[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 80 (Wednesday, May 16, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H4058-H4129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION ACT OF 2018
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 891 and rule
XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of the Whole House
on the state of the Union for the further consideration of the bill,
H.R. 2.
Will the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Lewis) kindly take the chair.
{time} 1846
In the Committee of the Whole
Accordingly, the House resolved itself into the Committee of the
Whole House on the state of the Union for the further consideration of
the bill (H.R. 2) to provide for the reform and continuation of
agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture
through fiscal year 2023, and for other purposes, with Mr. Lewis of
Minnesota (Acting Chair) in the chair.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The Acting CHAIR. When the Committee of the Whole rose earlier today,
all time for general debate pursuant to House Resolution 891 had
expired.
Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be considered for amendment
under the 5-minute rule.
It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose
of amendment under the 5-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a
substitute recommended by the Committee on Agriculture printed in the
bill. The committee amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be
considered as read.
The text of the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute is
as follows:
H.R. 2
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
``Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definition of Secretary of Agriculture.
TITLE I--COMMODITIES
Subtitle A--Commodity Policy
Sec. 1111. Definitions.
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Sec. 1112. Base acres.
Sec. 1113. Payment yields.
Sec. 1114. Payment acres.
Sec. 1115. Producer election.
Sec. 1116. Price loss coverage.
Sec. 1117. Agriculture risk coverage.
Sec. 1118. 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.
Sec. 1210. Adjustments of loans.
Subtitle C--Sugar
Sec. 1301. Sugar policy.
Subtitle D--Dairy Risk Management Program and Other Dairy Programs
Sec. 1401. Dairy risk management program for dairy producers.
Sec. 1402. Class I skim milk price.
Sec. 1403. Extension of dairy forward pricing program.
Sec. 1404. Extension of dairy indemnity program.
Sec. 1405. Extension of dairy promotion and research program.
Sec. 1406. Repeal of dairy product donation program.
Subtitle E--Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs
Sec. 1501. Modification of supplemental agricultural disaster
assistance.
Subtitle F--Administration
Sec. 1601. Administration generally.
Sec. 1602. Suspension of permanent price support authority.
Sec. 1603. Payment limitations.
Sec. 1604. Adjusted gross income limitation.
Sec. 1605. Prevention of deceased individuals receiving payments under
farm commodity programs.
Sec. 1606. Assignment of payments.
Sec. 1607. Tracking of benefits.
Sec. 1608. Signature authority.
Sec. 1609. Personal liability of producers for deficiencies.
Sec. 1610. Implementation.
Sec. 1611. Exemption from certain reporting requirements for certain
producers.
TITLE II--CONSERVATION
Subtitle A--Wetland Conservation
Sec. 2101. Program ineligibility.
Sec. 2102. Minimal effect regulations.
Subtitle B--Conservation Reserve Program
Sec. 2201. Conservation reserve.
Sec. 2202. Farmable wetland program.
Sec. 2203. Duties of owners and operators.
Sec. 2204. Duties of the Secretary.
Sec. 2205. Payments.
Sec. 2206. Contracts.
Subtitle C--Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Sec. 2301. Definitions.
Sec. 2302. Establishment and administration.
Sec. 2303. Limitation on payments.
Sec. 2304. Conservation innovation grants and payments.
Subtitle D--Other Conservation Programs
Sec. 2401. Conservation of private grazing land.
Sec. 2402. Grassroots source water protection program.
Sec. 2403. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program.
Sec. 2404. Watershed protection and flood prevention.
Sec. 2405. Feral swine eradication and control pilot program.
Sec. 2406. Emergency conservation program.
Subtitle E--Funding and Administration
Sec. 2501. Commodity Credit Corporation.
Sec. 2502. Delivery of technical assistance.
Sec. 2503. Administrative requirements for conservation programs.
Sec. 2504. Establishment of State technical committees.
Subtitle F--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
Sec. 2601. Establishment and purposes.
Sec. 2602. Definitions.
Sec. 2603. Agricultural land easements.
Sec. 2604. Wetland reserve easements.
Sec. 2605. Administration.
Subtitle G--Regional Conservation Partnership Program
Sec. 2701. Definitions.
Sec. 2702. Regional conservation partnerships.
Sec. 2703. Assistance to producers.
Sec. 2704. Funding.
Sec. 2705. Administration.
Sec. 2706. Critical conservation areas.
Subtitle H--Repeals and Transitional Provisions; Technical Amendments
Sec. 2801. Repeal of conservation security and conservation stewardship
programs.
Sec. 2802. Repeal of terminal lakes assistance.
Sec. 2803. Technical amendments.
TITLE III--TRADE
Subtitle A--Food for Peace Act
Sec. 3001. Findings.
Sec. 3002. Labeling requirements.
Sec. 3003. Food aid quality assurance.
Sec. 3004. Local sale and barter of commodities.
Sec. 3005. Minimum levels of assistance.
Sec. 3006. Extension of termination date of Food Aid Consultative
Group.
Sec. 3007. Issuance of regulations.
Sec. 3008. Funding for program oversight, monitoring, and evaluation.
Sec. 3009. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation,
delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged
foods.
Sec. 3010. Consideration of impact of provision of agricultural
commodities and other assistance on local farmers and
economy.
Sec. 3011. Prepositioning of agricultural commodities.
Sec. 3012. Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities.
Sec. 3013. Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other
assistance.
Sec. 3014. Minimum level of nonemergency food assistance.
Sec. 3015. Termination date for micronutrient fortification programs.
Sec. 3016. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program.
Subtitle B--Agricultural Trade Act of 1978
Sec. 3101. Findings.
Sec. 3102. Consolidation of current programs as new International
Market Development Program.
Subtitle C--Other Agricultural Trade Laws
Sec. 3201. Local and regional food aid procurement projects.
Sec. 3202. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets.
Sec. 3203. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act.
Sec. 3204. Food for Progress Act of 1985.
Sec. 3205. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child
Nutrition Program.
Sec. 3206. Cochran fellowship program.
Sec. 3207. Borlaug fellowship program.
Sec. 3208. Global Crop Diversity Trust.
Sec. 3209. Growing American Food Exports Act of 2018.
TITLE IV--NUTRITION
Subtitle A--Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Sec. 4001. Duplicative enrollment database.
Sec. 4002. Retailer-funded incentives pilot.
Sec. 4003. Gus Schumacher food insecurity nutrition incentive program.
Sec. 4004. Re-evaluation of thrifty food plan.
Sec. 4005. Food distribution programs on Indian reservations.
Sec. 4006. Update to categorical eligibility.
Sec. 4007. Basic allowance for housing.
Sec. 4008. Earned income deduction.
Sec. 4009. Simplified homeless housing costs.
Sec. 4010. Availability of standard utility allowances based on receipt
of energy assistance.
Sec. 4011. Child support; cooperation with child support agencies.
Sec. 4012. Adjustment to asset limitations.
Sec. 4013. Updated vehicle allowance.
Sec. 4014. Savings excluded from assets.
Sec. 4015. Workforce solutions.
Sec. 4016. Modernization of electronic benefit transfer regulations.
Sec. 4017. Mobile technologies.
Sec. 4018. Processing fees.
Sec. 4019. Replacement of EBT cards.
Sec. 4020. Benefit recovery.
Sec. 4021. Requirements for online acceptance of benefits.
Sec. 4022. National gateway.
Sec. 4023. Access to State systems.
Sec. 4024. Transitional benefits.
Sec. 4025. Incentivizing technology modernization.
Sec. 4026. Supplemental nutrition assistance program benefit transfer
transaction data report.
Sec. 4027. Adjustment to percentage of recovered funds retained by
States.
Sec. 4028. Tolerance level for payment errors.
Sec. 4029. State performance indicators.
Sec. 4030. Public-private partnerships.
Sec. 4031. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 4032. Emergency food assistance.
Sec. 4033. Nutrition education.
Sec. 4034. Retail food store and recipient trafficking.
Sec. 4035. Technical corrections.
Sec. 4036. Implementation funds.
Subtitle B--Commodity Distribution Programs
Sec. 4101. Commodity distribution program.
Sec. 4102. Commodity supplemental food program.
Sec. 4103. Distribution of surplus commodities to special nutrition
projects.
Subtitle C--Miscellaneous
Sec. 4201. Purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to
schools and service institutions.
Sec. 4202. Seniors farmers' market nutrition program.
Sec. 4203. Healthy food financing initiative.
Sec. 4204. Amendments to the fruit and vegetable program.
TITLE V--CREDIT
Subtitle A--Farm Ownership Loans
Sec. 5101. Modification of the 3-year experience eligibility
requirement for farm ownership loans.
Sec. 5102. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program.
Sec. 5103. Farm ownership loan limits.
Subtitle B--Operating Loans
Sec. 5201. Limitations on amount of operating loans.
Sec. 5202. Microloans.
Subtitle C--Administrative Provisions
Sec. 5301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts
pilot program.
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Sec. 5302. Loan authorization levels.
Sec. 5303. Loan fund set-asides.
Subtitle D--Technical Corrections to the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act
Sec. 5401. Technical corrections to the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act.
Subtitle E--Amendments to the Farm Credit Act of 1971
Sec. 5501. Elimination of obsolete references.
Sec. 5502. Conforming repeals.
Sec. 5503. Facility headquarters.
Sec. 5504. Sharing privileged and confidential information.
Sec. 5505. Scope of jurisdiction.
Sec. 5506. Definition.
Sec. 5507. Expansion of acreage exception to loan amount limitation.
Sec. 5508. Compensation of bank directors.
Sec. 5509. Prohibition on use of funds.
Subtitle F--Miscellaneous
Sec. 5601. State agricultural mediation programs.
Sec. 5602. Study on loan risk.
TITLE VI--RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Subtitle A--Improving Health Outcomes in Rural Communities
Sec. 6001. Prioritizing projects to meet health crises in rural
America.
Sec. 6002. Distance learning and telemedicine.
Sec. 6003. Reauthorization of the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance
Network.
Sec. 6004. Supporting agricultural association health plans.
Subtitle B--Connecting Rural Americans to High Speed Broadband
Sec. 6101. Establishing forward-looking broadband standards.
Sec. 6102. Incentives for hard to reach communities.
Sec. 6103. Requiring guaranteed broadband lending.
Sec. 6104. Smart utility authority for broadband.
Sec. 6105. Modifications to the Rural Gigabit Program.
Sec. 6106. Unified broadband reporting requirements.
Sec. 6107. Improving access by providing certainty to broadband
borrowers.
Sec. 6108. Simplified application window.
Sec. 6109. Elimination of requirement to give priority to certain
applicants.
Sec. 6110. Modification of buildout requirement.
Sec. 6111. Improving borrower refinancing options.
Sec. 6112. Elimination of unnecessary reporting requirements.
Sec. 6113. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural
areas.
Sec. 6114. Middle mile broadband infrastructure.
Sec. 6115. Outdated broadband systems.
Sec. 6116. Effective date.
Subtitle C--Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
Sec. 6201. Strengthening regional economic development incentives.
Sec. 6202. Expanding access to credit for rural communities.
Sec. 6203. Providing for additional fees for guaranteed loans.
Sec. 6204. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants.
Sec. 6205. Rural water and wastewater technical assistance and training
programs.
Sec. 6206. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program.
Sec. 6207. Tribal college and university essential community
facilities.
Sec. 6208. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant
program.
Sec. 6209. Water systems for rural and native villages in Alaska.
Sec. 6210. Household water well systems.
Sec. 6211. Solid waste management grants.
Sec. 6212. Rural business development grants.
Sec. 6213. Rural cooperative development grants.
Sec. 6214. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products.
Sec. 6215. Appropriate technology transfer for rural areas program.
Sec. 6216. Rural economic area partnership zones.
Sec. 6217. Intermediary relending program.
Sec. 6218. Exclusion of prison populations from definition of rural
area.
Sec. 6219. National Rural Development Partnership.
Sec. 6220. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters.
Sec. 6221. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program.
Sec. 6222. Health care services.
Sec. 6223. Delta Regional Authority.
Sec. 6224. Northern Great Plains Regional Authority.
Sec. 6225. Rural business investment program.
Subtitle D--Rural Electrification Act of 1936
Sec. 6301. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or
telephone purposes.
Sec. 6302. Expansion of 911 access.
Sec. 6303. Improvements to the guaranteed underwriter program.
Sec. 6304. Extension of the rural economic development loan and grant
program.
Subtitle E--Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
Sec. 6401. Rural energy savings program.
Sec. 6402. Biobased markets program.
Sec. 6403. Biorefinery, renewable, chemical, and biobased product
manufacturing assistance.
Sec. 6404. Repowering assistance program.
Sec. 6405. Bioenergy program for advanced biofuels.
Sec. 6406. Biodiesel fuel education program.
Sec. 6407. Rural Energy for America Program.
Sec. 6408. Categorical exclusion for grants and financial assistance
made under the Rural Energy for America Program.
Sec. 6409. Rural Energy Self-Sufficiency Initiative.
Sec. 6410. Feedstock flexibility.
Sec. 6411. Biomass Crop Assistance Program.
Subtitle F--Miscellaneous
Sec. 6501. Value-added agricultural product market development grants.
Sec. 6502. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program.
Sec. 6503. Regional economic and infrastructure development
commissions.
Sec. 6504. Definition of rural area for purposes of the Housing Act of
1949.
Subtitle G--Program Repeals
Sec. 6601. Elimination of unfunded programs.
Sec. 6602. Repeal of Rural Telephone Bank.
Sec. 6603. Amendments to LOCAL TV Act.
Subtitle H--Technical Corrections
Sec. 6701. Corrections relating to the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act.
Sec. 6702. Corrections relating to the Rural Electrification Act of
1936.
TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS
Subtitle A--National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977
Sec. 7101. International agriculture research.
Sec. 7102. Matters related to certain school designations and
declarations.
Sec. 7103. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and
Economics Advisory Board.
Sec. 7104. Specialty crop committee.
Sec. 7105. Renewable energy committee discontinued.
Sec. 7106. Report on allocations and matching funds for 1890
institutions.
Sec. 7107. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences
education.
Sec. 7108. Agricultural and food policy research centers.
Sec. 7109. Education grants to Alaska Native serving institutions and
Native Hawaiian serving institutions.
Sec. 7110. Repeal of nutrition education program.
Sec. 7111. Continuing animal health and disease research programs.
Sec. 7112. Extension carryover at 1890 land-grant colleges, including
Tuskegee University.
Sec. 7113. Scholarships for students at 1890 institutions.
Sec. 7114. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities
at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee
University.
Sec. 7115. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food sciences facilities
and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions.
Sec. 7116. Hispanic-serving institutions.
Sec. 7117. Land-grant designation.
Sec. 7118. Competitive grants for international agricultural science
and education programs.
Sec. 7119. Limitation on indirect costs for agricultural research,
education, and extension programs.
Sec. 7120. Research equipment grants.
Sec. 7121. University research.
Sec. 7122. Extension service.
Sec. 7123. Supplemental and alternative crops.
Sec. 7124. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions.
Sec. 7125. Aquaculture assistance programs.
Sec. 7126. Rangeland research programs.
Sec. 7127. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response.
Sec. 7128. Distance education and resident instruction grants program
for insular area institutions of higher education.
Sec. 7129. Removal of matching funds requirement for certain grants.
Subtitle B--Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990
Sec. 7201. Best utilization of biological applications.
Sec. 7202. Integrated management systems.
Sec. 7203. Sustainable agriculture technology development and transfer
program.
Sec. 7204. National training program.
Sec. 7205. National Genetics Resources Program.
Sec. 7206. National Agricultural Weather Information System.
Sec. 7207. Agricultural genome to phenome initiative.
Sec. 7208. High-priority research and extension initiatives.
Sec. 7209. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative.
Sec. 7210. Farm business management.
Sec. 7211. Clarification of veteran eligibility for assistive
technology program for farmers with disabilities.
Sec. 7212. National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse.
Subtitle C--Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act
of 1998
Sec. 7300. Ending limitation on funding under national food safety
training, education, extension, outreach, and technical
assistance program.
Sec. 7301. National food safety training, education, extension,
outreach, and technical assistance program.
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Sec. 7302. Integrated research, education, and extension competitive
grants program.
Sec. 7303. Support for research regarding diseases of wheat, triticale,
and barley caused by Fusarium graminearum or by Tilletia
indica.
Sec. 7304. Grants for youth organizations.
Sec. 7305. Specialty crop research initiative.
Sec. 7306. Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database program.
Sec. 7307. Office of Pest Management Policy.
Sec. 7308. Forestry products advanced utilization research.
Subtitle D--Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
Part I--Agricultural Security
Sec. 7401. Agricultural biosecurity communication center.
Sec. 7402. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural
biosecurity planning, preparation, and response.
Sec. 7403. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures.
Sec. 7404. Agricultural biosecurity grant program.
Part II--Miscellaneous
Sec. 7411. Grazinglands research laboratory.
Sec. 7412. Natural products research program.
Sec. 7413. Sun grant program.
Subtitle E--Amendments to Other Laws
Sec. 7501. Critical Agricultural Materials Act.
Sec. 7502. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994.
Sec. 7503. Research Facilities Act.
Sec. 7504. Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act.
Sec. 7505. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978.
Sec. 7506. National Aquaculture Act of 1980.
Sec. 7507. Beginning farmer and rancher development program.
Sec. 7508. Federal agriculture research facilities.
Sec. 7509. Biomass research and development.
Subtitle F--Other Matters
Sec. 7601. Enhanced use lease authority program.
Sec. 7602. Functions and Duties of the Under Secretary.
Sec. 7603. Reinstatement of District of Columbia matching requirement
for certain land-grant university assistance.
Sec. 7604. Farmland tenure, transition, and entry data initiative.
Sec. 7605. Transfer of administrative jurisdiction, portion of Henry A.
Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center,
Beltsville, Maryland.
Sec. 7606. Simplified plan of work.
Sec. 7607. Time and effort reporting exemption.
Sec. 7608. Public education on biotechnology in food and agriculture
sectors.
TITLE VIII--FORESTRY
Subtitle A--Reauthorization and Modification of Certain Forestry
Programs
Sec. 8101. Support for State assessments and strategies for forest
resources.
Sec. 8102. Forest legacy program.
Sec. 8103. Community forest and open space conservation program.
Sec. 8104. State and private forest landscape-scale restoration
program.
Sec. 8105. Rural revitalization technologies.
Sec. 8106. Community wood energy and wood innovation program.
Sec. 8107. Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 amendments.
Sec. 8108. National Forest Foundation Act authorities.
Subtitle B--Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act
of 2000 Amendments
Sec. 8201. Use of reserved funds for title II projects on Federal land
and certain non-Federal land.
Sec. 8202. Resource advisory committees.
Sec. 8203. Program for title II self-sustaining resource advisory
committee projects.
Subtitle C--Availability of Categorical Exclusions To Expedite Forest
Management Activities
Part I--General Provisions
Sec. 8301. Definitions.
Sec. 8302. Rule of application for National Forest System lands and
public lands.
Sec. 8303. Consultation under the Endangered Species Act.
Sec. 8304. Secretarial discretion in the case of two or more
categorical exclusions.
Part II--Categorical Exclusions
Sec. 8311. Categorical exclusion to expedite certain critical response
actions.
Sec. 8312. Categorical exclusion to expedite salvage operations in
response to catastrophic events.
Sec. 8313. Categorical exclusion to meet forest plan goals for early
successional forests.
Sec. 8314. Categorical exclusion for hazard trees.
Sec. 8315. Categorical exclusion to improve or restore National Forest
System lands or public land or reduce the risk of
wildfire.
Sec. 8316. Categorical exclusion for forest restoration.
Sec. 8317. Categorical exclusion for infrastructure forest management
activities.
Sec. 8318. Categorical exclusion for developed recreation sites.
Sec. 8319. Categorical exclusion for administrative sites.
Sec. 8320. Categorical exclusion for special use authorizations.
Sec. 8321. Clarification of existing categorical exclusion authority
related to insect and disease infestation.
Part III--Miscellaneous Forest Management Activities
Sec. 8331. Good neighbor agreements.
Sec. 8332. Promoting cross-boundary wildfire mitigation.
Sec. 8333. Regulations regarding designation of dead or dying trees of
certain tree species on National Forest System lands in
California as exempt from prohibition on export of
unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands.
Subtitle D--Tribal Forestry Participation and Protection
Sec. 8401. Protection of Tribal forest assets through use of
stewardship end result contracting and other authorities.
Sec. 8402. Tribal forest management demonstration project.
Subtitle E--Other Matters
Sec. 8501. Clarification of research and development program for wood
building construction.
Sec. 8502. Utility infrastructure rights-of-way vegetation management
pilot program.
Sec. 8503. Revision of extraordinary circumstances regulations.
Sec. 8504. No loss of funds for wildfire suppression.
Sec. 8505. Technical corrections.
TITLE IX--HORTICULTURE
Subtitle A--Horticulture Marketing and Information
Sec. 9001. Specialty crops market news allocation.
Sec. 9002. Farmers' Market and Local Food Promotion Program.
Sec. 9003. Food safety education initiatives.
Sec. 9004. Specialty crop block grants.
Sec. 9005. Amendments to the Plant Variety Protection Act.
Sec. 9006. Organic programs.
Subtitle B--Regulatory Reform
Part I--State Lead Agencies Under Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act
Sec. 9101. Recognition and role of State lead agencies.
Part II--Pesticide Registration and Use
Sec. 9111. Registration of pesticides.
Sec. 9112. Experimental use permits.
Sec. 9113. Administrative review; suspension.
Sec. 9114. Unlawful acts.
Sec. 9115. Authority of States.
Sec. 9116. Regulations.
Sec. 9117. Use of authorized pesticides.
Sec. 9118. Discharges of pesticides.
Sec. 9119. Enactment of Pesticide Registration Improvement Enhancement
Act of 2017.
Part III--Amendments to the Plant Protection Act
Sec. 9121. Methyl bromide.
Part IV--Amendments to Other Laws
Sec. 9131. Definition of retail facilities.
Subtitle C--Other Matters
Sec. 9201. Report on regulation of plant biostimulants.
Sec. 9202. Pecan marketing orders.
Sec. 9203. Report on honey and maple syrup.
TITLE X--CROP INSURANCE
Sec. 10001. Treatment of forage and grazing.
Sec. 10002. Administrative basic fee.
Sec. 10003. Prevention of duplicative coverage.
Sec. 10004. Repeal of unused authority.
Sec. 10005. Continued authority.
Sec. 10006. Program administration.
Sec. 10007. Maintenance of policies.
Sec. 10008. Research and development priorities.
Sec. 10009. Extension of funding for research and development.
Sec. 10010. Education and risk management assistance.
TITLE XI--MISCELLANEOUS
Subtitle A--Livestock
Sec. 11101. Animal Disease Preparedness and Response.
Sec. 11102. National Aquatic Animal Health Plan.
Sec. 11103. Veterinary training.
Sec. 11104. Report on FSIS guidance and outreach to small meat
processors.
Subtitle B--Beginning, Socially Disadvantaged, and Veteran Producers
Sec. 11201. Outreach and assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers
and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers.
Sec. 11202. Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement.
Sec. 11203. Commission on Farm Transitions--Needs for 2050.
Sec. 11204. Agricultural youth organization coordinator.
Subtitle C--Textiles
Sec. 11301. Repeal of Pima Agriculture Cotton Trust Fund.
Sec. 11302. Repeal of Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust
Fund.
Sec. 11303. Repeal of wool research and promotion grants funding.
Sec. 11304. Textile Trust Fund.
Subtitle D--United States Grain Standards Act
Sec. 11401. Restoring certain exceptions to United States Grain
Standards Act.
Subtitle E--Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program
Sec. 11501. Eligible crops.
Sec. 11502. Service fee.
Sec. 11503. Payments equivalent to additional coverage.
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Subtitle F--Other Matters
Sec. 11601. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Production and
Conservation.
Sec. 11602. Authority of Secretary to carry out certain programs under
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994.
Sec. 11603. Conference report requirement threshold.
Sec. 11604. National agriculture imagery program.
Sec. 11605. Report on inclusion of natural stone products in Commodity
Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996.
Sec. 11606. South Carolina inclusion in Virginia/Carolina peanut
producing region.
Sec. 11607. Establishment of Food Loss and Waste Reduction Liaison.
Sec. 11608. Cotton classification services.
Sec. 11609. Century farms program.
Sec. 11610. Report on agricultural innovation.
Sec. 11611. Report on dog importation.
Sec. 11612. Prohibition on slaughter of dogs and cats for human
consumption.
Subtitle G--Protecting Interstate Commerce
Sec. 11701. Prohibition against interference by State and local
governments with production or manufacture of items in
other States.
Sec. 11702. Federal cause of action to challenge State regulation of
interstate commerce.
SEC. 2. DEFINITION OF SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.
In this Act, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Agriculture.
TITLE I--COMMODITIES
Subtitle A--Commodity Policy
SEC. 1111. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle and subtitle B:
(1) Actual crop revenue.--The term ``actual crop revenue'',
with respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means
the amount determined by the Secretary under section 1117(b).
(2) Agriculture risk coverage.--The term ``agriculture risk
coverage'' means coverage provided under section 1117.
(3) Agriculture risk coverage guarantee.--The term
``agriculture risk coverage guarantee'', with respect to a
covered commodity for a crop year, means the amount
determined by the Secretary under section 1117(c).
(4) Base acres.--The term ``base acres'' has the meaning
given the term in section 1111(4)(A) of the Agricultural Act
of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9011(4)(A)), subject to any reallocation,
adjustment, or reduction under section 1112.
(5) 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, seed cotton, and peanuts.
(6) 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 1116(b) to
determine whether price loss coverage payments are required
to be provided for that crop year.
(7) Effective reference price.--The term ``effective
reference price'', with respect to a covered commodity for a
crop year, means the lesser of the following:
(A) An amount equal to 115 percent of the reference price
for such covered commodity.
(B) An amount equal to the greater of--
(i) the reference price for such covered commodity; or
(ii) 85 percent of the average of the marketing year
average price of the covered commodity for the most recent 5
crop years, excluding each of the crop years with the highest
and lowest marketing year average price.
(8) 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.
(9) Marketing year average price.--The term ``marketing
year average price'' means the national average market price
received by producers during the 12-month marketing year for
a covered commodity, as determined by the Secretary.
(10) Medium grain rice.--The term ``medium grain rice''
includes short grain rice and temperate japonica rice.
(11) 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.
(12) Payment acres.--The term ``payment acres'', with
respect to the provision of price loss coverage payments and
agriculture risk coverage payments, means the number of acres
determined for a farm under section 1114.
(13) Payment yield.--The term ``payment yield'', for a farm
for a covered commodity--
(A) means the yield used to make payments pursuant to
section 1116 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9016);
or
(B) means the yield established under section 1113.
(14) Price loss coverage.--The term ``price loss coverage''
means coverage provided under section 1116.
(15) 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.
(16) Pulse crop.--The term ``pulse crop'' means dry peas,
lentils, small chickpeas, and large chickpeas.
(17) Reference price.--The term ``reference price'', with
respect to a covered commodity for a crop year, means the
following:
(A) For wheat, $5.50 per bushel.
(B) For corn, $3.70 per bushel.
(C) For grain sorghum, $3.95 per bushel.
(D) For barley, $4.95 per bushel.
(E) For oats, $2.40 per bushel.
(F) For long grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight.
(G) For medium grain rice, $14.00 per hundredweight.
(H) For soybeans, $8.40 per bushel.
(I) For other oilseeds, $20.15 per hundredweight.
(J) For peanuts, $535.00 per ton.
(K) For dry peas, $11.00 per hundredweight.
(L) For lentils, $19.97 per hundredweight.
(M) For small chickpeas, $19.04 per hundredweight.
(N) For large chickpeas, $21.54 per hundredweight.
(O) For seed cotton, $0.367 per pound.
(18) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(19) Seed cotton.--The term ``seed cotton'' means unginned
upland cotton that includes both lint and seed.
(20) 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.
(21) 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, for the purpose of--
(A) the establishment of a reference price (as required
under section 1116(g)) and an effective price pursuant to
section 1116; and
(B) the determination of the actual crop revenue and
agriculture risk coverage guarantee pursuant to section 1117.
(22) 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)).
(23) United states.--The term ``United States'', when used
in a geographical sense, means all of the States.
(24) 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. 1112. 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 for a farm whenever any of the following
circumstances occur:
(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 agriculture risk 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 and 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 for
the farm so that the sum of the base acres and the 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 title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3801 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
[[Page H4063]]
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 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 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 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).
(3) Treatment of unplanted base.--In the case of a farm on
which no covered commodities (including seed cotton) were
planted or prevented from being planted during the period
beginning on January 1, 2009, and ending on December 31,
2017, the Secretary shall allocate all base acres on the farm
to unassigned crop base for which no payment shall be made
under section 1116 or 1117.
(4) Prohibition on reconstitution of farm.--The Secretary
shall ensure that producers on a farm do not reconstitute the
farm to void or change the treatment of base acres under this
section.
SEC. 1113. PAYMENT YIELDS.
(a) Treatment of Designated Oilseeds.--
(1) In general.--For the purpose of making price loss
coverage payments under section 1116, 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 1113 of the Agricultural Act of
2014 (7 U.S.C. 9013) in accordance with this section.
(2) Payment yields for designated oilseeds.--In the case of
designated oilseeds, the payment yield shall be equal to 90
percent of the average of the yield per planted acre for the
most recent five crop years, as determined by the Secretary,
excluding any crop year in which the acreage planted to the
covered commodity was zero.
(3) Application.--This subsection shall apply to oilseeds
designated after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Effect of Lack of Payment Yield.--
(1) Establishment by secretary.--In the case of a covered
commodity on a farm for which base acres have been
established, if no payment yield is otherwise established for
the covered commodity on the farm, 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.
(c) Single Opportunity to Update Yields in Counties
Affected by Drought.--
(1) Election to update.--In the case of a farm that is
physically located in a county in which any area of the
county was rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having a D4
(exceptional drought) intensity for 20 or more consecutive
weeks during the period beginning January 1, 2008 and ending
December 31, 2012, at the sole discretion of the owner of
such farm, the owner of a farm shall have a 1-time
opportunity to update, on a covered commodity-by covered-
commodity basis, the payment yield that would otherwise be
used in calculating any price loss coverage payment for each
covered commodity on the farm for which the election is made.
(2) Method of updating yields for covered commodities.--If
the owner of a farm elects to update yields under paragraph
(1), the payment yield for covered commodities 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 covered commodities on
the farm for the 2013 through 2017 crop years, as determined
by the Secretary, excluding any crop year in which the
acreage planted to the covered commodity was zero.
(3) Use of county average yield.--For the purposes of
determining the average yield under paragraph (2), if the
yield per planted acre for a crop of a covered commodity for
a farm for any of the crop years specified in paragraph (2)
was less than 75 percent of the average of county yields for
those same years for that commodity, the Secretary shall
assign a yield for that crop year equal to 75 percent of the
average of the 2013 though 2017 county yield for the covered
commodity.
(4) Upland cotton conversion.--In the case of seed cotton,
for purposes of determining the average of the yield per
planted acre under paragraph (2), the average yield for seed
cotton per planted acre shall be equal to 2.4 times the
average yield for upland cotton per planted acre.
(5) Time for election.--An election under this subsection
shall be made at a time and manner so as to be in effect
beginning with the 2019 crop year, as determined by the
Secretary.
SEC. 1114. PAYMENT ACRES.
(a) Determination of Payment Acres.--Subject to subsection
(d), for the purpose of price loss coverage and agriculture
risk coverage, the payment acres for each covered commodity
on a farm shall be equal to 85 percent of the base acres for
the covered commodity on the farm.
(b) Effect of Minimal Payment Acres.--
(1) Prohibition on payments.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of this title, a producer on a farm may not receive
price loss coverage payments or agriculture risk coverage
payments if the sum of the base acres on the farm is 10 acres
or less, as determined by the Secretary, unless the sum of
the base acres on the farm, when combined with the base acres
of other farms in which the producer has an interest, is more
than 10 acres.
(2) Exceptions.--Paragraph (1) does not apply to a producer
that 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.
(c) Effect of Planting Fruits and Vegetables.--
(1) Reduction required.--In the manner provided in this
subsection, payment acres on a farm shall be reduced in any
crop year in which fruits, vegetables (other than mung beans
and pulse crops), or wild rice have been planted on base
acres on a farm.
(2) Price loss coverage and agricultural risk coverage.--In
the case of price loss coverage payments and agricultural
risk coverage payments, the reduction under paragraph (1)
shall be the amount equal to the base acres planted to crops
referred to in such paragraph in excess of 15 percent of base
acres.
(3) Reduction exceptions.--No reduction to payment acres
shall be made under this subsection if--
(A) cover crops or crops referred to in paragraph (1) are
grown solely for conservation purposes and not harvested for
use or sale, as determined by the Secretary; or
(B) in any region in which there is a history of double-
cropping covered commodities with crops referred to in
paragraph (1) and such crops were so double-cropped on the
base acres, as determined by the Secretary.
(4) Effect of reduction.--For each crop year for which
fruits, vegetables (other than mung beans and pulse crops),
or wild rice are planted to base acres on a farm for which a
reduction in payment acres is made under this subsection, the
Secretary shall consider such base acres to be planted, or
prevented from planting, to a covered commodity for purposes
of any adjustment or reduction of base acres for the farm
under section 1112.
(d) Unassigned Crop Base.--The Secretary shall maintain
information on base acres allocated as unassigned crop base
pursuant to--
(1) section 1112(c)(3); or
(2) section 1112(a) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7
U.S.C. 9012(a)).
SEC. 1115. PRODUCER ELECTION.
(a) Election Required.--For the 2019 through 2023 crop
years, all of the producers on a farm shall make a 1-time,
irrevocable election to obtain on a covered-commodity-by-
covered-commodity basis--
(1) price loss coverage under section 1116; or
(2) agriculture risk coverage under section 1117.
(b) Effect of Failure to Make Unanimous Election.--If all
the producers on a farm fail to make a unanimous election
under subsection (a) for the 2019 crop year--
(1) the Secretary shall not make any payments with respect
to the farm for the 2019 crop year under section 1116 or
1117; and
(2) the producers on the farm shall be deemed to have
elected price loss coverage under section 1116 for all
covered commodities on the farm for the 2020 through 2023
crop years.
(c) Prohibition on Reconstitution.--The Secretary shall
ensure that producers on a farm do not reconstitute the farm
to void or change an election made under this section.
SEC. 1116. PRICE LOSS COVERAGE.
(a) Price Loss Coverage Payments.--If all of the producers
on a farm make the election under subsection (a) of section
1115 to obtain price loss coverage or, subject to subsection
(b)(1) of such section, are deemed to have made such election
under subsection (b)(2) of such section, the Secretary shall
make price loss coverage payments to producers on the farm on
a covered-commodity-by-covered-commodity basis if the
Secretary determines that, for any of the 2019 through 2023
crop years--
(1) the effective price for the covered commodity for the
crop year; is less than
(2) the effective reference price for the covered commodity
for the crop year.
(b) Effective Price.--The effective price for a covered
commodity for a crop year shall be the higher of--
(1) the marketing year average price; or
(2) the national average loan rate for a marketing
assistance loan for the covered commodity in effect for such
crop year under subtitle B.
(c) Payment Rate.--The payment rate shall be equal to the
difference between--
(1) the effective reference price for the covered
commodity; and
[[Page H4064]]
(2) the effective price determined under subsection (b) for
the covered commodity.
(d) Payment Amount.--If price loss coverage payments are
required to be provided under this section for any of the
2019 through 2023 crop years 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--
(1) the payment rate for the covered commodity under
subsection (c);
(2) the payment yield for the covered commodity; and
(3) the payment acres for the covered commodity determined
under section 1114.
(e) Time for Payments.--If the Secretary determines under
this section 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.
(f) Effective Price for Barley.--In determining the
effective price for barley under subsection (b), the
Secretary shall use the all-barley price.
(g) Reference Price for Temperate Japonica Rice.--In order
to reflect price premiums, the Secretary shall provide a
reference price with respect to temperate japonica rice in an
amount equal to the amount established under subparagraph (F)
of section 1111(17), as adjusted by paragraph (7) of such
section, multiplied by the ratio obtained by dividing--
(1) the simple average of the marketing year average price
of medium grain rice from the 2012 through 2016 crop years;
by
(2) the simple average of the marketing year average price
of all rice from the 2012 through 2016 crop years.
SEC. 1117. AGRICULTURE RISK COVERAGE.
(a) Agriculture Risk Coverage Payments.--If all of the
producers on a farm make the election under section 1115(a)
to obtain agriculture risk coverage, the Secretary shall make
agriculture risk coverage payments to producers on the farm
if the Secretary determines that, for any of the 2019 through
2023 crop years--
(1) the actual crop revenue determined under subsection (b)
for the crop year; is less than
(2) the agriculture risk coverage guarantee determined
under subsection (c) for the crop year.
(b) Actual Crop Revenue.--The amount of the actual crop
revenue for a county for a crop year of a covered commodity
shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying--
(1) the actual average county yield per planted acre for
the covered commodity, as determined by the Secretary; and
(2) the higher of--
(A) the marketing year average 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.
(c) Agriculture Risk Coverage Guarantee.--
(1) In general.--The agriculture risk coverage guarantee
for a crop year for a covered commodity shall equal 86
percent of the benchmark revenue.
(2) Benchmark revenue.--The benchmark revenue shall be
equal to the product obtained by multiplying--
(A) subject to paragraph (3), 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
(B) subject to paragraph (4), the marketing year average
price for the most recent 5 crop years, excluding each of the
crop years with the highest and lowest prices.
(3) Yield conditions.--If the yield per planted acre for
the covered commodity or historical county yield per planted
acre for the covered commodity 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
paragraph (2)(A) shall be 70 percent of the transitional
yield.
(4) Reference price.--If the marketing year average price
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 paragraph (2)(B).
(d) Payment Rate.--The payment rate for a covered commodity
in a county shall be equal to the lesser of--
(1) the amount that--
(A) the agriculture risk coverage guarantee for the crop
year applicable under subsection (c); exceeds
(B) the actual crop revenue for the crop year applicable
under subsection (b); or
(2) 10 percent of the benchmark revenue for the crop year
applicable under subsection (c).
(e) Payment Amount.--If agriculture risk coverage payments
are required to be paid for any of the 2019 through 2023 crop
years, the amount of the agriculture risk coverage payment
for the crop year shall be determined by multiplying--
(1) the payment rate for the covered commodity determined
under subsection (d); and
(2) the payment acres for the covered commodity determined
under section 1114.
(f) Time for Payments.--If the Secretary determines that
agriculture risk 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.
(g) Additional Duties of the Secretary.--In providing
agriculture risk coverage, the Secretary shall--
(1) to the maximum extent practicable, use all available
information and analysis, including data mining, to check for
anomalies in the determination of agriculture risk coverage
payments;
(2) calculate a separate actual crop revenue and
agriculture risk coverage guarantee for irrigated and
nonirrigated covered commodities;
(3) assign an actual or benchmark county yield for each
planted acre for the crop year for the covered commodity--
(A) for a county for which county data collected by the
Risk Management Agency is sufficient for the Secretary to
offer a county-wide insurance product using the actual
average county yield determined by the Risk Management
Agency; or
(B) for a county not described in subparagraph (A) using--
(i) other sources of yield information, as determined by
the Secretary; or
(ii) the yield history of representative farms in the
State, region, or crop reporting district, as determined by
the Secretary; and
(4) make payments, as applicable, to producers using the
payment rate of the county of the physical location of the
base acres of a farm.
SEC. 1118. 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.);
(C) to effectively control noxious weeds and otherwise
maintain the land in accordance with sound agricultural
practices, as determined by the Secretary; and
(D) to use the land on the farm, in a quantity equal to the
attributable base acres for the farm and any base acres for
an agricultural or conserving use, and not for a
nonagricultural commercial, industrial, or residential use,
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) Effect of Inaccurate Reports.--No penalty with respect
to benefits under this subtitle or subtitle B shall be
assessed against a producer on a farm for an inaccurate
acreage report unless the Secretary determines that the
producer on the farm knowingly and willfully falsified the
acreage report.
(e) Tenants and Sharecroppers.--In carrying out this
subtitle, the Secretary shall provide adequate safeguards to
protect the interests of tenants and sharecroppers.
(f) 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 each of the 2019 through 2023 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
[[Page H4065]]
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 each of the 2019 through
2023 crop years, 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)(A) Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), in the case of
base quality of upland cotton, 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 planting.
(B) Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the loan rate
determined under subparagraph (A) may not equal less than an
amount equal to 98 percent of the loan rate for base quality
of upland cotton for the preceding year.
(C) The loan rate determined under subparagraph (A) may not
be equal to an amount--
(i) less than $0.45 per pound; or
(ii) more than $0.52 per pound.
(7) In the case of extra long staple cotton, $0.95 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.
(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).
(c) Rule for Seed Cotton.--
(1) In general.--For purposes of sections 1116(b)(2) and
1117(b)(2)(B) only, seed cotton shall be deemed to have a
loan rate equal to $0.25 per pound.
(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall
be construed to authorize nonrecourse marketing assistance
loans under this subtitle for seed cotton.
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,
2024, 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
[[Page H4066]]
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 each of
the 2019 through 2023 crop years, 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 each of the
2019 through 2023 crop years, 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.
(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 each of the 2019 through
2023 crop years, 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 each of
the 2019 through 2023 crop years, 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 section 1116 with respect to that
loan commodity on the farm;
(II) in the case of a farm for which agriculture risk
coverage is elected under section 1117, the payment yield
that would otherwise be in effect with respect to that loan
commodity on the farm in the absence of such election; or
(III) in the case of a farm for which no payment yield is
otherwise established for that loan commodity on the farm, an
appropriate yield established by the Secretary in a manner
consistent with section 1113(b).
(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;
(II) in the case of a farm for which agriculture risk
coverage is elected under section 1117, the payment yield
that would otherwise be in effect for wheat on the farm in
the absence of such election; or
(III) in the case of a farm for which no payment yield is
otherwise established for wheat on the farm, an appropriate
yield established by the Secretary in a manner consistent
with section 1113(b).
(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 2019 through 2023 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, 2019, 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 upland 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
[[Page H4067]]
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 of 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 or a special quota period established under subsection
(a).
(c) Economic Adjustment Assistance for Textile Mills.--
(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.--The value of the assistance
provided under paragraph (1) shall be 3.15 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, during the period beginning on the date of
enactment of this Act through July 31, 2024, 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 113
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.
(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 each of the 2019 through
2023 crops 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--
(i) the payment yield in effect for the calculation of
price loss coverage under section 1116, or the payment yield
deemed to be in effect or established under subclause (II) or
(III) of section 1206(b)(1)(B)(ii), with respect to corn or
grain sorghum on a field that is similar to the field from
which the corn or grain sorghum referred to in subparagraph
(A) was obtained; or
(ii) the actual yield of corn or grain sorghum on a field,
as determined by the Secretary, that is similar to the field
from which the corn or grain sorghum referred to in
subparagraph (A) was obtained.
(b) Recourse Loans Available for Seed Cotton.--For each of
the 2019 through 2023 crops 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) Recourse Loans Available for Contaminated
Commodities.--In the case of a loan commodity that is
ineligible for 100 percent of the nonrecourse marketing loan
rate in the county due to a determination that the commodity
is contaminated yet still merchantable,
[[Page H4068]]
for each of the 2019 through 2023 crops of such loan
commodity, the Secretary shall make available recourse
commodity loans, at the rate provided under section 1202, on
any production.
(d) 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) Cost Saving Option.--In carrying out this title, the
Secretary shall consider methods to enhance the support,
loan, or assistance provided under this title in a manner
that further minimizes the potential for forfeitures.
(d) 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.
(e) 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).
(f) 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).
(g) Continuation of Authority.--Section 166 of the Federal
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C.
7286) is amended by striking ``and Subtitle B of title I of
the Agricultural Act of 2014'' each place it appears and
inserting ``subtitle B of title I of the Agricultural Act of
2014, and subtitle B of title I of the Agriculture and
Nutrition Act of 2018''.
Subtitle C--Sugar
SEC. 1301. SUGAR POLICY.
(a) Continuation of Current Program and Loan Rates.--
(1) Sugarcane.--Section 156(a)(4) of the Federal
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C.
7272(a)(4)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
(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 ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
(3) Effective period.--Section 156(i) of the Federal
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C.
7272(i)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
(b) Flexible Marketing Allotments for Sugar.--
(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 ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
(2) Effective period.--Section 359l(a) of the Agricultural
Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359ll(a)) is amended by
striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
Subtitle D--Dairy Risk Management Program and Other Dairy Programs
SEC. 1401. DAIRY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR DAIRY PRODUCERS.
(a) Review of Data Used in Calculation of Average Feed
Cost.--Not later than 60 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 evaluating the extent to which the average
cost of feed used by a dairy operation to produce a
hundredweight of milk calculated by the Secretary as required
by section 1402(a) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C.
9052(a)) is representative of actual dairy feed costs.
(b) Corn Silage Report.--Not later than 1 year 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
detailing the costs incurred by dairy operations in the use
of corn silage as feed, and the difference between the feed
cost of corn silage and the feed cost of corn.
(c) Collection of Alfalfa Hay Data.--Not later than 120
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the National
Agricultural Statistics Service, shall revise monthly price
survey reports to include prices for high-quality alfalfa hay
in the top five milk producing States, as measured by volume
of milk produced during the previous month.
(d) Registration of Multiproducer Dairy Operations.--
Section 1404(b) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C.
9054(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``If'' and inserting
``Subject to paragraph (5), if''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) Certain multiproducer dairy operation exclusions.--
``(A) Exclusion of low-percentage owners.--To promote
administrative efficiency in the dairy risk management
program, a multiproducer dairy operation covered by paragraph
(3) may elect, at the option of the multiproducer dairy
operation, to exclude information from the registration
process regarding any individual owner of the multiproducer
dairy operation that--
``(i) holds less than a five percent ownership interest in
the multiproducer dairy operation; or
``(ii) is entitled to less than five percent of the income,
revenue, profit, gain, loss, expenditure, deduction, or
credit of the multiproducer dairy operation for any given
year.
``(B) Effect of exclusion on dairy risk management
payments.--To the extent that an individual owner of a
multiproducer dairy operation is excluded under subparagraph
(A) from the registration of the multiproducer dairy
operation, any dairy risk management payment made to the
multiproducer dairy operation shall be reduced by an amount
equal to the greater of the following:
``(i) The amount determined by multiplying the dairy risk
management payment otherwise determined under section 1406 by
the total percentage of ownership interests represented by
the excluded owners.
``(ii) The amount determined by multiplying the dairy risk
management payment otherwise determined under section 1406 by
the total percentage of the income, revenue, profit, gain,
loss, expenditure, deduction, or credit of the multiproducer
dairy operation represented by the excluded owners.''.
(e) Relation to Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy Program.--
Section 1404(d) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C.
9054(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``but not both'' and inserting ``but not on
the same production'';
(2) by striking ``or the'' and inserting ``and the''; and
(3) by striking ``margin protection program'' and inserting
``dairy risk management program''.
(f) Production History of Participating Dairy Operators.--
(1) Continued use of prior dairy operation production
history.--Section 1405(a)(1) of the Agricultural Act of 2014
(7 U.S.C. 9055(a)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the
following new sentence: ``The production history of a
participating dairy operation shall continue to be based on
annual milk marketings during the 2011, 2012, or 2013
calendar year notwithstanding the operation of the dairy risk
management program through 2023.''.
(2) Adjustment.--Section 1405(a) of the Agricultural Act of
2014 (7 U.S.C. 9055(a)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``In subsequent years''
and inserting ``In the subsequent calendar years ending
before January 1, 2019''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, as applicable''
after ``paragraph (2)''.
(3) Limitation on changes to business structure.--Section
1405 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9055) is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Limitation on Changes to Business Structure.--The
Secretary may not make dairy risk management payments to a
participating dairy operation if the Secretary determines
that the participating dairy operation has reorganized the
structure of such operation solely for the purpose of
qualifying as a new operation under subsection (b).''.
(g) Dairy Risk Management Payments.--
(1) Election of coverage level threshold and coverage
percentage.--Section 1406 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7
U.S.C. 9056) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ``annually''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Deadline for Election; Duration.--Not later than 90
days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, each
participating dairy operation shall elect a coverage level
threshold under subsection (a)(1) and a coverage percentage
under subsection (a)(2) to be used to determine dairy risk
management payments. This election shall remain in effect for
the participating dairy operation for the duration of the
dairy risk management program, as specified in section
1409.''.
(2) Additional coverage level thresholds for certain
producers.--Section 1406(a)(1) of
[[Page H4069]]
the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9056(a)(1)) is amended
by inserting after ``or $8.00'' the following: ``(and in the
case of production subject to premiums under section 1407(b),
also $8.50 or $9.00)''.
(3) Election of production history coverage percentage.--
Section 1406(a)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C.
9056(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``beginning with 25
percent and not exceeding'' and inserting ``but not to
exceed''.
(h) Premiums for Participation in Dairy Risk Management
Program.--
(1) Premium per hundredweight for first 5 million pounds of
production.--Section 1407(b) of the Agricultural Act of 2014
(7 U.S.C. 9057(b)) is amended--
(A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following
new paragraph:
``(2) Producer premiums.--The following annual premiums
apply:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
``Coverage Level Premium per Cwt.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
$4.00 None
$4.50 $0.002
$5.00 $0.005
$5.50 $0.008
$6.00 $0.010
$6.50 $0.017
$7.00 $0.041
$7.50 $0.057
$8.00 $0.090
$8.50 $0.120
$9.00 $0.170''; and
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(B) by striking paragraph (3).
(2) Technical correction.--Section 1407(d) of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9057(d)) is amended in the
subsection heading by striking ``Time for'' and inserting
``Method of''.
(i) Conforming Amendments Related to Program Name.--
(1) Heading.--The heading of part I of subtitle D of title
I of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79; 128
Stat. 688) is amended to read as follows:
``PART I--DAIRY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR DAIRY PRODUCERS''.
(2) Definitions.--Section 1401 of the Agricultural Act of
2014 (7 U.S.C. 9051) is amended--
(A) by striking paragraphs (5) and (6) and inserting the
following new paragraphs:
``(5) Dairy risk management program.--The terms `dairy risk
management program' and `program' mean the dairy risk
management program required by section 1403.
``(6) Dairy risk management payment.--The term `dairy risk
management payment' means a payment made to a participating
dairy operation under the program pursuant to section
1406.''; and
(B) in paragraphs (7) and (8), by striking ``margin
protection'' both places it appears.
(3) Calculation of actual dairy production margin.--Section
1402(b)(1) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C.
9052(b)(1)) is amended by striking ``margin protection'' and
inserting ``dairy risk management''.
(4) Program operation.--Section 1403 of the Agricultural
Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9053) is amended--
(A) in the section heading, by striking ``ESTABLISHMENT OF
MARGIN PROTECTION'' and inserting ``DAIRY RISK MANAGEMENT'';
(B) by striking ``Not later than September 1, 2014, the
Secretary shall establish and administer a margin protection
program'' and inserting ``The Secretary shall continue to
administer a dairy risk management program''; and
(C) by striking ``margin protection payment'' both places
it appears and inserting ``dairy risk management payment''.
(5) Participation.--Section 1404 of the Agricultural Act of
2014 (7 U.S.C. 9054) is amended--
(A) in the section heading, by striking ``MARGIN
PROTECTION'';
(B) in subsection (a), by striking ``margin protection
program to receive margin protection payments'' and inserting
``dairy risk management program to receive dairy risk
management payments''; and
(C) in subsections (b) and (c), by striking ``margin
protection'' each place it appears.
(6) Production history.--Section 1405 of the Agricultural
Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9055) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(1)--
(i) by striking ``margin protection program'' the first
place it appears and inserting ``dairy risk management
program''; and
(ii) by striking ``margin protection'' the second place it
appears; and
(B) in subsection (c), by striking ``margin protection''.
(7) Payments.--Section 1406 of the Agricultural Act of 2014
(7 U.S.C. 9056) is amended--
(A) in the section heading, by striking ``MARGIN
PROTECTION'' and inserting ``DAIRY RISK MANAGEMENT'';
(B) by striking ``margin protection'' each place it appears
and inserting ``dairy risk management''; and
(C) in the heading of subsection (c), by striking ``Margin
Protection''.
(8) Premiums.--Section 1407 of the Agricultural Act of 2014
(7 U.S.C. 9057) is amended--
(A) in the section heading, by striking ``MARGIN
PROTECTION'' and inserting ``DAIRY RISK MANAGEMENT'';
(B) in subsection (a), by striking ``margin protection
program'' and inserting ``dairy risk management program'';
and
(C) in subsection (e), by striking ``margin protection''
both places it appears.
(9) Penalties.--Section 1408 of the Agricultural Act of
2014 (7 U.S.C. 9058) is amended by striking ``margin
protection'' both places it appears and inserting ``dairy
risk management''.
(10) Administration and enforcement.--Section 1410 of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9060) is amended by
striking ``margin protection'' each place it appears and
inserting ``dairy risk management''.
(j) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section
shall take effect 60 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
(k) Duration.--Section 1409 of the Agricultural Act of 2014
(7 U.S.C. 9059) is amended--
(1) by striking ``margin protection'' and inserting ``dairy
risk management''; and
(2) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 1402. CLASS I SKIM MILK PRICE.
(a) Class I Skim Milk Price.--Section 8c(5)(A) of the
Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C. 608c(5)(A)), reenacted
with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act
of 1937, is amended by striking ``Throughout the 2-year
period'' and all that follows through ``such handlers.'' and
inserting the following new sentence: ``Throughout the 2-year
period beginning on the effective date of this sentence (and
subsequent to such 2-year period unless modified by amendment
to the order involved), for purposes of determining prices
for milk of the highest use classification, the Class I skim
milk price per hundredweight specified in section 1000.50(b)
of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor
regulation), shall be the sum of the adjusted Class I
differential specified in section 1000.52 of such title 7,
plus the adjustment to Class I prices specified in sections
1005.51(b), 1006.51(b), and 1007.51(b) of such title 7 (or
successor regulation), plus the simple average of the
advanced pricing factors computed in sections 1000.50(q)(1)
and 1000.50(q)(2) of such title 7 (or successor regulation),
plus $0.74.''.
(b) Effective Date and Implementation.--
(1) Effective date.--The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on the first day of the first month
beginning more than 120 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
(2) Implementation.--Implementation of the amendment made
by subsection (a) is not subject to any of the following:
(A) The notice and comment provisions of section 553 of
title 5, United States Code.
(B) The notice and hearing requirements of paragraphs (3)
and (4) of section 8c of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (7
U.S.C. 608c), reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural
Marketing Agreement Act of 1937.
(C) The order amendment requirements of section 8c(17) of
such Act (7 U.S.C. 608c(17)).
(D) A referendum under section 8c(19) of such Act (7 U.S.C.
608c(19)).
SEC. 1403. 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 ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2021'' and inserting
``2026''.
SEC. 1404. EXTENSION OF DAIRY INDEMNITY PROGRAM.
Section 3 of Public Law 90-484 (7 U.S.C. 450l) is amended
by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 1405. 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 ``2018''
and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 1406. REPEAL OF DAIRY PRODUCT DONATION PROGRAM.
Section 1431 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C.
9071) is repealed.
Subtitle E--Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs
SEC. 1501. MODIFICATION OF SUPPLEMENTAL AGRICULTURAL DISASTER
ASSISTANCE.
(a) Covered Livestock Losses for Livestock Indemnity
Payments.--Section 1501(b) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7
U.S.C. 9081(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (A);
(B) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (B)
and inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) disease that, as determined by the Secretary--
``(i) is caused or transmitted by a vector; and
``(ii) is not susceptible to control by vaccination or
acceptable management practices.''; and
(2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``A payment'' and
inserting ``Payment reductions.--A payment''.
(b) Payment Limitations and Exclusion of Gross Income
Limitation.--Section 1501(f) of the Agricultural Act of 2014
(7 U.S.C. 9081(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``this section (excluding payments received
under subsections (b) and (e))'' and inserting ``subsection
(c)''; and
(B) by striking ``joint venture or general partnership''
and inserting ``qualified pass through entity (as such term
is defined in paragraph (5) of section 1001(a) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308(a)))''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) Exclusion of gross income limitation.--For purposes
of this section only, subsection (b) of section 1001D of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a) shall not apply
to a person or legal entity if 75 percent or greater of the
average adjusted gross income (as such term is defined in
subsection (a) of such section) of such person or legal
entity derives from farming, ranching, or silviculture
activities.''.
(c) Application of Amendments.--Section 1501 of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081), as amended by this
section, shall apply with respect to losses described in such
section 1501 incurred on or after January 1, 2017.
[[Page H4070]]
Subtitle F--Administration
SEC. 1601. ADMINISTRATION GENERALLY.
(a) Use of Commodity Credit Corporation.--The Secretary
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 shall be made without regard to--
(A) the notice and comment provisions of section 553 of
title 5, United States Code; and
(B) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly
known as the ``Paperwork Reduction Act'').
(3) Congressional review of agency rulemaking.--In carrying
out this subsection, the Secretary shall use the authority
provided under section 808 of title 5, United States Code.
(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
such allowable levels for any applicable reporting period,
the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, make
adjustments in the amount of such expenditures during that
period to ensure that such 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. SUSPENSION OF PERMANENT PRICE SUPPORT AUTHORITY.
(a) Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938.--The following
provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 shall
not be applicable to the 2019 through 2023 crops of covered
commodities (as defined in section 1111), cotton, and sugar
and shall not be applicable to milk during the period
beginning on the date of enactment of this Act through
December 31, 2023:
(1) Parts II through V of subtitle B of title III (7 U.S.C.
1326 et seq.).
(2) In the case of upland cotton, section 377 (7 U.S.C.
1377).
(3) Subtitle D of title III (7 U.S.C. 1379a et seq.).
(4) Title IV (7 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.).
(b) Agricultural Act of 1949.--
(1) Applicability.--The following provisions of the
Agricultural Act of 1949 shall not be applicable to the 2019
through 2023 crops of covered commodities (as defined in
section 1111), cotton, and sugar and shall not be applicable
to milk during the period beginning on the date of enactment
of this Act through December 31, 2023:
(A) Section 101 (7 U.S.C. 1441).
(B) Section 103(a) (7 U.S.C. 1444(a)).
(C) Section 105 (7 U.S.C. 1444b).
(D) Section 107 (7 U.S.C. 1445a).
(E) Section 110 (7 U.S.C. 1445e).
(F) Section 112 (7 U.S.C. 1445g).
(G) Section 115 (7 U.S.C. 1445k).
(H) Section 201 (7 U.S.C. 1446).
(I) Title III (7 U.S.C. 1447 et seq.).
(J) Title IV (7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.), other than sections
404, 412, and 416 (7 U.S.C. 1424, 1429, and 1431).
(K) Title V (7 U.S.C. 1461 et seq.).
(L) Title VI (7 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.).
(2) Clarifying amendments.--Section 201(a) of the
Agricultural Act of 1949 (7 U.S.C. 1446(a)) is amended--
(A) by inserting ``, crambe, cottonseed, sesame seed''
after ``mustard seed'';
(B) by inserting ``dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas,
large chickpeas, graded wool, nongraded wool, mohair,
peanuts,'' after ``honey,''; and
(C) by striking ``in accordance with this title'' and
inserting ``consistent with the percentage levels of support
provided under subsection (c), except as otherwise provided
for under subsection (b)''.
(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
and 1340), shall not be applicable to the crops of wheat
planted for harvest in the calendar years 2019 through 2023.
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)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``section 1001 of the
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008'' and inserting
``section 1111 of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of
2018'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``first cousin, niece,
nephew,'' after ``sibling,'';
(C) by redesignating paragraph (5) as (6); and
(D) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new
paragraph:
``(5) Qualified pass through entity.--The term `qualified
pass through entity' means a partnership (within the meaning
of subchapter K of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 and including a limited liability company that does not
affirmatively elect to be treated as a corporation), an S
corporation (as defined in section 1361 of such Code), or a
joint venture.'';
(2) in subsections (b) and (c) by striking ``entity''
through ``Agricultural Act of 2014'' in each place it appears
and inserting ``entity (except a qualified pass through
entity) for any crop year under sections 1116 and 1117 of the
Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018'';
(3) in subsection (d) by striking ``associated'' and all
that follows through the end of the sentence and inserting
``associated with subtitle B of title I of the Agriculture
and Nutrition Act of 2018.''; and
(4) in subsection (f), by adding the end the following new
paragraph:
``(9) Administration of reduction.--The Secretary shall
apply any order described in section 1614(d)(1) of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9097(d)(1)) to payments
under sections 1116 and 1117 of the Agriculture and Nutrition
Act of 2018 prior to applying payment limitations under this
section.''.
(b) Treatment of Qualified Pass Through Entities.--Section
1001(e)(3)(B)(ii) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C.
1308(e)(3)(B)(ii)) is amended--
(1) in the heading, by striking ``joint ventures and
general partnerships'' and inserting ``qualified pass through
entities'';
(2) by striking ``joint venture or a general partnership''
and inserting ``qualified pass through entity'';
(3) by striking ``joint ventures and general partnerships''
and inserting ``qualified pass through entities''; and
(4) by striking ``joint venture or general partnership''
and inserting ``qualified pass through entity''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Treatment of federal agencies and state and local
governments.--Section 1001(f) of the Food Security Act of
1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308(f)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (5)(A), by striking ``or title XII'' and
inserting ``title I of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of
2018, or title XII''; and
(B) in paragraph (6)(A), by striking ``or title XII'' and
inserting ``title I of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of
2018, or title XII''.
