[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 108 (Wednesday, June 27, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4519-S4687]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           TEXT OF AMENDMENTS

  SA 3224. Mr. ROBERTS (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) proposed an 
amendment to 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; as 
follows:

       Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
     following:

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the 
     ``Agriculture Improvement 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.

                          TITLE I--COMMODITIES

                      Subtitle A--Commodity Policy

Sec. 1101. Payment acres.
Sec. 1102. Producer election.
Sec. 1103. Price loss coverage.
Sec. 1104. Agriculture risk coverage.
Sec. 1105. Repeal of transition assistance for producers of upland 
              cotton.

                      Subtitle B--Marketing Loans

Sec. 1201. Extensions.
Sec. 1202. Repeal; unshorn pelts.
Sec. 1203. Economic adjustment assistance for upland cotton users.

                           Subtitle C--Sugar

Sec. 1301. Sugar program.

                           Subtitle D--Dairy

                      PART I--Dairy Risk Coverage

Sec. 1401. Dairy risk coverage.

      PART II--Reauthorizations and Other Dairy-Related Provisions

Sec. 1411. Reauthorizations.
Sec. 1412. Class I skim milk price.
Sec. 1413. Milk donation program.

       Subtitle E--Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance

Sec. 1501. Supplemental agricultural disaster assistance.

                 Subtitle F--Noninsured Crop Assistance

Sec. 1601. Noninsured crop assistance program.

                       Subtitle G--Administration

Sec. 1701. Regulations.
Sec. 1702. Suspension of permanent price support authority.
Sec. 1703. Implementation.
Sec. 1704. Definition of significant contribution of active personal 
              management.
Sec. 1705. Actively engaged in farming requirement.
Sec. 1706. Adjusted gross income limitation.
Sec. 1707. Base acres review.
Sec. 1708. Farm Service Agency accountability.
Sec. 1709. Technical corrections.
Sec. 1710. Use of Commodity Credit Corporation.

                         TITLE II--CONSERVATION

                Subtitle A--Conservation Reserve Program

Sec. 2101. Extension and enrollment requirements of conservation 
              reserve program.
Sec. 2102. Farmable wetland program.
Sec. 2103. Duties of the Secretary.
Sec. 2104. Payments.
Sec. 2105. Conservation reserve enhancement program.
Sec. 2106. Contracts.
Sec. 2107. Conservation reserve easements.
Sec. 2108. Eligible land; State law requirements.

              Subtitle B--Conservation Stewardship Program

Sec. 2201. Definitions.
Sec. 2202. Establishment.
Sec. 2203. Stewardship contracts.
Sec. 2204. Duties of Secretary.

          Subtitle C--Environmental Quality Incentives Program

Sec. 2301. Purposes.
Sec. 2302. Definitions.
Sec. 2303. Establishment and administration.
Sec. 2304. Evaluation of applications.

[[Page S4520]]

Sec. 2305. Duties of the Secretary.
Sec. 2306. Environmental quality incentives program plan.
Sec. 2307. Limitation on payments.
Sec. 2308. Conservation innovation grants and payments.
Sec. 2309. Soil health demonstration pilot project.

                Subtitle D--Other Conservation Programs

Sec. 2401. Wetland conservation.
Sec. 2402. Conservation security program.
Sec. 2403. Conservation of private grazing land.
Sec. 2404. Soil health and income protection program.
Sec. 2405. Grassroots source water protection program.
Sec. 2406. Soil testing and remediation assistance.
Sec. 2407. Voluntary public access and habitat incentive program.
Sec. 2408. Agriculture conservation experienced services program.
Sec. 2409. Remote telemetry data system.
Sec. 2410. Agricultural conservation easement program.
Sec. 2411. Regional conservation partnership program.
Sec. 2412. Wetland conversion.
Sec. 2413. Delineation of wetlands.
Sec. 2414. Emergency conservation program.
Sec. 2415. Watershed protection and flood prevention.
Sec. 2416. Small watershed rehabilitation program.
Sec. 2417. Repeal of Conservation Corridor Demonstration Program.
Sec. 2418. Repeal of cranberry acreage reserve program.
Sec. 2419. Repeal of National Natural Resources Foundation.
Sec. 2420. Repeal of flood risk reduction.
Sec. 2421. Repeal of study of land use for expiring contracts and 
              extension of authority.
Sec. 2422. Repeal of Integrated Farm Management Program Option.
Sec. 2423. Repeal of clarification of definition of agricultural lands.
Sec. 2424. Resource conservation and development program.
Sec. 2425. Wildlife management.
Sec. 2426. Healthy forests reserve program.
Sec. 2427. Watershed protection.
Sec. 2428. Sense of Congress relating to increased watershed-based 
              collaboration.
Sec. 2429. Modifications to conservation easement program.

                 Subtitle E--Funding and Administration

Sec. 2501. Funding.
Sec. 2502. Delivery of technical assistance.
Sec. 2503. Administrative requirements for conservation programs.
Sec. 2504. Definition of acequia.
Sec. 2505. Authorization of appropriations for water bank program.
Sec. 2506. Report on land access, tenure, and transition.
Sec. 2507. Report on small wetlands.
Sec. 2508. State technical committees.

                   Subtitle F--Technical Corrections

Sec. 2601. Farmable wetland program.
Sec. 2602. Report on program enrollments and assistance.
Sec. 2603. Delivery of technical assistance.
Sec. 2604. State technical committees.

                            TITLE III--TRADE

                     Subtitle A--Food for Peace Act

Sec. 3101. Food aid quality.
Sec. 3102. Generation and use of currencies by private voluntary 
              organizations and cooperatives.
Sec. 3103. Minimum levels of assistance.
Sec. 3104. Food Aid Consultative Group.
Sec. 3105. Oversight, monitoring, and evaluation.
Sec. 3106. Assistance for stockpiling and rapid transportation, 
              delivery, and distribution of shelf-stable prepackaged 
              foods.
Sec. 3107. Allowance of distribution costs.
Sec. 3108. Prepositioning of agricultural commodities.
Sec. 3109. Annual report regarding food aid programs and activities.
Sec. 3110. Deadline for agreements to finance sales or to provide other 
              assistance.
Sec. 3111. Nonemergency food assistance.
Sec. 3112. Micronutrient fortification programs.
Sec. 3113. John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program.

               Subtitle B--Agricultural Trade Act of 1978

Sec. 3201. Priority trade promotion, development, and assistance.

               Subtitle C--Other Agricultural Trade Laws

Sec. 3301. Food for Progress Act of 1985.
Sec. 3302. Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Act.
Sec. 3303. Promotion of agricultural exports to emerging markets.
Sec. 3304. Cochran emerging market fellowship program.
Sec. 3305. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology 
              Fellowship Program.
Sec. 3306. International food security technical assistance.
Sec. 3307. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child 
              Nutrition Program.
Sec. 3308. Global Crop Diversity Trust.
Sec. 3309. Local and regional food aid procurement projects.
Sec. 3310. Foreign trade missions.

                          TITLE IV--NUTRITION

         Subtitle A--Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Sec. 4101. Definition of certification period.
Sec. 4102. Food distribution program on Indian reservations.
Sec. 4103. Work requirements for supplemental nutrition assistance 
              program.
Sec. 4104. Improvements to electronic benefit transfer system.
Sec. 4105. Retail incentives.
Sec. 4106. Required action on data match information.
Sec. 4107. Income verification.
Sec. 4108. Pilot projects to improve healthy dietary patterns related 
              to fluid milk in the supplemental nutrition assistance 
              program.
Sec. 4109. Interstate data matching to prevent multiple issuances.
Sec. 4110. Quality control.
Sec. 4111. Requirement of live-production environments for certain 
              pilot projects relating to cost sharing for 
              computerization.
Sec. 4112. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 4113. Assistance for community food projects.
Sec. 4114. Nutrition education State plans.
Sec. 4115. Emergency food assistance program.
Sec. 4116. Technical and conforming amendments.

              Subtitle B--Commodity Distribution Programs

Sec. 4201. Commodity distribution program.
Sec. 4202. Commodity supplemental food program.
Sec. 4203. Distribution of surplus commodities; special nutrition 
              projects.

                       Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

Sec. 4301. Purchase of specialty crops.
Sec. 4302. Seniors farmers' market nutrition program.
Sec. 4303. The Gus Schumacher food insecurity nutrition incentive.
Sec. 4304. Harvesting health pilot projects.

                            TITLE V--CREDIT

                    Subtitle A--Farm Ownership Loans

Sec. 5101. Modification of the 3-year experience requirement for 
              purposes of eligibility for farm ownership loans.
Sec. 5102. Conservation loan and loan guarantee program.
Sec. 5103. Limitations on amount of farm ownership loans.

                      Subtitle B--Operating Loans

Sec. 5201. Limitations on amount of operating loans.
Sec. 5202. Cooperative lending pilot projects.

                 Subtitle C--Administrative Provisions

Sec. 5301. Beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts 
              pilot program.
Sec. 5302. Loan authorization levels.
Sec. 5303. Loan fund set-asides.
Sec. 5304. Equitable relief.
Sec. 5305. Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; qualified 
              beginning farmers and ranchers.
Sec. 5306. Emergency loan eligibility.

                       Subtitle D--Miscellaneous

Sec. 5401. State agricultural mediation programs.
Sec. 5402. Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
Sec. 5403. Sharing of privileged and confidential information.
Sec. 5404. Removal and prohibition authority; industry-wide 
              prohibition.
Sec. 5405. Jurisdiction over institution-affiliated parties.
Sec. 5406. Definition of institution-affiliated party.
Sec. 5407. Repeal of obsolete provisions; technical corrections.
Sec. 5408. Corporation as conservator or receiver; certain other 
              powers.
Sec. 5409. Reporting.
Sec. 5410. Sense of the Senate.

                      TITLE VI--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

        Subtitle A--Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act

Sec. 6101. Water, waste disposal, and wastewater facility grants.
Sec. 6102. Rural water and wastewater technical assistance and training 
              programs.
Sec. 6103. Rural water and wastewater circuit rider program.
Sec. 6104. Tribal college and university essential community 
              facilities.
Sec. 6105. Community facilities direct loans and grants for substance 
              use disorder treatment services.
Sec. 6106. Emergency and imminent community water assistance grant 
              program.
Sec. 6107. Water systems for rural and native villages in Alaska.
Sec. 6108. Rural decentralized water systems.
Sec. 6109. Solid waste management grants.
Sec. 6110. Rural business development grants.
Sec. 6111. Rural cooperative development grants.
Sec. 6112. Locally or regionally produced agricultural food products.
Sec. 6113. Appropriate technology transfer for rural areas program.
Sec. 6114. Rural economic area partnership zones.
Sec. 6115. Intemediary relending program.
Sec. 6116. Single application for broadband.
Sec. 6117. Loan guarantee loan fees.

[[Page S4521]]

Sec. 6118. Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs technical 
              assistance and training.
Sec. 6119. National rural development partnership.
Sec. 6120. Grants for NOAA weather radio transmitters.
Sec. 6121. Rural microentrepreneur assistance program.
Sec. 6122. Health care services.
Sec. 6123. Strategic economic and community development.
Sec. 6124. Delta Regional Authority.
Sec. 6125. Rural business investment program.

             Subtitle B--Rural Electrification Act of 1936

Sec. 6201. Electric loan refinancing.
Sec. 6202. Technical assistance for rural electrification loans.
Sec. 6203. Loans for telephone service.
Sec. 6204. Cushion of credit payments program.
Sec. 6205. Guarantees for bonds and notes issued for electrification or 
              telephone purposes.
Sec. 6206. Access to broadband telecommunications services in rural 
              areas.
Sec. 6207. Community Connect Grant Program.
Sec. 6208. Transparency in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan 
              Program.
Sec. 6209. Refinancing of broadband and telephone loans.
Sec. 6210. Cybersecurity and grid security improvements.

                       Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

Sec. 6301. Distance learning and telemedicine.
Sec. 6302. Rural energy savings program.
Sec. 6303. Rural health and safety education programs.
Sec. 6304. Northern Border Regional Commission reauthorization.

          TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS

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

Sec. 7101. Purposes of agricultural research, extension, and education.
Sec. 7102. Matters relating to certain school designations and 
              declarations.
Sec. 7103. National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and 
              Economics Advisory Board.
Sec. 7104. Citrus disease subcommittee of specialty crop committee.
Sec. 7105. Veterinary services grant program.
Sec. 7106. Grants and fellowships for food and agriculture sciences 
              education.
Sec. 7107. Research equipment grants.
Sec. 7108. Agricultural and food policy research centers.
Sec. 7109. Education grants to Alaska Native serving institutions and 
              Native Hawaiian serving institutions.
Sec. 7110. Next generation agriculture technology challenge.
Sec. 7111. Nutrition education program.
Sec. 7112. Authorization for appropriations for Federal agricultural 
              research facilities.
Sec. 7113. Continuing animal health and disease research programs.
Sec. 7114. Extension at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee 
              University; report.
Sec. 7115. Report on agricultural research at 1890 land-grant colleges, 
              including Tuskegee University.
Sec. 7116. Grants to upgrade agricultural and food sciences facilities 
              at 1890 land-grant colleges, including Tuskegee 
              University.
Sec. 7117. Grants to upgrade agriculture and food sciences facilities 
              and equipment at insular area land-grant institutions.
Sec. 7118. New Beginning for Tribal Students.
Sec. 7119. Hispanic-serving institutions.
Sec. 7120. Binational agricultural research and development.
Sec. 7121. Partnerships to build capacity in international agricultural 
              research, extension, and teaching.
Sec. 7122. Competitive grants for international agricultural science 
              and education programs.
Sec. 7123. University research.
Sec. 7124. Extension service.
Sec. 7125. Supplemental and alternative crops; hemp.
Sec. 7126. New Era Rural Technology program.
Sec. 7127. Capacity building grants for NLGCA institutions.
Sec. 7128. Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority 
              pilot.
Sec. 7129. Aquaculture assistance programs.
Sec. 7130. Repeal of rangeland research programs.
Sec. 7131. Special authorization for biosecurity planning and response.
Sec. 7132. Distance education and resident instruction grants program 
              for insular area institutions of higher education.
Sec. 7133. Limitation on designation of entities eligible to receive 
              funds under a capacity program.
Sec. 7134. Scholarship program for students attending 1890 
              Institutions.

   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 strategic germplasm and cultivar collection 
              assessment and utilization plan.
Sec. 7206. National Genetics Resources Program.
Sec. 7207. National Agricultural Weather Information System.
Sec. 7208. Agricultural genome to phenome initiative.
Sec. 7209. High-priority research and extension initiatives.
Sec. 7210. Organic agriculture research and extension initiative.
Sec. 7211. Farm business management.
Sec. 7212. Urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production 
              research, education, and extension initiative.
Sec. 7213. Centers of excellence at 1890 Institutions.
Sec. 7214. Assistive technology program for farmers with disabilities.
Sec. 7215. National Rural Information Center Clearinghouse.

Subtitle C--Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act 
                                of 1998

Sec. 7301. National food safety training, education, extension, 
              outreach, and technical assistance program.
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--Other Laws

Sec. 7401. Critical Agricultural Materials Act.
Sec. 7402. Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994.
Sec. 7403. Research Facilities Act.
Sec. 7404. Agricultural and food research initiative.
Sec. 7405. Extension design and demonstration initiative.
Sec. 7406. Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978.
Sec. 7407. National Aquaculture Act of 1980.
Sec. 7408. Repeal of review of Agricultural Research Service.
Sec. 7409. Biomass research and development.
Sec. 7410. Reinstatement of matching requirement for Federal funds used 
              in extension work at the University of the District of 
              Columbia.
Sec. 7411. Enhanced use lease authority pilot program.
Sec. 7412. Transfer of administrative jurisdiction over portion of 
              Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, 
              Beltsville, Maryland.
Sec. 7413. Foundation for food and agriculture research.
Sec. 7414. Assistance for forestry research under the McIntire-Stennis 
              Cooperative Forestry Act.
Sec. 7415. Legitimacy of industrial hemp research.
Sec. 7416. Collection of data relating to barley area planted and 
              harvested.
Sec. 7417. Collection of data relating to the size and location of 
              dairy farms.
Sec. 7418. Agriculture innovation center demonstration program.
Sec. 7419. Smith-Lever community extension program.

         Subtitle E--Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008

                     PART I--Agricultural Security

Sec. 7501. Agricultural biosecurity communication center.
Sec. 7502. Assistance to build local capacity in agricultural 
              biosecurity planning, preparation, and response.
Sec. 7503. Research and development of agricultural countermeasures.
Sec. 7504. Agricultural biosecurity grant program.

                   PART II--Miscellaneous Provisions

Sec. 7511. Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.
Sec. 7512. Natural products research program.
Sec. 7513. Sun grant program.
Sec. 7514. Mechanization and automation for specialty crops.

                 Subtitle F--Matching Funds Requirement

Sec. 7601. Matching funds requirement.

                          TITLE VIII--FORESTRY

        Subtitle A--Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978

Sec. 8101. State and private forest landscape-scale restoration 
              program.

 Subtitle B--Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 
                                  1978

Sec. 8201. Repeal of recycling research.

[[Page S4522]]

Sec. 8202. Repeal of forestry student grant program.

        Subtitle C--Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 1990

Sec. 8301. Repeals.

          Subtitle D--Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003

Sec. 8401. Promoting cross-boundary wildfire mitigation.
Sec. 8402. Authorization of appropriations for hazardous fuel reduction 
              on Federal land.
Sec. 8403. Repeal of biomass commercial utilization grant program.
Sec. 8404. Water Source Protection Program.
Sec. 8405. Watershed Condition Framework.
Sec. 8406. Authorization of appropriations to combat insect 
              infestations and related diseases.
Sec. 8407. Healthy Forests Reserve Program reauthorization.
Sec. 8408. Authorization of appropriations for designation of treatment 
              areas.
Sec. 8409. Administrative review of collaborative restoration projects.

    Subtitle E--Repeal or Reauthorization of Miscellaneous Forestry 
                                Programs

Sec. 8501. Repeal of revision of strategic plan for forest inventory 
              and analysis.
Sec. 8502. Semiarid agroforestry research center.
Sec. 8503. National Forest Foundation Act.
Sec. 8504. Conveyance of Forest Service administrative sites.

                     Subtitle F--Forest Management

Sec. 8601. Definitions.

     PART I--Expedited Environmental Analysis and Availability of 
    Categorical Exclusions to Expedite Forest Management Activities

Sec. 8611. Categorical exclusion for greater sage-grouse and mule deer 
              habitat.

          PART II--Miscellaneous Forest Management Activities

Sec. 8621. Additional authority for sale or exchange of small parcels 
              of National Forest System land.
Sec. 8622. Forest Service participation in ACES program.
Sec. 8623. Authorization for lease of Forest Service sites.
Sec. 8624. Good neighbor authority.
Sec. 8625. Wildland-urban interface.
Sec. 8626. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest land adjustment.
Sec. 8627. Tennessee wilderness.
Sec. 8628. Additions to Rough Mountain and Rich Hole Wildernesses.
Sec. 8629. Kisatchie National Forest land conveyance.
Sec. 8630. Purchase of Natural Resources Conservation Service property, 
              Riverside County, California.
Sec. 8631. Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program.
Sec. 8632. Utility infrastructure rights-of-way vegetation management 
              pilot program.
Sec. 8633. Okhissa Lake rural economic development land conveyance.
Sec. 8634. Prairie dogs.

                      PART III--Timber Innovation

Sec. 8641. Definitions.
Sec. 8642. Clarification of research and development program for wood 
              building construction.
Sec. 8643. Wood innovation grant program.

                            TITLE IX--ENERGY

Sec. 9101. Definitions.
Sec. 9102. Biobased markets program.
Sec. 9103. Biorefinery assistance.
Sec. 9104. Repowering assistance program.
Sec. 9105. Bioenergy program for advanced biofuel.
Sec. 9106. Biodiesel fuel education program.
Sec. 9107. Rural Energy for America Program.
Sec. 9108. Rural energy self-sufficiency initiative.
Sec. 9109. Feedstock flexibility program for bioenergy producers.
Sec. 9110. Biomass Crop Assistance Program.
Sec. 9111. Biogas research and adoption of biogas systems.
Sec. 9112. Community Wood Energy Program.
Sec. 9113. Carbon utilization education program.

                         TITLE X--HORTICULTURE

Sec. 10101. Specialty crops market news allocation.
Sec. 10102. Local Agriculture Market Program.
Sec. 10103. Organic production and market data initiatives.
Sec. 10104. Organic certification.
Sec. 10105. National organic certification cost-share program.
Sec. 10106. Food safety education initiatives.
Sec. 10107. Specialty crop block grants.
Sec. 10108. Plant variety protection.
Sec. 10109. Multiple crop and pesticide use survey.
Sec. 10110. Clarification of use of funds for technical assistance.
Sec. 10111. Hemp production.
Sec. 10112. Rule of construction.

                        TITLE XI--CROP INSURANCE

Sec. 11101. Definitions.
Sec. 11102. Data collection.
Sec. 11103. Sharing of records.
Sec. 11104. Use of resources.
Sec. 11105. Specialty crops.
Sec. 11106. Insurance period.
Sec. 11107. Cover crops.
Sec. 11108. Underserved producers.
Sec. 11109. Expansion of performance-based discount.
Sec. 11110. Enterprise units.
Sec. 11111. Pasture, rangeland, and forage policy for members of Indian 
              tribes.
Sec. 11112. Submission of policies and materials to board.
Sec. 11113. Whole farm revenue agent incentives.
Sec. 11114. Crop production on native sod.
Sec. 11115. Use of national agricultural statistics service data to 
              combat waste, fraud, and abuse.
Sec. 11116. Submission of information to corporation.
Sec. 11117. Acreage report streamlining initiative.
Sec. 11118. Continuing education for loss adjusters and agents.
Sec. 11119. Funding for information technology.
Sec. 11120. Agricultural commodity.
Sec. 11121. Reimbursement of research, development, and maintenance 
              costs.
Sec. 11122. Research and development authority.
Sec. 11123. Education assistance.
Sec. 11124. Cropland report annual updates.

