which the species originated;
(ii) the means in which the species entered the United
States;
(iii) the year in which the species entered the United
States;
(iv) the rate by which the entry of the species is
increasing or decreasing;
(v) cost estimates, covering both the date of the report
and future periods, of the cost of such species to the public
and private sectors;
(vi) if cost estimates cannot be conducted under clause
(v), a detailed explanation of why;
(vii) environmental impact estimates, covering both the
date of the report and future periods, of the environmental
impact of the species;
(viii) if environmental impact estimates cannot be
conducted under clause (vii), a detailed explanation of why;
(ix) recommendations as to what steps are needed to combat
the species;
(x) a description of the ongoing research occurring to
combat the species; and
(xi) a description of any legal recourse available to
people affected by the species.
(C) Any other matter the Secretary determines appropriate.
(3) Period covered.--The report under paragraph (1) shall
cover the period beginning in 1980 and ending on the date on
which the report is submitted.
(b) Annual Updated Reports.--Not later than October 1 of
each fiscal year beginning after the date on which the report
under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) is submitted, the
Secretary shall submit annually to Congress an updated
report, including an update to each of the matters described
in paragraph (2) of such subsection.
(c) Public Availability.--The Secretary shall make each
report under this section available to the public.
TITLE X--CROP INSURANCE
SEC. 10001. INFORMATION SHARING.
(a) In General.--Section 502(c) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(c)) is amended by adding at the
end the following new paragraph:
``(4) Information.--
``(A) Request.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the Farm
Service Agency shall, in a timely manner, provide to an agent
or an approved insurance provider authorized by the producer
any information (including Farm Service Agency Form 578s (or
any successor form) or maps (or any corrections to those
forms or maps) that may assist the agent or approved
insurance provider in insuring the producer under a policy or
plan of insurance under this subtitle.
``(B) Privacy.--Except as provided in subparagraph (C), an
agent or approved insurance provider that receives the
information of a producer pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall
treat the information in accordance with paragraph (1).
``(C) Sharing.--Nothing in this section prohibits the
sharing of the information of a producer pursuant to
subparagraph (A) between the agent and the approved insurance
provider of the producer.''.
(b) Disclosure of Crop Insurance Premium Subsidies Made on
Behalf of Members of Congress and Certain Other Individuals
and Entities.--Section 502(c)(2) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(c)(2)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as
subparagraphs (D) and (E) respectively; and
(2) by inserting before subparagraph (C) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(A) Disclosure in the public interest.--Notwithstanding
paragraph (1) or any other provision of law, except as
provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall on an
annual basis make available to the public--
``(i)(I) the name of each individual or entity specified in
subparagraph (C) who obtained a federally subsidized crop
insurance, livestock, or forage policy or plan of insurance
during the previous fiscal year;
``(II) the amount of premium subsidy received by that
individual or entity from the Corporation; and
``(III) the amount of any Federal portion of indemnities
paid in the event of a loss during that fiscal year for each
policy associated with that individual or entity; and
``(ii) for each private insurance provider, by name--
``(I) the underwriting gains earned through participation
in the federally subsidized crop insurance program; and
``(II) the amount paid under this subtitle for--
``(aa) administrative and operating expenses;
``(bb) any Federal portion of indemnities and reinsurance;
and
``(cc) any other purpose.
``(B) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not disclose
information pertaining to individuals and entities covered by
a catastrophic risk protection plan offered under section
508(b).
``(C) Covered individuals and entities.--Subparagraph (A)
applies with respect to the following:
``(i) Members of Congress and their immediate families.
``(ii) Cabinet Secretaries and their immediate families.
``(iii) Entities of which any individual described in
clause (i) or (ii), or combination of such individuals, is a
majority shareholder.''.
SEC. 10002. PUBLICATION OF INFORMATION ON VIOLATIONS OF
PROHIBITION ON PREMIUM ADJUSTMENTS.
Section 508(a)(9) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7
U.S.C. 1508(a)(9)) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subparagraph:
``(C) Publication of violations.--
``(i) Publication required.--Subject to clause (ii), the
Corporation shall publish in a timely manner on the website
of the Risk Management Agency information regarding each
violation of this paragraph, including any sanctions imposed
in response to the violation, in sufficient detail so that
the information may serve as effective guidance to approved
insurance providers, agents, and producers.
``(ii) Protection of privacy.--In providing information
under clause (i) regarding violations of this paragraph, the
Corporation shall redact the identity of the persons and
entities committing the violations in order to protect their
privacy.''.
SEC. 10003. SUPPLEMENTAL COVERAGE OPTION.
(a) Availability of Supplemental Coverage Option.--
Paragraph (3) of section 508(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance
Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(c)) is amended to read as follows:
``(3) Yield and loss basis options.--A producer shall have
the option of purchasing additional coverage based on--
``(A)(i) an individual yield and loss basis; or
``(ii) an area yield and loss basis;
``(B) an individual yield and loss basis, supplemented with
coverage based on an area
[[Page H4447]]
yield and loss basis to cover a part of the deductible under
the individual yield and loss policy, as described in
paragraph (4)(C); or
``(C) a margin basis alone or in combination with the
coverages available in subparagraph (A) or (B).''.
(b) Level of Coverage.--Paragraph (4) of section 508(c) of
the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(c)) is amended
to read as follows:
``(4) Level of coverage.--
``(A) Dollar denomination and percentage of yield.--Except
as provided in subparagraph (C), the level of coverage--
``(i) shall be dollar denominated; and
``(ii) may be purchased at any level not to exceed 85
percent of the individual yield or 95 percent of the area
yield (as determined by the Corporation).
``(B) Information.--The Corporation shall provide producers
with information on catastrophic risk and additional coverage
in terms of dollar coverage (within the allowable limits of
coverage provided in this paragraph).
``(C) Supplemental coverage option.--
``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in the
case of the supplemental coverage option described in
paragraph (3)(B), the Corporation shall offer producers the
opportunity to purchase coverage in combination with a policy
or plan of insurance offered under this subtitle that would
allow indemnities to be paid to a producer equal to a part of
the deductible under the policy or plan of insurance--
``(I) at a county-wide level to the fullest extent
practicable; or
``(II) in counties that lack sufficient data, on the basis
of such larger geographical area as the Corporation
determines to provide sufficient data for purposes of
providing the coverage.
``(ii) Trigger.--Coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B)
and clause (i) shall be triggered only if the losses in the
area exceed 10 percent of normal levels (as determined by the
Corporation).
``(iii) Coverage.--Subject to the trigger described in
clause (ii), coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B) and
clause (i) shall not exceed the difference between--
``(I) 90 percent; and
``(II) the coverage level selected by the producer for the
underlying policy or plan of insurance.
``(iv) Ineligible crops and acres.--Crops for which the
producer has elected under section 1107(c)(1) of the Federal
Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 to receive
revenue loss coverage and acres that are enrolled in the
stacked income protection plan under section 508B shall not
be eligible for supplemental coverage under this
subparagraph.
``(v) Calculation of premium.--Notwithstanding subsection
(d), the premium for coverage offered under paragraph (3)(B)
and clause (i) shall--
``(I) be sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a
reasonable reserve; and
``(II) include an amount for operating and administrative
expenses established in accordance with subsection
(k)(4)(F).''.
(c) Payment of Portion of Premium by Corporation.--Section
508(e)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1508(e)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(H) In the case of the supplemental coverage option
authorized in subsection (c)(4)(C), the amount shall be equal
to the sum of--
``(i) 65 percent of the additional premium associated with
the coverage; and
``(ii) the amount determined under subsection
(c)(4)(C)(vi)(II), subject to subsection (k)(4)(F), for the
coverage to cover operating and administrative expenses.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
shall begin to provide additional coverage based on an
individual yield and loss basis, supplemented with coverage
based on an area yield and loss basis, not later than for the
2014 crop year.
SEC. 10004. PREMIUM AMOUNTS FOR CATASTROPHIC RISK PROTECTION.
Subparagraph (A) of section 508(d)(2) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(d)(2)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(A) In the case of catastrophic risk protection, the
amount of the premium established by the Corporation for each
crop for which catastrophic risk protection is available
shall be reduced by the percentage equal to the difference
between the average loss ratio for the crop and 100 percent,
plus a reasonable reserve.''.
SEC. 10005. REPEAL OF PERFORMANCE-BASED DISCOUNT.
(a) Repeal.--Section 508(d) of the Federal Crop Insurance
Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (3); and
(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3).
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 508(a)(9)(B) of the
Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(9)(B)) is
amended--
(1) by inserting ``or'' at the end of clause (i);
(2) by striking clause (ii); and
(3) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (ii).
SEC. 10006. PERMANENT ENTERPRISE UNIT SUBSIDY.
Subparagraph (A) of section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(5)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(A) In general.--The Corporation may pay a portion of the
premiums for plans or policies of insurance for which the
insurable unit is defined on a whole farm or enterprise unit
basis that is higher than would otherwise be paid in
accordance with paragraph (2).''.
SEC. 10007. ENTERPRISE UNITS FOR IRRIGATED AND NONIRRIGATED
CROPS.
Section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7
U.S.C. 1508(e)(5)) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subparagraph:
``(D) Nonirrigated crops.--Beginning with the 2014 crop
year, the Corporation shall make available separate
enterprise units for irrigated and nonirrigated acreage of
crops in counties.''.
SEC. 10008. DATA COLLECTION.
Section 508(g)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7
U.S.C. 1508(g)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subparagraph:
``(E) Sources of yield data.--To determine yields under
this paragraph, the Corporation--
``(i) shall use county data collected by the Risk
Management Agency or the National Agricultural Statistics
Service, or both; or
``(ii) if sufficient county data is not available, may use
other data considered appropriate by the Secretary.''.
SEC. 10009. ADJUSTMENT IN ACTUAL PRODUCTION HISTORY TO
ESTABLISH INSURABLE YIELDS.
Section 508(g)(4)(B) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7
U.S.C. 1508(g)(4)(B)) is amended by striking ``60'' each
place it appears and inserting ``70''.
SEC. 10010. SUBMISSION AND REVIEW OF POLICIES.
(a) In General.--Section 508(h) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(h)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses
(i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately;
(B) by striking ``(1) In general.--In addition'' and
inserting the following:
``(1) Authority to submit.--
``(A) In general.--In addition''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(B) Review and submission by corporation.--The
Corporation shall review any policy developed under section
522(c) or any pilot program developed under section 523 and
submit the policy or program to the Board under this
subsection if the Corporation, at the sole discretion of the
Corporation, finds that the policy or program--
``(i) will likely result in a viable and marketable policy
consistent with this subsection;
``(ii) would provide crop insurance coverage in a
significantly improved form; and
``(iii) adequately protects the interests of producers.'';
and
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking ``A policy'' and inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--A policy''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(B) Specified review and approval priorities.--In
reviewing policies and other materials submitted to the Board
under this subsection for approval, the Board--
``(i) shall make the development and approval of a revenue
policy for peanut producers a priority so that a revenue
policy is available to peanut producers in time for the 2014
crop year;
``(ii) shall make the development and approval of a margin
coverage policy for rice producers a priority so that a
margin coverage policy is available to rice producers in time
for the 2014 crop year; and
``(iii) may approve a submission that is made pursuant to
this subsection that would, beginning with the 2014 crop
year, allow producers that purchase policies in accordance
with subsection (e)(5)(A) to separate enterprise units by
risk rating for acreage of crops in counties.''.
(b) Advance Payments.--Section 522(b)(2)(E) of the Federal
Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(b)(2)(E)) is amended by
striking ``50 percent'' and inserting ``75 percent''.
SEC. 10011. EQUITABLE RELIEF FOR SPECIALTY CROP POLICIES.
Section 508(k)(8)(E) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of
1938 (7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(8)(E)) is amended by adding at the end
the following new clause:
``(iii) Equitable relief for specialty crop policies.--
``(I) In general.--For each of the 2011 through 2015
reinsurance years, in addition to the total amount of funding
for reimbursement of administrative and operating costs that
is otherwise required to be made available in each such
reinsurance year pursuant to an agreement entered into by the
Corporation, the Corporation shall use $41,000,000 to provide
additional reimbursement with respect to eligible insurance
contracts for any agricultural commodity that is not eligible
for a benefit under subtitles A, B or C of title I of the
Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013.
``(II) Treatment.--Additional reimbursements made under
this clause shall be included as part of the base level of
administrative and operating expense reimbursement to which
any limit on compensation to persons involved in the direct
sale and service of any eligible crop insurance contract
required under an agreement entered into by the Corporation
is applied.
[[Page H4448]]
``(III) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this clause shall
be construed as statutory assent to the limit described in
subclause (II).''.
SEC. 10012. BUDGET LIMITATIONS ON RENEGOTIATION OF THE
STANDARD REINSURANCE AGREEMENT.
Section 508(k)(8) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938
(7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(8)) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subparagraph:
``(F) Budget.--
``(i) In general.--The Board shall ensure that any Standard
Reinsurance Agreement negotiated under subparagraph (A)(ii),
as compared to the previous Standard Reinsurance Agreement--
``(I) to the maximum extent practicable, shall be budget
neutral; and
``(II) in no event, may significantly depart from budget
neutrality.
``(ii) Use of savings.--To the extent that any budget
savings is realized in the renegotiation of a Standard
Reinsurance Agreement under subparagraph (A)(ii), and the
savings are determined not to be a significant departure from
budget neutrality under clause (i), the savings shall be used
to increase the obligations of the Corporation under
subsections (e)(2) or (k)(4) or section 523.''.
SEC. 10013. CROP PRODUCTION ON NATIVE SOD.
(a) Federal Crop Insurance.--Section 508(o) of the Federal
Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(o)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting ``, or the producer
cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been tilled,''
after ``tilled'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Ineligibility
for'' and inserting ``Reduction in''; and
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``for benefits under--
'' and all that follows through the period at the end and
inserting ``for--
``(i) a portion of crop insurance premium subsidies under
this subtitle in accordance with paragraph (3);
``(ii) benefits under section 196 of the Federal
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C.
7333); and
``(iii) payments described in subsection (b) or (c) of
section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C.
1308).''; and
(3) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following
new paragraphs:
``(3) Administration.--
``(A) In general.--During the first 4 crop years of
planting on native sod acreage by a producer described in
paragraph (2)--
``(i) paragraph (2) shall apply to 65 percent of the
transitional yield of the producer; and
``(ii) the crop insurance premium subsidy provided for the
producer under this subtitle shall be 50 percentage points
less than the premium subsidy that would otherwise apply.
``(B) Yield substitution.--During the period native sod
acreage is covered by this subsection, a producer may not
substitute yields for the native sod acreage.
``(4) Application.--This subsection shall only apply to
native sod in the Prairie Pothole National Priority Area.''.
(b) Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance.--Section 196(a)(4)
of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996
(7 U.S.C. 7333(a)(4)) is amended--
(1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``ineligibility''
and inserting ``benefit reduction'';
(2) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by inserting ``, or the
producer cannot substantiate that the ground has ever been
tilled,'' after ``tilled'';
(3) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) in the subparagraph heading, by striking
``Ineligibility'' and inserting ``Reduction in''; and
(B) in clause (i), by striking ``for benefits under--'' and
all that follows through the period at the end and inserting
``for--
``(I) benefits under this section;
``(II) a portion of crop insurance premium subsidies under
the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) in
accordance with subparagraph (C); and
``(III) payments described in subsection (b) or (c) of
section 1001 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C.
1308).''; and
(4) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the
following new subparagraphs:
``(C) Administration.--
``(i) In general.--During the first 4 crop years of
planting on native sod acreage by a producer described in
subparagraph (B)--
``(I) subparagraph (B) shall apply to 65 percent of the
transitional yield of the producer; and
``(II) the crop insurance premium subsidy provided for the
producer under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501
et seq.) shall be 50 percentage points less than the premium
subsidy that would otherwise apply.
``(ii) Yield substitution.--During the period native sod
acreage is covered by this paragraph, a producer may not
substitute yields for the native sod acreage.
``(D) Application.--This paragraph shall only apply to
native sod in the Prairie Pothole National Priority Area.''.
(c) Cropland Report.--
(1) Baseline.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall
submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes the
cropland acreage in each applicable county and State, and the
change in cropland acreage from the preceding year in each
applicable county and State, beginning with calendar year
2000 and including that information for the most recent year
for which that information is available.
(2) Annual updates.--Not later than January 1, 2015, and
each January 1 thereafter through January 1, 2018, the
Secretary of Agriculture 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--
(A) the cropland acreage in each applicable county and
State as of the date of submission of the report; and
(B) the change in cropland acreage from the preceding year
in each applicable county and State.
SEC. 10014. COVERAGE LEVELS BY PRACTICE.
Section 508 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1938 (7
U.S.C. 1508) is amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection:
``(p) Coverage Levels by Practice.--Beginning with the 2015
crop year, a producer that produces an agricultural commodity
on both dry land and irrigated land may elect a different
coverage level for each production practice.''.
SEC. 10015. BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER PROVISIONS.
(a) Definition.--Section 502(b) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(b)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (9) as
paragraphs (4) through (10), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Beginning farmer or rancher.--The term `beginning
farmer or rancher' means a farmer or rancher who has not
actively operated and managed a farm or ranch with a bona
fide insurable interest in a crop or livestock as an owner-
operator, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper for more than 5
crop years, as determined by the Secretary.''.
(b) Premium Adjustments.--Section 508 of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(5)(E), by inserting ``and beginning
farmers or ranchers'' after ``limited resource farmers'';
(2) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
``(8) Premium for beginning farmers or ranchers.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection
regarding payment of a portion of premiums, a beginning
farmer or rancher shall receive premium assistance that is 10
percentage points greater than premium assistance that would
otherwise be available under paragraphs (2) (except for
subparagraph (A) of that paragraph), (5), (6), and (7) for
the applicable policy, plan of insurance, and coverage level
selected by the beginning farmer or rancher.''; and
(3) in subsection (g)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(B)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(ii) in clause (ii)(III), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; or''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) if the producer is a beginning farmer or rancher
who was previously involved in a farming or ranching
operation, including involvement in the decisionmaking or
physical involvement in the production of the crop or
livestock on the farm, for any acreage obtained by the
beginning farmer or rancher, a yield that is the higher of--
``(I) the actual production history of the previous
producer of the crop or livestock on the acreage determined
under subparagraph (A); or
``(II) a yield of the producer, as determined in clause
(i).''; and
(B) in paragraph (4)(B)(ii) (as amended by section 10009)--
(i) by inserting ``(I)'' after ``(ii)'';
(ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
or''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(II) in the case of beginning farmers or ranchers,
replace each excluded yield with a yield equal to 80 percent
of the applicable transitional yield.''.
SEC. 10016. STACKED INCOME PROTECTION PLAN FOR PRODUCERS OF
UPLAND COTTON.
(a) Availability of Stacked Income Protection Plan for
Producers of Upland Cotton.--The Federal Crop Insurance Act
is amended by inserting after section 508A (7 U.S.C. 1508a)
the following new section:
``SEC. 508B. STACKED INCOME PROTECTION PLAN FOR PRODUCERS OF
UPLAND COTTON.
``(a) Availability.--Beginning not later than the 2014 crop
of upland cotton, the Corporation shall make available to
producers of upland cotton an additional policy (to be known
as the `Stacked Income Protection Plan'), which shall provide
coverage consistent with the Group Risk Income Protection
Plan (and the associated Harvest Revenue Option Endorsement)
offered by the Corporation for the 2011 crop year.
``(b) Required Terms.--The Corporation may modify the
Stacked Income Protection Plan on a program-wide basis,
except that the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall comply
with the following requirements:
``(1) Provide coverage for revenue loss of not less than 10
percent and not more than 30 percent of expected county
revenue, specified in increments of 5 percent. The deductible
is the minimum percent of revenue loss at
[[Page H4449]]
which indemnities are triggered under the plan, not to be
less than 10 percent of the expected county revenue.
``(2) Be offered to producers of upland cotton in all
counties with upland cotton production--
``(A) at a county-wide level to the fullest extent
practicable; or
``(B) in counties that lack sufficient data, on the basis
of such larger geographical area as the Corporation
determines to provide sufficient data for purposes of
providing the coverage.
``(3) Be purchased in addition to any other individual or
area coverage in effect on the producer's acreage or as a
stand-alone policy, except that if a producer has an
individual or area coverage for the same acreage, the maximum
coverage available under the Stacked Income Protection Plan
shall not exceed the deductible for the individual or area
coverage.
``(4) Establish coverage based on--
``(A) the expected price established under existing Group
Risk Income Protection or area wide policy offered by the
Corporation for the applicable county (or area) and crop
year; and
``(B) an expected county yield that is the higher of--
``(i) the expected county yield established for the
existing area-wide plans offered by the Corporation for the
applicable county (or area) and crop year (or, in geographic
areas where area-wide plans are not offered, an expected
yield determined in a manner consistent with those of area-
wide plans); or
``(ii) the average of the applicable yield data for the
county (or area) for the most recent 5 years, excluding the
highest and lowest observations, from the Risk Management
Agency or the National Agricultural Statistics Service (or
both) or, if sufficient county data is not available, such
other data considered appropriate by the Secretary.
``(5) Use a multiplier factor to establish maximum
protection per acre (referred to as a `protection factor') of
not less than the higher of the level established on a
program wide basis or 120 percent.
``(6) Pay an indemnity based on the amount that the
expected county revenue exceeds the actual county revenue, as
applied to the individual coverage of the producer.
Indemnities under the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall
not include or overlap the amount of the deductible selected
under paragraph (1).
``(7) In all counties for which data are available,
establish separate coverage levels for irrigated and non-
irrigated practices.
``(c) Premium.--Notwithstanding section 508(d), the premium
for the Stacked Income Protection Plan shall--
``(1) be sufficient to cover anticipated losses and a
reasonable reserve; and
``(2) include an amount for operating and administrative
expenses established in accordance with section 508(k)(4)(F).
``(d) Payment of Portion of Premium by Corporation.--
Subject to section 508(e)(4), the amount of premium paid by
the Corporation for all qualifying coverage levels of the
Stacked Income Protection Plan shall be--
``(1) 80 percent of the amount of the premium established
under subsection (c) for the coverage level selected; and
``(2) the amount determined under subsection (c)(2),
subject to section 508(k)(4)(F), for the coverage to cover
administrative and operating expenses.
``(e) Relation to Other Coverages.--The Stacked Income
Protection Plan is in addition to all other coverages
available to producers of upland cotton.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 508(k)(4)(F) of the
Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(4)(F)) is
amended by inserting ``or authorized under subsection
(c)(4)(C) or section 508B'' after ``of this subparagraph''.
SEC. 10017. PEANUT REVENUE CROP INSURANCE.
The Federal Crop Insurance Act is amended by inserting
after section 508B, as added by the previous section, the
following new section:
``SEC. 508C. PEANUT REVENUE CROP INSURANCE.
``(a) In General.--Effective beginning with the 2014 crop
year, the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation shall
make available to producers of peanuts a revenue crop
insurance program for peanuts.
``(b) Effective Price.--Subject to subsection (c), for
purposes of the revenue crop insurance program and the
multiperil crop insurance program under this Act, the
effective price for peanuts shall be equal to the Rotterdam
price index for peanuts, as adjusted to reflect the farmer
stock price of peanuts in the United States.
``(c) Adjustments.--
``(1) In general.--The effective price for peanuts
established under subsection (b) may be adjusted by the Risk
Management Agency and the Corporation to correct distortions.
``(2) Administration.--If an adjustment is made under
paragraph (1), the Risk Management Agency and the Corporation
shall--
``(A) make the adjustment in an open and transparent
manner; and
``(B) submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes
the reasons for the adjustment.''.
SEC. 10018. AUTHORITY TO CORRECT ERRORS.
Section 515(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1515(c)) is amended--
(1) in the first sentence, by striking ``The Secretary''
and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--The Secretary'';
(2) in the second sentence, by striking ``Beginning with''
and inserting the following:
``(2) Frequency.--Beginning with''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) Corrections.--
``(A) In general.--In addition to the corrections permitted
by the Corporation as of the date of enactment of the Federal
Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, the
Corporation shall allow an agent or an approved insurance
provider, subject to subparagraph (B)--
``(i) within a reasonable amount of time following the
applicable sales closing date, to correct unintentional
errors in information that is provided by a producer for the
purpose of obtaining coverage under any policy or plan of
insurance made available under this subtitle to ensure that
the eligibility information is correct;
``(ii) within a reasonable amount of time following--
``(I) the acreage reporting date, to correct unintentional
errors in factual information that is provided by a producer
after the sales closing date to reconcile the information
with the information reported by the producer to the Farm
Service Agency; or
``(II) the date of any subsequent correction of data by the
Farm Service Agency made as a result of the verification of
information; and
``(iii) at any time, to correct unintentional errors that
were made by the Farm Service Agency or an agent or approved
insurance provider in transmitting the information provided
by the producer to the approved insurance provider or the
Corporation.
``(B) Limitation.--In accordance with the procedures of the
Corporation, correction to the information described in
clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) may only be made if
the corrections do not allow the producer--
``(i) to avoid ineligibility requirements for insurance;
``(ii) to obtain, enhance, or increase an insurance
guarantee or indemnity, or avoid premium owed, if a cause of
loss exists or has occurred before any correction has been
made; or
``(iii) to avoid an obligation or requirement under any
Federal or State law.
``(C) Exception to late filing sanctions.--Any corrections
made pursuant to this paragraph shall not be subject to any
late filing sanctions authorized in the reinsurance agreement
with the Corporation.''.
SEC. 10019. IMPLEMENTATION.
Section 515 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1515) is amended--
(1) in subsection (j), by striking paragraph (1) and
inserting the following new paragraph:
``(1) Systems maintenance and upgrades.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall maintain and upgrade
the information management systems of the Corporation used in
the administration and enforcement of this subtitle.
``(B) Requirement.--
``(i) In general.--In maintaining and upgrading the
systems, the Secretary shall ensure that new hardware and
software are compatible with the hardware and software used
by other agencies of the Department to maximize data sharing
and promote the purposes of this section.