(2) Foreign persons ineligible.--Section 1001C(a) of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3(a)) is amended by
inserting ``title I of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of
2018,'' after ``2014,''.
(d) Application.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply beginning with the 2019 crop year.
SEC. 1604. ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME LIMITATION.
(a) Limitations.--Section 1001D(b)(2) of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a(b)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``title I of the
Agricultural Act of 2014'' and inserting ``title I of the
Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018'';
(2) in subparagraph (C)--
(A) by inserting ``title II of the Agriculture and
Nutrition Act of 2018,'' after ``under''; and
(B) by striking ``Starting with fiscal year 2015, a'' and
inserting ``A'';
(3) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (D); and
(4) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (E) as
subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively.
(b) Exceptions.--
(1) In general.--Section 1001D(b) of the Food Security Act
of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a(b)) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(3) Exceptions.--
``(A) Exception for qualified pass through entities.--
Paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to a qualified
pass through entity (as such term is defined in section
1001(a)(5)).
``(B) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the limitation
established by paragraph (1) with respect to a payment
pursuant to a covered benefit described in paragraph (2)(B),
on a case-by-case basis, if the Secretary determines that
environmentally sensitive land of special significance would
be protected as a result of such waiver.''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--Section 1001D of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308-3a) is amended--
(A) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ``subject to
paragraph (3),'' after ``of law,''; and
(B) in subsection (d), by striking ``, general partnership,
or joint venture'' both places it appears.
(c) 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 2018 crop, fiscal, or program year, as appropriate,
for each program described in subsection (b)(2) of that
section (as so in effect on that day).
SEC. 1605. 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 determine 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. 1606. 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.
[[Page H4071]]
SEC. 1607. 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. 1608. 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, or
qualified pass through entity (as such term is defined in
paragraph (5) of section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of
1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308(a))) 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. 1609. PERSONAL LIABILITY OF PRODUCERS FOR DEFICIENCIES.
Section 164(a) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and
Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7284(a)) is amended by striking
``this title'' and all that follows through ``unless'' and
inserting ``this title, title I of the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002, title I of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8702 et seq.),
title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014, or Agriculture and
Nutrition Act of 2018''.
SEC. 1610. IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) Maintenance of Base Acres and Payment Yields.--The
Secretary shall maintain, for each covered commodity, base
acres and payment yields on a farm established under sections
1001 and 1301 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 8702, 8751), as adjusted pursuant to sections
1101, 1102, 1108, and 1302 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 8711, 8712,
8718, 8752), as in effect on September 30, 2013, and as
adjusted pursuant to sections 1112 and 1113 of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9012, 9013).
(b) Streamlining.--In implementing this title and
amendments made by this title, the Secretary shall--
(1) continue to reduce administrative burdens and costs to
producers by streamlining and reducing paperwork, forms, and
other administrative requirements, including through the
continuation of the Acreage Crop Reporting and Streamlining
Initiative that, in part, shall ensure that--
(A) a producer (or an agent of a producer) may report
information, electronically (including geospatial data) or
conventionally, to the Department;
(B) upon the request of the producer (or agent thereof),
the Department of Agriculture electronically shares with the
producer (or agent) in real time and without cost to the
producer (or agent) the common land unit data, related farm
level data, and other information of the producer; and
(C) no agent, approved insurance provider, or employee or
contractor of an agency or approved insurance provider, bears
responsibility or liability under the Acreage Crop Reporting
and Streamlining Initiative for the eligibility of a producer
for programs administered by the Department of Agriculture
that are not policies or plans of insurance offered under the
Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et. seq.) except in
cases of misrepresentation, fraud, or scheme and device;
(2) continue to improve coordination, information sharing,
and administrative work with the Farm Service Agency, Risk
Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation
Service;
(3) continue to take advantage of new technologies to
enhance efficiency and effectiveness of program delivery to
producers; and
(4) reduce administrative burdens on producers by offering
such producers an option to remotely and electronically sign
annual contracts for participation in coverage under sections
1116 and 1117.
(c) Implementation.--The Secretary shall make available to
the Farm Service Agency to carry out this title and
amendments made by this title, $25,000,000.
(d) Loan Implementation.--
(1) In general.--Section 1614(d)(1) of the Agricultural Act
of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9097(d)(1)) is amended--
(A) by inserting ``or subtitles B and C of the Agriculture
and Nutrition Act of 2018'' after ``this title'';
(B) by striking ``made by subtitles B or C'' and inserting
``made by such subtitles''; and
(C) by inserting ``of this title, and sections 1207(c) and
1208 of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018'' after
``1208''.
(2) Repayment.--Section 1614(d)(2) of the Agricultural Act
of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9097(d)(2)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``of subtitles B or C'' and inserting ``of
subtitle B or C of this title, or subtitle B or C of the
Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018''; and
(B) by striking ``under subtitles B or C'' and inserting
``of subtitle B or C of this title, or subtitle B or C of the
Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018''.
SEC. 1611. EXEMPTION FROM CERTAIN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR
CERTAIN PRODUCERS.
(a) Definition of Exempted Producer.--In this section, the
term ``exempted producer'' means a producer or landowner
eligible to participate in any conservation or commodity
program administered by the Secretary.
(b) Exemption.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
including the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency
Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-282; 31 U.S.C. 6101 note), the
requirements of parts 25 and 170 of title 2, Code of Federal
Regulations (and any successor regulations), shall not apply
with respect to assistance received by an exempted producer
from the Secretary, acting through the Natural Resources
Conservation Service or the Farm Service Agency.
TITLE II--CONSERVATION
Subtitle A--Wetland Conservation
SEC. 2101. PROGRAM INELIGIBILITY.
Section 1221(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3821(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Except as provided'' and inserting the
following:
``(A) In general.--Except as provided''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Duty of the secretary.--Before determining that a
person is ineligible for program benefits under this
subsection, the Secretary shall determine that no exemption
under section 1222 applies.''.
SEC. 2102. MINIMAL EFFECT REGULATIONS.
(a) Identification of Minimal Effect Exemptions.--Section
1222(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3822(d))
is amended by inserting ``not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of
2018,'' before ``the Secretary shall identify''.
(b) Mitigation Banking.--Section 1222(k)(1)(B) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3822(k)(1)(B)) is amended to
read as follows:
``(B) Funding.--
``(i) Funds of commodity credit corporation.--To carry out
this paragraph, the Secretary shall use $10,000,000 of the
funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation beginning in fiscal
year 2019, which funds shall remain available until expended.
``(ii) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to
amounts made available under clause (i), there are authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this
paragraph $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through
2023.''.
Subtitle B--Conservation Reserve Program
SEC. 2201. CONSERVATION RESERVE.
(a) In General.--Section 1231(a) of the Food Security Act
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(a)) is amended by striking ``2018''
and inserting ``2023''.
(b) Enrollment.--Section 1231(d) of the Food Security Act
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) fiscal year 2019, no more than 25,000,000 acres;
``(G) fiscal year 2020, no more than 26,000,000 acres;
``(H) fiscal year 2021, no more than 27,000,000 acres;
``(I) fiscal year 2022, no more than 28,000,000 acres; and
``(J) fiscal year 2023, no more than 29,000,000 acres.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
``(A) Limitation.--For purposes of applying the limitations
in paragraph (1)--
``(i) 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;
``(ii) the Secretary shall enroll and maintain in the
conservation reserve not fewer than 3,000,000 acres of the
land described in subsection (b)(3) by September 30, 2023;
and
``(iii) in carrying out clause (ii), to the maximum extent
practicable, the Secretary shall maintain in the conservation
reserve at any one time during--
``(I) fiscal year 2019, 1,000,000 acres;
``(II) fiscal year 2020, 1,500,000 acres;
``(III) fiscal year 2021, 2,000,000 acres;
``(IV) fiscal year 2022, 2,500,000 acres; and
``(V) fiscal year 2023, 3,000,000 acres.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Reservation of unenrolled acres.--If the Secretary is
unable in a fiscal year to enroll enough acres of land
described in subsection (b)(3) to meet the number of acres
described in clause (ii) or (iii) of subparagraph (A) for the
fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve the remaining number
of acres for that fiscal year for the enrollment of land
described in subsection (b)(3), and that number of acres
shall not be available for the enrollment of any other type
of eligible land.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) State enrollment rates.--During each of fiscal years
2019 through 2023, to the maximum extent practicable, the
Secretary shall carry out this subchapter in such a manner as
to enroll and maintain acreage in the conservation reserve in
accordance with historical State enrollment rates,
considering--
``(A) the average number of acres of all lands enrolled in
the conservation reserve in each State during each of fiscal
years 2007 through 2016;
[[Page H4072]]
``(B) the average number of acres of all lands enrolled in
the conservation reserve nationally during each of fiscal
years 2007 through 2016; and
``(C) the acres available for enrollment during each of
fiscal years 2019 through 2023, excluding acres described in
paragraph (2).
``(4) Frequency.--In carrying out this subchapter, for
contracts that are not available on a continuous enrollment
basis, the Secretary shall hold a signup not less often than
once every other year.''.
(c) Duration of Contract.--Section 1231(e) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(e)) is amended to read
as follows:
``(e) Duration of Contract.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), for
the purpose of carrying out this subchapter, the Secretary
shall enter into contracts of not less than 10, nor more than
15, years.
``(2) Certain continuous contracts.--With respect to
contracts under this subchapter for the enrollment of land
described in paragraph (4) or (5) of subsection (b), the
Secretary shall enter into contracts of a period of 15 or 30
years.''.
(d) Eligibility for Consideration.--Section 1231(h) of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831(h)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``On the expiration'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--On the expiration''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Reenrollment limitation for certain land.--Land
subject to a contract entered into under this subchapter
shall be eligible for only one reenrollment in the
conservation reserve under paragraph (1) if the land is
devoted to hardwood trees.''.
SEC. 2202. FARMABLE WETLAND PROGRAM.
(a) Program Required.--Section 1231B(a)(1) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b(a)(1)) is amended by
striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
(b) Eligible Acreage.--Section 1231B(b)(2) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b(b)(2)) is amended to
read as follows:
``(2) Buffer acreage.--Subject to subsections (c) and (d),
an owner or operator may enroll in the conservation reserve,
pursuant to the program established under this section,
buffer acreage that, with respect to land described in
subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (1)--
``(A) is contiguous to such land;
``(B) is used to protect such land; and
``(C) is of such width as the Secretary determines is
necessary to protect such land, taking into consideration and
accommodating the farming practices (including the
straightening of boundaries to accommodate machinery) used
with respect to the cropland that surrounds such land.''.
(c) Program Limitations.--Section 1231B(c) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``750,000'' and
inserting ``500,000'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Subject to paragraph
(3), any acreage'' and inserting ``Any acreage''; and
(3) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4).
(d) Duties of Owners and Operators.--Section 1231B(e) of
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b(e)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking the semicolon and
inserting ``; and'';
(2) by striking paragraph (3); and
(3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3).
(e) Duties of the Secretary.--Section 1231B(f) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831b(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraphs (2) and
(3)'' and inserting ``paragraph (2)'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``section
1234(d)(2)(A)(ii)'' and inserting ``section 1234(d)(2)(A)'';
and
(3) by striking paragraph (3).
SEC. 2203. DUTIES OF OWNERS AND OPERATORS.
(a) In General.--Section 1232(a) of the Food Security Act
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3832(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``, which may include
the use of grazing in accordance with paragraph (8),'' after
``management on the land''; and
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (10) and (11) as paragraphs
(11) and (12), respectively, and inserting after paragraph
(9) the following:
``(10) on land devoted to hardwood or other trees,
excluding windbreaks and shelterbelts, to carry out proper
thinning and other practices to improve the condition of
resources, promote forest management, and enhance wildlife
habitat on the land;''.
(b) Conservation Plans.--Section 1232(b)(2) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3832(b)(2)) is amended by
striking ``, if any,''.
SEC. 2204. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.
(a) Cost-Share and Rental Payments.--Section 1233(a)(2) of
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3833(a)(2)) is
amended by striking ``pay an annual rental payment in an
amount necessary to compensate for'' and inserting ``pay an
annual rental payment, in accordance with section 1234(d),
for''.
(b) Specified Activities Permitted.--Section 1233(b) of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3833(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``not less than 25 percent'' and inserting
``25 percent''; and
(ii) by inserting ``(except that vegetative cover may not
be harvested for seed)'' after ``managed harvesting'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(C) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``is at least every 5
but not more than once every 3 years;'' and inserting
``contributes to the health and vigor of the established
cover, and is not more than once every 3 years; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) shall ensure that 25 percent of the acres covered by
the contract are not harvested, in accordance with an
approved plan that provides for wildlife cover and
shelter;'';
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``not less than 25 percent'' and inserting ``25 percent'';
and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking
``routine grazing, except that in permitting such routine
grazing'' and inserting ``grazing, except that in permitting
such grazing'';
(ii) in clause (i), by striking ``continued routine
grazing; and'' and inserting ``grazing;'';
(iii) in clause (ii)--
(I) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking
``routine grazing may be conducted, such that the frequency
is not more than once every 2 years'' and inserting ``grazing
may be conducted, such that the frequency contributes to the
health and vigor of the established cover'';
(II) in subclause (II), by striking ``the number of years
that should be required between routine'' and inserting ``the
appropriate frequency and duration of''; and
(III) in subclause (III), by striking ``routine'' each
place it appears; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) shall ensure that the grazing is conducted in
accordance with an approved plan that does not restrict
grazing during the primary nesting season and will reduce the
stocking rate determined under clause (i) by 50 percent;
and'';
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs
(5) and (6), respectively;
(4) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) grazing during the applicable normal grazing period
determined under subclause (I) of section 1501(c)(3)(D)(i) of
the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(c)(3)(D)(i)),
without any restriction on grazing during the primary nesting
period, subject to the condition that the grazing shall be at
50 percent of the normal carrying capacity determined under
that subclause.'';
(5) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by striking ``;
and'' and inserting ``and retains suitable vegetative
structure for wildlife cover and shelter;'';
(6) in paragraph (6)(C), as so redesignated, by striking
the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(7) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) grazing pursuant to section 1232(a)(5), without any
reduction in the rental rate, if the grazing is consistent
with the conservation of soil, water quality, and wildlife
habitat.''.
(c) Natural Disaster or Adverse Weather as Mid-contract
Management.--Section 1233 of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3833) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(e) Natural Disaster or Adverse Weather as Mid-contract
Management.--In the case of a natural disaster or adverse
weather event that has the effect of a management practice
consistent with the conservation plan, the Secretary shall
not require further management practices pursuant to section
1232(a)(5) that are intended to achieve the same effect.''.
SEC. 2205. PAYMENTS.
(a) Cost Sharing Payments.--Section 1234(b) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``50 percent'' and
inserting ``not more than 40 percent'';
(2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) Limitations.--
``(A) Exception for seed costs.--In the case of seed costs
related to the establishment of cover, cost share shall not
exceed 25 percent of the total cost of the seed mixture.
``(B) Additional incentive payments.--Except as provided in
subsection (c), the Secretary may not make additional
incentive payments beyond the actual cost of installing
measures and practices described in paragraph (1).
``(C) Mid-contract management grazing.--The Secretary may
not make any cost sharing payment to an owner or operator
under this subchapter pursuant to section 1232(a)(5).''; and
(3) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4) and redesignating
paragraph (5) as paragraph (3).
(b) Incentive Payments.--Section 1234(c) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(c)) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Incentive''
and inserting ``Forest Management Payment'';
(2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``The Secretary'' and
inserting ``Using funds made available under section
1241(a)(1)(A), the Secretary''; and
(3) in paragraph (2), by striking ``150 percent'' and
inserting ``100 percent''.
(c) Annual Rental Payments.--Section 1234(d) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3834(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``less intensive use, the Secretary may
consider'' and inserting the following: ``less intensive
use--
``(A) the Secretary may consider'';
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) the Secretary shall consider the impact on the local
farmland rental market.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
``(A) In general.--
``(i) Initial enrollment.--The amounts payable to an owner
or operator in the form of annual rental payments under a
contract entered
[[Page H4073]]
into under this subchapter with respect to land that has not
previously been subject to such a contract shall be not more
than 80 percent of the applicable estimated average county
rental rate published pursuant to paragraph (4) for the year
in which the contract is entered into.
``(ii) Multiple enrollments.--If land subject to a contract
entered into under this subchapter is reenrolled in the
conservation reserve under section 1231(h)(1)--
``(I) for the first such reenrollment, the annual rental
payment shall be in an amount that is not more than 65
percent of the applicable estimated average county rental
rate published pursuant to paragraph (4) for the year in
which the reenrollment occurs;
``(II) for the second such reenrollment, the annual rental
payment shall be in an amount that is not more than 55
percent of the applicable estimated average county rental
rate published pursuant to paragraph (4) for the year in
which the reenrollment occurs;
``(III) for the third such reenrollment, the annual rental
payment shall be in an amount that is not more than 45
percent of the applicable estimated average county rental
rate published pursuant to paragraph (4) for the year in
which the reenrollment occurs; and
``(IV) for the fourth such reenrollment, the annual rental
payment shall be in an amount that is not more than 35
percent of the applicable estimated average county rental
rate published pursuant to paragraph (4) for the year in
which the reenrollment occurs.''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``In the case'' and
inserting ``Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in the case'';
(3) by striking paragraph (4) and redesignating paragraph
(5) as paragraph (4); and
(4) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated--
(A) by striking ``cash'' each place it appears;
(B) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``, not less frequently than once every
other year,'' and inserting ``annually''; and
(ii) by inserting ``, and shall publish the estimates
derived from such survey not later than September 15 of each
year'' before the period at the end; and
(C) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) by striking ``may'' and inserting ``shall''; and
(ii) by striking ``as a factor in determining'' and
inserting ``to determine''.
(d) Payment Limitation for Rental Payments.--Section
1234(g)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3834(g)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Limitation on payments.--Payments under subparagraph
(B) shall not exceed 50 percent of the cost of activities
carried out under the applicable agreement entered into under
such subparagraph.''.
SEC. 2206. CONTRACTS.
(a) Early Termination by Owner or Operator.--Section
1235(e)(1)(A) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3835(e)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``2015'' and inserting
``2019''.
(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) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
``(A) beginning on the date that is 1 year before the date
of termination of the contract, allow the covered farmer or
rancher, in conjunction with the retired or retiring owner or
operator, to make conservation and land improvements,
including preparing to plant an agricultural crop;'';
(B) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (E) as
subparagraphs (C) through (F), respectively, and inserting
after subparagraph (A) the following:
``(B) beginning on the date that is 3 years before the date
of termination of the contract, allow the covered farmer or
rancher to begin the certification process under the Organic
Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.);'';
(C) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, by inserting
``, and provide to such farmer or rancher technical and
financial assistance to carry out the requirements of the
plan, if any'' before the semicolon at the end; and
(D) in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated, by striking
``the conservation stewardship program or''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``The Secretary'' and inserting ``To the extent the maximum
number of acres permitted to be enrolled under the program
has not been met, the Secretary''; and
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``eligible for
enrollment under the continuous signup option pursuant to
section 1234(d)(2)(A)(ii)'' and inserting ``is carried out on
land described in paragraph (4) or (5) of section 1231(b)''.
(c) End of Contract Considerations.--Section 1235(g) of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835(g)) is amended to
read as follows:
``(g) End of Contract Considerations.--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 owner or operator--
``(A) enters into an environmental quality incentives
program contract; and
``(B) begins the establishment of an environmental quality
incentives practice; or
``(2) during the three years prior to the expiration of the
contract, the owner or operator begins the certification
process under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990.''.
Subtitle C--Environmental Quality Incentives Program
SEC. 2301. DEFINITIONS.
(a) Practice.--Section 1240A(4)(B) of the Food Security Act
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-1(4)(B)) is amended--
(1) in clause (i), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon; and
(2) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iv) and
inserting after clause (i) the following:
``(ii) precision conservation management planning;
``(iii) the use of cover crops and resource conserving crop
rotations; and''.
(b) Priority Resource Concern.--Section 1240A of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-1) is amended by
redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6) and inserting
after paragraph (4) the following:
``(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; and
``(B) represents a significant concern in a State or
region.''.
(c) Stewardship Practice.--Section 1240A of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-1) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(7) Stewardship practice.--The term `stewardship
practice' means a practice or set of practices approved by
the Secretary that, when implemented and maintained on
eligible land, address 1 or more priority resource
concerns.''.
SEC. 2302. ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Establishment.--Section 1240B(a) of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(a)) is amended by striking
``2019'' and inserting ``2023''.
(b) Allocation of Funding.--Section 1240B(f) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(f)) is amended to
read as follows:
``(f) Allocation of Funding.--For each of fiscal years 2014
through 2023, at least 5 percent of the funds made available
for payments under the program shall be targeted at practices
benefitting wildlife habitat under subsection (g).''.
(c) Water Conservation or Irrigation Efficiency Practice.--
Section 1240B(h) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3839aa-2(h)) is amended--
(1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) Availability of payments.--The Secretary may provide
water conservation and system efficiency payments under this
subsection to a producer for--
``(A) a water conservation scheduling technology or water
conservation scheduling management;
``(B) irrigation-related structural practices; or
``(C) a transition to water-conserving crops or water-
conserving crop rotations.'';
(2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3) and
inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Limited eligibility of irrigation districts,
irrigation associations, and acequias.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding section 1001(f)(6), the
Secretary may enter into a contract under this subsection
with an irrigation district, irrigation association, or
acequia to implement water conservation or irrigation
practices pursuant to a watershed-wide project that will
effectively conserve water, as determined by the Secretary.
``(B) Implementation.--Water conservation or irrigation
practices that are the subject of a contract entered into
under this paragraph shall be implemented on--
``(i) eligible land of a producer; or
``(ii) land that is under the control of the irrigation
district, irrigation association, or acequia, and adjacent to
such eligible land, as determined by the Secretary.
``(C) Waiver authority.--The Secretary may waive the
applicability of the limitations in section 1001D(b)(2) or
section 1240G of this Act for a payment made under a contract
entered into under this paragraph if the Secretary determines
that such a waiver is necessary to fulfill the objectives of
the project.
``(D) Contract limitations.--If the Secretary grants a
waiver under subparagraph (C), the Secretary may impose a
separate payment limitation for the contract with respect to
which the waiver applies.''; and
(3) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``to a producer'' and inserting ``under this subsection'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``the eligible land of
the producer is located, there is a reduction in water use in
the operation of the producer'' and inserting ``the land on
which the practices will be implemented is located, there is
a reduction in water use in the operation on such land''; and
(C) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``with respect to an
application under paragraph (1),'' before ``the producer
agrees''.
(d) Stewardship Contracts.--Section 1240B of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(j) Stewardship Contracts.--
``(1) Identification of eligible priority resource concerns
for states.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
State technical committee, shall identify priority resource
concerns within a State that are eligible to be the subject
of a stewardship contract under this subsection.
``(B) Limitation.--The Secretary shall identify not more
than 3 eligible priority resource concerns under subparagraph
(A) within each area of a State.
``(2) Contracts.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall enter into contracts
with producers under this subsection that--
[[Page H4074]]
``(i) provide incentives, through annual payments, to
producers to attain increased conservation stewardship on
eligible land;
``(ii) adopt and install a stewardship practice to
effectively address a priority resource concern identified as
eligible under paragraph (1); and
``(iii) require management and maintenance of such
stewardship practice for the term of the contract.
``(B) Term.--A contract under this subsection shall have a
term of not less than 5, nor more than 10, years.
``(C) Prioritization.--Section 1240C(b) shall not apply to
applications for contracts under this subsection.
``(3) Stewardship payments.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide payments to
producers through contracts entered into under paragraph (2)
for--
``(i) adopting and installing stewardship practices; and
``(ii) managing, maintaining, and improving the stewardship
practices for the duration of the contract, as determined
appropriate by the Secretary.
``(B) Payment amounts.--In determining the amount of
payments under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
consider, to the extent practicable--
``(i) the level and extent of the stewardship practice to
be installed, adopted, completed, maintained, managed, or
improved;
``(ii) the cost of the installation, adoption, completion,
management, maintenance, or improvement of the stewardship
practice;
``(iii) income foregone by the producer; and
``(iv) the extent to which compensation would ensure long-
term continued maintenance, management, and improvement of
the stewardship practice.
``(C) Limitation.--The total amount of payments a person or
legal entity receives pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall not
exceed $50,000 for any fiscal year.
``(4) Reservation of funds.--The Secretary may use not more
than 50 percent of the funds made available under section
1241 to carry out this chapter for payments made pursuant to
this subsection.''.
SEC. 2303. LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS.
Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3839aa-7) is amended by inserting ``or the period of fiscal
years 2019 through 2023,'' after ``2018,''.
SEC. 2304. CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS AND PAYMENTS.
(a) Competitive Grants for Innovative Conservation
Approaches.--Section 1240H(a) of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``use not more than
$25,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to''
after ``the Secretary may''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``or persons
participating in an educational activity through an
institution of higher education, including by carrying out
demonstration projects on lands of the institution'' before
the semicolon at the end.
(b) Air Quality Concerns From Agricultural Operations.--
Section 1240H(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3839aa-8(b)(2)) is amended by inserting ``, and
$37,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023''
after ``2018''.
(c) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials; Reporting and
Database.--Section 1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3839aa-8) is amended by striking subsection (c) and
inserting the following:
``(c) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials.--
``(1) In general.--Using not more than $25,000,000 of the
funds made available to carry out this chapter in each of
fiscal years 2019 through 2023, the Secretary shall carry out
on-farm conservation innovation trials, on eligible land of
producers, to test new or innovative conservation
approaches--
``(A) directly with producers; or
``(B) through eligible entities.
``(2) Incentive payments.--
``(A) Agreements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall enter into agreements with producers on whose
land an on-farm conservation innovation trial is being
carried out to provide payments (including payments to
compensate for foregone income, as appropriate to address the
increased economic risk potentially associated with new or
innovative conservation approaches) to the producers to
assist with adopting and evaluating new or innovative
conservation approaches.
``(B) Length of incentives.--An agreement entered into
under subparagraph (A) shall be for a period determined by
the Secretary that is--
``(i) not less than 3 years; and
``(ii) if appropriate, more than 3 years, including if such
a period is appropriate to support--
``(I) adaptive management over multiple crop years; and
``(II) adequate data collection and analysis to report the
natural resource and agricultural production benefits of the
new or innovative conservation approaches.
``(3) Flexible adoption.--A producer or eligible entity
participating in an on-farm conservation innovation trial
under paragraph (1) may determine the scale of adoption of
the new or innovative conservation approaches in the on-farm
conservation innovation trial, which may include multiple
scales on an operation, including whole farm, field-level, or
sub-field scales.
``(4) Technical assistance.--The Secretary shall provide
technical assistance--
``(A) to a producer or eligible entity participating in an
on-farm conservation innovation trial under paragraph (1),
with respect to the design, installation, and management of
the new or innovative conservation approaches; and
``(B) to an eligible entity participating in an on-farm
conservation innovation trial under paragraph (1), with
respect to data analyses of the on-farm conservation
innovation trial.
``(5) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a
third-party private entity the primary business of which is
related to agriculture.
``(B) New or innovative conservation approaches.--The term
`new or innovative conservation approaches' means--
``(i) new or innovative--
``(I) precision agriculture technologies;
``(II) enhanced nutrient management plans, nutrient
recovery systems, and fertilization systems;
``(III) soil health management systems;
``(IV) water management systems;
``(V) resource-conserving crop rotations;
``(VI) cover crops; and
``(VII) irrigation systems; and
``(ii) any other conservation approach approved by the
Secretary as new or innovative.
``(d) Reporting and Database.--
``(1) Report required.--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 activities funded
under this section, including--
``(A) funding awarded;
``(B) results of the activities; and
``(C) incorporation of findings from the activities, such
as new technology and innovative approaches, into the
conservation efforts implemented by the Secretary.
``(2) Conservation practice database.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall use the data
reported under paragraph (1) to establish and maintain a
publicly available conservation practice database that
provides--
``(i) a compilation and analysis of effective conservation
practices for soil health, nutrient management, and source
water protection in varying soil compositions, cropping
systems, slopes, and landscapes; and
``(ii) a list of recommended new and effective conservation
practices.
``(B) Privacy.--Information provided under subparagraph (A)
shall be transformed into a statistical or aggregate form so
as to not include any identifiable or personal information of
individual producers.''.
Subtitle D--Other Conservation Programs
SEC. 2401. 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 ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 2402. GRASSROOTS SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 1240O(b)(1)
of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-2(b)(1))
is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
(b) Availability of Funds.--Section 1240O(b) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-2(b)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(3) Additional funding.--In addition to any other funds
made available under this subsection, of the funds of the
Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use
$5,000,000 beginning in fiscal year 2019, to remain available
until expended.''.
SEC. 2403. VOLUNTARY PUBLIC ACCESS AND HABITAT INCENTIVE
PROGRAM.
Section 1240R(f)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3839bb-5(f)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``2012 and'' and inserting ``2012,''; and
(2) by inserting ``, and $50,000,000 for the period of
fiscal years 2019 through 2023'' before the period at the
end.
SEC. 2404. WATERSHED PROTECTION AND FLOOD PREVENTION.
(a) 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 ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
(b) Funds of Commodity Credit Corporation.--The Watershed
Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 15. FUNDING.
``In addition to any other funds made available by this
Act, of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the
Secretary shall make available to carry out this Act
$100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, to
remain available until expended.''.
SEC. 2405. FERAL SWINE ERADICATION AND CONTROL PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
establish a feral swine eradication and control pilot program
to respond to the threat feral swine pose to agriculture,
native ecosystems, and human and animal health.
(b) Duties of the Secretary.--In carrying out the pilot
program, the Secretary shall--
(1) study and assess the nature and extent of damage to the
pilot areas caused by feral swine;
(2) develop methods to eradicate or control feral swine in
the pilot areas;
(3) develop methods to restore damage caused by feral
swine; and
(4) provide financial assistance to agricultural producers
in pilot areas.
(c) Assistance.--The Secretary may provide financial
assistance to agricultural producers under the pilot program
to implement methods to--
(1) eradicate or control feral swine in the pilot areas;
and
(2) restore damage caused by feral swine.
(d) Coordination.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
Natural Resources Conservation
[[Page H4075]]
Service and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
coordinate for purposes of this section through State
technical committees established under section 1261 of the
Food Security Act of 1985.
(e) Pilot Areas.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot
program in areas of States in which feral swine have been
identified as a threat to agriculture, native ecosystems, or
human or animal health, as determined by the Secretary.
(f) Cost Sharing.--
(1) Federal share.--The Federal share of the costs
activities under the pilot program may not exceed 75 percent
of the total costs of such activities.
(2) In-kind contributions.--The non-Federal share of the
costs of activities under the pilot program may be provided
in the form of in-kind contributions of materials or
services.
(g) Funding.--
(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity
Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this
section $100,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019
through 2023.
(2) Distribution of funds.--Of the funds made available
under paragraph (1)--
(A) 50 percent shall be allocated to the Natural Resources
Conservation Service to carry out the pilot program,
including the provision of financial assistance to producers
for on-farm trapping and technology related to capturing and
confining feral swine; and
(B) 50 percent shall be allocated to the Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service to carry out the pilot program,
including the use of established, and testing of innovative,
population reduction methods.
(3) Limitation on administrative expenses.--Not more than
10 percent of funds made available under this section may be
used for administrative expenses of the pilot program.
SEC. 2406. EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM.
(a) Repair or Replacement of Fencing.--
(1) In general.--Section 401 of the Agricultural Credit Act
of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2201) is amended--
(A) by striking the section designation and all that
follows through ``The Secretary of Agriculture'' and
inserting the following:
``SEC. 401. PAYMENTS TO PRODUCERS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred
to in this title as the `Secretary')'';
(B) in subsection (a), as so designated, by inserting
``wildfires,'' after ``hurricanes,''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Repair or Replacement of Fencing.--With respect to a
payment to an agricultural producer under subsection (a) for
the repair or replacement of fencing, the Secretary shall
give the agricultural producer the option of receiving the
payment, determined based on the applicable percentage of the
fair market value of the cost of the repair or replacement,
as determined by the Secretary, before the agricultural
producer carries out the repair or replacement.''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--
(A) Sections 402, 403, 404, and 405 of the Agricultural
Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205) are
amended by striking ``Secretary of Agriculture'' each place
it appears and inserting ``Secretary''.
(B) Section 407(a) of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978
(16 U.S.C. 2206(a)) is amended by striking paragraph (4).
(b) Cost Share Payments.--Title IV of the Agricultural
Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.) is amended by
inserting after section 402 the following:
``SEC. 402A. COST SHARE REQUIREMENT.
``(a) Cost-share Rate.--The maximum cost-share payment
under section 401 and section 402 shall not exceed 75 percent
of the total allowable cost, as determined by the Secretary.
``(b) Exception.--Not withstanding subsection (a), a
qualified limited resource, socially disadvantaged, or
beginning farmer or rancher payment under section 401 and 402
shall not exceed 90 percent of the total allowable cost, as
determined by the Secretary.
``(c) Limitation.--In no case shall the total payment under
section 401 and 402 for a single event exceed 50 percent of
what the Secretary has determined to be the agriculture value
of the land.''.
Subtitle E--Funding and Administration
SEC. 2501. COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION.
(a) Annual Funding.--Section 1241(a) of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(a)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``2018 (and fiscal year 2019 in the case of the program
specified in paragraph (5))'' and inserting ``2023'';
(2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2018'' each place it
appears and inserting ``2023'';
(3) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) $500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through
2023.'';
(4) by striking paragraph (3) and redesignating paragraphs
(4) and (5) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively;
(5) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), by inserting ``,
as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the
Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, using such sums as are
necessary to administer contracts entered into before the
earlier of September 30, 2018, or such date of enactment''
before the period at the end; and
(6) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)--
(A) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``each of fiscal years
2018 through 2019.'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2018;''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) $2,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2019;
``(G) $2,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;
``(H) $2,750,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
``(I) $2,935,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
``(J) $3,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2023.''.
(b) Availability of Funds.--Section 1241(b) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(b)) is amended by
striking ``2018 (and fiscal year 2019 in the case of the
program specified in subsection (a)(5))'' and inserting
``2023''.
(c) Technical Assistance.--Section 1241(c) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(c)) is amended--
(1) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) Priority.--In the delivery of technical assistance
under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act (16
U.S.C. 590a et seq.), the Secretary shall give priority to
producers who request technical assistance from the Secretary
in order to comply for the first time with the requirements
of subtitle B and subtitle C of this title as a result of the
amendments made by section 2611 of the Agricultural Act of
2014.''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (3) and redesignating paragraph
(4) as paragraph (3).
(d) Regional Equity.--
(1) In general.--Section 1241 of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841) is amended by striking subsection (e)
and redesignating subsections (f) through (i) as subsections
(e) through (h), respectively.
(2) Conforming amendments.--Section 1221(c) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3821(c)) is amended by
striking ``1241(f)'' and inserting ``1241(e)'' each place it
appears.
(e) Reservation of Funds To Provide Assistance to Certain
Farmers or Ranchers for Conservation Access.--Section 1241(g)
of the Food Security Act of 1985 (as redesignated by
subsection (d) of this section) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2018 to carry out the
environmental quality incentives program and the acres made
available for each of such fiscal years to carry out the
conservation stewardship program'' and inserting ``2023 to
carry out the environmental quality incentives program''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (3) and redesignating paragraph
(4) as paragraph (3).
(f) Report on Program Enrollments and Assistance.--Section
1241(h) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (as redesignated by
subsection (d) of this section) is amended to read as
follows:
``(h) Report on Program Enrollments and Assistance.--Not
later than December 15 of each of calendar years 2018 through
2023, 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 containing statistics by State related to
enrollments in conservation programs under this subtitle, as
follows:
``(1) The annual and current cumulative activity reflecting
active agreement and contract enrollment statistics.
``(2) Secretarial exceptions, waivers, and significant
payments, including--
``(A) payments made under the agricultural conservation
easement program for easements valued at $250,000 or greater;
``(B) payments made under the regional conservation
partnership program subject to the waiver of adjusted gross
income limitations pursuant to section 1271C(c)(3);
``(C) waivers granted by the Secretary under section
1001D(b)(3) of this Act;
``(D) exceptions and activity associated with section
1240B(h)(2); and
``(E) exceptions provided by the Secretary under section
1265B(b)(2)(C).''.
SEC. 2502. DELIVERY OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) Definitions.--Section 1242(a) of the Food Security Act
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible participant.--The term `eligible
participant' means a producer, landowner, or entity that is
participating in, or seeking to participate in, programs in
which the producer, landowner, or entity is otherwise
eligible to participate under this title.
``(2) Third-party provider.--The term `third-party
provider' means a commercial entity (including a farmer
cooperative, agriculture retailer, or other commercial entity
(as defined by the Secretary)), a nonprofit entity, a State
or local government (including a conservation district), or a
Federal agency, that has expertise in the technical aspect of
conservation planning, including nutrient management
planning, watershed planning, or environmental
engineering.''.
(b) Certification of Third-Party Providers.--Section
1242(e) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842(e))
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Alternative certification.--
``(A) In general.--In carrying out this subsection, the
Secretary shall approve any qualified certification that the
Secretary determines meets or exceeds the national criteria
provided under paragraph (3)(B).
``(B) Qualified certification.--In this paragraph, the term
`qualified certification' means a professional certification
that is established by the Secretary, an agriculture
retailer, a farmer cooperative, the American Society of
Agronomy, or the National Alliance of Independent Crop
Consultants, including certification--
``(i) as a Certified Crop Advisor by the American Society
of Agronomy;
``(ii) as a Certified Professional Agronomist by the
American Society of Agronomy; and
``(iii) as a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan
Specialist by the Secretary.''.
[[Page H4076]]
SEC. 2503. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSERVATION
PROGRAMS.
Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3844) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (m);
(2) by redesignating subsections (i) through (l) as
subsections (j) through (m), respectively, and inserting
after subsection (h) the following:
``(i) Source Water Protection Through Targeting of
Agricultural Practices.--
``(1) In general.--In carrying out any conservation program
administered by the Secretary, the Secretary shall encourage
practices that relate to water quality and water quantity
that protect source waters for drinking water (including
protecting against public health threats) while also
benefitting agricultural producers.
``(2) Collaboration with water systems and increased
incentives.--In encouraging practices under paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall--
``(A) work collaboratively with community water systems and
State technical committees established under section 1261 to
identify, in each State, local priority areas for the
protection of source waters for drinking water; and
``(B) offer to producers increased incentives and higher
payment rates than are otherwise statutorily authorized
through conservation programs administered by the Secretary
for practices that result in significant environmental
benefits that the Secretary determines--
``(i) relate to water quality or water quantity; and
``(ii) occur primarily outside of the land on which the
practices are implemented.
``(3) Reservation of funds.--In each of fiscal years 2019
through 2023, the Secretary shall use, to carry out this
subsection, not less than 10 percent of any funds available
with respect to each conservation program administered by the
Secretary under this title except the conservation reserve
program.''; and
(3) in subsection (m), as so redesignated, by striking
``the conservation stewardship program under subchapter B of
chapter 2 of subtitle D and''.
SEC. 2504. ESTABLISHMENT OF STATE TECHNICAL COMMITTEES.
Section 1261(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3861(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(14) The State 1862 Institution (as defined in section
2(1) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
Reform Act of 1998).''.
Subtitle F--Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
SEC. 2601. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSES.
Section 1265(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3865(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``that negatively affect
the agricultural uses and conservation values'' after ``that
land''; and
(2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``restoring and'' and
inserting ``restoring or''.
SEC. 2602. DEFINITIONS.
(a) Agricultural Land Easement.--Section 1265A(1)(B) of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865a(1)(B)) is amended
by striking ``subject to an agricultural land easement plan,
as approved by the Secretary''.
(b) Eligible Land.--Section 1265A(3) of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865a(3)) is amended--
(1) by amending subparagraph (A)(iii)(VI) to read as
follows:
``(VI) 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, which may
include up to 100 percent of the parcel if the Secretary
determines enrolling the land is important to protect a
forest to provide significant conservation benefits;''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B)(i)(II), by striking ``, as
determined by the Secretary in consultation with the
Secretary of the Interior at the local level''.
(c) Monitoring Report.--Section 1265A of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865a) is amended by redesignating
paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (5) and (6),
respectively, and inserting after paragraph (3) the
following:
``(4) Monitoring report.--The term `monitoring report'
means a report, the contents of which are formulated and
prepared by the holder of an agricultural land easement, that
documents whether the land subject to the agricultural land
easement is in compliance with the terms and conditions of
the agricultural land easement.''.
SEC. 2603. AGRICULTURAL LAND EASEMENTS.
(a) Availability of Assistance.--Section 1265B(a)(2) of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b(a)(2)) is amended
by striking ``provide for the conservation of natural
resources pursuant to an agricultural land easement plan''
and inserting ``implement the program''.
(b) Cost-Share Assistance.--
(1) Scope of assistance available.--Section 1265B(b)(2) of
the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(2)) is
amended by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) and inserting
the following:
``(B) Non-federal share.--An eligible entity may use for
any part of its share--
``(i) a cash contribution;
``(ii) a charitable donation or qualified conservation
contribution (as defined by section 170(h) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986) from the landowner from which the
agricultural land easement will be purchased; or
``(iii) funding from a Federal source other than the
Department of Agriculture.
``(C) Grasslands 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.''.
(2) Evaluation and ranking of applications.--Section
1265B(b)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3865b(b)(3)) is amended by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
subparagraph (D) and inserting after subparagraph (B) the
following:
``(C) Accounting for geographic differences.--The Secretary
shall, in coordination with State technical committees,
adjust the criteria established under subparagraph (A) to
account for geographic differences among States, if such
adjustments--
``(i) meet the purposes of the program; and
``(ii) continue to maximize the benefit of the Federal
investment under the program.''.
(3) Agreements with eligible entities.--Section 1265B(b)(4)
of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(4)) is
amended--
(A) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) in clause (i), by inserting ``and the agricultural use
of the land that is subject to the agricultural land
easement'' after ``the program''; and
(ii) by striking clauses (iii) and (iv) and inserting the
following:
``(iii) include a right of enforcement for the Secretary
that--
``(I) may be used only if the terms and conditions of the
easement are not enforced by the eligible entity; and
``(II) does not extend to a right of inspection unless the
holder of the easement fails to provide monitoring reports in
a timely manner;
``(iv) include a conservation plan only for any portion of
the land subject to the agricultural land easement that is
highly erodible cropland; and'';
(B) in subparagraph (E)(ii), by inserting ``in the case of
fraud or gross negligence,'' before ``the Secretary may
require''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) Mineral development.--Upon request by an eligible
entity, the Secretary shall allow, under an agreement under
this subsection, mineral development on land subject to the
agricultural land easement, if the Secretary determines that
the mineral development--
``(i) has limited and localized effects;
``(ii) is not irremediably destructive of significant
conservation interests; and
``(iii) would not alter or affect the topography or
landscape.
``(G) Environmental services markets.--The Secretary may
not prohibit, through an agreement under this subsection, an
owner of land subject to the agricultural land easement from
participating in, and receiving compensation from, an
environmental services market if a purpose of the market is
the facilitation of additional conservation benefits that are
consistent with the purposes of the program.''.
(4) Certification of eligible entities.--Section
1265B(b)(5) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3865b(b)(5)) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in clause (ii), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon;
(ii) in clause (iii), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) allow a certified eligible entity to use its own
terms and conditions, notwithstanding paragraph (4)(C), as
long as the terms and conditions are consistent with the
purposes of the program.''; and
(B) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
``(B) Certification criteria.--In order to be certified, an
eligible entity shall demonstrate to the Secretary that the
entity--
``(i) is a land trust that has--
``(I) been accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation
Commission, or by an equivalent accrediting body (as
determined by the Secretary); and
``(II) acquired not fewer than five agricultural land
easements under the program; or
``(ii) will maintain, at a minimum, for the duration of the
agreement--
``(I) a plan for administering easements that is consistent
with the purpose of the program;
``(II) the capacity and resources to monitor and enforce
agricultural land easements; and
``(III) policies and procedures to ensure--
``(aa) the long-term integrity of agricultural land
easements on land subject to such easements;
``(bb) timely completion of acquisitions of such easements;
and
``(cc) timely and complete evaluation and reporting to the
Secretary on the use of funds provided under the program.''.
(c) Technical Assistance.--Section 1265B(d) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b(d)) is amended to read
as follows:
``(d) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may provide
technical assistance, if requested, to assist in compliance
with the terms and conditions of easements.''.
SEC. 2604. WETLAND RESERVE EASEMENTS.
Section 1265C(b)(5)(D)(i)(III) of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c(b)(5)(D)(i)(III)) is amended by
inserting after ``under subsection (f)'' the following: ``or
a grazing management plan that is consistent with the wetland
reserve easement plan and has been reviewed, and modified as
necessary, at least every five years''.
SEC. 2605. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Ineligible Land.--Section 1265D(a)(4) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865d(a)(4)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``or off-site''; and
(2) by striking ``proposed or'' and inserting ``permitted
or''.
(b) Subordination, Exchange, Modification, and
Termination.--
(1) Subordination and exchange.--Section 1265D(c)(1) of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865d(c)(1)) is
amended--
[[Page H4077]]
(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``In general''
and inserting ``Subordination and exchange'';
(B) by striking ``subordinate, exchange, modify, or
terminate'' each place it appears and inserting ``subordinate
or exchange''; and
(C) by striking ``subordination, exchange, modification, or
termination'' each place it appears and inserting
``subordination or exchange''.
(2) Modification; termination.--Section 1265D(c) of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865d(c)) is amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs
(4) and (5), respectively;
(B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Modification.--
``(A) Authority.--The Secretary may modify 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 modification--
``(i) has a neutral effect on, or increases, the
conservation values;
``(ii) is consistent with the original intent of the
easement; and
``(iii) is consistent with the purposes of the program.
``(B) Limitation.--In modifying an interest in land, or
portion of such interest, under this paragraph, the Secretary
may not increase any payment to an eligible entity.
``(3) Termination.--The Secretary may 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--
``(A) the current owner of the land that is subject to the
easement and the holder of the easement agree to the
termination; and
``(B) the Secretary determines that the termination would
be in the public interest.''; and
(C) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by striking
``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``paragraph (3)''.
(c) Landowner Eligibility.--Section 1265D of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865d) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(f) Landowner Eligibility.--The limitation described in
paragraph (1) of section 1001D(b) shall not apply to a
landowner from which an easement under the program is to be
purchased with respect to any benefit described in paragraph
(2)(B) of such section related to the purchase of such
easement.''.
Subtitle G--Regional Conservation Partnership Program
SEC. 2701. DEFINITIONS.
(a) Covered Program.--Section 1271A(1) of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871a(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking subparagraph (C) and redesignating
subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) The conservation reserve program established under
subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D.
``(E) Programs provided for in the Watershed Protection and
Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), other than
section 14 of such Act (16 U.S.C. 1012).''.
(b) Eligible Activity.--Section 1271A(2) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871a(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``resource-conserving
crop rotations,'' before ``or dryland farming''; and
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (J) as
subparagraphs (D) through (K), respectively, and inserting
after subparagraph (B) the following:
``(C) Protection of source waters for drinking water.''.
SEC. 2702. REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS.
(a) Length.--Section 1271B(b) of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871b(b)) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Length.--A partnership agreement, including a renewal
of a partnership agreement under subsection (d)(5), shall
be--
``(1) for a period not to exceed 5 years, which period the
Secretary may extend one time for up to 12 months; or
``(2) for a period that is longer than 5 years, if such
longer period is necessary to meet the objectives of the
program, as determined by the Secretary.''.
(b) Duties of Partners.--Section 1271B(c)(1)(E) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871b(c)(1)(E)) is amended by
inserting ``, including quantification of the project's
environmental outcomes'' before the semicolon.
(c) Applications.--Section 1271B(d) of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871b(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``simplified'' before
``competitive process to select''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Renewals.--If a project that is the subject of a
partnership agreement has met or exceeded the objectives of
the project, as determined by the Secretary, the eligible
partners may submit, through an expedited program application
process, an application to--
``(A) continue to implement the project under a renewal of
the partnership agreement; or
``(B) expand the scope of the project under a renewal of
the partnership agreement.''.
SEC. 2703. ASSISTANCE TO PRODUCERS.
Section 1271C(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3871c(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``a period of 5 years'' and inserting ``the
applicable period under section 1271B(b)''; and
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``the Secretary may waive
the applicability of the limitation in section 1001D(b)(2) of
this Act for participating producers'' and inserting
``notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (3) of
section 1001D(b), the Secretary may waive the applicability
of the limitation in paragraph (2) of such section, and any
limitation on the maximum amount of payments related to the
covered programs, for participating producers''.
SEC. 2704. FUNDING.
Section 1271D(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3871d(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Availability of Funds.--Of the funds of the Commodity
Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use, to carry out the
program--
``(1) $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018; and
``(2) $250,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through
2023.''.
SEC. 2705. ADMINISTRATION.
Section 1271E of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C.
3871e) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c) and
inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Guidance.--The Secretary shall provide eligible
partners and producers participating in the partnership
agreements with guidance on how to quantify and report on
environmental outcomes associated with the adoption of
conservation practices under the program.''; and
(2) in subsection (c), as so redesignated--
(A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon;
(B) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) the progress that eligible partners and producers
participating in the partnership agreements are making in
quantifying and reporting on environmental outcomes
associated with the adoption of conservation practices under
the program.''.
SEC. 2706. CRITICAL CONSERVATION AREAS.
Section 1271F(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3871f(c)) is amended by striking paragraph (3).
Subtitle H--Repeals and Transitional Provisions; Technical Amendments
SEC. 2801. REPEAL OF CONSERVATION SECURITY AND CONSERVATION
STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMS.
(a) Repeal.--Except as provided in subsection (b), chapter
2 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3838d et seq.) is repealed.
(b) Transitional Provisions for Conservation Stewardship
Program.--
(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 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
the date of enactment of this Act, or any payments required
to be made in connection with the contract.
(2) No renewals.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the
Secretary may not renew a contract described in such
paragraph.
SEC. 2802. REPEAL OF TERMINAL LAKES ASSISTANCE.
Section 2507 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-6) is repealed.
SEC. 2803. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.
(a) Delineation of Wetlands; Exemptions.--Section 1222(j)
of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3822(j)) is
amended by striking ``National Resources Conservation
Service'' and inserting ``Natural Resources Conservation
Service''.
(b) Delivery of Technical Assistance.--Section 1242 of the
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3842) is amended by
striking ``third party'' each place it appears and inserting
``third-party''.
(c) Administrative Requirements for Conservation
Programs.--Section 1244(b)(4)(B) of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(b)(4)(B)) is amended by striking
``General Accounting Office'' and inserting ``General
Accountability Office''.
(d) Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act.--Section
5(4) of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16
U.S.C. 1005(4)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``goodwater'' and inserting ``floodwater'';
and
(2) by striking ``Secretary of Health, Education, and
Welfare'' each place it appears and inserting ``Secretary of
Health and Human Services''.
TITLE III--TRADE
Subtitle A--Food for Peace Act
SEC. 3001. FINDINGS.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) The United States has long been the world's largest
donor of international food assistance.
(2) American farmers have been instrumental in the success
of United States international food assistance programs by
providing an affordable, safe, and reliable source of
nutritious agricultural commodities.
(3) Through the efforts of the United States maritime
industry and private voluntary organizations, agricultural
commodities grown in the United States have been delivered to
millions of people in need around the globe.
(4) The United States should continue to use its abundant
agricultural productivity to promote the foreign policy of
the United States by enhancing the food security of the
developing world through the timely provision of agricultural
commodities.
SEC. 3002. LABELING REQUIREMENTS.
Subsection (g) of section 202 of the Food for Peace Act (7
U.S.C. 1722) is amended to read as follows:
[[Page H4078]]
``(g) Labeling of Assistance.--Agricultural commodities and
other assistance provided under this title shall, to the
extent practicable, be clearly identified with appropriate
markings on the package or container of such commodities and
food procured outside of the United States, or on printed
material that accompanies other assistance, in the language
of the locality in which such commodities and other
assistance are distributed, as being furnished by the people
of the United States of America.''.
SEC. 3003. FOOD AID QUALITY ASSURANCE.
Section 202(h)(3) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C.
1722(h)(3)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 3004. LOCAL SALE AND BARTER OF COMMODITIES.
Section 203 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1723) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``to generate proceeds
to be used as provided in this section'' before the period at
the end;
(2) by striking subsection (b); and
(3) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections
(b) and (c), respectively.
SEC. 3005. MINIMUM LEVELS OF ASSISTANCE.
Section 204(a) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1724(a))
is amended in paragraphs (1) and (2) by striking ``2018''
both places it appears and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 3006. EXTENSION OF TERMINATION DATE OF FOOD AID
CONSULTATIVE GROUP.
Section 205(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1725(f))
is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 3007. ISSUANCE OF REGULATIONS.
Section 207(c)(1) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C.
1726a(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``the Agricultural Act of
2014''and inserting ``the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of
2018''.
SEC. 3008. FUNDING FOR PROGRAM OVERSIGHT, MONITORING, AND
EVALUATION.
Section 207(f)(4) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C.
1726a(f)(4)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking ``$17,000,000'' and inserting ``1.5
percent''; and
(B) by striking ``2014 through 2018'' the first place it
appears and inserting ``2019 through 2023''; and
(C) by striking ``2018'' the second place it appears and
inserting ``2023''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''; and
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ``chapter 1 of part I of''.
SEC. 3009. ASSISTANCE FOR STOCKPILING AND RAPID
TRANSPORTATION, DELIVERY, AND DISTRIBUTION OF
SHELF-STABLE PREPACKAGED FOODS.
Section 208 the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726b) is
amended--
(1) by amending the section heading to read as follows:
``INTERNATIONAL FOOD RELIEF PARTNERSHIP''; and
(2) in subsection (f), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 3010. CONSIDERATION OF IMPACT OF PROVISION OF
AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES AND OTHER ASSISTANCE
ON LOCAL FARMERS AND ECONOMY.
(a) Inclusion of All Modalities.--Section 403(a) of the
Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733(a)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``,
food procured outside of the United States, food voucher, or
cash transfer for food,'' after ``agricultural commodity'';
(2) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``in the case of the
provision of an agricultural commodity,'' before
``adequate''; and
(3) in paragraph (2), by striking ``commodity'' and
inserting ``agricultural commodity or use of the food
procured outside of the United States, food vouchers, or cash
transfers for food''.
(b) Avoidance of Disruptive Impact.--Section 403(b) of the
Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733(b)) is amended--
(1) in the first sentence, by inserting ``, food procured
outside of the United States, food vouchers, and cash
transfers for food'' after ``agricultural commodities''; and
(2) in the second sentence, by striking ``of sales of
agricultural commodities''.
SEC. 3011. PREPOSITIONING OF AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES.
Section 407(c)(4)(A) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C.
1736a(c)(4)(A)) is amended by striking ``2018'' each place it
appears and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 3012. ANNUAL REPORT REGARDING FOOD AID PROGRAMS AND
ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--Section 407(f) of the Food for Peace Act
(7 U.S.C. 1736a(f)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
``(f) Annual Report Regarding Food Aid Programs and
Activities.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than April 1 of each fiscal
year, the Administrator and the Secretary shall prepare,
either jointly or separately, a report regarding each program
and activity carried out under this Act during the prior
fiscal year. If the report for a fiscal year will not be
submitted to the appropriate committees of Congress by the
date specified in this subparagraph, the Administrator and
the Secretary shall promptly notify such committees about the
delay, including the reasons for the delay, the steps being
taken to complete the report, and an estimated submission
date.
``(2) Contents.--An annual report described in paragraph
(1) shall include, with respect to the prior fiscal year, the
following:
``(A) A list that contains a description of each country
and organization that receives food and other assistance
under this Act (including the quantity of food and assistance
provided to each country and organization).
``(B) A general description of each project and activity
implemented under this Act (including each activity funded
through the use of local currencies) and the total number of
beneficiaries of the project.
``(C) A statement describing the quantity of agricultural
commodities made available to, and the total number of
beneficiaries in, each country pursuant to--
``(i) this Act;
``(ii) section 416(b) of the Agricultural Act of 1949 (7
U.S.C. 1431(b));
``(iii) the Food for Progress Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1736o);
and
``(iv) 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).
``(D) An assessment of the progress made through programs
under this Act towards reducing food insecurity in the
populations receiving food assistance from the United States.
``(E) A description of efforts undertaken by the Food Aid
Consultative Group under section 205 to achieve an integrated
and effective food assistance program.
``(F) An assessment of--
``(i) each program oversight, monitoring, and evaluation
system implemented under section 207(f); and
``(ii) the impact of each program oversight, monitoring,
and evaluation system on the effectiveness and efficiency of
assistance provided under this title.
``(G) An assessment of the progress made by the
Administrator in addressing issues relating to quality with
respect to the provision of food assistance.
``(H) A statement of the amount of funds (including funds
for administrative costs, indirect cost recovery, internal
transportation, storage and handling, and associated
distribution costs) provided to each eligible organization
that received assistance under this Act, that further
describes the following:
``(i) How such funds were used by the eligible
organization.
``(ii) The actual rate of return for each commodity made
available under this Act, including factors that influenced
the rate of return, and, for the commodity, the costs of
bagging or further processing, ocean transportation, inland
transportation in the recipient country, storage costs, and
any other information that the Administrator and the
Secretary determine to be necessary.
``(iii) For each instance in which a commodity was made
available under this Act at a rate of return less than 70
percent, the reasons for the rate of return realized.
``(I) For funds expended for the purposes of section
202(e), 406(b)(6), and 407(c)(1)(B), a detailed accounting of
the expenditures and purposes of such expenditures with
respect to each section.
``(3) Rate of return described.--For purposes of applying
subparagraph (H), the rate of return for a commodity shall be
equal to the proportion that--
``(A) the proceeds the implementing partners generate
through monetization; bears to
``(B) the cost to the Federal Government to procure and
ship the commodity to a recipient country for
monetization.''.
(b) Conforming Repeal.--Subsection (m) of section 403 of
the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1733) is repealed.
SEC. 3013. 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 ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 3014. MINIMUM LEVEL OF NONEMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE.
Subsection (e) of section 412 of the Food for Peace Act (7
U.S.C. 1736f) is amended to read as follows:
``(e) Minimum Level of Nonemergency Food Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--For each of fiscal years 2019 through
2023, not less than $365,000,000 of the amounts made
available to carry out emergency and nonemergency food
assistance programs under title II, nor more than 30 percent
of such amounts, shall be expended for nonemergency food
assistance programs under such title.
``(2) Community development funds.--Funds appropriated each
year to carry out part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of
1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) that are made available through
grants or cooperative agreements to strengthen food security
in developing countries and that are consistent with section
202(e)(1)(C) may be deemed to be expended on nonemergency
food assistance programs for purposes of this section.''.
SEC. 3015. TERMINATION DATE FOR MICRONUTRIENT FORTIFICATION
PROGRAMS.
Section 415(c) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1736g-
2(c)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 3016. JOHN OGONOWSKI AND DOUG BEREUTER FARMER-TO-FARMER
PROGRAM.
(a) Clarification of Nature of Assistance.--Section
501(b)(1) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1737(b)(1)) is
amended by inserting ``technical'' before ``assistance''.
(b) Eligible Participants.--Section 501(b)(2) of the Food
for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1737(b)(2)) is amended by inserting
``retired extension staff of the Department of Agriculture,''
after ``private corporations,''.
(c) Additional Purpose.--Section 501(b) of the Food for
Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1737(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (5);
(2) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new
paragraph:
[[Page H4079]]
``(6) foster appropriate investments in institutional
capacity-building and allow longer-term and sequenced
assignments and partnerships to provide deeper engagement and
greater continuity on such projects; and''.
(d) Minimum Funding.--Subsection (d) of section 501 of the
Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1737) is amended to read as
follows:
``(d) Minimum Funding.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, in addition to any funds that may be specifically
appropriated to carry out this section, not less than the
greater of $15,000,000 or 0.6 percent of the amounts made
available for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2023, to
carry out this Act shall be used to carry out programs under
this section, of which--
``(A) not less than 0.2 percent to be used for programs in
developing countries; and
``(B) not less than 0.1 percent to be used for programs in
sub-Saharan African and Caribbean Basin countries.
``(2) Treatment of expenditures.--Funds used to carry out
programs under this section shall be counted towards the
minimum level of nonemergency food assistance specified in
section 412(e).''.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 501(e)(1) of
the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1737(e)(1)) is amended in by
striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
Subtitle B--Agricultural Trade Act of 1978
SEC. 3101. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) United States export development programs significantly
increase demand for United States agriculture products within
foreign markets, boosting agricultural export volume and
overall farm income, and generating a net return of $28 in
added export revenue for each invested program dollar.
(2) Our global competitors provide substantially more
public support for export promotion than is provided to
United States agricultural exporters. The Market Access
Program and Foreign Market Development Program receive
combined annual funding of approximately $234,500,000. In
comparison, the European Union allocates $255,000,000
annually for the international promotion of wine alone.
(3) The preservation and streamlining of United States
export market development programs complements the recent
reorganization within the Department of Agriculture by
ensuring the newly established Under Secretary for Trade and
Foreign Agricultural Affairs has the tools necessary to
enhance the competitiveness of the United States agricultural
industry on the global stage.
SEC. 3102. CONSOLIDATION OF CURRENT PROGRAMS AS NEW
INTERNATIONAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
(a) International Market Development Program.--Section 205
of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5625) is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 205. INTERNATIONAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
``(a) Program Required.--The Secretary and the Commodity
Credit Corporation shall establish and carry out a program,
to be known as the `International Market Development
Program', to encourage the development, maintenance, and
expansion of commercial export markets for United States
agricultural commodities.