                        TITLE XII--MISCELLANEOUS

                         Subtitle A--Livestock

Sec. 12101. Sheep production and marketing grant program.
Sec. 12102. National animal health laboratory network.
Sec. 12103. National Animal Disease Preparedness, Response, and 
              Recovery Program; National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary 
              Countermeasures Bank.
Sec. 12104. Study on livestock dealer statutory trust.
Sec. 12105. Definition of livestock.

                Subtitle B--Agriculture and Food Defense

Sec. 12201. Repeal of Office of Homeland Security.
Sec. 12202. Office of Homeland Security.
Sec. 12203. Agriculture and food defense.
Sec. 12204. Biological agents and toxins list.
Sec. 12205. Authorization of appropriations.

             Subtitle C--Historically Underserved Producers

Sec. 12301. Farming opportunities training and outreach.
Sec. 12302. Urban agriculture.
Sec. 12303. Office of Advocacy and Outreach.
Sec. 12304. Tribal Advisory Committee.
Sec. 12305. Experienced services program.
Sec. 12306. Youth outreach and beginning farmer coordination.
Sec. 12307. Availability of Department of Agriculture programs for 
              veteran farmers and ranchers.

   Subtitle D--Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 
                               Amendments

Sec. 12401. Office of Congressional Relations and Intergovernmental 
              Affairs.
Sec. 12402. Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison.
Sec. 12403. Civil rights analyses.
Sec. 12404. Farm Service Agency.
Sec. 12405. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Production and 
              Conservation.
Sec. 12406. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development.
Sec. 12407. Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service.
Sec. 12408. Rural Health Liaison.
Sec. 12409. Healthy Food Financing Initiative.
Sec. 12410. Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Sec. 12411. Office of the Chief Scientist.
Sec. 12412. Trade and foreign agricultural affairs.
Sec. 12413. Repeals.
Sec. 12414. Technical corrections.
Sec. 12415. Effect of subtitle.
Sec. 12416. Termination of authority.

               Subtitle E--Other Miscellaneous Provisions

Sec. 12501. Acer access and development program.
Sec. 12502. South Carolina inclusion in Virginia/Carolina peanut 
              producing region.
Sec. 12503. Pet and Women Safety.
Sec. 12504. Data on conservation practices.
Sec. 12505. Marketing orders.
Sec. 12506. Study on food waste.
Sec. 12507. Report on business centers.
Sec. 12508. Information technology modernization.
Sec. 12509. Report on personnel.
Sec. 12510. Report on absent landlords.
Sec. 12511. Restriction on use of certain poisons for predator control.
Sec. 12512. Century farms program.
Sec. 12513. Report on the importation of live dogs.
Sec. 12514. Establishment of technical assistance program.
Sec. 12515. Promise Zones.
Sec. 12516. Precision agriculture connectivity.
Sec. 12517. Improved soil moisture and precipitation monitoring.
Sec. 12518. Study of marketplace fraud of unique traditional foods.
Sec. 12519. Dairy business innovation initiatives.

                     Subtitle F--General Provisions

Sec. 12601. Expedited exportation of certain species.
Sec. 12602. Baiting of migratory game birds.

[[Page S4523]]

Sec. 12603. Pima agriculture cotton trust fund.
Sec. 12604. Agriculture wool apparel manufacturers trust fund.
Sec. 12605. Wool research and promotion.
Sec. 12606. Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust 
              Fund.
Sec. 12607. Extension of merchandise processing fees.
Sec. 12608. Conforming changes to Controlled Substances Act.
Sec. 12609. National Flood Insurance Program reauthorization.
Sec. 12610. Emergency assistance for livestock, honey bees, and farm-
              raised fish.
Sec. 12611. Administrative units.
Sec. 12612. Drought and water conservation agreements.
Sec. 12613. Encouragement of pollinator habitat development and 
              protection.
Sec. 12614. Repair or replacement of fencing; cost share payments.
Sec. 12615. Food donation standards.
Sec. 12616. Micro-grants for food security.
Sec. 12617. Use of additional Commodity Credit Corporation funds for 
              direct operating microloans under certain conditions.
Sec. 12618. Business and innovation services essential community 
              facilities.
Sec. 12619. Rural innovation stronger economy grant program.
Sec. 12620. Dryland farming agricultural systems.
Sec. 12621. Remote sensing technologies.
Sec. 12622. Buy American requirements.
Sec. 12623. Eligibility for operators on heirs property land to obtain 
              a farm number.
Sec. 12624. Loans to purchasers of land with undivided interest and no 
              administrative authority.
Sec. 12625. Farmland ownership data collection.
Sec. 12626. Rural business investment program.
Sec. 12627. National Oilheat Research Alliance.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITION OF SECRETARY.

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

                          TITLE I--COMMODITIES

                      Subtitle A--Commodity Policy

     SEC. 1101. PAYMENT ACRES.

       Section 1114(e) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 
     9014(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Recalculation of base acres.--
       ``(A) In general.--If the Secretary recalculates base acres 
     for a farm while a farm is engaged in planting and production 
     of fruits, vegetables, or wild rice on base acres for which a 
     reduction in payment acres was made under this subsection, 
     that planting and production shall be considered to be the 
     same as the planting and production of a covered commodity.
       ``(B) Prohibition.--Nothing in this paragraph provides 
     authority for the Secretary to recalculate base acres for a 
     farm.''.

     SEC. 1102. PRODUCER ELECTION.

       Section 1115 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 
     9015) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by striking ``Except as provided in subsection (g), for 
     the 2014 through 2018 crop years'' and inserting ``For the 
     2014 through 2018 crop years (except as provided in 
     subsection (g)) and for the 2019 through 2023 crop years'';
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting 
     ``or the 2019 crop year, as applicable'' after ``2014 crop 
     year'';
       (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or the 2019 crop year, 
     as applicable,'' after ``2014 crop year''; and
       (C) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``elected price'' and inserting the 
     following: ``elected, as applicable--
       ``(A) price''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by striking 
     the period at the end and inserting the following: ``; and
       ``(B) county coverage for all covered commodities on the 
     farm for the 2020 through 2023 crop years.''; and
       (3) in subsection (g)(1), by inserting ``for the 2018 crop 
     year,'' before ``all of the producers''.

     SEC. 1103. PRICE LOSS COVERAGE.

       Section 1116 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 
     9016) is amended--
       (1) in subsections (a) and (d) by striking ``2018'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``2023''; and
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so 
     redesignated), by striking ``The payment'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--The payment''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Announcement.--Not later than 30 days after the end 
     of each applicable 12-month marketing year for each covered 
     commodity, the Secretary shall publish the payment rate 
     determined under paragraph (1).''.

     SEC. 1104. AGRICULTURE RISK COVERAGE.

       Section 1117 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 
     9017) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1)--
       (A) by inserting ``(beginning with the 2019 crop year, 
     based on the physical location of the farm)'' after 
     ``payments''; and
       (B) by inserting ``or the 2019 through 2023 crop years, as 
     applicable'' after ``2014 through 2018 crop years'';
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``paragraph (4)'' and 
     inserting ``paragraphs (4) and (5)''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``(5)'' and inserting 
     ``(6)'';
       (B) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ``(5)'' and 
     inserting ``(6)''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``2018'' and 
     inserting ``2023'';
       (C) in paragraph (4)--
       (i) by striking ``If'' and inserting ``Effective for the 
     2019 through 2023 crop years, if''; and
       (ii) by striking ``70 percent'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``75 percent'';
       (D) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
       (E) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
       ``(5) Trend-adjusted yield.--The Secretary shall calculate 
     and use a trend-adjusted yield factor to adjust the yield 
     determined under paragraph (2)(A) and subsection (b)(1)(A), 
     taking into consideration, but not exceeding, the trend-
     adjusted yield factor that is used to increase yield history 
     under the endorsement under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 
     U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) for that crop and county.'';
       (3) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by redesignating subparagraphs (A) 
     and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (C) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so 
     redesignated), by striking ``The payment'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--The payment''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Announcement.--Not later than 30 days after the end 
     of each applicable 12-month marketing year for each covered 
     commodity, the Secretary shall publish the payment rate 
     determined under paragraph (1) for each county.'';
       (4) in subsection (e), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023'';
       (5) in subsection (g)--
       (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon at the end;
       (B) in paragraph (4)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting 
     ``effective for the 2014 through 2018 crop years,'' before 
     ``in the case of''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) effective for the 2019 through 2023 crop years, in 
     the case of county coverage--
       ``(A) effective beginning with actual county yields for the 
     2019 crop year, assign an actual county yield for each 
     planted acre for the crop year for the covered commodity by 
     giving priority to--
       ``(i) the use of actual county yields in, to the maximum 
     extent practicable, a single source of data that provides the 
     greatest national coverage of county-level data;
       ``(ii) the use of a source of data that may be used to 
     determine an average actual county yield under subsection 
     (b)(1)(A) and an average historical county yield under 
     subsection (c)(2)(A) for the same county; and
       ``(iii) in the case of a county not included in any source 
     of data described in clauses (i) and (ii), the use of--

       ``(I) other sources of county yield information; or
       ``(II) the yield history of representative farms in the 
     State, region, or crop reporting district, as determined by 
     the Secretary; and

       ``(B) in the case of a farm that has a tract with base 
     acres and that tract crosses a county boundary--
       ``(i) prorate the base acres based on the quantity of 
     cropland of the tract in each county; and
       ``(ii) calculate any crop revenue on the basis described in 
     clause (i).''; and
       (6) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(h) Publications.--
       ``(1) County guarantee.--
       ``(A) In general.--For each crop year for a covered 
     commodity, the Secretary shall publish information 
     describing, for that crop year for the covered commodity in 
     each county--
       ``(i) the agriculture risk coverage guarantee for county 
     coverage determined under subsection (c)(1);
       ``(ii) the average historical county yield determined under 
     subsection (c)(2)(A); and
       ``(iii) the national average market price determined under 
     subsection (c)(2)(B).
       ``(B) Timing.--
       ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clauses (ii) and 
     (iii), not later than 30 days after the end of each 
     applicable 12-month marketing year, the Secretary shall 
     publish the information described in subparagraph (A).
       ``(ii) Insufficient data.--In the case of a covered 
     commodity, such as temperate japonica rice, for which the 
     Secretary cannot determine the national average market price 
     for the most recent 12-month marketing year by the date 
     described in clause (i) due to insufficient reporting of 
     timely pricing data by 1 or more nongovernmental entities, 
     including a marketing cooperative for the covered

[[Page S4524]]

     commodity, as soon as practicable after the pricing data is 
     made available, the Secretary shall publish information 
     describing--

       ``(I) the agriculture risk coverage guarantee under 
     subparagraph (A)(i); and
       ``(II) the national average market price under subparagraph 
     (A)(iii).

       ``(iii) Transition.--Not later than 60 days after the date 
     of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the 
     Secretary shall publish the information described in 
     subparagraph (A) for the 2018 crop year.
       ``(2) Actual average county yield.--As soon as practicable 
     after each crop year, the Secretary shall determine and 
     publish each actual average county yield for each covered 
     commodity, as determined under subsection (b)(1)(A).
       ``(3) Data sources for county yields.--For the 2018 crop 
     year and each crop year thereafter, the Secretary shall make 
     publicly available information describing, for the most 
     recent crop year--
       ``(A) the sources of data used to calculate county yields 
     under subsection (c)(2)(A) for each covered commodity--
       ``(i) by county; and
       ``(ii) nationally; and
       ``(B) the number and outcome of occurrences in which the 
     Farm Service Agency reviewed, changed, or determined not to 
     change a source of data used to calculate county yields under 
     subsection (c)(2)(A).''.

     SEC. 1105. REPEAL OF TRANSITION ASSISTANCE FOR PRODUCERS OF 
                   UPLAND COTTON.

       Section 1119 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 
     9019) is repealed.

                      Subtitle B--Marketing Loans

     SEC. 1201. EXTENSIONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 1201(b)(1) of the Agricultural Act 
     of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9031(b)(1)) is amended by striking ``2018'' 
     and inserting ``2023''.
       (b) Loan Rates.--Section 1202(a) of the Agricultural Act of 
     2014 (7 U.S.C. 9032(a)) is amended by striking ``2018'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``2023''.
       (c) Repayment.--Section 1204 of the Agricultural Act of 
     2014 (7 U.S.C. 9034) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (e)(2)(B), in the matter preceding clause 
     (i), by striking ``2019''and inserting ``2024''; and
       (2) in subsection (g), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.
       (d) Loan Deficiency Payments.--
       (1) Extension.--Section 1205(a)(2)(B) of the Agricultural 
     Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9035(a)(2)(B)) is amended by striking 
     ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
       (2) Payments in lieu of ldps.--Section 1206 of the 
     Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9036) is amended in 
     subsections (a) and (d) by striking ``2018'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``2023''.
       (3) Special competitive provisions.--Section 1208(a) of the 
     Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9038(a)) is amended in the 
     matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``2019'' and 
     inserting ``2024''.
       (4) Availability of recourse loans.--Section 1209 of the 
     Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9039) is amended in 
     subsections (a)(2) and (b) by striking ``2018'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 1202. REPEAL; UNSHORN PELTS.

       Section 1205 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 
     9035) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(2)--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Unshorn pelts, 
     hay,'' and inserting ``Hay'';
       (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``nongraded wool in 
     the form of unshorn pelts and''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (B) (as amended by section 1201(d)(1)), 
     by striking ``unshorn pelts or''; and
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by striking paragraph (2); and
       (B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2).

     SEC. 1203. ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR UPLAND COTTON 
                   USERS.

       (a) 2008 Authority.--Section 1207 of the Food, 
     Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8737) is 
     amended by striking subsection (c).
       (b) 2014 Authority.--Section 1207(c) of the Agricultural 
     Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9037(c)) is amended by striking 
     paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Value of assistance.--
       ``(A) Effective period.--During the period beginning on 
     August 1, 2013, and ending on July 31, 2020, the value of the 
     assistance provided under paragraph (1) shall be 3 cents per 
     pound.
       ``(B) Subsequent period.--
       ``(i) In general.--Beginning on the first day after the end 
     of the period described in subparagraph (A), and subject to 
     the availability of appropriations under clause (ii), the 
     value of the assistance provided under paragraph (1) shall be 
     3 cents per pound.
       ``(ii) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to 
     carry out clause (i).''.

                           Subtitle C--Sugar

     SEC. 1301. SUGAR PROGRAM.

       (a) Extension.--Section 156 of the Federal Agriculture 
     Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(4), by striking ``2018'' and 
     inserting ``2023'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``2018'' and 
     inserting ``2023''; and
       (3) in subsection (i), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.
       (b) Allotments.--
       (1) Estimates.--Section 359b(a)(1) of the Agricultural 
     Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359bb(a)(1)) is amended in 
     the matter preceding subparagraph (A) 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

                      PART I--DAIRY RISK COVERAGE

     SEC. 1401. DAIRY RISK COVERAGE.

       (a) Dairy Risk Coverage.--Part I of subtitle D of title I 
     of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9051 et seq.) is 
     amended in the part heading by striking ``margin protection 
     program'' and inserting ``dairy risk coverage''.
       (b) Definitions.--Section 1401 of the Agricultural Act of 
     2014 (7 U.S.C. 9051) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (10) as 
     paragraphs (5) through (11), respectively;
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
       ``(4) Catastrophic coverage.--The term `catastrophic 
     coverage' means coverage under section 1406(a)(2)(B).'';
       (3) in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Margin 
     protection program'' and inserting ``Dairy risk coverage'';
       (B) by striking ``margin protection program'' the first 
     place it appears and inserting ``dairy risk coverage''; and
       (C) by striking ``the margin protection program'' and 
     inserting ``dairy risk coverage'';
       (4) in paragraph (7) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Margin 
     protection program'' and inserting ``Dairy risk coverage'';
       (B) by striking ``margin protection program'' the first 
     place it appears and inserting ``dairy risk coverage''; and
       (C) by striking ``the margin protection program pursuant 
     to''; and
       (5) in paragraphs (8) and (9) (as so redesignated), by 
     striking ``the margin protection program'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``dairy risk coverage''.
       (c) 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 in the matter preceding subparagraph 
     (A) by striking ``the margin protection program'' and 
     inserting ``dairy risk coverage''.
       (d) Dairy Risk Coverage Administration.--Section 1403 of 
     the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9053) is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``SEC. 1403. DAIRY RISK COVERAGE ADMINISTRATION.

       ``(a) In General.--Beginning with the 2019 calendar year, 
     the Secretary shall administer dairy risk coverage under 
     which participating dairy operations are paid a dairy risk 
     coverage payment when actual dairy production margins are 
     less than the threshold levels for a dairy risk coverage 
     payment.
       ``(b) Regulations.--Subpart A of part 1430 of title 7, Code 
     of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment 
     of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018), shall remain in 
     effect for dairy risk coverage beginning with the 2019 
     calendar year, except to the extent that the regulations are 
     inconsistent with any provision of this Act.''.
       (e) Participation of Dairy Operations in Dairy Risk 
     Coverage.--Section 1404 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 
     U.S.C. 9054) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``margin protection 
     program'' and inserting ``dairy risk coverage'';
       (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``the margin'' and all 
     that follows through ``payments'' and inserting ``dairy risk 
     coverage to receive dairy risk coverage payments'';
       (3) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in each of paragraphs (1), (3), and (4), by striking 
     ``the margin protection program'' and inserting ``dairy risk 
     coverage''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Catastrophic coverage.--A participating dairy 
     operation may elect to receive catastrophic coverage instead 
     of paying a premium under section 1407.'';
       (4) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraphs (1)(A) and (3), by striking ``the margin 
     protection program'' each place it appears and inserting 
     ``dairy risk coverage'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``of the margin 
     protection program''; and
       (C) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``The administrative'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) In general.--The administrative''; and
       (ii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) Catastrophic coverage.--In addition to the 
     administrative fee under subparagraph (A), a participating 
     dairy operation that elects to receive catastrophic coverage 
     shall pay an additional administrative fee of $100.''; and
       (5) in subsection (d), by striking ``the margin protection 
     program'' and inserting ``dairy risk coverage''.
       (f) Production History of Participating Dairy Operations.--
     Section 1405 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9055) 
     is amended--
       (1) in subsections (a) and (c), by striking ``the margin 
     protection program'' each place

[[Page S4525]]

     it appears and inserting ``dairy risk coverage''; and
       (2) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``In subsequent 
     years'' and inserting ``During each of the 2014 through 2019 
     calendar years''.
       (g) Dairy Risk Coverage Payments.--Section 1406 of the 
     Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9056) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``margin 
     protection'' and inserting ``dairy risk coverage'';
       (2) by striking ``margin protection'' each place it appears 
     and inserting ``dairy risk coverage'';
       (3) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``to $4.00'' and all that follows through 
     ``$5.50'' and inserting the following: ``to--
       ``(A) in the case of catastrophic coverage, $5.00;
       ``(B) $5.50''; and
       (ii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) in the case of production subject to premiums under 
     section 1407(b), any amount described in subparagraph (B), 
     $8.50, or $9.00; and''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``(2) a percentage'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(2)(A) a percentage'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated)--

       (I) by striking ``beginning with 25 percent and not 
     exceeding'' and inserting ``that does not exceed''; and
       (II) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     or''; and

       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) in the case of catastrophic coverage, a coverage 
     level of 40 percent of the production history of the 
     participating dairy operation.''; and
       (4) in subsection (c), in the subsection heading, by 
     striking ``Margin Protection'' and inserting ``Dairy Risk 
     Coverage''.
       (h) Premiums for Dairy Risk Coverage.--Section 1407 of the 
     Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9057) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``margin protection 
     program'' and inserting ``dairy risk coverage'';
       (2) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by striking ``the margin protection program'' and 
     inserting ``dairy risk coverage'';
       (3) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``Except as'' and all that follows through 
     ``the'' and inserting ``The'';
       (ii) by striking the rows relating to the $4.00, $4.50, and 
     $5.00 coverage levels;
       (iii) by striking ``$0.009'' and inserting ``$0.02'';
       (iv) by striking ``$0.016'' and inserting ``$0.04'';
       (v) by striking ``$0.040'' and inserting ``$0.07'';
       (vi) by striking ``$0.063'' and inserting ``$0.10'';
       (vii) by striking ``$0.087'' and inserting ``$0.12'';
       (viii) by striking ``$0.142'' and inserting ``$0.14''; and
       (ix) by adding at the end of the table the following:


                     ``$8.50                                $0.16
                       $9.00                         $0.18''; and
 

       (B) by striking paragraph (3);
       (4) in subsection (c)(2)--
       (A) by striking the rows relating to the $4.00, $4.50, and 
     $5.00 coverage levels;
       (B) by striking ``$0.100'' and inserting ``$0.144'';
       (C) by striking ``$0.155'' and inserting ``$0.24'';
       (D) by striking ``$0.290'' and inserting ``$0.42'';
       (E) by striking ``$0.830'' and inserting ``$1.08'';
       (F) by striking ``$1.060'' and inserting ``$1.32''; and
       (G) by striking ``$1.360'' and inserting ``$1.68'';
       (5) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``the margin protection 
     program'' and inserting ``dairy risk coverage''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``A participating dairy 
     operation in the margin protection program'' and inserting 
     ``A dairy operation participating in dairy risk coverage''; 
     and
       (6) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Small and Medium Farm Discount.--The premium per 
     hundredweight specified in the tables contained in 
     subsections (b) and (c) for each coverage level shall be 
     reduced by--
       ``(1) 50 percent for a participating dairy operation with a 
     production history that is less than 2,000,000 pounds; and
       ``(2) 25 percent for a participating dairy operation with a 
     production history that is not less than 2,000,000 pounds and 
     not greater than 10,000,000 pounds.
       ``(g) Repayment of Premiums.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall repay each dairy 
     operation that participated in the margin protection program, 
     as in effect for each of calendar years 2014 through 2017, an 
     amount equal to the difference between--
       ``(A) the total amount of premiums paid by the 
     participating dairy operation under this section for the 
     applicable calendar year; and
       ``(B) the total amount of payments made to the 
     participating dairy operation under section 1406 for that 
     calendar year.
       ``(2) Applicability.--Paragraph (1) shall only apply to a 
     calendar year for which the amount described in subparagraph 
     (A) of that paragraph is greater than the amount described in 
     subparagraph (B) of that paragraph.''.
       (i) Effect of Failure to Pay Administrative Fees or 
     Premiums.--Section 1408 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 
     U.S.C. 9058) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``margin protection'' 
     and inserting ``dairy risk coverage''; and
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``the margin protection 
     program'' and inserting ``dairy risk coverage''.
       (j) Duration.--Section 1409 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 
     (7 U.S.C. 9059) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The margin protection program'' and 
     inserting ``Dairy risk coverage''; and
       (2) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
       (k) Administration and Enforcement.--Section 1410 of the 
     Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9060) is amended--
       (1) in subsections (a) and (c), by striking ``the margin 
     protection program'' each place it appears and inserting 
     ``dairy risk coverage''; and
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``margin protection'' 
     and inserting ``dairy risk coverage''.