``(ii) Acreage report streamlining initiative project.--As
soon as practicable, the Secretary shall develop and
implement an acreage report streamlining initiative project
to allow producers to report acreage and other information
directly to the Department.''; and
(2) in subsection (k), by striking paragraph (1) and
inserting the following new paragraph:
``(1) Information technology.--
``(A) In general.--For purposes of subsection (j)(1), the
Corporation may use, from amounts made available from the
insurance fund established under section 516(c), not more
than--
``(i)(I) for fiscal year 2014, $25,000,000; and
``(II) for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2018,
$10,000,000; or
``(ii) if the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining
Initiative (ACRSI) project is substantially completed by
September 30, 2015, not more than $15,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2015 through 2018.
``(B) Notification.--The Secretary shall notify the
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
Senate of the substantial completion of the Acreage Crop
Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) project not later
than July 1, 2015.''.
SEC. 10020. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES.
(a) Authority To Conduct Research and Development,
Priorities.--Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act
(7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading by striking ``Contracting'';
(2) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``may enter into contracts to carry out
research and development to'' and inserting ``may conduct
activities or enter into contracts to carry out research and
development to maintain or improve existing policies or
develop new policies to'';
(3) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``conduct research
and development or'' after ``The Corporation may''; and
[[Page H4450]]
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``conducting research
and development or'' after ``Before'';
(4) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``after expert review in
accordance with section 505(e)'' after ``approved by the
Board''; and
(5) in paragraph (6), by striking ``a pasture, range, and
forage program'' and inserting ``policies that increase
participation by producers of underserved agricultural
commodities, including sweet sorghum, biomass sorghum, rice,
peanuts, sugarcane, alfalfa, pennycress, and specialty
crops''.
(b) Funding.--Section 522(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance
Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``(A) Authority.--'' and inserting ``(A)
Conducting and contracting for research and development.--'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``conduct research
and development and'' after ``the Corporation may use to'';
and
(C) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``conduct research
and development and'' after ``for the fiscal year to'';
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``to provide either
reimbursement payments or contract payments''; and
(3) by striking paragraph (4).
SEC. 10021. ADDITIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTING
REQUIREMENTS.
Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1522(c)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (17) as paragraph (24); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (16), the following new
paragraphs:
``(17) Margin coverage for catfish.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall offer to enter
into a contract with a qualified entity to conduct research
and development regarding a policy to insure producers
against reduction in the margin between the market value of
catfish and selected costs incurred in the production of
catfish.
``(B) Eligibility.--Eligibility for the policy described in
subparagraph (A) shall be limited to freshwater species of
catfish that are propagated and reared in controlled or
selected environments.
``(C) Implementation.--The Board shall review the policy
described in subparagraph (B) under subsection 508(h) and
approve the policy if the Board finds that the policy--
``(i) will likely result in a viable and marketable policy
consistent with this subsection;
``(ii) would provide crop insurance coverage in a
significantly improved form;
``(iii) adequately protects the interests of producers; and
``(iv) the proposed policy meets other requirements of this
subtitle determined appropriate by the Board.
``(18) Biomass and sweet sorghum energy crop insurance
policies.--
``(A) Authority.--The Corporation shall offer to enter into
1 or more contracts with qualified entities to carry out
research and development regarding--
``(i) a policy to insure biomass sorghum that is grown
expressly for the purpose of producing a feedstock for
renewable biofuel, renewable electricity, or biobased
products; and
``(ii) a policy to insure sweet sorghum that is grown for a
purpose described in clause (i).
``(B) Research and development.--Research and development
with respect to each of the policies required in subparagraph
(A) shall evaluate the effectiveness of risk management tools
for the production of biomass sorghum or sweet sorghum,
including policies and plans of insurance that--
``(i) are based on market prices and yields;
``(ii) to the extent that insufficient data exist to
develop a policy based on market prices and yields, evaluate
the policies and plans of insurance based on the use of
weather indices, including excessive or inadequate rainfall,
to protect the interest of crop producers; and
``(iii) provide protection for production or revenue
losses, or both.
``(19) Study on swine catastrophic disease program.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall contract with a
qualified person to conduct a study to determine the
feasibility of insuring swine producers for a catastrophic
event.
``(B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of
the Senate a report that describes the results of the study
conducted under subparagraph (A).
``(20) Whole farm diversified risk management insurance
plan.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall conduct activities
or enter into contracts to carry out research and development
to develop a whole farm risk management insurance plan, with
a liability limitation of $1,250,000, that allows a
diversified crop or livestock producer the option to qualify
for an indemnity if actual gross farm revenue is below 85
percent of the average gross farm revenue or the expected
gross farm revenue that can reasonably be expected of the
producer, as determined by the Corporation.
``(B) Eligible producers.--The Corporation shall permit
producers (including direct-to-consumer marketers and
producers servicing local and regional and farm identity-
preserved markets) who produce multiple agricultural
commodities, including specialty crops, industrial crops,
livestock, and aquaculture products, to participate in the
plan in lieu of any other plan under this subtitle.
``(C) Diversification.--The Corporation may provide
diversification-based additional coverage payment rates,
premium discounts, or other enhanced benefits in recognition
of the risk management benefits of crop and livestock
diversification strategies for producers that grow multiple
crops or that may have income from the production of
livestock that uses a crop grown on the farm.
``(D) Market readiness.--The Corporation may include
coverage for the value of any packing, packaging, or any
other similar on-farm activity the Corporation determines to
be the minimum required in order to remove the commodity from
the field.
``(E) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of
the Senate a report that describes the results and
feasibility of the research and development conducted under
this paragraph, including an analysis of potential adverse
market distortions.
``(21) Study on poultry catastrophic disease program.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall contract with a
qualified person to conduct a study to determine the
feasibility of insuring poultry producers for a catastrophic
event.
``(B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of
the Senate a report that describes the results of the study
conducted under subparagraph (A).
``(22) Poultry business interruption insurance policy.--
``(A) Authority.--The Corporation shall offer to enter into
a contract or cooperative agreement with a university or
other legal entity to carry out research and development
regarding a policy to insure the commercial production of
poultry against business interruptions caused by integrator
bankruptcy.
``(B) Research and development.--As part of the research
and development conducted pursuant to a contract or
cooperative agreement entered into under subparagraph (A),
the entity shall--
``(i) evaluate the market place for business interruption
insurance that is available to poultry growers;
``(ii) determine what statutory authority would be
necessary to implement a business interruption insurance
through the Corporation;
``(iii) assess the feasibility of a policy or plan of
insurance offered under this subtitle to insure against
losses due to the bankruptcy of an business integrator; and
``(iv) analyze the costs to the Federal Government of a
Federal business interruption insurance program for poultry
growers.
``(C) Definitions.--In this paragraph, the terms `poultry'
and `poultry grower' have the meanings given those terms in
section 2(a) of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 (7
U.S.C. 182(a)).
``(D) Deadline for contract or cooperative agreement.--Not
later than six months after the date of the enactment of this
paragraph, the Corporation shall enter into the contract or
cooperative agreement required by subparagraph (A).
``(E) Deadline for completion of research and
development.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of
the Senate a report that describes the results of the
research and development conducted pursuant to the contract
or cooperative agreement entered into under subparagraph (A).
``(23) Study of food safety insurance.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall offer to enter
into a contract with 1 or more qualified entities to conduct
a study to determine whether offering policies that provide
coverage for specialty crops from food safety and
contamination issues would benefit agricultural producers.
``(B) Subject.--The study described in subparagraph (A)
shall evaluate policies and plans of insurance coverage that
provide protection for production or revenue impacted by food
safety concerns including, at a minimum, government, retail,
or national consumer group announcements of a health
advisory, removal, or recall related to a contamination
concern.
``(C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this paragraph, the Corporation shall submit to
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of
the Senate a report that describes the results of the study
conducted under subparagraph (A).''.
SEC. 10022. PROGRAM COMPLIANCE PARTNERSHIPS.
Paragraph (1) of section 522(d) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(d)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(1) Purpose.--The purpose of this subsection is to
authorize the Corporation to enter into partnerships with
public and private entities for the purpose of either--
``(A) increasing the availability of loss mitigation,
financial, and other risk management tools for producers,
with a priority
[[Page H4451]]
given to risk management tools for producers of agricultural
commodities covered by section 196 of the Agricultural Market
Transition Act (7 U.S.C. 7333), specialty crops, and
underserved agricultural commodities; or
``(B) improving analysis tools and technology regarding
compliance or identifying and using innovative compliance
strategies.''.
SEC. 10023. PILOT PROGRAMS.
Section 523(a) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1523(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, at the sole
discretion of the Corporation,'' after ``may''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (5).
SEC. 10024. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.
(a) Eligibility for Department Programs.--Section 508(b) of
the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(b)) is
amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (7); and
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (11) as
paragraphs (7) through (10), respectively.
(b) Exclusions to Assistance for Losses Due to Drought
Conditions.--
(1) In general.--Section 531(d)(3)(A) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1531(d)(3)(A)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``(A) Eligible losses.--'' and all that
follows through ``An eligible'' in clause (i) and inserting
the following:
``(A) Eligible losses.--An eligible'';
(B) by striking clause (ii); and
(C) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i)
and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 901(d)(3)(A) of the
Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2497(d)(3)(A)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``(A) Eligible losses.--'' and all that
follows through ``An eligible'' in clause (i) and inserting
the following:
``(A) Eligible losses.--An eligible'';
(B) by striking clause (ii); and
(C) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i)
and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately.
SEC. 10025. ADVANCE PUBLIC NOTICE OF CROP INSURANCE POLICY
AND PLAN CHANGES.
Section 505(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1505(e)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs
(6) and (7); respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new
paragraph (5):
``(5) Advance notice of modification before
implementation.--
``(A) In general.--Any modification to be made in the terms
or conditions of any policy or plan of insurance offered
under this subtitle shall not take effect for a crop year
unless the Secretary publishes the modification in the
Federal Register and on the website of the Corporation and
provides for a subsequent period of public comment--
``(i) with respect to fall-planted crops, not later than 60
days before June 30 during the preceding crop year; and
``(ii) with respect to spring-planted crops, not later than
60 days before November 30 during the preceding crop year.
``(B) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the application of
subparagraph (A) in an emergency situation declared by the
Secretary upon notice to Congress of the nature of the
emergency and the need for immediate implementation of the
policy or plan modification referred to in such
subparagraph.''.
TITLE XI--MISCELLANEOUS
Subtitle A--Livestock
SEC. 11101. REPEAL OF THE NATIONAL SHEEP INDUSTRY IMPROVEMENT
CENTER.
Effective October 1, 2013, section 375 of the Consolidated
Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008j) is repealed.
SEC. 11102. REPEAL OF CERTAIN REGULATIONS UNDER THE PACKERS
AND STOCKYARDS ACT, 1921.
(a) Repeal of Certain Regulation Requirement.--Section
11006 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
(Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2120) is repealed.
(b) Repeal of Certain Existing Regulation.--Subsection (n)
of section 201.2 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, is
repealed.
(c) Prohibition on Enforcement of Certain Regulations or
Issuance of Similar Regulations.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the Secretary of Agriculture shall not--
(1) enforce subsection (n) of section 201.2 of title 9,
Code of Federal Regulations;
(2) finalize or implement sections 201.2(l), 201.2(t),
201.2(u), 201.3(c), 201.210, 201.211, 201.213, and 201.214 of
title 9, Code of Federal Regulations, as proposed to be added
by the proposed rule entitled ``Implementation of Regulations
Required Under Title XI of the Food, Conservation and Energy
Act of 2008; Conduct in Violation of the Act'' published by
the Department of Agriculture on June 22, 2010 (75 Fed. Reg.
35338); or
(3) issue regulations or adopt a policy similar to the
provisions--
(A) referred to in paragraph (1) or (2); or
(B) rescinded by the Secretary pursuant to section 742 of
the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act,
2013 (Public Law 113-6).
SEC. 11103. TRICHINAE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM.
(a) Alternative Certification Process.--The Secretary of
Agriculture shall amend the rule made under paragraph (2) of
section 11010(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 8304(a)) to implement the voluntary trichinae
certification program established under paragraph (1) of such
section, to include a requirement to establish an alternative
trichinae certification process based on surveillance or
other methods consistent with international standards for
categorizing compartments as having negligible risk for
trichinae.
(b) Final Regulations.--Not later than one year after the
date on which the international standards referred to in
subsection (a) are adopted, the Secretary shall finalize the
rule amended under such subsection.
(c) Reauthorization.--Section 10405(d)(1) of the Animal
Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8304(d)(1)) is amended in
subparagraphs (A) and (B) by striking ``2012'' each place it
appears and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 11104. NATIONAL AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH PLAN.
Section 11013(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8322(d)) is amended by striking ``2012''
and inserting ``2018''.
SEC. 11105. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture,
acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, shall
conduct an economic analysis of the proposed rule entitled
``Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb,
Chicken, Goat Meat, Wild and Farm-raised Fish and Shellfish,
Perishable Agricultural Commodities, Peanuts, Pecans, Ginseng
and Macadamia Nuts'' published by the Department of
Agriculture on March 12, 2013 (76 Fed. Reg. 15645).
(b) Contents.--The economic analysis described in
subsection (a) shall include, with respect to the labeling of
beef, pork, and chicken, an analysis of the impact on
consumers, producers, and packers in the United States of--
(1) the implementation of subtitle D of the Agricultural
Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1638 et seq.); and
(2) the proposed rule referred to in subsection (a).
SEC. 11106. NATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH LABORATORY NETWORK.
Subtitle E of title X of the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002 is amended by inserting after section
10409 (7 U.S.C. 8308) the following new section:
``SEC. 10409A. NATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH LABORATORY NETWORK.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall enter into
contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other legal
instruments with eligible laboratories for any of the
following purposes:
``(1) To enhance the capability of the Secretary to detect,
and respond in a timely manner to, emerging or existing
threats to animal health and to support the protection of
public health, the environment, and the agricultural economy
of the United States.
``(2) To provide the capacity and capability for
standardized--
``(A) test procedures, reference materials, and equipment;
``(B) laboratory biosafety and biosecurity levels;
``(C) quality management system requirements;
``(D) interconnected electronic reporting and transmission
of data; and
``(E) evaluation for emergency preparedness.
``(3) To coordinate the development, implementation, and
enhancement of national veterinary diagnostic laboratory
capabilities, with special emphasis on surveillance planning
and vulnerability analysis, technology development and
validation, training, and outreach.
``(b) Eligibility.--An eligible laboratory under this
section is a diagnostic laboratory meeting specific criteria
developed by the Secretary, in consultation with State animal
health officials and State and university veterinary
diagnostic laboratories.
``(c) Priority.--To the extent practicable and to the
extent capacity and specialized expertise may be necessary,
the Secretary shall give priority to existing Federal, State,
and university facilities.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.''.
SEC. 11107. REPEAL OF DUPLICATIVE CATFISH INSPECTION PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Effective on the date of the enactment of
the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8701
et seq.), section 11016 of such Act (Public Law 110-246; 122
Stat. 2130) and the amendments made by such section are
repealed.
(b) Application.--The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7
U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) and the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21
U.S.C. 601 et seq.) shall be applied and administered as if
section 11016 (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2130) of the
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8701 et
seq.) and the amendments made by such section had not been
enacted.
SEC. 11108. NATIONAL POULTRY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that the
Department of Agriculture continues to administer the
diagnostic surveillance program for H5/H7 low pathogenic
avian influenza with respect to commercial poultry under
section 146.14 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (or a
successor regulation) without amending the regulations in
section 147.43 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (or a
successor regulation) with respect to the governance of the
General Conference Committee established under such section.
The Secretary of Agriculture shall maintain--
[[Page H4452]]
(1) the operations of the General Conference Committee--
(A) in the physical location at which the Committee was
located on the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(B) with the organizational structure within the Department
of Agriculture in effect as of such date; and
(2) the funding levels for the National Poultry Improvement
Plan for Commercial Poultry (established under part 146 of
title 9, Code of Federal Regulations or a successor
regulation) at the fiscal year 2013 funding levels for the
Plan.
SEC. 11109. REPORT ON BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS IN TEXAS.
Not later than December 31, 2014, the Secretary of
Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report
on the incidence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle in Texas.
The report shall cover the period beginning on January 1,
1997, and ending on December 31, 2013.
SEC. 11110. ECONOMIC FRAUD IN WILD AND FARM-RAISED SEAFOOD.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture,
acting through the Office of the Chief Economist, shall
submit to Congress a report on the economic implications for
consumers, fishermen, and aquaculturists of fraud and
mislabeling in wild and farm-raised seafood.
(b) Contents.--The report required under subsection (a)
shall include, with respect to fraud and mislabeling in wild
and farm-raised seafood, an analysis of the impact on
consumers and producers in the United States of--
(1) sales of imported seafood that is misrepresented as
domestic product;
(2) country of origin labeling that allows seafood
harvested outside the United States to be labeled as a
product of the United States;
(3) the lack of seafood product traceability through the
supply chain; and
(4) the inadequate use of DNA testing and other technology
to address seafood safety and fraud, including traceability.
Subtitle B--Socially Disadvantaged Producers and Limited Resource
Producers
SEC. 11201. OUTREACH AND ASSISTANCE FOR SOCIALLY
DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND RANCHERS AND VETERAN
FARMERS AND RANCHERS.
(a) Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged
Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers.--
Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``AND VETERAN
FARMERS AND RANCHERS'' after ``RANCHERS'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and veteran farmers or
ranchers'' after ``ranchers'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by inserting ``and veteran
farmers or ranchers'' after ``ranchers''; and
(C) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) in the heading of such subparagraph, by striking
``2012'' and inserting ``2018'';
(II) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(III) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(IV) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(iii) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(E) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.'';
(3) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting ``or veteran farmers
and ranchers'' after ``socially disadvantaged farmers and
ranchers'';
(4) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``veteran farmers or
ranchers and'' before ``members''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``veteran farmers or
ranchers and'' before ``members''; and
(5) in subsection (e)(5)(A)--
(A) in clause (i), by inserting ``and veteran farmers or
ranchers'' after ``ranchers''; and
(B) in clause (ii), by inserting ``and veteran farmers or
ranchers'' after ``ranchers''.
(b) Definition of Veteran Farmer or Rancher.--Section
2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e)) is amended by adding at the end
the following new paragraph:
``(7) Veteran farmer or rancher.--The term `veteran farmer
or rancher' means a farmer or rancher who served in the
active military, naval, or air service, and who was
discharged or released from the service under conditions
other than dishonorable.''.
SEC. 11202. OFFICE OF ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH.
Paragraph (3) of section 226B(f) of the Department of
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934(f)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection--
``(A) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years
2009 through 2013; and
``(B) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 11203. SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND RANCHERS
POLICY RESEARCH CENTER.
Section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279), as amended by section
11201, is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(i) Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy
Research Center.--The Secretary shall award a grant to a
college or university eligible to receive funds under the Act
of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.), including Tuskegee
University, to establish a policy research center to be known
as the `Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy
Research Center' for the purpose of developing policy
recommendations for the protection and promotion of the
interests of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.''.
SEC. 11204. RECEIPT FOR SERVICE OR DENIAL OF SERVICE FROM
CERTAIN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCIES.
Section 2501A(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279-1(e)) is amended by
striking ``and, at the time of the request, also requests a
receipt''.
Subtitle C--Other Miscellaneous Provisions
SEC. 11301. GRANTS TO IMPROVE SUPPLY, STABILITY, SAFETY, AND
TRAINING OF AGRICULTURAL LABOR FORCE.
Subsection (d) of section 14204 of the Food, Conservation,
and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2008q-1) is amended to read
as follows:
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section--
``(1) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years
2008 through 2013; and
``(2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018.''.
SEC. 11302. PROGRAM BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY STATUS FOR
PARTICIPANTS IN HIGH PLAINS WATER STUDY.
Section 2901 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 1818) is amended by
striking ``this Act or an amendment made by this Act'' and
inserting ``this Act, an amendment made by this Act, the
Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013,
or an amendment made by the Federal Agriculture Reform and
Risk Management Act of 2013''.
SEC. 11303. OFFICE OF TRIBAL RELATIONS.
(a) In General.--Title III of the Federal Crop Insurance
Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
1994 is amended by adding after section 308 (7 U.S.C. 3125a
note; Public Law 103-354) the following new section:
``SEC. 309. OFFICE OF TRIBAL RELATIONS.
``The Secretary shall establish in the Office of the
Secretary an Office of Tribal Relations to advise the
Secretary on policies related to Indian tribes.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 296(b) of the Department
of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b))
is amended by inserting after paragraph (8), as added by
section 3207, the following new paragraph:
``(9) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the
Office of the Secretary the Office of Tribal Relations in
accordance with section 309; and''.
SEC. 11304. MILITARY VETERANS AGRICULTURAL LIAISON.
(a) In General.--Subtitle A of the Department of
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by
inserting after section 218 (7 U.S.C. 6918) the following new
section:
``SEC. 219. MILITARY VETERANS AGRICULTURAL LIAISON.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary shall establish in the
Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural
Liaison.
``(b) Duties.--The Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison
shall--
``(1) provide information to returning veterans about, and
connect returning veterans with, beginning farmer training
and agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs
appropriate to the needs and interests of returning veterans,
including assisting veterans in using Federal veterans
educational benefits for purposes relating to beginning a
farming or ranching career;
``(2) provide information to veterans concerning the
availability of and eligibility requirements for
participation in agricultural programs, with particular
emphasis on beginning farmer and rancher programs;
``(3) serve as a resource for assisting veteran farmers and
ranchers, and potential farmers and ranchers, in applying for
participation in agricultural programs; and
``(4) advocate on behalf of veterans in interactions with
employees of the Department.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 296(b) of the Department
of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b))
is amended by inserting after paragraph (9), as added by
section 11303, the following new paragraph:
``(10) the authority of the Secretary to establish in the
Department the position of Military Veterans Agricultural
Liaison in accordance with section 219.''.
SEC. 11305. PROHIBITION ON KEEPING GSA LEASED CARS OVERNIGHT.
Effective immediately, a Federal employee of a State office
of the Farm Service Agency in the field and non-Federal
employees of county and area committees established under
section 8(b)(5) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic
Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590h(b)(5)) shall keep leased
interagency
[[Page H4453]]
motor pool vehicles at a location listed on the General
Services Administration inventory of owned and leased
properties or a location owned or leased by the Department of
Agriculture overnight unless the employee assigned the
vehicle is on overnight, approved travel status involving per
diem.
SEC. 11306. NONINSURED CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and
Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333), as amended by section
10013(b), is further amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following
new paragraph:
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Coverages.--In the case of an eligible crop described
in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Agriculture shall operate
a noninsured crop disaster assistance program to provide
coverages based on individual yields (other than for value-
loss crops) equivalent to--
``(i) catastrophic risk protection available under section
508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(b));
or
``(ii) additional coverage available under subsections (c)
and (h) of section 508 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) that does
not exceed 65 percent.
``(B) Administration.--The Secretary shall carry out this
section through the Farm Service Agency (referred to in this
section as the `Agency').''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon
at the end;
(II) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii); and
(III) by inserting after clause (i) the following new
clause:
``(ii) for which additional coverage under subsections (c)
and (h) of section 508 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) is not
available; and''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``sweet sorghum,
biomass sorghum,'' before ``and industrial crops'';
(2) in subsection (d), by striking ``The Secretary'' and
inserting ``Subject to subsection (l), the Secretary''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(l) Payment Equivalent to Additional Coverage.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make available to a
producer eligible for noninsured assistance under this
section a payment equivalent to an indemnity for additional
coverage under subsections (c) and (h) of section 508 of the
Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) that does not
exceed 65 percent of the established yield for the eligible
crop on the farm, computed by multiplying--
``(A) the quantity that is not greater than 65 percent of
the established yield for the crop, as determined by the
Secretary, specified in increments of 5 percent;
``(B) 100 percent of the average market price for the crop,
as determined by the Secretary; and
``(C) a payment rate for the type of crop, as determined by
the Secretary, that reflects--
``(i) in the case of a crop that is produced with a
significant and variable harvesting expense, the decreasing
cost incurred in the production cycle for the crop that is,
as applicable--
``(I) harvested;
``(II) planted but not harvested; or
``(III) prevented from being planted because of drought,
flood, or other natural disaster, as determined by the
Secretary; or
``(ii) in the case of a crop that is produced without a
significant and variable harvesting expense, such rate as
shall be determined by the Secretary.
``(2) Premium.--To be eligible to receive a payment under
this subsection, a producer shall pay--
``(A) the service fee required by subsection (k); and
``(B) a premium for the applicable crop year that is equal
to the product obtained by multiplying--
``(i) the number of acres devoted to the eligible crop;
``(ii) the established yield for the eligible crop, as
determined by the Secretary under subsection (e);
``(iii) the coverage level elected by the producer;
``(iv) the average market price, as determined by the
Secretary; and
``(v) .0525.
``(3) Limited resource, beginning, and socially
disadvantaged farmers.--The additional coverage made
available under this subsection shall be available to limited
resource, beginning, and socially disadvantaged producers, as
determined by the Secretary, in exchange for a premium that
is 50 percent of the premium determined for a producer under
paragraph (2).
``(4) Premium payment and application deadline.--
``(A) Premium payment.--A producer electing additional
coverage under this subsection shall pay the premium amount
owed for the additional coverage by September 30 of the crop
year for which the additional coverage is purchased.
``(B) Application deadline.--The latest date on which
additional coverage under this subsection may be elected
shall be the application closing date described in subsection
(b)(1).
``(5) Effective date.--Additional coverage under this
subsection shall be available beginning with the 2015
crop.''.
SEC. 11307. ENSURING HIGH STANDARDS FOR AGENCY USE OF
SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION.
(a) Requirement for Final Guidelines.--Not later than
January 1, 2014, each Federal agency shall have in effect
guidelines for ensuring and maximizing the quality,
objectivity, utility, and integrity of scientific information
relied upon by such agency.
(b) Content of Guidelines.--The guidelines described in
subsection (a), with respect to a Federal agency, shall
ensure that--
(1) when scientific information is considered by the agency
in policy decisions--
(A) the information is subject to well-established
scientific processes, including peer review where
appropriate;
(B) the agency appropriately applies the scientific
information to the policy decision;
(C) except for information that is protected from
disclosure by law or administrative practice, the agency
makes available to the public the scientific information
considered by the agency;
(D) the agency gives greatest weight to information that is
based on experimental, empirical, quantifiable, and
reproducible data that is developed in accordance with well-
established scientific processes; and
(E) with respect to any proposed rule issued by the agency,
such agency follows procedures that include, to the extent
feasible and permitted by law, an opportunity for public
comment on all relevant scientific findings;
(2) the agency has procedures in place to make policy
decisions only on the basis of the best reasonably obtainable
scientific, technical, economic, and other evidence and
information concerning the need for, consequences of, and
alternatives to the decision; and
(3) the agency has in place procedures to identify and
address instances in which the integrity of scientific
information considered by the agency may have been
compromised, including instances in which such information
may have been the product of a scientific process that was
compromised.