``(b) Market Access Program Component.--
``(1) In general.--As one of the components of the
International Market Development Program, the Commodity
Credit Corporation shall carry out a program to encourage the
development, maintenance, and expansion of commercial export
markets for United States agricultural commodities through
cost-share assistance to eligible trade organizations that
implement a foreign market development program.
``(2) Types of assistance.--Assistance under this
subsection may be provided in the form of funds of, or
commodities owned by, the Commodity Credit Corporation, as
determined appropriate by the Secretary.
``(3) Participation requirements.--
``(A) Marketing plan and other requirements.--To be
eligible for cost-share assistance under this subsection, an
eligible trade organization shall--
``(i) prepare and submit a marketing plan to the Secretary
that meets the guidelines governing such a marketing plan
specified in this paragraph or otherwise established by the
Secretary;
``(ii) meet any other requirements established by the
Secretary; and
``(iii) enter into an agreement with the Secretary.
``(B) Purpose of marketing plan.--A marketing plan
submitted under this paragraph shall describe the advertising
or other market oriented export promotion activities to be
carried out by the eligible trade organization with respect
to which assistance under this subsection is being requested.
``(C) Specific elements.--To be approved by the Secretary,
a marketing plan submitted under this paragraph shall--
``(i) specifically describe the manner in which assistance
received by the eligible trade organization, in conjunction
with funds and services provided by the eligible trade
organization, will be expended in implementing the marketing
plan;
``(ii) establish specific market goals to be achieved under
the marketing plan; and
``(iii) contain whatever additional requirements are
determined by the Secretary to be necessary.
``(D) Branded promotion.--A marketing plan approved by the
Secretary may provide for the use of branded advertising to
promote the sale of United States agricultural commodities in
a foreign country under such terms and conditions as may be
established by the Secretary.
``(E) Amendments.--An approved marketing plan may be
amended by the eligible trade organization at any time,
subject to the approval by the Secretary of the amendments.
``(4) Level of assistance and cost-share requirements.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall justify in writing
the level of assistance to be provided to an eligible trade
organization under this subsection and the level of cost
sharing required of the organization.
``(B) Limitation on branded promotion.--Assistance provided
under this subsection for activities described in paragraph
(3)(D) shall not exceed 50 percent of the cost of
implementing the marketing plan, except that the Secretary
may determine not to apply such limitation in the case of
United States agricultural commodities with respect to which
there has been a favorable decision by the United States
Trade Representative under section 301 of the Trade Act of
1974 (19 U.S.C. 2411). Criteria used by the Secretary for
determining that the limitation shall not apply shall be
consistent and documented.
``(5) Other terms and conditions.--
``(A) Multi-year basis.--The Secretary may provide
assistance under this subsection on a multi-year basis,
subject to annual review by the Secretary for compliance with
the approved marketing plan.
``(B) Termination of assistance.--The Secretary may
terminate any assistance made, or to be made, available under
this subsection if the Secretary determines that--
``(i) the eligible trade organization is not adhering to
the terms and conditions applicable to the provision of the
assistance;
``(ii) the eligible trade organization is not implementing
the approved marketing plan or is not adequately meeting the
established goals of the plan;
``(iii) the eligible trade organization is not adequately
contributing its own resources to the implementation of the
plan; or
``(iv) the Secretary determines that termination of
assistance in a particular instance is in the best interests
of the program.
``(C) Evaluations.--Beginning not later than 15 months
after the initial provision of assistance under this
subsection to an eligible trade organization, the Secretary
shall monitor the expenditures by the eligible trade
organization of such assistance, including the following:
``(i) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the marketing
plan of the eligible trade organization in developing or
maintaining markets for United States agricultural
commodities.
``(ii) An evaluation of whether assistance provided under
this subsection is necessary to maintain such markets.
``(iii) A thorough accounting of the expenditure by the
eligible trade organization of the assistance provided under
this subsection.
``(6) Restrictions on use of funds.--Assistance provided
under this subsection to an eligible trade organization shall
not be used--
``(A) to provide direct assistance to any foreign for-
profit corporation for the corporation's use in promoting
foreign-produced products; or
``(B) to provide direct assistance to any for-profit
corporation that is not recognized as a small business
concern, excluding a cooperative, an association described in
the first section of the Act entitled `An Act To authorize
association of producers of agricultural products', approved
February 18, 1922 (7 U.S.C. 291), or a nonprofit trade
association.
``(7) Permissive use of funds.--Assistance provided under
this subsection to a United States agricultural trade
association, cooperative, or small business may be used for
individual branded promotional activity related to a United
States branded product, if the beneficiaries of the activity
have provided funds for the activity in an amount that is at
least equivalent to the amount of assistance provided under
this subsection.
``(8) Program considerations and priorities.--In providing
assistance under this subsection, the Secretary, to the
maximum extent practicable, shall--
``(A) give equal consideration to--
``(i) proposals submitted by organizations that were
participating organizations in prior fiscal years; and
``(ii) proposals submitted by eligible trade organizations
that have not previously participated in the program
established under this title;
``(B) give equal consideration to--
``(i) proposals submitted for activities in emerging
markets; and
``(ii) proposals submitted for activities in markets other
than emerging markets.
``(9) Priority.--In providing assistance for branded
promotion, the Secretary should give priority to small-sized
entities.
``(10) Contribution level.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary should require a minimum
contribution level of 10 percent from an eligible trade
organization that receives assistance for nonbranded
promotion.
``(B) Increases in contribution level.--The Secretary may
increase the contribution level in any subsequent year that
an eligible trade organization receives assistance for
nonbranded promotion.
``(11) Additionality.--The Secretary should require each
participant in the program to certify that any Federal funds
received supplement, but do not supplant, private or third
party participant funds or other contributions to program
activities.
``(12) Independent audits.--If as a result of an evaluation
or audit of activities of a participant under the program,
the Secretary determines that a further review is justified
in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of the
program, the Secretary should require the participant to
contract for an independent audit of the program activities,
including activities of any subcontractor.
[[Page H4080]]
``(13) Tobacco.--No funds made available under the market
promotion program may be used for activities to develop,
maintain, or expand foreign markets for tobacco.
``(c) Foreign Market Development Cooperator Component.--
``(1) In general.--As one of the components of the
International Market Development Program, the Secretary shall
carry out a foreign market development cooperator program to
maintain and develop foreign markets for United States
agricultural commodities.
``(2) Cooperation.--The Secretary shall carry out the
foreign market development cooperator program in cooperation
with eligible trade organizations.
``(3) Administration.--Funds made available to carry out
the foreign market development cooperator program shall be
used only to provide--
``(A) cost-share assistance to an eligible trade
organization under a contract or agreement with the
organization; and
``(B) assistance for other costs that are necessary or
appropriate to carry out the foreign market development
cooperator program, including contingent liabilities that are
not otherwise funded.
``(4) Program considerations.--In providing assistance
under this subsection, the Secretary, to the maximum extent
practicable, shall--
``(A) give equal consideration to--
``(i) proposals submitted by eligible trade organizations
that were participating organizations in the foreign market
development cooperator program in prior fiscal years; and
``(ii) proposals submitted by eligible trade organizations
that have not previously participated in the foreign market
development cooperator program; and
``(B) give equal consideration to--
``(i) proposals submitted for activities in emerging
markets; and
``(ii) proposals submitted for activities in markets other
than emerging markets.
``(d) Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Component.--
``(1) In general.--As one of the components of the
International Market Development Program, the Secretary shall
carry out an export assistance program to address existing or
potential barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of
United States specialty crops.
``(2) Purpose.--The export assistance program required by
this subsection shall provide direct assistance through
public and private sector projects and technical assistance
to remove, resolve, or mitigate existing or potential
sanitary and phytosanitary and technical barriers to trade.
``(3) Priority.--The export assistance program required by
this subsection shall address time sensitive and strategic
market access projects based on--
``(A) trade effect on market retention, market access, and
market expansion; and
``(B) trade impact.
``(4) Annual report.--The Secretary shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress an annual report that
contains, for the period covered by the report, a description
of each factor that affects the export of specialty crops,
including each factor relating to any significant sanitary or
phytosanitary issue or trade barrier.
``(e) E. (Kika) De La Garza Emerging Markets Program
Component.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Establishment of program.--The Secretary, in order to
develop, maintain, or expand export markets for United States
agricultural commodities, is directed--
``(i) to make available to emerging markets the expertise
of the United States to make assessments of the food and
rural business systems needs of such emerging markets;
``(ii) to make recommendations on measures necessary to
enhance the effectiveness of the systems, including potential
reductions in trade barriers; and
``(iii) to identify and carry out specific opportunities
and projects to enhance the effectiveness of those systems.
``(B) Extent of program.--The Secretary shall implement
this paragraph with respect to at least 3 emerging markets in
each fiscal year.
``(2) Implementation of program.--The Secretary may
implement the requirements of paragraph (1)--
``(A) by providing assistance to teams consisting primarily
of agricultural consultants, farmers, other persons from the
private sector and government officials expert in assessing
the food and rural business systems of other countries to
enable such teams to conduct the assessments, make the
recommendations, and identify the opportunities and projects
specified in such paragraph in emerging markets; and
``(B) by providing for necessary subsistence and
transportation expenses of--
``(i) United States food and rural business system experts,
including United States agricultural producers and other
United States individuals knowledgeable in agricultural and
agribusiness matters, to enable such United States food and
rural business system experts to assist in transferring
knowledge and expertise to entities in emerging markets; and
``(ii) individuals designated by emerging markets to enable
such designated individuals to consult with such United
States experts to enhance food and rural business systems of
such emerging markets and to transfer knowledge and expertise
to such emerging markets.
``(3) Cost-sharing.--The Secretary shall encourage the
nongovernmental experts described in paragraph (2) to share
the costs of, and otherwise assist in, the participation of
such experts in the program under this paragraph.
``(4) Technical assistance.--The Secretary is authorized to
provide, or pay the necessary costs for, technical assistance
(including the establishment of extension services) necessary
to enhance the effectiveness of food and rural business
systems needs of emerging markets, including potential
reductions in trade barriers.
``(5) Reports to secretary.--A team that receives
assistance under paragraph (2) shall prepare such reports
with respect to the use of such assistance as the Secretary
may require.
``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible trade organization.--
``(A) Market access program component.--In subsection (b),
the term `eligible trade organization' means--
``(i) a United States agricultural trade organization or
regional State-related organization that promotes the export
and sale of United States agricultural commodities and that
does not stand to profit directly from specific sales of
United States agricultural commodities;
``(ii) a cooperative organization or State agency that
promotes the sale of United States agricultural commodities;
or
``(iii) a private organization that promotes the export and
sale of United States agricultural commodities if the
Secretary determines that such organization would
significantly contribute to United States export market
development.
``(B) Foreign market development cooperator component.--In
subsection (c), the term `eligible trade organization'' means
a United States trade organization that--
``(i) promotes the export of one or more United States
agricultural commodities; and
``(ii) does not have a business interest in or receive
remuneration from specific sales of United States
agricultural commodities.
``(2) Emerging market.--The term `emerging market' means
any country that the Secretary determines--
``(A) is taking steps toward a market-oriented economy
through the food, agriculture, or rural business sectors of
the economy of the country; and
``(B) has the potential to provide a viable and significant
market for United States agricultural commodities.
``(3) Small-business concern.--The term `small-business
concern' has the meaning given that term in section 3(a) of
the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a)).
``(4) United states agricultural commodity.--The term
`United States agricultural commodity' has the meaning given
the term in section 102 of the Agriculture Trade Act of 1978
(7 U.S.C. 5602) and includes commodities that are organically
produced (as defined in section 2103 of the Organic Foods
Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502)).''.
(b) Funding Provision.--Subsection (c) of section 211 of
the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5641) is amended
to read as follows:
``(c) International Market Development Program.--
``(1) In general.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit
Corporation, the Secretary shall make available for the
International Market Development Program under section 205
$255,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
Such amounts shall remain available until expended.
``(2) Set-asides.--
``(A) Market access program component.--Of the funds made
available under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, not less
than $200,000,000 shall be used for the market access program
component of the International Market Development Program
under subsection (b) of section 205.
``(B) Foreign market development cooperator component.--Of
the funds made available under paragraph (1) for a fiscal
year, not less than $34,500,000 shall be used for the foreign
market development cooperator component of the International
Market Development Program under subsection (c) of section
205.
``(C) Technical assistance for specialty crops component.--
Of the funds made available under paragraph (1) for a fiscal
year, not more than $9,000,000, shall be used for the
specialty crops component of the International Market
Development Program under subsection (d) of section 205.
``(D) Agricultural exports to emerging markets component.--
Of the funds made available under paragraph (1) for a fiscal
year, not more than $10,000,000 shall be used to promote
agricultural exports to emerging markets under the
International Market Development Program under subsection (e)
of section 205.''.
(c) Repeal of Superseded Programs.--
(1) Market access program.--Section 203 of the Agricultural
Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5623) is repealed.
(2) Promotional assistance.--Section 1302 of the Omnibus
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 is repealed.
(3) Foreign market development cooperator program.--Title
VII of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5721-
5723) is repealed.
(4) Export assistance program for specialty crops.--Section
3205 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7
U.S.C. 5680) is repealed.
(5) Emerging markets program.--Section 1542 of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
5622 note; Public Law 101-624) is amended by striking
subsection (d) and by redesignating subsection (e) and (f) as
subsections (d) and (e), respectively.
(d) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Agricultural trade act of 1978.--The Agricultural Trade
Act of 1978 is amended--
(A) in section 202 (7 U.S.C. 5622), by adding at the end
the following new subsection:
``(k) Combination of Programs.--The Commodity Credit
Corporation may carry out a program under which commercial
export credit guarantees available under this section are
combined with direct credits from the Commodity Credit
Corporation under section 201 to reduce the effective rate of
interest on export sales of United States agricultural
commodities.''; and
(B) in section 402(a)(1) (7 U.S.C. 5662(a)(1)), by striking
``203'' and inserting ``205(b)''.
[[Page H4081]]
(2) Agricultural marketing act of 1946.--Section
282(f)(2)(C) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7
U.S.C. 1638a(f)(2)(C)) is amended by striking ``section 203
of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5623)'' and
inserting ``section 205 of the Agricultural Trade Act of
1978''.
(3) Food, agriculture, conservation, and trade act of
1990.--Section 1543(b)(5) of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 3293(b)(5)) is
amended by striking ``1542(f)'' and inserting ``1542(e)''.
Subtitle C--Other Agricultural Trade Laws
SEC. 3201. LOCAL AND REGIONAL FOOD AID PROCUREMENT PROJECTS.
Section 3206(e)(1) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 1726c(e)(1)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 3202. PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TO EMERGING
MARKETS.
Section 1542(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5622 note; Public Law 101-624) is
amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 3203. 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 ``2018'' each
place it appears and inserting ``2023''; and
(2) in subsection (h), by striking ``2018'' each place it
appears and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 3204. FOOD FOR PROGRESS ACT OF 1985.
(a) Extension.--Section 1110 of the Food Security Act of
1985 (also known as the Food for Progress Act of 1985; 7
U.S.C. 1736o) is amended--
(1) in subsection (f)(3), by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023'';
(2) in subsection (g), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023'';
(3) in subsection (k), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''; and
(4) in subsection (l)(1), by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
(b) Eligible Entities.--Section 1110(b)(5) of the Food
Security Act of 1985 (also known as the Food for Progress Act
of 1985; 7 U.S.C. 1736o(b)(5)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (E);
(2) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (G);
and
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following new
subparagraph:
``(F) a college or university (as such terms are defined in
section 1404(4) of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 3103(4)); and''.
(c) Private Voluntary Organizations and Other Private
Entities.--Section 1110(o) of the Food Security Act of 1985
is amended in paragraph (1) by striking ``(F)'' and inserting
``(G)''.
SEC. 3205. MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND
CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM.
(a) Consideration of Proposals.--Section 3107(f)(1)(B) of
the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C.
1736o-1(f)(1)(B)) is amended by inserting before the
semicolon the following: ``and, to the extent practicable,
that assistance will be provided on a timely basis so as to
coincide with the beginning of and when needed during the
relevant school year''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--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 ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 3206. COCHRAN FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) Authorized Locations for Training.--Section 1543(a) of
the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 3293(a)) is amended by striking ``for study in the
United States.'' and inserting the following: ``for study--
``(1) in the United States; or
``(2) at a college or university located in an eligible
country that the Secretary determines--
``(A) has sufficient scientific and technical facilities;
``(B) has established a partnership with at least one
college or university in the United States; and
``(C) has substantial participation by faculty members of
the United States college or university in the design of the
fellowship curriculum and classroom instruction under the
fellowship.''.
(b) Fellowship Purposes.--Section 1543(c)(2) of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
3293(c)(2)) is amended by inserting before the period at the
end the following: ``, including trade linkages involving
regulatory systems governing sanitary and phyto-sanitary
standards for agricultural products''.
SEC. 3207. BORLAUG FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.
Section 1473G of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319j)
is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 1473G. BORLAUG INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.
``(a) Fellowship Program.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a
fellowship program, to be known as the `Borlaug International
Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program'.
``(2) Fellowships to individuals from eligible countries.--
As part of the fellowship program, the Secretary shall
provide fellowships to individuals from eligible countries as
described in subsection (b) who specialize in agricultural
education, research, and extension for scientific training
and study designed to assist individual fellowship
recipients, including the following 3 programs:
``(A) A graduate studies program in agriculture to assist
individuals who participate in graduate agricultural degree
training at a United States institution.
``(B) An individual career improvement program to assist
agricultural scientists from developing countries in
upgrading skills and understanding in agricultural science
and technology.
``(C) A Borlaug agricultural policy executive leadership
course to assist senior agricultural policy makers from
eligible countries, with an initial focus on individuals from
sub-Saharan Africa and the independent states of the former
Soviet Union.
``(3) Fellowships to united states citizens.--As part of
the fellowship program, the Secretary shall provide
fellowships to citizens of the United States to assist
eligible countries in developing school-based agricultural
education and youth extension programs.
``(b) Eligible Country Described.--For purposes of this
section, an eligible country is a developing country, as
determined by the Secretary using a gross national income per
capita test selected by the Secretary.
``(c) Purpose of Fellowships.--
``(1) Fellowships to individuals from eligible countries.--
A fellowship provided under subsection (a)(2) shall--
``(A) promote food security and economic growth in eligible
countries by--
``(i) educating a new generation of agricultural
scientists;
``(ii) increasing scientific knowledge and collaborative
research to improve agricultural productivity; and
``(iii) extending that knowledge to users and
intermediaries in the marketplace; and
``(B) support--
``(i) training and collaborative research opportunities
through exchanges for entry level international agricultural
research scientists, faculty, and policymakers from eligible
countries;
``(ii) collaborative research to improve agricultural
productivity;
``(iii) the transfer of new science and agricultural
technologies to strengthen agricultural practice; and
``(iv) the reduction of barriers to technology adoption.
``(2) Fellowships to united states citizens.--A fellowship
provided under subsection (a)(3) shall--
``(A) develop globally minded United States agriculturists
with experience living abroad;
``(B) focus on meeting the food and fiber needs of the
domestic population of eligible countries; and
``(C) strengthen and enhance trade linkages between
eligible countries and the United States agricultural
industry.
``(d) Fellowship Recipients.--
``(1) Fellowships to individuals from eligible countries.--
``(A) Eligible candidates.--The Secretary may provide
fellowships under subsection (a)(2) to individuals from
eligible countries who specialize or have experience in
agricultural education, research, extension, or related
fields, including--
``(i) individuals from the public and private sectors; and
``(ii) private agricultural producers.
``(B) Candidate identification.--For fellowships under
subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall use the expertise of
United States land-grant colleges and universities and
similar universities, international organizations working in
agricultural research and outreach, and national agricultural
research organizations to help identify program candidates
for fellowships from the public and private sectors of
eligible countries.
``(C) Location of training.--The scientific training or
study of fellowship recipients under subsection (a)(2) shall
occur--
``(i) in the United States; or
``(ii) at a college or university located in an eligible
country that the Secretary determines--
``(I) has sufficient scientific and technical facilities;
``(II) has established a partnership with at least one
college or university in the United States; and
``(III) has substantial participation by faculty members of
the United States college or university in the design of the
fellowship curriculum and classroom instruction under the
fellowship.
``(2) Fellowships to united states citizens.--
``(A) Eligible candidates.--The Secretary may provide
fellowships under subsection (a)(3) to citizens of the United
States who--
``(i) hold at least a bachelors degree in an agricultural
related field of study; and
``(ii) have an understanding of United States school-based
agricultural education and youth extension programs, as
determined by the Secretary.
``(B) Candidate identification.--For fellowships under
subsection (a)(3), the Secretary shall consult with the
National FFA Organization, the National 4-H Council, and
other entities as the Secretary deems appropriate to identify
candidates for fellowships.
``(e) Program Implementation.--The Secretary shall provide
for the management, coordination, evaluation, and monitoring
of the Borlaug International Agricultural Science and
Technology Fellowship Program and for the individual programs
described in subsection (a), except that--
``(1) the Secretary may contract out to 1 or more
collaborating universities the management of 1 or more of the
fellowship programs under subsection (a)(2); and
``(2) the Secretary may contract out the management of the
fellowship program under subsection (a)(3) to an outside
organization with experience in implementing fellowship
programs focused on building capacity for school-based
[[Page H4082]]
agricultural education and youth extension programs in
developing countries.
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated
$6,000,000 to carry out this section.
``(2) Set-asides.--Of any funds made available pursuant to
paragraph (1), not less than $2,800,000 shall be used to
carry out the fellowship program for individuals from
eligible countries under subsection (a)(2).
``(3) Duration.--Any funds made available pursuant to
paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.''.
SEC. 3208. GLOBAL CROP DIVERSITY TRUST.
(a) United States Contribution Limit.--Section 3202(b) of
the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (22 U.S.C.
2220a note; Public Law 110-246(b)) is amended by striking
``25 percent'' and inserting ``33 percent''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--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 ``for
the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018'' and inserting
``for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023''.
SEC. 3209. GROWING AMERICAN FOOD EXPORTS ACT OF 2018.
Section 1543A of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5679) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 1543A. BIOTECHNOLOGY AND AGRICULTURAL TRADE PROGRAM.
``(a) Establishment.--There is established in the
Department of Agriculture a program to be known as the
`Biotechnology and Agricultural Trade Program'.
``(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the program established
under this section shall be to remove, resolve, or mitigate
significant regulatory nontariff barriers to the export of
United States agricultural commodities into foreign markets
through policy advocacy and targeted projects that address--
``(1) issues relating to United States agricultural
commodities produced with the use of biotechnology or new
agricultural production technologies;
``(2) advocacy for science-based regulation in foreign
markets of biotechnology or new agricultural production
technologies; or
``(3) quick-response intervention regarding non-tariff
barriers to United States exports produced through
biotechnology or new agricultural production technologies.
``(c) Eligible Programs.--Depending on need, as determined
by the Secretary, activities authorized under this section
may be carried out through--
``(1) this section;
``(2) the emerging markets program under section 1542; or
``(3) the Cochran Fellowship Program under section 1543.''.
TITLE IV--NUTRITION
Subtitle A--Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SEC. 4001. DUPLICATIVE ENROLLMENT DATABASE.
(a) Expansion of the Duplicative Enrollment Database.--The
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 30. DUPLICATIVE ENROLLMENT DATABASE.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish an
interstate database, or system of databases, of supplemental
nutrition assistance program information to be known as the
Duplicative Enrollment Database that shall include the data
submitted by each State pursuant to section 11(e)(26) and
that shall meet security standards as determined by the
Secretary.
``(b) Purpose.--Any database, or system of databases,
established pursuant to subsection (a) shall be used by
States when making eligibility determinations to prevent
supplemental nutrition assistance program participants from
receiving duplicative benefits in multiple States.
``(c) Implementation.--
``(1) Issuance of interim final regulations.--Not later
than 18 months after the effective date of this section, the
Secretary shall issue interim final regulations to carry out
this section that--
``(A) incorporate best practices and lessons learned from
the regional pilot project referenced in section 4032(c) of
the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 2036c(c));
``(B) protect the privacy of supplemental nutrition
assistance program participants and applicants consistent
with section 11(e)(8); and
``(C) detail the process States will be required to follow
for--
``(i) conducting initial and ongoing matches of participant
and applicant data;
``(ii) identifying and acting on all apparent instances of
duplicative participation by participants or applicants in
multiple States;
``(iii) disenrolling an individual who has applied to
participate in another State in a manner sufficient to allow
the State in which the individual is currently applying to
comply with sections 11(e)(3) and (9); and
``(iv) complying with such other rules and standards the
Secretary determines appropriate to carry out this section.
``(2) Timing.--The initial match and corresponding actions
required by paragraph (1)(C) shall occur within 3 years after
the date of the enactment of the Agriculture and Nutrition
Act of 2018.
``(d) Reports.--Using the data submitted to the Duplicative
Enrollment Database, the Secretary shall publish an annual
report analyzing supplemental nutrition assistance program
participant characteristics, including participant tenure on
the program. The report shall be made available to the public
in a manner that prevents identification of participants that
receive supplemental nutrition assistance program
benefits.''.
(b) State Data Collection and Submission Requirements.--
Section 11(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2020(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (24) by striking ``and'' at the end,
(2) in paragraph (25) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and'', and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(26) that the State agency shall collect and submit
supplemental nutrition assistance program data to the
Duplicative Enrollment Database established in section 30, in
accordance with guidance or rules issued by the Secretary
establishing a uniform method and format for the collection
and submission of data, including for each member of a
participating household--
``(A) the social security number or the social security
number substitute;
``(B) the employment status of such member;
``(C) the amount of income and whether that income is
earned or unearned;
``(D) that member's portion of the household monthly
allotment, and
``(E) the portion of the aggregate value of household
assets attributed to that member.''.
SEC. 4002. RETAILER-FUNDED INCENTIVES PILOT.
The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.),
as amended by section 4001, is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``SEC. 31. RETAILER-FUNDED INCENTIVES PILOT.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a pilot
project in accordance with subsection (d) through which
participating retail food stores provide bonuses to
participating households based on household purchases of
fruits, vegetables, and fluid milk.
``(b) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) The term `bonus' means a financial incentive provided
at the point of sale to a participating household that
expends a portion of its allotment for the purchase of
fruits, vegetables, or fluid milk.
``(2) The term `fluid milk' means cow milk without
flavoring or sweeteners and packaged in liquid form.
``(3) The term `fruits' means minimally processed fruits.
``(4) The term `retail food store' means a retail food
store as defined in section 3(o)(1) that is authorized to
accept and redeem benefits under the supplemental nutrition
assistance program.
``(5) The term `vegetables' means minimally processed
vegetables.
``(c) Project Participant Plans.--To participate in the
pilot project established under subsection (a), a retail food
store shall submit to the Secretary for approval a plan that
includes--
``(1) a method of quantifying the cost of fruits,
vegetables, and fluid milk, that will earn households a
bonus;
``(2) a method of providing bonuses to participating
households and adequately testing such method;
``(3) a method of ensuring bonuses earned by households may
be used only to purchase food eligible for purchase under the
supplemental nutrition assistance program;
``(4) a method of educating participating households about
the availability and use of a bonus;
``(5) a method of providing data and reports, as requested
by the Secretary, for purposes of analyzing the impact of the
pilot project established under subsection (a) on household
access, ease of bonus use, and program integrity; and
``(6) such other criteria, including security criteria, as
established by the Secretary.
``(d) Pilot Project Requirements.--Retail food stores with
plans approved under subsection (c) to participate in the
pilot project established under subsection (a) shall--
``(1) provide a bonus in a dollar amount not to exceed 10
percent of the price of the purchased fruits, vegetables, and
fluid milk;
``(2) fund the dollar amount of bonuses used by households,
and pay for administrative costs, such as fees and system
costs, associated with providing such bonuses;
``(3) ensure that bonuses earned by households may be used
only to purchase food eligible for purchase under the
supplemental nutrition assistance program; and
``(4) provide data and reports as requested by the
Secretary for purposes of analyzing the impact of the pilot
project established under subsection (a) on household access,
ease of bonus use, and program integrity.
``(e) Limitation.--A retail food store participating in a
project under section 4405 of the Food, Conservation, and
Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7517) shall not be eligible to
participate in the pilot project established under subsection
(a).
``(f) Implementation.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of the enactment of Agriculture and Nutrition Act of
2018, the Secretary shall solicit and approve plans submitted
under subsection (c) that satisfy the requirements of such
subsection.
``(g) Reimbursements.--
``(1) Rate of reimbursement.--Subject to paragraphs (2) and
(3), the Secretary shall reimburse retail food stores with
plans approved under subsection (f) in an amount not to
exceed 25 percent of the dollar value of bonuses earned by
households and used to purchase food eligible for purchase
under the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
``(2) Aggregate amount of reimbursements.--The aggregate
amount of reimbursements paid in a fiscal year to all retail
food stores that participate in the pilot project established
under subsection (a) in such fiscal year shall not exceed
$120,000,000.
``(3) Requirements.--
``(A) Timeline.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of the Agriculture and
[[Page H4083]]
Nutrition Act of 2018, the Secretary shall establish
requirements to implement this section, including criteria
for prioritizing reimbursements to such stores within the
limit established in paragraph (2) and subject to
subparagraph (B).
``(B) Distribution of reimbursements.--
``(i) Monthly payments.--Reimbursements payable under this
subsection shall be paid on a monthly basis.
``(ii) Prorated payments.--If funds made available under
subsection (h) are insufficient to pay in full reimbursements
payable for a month because of the operation of paragraph
(2), such reimbursements shall be paid on a pro rata basis to
the extent funds remain available for payment.
``(h) Funding.--From funds made available under section
18(a)(1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall allocate not
to exceed $120,000,000 for reimbursements payable under this
section for such fiscal year.''.
SEC. 4003. GUS SCHUMACHER FOOD INSECURITY NUTRITION INCENTIVE
PROGRAM.
(a) Amendments.--Section 4405 of the Food, Conservation,
and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7517) is amended--
(1) by striking the heading and inserting ``Gus Schumacher
Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Program'',
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)(ii)--
(I) in subclause (II) by inserting ``financial'' after
``providing'',
(II) by amending subclause (III) to read as follows:
``(III) has adequate plans to collect data for reporting
and agrees to participate in a program evaluation; and''.
(III) in subclause (IV) by striking ``; and'' at the end
and inserting a period, and
(IV) by striking subclause (V), and
(ii) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
``(B) Priorities.--In awarding grants under this section--
``(i) the Secretary shall give priority to projects that--
``(I) maximize the share of funds used for direct
incentives to participants;
``(II) include coordination with multiple stakeholders,
such as farm organizations, nutrition education programs,
cooperative extension service programs, public health
departments, health providers, private and public health
insurance agencies, cooperative grocers, grocery
associations, and community-based and non-governmental
organizations;
``(III) have the capacity to generate sufficient data and
analysis to demonstrate effectiveness of program incentives;
and
``(ii) the Secretary may also give priority to projects
that--
``(I) are located in underserved communities;
``(II) use direct-to-consumer sales marketing;
``(III) demonstrate a track record of designing and
implementing successful nutrition incentive programs that
connect low-income consumers and agricultural producers;
``(IV) provide locally or regionally produced fruits and
vegetables;
``(V) offer supplemental services in high-need communities,
including online ordering, transportation between home and
store, and delivery services;
``(VI) provide year-round access to program incentives; and
``(VII) address other criteria as established by the
Secretary.'',
(B) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
``(4) Training, evaluation, and information center.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture,
shall establish a Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Program
Training, Evaluation, and Information Center capable of
providing services related to grants under subsection (b),
including--
``(i) offering incentive program training and technical
assistance to applicants and grantees to the extent
practicable;
``(ii) collecting, evaluating, and sharing information on
best practices on common incentive activities;
``(iii) assisting with collaboration among grantee
projects, State agencies, and nutrition education programs;
``(iv) facilitating communication between grantees and the
Department of Agriculture; and
``(v) compiling program data from grantees and generating
an annual report to Congress on grant outcomes.
``(B) Cooperative agreement.--To carry out subparagraph
(A), the Secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement
with an organization with expertise in the supplemental
nutrition assistance program incentive programs, including--
``(i) nongovernmental organizations;
``(ii) State cooperative extension services;
``(iii) regional food system centers;
``(iv) Federal and State agencies;
``(v) public, private, and land-grant colleges and
universities; and
``(vi) other appropriate entities as determined by the
Secretary.
``(C) Funding limitation.--Of the funds made available
under subsection (c), the Secretary may use to carry out this
paragraph not more than--
``(i) $2,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2019 and
2020, and
``(ii) $1,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter.'', and
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and
inserting ``2019 through 2023'', and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``;'', and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2019;
``(E) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;
``(F) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
``(G) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
``(H) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and each fiscal year
thereafter.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents of Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 is amended by striking
the item relating to section 4405 by inserting the following:
``Sec. 4405. Gus Schumacher food insecurity nutrition incentive
program.''.
SEC. 4004. RE-EVALUATION OF THRIFTY FOOD PLAN.
Section 3(u) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2012(u)) is amended by inserting after the 1st
sentence the following:
``By 2022 and at 5-year intervals thereafter, the Secretary
shall re-evaluate and publish the market baskets of the
thrifty food plan based on current food prices, food
composition data, and consumption patterns.''.
SEC. 4005. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS.
Section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2013(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6)--
(A) in the heading by striking ``locally-grown'' and
inserting ``locally- and regionally-grown'',
(B) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``locally-grown'' and
inserting ``locally- and regionally-grown'',
(C) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) by striking ``locally grown'' and inserting ``locally-
and regionally-grown'', and
(ii) by striking ``locally-grown'' and inserting ``locally-
and regionally-grown'',
(D) by amending subparagraph (D) to read as follows:
``(D) Purchase of foods.--In carrying out this paragraph,
the Secretary shall purchase or offer to purchase those
traditional foods that may be procured cost-effectively.'';
(E) by striking subparagraph (E), and
(F) in subparagraph (F)--
(i) by striking ``(F)'' and inserting ``(E)'', and
(ii) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023'', and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Funds availability.--Funds made available for a
fiscal year to carry out this subsection shall remain
available for obligation for a period of 2 fiscal years.''.
SEC. 4006. UPDATE TO CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY.
Section 5 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2014) is amended--
(1) in the 2d sentence of subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``receives benefits'' and inserting ``(1)
receives cash assistance or ongoing and substantial
services'',
(B) by striking ``supplemental security'' and inserting
``with an income eligibility limit of not more than 130
percent of the poverty line as defined in section 5(c)(1),
(2) is elderly or disabled and receives cash assistance or
ongoing and substantial services under a State program funded
under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 601 et seq.) with an income eligibility limit of not
more than 200 percent of the poverty line as defined in
section 5(c)(1), (3) receives supplemental security'', and
(C) by striking ``or aid'' and inserting ``or (4) receives
aid'', and
(2) in subsection (j)--
(A) by striking ``or who receives benefits'' and inserting
``cash assistance or ongoing and substantial services'' and
(B) by striking ``to have'' and inserting ``with an income
eligibility limit of not more than 130 percent of the poverty
line as defined in section 5(c)(1), or who is elderly or
disabled and receives cash assistance or ongoing and
substantial services under a State program funded under part
A of title IV of the Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) with an
income eligibility limit of not more than 200 percent of the
poverty line as defined in section 5(c)(1), to have''.
SEC. 4007. BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING.
(a) Exclusion of Basic Allowance for Housing.--Section 5(d)
of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014(d)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (18) by striking ``and'' at the end,
(2) in paragraph (19)(B) by striking the period and
inserting ``; and'', and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(20) the value of an allowance received under section 403
of title 37 of the United States Code that does not exceed
$500 monthly.''.
(b) Update to Excess Shelter Expense Deduction.--Section
5(e)(6)(A) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2014(e)(6)(A)) is amended by inserting before the period at
the end the following:
``, except that for a household that receives the allowance
under section 403 of title 37, United States Code, only the
expenses in excess of that allowance shall be counted towards
a household's expenses for the calculation of the excess
shelter deduction''.
SEC. 4008. EARNED INCOME DEDUCTION.
Section 5(e)(2)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2014(e)(2)(B)) is amended by striking ``20'' and
inserting ``22''.
SEC. 4009. SIMPLIFIED HOMELESS HOUSING COSTS.
Section 5(e)(6)(D) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)(D)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii), and
(2) by striking clause (i) and inserting the following:
``(i) Alternative deduction.--The State agency shall allow
a deduction of $143 a month for households--
[[Page H4084]]
``(I) in which all members are homeless individuals;
``(II) that are not receiving free shelter throughout the
month; and
``(III) that do not opt to claim an excess shelter expense
deduction under subparagraph (A).
``(ii) Adjustment.--For fiscal year 2019 and each
subsequent fiscal year the amount of the homeless shelter
deduction specified in clause (i) shall be adjusted to
reflect changes for the 12-month period ending the preceding
November 30 in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban
Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the
Department of Labor.''.
SEC. 4010. AVAILABILITY OF STANDARD UTILITY ALLOWANCES BASED
ON RECEIPT OF ENERGY ASSISTANCE.
(a) Allowance to Recipients of Energy Assistance.--
(1) Standard utility allowance.--Section 5(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I)
of the of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2014(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I)) is amended by inserting ``with an
elderly member'' after ``households''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--Section 2605(f)(2)(A) of the
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act is amended by inserting
``received by a household with an elderly member'' before ``,
consistent with section 5(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I)''.
(b) Third-party Energy Assistance Payments.--Section
5(k)(4) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2014(k)(4)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``without an elderly
member'' after ``household'' the 1st place it appears; and
(2) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``with an elderly
member'' after ``household'' the 1st place it appears.
SEC. 4011. CHILD SUPPORT; COOPERATION WITH CHILD SUPPORT
AGENCIES.
(a) Deductions for Child Support Payments.--
(1) Amendments.--Section 5(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014(e)) is amended--
(A) by striking paragraph (4), and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs
(4) and (5), respectively.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 5 of the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014) is amended--
(A) in subsection (k)(4)(B) by striking ``(e)(6)'' and
inserting ``(e)(5)'', and
(B) in subsection (n) by striking ``Regardless of whether a
State agency elects to provide a deduction under subsection
(e)(4), the'' and inserting ``The''.
(b) Cooperation With Child Support Agencies.--
(1) Amendments.--Section 6 of the Food and Nutrition Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015) is amended--
(A) in subsection (l)(1) by striking ``At the option of a
State agency, subject'' and inserting ``Subject'',
(B) in subsection (m)(1) by striking ``At the option of a
State agency, subject'' and inserting ``Subject'', and
(C) by striking subsection (n).
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 5(a) of the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014(a)) is amended by
striking ``and (r)'' and inserting ``and (p)''.
SEC. 4012. ADJUSTMENT TO ASSET LIMITATIONS.
Section 5(g)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2014(g)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking ``$2,000'' and inserting ``$7,000'', and
(B) by striking ``$3,000'' and inserting ``$12,000'', and--
(2) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``2008'' and inserting
``2019''.
SEC. 4013. UPDATED VEHICLE ALLOWANCE.
Section 5(g) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2014(g)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(B)(i)--
(A) by striking ``(i) In general.--Beginning'' and
inserting the following:
``(i) In general.--
``(I) Beginning'', and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(II) Beginning on October 1, 2019, and each October 1
thereafter, the amount specified in paragraph (2)(B)(iv)
shall be adjusted in the manner described in subclause
(I).'', and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by amending subparagraph (B)(iv) to read as follows:
``(iv) subject to subparagraph (C), with respect to any
licensed vehicle that is used for household transportation or
to obtain or continue employment--
``(I) 1 vehicle for each licensed driver who is a member of
such household to the extent that the fair market value of
the vehicle exceeds $12,000; and
``(II) each additional vehicle; and'', and
(B) by striking subparagraph (D).
SEC. 4014. SAVINGS EXCLUDED FROM ASSETS.
Section 5(g) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2014(g)), as amended by section 4013, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(B)(i) by adding at the end the
following:
``(III) Beginning on October 1, 2019, and each October 1
thereafter, the amount specified in paragraph (2)(B)(v) shall
be adjusted in the manner described in subclause (I).'', and
(2) in paragraph (2)(B)(v) by inserting ``to the extent
that the value exceeds $2,000'' after ``account''.
SEC. 4015. WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS.
(a) Conditions of Participation.--Section 6(d) of the Food
and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``No'' and inserting ``Subject to
subparagraph (C), no'',
(ii) by striking ``over the age of 15 and under the age of
60'' and inserting ``at least 18 years of age and less than
60 years of age'',
(iii) by amending clause (i) to read as follows:
``(i) without good cause, fails to work or refuses to
participate in either an employment and training program
established in paragraph (4), a work program, or any
combination of work, an employment and training program, or
work program--
``(I) a minimum of 20 hours per week, averaged monthly in
fiscal years 2021 through 2025; or
``(II) a minimum of 25 hours per week, averaged monthly in
fiscal years 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter;''.
(iv) by striking clauses (ii) and (vi),
(v) in clause (iv) by adding ``or'' at the end,
(vi) in clause (v)(II) by striking ``30 hours per week;
or'' and inserting ``the hourly requirements applicable under
paragraph (1)(B)(i).'', and
(vii) by redesignating clauses (iii), (iv), and (v) as
clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv), respectively,
(B) by striking subparagraph (B),
(C) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
``(C) Limitation.--Subparagraph (B) shall not apply to an
individual during the first month that individual would
otherwise become subject to subparagraph (B) and be found in
noncompliance with such subparagraph.'',
(D) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) in clause (iii)(I) by striking ``(A)'' each place it
appears and inserting ``(B)'',
(ii) in clause (iv) by striking ``(A)(v)''and inserting
``(B)(iv)'', and
(iii) by striking clauses (v) and (vi),
(E) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (D) as
subparagraphs (B) and (I), respectively,
(F) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as so
redesignated, the following:
``(A) Definition of work program.--In this subsection, the
term `work program' means--
``(i) a program under title I of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act;
``(ii) a program under section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974
(19 U.S.C. 2296); and
``(iii) a program of employment and training operated or
supervised by a State or political subdivision of a State
that meets standards approved by the chief executive officer
of the State and the Secretary, other than a program under
paragraph (4).'', and
(G) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
``(D) Transition period.--During each of the fiscal years
2019 and 2020, States shall continue to implement and enforce
the work and employment and training program requirements
consistent with this subsection, subsection (e), subsection
(o) excluding paragraph (6)(F), section 7(i), section
11(e)(19), and section 16 (excluding subparagraphs (A), (B),
(D), and (C) of subsection (h)(1)) as those provisions were
in effect on the day before the effective date of this
subparagraph.
``(E) Ineligibility.--
``(i) Notification of failure to meet work requirements.--
The State agency shall issue a notice of adverse action to an
individual not later than 10 days after the State agency
determines that the individual has failed to meet the
requirements applicable under subparagraph (B).
``(ii) First violation.--The 1st time an individual
receives a notice of adverse action issued under clause (i),
the individual shall remain ineligible to participate in the
supplemental nutrition assistance program until--
``(I) the date that is 12 months after the date the
individual became ineligible;
``(II) the date the individual obtains employment
sufficient to meet the hourly requirements applicable under
subparagraph (B)(i); or
``(III) the date that the individual is no longer subject
to the requirements of subparagraph (B);
whichever is earliest.
``(iii) Second or subsequent violation.--The 2d or
subsequent time an individual receives a notice of adverse
action issued under clause (i), the individual shall remain
ineligible to participate in the supplemental nutrition
assistance program until--
``(I) the date that is 36 months after the date the
individual became ineligible;
``(II) the date the individual obtains employment
sufficient to meet the hourly requirements applicable under
subparagraph (B)(i); or
``(III) the date the individual is no longer subject to the
requirements of subparagraph (B);
whichever is earliest.
``(F) Waiver.--
``(i) In general.--On the request of a State agency, the
Secretary may waive the applicability of subparagraph (B) to
individuals in the State if the Secretary makes a
determination that the area in which the individuals reside--
``(I) has an unemployment rate of over 10 percent;
``(II) is designated as a Labor Surplus Area by the
Employment and Training Administration of the Department of
Labor for the current fiscal year based on the criteria for
exceptional circumstances as described in section 654.5 of
title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations;
``(III) has a 24-month average unemployment rate 20 percent
or higher than the national average for the same 24-month
period unless the 24-month average unemployment rate of the
area is less than 6 percent, except that the 24-month period
shall begin no earlier than the 24-month period the
Employment and Training Administration of the Department of
Labor uses to designate Labor Surplus Areas for the current
fiscal year; or
``(IV) is in a State--
``(aa) that is in an extended benefit period (within the
meaning of section 203 of the Federal-State Extended
Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970); or
``(bb) in which temporary or emergency unemployment
compensation is being provided under any Federal law.
[[Page H4085]]
``(ii) Jurisdictions with limited data.--In carrying out
clause (i), in the case of a jurisdiction for which Bureau of
Labor Statistics unemployment data is limited or unavailable,
such as an Indian Reservation or a territory of the United
States, a State may support its request based on other
economic indicators as determined by the Secretary.
``(iii) Limit on combining jurisdictions.--In carrying out
clause (i), the Secretary may waive the applicability of
subparagraph (B) only to a State or individual jurisdictions
within a State, except in the case of combined jurisdictions
that are designated as Labor Market Areas by the Department
of Labor.
``(iv) 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, and shall make available to the public, an annual
report on the basis for granting a waiver under clause (i).
``(G) 15-percent exemption.--
``(i) Definitions.--In this subparagraph:
``(I) Caseload.--The term `caseload' means the average
monthly number of individuals receiving supplemental
nutrition assistance program benefits during the 12-month
period ending the preceding June 30.
``(II) Covered individual.--The term `covered individual'
means a member of a household that receives supplemental
nutrition assistance program benefits, or an individual
denied eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance
program benefits solely due to the applicability of
subparagraph (B), who--
``(aa) is not eligible for an exception under paragraph
(2);
``(bb) does not reside in an area covered by a waiver
granted under subparagraph (F); and
``(cc) is not complying with subparagraph (B).
``(ii) General rule.--Subject to clauses (iii) through (v),
a State agency may provide an exemption from the requirements
of subparagraph (B) for covered individuals.
``(iii) Fiscal year 2021 and thereafter.--Subject to
clauses (iv) and (v), for fiscal year 2021 and each
subsequent fiscal year, a State agency may provide a number
of exemptions such that the average monthly number of the
exemptions in effect during the fiscal year does not exceed
15 percent of the number of covered individuals in the State
in fiscal year 2019, as estimated by the Secretary, based on
the survey conducted to carry out section 16(c) for the most
recent fiscal year and such other factors as the Secretary
considers appropriate due to the timing and limitations of
the survey.
``(iv) Caseload adjustments.--The Secretary shall adjust
the number of individuals estimated for a State under clause
(iii) during a fiscal year if the number of members of
households that receive supplemental nutrition assistance
program benefits in the State varies from the State's
caseload by more than 10 percent, as determined by the
Secretary.
``(v) Reporting requirements.--
``(I) Reports by state agencies.--A State agency shall
submit such reports to the Secretary as the Secretary
determines are necessary to ensure compliance with this
paragraph.
``(II) Annual report by the secretary.--The Secretary shall
annually compile and submit to the Committee on Agriculture
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, and shall
make available to the public, an annual report that contains
the reports submitted under subclause (I) by State agencies.
``(H) Other program rules.--Nothing in this subsection
shall make an individual eligible for benefits under this Act
if the individual is not otherwise eligible for benefits
under the other provisions of this Act.'',
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the 1st sentence--
(i) by striking ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``paragraph
(1)(B)'', and
(ii) by striking ``(E)'' and all that follows through the
period at the end, and inserting the following:
``(E) receiving weekly earnings which equal the minimum
hourly rate under section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards
Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)), multiplied by the hourly
requirement as specified in subparagraph (B); (F) medically
certified as mentally or physically unfit for employment; or
(G) a pregnant woman.'', and
(B) by striking the last sentence,
(3) in paragraph (3) by striking ``registration
requirements'' and inserting ``requirement'',
(4) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii), and
(ii) by inserting after clause (i) the following:
``(ii) Mandatory minimum services.--Each State agency shall
offer employment and training program services sufficient for
all individuals subject to the requirements of paragraph
(1)(B)(i) who are not currently ineligible pursuant to
paragraph (1)(E), exempt pursuant to subparagraphs (F) and
(G) or paragraph (2) of subsection (d), and for all
individuals covered by paragraph (1)(C), to meet the hourly
requirements specified in paragraph (1)(B)(i) to the extent
that such requirements will not be satisfied by hours of work
or participation in a work program.'', and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by inserting after ``contains'' the following:
``case management services consisting of comprehensive intake
assessments, individualized service plans, progress
monitoring, and coordination with service providers, and'',
(ii) by amending clause (i) to read as follows:
``(i) Supervised job search programs that occur at State-
approved locations in which the activities of participants
shall be directly supervised and the timing and activities of
participants tracked in accordance with guidelines set forth
by the State.'',
(iii) in clause (ii) by striking ``jobs skills assessments,
job finding clubs, training in techniques for'' and inserting
``employability assessments, training in techniques to
increase'',
(iv) by striking clause (iii),
(v) in clause (iv) in the 1st sentence by inserting ``,
including subsidized employment, apprenticeships, and unpaid
or volunteer work that is limited to 6 months out of a 12-
month period'' before the period at the end,
(vi) in clause (v) by inserting ``, including family
literacy and financial literacy,'' after ``literacy'',
(vii) in clause (vii) by striking ``not more than'', and
(viii) by redesignating clauses (iv) through (viii) as
clauses (iii) through (vii), respectively,
(C) by striking subparagraphs (D), (E), and (F), and
inserting the following:
``(D) Each State agency shall establish requirements for
participation by non-exempt individuals in the employment and
training program components listed in clauses (i) through
(vii) of subparagraph (B). Such requirements may vary among
participants.'',
(D) in subparagraph (H) by striking ``(B)(v)'' and
inserting ``(B)(iv)'', and
(E) by redesignating subparagraphs (G) through (M) as
subparagraphs (E) through (K), respectively.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Amendments to the food and nutrition act of 2008.--
Section 5(d)(14) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2014(d)(14)) is amended by striking ``6(d)(4)(I)'' and
inserting ``6(d)(4)(G)''.
(2) Amendment to other laws.--
(A) Internal revenue code of 1986.--Section 51(d)(8)(A)(ii)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C.
51(d)(8)(A)(ii)) is amended--
(i) in subclause (I) by striking ``, or'' and inserting a
period,
(ii) by striking ``family--'' and all that follows through
``(I) receiving'' and inserting ``family receiving'', and
(iii) by striking subclause (II).
(B) Workforce innovation and opportunity act.--The
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (Public Law 113-128;
128 Stat. 1425) is amended--
(i) in section 103(a)(2) by striking subparagraph (D), and
(ii) in section 121(b)(2)(B) by striking clause (iv).
(c) Related Requirements.--Section 6 of the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015) is amended--
(1) in subsection (e)(5)(A) by inserting ``or of an
incapacitated person'' after ``6'', and
(2) by striking subsection (o).
(d) Conforming Amendments.--The Food and Nutrition Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 6, as amended by section 4011 and subsection
(c), by redesignating subsections (p) through (s) as
subparagraphs (n) through (q), respectively, and
(2) in section 7(i)(1) by striking ``6(o)(2)'' and
inserting ``6(d)(1)(B)''.
(e) State Plan.--Section 11(e)(19) of the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2020(e)(19)) is amended by
striking ``geographic areas and households to be covered
under such program, and the basis, including any cost
information,'' and inserting ``extent to which such programs
will be carried out in coordination with the activities
carried out under title I of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act, the plan for meeting the minimum services
requirement under section 6(d)(4)(A)(ii) including any cost
information, and the basis''.
(f) Funding of Employment and Training Programs.--Section
16(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2025(h)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``$90,000,000'' and all
that follows through the period at the end and inserting the
following:
``under section 18(a)(1)--
``(i) $90,000,000 for fiscal year 2019;
``(ii) $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2020; and
``(iii) $1,000,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter.'',
(B) by amending subparagraph (B)(ii) to read as follows:
``(ii) takes into account--
``(I) for fiscal years 2019 and 2020, the number of
individuals who are not exempt from the work requirement
under section 6(o) as that section existed on the day before
the date of the enactment of the Agriculture and Nutrition
Act of 2018; and
``(II) for fiscal years 2021 and each fiscal year
thereafter, the number of individuals who are not exempt from
the requirements under section 6(d)(1)(B).'',
(C) in subparagraph (D) by striking ``$50,000'' and
inserting ``$100,000'', and
(D) by amending subparagraph (E) to read as follows:
``(E) Reservation of funds.--Of the funds made available
under this paragraph for fiscal year 2021 and for each fiscal
year thereafter, not more than $150,000,000 shall be reserved
for allocation to States to provide training services by
eligible providers identified under section 122 of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act for participants in
the supplemental nutrition assistance program to meet the
hourly requirements under section 6(d)(1)(B) of this Act.'',
and
(2) in paragraph (5)(C)--
(A) in clause (ii) by adding ``and'' at the end,
(B) in clause (iii) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
period, and
(C) by striking clause (iv).
(g) Work Supplementation or Work Support Program.--
(1) Repealer.--Subsection (b) of section 16 of the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(b)) is repealed.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 5(e)(2)(A) of the Food
and Nutrition Act of 2008
[[Page H4086]]
(7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(2)(A)) is amended to read as follows:
``(A) Definition of earned income.--In this paragraph, the
term ``earned income'' does not include income excluded by
subsection (d).''.
(h) Workfare.--
(1) Repealer.--Section 20 of the Food and Nutrition Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 2029) is repealed.
(2) Conforming amendments.--The Food and Nutrition Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) is amended--
(A) in section 16(h)--
(i) in paragraph (1)(F)--
(I) in clause (i)--
(aa) in subclause (I) by inserting ``(as in effect on the
day before the date of the enactment of the Agriculture and
Nutrition Act of 2018)'' after ``this Act'', and
(bb) in subclause (II)(bb) by inserting ``(as in effect on
the day before the date of the enactment of the Agriculture
and Nutrition Act of 2018)'' before the period at the end,
(II) in clause (ii)--
(aa) in subclause (II)(cc) by inserting ``(as in effect on
the day before the date of the enactment of the Agriculture
and Nutrition Act of 2018)'' after ``20'', and
(bb) in subclause (III)(ee)(AA) by inserting ``as in effect
on the day before the date of the enactment of the
Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018'' after ``6(o)'', and
(III) in clause (vi)(I) by inserting ``as in effect on the
day before the date of the enactment of the Agriculture and
Nutrition Act of 2018'' after ``6(d)'', and
(ii) in paragraph (3) by striking ``under section
6(d)(4)(I)(i)(II)'' and inserting ``for dependent care
expenses under section 6(d)(4)'', and
(B) in section 17(b)--
(i) in paragraph (1)(B)(iv)(III)(jj) by inserting ``as in
effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the
Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018'' after ``20'', and
(ii) by striking paragraph (2).
SEC. 4016. MODERNIZATION OF ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER
REGULATIONS.
Section 7(h)(2) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2016(h)(2)) is amended--
(1) in the 1st sentence by inserting ``and shall
periodically review such regulations and modify such
regulations to take into account evolving technology and
comparable industry standards'' before the period at the end,
and
(2) in subparagraph (C)--
(A) by striking ``(C)(i)'' and all that follows through
``abuse; and'', by inserting the following:
``(C)(i) risk-based measures to maximize the security of a
system using the most effective technology available that the
State agency considers appropriate and cost effective
including consideration of recipient access and ease of use
and which may include personal identification numbers,
photographic identification on electronic benefit transfer
cards, alternatives for securing transactions, and other
measures to protect against fraud and abuse; and'', and
(B) by moving the left margin of clause (ii) 4 ems to the
left.
SEC. 4017. MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES.
Section 7(h)(14) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2016(h)(14) is amended--
(1) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
Secretary shall authorize the use of mobile technologies for
the purpose of accessing supplemental nutrition assistance
program benefits.'',
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) by striking the heading and inserting ``Demonstration
projects on access of benefits through mobile technologies'',
(B) by amending clause (i) to read as follows:
``(i) Demonstration projects.--Before authorizing
implementation of subparagraph (A) in all States, the
Secretary shall approve not more than 5 demonstration project
proposals submitted by State agencies that will pilot the use
of mobile technologies for supplemental nutrition assistance
program benefits access.'',
(C) in clause (ii)--
(i) in the heading by striking ``Demonstration projects''
and inserting ``Project requirements'',
(ii) by striking ``retail food store'' the first place it
appears and inserting ``State agency'',
(iii) by striking ``includes'',
(iv) by striking subclauses (I), (II), (III), and (IV), and
inserting the following:
``(I) provides recipient protections regarding privacy,
ease of use, household access to benefits, and support
similar to the protections provided under existing methods;
``(II) ensures that all recipients, including those without
access to mobile payment technology and those who shop across
State borders, have a means of benefit access;
``(III) requires retail food stores, unless exempt under
section 7(f)(2)(B), to bear the costs of acquiring and
arranging for the implementation of point-of-sale equipment
and supplies for the redemption of benefits that are accessed
through mobile technologies, including any fees not described
in paragraph (13);
``(IV) requires that foods purchased with benefits issued
under this section through mobile technologies are purchased
at a price not higher than the price of the same food
purchased by other methods used by the retail food store, as
determined by the Secretary;
``(V) ensures adequate documentation for each authorized
transaction, adequate security measures to deter fraud, and
adequate access to retail food stores that accept benefits
accessed through mobile technologies, as determined by the
Secretary;
``(VI) provides for an evaluation of the demonstration
project, including, but not limited to, an evaluation of
household access to benefits; and
``(VII) meets other criteria as established by the
Secretary.'',
(D) by amending clause (iii) to read as follows:
``(iv) Date of project approval.--The Secretary shall
solicit and approve the qualifying demonstration projects
required under subparagraph (B)(i) not later than January 1,
2020.'', and
(E) by inserting after clause (ii) the following:
``(iii) Priority.--The Secretary may prioritize
demonstration project proposals that would--
``(I) reduce fraud;
``(II) encourage positive nutritional outcomes; and
``(III) meet such other criteria as determined by the
Secretary.'', and
(3) in subparagraph (C)(i)--
(A) by striking ``2017'' and inserting ``2022'', and
(B) by inserting ``requires further study by way of an
extended pilot period or'' after ``States'' the 2d place it
appears .
SEC. 4018. PROCESSING FEES.
(a) Limitation.--Section 7(h)(13) of the Food and Nutrition
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(13)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(13) Fees.--No interchange fees shall apply to electronic
benefit transfer transactions under this subsection. Neither
a State, nor any agent, contractor, or subcontractor of a
State who facilitates the provision of supplemental nutrition
assistance program benefits in such State may impose a fee
for switching or routing such benefits.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 7(j)(1)(H) of the Food
and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014) is amended to read
as follows:
``(H) Switching.--The term `'switching'' means the routing
of an intrastate or interstate transaction that consists of
transmitting the details of a transaction electronically
recorded through the use of an electronic benefit transfer
card in one State to the issuer of the card that may be in
the same or different State.''.
SEC. 4019. REPLACEMENT OF EBT CARDS.
Section 7(h)(8)(B)(ii) of the Food and Nutrition Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(8)(B)(ii)) is amended by striking ``an
excessive number of lost cards'' and inserting ``2 lost cards
in a 12-month period''.
SEC. 4020. BENEFIT RECOVERY.
Section 7(h)(12) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2016(h)(12)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``, or due to the
death of all members of the household'' after ``inactivity'',
(2) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``6'' and inserting
``3'', and
(3) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``12 months'' and
inserting ``6 months, or upon verification that all members
of the household are deceased''.
SEC. 4021. REQUIREMENTS FOR ONLINE ACCEPTANCE OF BENEFITS.
(a) Definition.--Section 3(o)(1) of the Food and Nutrition
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(o)(1)) is amended by striking ``or
house-to-house trade route'' and inserting ``, house-to-house
trade route, or online entity''.
(b) Acceptance of Benefits.--Section 7(k) of the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(k)) is amended--
(1) by striking the heading and inserting ``Acceptance of
Program Benefits Through Online Transactions'',
(2) in paragraph (4) by striking subparagraph (C), and
(3) by striking paragraph (5).
SEC. 4022. NATIONAL GATEWAY.
(a) Issuance of Benefits.--Section 7 of the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016) is amended--
(1) in subsection (d) by striking ``benefits by benefit
issuers'' and inserting ``benefit issuers and other
independent sales organizations, third-party processors, and
web service providers that provide electronic benefit
transfer services or equipment to retail food stores and
wholesale food concerns,'', and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(l) Requirement to Route All Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program Benefit Transfer Transactions Through a
National Gateway.--
``(1) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
``(A) The term `independent sales organization ' means a
person or entity that--
``(i) is not a third-party processor; and
``(ii) engages in sales or service to retail food stores
with respect to point-of-sale equipment necessary for
electronic benefit transfer transaction processing.
``(B) The term `third-party processor' means an entity,
including a retail food store operating its own point-of-sale
terminals, that is capable of routing electronic transfer
benefit transactions for authorization.
``(C) The term `web service provider' means an entity that
operates a generic online purchasing website that can be
customized for online electronic benefit transfer
transactions for authorized retail food stores.
``(2) In general.--Subject to paragraph (5), the Secretary
shall establish a national gateway for the purpose of routing
all supplemental nutrition assistance program benefit
transfer transactions (in this subsection referred to as
`transactions' unless the context specifies otherwise) to the
appropriate benefit issuers for purposes of transaction
validation and settlement.