      PART II--REAUTHORIZATIONS AND OTHER DAIRY-RELATED PROVISIONS

     SEC. 1411. REAUTHORIZATIONS.

       (a) Forward Pricing.--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''.
       (b) Indemnity Program.--Section 3 of Public Law 90-484 (7 
     U.S.C. 4553) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.
       (c) Promotion and Research.--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. 1412. 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'' in the third 
     sentence and all that follows through the period at the end 
     of the fourth sentence and inserting ``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 
     regulations), shall be the sum of the adjusted Class I 
     differential specified in section 1000.52 of such title 7 (or 
     successor regulations), 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 regulations), 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 
     regulations), 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 enactment of 
     this Act.
       (2) Implementation.--Implementation of the amendment made 
     by subsection (a) shall not be 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 section 8c(3) of 
     the Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C. 608c(3)), reenacted 
     with amendments by the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act 
     of 1937.
       (C) The order amendment requirements of section 8c(17) of 
     that Act (7 U.S.C. 608c(17)).
       (D) A referendum under section 8c(19) of that Act (7 U.S.C. 
     608c(19)).

     SEC. 1413. MILK DONATION PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Part III of subtitle D of title I of the 
     Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9071) is amended to read 
     as follows:

                   ``PART III--MILK DONATION PROGRAM

     ``SEC. 1431. MILK DONATION PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Eligible dairy organization.--The term `eligible 
     dairy organization' means a dairy farmer (either individually 
     or as part of a cooperative), or a dairy processor, who--
       ``(A) accounts to a Federal milk marketing order marketwide 
     pool; and
       ``(B) incurs qualified expenses under subsection (e).
       ``(2) Eligible distributor.--The term `eligible 
     distributor' means a public or private nonprofit organization 
     that distributes donated eligible milk.
       ``(3) Eligible milk.--The term `eligible milk' means Class 
     I fluid milk products produced and processed in the United 
     States.
       ``(4) Eligible partnership.--The term `eligible 
     partnership' means a partnership between an eligible dairy 
     organization and an eligible distributor.
       ``(5) Participating partnership.--The term `participating 
     partnership' means an eligible partnership for which the 
     Secretary has approved a donation and distribution plan for 
     eligible milk under subsection (c)(2).
       ``(b) Program Required; Purposes.--Not later than 180 days 
     after the date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement 
     Act of

[[Page S4526]]

     2018, the Secretary shall establish and administer a milk 
     donation program for the purposes of--
       ``(1) encouraging the donation of eligible milk;
       ``(2) providing nutrition assistance to individuals in low-
     income groups; and
       ``(3) reducing food waste.
       ``(c) Donation and Distribution Plans.--
       ``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive reimbursement 
     under subsection (d), an eligible partnership shall submit to 
     the Secretary a donation and distribution plan that--
       ``(A) describes the process that the eligible partnership 
     will use for the donation, processing, transportation, 
     temporary storage, and distribution of eligible milk;
       ``(B) includes an estimate of the quantity of eligible milk 
     that the eligible partnership will donate each year, based 
     on--
       ``(i) preplanned donations; and
       ``(ii) contingency plans to address unanticipated 
     donations; and
       ``(C) describes the rate at which the eligible partnership 
     will be reimbursed, which shall be based on a percentage of 
     the limitation described in subsection (e)(2).
       ``(2) Review and approval.--Not less frequently than 
     annually, the Secretary shall--
       ``(A) review donation and distribution plans submitted 
     under paragraph (1); and
       ``(B) determine whether to approve or disapprove each of 
     those donation and distribution plans.
       ``(d) Reimbursement.--
       ``(1) In general.--On receipt of appropriate documentation 
     under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall reimburse an 
     eligible dairy organization that is a member of a 
     participating partnership on a regular basis for qualified 
     expenses described in subsection (e).
       ``(2) Documentation.--
       ``(A) In general.--An eligible dairy organization shall 
     submit to the Secretary such documentation as the Secretary 
     may require to demonstrate the qualified expenses described 
     in subsection (e) of the eligible dairy organization.
       ``(B) Verification.--The Secretary may verify the accuracy 
     of documentation submitted under subparagraph (A) by spot 
     checks and audits.
       ``(3) Retroactive reimbursement.--In providing 
     reimbursements under paragraph (1), the Secretary may provide 
     reimbursements for qualified expenses incurred before the 
     date on which the donation and distribution plan for the 
     applicable participating partnership was approved by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(e) Qualified Expenses.--
       ``(1) In general.--The amount of a reimbursement under 
     subsection (d) shall be an amount equal to the product of--
       ``(A) the quantity of eligible milk donated by the eligible 
     dairy organization under a donation and distribution plan 
     approved by the Secretary under subsection (c); and
       ``(B) subject to the limitation under paragraph (2), the 
     rate described in that donation and distribution plan under 
     subsection (c)(1)(C).
       ``(2) Limitation.--Expenses eligible for reimbursement 
     under subsection (d) shall not exceed the value that an 
     eligible dairy organization incurred by accounting to the 
     Federal milk marketing order pool at the difference in the 
     Class I milk value and the lowest classified price for the 
     applicable month (either Class III milk or Class IV milk).
       ``(f) Preapproval.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) establish a process for an eligible partnership to 
     apply for preapproval of donation and distribution plans 
     under subsection (c); and
       ``(B) not less frequently than annually, preapprove an 
     amount for qualified expenses described in subsection (e) 
     that the Secretary will allocate for reimbursement under each 
     donation and distribution plan preapproved under subparagraph 
     (A), based on an assessment of--
       ``(i) the feasibility of the plan; and
       ``(ii) the extent to which the plan advances the purposes 
     described in subsection (b).
       ``(2) Preference.--In preapproving amounts for 
     reimbursement under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall 
     give preference to eligible partnerships that will provide 
     funding and in-kind contributions in addition to the 
     reimbursements.
       ``(3) Adjustments.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall adjust or increase 
     amounts preapproved for reimbursement under paragraph (1)(B) 
     based on performance and demand.
       ``(B) Requests for increase.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     procedure for a participating partnership to request an 
     increase in the amount preapproved for reimbursement under 
     paragraph (1)(B) based on changes in conditions.
       ``(ii) Interim approval; incremental increase.--The 
     Secretary may provide an interim approval of an increase 
     requested under clause (i) and an incremental increase in the 
     amount of reimbursement to the applicable participating 
     partnership to allow time for the Secretary to review the 
     request without interfering with the donation and 
     distribution of eligible milk by the participating 
     partnership.
       ``(g) Prohibition on Resale of Products.--
       ``(1) In general.--An eligible distributor that receives 
     eligible milk donated under this section may not sell the 
     products back into commercial markets.
       ``(2) Prohibition on future participation.--An eligible 
     distributor that the Secretary determines has violated 
     paragraph (1) shall not be eligible for any future 
     participation in the program established under this section.
       ``(h) Administration.--The Secretary shall publicize 
     opportunities to participate in the program established under 
     this section.
       ``(i) Reviews.--The Secretary shall conduct appropriate 
     reviews or audits to ensure the integrity of the program 
     established under this section.
       ``(j) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
     Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this 
     section $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2019, and $5,000,000 for 
     each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until 
     expended.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1401 of the Agricultural 
     Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9051) is amended, in the matter 
     preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``and part III''.

       Subtitle E--Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance

     SEC. 1501. SUPPLEMENTAL AGRICULTURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE.

       (a) Members of Indian Tribes.--Section 1501(a)(1)(B) of the 
     Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(a)(1)(B)) is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating clauses (iii) and (iv) as clauses (iv) 
     and (v), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after clause (ii) the following:
       ``(iii) an Indian tribe or tribal organization (as those 
     terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-
     Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
     5304));''.
       (b) Livestock Indemnity Program.--Section 1501(b) of the 
     Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``cold.'' and 
     inserting ``cold, on the condition that in the case of the 
     death loss of unweaned livestock due to that adverse weather, 
     the Secretary may disregard any management practice, 
     vaccination protocol, or lack of vaccination by the eligible 
     producer on a farm.''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Sharing of bison market value data.--To ensure that 
     payments made under this subsection relating to bison are 
     consistent with the market value of bison, the Secretary 
     shall annually seek input and data from the bison industry 
     (including bison producer groups) relating to the market 
     value of bison.''.
       (c) Tree Assistance Program.--Section 1501(e) of the 
     Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(e)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3), in the matter preceding subparagraph 
     (A), by striking ``paragraph (4)'' and inserting ``paragraphs 
     (4) and (5)''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Payment rate for beginning and veteran producers.--
     Subject to paragraph (4), in the case of a beginning farmer 
     or rancher or a veteran farmer or rancher (as those terms are 
     defined in section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, 
     Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a)) that 
     is eligible to receive assistance under this subsection, the 
     Secretary shall provide reimbursement of 75 percent of the 
     costs under subparagraphs (A)(i) and (B) of paragraph (3).''.

                 Subtitle F--Noninsured Crop Assistance

     SEC. 1601. NONINSURED CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

       Section 196 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and 
     Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) Data collection and sharing.--The Secretary shall 
     coordinate with the Administrator of the Risk Management 
     Agency on the type and format of data received under the 
     noninsured crop disaster assistance program that--
       ``(i) best facilitates the use of that data in developing 
     policies or plans of insurance offered under the Federal Crop 
     Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.); and
       ``(ii) ensures the availability of that data on a regular 
     basis.
       ``(D) Coordination.--The Secretary shall coordinate between 
     the agencies of the Department that provide programs or 
     services to farmers and ranchers that are potentially 
     eligible for the noninsured crop disaster assistance program 
     under this section--
       ``(i) to make available coverage under--

       ``(I) the fee waiver under subsection (k)(2); or
       ``(II) the premium discount under subsection (l)(3); and

       ``(ii) to share eligibility information to reduce paperwork 
     and avoid duplication.''; and
       (B) in paragraph (4)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking clause (i) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(i) In general.--

       ``(I) Agricultural act of 2014.--As determined by the 
     Secretary, native sod acreage that has been tilled for the 
     production of a covered crop during the period beginning on 
     February 8, 2014, and ending on the date of enactment of the 
     Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 shall be subject to 4 
     cumulative years of a reduction in benefits under this 
     section as described in this subparagraph.
       ``(II) Subsequent years.--

       ``(aa) Non-hay and non-forage crops.--During the first 4 
     crop years of planting, as determined by the Secretary, 
     native sod acreage that has been tilled for the production of 
     a covered crop other than a hay or forage crop after the date 
     of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 shall 
     be subject to 4 cumulative years of a

[[Page S4527]]

     reduction in benefits under this section as described in this 
     subparagraph.
       ``(bb) Hay and forage crops.--During each crop year of 
     planting, as determined by the Secretary, native sod acreage 
     that has been tilled for the production of a hay or forage 
     crop after the date of enactment of the Agriculture 
     Improvement Act of 2018 shall be subject to 4 cumulative 
     years of a reduction in benefits under this section as 
     described in this subparagraph.'';
       (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D);
       (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
       ``(C) Native sod conversion certification.--
       ``(i) Certification.--As a condition on the receipt of 
     benefits under this section, a producer that has tilled 
     native sod acreage for the production of an insurable crop as 
     described in subparagraph (B)(i) shall certify to the 
     Secretary that acreage using--

       ``(I) an acreage report form of the Farm Service Agency 
     (FSA-578 or any successor form); and
       ``(II) 1 or more maps.

       ``(ii) Corrections.--Beginning on the date on which a 
     producer submits a certification under clause (i), as soon as 
     practicable after the producer discovers a change in tilled 
     native sod acreage described in that clause, the producer 
     shall submit to the Secretary any appropriate corrections to 
     a form or map described in subclause (I) or (II) of that 
     clause.
       ``(iii) Annual reports.--Not later than January 1, 2019, 
     and each January 1 thereafter through January 1, 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 a report that describes 
     the tilled native sod acreage that has been certified under 
     clause (i) in each county and State as of the date of 
     submission of the report.''; and
       (iv) in subparagraph (D) (as so redesignated)--

       (I) by striking ``This paragraph'' and inserting the 
     following:

       ``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), this 
     paragraph''; and

       (II) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(ii) Election.--A governor of a State other than a State 
     described in clause (i) may elect to have this paragraph 
     apply to the State.'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``not later than 30 
     days'' and inserting ``by an appropriate deadline''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Streamlined submission process.--The Secretary shall 
     establish a streamlined process for the submission of records 
     and acreage reports under paragraphs (2) and (3) for--
       ``(A) diverse production systems such as those typical of 
     urban production systems, other small-scale production 
     systems, and direct-to-consumer production systems; and
       ``(B) additional coverage under subsection (l)--
       ``(i) for maximum liabilities not greater than $100,000; 
     and
       ``(ii) that is equivalent to the process described in the 
     regulations for microloan operating loans under parts 761 and 
     764 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on 
     the date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 
     2018).'';
       (3) in subsection (d)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as 
     paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively;
       (B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(1) the producer's share of the total acres devoted to 
     the eligible crop; by''; and
       (C) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``established yield for the crop'' and inserting ``approved 
     yield for the crop, as determined by the Secretary'';
       (4) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``farm'' and inserting 
     ``approved'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in the second sentence--

       (I) by inserting ``approved'' before ``yield''; and
       (II) by striking ``Subject'' and inserting the following:

       ``(B) Calculation.--Subject''; and
       (ii) in the matter preceding subparagraph (B) (as so 
     designated)--

       (I) by striking ``yield coverage'' and inserting ``an 
     approved yield''; and
       (II) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the 
     following:

       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary''; and
       (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``transitional yield of 
     the producer'' and inserting ``county expected yield'';
       (5) in subsection (i)(2), by striking ``exceed $125,000'' 
     and inserting the following: ``exceed--
       ``(A) in the case of catastrophic coverage under subsection 
     (c), $125,000; and
       ``(B) in the case of additional coverage under subsection 
     (l), $300,000'';
       (6) in subsection (k)(1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``$250'' and inserting 
     ``$325''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) by striking ``$750'' and inserting ``$825''; and
       (ii) by striking ``$1,875'' and inserting ``$1,950''; and
       (7) in subsection (l)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) as 
     subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D), respectively;
       (ii) by inserting before subparagraph (B) (as so 
     redesignated) the following:
       ``(A) the producer's share of the total acres devoted to 
     the crop;''; and
       (iii) in subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated), by 
     inserting ``, contract price, or other premium price (such as 
     a local, organic, or direct market price, as elected by the 
     producer)'' after ``price'';
       (B) by striking paragraphs (3) and (5); and
       (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3).

                       Subtitle G--Administration

     SEC. 1701. REGULATIONS.

       Section 1601(c)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 
     U.S.C. 9091(c)(2)) is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``title and sections 11003 and 11017'' and inserting ``title, 
     sections 11003 and 11017, title I of the Agriculture 
     Improvement Act of 2018 and the amendments made by that 
     title, and section 10109 of that Act'';
       (2) in subparagraph (A), by adding ``and'' at the end;
       (3) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' and 
     inserting a period; and
       (4) by striking subparagraph (C).

     SEC. 1702. SUSPENSION OF PERMANENT PRICE SUPPORT AUTHORITY.

       Section 1602 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 
     9092) is amended by striking ``2018'' each place it appears 
     and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 1703. IMPLEMENTATION.

       Section 1614 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 
     9097) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Streamlining.--In implementing this title, the 
     Secretary shall--
       ``(1) reduce administrative burdens and costs to producers 
     by streamlining and reducing paperwork, forms, and other 
     administrative requirements, including through the 
     implementation 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 of Agriculture;
       ``(B) the Department of Agriculture collects and collates 
     producer information that allows cross-agency collation, 
     including by--
       ``(i) using farm numbers, common-land-unit identifiers, or 
     other common identifiers to enable data across the farm 
     production and conservation mission area to be collated by 
     farm, field, and operator or owner;
       ``(ii) recording and making available data at the smallest 
     possible unit, such as field-level; and
       ``(iii) harmonizing methods for determining yields and 
     property descriptions; and
       ``(C) on 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, conservation practices and other information of 
     the producer through a single Department-wide login;
       ``(2) improve coordination, information sharing, and 
     administrative work with the Farm Service Agency, the Risk 
     Management Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation 
     Service, and other agencies, as determined appropriate by the 
     Secretary, including by--
       ``(A) streamlining processes and reducing paperwork for 
     cross-agency interactions, such as acreage reports and 
     conservation compliance determinations; and
       ``(B) utilizing common acreage reporting processes to 
     collect relevant field-level data such that a producer--
       ``(i) has the option to report--

       ``(I) to any of those agencies; and
       ``(II) electronically; and

       ``(ii) does not need to report duplicative information; and
       ``(3) take advantage of new technologies to enhance the 
     efficiency and effectiveness of program delivery to 
     producers, including by--
       ``(A) providing an option, as practicable, for uploading 
     other farm- or field-level data that is unrelated to program 
     requirements, such as input costs or field characteristics, 
     such as soil test results;
       ``(B) maintaining historical information and allowing users 
     to examine trends on a field- or farm-level;
       ``(C) providing access to agency tools, such as farm- or 
     field-level estimates of benefits of existing or prospective 
     conservation practices;
       ``(D) developing data standards and security procedures to 
     allow optional precision agriculture or other third-party 
     providers to develop applications to use or feed into the 
     datasets and analysis; and
       ``(E) developing methods to summarize the improved yield or 
     reduced risk relating to conservation best practices through 
     cooperative extension services or other similar means, while 
     ensuring the privacy of individual producers.''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Deobligation of Unliquidated Obligations.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), any payment 
     obligated or otherwise made available by the Secretary under 
     this title on or after the date of enactment of the 
     Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 that is not disbursed to 
     the recipient by the date that is 5 years after the date on 
     which the payment is obligated or otherwise made available 
     shall--

[[Page S4528]]

       ``(A) be deobligated; and
       ``(B) revert to the Treasury.
       ``(2) Outstanding payments.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), any payment 
     obligated or otherwise made available by the Farm Service 
     Agency (or any predecessor agency of the Department of 
     Agriculture) under the laws described in subparagraph (B) 
     before the date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement 
     Act of 2018, that is not disbursed by the date that is 5 
     years after the date on which the payment is obligated or 
     otherwise made available shall--
       ``(i) be deobligated; and
       ``(ii) revert to the Treasury.
       ``(B) Laws described.--The laws referred to in subparagraph 
     (A) are any of the following:
       ``(i) This title.
       ``(ii) Title I of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
     2008 (7 U.S.C. 8702 et seq.).
       ``(iii) Title I of the Farm Security and Rural Investment 
     Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 7901 et seq.).
       ``(iv) The Agricultural Market Transition Act (7 U.S.C. 
     7201 et seq.).
       ``(v) Titles I through XI of the Food, Agriculture, 
     Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-624; 104 
     Stat. 3374) and the amendments made by those titles.
       ``(vi) Titles I through X of the Food Security Act of 1985 
     (Public Law 99-198; 99 Stat. 1362) and the amendments made by 
     those titles.
       ``(vii) Titles I through XI of the Agriculture and Food Act 
     of 1981 (Public Law 97-98; 95 Stat. 1218) and the amendments 
     made by those titles.
       ``(viii) Titles I through X of the Food and Agriculture Act 
     of 1977 (Public Law 95-113; 91 Stat. 917) and the amendments 
     made by those titles.
       ``(3) Waiver.--The Secretary may delay the date of the 
     deobligation and reversion under paragraph (1) or (2) of any 
     payment--
       ``(A) that is the subject of--
       ``(i) ongoing administrative review or appeal;
       ``(ii) litigation; or
       ``(iii) the settlement of an estate; or
       ``(B) for which the Secretary otherwise determines that the 
     circumstances are such that the delay is equitable.''.