(c) Approval Needed for Policy Decisions To Take Effect.--
No policy decision issued after January 1, 2014, by an agency
subject to this section may take effect prior to such date
that the agency has in effect guidelines under subsection (a)
that have been approved by the Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy.
(d) Policy Decisions Not in Compliance.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), a policy
decision of an agency that does not comply with guidelines
approved under subsection (c) shall be deemed to be
arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and otherwise
not in accordance with law.
(2) Exception.--This subsection shall not apply to policy
decisions that are deemed to be necessary because of an
imminent threat to health or safety or because of another
emergency.
(e) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) Agency.--The term ``agency'' has the meaning given such
term in section 551(1) of title 5, United States Code.
(2) Policy decision.--The term ``policy decision'' means,
with respect to an agency, an agency action as defined in
section 551(13) of title 5, United States Code, (other than
an adjudication, as defined in section 551(7) of such title),
and includes--
(A) the listing, labeling, or other identification of a
substance, product, or activity as hazardous or creating risk
to human health, safety, or the environment; and
(B) agency guidance.
(3) Agency guidance.--The term ``agency guidance'' means an
agency statement of general applicability and future effect,
other than a regulatory action, that sets forth a policy on a
statutory, regulatory, or technical issue or on an
interpretation of a statutory or regulatory issue.
SEC. 11308. EVALUATION REQUIRED FOR PURPOSES OF PROHIBITION
ON CLOSURE OR RELOCATION OF COUNTY OFFICES FOR
THE FARM SERVICE AGENCY.
(a) Prohibition on Closure or Relocation of Offices With
High Workload Volume.--Section 14212 of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 6932a) is
amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the
following new subsection:
``(a) Prohibition on Closure or Relocation of Offices With
High Workload Volume.--The Secretary of Agriculture may not
close or relocate a county or field office of the Farm
Service Agency in a State if the Secretary determines, after
conducting the evaluation required under subsection
(b)(1)(B), that the office has a high workload volume
compared with other county offices in the State.''.
(b) Workload Evaluation.--Section 14212(b)(1) of such Act
(7 U.S.C. 6932a(b)(1)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses
(i) and (ii), respectively, and moving the margins of such
clauses two ems to the right;
(2) by striking ``the Farm Service Agency, to the maximum
extent practicable'' and inserting ``the Farm Service
Agency--
``(A) to the maximum extent practicable'';
(3) in clause (ii) (as redesignated by paragraph (1))--
(A) by inserting ``as of the date of the enactment of this
Act'' after ``employees''; and
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
and''; and
[[Page H4454]]
(4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(B) conduct and complete an evaluation of all workload
assessments for Farm Service Agency county offices that were
open and operational as of January 1, 2012, during the period
that begins on a date that is not later than 180 days after
the date of the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Reform
and Risk Management Act of 2013 and ends on the date that is
18 months after such date of enactment.''.
(c) Notice Required.--Section 14212(b)(2) of such Act (7
U.S.C. 6932a(b)(2)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``After the period referred to in subsection (a)(1), the
Secretary of Agriculture may not close a county or field
office of the Farm Service Agency unless--'' and inserting
``After carrying out each of the activities required under
paragraph (1), the Secretary of Agriculture shall, before
closing a county or field office of the Farm Service Agency--
'';
(2) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``the Secretary
holds'' and inserting ``hold''; and
(3) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``the Secretary
notifies'' and inserting ``notify''.
(d) Conforming Amendment.--Section 14212(b)(1) of such Act
(7 U.S.C. 6932a(b)(1)) is amended by striking ``After the
period referred to in subsection (a)(1), the Secretary'' and
inserting ``The Secretary''.
SEC. 11309. ACER ACCESS AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
(a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture may
make competitive grants to States, tribal governments, and
research institutions to support the efforts of such States,
tribal governments, and research institutions to promote the
domestic maple syrup industry through the following
activities:
(1) Promotion of research and education related to maple
syrup production.
(2) Promotion of natural resource sustainability in the
maple syrup industry.
(3) Market promotion for maple syrup and maple-sap
products.
(4) Encouragement of owners and operators of privately held
land containing species of trees in the genus Acer--
(A) to initiate or expand maple-sugaring activities on the
land; or
(B) to voluntarily make the land available, including by
lease or other means, for access by the public for maple-
sugaring activities.
(b) Application.--In submitting an application for a
competitive grant under this section, a State, tribal
government, or research institution shall include--
(1) a description of the activities to be supported using
the grant funds;
(2) a description of the benefits that the State, tribal
government, or research institution intends to achieve as a
result of engaging in such activities; and
(3) an estimate of the increase in maple-sugaring
activities or maple syrup production that the State, tribal
government, or research institution anticipates will occur as
a result of engaging in such activities.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed so as to preempt a State or tribal government law,
including a State or tribal government liability law.
(d) Definition of Maple-Sugaring.--In this section, the
term ``maple-sugaring'' means the collection of sap from any
species of tree in the genus Acer for the purpose of boiling
to produce food.
(e) Regulations.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out
this section.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.
SEC. 11310. REGULATORY REVIEW BY THE SECRETARY OF
AGRICULTURE.
(a) Review of Regulatory Agenda.--The Secretary of
Agriculture shall review publications that may give notice
that the Environmental Protection Agency is preparing or
plans to prepare any guidance, policy, memorandum,
regulation, or statement of general applicability and future
effect that may have a significant impact on a substantial
number of agricultural entities, including--
(1) any regulatory agenda of the Environmental Protection
Agency published pursuant to section 602 of title 5, United
States Code;
(2) any regulatory plan or agenda published by the
Environmental Protection Agency or the Office of Management
and Budget pursuant to an Executive order, including
Executive Order 12866; and
(3) any other publication issued by the Environmental
Protection Agency or the Office of Management and Budget that
may reasonably be foreseen to contain notice of plans by the
Environmental Protection Agency to prepare any guidance,
policy, memorandum, regulation, or statement of general
applicability and future effect that may have a significant
impact on a substantial number of agricultural entities.
(b) Information Gathering.--For a publication item reviewed
under subsection (a) that the Secretary determines may have a
significant impact on a substantial number of agricultural
entities, the Secretary shall--
(1) solicit from the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency any information the Administrator may
provide to facilitate a review of the publication item;
(2) utilize the Chief Economist of the Department of
Agriculture to produce an economic impact statement for the
publication item that contains a detailed estimate of
potential costs to agricultural entities;
(3) identify individuals representative of potentially
affected agricultural entities for the purpose of obtaining
advice and recommendations from such individuals about the
potential impacts of the publication item; and
(4) convene a review panel for analysis of the publication
item that includes the Secretary, any full-time Federal
employee of the Department of Agriculture appointed to the
panel by the Secretary, and any employee of the Environmental
Protection Agency or the Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs within the Office of Management and Budget that
accepts an invitation from the Secretary to participate in
the panel.
(c) Duties of the Review Panel.--A review panel convened
for a publication item under subsection (b)(4) shall--
(1) review any information or material obtained by the
Secretary and prepared in connection with the publication
item, including any draft proposed guidance, policy,
memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability
and future effect;
(2) collect advice and recommendations from agricultural
entity representatives identified by the Administrator after
consultation with the Secretary;
(3) compile and analyze such advice and recommendations;
and
(4) make recommendations to the Secretary based on the
information gathered by the review panel or provided by
agricultural entity representatives.
(d) Comments.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date the
Secretary convenes a review panel pursuant to subsection
(b)(4), the Secretary shall submit to the Administrator
comments on the planned or proposed guidance, policy,
memorandum, regulation, or statement of general applicability
and future effect for consideration and inclusion in any
related administrative record, including--
(A) a report by the Secretary on the concerns of
agricultural entities;
(B) the findings of the review panel;
(C) the findings of the Secretary, including any adopted
findings of the review panel; and
(D) recommendations of the Secretary.
(2) Publication.--The Secretary shall publish the comments
in the Federal Register and make the comments available to
the public on the public Internet website of the Department
of Agriculture.
(e) Waivers.--The Secretary may waive initiation of the
review panel under subsection (b)(4) as the Secretary
determines appropriate.
(f) Definition of Agricultural Entity.--In this section,
the term ``agricultural entity'' means any entity involved in
or related to agricultural enterprise, including enterprises
that are engaged in the business of production of food and
fiber, ranching and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and
all other farming and agricultural related industries.
SEC. 11311. PROHIBITION ON ATTENDING AN ANIMAL FIGHTING
VENTURE OR CAUSING A MINOR TO ATTEND AN ANIMAL
FIGHTING VENTURE.
Section 26(a)(1) of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C.
2156(a)(1)) is amended by striking the period and inserting
``or to knowingly attend or knowingly cause a minor to attend
an animal fighting venture.''.
SEC. 11312. PROHIBITION AGAINST INTERFERENCE BY STATE AND
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WITH PRODUCTION OR
MANUFACTURE OF ITEMS IN OTHER STATES.
(a) In General.--Consistent with Article I, section 8,
clause 3 of the Constitution of the United States, the
government of a State or locality therein shall not impose a
standard or condition on the production or manufacture of any
agricultural product sold or offered for sale in interstate
commerce if--
(1) such production or manufacture occurs in another State;
and
(2) the standard or condition is in addition to the
standards and conditions applicable to such production or
manufacture pursuant to--
(A) Federal law; and
(B) the laws of the State and locality in which such
production or manufacture occurs.
(b) Agricultural Product Defined.--In this section, the
term ``agricultural product'' has the meaning given such term
in section 207 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7
U.S.C. 1626).
SEC. 11313. INCREASED PROTECTION FOR AGRICULTURAL INTERESTS
IN THE MISSOURI RIVER BASIN.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Record runoff occurred in the Missouri River basin
during 2011 as a result of historic rainfall over portions of
the upper basin coupled with heavy plains and mountain
snowpack.
(2) Runoff above Sioux City, Iowa, during the 5-month
period of March through July totaled an estimated 48.4
million acre-feet (referred to in this section as ``MAF'').
This runoff volume was more than 20 percent greater than the
design storm for the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System
(referred to in this section as the ``System''), which was
based on the 1881 runoff of 40.0 MAF during the same 5-month
period.
(3) During the 2011 runoff season, nearly 61 million acre-
feet of water entered the Missouri River system, far
surpassing the previous record of 49 MAF in runoff that was
set during the flood of 1997.
[[Page H4455]]
(4) Given the incredible amount of water entering the
System, the summer months were spent working to evacuate as
much water from the System as possible, ultimately leading to
record high water releases from Gavins Point Dam of 160,000
cubic feet per second, a rate that more than doubled the
previous release record of 70,000 cubic feet per second set
in 1997.
(5) For nearly four months, those extremely high releases
from Gavins Point were maintained, resulting in severe and
sustained flooding, with much of western Iowa and eastern
Nebraska as well as portions of South Dakota, Kansas, and
Missouri inundated by a flooding river three to five feet
deep, up to 11 miles wide, and flowing at a rate of 4 to 11
miles per hour.
(6) Thousands of homes and businesses were damaged or
destroyed and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage was
done to roads and other public infrastructure.
(7) In addition to the homes, businesses, and
infrastructure impacted by the flooding, hundreds of
thousands of acres of cropland were affected.
(8) The Department of Agriculture has estimated that
400,000 to 500,000 acres of some of the most productive crop
land in the world was flooded in 2011.
(9) Local Farm Services Agency representatives have
estimated that $82,100,000 was lost in 2011 alone due to
damaged or lost crops and unplanted acres.
(10) Not only did the flooding eliminate the 2011 crop, but
it is highly unlikely that many farmers will be able to put
that land back into production at any point in the near
future.
(11) Producers will have to contend with large piles of
sand, silt, and other debris that have been deposited in
their fields, meaning the impact of the 2011 flood will be
felt in the agricultural communities up and down the Missouri
River for many years to come.
(12) Currently, the amount of storage capacity in the
System that is set aside for flood control is based upon the
vacated space required to control the 1881 flood, because
prior to the 2011 flood, the 1881 flood was seen as the
``high water mark''.
(13) Given the historic flooding that took place in 2011,
it is clear that year's flooding now represents a new ``high
water mark'', surpassing the flooding of even the 1881 flood.
(14) It is important that the flood control related
functions of the System management be adjusted to reflect the
reality of the 2011 flood as the new ``worst case scenario''
for flooding along the Missouri River.
(15) System management may begin to be adjusted to account
for the 2011 flood through a recalculation of the amount of
storage space within the System that is allocated to flood
control, using the model not of the 1881 flood, but of the
greatest flood experienced--the flood of 2011.
(16) As a result of the flooding in 2011, many States
received disaster declarations from the Department of
Agriculture to help farmers and producers recover from the
damage done by the high water.
(17) Though helpful, even the assistance provided by the
Department of Agriculture will not provide many in the
agriculture community with the resources to put their land
back into production any time soon.
(18) Without the protection that will come from a
fundamental change in the System's flood control storage
allocations, farmers, producers, and other agricultural
interests who may be in a position to restart their
operations will find it difficult to justify doing so, given
the fact that they will not be protected from similar
flooding in the future.
(b) Updated Management of the Missouri River To Protect
Agricultural Interests.--In order to strengthen the
agricultural economy, revitalize the rural communities, and
conserve the natural resources of the Missouri River basin,
the Congress directs that the Secretary of Agriculture take
action to promote immediate increased flood protection to
farmers, producers, and other agricultural interests in the
Missouri River basin by working within its jurisdiction to
support efforts--
(1) to recalculate the amount of space within the System
that is allocated to flood control storage using the 2011
flood as the model; and
(2) to increase the Missouri River's channel capacity
between the reservoirs and below Gavins Point.
SEC. 11314. INCREASED PROTECTION FOR AGRICULTURAL INTERESTS
IN THE BLACK DIRT REGION.
In order to strengthen the agricultural economy, revitalize
the rural communities, and conserve the natural resources of
the Black Dirt region, the Congress directs that the
Secretary of Agriculture take action to promote immediate
increased flood protection to farmers, producers, and other
agricultural interests around the Wallkill River and in the
Black Dirt region.
SEC. 11315. PROTECTION OF HONEY BEES AND OTHER POLLINATORS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of the Interior and the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency, shall carry out such
activities as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to
protect and ensure the long-term viability of populations of
honey bees, wild bees, and other beneficial insects of
agricultural crops, horticultural plants, wild plants, and
other plants, including--
(1) providing technical expertise relating to proposed
agency actions that may threaten pollinator health or
jeopardize the long-term viability of populations of
pollinators;
(2) providing formal guidance on national policies relating
to--
(A) permitting managed honey bees to forage on National
Forest Service lands where compatible with other natural
resource management priorities; and
(B) planting and maintaining managed honey bee and native
pollinator forage on National Forest Service lands where
compatible with other natural resource management priorities;
(3) making use of the best available peer-reviewed science
regarding environmental and chemical stressors on pollinator
health; and
(4) regularly monitoring and reporting on the health and
population status of managed and native pollinators including
bees, birds, bats, and other species.
(b) Task Force on Bee Health and Commercial Beekeeping.--
(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a task
force--
(A) to coordinate Federal efforts carried out on or after
the date of enactment of this Act to address the serious
worldwide decline in bee health, especially honey bees and
declining native bees; and
(B) to assess Federal efforts to mitigate pollinator losses
and threats to the United States commercial beekeeping
industry.
(2) Agency consultation.--The task force established under
this subsection shall seek ongoing consultation from any
Federal agency carrying out activities important to bee
health and commercial beekeeping, including officials from--
(A) the Department of Agriculture;
(B) the Department of the Interior;
(C) the Environmental Protection Agency;
(D) the Food and Drug Administration;
(E) the Department of Commerce; and
(F) U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
(3) Stakeholder consultation.--The task force established
under this subsection shall consult with beekeeper,
conservation, scientist, and agricultural stakeholders.
(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the task force established
under subsection (b) shall submit to Congress a report that--
(1) summarizes Federal activities carried out pursuant to
subsection (f) of section of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925) (as
redesignated by section 7209) or any other provision of law
(including regulations) to address bee decline;
(2) summarizes international efforts to address the decline
of managed honey bees and native pollinators; and
(3) provides recommendations to Congress regarding how to
better coordinate Federal agency efforts to address the
decline of managed honey bees and native pollinators.
(d) Pollinator Research Lab Feasibility Study.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the
Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service, may
conduct feasibility studies regarding--
(A) re-locating existing honey bee and native pollinator
research from Federal laboratories to a cooperator-run
facility in a location most geographically appropriate for
pollinator research; and
(B) modernizing existing honey bee research laboratories
identified by the Agricultural Research Service in the
capital investment strategy document dated 2012.
(2) Consultation.--In conducting the feasibility studies
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with--
(A) beekeeper, native bee, agricultural, research
institution, and bee conservation stakeholders regarding new
research laboratory needs under paragraph (1)(A); and
(B) commercial beekeepers regarding the modernizing of
existing honey bee laboratories under paragraph (1)(B).
SEC. 11316. PRODUCE REPRESENTED AS GROWN IN THE UNITED STATES
WHEN IT IS NOT IN FACT GROWN IN THE UNITED
STATES.
(a) Technical Assistance to CBP.--The Secretary of
Agriculture shall make available to U.S. Customs and Border
Protection technical assistance related to the identification
of produce represented as grown in the United States when it
is not in fact grown in the United States.
(b) Report to Congress.--The Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
Senate a report on produce represented as grown in the United
States when it is not in fact grown in the United States.
SEC. 11317. URBAN AGRICULTURE COORDINATION.
The Secretary of Agriculture shall coordinate opportunities
for urban agriculture, by--
(1) compiling a list of all programs administered by the
Secretary or by the head of any other department, agency, or
instrumentality of the United States to which urban farmers
can apply for assistance or participation;
(2) examining and implementing opportunities to adjust the
regulations governing the programs to enable urban farmers to
participate in more of the programs;
(3) developing a process for streamlining the process by
which urban farmers may apply for assistance from, or for
participation in, the programs, including through the use of
a single, harmonized application for multiple programs; and
[[Page H4456]]
(4) such other methods as the Secretary deems appropriate.
SEC. 11318. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON INCREASED BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES FOR BLACK FARMERS, WOMEN,
MINORITIES, AND SMALL BUSINESSES.
It is the sense of Congress that the Federal Government
should increase the number of contracts the Federal
Government awards to black farmers, businesses owned and
controlled by women, businesses owned and controlled by
minorities, and small business concerns.
SEC. 11319. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING AGRICULTURE SECURITY
PROGRAMS.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) agricultural nutrients and other agricultural chemicals
are essential to ensuring the most efficient production of
food, fuel, and fiber;
(2) these products must be properly stored, handled,
transported, and used to ensure that they are not misused or
cause harm either accidentally or intentionally;
(3) the Department of Agriculture is the Federal agency
with the staffing and technical expertise to understand the
important role these products play in agriculture;
(4) other Federal departments and agencies have been given
lead responsibility to develop and implement security
programs affecting the availability, storage, transportation,
and use of a variety of chemicals and products used in
agriculture;
(5) it is critical that the Department of Agriculture
participates fully in the development of any such security
programs to ensure that they do not unnecessarily restrict
the availability of the most efficient and beneficial
products needed to sustain agriculture in the United States;
(6) the Secretary of Agriculture should review staffing at
the Department to ensure that the agency has senior employees
within the Department at the Senior Executive Service level
or higher, who have responsibility for coordinating with
other Federal, State, and international agencies in the
development of regulations, guidance, and procedures for the
secure handling of agricultural chemicals; and
(7) such employees shall--
(A) work with manufacturers, retailers, and the general
farm community to review existing and proposed Federal,
State, and international agricultural chemical security
regulations;
(B) coordinate with manufacturers, retailers, transporters,
and farmers to evaluate how existing and proposed security
regulations, including systems to track the sale,
transportation, delivery, and use of agricultural products,
can be designed to minimize any adverse impact on
agricultural productivity;
(C) evaluate how existing and proposed security regulations
will affect the ability of agricultural producers to have
timely access to nutrients, chemicals, and other products
that are affordable and best suited to the producers'
operations;
(D) develop recommendations on best practices, policies,
and regulatory mechanisms relating to existing and proposed
security programs to ensure that there is minimal adverse
impact on agricultural productivity; and
(E) engage with Federal agencies with responsibility for
establishing security programs to ensure that they have the
information needed to develop procedures for effective
security administration and enforcement that minimize any
adverse impact on domestic or international agricultural
productivity.
SEC. 11320. REPORT ON WATER SHARING.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State
shall submit to Congress a report on--
(1) efforts by Mexico to meet its treaty deliveries of
water to the Rio Grande in accordance with the Treaty between
the United States and Mexico Respecting Utilization of waters
of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande
(done at Washington, February 3, 1944); and
(2) the benefits to the United States of the Interim
International Cooperative Measures in the Colorado River
Basin through 2017 and Extension of Minute 318 Cooperative
Measures to Address the Continued Effects of the April 2010
Earthquake in the Mexicali Valley, Baja, California (done at
Coronado, California, November 20, 2012; commonly referred to
as ``Minute No. 319'').
SEC. 11321. SCIENTIFIC AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE FDA FOOD
SAFETY MODERNIZATION ACT.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services
(referred to in this section as the ``Secretary'') may not
enforce any regulations promulgated under the FDA Food Safety
Modernization Act (Public Law 111-353) until the Secretary
publishes in the Federal Register the following:
(1) An analysis of the scientific information used in the
final rule to implement the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act
with a particular focus on--
(A) agricultural businesses of a variety of sizes;
(B) regional differences of agriculture production,
processing, marketing, and value added production;
(C) agricultural businesses that are diverse livestock and
produce producers; and
(D) what, if any, negative impact on the agricultural
businesses would be created, or exacerbated, by
implementation of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act.
(2) An analysis of the economic impact of the proposed
final rule to implement the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act
with a particular focus on--
(A) agricultural businesses of a variety of sizes; and
(B) small and mid-sized value added food processors.
(3) A plan to systematically evaluate the regulations by
surveying farmers and processors and developing an ongoing
process to evaluate and address business concerns.
(b) Annual Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary
shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of
the House of Representatives a report on the impact of
implementation of the regulations promulgated under the FDA
Food Safety Modernization Act.
SEC. 11322. IMPROVED DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONSIDERATION
OF ECONOMIC IMPACT OF REGULATIONS ON SMALL
BUSINESS.
The Secretary of Agriculture shall complete procedures
consistent with the requirements of subsection (b) of section
609 of title 5, United States Code, whenever the Department
of Agriculture promulgates any rule which will have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities.
SEC. 11323. SILVICULTURAL ACTIVITIES.
Section 402(l) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
(33 U.S.C. 1342(l)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(3) Silvicultural activities.--
``(A) NPDES permit requirements for silvicultural
activities.--The Administrator shall not require a permit or
otherwise promulgate regulations under this section or
directly or indirectly require any State to require a permit
under this section for a discharge of stormwater runoff
resulting from the conduct of the following silviculture
activities: nursery operations, site preparation,
reforestation and subsequent cultural treatment, thinning,
prescribed burning, pest and fire control, harvesting
operations, surface drainage, and road use, construction, and
maintenance.
``(B) Permits for dredged or fill material.--Nothing in
this paragraph exempts a silvicultural activity resulting in
the discharge of dredged or fill material from any permitting
requirement under section 404.''.
SEC. 11324. APPLICABILITY OF SPILL PREVENTION, CONTROL, AND
COUNTERMEASURE RULE.
(a) In General.--The Administrator, in implementing the
Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule with
respect to any farm, shall--
(1) require certification of compliance with such rule by--
(A) a professional engineer for a farm with--
(i) an individual tank with an aboveground storage capacity
greater than 10,000 gallons;
(ii) an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than
or equal to 42,000 gallons; or
(iii) a history that includes a spill, as determined by the
Administrator; or
(B) the owner or operator of the farm (via self-
certification) for a farm with--
(i) an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than
10,000 gallons but less than 42,000 gallons; and
(ii) no history of spills, as determined by the
Administrator; and
(2) exempt from all requirements of such rule any farm--
(A) with an aggregate aboveground storage capacity of less
than or equal to 10,000 gallons; and
(B) no history of spills, as determined by the
Administrator.
(b) Calculation of Aggregate Aboveground Storage
Capacity.--For the purposes of subsection (a), the aggregate
aboveground storage capacity of a farm excludes--
(1) all containers on separate parcels that have a capacity
that is less than 1,320 gallons; and
(2) all storage containers holding animal feed ingredients
approved for use in livestock feed by the Food and Drug
Administration.
(c) Definitions.--In this section, the following
definitions apply:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(2) Farm.--The term ``farm'' has the meaning given such
term in section 112.2 of title 40, Code of Federal
Regulations.
(3) Gallon.--The term ``gallon'' refers to a United States
liquid gallon.
(4) History of spills.--The term ``history of spills'' has
the meaning used to describe the term ``reportable discharge
history'' in section 112.7(k)(1) of title 40, Code of Federal
Regulations (or successor regulations).
(5) Spill prevention, control, and countermeasure rule.--
The term ``Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure
rule'' means the regulation promulgated by the Environmental
Protection Agency under part 112 of title 40, Code of Federal
Regulations.
SEC. 11325. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCER INFORMATION DISCLOSURE.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(2) Agency.--The term ``Agency'' means the Environmental
Protection Agency.
[[Page H4457]]
(3) Agricultural operation.--The term ``agricultural
operation'' includes any operation where an agricultural
commodity crop is raised, including livestock operations.
(4) Livestock operation.--The term ``livestock operation''
includes any operation involved in the raising or finishing
of livestock or poultry.
(b) Disclosure of Information.--
(1) Prohibition.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
Administrator, any officer or employee of the Agency, or any
contractor of the Agency, shall not make public the
information of any owner, operator, or employee of an
agricultural operation provided to the Agency by a farmer,
rancher, or livestock producer or a State agency that has
been obtained in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) or any other law,
including--
(A) names;
(B) telephone numbers;
(C) email addresses;
(D) physical addresses;
(E) Global Positioning System coordinates; or
(F) other identifying location information.