``(3) Requirements to route transactions.--The Secretary
shall--
``(A) ensure that protections regarding privacy, security,
ease of use, and access relating to supplemental nutrition
assistance benefits are maintained for benefit recipients and
retail food stores;
``(B) ensure redundancy for processing of transactions;
[[Page H4087]]
``(C) ensure real-time monitoring of transactions;
``(D) ensure that all entities that connect to such
gateway, and all others that connect to such entities, meet
and follow transaction messaging standards, and other
requirements, established by the Secretary;
``(E) ensure the security of transactions by using the most
effective technology available that the Secretary considers
to be appropriate and cost-effective; and
``(F) ensure that all transactions are routed through such
gateway.
``(4) State agency action.--Each State agency shall ensure
that all of its benefit issuers connect to such gateway. A
State agency may opt to require its benefit issuer to route
cash transactions through such gateway, subject to terms
established by the Secretary.
``(5) Routing of transactions through a national gateway.--
``(A) In general.--Before the Secretary implements in all
the States a national gateway established under paragraph
(2), the Secretary shall conduct a feasibility study to
assess the feasibility of routing transactions through such
gateway.
``(B) Feasibility study.--The feasibility study conducted
under subparagraph (A) shall provide, at a minimum, all of
the following:
``(i) A comprehensive analysis of opportunities and
challenges presented by implementation of such gateway.
``(ii) One or more options for carrying forward each of
such opportunities and for mitigating each of such
challenges.
``(iii) Data for purposes of analyzing the implementation
of, and on-going cost of managing, such gateway.
``(iv) One or more models for cost-neutral on-going
operation of a national gateway.
``(v) Other criteria, including security criteria,
established by the Secretary.
``(C) Date of completion of study.--The Secretary shall
complete the feasibility study required by subparagraph (B)
not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the
Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018.
``(D) Implementation of a national gateway.--Not later than
1 year after the date of the completion of such study, the
Secretary shall complete the nationwide implementation of a
national gateway established under paragraph (2) unless the
Secretary determines, based on such study, that more time is
needed to implement such gateway nationwide or that
nationwide implementation of such gateway is not in the best
interest of the operation of the supplemental nutrition
assistance program.
``(E) Report to congress.--If the Secretary makes a
determination described in subparagraph (D), 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 includes the basis
of such determination.
``(F) Nondisclosure of information.--Any information
collected through such gateway about a specific retail food
store, wholesale food concern, person, or other entity, and
any investigative methodology or criteria used for program
integrity purposes that operates at or in conjunction with
such gateway, shall be exempt from the disclosure
requirements of section 552(a) of title 5 of the United
States Code pursuant to section 552(b)(3)(B) of title 5 of
the United States Code. The Secretary shall limit the use or
disclosure of information obtained under this subsection in a
manner consistent with section 9(c).
``(6) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated $10,500,000 for fiscal year
2019, and $9,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 2020
through 2023, to carry out this subsection. Not more than
$1,000,000 of the funds appropriated under this paragraph may
be used for the feasibility study under paragraph (5)(B).
``(7) Gateway sustainability.--Benefit issuers and third-
party processors shall pay fees to the gateway operator, in a
manner prescribed by the Secretary, to directly access and
route transactions through the national gateway.
``(A) Purpose.--The Secretary shall ensure that fees are
collected and used solely for the operation of the gateway.
``(B) Amount.--Fees shall be established by the Secretary
in amounts proportionate to the number of transactions routed
through the gateway by each benefit issuer and third-party
processor, and based on the cost of operating the gateway in
a fiscal year.
``(C) Adjustment.--The Secretary shall evaluate annually
the cost of operating such gateway and shall adjust the fee
in effect for a fiscal year to reflect the cost of operating
such gateway, except that an adjustment under this
subparagraph for any fiscal year may not exceed 10 percent of
the fee charged under this paragraph in the preceding fiscal
year.''.
(b) Approval of Retail Food Stores and Wholesale Food
Concerns.--The 1st sentence of section 9(c) of the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2018(c)) is amended by
inserting ``contracts for electronic benefit transfer
services and equipment, records necessary to validate the FNS
authorization number to accept and redeem benefits,'' after
``invoices,''.
SEC. 4023. ACCESS TO STATE SYSTEMS.
(a) Records.--Section 11(a)(3)(B) of the Food and Nutrition
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2020(a)(3)(B)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Records described'' and inserting ``All
records, and the entire information systems in which records
are contained, that are covered'', and
(2) by amending clause (i) to read as follows:
``(i) be made available for inspection and audit by the
Secretary, subject to data and security protocols agreed to
by the State agency and Secretary;''.
(b) Reporting Requirements.--Section 16 of the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025) is amended--
(1) in the last sentence of subsection (c)(4) by inserting
``including providing access to applicable State records and
the entire information systems in which the records are
contained,'' after ``Secretary,'', and
(2) in subsection (g)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``and'' at the end,
(B) in subparagraph (F) by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and'', and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) would be accessible by the Secretary for the purposes
of program oversight and would be used by the State agency to
make available all records required by the Secretary.''.
SEC. 4024. TRANSITIONAL BENEFITS.
Section 11(s) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2020(s)) is amended--
(1) by striking the heading and inserting ``Transitional
Benefits'',
(2) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``may'' and inserting ``shall'', and
(B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``at the option of the
State,'', and
(3) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``may'' and inserting ``shall'', and
(B) by striking ``not more than''.
SEC. 4025. INCENTIVIZING TECHNOLOGY MODERNIZATION.
Section 11(t) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2020(t)) is amended--
(1) by striking the heading and inserting ``Grants for
Simplified Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Application and Eligibility Determination Systems'',
(2) in paragraph (1) by striking ``implement--'' and all
that follows through the period at the end, and inserting
``implement simplified supplemental nutrition assistance
program application and eligibility determination systems.'',
and
(3) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
``(B) establishing enhanced technological methods for
applying for benefits and determining eligibility that
improve the administrative infrastructure used in processing
applications and determining eligibility; or'',
(B) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D), and
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (C).
SEC. 4026. SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BENEFIT
TRANSFER TRANSACTION DATA REPORT.
Section 9 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2018) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``and'' at the end,
(B) in subparagraph (B) by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and'', and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) parameters for retail food store cooperation with the
Secretary sufficient to carry out subsection (i).''.
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(i) Data Collection for Retail Food Store Transactions.--
``(1) Collection of data.--To assist in making improvements
to supplemental nutrition assistance program design, for each
interval not greater than a 2-year period, the Secretary
shall--
``(A) collect a statistically significant sample of retail
food store transaction data, including the cost and
description of items purchased with supplemental nutrition
assistance program benefits, to the extent practicable and
without affecting retail food store document retention
practices; and
``(B) make a summarized report of aggregated data collected
under subparagraph (A) available to the public in a manner
that prevents identification of individual retail food
stores, individual retail food store chains, and individual
members of households that use such benefits.
``(2) Nondisclosure.--Any transaction data that contains
information specific to a retail food store, a retail food
store location, a person, or other entity shall be exempt
from the disclosure requirements of Section 552(a) of title 5
of the United States Code pursuant to section 552(b)(3)(B) of
title 5 of the United States Code. The Secretary shall limit
the use or disclosure of information obtained under this
subsection in a manner consistent with sections 9(c) and
11(e)(8).''.
SEC. 4027. ADJUSTMENT TO PERCENTAGE OF RECOVERED FUNDS
RETAINED BY STATES.
Section 16(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2025(a) is amended--
(1) in the 1st sentence by striking ``35 percent'' and
inserting ``50 percent'', and
(2) by inserting after the 1st sentence the following:
``A State agency may use such funds retained only to carry
out the supplemental nutrition assistance program, including
investments in technology, improvements in administration and
distribution, and actions to prevent fraud.''.
SEC. 4028. TOLERANCE LEVEL FOR PAYMENT ERRORS.
Section 16(c)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2025(c)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)(ii)--
(A) in subclause (I) by striking ``and'' at the end,
(B) in subclause (II)--
(i) by striking ``fiscal year thereafter'' and inserting
``of the fiscal years 2015 through 2017'', and
(ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
and'', and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(III) for each fiscal year thereafter, $0.'', and
[[Page H4088]]
(2) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``fiscal year 2004''
and all that follows through ``second'', and inserting ``any
of the fiscal years 2004 through 2018 for which the Secretary
determines that for the second or subsequent consecutive
fiscal year, and with respect to fiscal year 2019 and any
fiscal year thereafter for which the Secretary determines
that for the third''.
SEC. 4029. STATE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS.
Section 16(d) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2025(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking the heading and inserting ``State
Performance Indicators'',
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the heading by striking ``and thereafter'' and
inserting ``through 2017'',
(B) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``and each fiscal year
thereafter'' and inserting ``through fiscal year 2017'', and
(C) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and each fiscal year
thereafter'' and inserting ``through fiscal year 2017'', and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Fiscal year 2018 and fiscal years thereafter.--With
respect to fiscal year 2018 and each fiscal year thereafter,
the Secretary shall establish, by regulation, performance
criteria relating to--
``(A) actions taken to correct errors, reduce rates of
error, and improve eligibility determinations; and
``(B) other indicators of effective administration
determined by the Secretary.''.
SEC. 4030. PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS.
Section 17 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2026) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(m) Pilot Projects to Encourage the Use of Public-private
Partnerships Committed to Addressing Food Insecurity.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may, on application,
permit not more than 10 eligible entities to carry out pilot
projects to support public-private partnerships that address
food insecurity and poverty.
``(2) Definition.--For purposes of this subsection, an
`eligible entity' means--
``(A) a State;
``(B) a unit of local government;
``(C) a nonprofit organization;
``(D) a community-based organization; and
``(E) an institution of higher education.
``(3) Project requirements.--Projects approved under this
subsection shall be limited to 2 years in length and evaluate
the impact of the ability of eligible entities to--
``(A) improve the effectiveness and impact of the
supplemental nutrition assistance program;
``(B) develop food security solutions that are
contextualized to the needs of a community or region; and
``(C) strengthen the capacity of communities to address
food insecurity and poverty.
``(4) Reporting.--Participating entities shall report
annually to the Secretary who shall submit a final report to
the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of
the Senate. Such report shall include--
``(A) a summary of the activities conducted under the pilot
projects;
``(B) an assessment of the effectiveness of the pilot
projects; and
``(C) best practices regarding the use of public-private
partnerships to improve the effectiveness of public benefit
programs to address food insecurity and poverty.
``(5) Authorization and advance availability of
appropriations.--
``(A) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 to
remain available until expended.
``(B) Appropriation in advance.--Only funds appropriated
under subparagraph (A) in advance specifically to carry out
this subsection shall be available to carry out this
subsection.''.
SEC. 4031. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
The 1st sentence of section 18(a)(1) of the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2027(a)(1)) is amended by
striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 4032. EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE.
Section 27(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2036(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023'',
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023'',
(B) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) by striking ``2018'' the 1st place it appears and
inserting ``2019'',
(ii) in clause (iii) by striking ``and'' at the end, and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(v) for fiscal year 2019, $60,000,000; and'', and
(C) in subparagraph (E)--
(i) by striking ``2019'' and inserting ``2020'',
(ii) by striking ``(D)(iv)'' and inserting ``(D)(v)'', and
(iii) by striking ``2017'' and inserting ``2018'', and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Farm-to-food-bank fund.--From amounts made available
under subparagraphs (D) and (E) of paragraph (2), the
Secretary shall distribute $20,000,000 in accordance with
section 214 of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7
U.S.C. 7515) that States shall use to procure or enter into
agreements with a food bank to procure excess fresh fruits
and vegetables grown in the State, or surrounding regions in
the United States, to be provided to eligible recipient
agencies as defined in section 201A(3) of the Emergency Food
Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7501(3)).''.
SEC. 4033. NUTRITION EDUCATION.
(a) Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant
Program.--Section 28 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2036a) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) Definitions.--As used in this section:
``(1) Eligible individual.--The term `eligible individual'
means an individual who is eligible to receive benefits under
a nutrition education and obesity prevention program under
this section as a result of being--
``(A) an individual eligible for benefits under--
``(i) this Act;
``(ii) sections 9(b)(1)(A) and 17(c)(4) of the Richard B
Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758(b)(1)(A),
1766(c)(4)); or
``(iii) section 4(e)(1)(A) of the Child Nutrition Act of
1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773(e)(1)(A));
``(B) an individual who resides in a community with a
significant low-income population, as determined by the
Secretary; or
``(C) such other low-income individual as is determined to
be eligible by the Secretary.
``(2) Eligible institution.--The term `eligible
institution' includes any `1862 Institution' or `1890
Institution', as defined in section 2 of the Research,
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C.
7601).'',
(2) in subsection (b) by striking ``Consistent with the
terms and conditions of grants awarded under this section,
State agencies may'' and inserting ``The Secretary, acting
through the Director of the National Institute of Food and
Agriculture, in consultation with the Administrator of the
Food and Nutrition Service, shall'',
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--Consistent with the terms and conditions
of grants awarded under this section, eligible institutions
shall deliver nutrition education and obesity prevention
services under a program described in subsection (b) that--
``(A) to the extent practicable, provide for the employment
and training of professional and paraprofessional aides from
the target population to engage in direct nutrition
education; and
``(B) partner with other public and private entities as
appropriate to optimize program delivery.'',
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
``(A) In general.--A State agency, in consultation with
eligible institutions that provide nutrition education and
obesity prevention services under this subsection, shall
submit to the Secretary for approval a nutrition education
State plan.'',
(ii) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``Except as provided
in subparagraph (C), a'' and inserting ``A'', and
(iii) by striking subparagraph (C),
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``A State agency'' and inserting ``An
eligible institution'', and
(II) by inserting ``the Director of the National Institute
of Food and Agriculture and'' after ``by'', and
(ii) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``the Director of the
National Institute of Food and Agriculture and'' after
``education,'', and
(D) in paragraph (4) by inserting ``and eligible
institutions'' after ``agencies'', and
(E) in paragraph (5) by striking ``State agency'' and
inserting ``eligible institutions'',
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the heading by striking ``In general'' and inserting
``Basic funding'',
(ii) by striking ``to State agencies'',
(iii) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``and'' at the end,
(iv) in subparagraph (F)--
(I) by striking ``year 2016 and each subsequent fiscal
year'' and inserting ``years 2016 through 2018'', and
(II) by striking the period at the end and inserting a
semicolon, and
(v) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) for fiscal year 2019, $485,000,000; and
``(H) for fiscal year 2020 and each subsequent fiscal year,
the applicable amount during the preceding fiscal year, as
adjusted to reflect any increases for the 12-month period
ending the preceding June 30 in the Consumer Price Index for
All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor
Statistics of the Department of Labor.'',
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by inserting ``and appropriated under the authority of
paragraph (2)'' after ``paragraph (1)'', and
(II) in clause (ii)--
(aa) by inserting ``(as that section existed on the day
before the date of the enactment of the Agriculture and
Nutrition Act of 2018)'' after ``(B)'' and
(bb) in subclause (V) by striking ``and each fiscal year
thereafter'', and
(ii) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
``(C) Reallocation.--If the Secretary determines that an
eligible institution will not expend all of the funds
allocated to the eligible institution for a fiscal year under
paragraph (1) or in the case of an eligible institution that
elects not to receive the entire amount of funds allocated to
the eligible institution for a fiscal year, the Secretary
shall reallocate the unexpended funds to other eligible
institutions during the fiscal year or the subsequent fiscal
year (as determined by the Secretary) that have approved
State plans under which the eligible institutions may expend
the reallocated funds.'', and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
[[Page H4089]]
``(B) Subsequent allocation.--Of the funds set aside under
paragraph (1) and appropriated under the authority of
paragraph (2) for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year
thereafter, 100 percent shall be allocated to eligible
institutions pro rata based on the respective share of each
State of the number of individuals participating in the
supplemental nutrition assistance program during the 12-month
period ending the preceding January 31, as determined by the
Secretary.'',
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs
(3) and (4), respectively,
(D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Authorization and advance availability of
appropriations.--
``(A) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $65,000,000 for
each of the fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
``(B) Appropriation in advance.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (C), only funds appropriated under subparagraph
(A) in advance specifically to carry out this section shall
be available to carry out this section.
``(C) Other funds.--Funds appropriated under this paragraph
shall be in addition to funds made available under paragraph
(1).'', and
(E) by inserting after paragraph (4), as so redesignated,
the following:
``(5) Administrative costs.--Not more than 10 percent of
the funds allocated to eligible institutions may be used by
the eligible institutions for administrative costs.'', and
(5) in subsection (e) by striking ``January 1, 2012'' and
inserting ``18 months after the date of the enactment of the
Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018''.
(b) Related Amendment.--Section 18(a)(3)(A)(ii) of the Food
and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2027(a)(3)(A)(ii)) is
amended by striking ``, such as the expanded food and
nutrition education program''.
SEC. 4034. RETAIL FOOD STORE AND RECIPIENT TRAFFICKING.
Section 29(c)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2036b(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 4035. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.)
is amended--
(1) in section 3--
(A) in subsections (d) and (i) by striking ``7(i)'' and
inserting ``7(h)'', and
(B) in subsection (o)(1)(A) by striking ``(r)(1)'' and
inserting ``(q)(1)'',
(2) in section 5(a) by striking ``and section'' each place
it appears and all that follows through ``households'' the
respective next place it appears, and inserting ``and section
3(m)(4), households'',
(3) in subsections (e)(1) and (f)(1)(A)(i) of section 8 by
striking ``3(n)(5)'' and inserting ``3(m)(5)'',
(4) in the 1st sentence of section 10--
(A) by striking ``or the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance
Corporation'' each place it appears, and
(B) by striking ``3(p)(4)'' and inserting ``3(o)(4)'',
(5) in section 11--
(A) in subsection (a)(2) by striking ``3(t)(1)'' and
inserting ``3(s)(1)'', and
(B) in subsection (d)--
(i) by striking ``3(t)(1)'' each place it appears and
inserting ``3(s)(1)'', and
(ii) by striking ``3(t)(2)'' each place it appears and
inserting ``3(s)(2)'',
(C) in subsection (e)--
(i) in paragraph (17) by striking ``3(t)(1)'' inserting
``3(s)(1)'', and
(ii) in paragraph (23) by striking ``Simplified
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program'' and inserting
``simplified supplemental nutrition assistance program'',
(6) in section 15(e) by striking ``exchange'' and all that
follows through ``anything'', and inserting ``exchange for
benefits, or anything'',
(7) in section 17(b)(1)(B)(iv)--
(A) in subclause (III)(aa) by striking ``3(n)'' and
inserting ``3(m)'', and
(B) in subclause (VII) by striking ``7(i)'' and inserting
``7(h)'',
(8) in section 25(a)(1)(B)(i)(I) by striking the 2d
semicolon at the end, and
(9) in section 26(b) by striking ``out'' and all that
follows through ``(referred'', and inserting ``out a
simplified supplemental nutrition assistance program
(referred''.
SEC. 4036. IMPLEMENTATION FUNDS.
Out of any funds made available under section 18(a) of the
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2027(a)) for fiscal
year 2019, the Secretary shall use to carry out the
amendments made by this subtitle $150,000,000, to remain
available until expended.
Subtitle B--Commodity Distribution Programs
SEC. 4101. COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM.
The 1st sentence of section 4(a) of the Agriculture and
Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note) is
amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 4102. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM.
Section 5 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of
1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023'', and
(B) in paragraph (2) by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023'', and
(2) in subsection (d)(2) by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 4103. DISTRIBUTION OF SURPLUS COMMODITIES TO SPECIAL
NUTRITION PROJECTS.
Section 1114(a)(2)(A) of the Agriculture and Food Act of
1981 (7 U.S.C. 1431e(a)(2)(A)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
Subtitle C--Miscellaneous
SEC. 4201. PURCHASE OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FOR
DISTRIBUTION TO SCHOOLS AND SERVICE
INSTITUTIONS.
Section 10603(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 612c-4(b)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 4202. SENIORS FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM.
Section 4402(a) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3007(a)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 4203. HEALTHY FOOD FINANCING INITIATIVE.
Section 243(d) of the Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6953) is amended by
striking ``until expended'' and inserting ``until October 1,
2023''.
SEC. 4204. AMENDMENTS TO THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PROGRAM.
Section 19 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch
Act (42 U.S.C. 1769a) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``FRESH'' ;
(2) in subsection (a), by inserting ``, canned, dried,
frozen, or pureed'' after ``fresh'';
(3) in subsection (b), by inserting ``, canned, dried,
frozen, or pureed'' after ``fresh''; and
(4) in subsection (e), by inserting ``, canned, dried,
frozen, or pureed'' after ``fresh''.
TITLE V--CREDIT
Subtitle A--Farm Ownership Loans
SEC. 5101. MODIFICATION OF THE 3-YEAR EXPERIENCE ELIGIBILITY
REQUIREMENT FOR FARM OWNERSHIP LOANS.
Section 302(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922(b)) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(4) Waiver authority.--In the case of a qualified
beginning farmer or rancher, the Secretary may--
``(A) reduce the 3-year requirement in paragraph (1) to--
``(i) 2 years, if the farmer or rancher has--
``(I) 16 credit hours of post-secondary education in a
field related to agriculture;
``(II) at least 1 year of direct substantive management
experience in a business;
``(III) been honorably discharged from the armed forces of
the United States;
``(IV) successfully repaid a youth loan made under section
311(b); or
``(V) an established relationship with an individual
participating as a counselor in a Service Corps of Retired
Executives program authorized under section 8(b)(1)(B) of the
Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(b)(1)(B)), or with a local
farm or ranch operator or organization, approved by the
Secretary, that is committed to mentoring the farmer or
rancher; or
``(ii) 1 year, if the farmer or rancher has military
leadership or management experience from having completed an
acceptable military leadership course; or
``(B) waive the 3-year requirement in paragraph (1) if the
farmer or rancher--
``(i) meets a requirement of subparagraph (A)(i) (other
than subclause (V) thereof) and meets the requirement of
subparagraph (A)(ii); and
``(ii) meets the requirement of subparagraph (A)(i)(V).''.
SEC. 5102. CONSERVATION LOAN AND LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM.
Section 304(h) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1924(h)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``$150,000,000'' and inserting
``$75,000,000''; and
(2) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 5103. FARM OWNERSHIP LOAN LIMITS.
Section 305(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1925(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``$700,000'' and inserting ``$1,750,000'';
and
(2) by striking ``2000'' and inserting ``2019''.
Subtitle B--Operating Loans
SEC. 5201. LIMITATIONS ON AMOUNT OF OPERATING LOANS.
Section 313(a)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1943(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``$700,000'' and inserting ``$1,750,000'';
and
(2) by striking ``2000'' and inserting ``2019''.
SEC. 5202. MICROLOANS.
Section 313(c)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1943(c)(2)) is amended by striking
``title'' and inserting ``subsection''.
Subtitle C--Administrative Provisions
SEC. 5301. 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
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 5302. 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 ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 5303. 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 by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
Subtitle D--Technical Corrections to the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act
SEC. 5401. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO THE CONSOLIDATED FARM AND
RURAL DEVELOPMENT ACT.
(a)(1) Section 310E(d)(3) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
[[Page H4090]]
1935(d)(3)) is amended by inserting ``and socially
disadvantaged farmers or ranchers'' after ``ranchers'' the
second place it appears.
(2) The amendment made by this subsection shall take effect
as if included in the enactment of section 5004(4)(A)(i) of
the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law
110-246) in lieu of the amendment made by such section.
(b)(1) Section 321(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1961(a)) is amended in the second
sentence by striking ``and limited liability companies'' and
inserting ``limited liability companies, and such other legal
entities''.
(2) The amendment made by this subsection shall take effect
as if included in the enactment of section 5201 of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79) in lieu of the
amendment made by such section.
(c)(1) Section 331D(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1981d(e)) is amended by inserting
after ``within 60 days after receipt of the notice required
in this section'' the following: ``or, in extraordinary
circumstances as determined by the applicable State director,
after the 60-day period''.
(2) The amendment made by this subsection shall take effect
as if included in the enactment of section 10 of the
Agricultural Credit Improvement Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-
554).
(d)(1) Section 333A(f)(1)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a(f)(1)(A)) is amended by
striking ``114'' and inserting ``339''.
(2) The amendment made by this subsection shall take effect
as if included in the enactment of section 14 of the
Agricultural Credit Improvement Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-
554).
(e) Section 339(d)(3) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C.1989(d)(3)) is amended by striking
``preferred certified lender'' and inserting ``Preferred
Certified Lender''.
(f)(1) Section 343(a)(11)(C) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(11)(C)) is amended by
striking ``or joint operators'' and inserting ``joint
operator, or owners''.
(2) The amendment made by this subsection shall take effect
as of the effective date of section 5303(a)(2) of the
Agricultural Act of 2014.
(g)(1) Section 343(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(b)) is amended by striking
``307(e)'' and inserting ``307(d)''.
(2) The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect
as if included in the enactment of section 5004 of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79).
(h) Section 346(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C.1994(a)) is amended by striking the
last comma.
Subtitle E--Amendments to the Farm Credit Act of 1971
SEC. 5501. ELIMINATION OF OBSOLETE REFERENCES.
(a) Section 1.2(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12
U.S.C. 2002(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Composition.--The Farm Credit System shall include
the Farm Credit Banks, banks for cooperatives, Agricultural
Credit Banks, the Federal land bank associations, the Federal
land credit associations, the production credit associations,
the Agricultural Credit Associations, the Federal Farm Credit
Banks Funding Corporation, the Federal Agricultural Mortgage
Corporation, service corporations established pursuant to
section 4.25 of this Act, and such other institutions as may
be made a part of the System, all of which shall be chartered
by and subject to regulation by the Farm Credit
Administration.''.
(b) Section 2.4 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2075) is amended by
striking subsection (d).
(c) Section 3.0 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2121) is amended--
(1) in the 3rd sentence, by striking ``and a Central Bank
for Cooperatives''; and
(2) by striking the 5th sentence.
(d) Section 3.2(a)(1) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2123(a)(1)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``not merged into the United Bank for
Cooperatives or the National Bank for Cooperatives''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``Section 7.12(c)
shall apply to the board of directors of a merged bank for
cooperatives.''.
(e) Section 3.2(a)(2)(A) of such Act (12 U.S.C.
2123(a)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``(other than the
National Bank for Cooperatives)''.
(f) Section 3.2 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2123) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (b);
(2) in subsection (a)(2)(B), by striking ``paragraph'' and
inserting ``subsection'';
(3) by striking ``(a)(1)'' and inserting ``(a)'';
(4) by striking ``(2)(A)'' and inserting ``(b)(1)'';
(5) by striking ``(i)'' and inserting ``(A)'';
(6) by striking ``(ii)'' and inserting ``(B)''; and
(7) by striking ``(B)'' and inserting ``(2)''.
(g) Section 3.5 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2126) is amended by
striking ``district''.
(h) Section 3.7(a) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2128(a)) is
amended by striking the second sentence.
(i) Section 3.8(b)(1)(A) of such Act (12 U.S.C.
2129(b)(1)(A)) is amended by inserting ``(or successor
agency)'' after ``Rural Electrification Administration''.
(j) Section 3.9(a) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2130(a)) is
amended by striking the 3rd sentence.
(k) Section 3.10(c) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2131(c)) is
amended by striking the second sentence.
(l) Section 3.10(d) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2131(d)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``district'' each place it appears; and
(2) by inserting ``for cooperatives or successor bank''
before ``on account of such indebtedness''.
(m) Section 3.11 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2132) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``subsections (b) and
(c)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``district''; and
(B) by striking ``Except as provided in subsection (c)
below, all'' and inserting ``All''; and
(3) by striking subsection (c) and redesignating
subsections (d) through (f) as subsections (c) through (e),
respectively.
(n) The heading for part B of title III of such Act is
amended by striking ``United and''.
(o) Section 3.20(a) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2141(a)) is
amended by striking ``or the United Bank for Cooperatives, as
the case may be''.
(p) Section 3.20(b) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2141(b)) is
amended by striking ``the district banks for cooperatives and
the Central Bank for Cooperatives'' and inserting ``all
constituent banks referred to in section 413 of the
Agricultural Credit Act of 1987''.
(q) Section 3.21 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2142) is repealed.
(r) Section 3.28 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2149) is amended by
striking ``a district bank for cooperatives and the Central
Bank for Cooperatives'' and inserting ``its constituent banks
referred to in section 413 of the Agricultural Credit Act of
1987''.
(s) Section 3.29 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2150) is repealed.
(t)(1) Section 4.0 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2151) is
repealed.
(2) Section 5.60(b) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2277a-9(b)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(b) Amounts in Fund.--The Corporation shall deposit in
the Insurance Fund all premium payments received by the
Corporation under this part.''.
(u)(1) Section 4.8 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2159) is
amended--
(A) by striking ``(a)''; and
(B) by striking subsection (b).
(2) Section 1.1(c) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2001(c)) is
amended by striking ``including any costs of defeasance under
section 4.8(b),''.
(v) Section 4.9(d)(2) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2160(d)(2)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(2) Representation on board.--The Farm Credit System
Insurance Corporation shall have no representation on the
board of directors of the Corporation.''.
(w) Section 4.9 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2160) is amended by
striking subsection (e) and redesignating subsection (f) as
subsection (e).
(x) Section 4.9A(c) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2162(c)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(c) Inability to Retire Stock at Par Value.--If an
institution is unable to retire eligible borrower stock at
par value due to the liquidation of the institution, the Farm
Credit System Insurance Corporation, acting as receiver,
shall retire such stock at par value as would have been
retired in the ordinary course of business of the
institution. The Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation
shall make use of sufficient funds from the Farm Credit
Insurance Fund to carry out this section.''.
(y) Section 4.12A(a)(1) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2184(a)(1))
is amended to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--Every Farm Credit System bank or
association shall provide a current list of its stockholders,
within 7 calendar days after receipt of a written request by
a stockholder, to the requesting stockholder.''.
(z) Section 4.14A(a) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2202a(a)) is
amended by inserting ``and section 4.36'' after ``As used in
this part''.
(aa)(1) Section 4.14A of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2202a) is
amended--
(A) in subsection (l), by striking ``production credit'';
and
(B) by striking subsection (h) and redesignating
subsections (i) through (l) as subsections (h) through (k),
respectively.
(2)(A) Section 5.31 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2267) is amended
by striking ``4.14A(i)'' and inserting ``4.14A(h)''.
(B) Section 5.32(h) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2268(h)) is
amended by striking ``4.14A(i)'' and inserting ``4.14A(h)''.
(bb)(1) Section 4.14C of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2202c) is
repealed.
(2)(A) Section 4.14A(a)(5)(B)(ii)(I) of such Act (12 U.S.C.
2202a(a)(5)(B)(ii)(I)) is amended by striking ``4.14C,''.
(B) Section 8.9 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2279aa-9) is amended
by striking ``4.14C,'' each place it appears.
(cc) Section 4.17 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2205) is amended
by striking ``Federal intermediate credit banks and''.
(dd) Section 4.19(a) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2207(a)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``district'';
(2) by striking ``Federal land bank association and
production credit''; and
(3) by striking ``units'' and inserting ``institutions''.
(ee) Section 4.38 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2219c) is amended
by striking ``The Assistance Board established under section
6.0 and all'' and inserting ``All''.
(ff) Section 5.17(a)(2) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2252(a)(2))
is amended by striking the second and 3rd sentences.
(gg) Section 5.18 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2253) is repealed.
(hh) Section 5.19(a) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2254(a)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``Except for Federal land bank
associations, each'' and inserting ``Each''; and
(2) by striking the second sentence.
(ii) Section 5.19(b) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2254(b)) is
amended--
(1) in the second sentence of paragraph (1), by striking
``except with respect to any actions taken by any banks of
the System under section 4.8(b),'';
(2) by striking the third sentence of paragraph (1);
[[Page H4091]]
(3) by striking ``(b)(1)'' and inserting ``(b)''; and
(4) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3).
(jj) Section 5.35(4) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2271(4)) is
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C)--
(A) by striking ``after December 31, 1992,''; and
(B) by striking ``by the Farm Credit System Assistance
Board under section 6.6 or''; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (B) and redesignating
subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B).
(kk) Section 5.38 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2274) is amended
by striking ``a farm credit district board, bank board, or
bank officer or employee shall not remove any director or
officer of any production credit association or Federal land
bank association'' and inserting ``a Farm Credit Bank board,
officer, or employee shall not remove any director or officer
of any association''.
(ll) Section 5.44 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2275) is repealed.
(mm) Section 5.58(2) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2277a-7) is
amended by striking the second sentence.
(nn) Subtitle A of title VI of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2278a-
2278a-11) is repealed.
(oo) Title VI of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2278a-2278b-11) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 6.32. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.
``The authority provided in this subtitle shall terminate
on December 31, 2018.''.
(pp) Section 7.9 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2279c-2) is amended
by striking subsection (c).
(qq) Section 7.10(a)(4) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2279d(a)(4))
is amended to read as follows:
``(4) the institution pays to the Farm Credit Insurance
Fund the amount by which the total capital of the institution
exceeds 6 percent of the assets;''.
(rr) Section 8.0(2) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2279aa(2)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(2) Board.--The term `Board' means the board of directors
established under section 8.2.''.
(ss)(1) Section 8.0 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2279aa) is
amended by striking paragraphs (6) and (8), and redesignating
paragraphs (7), (9), and (10) as paragraphs (6) through (8),
respectively.
(2)(A) Section 4.39 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2219d) is
amended by striking ``8.0(7)'' and inserting ``8.0(6)''.
(B) Section 8.6(e)(2) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2279aa-
6(e)(2)) is amended by striking ``8.0(9)'' and inserting
``8.0(7)''.
(C) Section 8.11(e) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2279aa-11(e)) is
amended by striking ``8.0(7)'' and inserting ``8.0(6)''.
(D) Section 8.32(a)(1)(B) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2279bb-
1(a)(1)(B)) is amended by striking ``8.0(9)(C)'' and
inserting ``8.0(7)(C)''.
(tt)(1) Section 8.2 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2279aa-2) is
amended--
(A) in subsection (b)--
(i) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Permanent
Board'' and inserting ``Board of Directors'';
(ii) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) Establishment.--The Corporation shall be under the
management of the Board of Directors.'';
(iii) by striking paragraph (3) and redesignating
paragraphs (4) through (10) as paragraphs (3) through (9),
respectively; and
(iv) by striking ``permanent'' each place it appears in
paragraphs (2), and (3) through (9) (as so redesignated); and
(B) by striking subsection (a) and redesignating
subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (a) and (b),
respectively.
(2) Section 8.4(a)(1) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2279aa-4) is
amended--
(A) by striking the 3rd sentence;
(B) by inserting after the 1st sentence the following:
``Voting common stock shall be offered to banks, other
financial entities, insurance companies, and System
institutions under such terms and conditions as the Board may
adopt. The voting stock shall be fairly and broadly offered
to ensure that no institution or institutions acquire a
disproportionate amount of the total amount of voting common
stock outstanding of a class and that capital contributions
and issuances of voting common stock for the contributions
are fairly distributed between entities eligible to hold
Class A and Class B stock, as provided under this
paragraph.'';
(C) by striking ``8.2(b)(2)(A)'' and inserting
``8.2(a)(2)(A)''; and
(D) by striking ``8.2(b)(2)(B)'' and inserting
``8.2(a)(2)(B)''.
(uu)(1) Section 8.6 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2279aa-6) is
amended by striking subsection (d) and redesignating
subsection (e) as subsection (d).
(2)(A) Paragraph (7)(B)(i) of section 8.0 of such Act (12
U.S.C. 2279aa), as redesignated by subsection (ss)(1), is
amended by striking ``through (d)'' and inserting ``and
(c)''.
(B) Section 8.33(b)(2)(A) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2279bb-
2(b)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``8.6(e)'' and inserting
``8.6(d)''.
(vv) Section 8.32(a) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2279bb-1(a)) is
amended by striking ``Not sooner than the expiration of the
3-year period beginning on the date of enactment of the Farm
Credit System Reform Act of 1996, the'' and inserting
``The''.
(ww) Section 8.35 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2279bb-4) is
amended by striking subsection (e).
(xx) Section 8.38 of such Act (12 U.S.C. 2279bb-7) is
repealed.
SEC. 5502. CONFORMING REPEALS.
(a) Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 14, and 15 of the Agricultural
Marketing Act (12 U.S.C. 1141b, 1141c, 1141d, 1141e, 1141f,
1141i, and 1141j) are repealed.
(b) The Act of June 22, 1939, (Chapter 239; 53 Stat. 853;
12 U.S.C. 1141d-1) is repealed.
(c) Section 201 of the Emergency Relief and Construction
Act of 1932 (12 U.S.C. 1148) is repealed.
(d) Section 2 of the Act of July 14, 1953, (Chapter 192; 67
Stat. 150; 12 U.S.C. 1148a-4) is repealed.
(e) Sections 32 through 34 of the Farm Credit Act of 1937
(12 U.S.C. 1148b, 1148c, and 1148d) are repealed.
(f) Sections 1 through 4 of the Act of March 3, 1932, (12
U.S.C. 1401 through 1404) are repealed.
SEC. 5503. FACILITY HEADQUARTERS.
Section 5.16 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
2251) is amended by striking all that precedes ``to the
rental of quarters'' and inserting the following:
``SEC. 5.16. QUARTERS AND FACILITIES FOR THE FARM CREDIT
ADMINISTRATION.
``(a) The Farm Credit Administration shall maintain its
principal office within the Washington D.C.-Maryland-Virginia
standard metropolitan statistical area, and such other
offices within the United States as in its judgment are
necessary.
``(b) As an alternate''.
SEC. 5504. SHARING PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.
Section 5.19 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
2254) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) A System institution shall not be considered to have
waived the confidentiality of a privileged communication with
an attorney or accountant if the institution provides the
content of the communication to the Farm Credit
Administration pursuant to the supervisory or regulatory
authorities of the Farm Credit Administration.''.
SEC. 5505. SCOPE OF JURISDICTION.
Part C of title V of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
2261-2274) is amended by inserting after section 5.31 the
following:
``SEC. 5.31A. SCOPE OF JURISDICTION.
``(a) For purposes of sections 5.25, 5.26, and 5.33, the
jurisdiction of the Farm Credit Administration over parties,
and the authority of the Farm Credit Administration to
initiate actions, shall include enforcement authority over
institution-affiliated parties.
``(b) The resignation, termination of employment or
participation, or separation of an institution-affiliated
party (including a separation caused by the merger,
consolidation, conservatorship, or receivership of a System
institution) shall not affect the jurisdiction and authority
of the Farm Credit Administration to issue any notice or
order and proceed under this part against any such party, if
the notice or order is served before the end of the 6-year
period beginning on the date the party ceased to be such a
party with respect to the System institution (whether the
date occurs before, on, or after the date of the enactment of
this section).''.
SEC. 5506. DEFINITION.
Section 5.35 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
2271) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (3); and
(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5) and
inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) the term `institution-affiliated party' means--
``(A) any director, officer, employee, shareholder, or
agent of a System institution;
``(B) any independent contractor (including any attorney,
appraiser, or accountant) who knowingly or recklessly
participates in--
``(i) any violation of law (including regulations) that is
associated with the operations and activities of 1 or more
institutions;
``(ii) any breach of fiduciary duty; or
``(iii) any unsafe or unsound practice, which caused or is
likely to cause more than a minimal financial loss to, or a
significant adverse effect on, a System institution; and
``(C) any other person, as determined by the Farm Credit
Administration (by regulation or on a case-by-case basis) who
participates in the conduct of the affairs of a System
institution; and''.
SEC. 5507. EXPANSION OF ACREAGE EXCEPTION TO LOAN AMOUNT
LIMITATION.
(a) In General.--Section 8.8(c)(2) of the Farm Credit Act
of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2279aa-8(c)(2)) is amended by striking
``1,000'' and inserting ``2,000''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall take effect 1 year after the date a report submitted in
accordance with section 5602 of this Act indicates that it is
feasible to increase the acreage limitation in section
8.8(c)(2) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to 2,000 acres.
SEC. 5508. COMPENSATION OF BANK DIRECTORS.
Section 4.21 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
2209) is repealed.
SEC. 5509. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS.
Section 5.65 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C.
2277a-14) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Prohibition on Uses of Funds Related to Federal
Agricultural Mortgage Corporation.--No funds from
administrative accounts or from the Farm Credit System
Insurance Fund may be used by the Corporation to provide
assistance to the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation
or to support any activities related to the Federal
Agricultural Mortgage Corporation.''.
Subtitle F--Miscellaneous
SEC. 5601. STATE AGRICULTURAL MEDIATION PROGRAMS.
Section 506 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (7
U.S.C. 5106) is amended by striking ``2018''and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 5602. STUDY ON LOAN RISK.
(a) Study.--The Farm Credit Administration shall conduct a
study that--
[[Page H4092]]
(1) analyzes and compares the financial risks inherent in
loans made, held, securitized, or purchased by Farm Credit
banks, associations, and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage
Corporation and how such risks are required to be capitalized
under statute and regulations in effect as of the date of the
enactment of this Act; and
(2) assesses the feasibility of increasing the acreage
exception provided in section 8.8(c)(2) of the Farm Credit
Act of 1971 to 2,000 acres.
(b) Timeline.--The Farm Credit Administration shall provide
the results of the study required by subsection (a) to the
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
Senate no later than 180 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
TITLE VI--RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Subtitle A--Improving Health Outcomes in Rural Communities
SEC. 6001. PRIORITIZING PROJECTS TO MEET HEALTH CRISES IN
RURAL AMERICA.
(a) Temporary Prioritization of Rural Health Assistance.--
Title VI of the Rural Development Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C.
2204a-2204b) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 608. TEMPORARY PRIORITIZATION OF RURAL HEALTH
ASSISTANCE.
``(a) Authority to Prioritize Certain Rural Health
Applications.--The Secretary, after consultation with such
public health officials as may be necessary, may announce a
temporary reprioritization for certain rural development loan
and grant applications to assist rural communities in
responding to a specific health emergency.
``(b) Content of Announcement.--In the announcement, the
Secretary shall--
``(1) specify the nature of the emergency affecting the
heath of rural Americans;
``(2) describe the actual and potential effects of the
emergency on the rural United States;
``(3) identify the services and treatments which can be
used to reduce those effects; and
``(4) publish the specific temporary changes needed to
assist rural communities in responding to the emergency
``(c) Notice.--Not later than 48 hours after making or
extending an announcement under this section, 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, and transmit to the Secretary of
Health and Human Services, a written notice of the
declaration or extension.
``(d) Extension.--The Secretary may extend an announcement
under subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that the
emergency will continue after the declaration would otherwise
expire.
``(e) Expiration.--An announcement under subsection (a)
shall expire on the earlier of--
``(1) the date the Secretary determines that the emergency
has ended; or
``(2) the end of the 360-day period beginning with the
later of--
``(A) the date the announcement was made; or
``(B) the date the announcement was most recently
extended.''.
(b) Distance Learning and Telemedicine.--Section 2333(c) of
the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 950aaa-2(c)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(5) Procedure during temporary reprioritizations.--
``(A) In general.--While a temporary reprioritization
announced under section 608 of the Rural Development Act of
1972 is in effect, the Secretary shall make available not
less than 10 percent of the amounts made available under
section 2335A for financial assistance under this chapter,
for telemedicine services to identify and treat individuals
affected by the emergency, subject to subparagraph (B).
``(B) Exception.--In the case of a fiscal year for which
the Secretary determines that there are not sufficient
qualified applicants to receive financial assistance to reach
the 10-percent requirement under subparagraph (A), the
Secretary may make available less than 10 percent of the
amounts made available under section 2335A for those
services.''.
(c) Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants.--Section
306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1926(a)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(27) Procedure during temporary reprioritizations.--
``(A) Selection priority.--While a temporary
reprioritization announced under section 608 of the Rural
Development Act of 1972 is in effect, in selecting recipients
of loans, loan guarantees, or grants for the development of
essential community facilities under this section, the
Secretary shall give priority to entities eligible for those
loans or grants--
``(i) to develop facilities to provide services related to
reducing the effects of the health emergency, including--
``(I) prevention services;
``(II) treatment services;
``(III) recovery services; or
``(IV) any combination of those services; and
``(ii) that employ staff that have appropriate expertise
and training in how to identify and treat individuals
affected by the emergency.
``(B) Use of funds.--An eligible entity described in
subparagraph (A) that receives a loan or grant described in
that subparagraph may use the loan or grant funds for the
development of telehealth facilities and systems to provide
for treatment directly related to the emergency involved.''.
(d) Rural Health and Safety Education Programs.--
(1) In general.--Section 502(i) of the Rural Development
Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 2662(i)) is amended--
(A) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
``(5) Procedure during temporary reprioritizations.--While
a temporary reprioritization announced under section 608 of
the Rural Development Act of 1972 is in effect, in making
grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give
priority to an applicant that will use the grant to address
the announced emergency.''.
(2) Technical amendments.--Title V of the Rural Development
Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 2661 et seq.), as amended by paragraph
(1) of this subsection, is amended--
(A) in section 502, in the matter preceding subsection (a),
by inserting ``(referred to in this title as the
`Secretary')'' after ``Agriculture''; and
(B) by striking ``Secretary of Agriculture'' each place it
appears (other than in section 502 in the matter preceding
subsection (a)) and inserting ``Secretary''.
SEC. 6002. 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 ``$75,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018'' and inserting
``$82,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1(b) of Public Law 102-
551 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa note) is amended by striking ``2018''
and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 6003. REAUTHORIZATION OF THE FARM AND RANCH STRESS
ASSISTANCE NETWORK.
Section 7522 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 5936) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``coordination with the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall make
competitive grants to support cooperative programs between
State cooperative extension services and nonprofit
organizations'' and inserting ``consultation with the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall make
competitive grants to State cooperative extension services
and Indian Tribes to support programs with nonprofit
organizations in order'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``Internet'' before
``websites'';
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) training for individuals who may assist farmers in
crisis, including programs and workshops;''; and
(C) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``, including the
dissemination of information and materials'' before the
semicolon at the end;
(3) in subsection (c), by striking ``to enable the State
cooperative extension services'' and inserting ``or Indian
Tribes, as applicable,'';
(4) in subsection (d), by striking ``fiscal years'' and all
that follows and inserting ``fiscal years 2018 through
2023''; and
(5) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e) and
inserting after subsection (c) the following:
``(d) Oversight and Evaluation.--The Secretary, in
consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services,
shall review and evaluate the stress assistance programs
carried out pursuant to this section.
``(1) Program review.--Not later than 2 years after the
date on which a grant is first provided under this section,
and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall--
``(A) review the programs funded under a grant made under
this section to evaluate the effectiveness of the services
offered through such a program, and suggest alternative
services not offered by such a grant recipient that would be
appropriate for behavioral health services; and
``(B) submit to the Congress, and make available on the
public Internet website of the Department of Agriculture, a
report containing the results of the review conducted under
subparagraph (A) and a description of the services provided
through programs funded under such a grant.
``(2) Public availability.--In making the report under
paragraph (1) publicly available, the Secretary shall take
such steps as may be necessary to ensure that the report does
not contain any information that would identify any person
who received services under a program funded under a grant
made under this section.''.
SEC. 6004. SUPPORTING AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLANS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture may establish
a loan program and a grant program to assist in the
establishment of agricultural association health plans, in
order to help bring new health options and lower priced
health care coverage to rural Americans.
(b) Loans.--
(1) In general.--With respect to plan years 2019 through
2022, the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the
Secretary of Labor, may make not more than 10 loans under
this section, for purposes of establishing agricultural
association health plans, to qualified agricultural
associations that have not received a loan under this
section.
(2) Use of funds.--The proceeds of a loan made under this
section may only be used to finance costs associated with
establishing and carrying out an agricultural association
health plan.
(3) Loan terms.--A loan made under this section shall--
(A) bear interest at an annual rate equivalent to the cost
of borrowing to the Department of the Treasury for
obligations of comparable maturities;
(B) have a term of such length, not exceeding 20 years, as
the borrower may request;
[[Page H4093]]
(C) be in an amount not to exceed $15,000,000;
(D) require that the borrower submit annual audited
financial statements to the Secretary; and
(E) include any other requirements or documentation the
Secretary deems necessary to carry out this section.
(c) Grants.--The Secretary may make grants to agricultural
trade associations or industry associations which have been
in existence for at least three years prior to applying for
such a grant to provide for technical assistance in
establishing an agricultural association health plan.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out this section $65,000,000 for the period of fiscal
years 2019 through 2022, to be available until expended.
(2) Reservation of funds.--Of the funds made available
under paragraph (1), not more than 15 percent of such funds
shall be made available to make grants under subsection (c).
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Agricultural association health plan.--The term
``agricultural association health plan'' means a group health
plan within the meaning of section 733(a)(1) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 1191b)--
(A) that is sponsored by a qualified agricultural
association; and
(B) with respect to which the Secretary has received a
letter from the relevant State insurance commissioner
certifying that such association may offer such plan in such
State.
(2) Qualified agricultural association.--The term
``qualified agricultural association'' means an association--
(A) composed of members that operate a farm or ranch or
operate an agribusiness;
(B) that qualifies as an association health plan within the
meaning of guidance or regulation issued by the Department of
Labor;
(C) that acts directly or indirectly in the interest of its
members in relation to the plan;
(D) that is able to demonstrate an ability to implement and
manage a group health plan; and
(E) that meets any other criteria the Secretary deems
necessary to meet the intent of this section.
Subtitle B--Connecting Rural Americans to High Speed Broadband
SEC. 6101. ESTABLISHING FORWARD-LOOKING BROADBAND STANDARDS.
(a) In General.--Section 601 of the Rural Electrification
Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb) is amended--
(1) in subsection (d)(1)(A), by striking clause (i) and
inserting the following:
``(i) demonstrate the ability to furnish or improve service
in order to meet the broadband service standards established
under subsection (e)(1) in all or part of an unserved or
underserved rural area;'';
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), for purposes
of this section, the Secretary shall establish broadband
service standards for rural areas which provide for--
``(A) a minimum acceptable standard of service that
requires the speed to be at least 25 megabits per second
downstream transmission capacity and 3 megabits per second
upstream transmission capacity; and
``(B) projections of minimum acceptable standards of
service for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 years into the future.
``(2) Adjustments.--
``(A) In general.--At least once every 2 years, the
Secretary shall review, and may adjust through notice
published in the Federal Register, the broadband service
standards in effect under paragraph (1) to encourage the
delivery of high quality, cost-effective broadband service in
rural areas.
``(B) Considerations.--In establishing and adjusting the
broadband service standards in effect under paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall consider--
``(i) the broadband service needs of rural families and
businesses;
``(ii) broadband service available to urban and suburban
areas;
``(iii) future technology needs of rural residents;
``(iv) advances in broadband technology; and
``(v) other relevant factors as determined by the
Secretary.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Agreement.--The Secretary shall not provide a loan or
loan guarantee under this section for a project unless the
Secretary determines, at the time the agreement to provide
the loan or loan guarantee is entered into, that, at any time
while the loan or loan guarantee is outstanding, the project
will be capable of providing broadband service at not less
than the minimum acceptable standard of service established
under paragraph (1)(B) for that time.
``(5) Substitute service standards for unique service
territories.--If an applicant shows that it would be cost
prohibitive to meet the minimum acceptable level of broadband
service established under paragraph (1)(B) for the entirety
of a proposed service territory due to the unique
characteristics of the proposed service territory, the
Secretary and the applicant may agree to utilize substitute
standards for any unserved portion of the project. Any
substitute service standards should continue to consider the
matters described in paragraph (2)(B) and reflect the best
technology available to meet the needs of the residents in
the unserved area.''; and
(3) in subsection (g)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``level of broadband
service established under subsection (e)'' and inserting
``standard of service established under subsection
(e)(1)(A)''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Minimum standards.--To the extent possible, the terms
and conditions under which a loan or loan guarantee is
provided to an applicant for a project shall require that, at
any time while the loan or loan guarantee is outstanding, the
broadband network provided by the project will meet the lower
of--
``(A) the minimum acceptable standard of service projected
under subsection (e)(1)(B) for that time, as agreed to by the
applicant at the time the loan or loan guarantee is provided;
or
``(B) the minimum acceptable standard of service in effect
under subsection (e)(1)(A) for that time.''.
(b) Report to Congress.--Within 12 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Rural
Utilities Service (in this subsection referred to as the
``RUS'') 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 on the
effectiveness of RUS loan and loan guarantee programs for the
purpose of expanding broadband to rural areas (as defined in
RUS regulations), which shall--
(1) identify administrative and legislative options for
incentivizing private investment by utilizing RUS loan
guarantee programs for the purpose of expanding broadband to
rural areas;
(2) evaluate the existing borrower and lending guidelines
for RUS loan and loan guarantee applicants to incentivize
participation in both programs;
(3) evaluate the loan and loan guarantee application
processes for lenders and borrowers by eliminating burdensome
and unnecessary steps in the application process and
providing a more streamlined process to decrease the
complexity of the application and the timeline from
application to approval or denial;
(4) identify opportunities to provide technical assistance
and pre-development planning activities to assist rural
counties and communities to assess current and future
broadband needs; and
(5) identify and evaluate emerging technologies, including
next-generation satellite technologies, and ways to leverage
the technologies to provide high-speed, low-latency internet
connectivity to rural areas.
SEC. 6102. INCENTIVES FOR HARD TO REACH COMMUNITIES.
Title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C.
950bb) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 604. INCENTIVES FOR HARD TO REACH COMMUNITIES.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Associated loan.--The term `associated loan' means a
loan or loan guarantee to finance all or part of a project
under title I or II or this title for which an application
has been submitted under such title and for which an
application has also been submitted for a grant under this
section.
``(2) Density.--
``(A) In general.--The term `density' means service points
per road mile.
``(B) Method of calculation.--The Secretary shall further
define, by rule, a method for calculating service points per
road-mile, where appropriate by geography, which--
``(i) divides the total number of service points by the
total number of road-miles in a proposed service territory;
``(ii) requires an applicant to count all potential service
points in a proposed service territory; and
``(iii) includes any other requirements the Secretary deems
necessary to protect the integrity of the program.
``(3) Eligible project.--The term `eligible project' means
any project for which the applicant--
``(A) has submitted an application for an associated loan;
and
``(B) does not receive any other broadband grant
administered by the Rural Utilities Service; and
``(C) proposes to--
``(i) offer retail broadband service to rural households;
``(ii) serve an area with a density of less than 12;
``(iii) provide service that meets the standard that would
apply under section 601(e)(4) if the associated loan had been
applied for under section 601;
``(iv) provide service in an area where no incumbent
provider delivers fixed terrestrial broadband service at or
above the minimum broadband speed described in section
601(e)(1); and
``(v) provide service in an area where no eligible
borrower, other than the applicant, has outstanding Rural
Utilities Service telecommunications debt or is subject to a
current Rural Utilities Service telecommunications grant
agreement.
``(4) Service point.--The term `service point' means a
home, business, or institution in a proposed service area.
``(5) Road-mile.--The term `road-mile' means a mile of road
in a proposed service area.
``(b) Establishment of Grant Program.--The Secretary shall
establish a competitive grant program to provide applicants
funds to carry out eligible projects for the purposes of
construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities for
the provision of broadband service in rural areas.
``(c) Applications.--The Secretary shall establish an
application process for grants under this section that--
``(1) has 1 application window per year;
``(2) permits a single application for the grant and the
associated loan; and
``(3) provides a single decision to award the grant and the
associated loan.
``(d) Priority.--In making grants under this section, the
Secretary shall prioritize applications in which the
applicant proposes to--
[[Page H4094]]
``(1) provide the highest quality of service as measured
by--
``(A) network speed;
``(B) network latency; and
``(C) data allowances;
``(2) serve the greatest number of service points; and
``(3) use the greatest proportion of non-Federal dollars.
``(e) Amount.--The Secretary shall make each grant under
this section in an amount that is--
``(1) not greater than 75 percent of the total project cost
with respect to an area with a density of less than 4;
``(2) not greater than 50 percent of the total project cost
with respect to an area with a density of 4 or more and not
more than 9; and
``(3) not greater than 25 percent of the total project cost
with respect to an area with a density of more than 9 and not
more than 12.
``(f) Terms and Conditions.--With respect to a grant
provided under this section, the Secretary shall require
that--
``(1) the associated loan is secured by the assets
purchased with funding from the grant and from the loan;
``(2) the agreement in which the terms of the grant are
established is for a period equal to the duration of the
associated loan; and
``(3) at any time at which the associated loan is
outstanding, the broadband service provided by the project
will meet the lower of the standards that would apply under
section 601(g)(4) if the associated loan had been made under
section 601.
``(g) Payment Assistance for Certain Applicants Under This
Title.--
``(1) In general.--As part of the grant program under this
section, the Secretary, at the sole discretion of the
Secretary, may provide to applicants who are eligible
borrowers under this title and not eligible borrowers under
title I or II all or a portion of the grant funds in the form
of payment assistance.
``(2) Payment assistance.--The Secretary may provide
payment assistance under paragraph (1) by reducing a
borrower's interest rate or periodic principal payments or
both.
``(3) Agreement on milestones and objectives.--With respect
to payment assistance provided under paragraph (1), before
entering into the agreement for the grant and associated loan
under which the payment assistance will be provided, the
applicant and the Secretary shall agree to milestones and
objectives of the project.
``(4) Condition.--The Secretary shall condition any payment
assistance provided under paragraph (1) on--
``(A) the applicant fulfilling the terms and conditions of
the grant agreement under which the payment assistance will
be provided; and
``(B) completion of the milestones and objectives agreed to
under paragraph (3).
``(5) Amendment of milestones and objectives.--The
Secretary and the applicant may jointly agree to amend the
milestones and objectives agreed to under paragraph (3).
``(h) Existing Projects.--The Secretary may not provide a
grant under this section to an applicant for a project that
was commenced before the date of the enactment of this
section.
``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$350,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 to 2023.''.
SEC. 6103. REQUIRING GUARANTEED BROADBAND LENDING.
Section 601(c)(1) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936
(7 U.S.C. 950bb(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``shall make or
guarantee loans'' and inserting ``shall make loans and shall
guarantee loans''.
SEC. 6104. SMART UTILITY AUTHORITY FOR BROADBAND.
(a) Section 331 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1981) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(e)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary
may allow a recipient of a grant, loan, or loan guarantee
provided by the Office of Rural Development under this title
to use not more than 10 percent of the amount so provided--
``(A) for any activity for which assistance may be provided
under section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936;
or
``(B) to construct other broadband infrastructure.
``(2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not apply to a
recipient who is seeking to provide retail broadband service
in any area where retail broadband service is available at
the minimum broadband speeds, as defined under section 601(e)
of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.''.
(b) Title I of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7
U.S.C. 901-918a) is amended by inserting after section 7 the
following:
``SEC. 8. LIMITATIONS ON USE OF ASSISTANCE.
``(a) Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section,
the Secretary may allow a recipient of a grant, loan, or loan
guarantee under this title to set aside not more than 10
percent of the amount so received to provide retail broadband
service.
``(b) A recipient who sets aside funds under subsection (a)
of this section may use the funds only in an area that is not
being provided with the minimum acceptable level of broadband
service established under section 601(e), unless the
recipient meets the requirements of section 601(d).
``(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit
the ability of any borrower to finance or deploy services
authorized under this title.''.
SEC. 6105. MODIFICATIONS TO THE RURAL GIGABIT PROGRAM.
Section 603 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7
U.S.C. 950bb-2) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``RURAL GIGABIT
NETWORK PILOT'' and inserting ``INNOVATIVE BROADBAND
ADVANCEMENT'';
(2) in subsection (d), by striking ``2014 through 2018''
and inserting ``2019 through 2023'';
(3) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
(4) by striking subsections (a) through (c) and inserting
the following:
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program
to be known as the `Innovative Broadband Advancement
Program', under which the Secretary may provide a grant, a
loan, or both to an eligible entity for the purpose of
demonstrating innovative broadband technologies or methods of
broadband deployment that significantly decrease the cost of
broadband deployment, and provide substantially faster
broadband speeds than are available, in a rural area.
``(b) Rural Area.--In this section, the term `rural area'
has the meaning provided in section 601(b)(3).
``(c) Eligibility.--To be eligible to obtain assistance
under this section for a project, an entity shall--
``(1) submit to the Secretary an application--
``(A) that describes a project designed to decrease the
cost of broadband deployment, and substantially increase
broadband speed to not less than the 20-year broadband speed
established by the Rural Utilities Service under this title,
in a rural area to be served by the project; and
``(B) at such time, in such manner, and containing such
other information as the Secretary may require;
``(2) demonstrate that the entity is able to carry out the
project; and
``(3) agree to complete the project build-out within 5
years after the date the assistance is first provided for the
project.
``(d) Prioritization.--In awarding assistance under this
section, the Secretary shall give priority to proposals for
projects that--
``(1) involve partnerships between or among multiple
entities;
``(2) would provide broadband service to the greatest
number of rural residents at or above the minimum broadband
speed referred to in subsection (c)(1)(A); and
``(3) the Secretary determines could be replicated in rural
areas described in paragraph (2).''.
SEC. 6106. UNIFIED BROADBAND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
Section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7
U.S.C. 950bb) is amended--
(1) in subsection (j)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``Not later than'' and all that follows through ``section''
and inserting ``Each year, the Secretary shall submit to the
Congress a report that describes the extent of participation
in the broadband loan, loan guarantee, and grant programs
administered by the Secretary'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``loans applied for and
provided under this section'' and inserting ``loans, loan
guarantees, and grants applied for and provided under the
programs'';
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``loan''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``loans and loan
guarantees provided under this section'' and inserting
``loans, loan guarantees, and grants provided under the
programs'';
(D) in paragraph (3), by striking ``loan application under
this section'' and inserting ``application under the
programs'';
(E) in each of paragraphs (4) and (6), by striking ``this
section'' and inserting ``the programs''; and
(F) in paragraph (5)--
(i) by striking ``service'' and inserting ``technology'';
and
(ii) by striking ``(b)(1)'' and inserting ``(e)(1)''; and
(2) in subsection (k)(2), in each of subparagraphs (A)(i)
and (C), by striking ``loans'' and inserting ``grants,
loans,''.