     SEC. 1704. DEFINITION OF SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION OF ACTIVE 
                   PERSONAL MANAGEMENT.

       Section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 
     1308(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) Significant contribution of active personal 
     management.--The term `significant contribution of active 
     personal management' means active personal management 
     activities performed by a person with a direct or indirect 
     ownership interest in the farming operation on a regular, 
     continuous, and substantial basis to the farming operation, 
     and that meet at least one of the following to be considered 
     significant:
       ``(A) Are performed for at least 25 percent of the total 
     management hours required for the farming operation on an 
     annual basis.
       ``(B) Are performed for at least 500 hours annually for the 
     farming operation.''.

     SEC. 1705. ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN FARMING REQUIREMENT.

       Section 1001A(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 
     1308-1(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Actively engaged in farming requirement.--
       ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     this section, section 1001, and sections 1001B through 1001F, 
     and any regulations to implement those provisions or 
     sections, the Secretary shall consider not more than 1 person 
     or legal entity per farming operation to be actively engaged 
     in farming using active personal management.
       ``(B) Requirements.--The Secretary may only consider a 
     person or legal entity to be actively engaged in farming 
     using active personal management under subparagraph (A) if 
     the person or legal entity--
       ``(i) together with other persons or legal entities in the 
     farming operation qualifying as actively engaged in farming 
     under paragraph (2), does not collectively receive, directly 
     or indirectly, an amount equal to more than the limitation 
     under section 1001(b);
       ``(ii) does not use the active management contribution 
     allowed under this section to qualify as actively engaged in 
     farming in more than 1 farming operation; and
       ``(iii) manages a farming operation that does not 
     substantially share equipment, labor, or management with 
     persons or legal entities that, together with the person or 
     legal entity, collectively receive, directly or indirectly, 
     an amount equal to more than the limitation under section 
     1001(b).''.

     SEC. 1706. ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME LIMITATION.

       Section 1001D(b)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 
     U.S.C. 1308-3a(b)(1)) is amended by striking ``$900,000'' and 
     inserting ``$700,000''.

     SEC. 1707. BASE ACRES REVIEW.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall review the 
     establishment, calculation, reallocation, adjustment, and 
     reduction of base acres under part II of subtitle A of title 
     I of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9011 et seq.).
       (b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
     the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
     Senate a report describing the results of the review under 
     subsection (a).

     SEC. 1708. FARM SERVICE AGENCY ACCOUNTABILITY.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with 
     the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture, shall 
     establish policies, procedures, and plans to improve program 
     accountability and integrity through targeted and coordinated 
     activities, including utilizing data mining to identify and 
     reduce errors, waste, fraud, and abuse in programs 
     administered by the Farm Service Agency.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through fiscal 
     year 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 a 
     report describing a summary of--
       (1) the existing efforts of the Department of Agriculture 
     to eliminate errors, waste, fraud, and abuse, including 
     efforts that involve coordination with other departments or 
     agencies;
       (2) identified weaknesses or program integrity issues that 
     contribute to errors, waste, fraud, and abuse in Farm Service 
     Agency programs and plans for actions to be taken to address 
     and reduce those weaknesses or program integrity issues;
       (3) the existing and planned data sampling and mining 
     activities of the Farm Service Agency;
       (4) errors, waste, fraud, or abuse identified through 
     activities under subsection (a); and
       (5) any plans for administrative actions or recommendations 
     for legislative changes relating to reducing errors, waste, 
     fraud, and abuse in programs of the Department of 
     Agriculture.

     SEC. 1709. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

       (a) Section 1112(c)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 
     U.S.C. 9012(c)(2)) is amended by striking subparagraph (A) 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(A) Any acreage on the farm enrolled in--
       ``(i) the conservation reserve program established under 
     subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the 
     Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.); or
       ``(ii) a wetland reserve easement under section 1265C of 
     the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c).''.
       (b) Section 1614(d) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 
     U.S.C. 9097(d)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``pursuant 2 U.S.C. 
     901(a)'' and inserting ``pursuant to section 251(a) of the 
     Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 
     U.S.C. 901(a))''; and
       (2) by striking ``subtitles B'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``subtitle B''.

     SEC. 1710. USE OF COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall use the funds, 
     facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit 
     Corporation to carry out this title and the amendments made 
     by this title.
       (b) Implementation.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
     Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to the 
     Administrator of the Farm Service Agency to carry out this 
     title and the amendments made by this title $100,000,000, to 
     remain available until expended.

                         TITLE II--CONSERVATION

                Subtitle A--Conservation Reserve Program

     SEC. 2101. EXTENSION AND ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS OF 
                   CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM.

       Section 1231 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3831) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``or'' at the end 
     and inserting ``and''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``Agricultural Act of 
     2014'' and inserting ``Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018'';
       (3) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(F) each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, not more than 
     25,000,000 acres.''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by striking ``limitations'' and inserting 
     ``limitation''; and
       (II) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''; and

       (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) by striking ``may'' and inserting ``shall'';
       (II) by striking ``land with expiring'' and inserting the 
     following: ``land, as determined by the Secretary--

       ``(i) with expiring'';

       (III) in clause (i) (as so designated), by striking the 
     period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
       (IV) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(ii) at risk of conversion or development; or
       ``(iii) of ecological significance, including land that--

       ``(I) may assist in the restoration of threatened or 
     endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 
     (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);

[[Page S4529]]

       ``(II) may assist in preventing a species from being listed 
     as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered 
     Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); or
       ``(III) improves or creates wildlife habitat corridors.''; 
     and

       (iii) in subparagraph (C)--

       (I) by striking ``the Secretary shall make'' and inserting 
     ``the Secretary shall--

       ``(i) make'';

       (II) in clause (i) (as so designated), by striking the 
     period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
       (III) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(ii) offer enrollment under subparagraph (A) during any 
     period that any other land may be enrolled in the 
     conservation reserve.''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Additional enrollment procedure.--
       ``(A) Grasslands and continuous sign-up.--With respect to 
     enrollment in the conservation reserve program using 
     continuous sign-up under section 1234(d)(2)(A)(ii) or of 
     grassland described in subsection (b)(3), the Secretary shall 
     allow producers to submit applications for enrollment on a 
     continuous basis.
       ``(B) Annual enrollment.--Subject to the availability of 
     acreage for enrollment in the conservation reserve program 
     for a fiscal year in accordance with paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall enter into contracts under the conservation 
     reserve program for each fiscal year.
       ``(4) State acres for wildlife enhancement.--
       ``(A) In general.--For the purposes of applying the 
     limitations in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give 
     priority to land--
       ``(i) enrolled in the conservation reserve program using 
     continuous sign-up under section 1234(d)(2)(A)(ii); and
       ``(ii) on which practices to maintain, enhance, or restore 
     wildlife habitat on land designated as a State acres for 
     wildlife enhancement area under subsection (j)(1) shall be 
     conducted.
       ``(B) Acreage.--Of the acres maintained in the conservation 
     reserve in accordance with paragraph (1), to the maximum 
     extent practicable, not less than 30 percent of acres 
     enrolled in the conservation reserve using continuous sign-up 
     under section 1234(d)(2)(A)(ii) shall be of land described in 
     subparagraph (A).
       ``(5) Enrollment of water quality practices to foster clean 
     lakes, estuaries, and rivers.--
       ``(A) In general.--For purposes of applying the limitation 
     in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give priority to the 
     enrollment in the conservation reserve program under this 
     subchapter of land that, as determined by the Secretary--
       ``(i) will have a positive impact on water quality; and
       ``(ii)(I) will be devoted to--

       ``(aa) a grass sod waterway;
       ``(bb) a contour grass sod strip;
       ``(cc) a prairie strip;
       ``(dd) a filterstrip;
       ``(ee) a riparian buffer;
       ``(ff) a wetland or a wetland buffer;
       ``(gg) a saturated buffer;
       ``(hh) a bioreactor; or
       ``(ii) another similar water quality practice, as 
     determined by the Secretary; or

       ``(II) will be enrolled in the conservation reserve program 
     using continuous sign-up under section 1234(d)(2)(A)(ii).
       ``(B) Sediment and nutrient loadings.--In carrying out 
     subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider land that--
       ``(i) is located in a watershed impacted by sediment and 
     nutrient; and
       ``(ii) if enrolled, will reduce sediment loadings, nutrient 
     loadings, and harmful algal blooms, as determined by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(C) Acreage.--Of the acres maintained in the conservation 
     reserve in accordance with paragraph (1), to the maximum 
     extent practicable, not less than 40 percent of acres 
     enrolled in the conservation reserve using continuous sign-up 
     under section 1234(d)(2)(A)(ii) shall be of land described in 
     subparagraph (A).
       ``(D) Report.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(i) in the monthly publication of the Secretary 
     describing conservation reserve program statistics, include a 
     description of enrollments through the priority under this 
     paragraph; and
       ``(ii) publish on the website of the Farm Service Agency an 
     annual report describing a summary of, with respect to the 
     enrollment priority under this paragraph--

       ``(I) new enrollments;
       ``(II) expirations;
       ``(III) geographic distribution; and
       ``(IV) estimated water quality benefits.''; and

       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(j) State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement.--
       ``(1) In general.--A State or Indian Tribe, in consultation 
     with the applicable State technical committee established 
     under section 1261(a), may submit to the Secretary a request 
     to designate within the State or territory of the Indian 
     Tribe a State acres for wildlife enhancement area (referred 
     to in this subsection as a `SAFE area') in accordance with 
     this subsection.
       ``(2) Requests.--A request submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall--
       ``(A) include a description of--
       ``(i) the specific wildlife species that would benefit from 
     the creation of the habitat;
       ``(ii) the number of acres requested for enrollment;
       ``(iii) the geographic area where the habitat would be 
     created; and
       ``(iv) the 1 or more specific practices to be conducted for 
     the benefit of the wildlife species described in clause (i);
       ``(B) be in accordance with State or national wildlife 
     habitat plans or goals; and
       ``(C) include a wildlife monitoring and evaluation plan.
       ``(3) Priority.--The Secretary may give priority to 
     requests submitted under paragraph (1)--
       ``(A) that cover an area--
       ``(i) on which the habitat for a particular species may be 
     declining or in danger of declining;
       ``(ii) the designation of which would help--

       ``(I) to prevent the listing of a species as a threatened 
     species or an endangered species under the Endangered Species 
     Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); or
       ``(II) to remove a species from the list of threatened 
     species or endangered species under that Act;

       ``(iii) that is adjacent to other conservation land, 
     including to establish wildlife corridors and large blocks of 
     conservation land; or
       ``(iv) that provides economic or social value to the local 
     community for outdoor recreation activities; or
       ``(B) that include a commitment of funds from which to pay 
     for incentive payments to an agricultural producer that 
     enrolls land in the conservation reserve program within a 
     SAFE area.
       ``(4) Regional balance.--To the maximum extent practicable, 
     the Secretary shall maintain a regional balance in the 
     designation of SAFE areas.
       ``(5) Report.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) in the monthly publication of the Secretary 
     describing conservation reserve program statistics, include a 
     description of enrollments in SAFE areas; and
       ``(B) publish on the website of the Farm Service Agency an 
     annual report describing a summary of, with respect to SAFE 
     areas--
       ``(i) new enrollments;
       ``(ii) expirations;
       ``(iii) geographic distribution; and
       ``(iv) estimated wildlife benefits.''.

     SEC. 2102. FARMABLE WETLAND PROGRAM.

       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''.

     SEC. 2103. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.

       (a) Cost-Share and Rental Payments.--Section 1233(a)(1) of 
     the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3833(a)(1)) is 
     amended by inserting ``, including the cost of fencing and 
     other water distribution practices, if applicable'' after 
     ``interest''.
       (b) Specified Activities Permitted.--Section 1233(b) of the 
     Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3833(b)) is amended by 
     striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) harvesting, grazing, or other commercial use of the 
     forage, without any reduction in the rental rate, in response 
     to--
       ``(A) drought;
       ``(B) flooding;
       ``(C) a state of emergency caused by drought or wildfire 
     that--
       ``(i) is declared by the Governor, in consultation with the 
     State Committee of the Farm Service Agency, of the State in 
     which the land that is subject to a contract under the 
     conservation reserve program is located;
       ``(ii) covers any part of the State or the entire State; 
     and
       ``(iii) the Secretary does not object to the declaration 
     under clause (i) by not later than 5 business days after the 
     date of declaration; or
       ``(D) other emergency;''.
       (c) Harvesting and Grazing.--Section 1233 of the Food 
     Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3833) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following:
       ``(e) Harvesting and Grazing.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may permit harvesting and 
     grazing in accordance with paragraphs (2) through (5) of 
     subsection (b) on any land subject to a contract under the 
     conservation reserve program.
       ``(2) Exception.--The Secretary, in coordination with the 
     applicable State technical committee established under 
     section 1261(a), may determine for any year that harvesting 
     or grazing described in paragraph (1) shall not be permitted 
     on land subject to a contract under the conservation reserve 
     program in a particular county if harvesting or grazing for 
     that year would cause long-term damage to vegetative cover on 
     that land.''.

     SEC. 2104. PAYMENTS.

       Section 1234 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3834) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (B) by inserting before subparagraph (A) (as so 
     redesignated) the following:
       ``(1) Signing and practice incentive payments.--
       ``(A) In general.--In the case of a continuous enrollment 
     contract, the Secretary may make an incentive payment to an 
     owner or operator of eligible land in an amount sufficient to 
     encourage participation in the program established under this 
     subchapter.
       ``(B) Limitation on making payments.--The Secretary may 
     only make an incentive payment under subparagraph (A) if the 
     national average market price received by producers during 
     the previous 12-month marketing year for major covered 
     commodities is greater than the national average market

[[Page S4530]]

     price received by producers during the most recent 10 
     marketing years for major covered commodities.
       ``(2) Tree thinning and other practices.
     --''; and
       (C) in paragraph (2)(B) (as so designated), by striking 
     ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``subparagraph (A)'';
       (2) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (3)(A)--
       (i) by striking ``Secretary may'' and inserting the 
     following: ``Secretary--
       ``(i) may'';
       (ii) in clause (i) (as so designated), by striking the 
     period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ii) shall prioritize the enrollment of marginal and 
     environmentally sensitive land that is the subject of the 
     contract offer.''; and
       (B) in paragraph (5)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``other'' before 
     ``year,'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (C)--

       (I) by striking ``The Secretary may use'' and inserting 
     ``Subject to paragraph (3)(A)(ii), with respect to''; and
       (II) by striking ``rental rates'' the first place it 
     appears and inserting the following: ``rental rates, the 
     Secretary--

       ``(i) shall apply the limitation described in subsection 
     (g)(1); and
       ``(ii) may use the estimates''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) Rental rate limitation.--Except in the case of an 
     incentive payment under subsection (c), a payment under this 
     subchapter shall not exceed 88.5 percent of the estimated 
     rental rate determined under subparagraph (A).''; and
       (3) in subsection (g)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``The total'' and 
     inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (2), the total''; 
     and
       (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Wellhead protection.--Paragraph (1) and section 
     1001D(b) shall not apply to rental payments received by a 
     rural water district or association for land that is enrolled 
     under this subchapter for the purpose of protecting a 
     wellhead.''.

     SEC. 2105. CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of 
     title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by 
     inserting after section 1231 (16 U.S.C. 3831) the following:

     ``SEC. 1231A. CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Eligible land.--The term `eligible land' means land 
     that is eligible to be included in the program established 
     under this subchapter.
       ``(2) Eligible partner.--The term `eligible partner' 
     means--
       ``(A) a State;
       ``(B) a political subdivision of a State;
       ``(C) an Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the 
     Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 
     U.S.C. 5304));
       ``(D) a nongovernmental organization;
       ``(E) an institution of higher education (as defined in 
     section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1001(a)));
       ``(F) a State cooperative extension service;
       ``(G) a research institute; and
       ``(H) any other entity, as determined appropriate by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(3) Management.--The term `management' means an activity 
     conducted by an owner or operator under a contract entered 
     into under this subchapter after the establishment of a 
     conservation practice on eligible land, to regularly maintain 
     or enhance the vegetative cover established by the 
     conservation practice--
       ``(A) throughout the term of the contract; and
       ``(B) consistent with the conservation plan that covers the 
     eligible land.
       ``(4) Program.--The term `program' means a conservation 
     reserve enhancement program carried out under an agreement 
     under subsection (b)(1).
       ``(b) Agreements.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may enter into an 
     agreement with an eligible partner to carry out a 
     conservation reserve enhancement program--
       ``(A) to assist in enrolling eligible land in the program 
     established under this subchapter; and
       ``(B) that the Secretary determines will advance the 
     purposes of this subchapter.
       ``(2) Contents.--An agreement entered into under paragraph 
     (1) shall--
       ``(A) describe--
       ``(i) 1 or more specific State or nationally significant 
     conservation concerns to be addressed by the agreement;
       ``(ii) quantifiable environmental goals for addressing the 
     concerns under clause (i);
       ``(iii) a suitable acreage goal for enrollment of eligible 
     land under the agreement, as determined by the Secretary;
       ``(iv) the location of eligible land to be enrolled in the 
     project area identified under the agreement;
       ``(v) the payments to be offered by the Secretary and 
     eligible partner to an owner or operator; and
       ``(vi) an appropriate list of conservation reserve program 
     conservation practice standards, including any modifications 
     to the practice standards, that are appropriate to meeting 
     the concerns described under clause (i), as determined by the 
     Secretary in consultation with eligible partners; and
       ``(B) require the eligible partner to provide funds.
       ``(3) Effect on existing agreements.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), an 
     agreement under this subsection shall not affect, modify, or 
     interfere with existing agreements under this subchapter.
       ``(B) Modification of existing agreements.--To implement 
     this section, the signatories to an agreement under this 
     subsection may mutually agree to a modification of an 
     agreement entered into before the date of enactment of this 
     section under the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program 
     established by the Secretary under this subchapter.
       ``(c) Payments.--
       ``(1) Funding requirement.--Funds provided by an eligible 
     partner may be in cash, in-kind contributions, or technical 
     assistance.
       ``(2) Marginal pastureland cost-share payments.--The 
     Secretary shall ensure that cost-share payments to an owner 
     or operator to install stream fencing, crossings, and 
     alternative water development on marginal pastureland under a 
     program reflect the fair market value of the cost of 
     installation.
       ``(3) Cost-share and practice incentive payments.--
       ``(A) In general.--On request of an owner or operator, the 
     Secretary shall provide cost-share payments when a major 
     conservation practice component is completed under a program, 
     as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(B) Assignment to eligible partner.--An owner or operator 
     may assign cost-share and practice incentive payments to an 
     eligible partner if the eligible partner installs the 
     conservation practice or conducts the ongoing management of 
     the conservation practice on behalf of the owner or operator.
       ``(4) Riparian buffer management payments.--
       ``(A) In general.--In the case of an agreement under 
     subsection (b)(1) that includes riparian buffers as an 
     eligible practice, the Secretary shall make cost-share 
     payments to encourage the regular management of the riparian 
     buffer throughout the term of the agreement, consistent with 
     the conservation plan that covers the eligible land.
       ``(B) Limitation.--The amount of payments received by an 
     owner or operator under subparagraph (A) shall not be greater 
     than 100 percent of the normal and customary projected 
     management cost, as determined by the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the applicable State technical committee 
     established under section 1261(a).
       ``(d) Forested Riparian Buffer Practice.--
       ``(1) Food-producing woody plants.--In the case of an 
     agreement under subsection (b)(1) that includes forested 
     riparian buffers as an eligible practice, the Secretary shall 
     allow an owner or operator--
       ``(A) to plant food-producing woody plants in the forested 
     riparian buffers, on the conditions that--
       ``(i) the plants shall contribute to the conservation of 
     soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat; and
       ``(ii) the planting shall be consistent with--

       ``(I) recommendations of the applicable State technical 
     committee established under section 1261(a); and
       ``(II) technical guide standards of the applicable field 
     office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and

       ``(B) to harvest from plants described in subparagraph (A), 
     on the conditions that--
       ``(i) the harvesting shall not damage the conserving cover 
     or otherwise have a negative impact on the conservation 
     concerns targeted by the program; and
       ``(ii) only native plant species appropriate to the region 
     shall be used within 35 feet of the watercourse.
       ``(2) Technical assistance.--For the purpose of enrolling 
     forested riparian buffers in a program, the Administrator of 
     the Farm Service Agency, in consultation with the Chief of 
     the Forest Service--
       ``(A) shall provide funds for technical assistance directly 
     to a State forestry agency; and
       ``(B) is encouraged to partner with a nongovernmental 
     organization--
       ``(i) to make recommendations for conservation practices 
     under the program;
       ``(ii) to provide technical assistance necessary to carry 
     out the conservation practices recommended under clause (i); 
     and
       ``(iii) to implement riparian buffers by--

       ``(I) pooling and submitting applications on behalf of 
     owners and operators in a specific watershed; and
       ``(II) carrying out management activities for the duration 
     of the program.

       ``(e) Acreage.--Of the acres of land maintained in the 
     conservation reserve in accordance with section 1231(d)(1), 
     to the maximum extent practicable, not less than 20 percent 
     of the acres enrolled in the conservation reserve program 
     using continuous sign-up under section 1234(d)(2)(A)(ii) 
     shall be enrolled under an agreement under subsection (b)(1).
       ``(f) Status Report.--Not later than 180 days after the end 
     of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a 
     report that describes, with respect to each agreement entered 
     into under subsection (b)(1)--
       ``(1) the status of the agreement;
       ``(2) the purposes and objectives of the agreement;
       ``(3) the Federal and eligible partner commitments made 
     under the agreement; and
       ``(4) the progress made in fulfilling those commitments.''.