(2) Effect.--Nothing in paragraph (1) affects--
(A) the disclosure of information described in paragraph
(1) if--
(i) the information has been transformed into a statistical
or aggregate form at the county level or higher without any
information that identifies the agricultural operation or
agricultural producer; or
(ii) the producer consents to the disclosure; or
(B) the authority of any State agency to collect
information on livestock operations.
(3) Condition of permit or other programs.--The approval of
any permit, practice, or program administered by the
Administrator shall not be conditioned on the consent of the
agricultural producer or livestock producer under paragraph
(2)(A)(ii).
SEC. 11326. REPORT ON NATIONAL OCEAN POLICY.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Executive Order 13547, issued on July 19, 2010,
established the national policy for the Stewardship of the
Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes and requires--
(A) Federal implementation of ``ecosystem-based
management'' to achieve a ``fundamental shift'' in how the
United States manages ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes
resources; and
(B) the establishment of nine new governmental ``Regional
Planning Bodies'' and ``Coastal and Marine Spatial Plans'' in
every region of the United States.
(2) Executive Order 13547 created a 54-member National
Ocean Council led by the White House Council on Environmental
Quality and Office of Science and Technology Policy that
includes 54 principal and deputy-level representatives from
Federal entities, including the Department of Agriculture.
(3) Executive Order 13547 requires National Ocean Council
members, including the Department of Agriculture, to take
action to implement the Policy and participate in coastal and
marine spatial planning to the maximum extent possible.
(4) The Final Recommendations of the Interagency Ocean
Policy Task Force that were adopted by Executive Order 13547
state that ``effective'' implementation of the National Ocean
Policy will ``require clear and easily understood
requirements and regulations, where appropriate, that include
enforcement as a critical component''.
(5) Despite repeated Congressional requests, the National
Ocean Council, which is charged with overseeing
implementation of the policy, has still not provided a
complete accounting of Federal activities under the policy
and resources expended and allocated in furtherance of
implementation of the policy.
(6) The continued economic and budgetary challenges of the
United States underscore the necessity for sound,
transparent, and practical Federal policies.
(b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the
Department of Agriculture 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 detailing--
(1) all activities engaged in and resources expended in
furtherance of Executive Order 13547 since July 19, 2010; and
(2) any budget requests for fiscal year 2014 for support of
implementation of Executive Order 13547.
SEC. 11327. SUNSETTING OF PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), each fiscal
year the Secretary of Agriculture may not carry out any
program--
(1) for which an authorization of appropriations is
established or extended under this Act; and
(2) that is funded by discretionary appropriations (as
defined in section 250(c) of the Balanced Budget and
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 900(c))).
(b) Effective Date.--Subsection (a) shall take effect with
respect to a program referred to in such subsection on the
date on which the authorization of appropriations under this
Act for such program expires.
(c) Existing Obligations.--Subsection (a) does not affect
the ability of the Secretary to carry out responsibilities
with regard to loans, grants, or other obligations made or in
existence before an applicable effective date under
subsection (b).
Subtitle D--Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery
SEC. 11401. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Chesapeake Bay
Accountability and Recovery Act of 2013''.
SEC. 11402. CHESAPEAKE BAY CROSSCUT BUDGET.
(a) Crosscut Budget.--The Director, in consultation with
the Chesapeake Executive Council, the chief executive of each
Chesapeake Bay State, and the Chesapeake Bay Commission,
shall submit to Congress a financial report containing--
(1) an interagency crosscut budget that displays--
(A) the proposed funding for any Federal restoration
activity to be carried out in the succeeding fiscal year,
including any planned interagency or intra-agency transfer,
for each of the Federal agencies that carry out restoration
activities;
(B) to the extent that information is available, the
estimated funding for any State restoration activity to be
carried out in the succeeding fiscal year;
(C) all expenditures for Federal restoration activities
from the preceding 2 fiscal years, the current fiscal year,
and the succeeding fiscal year; and
(D) all expenditures, to the extent that information is
available, for State restoration activities during the
equivalent time period described in subparagraph (C);
(2) a detailed accounting of all funds received and
obligated by all Federal agencies for restoration activities
during the current and preceding fiscal years, including the
identification of funds which were transferred to a
Chesapeake Bay State for restoration activities;
(3) to the extent that information is available, a detailed
accounting from each State of all funds received and
obligated from a Federal agency for restoration activities
during the current and preceding fiscal years; and
(4) a description of each of the proposed Federal and State
restoration activities to be carried out in the succeeding
fiscal year (corresponding to those activities listed in
subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1)), including the--
(A) project description;
(B) current status of the project;
(C) Federal or State statutory or regulatory authority,
programs, or responsible agencies;
(D) authorization level for appropriations;
(E) project timeline, including benchmarks;
(F) references to project documents;
(G) descriptions of risks and uncertainties of project
implementation;
(H) adaptive management actions or framework;
(I) coordinating entities;
(J) funding history;
(K) cost sharing; and
(L) alignment with existing Chesapeake Bay Agreement and
Chesapeake Executive Council goals and priorities.
(b) Minimum Funding Levels.--The Director shall only
describe restoration activities in the report required under
subsection (a) that--
(1) for Federal restoration activities, have funding
amounts greater than or equal to $100,000; and
(2) for State restoration activities, have funding amounts
greater than or equal to $50,000.
(c) Deadline.--The Director shall submit to Congress the
report required by subsection (a) not later than 30 days
after the submission by the President of the President's
annual budget to Congress.
(d) Report.--Copies of the financial report required by
subsection (a) shall be submitted to the Committees on
Appropriations, Natural Resources, Energy and Commerce, and
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committees on Appropriations,
Environment and Public Works, and Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate.
(e) Effective Date.--This section shall apply beginning
with the first fiscal year after the date of enactment of
this Act for which the President submits a budget to
Congress.
SEC. 11403. RESTORATION THROUGH ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation
with other Federal and State agencies, and with the
participation of stakeholders, shall develop a plan to
provide technical and financial assistance to Chesapeake Bay
States to employ adaptive management in carrying out
restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
(b) Plan Development.--The plan referred to in subsection
(a) shall include--
(1) specific and measurable objectives to improve water
quality, habitat, and fisheries identified by Chesapeake Bay
States;
(2) a process for stakeholder participation;
(3) monitoring, modeling, experimentation, and other
research and evaluation technical assistance requested by
Chesapeake Bay States;
(4) identification of State restoration activities planned
by Chesapeake Bay States to attain the State's objectives
under paragraph (1);
(5) identification of Federal restoration activities that
could help a Chesapeake Bay State to attain the State's
objectives under paragraph (1);
[[Page H4458]]
(6) recommendations for a process for modification of State
and Federal restoration activities that have not attained or
will not attain the specific and measurable objectives set
forth under paragraph (1); and
(7) recommendations for a process for integrating and
prioritizing State and Federal restoration activities and
programs to which adaptive management can be applied.
(c) Implementation.--In addition to carrying out Federal
restoration activities under existing authorities and
funding, the Administrator shall implement the plan developed
under subsection (a) by providing technical and financial
assistance to Chesapeake Bay States using resources available
for such purposes that are identified by the Director under
section 11402.
(d) Updates.--The Administrator shall update the plan
developed under subsection (a) every 2 years.
(e) Report to Congress.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the end of a
fiscal year, the Administrator shall transmit to Congress an
annual report on the implementation of the plan required
under this section for such fiscal year.
(2) Contents.--The report required under paragraph (1)
shall contain information about the application of adaptive
management to restoration activities and programs, including
level changes implemented through the process of adaptive
management.
(3) Effective date.--Paragraph (1) shall apply to the first
fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this
Act.
(f) Inclusion of Plan in Annual Action Plan and Annual
Progress Report.--The Administrator shall ensure that the
Annual Action Plan and Annual Progress Report required by
section 205 of Executive Order 13508 includes the adaptive
management plan outlined in subsection (a).
SEC. 11404. INDEPENDENT EVALUATOR FOR THE CHESAPEAKE BAY
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--There shall be an Independent Evaluator
for restoration activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed,
who shall review and report on restoration activities and the
use of adaptive management in restoration activities,
including on such related topics as are suggested by the
Chesapeake Executive Council.
(b) Appointment.--
(1) In general.--The Independent Evaluator shall be
appointed by the Administrator from among nominees submitted
by the Chesapeake Executive Council.
(2) Nominations.--The Chesapeake Executive Council may
submit to the Administrator 4 nominees for appointment to any
vacancy in the office of the Independent Evaluator.
(c) Reports.--The Independent Evaluator shall submit a
report to the Congress every 2 years in the findings and
recommendations of reviews under this section.
(d) Chesapeake Executive Council.--In this section, the
term ``Chesapeake Executive Council'' has the meaning given
that term by section 307 of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992 (Public
Law 102-567; 15 U.S.C. 1511d).
SEC. 11405. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle, the following definitions apply:
(1) Adaptive management.--The term ``adaptive management''
means a type of natural resource management in which project
and program decisions are made as part of an ongoing science-
based process. Adaptive management involves testing,
monitoring, and evaluating applied strategies and
incorporating new knowledge into programs and restoration
activities that are based on scientific findings and the
needs of society. Results are used to modify management
policy, strategies, practices, programs, and restoration
activities.
(2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(3) Chesapeake bay state.--The term ``Chesapeake Bay
State'' or ``State'' means the States of Maryland, West
Virginia, Delaware, and New York, the Commonwealths of
Virginia and Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.
(4) Chesapeake bay watershed.--The term ``Chesapeake Bay
watershed'' means the Chesapeake Bay and the geographic area,
as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, consisting of
36 tributary basins, within the Chesapeake Bay States,
through which precipitation drains into the Chesapeake Bay.
(5) Chief executive.--The term ``chief executive'' means,
in the case of a State or Commonwealth, the Governor of each
such State or Commonwealth and, in the case of the District
of Columbia, the Mayor of the District of Columbia.
(6) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the Office of Management and Budget.
(7) State restoration activities.--The term ``State
restoration activities'' means any State programs or projects
carried out under State authority that directly or indirectly
protect, conserve, or restore living resources, habitat,
water resources, or water quality in the Chesapeake Bay
watershed, including programs or projects that promote
responsible land use, stewardship, and community engagement
in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Restoration activities may
be categorized as follows:
(A) Physical restoration.
(B) Planning.
(C) Feasibility studies.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas) and
the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Peterson) each will control 30
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oklahoma.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2642, the Federal
Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013.
The bill before us includes 11 of the 12 titles of H.R. 1947 as
amended on the House floor last month. To recap, we adopted over 60
amendments in an open process. This bill gives taxpayers nearly $20
billion in savings from mandatory Federal spending. It's the most
significant reduction to farm policy in history and further improves
agricultural programs so that producers have a true safety net that is
triggered only when they suffer significant losses.
The bill repeals or consolidates more than 100 programs administered
by USDA, including direct payments to farmers. The bill also repeals
outdated and unworkable permanent law and replaces it with the cost-
effective and market-oriented provisions in title I going forward. This
provides certainty to farmers and ranchers and eliminates the threat of
government quotas and government price support levels based on 1938 and
1949 agricultural practices and economic conditions.
This bill includes multiple regulatory relief provisions, making it
the largest regulatory relief bill to be voted on this year.
This process began 4 years ago when then-Chairman Peterson led us
into the countryside to have eight field hearings across the Nation. We
followed up with three more sets of hearings, including audits of every
single policy under the jurisdiction of the House Agriculture
Committee. The result is the legislation that reduces the Federal
footprint and makes commonsense reforms to policy.
It's no secret, my friends, that my preference would have been to
pass H.R. 1947--the full farm bill--last month, but that didn't happen.
We are here today with another opportunity. Today is a step towards
getting a 5-year farm bill on the books this year. We can't lose sight
of our responsibility to do this work.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would say this: If you're serious about
reducing billions of dollars in mandatory government spending, then
vote for the bill. If you're serious about reducing the size and the
cost of the Federal Government, vote for the bill. If you're serious
about providing regulatory relief to farmers and small businesses all
across rural America, then vote for the bill. If you're serious about
making sure every American has a safe, affordable, reliable food
supply, then vote for the bill.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this farm
bill.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this bill--and I'm sorry that I
have to do that because I started, as the chairman said, having
hearings on this bill April 21 of 2010--and I do it for two reasons.
First and foremost, I believe the strategy of splitting the farm bill
is a mistake. It jeopardizes the chances of it ever becoming law. And I
think that repealing permanent law all but ensures that we will never
write a farm bill again in this House.
I'm not alone in my belief that this is a flawed strategy. Last week,
a broad coalition of 532 agriculture, conservation, rural development,
finance, forestry, energy, and crop insurance groups expressed their
opposition to splitting the farm bill and urged House leaders to pass a
5-year farm bill. When such a large group of organizations--most with
different, if not conflicting, priorities--can come together and agree
on something, we should listen to them. Doing the exact opposite of
what everyone with a stake in this bill urges us to do in my opinion
does not make sense and is not the way to achieve success.
I don't see a clear path forward from here. There is no assurance
from the Republican leadership that passing this bill will allow us to
begin a conference with the Senate in a timely manner. In fact, the
Republican leadership has told agriculture groups to support this bill
as a way to go to conference, while
[[Page H4459]]
also telling Republican Members, fearful of the wrath of conservative
groups' opposition, that there will be no conference, or at least not
without first getting concessions from the Senate--concessions that the
Senate will never agree to.
There is a very real chance that we could end up in a situation like
we have with the Federal budget, where the House majority claim that
they want something, but instead disregard regular order and demand
preconditions before appointing conferees, leaving the bill hanging
with nothing getting done.
Maybe the chairman has received assurances from his leadership that,
should this bill pass, that they're going to let this move forward to
conference and appoint conferees. I have received no assurance to that
end. And given the majority's past performance, frankly, I don't have a
lot of confidence that they're going to move in that direction.
I have repeatedly said that if they only would leave us alone, the
Agriculture Committee could put together a good bill with good policy,
and we did in the committee. But last month, the Republican leaders
interfered by pushing into the farm bill poison pill amendments,
amendments that the chairman and I both said could bring the bill down.
And even if the House passes this bill today, I fear the leadership's
continued interference will doom any prospects of getting a bill that
the President can sign.
The other fatal flaw with this bill is the repeal of permanent law
from 1938 and 1949 and replacing it by making the commodity title in
this bill permanent. If you want to ensure that Congress never
considers another farm bill and the farm programs, as written, are
going to remain forever, then vote for this bill.
In every farm bill there are some people that like things and some
people that don't. The beauty of the '38 and '49 laws is that they
force both groups to work together on a new farm bill. And because
nobody really wants to go back to the old commodity programs, people
will get to a point where they don't necessarily like it, but everybody
can live with it.
So if you make the new farm safety net programs the new permanent
law, then what you've got is you've got permanent authorization of food
stamps, you've got permanent authorization of crop insurance, and then
you have permanent authorization of the title I programs. So I'll
guarantee you, what that means is, if you're concerned about
conservation, fruits and vegetables, research, these other areas,
there's never going to be a farm bill if we do this.
Another reason that I'm concerned about this is the Goodlatte
amendment to the Dairy Security Act that was passed on the floor here.
I lost that argument--big time. But if I'm proven right in what I said
about that, and if this bill makes permanent law out of that dairy
provision, I will guarantee you that this dairy provision that you're
going to enact will cost more money than what you're going to save in
this bill here that's being considered on the floor today.
We had a bipartisan bill out of the committee. We were able to work
together. We had 13 of the 21 Democrats on the committee support that
bill. We were doing fine until we got here to the floor and the
leadership screwed this up.
We have the votes to do this bill on a bipartisan basis if we just
take out those amendments that were a poison pill. I'll give you the
names of the people that will vote for this bill if we do that. You can
call them up yourself and ask them; you don't have to rely on me. We
can do that. But no, you've got to make this a partisan bill. You know,
some people on that side have been trying to make this a partisan bill
for 4 months, and they finally succeeded.
I told my caucus something I never thought would happen. You have now
managed to make me a partisan. And that's a darn hard thing to do, but
you accomplished it.
This is a bad bill; it should be defeated. We should go back and do a
bipartisan bill like we worked in the first place.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Parliamentary Inquiry
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I have a parliamentary inquiry.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from Texas is recognized for
a parliamentary inquiry.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. On the basis of such an eloquent statement by our
ranking member, my inquiry is: At this point, could we not, in essence,
table this bill and begin the process of reconstructing the bill, as
the ranking member has so eloquently stated, in order to be able to
feed America's children and not continue the starvation that this farm
bill will create and promote for years to come?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Any requests for a disposition of this bill
would have to come from the majority manager.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, if I could continue my parliamentary
inquiry.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman is recognized for a further
parliamentary inquiry.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Is the bill not flawed, as the ranking member has
said, for it has left out what has traditionally been a major component
of the farm bill, which is the supplemental nutrition program, which
deals with feeding hungry Americans and hungry children?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman has not raised a proper
parliamentary inquiry. That is a matter that's being discussed in
debate.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. I will go back and return again. Thank you, Mr.
Speaker.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Conaway), the chairman of the General Farm
Commodities Subcommittee.
Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this farm bill. The farm
bill before us was fully debated by this body and subjected to more
than 100 amendments just a couple of weeks ago. More than 60 of those
amendments were adopted. This body has had ample opportunity to work
its will, and now it's time to vote for passage.
Today, those of us who came to town to cut spending, reduce the
deficit, reduce the size of government, and make reforms have a real
opportunity to walk the walk. This farm bill does all of those things.
This bill is going to save taxpayers $19.3 billion, it's going to
repeal or consolidate more than 100 programs at USDA, and it's going to
repeal the direct payment program, something that many of my farmers
and ranchers back home do not really want to give up.
{time} 1315
The farm bill also does a couple of other things. It is being
considered separately on its own merits, as many in this body have
called for, and it replaces antiquated permanent law so that we don't
face things, like the dairy cliff, at the end of the year anymore. The
bill before us reforms not just the politics of the farm bill, but the
process as well.
This farm bill has earned our support, I urge my colleagues to vote
``yes.''
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished
minority whip, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).
Mr. HOYER. I thank the chairman and ranking member.
Mr. Speaker, the chairman does not want to do this, with all due
respect. The chairman has said publicly he does not want to do this.
The chairman has said publicly he wants to do what historically we have
done: gone forth in a bipartisan way. That is the bill he constructed
last year, and his colleagues did not bring it to the floor. That's the
bill he constructed this year, and it was brought to the floor.
As Mr. Peterson has so eloquently stated, it was turned from a
bipartisan bill into a partisan bill.
Why, why, why, do we always have to do that?
The response to its failure, because 62 of Mr. Lucas' party would not
join him in the extraordinarily eloquent closing that he gave--not
speaking to the motion to recommit--but said, look, I understand that
some of you think this is too much and some of you think it is too
little, but it's democracy. Yet the chairman's party rejected his bill.
We reject it as well because you adopted three amendments that you knew
beforehand were going to turn this into a more partisan bill.
So what did you do? You left this House and said, we are going to not
[[Page H4460]]
compromise, not try to create a broader coalition, but we are going to
narrow the coalition, we are going to try to buy off those 62 folks who
said they really don't like this bill at all anyway and get them to
say, This is a Republican bill, let's pass it, knowing full well it
will not pass the Senate, knowing full well that the President won't
sign it.
Farmers need our agreement. I support it.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman an additional 1
minute.
Mr. HOYER. I don't think I have ever opposed a farm bill, not because
I represent a vast farm district--I don't. But I understand that food
and fiber is critical for my people, for our Nation, indeed, for much
of the world.
So, ladies and gentlemen, let us reject this flawed process, this
process which abrogates the pledge of 3 days of consideration for
legislation, last night published, and we are asked to vote on it
today.
Why? Because this is a very controversial provision, and they didn't
want to have the light of day shine too long on this flawed process.
Let us reject this bill, let us reject a partisan bill, let us speak
out for the farm community of America, and, yes, those who need
nutritional help. Let us also speak for job growth in rural America,
which the bill that the chairman reported out would have helped.
This bill ought to be rejected, and we ought to do our duty and our
responsibility in a responsible and effective democratic, bipartisan,
cooperative way.
I congratulate the chairman for what he would like to do.
Mr. Speaker, this bill is a disgraceful abandonment of the most
vulnerable people in our country.
The legislation Republicans have chosen to introduce--with just
hours' notice and in blatant violation of their own stated `three-day'
policy to read the bill--is missing a major part of any responsible
farm bill.
By leaving funding for the supplemental nutrition assistance
program--or ``SNAP''--out of this bill, they are effectively killing
that program.
SNAP is a critical tool in keeping 47.5 million people--including
many children and seniors--from experiencing hunger and illness.
It is one of our front-line programs against poverty in America.
My republican friends know that, even if they pass this bill through
this House, the United States Senate will not consider a Farm Bill
without SNAP funding.
Even conservative Republican Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa has
said that splitting SNAP from the rest of the Farm Bill ``might fly in
the House, but I don't think it's going to fly in the Senate.''
Our Republican friends claim to want fiscally responsible reforms to
farm programs.
So it's ironic that their bill actually increases spending and the
deficit by $1 billion in 2014--and it saves less over ten years than
the Senate Farm Bill while creating permanent new farm programs.
The bill before us is just another exercise in house Republicans'
political messaging game to make it appear that they are moving
important legislation through Congress while, in reality, they refuse
to play a constructive role in governing.
I urge its defeat.
Instead we ought to consider a farm bill that includes SNAP funding,
after which we can go to conference with the Senate to achieve a real
compromise.
If the Speaker really believes in regular order, which he has called
for, Republicans should work with Democrats to pass a bipartisan farm
bill and allow the conference process to move forward.
He has yet to do so with the budget, and I suspect that the reason we
are not seeing regular order play out is because Republicans are not
interested in compromise--only partisan politics.
Withdraw this bill; defeat this bill; restore regular order.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to one of my prime
subcommittee chairmen, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. King).
Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding to
me and for the work that he has done to pull together this bill over
these last 2 years.
There is much that I'm hearing on this floor so far in this debate
that I do not disagree with. There is much that I do agree with.
The numbers are this: 62 ``no'' votes on the Republican side and 24
``yes'' votes on the Democrat side. I said for weeks we should go to
both sides and pull together 218. I appreciate the effort to do that. I
appreciate the honor that has been brought to this process by the
chairman, Mr. Lucas, and others that we work with.
We are down to this now: we are down to this is our choice for this
bill which can provide 5 years of predictability for agriculture and an
uncertain bill that might come before us on nutrition, which I think
ends up without what I want, which is reform of SNAP.
I am going to support this bill, I urge my colleagues to do the same,
and I would like to back this train up, if we could, and do it over. We
can't, so I'm going to be for moving forward.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I am now pleased to yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. David Scott).
Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Thank you very much, Chairman Peterson.
Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen of the House, what we have here is
not a farm bill. You tell me how in the world we can have a farm bill
and separate food and nutrition out from it. The American people don't
get that. When you think of farms and you think of agriculture, do you
mean to tell me it isn't about food?
Here we have made this critical, terrible mistake of divorcing, of
segregating, of separating the most basic essential of farm policy,
which is to produce the food and the nutrition for the people of
America. This isn't just about food stamps, although we are here
because the Republican Party, my friends--and I have many over there--
have been hijacked to turn a bipartisan effort to deal with the
complexity, the vulgarity, where 38 States in this Nation their primary
part of their economy is agriculture, is business.
My members on the Agriculture Committee, we have a broad mandate. We
should be the most powerful committee up here. We not only deal with
food, we not only deal with agriculture, we deal with fuel going our
way up to energy independence. We are dealing with the heavy finance of
$600 trillion in derivatives. But this makes us look small.
To bring a bill and call it a farm bill and it has nothing to do with
food--and it's so hypocritical, my friends. You've seen the news
reports. The American people have seen the news reports, where we have
Members who are accepting millions of dollars in subsidies and will be
voting against poor people who need the food to eat.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I wish to yield 1 minute to the other Mr.
Scott from Georgia, one of the chairmen of the primary subcommittee on
the House Agriculture Committee, Mr. Austin Scott.
Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of
this bill. While I know that many people who I have worked with, who I
have a tremendous amount of respect for, oppose the way forward here, I
rise because it is the only way forward.
Throughout this entire process, there were many things that we agreed
on. The agriculture industry needs certainty. Our farmers who produce
our food and fiber need the ability to plan so that they can produce a
safe, reliable, and affordable food source for our country.
I know that many of us who are on the committee would have preferred
that the last bill pass. I too would have preferred that it pass. As a
small business owner, I can attest to the importance of having the
ability to plan. If we are able to get these titles that we agree to,
these 11 titles that we agree to, passed into law, then our farmers
will have that ability.
I appreciate being part of the process. The farms and families in
this country need the certainty of this agriculture policy.
I ask that you support this bill.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I am now pleased to yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from California (Mr. Costa).
Mr. COSTA. I thank the gentleman from Minnesota.
Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen, the farm bill usually is one of
the most bipartisan things we do around here, but not today.
Even though many of my colleagues, unlike myself, were not farm kids,
I assume that they could tell the horse's head from the horse's rear;
but they are totally backwards on this one.
[[Page H4461]]
Last night, we received notice that previously an unreleased farm
bill was going to be sprung on the floor today. What about regular
order? This stunt makes a mockery of Chairman Lucas and Ranking Member
Peterson and the committee's work over the last year and a half.
Farmers, ranchers, and anyone who believes in government transparency
must be shaking their heads, saying, There they go again.
Once again, the majority has chosen to make everything we do around
here partisan. This is one of the least likely partisan persons you are
going to talk to. Unlike many of my colleagues on this side of the
aisle, I supported the farm bill 2 weeks ago when it failed. I
supported it because I thought we ought to move the process forward.
This moves us backwards, and it removes permanent law, and I don't
think we will ever see a farm bill again.
I cannot support this bill. I urge my colleagues to do the same.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, once again I turn to one of the outstanding
subcommittee chairmen who has jurisdiction over Conservation, Energy,
and Forestry, and yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania
(Mr. Thompson).
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, passage of a new farm bill
is long overdue.