SEC. 6107. IMPROVING ACCESS BY PROVIDING CERTAINTY TO
BROADBAND BORROWERS.
(a) Telephone Loan Program.--Title II of the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 922-928) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 208. AUTHORITY TO OBLIGATE, BUT NOT DISBURSE, FUNDS
BEFORE THE COMPLETION OF REVIEWS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary may obligate, but shall
not disburse, funds under this title for a project before the
completion of any otherwise required environmental,
historical, or other review of the project.
``(b) Authority to Deobligate Funds.--The Secretary may
deobligate funds under this title for a project if any such
review will not be completed within a reasonable period of
time.''.
(b) Rural Broadband Program.--Section 601(d) of the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb(d)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(11) Authority to obligate, but not disburse, funds
before completion of reviews; authority to deobligate
funds.--The Secretary may obligate, but shall not disburse,
funds under this section for a project before the completion
of any otherwise required environmental, historical, or other
review of the project. The Secretary may deobligate funds
under this section for a project if any such review will not
be completed within a reasonable period of time.''.
SEC. 6108. SIMPLIFIED APPLICATION WINDOW.
Section 601(c)(2)(A) of the Rural Electrification Act of
1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb(c)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``not
less than 2 evaluation periods'' and inserting ``1 evaluation
period''.
SEC. 6109. ELIMINATION OF REQUIREMENT TO GIVE PRIORITY TO
CERTAIN APPLICANTS.
Section 601(c)(2) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936
(7 U.S.C. 950bb(c)(2)) is amended--
[[Page H4095]]
(1) by striking ``; and'' at the end of subparagraph (C)
and inserting a period; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (D).
SEC. 6110. MODIFICATION OF BUILDOUT REQUIREMENT.
Section 601(d)(1)(A)(iii) of the Rural Electrification Act
of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb(d)(1)(A)(iii)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``service'' and inserting
``infrastructure''; and
(2) by striking ``3'' and inserting ``5''.
SEC. 6111. IMPROVING BORROWER REFINANCING OPTIONS.
(a) Refinancing of Broadband Loans.--Section 201 of the
Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 922) is amended
by inserting ``including indebtedness on a loan made under
section 601'' after ``furnishing telephone service in rural
areas''.
(b) Refinancing of Other Loans.--Section 601(i) of such Act
(7 U.S.C. 950bb(i)) is amended by inserting ``, or on any
other loan if the purpose for which such other loan was made
is a telecommunications purpose for which assistance may be
provided under this Act,'' before ``if the use of''.
SEC. 6112. ELIMINATION OF UNNECESSARY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
Section 601(d)(8)(A)(ii) of the Rural Electrification Act
of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb(d)(8)(A)(ii)) is amended--
(1) in subclause (I), by striking ``and location''; and
(2) in subclause (IV), by striking ``any changes in
broadband service adoption rates, including''.
SEC. 6113. 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 (k), by striking paragraph (1) and
inserting the following:
``(1) Limitations on authorization of appropriations.--For
loans and loan guarantees under this section, there is
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $150,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, to remain
available until expended.''; and
(2) in subsection (l), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 6114. MIDDLE MILE BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE.
Section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7
U.S.C. 950bb) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``or middle mile
infrastructure'' before ``in rural areas'';
(2) in subsection (b), by redesignating paragraphs (2) and
(3) as paragraphs (3) and (4) and inserting after paragraph
(1) the following:
``(2) Middle mile infrastructure.--The term `middle mile
infrastructure' means any broadband infrastructure that does
not connect directly to end user locations (including anchor
institutions) and may include interoffice transport,
backhaul, Internet connectivity, data centers, or special
access transport to rural areas.'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and to construct,
improve, or acquire middle mile infrastructure'' before ``in
rural areas'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting ``, or in the case of
middle mile infrastructure, offer the future ability to
link,'' before ``the greatest proportion''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Limitation on middle mile infrastructure projects.--
The Secretary shall limit loans or loan guarantees for middle
mile infrastructure projects to no more than 20 percent of
the amounts made available to carry out this section.'';
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A)--
(i) in clause (i) (as amended by section 6101(1) of this
Act), by inserting ``or extend middle mile infrastructure''
before ``in all''; and
(ii) in clause (iii), by inserting ``or middle mile
infrastructure'' before ``described'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``or install middle
mile infrastructure'' before ``in the proposed'';
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking clause (ii) and
inserting the following:
``(ii) Exception.--Clause (i) shall not apply with respect
to a project if the project is eligible for funding under
another title of this Act.''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Exception for middle mile infrastructure.--Portions
of a middle mile infrastructure project that ultimately meet
the rural service requirements of this section may traverse
an area not described in subsection (b)(4) when necessary.'';
(C) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``, or construct,
improve, or acquire middle mile infrastructure in,'' before
``a rural area'';
(D) in paragraph (5)(A)(v), by inserting ``or, in the case
of middle mile infrastructure, connect'' before the
semicolon; and
(E) in paragraph (8)(A)(ii)--
(i) in subclause (I), by inserting ``or may'' before
``receive'';
(ii) in subclause (II), by inserting ``or capability of
middle mile infrastructure'' before the semicolon; and
(iii) in subclause (III), by inserting ``, if applicable''
before the semicolon;
(5) in subsection (i)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``or Middle
Mile Infrastructure'' after ``Service''; and
(B) by inserting ``or middle mile infrastructure'' before
``in rural areas''; and
(6) in subsection (j)(6), by inserting ``or middle mile
infrastructure'' after ``service'' the 1st and 3rd places it
appears.
SEC. 6115. OUTDATED BROADBAND SYSTEMS.
Title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C.
950bb et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 605. OUTDATED BROADBAND SYSTEMS.
``Beginning October 1, 2020, the Secretary shall consider
any portion of a service territory subject to an outstanding
grant agreement between the Secretary and a broadband
provider in which broadband service is not provided at at
least 10 megabits per second download and at least 1 megabit
per second upload as unserved for the purposes of all
broadband loan programs under this Act, unless the broadband
provider has constructed or begun to construct broadband
facilities in the service territory that meet the minimum
acceptable standard of service established under section
601(e)(1) for the area in which the service territory is
located.''.
SEC. 6116. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) In General.--The amendments made by this subtitle shall
not take effect until the Secretary of Agriculture has issued
final regulations to implement the amendments.
(b) Deadline for Issuing Regulations.--Within 90 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Agriculture shall prescribe final regulations to implement
the amendments made by sections 6101 and 6102.
Subtitle C--Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
SEC. 6201. STRENGTHENING REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
INCENTIVES.
Section 379H of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 2008v) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 379H. STRATEGIC ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
``(a) In General.--In the case of any program as determined
by the Secretary, the Secretary shall give priority to an
application for a project that, as determined and approved by
the Secretary--
``(1) meets the applicable eligibility requirements of this
title or other applicable authorizing law;
``(2) will be carried out in a rural area; and
``(3) supports the implementation of a strategic community
investment plan described in subsection (d) on a
multisectoral and multijurisdictional basis.
``(b) Reserve.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary
shall reserve a portion of the funds made available for a
fiscal year for programs as determined by the Secretary, for
projects that support the implementation of a strategic
community investment plan described in subsection (d) on a
multisectoral and multijurisdictional basis.
``(2) Period.--The reservation of funds described in
paragraph (1) may only extend through a date of the fiscal
year in which the funds were first made available, as
determined by the Secretary.
``(c) Approved Applications.--
``(1) In general.--Any applicant who submitted a funding
application that was approved before the date of enactment of
this section may amend the application to qualify for the
funds reserved under subsection (b).
``(2) Rural utilities.--Any rural development application
authorized under section 306(a)(2), 306(a)(14), 306(a)(24),
306A, or 310B(b) and approved by the Secretary before the
date of enactment of this section shall be eligible for the
funds reserved under subsection (b) on the same basis as the
applications submitted under this section, until September
30, 2019.
``(d) Strategic Community Investment Plans.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide assistance
to rural communities for developing strategic community
investment plans.
``(2) Plans.--A strategic community investment plan
described in paragraph (1) shall include--
``(A) a variety of activities designed to facilitate a
rural community's vision for its future;
``(B) participation by multiple stakeholders, including
local and regional partners;
``(C) leverage of applicable regional resources;
``(D) investment from strategic partners, such as--
``(i) private organizations;
``(ii) cooperatives;
``(iii) other government entities;
``(iv) tribes; and
``(v) philanthropic organizations;
``(E) clear objectives with the ability to establish
measurable performance metrics;
``(F) action steps for implementation; and
``(G) any other elements necessary to ensure that the plan
results in a comprehensive and strategic approach to rural
economic development, as determined by the Secretary.
``(3) Coordination.--The Secretary shall coordinate with
tribes and local, State, regional, and Federal partners to
develop strategic community investment plans under this
subsection.
``(4) Limitations on authorization of appropriations.--
``(A) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated
$5,000,000 for fiscal years 2018 through 2023 to carry out
this subsection.
``(B) Availability.--The amounts made available to carry
out this subsection are authorized to remain available until
expended.''.
SEC. 6202. EXPANDING ACCESS TO CREDIT FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES.
(a) Certain Programs Under the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act.--Section 343(a)(13) of the Consolidated Farm
and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``and guaranteed''; and
(B) in the text--
(i) by striking ``and guaranteed''; and
(ii) by striking ``(1), (2), and (24)'' and inserting ``(1)
and (2)''; and
(2) in subparagraph (C)--
(A) by striking ``and guaranteed''; and
[[Page H4096]]
(B) by striking ``(21), and (24)'' and inserting ``and
(21)''.
(b) Rural Broadband Program.--Paragraph (4)(A)(ii) of
section 601(b) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7
U.S.C. 950bb(b)), as redesignated by section 6114(2), is
amended by inserting ``in the case of a direct loan,'' before
``a city''.
SEC. 6203. PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL FEES FOR GUARANTEED
LOANS.
(a) Certain Programs Under the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act.--Section 333 of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (5);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (6) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) in the case of an insured or guaranteed loan issued
or modified under section 306(a), charge and collect from the
recipient of the insured or guaranteed loan fees in such
amounts as are necessary so that the sum of the total amount
of fees so charged in each fiscal year and the total of the
amounts appropriated for all such insured or guaranteed loans
for the fiscal year equals the subsidy cost for the insured
or guaranteed loans in the fiscal year.''.
(b) Rural Broadband Program.--Section 601(c) of the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb(c)), as amended
by section 6114, is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(4) Fees.--In the case of a loan guarantee issued or
modified under this section, the Secretary shall charge and
collect from the recipient of the guarantee fees in such
amounts as are necessary so that the sum of the total amount
of fees so charged in each fiscal year and the total of the
amounts appropriated for all such loan guarantees for the
fiscal year equals the subsidy cost for the loan guarantees
in the fiscal year.''.
SEC. 6204. WATER, WASTE DISPOSAL, AND WASTEWATER FACILITY
GRANTS.
Section 306(a)(2)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(B)) is amended--
(1) in clause (iii), by striking ``$100,000'' each place it
appears and inserting ``$200,000''; and
(2) in clause (vii), by striking ``$30,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2008 through 2018'' and inserting ``$15,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023''.
SEC. 6205. RURAL WATER AND WASTEWATER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
AND TRAINING PROGRAMS.
(a) Section 306(a)(14)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(14)(A)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (ii);
(2) by striking the period at the end of clause (iii) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) identify options to enhance long term sustainability
of rural water and waste systems to include operational
practices, revenue enhancements, policy revisions,
partnerships, consolidation, regionalization, or contract
services.''.
(b) Section 306(a)(14)(C) of such Act (7 U.S.C.
1926(a)(14)(C)) is amended by striking ``1 nor more than 3''
and inserting ``3 nor more than 5''.
SEC. 6206. RURAL WATER AND WASTEWATER CIRCUIT RIDER PROGRAM.
Section 306(a)(22)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(22)(B)) is amended by
striking ``$20,000,000 for fiscal year 2014'' and inserting
``$25,000,000 for fiscal year 2018''.
SEC. 6207. 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
2018'' and inserting ``$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2019 through 2023''.
SEC. 6208. EMERGENCY AND IMMINENT COMMUNITY WATER ASSISTANCE
GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 306A(i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926a(i)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraph (B) and
inserting the following:
``(B) Release.--
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), funds
reserved under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year shall be
reserved only until July 1 of the fiscal year.
``(ii) Exception.--In response to an eligible community
where the drinking water supplies are inadequate due to a
natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary, including
drought or severe weather, the Secretary may provide potable
water under this section for an additional period not to
exceed 120 days beyond the established period otherwise
provided under this section, in order to protect public
health.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$35,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2008 through 2018'' and inserting ``$27,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023''.
SEC. 6209. WATER SYSTEMS FOR RURAL AND NATIVE VILLAGES IN
ALASKA.
Section 306D(d)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926d(d)(1)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 6210. 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
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 6211. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT GRANTS.
Section 310B(b)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(b)(2)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 6212. RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.
Section 310B(c)(4)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)(4)(A)) is amended by
striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 6213. RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.
(a) In General.--Section 310B(e)(13) of the Consolidated
Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(e)(13)) is
amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
(b) Technical Correction.--Section 310B(e)(11)(B)(i) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1932(e)(11)(B)(i)) is amended by striking ``(12)'' and
inserting ``(13)''.
SEC. 6214. LOCALLY OR REGIONALLY PRODUCED AGRICULTURAL FOOD
PRODUCTS.
Section 310B(g)(9)(B)(iv)(I) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(9)(B)(iv)(I)) is
amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 6215. APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FOR RURAL AREAS
PROGRAM.
Section 310B(i)(4) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(i)(4)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 6216. RURAL ECONOMIC AREA PARTNERSHIP ZONES.
Section 310B(j) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(j)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 6217. INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM.
Section 310H(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1936b(e)) is amended by striking
``$25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018''
and inserting ``$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
through 2023''.
SEC. 6218. EXCLUSION OF PRISON POPULATIONS FROM DEFINITION OF
RURAL AREA.
Section 343(a)(13) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``(G)'' and inserting
``(H)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(H) Exclusion of populations incarcerated on a long-term
basis.--Populations of individuals incarcerated on a long-
term or regional basis shall not be included in determining
whether an area is `rural' or a `rural area'.''.
SEC. 6219. NATIONAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP.
Section 378 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 2008m) is amended--
(1) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''; and
(2) in subsection (h), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 6220. GRANTS FOR NOAA WEATHER RADIO TRANSMITTERS.
Section 379B(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008p(d)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 6221. RURAL MICROENTREPRENEUR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 379E(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008s(d)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(d) Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out this section $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2019 through 2023.''.
SEC. 6222. HEALTH CARE SERVICES.
Section 379G(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008u(e)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 6223. DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 382M(a) of
the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 (U.S.C.
2009aa-12(a)) is amended by striking ``2008 through 2018''
and inserting ``2019 through 2023''.
(b) Termination of Authority.--Section 382N of such Act (7
U.S.C. 2009aa-13) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 6224. 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 2018'' and inserting
``$2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023''.
(b) Termination of Authority.--Section 383O of such Act (7
U.S.C. 2009bb-13) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 6225. RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM.
Section 384S of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc-18) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
Subtitle D--Rural Electrification Act of 1936
SEC. 6301. 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 ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 6302. EXPANSION OF 911 ACCESS.
Section 315(d) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7
U.S.C. 940e(d)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 6303. IMPROVEMENTS TO THE GUARANTEED UNDERWRITER
PROGRAM.
(a) Section 313A of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936
(7 U.S.C. 940c-1) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) Guarantees.--
[[Page H4097]]
``(1) In general.--Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary
shall guarantee payments on bonds or notes issued by
cooperative or other lenders organized on a not-for-profit
basis, if the proceeds of the bonds or notes are used to make
utility infrastructure loans, or refinance bonds or notes
issued for such purposes, to a borrower that has at any time
received, or is eligible to receive, a loan under this Act.
``(2) Terms.--A bond or note guaranteed under this section
shall--
``(A) have a term of 35 years; and
``(B) by agreement between the Secretary and the borrower,
be repaid by the borrower by--
``(i) periodic installments of principal and interest;
``(ii) periodic installments of interest and, at the end of
the term of the bond or note, by the repayment of the
outstanding principal; or
``(iii) a combination of the methods for repayment provided
under clauses (i) and (ii).''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``for eligible
electrification or telephone purposes consistent with this
Act'' and inserting ``to borrowers described in subsection
(a)''; and
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``for electrification
or telephone purposes'' and inserting ``to borrowers under
this Act''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``for eligible
purposes described in subsection (a)'' and inserting ``to
borrowers described in subsection (a)''.
(b)(1) The Secretary shall carry out section 313A of the
Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c-1),
including the amendments made by this section, under a Notice
of Solicitation of Applications until all regulations
necessary to carry out the amendments made by this section
are fully implemented.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall take effect on the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 6304. EXTENSION OF THE RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOAN
AND GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Section 12(b)(3)(D) of the Rural Electrification Act of
1936 (7 U.S.C. 912(b)(3)(D)) is amended by striking
``313(b)(2)(A)'' and inserting ``313(b)(2)''.
(b) Section 313(b)(2) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 940c(b)(2)) is
amended--
(1) by striking all that precedes ``shall maintain'' and
inserting the following:
``(2) Rural economic development subaccount.--The
Secretary''; and
(2) by striking subparagraphs (B) through (E).
(c) Title III of such Act (7 U.S.C. 931-940h) is amended by
inserting after section 313A the following:
``SEC. 313B. RURAL DEVELOPMENT LOANS AND GRANTS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide grants or
zero interest loans to borrowers under this Act for the
purpose of promoting rural economic development and job
creation projects, including funding for project feasibility
studies, start-up costs, incubator projects, and other
reasonable expenses for the purpose of fostering rural
development.
``(b) Repayments.--In the case of zero interest loans, the
Secretary shall establish such reasonable repayment terms as
will encourage borrower participation.
``(c) Proceeds.--All proceeds from the repayment of such
loans made under this section shall be returned to the
subaccount that the Secretary shall maintain in accordance
with sections 313(b)(2) and 313B(f).
``(d) Number of Grants.--Loans and grants required under
this section shall be made during each fiscal year to the
full extent of the amounts made available under subsection
(e).
``(e) Funding.--
``(1) Discretionary funding.--In addition to other funds
that are available to carry out this section, there is
authorized to be appropriated not more than $10,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to carry out this
section, to remain available until expended.
``(2) Other funds.--In addition to the funds described in
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall use to provide grants and
loans under this section--
``(A) the interest differential sums credited to the
subaccount described in subsection (c); and
``(B) subject to section 313A(e)(2), the fees described in
subsection (c)(4) of such section.
``(f) Maintenance of Account.--The Secretary shall maintain
the subaccount described in section 313(b)(2), as in effect
in fiscal year 2017, for purposes of carrying out this
section.''.
(d) Section 313A of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936
(7 U.S.C. 940c-1) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(4)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``maintained under
section 313(b)(2)(A)'' and inserting ``that shall be
maintained as required by sections 313(b)(2) and 313B(f)'';
and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``313(b)(2)(B)'' and
inserting ``313(b)(2)''; and
(2) in subsection (e)(2), by striking `` maintained under
section 313(b)(2)(A)'' and inserting ``required to be
maintained by sections 313(b)(2) and 313B(f)''.
(e)(1) Subject to section 313B(e) of the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936 (as added by this section), the
Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out the loan and grant
program required under such section in the same manner as the
loan and grant program under section 313(b)(2) of such Act is
carried out on the day before the date of the enactment of
this Act, until such time as any regulations necessary to
carry out the amendments made by this section are fully
implemented.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall take effect on the date of the
enactment of this Act.
Subtitle E--Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
SEC. 6401. RURAL ENERGY SAVINGS PROGRAM.
Section 6407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (7) as
paragraphs (5) through (8), respectively;
(B) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) Eligibility for other loans.--The Secretary shall not
include any debt incurred under this section in the
calculation of a borrower's debt-equity ratio for purposes of
eligibility for loans made pursuant to the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et. seq.).''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(9) Accounting.--The Secretary shall take appropriate
steps to streamline the accounting requirements imposed on
borrowers under this section while maintaining adequate
assurances of repayment of the loan.'';
(2) in subsection (d)(1)(A), by striking ``3 percent'' and
inserting ``5 percent'';
(3) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i);
(4) by inserting after subsection (g) the following:
``(h) Report to Congress.--Not later than 120 days after
the end of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to
the Committees on Agriculture and Appropriations of the House
of Representatives and the Committees on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry and Appropriations of the Senate a
report that describes--
``(1) the number of applications received under this
section in such fiscal year;
``(2) the number of loans made to eligible entities under
this section in such fiscal year; and
``(3) the recipients of such loans.''; and
(5) in subsection (i), as so redesignated, by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 6402. BIOBASED MARKETS PROGRAM.
Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8102) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (i) to read as follows:
``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2014 through 2023.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(k) Wood and Wood-based Products.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, a Federal agency may not place
limitations on the procurement of wood and wood-based
products that are more limiting than those in this
section.''.
SEC. 6403. BIOREFINERY, RENEWABLE, CHEMICAL, AND BIOBASED
PRODUCT MANUFACTURING ASSISTANCE.
Section 9003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8103) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(3)(A), by striking ``and'' at the end
and inserting ``or''; and
(2) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows:
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2014 through 2023.''.
SEC. 6404. REPOWERING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 9004(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8104(d)) is amended to read as follows:
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2014 through 2023.''.
SEC. 6405. BIOENERGY PROGRAM FOR ADVANCED BIOFUELS.
Section 9005 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8105) is amended--
(1) in subsection (e)--
(A) by striking ``The Secretary may'' and inserting the
following new paragraph:
``(1) Amount.--The Secretary shall''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Feedstock.--The total amount of payments made in a
fiscal year under this section to one or more eligible
producers for the production of advanced biofuels derived
from a single eligible commodity shall not exceed one-third
of the total amount of funds made available under subsection
(g).''; and
(2) in subsection (g)--
(A) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the
following new paragraph:
``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''; and
(B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2).
SEC. 6406. 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 to read as follows:
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.
SEC. 6407. RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM.
Section 9007(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107(g)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(E), by striking ``for fiscal year 2014
and each fiscal year thereafter'' and inserting ``for each of
the fiscal years 2014 through 2018''; and
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 6408. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR GRANTS AND FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE MADE UNDER THE RURAL ENERGY FOR
AMERICA PROGRAM.
Section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
[[Page H4098]]
``(h) Categorical Exclusion.--The provision of a grant or
financial assistance under this section to any electric
generating facility, including one fueled with wind, solar,
or biomass, that has a rating of 10 average megawatts or less
is a category of actions hereby designated as being
categorically excluded from any requirement to prepare an
environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement
under section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).''.
SEC. 6409. RURAL ENERGY SELF-SUFFICIENCY INITIATIVE.
Section 9009 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8109) is repealed.
SEC. 6410. FEEDSTOCK FLEXIBILITY.
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 ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 6411. BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 9011(f) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8111(f)) is amended by striking
paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph:
``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.
Subtitle F--Miscellaneous
SEC. 6501. VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT MARKET
DEVELOPMENT 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 (B), by striking ``$40,000,000 for each
of fiscal years 2008 through 2018'' and inserting
``$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023'';
and
(2) by striking subparagraph (A) and redesignating
subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (A) and (B),
respectively.
SEC. 6502. 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
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 6503. REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSIONS.
Section 15751(a) of title 40, United States Code, is
amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 6504. DEFINITION OF RURAL AREA FOR PURPOSES OF THE
HOUSING ACT OF 1949.
The second sentence of section 520 of the Housing Act of
1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490) is amended--
(1) by striking ``or 2010 decennial census'' and inserting
``2010, or 2020 decennial census'';
(2) by striking ``December 31, 2010,'' and inserting
``December 31, 2020,'' ; and
(3) by striking ``year 2020'' and inserting ``year 2030''.
Subtitle G--Program Repeals
SEC. 6601. ELIMINATION OF UNFUNDED PROGRAMS.
(a) Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.--
(1) Repealers.--The following provisions of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act are hereby
repealed:
(A) Section 306(a)(23) (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(23)).
(B) Section 310B(f) (7 U.S.C. 1932(f)).
(C) Section 379 (7 U.S.C. 2008n).
(D) Section 379A (7 U.S.C. 2008o).
(E) Section 379C (7 U.S.C. 2008q).
(F) Section 379D (7 U.S.C. 2008r).
(G) Section 379F (7 U.S.C. 2008t).
(H) Subtitle I (7 U.S.C. 2009dd-2009dd-7).
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 333A(h) of such Act (7
U.S.C. 1983a(h)) is amended by striking ``310B(f),''.
(b) Rural Electrification Act of 1936.--
(1) In general.--The following provisions of the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936 are hereby repealed:
(A) Section 314 (7 U.S.C. 940d).
(B) Section 602 (7 U.S.C. 950bb-1).
(2) Conforming amendment.--Sections 604 and 605 of such
Act, as added by sections 6102 and 6115 of this Act, are
redesignated as sections 602 and 604, respectively, and
section 602 (as so redesignated) is transferred to just after
section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.
SEC. 6602. REPEAL OF RURAL TELEPHONE BANK.
(a) Repeal.--Title IV of the Rural Electrification Act of
1936 (7 U.S.C. 941-950b) is repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 18 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 918) is amended in
each of subsections (a) and (b) by striking ``and the
Governor of the telephone bank''.
(2) Section 204 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 925) is amended by
striking ``and the Governor of the telephone bank''.
(3) Section 205(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 926) is amended--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``and the Governor of the telephone bank''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or the Governor of the
telephone bank''.
(4) Section 206(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 927(a)) is
amended--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``and the Governor of the telephone bank''; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``or 408''.
(5) Section 206(b) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 927(b)) is
amended--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``and the Governor of the telephone bank'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, or a Rural Telephone
Bank loan,''; and
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``, the Rural Telephone
Bank,''.
(6) Section 207(1) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 928(1)) is
amended--
(A) by striking ``305,'' and inserting `` 305 or''; and
(B) by striking ``, or a loan under section 408,''.
(7) Section 301 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 931) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``except for net
collection proceeds previously appropriated for the purchase
of class A stock in the Rural Telephone Bank,'';
(B) by adding ``or'' at the end of paragraph (4);
(C) by striking ``; and'' at the end of paragraph (5) and
inserting a period; and
(D) by striking paragraph (6).
(8) Section 305(d)(2)(B) of such Act (7 U.S.C.
935(d)(2)(B)) is amended--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``and a loan under section
408''; and
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ``and under section 408''
each place it appears.
(9) Section 305(d)(3)(C) of such Act (7 U.S.C.
935(d)(3)(C)) is amended by striking ``and section
408(b)(4)(C), the Secretary and the Governor of the telephone
bank'' and inserting ``the Secretary''.
(10) Section 306 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 936) is amended by
striking ``the Rural Telephone Bank, National Rural Utilities
Cooperative Finance Corporation,'' and inserting ``the
National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation''.
(11) Section 309 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 739) is amended by
striking the last sentence.
(12) Section 2352(b) of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 901 note) is
amended by striking ``the Rural Telephone Bank and''.
(13) The first section of Public Law 92-12 (7 U.S.C. 921a)
is repealed.
(14) The first section of Public Law 92-324 (7 U.S.C. 921b)
is repealed.
(15) Section 1414 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 944a) is repealed.
(16) Section 1411 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 948 notes) is amended by striking
subsections (a) and (b).
(17) Section 3.8(b)(1)(A) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971
(12 U.S.C. 2129(b)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``or a loan
or loan commitment from the Rural Telephone Bank,''.
(18) Section 105(d) of the National Consumer Cooperative
Bank Act (12 U.S.C. 3015(d)) is amended by striking ``the
Rural Telephone Bank,''.
(19) Section 9101 of title 31, United States Code, is
amended--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (H) and
redesignating subparagraphs (I), (J), and (K) as
subparagraphs (H), (I), and (J), respectively; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking subparagraph (K) and
redesignating subparagraphs (L) through (R) as subparagraphs
(K) through (P), respectively.
(20) Section 9108(d)(2) of title 31, United States Code, is
amended by striking ``the Rural Telephone Bank (when the
ownership, control, and operation of the Bank are converted
under section 410(a) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936
(7 U.S.C. 950(a))),''.
SEC. 6603. AMENDMENTS TO LOCAL TV ACT.
The Launching Our Communities' Access to Local Television
Act of 2000 (title X of H.R. 5548 of the 106th Congress, as
enacted by section 1(a)(2) of Public Law 106-553; 114 Stat.
2762A-128) is amended--
(1) by striking the title heading and inserting the
following:
``TITLE X--SATELLITE CARRIER RETRANSMISSION ELIGIBILITY'';
(2) by striking sections 1001 through 1007 and 1009 through
1012; and
(3) by redesignating section 1008 as section 1001.
Subtitle H--Technical Corrections
SEC. 6701. CORRECTIONS RELATING TO THE CONSOLIDATED FARM AND
RURAL DEVELOPMENT ACT.
(a)(1) Section 306(a)(19)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(19)(A)) is amended by
inserting after ``nonprofit corporations'' the following: ``,
Indian tribes (as defined in section 4(e) of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act)''.
(2) The amendment made by this subsection shall take effect
as if included in section 773 of the Agriculture, Rural
Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 (H.R. 5426 of the 106th
Congress, as enacted by Public Law 106-387 (114 Stat. 1549A-
45)) in lieu of the amendment made by such section.
(b)(1) Section 309A(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1929a(b)) is amended by striking
``and section 308''.
(2) The amendment made by this subsection shall take effect
as if included in the enactment of section 661(c)(2) of the
Federal Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act of 1996
(Public Law 104-127).
(c) Section 310B(c)(3)(A)(v) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)(3)(A)(v)) is amended
by striking ``and'' after the semicolon and inserting ``or''.
(d)(1) Section 310B(e)(5)(F) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(e)(5)(F)) is amended by
inserting ``, except that the Secretary shall not require
non-Federal financial support in an amount that is
[[Page H4099]]
greater than 5 percent in the case of a 1994 institution (as
defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-
Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103-
382))'' before the period at the end.
(2) The amendment made by this subsection shall take effect
as if included in the enactment of section 6015 of the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-
171).
(e)(1) Section 381E(d)(3) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009d(d)(3)) is amended by
striking subparagraph (A) and redesignating subparagraphs (B)
and (C) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively.
(2) The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect
as if included in the enactment of section 6012(b) of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79).
(f)(1) Section 382A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State
of Alabama shall be a full member of the Delta Regional
Authority and shall be entitled to all rights and privileges
that said membership affords to all other participating
States in the Delta Regional Authority.''.
(2) The amendment made by this subsection shall take effect
as if included in the enactment of section 153(b) of division
B of H.R. 5666, as introduced in the 106th Congress, and as
enacted by section 1(4) of the Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2001 (Appendix D of Public Law 106-554; 114 Stat. 2763A-
252).
(g) Section 382E(a)(1)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.2009aa-4(a)(1)(B)) is amended
by moving clause (iv) 2 ems to the right.
(h) Section 383G(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009bb-5(c)) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading by striking
``Telecommunication Renewable Energy,,'' and inserting
``Telecommunication, Renewable Energy,''; and
(2) in the text, by striking ``,,'' and inserting a comma.
SEC. 6702. CORRECTIONS RELATING TO THE RURAL ELECTRIFICATION
ACT OF 1936.
(a) Section 201 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7
U.S.C. 922) is amended in the 3rd sentence by striking
``wildest'' and inserting ``widest''.
(b)(1) Section 601(d)(8)(A)(ii)(V) of such Act (7 U.S.C.
950bb(d)(8)(A)(ii)(V)) is amended by striking the semicolon
and inserting a period.
(2) The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect
as if included in the enactment of section 6104(a)(2)(E) of
the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79).
TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS
Subtitle A--National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977
SEC. 7101. INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE RESEARCH.
Section 1402 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(9) support international scientific collaboration that
leverages resources and advances the food and agricultural
interests of the United States.''.
SEC. 7102. MATTERS RELATED TO CERTAIN SCHOOL DESIGNATIONS AND
DECLARATIONS.
(a) Study of Food and Agricultural Sciences.--
(1) Amendment.--Section 1404(14) of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103(14)) is amended--
(A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
``(A) In general.--
``(i) Definition.--The terms `NLGCA Institution' and `non-
land-grant college of agriculture' mean a public college or
university offering a baccalaureate or higher degree in the
study of agricultural sciences, forestry, or both in any area
of study specified in clause (ii).
``(ii) Clarification.--For purposes of clause (i), an area
of study specified in this clause is any of the following:
``(I) Agriculture.
``(II) Agricultural business and management.
``(III) Agricultural economics.
``(IV) Agricultural mechanization.
``(V) Agricultural production operations.
``(VI) Aquaculture.
``(VII) Agricultural and food products processing.
``(VIII) Agricultural and domestic animal services.
``(IX) Equestrian or equine studies.
``(X) Applied horticulture or horticulture operations.
``(XI) Ornamental horticulture.
``(XII) Greenhouse operations and management.
``(XIII) Turf and turfgrass management.
``(XIV) Plant nursery operations and management.
``(XV) Floriculture or floristry operations and management.
``(XVI) International agriculture.
``(XVII) Agricultural public services.
``(XVIII) Agricultural and extension education services.
``(XIX) Agricultural communication or agricultural
journalism.
``(XX) Animal sciences.
``(XXI) Food science.
``(XXII) Plant sciences.
``(XXIII) Soil sciences.
``(XXIV) Forestry.
``(XXV) Forest sciences and biology.
``(XXVI) Natural resources or conservation.
``(XXVII) Natural resources management and policy.
``(XXVIII) Natural resource economics.
``(XXIX) Urban forestry.
``(XXX) Wood science and wood products or pulp or paper
technology.
``(XXXI) Range science and management.
``(XXXII) Agricultural engineering.''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting ``any
institution designated under'' after ``include'';
(ii) by striking clause (i); and
(iii) in clause (ii)--
(I) by striking ``(ii) any institution designated under--
'';
(II) by striking subclause (IV);
(III) in subclause (II), by adding ``or'' at the end;
(IV) in subclause (III), by striking ``; or'' at the end
and inserting a period; and
(V) by redesignating subclauses (I), (II), and (III) (as so
amended) as clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), respectively, and
by moving the margins of such clauses (as so redesignated)
two ems to the left.
(2) Designation review.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a
process to review each designated NLGCA Institution (as
defined in section 1404(14)(A) of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 3103(14)(A))) to ensure compliance with such section,
as amended by this subsection.
(B) Violation.--An NLGCA Institution that the Secretary
determines under subparagraph (A) to be not in compliance
shall have the designation of such institution revoked.
(b) Termination of Certain Declarations of Intent.--Section
1404 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (5)(B), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''; and
(2) in paragraph (10)(C), by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7103. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION,
EDUCATION, AND ECONOMICS ADVISORY BOARD.
Section 1408 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``25'' and inserting
``15''; and
(B) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3) Membership categories.--The Advisory Board shall
consist of members from each of the following categories:
``(A) 3 members representing national farm or producer
organizations, which may include members--
``(i) representing farm cooperatives;
``(ii) who are producers actively engaged in the production
of a food animal commodity and who are recommended by a
coalition of national livestock organizations;
``(iii) who are producers actively engaged in the
production of a plant commodity and who are recommended by a
coalition of national crop organizations; or
``(iv) who are producers actively engaged in aquaculture
and who are recommended by a coalition of national
aquacultural organizations.
``(B) 2 members representing academic or research
societies, which may include members representing--
``(i) a national food animal science society;
``(ii) a national crop, soil, agronomy, horticulture, plant
pathology, or weed science society;
``(iii) a national food science organization;
``(iv) a national human health association; or
``(v) a national nutritional science society.
``(C) 5 members representing agricultural research,
extension, and education, which shall include each of the
following:
``(i) 1 member representing the land-grant colleges and
universities eligible to receive funds under the Act of July
2, 1862 (7 U.S.C. 301 et seq.).
``(ii) 1 member representing the land-grant colleges and
universities eligible to receive funds under the Act of
August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.), including Tuskegee
University.
``(iii) 1 member representing the 1994 Institutions (as
defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-
Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 103-
382)).
``(iv) 1 member representing NLGCA Institutions or
Hispanic-serving institutions.
``(v) 1 member representing the American Colleges of
Veterinary Medicine.
``(D) 5 members representing industry, consumer, or rural
interests, including members representing--
``(i) entities engaged in transportation of food and
agricultural products to domestic and foreign markets;
``(ii) food retailing and marketing interests;
``(iii) food and fiber processors;
``(iv) rural economic development interests;
``(v) a national consumer interest group;
``(vi) a national forestry group;
``(vii) a national conservation or natural resource group;
``(viii) a national social science association; or
``(ix) private sector organizations involved in
international development.'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``review and'' and inserting ``make recommendations, review,
and'';
(ii) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
following new subparagraph:
[[Page H4100]]
``(A) long-term and short-term national policies and
priorities consistent with the--
``(i) purposes specified in section 1402 for agricultural
research, extension, education, and economics; and
``(ii) priority areas of the Agriculture and Food Research
Initiative specified in subsection (b)(2) of the Competitive,
Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C.
3157(b)(2));''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking clause (i) and
inserting the following new clause:
``(i) are in accordance with the--
``(I) purposes specified in a provision of a covered law
(as defined in subsection (d) of section 1492) under which
competitive grants (described in subsection (c) of such
section) are awarded; and
``(II) priority areas of the Agriculture and Food Research
Initiative specified in subsection (b)(2) of the Competitive,
Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C.
3157(b)(2)); and'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``and make
recommendations to the Secretary based on such evaluation''
after ``priorities''; and
(C) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``and make
recommendations on'' after ``review''; and
(3) in subsection (h), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 7104. SPECIALTY CROP COMMITTEE.
Section 1408A(a)(2) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3123a(a)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``speciality'' and
inserting ``specialty'';
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``9''
and inserting ``11''; and
(B) in clause (i), by striking ``Three'' and inserting
``Five''; and
(3) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 7105. RENEWABLE ENERGY COMMITTEE DISCONTINUED.
Subtitle B of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3121 et
seq.) is amended by striking section 1408B.
SEC. 7106. REPORT ON ALLOCATIONS AND MATCHING FUNDS FOR 1890
INSTITUTIONS.
The Secretary of Agriculture shall annually transmit to
Congress a report on the allocations made to, and matching
funds received by, eligible institutions pursuant to sections
1444 and 1445 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221,
3222).
SEC. 7107. GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
SCIENCES EDUCATION.
Section 1417(m)(2) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3152(m)(2)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 7108. AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD POLICY RESEARCH CENTERS.
Section 1419A(e) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3155(e))
is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7109. EDUCATION GRANTS TO ALASKA NATIVE SERVING
INSTITUTIONS AND NATIVE HAWAIIAN SERVING
INSTITUTIONS.
Section 1419B of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3156) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7110. REPEAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM.
The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 is amended by striking section 1425 (7
U.S.C. 3175).
SEC. 7111. CONTINUING ANIMAL HEALTH AND DISEASE RESEARCH
PROGRAMS.
Section 1433(c)(1) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3195(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 7112. EXTENSION CARRYOVER AT 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES,
INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.
Effective on October 1, 2018, section 1444(a) of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221(a)) is amended by striking
paragraph (4).
SEC. 7113. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS AT 1890 INSTITUTIONS.
Subtitle G of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended by
inserting after section 1445 (7 U.S.C. 3222) the following
new section:
``SEC. 1446. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS AT 1890 INSTITUTIONS.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Scholarship grant program established.--The Secretary
shall establish and carry out a grant program to make grants
to each college or university eligible to receive funds under
the Act of August 30, 1890 (commonly known as the Second
Morrill Act; 7 U.S.C. 322 et seq.), including Tuskegee
University, for purposes of awarding scholarships to
individuals who--
``(A) have been accepted for admission at such college or
university;
``(B) will be enrolled at such college or university not
later than one year after the date of such acceptance; and
``(C) intend to pursue a career in the food and
agricultural sciences, including a career in--
``(i) agribusiness;
``(ii) energy and renewable fuels; or
``(iii) financial management.
``(2) Amount of grant.--Each grant made under this section
shall be in the amount of $1,000,000.
``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $19,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.
SEC. 7114. 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 ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 7115. GRANTS TO UPGRADE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SCIENCES
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT AT INSULAR AREA LAND-
GRANT INSTITUTIONS.
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 ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7116. 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 ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7117. LAND-GRANT DESIGNATION.
Subtitle C of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3151 et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new
section:
``SEC. 1419C. LAND-GRANT DESIGNATION.
``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, beginning on the date of the enactment of this section,
no additional entity may be designated as eligible to receive
funds under a covered program.
``(b) State Funding.--No State shall receive an increase in
funding under a covered program as a result of the State's
designation of additional entities as eligible to receive
such funding.
``(c) Covered Program Defined.--For purposes of this
section, the term `covered program' means agricultural
research, extension, education, and related programs or
grants established or available under any of the following:
``(1) Subsections (b), (c), and (d) of section 3 of the
Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343).
``(2) The Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361a et seq.).
``(3) Sections 1444, 1445, and 1447 of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221; 3222; 3222b).
``(4) Public Law 87-788 (commonly known as the McIntire-
Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act; 16 U.S.C. 582a et seq.).
``(d) Exception.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed as limiting eligibility for a capacity and
infrastructure program specified in section 251(f)(1)(C) of
the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7
U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(C)) that is not a covered program. ''.
SEC. 7118. COMPETITIVE GRANTS FOR INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL
SCIENCE AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
Section 1459A(c)(2) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3292b(c)(2)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 7119. LIMITATION ON INDIRECT COSTS FOR AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION PROGRAMS.
Section 1462 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``22 percent'' and
inserting ``30 percent'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``Subsection (a)'' and
inserting ``Subsections (a) and (c)''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Treatment of Subgrants.--In the case of a grant
described in subsection (a), the limitation on indirect costs
specified in such subsection shall be applied to both the
initial grant award and any subgrant of the Federal funds
provided under the initial grant award so that the total of
all indirect costs charged against the total of the Federal
funds provided under the initial grant award does not exceed
such limitation.''.
SEC. 7120. RESEARCH EQUIPMENT GRANTS.
The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching
Policy Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after section 1462
(7 U.S.C. 3310) the following new section:
``SEC. 1462A. RESEARCH EQUIPMENT GRANTS.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary may make competitive
grants for the acquisition of special purpose scientific
research equipment for use in the food and agricultural
sciences programs of eligible institutions.
``(b) Maximum Amount.--The amount of a grant made to an
eligible institution under this section may not exceed
$500,000.
``(c) Prohibition on Charge or Equipment as Indirect
Costs.--The cost of acquisition or depreciation of equipment
purchased with a grant under this section shall not be--
``(1) charged as an indirect cost against another Federal
grant; or
``(2) included as part of the indirect cost pool for
purposes of calculating the indirect cost rate of an eligible
institution.
``(d) Eligible Institutions Defined.--In this section, the
term `eligible institution' means--
``(1) a college or university; or
``(2) a State cooperative institution.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.
SEC. 7121. UNIVERSITY RESEARCH.
Section 1463 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3311) is
amended by striking ``2018'' each place it appears in
subsections (a) and (b) and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7122. 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 ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
[[Page H4101]]
SEC. 7123. SUPPLEMENTAL AND ALTERNATIVE CROPS.
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)--
(A) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''; and
(B) by striking ``crops,'' and inserting ``crops (including
canola),'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by inserting ``for agronomic rotational purposes and
for use as a habitat for honey bees and other pollinators''
after ``alternative crops''; and
(B) by striking ``commodities whose'' and all that follows
through the period at the end and inserting ``commodities.'';
and
(3) in subsection (e)(2), by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7124. 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 ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 7125. AQUACULTURE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.
Section 1477(a)(2) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3324(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 7126. RANGELAND RESEARCH PROGRAMS.
Section 1483(a)(2) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C.
3336(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 7127. SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION FOR BIOSECURITY PLANNING AND
RESPONSE.
Section 1484 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3351) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through
2023.''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting
``and cooperative agreements'' after ``competitive grants'';
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``make competitive
grants'' and inserting ``award competitive grants and
cooperative agreements''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) To coordinate the tactical science activities of the
Research, Education, and Economics mission area of the
Department that protect the integrity, reliability,
sustainability, and profitability of the food and
agricultural system of the United States against biosecurity
threats from pests, diseases, contaminants, and disasters.''.
SEC. 7128. DISTANCE EDUCATION AND RESIDENT INSTRUCTION GRANTS
PROGRAM FOR INSULAR AREA INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER
EDUCATION.
(a) Distance Education Grants for Insular Areas.--Section
1490(f)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3362(f)(2)) is
amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
(b) Resident Instruction Grants for Insular Areas.--Section
1491(c)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3363(c)(2)) is
amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7129. REMOVAL OF MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN
GRANTS.
Section 1492(d) of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3371(d))
is amended by striking paragraph (5).
Subtitle B--Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990
SEC. 7201. 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 by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7202. INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.
Section 1627(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5821(d)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7203. SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND
TRANSFER PROGRAM.
Section 1628(f)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5831(f)(2)) is amended by
striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7204. NATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM.
Section 1629(i) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5832(i)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7205. NATIONAL GENETICS RESOURCES PROGRAM.
Section 1635(b)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5844(b)(2)) is amended by
striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7206. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL WEATHER INFORMATION SYSTEM.
Section 1641(c) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5855(c)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7207. AGRICULTURAL GENOME TO PHENOME INITIATIVE.
Section 1671 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5924) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``TO PHENOME''
after ``GENOME'';
(2) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) Goals.--The goals of this section are--
``(1) to expand knowledge concerning genomes and phenomes
of crops of importance to United States agriculture;
``(2) to understand how variable weather, environments, and
production systems impact the growth and productivity of
specific varieties of crops, thereby providing greater
accuracy in predicting crop performance under variable
growing conditions;
``(3) to support research that leverages plant genomic
information with phenotypic and environmental data through an
interdisciplinary framework, leading to a novel understanding
of plant processes that affect crop growth, productivity, and
the ability to predict crop performance, resulting in the
deployment of superior varieties to growers and improved crop
management recommendations for farmers;
``(4) to promote and coordinate research linking genomics
and predictive phenomics at different sites nationally to
achieve advances in crops that generate societal benefits;
``(5) to combine fields such as genetics, genomics, plant
physiology, agronomy, climatology, and crop modeling with
computation and informatics, statistics, and engineering;
``(6) to focus on crops that will yield scientifically
important results that will enhance the usefulness of many
other crops;
``(7) to build on genomic research, such as the Plant
Genome Research Project, to understand gene function in
production environments that are expected to have
considerable payoffs for crops of importance to United States
agriculture;
``(8) to develop improved data analytics to enhance
understanding of the biological function of crop genes;
``(9) to allow resources developed under this section,
including data, software, germplasm, and other biological
materials, to be openly accessible to all persons, subject to
any confidentiality requirements imposed by law; and
``(10) to encourage international partnerships with each
partner country responsible for financing its own
research.'';
(3) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) Duties of Secretary.--The Secretary of Agriculture
shall conduct a research initiative (to be known as the
`Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative') for the purpose
of--
``(1) studying agriculturally significant crops in
production environments to achieve sustainable and secure
agricultural production;
``(2) ensuring that current gaps in existing knowledge of
agricultural crop genetics and phenomics knowledge are
filled;
``(3) identifying and developing a functional understanding
of agronomically relevant genes from crops of importance to
United States agriculture;
``(4) ensuring future genetic improvement of crops of
importance to United States agriculture;
``(5) studying the relevance of diverse germplasm as a
source of unique genes that may be of importance to United
States agriculture in the future;
``(6) enhancing crop genetics to reduce the economic impact
of plant pathogens on crops of importance to United States
agriculture; and
``(7) disseminating findings to relevant audiences.'';
(4) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting ``, acting through
the National Institute of Food and Agriculture,'' after ``The
Secretary'';
(5) in subsection (e), by inserting ``to Phenome'' after
``Genome''; and
(6) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.
SEC. 7208. 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 subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (8)--
(i) in the heading, by striking ``Alfalfa and forage'' and
inserting ``Alfalfa seed and alfalfa forage systems'';
(ii) by striking ``alfalfa and forage'' and inserting
``alfalfa seed and alfalfa forage systems''; and
(iii) by striking ``alfalfa and other forages, and'' and
inserting ``alfalfa seed and other alfalfa forage''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(11) Macadamia tree health initiative.--Research and
extension grants may be made under this section for the
purposes of--
``(A) developing and disseminating science-based tools and
treatments to combat the macadamia felted coccid (Eriococcus
ironsidei); and
``(B) establishing an areawide integrated pest management
program in areas affected by, or areas at risk of being
affected by, the macadamia felted coccid.
``(12) National turfgrass research initiative.--Research
and extension grants may be made under this section for the
purposes of--
``(A) carrying out or enhancing research related to
turfgrass and sod issues;
``(B) enhancing production and uses of turfgrass for the
general public;
``(C) identifying new turfgrass varieties with superior
drought, heat, cold, and pest tolerance to reduce water,
fertilizer, and pesticide use;
``(D) selecting genetically superior turfgrasses and
developing improved technologies for managing commercial,
residential, and recreational turfgrass areas;
[[Page H4102]]
``(E) producing turfgrasses that--
``(i) aid in mitigating soil erosion;
``(ii) protect against pollutant runoff into waterways; or
``(iii) provide other environmental benefits;
``(F) investigating, preserving, and protecting native
plant species, including grasses not currently utilized in
turfgrass systems;
``(G) creating systems for more economical and viable
turfgrass seed and sod production throughout the United
States; and
``(H) investigating the turfgrass phytobiome and developing
biologic products to enhance soil, enrich plants, and
mitigate pests.
``(13) Fertilizer management initiative.--
``(A) In general.--Research and extension grants may be
made under this section for the purpose of carrying out
research to improve fertilizer use efficiency in crops--
``(i) to maximize crop yield; and
``(ii) to minimize nutrient losses to surface and
groundwater and the atmosphere.
``(B) Priority.--In awarding grants under subparagraph (A),
the Secretary shall give priority to research examining the
impact of the source, rate, timing, and placement of plant
nutrients.
``(14) Cattle fever tick program.--Research and extension
grants may be made under this section to study cattle fever
ticks--
``(A) to facilitate the understanding of the role of
wildlife in the persistence and spread of cattle fever ticks;
``(B) to develop advanced methods for eradication of cattle
fever ticks, including--
``(i) alternative treatment methods for cattle and other
susceptible species;
``(ii) field treatment for premises, including corral pens
and pasture loafing areas;
``(iii) methods for treatment and control on infested
wildlife;
``(iv) biological control agents; and
``(v) new and improved vaccines;
``(C) to evaluate rangeland vegetation that impacts the
survival of cattle fever ticks;
``(D) to improve management of diseases relating to cattle
fever ticks that are associated with wildlife, livestock, and
human health;
``(E) to improve diagnostic detection of tick-infested or
infected animals and pastures; and
``(F) to conduct outreach to impacted ranchers, hunters,
and landowners to integrate tactics and document
sustainability of best practices.
``(15) Laying hen and turkey research program.--Research
grants may be made under this section for the purpose of
improving the efficiency and sustainability of laying hen and
turkey production through integrated, collaborative research
and technology transfer. Emphasis may be placed on laying hen
and turkey disease prevention, antimicrobial resistance,
nutrition, gut health, and alternative housing systems under
extreme seasonal weather conditions.
``(16) Algae agriculture research program.--Research and
extension grants may be made under this section for the
development and testing of algae and algae systems (including
micro- and macro-algae systems).'';
(2) in subsection (e)(5), by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023'';
(3) in subsection (f)(5), by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023'';
(4) in subsection (g), by striking ``2018'' each place it
appears and inserting ``2023''; and
(5) in subsection (h), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''.
SEC. 7209. 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) in subsection (a)(7), by inserting ``, soil health,''
after ``conservation''; and
(2) in subsection (e)--
(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 2019 through
2023.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``for fiscal
years 2014 through 2018''; and
(ii) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7210. FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT.
Section 1672D of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925f) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) In General.--The Secretary may make competitive
research and extension grants for the purpose of improving
the farm management knowledge and skills of agricultural
producers by maintaining and expanding a national, publicly
available farm financial management database to support
improved farm management.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and producer'' and
inserting ``educational programs and''; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``use and support'' and
inserting ``contribute data to''; and
(3) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7211. CLARIFICATION OF VETERAN ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM FOR FARMERS WITH
DISABILITIES.
Section 1680 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
``(7) Clarification of application of provisions to
veterans with disabilities.--This subsection shall apply with
respect to veterans with disabilities, and their families,
who--
``(A) are engaged in farming or farm-related occupations;
or
``(B) are pursuing new farming opportunities.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by inserting ``(including veterans)'' after
``individuals''; and
(B) by inserting ``or, in the case of veterans with
disabilities, who are pursuing new farming opportunities''
before the period at the end; and
(3) in subsection (c)(1)(B), by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7212. 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
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
Subtitle C--Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act
of 1998
SEC. 7300. ENDING LIMITATION ON FUNDING UNDER NATIONAL FOOD
SAFETY TRAINING, EDUCATION, EXTENSION,
OUTREACH, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 405(e)(3) of the Agricultural Research, Extension,
And Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7625(e)(3)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(3) Term of grant.--A grant under this section shall have
a term that is not more than 3 years.''.
SEC. 7301. NATIONAL FOOD SAFETY TRAINING, EDUCATION,
EXTENSION, OUTREACH, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM.
Section 405(j) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7625(j)) is amended by
striking ``2011 through 2015'' and inserting ``2019 through
2023''.
SEC. 7302. INTEGRATED RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION
COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM.
Section 406(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7626(e)) is amended by
striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7303. SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH REGARDING DISEASES OF WHEAT,
TRITICALE, AND BARLEY CAUSED BY FUSARIUM
GRAMINEARUM OR BY TILLETIA INDICA.
Section 408(e)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7628(e)(2)) is
amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7304. GRANTS FOR YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS.
Section 410(d)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7630(d)(2)) is
amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7305. SPECIALTY CROP RESEARCH INITIATIVE.
(a) Elements of Initiative.--Section 412(b) of the
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of
1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (E), by adding ``and'' at the end; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(F) size-controlling rootstock systems for perennial
crops;'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``including threats to specialty crop
pollinators;'' and inserting the following: ``including--
``(A) threats to specialty crop pollinators; and''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(B) emerging and invasive species;'';
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``marketing);'' and
inserting the following: ``marketing) and a better
understanding of the soil rhizosphere microbiome, including--
``(A) pesticide application systems and certified drift-
reduction technologies; and
``(B) systems to improve and extend storage life of
specialty crops;'';
(4) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs
(5) and (6), respectively;
(5) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new
paragraph:
``(4) efforts to promote a more effective understanding and
use of existing natural enemy complexes;''; and
(6) in paragraph (5) (as redesignated by paragraph (4))--
(A) by striking ``including improved mechanization and
technologies that delay or inhibit ripening; and'' and
inserting the following: ``including--
``(A) technologies that delay or inhibit ripening;''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
``(B) mechanization and automation of labor-intensive tasks
on farms and in packing facilities;
``(C) decision support systems driven by phenology and
environmental factors;
``(D) improved monitoring systems for agricultural pests;
and
``(E) effective systems for pre- and post-harvest
management of quarantine pests; and''.
(b) Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension
Program.--Section 412 of the Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (j)(5), by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''; and
(2) in subsection (k)(1)(C), by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 412(k)(2) of
the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform
Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632(k)(2)) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''; and
[[Page H4103]]
(2) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7306. 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 ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7307. OFFICE OF PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY.
Section 614(f)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7653(f)(2)) is
amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7308. FORESTRY PRODUCTS ADVANCED UTILIZATION RESEARCH.
Section 617(f)(1) of the Agricultural Research, Extension,
and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7655b(f)(1)) is
amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
Subtitle D--Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
PART I--AGRICULTURAL SECURITY
SEC. 7401. AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY COMMUNICATION CENTER.
Section 14112(c)(2) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8912(c)(2)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7402. 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)(B), by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2)(B), by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7403. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL
COUNTERMEASURES.
Section 14121(b)(2) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8921(b)(2)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7404. AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 14122(e)(2) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy
Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8922(e)(2)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
PART II--MISCELLANEOUS
SEC. 7411. 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 ``10-year period'' and inserting ``15-year period''.
SEC. 7412. NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH PROGRAM.
Section 7525(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 5937(e)) is amended by striking ``2018''
and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7413. SUN GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 7526(g) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8114(g)) is amended by striking ``2018''
and inserting ``2023''.
Subtitle E--Amendments to Other Laws
SEC. 7501. CRITICAL AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS ACT.
Section 16(a)(2) of the Critical Agricultural Materials Act
(7 U.S.C. 178n(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7502. EQUITY IN EDUCATIONAL LAND-GRANT STATUS ACT OF
1994.
(a) 1994 Institution Defined.--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 to read as follows:
``SEC. 532. DEFINITION OF 1994 INSTITUTION.
``In this part, the term `1994 Institution' means any of
the following colleges:
``(1) Aaniiih Nakoda College.
``(2) Bay Mills Community College.
``(3) Blackfeet Community College.
``(4) Cankdeska Cikana Community College.
``(5) Chief Dull Knife College.
``(6) College of Menominee Nation.
``(7) College of the Muscogee Nation.
``(8) D-Q University.
``(9) Dine College.
``(10) Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.
``(11) Fort Peck Community College.
``(12) Haskell Indian Nations University.
``(13) Ilisagvik College.
``(14) Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native
Culture and Arts Development.
``(15) Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College.
``(16) Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College.
``(17) Leech Lake Tribal College.
``(18) Little Big Horn College.
``(19) Little Priest Tribal College.
``(20) Navajo Technical University.
``(21) Nebraska Indian Community College.
``(22) Northwest Indian College.
``(23) Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College.
``(24) Oglala Lakota College.
``(25) Red Lake Nation College.
``(26) Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College.
``(27) Salish Kootenai College.
``(28) Sinte Gleska University.
``(29) Sisseton Wahpeton College.
``(30) Sitting Bull College.
``(31) Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute.
``(32) Stone Child College.
``(33) Tohono O'odham Community College.
``(34) Turtle Mountain Community College.
``(35) United Tribes Technical College.
``(36) White Earth Tribal and Community 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 ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
(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
``2018'' each place it appears in subsections (b)(1) and (c)
and inserting ``2023''.
(d) Research Grants.--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 ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7503. RESEARCH FACILITIES ACT.
(a) Agricultural Research Facility Defined.--The Research
Facilities Act is amended--
(1) in section 2(1) (7 U.S.C. 390(1)) by striking ``a
college, university, or nonprofit institution'' and inserting
``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)))''; and
(2) in section 3(c)(2)(D) (7 U.S.C. 390a(c)(2)(D)), by
striking ``recipient college, university, or nonprofit
institution'' and inserting ``recipient entity''.
(b) Long-term Support.--Section 3(c)(2)(D) of the Research
Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390a(c)(2)(D)), as amended by
subsection (a), is further amended by striking ``operating
costs'' and inserting ``operating and maintenance costs''.
(c) Competitive Grant Program.--The Research Facilities Act
is amended by inserting after section 3 (7 U.S.C. 390a) the
following new section:
``SEC. 4. COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM.
``The Secretary shall establish a program to make
competitive grants to assist in the construction, alteration,
acquisition, modernization, renovation, or remodeling of
agricultural research facilities.''.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations and Funding
Limitations.--Section 6 of the Research Facilities Act (7
U.S.C. 390d) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``subsection (b),'' and inserting
``subsections (b), (c), and (d),'';
(B) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new sentence:
``Funds appropriated pursuant to the preceding sentence shall
be available until expended.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
``(c) Maximum Amount.--Not more than 25 percent of the
funds made available pursuant to subsection (a) for any
fiscal year shall be used for any single agricultural
research facility project.
``(d) Project Limitation.--An entity eligible to receive
funds under this Act may receive funds for only one project
at a time.''.
SEC. 7504. COMPETITIVE, SPECIAL, AND FACILITIES RESEARCH
GRANT ACT.
Subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities
Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) by redesignating clauses (iii) through (vii) as clauses
(iv) through (viii), respectively; and
(ii) by inserting after clause (ii) the following new
clause:
``(iii) soil health;'';
(B) in subparagraph (E)--
(i) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(ii) in clause (iv), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(v) tools that accelerate the use of automation or
mechanization for labor-intensive tasks in the production and
distribution of crops.''; and
(C) in subparagraph (F)--
(i) in clause (vi), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(ii) in clause (vii), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(viii) barriers and bridges to entry and farm viability
for young, beginning, socially disadvantaged, veteran, and
immigrant farmers and ranchers, including farm succession,
transition, transfer, entry, and profitability issues.'';
(2) in paragraph (5)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ``and'' at the
end; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end
and inserting the following: ``that--
``(i) is of national scope; or
``(ii) is commodity-specific, so long as any such funds
allocated for commodity-specific research are matched with
funds from a non-Federal source at least equal to the amount
of such funds so allocated.'';
(3) in paragraph (9)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking clause (iii); and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``clauses (ii) and (iii)''
and inserting ``clause (ii)''; and
(ii) by striking clause (iii); and
(4) in paragraph (11)(A)--
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''; and
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ``4'' and inserting ``5''.
SEC. 7505. 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 ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
[[Page H4104]]
(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 ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7506. NATIONAL AQUACULTURE ACT OF 1980.