[[Page S4531]]

       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 1240R(c)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 
     (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-5(c)(3)) is amended by striking ``a special 
     conservation reserve enhancement program described in section 
     1234(f)(4)'' and inserting ``the Conservation Reserve 
     Enhancement Program under section 1231A''.
       (2) Section 1244(f)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
     U.S.C. 3844(f)(3)) is amended by striking ``subsection 
     (d)(2)(A)(ii) or (g)(2) of section 1234'' and inserting 
     ``section 1231A or 1234(d)(2)(A)(ii)''.

     SEC. 2106. CONTRACTS.

       (a) In General.--Section 1235 of the Food Security Act of 
     1985 (16 U.S.C. 3835) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (e);
       (2) by redesignating subsections (f) through (h) as 
     subsections (e) through (g), respectively;
       (3) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``retired farmer or rancher'' and inserting ``contract 
     holder'';
       (ii) by striking ``retired or retiring owner or operator'' 
     each place it appears and inserting ``contract holder'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause 
     (i), by striking ``1 year'' and inserting ``2 years'';
       (iv) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``purchase, 
     including a lease with a term of less than 5 years and an 
     option to'' before ``purchase)'';
       (v) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (vi) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F); 
     and
       (vii) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
       ``(E) give priority to the enrollment of the land in--
       ``(i) the conservation stewardship program established 
     under subchapter B of chapter 2;
       ``(ii) the environmental quality incentives program 
     established under chapter 4; or
       ``(iii) the agricultural conservation easement program 
     established under subtitle H; and''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``under the'' and 
     inserting the following: ``under--
       ``(i) the conservation reserve program for grasslands 
     described in section 1231(b)(3); or
       ``(ii) the''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(h) Owner or Operator Election Relating to Conservation 
     Reserve Easements.--
       ``(1) Definition of covered contract.--In this subsection, 
     the term `covered contract' means a contract entered into 
     under this subchapter--
       ``(A) during the period beginning on the date of enactment 
     of this subsection and ending on September 30, 2023; and
       ``(B) that covers land enrolled in the conservation reserve 
     program--
       ``(i) under the clean lakes, estuaries, and rivers priority 
     described in section 1231(d)(5); or
       ``(ii) that is located in a State acres for wildlife 
     enhancement area under section 1231(j).
       ``(2) Election.--On the expiration of a covered contract, 
     an owner or operator party to the covered contract shall 
     elect--
       ``(A) not to reenroll the land under the contract;
       ``(B) to reenroll the land under the contract, on the 
     conditions that--
       ``(i) the annual rental payment shall be decreased by 40 
     percent; and
       ``(ii) no incentive payments shall be provided under the 
     contract; or
       ``(C) not to reenroll the land under the contract and to 
     enroll the land under the contract in a conservation reserve 
     easement under section 1231C.
       ``(3) Exception.--On the expiration of a covered contract, 
     if land enrolled in the conservation reserve program under 
     that contract is determined by the Secretary to not be 
     suitable for permanent protection through a conservation 
     reserve easement under section 1231C, notwithstanding 
     paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary shall allow the land to be 
     reenrolled under the terms of the conservation reserve 
     program in effect on the date of expiration.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1241(a)(1)(B) of the 
     Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(a)(1)(B)) is 
     amended by striking ``1235(f)'' and inserting ``1235(e)''.

     SEC. 2107. CONSERVATION RESERVE EASEMENTS.

       Subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the 
     Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by inserting after 
     section 1231B (16 U.S.C. 3831b) the following:

     ``SEC. 1231C. CONSERVATION RESERVE EASEMENTS.

       ``(a) In General.--
       ``(1) Enrollment.--The Secretary shall offer to enroll land 
     in the conservation reserve program through a conservation 
     reserve easement in accordance with this section.
       ``(2) Exclusion of acreage limitation.--For purposes of 
     applying the limitations in section 1231(d)(1), the Secretary 
     shall not count acres of land enrolled under this section.
       ``(b) Eligible Land.--Only land subject to an expired 
     covered contract (as defined in section 1235(h)(1)) shall be 
     eligible for enrollment through a conservation reserve 
     easement under this section.
       ``(c) Term.--The term of a conservation reserve easement 
     shall be--
       ``(1) permanent; or
       ``(2) the maximum period allowed by State law.
       ``(d) Agreements.--To be eligible to enroll land in the 
     conservation reserve program through a conservation reserve 
     easement, the owner of the land shall enter into an agreement 
     with the Secretary--
       ``(1) to grant an easement on the land to the Secretary;
       ``(2) to implement a conservation reserve easement plan 
     developed for the land under subsection (h)(1);
       ``(3) to create and record an appropriate deed restriction 
     in accordance with applicable State law to reflect the 
     easement;
       ``(4) to provide a written statement of consent to the 
     easement signed by any person holding a security interest in 
     the land;
       ``(5) to comply with the terms and conditions of the 
     easement and any related agreements; and
       ``(6) to permanently retire any existing base history for 
     the land covered by the easement.
       ``(e) Terms and Conditions of Easements.--
       ``(1) In general.--A conservation reserve easement shall 
     include terms and conditions that--
       ``(A) permit--
       ``(i) repairs, improvements, and inspections on the land 
     that are necessary to maintain existing public drainage 
     systems; and
       ``(ii) owners to control public access on the land while 
     identifying access routes to be used for restoration 
     activities and management and easement monitoring;
       ``(B) prohibit--
       ``(i) the alteration of wildlife habitat and other natural 
     features of the land, unless specifically authorized by the 
     Secretary as part of the conservation reserve easement plan;
       ``(ii) the spraying of the land with chemicals or the 
     mowing of the land, except where the spraying or mowing is 
     authorized by the Secretary or is necessary--

       ``(I) to comply with Federal or State noxious weed control 
     laws;
       ``(II) to comply with a Federal or State emergency pest 
     treatment program; or
       ``(III) to meet habitat needs of specific wildlife species;

       ``(iii) any activity to be carried out on the land of the 
     owner or successor that is immediately adjacent to, and 
     functionally related to, the land that is subject to the 
     easement if the activity will alter, degrade, or otherwise 
     diminish the functional value of the land; and
       ``(iv) the adoption of any other practice that would tend 
     to defeat the purposes of the conservation reserve program, 
     as determined by the Secretary; and
       ``(C) include any additional provision that the Secretary 
     determines is appropriate to carry out this section or 
     facilitate the practical administration of this section.
       ``(2) Violation.--On the violation of a term or condition 
     of a conservation reserve easement--
       ``(A) the conservation reserve easement shall remain in 
     force; and
       ``(B) the Secretary may require the owner to refund all or 
     part of any payments received by the owner under the program, 
     with interest on the payments, as determined appropriate by 
     the Secretary.
       ``(3) Compatible uses.--Land subject to a conservation 
     reserve easement may be used for compatible economic uses, 
     including hunting and fishing, managed timber harvest, or 
     periodic haying or grazing, if the use--
       ``(A) is specifically permitted by the conservation reserve 
     easement plan developed for the land; and
       ``(B) is consistent with the long-term protection and 
     enhancement of the conservation resources for which the 
     easement was established.
       ``(f) Compensation.--
       ``(1) Determination.--
       ``(A) Permanent easements.--The Secretary shall pay as 
     compensation for a permanent conservation reserve easement 
     acquired under this section an amount necessary to encourage 
     enrollment of land in such a conservation reserve easement, 
     based on the lowest of--
       ``(i) the fair market value of the land, as determined by 
     the Secretary, using the Uniform Standards of Professional 
     Appraisal Practice or an areawide market analysis or survey;
       ``(ii) the amount corresponding to a geographical 
     limitation, as determined by the Secretary in regulations 
     prescribed by the Secretary; or
       ``(iii) the offer made by the landowner.
       ``(B) Other.--Compensation for a conservation reserve 
     easement that is not permanent due to a restriction in 
     applicable State law shall be not less than 50 percent, but 
     not more than 75 percent, of the compensation that would be 
     paid for a permanent conservation reserve easement.
       ``(2) Form of payment.--Compensation for a conservation 
     reserve easement shall be provided by the Secretary in the 
     form of a cash payment, in an amount determined under 
     paragraph (1).
       ``(3) Payments.--The Secretary may provide payment under 
     this paragraph to a landowner using--
       ``(A) 10 annual payments; or
       ``(B) 1 payment.
       ``(4) Timing.--The Secretary shall provide any annual 
     easement payment obligation under paragraph (3)(A) as early 
     as practicable in each fiscal year.
       ``(5) Payments to others.--The Secretary shall make a 
     payment, in accordance with

[[Page S4532]]

     regulations prescribed by the Secretary, in a manner as the 
     Secretary determines is fair and reasonable under the 
     circumstances, if an owner who is entitled to a payment under 
     this section--
       ``(A) dies;
       ``(B) becomes incompetent;
       ``(C) is succeeded by another person or entity who renders 
     or completes the required performance; or
       ``(D) is otherwise unable to receive the payment.
       ``(g) Technical Assistance.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall assist owners in 
     complying with the terms and conditions of a conservation 
     reserve easement.
       ``(2) Contracts or agreements.--The Secretary may enter 
     into 1 or more contracts with private entities or agreements 
     with a State, nongovernmental organization, or Indian Tribe 
     to carry out necessary maintenance of a conservation reserve 
     easement if the Secretary determines that the contract or 
     agreement will advance the purposes of the conservation 
     reserve program.
       ``(h) Administration.--
       ``(1) Conservation reserve easement plan.--The Secretary 
     shall develop a conservation reserve easement plan for any 
     land subject to a conservation reserve easement, which shall 
     include practices and activities necessary to maintain, 
     protect, and enhance the conservation value of the enrolled 
     land.
       ``(2) Delegation of easement administration.--
       ``(A) Federal, state, or local government agencies.--The 
     Secretary may delegate any of the management, monitoring, and 
     enforcement responsibilities of the Secretary under this 
     section to other Federal, State, or local government agencies 
     that have the appropriate authority, expertise, and resources 
     necessary to carry out those delegated responsibilities.
       ``(B) Conservation organizations.--The Secretary may 
     delegate any management responsibilities of the Secretary 
     under this section to conservation organizations if the 
     Secretary determines the conservation organization has 
     similar expertise and resources.''.

     SEC. 2108. ELIGIBLE LAND; STATE LAW REQUIREMENTS.

       The Secretary shall revise paragraph (4) of section 
     1410.6(d) of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, to provide 
     that land shall not be ineligible for enrollment in the 
     conservation reserve program established under subchapter B 
     of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security 
     Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831 et seq.) under that paragraph if 
     the Deputy Administrator (as defined in section 1410.2(b) of 
     title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
     regulations)), in consultation with the applicable State 
     technical committee established under section 1261(a) of the 
     Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3861(a)) determines, 
     under such terms and conditions as the Deputy Administrator, 
     in consultation with the State technical committee, 
     determines to be appropriate, that making that land eligible 
     for enrollment in that program is in the best interests of 
     that program.

              Subtitle B--Conservation Stewardship Program

     SEC. 2201. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 1238D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3838d) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)(B)--
       (A) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) development of a comprehensive conservation plan, 
     as defined in section 1238G(f)(1);
       ``(iv) soil health planning, including planning to increase 
     soil organic matter; and
       ``(v) activities that will assist a producer to adapt to, 
     or mitigate against, increasing weather volatility.''; and
       (2) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting the following: ``through the use of--
       ``(A) quality criteria under a resource management system;
       ``(B) predictive analytics tools or models developed or 
     approved by the Natural Resources Conservation Service;
       ``(C) data from past and current enrollment in the program; 
     and
       ``(D) other methods that measure conservation and 
     improvement in priority resource concerns, as determined by 
     the Secretary.''.

     SEC. 2202. ESTABLISHMENT.

       (a) Extension.--Section 1238E(a) of the Food Security Act 
     of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838e(a)) is amended in the matter 
     preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.
       (b) Exclusions.--Section 1238E(b)(2) of the Food Security 
     Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838e(b)(2)) is amended in the matter 
     preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``the Agricultural Act of 
     2014'' and inserting ``the Agriculture Improvement Act of 
     2018''.

     SEC. 2203. STEWARDSHIP CONTRACTS.

       Section 1238F of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3838f) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (1) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(1) Ranking of applications.--
       ``(A) In general.--In evaluating contract offers submitted 
     under subsection (a), the Secretary shall rank applications 
     based on--
       ``(i) the natural resource conservation and environmental 
     benefits that result from the conservation treatment on all 
     applicable priority resource concerns at the time of 
     submission of the application;
       ``(ii) the degree to which the proposed conservation 
     activities increase natural resource conservation and 
     environmental benefits; and
       ``(iii) other consistent criteria, as determined by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(B) Additional criterion.--If 2 or more applications 
     receive the same ranking under subparagraph (A), the 
     Secretary shall rank those contracts based on the extent to 
     which the actual and anticipated conservation benefits from 
     each contract are provided at the lowest cost relative to 
     other similarly beneficial contract offers.''; and
       (2) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by inserting ``new or improved'' after ``integrate''; 
     and
       (ii) by inserting ``demonstrating continued improvement 
     during the additional 5-year period,'' after ``operation,''; 
     and
       (B) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking ``to exceed the 
     stewardship threshold of'' and inserting ``to adopt or 
     improve conservation activities, as determined by the 
     Secretary, to achieve higher levels of performance with 
     respect to not less than''.

     SEC. 2204. DUTIES OF SECRETARY.

       Section 1238G of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3838g) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``Agricultural Act of 2014, and ending on 
     September 30, 2022'' and inserting ``Agriculture Improvement 
     Act of 2018, and ending on September 30, 2028''; and
       (ii) by striking ``, to the maximum extent practicable'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by inserting ``to the maximum extent practicable,'' 
     before ``enroll''; and
       (ii) by striking ``10,000,000'' and inserting 
     ``8,797,000''; and
       (C) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by inserting ``notwithstanding any other provision of 
     this subchapter,'' before ``manage''; and
       (ii) by striking ``all financial'' and all that follows 
     through the period at the end and inserting the following: 
     ``all--
       ``(A) financial assistance, including payments made under 
     subsections (d)(5), (e), and (f);
       ``(B) technical assistance; and
       ``(C) any other expenses associated with enrollment or 
     participation in the program.'';
       (2) in subsection (d), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Payment for cover crop activities.--Subject to the 
     restriction under subsection (c)(2), the amount of a payment 
     under this subsection for cover crop activities shall be not 
     less than 125 percent of the annual payment amount determined 
     by the Secretary under paragraph (2).'';
       (3) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``and Advanced 
     Grazing Management'' after ``Rotations'';
       (B) by striking paragraph (2);
       (C) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (4) as paragraphs 
     (2) and (1), respectively, and moving the paragraphs so as to 
     appear in numerical order;
       (D) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)--
       (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (D) and (E) 
     as clauses (i) through (iv) and (vi), respectively, and 
     indenting appropriately;
       (ii) by striking the paragraph designation and all that 
     follows through ``the term'' in the matter preceding clause 
     (i) (as so redesignated) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Advanced grazing management.--The term `advanced 
     grazing management' means the use of a combination of grazing 
     practices (as determined by the Secretary), which may include 
     management-intensive rotational grazing, that provide for--
       ``(i) improved soil health and carbon sequestration;
       ``(ii) drought resilience;
       ``(iii) wildlife habitat;
       ``(iv) wildfire mitigation;
       ``(v) control of invasive plants; and
       ``(vi) water quality improvement.
       ``(B) Management-intensive rotational grazing.--The term 
     `management-intensive rotational grazing' means a strategic, 
     adaptively managed multipasture grazing system in which 
     animals are regularly and systematically moved to fresh 
     pasture in a manner that--
       ``(i) maximizes the quantity and quality of forage growth;
       ``(ii) improves manure distribution and nutrient cycling;
       ``(iii) increases carbon sequestration from greater forage 
     harvest;
       ``(iv) improves the quality and quantity of cover for 
     wildlife;
       ``(v) provides permanent cover to protect the soil from 
     erosion; and
       ``(vi) improves water quality.
       ``(C) Resource-conserving crop rotation.--The term''; and
       (iii) in subparagraph (C) (as so designated)--

       (I) in clause (iv) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``and'' at the end; and
       (II) by inserting after clause (iv) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:

       ``(v) builds soil organic matter; and'';
       (E) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``improve resource-conserving'' and all that follows through 
     the period at the

[[Page S4533]]

     end and inserting the following: ``improve, manage, and 
     maintain--
       ``(A) resource-conserving crop rotations; or
       ``(B) advanced grazing management.'';
       (F) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by striking ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``paragraph 
     (2)''; and
       (ii) by striking ``and maintain'' and all that follows 
     through the period at the end and inserting ``or improve, 
     manage, and maintain resource-conserving crop rotations or 
     advanced grazing management for the term of the contract.''; 
     and
       (G) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Amount of payment.--Subject to the restriction under 
     subsection (c)(2), an additional payment provided under 
     paragraph (2) shall be not less than 150 percent of the 
     annual payment amount determined by the Secretary under 
     subsection (d)(2).'';
       (4) by redesignating subsections (f) through (i) as 
     subsections (g) through (j), respectively;
       (5) by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
       ``(f) Payment for Comprehensive Conservation Plan.--
       ``(1) Definition of comprehensive conservation plan.--In 
     this subsection, the term `comprehensive conservation plan' 
     means a conservation plan that meets or exceeds the 
     stewardship threshold for each priority resource concern 
     identified by the Secretary under subsection (a)(2).
       ``(2) Payment for comprehensive conservation plan.--Subject 
     to the restriction under subsection (c)(2), the Secretary 
     shall provide a 1-time payment to a producer that develops 
     and implements a comprehensive conservation plan.
       ``(3) Amount of payment.--The Secretary shall determine the 
     amount of payment under paragraph (2) based on--
       ``(A) the number of priority resource concerns addressed in 
     the comprehensive conservation plan; and
       ``(B) the number of types of land uses included in the 
     comprehensive conservation plan.'';
       (6) in subsection (g) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2019 
     through 2023''; and
       (B) by inserting ``or acequias'' after ``Indian tribes''; 
     and
       (7) in subsection (i) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) by striking the subsection designation and heading and 
     all that follows through ``The Secretary'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(i) Organic Certification.--
       ``(1) Coordination.--The Secretary''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Allocation.--
       ``(A) In general.--Using funds made available for the 
     program for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, the 
     Secretary shall allocate funding to States to support organic 
     production and transition to organic production through 
     paragraph (1).
       ``(B) Determination.--The Secretary shall determine the 
     allocation to a State under subparagraph (A) based on--
       ``(i) the certified and transitioning organic operations of 
     the State; and
       ``(ii) the organic acreage of the State.'';
       (8) in subsection (j) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``subsection (f)'' and inserting ``subsection (g)''; and
       (9) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(k) Streamlining and Coordination.--To the maximum extent 
     feasible, the Secretary shall provide for streamlined and 
     coordinated procedures for the program and the environmental 
     quality incentives program under chapter 4, including 
     applications, contracting, conservation planning, 
     conservation practices, and related administrative 
     procedures.
       ``(l) Soil Health.--To the maximum extent feasible, the 
     Secretary shall manage the program to enhance soil health.
       ``(m) Annual Report.--Each fiscal year, 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--
       ``(1) the national average rate of funding per acre for the 
     program for that fiscal year, including a description of 
     whether the program is managed in accordance with the 
     restriction under subsection (c)(2); and
       ``(2) the payment rates for conservation activities offered 
     to producers under the program and an analysis of whether 
     payment rates can be reduced for the most expensive 
     conservation activities.''.

          Subtitle C--Environmental Quality Incentives Program

     SEC. 2301. PURPOSES.

       Section 1240 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3839aa) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end; 
     and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) adapting to, and mitigating against, increasing 
     weather volatility; and''; and
       (2) in paragraph (4)--
       (A) by striking ``to make beneficial, cost effective 
     changes to production systems (including conservation 
     practices related to organic production)'' and inserting ``to 
     address identified, new, or expected resource concerns 
     associated with changes to production systems, including 
     conservation practices related to organic production''; and
       (B) by striking ``livestock, pest or irrigation 
     management'' and inserting ``crops and livestock, pest 
     management, irrigation management, drought resiliency 
     measures''.

     SEC. 2302. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 1240A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3839aa-1) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) and (5) as 
     paragraphs (2) through (5) and (7), respectively;
       (2) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(1) Conservation planning survey.--The term `conservation 
     planning survey' means a plan that--
       ``(A) is developed by--
       ``(i) a State or unit of local government (including a 
     conservation district);
       ``(ii) a Federal agency; or
       ``(iii) a third-party provider certified under section 
     1242(e) (including a certified rangeland professional);
       ``(B) assesses rangeland or cropland function and describes 
     conservation activities to enhance the economic and 
     ecological management of that land;
       ``(C) can be incorporated into a comprehensive planning 
     document required by the Secretary for enrollment in a 
     conservation program of the Department of Agriculture; and
       ``(D) provides recommendations for enrollment in the 
     program or other conservation programs of the Department of 
     Agriculture.'';
       (3) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), in subparagraph 
     (B)--
       (A) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (vii);
       (B) by inserting after clause (v) the following:
       ``(vi) Land that facilitates the avoidance of crossing an 
     environmentally sensitive area, as determined by the 
     Secretary.''; and
       (C) in clause (vii) (as so redesignated), by inserting 
     ``identified or expected'' before ``resource concerns'';
       (4) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) in clause (iv), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) by redesignating clause (v) as clause (vii); and
       (iii) by inserting after clause (iv) the following:
       ``(v) soil tests for--

       ``(I) heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, polycyclic 
     aromatic hydrocarbons, and other contaminants; and
       ``(II) biological and physical soil health;

       ``(vi) scientifically based soil remediation practices to 
     be carried out by the producer, as determined by the 
     Secretary; and''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (v); and
       (iii) by inserting after clause (i) the following:
       ``(ii) resource-conserving crop rotation planning;
       ``(iii) soil health planning, including planning to 
     increase soil organic matter;
       ``(iv) a conservation planning survey; and''; and
       (5) by inserting after paragraph (5) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(6) Producer.--The term `producer' includes an 
     acequia.''.