The House Agriculture Committee has spent 4 years, held dozens of
hearings and countless hours preparing for this farm bill. Plain and
simple, the committee-passed bill, which was recently considered by
this body, made substantial reforms to agriculture programs. It
eliminated more than 100 programs and reformed outdated, costly, and
ineffective programs. The committee-passed bill would have saved
taxpayers over $40 billion, with half of the savings coming out of the
farm programs.
The bill before us today repeals the outdated farm programs that we
don't need and we can't afford. Direct payments, counter-cyclical
payments, the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program, and the
Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) are all repealed in
this bill. We get rid of many costly subsidy programs and replace them
with free market-modeled risk mismanagement.
For the sake of our Nation's farmers and ranchers, and also for all
citizens who rely on the safest, most affordable and highest quality
food, I rise in support of this legislation and strongly encourage my
colleagues to do the same.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 2 minutes to the gentleman
from Minnesota (Mr. Walz).
Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member.
I come from a proud agricultural family, I proudly represent a strong
agricultural district in the heartland in southern Minnesota, I'm a
proud ranking member on the subcommittee in the House Agriculture
Committee, and I'm proud to call both the ranking member and the
chairman my friends.
I am not proud of what you are seeing here today. The disrespect
shown to this hallowed ground by hatching this abomination in the
middle of the night and forcing it here because of extremist elements
is the reason that the American people think higher of North Korea than
they do of this body.
I can tell you, as people listening today, Mr. Speaker, they are
going to say it is more of the same. They said, he said--Democrats or
Republicans or whatever--don't listen to me. Listen to this book full
of people who said this is wrong:
American Farm Bureau Federation; National Farmers Union; American
Soybean Association; National Association of Wheat Growers, National
Milk Producers, National Rural Electric Cooperative, Ducks Unlimited,
Pheasants Forever, AgriBank, AgStar Financial Services, Izaak Walton
League, National Catholic Rural Life Conference, Renewable Fuels
Association, First Farm Credit Services, Advanced Biofuels, AgGeorgia,
AgHeritage, AgriBank, Agriculture Council of Arkansas, Agriculture
Energy Coalition, AgCarolina, AgCountry, AgFirst, AgStar Financial,
AgTexas, Alabama Dairy Producers, Alabama Farmers Cooperative, American
Agriculture Movement, American Association of Crop Insurers, American
Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, American Bankers
Association, American Coalition for Ethanol, American Crystal Sugar,
American Farmland Trust.
I may need more time. I am on the A's.
American Fruit and Vegetable Processors, American Forest Foundation,
American Honey Producers, American Public Works Association, American
Sugarbeet Growers, American Agriculture Coalition, Arizona Farm Bureau
Federation, Arkansas Farm Bureau, Arkansas Farmers Union, Association
of American Veterinary Medical Colleges.
It goes on and on and on.
Listen to the public, listen to your constituents, reject the
extremism. I am one of the 24 who put my money where my money is and
voted for a bipartisan bill. This is wrong.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Michigan (Mr. Benishek).
{time} 1330
Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 2642, the
farm bill.
Like many of my colleagues in this body, I am honored to represent a
district with a deep agricultural heritage. Because I am a doctor by
trade, not a farmer, it has been important for me to get to know the
farmers in my district over the last 3 years. As I travel around the
First District, nearly every producer I meet with stresses the
importance of passing a long-term farm bill.
The programs in the farm bill are important to keeping our farmers in
business with some certainty. I know some will say this bill isn't
perfect. Some want more reform. Some would like more spending, and some
would like less. Yet, I urge all of you to strongly consider moving
H.R. 2642 forward. We have one thing in common: we all need to eat. Our
country is the breadbasket of the world. Let's keep that in mind and
remember our farmers who produce our food here today. I urge my
colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch).
Mr. WELCH. I thank the gentleman.
This is not a farm bill. This is a leadership-designed train wreck.
We had a farm bill. It was bipartisan. It saved money. It provided
farmers with more security. It provided conservation and a way forward.
Instead, what we have is the result of a failure of the leadership to
work with their committee chair. They came on this floor, and they
unraveled intentionally, deliberately and, regrettably, effectively a
compromise that was reached by Republicans and Democrats who dealt with
tough issues.
America needs a farm bill, not something that is designed for
political consumption and for farm failure.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time I and the
ranking member have remaining in the debate?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Oklahoma has 22 minutes
remaining, and the gentleman from Minnesota has 15 minutes remaining.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Wisconsin (Mr. Ribble).
Mr. RIBBLE. I thank the chairman.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the legislation today.
I'll tell you that I've often told folks back in Wisconsin that
working in the House of Representatives is sometimes like living in an
alternate universe. For the last hour and a half here we've been
debating what is not rather than debating what is. Maybe we should
debate what is, and that is what is in this bill.
This bill, for the first time, eliminates direct payments to rich
farmers. I think that sounds like a pretty good idea. It eliminates it
by $14 billion. We remove subsidies to people who no longer farm, and I
think that sounds like a pretty good idea. For Wisconsin, America's
dairy land, we fix our Nation's dairy policy. That sounds like a pretty
good idea as well. We fix forestry problems and improve timber harvest.
We stop the brain drain that has been going on in our national forests.
It improves the fruit and vegetable production in the Midwest. Finally,
it minimizes reforms and improves important regulatory problems that
have put burdens on producers.
These are all of the really great things that are in the bill, and I
think
[[Page H4462]]
we ought to focus on what is there rather than on what is not. Let's
worry about what is there today and worry about what is not tomorrow.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 2 minutes to the gentleman
from Oregon (Mr. Schrader).
Mr. SCHRADER. I thank the gentleman.
It is with a pretty heavy heart that I am on the floor here today.
This should have been a high point. I listened to the good chairman and
even to the Rules Committee chairman about this being the way to get
the bill to conference. I've heard people say this is the only way to
get this bill to conference. We had another way, and that got
sabotaged.
I guess the point I'd make to this body and to the people at home is
that some of us are listening to you. The most important thing is for
us to work together. That's what I hear back home. They don't know
about the details of all of this policy.
Colleagues, how a bill gets to conference is as important as getting
it to conference. Doing it with one party ramrodding it through,
without listening to half of America, is just wrong. This is anathema
to what America wants to see happen. We are ceding our authority to the
Senate and to the President. The Senate will never take this up, and
the President has said he will veto this bill. Why not go back and work
together? That was the message of 2 weeks ago. We got it wrong. That's
the legislative process. It's not pretty. We should have gone back and
worked together. As you've heard, Democrats are willing to work with
our Republican colleagues for a good piece of legislation.
I am proud of the American Farm Bureau, of the National Farmers
Union, and of others who still oppose this bill because we are not
working together. This is a travesty, and they recognize it. American
agriculture is under siege. The world economy, global competition--it's
gotten scary out there. Now they are under siege from their own
Congress.
Colleagues, that is unacceptable to all of us. We can do better.
America deserves better. I ask my colleagues to research and check
their hearts, to vote their consciences and to search their moral
compasses. Let's work together and defeat this particular bill.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis).
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Thank you to my colleague from Oklahoma
for his leadership on this issue because, Mr. Speaker, I rise today in
support of this farm bill.
One thing I've learned in my 6 months here in Washington is that the
farm bill has not been easy. It has been a 3-year saga, but I was proud
to help produce a strong, bipartisan farm bill out of committee.
Three weeks ago on this very floor, we had a farm bill that cut $40
billion, including direct payments. It kept crop insurance as a key
risk management tool. It made commonsense reforms to a food stamp
program that helps feed those who need a hand up, but unfortunately, a
majority of my friends on the other side of the aisle and a minority of
folks on my side said ``no.''
I came here to govern, and this bill includes an amendment I authored
to help family farmers by giving agriculture a seat at the table when
EPA considers regulations that affect our producers. Today is another
opportunity to govern and to get to conference so we can iron out our
differences as reasonable people. If we fail today, I'm not sure we
will get another chance, and reverting back to 1940s law or getting
into a perpetual cycle of uncertain 1-year extensions is not an option.
Some of us are blessed to represent districts with amber waves of
grain, but even if you don't, everyone is impacted by the farm bill.
All one needs to do is to go to the rotunda, which is a few steps away
from here, and look up at the Apotheosis of Washington. It depicts a
scene that makes this country great, and that is American agriculture.
This vote is about helping our family farmers. It's about providing
certainty to the ag economy so that the men and women employed in
agriculture can survive and thrive and so that our family farmers can
continue to feed the world.
Let's move this process forward today by cutting $20 billion and by
preserving crop insurance as a vital safety net for the many producers
in central Illinois and in southwestern Illinois who produce the food
we eat so that our farmers can continue to feed the world. I ask my
colleagues for their vote on this bill today.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I am now pleased to yield 2 minutes to the
gentlelady from Ohio (Ms. Fudge).
Ms. FUDGE. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I've listened to this debate over the last, actually,
month since I'm a member of the committee of jurisdiction, and I have
listened to my Christian friends, my religious friends, talk about
their hearts.
I want every one of them who goes to the prayer meetings and to all
of the things that they do here every week to go and see how many times
``poor'' is mentioned in the Bible and how many times ``hungry'' is
mentioned in the Bible because, if we are to say today that feeding
hungry children and seniors and veterans and the disabled is relegated
to being extraneous, we are not who we say we are.
It is a sad day for America and this country when we want to separate
farmers from food and the people they feed. We are going down a path of
no return, and I urge all who believe they are Christians to vote
``no'' on this bill.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to note to my colleague that I
have no additional speakers and that I reserve the rest of my time to
close.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa).
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, we are here today as a result of a lack of
leadership of the Republican majority. Instead of passing a bipartisan
farm bill like the Senate has done, House Republicans have tried to ram
through a partisan bill that would have attacked our most vulnerable
children. I'm talking about poor children, senior citizens, and many
who have lost their jobs.
When that bill failed, instead of reaching out to Democrats to craft
a bipartisan bill that could easily pass, like every farm bill has for
the past 40 years, they resorted to this desperate tactic. By removing
the reauthorization of the food stamp program from the bill, they are
doing what they have wanted to do for years--completely gut the
program--leaving millions of hungry children without anywhere to turn.
Their heartless action today on the House floor of the Nation's
Capitol will increase poverty and hurt the weakest among us. Nearly one
in five children suffers from food insecurity. This bill is an
embarrassment and should be voted down.
Mr. LUCAS. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from North
Carolina (Mr. Watt) for the purpose of a unanimous consent request.
Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend
my remarks in opposition to this bill because it injures and makes it
impossible for children in my congressional district to be fed, and it
makes it impossible for poor veterans to be fed. It disconnects the
farm policy from nutrition, which has been at play forever and a day in
this country. I cannot support the bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from North Carolina?
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Minnesota's time will be
charged.
Point of Order
Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, I make a point of order.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman will state his point of order.
Mr. WATT. This is not a proper ruling. It did not constitute debate.
It was simply a unanimous consent request, and I do not believe this is
a proper ruling of the Chair.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. As the Chair ruled earlier today, it is not
in order to embellish a unanimous consent request with debate. When
such a request extends into debate, the yielding Member is charged.
In the opinion of the Chair, the request of the gentleman from North
Carolina contained debate. The point of order is overruled.
Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, I appeal the ruling of the Chair.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is, Shall the decision of the
[[Page H4463]]
Chair stand in the judgment of the House?
Motion to Table
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I move to lay the appeal on the table.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion to table.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that
the ayes appeared to have it.
Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 226,
nays 189, not voting 19, as follows:
[Roll No. 350]
YEAS--226
Aderholt
Alexander
Amash
Amodei
Bachmann
Bachus
Barletta
Barr
Barton
Benishek
Bentivolio
Bilirakis
Black
Blackburn
Bonner
Boustany
Brady (TX)
Bridenstine
Brooks (AL)
Brooks (IN)
Buchanan
Bucshon
Burgess
Calvert
Camp
Cantor
Capito
Carter
Cassidy
Chabot
Chaffetz
Coble
Coffman
Cole
Collins (GA)
Collins (NY)
Conaway
Cook
Cotton
Cramer
Crawford
Crenshaw
Culberson
Daines
Davis, Rodney
Denham
Dent
DeSantis
DesJarlais
Diaz-Balart
Doggett
Duncan (SC)
Duncan (TN)
Ellmers
Farenthold
Fincher
Fitzpatrick
Fleischmann
Fleming
Flores
Forbes
Fortenberry
Foxx
Franks (AZ)
Frelinghuysen
Gardner
Garrett
Gerlach
Gibbs
Gibson
Gohmert
Goodlatte
Gosar
Gowdy
Granger
Graves (GA)
Graves (MO)
Griffin (AR)
Griffith (VA)
Grimm
Guthrie
Hall
Hanna
Harper
Harris
Hartzler
Hastings (WA)
Heck (NV)
Hensarling
Herrera Beutler
Holding
Hudson
Huelskamp
Huizenga (MI)
Hultgren
Hurt
Issa
Jenkins
Johnson (OH)
Johnson, Sam
Jones
Jordan
Joyce
Kelly (PA)
King (IA)
King (NY)
Kingston
Kinzinger (IL)
Kline
Labrador
LaMalfa
Lamborn
Lance
Lankford
Latham
Latta
LoBiondo
Long
Lucas
Luetkemeyer
Lummis
Marchant
Marino
Massie
McCarthy (CA)
McCaul
McClintock
McHenry
McKeon
McKinley
McMorris Rodgers
Meadows
Meehan
Messer
Mica
Miller (FL)
Miller (MI)
Miller, Gary
Mullin
Mulvaney
Murphy (PA)
Neugebauer
Noem
Nugent
Nunes
Nunnelee
Olson
Palazzo
Paulsen
Pearce
Perry
Petri
Pittenger
Pitts
Poe (TX)
Pompeo
Posey
Price (GA)
Radel
Reed
Reichert
Renacci
Ribble
Rice (SC)
Rigell
Roby
Roe (TN)
Rogers (AL)
Rogers (KY)
Rohrabacher
Rokita
Rooney
Ros-Lehtinen
Roskam
Ross
Rothfus
Royce
Runyan
Ryan (WI)
Salmon
Sanford
Scalise
Schock
Schrader
Scott, Austin
Sensenbrenner
Sessions
Shuster
Simpson
Smith (MO)
Smith (NE)
Smith (NJ)
Smith (TX)
Southerland
Stewart
Stivers
Stockman
Stutzman
Terry
Thompson (PA)
Thornberry
Tiberi
Tipton
Turner
Upton
Valadao
Wagner
Walberg
Walden
Walorski
Weber (TX)
Webster (FL)
Wenstrup
Westmoreland
Whitfield
Williams
Wilson (SC)
Wittman
Wolf
Womack
Woodall
Yoder
Yoho
Young (AK)
Young (FL)
Young (IN)
NAYS--189
Andrews
Barber
Barrow (GA)
Bass
Beatty
Becerra
Bera (CA)
Bishop (GA)
Bishop (NY)
Blumenauer
Bonamici
Brady (PA)
Braley (IA)
Brown (FL)
Brownley (CA)
Bustos
Butterfield
Capps
Capuano
Cardenas
Carson (IN)
Cartwright
Castor (FL)
Castro (TX)
Chu
Cicilline
Clarke
Clay
Cleaver
Clyburn
Cohen
Connolly
Conyers
Cooper
Costa
Courtney
Crowley
Cuellar
Cummings
Davis (CA)
Davis, Danny
DeFazio
DeGette
Delaney
DeLauro
DelBene
Deutch
Dingell
Doyle
Duckworth
Duffy
Edwards
Ellison
Engel
Enyart
Eshoo
Esty
Farr
Fattah
Foster
Frankel (FL)
Fudge
Gabbard
Gallego
Garcia
Grayson
Green, Al
Green, Gene
Grijalva
Gutierrez
Hahn
Hanabusa
Hastings (FL)
Heck (WA)
Higgins
Himes
Hinojosa
Hoyer
Israel
Jackson Lee
Jeffries
Johnson (GA)
Johnson, E. B.
Kaptur
Keating
Kelly (IL)
Kennedy
Kildee
Kilmer
Kind
Kirkpatrick
Kuster
Langevin
Larsen (WA)
Larson (CT)
Lee (CA)
Levin
Lewis
Lipinski
Loebsack
Lofgren
Lowenthal
Lowey
Lujan Grisham (NM)
Lujan, Ben Ray (NM)
Maffei
Maloney, Carolyn
Maloney, Sean
Markey
Matheson
Matsui
McCollum
McDermott
McGovern
McIntyre
McNerney
Meeks
Meng
Michaud
Miller, George
Moore
Moran
Murphy (FL)
Nadler
Napolitano
Neal
Nolan
O'Rourke
Owens
Pallone
Pascrell
Pastor (AZ)
Payne
Perlmutter
Peters (CA)
Peters (MI)
Peterson
Pingree (ME)
Pocan
Polis
Price (NC)
Quigley
Rahall
Rangel
Roybal-Allard
Ruiz
Ruppersberger
Rush
Ryan (OH)
Sanchez, Linda T.
Sanchez, Loretta
Sarbanes
Schakowsky
Schiff
Schneider
Schwartz
Scott (VA)
Scott, David
Serrano
Sewell (AL)
Shea-Porter
Sherman
Sinema
Sires
Slaughter
Smith (WA)
Speier
Swalwell (CA)
Takano
Thompson (CA)
Thompson (MS)
Tierney
Titus
Tonko
Tsongas
Van Hollen
Vargas
Veasey
Vela
Velazquez
Visclosky
Walz
Wasserman Schultz
Waters
Watt
Waxman
Welch
Wilson (FL)
Yarmuth
NOT VOTING--19
Bishop (UT)
Broun (GA)
Campbell
Carney
Garamendi
Gingrey (GA)
Holt
Honda
Horsford
Huffman
Hunter
Lynch
McCarthy (NY)
Negrete McLeod
Pelosi
Richmond
Rogers (MI)
Schweikert
Shimkus
{time} 1407
Ms. ESHOO, Messrs. COHEN and RANGEL changed their vote from ``yea''
to ``nay.''
Mrs. LUMMIS, Messrs. DUNCAN of South Carolina, WESTMORELAND, HALL and
Mrs. BLACKBURN changed their vote from ``nay'' to ``yea.''
So the motion to table was agreed to.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
General Leave
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on
the bill H.R. 2642.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Oklahoma?
There was no objection.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I'd note to my colleague, I have one
additional 1-minute speaker, and then I'll reserve the rest of my time
for myself.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Arkansas (Mr. Crawford), one of my subcommittee chairmen.
Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Lucas for
his extraordinary leadership throughout this trying process.
I'm pleased to say we're one step closer to providing our ag
producers the certainty that they need to accomplish their goals
through a 5-year farm bill.
This bill is a product of our extensive outreach to farmers,
ranchers, and stakeholders across the country, and reflects the
critical input we received from our rural constituents in the farm bill
process that allowed producers to be heard. The Ag Committee held more
than 40 farm bill hearings in Washington and across the countryside.
Through this rigorous audit hearing process, we scrutinized every
dollar authorized in the legislation we're offered today. What's more,
the bill is the result of an open process that allowed for
consideration of the ideas of anyone and everyone in the House.
Ag is the number one industry in my district and the State of
Arkansas; and according to the University of Arkansas, it accounts for
over 250,000 direct jobs in my State. But, Mr. Speaker, it is more
important for everyone to know what's at stake. This legislation may be
crafted to address the U.S. ag economy, but it's not just important to
our rural constituents. It's important to everyone. I have always said
that if you eat, you're involved in agriculture; and I would ask my
colleagues to think about that. Even if you don't have ag interests or
production in your district, every single one of our constituents
depends on it.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from
Washington (Ms. DelBene).
Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great disappointment today.
It's a shame that the House has allowed the farm bill to get to this
point. We should be voting on the bipartisan bill the Agriculture
Committee passed and I supported, not this bill. This bill has been
hijacked by divisive politics and is simply not good enough.
It's not good enough for our farmers because reforms that would have
protected Washington State's dairy farmers and consumers have been
stripped out. It is certainly not good enough for the millions of
working families, seniors, and children who count on nutrition programs
and have been excluded from this bill. And it's not good enough for
this country.
[[Page H4464]]
Our constituents sent us here to work across the aisle to deliver
results. This bill is certainly not what they had in mind. While I
appreciate the funding for specialty crops, which I fought hard for,
and is in this bill, this is the wrong way to conduct agricultural
policy for the future.
Our country's farmers and families deserve a farm bill that works for
everyone. Instead, they've been given this. I am incredibly
disappointed today, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting
``no.''
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Minnesota (Mr. Nolan).
Mr. NOLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the bill because it
violates a decades-old principle that has brought rural people and
urban people together to help protect them from the vagaries of life
and weather and circumstances. It brought farm producers together to
help meet the food and nutrition needs of hungry people here in this
country and all over the world. It is one of the best things we've ever
done. And this bill violates that fundamental, noble principle of
bringing people together for a noble cause, feeding hungry people and
encouraging the production of food and nutrition.
Mr. Speaker and members of the committee, please vote this bill down.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Oklahoma has 18 minutes
remaining. The gentleman from Minnesota has 8\1/2\ minutes remaining.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Gallego).
Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I spent 20-some years learning the process,
working my way through the process of the Texas Legislature; and I can
tell you that this process is worse. And it's worse in the sense that
so much time and effort went forward by Mr. Lucas and the ranking
member, Mr. Peterson, to craft a very carefully done bipartisan
product. It came to the floor, and people who had no intention of
voting for the bill in the first place were suddenly allowed to amend
it. And what we have today is a product that has jettisoned the
nutrition part of that bill.
And so when we do that, we jettison the women and the children and
the elderly and the families who depend on that part of the bill.
Ninety-eight percent of the households who take SNAP in the district
that I represent are elderly or kids, and they're jettisoned entirely
in this process.
{time} 1415
This process isn't supposed to work this way. It's supposed to be
bipartisan. It's supposed to be a product that is carefully crafted by
the committee chair and the ranking member working together. It's
unfortunate that it has come to this, and I simply cannot support a
bill that jettisons our kids and jettisons our elderly.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I'm now pleased to yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Maloney).
Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise, not to
speak about the food assistance program, others have done that
eloquently, but as one of 90 new Members of Congress, one of 15
freshman on the Agriculture Committee, one of 36 Members, bipartisan
Members, who voted this bill out of committee to bring it to the floor.
We did so, not because we agreed with everything in it; in fact, many
of us disagreed very strongly with things in this bill. We did it
because we respected our chairman and our ranking member, who worked
across the aisle together for years to get a product that would help
the country, that would help our farmers, that would help the people I
represent in the Hudson Valley.
What we have watched on this floor is the sabotaging and the undoing
of careful, bipartisan work. And the result, once again, is paralysis.
Five hundred farm groups are supporting the defeat of this bill.
Don't tell me it's good for farmers. Everyone who cares about food
assistance for kids is opposing this bill. Don't tell me it's good for
food stamps.
And your own conservative groups, the most conservative groups, are
opposing this bill as a big-spending bill. Don't tell me it saves the
taxpayers money.
We came here to get results. This Congress can do better. Defeat this
bill, bring it back, and let's work together to get a good result.
Mr. PETERSON. I'm now pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Enyart).
Mr. ENYART. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to bad public
policy. As a member of the Agriculture Committee, I state my strong
opposition to the leadership's drive to split a comprehensive farm
bill. It destroys the bipartisan work of the committee. It destroys a
coalition that has worked for our Nation for generations.
The Ag Committee did our work. We didn't agree on everything, but we
achieved a compromise bill that was brought to the floor. I voted to
keep this process moving and to get a bill signed into law.
I am stunned that so many in the majority party could not support the
bill after the draconian nutrition cuts they insisted upon.
In representing southern Illinois, I represent the two groups that
need comprehensive legislation the most: our agriculture community and
the 100,000 citizens out of 700,000 citizens who live in poverty in
southern Illinois.
This approach puts both groups in jeopardy. I cannot support that. I
urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''
I urge the House leadership to get serious, to stop playing foolish
games with our farm economy and with our working poor.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I'm now pleased to yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from California (Mr. Farr).
Mr. FARR. Thank you for yielding.
I'm the ranking member on the Ag Appropriations Committee, and I'm
very proud that the USDA was founded by Abraham Lincoln.
This bill essentially destroys agriculture in the United States
because we grow food to feed people, and the USDA is responsible for
both sides of that equation. This bill now just turns it into growers.
My growers are there for the purpose of feeding people, and now we
knock out all the people that need the food.
This is ridiculous. This is not agriculture. This is not farming.
This is destruction. This is divide and conquer.
When you take away the people that need the food, you take away the
purpose of agriculture. The best way to give the food back is to defeat
this bill.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I'm now pleased to yield 30 seconds to the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee).
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I'm new here, but if there's one thing I've
learned, this is not what we were sent here to do.
A Member from the other side, during the rules debate, asked me if
our side understood that nutrition programs were not in this bill.
Well, absolutely we understand it.
The great value of the bipartisan farm bill has been the balance of
support for our Nation's family farms and the products that their labor
produces in providing nutrition for those of us of greatest need.
I've heard this is the only way forward. Time and time again I've
heard that. Says who?
I thought we were the Congress of the United States. I urge my
colleagues to join me in voting ``no'' on this bill.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman
from Florida (Ms. Brown).
(Ms. BROWN of Florida asked and was given permission to revise and
extend her remarks.)
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the Bible says to whom much is
given, much is required.
This is a sad day in the House of Representatives. Shame on the
Republicans. Shame on the House.
Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the gentlewoman's words be taken
down.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman will suspend. The
gentlewoman will be seated. The Clerk will report the words.
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Excuse me, Mr. Speaker. Did you rule in my
favor?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman will suspend.
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman will suspend. The
gentlewoman will be seated while the Clerk reports the words.
[[Page H4465]]
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Excuse me? What did I say that was incorrect?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman will suspend while the Clerk
reports the words. The gentlewoman is not recognized at this time.
Ms. BROWN of Florida. I was recognized for a minute. Are you saying
that I do not have a minute?
Parliamentary Inquiries
Ms. EDWARDS. Parliamentary inquiry, please. Mr. Speaker, a
parliamentary inquiry, please.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman will state her parliamentary
inquiry.
Ms. EDWARDS. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Is it not in order, as we have heard many times on this floor, for a
Member of the House to simply not mention by name individual Members of
the House, but to mention categories of Members? That happens all the
time.