Section 10 of the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 (16
U.S.C. 2809) is amended by striking ``2018'' each place it
appears and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7507. 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) by striking subsection (b) and redesignating subsection
(c) as subsection (b);
(2) in subsection (b), as so redesignated--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``Grants'' and inserting
``Programs'';
(B) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
beginning farmer and rancher development program to provide
training, education, outreach, and technical assistance
initiatives to increase opportunities for beginning farmers
or ranchers.'';
(C) by inserting ``or cooperative agreements'' after
``grants'' each place it appears;
(D) by inserting ``or cooperative agreement'' after
``grant'' each place it appears;
(E) by striking ``subsection'' each place it appears and
inserting ``section'';
(F) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
``(4) Matching requirement.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B),
to be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, a
recipient shall provide a match in the form of cash or in-
kind contributions in an amount equal to 25 percent of the
funds provided by the grant.
``(B) Exception.--The Secretary may waive or reduce the
matching requirement in subparagraph (A) if the Secretary
determines such a waiver or modification is necessary to
effectively reach an underserved area or population.''; and
(G) by striking paragraph (8), and redesignating paragraphs
(9), (10), (11), and (12) as paragraphs (8), (9), (10), and
(11), respectively;
(3) by inserting after subsection (b), as so redesignated,
the following new subsection:
``(c) Grant Requirements.--
``(1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the
Secretary shall make competitive grants to support new and
established local and regional training, education, outreach,
and technical assistance initiatives to increase
opportunities for beginning farmers or ranchers, including
programs and services (as appropriate) relating to--
``(A) basic livestock, forest management, and crop farming
practices;
``(B) innovative farm, ranch, and private nonindustrial
forest land access, and transfer and succession strategies
and programs;
``(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) technical assistance to help beginning farmers or
ranchers acquire land from retiring farmers and ranchers;
``(L) agricultural rehabilitation and vocational training
for veterans;
``(M) food safety (including good agricultural practices
training);
``(N) farm safety and awareness; and
``(O) other similar subject areas of use to beginning
farmers or ranchers.
``(2) Set-aside.--
``(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--
``(i) limited resource beginning farmers or ranchers (as
defined by the Secretary);
``(ii) socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers (as
defined in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2003(e))) who are beginning farmers
and ranchers; and
``(iii) farmworkers desiring to become farmers or ranchers.
``(B) Veteran farmers and ranchers.--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 veteran farmers and ranchers (as
defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))).'';
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``and conduct'' and inserting ``,
conduct''; and
(ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``, or
provide training and technical assistance initiatives for
beginning farmers or ranchers or for trainers and service
providers that work with beginning farmers or ranchers.'';
and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by inserting ``, educational programs and workshops, or
training and technical assistance initiatives'' after
``curricula''; and
(ii) by striking ``modules'' and inserting ``content'';
(5) in subsection (g)--
(A) by inserting ``(including retiring farmers and
nonfarming landowners)'' before ``from participating in
programs''; and
(B) by striking ``educating'' and inserting ``increasing
opportunities for''; and
(6) in subsection (h)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the heading, by striking ``for fiscal years 2009
through 2018''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``for fiscal
years 2014 through 2018''; and
(ii) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''; and
(C) by striking paragraph (3).
SEC. 7508. FEDERAL AGRICULTURE RESEARCH FACILITIES.
Section 1431 of the National Agricultural Research,
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1985 (title
XIV of Public Law 99-198; 99 Stat. 1556) is amended by
striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 7509. 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 to read as follows:
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.
Subtitle F--Other Matters
SEC. 7601. ENHANCED USE LEASE AUTHORITY PROGRAM.
(a) Transition to Permanent Program.--Section 308 of the
Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 3125a note) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``PILOT''; and
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ``pilot''.
(b) No Onsite Sales.--Section 308(b)(1)(C) of the Federal
Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by inserting ``onsite''
before ``public''.
(c) Termination of Authority Extended.--Section
308(b)(6)(A) of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7
U.S.C. 3125a note) is amended by striking ``on the date that
is 10 years after the date of enactment of this section'' and
inserting ``on June 18, 2023''.
(d) Reports.--Section 308(d)(2) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization
Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 3125a note) is amended by striking
``Not later than 6, 8, and 10 years after the date of
enactment of this section'' and inserting ``Not later than
June 18, 2019, June 18, 2021, and June 18, 2023''.
SEC. 7602. FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF THE UNDER SECRETARY.
Subparagraph (B) of section 251(d)(2) of the Department of
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(d)(2))
is amended to read as follows:
``(B) ensure that agricultural research, education,
extension, economics, and statistical programs--
``(i) are effectively coordinated and integrated--
``(I) across disciplines, agencies, and institutions; and
``(II) among applicable participants, grantees, and
beneficiaries; and
``(ii) address the priority areas of the Agriculture and
Food Research Initiative specified in subsection (b)(2) of
the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act
(7 U.S.C. 3157(b)(2));''.
SEC. 7603. REINSTATEMENT OF DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MATCHING
REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITY
ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Section 209(c) of the District of Columbia
Public Postsecondary Education Reorganization Act (Public Law
93-471; sec. 38-1202.09(c), D.C. Official Code) is amended in
the first sentence, by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``, which may be used to pay no more than one-half
of the total cost of providing such extension work.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section
shall take effect on October 1, 2018.
SEC. 7604. FARMLAND TENURE, TRANSITION, AND ENTRY DATA
INITIATIVE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall collect and report
data and analysis on farmland ownership, tenure, transition,
and entry of beginning farmers or ranchers.
(b) Requirements.--In carrying out subsection (a), the
Secretary shall--
(1) collect and distribute comprehensive annual reporting
of trends in farmland ownership, tenure, transition, barriers
to entry, profitability, and viability of beginning farmers
or ranchers; and
(2) develop surveys and report statistical and economic
analysis on farmland ownership, tenure, transition, barriers
to entry, profitability, and viability of beginning farmers.
(c) Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2019 through 2023, to remain available until expended.
(d) Conforming Amendment Regarding Confidentiality of
Information.--Section 1770(d) of the Food Security Act of
1985 (7 U.S.C. 2276(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (11), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (12), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(13) section 7604 of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of
2018.''.
SEC. 7605. TRANSFER OF ADMINISTRATIVE JURISDICTION, PORTION
OF HENRY A. WALLACE BELTSVILLE AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH CENTER, BELTSVILLE, MARYLAND.
(a) Transfer Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture may
transfer to the administrative
[[Page H4105]]
jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Treasury a parcel of
real property at the Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural
Research Center consisting of approximately 100 acres, which
was originally acquired by the United States through land
acquisitions in 1910 and 1925 and is generally located off of
Poultry Road lying between Powder Mill Road and Odell Road in
Beltsville, Maryland, for the purpose of facilitating the
establishment of Bureau of Engraving and Printing facilities
on the parcel.
(b) Legal Description and Map.--
(1) Preparation.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
prepare a legal description and map of the parcel of real
property to be transferred under subsection (a).
(2) Force of law.--The legal description and map prepared
under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as
if included in this Act, except that the Secretary of
Agriculture may correct errors in the legal description and
map.
(c) Retention of Interests.--The transfer of administrative
jurisdiction under subsection (a) shall be subject to
easements and rights of record and such other reservations,
terms, and conditions as the Secretary of Agriculture
considers to be necessary.
(d) Waiver.--The parcel of real property to be transferred
under subsection (a) is exempt from Federal screening for
other possible use as there is an identified Federal need for
the parcel as the site for Bureau of Engraving and Printing
facilities.
(e) Condition on Transfer.--As a condition of the transfer
of administrative jurisdiction under subsection (a), the
Secretary of the Treasury shall agree to pay the Secretary of
Agriculture the following costs:
(1) The appraisal required under subsection (f).
(2) Any environmental or administrative analysis required
by Federal law with respect to the real property so
transferred.
(3) Any necessary survey of such real property.
(4) Any hazardous substances assessment of such real
property.
(f) Appraisal.--To determine the fair market value of the
parcel of real property to be transferred under subsection
(a), the Secretary of the Treasury shall have the parcel
appraised for its highest and best use in conformity with the
Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions
developed by the Interagency Land Acquisition Conference. The
appraisal shall be subject to the review and approval by the
Secretary of Agriculture.
(g) Hazardous Materials.--For the parcel of real property
to be transferred under subsection (a), the Secretary of
Agriculture shall meet disclosure requirements for hazardous
substances, but shall otherwise not be required to remediate
or abate those substances or any other hazardous pollutants,
contaminants, or waste that might be present on the parcel at
the time of transfer of administrative jurisdiction.
SEC. 7606. SIMPLIFIED PLAN OF WORK.
(a) Smith-Lever Act.--The Smith-Lever Act is amended--
(1) in section 3(h)(2) (7 U.S.C. 343(h)(2)), by striking
subparagraph (D); and
(2) in section 4 (7 U.S.C. 344)--
(A) in subsection (c), by striking paragraphs (1) through
(5) and inserting the following new paragraphs:
``(1) A summary of planned projects or programs in the
State using formula funds.
``(2) A description of the manner in which the State will
meet the requirements of section 3(h).
``(3) A description of the manner in which the State will
meet the requirements of section 3(i)(2) of the Hatch Act of
1887.
``(4) A description of matching funds provided by the State
with respect to the previous fiscal year.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(f) Relationship to Audits.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the procedures established pursuant to
subsection (c) shall not be subject to audit to determine the
sufficiency of such procedures.''.
(b) Hatch Act.--The Hatch Act of 1887 is amended--
(1) in section 3 (7 U.S.C. 361c)--
(A) by amending subsection (h) to read as follows:
``(h) Peer Review.--Research carried out under subsection
(c)(3) shall be subject to scientific peer review. The review
of a project conducted under this subsection shall be
considered to satisfy the merit review requirements of
section 103(e) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998.''; and
(B) in subsection (i)(2), by striking subparagraph (D); and
(2) in section 7 (7 U.S.C. 361g)--
(A) in subsection (e), by striking paragraphs (1) through
(4) and inserting the following new paragraphs:
``(1) A summary of planned projects or programs in the
State using formula funds.
``(2) A description of the manner in which the State will
meet the requirements of subsections (c)(3) and (i)(2) of
section 3.
``(3) A description of matching funds provided by the State
with respect to the previous fiscal year.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(h) Relationship to Audits.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the procedures established pursuant to
subsection (e) shall not be subject to audit to determine the
sufficiency of such procedures.''.
(c) Extension and Research at 1890 Institutions.--
(1) Extension.--Section 1444(d) of the National
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221(d)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (3), by striking subparagraphs (A) through
(E) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:
``(A) A summary of planned projects or programs in the
State using formula funds.
``(B) A description of matching funds provided by the State
with respect to the previous fiscal year.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(6) Relationship to audits.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the procedures established pursuant to
paragraph (3) shall not be subject to audit to determine the
sufficiency of such procedures.''.
(2) Research.--Section 1445(c) of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 3222(c)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (3), by striking subparagraphs (A) through
(E) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:
``(A) A summary of planned projects or programs in the
State using formula funds.
``(B) A description of matching funds provided by the State
with respect to the previous fiscal year.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(6) Relationship to audits.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the procedures established pursuant to
paragraph (3) shall not be subject to audit to determine the
sufficiency of such procedures.''.
SEC. 7607. TIME AND EFFORT REPORTING EXEMPTION.
Any entity receiving funds under a program referred to in
clause (iii), (iv), (vii), (viii), or (xii) of section
251(f)(1)(C) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization
Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(C)) shall be exempt from the
time and effort reporting requirements under part 200 of
title 2, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor
regulations), with respect to the use of such funds.
SEC. 7608. PUBLIC EDUCATION ON BIOTECHNOLOGY IN FOOD AND
AGRICULTURE SECTORS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of
Education, and such other persons and organizations as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate, shall develop and
carry out a national science-based education campaign to
increase public awareness regarding the use of technology in
food and agriculture production, including--
(1) the science of biotechnology as applied to the
development of products in the food and agricultural sectors,
including information about which products of biotechnology
in the food and agricultural sectors have been approved for
use in the United States;
(2) the Federal science-based regulatory review process for
products made using biotechnology in the food and
agricultural sectors conducted under the Coordinated
Framework for Regulation of Biotechnology published by the
Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Federal
Register on June 26, 1986 (51 Fed. Reg. 23302), including the
studies performed and analyses conducted to ensure that such
products are as safe to produce and as safe to eat as
products that are not produced using biotechnology;
(3) developments in the science of plant and animal
breeding over time and the impacts of such developments on
farmers, consumers, the environment, and the rural economy;
and
(4) the effects of the use of biotechnology on food
security, nutrition, and the environment.
(b) Consumer Friendly Informational Website.--The
Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and
Human Services, the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency, the Office of Science and Technology
Policy, and such other persons and organizations as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate, shall develop,
establish, and update as necessary, a single Federal
government-sponsored public Internet website through which
the public may obtain, in an easy to understand and user-
friendly format, information about biotechnology used in the
food and agricultural sectors, including--
(1) scientific findings and other data on biotechnology
used in the food and agricultural sectors;
(2) Federal agencies' decisions regarding specific products
made using biotechnology in the food and agricultural
sectors;
(3) a list of frequently asked questions pertaining to the
use of biotechnology in the food and agricultural sectors;
(4) an easy-to-understand description of the role of
Federal agencies in overseeing the use of biotechnology in
the food and agricultural sectors;
(5) information about novel, emerging technologies within
the broader field of biotechnology; and
(6) a glossary of terms with respect to biotechnology used
in the food and agricultural sectors.
(c) Social Media Resources.--The Secretary may, as
appropriate, utilize publicly-available social media
platforms to supplement the campaign established under
subsection (a), and as an extension of the website
established under subsection (b).
TITLE VIII--FORESTRY
Subtitle A--Reauthorization and Modification of Certain Forestry
Programs
SEC. 8101. SUPPORT FOR STATE ASSESSMENTS AND STRATEGIES FOR
FOREST RESOURCES.
Section 2A(f)(1) of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act
of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2101a(f)(1)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 8102. 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:
[[Page H4106]]
``(m) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.
SEC. 8103. 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.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.
SEC. 8104. STATE AND PRIVATE FOREST LANDSCAPE-SCALE
RESTORATION PROGRAM.
Section 13A of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of
1978 (16 U.S.C. 2109a) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 13A. STATE AND PRIVATE FOREST LANDSCAPE-SCALE
RESTORATION PROGRAM.
``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to establish
a landscape-scale restoration program to support landscape-
scale restoration and management that results in measurable
improvements to public benefits derived from State and
private forest land, as identified in--
``(1) a State-wide assessment described in section
2A(a)(1); and
``(2) a long-term State-wide forest resource strategy
described in section 2A(a)(2).
``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Private forest land.--The term `private forest land'
means land that--
``(A)(i) has existing tree cover; or
``(ii) is suitable for growing trees; and
``(B) is owned by--
``(i) an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25
U.S.C. 5304)); or
``(ii) any private individual or entity.
``(2) Regional.--The term `regional' means of any region of
the National Association of State Foresters.
``(3) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest
Service.
``(4) State forest land.--The term `State forest land'
means land that is owned by a State or unit of local
government.
``(5) State forester.--The term `State Forester' means a
State Forester or equivalent State official.
``(c) Establishment.--The Secretary, in consultation with
State Foresters or other appropriate State agencies, shall
establish a landscape-scale restoration program--
``(1) to provide financial and technical assistance for
landscape-scale restoration projects on State forest land or
private forest land; and
``(2) that maintains or improves benefits from trees and
forests on such land.
``(d) Requirements.--The landscape-scale restoration
program established under subsection (c) shall--
``(1) measurably address the national private forest
conservation priorities described in section 2(c);
``(2) enhance public benefits from trees and forests, as
identified in--
``(A) a State-wide assessment described in section
2A(a)(1); and
``(B) a long-term State-wide forest resource strategy
described in section 2A(a)(2); and
``(3) in accordance with the purposes described in section
2(b), include one or more of the following objectives--
``(A) protecting or improving water quality or quantity;
``(B) reducing wildfire risk, including through hazardous
fuels treatment;
``(C) protecting or enhancing wildlife habitat, consistent
with wildlife objectives established by the applicable State
fish and wildlife agency;
``(D) improving forest health and forest ecosystems,
including addressing native, nonnative, and invasive pests;
or
``(E) enhancing opportunities for new and existing markets
in which the production and use of wood products strengthens
local and regional economies.
``(e) Measurement.--The Secretary, in consultation with
State Foresters, shall establish a measurement system
(including measurement tools) that--
``(1) consistently measures the results of landscape-scale
restoration projects described in subsection (c); and
``(2) is consistent with the measurement systems of other
Federal programs delivered by State Foresters.
``(f) Use of Amounts.--
``(1) Allocation.--Of the amounts made available for the
landscape-scale restoration program established under
subsection (c), the Secretary shall allocate to State
Foresters--
``(A) 50 percent for the competitive process in accordance
with subsection (g); and
``(B) 50 percent proportionally to States, in consultation
with State Foresters--
``(i) to maximize the achievement of the objectives
described in subsection (d)(3); and
``(ii) to address the highest national priorities, as
identified in--
``(I) State-wide assessments described in section 2A(a)(1);
and
``(II) long-term State-wide forest resource strategies
described in section 2A(a)(2).
``(2) Multiyear projects.--The Secretary may provide
amounts under this section for multiyear projects.
``(g) Competitive Process.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall distribute amounts
described in subsection (f)(1)(A) through a competitive
process for landscape-scale restoration projects described in
subsection (c) to maximize the achievement of the objectives
described in subsection (d)(3).
``(2) Eligibility.--To be eligible for funding through the
competitive process under paragraph (1), a State Forester, or
another entity on approval of the State Forester, shall
submit to the Secretary one or more landscape-scale
restoration proposals that--
``(A) in accordance with paragraph (3)(A), include
priorities identified in--
``(i) State-wide assessments described in section 2A(a)(1);
and
``(ii) long-term State-wide forest resource strategies
described in section 2A(a)(2);
``(B) identify one or more measurable results to be
achieved through the project;
``(C) to the maximum extent practicable, include activities
on all land necessary to accomplish the measurable results in
the applicable landscape;
``(D) to the maximum extent practicable, are developed in
collaboration with other public and private sector
organizations and local communities; and
``(E) derive not less than 50 percent of the funding for
the project from non-Federal sources, unless the Secretary
determines--
``(i) the applicant is unable to derive not less than 50
percent of the funding for the project from non-Federal
sources; and
``(ii) the benefits of the project justify pursuing the
project.
``(3) Prioritization.--In carrying out the competitive
process under paragraph (1), the Secretary--
``(A) shall give priority to projects that, as determined
by the Secretary, best carry out priorities identified in
State-wide assessments described in section 2A(a)(1) and
long-term State-wide forest resource strategies described in
section 2A(a)(2), including--
``(i) involvement of public and private partnerships;
``(ii) inclusion of cross-boundary activities on--
``(I) Federal forest land;
``(II) State forest land; or
``(III) private forest land;
``(iii) involvement of areas also identified for cost-share
funding by the Natural Resources Conservation Service or any
other relevant Federal agency;
``(iv) protection or improvement of water quality or
quantity;
``(v) reduction of wildfire risk; and
``(vi) otherwise addressing the national private forest
conservation priorities described in section 2(c); and
``(B) may give priority to projects in proximity to other
landscape-scale projects on other land under the jurisdiction
of the Secretary, the Secretary of the Interior, or a
Governor of a State, including--
``(i) ecological restoration treatments under the
Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program
established under section 4003 of the Omnibus Public Land
Management Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303);
``(ii) projects on landscape-scale areas designated for
insect and disease treatment under section 602 of the Healthy
Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591a);
``(iii) authorized restoration services under section 8206
of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a);
``(iv) watershed restoration and protection services under
section 331 of the Department of the Interior and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 (Public Law 106-291; 16
U.S.C. 1011 note);
``(v) stewardship end result contracting projects under
section 604 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
(16 U.S.C. 6591c); or
``(vi) projects under other relevant programs, as
determined by the Secretary.
``(4) Proposal review.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a process
for the review of proposals submitted under paragraph (2)
that ranks each proposal based on--
``(i) the extent to which the proposal would achieve the
requirements described in subsection (d); and
``(ii) the priorities described in paragraph (3)(A).
``(B) Regional review.--The Secretary may carry out the
process described in subparagraph (A) at a regional level.
``(5) Compliance with nepa.--Financial and technical
assistance carried out under this section for landscape
restoration projects on State forest land or private forest
land shall not constitute a major Federal action for the
purposes of section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)).
``(h) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the
enactment of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 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 that
includes--
``(1) a description of the status of the development,
execution, and administration of landscape-scale projects
selected under the program under this section;
``(2) an accounting of expenditures under such program; and
``(3) specific accomplishments that have resulted from
landscape-scale projects under such program.
``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary for the landscape-scale
restoration program established under subsection (c)
$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, to
remain available until expended.''.
SEC. 8105. 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 ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 8106. COMMUNITY WOOD ENERGY AND WOOD INNOVATION PROGRAM.
Section 9013 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8113) is amended to read as follows:
[[Page H4107]]
``SEC. 9013. COMMUNITY WOOD ENERGY AND WOOD INNOVATION
PROGRAM.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Community wood energy system.--
``(A) In general.--The term `community wood energy system'
means an energy system that--
``(i) produces thermal energy or combined thermal energy
and electricity where thermal is the primary energy output;
``(ii) services public facilities owned or operated by
State or local governments (including schools, town halls,
libraries, and other public buildings) or private or
nonprofit facilities (including commercial and business
facilities, such as hospitals, office buildings, apartment
buildings, and manufacturing and industrial buildings); and
``(iii) uses woody biomass, including residuals from wood
processing facilities, as the primary fuel.
``(B) Inclusions.--The term `community wood energy system'
includes single-facility central heating, district heating
systems serving multiple buildings, combined heat and
electric systems where thermal energy is the primary energy
output, and other related biomass energy systems.
``(2) Innovative wood product facility.--The term
`innovative wood product facility' means a manufacturing or
processing plant or mill that produces--
``(A) building components or systems that use large
panelized wood construction, including mass timber;
``(B) wood products derived from nanotechnology or other
new technology processes, as determined by the Secretary; or
``(C) other innovative wood products that use low-value,
low-quality wood, as determined by the Secretary.
``(3) Mass timber.--The term `mass timber' includes--
``(A) cross-laminated timber;
``(B) nail-laminated timber;
``(C) glue-laminated timber;
``(D) laminated strand lumber; and
``(E) laminated veneer lumber.
``(4) Program.--The term `Program' means the Community Wood
Energy and Wood Innovation Program established under
subsection (b).
``(b) Competitive Grant Program.--The Secretary, acting
through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall establish a
competitive grant program to be known as the `Community Wood
Energy and Wood Innovation Program'.
``(c) Matching Grants.--
``(1) In general.--Under the Program, the Secretary shall
make grants to cover not more than 35 percent of the capital
cost for installing a community wood energy system or
building an innovative wood product facility.
``(2) Special circumstances.--The Secretary may establish
special circumstances, such as in the case of a community
wood energy system project or innovative wood product
facility project involving a school or hospital in a low-
income community, under which grants under the Program may
cover up to 50 percent of the capital cost.
``(3) Source of matching funds.--Matching funds required
pursuant to this subsection from a grant recipient must be
derived from non-Federal funds.
``(d) Project Cap.--The total amount of grants under the
Program for a community wood energy system project or
innovative wood product facility project may not exceed--
``(1) in the case of grants under the general authority
provided under subsection (c)(1), $1,000,000; and
``(2) in the case of grants for which the special
circumstances apply under subsection (c)(2), $1,500,000.
``(e) Selection Criteria.--In selecting applicants for
grants under the Program, the Secretary shall consider the
following:
``(1) The energy efficiency of the proposed community wood
energy system or innovative wood product facility.
``(2) The cost effectiveness of the proposed community wood
energy system or innovative wood product facility.
``(3) The extent to which the proposed community wood
energy system or innovative wood product facility represents
the best available commercial technology.
``(4) The extent to which the applicant has demonstrated a
high likelihood of project success by completing detailed
engineering and design work in advance of the grant
application.
``(5) Other technical, economic, conservation, and
environmental criteria that the Secretary considers
appropriate.
``(f) Grant Priorities.--In selecting applicants for grants
under the Program, the Secretary shall give priority to
proposals that--
``(1) would be carried out in a location where markets are
needed for the low-value, low-quality wood;
``(2) would be carried out in a location with limited
access to natural gas pipelines;
``(3) would include the use or retrofitting (or both) of
existing sawmill facilities located in a location where the
average annual unemployment rate exceeded the national
average unemployment rate by more than 1 percent during the
previous calendar year; or
``(4) would be carried out in a location where the project
will aid with forest restoration.
``(g) Limitations.--
``(1) Capacity of community wood energy systems.--A
community wood energy system acquired with grant funds under
the Program shall not exceed nameplate capacity of 10
megawatts of thermal energy or combined thermal and electric
energy.
``(2) Funding for innovative wood product facilities.--Not
more than 25 percent of funds provided as grants under the
Program for a fiscal year may go to applicants proposing
innovative wood product facilities, unless the Secretary has
received an insufficient number of qualified proposals for
community wood energy systems.
``(h) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
carry out the Program $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2019 through 2023.''.
SEC. 8107. HEALTHY FORESTS RESTORATION ACT OF 2003
AMENDMENTS.
(a) Healthy Forests Reserve Program.--
(1) Additional purpose of program.--Section 501(a) of the
Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571(a))
is amended--
(A) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (2);
(B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new
paragraph:
``(3) to conserve forest land that provides habitat for
species described in section 502(b)(1); and''.
(2) Eligibility for enrollment.--Subsection (b) of section
502 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C.
6572) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible for enrollment in the
healthy forests reserve program, land shall be private forest
land, or private land being restored to forest land, the
enrollment of which will maintain, restore, enhance, or
otherwise measurably--
``(1) increase the likelihood of recovery of a species that
is listed as endangered or threatened under section 4 of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533); or
``(2) improve the well-being of a species that--
``(A) is--
``(i) not listed as endangered or threatened under such
section; and
``(ii) a candidate for such listing, a State-listed
species, or a special concern species; or
``(B) is deemed a species of greatest conservation need by
a State wildlife action plan.''.
(3) Other enrollment considerations.--Section 502(c) of the
Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6572(c))
is amended--
(A) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (1);
(B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new
paragraph:
``(2) conserve forest lands that provide habitat for
species described in subsection (b)(1); and''.
(4) Elimination of limitation on use of easements.--Section
502(e) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16
U.S.C. 6572(e)) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and
redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2).
(5) Enrollment of acreage owned by an indian tribe.--
Section 502(e)(2)(B) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act
of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6572(e)(3)(B)), as redesignated under
paragraph (4), is amended by striking clauses (ii) and (iii)
and inserting the following new clauses:
``(ii) a 10-year, cost-share agreement;
``(iii) a permanent easement; or
``(iv) any combination of the options described in clauses
(i) through (iii).''.
(6) Species-related enrollment priority.--Subparagraph (B)
of section 502(f)(1) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act
of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6572(f)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
``(B) secondarily, species that--
``(i) are--
``(I) not listed as endangered or threatened under section
4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533); and
``(II) candidates for such listing, State-listed species,
or special concern species; or
``(ii) are species of greatest conservation need, as
identified in State wildlife action plans.''.
(7) Restoration plans.--Subsection (b) of section 503 of
the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6573)
is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Practices.--The restoration plan shall require such
restoration practices and measures, as are necessary to
restore and enhance habitat for species described in section
502(b), including the following:
``(1) Land management practices.
``(2) Vegetative treatments.
``(3) Structural practices and measures.
``(4) Other practices and measures.''.
(8) Funding.--Section 508(b) of the Healthy Forests
Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6578(b)) is amended--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Fiscal Years
2014 Through 2018'' and inserting ``Authorization of
Appropriations''; and
(B) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
(9) Technical correction.--Section 503(a) of the Healthy
Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6573(a)) is
amended by striking ``Secretary of Interior'' and inserting
``Secretary of the Interior''.
(b) Insect and Disease Infestation.--
(1) Treatment of areas.--Section 602(d)(1) of the Healthy
Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591a(d)(1)) is
amended by striking ``subsection (b) to reduce the risk or
extent of, or increase the resilience to, insect or disease
infestation in the areas.'' and inserting the following:
``subsection (b)--
``(A) to reduce the risk or extent of, or increase the
resilience to, insect or disease infestation; or
``(B) to reduce hazardous fuels.''.
(2) Permanent authority.--Section 602(d)(2) of the Healthy
Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591a(d)(2)) is
amended by striking ``for which a public notice to initiate
scoping is issued on or before September 30, 2018,''.
(c) Administrative Review.--
(1) Clarification of treatment of areas.--Section 603(a) of
the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C.
6591b(a)) is amended by striking ``in accordance with section
602(d)'' and inserting ``in accordance with section
602(d)(1)''.
(2) Project size and location.--Section 603(c)(1) of the
Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C.
6591b(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``3000'' and inserting
``6,000''.
SEC. 8108. NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION ACT AUTHORITIES.
(a) Extension of Authority to Provide Matching Funds for
Administrative and
[[Page H4108]]
Project Expenses.--Section 405(b) of the National Forest
Foundation Act (16 U.S.C. 583j-3(b)) is amended by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 410(b) of the
National Forest Foundation Act (16 U.S.C. 583j-8(b)) is
amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
Subtitle B--Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act
of 2000 Amendments
SEC. 8201. USE OF RESERVED FUNDS FOR TITLE II PROJECTS ON
FEDERAL LAND AND CERTAIN NON-FEDERAL LAND.
Section 204(f) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community
Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7124(f)) is amended
to read as follows:
``(f) Requirements for Project Funds.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary
concerned shall ensure that at least 50 percent of the
project funds reserved under section 102(d) by a
participating county shall be available only for projects
that--
``(A) include--
``(i) the sale of timber or other forest products;
``(ii) reduce fire risks; or
``(iii) improve water supplies; and
``(B) implement stewardship objectives that enhance forest
ecosystems or restore and improve land health and water
quality.
``(2) Applicability.--The requirement in paragraph (1)
shall apply only to project funds reserved by a participating
county whose boundaries include Federal land that the
Secretary concerned determines has been subject to a timber
or other forest products program within 5 fiscal years before
the fiscal year in which the funds are reserved.''.
SEC. 8202. RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMITTEES.
(a) Recognition of Resource Advisory Committees.--Section
205(a)(4) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-
Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7125(a)(4)) is amended
by striking ``2018'' each place it appears and inserting
``2023''.
(b) Reduction in Composition of Committees.--Section 205(d)
of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination
Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7125(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``15 members'' and
inserting ``9 members''; and
(2) by striking ``5 persons'' each place it appears and
inserting ``3 persons''.
(c) Expanding Local Participation on Committees.--Section
205(d) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-
Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7125(d)) is further
amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by inserting before the period at the
end the following: ``, consistent with the requirements of
paragraph (4)''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following
new paragraph:
``(4) Geographic distribution.--The members of a resource
advisory committee shall reside within the county or counties
in which the committee has jurisdiction, or an adjacent
county.''.
(d) Appointment of Resource Advisory Committees by
Applicable Designee.--
(1) In general.--Section 205 of the Secure Rural Schools
and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7125)
is further amended--
(A) in subsection (a)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``(or applicable
designee)'' after ``The Secretary concerned'';
(ii) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``(or applicable
designee)'' after ``the Secretary concerned''; and
(iii) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``(or applicable
designee)'' after ``the Secretary concerned'' both places it
appears;
(B) in subsection (b)(6), by inserting ``(or applicable
designee)'' after ``the Secretary concerned'';
(C) in subsection (c)--
(i) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``or Applicable
Designee'' after ``by the Secretary'';
(ii) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``(or applicable
designee)'' after ``The Secretary concerned'' both places it
appears;
(iii) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``(or applicable
designee)'' after ``The Secretary concerned'';
(iv) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``(or applicable
designee)'' after ``The Secretary concerned''; and
(v) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(6) Applicable designee.--In this section, the term
`applicable designee' means--
``(A) with respect to Federal land described in section
3(7)(A), the applicable Regional Forester; and
``(B) with respect to Federal land described in section
3(7)(B), the applicable Bureau of Land Management State
Director.'';
(D) in subsection (d)(3), by inserting ``(or applicable
designee)'' after ``the Secretary concerned''; and
(E) in subsection (f)(1)--
(i) by inserting ``(or applicable designee)'' after ``the
Secretary concerned''; and
(ii) by inserting ``(or applicable designee)'' after ``of
the Secretary''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 201(3) of the Secure
Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000
(16 U.S.C. 7121(3)) is amended by inserting ``(or applicable
designee (as defined in section 205(c)(6)))'' after
``Secretary concerned'' both places it appears.
SEC. 8203. PROGRAM FOR TITLE II SELF-SUSTAINING RESOURCE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE PROJECTS.
(a) Self-Sustaining Resource Advisory Committee Projects.--
Title II of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-
Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7121 et seq.) is amended
by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 209. PROGRAM FOR SELF-SUSTAINING RESOURCE ADVISORY
COMMITTEE PROJECTS.
``(a) RAC Program.--The Chief of the Forest Service shall
conduct a program (to be known as the `self-sustaining
resource advisory committee program' or `RAC program') under
which 10 resource advisory committees will propose projects
authorized by subsection (c) to be carried out using project
funds reserved by a participating county under section
102(d).
``(b) Selection of Participating Resource Advisory
Committees.--The selection of resource advisory committees to
participate in the RAC program is in the sole discretion of
the Chief of the Forest Service.
``(c) Authorized Projects.--Notwithstanding the project
purposes specified in sections 202(b), 203(c), and 204(a)(5),
projects under the RAC program are intended to--
``(1) accomplish forest management objectives or support
community development; and
``(2) generate receipts.
``(d) Deposit and Availability of Revenues.--Any revenue
generated by a project conducted under the RAC program,
including any interest accrued from the revenues, shall be--
``(1) deposited in the special account in the Treasury
established under section 102(d)(2)(A); and
``(2) available, in such amounts as may be provided in
advance in appropriation Acts, for additional projects under
the RAC program.
``(e) Termination of Authority.--
``(1) In general.--The authority to initiate a project
under the RAC program shall terminate on September 30, 2023.
``(2) Deposits in treasury.--Any funds available for
projects under the RAC program and not obligated by September
30, 2024, shall be deposited in the Treasury of the United
States.''.
(b) Exception to General Rule Regarding Treatment of
Receipts.--Section 403(b) of the Secure Rural Schools and
Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7153(b))
is amended by striking ``All revenues'' and inserting
``Except as provided in section 209, all revenues''.
Subtitle C--Availability of Categorical Exclusions To Expedite Forest
Management Activities
PART I--GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 8301. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:
(1) Catastrophic event.--The term ``catastrophic event''
means any natural disaster (such as hurricane, tornado,
windstorm, snow or ice storm, rain storm, high water, wind-
driven water, tidal wave, earthquake, volcanic eruption,
landslide, mudslide, drought, or insect or disease outbreak)
or any fire, flood, or explosion, regardless of cause.
(2) Coos bay wagon road grant lands.--The term ``Coos Bay
Wagon Road Grant lands'' means the lands reconveyed to the
United States pursuant to the first section of the Act of
February 26, 1919 (40 Stat. 1179).
(3) Forest management activity.--The term ``forest
management activity'' means a project or activity carried out
by the Secretary concerned on National Forest System lands or
public lands consistent with the forest plan covering the
lands.
(4) Forest plan.--The term ``forest plan'' means--
(A) a land use plan prepared by the Bureau of Land
Management for public lands pursuant to section 202 of the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
1712); or
(B) a land and resource management plan prepared by the
Forest Service for a unit of the National Forest System
pursuant to section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable
Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604).
(5) 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)).
(6) Oregon and california railroad grant lands.--The term
``Oregon and California Railroad Grant lands'' means the
following lands:
(A) All lands in the State of Oregon revested in the United
States under the Act of June 9, 1916 (39 Stat. 218), that are
administered by the Secretary of the Interior, acting through
the Bureau of Land Management, pursuant to the first section
of the Act of August 28, 1937 (43 U.S.C. 1181a).
(B) All lands in that State obtained by the Secretary of
the Interior pursuant to the land exchanges authorized and
directed by section 2 of the Act of June 24, 1954 (43 U.S.C.
1181h).
(C) All lands in that State acquired by the United States
at any time and made subject to the provisions of title II of
the Act of August 28, 1937 (43 U.S.C. 1181f).
(7) Public lands.--The term ``public lands'' has the
meaning given that term in section 103 of the Federal Land
Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702), except
that the term includes Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant lands and
Oregon and California Railroad Grant lands.
(8) Reforestation activity.--The term ``reforestation
activity'' means a forest management activity carried out by
the Secretary concerned where the primary purpose is the
reforestation of impacted lands following a catastrophic
event. The term includes planting, evaluating and enhancing
natural regeneration, clearing competing vegetation, and
other activities related to reestablishment of forest species
on the impacted lands.
(9) Resource advisory committee.--The term ``resource
advisory committee'' has the meaning given that term in
section 201 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-
Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7121).
(10) Salvage operation.--The term ``salvage operation''
means a forest management activity carried out in response to
a catastrophic event where the primary purpose is--
[[Page H4109]]
(A) to prevent wildfire as a result of the catastrophic
event, or, if the catastrophic event was wildfire, to prevent
a re-burn of the fire-impacted area;
(B) to provide an opportunity for utilization of forest
materials damaged as a result of the catastrophic event; or
(C) to provide a funding source for reforestation for the
National Forest System lands or public lands impacted by the
catastrophic event.
(11) Secretary concerned.--The term ``Secretary concerned''
means--
(A) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National
Forest System lands; and
(B) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public
lands.
SEC. 8302. RULE OF APPLICATION FOR NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM
LANDS AND PUBLIC LANDS.
Unless specifically provided by a provision of this
subtitle, the authorities provided by this subtitle do not
apply with respect to any National Forest System lands or
public lands--
(1) that are included in the National Wilderness
Preservation System;
(2) that are located within a national or State-specific
inventoried roadless area established by the Secretary of
Agriculture through regulation, unless--
(A) the forest management activity to be carried out under
such authority is consistent with the forest plan applicable
to the area; or
(B) the Secretary of Agriculture determines the forest
management activity is permissible under the applicable
roadless rule governing such lands; or
(3) on which timber harvesting for any purpose is
prohibited by Federal statute.
SEC. 8303. CONSULTATION UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT.
(a) No Consultation if Action Not Likely To Adversely
Affect a Listed Species or Designated Critical Habitat.--With
respect to a forest management activity carried out pursuant
to this subtitle, consultation under section 7 of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536) shall not be
required if the Secretary concerned determines that such
forest management activity is not likely to adversely affect
a listed species or designated critical habitat.
(b) Expedited Consultation.--With respect to a forest
management activity carried out pursuant to this subtitle,
consultation required under section 7 of the Endangered
Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536) shall be concluded
within the 90-day period beginning on the date on which such
consultation was requested by the Secretary concerned.
SEC. 8304. SECRETARIAL DISCRETION IN THE CASE OF TWO OR MORE
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS.
To the extent that a forest management activity may be
categorically excluded under more than one of the sections of
this subtitle, the Secretary concerned shall have full
discretion to determine which categorical exclusion to use.
PART II--CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS
SEC. 8311. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION TO EXPEDITE CERTAIN CRITICAL
RESPONSE ACTIONS.
(a) Categorical Exclusion Established.--Forest management
activities described in subsection (b) are a category of
actions hereby designated as being categorically excluded
from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an
environmental impact statement under section 102 of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
(b) Forest Management Activities Designated for Categorical
Exclusion.--The category of forest management activities
designated under this section for a categorical exclusion are
forest management activities carried out by the Secretary
concerned on National Forest System lands or public lands
where the primary purpose of such activity is--
(1) to address an insect or disease infestation;
(2) to reduce hazardous fuel loads;
(3) to protect a municipal water source;
(4) to maintain, enhance, or modify critical habitat to
protect it from catastrophic disturbances;
(5) to increase water yield; or
(6) any combination of the purposes specified in paragraphs
(1) through (5).
(c) Availability of Categorical Exclusion.--On and after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
concerned may use the categorical exclusion established under
subsection (a) in accordance with this section.
(d) Acreage Limitations.--A forest management activity
covered by the categorical exclusion established under
subsection (a) may not contain treatment units exceeding a
total of 6,000 acres.
SEC. 8312. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION TO EXPEDITE SALVAGE
OPERATIONS IN RESPONSE TO CATASTROPHIC EVENTS.
(a) Categorical Exclusion Established.--Salvage operations
carried out by the Secretary concerned on National Forest
System lands or public lands are a category of actions hereby
designated as being categorically excluded from the
preparation of an environmental assessment or an
environmental impact statement under section 102 of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
(b) Availability of Categorical Exclusion.--On and after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
concerned may use the categorical exclusion established under
subsection (a) in accordance with this section.
(c) Acreage Limitation.--A salvage operation covered by the
categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) may
not contain treatment units exceeding a total of 6,000 acres.
(d) Additional Requirements.--
(1) Stream buffers.--A salvage operation covered by the
categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) shall
comply with the standards and guidelines for stream buffers
contained in the applicable forest plan, except that the
Regional Forester, in the case of National Forest System
lands, or the State Director of the Bureau of Land
Management, in the case of public lands, may, on a case-by-
case basis, waive the standards and guidelines.
(2) Reforestation plan.--A reforestation plan shall be
developed under section 3 of the Act of June 9, 1930
(commonly known as the Knutson-Vandenberg Act; (16 U.S.C.
576b)), as part of a salvage operation covered by the
categorical exclusion established under subsection (a).
SEC. 8313. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION TO MEET FOREST PLAN GOALS
FOR EARLY SUCCESSIONAL FORESTS.
(a) Categorical Exclusion Established.--Forest management
activities described in subsection (b) are a category of
actions hereby designated as being categorically excluded
from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an
environmental impact statement under section 102 of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
(b) Forest Management Activities Designated for Categorical
Exclusion.--The category of forest management activities
designated under this section for a categorical exclusion are
forest management activities carried out by the Secretary
concerned on National Forest System lands or public lands
where the primary purpose of such activity is to improve,
enhance, or create early successional forests for wildlife
habitat improvement and other purposes, consistent with the
applicable forest plan.
(c) Availability of Categorical Exclusion.--On and after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
concerned may use the categorical exclusion established under
subsection (a) in accordance with this section.
(d) Project Goals.--To the maximum extent practicable, the
Secretary concerned shall design a forest management activity
under this section to meet early successional forest goals in
such a manner so as to maximize production and regeneration
of priority species, as identified in the forest plan and
consistent with the capability of the activity site.
(e) Acreage Limitations.--A forest management activity
covered by the categorical exclusion established under
subsection (a) may not contain treatment units exceeding a
total of 6,000 acres.
SEC. 8314. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR HAZARD TREES.
(a) Categorical Exclusion Established.--Forest management
activities carried out by the Secretary concerned to remove
hazard trees for purposes of the protection of public health
or safety, water supply, or public infrastructure are a
category of actions hereby designated as being categorically
excluded from the preparation of an environmental assessment
or an environmental impact statement under section 102 of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
(b) Availability of Categorical Exclusion.--On and after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
concerned may use the categorical exclusion established under
subsection (a) in accordance with this section.
SEC. 8315. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION TO IMPROVE OR RESTORE
NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS OR PUBLIC LAND OR
REDUCE THE RISK OF WILDFIRE.
(a) Categorical Exclusion Established.--Forest management
activities described in subsection (b) are a category of
actions hereby designated as being categorically excluded
from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an
environmental impact statement under section 102 of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
(b) Forest Management Activities Designated for Categorical
Exclusion.--
(1) Designation.--The category of forest management
activities designated under this section for a categorical
exclusion are forest management activities described in
paragraph (2) that are carried out by the Secretary concerned
on National Forest System lands or public lands where the
primary purpose of such activity is to improve or restore
such lands or reduce the risk of wildfire on those lands.
(2) Activities authorized.--The following forest management
activities may be carried out pursuant to the categorical
exclusion established under subsection (a):
(A) Removal of juniper trees, medusahead rye, conifer
trees, pinon pine trees, cheatgrass, and other noxious or
invasive weeds specified on Federal or State noxious weeds
lists through late-season livestock grazing, targeted
livestock grazing, prescribed burns, and mechanical
treatments.
(B) Performance of hazardous fuels management.
(C) Creation of fuel and fire breaks.
(D) Modification of existing fences in order to distribute
livestock and help improve wildlife habitat.
(E) Stream restoration and erosion control, including the
installation of erosion control devices.
(F) Construction of new and maintenance of permanent
infrastructure, including stock ponds, water catchments, and
water spring boxes used to benefit livestock and improve
wildlife habitat.
(G) Performance of soil treatments, native and non-native
seeding, and planting of and transplanting sagebrush, grass,
forb, shrub, and other species.
(H) Use of herbicides, so long as the Secretary concerned
determines that the activity is otherwise conducted
consistently with agency procedures, including any forest
plan applicable to the area covered by the activity.
(c) Availability of Categorical Exclusion.--On and after
the date of the enactment
[[Page H4110]]
of this Act, the Secretary concerned may use the categorical
exclusion established under subsection (a) in accordance with
this section.
(d) Acreage Limitations.--A forest management activity
covered by the categorical exclusion established under
subsection (a) may not contain treatment units exceeding a
total of 6,000 acres.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Hazardous fuels management.--The term ``hazardous fuels
management'' means any vegetation management activities that
reduce the risk of wildfire.
(2) Late-season grazing.--The term ``late-season grazing''
means grazing activities that occur after both the invasive
species and native perennial species have completed their
current-year annual growth cycle until new plant growth
begins to appear in the following year.
(3) Targeted livestock grazing.--The term ``targeted
livestock grazing'' means grazing used for purposes of
hazardous fuels management.
SEC. 8316. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR FOREST RESTORATION.
(a) Categorical Exclusion Established.--Forest management
activities described in subsection (b) are a category of
actions hereby designated as being categorically excluded
from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an
environmental impact statement under section 102 of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
(b) Forest Management Activities Designated for Categorical
Exclusion.--
(1) Designation.--The category of forest management
activities designated under this section for categorical
exclusion are forest management activities described in
paragraph (2) that are carried out by the Secretary concerned
on National Forest System lands or public lands where the
primary purpose of such activity is--
(A) to improve forest health and resiliency to
disturbances;
(B) to reduce hazardous fuels; or
(C) to improve wildlife and aquatic habitat.
(2) Activities authorized.--The following forest management
activities may be carried out pursuant the categorical
exclusion established under subsection (a):
(A) Timber harvests, including commercial and pre-
commercial timber harvest, salvage harvest, and regeneration
harvest.
(B) Hazardous fuels reduction.
(C) Prescribed burning.
(D) Improvement or establishment of wildlife and aquatic
habitat.
(E) Stream restoration and erosion control.
(F) Road and trail decommissioning.
(c) Availability of Categorical Exclusion.--On and after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
concerned may use the categorical exclusion established under
subsection (a) in accordance with this section.
(d) Acreage Limitations.--A forest management activity
covered by the categorical exclusion established under
subsection (a) may not contain treatment units exceeding a
total of 6,000 acres.
(e) Limitations on Road Building.--
(1) Permanent roads.--A forest management activity covered
by the categorical exclusion established by subsection (a)
may include--
(A) the construction of permanent roads not to exceed 3
miles; and
(B) the maintenance and reconstruction of existing
permanent roads and trails, including the relocation of
segments of existing roads and trails to address resource
impacts.
(2) Temporary roads.--Any temporary road constructed for a
forest management activity covered by the categorical
exclusion established by subsection (a) shall be
decommissioned not later than 3 years after the date on which
the project is completed.
SEC. 8317. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR INFRASTRUCTURE FOREST
MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES.
(a) Categorical Exclusion Established.--Forest management
activities described in subsection (b) are a category of
actions hereby designated as being categorically excluded
from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an
environmental impact statement under section 102 of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
(b) Forest Management Activities Designated for Categorical
Exclusion.--The category of forest management activities
designated under this section for categorical exclusion are
forest management activities carried out by the Secretary of
Agriculture on National Forest System lands where the primary
purpose of such activity is--
(1) constructing, reconstructing, or decommissioning
National Forest System roads not exceeding 3 miles;
(2) adding an existing road to the forest transportation
system;
(3) reclassifying a National Forest System road at a
different maintenance level;
(4) reconstructing, rehabilitating, or decommissioning
bridges;
(5) removing dams; or
(6) maintaining facilities through the use of pesticides as
authorized by applicable Federal and State law and as applied
in accordance with label instructions.
(c) Availability of Categorical Exclusion.--On and after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Agriculture may use the categorical exclusion established
under subsection (a) in accordance with this section.
SEC. 8318. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR DEVELOPED RECREATION
SITES.
(a) Categorical Exclusion Established.--Forest management
activities described in subsection (b) are a category of
actions hereby designated as being categorically excluded
from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an
environmental impact statement under section 102 of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
(b) Forest Management Activities Designated for Categorical
Exclusion.--
(1) Designation.--The category of forest management
activities designated under this section for a categorical
exclusion are forest management activities described in
paragraph (2) carried out by the Secretary of Agriculture on
National Forest System lands where the primary purpose of
such activity is to operate, maintain, modify, reconstruct,
or decommission existing developed recreation sites.
(2) Activities authorized.--The following forest management
activities may be carried out pursuant to the categorical
exclusion under subsection (a):
(A) Constructing, modifying, or reconstructing toilet or
shower facilities.
(B) Constructing, modifying, or reconstructing fishing
piers, wildlife viewing platforms, docks, or other
constructed recreation sites or facilities.
(C) Constructing, reconstructing, or maintaining, parking
areas, National Forest System roads, or National Forest
System trails within or connecting to recreation sites,
including paving and road and trail rerouting, except that--
(i) permanent roads constructed under this section may not
exceed 3 miles; and
(ii) temporary roads constructed for projects covered by
this section shall be decommissioned within 3 years of
completion of the project.
(D) Modifying or reconstructing existing water or waste
disposal systems.
(E) Constructing, modifying, or reconstructing single or
group use sites.
(F) Decommissioning recreation facilities or portions of
recreation facilities.
(G) Decommissioning National Forest System roads or
National Forest System trails not exceeding 3 miles within or
connecting to developed recreation sites.
(H) Constructing, modifying, or reconstructing boat
landings.
(I) Reconstructing existing ski lifts.
(K) Modifying or reconstructing a recreation lodging
rental.
(c) Availability of Categorical Exclusion.--On and after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Agriculture may use the categorical exclusion established
under subsection (a) in accordance with this section.
SEC. 8319. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SITES.
(a) Categorical Exclusion Established.--Forest management
activities described in subsection (b) are a category of
actions hereby designated as being categorically excluded
from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an
environmental impact statement under section 102 of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
(b) Forest Management Activities Designated for Categorical
Exclusion.--The category of forest management activities
designated under this section for a categorical exclusion are
forest management activities carried out by the Secretary of
Agriculture on National Forest System lands where the primary
purpose of such activity is to construct, reconstruct,
maintain, decommission, relocate, or dispose of an
administrative site.
(c) Availability of Categorical Exclusion.--On and after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Agriculture may use the categorical exclusion established
under subsection (a) in accordance with this section.
(d) Limitations.--
(1) Permanent roads.--A project covered by the categorical
exclusion established by subsection (a) may include--
(A) the construction of permanent roads not to exceed 3
miles; and
(B) the maintenance and reconstruction of existing
permanent roads and trails, including the relocation of
segments of existing roads and trails to address resource
impacts.
(2) Temporary roads.--Any temporary road constructed for a
project covered by the categorical exclusion established by
subsection (a) shall be decommissioned not later than 3 years
after the date on which the project is completed.
(3) Pesticides.--Pesticides may only be used to carry out a
project covered by the categorical exclusion established by
subsection (a) as authorized by applicable Federal and State
law and as applied in accordance with label instructions.
(e) Definition of Administrative Site.--In this section,
the term ``administrative site'' has the meaning given the
term in section 502(1) of the Forest Service Facility
Realignment and Enhancement Act of 2005 (16 U.S.C. 580d
note).
SEC. 8320. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR SPECIAL USE
AUTHORIZATIONS.
(a) Categorical Exclusion Established.--Forest management
activities described in subsection (b) are a category of
actions hereby designated as being categorically excluded
from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an
environmental impact statement under section 102 of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
(b) Forest Management Activities Designated for Categorical
Exclusion.--The category of forest management activities
designated under this section for a categorical exclusion are
forest management activities carried out by the Secretary of
Agriculture on National Forest System lands where the primary
purpose of such activity is:
(1) Issuance of a new special use authorization for an
existing or expired special use authorization, without any
substantial change in the scope and scale of the authorized
use and occupancy when--
(A) the issuance is a purely ministerial action to account
for administrative changes, such as a change in ownership or
expiration of the current authorization; and
(B) the applicant or holder is in compliance with the terms
and conditions of the existing or expired special use
authorization.
[[Page H4111]]
(2) Modification, removal, repair, maintenance,
reconstruction, or replacement of a facility or improvement
for an existing special use authorization.
(3) Issuance of a new special use authorization or
amendment to an existing special use authorization for
activities that will occur on existing roads, trails,
facilities, or areas approved for use in a land management
plan or other documented decision.
(4) Approval, modification, or continuation of minor,
short-term (5 years or less) special uses of National Forest
System lands or public lands.
(5) Issuance of a special use authorization for an existing
unauthorized use or occupancy that has not been deemed in
trespass where no new ground disturbance is proposed.
(6) Approval or modification of minor special uses of
National Forest System lands or public lands that require
less than 20 contiguous acres.
(7) Approval of vegetative management plans, and vegetation
management activities in accordance with an approved
vegetation management plan, under a special use authorization
for an electric transmission and distribution facility right-
of-way.
(c) Availability of Exclusion.--On and after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture may
use the categorical exclusion established under subsection
(a) in accordance with this section.
(d) Document Requirements.--The Secretary of Agriculture
shall not be required to prepare a project file or decision
memorandum to categorically exclude a forest management
activity described under paragraphs (1) through (4) of
subsection (b).
SEC. 8321. CLARIFICATION OF EXISTING CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION
AUTHORITY RELATED TO INSECT AND DISEASE
INFESTATION.
Section 603(c)(2)(B) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act
of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591b(c)(2)(B)) is amended by striking
``Fire Regime Groups I, II, or III'' and inserting ``Fire
Regime I, Fire Regime II, Fire Regime III, Fire Regime IV, or
Fire Regime V''.
PART III--MISCELLANEOUS FOREST MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
SEC. 8331. GOOD NEIGHBOR AGREEMENTS.
Section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C.
2113a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``Secretary or a
Governor'' and inserting ``Secretary, Governor, or Indian
Tribe'';
(B) in paragraph (4) by striking ``Secretary and a
Governor'' and inserting ``Secretary and either a Governor or
an Indian Tribe'';
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) as
paragraphs (7), (8), and (9), respectively; and
(D) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new
paragraph:
``(6) 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.
5304));''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``or an Indian
Tribe'' after ``Governor''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``or an Indian Tribe''
after ``Governor''.
SEC. 8332. PROMOTING CROSS-BOUNDARY WILDFIRE MITIGATION.
Section 103 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
(16 U.S.C. 6513) is amended--
(1) in subsection (d), by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
``(3) Cross-boundary considerations.--For any fiscal year
for which the amount appropriated to the Secretary for
hazardous fuels reduction is in excess of $300,000,000, the
Secretary--
``(A) is encouraged to use the excess amounts for hazardous
fuels reduction projects that incorporate cross-boundary
treatments of landscapes on Federal land and non-Federal
land; and
``(B) may use the excess amounts to support authorized
hazardous fuels reduction projects on non-Federal lands
through grants to State Foresters, or equivalent State
officials, in accordance with subsection (e) in an amount
equal to the greater of--
``(i) 20 percent of the excess amount; and
``(ii) $20,000,000.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(e) Cross-Boundary Fuels Reduction Projects.--
``(1) In general.--To the maximum extent practicable, the
Secretary shall use the excess funds described in subsection
(d)(3) to support hazardous fuels reduction projects that
incorporate treatments for hazardous fuels reduction in
landscapes across ownership boundaries on Federal, State,
county, or Tribal land, private land, and other non-Federal
land, particularly in areas identified as priorities in
applicable State-wide forest resource assessments or
strategies under section 2A(a) of the Cooperative Forestry
Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2101a(a)), as mutually
agreed to by the State Forester and the Regional Forester.
``(2) Land treatments.--To conduct and fund treatments for
projects that include Federal and non-Federal land, the
Secretary may--
``(A) use the authorities of the Secretary relating to
cooperation and technical and financial assistance, including
the good neighbor authority under--
``(i) section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16
U.S.C. 2113a); and
``(ii) section 331 of the Department of the Interior and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 (16 U.S.C. 1011
note; Public Law 106-291); and
``(B) allocate excess funds under subsection (d)(3) for
projects carried out pursuant to section 8206 of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a).
``(3) Cooperation.--In carrying out this subsection, the
State Forester, in consultation with the Secretary (or a
designee)--
``(A) shall consult with the owners of State, county,
Tribal, and private land and other non-Federal land with
respect to hazardous fuels reduction projects; and
``(B) shall not implement any project on non-Federal land
without the consent of the owner of the non-Federal land.
``(4) Existing laws.--Regardless of the individual or
entity implementing a project on non-Federal land under this
subsection, only the laws and regulations that apply to non-
Federal land shall be applicable with respect to the
project.''.
SEC. 8333. REGULATIONS REGARDING DESIGNATION OF DEAD OR DYING
TREES OF CERTAIN TREE SPECIES ON NATIONAL
FOREST SYSTEM LANDS IN CALIFORNIA AS EXEMPT
FROM PROHIBITION ON EXPORT OF UNPROCESSED
TIMBER ORIGINATING FROM FEDERAL LANDS.
(a) Issuance of Regulations.--Consistent with the
rulemaking procedures specified in paragraph (2) of
subsection (b) of section 489 of the Forest Resources
Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C.
620a), the Secretary of Agriculture shall make a
determination under paragraph (1) of such subsection that
unprocessed timber derived from dead or dying trees of a
covered tree species originating on National Forest System
lands in the State of California are surplus to domestic
manufacturing needs and therefore exempt from the export
prohibition contained in subsection (a) of such section.
(b) Elimination of Adverse Effects.--In making the
determination under subsection (a) and in implementing any
regulations issued under such subsection, the Secretary of
Agriculture shall--
(1) consult with representatives of sawmills in the State
of California and other interested persons; and
(2) make reasonable efforts to avoid adversely impacting
the domestic sawmill industry in the State of California.
(c) Special Contract Provisions.--The Secretary of
Agriculture may adjust contract provisions for Forest Service
contracts in region 5 of the National Forest System as the
Secretary considers appropriate to ensure successful
implementation of, and compliance with, the regulations
issued under subsection (a).
(d) Relation to Limitations on Timber Substitution.--
Section 490 of the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage
Relief Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 620b) shall not apply to
unprocessed timber designated as surplus pursuant to the
regulations issued under subsection (a).
(e) Additional Staff for Implementation.--Using funds
otherwise available to the Forest Service for management,
protection, improvement, and utilization of the National
Forest System, the Secretary of Agriculture may hire
additional Forest Service employees to implement the
regulations issued under subsection (a).
(f) Duration of Regulations; Periodic Review.--The
regulations issued under subsection (a) shall remain in
effect for a 10-year period beginning on the date of the
issuance of the regulations, except that the continued need
for the regulations shall be subject to the periodic review
required by the second sentence of section 489(b)(2) of the
Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990
(16 U.S.C. 620a(b)(2)).
(g) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered tree species.--The term ``covered tree
species'' means the following pine species:
(A) Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa).
(B) Sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana).
(C) Jeffrey pine (Pinus jefferyi).
(D) Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta).
(2) Died or dying.--The term ``died or dying'', with
respect to a covered tree species, shall be determined in a
manner consistent with applicable Forest Service standards.
Subtitle D--Tribal Forestry Participation and Protection
SEC. 8401. PROTECTION OF TRIBAL FOREST ASSETS THROUGH USE OF
STEWARDSHIP END RESULT CONTRACTING AND OTHER
AUTHORITIES.
(a) Prompt Consideration of Tribal Requests.--Section 2(b)
of the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 (25 U.S.C.
3115a(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Not later than 120 days
after the date on which an Indian tribe submits to the
Secretary'' and inserting ``In response to the submission by
an Indian Tribe of''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) Time periods for consideration.--
``(A) Initial response.--Not later than 120 days after the
date on which the Secretary receives a Tribal request under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide an initial
response to the Indian Tribe regarding--
``(i) whether the request may meet the selection criteria
described in subsection (c); and
``(ii) the likelihood of the Secretary entering into an
agreement or contract with the Indian Tribe under paragraph
(2) for activities described in paragraph (3).
``(B) Notice of denial.--Notice under subsection (d) of the
denial of a Tribal request under paragraph (1) shall be
provided not later than 1 year after the date on which the
Secretary received the request.
``(C) Completion.--Not later than 2 years after the date on
which the Secretary receives a Tribal request under paragraph
(1), other than a Tribal request denied under subsection (d),
the Secretary shall--
``(i) complete all environmental reviews necessary in
connection with the agreement or contract and proposed
activities under the agreement or contract; and
[[Page H4112]]
``(ii) enter into the agreement or contract with the Indian
Tribe under paragraph (2).''.
(b) Conforming and Technical Amendments.--Section 2 of the
Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 (25 U.S.C. 3115a) is
amended--
(1) in subsections (b)(1) and (f)(1), by striking ``section
347 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 1999 (16 U.S.C. 2104 note; Public Law
105-277) (as amended by section 323 of the Department of the
Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2003 (117
Stat. 275))'' and inserting ``section 604 of the Healthy
Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591c)''; and
(2) in subsection (d), by striking ``subsection (b)(1), the
Secretary may'' and inserting ``paragraphs (1) and (4)(B) of
subsection (b), the Secretary shall''.