     SEC. 2303. ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION.

       Section 1240B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3839aa-2) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``2019'' and inserting 
     ``2023'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(2)--
       (A) by striking ``A contract'' and inserting the following:
       ``(A) In general.--A contract''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) Wildlife practices.--
       ``(i) In general.--In the case of a contract under the 
     program entered into solely for the establishment of 1 or 
     more annual management practices for the benefit of wildlife, 
     notwithstanding any maximum contract term established by the 
     Secretary, the contract shall have a term that does not 
     exceed 10 years.
       ``(ii) Inclusions.--A contract under the program may 
     include a practice that provides incentives to producers to--

       ``(I) carry out postharvest flooding to provide seasonal 
     wetland habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds during the 
     fall and winter months; and
       ``(II) maintain the hydrology of temporary and seasonal 
     wetlands of not more than 2 acres in order to maintain 
     waterfowl and migratory bird habitat on working cropland.'';

       (3) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (4)(B)--
       (i) in clause (i)--

       (I) by striking ``Not more than'' and inserting ``The 
     Secretary shall provide at least'';
       (II) by striking ``may be provided''; and
       (III) by striking ``the purpose of'' and inserting ``all 
     costs related to'';

       (ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``90-day'' and inserting 
     ``180-day''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) Option to opt out.--A producer described in 
     subparagraph (A) shall be given the opportunity to opt out of 
     the advance payments under clause (i).''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(7) Review and guidance for cost share rates.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 365 days after the date 
     of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall--
       ``(i) review the cost share rates of payments made to 
     producers for practices on eligible land under this section; 
     and
       ``(ii) evaluate whether those rates are the least costly 
     rates of payment that--

[[Page S4534]]

       ``(I) encourage participation in the program; and
       ``(II) encourage implementation of the most effective 
     practices to address local natural resource concerns on 
     eligible land.

       ``(B) Guidance.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall issue guidance to 
     States to consider the use of the least costly rate of 
     payment to producers for practices.
       ``(ii) Considerations.--In determining the least costly 
     rate of payment to producers under clause (i), the Secretary 
     shall consider the rate of payment that--

       ``(I) encourages participation in the program; and
       ``(II) most effectively addresses local natural resource 
     concerns on eligible land.

       ``(8) Review of conservation practice standards.--
       ``(A) Review.--Not later than 365 days after the date of 
     enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall review 
     conservation practice standards under the program to evaluate 
     opportunities to increase flexibility within conservation 
     practice standards while ensuring equivalent natural resource 
     benefits.
       ``(B) Guidance.--If the Secretary identifies under 
     subparagraph (A) a conservation practice standard that can be 
     modified to provide more flexibility without compromising 
     natural resource benefits, the Secretary shall issue guidance 
     for revising the applicable conservation practice standard.
       ``(9) Increased payments for high-priority practices.--
       ``(A) State determination.--Each State, in consultation 
     with the State technical committee established under section 
     1261(a) for the State, may designate 10 practices to be 
     eligible for increased payments under subparagraph (B), on 
     the condition that the practice, as determined by the 
     Secretary--
       ``(i) has received a high Natural Resources Conservation 
     Service evaluation score for addressing specific causes of 
     impairment relating to excessive nutrients in groundwater or 
     surface water or for addressing the conservation of water to 
     advance drought mitigation;
       ``(ii) meets other environmental priorities; and
       ``(iii) is geographically targeted to address a natural 
     resource concern in a specific watershed.
       ``(B) Increased payments.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), 
     the Secretary may increase the amount that would otherwise be 
     provided for a practice under this subsection to not more 
     than 90 percent of the costs associated with planning, 
     design, materials, equipment, installation, labor, 
     management, maintenance, or training.'';
       (4) in subsection (f)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2019 
     through 2023'';
       (ii) by striking ``60'' and inserting ``50''; and
       (iii) by striking ``production.'' and inserting 
     ``production, including grazing management practices.'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``For each'' and inserting the following:
       ``(A) Fiscal years 2014 through 2018.--For each''; and
       (ii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) Fiscal years 2019 through 2023.--For each of fiscal 
     years 2019 through 2023, at least 10 percent of the funds 
     made available for payments under the program shall be 
     targeted at practices benefitting wildlife habitat under 
     subsection (g).''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Review of process for determining annual funding 
     allocations to states.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 365 days after the date 
     of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the 
     Secretary shall review the process for determining annual 
     funding allocations to States under the program.
       ``(B) Considerations.--In conducting the review under 
     subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider--
       ``(i) the roles of, in determining annual funding 
     allocations to States--

       ``(I) relevant data on local natural resource concerns, 
     including the outcomes of the Conservation Effects Assessment 
     Project carried out by the Natural Resources Conservation 
     Service; and
       ``(II) the recommendations of State technical committees 
     established under section 1261(a) and other local stakeholder 
     input;

       ``(ii) how to utilize the data and local input described in 
     subclauses (I) and (II) of clause (i) such that, to the 
     maximum extent practicable, consideration of local natural 
     resource concerns is a leading factor when determining annual 
     funding allocations to States; and
       ``(iii) the process used at the national level to evaluate 
     State budget proposals and allocate funds to achieve priority 
     natural resource objectives, including the factors considered 
     in ranking State proposals.'';
       (5) in subsection (h)--
       (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) Availability of payments.--The Secretary may provide 
     water conservation and system efficiency payments under this 
     subsection to an entity described in paragraph (2) or a 
     producer for--
       ``(A) water conservation scheduling, water distribution 
     efficiency, soil moisture monitoring, or an appropriate 
     combination thereof;
       ``(B) irrigation-related structural or other measures that 
     conserve surface water or groundwater, including managed 
     aquifer recovery practices; or
       ``(C) a transition to water-conserving crops, water-
     conserving crop rotations, or deficit irrigation.'';
       (B) by redesigning paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) Eligibility of certain entities.--
       ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding section 1001(f)(6), the 
     Secretary may enter into a contract under this subsection 
     with a State, irrigation district, groundwater management 
     district, acequia, or similar entity under a streamlined 
     contracting process to implement water conservation or 
     irrigation practices under a watershed-wide project that will 
     effectively conserve water, provide fish and wildlife 
     habitat, or provide for drought-related environmental 
     mitigation, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(B) Implementation.--Water conservation or irrigation 
     practices that are the subject of a contract entered into 
     under subparagraph (A) shall be implemented on--
       ``(i) eligible land of a producer; or
       ``(ii) land that is under the control of an irrigation 
     district, a groundwater management district, an acequia, or a 
     similar entity.
       ``(C) Waiver authority.--The Secretary may waive the 
     applicability of the limitations in section 1001D(b) or 
     section 1240G for a payment made under a contract entered 
     into under this paragraph if the Secretary determines that 
     the waiver is necessary to fulfill the objectives of the 
     project.'';
       (D) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``to a producer'' and inserting ``under this subsection'';
       (ii) 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 that land''; 
     and
       (iii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``except in the 
     case of an application under paragraph (2),'' before ``the 
     producer agrees''; and
       (E) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Effect.--Nothing in this section authorizes the 
     Secretary to modify the process for determining the annual 
     allocation of funding to States under the program.'';
       (6) in subsection (i)(3), by striking ``$20,000 per year or 
     $80,000 during any 6-year period'' and inserting ``$160,000 
     during the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023''; and
       (7) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(j) Micro-EQIP Pilot Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--On request of not more than 10 States, 
     the Secretary may establish under the environmental quality 
     incentives program a pilot program in that State under which 
     the Secretary may--
       ``(A) provide financial and technical assistance to small-
     scale agricultural producers, including beginning farmers and 
     ranchers and limited resource producers, that enter into 
     contracts with the Secretary under the pilot program to 
     address natural resource concerns relating to production on 
     small-scale agricultural operations; and
       ``(B) conduct outreach to small-scale agricultural 
     producers to increase participation in the pilot program.
       ``(2) Payments.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall determine whether a 
     small-scale agricultural producer is eligible to receive 
     payments under this subsection--
       ``(i) on a State-by-State basis;
       ``(ii) in consultation with the technical committee 
     established under section 1261(a) of the State in which the 
     small-scale agricultural producer is located; and
       ``(iii) based on factors that may include--

       ``(I) the operations of a small-scale agricultural 
     producer, including with respect to adjusted gross income and 
     gross sales;
       ``(II) demographic data relating to small-scale 
     agricultural producers compiled by the National Agricultural 
     Statistics Service; and
       ``(III) other relevant information, as determined by the 
     Secretary.

       ``(B) Amount.--The Secretary shall provide payments under 
     this subsection to a producer that is eligible for the 
     payments under subparagraph (A) in an amount that the 
     Secretary determines is necessary to achieve the purpose 
     described in paragraph (1)(A).
       ``(3) Applications.--
       ``(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive financial and 
     technical assistance under this subsection, a producer that 
     is eligible for the assistance under paragraph (2)(A) shall 
     submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such 
     manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may 
     require.
       ``(B) Administration.--To the maximum extent practicable, 
     the Secretary shall limit the administrative burdens, and the 
     regulatory barriers that contribute to administrative 
     burdens, on producers applying for payments under this 
     subsection, including by streamlining the application and 
     approval processes for payments.
       ``(4) Pilot program coordinator.--The Secretary may 
     designate a pilot program coordinator in each State who--
       ``(A) at the time of designation is an employee of the 
     Natural Resources Conservation Service in that State; and
       ``(B) shall be responsible for--
       ``(i) public outreach relating to the pilot program under 
     this subsection;

[[Page S4535]]

       ``(ii) assisting producers in the submission of 
     applications under the pilot program; and
       ``(iii) distributing financial and technical assistance 
     under this subsection in that State.
       ``(5) Report.--Not later than May 1, 2022, 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 results of 
     the pilot program under this subsection, including--
       ``(A) steps taken under paragraph (3)(B) to limit 
     administrative burdens and regulatory barriers; and
       ``(B) to the maximum extent practicable, demographic 
     information about each small-scale agricultural producer 
     participating in the pilot program.''.

     SEC. 2304. EVALUATION OF APPLICATIONS.

       Section 1240C(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
     U.S.C. 3839aa-3(a)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``that will ensure'' and inserting the 
     following: ``that shall--
       ``(1) ensure'';
       (2) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking the 
     period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) give priority to the consideration of the most 
     effective practices to address natural resource concerns on 
     eligible land.''.

     SEC. 2305. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.

       Section 1240F of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3839aa-6) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``To the extent appropriate,'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(a) Assistance to Producers.--To the extent 
     appropriate,''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Streamlining and Coordination.--To the maximum extent 
     feasible, the Secretary shall--
       ``(1) provide for streamlined and coordinated procedures 
     for the program and the conservation stewardship program 
     under subchapter B of chapter 2, including applications, 
     contracting, conservation planning, conservation practices, 
     and related administrative procedures; and
       ``(2) coordinate management of the program and the 
     conservation stewardship program under subchapter B of 
     chapter 2 to facilitate the ability of a participant in the 
     program to enroll in the conservation stewardship program 
     after meeting the stewardship threshold (as defined in 
     section 1238D) for not less than 2 priority resource concerns 
     under that program.
       ``(c) Soil Health.--To the maximum extent feasible, the 
     Secretary shall manage the program to enhance soil health.''.

     SEC. 2306. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM PLAN.

       Section 1240E(a)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
     U.S.C. 3839aa-5(a)(3)) is amended by inserting 
     ``progressive'' before ``implementation''.

     SEC. 2307. LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS.

       Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3839aa-7) is amended by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and 
     inserting ``2019 through 2023''.

     SEC. 2308. CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS AND PAYMENTS.

       Section 1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3839aa-8) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(2)--
       (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as 
     subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively;
       (B) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
       ``(E) partner with farmers to develop innovative 
     conservation practices for urban, indoor, or other emerging 
     agricultural practices to increase--
       ``(i) green space;
       ``(ii) pollinator habitat;
       ``(iii) stormwater management;
       ``(iv) carbon sequestration; and
       ``(v) access to agricultural production sites through land 
     tenure agreements and other contracts;'';
       (C) in subparagraph (F) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``and'' at the end;
       (D) in subparagraph (G) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
       (E) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(H) utilize edge-of-field and other monitoring practices 
     on farms--
       ``(i) to quantify the impacts of conservation practices 
     utilized under the program; and
       ``(ii) to assist producers in making the best conservation 
     investments for their operation.''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``2018'' and 
     inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 2309. SOIL HEALTH DEMONSTRATION PILOT PROJECT.

       Chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security 
     Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq.) is amended by adding 
     at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 1240I. SOIL HEALTH DEMONSTRATION PILOT PROJECT.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a pilot 
     project that provides financial incentives, as determined by 
     the Secretary, to producers to adopt practices designed to 
     improve soil health, including by increasing carbon levels in 
     soil (or `soil carbon levels').
       ``(b) Requirements.--In establishing the pilot project 
     under subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
       ``(1) identify geographic regions of the United States, 
     including not less than 1 drought prone region, based on 
     factors such as soil type, cropping history, and water 
     availability, in which to establish the pilot project;
       ``(2) establish payments to provide an incentive for the 
     use of practices approved under the pilot project that--
       ``(A) improve soil health;
       ``(B) increase carbon levels in the soil; or
       ``(C) meet the goals described in subparagraphs (A) and 
     (B); and
       ``(3) establish protocols for measuring carbon levels in 
     soil to measure gains in soil health as a result of the 
     practices used in the pilot project.
       ``(c) Study; Report to Congress.--
       ``(1) Study.--Not later than September 30, 2022, the 
     Secretary shall conduct a study regarding changes in soil 
     health, and, if feasible, economic outcomes, as a result of 
     the practices used in the pilot project established under 
     subsection (a).
       ``(2) Report to congress.--Not later than September 30, 
     2023, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report 
     describing and analyzing the results of the study conducted 
     under paragraph (1).
       ``(d) Funding.--Of the funds made available to carry out 
     this chapter, the Secretary may use to carry out the pilot 
     project under subsection (a) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2019 through 2023.''.

                Subtitle D--Other Conservation Programs

     SEC. 2401. WETLAND CONSERVATION.

       Section 1222(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3822(c)) is amended by inserting before the period at the end 
     the following: ``in the presence of the affected person, as 
     long as the affected person makes themselves available for 
     the on-site visit''.

     SEC. 2402. CONSERVATION SECURITY PROGRAM.

       Subchapter A of chapter 2 of subtitle D of title XII of the 
     Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3838 et seq.) is 
     repealed.

     SEC. 2403. CONSERVATION OF PRIVATE GRAZING LAND.

       Section 1240M of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3839bb) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)(2), by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(C) Partnerships.--In carrying out the program under this 
     section, the Secretary shall provide education and outreach 
     activities through partnerships with--
       ``(i) land-grant colleges and universities (as defined in 
     section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)); 
     and
       ``(ii) nongovernmental organizations.''; and
       (2) in subsection (e), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.

     SEC. 2404. SOIL HEALTH AND INCOME PROTECTION PROGRAM.

       Chapter 5 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security 
     Act of 1985 is amended by inserting after section 1240M (16 
     U.S.C. 3839bb) the following:

     ``SEC. 1240N. SOIL HEALTH AND INCOME PROTECTION PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Definition of Eligible Land.--In this section:
       ``(1) In general.--The term `eligible land' means land 
     that--
       ``(A) is selected by the owner or operator of the land for 
     proposed enrollment in the program under this section; and
       ``(B) as determined by the Secretary--
       ``(i) had a cropping history or was considered to be 
     planted during the 3 crop years preceding the crop year 
     described in subsection (b)(2); and
       ``(ii) is verified to be less-productive land, as compared 
     to other land on the applicable farm.
       ``(2) Exclusion.--The term `eligible land' does not include 
     any land covered by a conservation reserve program contract 
     under subchapter B of chapter 1 that expires during the crop 
     year described in subsection (b)(2).
       ``(b) Establishment.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     voluntary soil health and income protection program under 
     which eligible land is enrolled through the use of agreements 
     to assist owners and operators of eligible land to conserve 
     and improve the soil, water, and wildlife resources of the 
     eligible land.
       ``(2) Deadline for participation.--Eligible land may be 
     enrolled in the program under this section only during the 
     first crop year beginning after the date of enactment of the 
     Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.
       ``(c) Agreements.--
       ``(1) Requirements.--An agreement described in subsection 
     (b) shall--
       ``(A) be entered into by the Secretary, the owner of the 
     eligible land, and (if applicable) the operator of the 
     eligible land; and
       ``(B) provide that, during the term of the agreement--
       ``(i) the lowest practicable cost perennial conserving use 
     cover crop for the eligible land, as determined by the 
     applicable State conservationist after considering the advice 
     of the applicable State technical committee, shall be planted 
     on the eligible land;
       ``(ii) except as provided in paragraph (5), the owner or 
     operator of the eligible land shall pay the cost of planting 
     the conserving use cover crop under clause (i);
       ``(iii) subject to paragraph (6), the eligible land may be 
     harvested for seed, hayed, or grazed outside the nesting and 
     brood-rearing period established for the applicable county;
       ``(iv) the eligible land may be eligible for a walk-in 
     access program of the applicable State, if any; and

[[Page S4536]]

       ``(v) a nonprofit wildlife organization may provide to the 
     owner or operator of the eligible land a payment in exchange 
     for an agreement by the owner or operator not to harvest the 
     conserving use cover.
       ``(2) Payments.--Except as provided in paragraphs (5) and 
     (6)(B)(ii), the annual rental rate for a payment under an 
     agreement described in subsection (b) shall be equal to 50 
     percent of the average rental rate for the applicable county 
     under section 1234(d), as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(3) Limitation on enrolled land.--Not more than 15 
     percent of the eligible land on a farm may be enrolled in the 
     program under this section.
       ``(4) Term.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     each agreement described in subsection (b) shall be for a 
     term of 3, 4, or 5 years, as determined by the parties to the 
     agreement.
       ``(B) Early termination.--
       ``(i) Secretary.--The Secretary may terminate an agreement 
     described in subsection (b) before the end of the term 
     described in subparagraph (A) if the Secretary determines 
     that the early termination of the agreement is necessary.
       ``(ii) Owners and operators.--An owner and (if applicable) 
     an operator of eligible land enrolled in the program under 
     this section may terminate an agreement described in 
     subsection (b) before the end of the term described in 
     subparagraph (A) if the owner and (if applicable) the 
     operator pay to the Secretary an amount equal to the amount 
     of rental payments received under the agreement.
       ``(5) Beginning, small, socially disadvantaged, young, or 
     veteran farmers and ranchers.--With respect to a beginning, 
     small, socially disadvantaged, young, or veteran farmer or 
     rancher, as determined by the Secretary--
       ``(A) an agreement described in subsection (b) shall 
     provide that, during the term of the agreement, the 
     beginning, underserved, or young farmer or rancher shall pay 
     50 percent of the cost of planting the conserving use cover 
     crop under paragraph (1)(B)(i); and
       ``(B) the annual rental rate for a payment under an 
     agreement described in subsection (b) shall be equal to 75 
     percent of the average rental rate for the applicable county 
     under section 1234(d), as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(6) Harvesting, haying, and grazing outside applicable 
     period.--The harvesting for seed, haying, or grazing of 
     eligible land under paragraph (1)(B)(iii) outside of the 
     nesting and brood-rearing period established for the 
     applicable county shall be subject to the conditions that--
       ``(A) with respect to eligible land that is so hayed or 
     grazed, adequate stubble height shall be maintained to 
     protect the soil on the eligible land, as determined by the 
     applicable State conservationist after considering the advice 
     of the applicable State technical committee; and
       ``(B) with respect to eligible land that is so harvested 
     for seed--
       ``(i) the eligible land shall not be eligible to be insured 
     or reinsured under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1501 et seq.); and
       ``(ii) the rental payment otherwise applicable to the 
     eligible land under this subsection shall be reduced by 25 
     percent.
       ``(d) Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.''.

     SEC. 2405. GRASSROOTS SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM.

       Section 1240O of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3839bb-2) is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(b) 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.''.

     SEC. 2406. SOIL TESTING AND REMEDIATION ASSISTANCE.

       Chapter 5 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security 
     Act of 1985 is amended by inserting after section 1240O (16 
     U.S.C. 3839bb-2) the following:

     ``SEC. 1240P. SOIL TESTING AND REMEDIATION ASSISTANCE.