Mr. Speaker, is it not in order, when there are Members on the other
side of the aisle who have said ``Obama,'' ``Obamacare,'' ``That Nancy
Pelosi is a train wreck'' on the floor of this House and their words
have not been taken down and they have not been seated? Is it not in
order for the gentlelady to have been recognized and to be able to
speak on this issue merely saying ``Republicans''? That could be a
lower case ``republicans.''
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman will suspend. There is
currently a demand for the words to be taken down pending before the
body.
The Clerk will report the words. The gentlewoman from Florida will be
seated.
Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, point of parliamentary inquiry. Mr. Speaker,
is it in order to appeal your ruling?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair will advise the gentleman there
has been no ruling. There is a pending demand for words to be taken
down. The Clerk will report the words.
{time} 1428
Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my demand.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from Florida may resume. The
gentlewoman has 42 seconds remaining.
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, did you rule in my favor?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The demand has been withdrawn by the
gentleman from Georgia. There is no longer a demand that the words be
taken down. Therefore, the gentlewoman from Florida may proceed and has
42 seconds remaining.
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
This is a sad day in the House of Representatives. I want you to know
that this is the people's House, and to separate the farm bill from the
elderly, from the children is a shame.
Mitt Romney was right. You do not care about the 47 percent. Shame on
you.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this bill. By stripping
out the nutrition portion of this legislation, the Republican Majority
is showing their disdain for those people who are struggling to make
ends meet, and trying to put good nutritious food on the table for
their children.
This Republican Leadership is the most partisan in the history of the
House. By taking bipartisan legislation like the Farm Bill, which helps
all Americans, they have made it a divisive issue.
Mitt Romney was right--you don't care about the 47 percent of
Americans who depend on the government for the basic necessities of
life--food and shelter.
The FARRM Bill needs to have all the sections included to genuinely
affect all aspects of food production. From those who eat to those who
produce. The family farmer produces the food for our table. The
recipient of government funding spends all of that funding on food.
Nothing is saved for later.
Farm bills represent a delicate balance between America's farm,
nutrition, conservation, and other priorities, and accordingly require
strong bipartisan support. It is vital for a broad coalition of
lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to provide certainty for urban
and rural America, the environment and our economy in general.
Splitting the nutrition title from the rest of the bill could result
in neither farm nor nutrition programs passing.
I urge the leadership of the House of Representatives to move a
unified farm bill forward.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are reminded to address their
remarks to the Chair and not directly to other Members on the floor.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from California (Mr. Takano).
Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate my Republican
colleagues. They really caught us off guard on this one. They have gone
above and beyond the high jinks that they pulled to get this farm bill
to the floor. And while they were at it, they willfully ignored the
nearly 48 million Americans who rely on SNAP and over 500 agriculture
groups who say that this is bad policy.
There is a reasonable center here, and I know we can reach a rational
compromise if we will stay here and work at it. What's the rush to get
out of town? Let's stay here and get the job done that the American
people sent us here to do.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, can I inquire as to the time remaining?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Minnesota has 2\1/2\
minutes remaining.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from
Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).
Ms. JACKSON LEE. I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle
understand the passion, but I think what we've come to today is the
ripping apart of our literal hearts around a bill that is going to
continue to pierce the existence of 46.2 million people living in
poverty and almost 10 million families. And for my friends from my
State, it will affect 3.4 percent of children living in poverty, 17
percent of the elderly, and 21 percent of all adults. Because this is
about hunger, and hunger is silent.
We cannot pass this farm bill today because there is no proof, there
is no documentation, there is no written commitment that we will ever
get to the SNAP program. And food stamps will be no more. The
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will be no more. As I said,
the only thing we will carry home today will be bragging rights of a
sound bite: I cut the budget; I threw the children of America under the
bus.
We should vote ``no'' on the farm bill and not throw the children
under the bus.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2642--Federal Agriculture
Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013.
Food is not an option--it is a right that all people living in this
nation must have to exist and to prosper. The $20.5 billion cuts in the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program also known as SNAP would
remove 2 million Americans from this important food assistance program,
and 210,000 children would lose access to free or reduced priced school
meals.
The course of our nation's history led to changes in our economy
first from agricultural, to industrial and now technological. These
economic changes impacted the availability and affordability of food.
Today our nation is still one of the wealthiest in the world, but we
now have food deserts. A food desert is a place where access to food
may not be available and certainly access to health sustaining food is
not available.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines a food desert as a ``low-
access community,'' where at least 500 people and/or at least 33
percent of the census tract's population live more than one mile from a
supermarket or large grocery store. The USDA defines a food desert for
rural communities as a census tract where the distance to a grocery
store is more than 10 miles.
Food deserts exist in rural and urban areas and are spreading as a
result of fewer farms as well as fewer places to access fresh fruits,
vegetables, proteins, and other foods as well as a poor economy.
The result of food deserts are increases in malnutrition and other
health disparities that impact minority and low-income communities in
rural and urban areas. Health disparities occur because of a lack of
access to critical food groups that provide nutrients that it does not
it does not support normal metabolic functions.
Poor metabolic function leads to malnutrition that causes breakdown
in tissue. For example, a lack of protein in a diet leads to disease
and decay of teeth and bones. Another example of health disparities in
food deserts are the presence of fast food establishments instead of
grocery stores. If someone only consumes energy dense foods like fast
foods this will lead to clogged arteries, which is a precursor for
arterial disease, a leading cause of heart disease. A person eating a
constant diet of fast foods are also vulnerable to higher risks of
insulin resistance which results in diabetes.
In Harris County, Texas, 149 out of 920 households or 20 percent of
residents do not
[[Page H4466]]
have automobiles and live more than one-half mile from a grocery store.
At the beginning of the third millennium of this nation's existence
we should know better. Denying a higher quality of life that would
result from better access to healthier food choices is shortsighted--it
is also economically unsound and threatens our national security.
Social stability is threatened when people's basic needs are not
met--food, clean drinking water and breathable air or the least of the
requirements for life. Denying access to sufficient amounts of the
right kinds of food means people will become less productive, more
prone to disease and will not be able to function as contributing
members of a society.
For one in six Americans hunger is real and far too many people
assume that the problem of hunger is isolated. One in six men, women or
children you see every day may not know where their next meal is coming
from or may have missed one or two meals yesterday.
Hunger is silent--most victims of hunger are ashamed and will not ask
for help, they work to hide their situation from everyone. Hunger is
persistent and impacts millions of people who struggle to find enough
to eat. Food insecurity causes parents to skip meals so that their
children can eat.
In Harris County, Texas, 149 out of 920 households or 20 percent of
residents do not have automobiles and live more than one-half mile from
a grocery store.
For one in six Americans hunger is real and far too many people
assume that the problem of hunger is isolated. One in six men, women or
children you see every day may not know where their next meal is coming
from or may have missed one or two meals yesterday.
In 2009-2010 the Houston, Sugar Land and Baytown area had 27.6
percent of households with children experiencing food hardship. In
households without children food hardship was experienced by 16.5.
Houston, Sugar Land and Baytown rank 22 among the areas surveyed.
In 2011, According to Feeding America: 46.2 million people were in
poverty, 9.5 million families were in poverty, 26.5 million of people
ages 18-64 were in poverty. 16.1 million children under the age of 18
were in poverty, 3.6 million (9.0 percent) seniors 65 and older were in
poverty.
In the State of Texas: 34% of children live in poverty in Texas, 21%
of adults (19-64) live in poverty in Texas, 17% of elderly live in
poverty in Texas.
In my city of Houston Texas the U.S. census reports that over the
last 12 months 442,881 incomes were below the poverty level.
In 2011: 50.1 million Americans lived in food insecure households,
33.5 million adults and 16.7 million children, households with children
reported food insecurity at a significantly higher rate than those
without children, 20.6 percent compared to 12.2 percent.
Eighteen percent of households in the state of Texas from 2009
through 2011 ranked second in the highest rate of food insecurity--only
the state of Mississippi exceed the ratio of households struggling with
hunger.
In the 18th Congressional District an estimated 151,741 families
lived in poverty.
There are charitable organizations that many of us contribute to that
provide food assistance to people in need, but their resources would
not be able to fill the gap created by a $20.5 billion dollar cut to
Federal food assistance programs.
Food banks and pantry's fill an important role by helping the working
poor, disabled and the poor gain access to food assistance when
government subsidized food assistance or budgets fall short of basic
needs. Food pantries also help when an unforeseen circumstance occurs
and more food is needed for a family to make it until payday or
government assistance arrives. However, food pantries cannot carry the
full burden of a communities' need for food on their own.
During these difficult economic times, people who once gave to food
pantries may now seek donations from them. Millions of low income
persons and families receive food assistance through SNAP. This program
represents the nation's largest program that combats domestic hunger.
For more than 40 years, SNAP has offered nutrition assistance to
millions of low income individuals and families. Today, the SNAP
program serves over 46 million people each month.
SNAP Statistics: Households with children receive about 75 percent of
all food stamp benefits, 23 percent of households include a disabled
person and 18 percent of households include an elderly person, The FSP
increases household food spending, and the increase is greater than
what would occur with an equal benefit in cash, every $5 in new food
stamp benefits generates almost twice as much ($9.20) in total
community spending.
The economics of SNAP food it does not support programs benefit
everyone by preventing new food deserts from developing. The impact of
SNAP funds coming into local and neighborhood grocery stores is more
profitable supermarkets. SNAP funds going into local food economies
also make the cost of food for everyone less expensive and assure a
variety and abundance of food selections found in grocery stores.
SNAP is the largest program in the American domestic hunger safety
net. The Food and Nutrition Service programs it does not supported by
SNAP work with State agencies, nutrition educators, and neighborhood as
well as faith-based organizations to assist those eligible for
nutrition assistance. Food and Nutrition Service programs also work
with State partners and the retail community to improve program
administration and work to ensure the program's integrity.
Yes, more can be done to assure that food distribution from the
fields to the tables of Americans in most need can be improved. To
begin the process of improving our nations ability to more efficiently
and effective in meeting the food needs of citizens must began with
understanding the problem and acting on facts. I strongly it does not
support hearings on the subject and encourage all oversight committees
to consider taking up the matter during this Congress.
However, we cannot ignore the safety process in place to prevent
abuse or misuse of the program. The Federal SNAP law provides two basic
pathways for financial eligibility to the program: (1) meeting federal
eligibility requirements, or (2) being automatically or
``categorically'' eligible for SNAP based on being eligible for or
receiving benefits from other specified low-income assistance programs.
Categorical eligibility eliminated the requirement that households who
already met financial eligibility rules in one specified low-income
program go through another financial eligibility determination in SNAP.
However, since the 1996 welfare reform law, states have been able to
expand categorical eligibility beyond its traditional bounds. That law
created TANF to replace the Aid to Families with Dependent Children
(AFDC) program, which was a traditional cash assistance program. TANF
is a broad-purpose block grant that finances a wide range of social and
human services.
TANF gives states flexibility in meeting its goals, resulting in a
wide variation of benefits and services offered among the states. SNAP
allows states to convey categorical eligibility based on receipt of a
TANF ``benefit,'' not just TANF cash welfare. This provides states with
the ability to convey categorical eligibility based on a wide range of
benefits and services. TANF benefits other than cash assistance
typically are available to a broader range of households and at higher
levels of income than are TANF cash assistance benefits.
Congress cannot afford to forget that by the year 2050, the world
population is expected to be 9 billion persons. We cannot build our
nation's food security on an uncertain future. Domestic food production
and access to healthy nutritious food is essential to our nation's long
term national security.
Until we see the final farm bill, including the amendment adopted by
the Full House, I cannot offer my it does not support for the
legislation as it is written.
The bill is too shortsighted about the realities of hunger in our
nation--the fact that it proposes to cut $20.5 billion from the SNAP
program is of great concern. We should work to create certainty for
farmers who run high risk businesses that are vulnerable to weather
changes, insects or blight.
We should be equally concerned about providing long term food
security for all of our nation's citizens, which include rural,
suburban and urban dwellers.
I thank the Agriculture Committee for including the Jackson Lee
amendment in the en bloc for the bill. I as my colleagues on both sides
of the isle should have it does not supported the McGovern Amendment to
prevent the $20.5 billion in cuts to the SNAP program. Food is not an
option--and people who need help from their government should not be
treated like they committed a crime.
I do not support this bill. It removes all authorization to feed our
nations hungry.
Mr. PETERSON. I yield to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr.
Thompson) for a unanimous consent request.
Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to
revise and extend my remarks in strong opposition to this bill. This
bill makes millionaire farmers richer. It takes from the poor. It makes
the poorest Americans suffer. This bill promotes hunger in the richest
country in the world. We should not be about that. We are a better
country. We should demonstrate that every day we're on this floor. What
we're doing today will go down in history as one of the greatest
misgivings and misguided laws in this country.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Mississippi?
[[Page H4467]]
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Minnesota's time will be
charged.
Point of Order
Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I make a point of order
that my comments should not be taken from Mr. Peterson's time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. As the Chair ruled earlier today, it is not
in order to embellish a unanimous consent request with debate. When
such a request extends into debate, the yielding Member is charged. In
the opinion of the Chair, the request of the gentleman from Mississippi
contained debate. The point of order is overruled.
Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I appeal the ruling of the
Chair.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is, Shall the decision of the
Chair stand in the judgment of the House?
Motion to Table
Mr. LUCAS. I move to lay the appeal on the table.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion to table.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that
the ayes appeared to have it.
Recorded Vote
Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.
A recorded vote was ordered.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 221,
noes 181, not voting 32, as follows:
[Roll No. 351]
AYES--221
Aderholt
Alexander
Amash
Amodei
Bachmann
Bachus
Barletta
Barr
Barton
Benishek
Bentivolio
Bilirakis
Bishop (UT)
Black
Blackburn
Bonner
Boustany
Brady (TX)
Bridenstine
Brooks (AL)
Brooks (IN)
Buchanan
Bucshon
Burgess
Calvert
Camp
Cantor
Capito
Carter
Cassidy
Chabot
Chaffetz
Coble
Coffman
Cole
Collins (GA)
Collins (NY)
Conaway
Cook
Cotton
Cramer
Crawford
Crenshaw
Culberson
Daines
Davis, Rodney
Denham
Dent
DeSantis
DesJarlais
Duffy
Duncan (SC)
Duncan (TN)
Ellmers
Farenthold
Fincher
Fitzpatrick
Fleischmann
Fleming
Flores
Forbes
Fortenberry
Foxx
Franks (AZ)
Frelinghuysen
Garamendi
Gardner
Garrett
Gerlach
Gibbs
Gibson
Goodlatte
Gosar
Gowdy
Granger
Graves (MO)
Griffin (AR)
Griffith (VA)
Grimm
Guthrie
Hall
Hanna
Harper
Harris
Hartzler
Hastings (WA)
Heck (NV)
Hensarling
Herrera Beutler
Holding
Hudson
Huelskamp
Huizenga (MI)
Hultgren
Hurt
Issa
Jenkins
Johnson (OH)
Johnson, Sam
Jones
Jordan
Joyce
Kelly (PA)
King (IA)
King (NY)
Kingston
Kinzinger (IL)
Kline
Labrador
LaMalfa
Lamborn
Lance
Lankford
Latham
Latta
LoBiondo
Long
Lucas
Luetkemeyer
Lummis
Marchant
Marino
Massie
McCarthy (CA)
McClintock
McHenry
McKinley
McMorris Rodgers
Meadows
Meehan
Messer
Mica
Miller (FL)
Miller (MI)
Miller, Gary
Mullin
Mulvaney
Murphy (PA)
Neugebauer
Noem
Nugent
Nunes
Nunnelee
Olson
Palazzo
Paulsen
Pearce
Perry
Petri
Pittenger
Pitts
Poe (TX)
Pompeo
Posey
Price (GA)
Radel
Reed
Reichert
Renacci
Ribble
Rice (SC)
Rigell
Roby
Roe (TN)
Rogers (AL)
Rogers (KY)
Rohrabacher
Rokita
Rooney
Ros-Lehtinen
Roskam
Ross
Rothfus
Royce
Runyan
Ryan (WI)
Salmon
Sanford
Scalise
Schrader
Scott, Austin
Sensenbrenner
Sessions
Shuster
Simpson
Smith (MO)
Smith (NE)
Smith (NJ)
Smith (TX)
Southerland
Stivers
Stockman
Stutzman
Terry
Thompson (PA)
Thornberry
Tiberi
Tipton
Turner
Upton
Valadao
Wagner
Walberg
Walden
Walorski
Weber (TX)
Webster (FL)
Wenstrup
Westmoreland
Whitfield
Williams
Wilson (SC)
Wittman
Wolf
Womack
Woodall
Yoder
Yoho
Young (AK)
Young (FL)
Young (IN)
NOES--181
Andrews
Barber
Barrow (GA)
Bass
Beatty
Becerra
Bishop (GA)
Bishop (NY)
Blumenauer
Bonamici
Brady (PA)
Brown (FL)
Brownley (CA)
Bustos
Butterfield
Capps
Capuano
Cardenas
Carney
Carson (IN)
Cartwright
Castor (FL)
Castro (TX)
Chu
Cicilline
Clarke
Clay
Cleaver
Clyburn
Cohen
Connolly
Conyers
Cooper
Costa
Courtney
Crowley
Cuellar
Cummings
Davis (CA)
Davis, Danny
DeFazio
DeGette
Delaney
DeLauro
DelBene
Deutch
Dingell
Doggett
Doyle
Duckworth
Edwards
Ellison
Engel
Enyart
Eshoo
Esty
Farr
Fattah
Foster
Frankel (FL)
Fudge
Gabbard
Gallego
Garcia
Grayson
Green, Al
Green, Gene
Gutierrez
Hahn
Hanabusa
Hastings (FL)
Heck (WA)
Higgins
Himes
Hinojosa
Hoyer
Israel
Jackson Lee
Jeffries
Johnson (GA)
Johnson, E. B.
Kaptur
Keating
Kelly (IL)
Kennedy
Kildee
Kilmer
Kind
Kirkpatrick
Kuster
Larsen (WA)
Larson (CT)
Lee (CA)
Levin
Lipinski
Loebsack
Lofgren
Lowenthal
Lowey
Lujan Grisham (NM)
Lujan, Ben Ray (NM)
Lynch
Maffei
Maloney, Carolyn
Maloney, Sean
Matheson
Matsui
McCollum
McDermott
McGovern
McIntyre
McNerney
Meeks
Meng
Michaud
Miller, George
Moore
Moran
Nadler
Napolitano
Neal
Nolan
O'Rourke
Owens
Pallone
Pascrell
Pastor (AZ)
Payne
Pelosi
Perlmutter
Peters (CA)
Peters (MI)
Peterson
Pocan
Price (NC)
Quigley
Rahall
Rangel
Richmond
Roybal-Allard
Ruppersberger
Rush
Ryan (OH)
Sanchez, Linda T.
Sanchez, Loretta
Sarbanes
Schakowsky
Schiff
Schneider
Schwartz
Scott (VA)
Scott, David
Serrano
Sewell (AL)
Shea-Porter
Sherman
Sinema
Sires
Slaughter
Speier
Swalwell (CA)
Takano
Thompson (CA)
Thompson (MS)
Tierney
Titus
Tonko
Tsongas
Vargas
Veasey
Vela
Velazquez
Visclosky
Walz
Wasserman Schultz
Waters
Watt
Waxman
Welch
Wilson (FL)
Yarmuth
NOT VOTING--32
Bera (CA)
Braley (IA)
Broun (GA)
Campbell
Diaz-Balart
Gingrey (GA)
Gohmert
Graves (GA)
Grijalva
Holt
Honda
Horsford
Huffman
Hunter
Langevin
Lewis
Markey
McCarthy (NY)
McCaul
McKeon
Murphy (FL)
Negrete McLeod
Pingree (ME)
Polis
Rogers (MI)
Ruiz
Schock
Schweikert
Shimkus
Smith (WA)
Stewart
Van Hollen
{time} 1452
Mr. GUTIERREZ changed his vote from ``aye'' to ``no.''
Mr. PALAZZO changed his vote from ``no'' to ``aye.''
So the motion to table was agreed to.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Stated against:
Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 351, had I been
present, I would have voted ``no.''
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise for an inquiry of my colleague, the
ranking member.
Does the gentleman need sufficient time to close?
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman, it would be helpful to me if you could
yield me 2 minutes. You may not like what I have to say.
Mr. LUCAS. In the spirit of comity, I yield to my ranking member 2
minutes for his use.
Mr. PETERSON. I thank the chairman, and I thank him for his
leadership through this process.
America's two largest farm organizations, the American Farm Bureau
and the National Farmers Union, which don't often agree, both asked us
to oppose this bill. I will submit their letters for the Record.
American Farm Bureau Federation,
Washington, DC, July 11, 2013.
House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Representatives: The American Farm Bureau Federation
is our nation's largest general farm organization,
representing more than 6 million member families in all 50
states and Puerto Rico. Our members represent the grassroots
farmers and ranchers who produce the wide range of food and
fiber crops for our customers here and around the world. To
achieve this, farmers and ranchers depend on the variety of
programs such as risk management, conservation, credit and
rural development contained in H.R. 2642 that is scheduled to
be voted on by the full House today.
Last night the House Rules Committee approved the rule for
considering H.R. 2642, which also includes separating the
nutrition title from the remaining provisions of H.R. 1947, a
complete farm bill that was reported out of the House
Agriculture Committee by a 36-10 bipartisan vote.
We are very disappointed in this action. The ``marriage''
between the nutrition and farm communities and our
constituents in developing and adopting comprehensive farm
legislation has been an effective, balanced arrangement for
decades that has worked to ensure all Americans and the
nation benefits. In spite of reports to the contrary, this
broad food and farm coalition continues to hold strong
against partisan politics. In fact, last week, more than 530
groups representing the farm, conservation, credit, rural
development and forestry industries urged the House to not
split the bill. Similar communications were relayed from the
nutrition
[[Page H4468]]
community. Yet today, in spite of the broad-based bipartisan
support for keeping the farm bill intact, you will vote on an
approach that seeks to affect a divorce of this longstanding
partnership. It is frustrating to our members that this broad
coalition of support for passage of a complete farm bill
appears to have been pushed aside in favor of interests that
have no real stake in this farm bill, the economic vitality
and jobs agriculture provides or the customers farmers and
ranchers serve.
We are quite concerned that without a workable nutrition
title, it will prove to be nearly impossible to adopt a bill
that can be successfully conferenced with the Senate's
version, approved by both the House and Senate and signed by
the President.
We are also very much opposed to the repeal of permanent
law contained in H.R. 2642. This provision received
absolutely no discussion in any of the process leading up to
the passage of the bill out of either the House or Senate
Agriculture Committees. To replace permanent law governing
agricultural programs without hearing from so much as a
single witness on what that law should be replaced with is
not how good policy is developed.
As recently as last December, the threat of reverting to
permanent law was the critical element that forced Congress
to pass an extension of the current farm bill when it proved
impossible to complete action on the new five-year farm
bill--an action that not only provided important safety net
programs for this year, it ensured Congress would have time
this year to consider comprehensive reforms that contribute
billions to deficit reduction.
We urge you to oppose the rule as well to vote against
final passage of this attempt to split the farm bill and end
permanent law provisions for agriculture.
Sincerely,
Bob Stallman,
President.
____
July 11, 2013.
House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Members of Congress: National Farmers Union (NFU),
strongly urges you to vote against the rule and final passage
of H.R. 2642, a bill that divorces the nutrition title from
the rest of the farm bill and repeals permanent law.
The two largest general farm organizations in the country
have spoken out multiple times in opposition to separating
nutrition programs from the farm bill. Splitting the bill is
a shortsighted strategy that would effectively undermine the
long-standing bipartisan coalition of rural and urban members
that have traditionally supported passage of a unified bill.
We are also very concerned that including a provision that
would repeal permanent law did not receive any outside
scrutiny or ability to weigh in through hearings. Repealing
permanent law would remove the element in the bill which
would force Congress to act on a piece of legislation that
provides a safety net for farmers, ranchers, the food
insecure and protects our nation's natural resources.
Last week, NFU led a coalition of 531 other organizations
in writing a letter calling for the House of Representatives
not to split the bill. This broad-based coalition, composed
of agriculture, conservation, rural development, finance,
forestry, energy and crop insurance companies and
organizations is now being undermined by extreme partisan
political organizations that do not represent constituents
affected by the farm bill.
Thank you for your consideration of this letter. We urge
you to vote against the rule and final passage of H.R. 2642
and encourage leadership to bring a unified bill to the floor
as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Roger Johnson,
President.
Mr. PETERSON. The idea of splitting this bill is a brainchild of the
conservative groups like Club for Growth, Americans for Prosperity and
Heritage Action. Ironically, now that they have split the bill, they
don't support it. I will submit their letters and statements in the
Record.
Key Vote Alert
The House ``Farm-Only'' Bill (HR )
The Club for Growth strongly opposes the ``Farm-Only'' bill
and urges all House members to oppose it. We believe floor
consideration of the bill could happen as early as this week.
The vote on final passage will be included in the Club's 2013
Congressional Scorecard.
Breaking up the unholy alliance between agricultural policy
and the food stamp program within the traditional farm bill
is an excellent decision on behalf of House leadership.
However, the whole purpose of splitting up the bill is to
enact true reform that reduces the size and scope of
government. Sadly, this ``farm-only'' bill does not do that,
especially under an anticipated closed rule. It is still
loaded down with market-distorting giveaways to special
interests with no path established to remove the government's
involvement in the agriculture industry.
Worse, we highly suspect that this whole process is a
``rope-a-dope'' exercise. We think House leadership is
splitting up the farm bill only as a means to get to
conference with the Senate where a bicameral backroom deal
will reassemble the commodity and food stamp titles, leaving
us back where we started. Unless our suspicions are proven
unwarranted, we will continue to oppose this bill.
Our Congressional Scorecard for the 113th Congress provides
a comprehensive rating of how well or how poorly each member
of Congress supports pro-growth, free-market policies and
will be distributed to our members and to the public.
____
``NO'' on Permanent Farm Bill
(July 11, 2013)
Today, the House will vote on the Federal Agriculture
Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (H.R. 2642). Although
the bill does not contain the $750 billion in food stamp
spending like the previous FARRM Act, it does nothing to make
``meaningful reforms'' to America's farm policy. Even worse,
the bill would make permanent farm policies--like the sugar
program--that harm consumers and taxpayers alike.