SEC. 8402. TRIBAL FOREST MANAGEMENT DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.
The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of
Agriculture may carry out demonstration projects by which
federally recognized Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations
may contract to perform administrative, management, and other
functions of programs of the Tribal Forest Protection Act of
2004 (25 U.S.C. 3115a et seq.) through contracts entered into
under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
Act (25 U.S.C. 5304 et seq.).
Subtitle E--Other Matters
SEC. 8501. CLARIFICATION OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
FOR WOOD BUILDING CONSTRUCTION.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct performance-
driven research and development, education, and technical
assistance for the purpose of facilitating the use of
innovative wood products in wood building construction in the
United States.
(b) Activities.--In carrying out subsection (a), the
Secretary shall--
(1) after receipt of input and guidance from, and
collaboration with, the wood products industry, conservation
organizations, and institutions of higher education, conduct
research and development, education, and technical assistance
that meets measurable performance goals for the achievement
of the priorities described in subsection (c); and
(2) after coordination and collaboration with the wood
products industry and conservation organizations, make
competitive grants to institutions of higher education to
conduct research and development, education, and technical
assistance that meets measurable performance goals for the
achievement of the priorities described in subsection (c).
(c) Priorities.--The research and development, education,
and technical assistance conducted under subsection (a) shall
give priority to--
(1) ways to improve the commercialization of innovative
wood products;
(2) analyzing the safety of tall wood building materials;
(3) calculations by the Secretary of the life cycle
environmental footprint, from extraction of raw materials
through the manufacturing process, of tall wood building
construction;
(4) analyzing methods to reduce the life cycle
environmental footprint of tall wood building construction;
(5) analyzing the potential implications of the use of
innovative wood products in building construction on
wildlife; and
(6) one or more other research areas identified by the
Secretary, in consultation with conservation organizations,
institutions of higher education, and the wood products
industry.
(d) Timeframe.--To the maximum extent practicable, the
measurable performance goals for the research and
development, education, and technical assistance conducted
under subsection (a) shall be achievable within a 5-year
period.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Innovative wood product.--The term ``innovative wood
product'' means a type of building component or system that
uses large panelized wood construction, including mass
timber.
(2) Mass timber.--The term ``mass timber'' includes--
(A) cross-laminated timber;
(B) nail-laminated timber;
(C) glue-laminated timber;
(D) laminated strand lumber; and
(E) laminated veneer lumber.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture, acting through the Research and Development
deputy area and the State and Private Forestry deputy area of
the Forest Service.
(4) Tall wood building.--The term ``tall wood building''
means a building designed to be--
(A) constructed with mass timber; and
(B) more than 85 feet in height.
SEC. 8502. UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE RIGHTS-OF-WAY VEGETATION
MANAGEMENT PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) Pilot Program Required.--To encourage owners or
operators of rights-of-way on National Forest System land to
partner with the Forest Service to voluntarily perform
vegetation management on a proactive basis to better protect
utility infrastructure from potential passing wildfires, the
Secretary shall conduct a limited, voluntary pilot program,
in the manner described in this section, to permit vegetation
management projects on National Forest System land adjacent
to or near such rights-of-way.
(b) Eligible Participants.--A participant in the pilot
program must have a right-of-way on National Forest System
land. In selecting participants, the Secretary shall give
priority to holders of a right-of-way who have worked with
Forest Service fire scientists and used technologies, such as
Light Detection and Ranging surveys, to improve utility
infrastructure protection prescriptions.
(c) Project Elements.--A vegetation management project
under the pilot program involves limited and selective
vegetation management activities, which--
(1) shall create the least amount of disturbance reasonably
necessary to protect utility infrastructure from passing
wildfires based on applicable models, including Forest
Service fuel models;
(2) may include thinning, fuel reduction, creation and
treatment of shaded fuel breaks, and other measures as
appropriate;
(3) shall only take place adjacent to the participant's
right-of-way or within 75 feet of the participant's right-of-
way;
(4) shall not take place in any designated wilderness area,
wilderness study area, or inventoried roadless area; and
(5) shall be subject to approval by the Forest Service in
accordance with this section.
(d) Project Costs.--A participant in the pilot program
shall be responsible for all costs, as determined by the
Secretary, incurred in participating in the pilot program,
unless the Secretary determines that it is in the public
interest for the Forest Service to contribute funds for a
vegetation management project conducted under the pilot
program.
(e) Liability.--
(1) In general.--Participation in the pilot program does
not affect any existing legal obligations or liability
standards that--
(A) arise under the right-of-way for activities in the
right-of-way; or
(B) apply to fires resulting from causes other than
activities conducted pursuant to an approved vegetation
management project.
(2) Project work.--A participant shall not be liable to the
United States for damage proximately caused by activities
conducted pursuant to an approved vegetation management
project unless--
(A) such activities were carried out in a manner that was
grossly negligent or that violated criminal law; or
(B) the damage was caused by the failure of the participant
to comply with specific safety requirements expressly imposed
by the Forest Service as a condition of participating in the
pilot program.
(f) Implementation.--The Secretary shall utilize existing
laws and regulations in the conduct of the pilot program and,
in order to implement the pilot program in an efficient and
expeditious manner, may waive or modify specific provisions
of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, including
modifications to allow for formation of contracts or
agreements on a noncompetitive basis.
(g) Treatment of Proceeds.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the Secretary may--
(1) retain any funds provided to the Forest Service by a
participant in the pilot program; and
(2) use such funds, in such amounts as may be appropriated,
in the conduct of the pilot program.
(h) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) National forest system land.--The term ``National
Forest System land'' means land within the National Forest
System, as defined in section 11(a) of the Forest and
Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C.
1609(a)) exclusive of the National Grasslands and land
utilization projects designated as National Grasslands
administered pursuant to the Act of July 22, 1937 (7 U.S.C.
1010-1012).
(2) Passing wildfire.--The term ``passing wildfire'' means
a wildfire that originates outside the right-of-way.
(3) Right-of-way.--The term ``right-of-way'' means a
special use authorization issued by the Forest Service
allowing the placement of utility infrastructure.
(4) Utility infrastructure.--The term ``utility
infrastructure'' means electric transmission lines, natural
gas infrastructure, or related structures.
(i) Duration.--The authority to conduct the pilot program,
and any vegetation management project under the pilot
program, expires December 21, 2027.
(j) Report to Congress.--Not later than December 31, 2019,
and every two years thereafter, the Secretary shall issue a
report to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of
the Senate, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry of the Senate, the Committee on Natural Resources of
the House of Representatives, and the Committee on
Agriculture of the House of Representatives on the status of
the program and any projects established under this section.
SEC. 8503. REVISION OF EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES
REGULATIONS.
(a) Determinations of Extraordinary Circumstances.--In
determining whether extraordinary circumstances related to a
proposed action preclude use of a categorical exclusion, the
Forest Service shall not be required to--
(1) consider whether a proposed action is within a
potential wilderness area;
(2) consider whether a proposed action affects a Forest
Service sensitive species;
(3) conduct an analysis under section 220.4(f) of title 36,
Code of Federal Regulations, of the proposed action's
cumulative impact (as the term is defined in section 1508.7
of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations);
(4) consider a determination under section 7 of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536) that a
proposed action may affect, but is not likely to adversely
affect, threatened, endangered, or candidate species, or
designated critical habitats; or
(5) consider a determination under section 7 of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536) that a
proposed action may affect, and is likely to adversely affect
threatened, endangered, candidate species, or designated
critical habitat if the agency is in compliance with the
applicable provisions of the biological opinion.
[[Page H4113]]
(b) Proposed Rulemaking.--Not later than 60 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Agriculture shall publish a notice of proposed rulemaking to
revise section 220.6(b) of title 36, Code of Federal
Regulations to conform such section with subsection (a).
(c) Additional Revision.--As part of the proposed
rulemaking described in subsection (b), the Secretary of
Agriculture shall revise section 220.5(a)(2) of title 36,
Code of Federal Regulations, to provide that the Forest
Service shall not be required to consider proposals that
would substantially alter a potential wilderness area as a
class of actions normally requiring environmental impact
statements.
(d) Additional Actions.--Not later than 120 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Agriculture shall issue final regulations to carry out the
revisions described in subsections (b) and (c).
SEC. 8504. NO LOSS OF FUNDS FOR WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION.
Nothing in this title or the amendments made by this title
may be construed to limit from the availability of funds or
other resources for wildfire suppression.
SEC. 8505. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
(a) Wildfire Suppression Funding and Forest Management
Activities Act.--
(1) In general.--The Wildfire Suppression Funding and
Forest Management Activities Act (Public Law 115-141) is
amended--
(A) in section 102(a)(2), by striking ``the date of
enactment'' and inserting ``the date of the enactment''; and
(B) in section 401(a)(1), by inserting ``of 2000'' after
``Self-Determination Act''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1)
shall take effect as if enacted as part of the Wildfire
Suppression Funding and Forest Management Activities Act
(Public Law 115-141).
(b) Agricultural Act of 2014.--Section 8206(a) of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)(B)(i)(II), by striking ``Good Neighbor
Authority Improvement Act'' and inserting ``Wildfire
Suppression Funding and Forest Management Activities Act'';
and
(2) in paragraph (7), as redesignated by section 8331, by
striking ``Good Neighbor Authority Improvement Act'' and
inserting ``Wildfire Suppression Funding and Forest
Management Activities Act''.
TITLE IX--HORTICULTURE
Subtitle A--Horticulture Marketing and Information
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 ``2018''
and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 9002. FARMERS' MARKET AND LOCAL FOOD PROMOTION PROGRAM.
Section 6(g) of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act
of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005(g)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``this section'' and all
that follows through ``2018.'' and inserting the following:
``this section--
``(A) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through
2018; and
``(B) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through
2023.'';
(2) by striking paragraph (2); and
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), (5), and (6) as
paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5), respectively.
SEC. 9003. FOOD SAFETY EDUCATION INITIATIVES.
Section 10105(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7655a(c)) is amended by striking ``2018''
and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 9004. 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 ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''; and
(B) by striking ``agriculture solely to enhance the
competitiveness of specialty crops.'' and inserting the
following: ``agriculture to--
``(1) enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops;
``(2) leverage efforts to market and promote specialty
crops;
``(3) assist producers with research and development;
``(4) expand availability and access to specialty crops;
``(5) address local, regional, and national challenges
confronting specialty crop producers; and
``(6) other priorities as determined by the Secretary in
consultation with relevant State departments of
agriculture.'';
(2) in subsection (k), by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
``(3) Evaluation of performance.--The Secretary shall enter
into a cooperative agreement with relevant State departments
of agriculture and specialty crop industry stakeholders that
agree to--
``(A) develop, in consultation with the Secretary,
performance measures to be used as the sole means for
performing an evaluation under subparagraph (B); and
``(B) periodically evaluate the performance of the program
established under this section.''; and
(3) in subsection (l)(2)(E), by striking ``fiscal year
2018'' and inserting ``each of fiscal years 2018 through
2023''.
SEC. 9005. AMENDMENTS TO THE PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION ACT.
(a) Asexually Reproduced Defined.--Section 41(a) of the
Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2401(a)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5),
(6), (7), (8), and (9) as paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), (6),
(7), (8), (9), and (10), respectively; and
(2) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so redesignated,
the following new paragraph:
``(1) Asexually reproduced.--The term `asexually
reproduced' means produced by a method of plant propagation
using vegetative material (other than seed) from a single
parent, including cuttings, grafting, tissue culture, and
propagation by root division.''.
(b) Right to Plant Variety Protection; Plant Varieties
Protectable.--Section 42(a) of the Plant Variety Protection
Act (7 U.S.C. 2402(a)) is amended by striking ``or tuber
propagated'' and inserting ``, tuber propagated, or asexually
reproduced''.
(c) Infringement of Plant Variety Protection.--Section
111(a)(3) of the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C.
2541(a)(3)) is amended by inserting ``or asexually'' after
``sexually''.
(d) False Marketing; Cease and Desist Orders.--Section
128(a) of the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2568(a))
is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
inserting ``or asexually'' after ``sexually''.
SEC. 9006. ORGANIC PROGRAMS.
(a) Additional Accreditation Authority.--Section 2115 of
the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6514) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new
subsection:
``(c) Satellite Offices and Overseas Operations.--The
Secretary--
``(1) has oversight and approval authority with respect to
a certifying agent accredited under this section who is
operating as a certifying agent in a foreign country for the
purpose of certifying a farm or handling operation in such
foreign country as a certified organic farm or handling
operation; and
``(2) shall require that each certifying agent that intends
to operate in any foreign country as described in paragraph
(1) is authorized by the Secretary to so operate on an annual
basis.''.
(b) National List of Approved and Prohibited Substances for
Organic Farming or Handling Operations.--Section 2119(n) of
the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6518(n))
is amended to read as follows:
``(n) Petitions.--
``(1) In general.--The Board shall establish procedures
under which persons may petition the Board for the purpose of
evaluating substances for inclusion on the National List.
``(2) Expedited review.--The Secretary shall develop
procedures under which the review of a petition referred to
in paragraph (1) may be expedited if the petition seeks to
include on the National List a postharvest handling substance
that is related to food safety or a class of such substances.
``(3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in paragraph (2) shall
be construed as providing that section 2118(d) does not apply
with respect to the inclusion of a substance on the National
List pursuant to such paragraph.''.
(c) Certain Employees Eligible to Serve as National
Organics Standards Board Members.--Section 2119(b) of the
Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6518(b)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, or employees of such
individuals'' after ``operation'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, or employees of such
individuals'' after ``operation''; and
(3) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, or an employee of
such individual'' after ``products''.
(d) National Organic Standards Board Consultation
Requirements.--Section 2119(l) of the Organic Foods
Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6518(l)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``; and'' at the end and
inserting a semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking ``and the evaluation of the technical
advisory panel'' and inserting ``, the evaluation of the
technical advisory panel, and the determinations of the task
force required under paragraph (4)''; and
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) in the case of a substance not included in the
National List that the Commissioner of Food and Drugs has
determined to be safe for use within the meaning of section
201(s) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C.
321(s)) or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency has determined there is a reasonable certainty that no
harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide
chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary exposures
and all other exposures for which there is reliable
information, convene a task force to consult with the
Commissioner or Administrator (or the designees thereof), as
applicable, to determine if such substance should be included
in the National List.''.
(e) Recordkeeping, Investigation, and Enforcement.--
(1) Collaborative investigations and enforcement.--Section
2120 of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
6519) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(d) Collaborative Investigations and Enforcement.--
``(1) Information sharing during active investigation.--In
carrying out this title, all parties to an active
investigation (including certifying agents, State organic
certification programs, and the national organic program) may
share confidential business information with Federal and
State government officers and employees and certifying agents
involved in the investigation as necessary to fully
investigate and enforce potential violations of this title.
[[Page H4114]]
``(2) Access to data documentation systems.--The Secretary
shall have access to available data from cross-border
documentation systems administered by other Federal agencies,
including--
``(A) the Automated Commercial Environment system of U.S.
Customs and Border Protection; and
``(B) the Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance and Tracking
system of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
``(3) Additional documentation and verification.--The
Secretary, acting through the Deputy Administrator of the
national organic program under this title, has the authority,
and shall grant an accredited certifying agent the authority,
to require producers and handlers to provide additional
documentation or verification before granting certification
under section 2104, in the case of a known area of risk or
when there is a specific area of concern, with respect to
meeting the national standards for organic production
established under section 2105, as determined by the
Secretary or the certifying agent.''.
(2) Modification of regulations on exclusions from
certification.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall
issue regulations to limit the type of operations that are
excluded from certification under section 205.101 of title 7,
Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
(f) Reporting Requirement.--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) Reporting Requirement.--Not later than March 1, 2019,
and annually thereafter through March 1, 2023, the Secretary
shall submit to Congress a report describing national organic
program activities with respect to all domestic and overseas
investigations and compliance actions taken pursuant to this
title during the preceding year.''.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations for National Organic
Program.--Subsection (b) of section 2123 of the Organic Foods
Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6522) is amended to read as
follows:
``(b) National Organic Program.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, in order to carry out activities under the
national organic program established under this title, there
are authorized to be appropriated--
``(1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2018;
``(2) $16,500,000 for fiscal year 2019;
``(3) $18,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;
``(4) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
``(5) $22,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
``(6) $24,000,000 for fiscal year 2023.''.
(h) International Trade Technology Systems and Data
Collection.--Subsection (c) of section 2123 of the Organic
Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6522) is amended to
read as follows:
``(c) Modernization and Improvement of International Trade
Technology Systems and Data Collection.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall modernize
international trade tracking and data collection systems of
the national organic program.
``(2) Activities.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall modernize trade and transaction certificates
to ensure full traceability without unduly hindering trade,
such as through an electronic trade document exchange system.
``(3) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit
Corporation, the Secretary shall make available $5,000,000
for fiscal year 2019 for the purposes of--
``(A) carrying out this subsection; and
``(B) maintaining the database and technology upgrades
previously carried out under this subsection, as in effect on
the day before the date of the enactment of the Agriculture
and Nutrition Act of 2018.
``(4) Availability.--The amounts made available under
paragraph (3) are in addition to any other funds made
available for the purposes specified in such paragraph and
shall remain available until expended.''.
(i) Organic Production and Market Data Initiatives.--
Section 7407(d) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 5925c(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the
following new paragraph:
``(1) Mandatory funding for fiscal year 2019.--Of the funds
of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use
to carry out this section $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2019, to
remain available until expended.'';
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking ``paragraphs (1) and (2)'' and inserting
``paragraph (1)''; and
(B) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''; and
(3) by redesignating paragraph (3), as so amended, as
paragraph (2).
Subtitle B--Regulatory Reform
PART I--STATE LEAD AGENCIES UNDER FEDERAL INSECTICIDE, FUNGICIDE, AND
RODENTICIDE ACT
SEC. 9101. RECOGNITION AND ROLE OF STATE LEAD AGENCIES.
(a) State Lead Agency Defined.--Section 2(aa) of the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C.
136(aa)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``(aa) State.--The term'' and inserting the
following:
``(aa) State; State Lead Agency.--
``(1) State.--The term''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) State lead agency.--The term `State lead agency'
means a statewide department, agency, board, bureau, or other
entity in a State that is authorized to regulate, in a manner
consistent with section 24(a), the sale or use of any
federally registered pesticide or device in such State.''.
(b) Uniform Regulation of Pesticides.--
(1) Cooperation with and role of state lead agency.--
Section 22(b) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136t(b)) is amended by inserting
before the period at the end the following: ``promulgated by
the Administrator or, when authorized pursuant to a
cooperative agreement entered into under section 23(a)(1), by
a State lead agency for a State''.
(2) Authority to establish and maintain uniform
regulations.--Section 23(a)(1) of the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136u(a)(1)) is
amended by inserting after ``enforcement of this Act,'' the
following: ``to authorize the State or Indian Tribe to
establish and maintain uniform regulation of pesticides
within the State or for the Indian Tribe,''.
(3) Condition on more restrictive regulation.--Section
24(a) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act (7 U.S.C. 136v(a)) is amended by striking ``A State may''
and inserting ``A State, but not a political subdivision of a
State, may''.
(c) Role of State Lead Agencies in Promulgation of
Regulations.--Section 25(a)(2) of the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136w(a)(2)) is
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) in the first sentence, by inserting ``and each State
lead agency'' after ``Agriculture'';
(B) by striking the second sentence and inserting the
following: ``If the Secretary or any State lead agency
comments in writing to the Administrator regarding any such
regulation within 30 days after receiving the copy of the
regulation, the Administrator shall publish in the Federal
Register (with the proposed regulation) all such comments and
the response of the Administrator to the comments.''; and
(C) in the third sentence, by inserting ``or any State lead
agency'' after ``Secretary'';
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) in the first sentence, by inserting ``and each State
lead agency'' after ``Agriculture'';
(B) by striking the second sentence and inserting the
following: ``If the Secretary or any State lead agency
comments in writing to the Administrator regarding any such
regulation within 15 days after receiving the copy of the
regulation, the Administrator shall publish in the Federal
Register (with the final regulation) the comments of the
Secretary or State lead agency, if requested by the Secretary
or State lead agency, and the response of the Administrator
to the comments.''; and
(C) in the third sentence, by inserting ``or any State lead
agency'' after ``Secretary''; and
(3) in subparagraph (C), by inserting before the period at
the end the following: ``, in consultation with the State
lead agencies''.
PART II--PESTICIDE REGISTRATION AND USE
SEC. 9111. REGISTRATION OF PESTICIDES.
(a) Approval of Registration.--Section 3(c)(5) of the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C.
136a(c)(5)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (D) as
clauses (i) through (iv), respectively and moving the margins
of such clauses (as so redesignated) 2 ems to the right;
(2) by striking ``registration.--The Administrator'' and
inserting the following: ``registration.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator;'';
(3) in clause (iii), as so redesignated, by striking ``;
and'' at the end and inserting a semicolon;
(4) in clause (iv), as so redesignated, by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``; and'';
(5) in the matter following clause (iv), as so
redesignated, by striking ``The Administrator shall not make
any lack'' and all that follows through ``for use of the
pesticide in such State.'';
(6) in subparagraph (A), as amended, by adding at the end
the following new clause:
``(v) when used in accordance with widespread and commonly
recognized practice it is not likely to jeopardize the
survival of a federally listed threatened or endangered
species or directly or indirectly alter, in a manner that is
likely to appreciably diminish its value, critical habitat
for both the survival and recovery of such species.''; and
(7) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
``(B) Principles to be applied to certain determinations.--
In determining whether the condition specified in
subparagraph (A)(v) is met, the Administrator shall take into
account the best scientific and commercial information and
data available, and shall consider all directions for use and
restrictions on use specified by the registration. In making
such determination, the Administrator shall use an economical
and effective screening process that includes higher-tiered
probabilistic ecological risk assessments, as appropriate.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator
shall not be required to consult or otherwise communicate
with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of
Commerce except to the extent specified in subparagraphs (C)
and (D).
``(C) Species information and data.--
``(i) Request.--Not later than 30 days after the
Administrator begins any determination under subparagraph
(A)(v) with respect to the registration of a pesticide, the
Administrator shall request that the Secretary of the
Interior and the Secretary of Commerce transmit, with respect
to any federally listed threatened and endangered species
involved in such determination, the Secretaries' best
available and authoritative information and data on--
``(I) the location, life history, habitat needs,
distribution, threats, population trends and conservation
needs of such species; and
[[Page H4115]]
``(II) relevant physical and biological features of
designated critical habitat for such species.
``(ii) Transmission of data.--After receiving a request
under clause (i), the Secretary of the Interior and the
Secretary of Commerce shall transmit the information
described in such clause to the Administrator on a timely
basis, unless the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary
of Commerce have made such information available through a
web-based platform that is updated on at least a quarterly
basis.
``(iii) Failure to transmit data.--The failure of the
Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce to
provide information to the Administrator under clause (ii)
shall not constitute grounds for extending any deadline for
action under section 33(f).
``(D) Consultation.--
``(i) In general.--At the request of an applicant, the
Administrator shall request consultation with the Secretary
of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce.
``(ii) Requirements.--With respect to a consultation under
this subparagraph, the Administrator and the Secretary of the
Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall comply with
subpart D of part 402 of title 50, Code of Federal
Regulations (commonly known as the Joint Counterpart
Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation), or successor
regulations.
``(E) Failure to consult.--
``(i) Not actionable.--Notwithstanding any other provision
of law, beginning on the date of the enactment of this
subparagraph, the failure of the Administrator to consult
with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of
Commerce, except as provided by this section, is not
actionable in any Federal court.
``(ii) Remedy.--In any action pending in Federal court on
the date of the enactment of this subparagraph or any action
brought in Federal court after such date, with respect to the
Administrator's failure to consult with the Secretary of the
Interior and the Secretary of Commerce, the sole and
exclusive remedy for any such action, other than as otherwise
specified in this Act, shall be scheduling the determinations
required by section 3(c)(5)(E) for an active ingredient
consistent with the periodic review of registrations
established by this section.
``(F) Essentiality and efficacy.--The Administrator shall
not make any lack of essentiality a criterion for denying
registration of any pesticide. Where two pesticides meet the
requirements of this paragraph, one should not be registered
in preference to the other. In considering an application for
the registration of a pesticide, the Administrator may waive
data requirements pertaining to efficacy, in which event the
Administrator may register the pesticide without determining
that the pesticide's composition is such as to warrant
proposed claims of efficacy. If a pesticide is found to be
efficacious by any State under section 24(c), a presumption
is established that the Administrator shall waive data
requirements pertaining to efficacy for use of the pesticide
in such State.''.
(b) Registration Under Special Circumstances.--Section
3(c)(7) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a(c)(7)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by inserting ``and when used in accordance with
widespread and commonly recognized practice, it is not likely
to jeopardize the survival of a federally listed threatened
or endangered species or appreciably diminish the value of
critical habitat for both the survival and recovery of the
listed species,'' after ``or differ only in ways that would
not significantly increase the risk of unreasonable adverse
effects on the environment,''; and
(B) by inserting ``and it is not likely to jeopardize the
survival of a federally listed threatened or endangered
species or appreciably diminish the value of critical habitat
for both the survival and recovery of the listed species''
before ``. An applicant seeking conditional registration'';
and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``and it is not
likely to jeopardize the survival of a federally listed
threatened or endangered species or directly or indirectly
appreciably diminish the value of critical habitat for both
the survival and recovery of the listed species'' before ``.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions''.
(c) Registration Review.--Section 3(g)(1)(A) of the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C.
136a(g)(1)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following
new clause:
``(vi) Ensuring protection of species and habitat.--The
Administrator shall complete the determination required under
subsection (c)(5)(A)(v) for an active ingredient consistent
with the periodic review of registrations under clauses (ii)
and (iii) in accordance with the following schedule:
``(I) With respect to any active ingredient first
registered on or before October 1, 2007, not later than
October 1, 2026.
``(II) With respect to any active ingredient first
registered between October 1, 2007, and the day before the
date of the enactment of this clause, not later than October
1, 2033.
``(III) With respect to any active ingredient first
registered on or after the date of the enactment of this
clause, not later than 48 months after the effective date of
registration.''.
SEC. 9112. EXPERIMENTAL USE PERMITS.
Section 5(a) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136c(a)) is amended by inserting
``and that the issuance of such a permit is not likely to
jeopardize the survival of a federally listed threatened or
endangered species or diminish the value of critical habitat
for both the survival and recovery of the listed species''
after ``section 3 of this Act''.
SEC. 9113. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW; SUSPENSION.
Section 6(b) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136d(b)) is amended by inserting
``or does not meet the criteria specified in section
3(c)(5)(A)(v)'' after ``adverse effects on the environment''.
SEC. 9114. UNLAWFUL ACTS.
Section 12 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136j) is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(c) Lawful Use of Pesticide Resulting in Incidental
Taking of Certain Species.--If the Administrator determines,
with respect to a pesticide that is registered under this
Act, that the pesticide meets the criteria specified in
section 3(c)(5)(A)(v), any taking of a federally listed
threatened or endangered species that is incidental to an
otherwise lawful use of such pesticide pursuant to this Act
shall not be considered unlawful under--
``(1) section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973
(16 U.S.C. 1533(d)); or
``(2) section 9(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of
1973 (16 U.S.C. 1538(a)(1)(B)).''.
SEC. 9115. AUTHORITY OF STATES.
Section 24(c) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136v(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), in the second sentence, by inserting
``and the State registration is not likely to jeopardize the
survival of a federally listed threatened or endangered
species or directly or indirectly alter in a manner that is
likely to appreciably diminish the value of critical habitat
for both the survival and recovery of the listed species''
before the period at the end; and
(2) by striking paragraph (4).
SEC. 9116. REGULATIONS.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency shall publish, and revise thereafter as appropriate, a
work plan and processes for completing the determinations
required by clause (v) of section 3(c)(5)(A) of the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C.
136a(c)(5)(A)), as added by section 9111(a), and implementing
and enforcing standards of registration consistent with such
clause and consistent with registration reviews and other
periodic reviews.
SEC. 9117. 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.''.
SEC. 9118. 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. 9119. ENACTMENT OF PESTICIDE REGISTRATION IMPROVEMENT
ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2017.
H.R. 1029 of the 115th Congress, entitled the ``Pesticide
Registration Improvement Enhancement Act of 2017'', as passed
by the House of Representatives on March 20, 2017, is hereby
enacted into law.
PART III--AMENDMENTS TO THE PLANT PROTECTION ACT
SEC. 9121. METHYL BROMIDE.
Section 419 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7719) is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 419. METHYL BROMIDE.
``(a) Authorization.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), a
State, local, or Tribal authority may authorize the use of
methyl bromide for a qualified use if the authority
determines the use is required to respond to an emergency
event. The Secretary may authorize such a use if the
Secretary determines such a use is required to respond to an
emergency event.
``(2) Notification.--Not later than 5 days after the date
on which a State, local, or Tribal authority makes the
determination described in paragraph (1), the State, local,
or Tribal authority intending to authorize the use of methyl
bromide for a qualified use shall submit to the Secretary a
notification that contains the information described in
subsection (b).
[[Page H4116]]
``(3) Objection.--A State, local, or Tribal authority may
not authorize the use of methyl bromide under paragraph (1)
if the Secretary objects to such use under subsection (c)
within the 5-day period specified in such subsection.
``(b) Notification Contents.--A notification submitted
under subsection (a)(2) by a State, local, or Tribal
authority shall contain--
``(1) a certification that the State, local, or Tribal
authority requires the use of methyl bromide to respond to an
emergency event;
``(2) a description of the emergency event and the economic
loss that would result from such emergency event;
``(3) the identity and contact information for the
responsible individual of the authority; and
``(4) with respect to the qualified use of methyl bromide
that is the subject of the notification--
``(A) the specific location in which the methyl bromide is
to be used and the total acreage of such location;
``(B) the identity of the pest or pests to be controlled by
such use;
``(C) the total volume of methyl bromide to be used; and
``(D) the anticipated date of such use.
``(c) Objection.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, not later than 5 days
after the receipt of a notification submitted under
subsection (a)(2), may object to the authorization of the use
of methyl bromide under such subsection by a State, local, or
Tribal authority by sending the State, local, or Tribal
authority a notification in writing of such objection that--
``(A) states the reasons for such objection; and
``(B) specifies any additional information that the
Secretary would require to withdraw the objection.
``(2) Reasons for objection.--The Secretary may object to
an authorization described in paragraph (1) if the Secretary
determines that--
``(A) the notification submitted under subsection (a)(2)
does not--
``(i) contain all of the information specified in
paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (b); or
``(ii) demonstrate the existence of an emergency event; or
``(B) the qualified use specified in the notification does
not comply with the limitations specified in subsection (e).
``(3) Withdrawal of objection.--The Secretary shall
withdraw an objection under this subsection if--
``(A) not later than 14 days after the date on which the
Secretary sends the notification under paragraph (1) to the
State, local, or Tribal authority involved, the State, local,
or Tribal authority submits to the Secretary the additional
information specified in such notification; and
``(B) such additional information is submitted to the
satisfaction of the Secretary.
``(4) Effect of withdrawal.--Upon the issuance of a
withdrawal under paragraph (3), the State, local, or Tribal
authority involved may authorize the use of methyl bromide
for the qualified use specified in the notification submitted
under subsection (a)(2).
``(d) Use for Emergency Events Consistent With FIFRA.--The
production, distribution, sale, shipment, application, or use
of a pesticide product containing methyl bromide in
accordance with an authorization for a use under subsection
(a) shall be deemed an authorized production, distribution,
sale, shipment, application, or use of such product under the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act,
regardless of whether the intended use is registered and
included in the label approved for the product by the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under
such Act.
``(e) Limitations on Use.--
``(1) Limitations on use per emergency event.--The amount
of methyl bromide that may be used per emergency event at a
specific location shall not exceed 20 metric tons.
``(2) Limits on aggregate amount.--The aggregate amount of
methyl bromide allowed pursuant to this section for use in
the United States in a calendar year shall not exceed the
total amount authorized by the Parties to the Montreal
Protocol pursuant to the Montreal Protocol process for
critical uses in the United States in calendar year 2011.
``(f) Ensuring Adequate Supply of Methyl Bromide.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, it shall not be
unlawful for any person or entity to produce or import methyl
bromide, or otherwise supply methyl bromide from inventories
(produced or imported pursuant to the Clean Air Act for other
purposes) in response to an emergency event in accordance
with subsection (a).
``(g) Exclusive Authority of the Secretary.--Nothing in
this section shall be construed to alter or modify the
authority of the Secretary to use methyl bromide for
quarantine and pre-shipment, without limitation, under the
Clean Air Act.
``(h) Definitions.--
``(1) Emergency event.--The term `emergency event' means a
situation--
``(A) that occurs at a location on which a plant or
commodity is grown or produced or a facility providing for
the storage of, or other services with respect to, a plant or
commodity;
``(B) for which the lack of availability of methyl bromide
for a particular use would result in significant economic
loss to the owner, lessee, or operator of such a location or
facility or the owner, grower, or purchaser of such a plant
or commodity; and
``(C) that, in light of the specific agricultural,
meteorological, or other conditions presented, requires the
use of methyl bromide to control a pest or disease in such
location or facility because there are no technically or
economically feasible alternatives to methyl bromide easily
accessible by an entity referred to in subparagraph (B) at
the time and location of the event that--
``(i) are registered under the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.) for the
intended use or pest to be so controlled; and
``(ii) would adequately control the pest or disease
presented at such location or facility.
``(2) Pest.--The term `pest' has the meaning given such
term in section 2 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136).
``(3) Qualified use.--The term `qualified use' means, with
respect to methyl bromide, a methyl bromide treatment or
application in an amount not to exceed the limitations
specified in subsection (e) in response to an emergency
event.''.
PART IV--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS
SEC. 9131. DEFINITION OF RETAIL FACILITIES.
Not later than 180 days of the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Labor shall revise the process safety
management of highly hazardous chemicals standard under
section 1910.119 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations,
promulgated pursuant to section 6 of the Occupational Safety
and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 655), to provide that the
definition of the term ``retail facility'', when used with
respect to a facility that provides direct sales of highly
hazardous chemicals to end users or consumers (including
farmers or ranchers), means a facility that is exempt from
such standard because such facility has obtained more than
half of its income during the most recent 12-month period
from such direct sales.
Subtitle C--Other Matters
SEC. 9201. REPORT ON REGULATION OF PLANT BIOSTIMULANTS.
(a) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to
the President and Congress that identifies potential
regulatory and legislative reforms to ensure the expeditious
and appropriate review, approval, uniform national labeling,
and availability of plant biostimulant products to
agricultural producers.
(b) Consultation.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
prepare the report required by subsection (a) in consultation
with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency, the several States, industry stakeholders, and such
other stakeholders as the Secretary determines necessary.
(c) Plant Biostimulant Defined.--In this section, the term
``plant biostimulant'' means a substance or micro-organism
that, when applied to seeds, plants, or the rhizosphere,
stimulates natural processes to enhance or benefit nutrient
uptake, nutrient efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, or
crop quality and yield.
SEC. 9202. PECAN MARKETING ORDERS.
Section 8e(a) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act, reenacted
with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act
of 1937 (7 U.S.C. 608e-1(a)), is amended in the first
sentence, by inserting ``pecans,'' after ``walnuts,''.
SEC. 9203. REPORT ON HONEY AND MAPLE SYRUP.
Not later than 60 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 examining the effect of the final rule
entitled ``Food Labeling: Revision of the Nutrition and
Supplement Facts Labels'', published in the Federal Register
by the Department of Agriculture on May 27, 2016 (81 Fed.
Reg. 33742), (providing for updates to the nutrition facts
panel on the labeling of packaged food) has on consumer
perception regarding the ``added sugar'' statement required
to be included on such panel by such final rule with respect
to packaged food in which no sugar is added during
processing, including pure honey and maple syrup.
TITLE X--CROP INSURANCE
SEC. 10001. TREATMENT OF FORAGE AND GRAZING.
(a) Availability of Catastrophic Risk Protection for Crops
and Grasses Used for Grazing.--Section 508(b)(1) of the
Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(b)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), the'' and inserting ``The''; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (B).
(b) Limitation on Multiple Benefits for Same Loss.--Section
508(n)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1508(n)(2)) is amended by inserting before the period the
following: ``or to coverage described in section 508D''.
(c) Coverage for Forage and Grazing.--The Federal Crop
Insurance Act is amended by inserting after section 508C (7
U.S.C. 1508C) the following new section:
``SEC. 508D. COVERAGE FOR FORAGE AND GRAZING.
``Notwithstanding section 508A, and in addition to any
other available coverage, for crops that can be both grazed
and mechanically harvested on the same acres during the same
growing season, producers shall be allowed to purchase, and
be independently indemnified on, separate policies for each
intended use, as determined by the Corporation.''.
SEC. 10002. ADMINISTRATIVE BASIC FEE.
Section 508(b)(5)(A) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7
U.S.C. 1508(b)(5)(A)) is amended by striking ``$300'' and
inserting ``$500''.
SEC. 10003. PREVENTION OF DUPLICATIVE COVERAGE.
(a) In General.--Section 508(c)(1) of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(c)(1)) is amended by adding at
the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) Ineligible crops and acres.--Crops for which the
producer has elected under section 1117 of the Agriculture
and Nutrition Act of 2018 to receive agriculture risk
coverage and acres that are enrolled in the stacked income
protection plan under section 508B shall not be eligible
for--
[[Page H4117]]
``(i) coverage based on an area yield and loss basis under
paragraph (3)(A)(ii); or
``(ii) supplemental coverage under paragraph (4)(C).''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 508(c)(4)(C) of the
Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(c)(4)(C)) is
amended--
(1) by striking clause (iv); and
(2) by redesignating clause (v) as clause (iv).
SEC. 10004. REPEAL OF UNUSED AUTHORITY.
(a) In General.--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 Amendments.--Section 508(a)(9)(B) of the
Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(9)(B)) is
amended--
(1) in clause (i), by inserting ``or'' after the semicolon;
(2) by striking clause (ii); and
(3) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (ii).
SEC. 10005. CONTINUED AUTHORITY.
Section 508(g) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1508(g)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(6) Continued authority.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall establish--
``(i) underwriting rules that limit the decrease in the
actual production history of a producer, at the election of
the producer, to not more than 10 percent of the actual
production history of the previous crop year provided that
the production decline was the result of drought, flood,
natural disaster, or other insurable loss (as determined by
the Corporation); and
``(ii) actuarially sound premiums to cover additional risk.
``(B) Other authority.--The authority provided under
subparagraph (A) is in addition to any other authority that
adjusts the actual production history of the producer under
this Act.
``(C) Effect.--Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed
to require a change in the carrying out of any provision of
this Act as the Act was carried out for the 2018 reinsurance
year.''.
SEC. 10006. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION.
Section 516(b)(2)(C)(i) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act
(7 U.S.C. 1516(b)(2)(C)(i)) is amended by striking
``$9,000,000'' and inserting ``$7,000,000''.
SEC. 10007. MAINTENANCE OF POLICIES.
(a) Section 522(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7
U.S.C. 1522(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by amending subparagraph (B) to read
as follows:
``(B) Reimbursement.--
``(i) In general.--An applicant who submits a policy under
section 508(h) shall be eligible for the reimbursement of
reasonable and actual research and development costs directly
related to the policy if the policy is approved by the Board
for sale to producers.
``(ii) Reasonable costs.--For the purpose of reimbursing
research and development and maintenance costs under this
section, costs of the applicant shall be considered
reasonable and actual costs if the costs are based on--
``(I) wage rates equal to 2 times the hourly wage rate plus
benefits, as provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for
the year in which such costs are incurred, calculated using
the formula applied to an applicant by the Corporation in
reviewing proposed project budgets under this section on
October 1, 2016; or
``(II) actual documented costs incurred by the
applicant.''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``approved insurance
provider'' and inserting ``applicant''; and
(B) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``determined by the approved
insurance provider'' and inserting ``determined by the
applicant'';
(ii) by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following
new clauses:
``(ii) Approval.--Subject to clause (iii), the Board shall
approve the amount of a fee determined under clause (i)
unless the Board determines, based on substantial evidence in
the record, that the amount of the fee unnecessarily inhibits
the use of the policy.
``(iii) Consideration.--The Board shall not disapprove a
fee on the basis of--
``(I) a comparison to maintenance fees paid with respect to
the policy; or
``(II) the potential for the fee to result in a financial
gain or loss to the applicant based on the number of policies
sold.''.
(b) Applicability.--
(1) In general.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to reimbursement requests made on or after October 1,
2016.
(2) Resubmission of denied request.--An applicant that was
denied all or a portion of a reimbursement request under
paragraph (1) of section 522(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance
Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(b)) during the period between October 1,
2016 and the date of the enactment of this Act shall be given
an opportunity to resubmit such request.
SEC. 10008. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES.
(a) Repeal of Certain Research and Development
Activities.--Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act
(7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraphs (7) through (18);
(2) by striking paragraphs (20) through (23); and
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (19) and (24) as paragraphs
(7) and (8), respectively.
(b) Whole Farm Application to Beginning Farmers and
Ranchers.--Paragraph (7) of section 522(c) of the Federal
Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)), as redesignated by
subsection (a), is amended by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
``(E) Beginning farmer or rancher defined.--Notwithstanding
section 502(b)(3), with respect to plans described under this
paragraph, 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 10 crop years.''.
(c) Research and Development Priorities.--Section 522(c) of
the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)) as amended
by subsection (a), is further amended by adding at the end
the following new paragraphs:
``(9) Tropical storm or hurricane insurance.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall offer to enter
into 1 or more contracts with qualified entities to carry out
research and development regarding a policy to insure crops,
including tomatoes, peppers, and citrus, against losses due
to a tropical storm or hurricane.
``(B) Research and development.--Research and development
with respect to the policy required under subparagraph (A)
shall--
``(i) evaluate the effectiveness of a risk management tool
for a low frequency, catastrophic loss weather event; and
``(ii) provide protection for production or revenue losses,
or both.
``(10) Subsurface irrigation practices.--The Corporation
shall offer to enter into a contract with a qualified entity
to conduct research and development regarding the creation of
a separate practice for subsurface irrigation, including the
establishment of a separate transitional yield within the
county that is reflective of the average gain in productivity
and yield associated with the installation of a subsurface
irrigation system.
``(11) Study and report on grain sorghum rates and
yields.--
``(A) Study.--The Corporation shall contract with a
qualified entity to conduct a study to assess the difference
in rates, average yields, and coverage levels of grain
sorghum policies as compared to other feed grains within a
county.
``(B) 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).
``(12) Quality losses.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall offer to enter
into a contract with a qualified entity to conduct research
and development regarding the establishment of an alternative
method of adjusting for quality losses that does not impact
the average production history of producers.
``(B) Requirements.--Notwithstanding subsections (g) and
(m) of section 508, if the Corporation uses any method
developed as a result of the contract described in
subparagraph (A) to adjust for quality losses, such method
shall be--
``(i) optional for producers to elect to use; and
``(ii) offered at an actuarially sound premium rate.''.
SEC. 10009. EXTENSION OF FUNDING FOR RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT.
Section 522 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1522) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (d);
(2) in subsection (e)(2)(A)--
(A) by striking ``under subsections (c) and (d)'' and
inserting ``under subsection (c)'' ; and
(B) by striking ``not more than $12,500,000 for fiscal year
2008 and each subsequent fiscal year.'' and inserting the
following: ``not more than--
``(i) $12,500,000 for fiscal year 2008 through 2018; and'';
and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year
thereafter.''; and
(3) by redesignating subsection (e), as so amended, as
subsection (d).
SEC. 10010. EDUCATION AND RISK MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE.
Section 524 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C.
1524) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 524. EDUCATION AND RISK MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE.
``(a) Education Assistance.--Subject to the amounts made
available under subsection (d), the Secretary, acting through
the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, shall carry
out the program established under subsection (b).
``(b) Partnerships for Risk Management Education.--
``(1) Authority.--The Secretary, acting through the
National Institute of Food and Agriculture, shall establish a
program under which competitive grants are made to qualified
public and private entities (including land-grant colleges,
cooperative extension services, and colleges or
universities), as determined by the Secretary, for the
purpose of educating agricultural producers about the full
range of risk management activities, including futures,
options, agricultural trade options, crop insurance, cash
forward contracting, debt reduction, production
diversification, farm resources risk reduction, farm
financial benchmarking, and other risk management strategies.
``(2) Basis for grants.--A grant under this subsection
shall be awarded on the basis of merit and shall be subject
to peer or merit review.
``(3) Obligation period.--Funds for a grant under this
subsection shall be available to the Secretary for obligation
for a 2-year period.
``(4) Administrative costs.--The Secretary may use not more
than 4 percent of the funds made available for grants under
this subsection for administrative costs incurred by the
Secretary in carrying out this subsection.
``(c) Requirements.--In carrying out the program
established under subsection (b), the Secretary shall place
special emphasis on risk management strategies (including
farm financial
[[Page H4118]]
benchmarking), education, and outreach specifically targeted
at--
``(1) beginning farmers or ranchers;
``(2) legal immigrant farmers or ranchers that are
attempting to become established producers in the United
States;
``(3) socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers; and
``(4) farmers or ranchers that--
``(A) are preparing to retire;
``(B) are using transition strategies to help new farmers
or ranchers get started; and
``(C) new or established farmers or ranchers that are
converting production and marketing systems to pursue new
markets.
``(d) Funding.--From the insurance fund established under
section 516(c), there is transferred for the partnerships for
risk management education program established under
subsection (b) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 and each
subsequent fiscal year.''.
TITLE XI--MISCELLANEOUS
Subtitle A--Livestock
SEC. 11101. ANIMAL DISEASE PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE.
(a) National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response
Program.--The Animal Health Protection Act is amended by
inserting after section 10409A (7 U.S.C. 8308A) the following
new section:
``SEC. 10409B. NATIONAL ANIMAL DISEASE PREPAREDNESS AND
RESPONSE PROGRAM.
``(a) Program Required.--The Secretary shall establish a
program, to be known as the `National Animal Disease
Preparedness and Response Program', to address the increasing
risk of the introduction and spread of animal pests and
diseases affecting the economic interests of the livestock
and related industries of the United States, including the
maintenance and expansion of export markets.
``(b) Eligible Entities.--To carry out the National Animal
Disease Preparedness and Response Program, the Secretary
shall offer to enter into cooperative agreements, or other
legal instruments, with eligible entities, to be selected by
the Secretary, which may include any of the following
entities, either individually or in combination:
``(1) A State department of agriculture.
``(2) The office of the chief animal health official of a
State.
``(3) A land-grant college or university or NLGCA
Institution (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)).
``(4) A college of veterinary medicine, including a
veterinary emergency team at such college.
``(5) A State or national livestock producer organization
with direct and significant economic interest in livestock
production.
``(6) A State emergency agency.
``(7) A State, national, allied, or regional veterinary
organization or specialty board recognized by the American
Veterinary Medical Association.
``(8) An Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25
U.S.C. 5304)).
``(9) A Federal agency.
``(c) Activities.--
``(1) Program activities.--Activities under the National
Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program shall
include, to the extent practicable, the following:
``(A) Enhancing animal pest and disease analysis and
surveillance.
``(B) Expanding outreach and education.
``(C) Targeting domestic inspection activities at
vulnerable points in the safeguarding continuum.
``(D) Enhancing and strengthening threat identification and
technology.
``(E) Improving biosecurity.
``(F) Enhancing emergency preparedness and response
capabilities, including training additional emergency
response personnel.
``(G) Conducting technology development and enhancing
electronic sharing of animal health data for risk analysis
between State and Federal animal health officials.
``(H) Enhancing the development and effectiveness of animal
health technologies to treat and prevent animal disease,
including--
``(i) veterinary biologics and diagnostics;
``(ii) animal drugs for minor use and minor species; and
``(iii) animal medical devices.
``(I) Such other activities as determined appropriate by
the Secretary, in consultation with eligible entities
specified in subsection (b).
``(2) Priorities.--In entering into cooperative agreements
or other legal instruments under subsection (b), the
Secretary shall give priority to applications submitted by--
``(A) a State department of agriculture or an office of the
chief animal health official of a State; or
``(B) an eligible entity that will carry out program
activities in a State or region--
``(i) in which an animal pest or disease is a Federal
concern; or
``(ii) which the Secretary determines has potential for the
spread of an animal pest or disease after taking into
consideration--
``(I) the agricultural industries in the State or region;
``(II) factors contributing to animal disease or pest in
the State or region, such as the climate, natural resources,
and geography of, and native and exotic wildlife species and
other disease vectors in, the State or region; and
``(III) the movement of animals in the State or region.
``(3) Consultation.--For purposes of setting priorities
under this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with
eligible entities specified in subsection (b). The Federal
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to
consultation carried out under this paragraph.
``(d) Application.--
``(1) In general.--An eligible entity specified in
subsection (b) seeking to enter into a cooperative agreement,
or other legal instrument, under the National Animal Disease
Preparedness and Response Program shall submit to the
Secretary an application containing such information as the
Secretary may require.
``(2) Notification.--The Secretary shall notify each
applicant of--
``(A) the requirements to be imposed on the recipient of
funds under the Program for auditing of, and reporting on,
the use of such funds; and
``(B) the criteria to be used to ensure activities
supported using such funds are based on sound scientific data
or thorough risk assessments.
``(3) Non-federal contributions.--When deciding whether to
enter into an agreement or other legal instrument under the
Program with an eligible entity described in subsection (b),
the Secretary--
``(A) may take into consideration an eligible entity's
ability to contribute non-Federal funds to carry out such a
cooperative agreement or other legal instrument under the
Program; and
``(B) shall not require such an entity to make such a
contribution.
``(e) Use of Funds.--
``(1) Use consistent with terms of cooperative agreement.--
The recipient of funds under the National Animal Disease
Preparedness and Response Program shall use the funds for the
purposes and in the manner provided in the cooperative
agreement, or other legal instrument, under which the funds
are provided.
``(2) Sub-agreement.--Nothing in this section prevents an
eligible entity from using funds received under the Program
to enter into sub-agreements with political subdivisions of
State that have legal responsibilities relating to animal
disease prevention, surveillance, or rapid response.
``(f) Reporting Requirement.--Not later than 90 days after
the date of completion of an activity conducted using funds
provided under the National Animal Disease Preparedness and
Response Program, the recipient of such funds shall submit to
the Secretary a report that describes the purposes and
results of the activities.''.
(b) National Animal Health Vaccine Bank.--The Animal Health
Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.) is amended by
inserting after section 10409B, as added by subsection (a),
the following new section:
``SEC. 10409C. NATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH VACCINE BANK.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a
national vaccine bank (to be known as the `National Animal
Health Vaccine Bank') for the benefit of the domestic
interests of the United States and to help protect the United
States agriculture and food system against terrorist attack,
major disaster, and other emergencies.
``(b) Elements of Vaccine Bank.--Through the National
Animal Health Vaccine Bank, the Secretary shall--
``(1) maintain sufficient quantities of animal vaccine,
antiviral, therapeutic, or diagnostic products to
appropriately and rapidly respond to an outbreak of those
animal diseases that would have the most damaging effect on
human health or the United States economy; and
``(2) leverage, when appropriate, the mechanisms and
infrastructure that have been developed for the management,
storage, and distribution of the National Veterinary
Stockpile of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
``(c) Priority for Response to Foot and Mouth Disease.--The
Secretary shall prioritize the acquisition of sufficient
quantities of foot and mouth disease vaccine, and
accompanying diagnostic products, for the National Animal
Health Vaccine Bank. As part of such prioritization, the
Secretary shall consider contracting with one or more
entities that are capable of producing foot and mouth disease
vaccine and that have surge production capacity of the
vaccine.''.
(c) Funding.--
(1) In general.--Section 10417 of the Animal Health
Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8316) is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(d) Availability of Funds for Specified Purposes.--
``(1) Mandatory funding.--
``(A) Fiscal year 2019.--Of the funds of the Commodity
Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available for
fiscal year 2019 $250,000,000 to carry out sections 10409A,
10409B, and 10409C, of which--
``(i) $30,000,000 shall be made available to carry out the
National Animal Health Laboratory Network under section
10409A;
``(ii) $70,000,000 shall be made available to carry out the
National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program
under section 10409B; and
``(iii) $150,000,000 shall be made available to establish
and maintain the National Animal Health Vaccine Bank under
section 10409C.
``(B) Subsequent fiscal years.--Of the funds of the
Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make
available to carry out sections 10409A, 10409B, and 10409C,
$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2023, of
which not less than $30,000,000 shall be made available for
each of those fiscal years to carry out the National Animal
Disease Preparedness and Response Program under section
10409B.
``(2) Additional authorization of appropriations.--In
addition to the funds made available under subparagraphs
(A)(i) and (B) of paragraph (1) and funds authorized to be
appropriated by subsection (a), there are authorized to be
appropriated $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019
through 2023 to carry out the National Animal Health
Laboratory Network under section 10409A.
``(3) Administrative costs.--Of the funds made available
under subparagraphs (A)(i),
[[Page H4119]]
(A)(ii), and (B) and subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1), not
more than four percent may be retained by the Secretary to
pay administrative costs incurred by the Secretary to carry
out the National Animal Health Laboratory Network under
section 10409A and the National Animal Disease Preparedness
and Response Program under section 10409B. Of the funds made
available under subparagraphs (A)(ii) and (B) to carry out
the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program
under section 10409B and (B) of such paragraph, not more than
ten percent may be retained by an eligible entity to pay
administrative costs incurred by the eligible entity to carry
out such program.
``(4) Duration of availability.--Funds made available under
this subsection, including any proceeds credited under
paragraph (5), shall remain available until expended.
``(5) Proceeds from vaccine sales.--Any proceeds of a sale
of vaccine or antigen from the National Animal Health Vaccine
Bank shall be--
``(A) deposited into the Treasury of the United States; and
``(B) credited to the account for the operation of the
National Animal Health Vaccine Bank.
``(6) Limitations on use of funds for certain purposes.--
Funds made available under the National Animal Health
Laboratory Network, the National Animal Disease Preparedness
and Response Program, and the National Animal Health Vaccine
Bank shall not be used for the construction of a new building
or facility or the acquisition or expansion of an existing
building or facility, including site grading and improvement
and architect fees.''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--
(A) Section heading.--The heading of section 10417 of the
Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8316) is amended to
read as follows:
``SEC. 10417. FUNDING.''.
(B) Other amendments.--Section 10417 of the Animal Health
Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8316) is further amended--
(i) in subsection (a), by striking ``In General'' and
inserting ``General Authorization of Appropriations''; and
(ii) in subsection (c), by striking ``to carry out this
subtitle'' and inserting ``pursuant to the authorization of
appropriations in subsection (a)''.
(3) Repeal of separate authorization of national animal
health laboratory network.--Section 10409A of the Animal
Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8308A(d)) is amended by
striking subsection (d).
SEC. 11102. 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 ``2018''
and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 11103. VETERINARY TRAINING.
Section 10504 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8318) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``and veterinary teams, including those
based at colleges of veterinary medicine,'' after
``veterinarians''; and
(2) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``and who are capable of providing effective
services before, during, and after emergencies''.
SEC. 11104. REPORT ON FSIS GUIDANCE AND OUTREACH TO SMALL
MEAT PROCESSORS.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of
Agriculture shall submit to the Secretary a report on the
effectiveness of existing Food Safety and Inspection Service
guidance materials and other tools used by small and very
small establishments, as defined by regulations issued by the
Food Safety and Inspection Service, as in effect on such date
of enactment, including--
(1) an evaluation of the effectiveness of the outreach
conducted by the Food Safety and Inspection Service to small
and very small establishments;
(2) an evaluation of the effectiveness of the guidance
materials and other tools used by the Food Safety and
Inspection Service to assist small and very small
establishments;
(3) an evaluation of the responsiveness of Food Safety and
Inspection Service personnel to inquiries and issues from
small and very small establishments; and
(4) recommendations on measures the Food Safety and
Inspection Service should take to improve regulatory clarity
and consistency and ensure all guidance materials and other
tools take into account small and very small establishments.
Subtitle B--Beginning, Socially Disadvantaged, and Veteran Producers
SEC. 11201. OUTREACH AND ASSISTANCE FOR SOCIALLY
DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND RANCHERS AND VETERAN
FARMERS AND RANCHERS.
Section 2501(a)(4) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a)(4)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023''; and
(B) in clause (iii), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2023'';
(2) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F);
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new
subparagraph:
``(E) Priority.--In making grants and entering into
contracts and other agreements under this section, the
Secretary shall give priority to projects that--
``(i) deliver agricultural education to youth under the age
of 18 in underserved and underrepresented communities;
``(ii) provide youth under the age of 18 with agricultural
employment or volunteer opportunities, or both; and
``(iii) demonstrate experience in providing such education
or opportunities to socially disadvantaged youth.''; and
(4) in subparagraph (F), as so redesignated, by striking
``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 11202. OFFICE OF PARTNERSHIPS AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT.
(a) Changing Name of Office.--
(1) In general.--Section 226B of the Department of
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934) is
amended--
(A) in the section heading, by striking ``advocacy and
outreach'' and inserting ``partnerships and public
engagement'';
(B) by striking ``Advocacy and Outreach'' each place it
appears in subsections (a)(2), (b)(1), and (d)(4)(B) and
inserting ``Partnerships and Public Engagement'';
(2) References.--Beginning on the date of the enactment of
this Act, any reference to the Office of Advocacy and
Outreach established under section 226B of the Department of
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934) in any
other provision of Federal law shall be deemed to be a
reference to the Office of Partnerships and Public
Engagement.
(b) Increasing Outreach.--Section 226B of the Department of
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934), as
amended by subsection (a), is further amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(ii) in clause (iii), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following new clauses:
``(iv) limited resource producers;
``(v) veteran farmers and ranchers; and
``(vi) Tribal farmers and ranchers; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) to promote youth outreach.''; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting
``veteran farmers and ranchers, Tribal farmers and
ranchers,'' after ``beginning farmers or ranchers,'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``or socially
disadvantaged'' and inserting ``socially disadvantaged,
veteran, or Tribal''; and
(C) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``veteran farmers or
ranchers, Tribal farmers or ranchers,'' after ``beginning
farmers or ranchers,''.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 226B(f)(3)(B)
of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994
(7 U.S.C. 6934(f)(3)(B)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and
inserting ``2023''.
(d) Office of Tribal Relations.--Section 309 of the Federal
Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6921) is amended by
striking ``of the Secretary'' and inserting ``of Partnerships
and Public Engagement established under section 226B''.
SEC. 11203. COMMISSION ON FARM TRANSITIONS--NEEDS FOR 2050.
(a) Establishment.--There is established a commission to be
known as the ``Commission on Farm Transitions-Needs for
2050'' (referred to in this section as the ``Commission'').
(b) Study.--The Commission shall conduct a study on issues
impacting the transition of agricultural operations from
established farmers and ranchers to the next generation of
farmers and ranchers, including--
(1) access to, and availability of--
(A) quality land and necessary infrastructure;
(B) affordable credit; and
(C) adequate risk management tools;
(2) agricultural asset transfer strategies in use as of the
date of the enactment of this Act and improvements to such
strategies;
(3) incentives that may facilitate agricultural asset
transfers to the next generation of farmers and ranchers,
including recommendations for new Federal tax policies to
facilitate lifetime and estate transfers;
(4) the causes of the failures of such transitions, if any;
and
(5) the status of programs and incentives providing
assistance with respect to such transitions in effect on the
date of the enactment of this Act, and opportunities for the
revision or modernization of such programs.
(c) Membership.--
(1) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 10
members as follows:
(A) 3 members appointed by the Secretary.
(B) 3 members appointed by the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
(C) 3 members appointed by the Committee on Agriculture of
the House of Representatives.
(D) The Chief Economist of the Department of Agriculture.
(2) Federal government employment.--In addition to the
Chief Economist of the Department of Agriculture, the
membership of the Commission may include 1 or more employees
of the Department of Agriculture or other Federal agencies.
(3) Date of appointments.--The appointment of a member of
the Commission shall be made not later than 60 days after the
date of enactment of this Act.
(4) Term; vacancies.--
(A) Term.--A member shall be appointed for the life of the
Commission.
(B) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Commission--
(i) shall not affect the powers of the Commission; and
(ii) shall be filled in the same manner as the original
appointment was made.
(5) Initial meeting.--Not later than 30 days after the date
on which all members of the Commission have been appointed,
the Commission shall hold the initial meeting of the
Commission.
[[Page H4120]]
(d) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business,
but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.
(e) Chairperson.--The Secretary shall appoint 1 of the
members of the Commission to serve as Chairperson of the
Commission.
(f) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the
President, 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
the study required by subsection (b), including such
recommendations as the Commission considers appropriate.
(g) Hearings.--The Commission may hold such hearings, meet
and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and
receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable
to carry out this section.
(h) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may
secure directly from a Federal agency such information as the
Commission considers necessary to carry out this section. On
request of the Chairperson of the Commission, the head of the
agency shall provide the information to the Commission.
(i) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United
States mail in the same manner and under the same conditions
as other agencies of the Federal Government.
(j) Assistance From Secretary.--The Secretary may provide
to the Commission appropriate office space and such
reasonable administrative and support services as the
Commission may request.
(k) Compensation of Members.--
(1) Non-federal employees.--A member of the Commission who
is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall
be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the
annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the
Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United
States Code, for each day (including travel time) during
which the member is engaged in the performance of the duties
of the Commission.
(2) Federal employees.--A member of the Commission who is
an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve
without compensation in addition to the compensation received
for the services of the member as an officer or employee of
the Federal Government.
(3) Travel expenses.--A member of the Commission shall be
allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
subsistence, 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
Commission.