       ``(a) Definition of Producer.--In this section, the term 
     `producer' includes a small-scale producer of food.
       ``(b) Soil Health and Quality.--To improve the health and 
     quality of the soil used for agricultural production, the 
     Secretary shall work with producers to mitigate the presence 
     of contaminants in soil, including by carrying out 
     subsections (c), (d), and (e).
       ``(c) Soil Testing Protocol.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with the 
     Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall 
     establish a coordinated soil testing protocol to simplify the 
     process used by producers to evaluate soil health, including 
     testing for--
       ``(A) the optimal level of constituents in and 
     characteristics of the soil, such as organic matter, 
     nutrients, and the potential presence of soil contamination 
     from heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, polycyclic 
     aromatic hydrocarbons, or other contaminants; and
       ``(B) biological and physical characteristics indicative of 
     proper soil functioning.
       ``(2) Public availability.--The Secretary shall make the 
     soil testing protocol established under paragraph (1) 
     available to the public.
       ``(d) Soil Assessment and Remediation Technical 
     Assistance.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide technical 
     assistance to a producer carrying out a soil assessment or 
     soil remediation practice that shall include--
       ``(A) an overall review of the health of the soil used by 
     the producer for agricultural production;
       ``(B) testing of the soil, if applicable, to determine the 
     suitability of the soil for agricultural production;
       ``(C) based on the results of the soil tested under 
     subparagraph (B), a consultation with the producer and a 
     determination of the quality, health, and level of 
     contamination of the soil adequate--
       ``(i) to protect against a health risk to producers;
       ``(ii) to limit contaminants from entering agricultural 
     products for human consumption; and
       ``(iii) to regenerate and sustain the soil; and
       ``(D) recommendations on methods to conduct remediation or 
     soil building efforts to improve soils and ensure that the 
     producers--
       ``(i) are not growing products in soils with high levels of 
     heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic 
     hydrocarbons, or other contaminants;
       ``(ii) have appropriate information regarding financial 
     resources and conservation practices available to keep soil 
     healthy, including practices, as defined in section 1240A; 
     and
       ``(iii) are given information about experts, including 
     experts outside of the Natural Resources Conservation 
     Service, that may provide assistance to producers to oversee 
     and monitor soil under remediation or regeneration to ensure 
     soils are suitable for agricultural production in the future.
       ``(2) Education and outreach.--The Secretary shall conduct 
     education and outreach to producers regarding the uses of 
     soil and methods of addressing soil contamination and soil 
     health degradation.
       ``(e) Referral.--On the request of a producer, where soil 
     is found to pose an imminent hazard to human health, the 
     Secretary may refer the producer to the Administrator of the 
     Environmental Protection Agency for additional assistance for 
     remediation under section 104(k) of the Comprehensive 
     Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 
     1980 (42 U.S.C. 9604(k)).''.

     SEC. 2407. VOLUNTARY PUBLIC ACCESS AND HABITAT INCENTIVE 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) Conservation Innovation Grants and Payments.--Section 
     1240H of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8) 
     is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``grants'' and 
     inserting ``grants, voluntary public access and habitat 
     incentive program,''; and
       (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d).
       (b) Modifications and Merging of Provisions.--Section 1240R 
     of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-5) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by redesignating subparagraphs (A) 
     and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately; and
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (2) in subsection (c), by redesignating paragraphs (1) 
     through (5) as subparagraphs (A) through (E), respectively, 
     and indenting appropriately;
       (3) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``section'' and inserting 
     ``subsection''; and
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (4) in subsection (e), by striking ``section'' and 
     inserting ``subsection'';
       (5) by striking subsection (f);
       (6) by redesignating subsections (a) through (e) as 
     paragraphs (1) through (5), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (7) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) Funding.--Of the funds made available to carry out 
     this chapter, the Secretary shall use to carry out this 
     subsection $40,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019 
     through 2023.'';
       (8) by striking the section designation and heading and all 
     that follows through ``The Secretary shall establish a 
     voluntary public access program'' in paragraph (1) (as so 
     redesignated) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive 
     Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--Out of the funds made available to carry 
     out this chapter, the Secretary shall carry out a voluntary 
     public access program (referred to in this subsection as the 
     `program')''; and
       (9) by moving subsection (c) (as so amended and 
     redesignated) so as to appear after subsection (b) of section 
     1240H (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-8) (as amended by subsection (a)(2)).

     SEC. 2408. AGRICULTURE CONSERVATION EXPERIENCED SERVICES 
                   PROGRAM.

       Section 1252 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3851) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Termination of Effectiveness.--The authority provided 
     by this section terminates effective October 1, 2023.''.

     SEC. 2409. REMOTE TELEMETRY DATA SYSTEM.

       The Food Security Act of 1985 is amended by inserting after 
     section 1252 (16 U.S.C. 3851) the following:

[[Page S4537]]

  


     ``SEC. 1253. REMOTE TELEMETRY DATA SYSTEM.

       ``(a) Finding.--Congress finds that a remote telemetry data 
     system, as used for irrigation scheduling--
       ``(1) combines the use of field, weather, crop, soil, and 
     irrigation data to ensure that the precise quantity of 
     necessary water is applied to crops; and
       ``(2) saves water and energy while sustaining or increasing 
     crop yields.
       ``(b) Best Practice.--In carrying out the environmental 
     quality incentives program established under chapter 4 of 
     subtitle D, the Secretary shall encourage as a best 
     management practice the use of remote telemetry data systems 
     for irrigation scheduling.''.

     SEC. 2410. AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM.

       (a) Purposes.--Section 1265(b)(3) of the Food Security Act 
     of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865(b))(3) is amended by inserting ``that 
     may negatively impact the agricultural uses and conservation 
     values'' before ``; and''.
       (b) Definitions.--Section 1265A of the Food Security Act of 
     1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865a) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``subject to an 
     agricultural land easement plan, as approved by the 
     Secretary'';
       (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``government or an 
     Indian tribe'' and inserting ``government, an Indian tribe, 
     or an acequia''; and
       (3) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``entity;'' and 
     inserting ``entity, unless the land will be enrolled in an 
     agricultural land easement under subparagraph (B);'';
       (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as 
     subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and
       (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
       ``(B) in the case of an agricultural land easement, 
     agricultural land that meets the conditions described in 
     clauses (ii) and (iii) of subparagraph (A) that is owned by 
     an organization described in paragraph (2)(B), on the 
     conditions that--
       ``(i) if the organization that owns the land is also the 
     eligible entity that would hold the agricultural land 
     easement, the organization that owns the land shall certify 
     to the Secretary on submission of the application that the 
     land will be owned by a farmer or rancher that is not an 
     organization described in paragraph (2)(B) on acquisition of 
     the agricultural land easement;
       ``(ii) if the organization that owns the land is not the 
     eligible entity that would hold the agricultural land 
     easement, the organization that owns the land shall certify, 
     through an agreement, contract, or guarantee with the 
     Secretary on submission of the application, that the 
     organization will identify a farmer or rancher that is not an 
     organization described in paragraph (2)(B) and effect the 
     timely subsequent transfer of the ownership of the land to 
     that farmer or rancher after the date of acquisition of the 
     agricultural land easement; and
       ``(iii) if the organization that certified the timely 
     subsequent transfer of the ownership of the land under clause 
     (ii) breaches the agreement, contract, or guarantee without 
     justification and without a plan to effect the timely 
     transfer of the land, that organization shall reimburse the 
     Secretary for the entire amount of the Federal share of cost 
     of each applicable agricultural land easement.''.
       (c) Agricultural Land Easements.--Section 1265B of the Food 
     Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``provide'' and all 
     that follows through the period at the end and inserting 
     ``implement the program, including technical assistance with 
     the development of a conservation plan under subsection 
     (b)(3).''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause 
     (i), by striking ``paragraph (4)'' and inserting ``paragraph 
     (5)''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking clause (ii) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(ii) Non-federal share.--The non-Federal share provided 
     by an eligible entity under clause (i) may comprise--

       ``(I) a charitable donation or qualified conservation 
     contribution (as defined in section 170(h) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986) from the private landowner from which 
     the agricultural land easement will be purchased;
       ``(II) costs associated with securing a deed to the 
     agricultural land easement, including the cost of appraisal, 
     survey, inspection, and title; and
       ``(III) other costs, as determined by the Secretary.'';

       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (5) as 
     paragraphs (4) through (6), respectively;
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Condition on assistance.--An eligible entity applying 
     for cost-share assistance under this subsection shall develop 
     an agricultural land easement plan--
       ``(A) with the landowner of the eligible land subject to 
     the agricultural land easement; and
       ``(B) that--
       ``(i) describes the natural resource concerns on the 
     eligible land subject to the agricultural land easement;
       ``(ii) describes the conservation measures and practices 
     that the landowner of the eligible land subject to the 
     agricultural land easement may employ to address the concerns 
     under clause (i);
       ``(iii) in the case of grasslands of special environmental 
     significance, requires the management of grasslands according 
     to a grasslands management plan; and
       ``(iv) in the case of highly erodible cropland, requires 
     the implementation of a conservation plan that includes, at 
     the option of the Secretary, the conversion of highly 
     erodible cropland to less intensive uses.'';
       (D) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (II) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (III) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(iii) consultation with the appropriate State technical 
     committee established under section 1261 to adjust evaluation 
     and ranking criteria to account for geographic nuances if 
     those adjustments--

       ``(I) meet the purposes of the program; and
       ``(II) continue to maximize the benefits of Federal 
     investment under the program.''; and

       (ii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) Priority.--In evaluating applications under the 
     program, the Secretary may give priority to an application 
     for the purchase of an agricultural land easement that, as 
     determined by the Secretary, maintains agricultural 
     viability.'';
       (E) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``paragraph (5)'' 
     and inserting ``paragraph (6)'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (C)--

       (I) in clause (i), by inserting ``and the agricultural 
     activities to be conducted on the eligible land'' after 
     ``program''; and
       (II) by striking clause (iv) and inserting the following:

       ``(iv) exclude a right of inspection, unless the eligible 
     entity fails to provide monitoring reports to the 
     Secretary;'';
       (iii) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as 
     subparagraphs (E) and (F), respectively; and
       (iv) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
       ``(D) Additional permitted terms and conditions.--An 
     eligible entity may include terms and conditions for an 
     agricultural land easement that--
       ``(i) are intended to keep the land subject to the 
     agricultural land easement in farmer ownership, as determined 
     by the Secretary; and
       ``(ii) include other relevant activities relating to the 
     agricultural land easement, as determined by the 
     Secretary.''; and
       (F) in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in clause (iii), by redesignating subclauses (I) 
     through (III) as items (aa) through (cc), respectively, and 
     indenting appropriately;
       (II) by redesignating clauses (i) through (iii) as 
     subclauses (I) through (III), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (III) in the matter preceding subclause (I) (as so 
     redesignated), by striking ``entity will'' and inserting the 
     following: ``eligible entity--

       ``(i) will'';

       (IV) in clause (i)(III)(cc) (as so redesignated), by 
     striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
       (V) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(ii) 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 10 agricultural land 
     easements under the program; and
       ``(III) successfully met the responsibilities of the 
     eligible entity under the applicable agreements with the 
     Secretary, as determined by the Secretary, relating to 
     agricultural land easements that the eligible entity has 
     acquired under the program; or

       ``(iii) is a State department of agriculture or other State 
     agency with statutory authority for farm and ranchland 
     protection that has--

       ``(I) acquired not fewer than 10 agricultural land 
     easements under the program; and
       ``(II) successfully met the responsibilities of the 
     eligible entity under the applicable agreements with the 
     Secretary, as determined by the Secretary, relating to 
     agricultural land easements that the eligible entity has 
     acquired under the program.'';

       (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); 
     and
       (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
       ``(C) Terms and conditions.--Notwithstanding paragraph 
     (5)(C), to account for geographic and other differences among 
     States and regions, an eligible entity certified under 
     subparagraph (A) may use terms and conditions established by 
     the eligible entity for agricultural land easements, on the 
     condition that those terms and conditions shall be consistent 
     with the purposes of the program.''.
       (d) Wetland Reserve Easements.--Section 1265C of the Food 
     Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865c) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(D), by inserting ``and acequias'' 
     after ``Indian tribes''; and
       (B) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (II) by redesignating clause (iv) as clause (v); and

[[Page S4538]]

       (III) by inserting after clause (iii) the following:

       ``(iv) the ability of the land to sequester carbon; and''; 
     and
       (ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``and improving 
     water quality'' before the period at the end;
       (2) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``or Indian tribe'' 
     and inserting ``Indian tribe, or acequia'';
       (3) in subsection (e), by striking ``or Indian tribe'' and 
     inserting ``Indian tribe, or acequia''; and
       (4) in subsection (f)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
     (3) and (4), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) Native vegetation.--The Secretary may allow the 
     establishment or restoration of an alternative vegetative 
     community on the entirety of the eligible land subject to a 
     wetland reserve easement if that alternative vegetative 
     community--
       ``(A) will substantially support or benefit migratory 
     waterfowl or other wetland wildlife; or
       ``(B) will meet local resource concerns or needs (including 
     as an element of a regional, State, or local wildlife 
     initiative or plan).''.
       (e) Administration.--Section 1265D of the Food Security Act 
     of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865d) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``subject to paragraph 
     (2),'' before ``lands owned'';
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as 
     subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (C) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so 
     redesignated), by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Land owned by acequias.--Notwithstanding paragraph 
     (1)(B), the Secretary may use program funds for the purpose 
     of acquiring an easement on land owned by an acequia.''; and
       (2) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``transferred into the 
     program'' and inserting ``enrolled in an easement under 
     section 1265C(b)''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Agricultural land easements.--A farmer or rancher who 
     owns eligible land subject to an agricultural land easement 
     may enter into a contract under subchapter B of chapter 1.''.

     SEC. 2411. REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.

       (a) Establishment and Purposes.--Section 1271 of the Food 
     Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, including grant 
     agreements under section 1271C(d),'' after ``partnership 
     agreements''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``contracts with 
     producers'' and inserting ``program contracts with eligible 
     producers''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph 
     (A), by striking ``use covered programs'' and inserting 
     ``carry out conservation activities'';
       (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
       ``(2) To further the conservation, protection, restoration, 
     and sustainable use of soil, water (including sources of 
     drinking water), wildlife, agricultural land, and related 
     natural resources on eligible land on a regional or watershed 
     scale.'';
       (C) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting 
     ``eligible'' before ``producers''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``installation'' and 
     inserting ``adoption, installation,''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) To encourage the flexible and streamlined delivery of 
     conservation assistance to eligible producers through 
     partnership agreements.
       ``(5) To encourage alignment of partnership projects with 
     other Federal, State, and local agencies and programs 
     addressing similar natural resource or environmental concerns 
     in a coordinated manner.
       ``(6) To engage eligible producers in conservation projects 
     to achieve greater conservation outcomes and benefits for 
     eligible producers than would otherwise be achieved.
       ``(7) To advance conservation and rural community 
     development goals simultaneously.''.
       (b) Definitions.--Section 1271A of the Food Security Act of 
     1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871a) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting 
     ``a purpose, activity, or agreement under any of'' after 
     ``means''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(E) The conservation reserve program established under 
     subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D.
       ``(F) The program established by the Secretary to carry out 
     the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 
     1001 et seq.), except for any program established by the 
     Secretary to carry out section 14 (16 U.S.C. 1012) of that 
     Act.'';
       (2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(2) Eligible activity.--The term `eligible activity' 
     means--
       ``(A) an eligible activity under the statutory authority 
     for a covered program; and
       ``(B) any other related activity that an eligible partner 
     determines will help address natural resource concerns, 
     subject to the approval of the Secretary.
       ``(3) Eligible land.--The term `eligible land' means--
       ``(A) eligible land under the statutory authority for a 
     covered program; and
       ``(B) any other agricultural or nonindustrial private 
     forest land or associated land on which the Secretary 
     determines an eligible activity would help address natural 
     resource concerns.'';
       (3) in paragraph (4)--
       (A) in subparagraph (E), by inserting ``acequia,'' after 
     ``irrigation district,''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(I) An organization described in clause (i), (ii), or 
     (iii) of section 1265A(2)(B).
       ``(J) A conservation district.'';
       (4) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs 
     (6) and (7), respectively;
       (5) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
       ``(5) Eligible producer.--The term `eligible producer' 
     means a person, legal entity, or Indian tribe that is an 
     owner or operator on eligible land.''; and
       (6) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(8) Program contract.--The term `program contract' means 
     the contract established by the Secretary under section 
     1271C(b)(1).''.
       (c) Regional Conservation Partnerships.--Section 1271B of 
     the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871b) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``eligible'' before 
     ``producers'';
       (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Maximum Length.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     term of a partnership agreement shall not be longer than 5 
     years.
       ``(2) Exceptions.--
       ``(A) Concurrent program deadline.--Subject to approval by 
     the Secretary, the term of a partnership agreement may be 
     longer than 5 years if the longer period is concurrent with a 
     deadline established under a State or Federal program that 
     relates specifically to the project.
       ``(B) Special circumstances.--In the case of special 
     circumstances outside the control of an eligible partner (as 
     determined by the Secretary) that have created a delay in the 
     implementation of a project of the eligible partner, the 
     eligible partner may request an extension of the term of the 
     partnership agreement.
       ``(3) Partnership agreement renewals.--If an eligible 
     partner demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary 
     that the eligible partner has made progress in addressing 1 
     or more natural resource concerns defined in the partnership 
     agreement, not earlier than 1 year before the date of 
     expiration of the partnership agreement, the eligible partner 
     may request from the Secretary a renewal of the partnership 
     agreement, including a renewal of funding, through an 
     expedited approval process--
       ``(A) to continue to implement the partnership agreement;
       ``(B) to expand the scope of the partnership agreement;
       ``(C) to enroll additional eligible producers; or
       ``(D) to carry out other conservation activities relating 
     to the project, including the assessment of the project under 
     subsection (c)(1)(E), as mutually agreed by the Secretary and 
     the eligible partner.'';
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by redesignating clauses (iii) and (iv) as clauses (iv) 
     and (v), respectively; and
       (II) by striking clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting the 
     following:

       ``(i) 1 or more natural resource concerns that the project 
     shall address;
       ``(ii) the eligible activities on eligible land to be 
     conducted under the project to address the natural resource 
     concerns;
       ``(iii) the implementation timeline for carrying out the 
     project, including any interim milestones;'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``eligible'' before 
     ``producers'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``a producer'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``an eligible producer'';
       (iv) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``or in-kind 
     contributions'' after ``additional funds''; and
       (v) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``of the project's 
     effects; and'' and inserting the following: ``of--
       ``(i) the progress made by the project in addressing each 
     natural resource concern defined in the partnership 
     agreement, including in a quantified form; and
       ``(ii) as appropriate, other environmental, economic, or 
     social outcomes of the project; and''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``An eligible'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) In general.--An eligible''; and
       (ii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) Form.--A contribution of an eligible partner under 
     this paragraph may be in the form of--
       ``(i) direct funding;
       ``(ii) in-kind support; or
       ``(iii) a combination of direct funding and in-kind 
     support.

[[Page S4539]]

       ``(C) Treatment.--Any amounts expended during the period 
     beginning on the date on which the Secretary announces the 
     approval of an application under subsection (e) and ending on 
     the day before the effective date of the partnership 
     agreement by an eligible partner for staff salaries or 
     development of the partnership agreement shall be considered 
     to be a part of the contribution of the eligible partner 
     under this paragraph.'';
       (4) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e);
       (5) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
       ``(d) Duties of Secretary.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(1) establish a timeline for carrying out the duties of 
     the Secretary under a partnership agreement, including--
       ``(A) entering into contracts with eligible producers;
       ``(B) providing financial assistance to eligible producers; 
     and
       ``(C) in the case of a partnership agreement that is a 
     grant agreement under section 1271C(d), providing the grant 
     amounts to the eligible partner;
       ``(2) establish in each State a program coordinator for the 
     State, who shall be responsible solely for providing 
     assistance to eligible partners and eligible producers under 
     the program;
       ``(3) establish guidance to assist eligible partners with 
     carrying out the assessment required under subsection 
     (c)(1)(E);
       ``(4) provide to each eligible partner that has entered 
     into a partnership agreement--
       ``(A) a semiannual report describing the status of each 
     pending and obligated contract under the project of the 
     eligible partner; and
       ``(B) an annual report describing how the Secretary used 
     amounts reserved by the Secretary for that year for technical 
     assistance under section 1271D(f);
       ``(5) allow an eligible partner to use a new or modified 
     conservation practice standard under a partnership agreement, 
     if the Secretary ensures that the new or modified 
     conservation practice standard--
       ``(A) is based on the best available science;
       ``(B) is implemented after consultation with the Secretary 
     at the local level to assess the anticipated effectiveness of 
     the new or modified conservation practice standard; and
       ``(C) effectively addresses natural resource concerns; and
       ``(6) ensure that any eligible activity effectively 
     addresses natural resource concerns.''; and
       (6) in subsection (e) (as redesignated by paragraph (4))--
       (A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Criteria used.--In carrying out the process described 
     in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
       ``(A) make public the criteria used in evaluating 
     applications; and
       ``(B) in the case of an application submitted by a lead 
     eligible partner that identifies a local conservation 
     district as another eligible partner for the project, 
     evaluate the engagement of the lead eligible partner with the 
     local conservation district to ensure local input.'';
       (B) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by striking the paragraph designation and heading and 
     all that follows through ``description of--'' and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(3) Contents.--The Secretary shall develop a simplified 
     application process that requires each application submitted 
     under this subsection to include a description of
     --'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``, including the 
     covered programs to be used''; and
       (iii) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``or in-kind'' 
     after ``financial'';
       (C) in paragraph (4)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``may'' and inserting ``shall'';
       (ii) in subparagraphs (A) and (B), by inserting 
     ``eligible'' before ``producers'' each place it appears;
       (iii) by striking subparagraph (D);
       (iv) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as 
     subparagraphs (G) and (H), respectively; and
       (v) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
       ``(D) build new partnerships at the local, State, and 
     corporate levels or include a diversity of stakeholders in 
     the project;
       ``(E) deliver a high percentage of applied conservation--
       ``(i) to address the identified natural resource concerns; 
     or
       ``(ii) in the case of a project in a critical conservation 
     area under section 1271F, to address the critical 
     conservation condition for that critical conservation area;
       ``(F)(i) develop and implement new watershed or habitat 
     plans to address 1 or more natural resource concerns; or
       ``(ii) implement the project consistent with existing 
     watershed restoration plans;''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Review.--To the extent practicable, after receipt of 
     an application under this subsection, the Secretary shall 
     provide to each applicant information and feedback (including 
     written information and feedback, as the Secretary determines 
     to be appropriate) throughout the annual program application 
     process for any improvements that could be made to the 
     application.''.
       (d) Assistance to Eligible Producers.--Section 1271C of the 
     Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871c) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by inserting ``eligible'' 
     before ``producers'';
       (2) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) In General.--An eligible producer may receive 
     financial or technical assistance to conduct eligible 
     activities on eligible land through a program contract 
     entered into with the Secretary.
       ``(b) Program Contracts.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a program 
     contract to be entered into with an eligible producer to 
     conduct eligible activities on eligible land, subject to such 
     terms and conditions as the Secretary may establish.
       ``(2) Application bundles.--
       ``(A) In general.--An eligible partner may submit to the 
     Secretary, on behalf of eligible producers, a bundle of 
     applications for assistance under the program through program 
     contracts to address a substantial portion of a natural 
     resource concern defined in the partnership agreement.
       ``(B) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority to 
     applications described in subparagraph (A).'';
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``In accordance with 
     statutory requirements of the covered programs involved, the 
     Secretary may make payments to a producer'' and inserting 
     ``Subject to section 1271D, the Secretary may make payments 
     to an eligible producer'';
       (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``eligible'' before 
     ``producers'' each place it appears; and
       (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``participating'' and 
     inserting ``eligible''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Funding Arrangements Through Grant Agreements.--
       ``(1) In general.--A partnership agreement may be a grant 
     agreement entered into with an eligible partner in accordance 
     with this subsection.
       ``(2) Requirements.--Under a grant agreement under 
     paragraph (1)--
       ``(A) using amounts made available to carry out this 
     subtitle, the Secretary shall provide to the eligible partner 
     a grant;
       ``(B) the eligible partner shall carry out eligible 
     activities on eligible land (including by contracting with 1 
     or more producers, if the eligible partner determines the 
     contracting to be appropriate), on the condition that the 
     eligible activities directly or indirectly benefit 
     agricultural producers (including forestry producers), to 
     address natural resource concerns on a regional or watershed 
     scale, such as--
       ``(i) infrastructure investments relating to agricultural 
     or nonindustrial private forest production that would benefit 
     multiple producers, such as a multiproducer irrigation water 
     delivery system, including investments to address drought;
       ``(ii) projects addressing water quality or quantity 
     concerns (including drought) in coordination with producers, 
     including the development and implementation of watershed 
     plans;
       ``(iii) projects that use innovative approaches to 
     leveraging the Federal investment in conservation with 
     private financial mechanisms, in conjunction with 
     agricultural production or forest resource management, such 
     as--