While many realize the bill would repeal the 1938 and 1949
permanent farm law, few realize it would also create new
permanent law--the commodities title in H.R. 2642 would
become permanent. As a result, lawmakers would not have a
built in check, in the form of a reauthorization, in the
years ahead.
Instead, market-distorting programs would continue
indefinitely, like the government-imposed tariffs on sugar
imports and quotas on domestic sugar production, which cause
Americans to pay two to four times higher prices for sugar
than consumers in other countries.
The new, untested and expensive crop insurance provisions
would become permanent, undermining the effectiveness of the
Foxx Amendment, which would have capped the costs of these
new programs at 110 percent of the Congressional Budget
Office's estimates until the year 2020.
And as Heritage Action explained during the initial debate:
The ``shallow loss'' program would protect farmers from
virtually all risk. Taxpayers are on the hook to cover even
small risks for farmers, eliminating competitive challenges
that drive innovation. Finally, the bill includes a reference
price program that would designate certain standard prices
for commodities; if actual prices are different, taxpayers
make up for the difference. The Congressional Budget Office
estimate for the Senate's Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC)
program--the counterpart to the House's Revenue Loss Coverage
(RLC)--is based on farmers' record high incomes. If prices
decline toward historical levels, taxpayers will be on the
hook.
Finally, farmers are currently carrying far less debt
compared to their very strong assets. Net farm income is
expected to reach ``a remarkable $128.2 billion this year--
the highest level since 1973,'' making the aforementioned
farm programs all but insanity. The ``farm'' bill means more
expenses for taxpayers and higher costs for consumers. It
means more unnecessary government dependence for wealthy
farmers and food stamp recipients.
The reason Congress should end the unholy alliance that has
dominated the food stamp and farm bill for decades is to
allow an open and substantive debate on the issues. By doing
so, the House could show its conservative values. As top-
ranking House Republicans acknowledged last night in the
Rules Committee, this is nothing more than a mechanism to get
to a conference committee with the Senate.
Heritage Action opposes H.R. 2642 and will include it as a
key vote on our legislative scorecard.
____
July 9, 2013.
Open Letter to Speaker Boehner: Ensure Open Process on ``Farm-Only''
Farm Bill!
Dear Speaker Boehner, On behalf of the millions of members
and supporters of the undersigned organizations, we write to
commend you for separating the agriculture and nutrition
portions of the farm bill and for moving to repeal archaic
language that reverts back to 1949 law in the absence of
Congressional action. However, we are deeply concerned by
reports that agriculture legislation will move in the coming
days under a closed rule that will prevent any amendments
from being heard.
The purpose of splitting the agriculture and nutrition
pieces was to change the political dynamics that conspire to
prevent true reform. If the House pushes through agriculture-
only language taken directly from the combined bill that
failed on the floor last month without amendment, it will not
only fail to champ those dynamics, it will actively preserve
them.
In doing so, the Republican-controlled House would be
advancing an agriculture bill that is substantially worse on
policy grounds than the legislation produced by the Democrat-
controlled Senate. For example, the House language includes
no means-testing whatsoever for crop insurance while the
Senate reduced subsidies for those with incomes over
$750,000. In addition, the so-called ``shallow loss''
programs in the House bill are poorly structured and likely
to cost dramatically more than official estimates.
We urge you to live up to your commitments to robust debate
by ensuring that any agriculture or nutrition bill is
considered in an open process. A closed rule on farm
legislation would run counter to those commitments and
produce bad policy.
Sincerely,
Andrew Moylan, R Street Institute; Phil Kerpen, American
Commitment; Al
[[Page H4469]]
Cardenas, American Conservative Union; James Valvo,
Americans for Prosperity; Grover Norquist, Americans
for Tax Reform; John Tate, Campaign for Liberty; Jeff
Mazzella, Center for Individual Freedom; Chris Chocola,
Club for Growth; Iain Murray, Competitive Enterprise
Institute; Rob Sisson, ConservAmerica; Mattie Duppler,
Cost of Government Center.
Tom Schatz, Council for Citizens Against Government
Waste; Matt Kibbe, FreedomWorks; Michael A. Needham,
Heritage Action for America; Baylen J. Linnekin, Keep
Food Legal; Colin Hanna, Let Freedom Ring; Duane Parde,
National Taxpayers Union; William L. Walton,
Rappahannock Ventures; Ryan Alexander, Taxpayers for
Common Sense; David Williams, Taxpayers Protection
Alliance; Becky Norton Dunlop, Former Secretary of
Natural Resources, Virginia.
____
R Street,
Washington, DC, July 12, 2013.
An Open Letter to the House of Representatives: Farm Bill Is Bad
Process, Worse Policy
Dear Representative, On behalf of the R Street Institute, I
write today to urge your opposition to H.R. 2642, the Federal
Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act (FARRM Act).
Better known as the ``Farm Bill,'' this flawed and expensive
legislation comes before the chamber after being separated
from the nutrition assistance provisions. However, rather
than utilizing this clean slate as an opportunity to secure
long-overdue reforms to farm subsidies, this bill is being
shielded from any amendment that could trim its cost or
improve its operation.
As a free market think tank that seeks lower costs for
taxpayers, more accountability, and fewer incentives to
damage the environment, R Street is appalled by this
legislation and the process by which it is being advanced.
This legislation's purported agriculture savings amount to $1
billion less than those found in the Senate's farm programs.
They amount to $18 billion less than proposed in the Ryan
budget which passed with the nearly unanimous support of 221
Republicans. They even fall short of the agriculture subsidy
reductions included in President Obama's budget request by
$25 billion. Furthermore, $7 of every $10 in claimed savings
occurs after a new farm bill will presumably have passed.
In addition, the bill contains enormous structural
problems. Its expanded crop insurance program includes no
limits or caps whatsoever, allowing wealthy agribusinesses to
rake in billions in subsidies. The ``reference prices'' for
commodity crops are set at near-record highs, thus ensuring
that even modest drops from current peaks will trigger huge
payments. Common sense provisions like conservation
compliance are not attached to crop insurance to prevent
taxpayers from subsidizing farming on risky or sensitive
lands. Distortionary subsidies and restrictions for both
sugar and dairy products remain. All of this in a package
that effectively makes its expensive commodity title into
permanent law.
The House should be allowed to debate and modify these
provisions, but the rushed process has shut off any such
possibility. The result of this bad process is that the
chamber has before it a bloated bill that is unworthy of the
conservative principles that we share with House leaders. We
urge all Members to oppose H.R. 2642, the FARRM Act, and
instead work to craft a credible reform package that heeds
the bipartisan consensus to trim agriculture subsidies once
and for all.
Sincerely,
Andrew Moylan,
Senior Fellow and Outreach Director
R Street Institute.
____
Taxpayers for Commonsense
Washington, DC, July 11, 2013.
Oppose AG-only Farm Bill: Changes Make Subsidies Permanent; Spends More
Than Senate Bill
Dear Representative: Taxpayers for Common Sense urges you
to oppose H.R. 2642, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk
Management Act of 2013 or FARRM, and H. Res. 295, the rule
providing for its debate. Not only does this bill save less
money than comparable sections in the Democrat-controlled
Senate-passed bill but it also seeks to lock in record
commodity prices and farm income as the new business as usual
farm policy. While the bill repeals permanent law, the new
version strips out the 2018 sunset provisions contained in
the previous version making the subsidy ridden 2013 bill
permanent law. While we support splitting the Farm Bill up,
leadership aides and agriculture centric lawmakers have made
it clear that passing this bill is a step to get to
conference and re-combine the agriculture and nutrition
titles.
We have found significant changes that were made to this
legislation, however lawmakers were allowed less than 12
hours to review changes made to the Farm Bill that was voted
down in the House less than a month ago. Any and all attempts
to amend or debate reforms to this $196 billion legislation
were shot down. To deny amendments and reforms would make
bifurcation virtually meaningless. Both the agriculture and
nutrition ``bills'' must be open to robust debate to allow
reforms to be considered.
With a $16.8 trillion national debt, our country simply
cannot afford to continue sending checks to agribusinesses
regardless of the state of the farm economy, crop prices, or
whether or not producers even need or want government
subsidies. H.R. 2642 would spend $1 billion more than
comparable sections in the Senate-passed bill, increase FY14
spending by $1.34 billion above the current baseline. and
only save $3.9 billion over the life of the actual bill
(FY14-18) with the rest ($9 billion) occurring after this
farm bill expires in FY18. In addition, it would spend
drastically more than either the comparable portions of the
President's FY14 budget request or Rep. Paul Ryan's FY14
budget (which called for $38 billion and $31 billion in
savings, respectively). A Congressional Budget Office score
hasn't even been posted yet.
Compared to the bill being voted on today, a summary of
changes made to the bill that failed 195-234 less than a
month ago include the following:
No nutrition assistance. While we urged lawmakers to debate
the farm bill on its own merits and break the Ag-Urban unholy
alliance that logrolled over attempts to reform both
programs, there is no indication that a nutrition-only bill
will ever receive a vote on the House floor. Therefore, this
cynical procedural move is simply a green light to get to
conference with the Senate. As Rep. Roe (R-TN) recently said,
``We'll take the farm bill and the food stamp bill and
separate those two. Vote both of those and send them to the
Senate. And then it'll come back as one bill in a conference
and we'll hopefully get something.''
Repeal permanent law but replace It with the 2013 farm bill
law: Instead of reverting to outdated allotments and quotas,
now farm policy will revert to 2013 farm bill law. This will
ensure profitable agribusinesses receive unlimited crop
insurance subsidies, higher government-set target prices,
profit margin guarantees for dairy, market distorting sugar
subsidies, and new income guarantee entitlements that lock in
record farm income for perpetuity.
This agriculture-only farm bill is the opposite of reform.
It would also:
Exclude all common sense steps toward right-sizing the
federally subsidized crop insurance program--which cost
taxpayers an estimated record $14 billion in FY12--and
actually increase spending by $9 billion. No means testing to
exclude millionaire businessmen, no limit on subsidies, zero
cuts to insurance company delivery subsidies, no transparency
on who is benefiting from taxpayer spending, and no future
opportunity for taxpayers to save money by renegotiating crop
insurance industry subsidies.
Continue direct payments for cotton for two additional
years.
Create an array of new special interest carve-outs for
pennycress, biomass sorghum, peanuts, catfish, among others
Again, we encourage you to oppose H.R. 2642 and H. Res.
295, the agriculture-only farm bill and the rule governing
its debate. We urge you to go back to the drawing board and
devise a more fiscally responsible solution that saves at
least $100 billion and enacts a more cost-effective,
accountable, transparent, and responsive farm safety net.
Sincerely,
Ryan Alexander,
President.
Mr. PETERSON. You know, I spent 4 years working on dairy policy, and
I lost a vote on the floor here on that dairy policy. That was not an
easy thing for me to swallow. In spite of that, I was going to vote for
the bill, and I did vote for the bill. What I don't get is that you
guys over there have people that have put amendments on this bill, that
were successful in amending this bill, and then they vote against it. I
don't get how we're going to get a bill done in this place when you've
got that kind of a situation going on.
I'll say this: We're willing, in spite of everything that's happened,
to try to work this out somehow or another through this process. I'm
not sure how it's going to work, I'm not sure if you've got the votes,
where we're going to end up. But we have stood ready to work with you.
I think you know that, Mr. Chairman. I believe we had the votes to get
this done if we would have just taken that Southerland amendment out,
but it didn't happen.
So let's finish this up and move ahead. You know, I had the first
hearing on this when I was chairman on April 21, 2010, and I am sick
and tired of working on this bill. So let's get this thing over with.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman is reminded to address the
remarks to the Chair and not to other Members of the body.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time I have
remaining?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Oklahoma has 16 minutes
remaining.
Mr. LUCAS. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
[[Page H4470]]
Mr. Speaker, colleagues, I stand before you again to discuss a farm
bill. It has not been that many days ago since we did this very thing.
On that particular day, it was my hope that the bill put forth on the
floor--after 100 amendments, approximately, in committee, after 100
amendments essentially being filed and mostly considered on the floor
of the House--that we would have a product we could all support. But on
that day, a sufficient number of my friends from both sides of the
aisle, from different political perspectives, united together to say
no.
Now, I chair the committee of primary jurisdiction on this. I'm a
member of the majority. My good friend was my coauthor on the bill. But
I take responsibility. That was my chin that got bopped, and maybe it
needed it. But I take that responsibility.
But I am a practical guy. I sat down and I had conversations with as
many of you as possible and reached out to everyone I could possibly
reach out to, and I came to the realization that I had to think outside
the box. Because, after all, what's the most important responsibility
here? To get our work done in a dignified, orderly fashion, to consider
the opinions of everyone--yes, protect the right of the political
minority, whoever that may be, in whichever session of Congress that
may be--but still, for the majority of the body to decide the actions
of this House. And yes, on that day, the majority of you decided no
action was the response.
So now I come back asking you again to consider a bill. Eleven of the
12 titles we debated and discussed and rumbled and argued and cheered
about 2 weeks ago, 11 of those titles. Yes, some of you saw it in
committee; yes, the rest of you saw it on the floor.
Now, there is one change, and that is going from 1938, 1949 permanent
law over to making whatever the ultimate product of this farm bill
process this year is the permanent law.
{time} 1500
Let me say to you, think about what the '38 and '49 law is all about.
Franklin Roosevelt was President in 1938; Harry Truman was President in
1949. That's been a long time ago. The principles of the bill entail
supply and management, allotments, quotas, production history
limitations, prices based on parity from 1910 to 1913. Wasn't Taft
President back then? It is not workable language.
I know many of you said, that's the hammer with which we force things
to happen. Well, the hammer hasn't worked very well in the last 2
years, has it? It is time to move past that old paradigm, to craft
good, agricultural policy for rural America for the consumers out there
and make it the permanent law. And, yes, we can pass the new farm bill
in 5 years if we want or sooner, but everything will be up to debate,
discussion, and voting.
Now, what about title IX that was in the previous bill that's not in
the bill today dealing with nutrition? It became quite clear to me not
many days ago that that was the most complicated part of the process.
It was an area where while the committee had by majority vote agreed to
make very fundamental changes saving to the tune of $20.5 billion in
mandatory spending, it became quite clear to me that a number of my
friends in all sincerity felt it was far too draconian, far too
extreme; and I accept that.
By the same token, I had a substantial number of my colleagues who
said, oh, my goodness, why couldn't you do more, we demand more; and I
couldn't reconcile those two perspectives in this comprehensive bill in
this traditional way.
So what's the alternative? I ask you today to vote for a farm bill
farm bill. What an amazing concept. All of you who represent farmers
and ranches, the men and women who raise the food and fiber, who get
things done in this country, when you go talk to them, they say, why
didn't we do that all along.
But the nutrition title, let me give you my personal pledge. The
committee will work in as bipartisan a fashion as I hope we have
traditionally always have to craft language.
My only problem is, having dealt with this issue already, I can't
guarantee you what the product will look like coming out of committee
or coming across the floor. I can't guarantee that.
But I can assure you that in the committee it will be a fair and open
process. I can assure you that you will be able to state your will on
this floor.
Hopefully, if 218 of us can agree on a nutrition title, then the two
bills can hopefully be wedded, matched--a conference is the more
appropriate phrase to say--with the work of our friends over in the
Senate and we will ultimately have a product. I just can't give you the
kind of guarantees you need because I have to have 218 of you agree on
anything. But I can give you my commitment to work in that direction.
I know there are some very grave concerns. What if we don't succeed
in passing a nutrition title? What if the Senate says that is your
fault, United States House?
I would remind you that SNAP's programs are an appropriated
entitlement. That means the issues can be addressed in the
appropriations process. That has occurred before. No one ever went
without a benefit that they qualified for.
But I would also say to all my friends who care so intensely from
every perspective about this bill, that doesn't guarantee you that you
will get what you want, any of you. It just means that if we are not
able to address nutrition through the regular authorizing process, our
friends on the Appropriations Committee, the Ag Subcommittee of
Appropriations, in particular, now become the front-line discussion.
But once again, the House will work its will through the committee
process and across the floor.
If you see a common thread here, it is that I have amazing amounts of
faith in you. In spite of the challenges that outside groups from all
political perspectives present, in spite of the diversity of opinion
within elected leadership on both sides of the aisle--I know you are
fond of me because of the way you've been treating me, all of you,
lately--but in spite of those actions, my friends, and because you have
a responsibility to your constituents as Members and to our fellow
citizens in the country as a whole, I respect what you think.
I would simply conclude by saying, in the situation we are in right
now, this I believe very sincerely is the most appropriate way to pass
a bill that entails 20 percent of traditional farm bill spending. I
commit to you that we will work on that second piece as hard and as
diligently as we can. But please, after all the good faith and
discussions in the spirit of comity, civility, and the nature of making
this place work, I ask you to pass the farm bill farm bill so I can
begin to work on the nutrition part of the farm bill next.
Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman has 8 minutes remaining.
Mr. LUCAS. I love all of you. I yield back whatever time I have to
show it.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time for debate has expired.
Pursuant to House Resolution 295, the previous question is ordered on
the bill.
The question is on the engrossment and third reading of the bill.
The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, and was
read the third time.
Motion to Recommit
Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the gentlewoman opposed to the bill?
Ms. ESTY. I am opposed to the bill in its current form.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will report the motion to
recommit.
The Clerk read as follows:
Ms. Esty moves to recommit the bill, H.R. 2642, to the
Committee on Agriculture with instructions to report the same
back to the House forthwith with the following amendment:
At the end of title XI, add the following new subtitle:
Subtitle E--Food Safety
SEC. 11501. PROTECTING SAFE FOOD FOR AMERICAN CONSUMERS.
(a) Meat Products.--Section 20 of the Federal Meat
Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 620) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (g) the following new
subsection:
``(h) The Secretary shall annually conduct an on-site audit
of the food regulatory system of each country that is
eligible to export carcasses, parts of carcasses, meat, or
meat food products to the United States.''.
(b) Poultry Products.--Section 17 of the Poultry Products
Inspection Act (21 U.S.C.
[[Page H4471]]
466) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(e) The Secretary shall annually conduct an on-site audit
of the food regulatory system of each country that is
eligible to export poultry or parts or products of poultry to
the United States.''.
(c) Egg Products.--Section 17 of the Egg Products
Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1046) is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(e) The Secretary shall annually conduct an on-site audit
of the food regulatory system of each country that is
eligible to export eggs or egg products to the United
States.''.
(d) Funding Transfer Authority for Food Safety
Emergencies.--If the Secretary of Agriculture determines that
there is a food safety emergency, the Secretary of
Agriculture may transfer funds from any program, project, or
activity of the Department of Agriculture to the Food Safety
and Inspection Service to respond to such food safety
emergency.
Ms. ESTY (during the reading). Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent
to dispense with the reading.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Connecticut?
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from Connecticut is
recognized for 5 minutes.
Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill which
will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, it
will simply and immediately be amended.
The farm bill traditionally has been a risk-management tool for our
country. It has reduced risk from price and weather disruptions or
disasters for producers like dairy farmers in my district.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, can I reserve a point of order?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman's reservation is not timely.
The gentlewoman from Connecticut is recognized.
Ms. ESTY. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It has reduced risk for all consumers through ensuring the plentiful,
wholesome, safe, and affordable food supply, with the backstop for SNAP
benefits for the most needy--for those who cannot afford to hire
lobbyists.
Like some of our colleagues have inquired earlier, I too thought that
SNAP's exclusion was so incredibly glaring that it had to be a drafting
error. After all, how can we ignore the 16 million American children--
including 34,000 in my district--lacking basic food security?
Unfortunately, today, we are breaking that risk-management tool into
pieces and, as a result, the risk for far too many will rise. The
increased risk will fall most heavily on consumers.
For many children, disabled, and elderly--who comprise almost 60
percent of SNAP beneficiaries--and for working families receiving SNAP
benefits, their risk of food insecurity will rise.
Additionally, as more people look for more sources and varieties of
food, we are importing record amounts of food from around the world.
Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more food safety outbreaks that
are linked to an enormous variety of foods from sources worldwide. One
needs to look no further than the current and ongoing Hepatitis A
outbreak that has been linked to imported pomegranate seeds. Over 140
people have been sickened by this outbreak in eight States, including
Wisconsin, Nevada, and California. And we are seeing recently the
largest U.S.-owned meat company being bought by a Chinese company.
With industry ownership moving into the hands of foreign companies,
how can we ensure food safety in the United States? As a mom, I know
how critically important food safety is for our children's long-term
health. Mothers in every one of our districts are watching our actions
and hoping that we will help keep their children safe, whether at
school or at home.
Congress must do all it can to ensure that the food being imported is
as safe as the food produced in our country by hardworking Americans.
The Federal Government has a vital role in ensuring that our food
supply is safe. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service recently
announced that it has reduced the number of on-site audits that it
conducts in foreign countries to ensure that their food safety systems
meet our standards. These used to be conducted annually, and now
they've been reduced to only once every 3 years.
At a time when food imports are increasing, FSIS is doing less to
ensure that exporting countries are keeping food safe. We have a
responsibility to correct this trend and this motion to recommit would
do just that.
My final amendment addresses two food safety issues:
First, it directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct annual, on-
site audits of the food safety systems of countries that export meat,
poultry, and egg products to the United States.
Second, it authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to move funds from
other programs within USDA to the Food Safety and Inspection Service in
order to better respond to food safety emergencies.
I wish I could have circulated this final amendment to my colleagues
to read and review ahead of time, but unfortunately we received the
600-page bill last night.
I urge my colleagues to support increased food safety and support
this final amendment to the farm bill.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion to
recommit.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Oklahoma is recognized
for 5 minutes.
Mr. LUCAS. What can I say, my friends. We've covered a lot of ground,
we discussed a lot of things, we pumped a lot of adrenaline, we focused
on a lot of issues. I would simply say to you, today is towards a
conclusion and because I'm so very fond of all of you, I simply ask you
to reject this motion to recommit, pass the bill, and go home to your
families.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. SCHWEIKERT. Mr. Speaker, due to a family funeral, I was unable to
vote on today's ``FARRM Bill'' legislation. However, I want the record
to show my strong opposition to the bill that was passed by the House.
Despite the fact the welfare portion of the bill, in the form of
SNAP, was separated; the bill that made its way to the Floor was rife
with a permanent entitlement system in the form of farm policy.
If this bill becomes law, there will be no incentive for our friends
in the agriculture community to pass another farm bill for the next 30
years because Washington, in one fell swoop, pegged prices at all time
highs.
Further, under this bill, shallow-loss programs and wholly uncapped
crop insurance have become a permanent backstop.
We had an opportunity to shrink government and chose instead to
continue down a path of unending subsides and market distortions.
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the House
Republican revised farm bill.
The bill before us should not be referred to as a farm bill. Farm
bills have traditionally tried to address challenges facing all of
American agriculture including nutrition and hunger issues.
This legislation removes the Nutrition title from the farm bill,
which includes the programs that help improve nutrition and fight
hunger. Consequently, the bill before us is nothing more than an
attempt by House Republicans to undermine the safety net provided to
low-income Americans struggling to put food on their table.
It is unconscionable that Republican leadership has removed the
Nutrition title from the farm bill and are using food as a political
tool.
Despite what economists have been reporting, our economy is still in
a recession for a significant number of Americans and we still have a
poverty crisis in this country.
In 2011, there were 46.2 million people in poverty. 16.1 million
children are living in poverty. Children under the age of 18 have the
highest poverty rate in the United States.
More than 3.6 million seniors are living in poverty. Women over the
age of 85 have the second highest poverty rate in the country.
Families and individuals living in poverty often rely on the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help put food on
the table.
By removing SNAP from the farm bill, millions of Americans including
many children and seniors will go hungry. This should not happen in the
richest country on the planet.
While SNAP is the largest portion of the Nutrition title, there are
other programs in the Nutrition title that are vital in combating
hunger that will essentially cease to exist as a result of House
Republicans.
I want to mention one of those programs, the Seniors Farmers Market
Nutrition Program. This important program helps low-income seniors
purchase fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits and vegetables at
farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture
programs.
There were nearly 5 million seniors in 2011 that were food insecure.
That means 1 in 12
[[Page H4472]]
seniors had trouble putting food on their plates in the United States.
I find that completely unacceptable and no senior citizen should have
to worry where his or her next meal will come from.
Given the damage that sequestration is doing to Meals on Wheels and
other senior assistance programs, House Republicans should be ashamed
for trying to take food away from our senior citizens.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing the House
Republican half-hearted farm bill.
Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, this bill is another example of House
Republicans' misplaced priorities. Instead of addressing food
insecurity in our country, this bill completely omits nutrition
assistance funding and instead provides millions of dollars in
subsidies to the nation's largest corporate farms. SNAP is a life line
for millions of families who suffer from chronic hunger. With one in
four children in the United States at risk of going hungry, including
170,000 school children in Southern Nevada, it is not only
irresponsible, it is morally unacceptable to exclude SNAP funding from
the Farm Bill. That is why I voted against this legislation, and why I
have introduced the Weekends Without Hunger Act. My bill fills a
critical need in our community by providing a nutritious meal to
students who would not otherwise have access to food on weekends and
during school breaks. I will continue to advocate on behalf of our
communities to ensure they have the resources they need to root out the
causes of hunger and build strategies to eliminate food insecurity.
Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this
latest version of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management
Act of 2013.
This deeply flawed and misguided legislation comes before the chamber
after a last minute decision by the Republican leadership to separate
the nutrition assistance programs, which are a cornerstone of our
Nation's food safety net, from the rest of the complete Farm Bill.
Our nation's nutrition programs, which benefit millions of Americans,
in every district, and every state, across this great nation, should
not be left behind as the rest of the Farm Bill advances. Failure to
find a reasonable compromise to ensure that hardworking Americans are
not left hungry is not a reason to advance agricultural subsidies.
H.R. 2642 expands unlimited crop insurance subsidies, increases price
guarantees for major crops, and locks in these unprecedented giveaways
by making the new farm bill permanent law and taking the future of
agricultural programs out of the hands of policymakers.
At the same time, the bill guts protections of wetlands, prairies and
forests, eviscerates regulation of pesticides under the Clean Water
Act, and limits the ability of states to set standards for farm and
food production.
This bill is bad procedure and bad policy. I urge my colleagues to
vote no on the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of
2013.
Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Lucas
and Ranking Member Peterson for their work on this bill. There are some
good ideas in here, and we should act on them. Now, I still have
serious concerns with this bill. But I'm hopeful that a conference
agreement will address these concerns.