(l) Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the
Commission or any proceeding of the Commission.
SEC. 11204. AGRICULTURAL YOUTH ORGANIZATION COORDINATOR.
Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization
Act of 1994 is amended by inserting after section 220 (7
U.S.C. 6920) the following new section:
``SEC. 221. AGRICULTURAL YOUTH ORGANIZATION COORDINATOR.
``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary shall establish in the
Department the position of Agricultural Youth Organization
Coordinator.
``(b) Duties.--The Agricultural Youth Organization
Coordinator shall--
``(1) promote the role of youth-serving organizations and
school-based agricultural education in motivating and
preparing young people to pursue careers in the agriculture,
food, and natural resources systems;
``(2) work to help build awareness of the reach and
importance of agriculture, across a diversity of fields and
disciplines;
``(3) identify short-term and long-term interests of the
Department and provide opportunities, resources, input, and
coordination with programs and agencies of the Department to
youth-serving organizations and school-based agricultural
education, including the development of internship
opportunities;
``(4) share, internally and externally, the extent to which
active steps are being taken to encourage collaboration with,
and support of, youth-serving organizations and school-based
agricultural education;
``(5) provide information to young farmers concerning the
availability of, and eligibility requirements for,
participation in agricultural programs, with particular
emphasis on beginning farmer and rancher programs;
``(6) serve as a resource for assisting young farmers in
applying for participation in agricultural programs; and
``(7) advocate on behalf of young farmers in interactions
with employees of the Department.
``(c) Contracts and Cooperative Agreements.--For purposes
of carrying out the duties under subsection (b), the
Agricultural Youth Organization Coordinator shall consult
with the cooperative extension and the land-grant university
systems, and may enter into contracts or cooperative
agreements with the research centers of the Agricultural
Research Service, cooperative extension and the land-grant
university systems, non-land-grant colleges of agriculture,
or nonprofit organizations for--
``(1) the conduct of regional research on the profitability
of small farms;
``(2) the development of educational materials;
``(3) the conduct of workshops, courses, and certified
vocational training;
``(4) the conduct of mentoring activities; or
``(5) the provision of internship opportunities.''.
Subtitle C--Textiles
SEC. 11301. REPEAL OF PIMA AGRICULTURE COTTON TRUST FUND.
Effective December 31, 2018, the Agricultural Act of 2014
(7 U.S.C. 2101 note; Public Law 113-79) is amended by
striking section 12314 (and by conforming the items relating
to such section in the table of sections accordingly).
SEC. 11302. REPEAL OF AGRICULTURE WOOL APPAREL MANUFACTURERS
TRUST FUND.
Effective December 31, 2018, the Agricultural Act of 2014
(7 U.S.C. 2101 note; Public Law 113-79) is amended by
striking section 12315 (and by conforming the items relating
to such section in the table of sections accordingly).
SEC. 11303. REPEAL OF WOOL RESEARCH AND PROMOTION GRANTS
FUNDING.
Effective December 31, 2018, the Agricultural Act of 2014
(7 U.S.C. 2101 note; Public Law 113-79) is amended by
striking section 12316 (and by conforming the items relating
to such section in the table of sections accordingly).
SEC. 11304. TEXTILE TRUST FUND.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury of
the United States a trust fund, to be known as the ``Textile
Trust Fund'', consisting of such amounts as may be
transferred to the Textile Trust Fund pursuant to subsection
(e), and to be used for the purposes of--
(1) reducing the injury to domestic manufacturers resulting
from tariffs on cotton fabric that are higher than tariffs on
certain apparel articles made of cotton fabric;
(2) reducing the injury to domestic manufacturers resulting
from tariffs on wool products that are higher than tariffs on
certain apparel articles made of wool products; and
(3) wool research and promotion.
(b) Distribution of Funds.--From amounts in the Textile
Trust Fund, the Secretary shall make payments annually,
beginning in calendar year 2019, for each of calendar years
2019 through 2023 as follows:
(1) Pima cotton.--From amounts specified in subsection
(e)(2)(A), the Secretary shall make payments as follows:
(A) Twenty-five percent of such amounts for a calendar year
shall be paid to one or more nationally recognized
associations established for the promotion of pima cotton for
use in textile and apparel goods.
(B) Twenty-five percent of such amounts for a calendar year
shall be paid to yarn spinners of pima cotton that produce
ring spun cotton yarns in the United States, to be allocated
to each spinner in an amount that bears the same ratio as--
(i) the spinner's production of ring spun cotton yarns,
measuring less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric
number) from pima cotton in single and plied form during the
previous calendar year (as evidenced by an affidavit provided
by the spinner that meets the requirements of subsection
(c)(1)); bears to
(ii) the production of the yarns described in clause (i)
during the previous calendar year for all spinners who
qualify under this subparagraph.
(C) Fifty percent of such amounts for a calendar year shall
be paid to manufacturers who cut and sew cotton shirts in the
United States who certify that they used imported cotton
fabric during the previous calendar year, to be allocated to
each such manufacturer in an amount that bears the same ratio
as--
(i) the dollar value (excluding duty, shipping, and related
costs) of imported woven cotton shirting fabric of 80s or
higher count and 2-ply in warp purchased by the manufacturer
during the previous calendar year (as evidenced by an
affidavit provided by the manufacturer that meets the
requirements of subsection (c)(2)) used in the manufacturing
of men's and boys' cotton shirts; bears to
(ii) the dollar value (excluding duty, shipping, and
related costs) of the fabric described in clause (i)
purchased during the previous calendar year by all
manufacturers who qualify under this subparagraph.
(2) Wool manufacturers.--From amounts specified in
subsection (e)(2)(B), the Secretary shall make payments as
follows:
(A) To each eligible manufacturer under paragraph (3) of
section 4002(c) of the Wool Suit and Textile Trade Extension
Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-429; 118 Stat. 2600), as amended
by section 1633(c) of the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical
Corrections Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-280; 120 Stat. 1166)
and section 325(b) of the Tax Extenders and Alternative
Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 (division C of Public Law 110-
343; 122 Stat. 3875), and any successor-in-interest to such a
manufacturer as provided for under paragraph (4) of such
section 4002(c), that submits an affidavit in accordance with
subsection (c)(3) for the year of the payment for calendar
years 2019 through 2023, payments in amounts authorized under
that paragraph.
(B) To each eligible manufacturer under paragraph (6) of
such section 4002(c) for calendar years 2019 through 2023,
payments in amounts authorized under that paragraph.
(c) Affidavits.--
(1) Yarn spinners.--The affidavit required by subsection
(b)(1)(B)(i) for a calendar year is a notarized affidavit
provided by an officer of a producer of ring spun yarns that
affirms--
(A) that the producer used pima cotton during the year in
which the affidavit is filed and during the previous calendar
year to produce ring spun cotton yarns in the United States,
measuring less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric
number), in single and plied form;
(B) the quantity, measured in pounds, of ring spun cotton
yarns, measuring less than 83.33 decitex (exceeding 120
metric number), in single and plied form during the previous
calendar year; and
(C) that the producer maintains supporting documentation
showing the quantity of such yarns produced, and evidencing
the yarns as ring spun cotton yarns, measuring less than
83.33 decitex (exceeding 120 metric number), in single and
plied form during the previous calendar year.
[[Page H4121]]
(2) Shirting manufacturers.--
(A) In general.--The affidavit required by subsection
(b)(1)(C)(i) for a calendar year is a notarized affidavit
provided by an officer of a manufacturer of men's and boys'
shirts that affirms--
(i) that the manufacturer used imported cotton fabric
during the year in which the affidavit is filed and during
the previous calendar year, to cut and sew men's and boys'
woven cotton shirts in the United States;
(ii) the dollar value of imported woven cotton shirting
fabric of 80s or higher count and 2-ply in warp purchased by
the manufacturer during the previous calendar year;
(iii) that the manufacturer maintains invoices along with
other supporting documentation (such as price lists and other
technical descriptions of the fabric qualities) showing the
dollar value of such fabric purchased, the date of purchase,
and evidencing the fabric as woven cotton fabric of 80s or
higher count and 2-ply in warp; and
(iv) that the fabric was suitable for use in the
manufacturing of men's and boys' cotton shirts.
(B) Date of purchase.--For purposes of the affidavit under
subparagraph (A), the date of purchase shall be the invoice
date, and the dollar value shall be determined excluding
duty, shipping, and related costs.
(3) Filing date for affidavits.--Any person required to
provide an affidavit under this section shall file the
affidavit with the Secretary or as directed by the Secretary
for any of calendar years 2019 through 2023, not later than
March 15 of that calendar year.
(4) Increase in payments to wool manufacturers in case of
expiration of duty suspensions.--
(A) In general.--In any calendar year in which the
suspension of duty on wool products described in
subparagraphs (B) and (C) is not in effect, the amount of any
payment described in subsection (b)(2) to a manufacturer or
successor-in-interest shall be increased by an amount the
Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of Commerce,
determines is equal to the amount the manufacturer or
successor-in-interest would have saved during the calendar
year of the payment if the suspension of duty on such wool
products were in effect.
(B) Special rule for certain fabrics of worsted wool.--
(i) In general.--With respect to fabrics of worsted wool
described in clause (ii), subparagraph (A) shall be applied
by substituting ``rate of duty on such wool products was 10
percent'' for ``suspension of duty on such wool products were
in effect''.
(ii) Fabrics of worsted wool described.--Fabrics of worsted
wool described in this paragraph are fabrics of worsted
wool--
(I) with average fiber diameters greater than 18.5 micron;
and
(II) containing 85 percent or more by weight of wool.
(C) Covered wool products.--Subparagraph (A) applies with
respect to the following:
(i) Yarn, of combed wool, not put up for retail sale,
containing 85 percent or more by weight of wool, formed with
wool fibers having average diameters of 18.5 micron or less.
(ii) Wool fiber, waste, garnetted stock, combed wool, or
wool top, the foregoing having average fiber diameters of
18.5 micron or less.
(iii) Fabrics of combed wool, containing 85 percent or more
by weight of wool, with wool yarns of average fiber diameters
of 18.5 micron or less, certified by the importer as suitable
for use in making men's and boys suits, suit-type jackets, or
trousers and must be imported for the benefit of persons who
cut and sew such clothing in the United States.
(iv) Fabrics of combed wool, containing 85 percent or more
by weight of wool, with wool yarns of average fiber diameters
of 18.5 micron or less, certified by the importer as suitable
for use in making men's and boys suits, suit-type jackets, or
trousers and must be imported for the benefit of persons who
weave worsted wool fabric suitable for use in such clothing
in the United States.
(D) No appeal of determinations.--A determination of the
Secretary under this paragraph shall be final and not subject
to appeal or protest.
(d) Timing for Distributions.--The Secretary shall make a
payment under subsection (b) for each of calendar years 2019
through 2023, not later than April 15 of the year of the
payment.
(e) Funding.--
(1) Transfer required.--Of the funds of the Commodity
Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall transfer to the
Textile Trust Fund $25,250,000 for each of calendar years
2019 through 2023.
(2) Allocation of funds.--Of the funds transferred under
paragraph (1) for a calendar year--
(A) $8,000,000 shall be available for distribution under
subsection (b)(1);
(B) $15,000,000 shall be available for distribution under
subsection (b)(2); and
(C) notwithstanding subsection (f) of section 506 of the
Trade and Development Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 7101 note; Public
Law 106-200), $2,250,000 shall be available to provide grants
described in subsection (d) of such section.
(3) Sheep production and marketing.--In addition to funds
made available under paragraph (1), of the funds of the
Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to
carry out section 209 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of
1946 (7 U.S.C. 1627a), $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2019, to
remain available until expended.
(4) Duration of availability.--Amounts transferred to the
Textile Trust Fund pursuant to this subsection shall remain
available until expended.
Subtitle D--United States Grain Standards Act
SEC. 11401. RESTORING CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS TO UNITED STATES
GRAIN STANDARDS ACT.
(a) In General.--Grain handling facilities described in
subsection (b) may, on or before the date that is 180 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, restore a prior
exception with an official agency designated under the rule
entitled ``Exceptions to Geographic Areas for Official
Agencies Under the USGSA'' published by the Department of
Agriculture in the Federal Register on April 18, 2003 (68
Fed. Reg. 19137) if--
(1) such grain handling facility and official agency agree
to restore such prior exception; and
(2) such grain handling facility notifies the Secretary of
Agriculture of--
(A) the exception described in paragraph (1); and
(B) the effective date of such exception.
(b) Eligible Grain Handling Facilities.--Subsection (a)
shall apply with respect to grain handling facilities that
were--
(1) granted exceptions pursuant to the rule specified in
subsection (a); and
(2) had such exceptions revoked on or after September 30,
2015.
(c) No Unilateral Termination Allowed.--Beginning on the
date of the enactment of this Act, a nonuse of service
exception may only be terminated if two or more parties to
such exception, including the grain handling facility, are in
joint agreement with respect to such termination.
Subtitle E--Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program
SEC. 11501. ELIGIBLE CROPS.
Section 196(a)(2) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement
and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333(a)(2)) is amended by
striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following new
subparagraph:
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), in this
section, the term `eligible crop' means each commercial crop
or other agricultural commodity that is produced for food or
fiber (except livestock) for which catastrophic risk
protection under subsection (b) of section 508 of the Federal
Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) and additional coverage
under subsections (c) and (h) of such section are not
available or, if such coverage is available, it is only
available under a policy that provides coverage for specific
intervals based on weather indexes or under a whole farm plan
of insurance.''.
SEC. 11502. SERVICE FEE.
Section 196(k)(1) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement
and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333(k)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``$250'' and inserting
``$350''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) by striking ``$750'' and inserting ``$1,050''; and
(B) by striking ``$1,875'' and inserting ``$2,100''.
SEC. 11503. PAYMENTS EQUIVALENT TO ADDITIONAL COVERAGE.
(a) Premiums.--Section 196(l)(2)(B)(i) of the Federal
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C.
7333(l)(2)(B)(i)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subclause (IV);
(2) by striking ``or'' at the end of subclause (V) and
inserting ``and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subclause:
``(VI) the producer's share of the crop; or''.
(b) Additional Availability of Coverage.--Section 196(l) of
the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7
U.S.C. 7333(l)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (3); and
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs
(3) and (4), respectively.
(c) Period of Availability.--Paragraph (4) of section
196(l) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act
of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333(l)), as redesignated by subsection
(b)(2), is amended--
(1) by striking ``Except as provided in paragraph (3)(A),
additional'' and inserting ``Additional''; and
(2) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
Subtitle F--Other Matters
SEC. 11601. UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR FARM
PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION.
(a) References to Former Under Secretary of Agriculture for
Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services.--
(1) Food aid consultative group.--Section 205(b) of the
Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1725(b)) is amended by striking
paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph:
``(2) the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and
Foreign Agricultural Affairs;''.
(2) Office of risk management.--Section 226A(d)(1) of the
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7
U.S.C. 6933(d)(1)) is amended by striking ``Under Secretary
of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services''
and inserting ``Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm
Production and Conservation''.
(3) Multiagency task force.--Section 242(b)(3) of the
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7
U.S.C. 6952(b)(3)) is amended by striking ``Under Secretary
for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services'' and inserting
``Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign
Agricultural Affairs''.
(4) Interagency committee on minority careers in
international affairs.--Section 625(c)(1)(A) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1131c(c)(1)(A)) is amended
by striking ``Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign
Agricultural Services'' and inserting ``Under Secretary of
Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs''.
[[Page H4122]]
(b) References to Other Designated Department Officials.--
(1) Definitions under consolidated farm and rural
development act.--Section 343(a)(13)(D) of the Agricultural
Act of 1961 (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(D)) is amended--
(A) in clause (ii)--
(i) by inserting ``(or other official designated by the
Secretary)'' after ``Under Secretary for Rural Development'';
and
(ii) by inserting ``or designated official'' after ``Under
Secretary'' each other place it appears; and
(B) in clause (iii)--
(i) by inserting ``(or other official designated by the
Secretary)'' after ``Under Secretary for Rural Development'';
and
(ii) in subclauses (III) and (IV), by inserting ``or
designated official'' after ``Under Secretary'' both places
it appears.
(2) National sheep industry improvement center.--Section
210(f)(3)(B)(i) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7
U.S.C. 1627b(f)(3)(B)(i)) is amended by inserting ``(or other
official designated by the Secretary of Agriculture)'' after
``Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development''.
(3) Intertribal tourism demonstration projects.--Section
6(a)(2)(A) of the Native American Business Development, Trade
Promotion, and Tourism Act of 2000 (25 U.S.C. 4305(a)(2)(A))
is amended by inserting ``(or other official designated by
the Secretary of Agriculture)'' after ``Under Secretary of
Agriculture for Rural Development''.
(4) State plans for vocational rehabilitation services.--
Section 101(a)(11)(C) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29
U.S.C. 721(a)(11)(C)) is amended by inserting ``(or other
official designated by the Secretary of Agriculture)'' after
``Under Secretary for Rural Development of the Department of
Agriculture''.
SEC. 11602. AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY TO CARRY OUT CERTAIN
PROGRAMS UNDER DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1994.
Section 296(b)(8) of the Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)(8)) is amended
by inserting ``, section 772 of the Agriculture, Rural
Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018, or the Agriculture and
Nutrition Act of 2018'' before the period at the end.
SEC. 11603. CONFERENCE REPORT REQUIREMENT THRESHOLD.
Section 14208(a)(3)(A) of the Food, Conservation, and
Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2255b(a)(3)(A)) is amended by
striking ``$10,000'' and inserting ``$75,000''.
SEC. 11604. NATIONAL AGRICULTURE IMAGERY PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture, acting
through the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency, shall
carry out a national agriculture imagery program to annually
acquire aerial imagery during agricultural growing seasons
from the continental United States.
(b) Data.--The aerial imagery acquired under this section
shall--
(1) consist of high resolution processed digital imagery;
(2) be made available in a format that can be provided to
Federal, State, and private sector entities;
(3) be technologically compatible with geospatial
information technology; and
(4) be consistent with the standards established by the
Federal Geographic Data Committee.
(c) Supplemental Satellite Imagery.--The Secretary of
Agriculture may supplement the aerial imagery collected under
this section with satellite imagery.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $23,000,000 for
fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter.
SEC. 11605. REPORT ON INCLUSION OF NATURAL STONE PRODUCTS IN
COMMODITY PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION
ACT OF 1996.
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 a
report examining the effect the establishment of a Natural
Stone Research and Promotion Board pursuant to the Commodity
Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C.
7401 et seq.) would have on the natural stone industry,
including how such a program would effect--
(1) research conducted on, and the promotion of, natural
stone;
(2) the development and expansion of domestic markets for
natural stone;
(3) economic activity of the natural stone industry subject
to such a Board;
(4) economic development in rural areas; and
(5) benefits to consumers in the United States of natural
stone products.
SEC. 11606. SOUTH CAROLINA INCLUSION IN VIRGINIA/CAROLINA
PEANUT PRODUCING REGION.
Section 1308(c)(2)(B)(iii) of the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 7958(c)(2)(B)(iii)) is
amended by striking ``Virginia and North Carolina'' and
inserting ``Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina''.
SEC. 11607. ESTABLISHMENT OF FOOD LOSS AND WASTE REDUCTION
LIAISON.
Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization
Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), as amended by section
11204, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 222. FOOD LOSS AND WASTE REDUCTION LIAISON.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish within
the Office of the Secretary a Food Loss and Waste Reduction
Liaison to coordinate Federal programs to measure and reduce
the incidence of food loss and waste in accordance with this
section.
``(b) Duties.--The Food Loss and Waste Reduction Liaison
shall--
``(1) coordinate food loss and waste reduction efforts with
other Federal agencies, including the Environmental
Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration;
``(2) support and promote Federal programs to measure and
reduce the incidence of food loss and waste and increase food
recovery;
``(3) provide information to, and serve as a resource for,
entities engaged in food loss and waste reduction and food
recovery concerning the availability of, and eligibility
requirements for, participation in Federal programs;
``(4) raise awareness of the liability protections afforded
under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act (42
U.S.C. 1791) to persons engaged in food loss and waste
reduction and food recovery; and
``(5) make recommendations with respect to expanding food
recovery efforts and reducing the incidence of food loss and
waste.
``(c) Cooperative Agreements.--For purposes of carrying out
the duties under subsection (b), the Food Loss and Waste
Reduction Liaison may enter into contracts or cooperative
agreements with the research centers of the Research,
Education, and Economics mission area, institutions of higher
education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), or nonprofit organizations
for--
``(1) the development of educational materials;
``(2) the conduct of workshops and courses; or
``(3) the conduct of research on best practices with
respect to food loss and waste reduction and food
recovery.''.
SEC. 11608. COTTON CLASSIFICATION SERVICES.
Section 3a of the Act of March 3, 1927 (7 U.S.C. 473a), is
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following new
subsection:
``(g) Hiring Authority.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, employees hired to provide cotton
classification services pursuant to this section may work up
to 240 calendar days in a service year and may be rehired
non-competitively every year in the same or a successor
position if they meet performance and conduct expectations,
as determined by the Secretary.''.
SEC. 11609. CENTURY FARMS PROGRAM.
The Secretary shall establish a program under which the
Secretary recognizes any farm that--
(1) a State department of agriculture or similar statewide
agricultural organization recognizes as a Century Farm; or
(2)(A) is defined as a farm or ranch under section 4284.902
of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the
date of enactment of this Act);
(B) has been in continuous operation for at least 100
years; and
(C) has been owned by the same family for at least 100
consecutive years, as verified through deeds, wills,
abstracts, tax statements, or other similar legal documents
considered appropriate by the Secretary.
SEC. 11610. REPORT ON AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, in
consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency and the Commissioner of the Food and Drug
Administration, shall prepare and submit a report to the
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
Senate on plans for improving the Federal government's
policies and procedures with respect to gene editing and
other precision plant breeding methods.
(b) Content.--The report under subsection (a) shall include
plans to implement measures designed to ensure that--
(1) the United States continues to provide a favorable
environment for research and development in precision plant
breeding innovation and maintains its leadership with respect
to that innovation;
(2) for plants for which premarket review is required under
the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.), the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136),
or the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the process for
such review is designed--
(A) to minimize regulatory burden while assuring protection
of public health and welfare; and
(B) to ensure that resources of the Department of
Agriculture are focused on plants with less familiar
characteristics, more complex risk pathways, or both;
(3) each agency referred to in subsection (a) recognizes
that certain applications of gene editing in plants do not
warrant such a premarket review process;
(4) each agency referred to in subsection (a) clearly
communicates the rationale for the regulatory policies and
decisions of such agency to the public through broadly
available and easily accessible tools;
(5) categories of plants that are familiar and have a
history of safe use be identified and exempted from such
premarket review or be subject to an expedited, independent
premarket review process for which data requirements are
reduced;
(6) regulatory processes of each agency referred to in
subsection (a) are predictable, efficient, not duplicative,
and designed to accommodate rapid advances in plant breeding
technology; and
(7) where Federal law provides for regulatory oversight of
plant breeding technology by more than one Federal agency,
the relevant Federal agencies enter into appropriate
interagency agreements to shift responsibility for particular
[[Page H4123]]
categories of plant products and regulatory activities for
purposes of meeting the goals specified in paragraphs (1)
through (6).
SEC. 11611. REPORT ON DOG IMPORTATION.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with
the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, 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
following information, with respect to the importation of
dogs into the United States:
(1) An estimate of the number of dogs so imported each
year.
(2) The number of dogs so imported for resale.
(3) The number of dogs for which such importation for
resale was requested but denied because such importation
failed to meet the requirements of section 18 of the Animal
Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2148).
(4) The Secretary's recommendations for Federal statutory
changes determined to be necessary for such importation for
resale to meet the requirements of such section.
SEC. 11612. PROHIBITION ON SLAUGHTER OF DOGS AND CATS FOR
HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
The Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 et seq.) is amended
by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 30. PROHIBITION OF SLAUGHTER OF DOGS AND CATS FOR
HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
``(a) Prohibition.--No person may--
``(1) knowingly slaughter a dog or cat for human
consumption; or
``(2) knowingly ship, transport, move, deliver, receive,
possess, purchase, sell, or donate--
``(A) a dog or cat to be slaughtered for human consumption;
or
``(B) dog or cat parts for human consumption.
``(b) Penalty.--Any person who violates this section shall
be subject to imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or a
fine of not more than $2,500, or both.
``(c) Scope.--Subsection (a) shall apply only with respect
to conduct in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce or
within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of
the United States.
``(d) Conflict With State Law.--This section shall not be
construed to limit any State or local law or regulations
protecting the welfare of animals or to prevent a State or
local governing body from adopting and enforcing animal
welfare laws and regulations that are more stringent than
this section.''.
Subtitle G--Protecting Interstate Commerce
SEC. 11701. 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. 11702. FEDERAL CAUSE OF ACTION TO CHALLENGE STATE
REGULATION OF INTERSTATE COMMERCE.
(a) Private Right of Action.--A person, including a
producer, transporter, distributer, consumer, laborer, trade
association, the Federal Government, a State government, or a
unit of local government, which is affected by a regulation
of a State or unit of local government which regulates any
aspect of an agricultural product, including any aspect of
the method of production, which is sold in interstate
commerce, or any means or instrumentality through which such
an agriculture product is sold in interstate commerce, may
bring an action in the appropriate court to invalidate such a
regulation and seek damages for economic loss resulting from
such regulation.
(b) Preliminary Injunction.--Upon a motion of the
plaintiff, the court shall issue a preliminary injunction to
preclude the State or unit of local government from enforcing
the regulation at issue until such time as the court enters a
final judgment in the case, unless the State or unit of local
government proves by clear and convincing evidence that--
(1) the State or unit of local government is likely to
prevail on the merits at trial; and
(2) the injunction would cause irreparable harm to the
State or unit of local government.
(c) Statute of Limitations.--No action shall be maintained
under this section unless it is commenced within 10 years
after the cause of action arose.
The Acting CHAIR. No amendment to the committee amendment in the
nature of a substitute shall be in order except those printed in part C
of House Report 115-677. Each such amendment may be offered only in the
order printed in the report, by a Member designated in the report,
shall be considered read, shall be debatable for the time specified in
the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an
opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject
to a demand for division of the question.
Amendment No. 1 Offered by Mr. King of Iowa
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 1
printed in part C of House Report 115-677.
Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk made
in order by the rule.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Page 134, line 7, strike ``or''.
Page 134, after line 7, insert the following (and
redesignate the subsequent subparagraph accordingly):
``(C) the use of existing drainage systems, or to upgrade
drainage systems, to provide irrigation or water efficiency;
or
Page 134, line 14, insert ``drainage districts,'' after
``irrigation associations,''.
Page 134, line 18, insert ``drainage district,'' after
``irrigation association,''.
Page 135, lines 5 and 6, insert ``drainage district,''
after ``irrigation association,''.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 891, the gentleman
from Iowa (Mr. King) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Iowa.
Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Chairman, I bring this amendment, amendment No. 1, to help
supplement some of the good programs that are already existing within
the existing farm bill, and what it does is it allows drainage
districts to also compete for EQIP money along with the irrigation
districts that exist in the country.
I have worked in this arena for a lot of my adult life, and there are
roughly 2,000 drainage districts in the State of Iowa, but the
important part of this is that we are concerned about water quality and
water management and nutrient management, and we have developed
technology that, when a producer goes into a pattern tile system, a
drainage system--and we used to, and we still do in most places--we
just drain all that water out down to the bottom of the tile, and we do
that for 12 months out of the year.
And what happens is the nutrients that are applied, the nitrogen and
the phosphorous, in particular, go down the stream, and it impacts the
water quality downstream; and it contributes to the hypoxia in the Gulf
Coast, as well.
So we have developed a method by which especially the flattest ground
in the corn belt--this began at least 8 million acres that were under a
2 percent grade--could be pattern tiled and put stop logs in and store
the water in the subsoil; drain it down for the 2 weeks in the spring
that we are in the field, let the water table come back up again, hold
it there, drain it down again for the 2 weeks in the fall that we are
in the field, and let it come up the rest of the time.
While that is going on, the root system of our crop--corn and
soybeans in my country, different crops in others--will draw up those
nutrients out of that water and they will pull the nitrogen out, they
will pull the phosphorous out, and we can minimize the application of
our fertilizer. In doing so and having a better utilization of our
fertilizer, we can also see the water that finally does go down the
stream be a far higher quality.
So this allows EQIP to be spent also in drainage districts for that
purpose. It is good for water quality. It is good for production
efficiency, and it is something that I think has a big future for the
United States of America.
Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, even
though I am in favor of this.
The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Minnesota is
recognized for 5 minutes.
There was no objection.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Chairman, this is something that I have been working on up in my
area for some time as well.
We have the Red River Valley, which is a river that flows north, and
it always causes a lot of trouble with the
[[Page H4124]]
flooding and so forth, a lot of erosion problems, and we have been
looking at ways to deal with this.
One of the ways that we found that really works is to put in pattern
tile along with lift stations and pumps and stop logs and so forth that
allow you to control this water and keep it until the water goes down.
You can let it out at the appropriate time. It improves the water
quality, and it will help us with flooding situations.
Our water management districts up there need this authority. They
would very much use this, and it would be a good thing for not only
stopping a lot of erosion, it would also improve the water quality
substantially in our watershed up there.
Mr. Chairman, I strongly support the amendment. I encourage my
colleagues to support it as well, and I yield back the balance of my
time.
Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my
time.
Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman from Minnesota. They
understand the water quality issues and the drainage issues at least as
well as we do in Iowa, and working together on this kind of a proposal,
I think, will yield good results all the way down, especially the
Mississippi River, the hypoxia in the Gulf.
This is good for the entire United States of America. It is something
that I wish we would have done some time ago, but I appreciate the
support for this amendment. I urge its adoption.
Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Iowa (Mr. King).
The amendment was agreed to.
Amendment No. 2 Offered by Mr. Gibbs
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 2
printed in part C of House Report 115-677.
Mr. GIBBS. I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
At the end of subtitle D of title II, add the following:
SEC. 2407. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON INCREASED WATERSHED-BASED
COLLABORATION.
It is the sense of Congress that the Federal Government
should recognize and encourage partnerships at the watershed
level between nonpoint sources and regulated point sources to
advance the goals of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
and provide benefits to farmers, landowners, and the public.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 891, the gentleman
from Ohio (Mr. Gibbs) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio.
Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is really a sense of Congress
that will help support water and wastewater utilities innovating to
meet Clean Water Act targets more effectively and potentially at lower
costs to the utility by working throughout the watershed on water
quality improvements.
Utilities often need to look at costly end-of-pipe treatment to
remove nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. These facilities can
cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and this is particularly
important in Ohio where nutrient management is an important concern.
This commonsense approach that many water and wastewater utilities
would like to take is to work with farmers and landowners in the
watershed to help reduce the nutrient runoff in the waterways in the
first place, which in turn helps reduce the cost to utility ratepayers
for water treatment. This would produce a win-win for farmers, local
communities, and utilities. The farmers will receive an additional
revenue stream, and local communities will see lower fees for their
water and wastewater services on their utility bills.
For example, a utility in the city of Green Bay, Wisconsin, has put
this practice to work on a pilot basis, and instead of spending $200
million on phosphorus removal treatment at the end of the pipe, they
are spending an estimated $50 million investing in conservation
practices with local farmers to reduce nutrient loading throughout the
watershed.
This amendment aligns squarely with the objectives of the farm bill
conservation programs and will allow greater leveraging of public-
private partnerships, and it would also benefit private entities that
operate within MMDS permits on TMDLs on their loads. They can encourage
them to work with landowners and farmers in the watershed to reduce the
TMDLs and reduce the nutrient load in the watershed completely so we
bring down the whole TMDL issue by working together and instituting
more conservation practices and partnerships with utilities and other
private entities with the local farmers and landowners.
Mr. Chairman, I encourage support of this conservation program to
help provide cleaner water for all of us in the watersheds, and I
reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman, I claim time in opposition to the
amendment, even though I am not opposed to it.
The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Minnesota is
recognized for 5 minutes.
There was no objection.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman, I don't oppose this amendment. I don't
really have any problem with it.
We are using RCPP in my part of the world. I have not heard any
request for this, but I don't think it does any harm.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Chairman, I just want to thank the ranking member for
the support, and I think it is important because there are numerous
examples of where, if we work collaboratively together in a watershed,
we can reduce the nutrient load and also encourage more economic
activity, and it is also beneficial for the farmers and landowners.
Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the support, and I yield back the balance
of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Gibbs).
The amendment was agreed to.
The Acting CHAIR. It is now order to consider amendment No. 3 printed
in part C of House Report 115-677.
Amendment No. 4 Offered by Mr. Rogers of Alabama
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 4
printed in part C of House Report 115-677.
Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
At the end of subtitle A of title IV, insert the following:
SEC. __. MULTIVITAMIN-MINERAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS ELIGIBLE
FOR PURCHASE WITH SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION
ASSISTANCE BENEFITS.
Section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2012) is amended--
(1) in subsection (k) by--
(A) striking ``and (9)'' and inserting ``(9)'', and
(B) inserting before the period at the end the following:
``, and (10) a multivitamin-mineral dietary supplement for
home consumption'',
(2) by inserting after subsection (m) the following:
``(m-1) `Multivitamin-mineral dietary supplement' means a
substance that--
``(1) provides at least half of the vitamins and minerals
for which the National Academy of Medicine establishes
dietary reference intakes, at 50 percent or more of the daily
value for the intended life stage per daily serving as
determined by the Food and Drug Administration; and
``(2) does not exceed the tolerable upper intake levels for
those nutrients for which an established tolerable upper
intake level is determined by the National Academy of
Medicine.'', and
(3) in subsection (q)(2) by striking ``and spices'' and
inserting ``spices, and multivitamin-mineral dietary
supplements''.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 891, the gentleman
from Alabama (Mr. Rogers) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Alabama.
{time} 1900
Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer my
amendment, which would allow SNAP users to purchase multivitamins.
First, I would like to thank Chairman Conaway for his hard work
during this farm bill process. H.R. 2 is a bill that will strengthen
the farm safety net for America's farmers and ranchers, and give folks
on SNAP a path out of poverty with workforce training programs.
[[Page H4125]]
The multivitamins can serve as an effective bridge between what
Americans should eat and what they actually consume. Repeated studies
have shown that Americans do not consume essential nutrients at
recommended levels through diet alone. Low-income and older Americans
are more likely than others to have insufficient and nutritionally
inadequate diets.
Multivitamins are not a replacement for a healthy diet, but these
supplements can help fill that nutrient gap. Safe, convenient, and
scientifically supported multivitamins represent a low-cost immediate
solution for SNAP recipients looking to ensure their families receive
adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals.
It is my hope that by empowering low-income Americans to achieve
optimal nutrition, SNAP recipients will develop lifelong habits that
will eventually break the cycle of poverty and allow them to reach
their full potential.
Mr. Chair, I urge passage of this commonsense, no-cost amendment, and
I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers).
The amendment was agreed to.
Amendment No. 5 Offered by Mr. Bergman
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 5
printed in part C of House Report 115-677.
Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment to
H.R. 2.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Page 326, after line 6, insert the following:
SEC. ____. GAO REPORT ON ABILITY OF THE FARM CREDIT SYSTEM TO
MEET THE AGRICULTURAL CREDIT NEEDS OF INDIAN
TRIBES AND THEIR MEMBERS.
(a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall--
(1) study the agricultural credit needs of farms, ranches,
and related agricultural businesses that are owned or
operated by--
(A) Indian tribes on tribal lands; or
(B) enrolled members of Indian tribes on Indian allotments;
and
(2) determine whether the institutions of the Farm Credit
System have sufficient authority and resources to meet the
needs.
(b) Definition of Indian Tribe.--In subsection (a), the
term ``Indian tribe'' means an Indian tribal entity that is
eligible for funding and services from the Bureau of Indian
Affairs by virtue of the status of the entity as an Indian
tribe.
(c) Report to the Congress.--Within 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the
United States shall prepare and submit to the Committees on
Agriculture and on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives a written report that contains the findings
of the study conducted under subsection (a). If the
Comptroller General finds that the institutions of the Farm
Credit System do not have sufficient authority or resources
to meet the needs referred to in subsection (a), the report
shall include such legislative and other recommendations as
the Comptroller General determines would result in a system
under which the needs are met in an equitable and effective
manner.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 891, the gentleman
from Michigan (Mr. Bergman) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan.
Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Chair, my amendment is simple. It directs GAO to
study the credit needs of agricultural businesses that are owned and
operated by Indian Tribes on Tribal lands.
My district is home to eight federally recognized Tribes, and it has
been my honor to represent each of them over the last 16 months. We
often hear about how most Tribes are located within food deserts, but
we must remember, most Tribes are also located within credit deserts.
Credit deserts occur when there are very few lenders available in a
region. The lack of credit options severely impacts the ability of
Tribes and Tribal Members to invest and expand their agricultural
businesses. By directing GAO to study the unique credit needs of
Tribes, we can identify solutions that will result in a system under
which their needs are met in an equitable and effective manner.
The Farm Credit System is vitally important for agricultural
communities in rural America. Without sufficient access to credit,
young farmers will not be able to begin a career and experienced
farmers will not be able to expand their businesses. Tribes across the
country need fair and equal access to all agricultural programs so they
can promote their historical and cultural knowledge for the next
generation of American farmers.
This farm bill represents an investment in rural America. With net
farm income dropping by nearly 50 percent over the past 4 years,
Congress must recognize the vital role our agricultural communities
play and provide the resources they need for success.
I thank Chairman Conaway for his leadership in bringing forth a bill
that is responsive to the needs of farm country.
Mr. Chairman, I urge support for my amendment, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bergman).
The amendment was agreed to.
Amendment No. 6 Offered by Mr. Arrington
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 6
printed in part C of House Report 115-677.
Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Page 337, after line 18, insert the following:
SEC. ___. REFINANCING OF CERTAIN RURAL HOSPITAL DEBT.
Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act (7 U.S.C. 1981 et seq.) is amended by inserting after
section 341 the following:
``SEC. 342. REFINANCING OF CERTAIN RURAL HOSPITAL DEBT.
``Assistance under section 306(a) for a community facility
or under section 310B may include the refinancing of a debt
obligation of a rural hospital as an eligible loan or loan
guarantee purpose if the assistance would help preserve
access to a health service in a rural community and
meaningfully improve the financial position of the
hospital.''.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 891, the gentleman
from Texas (Mr. Arrington) and a Member opposed each will control 5
minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Chair, I want to thank Chairman Conaway for his
leadership on H.R. 2. This farm bill is critical to this country's food
supply and to rural America. I want to thank him for a great first step
of getting it out of the committee.
We have strengthened the safety net to provide stability to the ag
economy here in the United States. We have made an important investment
in rural America and rural infrastructure, especially around the
technology backbone, and we have also fully funded R&D for agriculture,
which allows us to be globally competitive and gives our producers an
advantage.
Lastly, but certainly not least, I am very proud of the reforms to
the Food Stamp program that encourage work. We have got 6 million
surplus jobs, and we don't need policies that trap people in a cycle of
dependency on government and poverty. It is not the right thing to do
to them. It is not right for the taxpayers. It is not good for America.
Mr. Chairman, the amendment I am offering today would provide a
critical lifeline to rural hospitals by expanding the eligibility
requirements in two of USDA's loan programs, the Business and Industry
Guaranteed Loan Program and the Community Facilities Direct Loan and
Guaranteed Loan Program, to allow these community hospitals to
refinance their existing debt under these programs.
This will lower their cost of capital and free up precious resources
needed to keep these facilities operating. If we are going to maintain
the ability to feed our own people and fuel the American economy, we
need a strong and sustainable rural America. The heart of rural
communities is access to quality healthcare. What would this country be
without the hardworking energy and agriculture producers in small towns
across this great land?
There are over 5,000 hospitals in the United States, and roughly half
of them are in rural areas, serving one out of every five Americans.
Without access to basic medical services, communities in America's
breadbasket and energy basin would not survive.
Since 2010, over 80 rural hospitals across the country have closed,
including 11 in my home State of Texas. With
[[Page H4126]]
almost half of existing hospitals operating at a loss, the number of
these hospitals that are closing are guaranteed to go up. In less than
10 years, a whopping 25 percent of our Nation's rural hospitals could
close. For many of the nearly 700 rural hospitals struggling to keep
their doors open, this will give them the tools and the resources
necessary to maintain their viability and to continue to serving their
communities.
If we fail to act and some of these hospitals close down, it could
result in tens of thousands of lost jobs in rural communities across
the country. That would cripple rural communities across this great
Nation and potentially devastate our agriculture and energy economy,
affecting all Americans, including our friends in urban and suburban
areas.
I would like to conclude my remarks by thanking again, the chairman,
my friend and fellow west Texan, for his leadership on this farm bill.
I am proud to support it. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment,
so we can protect rural America by giving our community hospitals the
certainty and the resources they need to keep our people and our
communities healthy.
I include in the Record a letter of support from the National Rural
Health Association.
National Rural
Health Association,
May 16, 2018.
Hon. Jodey Arrington,
Washington, DC.
Dear Representative Arrington: The National Rural Health
Association (NRHA), a nonprofit membership organization with
more than 21,000 members in rural America, applauds your
proposed amendment to H.R. 2.
Rural America encompasses more than 90% of the nation's
land area, houses 46 million residents, and 20% of our
nation's population. Still, rural communities make up only 3%
of job growth since the Great Recession, and many rural areas
continue to see increasing unemployment. From 2010 to 2014,
rural areas saw more businesses close than open. Rural
hospitals and providers are a critical part of the rural
community, and often are the backbone of the rural economy.
Eighty-three rural hospitals have closed since 2010, and 673
are vulnerable to closure. If the 673 vulnerable hospitals
closed, rural patients would need to seek alternatives for
11.7 million hospitals visits, 99,000 health care workers
would need to find new jobs, and $277 billion in GPD would be
lost.
When a rural community is faced with a hospital struggling
to remain open, the community often looks for resources to
keep this essential point of care. The USDA has the
experience and expertise to help struggling rural hospitals
negotiate, reorganize, and revitalize. Rural hospitals are an
essential pillar of their communities and are necessary to
create the economic growth that is direly needed in rural
communities. No business wants to relocate to a community
that does not have an emergency room to care for an employee
injured at work or a place for a young worker to deliver a
baby or take a sick child. Allowing refinancing of debt
obligations through the Business and Industry and Community
Facilities Loan Programs supports communities in improving
the financial position of the hospital to maintain necessary
local access to care in rural communities.
We applaud you for your efforts to ensure that these
important loan programs can be used by rural hospitals in
need and appreciate your leadership in introducing this
important and timely amendment. Please contact Jessica Seigel
in my Government Affairs office if NRHA can offer more
support on this or future health issues.
Sincerely,
Alan Morgan,
Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Minnesota is recognized for 5
minutes.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the intent of the amendment,
but there are a couple of problems here. One is that I have got some
hospitals in my area that have used this to establish rural hospitals.
There is a limited amount of money available in this fund, and what
you are going to do here with this is you are going to increase the
competition for it. There is already an increase in fees on the loans
in this bill. So, for smaller communities, it is going to make it more
difficult.
But the bigger problem I have with this, as I understand it, this
bill raises the limits for what is a rural area from 20,000 in the case
of broadband and water, and 10,000 on waste. These are numbers that
were put in in the 2008 farm bill when I was chairman. I just want to
point out to people: The biggest city in my district is 32,000 people.
I have 350 towns in my district, and only 12 of them are over 10,000.
So what this does is it puts us in a situation where we are going to
not be able to build hospitals because they are going to be sucked up
by these bigger communities in these other parts of the country.
So I just think this is something that is not needed. If you have got
a town of 50,000 people, you can go get financing some other place. You
don't need to be financed by USDA.
Mr. Chair, I oppose the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent to reclaim the
balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman
from Texas?
There was no objection.
Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Chair, I respect the ranking member's comments,
and I appreciate his commitment to rural America, but I would submit
that my hometown, which is over the 20,000 threshold but under the
50,000, has every bit of the challenges that small towns at 20,000 and
below face. They deserve access to quality care. This amendment, by the
way, does not change that threshold. However, that threshold is changed
in the farm bill. It reserves the direct lending portion of the program
at $2.8 billion for those communities at 20,000 and below, and it
actually expands the Guaranteed Loan Program that has delivered capital
to levels close to $150 million. That program would be the one we would
expand for communities above 20,000 but below 50,000.
Again, Plainview, Texas, is a rural small town. It is an ag
community, and if the people of Plainview and towns like that don't
have access to healthcare, then they cannot sustain the ag economy in
west Texas.
Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chair, I just have a problem with a town of 50,000
being called a rural town. The average town in my district is 1,000
people, 1,500 people. Those are the folks who cannot afford to do this.
That is what this program is for.
I don't know how much money we have wasted on broadband in this
Congress, and one of the reasons we wasted it is we had a 50,000
population limit. What happened is these telecom companies and cable
companies went into these bigger communities because that is where they
could make money, and they overbuilt the systems two or three times.
Did they come out in the rural areas and do anything? No. So we still
don't have broadband, and in towns of 50,000, we have three systems. So
what I was trying to do in 2008 was trying to focus this stuff down to
where it--in my opinion--belongs. In your part of the world, that might
be the thing to do, but this does not work in my district, and I don't
agree with it.
Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to oppose the amendment, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Arrington).
The amendment was agreed to.
Amendment No. 7 Offered by Mr. Jones
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 7
printed in part C of House Report 115-677.
Mr. JONES. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Page 387, after line 24, insert the following:
SEC. __. LIMITED EXCLUSION OF MILITARY BASE RESIDENTS FROM
DEFINITION OF RURAL AREA.
(a) Programs Under the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act.--Section 343(a)(13) of the Consolidated Farm
and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)), as amended
by section 6218 of this Act, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``(H)'' and inserting
``(I)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(I) Limited exclusion of military base populations.--The
first 1,500 individuals who reside in housing located on a
military base shall not be included in determining whether an
area is `rural' or a `rural area'.''.
(b) Rural Broadband Loans and Guarantee Program.--Section
601(b)(3) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C.
[[Page H4127]]
950bb(b)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Exclusion of military base populations.--The first
1,500 individuals who reside in housing located on a military
base shall not be included in determining whether an area is
a `rural area'.''.
(c) Distance Learning and Telemedicine Loans and Grants.--
Section 2332 of the Food Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa-1) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(4) Rural area.--The term `rural area' has the meaning
given the term in section 601(b)(3) of the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936.''.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 891, the gentleman
from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) and a Member opposed each will control
5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from North Carolina.
Mr. JONES. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman and the ranking member
for allowing me to have this opportunity to speak about this amendment.
The amendment allows military towns who are on the bubble of
eligibility for USDA rural development programs the ability to apply
for loans and grants for their communities.
Given the transitory nature of military service, town populations
change frequently and having this buffer will allow otherwise
ineligible communities to have the ability to apply and compete for
assistance in funding critical facilities such as fire departments,
hospitals, and children's centers.
{time} 1915
Allowing these communities to compete for financial assistance does
not increase spending for these programs. We are probably only talking
about four military towns at this point. So these towns are in the
rural part of America, and, again, we are just saying that they should
have the ability to compete.
That is the amendment, the best I can explain it, and I ask for
support of the amendment.
Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones).
The amendment was agreed to.
Amendment No. 8 Offered by Mr. Latta
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 8
printed in part C of House Report 115-677.
Mr. LATTA. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Page 397, after line 12, insert the following:
Subtitle I--Precision Agriculture Connectivity
SEC. 6801. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Precision agriculture technologies and practices allow
farmers to significantly increase crop yields, eliminate
overlap in operations, and reduce inputs such as seed,
fertilizer, pesticides, water, and fuel.
(2) These technologies allow farmers to collect data in
real time about their fields, automate field management, and
maximize resources.
(3) Studies estimate that precision agriculture
technologies can reduce agricultural operation costs by up to
25 dollars per acre and increase farm yields by up to 70
percent by 2050.
(4) The critical cost savings and productivity benefits of
precision agriculture cannot be realized without the
availability of reliable broadband Internet access service
delivered to the agricultural land of the United States.
(5) The deployment of broadband Internet access service to
unserved and underserved agricultural land is critical to the
United States economy and to the continued leadership of the
United States in global food production.
(6) Despite the growing demand for broadband Internet
access service on agricultural land, broadband Internet
access service is not consistently available where needed for
agricultural operations.
(7) The Federal Communications Commission has an important
role to play in the deployment of broadband Internet access
service on unserved and underserved agricultural land to
promote precision agriculture.
SEC. 6802. TASK FORCE FOR REVIEWING THE CONNECTIVITY AND
TECHNOLOGY NEEDS OF PRECISION AGRICULTURE.
(a) Definitions.--In this section--
(1) the term ``broadband Internet access service'' has the
meaning given the term in section 8.2 of title 47, Code of
Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation;
(2) the term ``Commission'' means the Federal
Communications Commission;
(3) the term ``Department'' means the Department of
Agriculture; and
(4) the term ``Task Force'' means the Task Force for
Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision
Agriculture in the United States established under subsection
(b).
(b) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Commission shall establish the
Task Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology
Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States.
(c) Duties.--
(1) In general.--The Task Force shall consult with the
Secretary, or a designee of the Secretary, and collaborate
with public and private stakeholders in the agriculture and
technology fields to--
(A) identify and measure current gaps in the availability
of broadband Internet access service on agricultural land;
(B) develop policy recommendations to promote the rapid,
expanded deployment of broadband Internet access service on
unserved agricultural land, with a goal of achieving reliable
capabilities on 95 percent of agricultural land in the United
States by 2025;
(C) promote effective policy and regulatory solutions that
encourage the adoption of broadband Internet access service
on farms and ranches and promote precision agriculture;
(D) recommend specific new rules or amendments to existing
rules of the Commission that the Commission should issue to
achieve the goals and purposes of the policy recommendations
described in subparagraph (B);
(E) recommend specific steps that the Commission should
take to obtain reliable and standardized data measurements of
the availability of broadband Internet access service as may
be necessary to target funding support, from existing or
future programs of the Commission dedicated to the deployment
of broadband Internet access service, to unserved
agricultural land in need of broadband Internet access
service; and
(F) recommend specific steps that the Commission should
consider to ensure that the expertise of the Secretary and
available farm data are reflected in existing or future
programs of the Commission dedicated to the infrastructure
deployment of broadband Internet access service and to direct
available funding to unserved agricultural land where needed.
(2) Consultation.--The Secretary, or a designee of the
Secretary, shall explain and make available to the Task Force
the expertise, data mapping information, and resources of the
Department that the Department uses to identify cropland,
ranchland, and other areas with agricultural operations that
may be helpful in developing the recommendations required
under paragraph (1).
(3) List of available federal programs and resources.--Not
later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Secretary and the Commission shall jointly submit to the
Task Force a list of all Federal programs or resources
available for the expansion of broadband Internet access
service on unserved agricultural land to assist the Task
Force in carrying out the duties of the Task Force.
(d) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The Task Force shall be--
(A) composed of not more than 15 voting members who shall--
(i) be selected by the Chairman of the Commission, in
consultation with the Secretary; and
(ii) include--
(I) agricultural producers representing diverse geographic
regions and farm sizes, including owners and operators of
farms of less than 100 acres;
(II) Internet service providers, including regional or
rural fixed and mobile broadband Internet access service
providers and telecommunications infrastructure providers;
(III) representatives from the electric cooperative
industry;
(IV) representatives from the satellite industry;
(V) representatives from precision agriculture equipment
manufacturers, including drone manufacturers, manufacturers
of autonomous agricultural machinery, and manufacturers of
farming robotics technologies; and
(VI) representatives from State and local governments; and
(B) fairly balanced in terms of technologies, points of
view, and fields represented on the Task Force.
(2) Period of appointment; vacancies.--
(A) In general.--A member of the Committee appointed under
paragraph (1)(A) shall serve for a single term of 2 years.
(B) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the Task Force--
(i) shall not affect the powers of the Task Force; and
(ii) shall be filled in the same manner as the original
appointment.
(3) Ex-officio member.--The Secretary, or a designee of the
Secretary, shall serve as an ex-officio, nonvoting member of
the Task Force.
(e) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which
the Commission establishes the Task Force, and annually
thereafter, the Task Force shall submit to the Chairman of
the Commission a report, which shall be made public not later
than 30 days after the date on which the Chairman receives
the report, that details--
(1) the status of fixed and mobile broadband Internet
access service coverage of agricultural land;
[[Page H4128]]
(2) the projected future connectivity needs of agricultural
operations, farmers, and ranchers; and
(3) the steps being taken to accurately measure the
availability of broadband Internet access service on
agricultural land and the limitations of current, as of the
date of the report, measurement processes.
(f) Termination.--The Commission shall renew the Task Force
every 2 years until the Task Force terminates on January 1,
2025.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 891, the gentleman
from Ohio (Mr. Latta) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio.
Mr. LATTA. Mr. Chairman, before I begin, I want to thank the
gentleman from Texas, the chairman of the committee, for his hard work
on the bill. I appreciate it.
Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the precision agriculture
connectivity amendment. This bipartisan amendment offered by myself and
my friend from Iowa (Mr. Loebsack) recognizes the need for broadband in
rural areas, especially on agricultural lands.
I represent the largest farm-income-producing district in the State
of Ohio. Precision agriculture technologies and practices, like the use
of IoT equipment, provide a great opportunity to improve U.S. farm
productivity and sustainability.
However, the lack of high-speed broadband in rural areas, especially
in farmlands and ranchlands, hinder the use of advanced technologies in
agriculture operations.
My amendment seeks to improve broadband access to farmers and
ranchers by establishing a task force for reviewing the connectivity
and technology needs of precision agriculture.
The task force would be created primarily by the Federal
Communications Commission due to their expertise in broadband. However,
we also recognize the value of the United States Department of
Agriculture in this discussion. Therefore, the FCC would be required to
work in collaboration with the USDA on gathering broadband data and for
selecting the members of the task force.
This task force would be required to identify current gaps in
broadband coverage on agricultural lands and recommend policies that
will promote their rapid, expanded deployment of broadband internet
access service in unserved areas.
Simply put, this amendment would help to address a significant need
in agricultural lands. Without broadband, farmers cannot utilize
precision agriculture that allows for the collection of field data in
real time that can help with crop management. This type of technology
helps farmers maximize resources to reduce costs and increase crop
yields by up to 70 percent by 2050, helping to maintain America's long-
term leadership in global food production.
Furthermore, advanced machinery helps promote environmentally
sustainable practices.
I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan amendment to help
deploy much-needed broadband in unserved rural, agricultural areas.
Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman, I am not going to oppose this amendment,
but I claim the time.
The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Minnesota is
recognized for 5 minutes.
There was no objection.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman, I just want to point out that what you
did in amendment No. 6 is going to undermine what you are trying to do
in amendment No. 8 because it is going to allow the telecom companies
to game the system.
I don't know how many billions of dollars we have wasted on those
companies, and they have not accomplished hardly a thing. In fact, they
are the ones that have stopped us from getting broadband in the rural
parts of my district because they have vetoed some stuff that the State
is doing that actually would work.
What we need to do to fix this is we need to change the Universal
Service Fund, which is still tied to telephones. That is what got us
telephones in all of rural America because we had a Universal Service
Fund that was put on everybody's phone bill, and that gave us the money
to go out and put the phones in every house.
They are still doing that today. So I have broadband at my deer camp,
and the way I got it was because I had to put a telephone in in order
for them to get the subsidies so they could run the line to my camp.
So, if you want to get this done, what really needs to be done is we
need to change the Universal Service Fund and put it on broadband so we
have got the money to go out into those underserved areas that are
never going to get--there is one person a mile, one house a mile.
Nobody can make money on it. So the only way that is going to work is
if you have money coming from us to get those companies to go out and
do it.
I agree with what the gentleman is trying to do here, and I am for
what he is trying to do. But I think it is not going to happen because
we have tried. We have spent billions of dollars, and nothing has
happened so far. I have no confidence in these big telecom companies
getting anything done.
So, with that, I have got it off my chest. I am not going to oppose
the gentleman's amendment. God bless you and good luck.
Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. LATTA. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman's comments.
Again, it is important because, again, in the area I represent in the
State of Ohio, we have a lot of unserved areas.
When we talk about unserved and underserved areas, we want to make
sure that, especially out in agricultural areas, that we get that area
served because they are unserved at this time.
Mr. Chairman, I ask for support of the amendment, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Latta).
The amendment was agreed to.
Amendment No. 9 Offered by Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania
The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 9
printed in part C of House Report 115-677.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at
the desk.
The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
The text of the amendment is as follows:
Page 429, after line 4, insert the following:
``(16) Chronic wasting disease.--Research and extension
grants may be made under this section for projects relating
to treating, mitigating, or eliminating chronic wasting
disease.''.
Page 429, line 5, strike ``(16)'' and insert ``(17)''.
The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 891, the gentleman
from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) and a Member opposed each will control
5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, Chairman Conaway, and
Ranking Member Peterson, I am grateful for the opportunity to be here
today and speak on this amendment.
Chronic wasting disease is a wildlife health disorder impacting the
cervid populations in 24 States, including Pennsylvania. The disease
attacks the brain and nervous system of these animals, which include
deer, elk, and mule and moose species, and always results in death.
Currently, we don't have a way to live test, and there is no cure or
vaccine for the disease.
First identified in Colorado in the 1960s, CWD, as it is known,
wasn't detected in Pennsylvania until 2012. However, the problem
continues to grow as the State Game Commission has found a doubling of
instances between 2016 and 2017.
If this trend continues, we will see devastating impacts on our
cervid populations as well as related ecological consequences.
Title VII, the research portion of the farm bill, provides important
support for innovation, research, and development at our Nation's land
grant universities and agricultural colleges.
To help wildlife managers and States combat the problem of CWD, my
amendment simply adds chronic wasting disease to section 7208, high-
priority research and extension initiatives.
According to the CBO, this amendment would have no change in direct
spending or revenue. However, this amendment would help focus some
resources toward chronic wasting disease research.
[[Page H4129]]
A number of organizations have endorsed this amendment, including the
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Wildlife Management
Institute, The Quality Deer Management Association, National Deer
Alliance, National Wildlife Federation, and the Association of Fish and
Wildlife Agencies.
I appreciate the opportunity today to offer this amendment and
request the support of my colleagues.
Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman, I claim time in opposition, even though I
am not opposed to the amendment.
The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Minnesota is
recognized for 5 minutes.
There was no objection.
Mr. PETERSON. I agree that chronic wasting is a serious problem. We
have it in Minnesota. We have spent a lot of money already in Minnesota
on research as they have in Wisconsin and probably other places.
Does this do anything about the problem of this getting out of farm
deer, farms and so forth? Because they just found in southern Minnesota
that this was spread by deer getting out of a farm deer situation. They
went in there, and every deer that was in that farm had chronic wasting
disease.
Does it do anything in terms of doing research to go in and make sure
those herds are not contributing to the problem?
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. PETERSON. I yield to the gentleman.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking
member for that question. It is an important part of this discussion.
Actually, first of all, it is important for people to understand that,
let me just say upfront, chronic wasting disease is not transmitted to
humans. There is no case of that. I know that wasn't your question, but
I think that is important. It is not transmitted to humans.
I think it is important for those who might be listening to
understand that. I don't want to create a fear factor here.
The research of the USDA so far shows there has never been a
documented case of a farm deer transferring CWD to wild population.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time. That is not true.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. PETERSON. I yield to the gentleman.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. All farm deer must be CWD certified,
meaning testing for over 5 years, to be eligible for interstate
shipment and commerce, and there is a USDA Federal rule, all farm deer
in the Federal herd certification program must test 100 percent of
their death loss for CWD, and State and Federal fish and wildlife
agencies test a low percentage of wild deer for CWD.
So the focus on this is the wild deer. If a farm deer is determined
to be CWD positive, in almost all cases, the entire herd is put down,
as you had mentioned in your experience, leaving the farmer without a
source of income or business.
The goal of the amendment, however, I think would help in that
situation because the goal of the amendment is to find a live test or a
cure for CWD since scientists believe it is naturally occurring in the
wild. If we had a vaccine, we could then increase the number of
sportsmen and -women in the field to help with the Pittman-Robertson
funds that go to conservation.
The total economic impact of the farmed cervid industry is $7.9
billion a year in the U.S. and employs almost 57,000 people who
contribute greatly to rural American, State, and certainly Federal
economies as well.
The outcome of this would benefit both farm but also wild CWD
instances and cases, and prevent them.
Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, is the gentleman
saying that USDA says there has never been a case where it has been
transmitted from a farm to wildlife?
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. PETERSON. I yield to the gentleman.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Yes.
Mr. PETERSON. That is not true because it has happened in Minnesota
in two or three cases. So maybe they need to be researched. They are a
little behind the times it seems to me.
In southeast Minnesota, we don't have it up where I am at, but in the
southeast, this is prevalent. The same thing in Wisconsin. So everybody
that takes a deer has to take it into the DNR and get it tested
currently.
Once this thing gets into the wild, it is very hard to eradicate
without wiping out the whole herd, which some places are going to do
that.
So I am supportive of what you are trying to do. I just want to make
sure that we are doing, within the USDA and the animal welfare, health
thing, that they have got some resources there that can go in and make
sure that these farms are not transferring this stuff out in the wild
when a deer gets loose. That is apparently what happened in southeast
Minnesota. That is my only concern. Maybe we can work together on the
language and improve it. I will support your amendment.
Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. I yield back the balance of my time.
The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson).
The amendment was agreed to.
Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Chairman, I move that the House do now rise.
The motion was agreed to.
Accordingly, the Committee rose; and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr.
LaMalfa) having assumed the chair, Mr. Lewis of Minnesota, Acting Chair
of the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union, reported
that that Committee, having had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2)
to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other
programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2023, and
for other purposes, had come to no resolution thereon.
____________________