Here's what this bill gets right: In some areas, it cuts wasteful
spending. It eliminates direct payments. And it consolidates
duplicative programs. I want to commend the chairman and the members of
the Agriculture Committee for proposing these reforms. These reforms
don't go far enough, but I'm hopeful that a conference agreement will
limit crop-insurance subsidies to small farmers. We should impose a
limitation on the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for those receiving crop-
insurance subsidies, and I have been given assurances that the House
will be able to speak on this issue. I will consider supporting a
conference agreement only if it includes an AGI limitation or
equivalent reforms.
I will say there's been noticeable improvement in this bill: First,
it encourages real reform to our commodity programs. In the past,
agricultural interests used the threat of skyrocketing costs under
``permanent law'' to push status quo farm bills through Congress. By
eliminating this arbitrary threat, we can continue to reform these
programs under a more deliberative process. Second, this bill considers
farm programs on their own merits. For far too long, Congress has
considered agricultural programs and nutrition programs in conjunction.
Both of these programs need to be reformed, and we should evaluate each
of them separately--and on their own merits.
I continue to believe we should have a safety net for our farmers. We
should help the little guy--the family farm that's in need. We need
these AGI limitations to maintain a safety net for small farmers and to
ensure that large agribusinesses do not continue to receive taxpayer
support.
I want to commend Chairman Lucas for bringing good ideas to the
table. I continue to have concerns about this bill, but am hopeful that
a conference agreement can improve it. And if a conference agreement
does not improve it, I will vote no on that agreement. I will support
the passage of this bill--and will look forward to seeing the changes
made in a conference agreement.
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this
bill. By stripping out the nutrition portion of this legislation, the
Republican Majority is showing their disdain for those people who are
struggling to make ends meet, and trying to put good nutritious food on
the table for their children.
This Republican Leadership is the most partisan in the history of the
House. By taking bipartisan legislation like the Farm Bill, which helps
all Americans, they have made it a divisive issue.
Mitt Romney was right--you don't care about the 47 percent of
Americans who depend on the government for the basic necessities of
life--food and shelter.
The FARRM Bill needs to have all the sections included to genuinely
affect all aspects of food production. From those who eat to those who
produce. The family farmer produces the food for our table. The
recipient of government funding spends all of that funding on food.
Nothing is saved for later.
Farm bills represent a delicate balance between America's farm,
nutrition, conservation, and other priorities, and accordingly require
strong bipartisan support. It is vital for a broad coalition of
lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to provide certainty for urban
and rural America, the environment and our economy in general.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP as it's
called, protects over 46 million Americans who are at risk of going
without sufficient food. Nearly half of those are children.
The nutrition title of the FARRM bill includes SNAP. It includes the
Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program to help people
learn to eat healthier. Community Food Projects is a grant program for
eligible nonprofit organizations, in order to improve community access
to food. The Emergency Food Assistance Program, Commodity Supplemental
Food Program, Child Nutrition Programs, Farm-to-School Programs, Senior
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable
Program are all programs that both help low income consumers and the
farmers that produce what we put on our table.
Splitting the nutrition title from the rest of the bill could result
in neither farm nor nutrition programs passing.
I urge the leadership of the House of Representatives to move a
unified farm bill forward.
Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Federal
Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act, H.R. 2642.
Mr. Speaker, I refuse to vote for a FARM Bill that omits SNAP.
SNAP is America's first line of defense against hunger.
Its benefits improve nutrition, health, and increases the food-
purchasing power of low-income households.
To move forward with a FARM bill that does not include this funding
is a shameful abandonment of the most vulnerable people who live in our
country.
The program has wide-reaching effects for the individuals
participating in the program, their communities, and the entire nation.
My constituents have been clear.
Mothers have told me that without SNAP they cannot feed their
children.
Many seniors, disabled individuals and veterans have told me that
without SNAP, they will not eat.
How can we allow our children and those in need to starve?
How can we allow our seniors to go hungry?
I cannot and will not vote to harm our nation's most vulnerable.
I will not turn my back on low-income families, children, seniors and
the disabled.
I will not vote for a FARM bill that omits SNAP and threatens the
lives of American families, children and seniors.
Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 2642,
the ``Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013.''
Separating this bill from the nutrition provision, including SNAP, is a
foolish and immoral decision. The process that House Republicans chose
to bring this bill to the floor was egregious and a blatant violation
of this body's policy of giving Members and the public 72 hours to read
a bill. This bill denies Members the opportunity for robust debate and
to consider reform of farm policies. Many new provisions were inserted
in this bill late last night. Furthermore, passage of this bill would
undermine our efforts to assist vulnerable Americans, risk severe cuts
to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
[[Page H4473]]
(SNAP), and will allow outdated allotments and quotas under current
farm policy to become permanent law.
We are living at a time when low-income working families, senior
citizens and disabled veterans are struggling to put food on their
tables and children are attending school hungry--often leaving them
unable to concentrate. Having a bitter partisan fight on the House
floor opens the door to cuts to nutrition programs like the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Emergency Food
Assistance Program (TEFAP), the Commodity Supplemental Food Program
(CSFP) and Women, Infant and Children program (WIC), which will only
dramatically increase hunger in our country and drive even more people
to food banks. Until every American has access to a decent paying job,
American families should have the ability to feed their families.
Every major deficit reduction packaged signed into law over the last
thirty years has always been negotiated according to the principle of
not increasing poverty or inequality. That's why I will continue to
fight against cuts to the SNAP program and misguided efforts aimed at
breaking the urban-rural coalition that protected and strengthened this
program throughout our history. This bill fails our children and the
most vulnerable in our country. Investing in hunger relief is a
fiscally sound decision. It is a cost-effective and an investment in
our nation's future. I ask you to stand with me to protect the most
vulnerable and our most vital safety net in fighting hunger in America.
I encourage my colleagues to oppose the bill.
Mr. NOLAN. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today with the Ranking Member in
opposition to the split farm bill before us. Setting a closed rule on
this midnight-hour, backroom deal is not the way the American people
elected us to govern.
I am privileged to sit on the Agriculture Committee. During the
markup of the farm bill earlier this year, my colleagues and I
discussed and debated and deliberated for ten hours on every provision
of this bill.
That bill included critical reform of the dairy program,
reauthorization of the Rural Broadband program, as well as important
provisions for organic producers, beginning farmers and ranchers,
conservationists, and the forestry industry.
We reached a bipartisan consensus and 36 of us--myself included--cast
a vote in support of the legislation.
Then, on the floor, the legislation was systematically dismantled,
piece by piece, until it was barely recognizable as the same farm bill
that came out of committee. It was no surprise that this bill failed.
Rather than going back to committee to work on a better compromise,
we are here voting on a more-than-600 page bill that only became
available late last night.
This bill is even worse than the one that failed, and now the process
itself has been poisoned. The American people did not elect us to
conduct their business behind closed doors at midnight.
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago
Democrats and Republicans alike unilaterally rejected a bill that would
have cut $20.5 billion from our Nation's most important anti-hunger
program which touches nearly 1 out of 7 American's. Today, the
Republican Majority in the House of Representatives is considering H.R.
2642, a bill that is even more deeply flawed than before, which opts to
leave out programs that will protect those who are most in need
entirely.
In these tough budgetary times, the Republican majority should not
signal to their constituents that helping those most in need is no
longer a priority. In addition to leaving behind those who are most in
need, the bill being rushed to the floor today is under a closed rule,
with an amendment that eliminates the 1949 permanent farm law and
replaces it with the language of H.R. 2642. Additionally, this bill
makes permanent deep cuts to conservation programs, weakens protections
for our forests, wetlands and wildlife and guts regulation of
pesticides.
Congress first enacted the farm bill in response to the Great
Depression in order to foster growth in our Nation's economy and to
protect those who were most in need. Today, we are still recovering
from what some economists call, ``the Great Recession.'' We find
ourselves at a crossroads where we must decide how to manage our fiscal
priorities while still protecting those who were hardest hit by the
recent recession. President Eisenhower once said, ``Every gun that is
made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the
final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who
are cold and are not clothed.''
Mr. Speaker, historically funding for the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program, constitutes about 80 percent of the funding in a
Farm Bill. I have received letters from the two largest general farm
organizations in the country which have voiced opposition to separating
nutrition programs from the farm bill. Splitting this bill is a
shortsighted strategy which undermines the long-standing bipartisan
fashion in which urban and rural members unite to support this package.
Mr. Speaker, considering the serious flaws of this bill, I would
encourage all of my colleagues, both Democratic and Republican to vote
against this unconscionable package.
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the House
Republican revised ``half-a-loaf'' farm bill.
The bill before us should not be referred to as a farm bill. Farm
bills have traditionally tried to address challenges facing all of
American agriculture including nutrition and hunger issues.
This legislation removes the Nutrition title from the farm bill,
which includes the programs that help improve nutrition and fight
hunger. Consequently, the bill before us is nothing more than an
attempt by House Republicans to undermine the safety net provided to
nutrition-short Americans struggling to put food on their table.
It is unconscionable that Republican leadership has removed the
Nutrition title from the farm bill and are using food as a political
tool. Those political figures who extract food as a political weapon,
are not only morally compromised but dangerously destructive.
Despite what economists have been reporting, our economy is still in
a recession for a significant number of Americans. We have a poverty
crisis in this country. We have 12 million Americans unemployed or
underemployed.
In 2011, there were 46.2 million people in poverty. 16.1 million
children are living in poverty. Children under the age of 18 have the
highest poverty rate in the United States.
More than 3.6 million seniors are living in poverty. Women over the
age of 85 have the second highest poverty rate in our country.
Families and individuals living in poverty often rely on the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help put food on
the table.
By removing SNAP from the farm bill, millions of Americans including
many children and seniors will go hungry. This should not happen in the
richest country on the planet.
While SNAP is the largest portion of the Nutrition title, there are
other programs in the Nutrition title that are vital in combating
hunger that will essentially cease to exist as a result of House
Republicans.
I want to mention one of those programs, the Seniors Farmers Market
Nutrition Program. This important program helps low-income seniors
purchase fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits and vegetables at
farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture
programs.
There were nearly 5 million seniors in 2011 that were food insecure.
That means 1 in 12 seniors had trouble putting food on their plates in
the United States. I find that completely unacceptable. No senior
citizen should have to worry where his or her next meal will come from!
Given the damage that sequestration is doing to Meals on Wheels and
other senior assistance programs, House Republicans should be ashamed
for trying to take food away from our senior citizens.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing the House
Republican half-hearted farm bill.
Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R.
2642, the Federal-Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013.
I oppose this bill because it ignores the needs of working families.
H.R. 2642 completely strips the nutrition titles out of the Farm Bill.
Therefore, this is not a true Farm Bill. This would be the first time
in decades that nutrition is not considered alongside agriculture,
conservation, and trade issues.
Chief among the nutrition programs that are eliminated from this bill
in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is a
critical program for Americans facing food insecurity. As of January
2013, 3,159,000, or 16 percent of New York residents, and 47,772,000,
or 15 percent of Americans, received SNAP benefits. According to the
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, approximately two-thirds of
SNAP recipients are children, elderly, or disabled. Also, most SNAP
families with children are working households. It is unconscionable
that this body, which should be protecting vulnerable Americans, is
instead attempting to ignore them.
SNAP is an efficient and effective program. There is much talk by
those critical of SNAP, accusing the program of waste, fraud, and
abuse. This is wildly exaggerated--only 3 percent of SNAP benefits
represent overpayments. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made
improvements to its disbursements so that the families who truly need
benefits get them. To reduce SNAP trafficking, which violates federal
law, SNAP benefits are disbursed via an electronic debit card that
recipients can use to purchase food only. Retailers or recipients who
defraud the program by trading SNAP for money or misrepresenting their
circumstances face strict criminal penalties. Additionally,
approximately 95 percent of federal
[[Page H4474]]
SNAP spending goes directly to families to buy food. Most of the rest
goes toward administrative costs, including reviews to determine that
applicants are eligible, monitoring of retailers that accept SNAP, and
anti-fraud activities.
This bill represents a failure to protect the vulnerable people of
our country. I cannot support this bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the previous question is
ordered on the motion to recommit.
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion to recommit.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that
the noes appeared to have it.
Recorded Vote
Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.
A recorded vote was ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 and clause 9 of rule
XX, this 15-minute vote on the motion to recommit will be followed by
5-minute votes on passage of the bill, if ordered, and approval of the
Journal, if ordered.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 198,
noes 226, not voting 10, as follows:
[Roll No. 352]
AYES--198
Andrews
Barber
Barrow (GA)
Bass
Beatty
Becerra
Bera (CA)
Bishop (GA)
Bishop (NY)
Blumenauer
Bonamici
Brady (PA)
Braley (IA)
Brown (FL)
Brownley (CA)
Bustos
Butterfield
Capps
Capuano
Cardenas
Carney
Carson (IN)
Cartwright
Castor (FL)
Castro (TX)
Chu
Cicilline
Clarke
Clay
Cleaver
Clyburn
Cohen
Connolly
Conyers
Cooper
Costa
Courtney
Crowley
Cuellar
Cummings
Davis (CA)
Davis, Danny
DeFazio
DeGette
Delaney
DeLauro
DelBene
Deutch
Dingell
Doggett
Doyle
Duckworth
Edwards
Ellison
Engel
Enyart
Eshoo
Esty
Farr
Fattah
Foster
Frankel (FL)
Fudge
Gabbard
Gallego
Garamendi
Garcia
Grayson
Green, Al
Green, Gene
Grijalva
Gutierrez
Hahn
Hanabusa
Hastings (FL)
Heck (WA)
Higgins
Himes
Hinojosa
Holt
Honda
Hoyer
Huffman
Israel
Jackson Lee
Jeffries
Johnson (GA)
Johnson, E. B.
Jones
Kaptur
Keating
Kelly (IL)
Kennedy
Kildee
Kilmer
Kind
Kirkpatrick
Kuster
Langevin
Larsen (WA)
Larson (CT)
Lee (CA)
Levin
Lewis
Lipinski
Loebsack
Lofgren
Lowenthal
Lowey
Lujan Grisham (NM)
Lujan, Ben Ray (NM)
Lynch
Maffei
Maloney, Carolyn
Maloney, Sean
Markey
Matheson
Matsui
McCollum
McDermott
McGovern
McIntyre
McNerney
Meeks
Meng
Michaud
Miller, George
Moore
Moran
Murphy (FL)
Nadler
Napolitano
Neal
Nolan
O'Rourke
Owens
Pallone
Pascrell
Pastor (AZ)
Payne
Pelosi
Perlmutter
Peters (CA)
Peters (MI)
Peterson
Pingree (ME)
Pocan
Polis
Price (NC)
Quigley
Rahall
Rangel
Richmond
Roybal-Allard
Ruiz
Ruppersberger
Rush
Ryan (OH)
Sanchez, Linda T.
Sanchez, Loretta
Sarbanes
Schakowsky
Schiff
Schneider
Schrader
Schwartz
Scott (VA)
Scott, David
Serrano
Sewell (AL)
Shea-Porter
Sherman
Sinema
Sires
Slaughter
Speier
Swalwell (CA)
Takano
Thompson (CA)
Thompson (MS)
Tierney
Titus
Tonko
Tsongas
Van Hollen
Vargas
Veasey
Vela
Velazquez
Visclosky
Walz
Wasserman Schultz
Waters
Watt
Waxman
Welch
Wilson (FL)
Yarmuth
NOES--226
Aderholt
Alexander
Amash
Amodei
Bachmann
Bachus
Barletta
Barr
Barton
Benishek
Bentivolio
Bilirakis
Bishop (UT)
Black
Blackburn
Bonner
Boustany
Brady (TX)
Bridenstine
Brooks (AL)
Brooks (IN)
Buchanan
Bucshon
Burgess
Calvert
Camp
Cantor
Capito
Carter
Cassidy
Chabot
Chaffetz
Coble
Coffman
Cole
Collins (GA)
Collins (NY)
Conaway
Cook
Cotton
Cramer
Crawford
Crenshaw
Culberson
Daines
Davis, Rodney
Denham
Dent
DeSantis
DesJarlais
Diaz-Balart
Duffy
Duncan (SC)
Duncan (TN)
Ellmers
Farenthold
Fincher
Fitzpatrick
Fleischmann
Fleming
Flores
Forbes
Fortenberry
Foxx
Franks (AZ)
Frelinghuysen
Gardner
Garrett
Gerlach
Gibbs
Gibson
Gingrey (GA)
Gohmert
Goodlatte
Gosar
Gowdy
Granger
Graves (GA)
Graves (MO)
Griffin (AR)
Griffith (VA)
Grimm
Guthrie
Hall
Hanna
Harper
Harris
Hartzler
Hastings (WA)
Heck (NV)
Hensarling
Herrera Beutler
Holding
Hudson
Huelskamp
Huizenga (MI)
Hultgren
Hurt
Issa
Jenkins
Johnson (OH)
Johnson, Sam
Jordan
Joyce
Kelly (PA)
King (IA)
King (NY)
Kingston
Kinzinger (IL)
Kline
Labrador
LaMalfa
Lamborn
Lance
Lankford
Latham
Latta
LoBiondo
Long
Lucas
Luetkemeyer
Lummis
Marchant
Marino
Massie
McCarthy (CA)
McCaul
McClintock
McHenry
McKeon
McKinley
McMorris Rodgers
Meadows
Meehan
Messer
Mica
Miller (FL)
Miller (MI)
Miller, Gary
Mullin
Mulvaney
Murphy (PA)
Neugebauer
Noem
Nugent
Nunes
Nunnelee
Olson
Palazzo
Paulsen
Pearce
Perry
Petri
Pittenger
Pitts
Poe (TX)
Pompeo
Posey
Price (GA)
Radel
Reed
Reichert
Renacci
Ribble
Rice (SC)
Rigell
Roby
Roe (TN)
Rogers (AL)
Rogers (KY)
Rohrabacher
Rokita
Rooney
Ros-Lehtinen
Roskam
Ross
Rothfus
Royce
Runyan
Ryan (WI)
Salmon
Sanford
Scalise
Schock
Scott, Austin
Sensenbrenner
Sessions
Shuster
Simpson
Smith (MO)
Smith (NE)
Smith (NJ)
Smith (TX)
Southerland
Stewart
Stivers
Stockman
Stutzman
Terry
Thompson (PA)
Thornberry
Tiberi
Tipton
Turner
Upton
Valadao
Wagner
Walberg
Walden
Walorski
Weber (TX)
Webster (FL)
Wenstrup
Westmoreland
Whitfield
Williams
Wilson (SC)
Wittman
Wolf
Womack
Woodall
Yoder
Yoho
Young (AK)
Young (FL)
Young (IN)
NOT VOTING--10
Broun (GA)
Campbell
Horsford
Hunter
McCarthy (NY)
Negrete McLeod
Rogers (MI)
Schweikert
Shimkus
Smith (WA)
{time} 1531
Mrs. BLACKBURN changed her vote from ``aye'' to ``no.''
So the motion to recommit was rejected.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the passage of the bill.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that
the ayes appeared to have it.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. This will be a 5-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 216,
nays 208, not voting 11, as follows:
[Roll No. 353]
YEAS--216
Aderholt
Alexander
Amodei
Bachmann
Bachus
Barletta
Barr
Barton
Benishek
Bentivolio
Bilirakis
Bishop (UT)
Black
Blackburn
Boehner
Bonner
Boustany
Brady (TX)
Bridenstine
Brooks (AL)
Brooks (IN)
Buchanan
Bucshon
Burgess
Calvert
Camp
Cantor
Capito
Carter
Cassidy
Chabot
Chaffetz
Coble
Coffman
Cole
Collins (GA)
Collins (NY)
Conaway
Cotton
Cramer
Crawford
Crenshaw
Culberson
Daines
Davis, Rodney
Denham
Dent
DesJarlais
Diaz-Balart
Duffy
Duncan (SC)
Ellmers
Farenthold
Fincher
Fitzpatrick
Fleischmann
Fleming
Flores
Forbes
Fortenberry
Foxx
Frelinghuysen
Gardner
Garrett
Gerlach
Gibbs
Gibson
Gohmert
Goodlatte
Gosar
Gowdy
Granger
Graves (GA)
Graves (MO)
Griffin (AR)
Griffith (VA)
Grimm
Guthrie
Hall
Hanna
Harper
Harris
Hartzler
Hastings (WA)
Heck (NV)
Hensarling
Herrera Beutler
Holding
Hudson
Huizenga (MI)
Hultgren
Hurt
Issa
Jenkins
Johnson (OH)
Johnson, Sam
Jordan
Joyce
Kelly (PA)
King (IA)
King (NY)
Kingston
Kinzinger (IL)
Kline
Labrador
LaMalfa
Lamborn
Lance
Lankford
Latham
Latta
Long
Lucas
Luetkemeyer
Lummis
Marchant
Marino
Massie
McCarthy (CA)
McCaul
McHenry
McKeon
McKinley
McMorris Rodgers
Meadows
Meehan
Messer
Mica
Miller (FL)
Miller (MI)
Miller, Gary
Mullin
Mulvaney
Murphy (PA)
Neugebauer
Noem
Nugent
Nunes
Nunnelee
Olson
Palazzo
Paulsen
Pearce
Perry
Petri
Pittenger
Pitts
Poe (TX)
Pompeo
Posey
Price (GA)
Radel
Reed
Reichert
Renacci
Ribble
Rice (SC)
Rigell
Roby
Roe (TN)
Rogers (AL)
Rogers (KY)
Rohrabacher
Rokita
Rooney
Ros-Lehtinen
Roskam
Ross
Rothfus
Royce
Runyan
Ryan (WI)
Scalise
Schock
Scott, Austin
Sensenbrenner
Sessions
Shuster
Simpson
Smith (MO)
Smith (NE)
Smith (NJ)
Smith (TX)
Southerland
Stewart
Stivers
Stockman
Stutzman
Terry
Thompson (PA)
Thornberry
Tiberi
Tipton
Turner
Upton
Valadao
Wagner
Walberg
Walden
Walorski
Weber (TX)
Webster (FL)
Wenstrup
Westmoreland
Whitfield
Williams
Wilson (SC)
Wittman
Wolf
Womack
Woodall
Yoder
Yoho
Young (AK)
Young (FL)
Young (IN)
[[Page H4475]]
NAYS--208
Amash
Andrews
Barber
Barrow (GA)
Bass
Beatty
Becerra
Bera (CA)
Bishop (GA)
Bishop (NY)
Blumenauer
Bonamici
Brady (PA)
Braley (IA)
Brown (FL)
Brownley (CA)
Bustos
Butterfield
Capps
Capuano
Cardenas
Carney
Carson (IN)
Cartwright
Castor (FL)
Castro (TX)
Chu
Cicilline
Clarke
Clay
Cleaver
Clyburn
Cohen
Connolly
Conyers
Cook
Cooper
Costa
Courtney
Crowley
Cuellar
Cummings
Davis (CA)
Davis, Danny
DeFazio
DeGette
Delaney
DeLauro
DelBene
DeSantis
Deutch
Dingell
Doggett
Doyle
Duckworth
Duncan (TN)
Edwards
Ellison
Engel
Enyart
Eshoo
Esty
Farr
Fattah
Foster
Frankel (FL)
Franks (AZ)
Fudge
Gabbard
Gallego
Garamendi
Garcia
Gingrey (GA)
Grayson
Green, Al
Grijalva
Gutierrez
Hahn
Hanabusa
Hastings (FL)
Heck (WA)
Higgins
Himes
Hinojosa
Holt
Honda
Hoyer
Huelskamp
Huffman
Israel
Jackson Lee
Jeffries
Johnson (GA)
Johnson, E. B.
Jones
Kaptur
Keating
Kelly (IL)
Kennedy
Kildee
Kilmer
Kind
Kirkpatrick
Kuster
Langevin
Larsen (WA)
Larson (CT)
Lee (CA)
Levin
Lewis
Lipinski
LoBiondo
Loebsack
Lofgren
Lowenthal
Lowey
Lujan Grisham (NM)
Lujan, Ben Ray (NM)
Lynch
Maffei
Maloney, Carolyn
Maloney, Sean
Markey
Matheson
Matsui
McClintock
McCollum
McDermott
McGovern
McIntyre
McNerney
Meeks
Meng
Michaud
Miller, George
Moore
Moran
Murphy (FL)
Nadler
Napolitano
Neal
Nolan
O'Rourke
Owens
Pallone
Pascrell
Pastor (AZ)
Payne
Pelosi
Perlmutter
Peters (CA)
Peters (MI)
Peterson
Pingree (ME)
Pocan
Polis
Price (NC)
Quigley
Rahall
Rangel
Richmond
Roybal-Allard
Ruiz
Ruppersberger
Rush
Ryan (OH)
Salmon
Sanchez, Linda T.
Sanchez, Loretta
Sanford
Sarbanes
Schakowsky
Schiff
Schneider
Schrader
Schwartz
Scott (VA)
Scott, David
Serrano
Sewell (AL)
Shea-Porter
Sherman
Sinema
Sires
Slaughter
Speier
Swalwell (CA)
Takano
Thompson (CA)
Thompson (MS)
Tierney
Titus
Tonko
Tsongas
Van Hollen
Vargas
Veasey
Vela
Velazquez
Visclosky
Walz
Wasserman Schultz
Waters
Watt
Waxman
Welch
Wilson (FL)
Yarmuth
NOT VOTING--11
Broun (GA)
Campbell
Green, Gene
Horsford
Hunter
McCarthy (NY)
Negrete McLeod
Rogers (MI)
Schweikert
Shimkus
Smith (WA)
{time} 1539
So the bill was passed.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Stated against:
Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 353, had I been
present, I would have voted ``no.''
Personal Explanation
Mr. HORSFORD. Mr. Speaker, on consideration H.R. 2609, I am not
recorded because I was absent due to medically mandated recovery. Had I
been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on final passage of the bill
rollcall No. 345, ``aye'' on the Titus Amendment of the bill (rollcall
No. 337), and ``aye'' on the Heck Amendment to the bill (rollcall No.
337), and ``aye'' on the Heck Amendment to the bill (rollcall No. 325).
On rollcall No. 353 on final passage H.R. 2642, I am not recorded
because I was absent due to medically mandated recovery. Had I been
present, I would have voted ``nay'' on final passage of this bill.
____________________