       ``(I) the provision of performance-based payments to 
     eligible producers; and
       ``(II) support for an environmental market;

       ``(iv) projects that facilitate pilot testing of new 
     conservation practices, technologies, or activities;
       ``(v) projects that promote the long-term viability and 
     sustainability of agricultural land through innovative 
     agricultural land and water protection strategies and 
     mechanisms, including projects that support the transfer of 
     land to beginning farmers and ranchers, veteran farmers and 
     ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and 
     limited resource farmers and ranchers; and
       ``(vi) other projects for which the Secretary determines 
     that the goals and objectives of the program would be easier 
     to achieve through the grant agreement; and
       ``(C) the Secretary may provide technical and 
     administrative assistance, as mutually agreed by the parties.
       ``(3) Nonapplicability of adjusted gross income 
     limitation.--The adjusted gross income limitation described 
     in section 1001D(b)(1) shall not apply to the receipt by an 
     eligible partner of a grant under this subsection.
       ``(4) Limitation.--The Secretary may not use more than 30 
     percent of funding made available to carry out the program 
     for grant agreements.
       ``(5) Reports.--An eligible partner that enters into a 
     grant agreement under this subsection shall submit to the 
     Secretary--
       ``(A) any information that the Secretary requires to 
     prepare the report under section 1271E(b); and
       ``(B) an annual report that describes the status of the 
     project carried out by the eligible partner, including a 
     description of--
       ``(i) the use of the grant funds;
       ``(ii) any subcontracts awarded using grant funds;
       ``(iii) the eligible producers receiving funding using the 
     grant funds;

[[Page S4540]]

       ``(iv)(I) the progress made by the project in addressing 
     each natural resource concern defined in the grant agreement, 
     including in a quantified form; and
       ``(II) as appropriate, other environmental, economic, or 
     social outcomes of the project; and
       ``(v) any other reporting data the Secretary determines are 
     necessary to ensure compliance with the program rules.''.
       (e) Funding.--Section 1271D of the Food Security Act of 
     1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871d) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``$100,000,000'' and inserting 
     ``$200,000,000''; and
       (B) by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2019 
     through 2023'';
       (2) in subsection (c), by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--To ensure that additional resources are 
     available to carry out the program, in addition to the funds 
     made available under subsection (a), for each fiscal year the 
     Secretary shall transfer 7 percent of the funds and acres 
     made available for the following programs:
       ``(A) The conservation stewardship program established 
     under subchapter B of chapter 2 of subtitle D.
       ``(B) The environmental quality incentives program 
     established under chapter 4 of subtitle D.
       ``(C) The agricultural conservation easement program 
     established under subtitle H.
       ``(2) Duration of availability.--Any funds or acres 
     transferred under paragraph (1) shall remain available for 
     obligation only for the purposes of carrying out the program 
     until expended.
       ``(3) Distribution of funds.--To the maximum extent 
     practicable, of projects receiving funds or acres transferred 
     under paragraph (1) from a program described in subparagraph 
     (A), (B), or (C) of that paragraph, the percentage of 
     projects that shall have purposes similar to the purposes of 
     the applicable program from which funds or acres were 
     transferred shall be approximately equal to the percentage of 
     funds or acres transferred from the applicable program.'';
       (3) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``25 percent of the funds 
     and acres to projects based on a State competitive process 
     administered by the State Conservationist, with the advice of 
     the State technical committee'' and inserting the following: 
     ``40 percent of the funds and acres to projects based on a 
     State or multistate competitive process administered by the 
     Secretary at the local level with the advice of the 
     applicable State technical committees'';
       (B) by striking paragraph (2);
       (C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); and
       (D) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), by striking ``35 
     percent'' and inserting ``60 percent'';
       (4) in subsection (e)--
       (A) by striking ``None of the funds'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
     none of the funds''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Project development and outreach.--Under a 
     partnership agreement, the Secretary may advance reasonable 
     amounts of funding for technical assistance to eligible 
     partners to conduct project development and outreach 
     activities in a project area, including--
       ``(A) providing outreach and education to eligible 
     producers for potential participation in the project;
       ``(B) developing a watershed or habitat plan;
       ``(C) establishing baseline metrics to support the 
     development of the assessment required under section 
     1271B(c)(1)(E); or
       ``(D) providing technical assistance to eligible producers.
       ``(3) Reimbursement.--The Secretary may reimburse 
     reasonable amounts of funding for activities conducted during 
     the period beginning on the date on which the Secretary 
     announces the approval of an application under section 
     1271B(e) and ending on the day before the effective date of 
     the partnership agreement.''; and
       (5) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Technical Assistance.--
       ``(1) In general.--At the time of project selection, the 
     Secretary shall identify and make publically available the 
     amount that the Secretary shall use to provide technical 
     assistance under the terms of the partnership agreement.
       ``(2) Limitation.--The Secretary shall limit costs of the 
     Secretary for technical assistance to costs specific and 
     necessary to carry out the objectives of the program.
       ``(3) Third-party providers.--The Secretary shall develop 
     and implement strategies to encourage third-party technical 
     service providers to provide technical assistance to eligible 
     partners pursuant to a partnership agreement.''.
       (f) Administration.--Section 1271E of the Food Security Act 
     of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871e) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``December 31, 2014'' and inserting ``December 31, 2018'';
       (B) in paragraphs (1) and (2), by inserting ``eligible'' 
     before ``producers'' each place it appears;
       (C) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as 
     paragraphs (2) through (5), respectively; and
       (D) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(1) a summary of--
       ``(A) the progress made towards addressing the 1 or more 
     natural resource concerns defined for the projects; and
       ``(B) any other related environmental, social, or economic 
     outcomes of the projects;''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Compliance With Certain Requirements.--The Secretary 
     may not provide assistance under the program to an eligible 
     producer unless the eligible producer agrees, during the 
     program year for which the assistance is provided--
       ``(1) to comply with applicable conservation requirements 
     under subtitle B; and
       ``(2) to comply with applicable wetland protection 
     requirements under subtitle C.
       ``(d) Historically Underserved Producers.--To the maximum 
     extent practicable, in carrying out the program, the 
     Secretary shall work with eligible partners to maintain 
     eligible benefits available through the covered programs for 
     beginning farmers and ranchers, veteran farmers and ranchers, 
     socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and limited 
     resource farmers and ranchers.
       ``(e) Regulations.--The Secretary shall issue regulations 
     to carry out the program.''.
       (g) Critical Conservation Areas.--Section 1271F of the Food 
     Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3871f) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (a), (b), and (c) as 
     subsections (b), (c), and (e), respectively;
       (2) by inserting before subsection (b) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Critical conservation area.--The term `critical 
     conservation area' means a geographical area that contains a 
     critical conservation condition that can be addressed through 
     the program.
       ``(2) Critical conservation condition.--The term `critical 
     conservation condition' means--
       ``(A) a condition of land that would benefit from water 
     quality improvement, including through reducing erosion, 
     promoting sediment control, and addressing nutrient 
     management activities affecting large bodies of water of 
     regional, national, or international significance; and
       ``(B) a condition of land that would benefit from water 
     quantity improvement, including improvement relating to--
       ``(i) drought;
       ``(ii) groundwater, surface water, aquifer, or other water 
     sources; or
       ``(iii) water retention and flood prevention.'';
       (3) in subsection (b) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) by striking ``producer'' and inserting ``program''; and
       (B) by inserting ``that address each critical conservation 
     condition for which the critical conservation area is 
     designated'' before the period at the end;
       (4) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as 
     paragraphs (2) through (4), respectively;
       (B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall identify 1 or more 
     critical conservation conditions that apply to each critical 
     conservation area designated under this section after the 
     date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 
     113-79; 128 Stat. 649), including the conservation goals and 
     outcomes sufficient to demonstrate that progress is being 
     made to address the critical conservation conditions.'';
       (C) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)--
       (i) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(C) contains a critical conservation condition; or'';
       (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (D); 
     and
       (iii) in subparagraph (D) (as so redesignated), by 
     inserting ``eligible'' before ``producers''; and
       (D) by striking paragraph (3) (as so redesignated) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(3) Review and withdrawal.--The Secretary may--
       ``(A) review designations of critical conservation areas 
     under this section not more frequently than once every 5 
     years; and
       ``(B) withdraw designation of a critical conservation area 
     only if the Secretary determines that the area is no longer a 
     critical conservation area.'';
       (5) by inserting after subsection (c) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(d) Outreach to Eligible Partners and Eligible 
     Producers.--The Secretary shall provide outreach and 
     education to eligible partners and eligible producers in 
     critical conservation areas designated under this section to 
     encourage the development of projects to address each 
     critical conservation condition identified by the Secretary 
     for that critical conservation area.'';
       (6) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``producer'' and 
     inserting ``program''; and
       (B) by striking paragraph (3); and
       (7) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Reports.--Not later than December 31, 2018, and each 
     year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee 
     on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
     Senate a report describing the status of each critical 
     conservation

[[Page S4541]]

     condition for each critical conservation area designated 
     under this section, including--
       ``(1) the conditions for which each critical conservation 
     area is designated;
       ``(2) conservation goals and outcomes sufficient to 
     demonstrate that progress is being made to address the 
     critical conservation conditions;
       ``(3) the partnership agreements selected to address each 
     conservation goal and outcome; and
       ``(4) the extent to which each conservation goal and 
     outcome is being addressed by the partnership agreements.''.
       (h) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 1271E of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
     U.S.C. 3871e) (as amended by subsection (f)) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``1271B(d)'' each place 
     it appears and inserting ``1271B(e)''; and
       (B) in subsection (b)(5), in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A), by striking ``1271C(b)(2)'' and inserting 
     ``1271C(d)''.
       (2) Section 1271F of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
     U.S.C. 3871f) is amended in subsection (b) (as redesignated 
     by subsection (g)(1)) by striking ``1271D(d)(3)'' and 
     inserting ``1271D(d)(2)''.

     SEC. 2412. WETLAND CONVERSION.

       Section 1221(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3821(d)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Except as'' and inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--Except as''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Duty of the secretary.--No person shall become 
     ineligible under paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines 
     that an exemption under section 1222(b) applies to that 
     person.''.

     SEC. 2413. DELINEATION OF WETLANDS.

       (a) Identification of Minimal Effect Exemptions.--Section 
     1222(d) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3822(d)) 
     is amended--
       (1) in the first sentence, by striking ``For purposes'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--For purposes''; and
       (2) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)--
       (A) in the first sentence, by inserting ``not later than 1 
     year after the date of enactment of the Agriculture 
     Improvement Act of 2018, in accordance with paragraph (2),'' 
     before ``the Secretary''; and
       (B) in the second sentence, by striking ``The Secretary'' 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Requirements.--The Secretary shall carry out 
     paragraph (1)--
       ``(A) in compliance with applicable Federal environmental 
     laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
     (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
       ``(B) in accordance with subsections (d) and (e) of section 
     12.31 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect 
     on the date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act 
     of 2018); and
       ``(C) in consultation with--
       ``(i) State technical committees established under section 
     1261(a);
       ``(ii) State wildlife and water resource agencies;
       ``(iii) the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife 
     Service;
       ``(iv) State Committees of the Farm Service Agency; and
       ``(v) agricultural commodity organizations.
       ``(3) Training of employees.--The Secretary''.
       (b) Mitigation Banking.--Section 1222(k)(1) of the Food 
     Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3822(k)(1)) is amended by 
     striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:
       ``(B) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this 
     paragraph $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 
     2023.''.

     SEC. 2414. EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM.

       (a) Watershed Protection Program.--Section 403 of the 
     Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2203) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``measures'' and 
     inserting ``watershed protection program''; and
       (2) in subsection (a), by inserting ``watershed 
     protection'' after ``emergency''.
       (b) Payment Limitations.--Title IV of the Agricultural 
     Credit Act of 1978 is amended by inserting after section 403 
     (16 U.S.C. 2203) the following:

     ``SEC. 403A. PAYMENT LIMITATION.

       ``The maximum payment made under the emergency conservation 
     program to an agricultural producer under this title may not 
     exceed $500,000.''.
       (c) Funding and Administration.--Section 404 of the 
     Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2204) is amended--
       (1) in the fourth sentence, by striking ``The Corporation'' 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(d) Limitation.--The Commodity Credit Corporation'';
       (2) in the third sentence, by striking ``In implementing 
     the provisions of'' and inserting the following:
       ``(c) Use of Commodity Credit Corporation.--In 
     implementing'';
       (3) by striking the second sentence;
       (4) by striking the section designation and all that 
     follows through ``There are authorized'' in the first 
     sentence and inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 404. FUNDING AND ADMINISTRATION.

       ``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized'';
       (5) in subsection (a) (as so designated), by inserting ``, 
     to remain available until expended'' before the period at the 
     end; and
       (6) by inserting after subsection (a) (as so designated) 
     the following:
       ``(b) Set-aside for Fencing.--Of the amounts made available 
     under subsection (a) for a fiscal year, 25 percent shall be 
     set aside until April 1 of that fiscal year for the repair or 
     replacement of fencing.''.

     SEC. 2415. WATERSHED PROTECTION AND FLOOD PREVENTION.

       Section 10 of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention 
     Act (16 U.S.C. 1007) is amended by striking the section 
     designation and all that follows through ``No appropriation'' 
     in the second sentence and inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 10. FUNDING.

       ``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this Act $200,000,000 for 
     each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
       ``(b) Limitations.--No appropriation''.

     SEC. 2416. SMALL WATERSHED REHABILITATION PROGRAM.

       Section 14(h)(2) of the Watershed Protection and Flood 
     Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1012(h)(2)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(F) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 
     2023.''.

     SEC. 2417. REPEAL OF CONSERVATION CORRIDOR DEMONSTRATION 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Subtitle G of title II of the Farm 
     Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (16 U.S.C. 3801 
     note; Public Law 107-171) is repealed.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 5059 of the Water 
     Resources Development Act of 2007 (16 U.S.C. 3801 note; 
     Public Law 110-114) is repealed.

     SEC. 2418. REPEAL OF CRANBERRY ACREAGE RESERVE PROGRAM.

       Section 10608 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
     of 2002 (16 U.S.C. 3801 note; Public Law 107-171) is 
     repealed.

     SEC. 2419. REPEAL OF NATIONAL NATURAL RESOURCES FOUNDATION.

       Subtitle F of title III of the Federal Agriculture 
     Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (16 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.) 
     is repealed.

     SEC. 2420. REPEAL OF FLOOD RISK REDUCTION.

       Section 385 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and 
     Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7334) is repealed.

     SEC. 2421. REPEAL OF STUDY OF LAND USE FOR EXPIRING CONTRACTS 
                   AND EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY.

       Section 1437 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 3831 note; Public Law 101-624) 
     is repealed.

     SEC. 2422. REPEAL OF INTEGRATED FARM MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 
                   OPTION.

       Section 1451 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5822) is repealed.

     SEC. 2423. REPEAL OF CLARIFICATION OF DEFINITION OF 
                   AGRICULTURAL LANDS.

       Section 325 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and 
     Reform Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-127; 110 Stat. 992) is 
     repealed.

     SEC. 2424. RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

       Section 1537 of the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 (16 
     U.S.C. 3460) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 1537. TERMINATION OF EFFECTIVENESS.

       ``The authority provided by this subtitle terminates 
     effective October 1, 2023.''.

     SEC. 2425. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary and the Secretary of the 
     Interior shall continue to carry out the Working Lands for 
     Wildlife model of conservation on working landscapes, as 
     implemented on the day before the date of enactment of this 
     Act, in accordance with--
       (1) the document entitled ``Partnership Agreement Between 
     the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources 
     Conservation Service and the United States Department of the 
     Interior Fish and Wildlife Service'', numbered A-3A75-16-937, 
     and formalized by the Chief of the Natural Resources 
     Conservation Service on September 15, 2016, and by the 
     Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service on 
     August 4, 2016, as in effect on September 15, 2016; and
       (2) United States Fish and Wildlife Service Director's 
     Order No. 217, dated August 9, 2016, as in effect on August 
     9, 2016.
       (b) Expansion of Model.--The Secretary and the Secretary of 
     the Interior may expand the conservation model described in 
     subsection (a) through a new partnership agreement between 
     the Farm Service Agency and the United States Fish and 
     Wildlife Service for the purpose of carrying out conservation 
     activities for species conservation.
       (c) Extension of Period of Regulatory Predictability.--
       (1) Definition of period of regulatory predictability.--In 
     this subsection, the term ``period of regulatory 
     predictability'' means the period of regulatory 
     predictability under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 
     U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) initially determined in accordance with 
     the document and order described in paragraphs (1) and (2), 
     respectively, of subsection (a).
       (2) Extension.--After the period of regulatory 
     predictability, on request of the Secretary, the Secretary of 
     the Interior, acting through the Director of the United 
     States Fish and Wildlife Service, may provide additional 
     consultation under section 7(a)(2) of

[[Page S4542]]

     the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)), or 
     additional conference under section 7(a)(4) of that Act (16 
     U.S.C. 1536(a)(4)), as applicable, with the Chief of the 
     Natural Resources Conservation Service or the Administrator 
     of the Farm Service Agency, as applicable, to extend the 
     period of regulatory predictability.
       (d) Regulatory Certainty.--Section 1244 of the Food 
     Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following:
       ``(n) Regulatory Certainty.--
       ``(1) In general.--In addition to technical and 
     programmatic information that the Secretary is otherwise 
     authorized to provide, on request of a Federal agency, a 
     State, an Indian tribe, or a unit of local government, the 
     Secretary may provide technical and programmatic 
     information--
       ``(A) subject to paragraph (2), to the Federal agency, 
     State, Indian tribe, or unit of local government to support 
     specifically the development of mechanisms that would provide 
     regulatory certainty, regulatory predictability, safe harbor 
     protection, or other similar regulatory assurances to a 
     farmer, rancher, or private nonindustrial forest landowner 
     under a regulatory requirement--
       ``(i) that relates to soil, water, or wildlife; and
       ``(ii) over which that Federal agency, State, Indian tribe, 
     or unit of local government has authority; and
       ``(B) relating to conservation practices or activities that 
     could be implemented by a farmer, rancher, or private 
     nonindustrial forest landowner to address a targeted soil, 
     water, or wildlife resource concern that is the direct 
     subject of a regulatory requirement enforced by that Federal 
     agency, State, Indian tribe, or unit of local government, as 
     applicable.
       ``(2) Mechanisms.--The Secretary shall only provide 
     additional technical and programmatic information under 
     paragraph (1) if the mechanisms to be developed by the 
     Federal agency, State, Indian tribe, or unit of local 
     government, as applicable, under paragraph (1)(A) are 
     anticipated to include, at a minimum--
       ``(A) the implementation of 1 or more conservation 
     practices or activities that effectively addresses the soil, 
     water, or wildlife resource concern identified under 
     paragraph (1);
       ``(B) the on-site confirmation that the applicable 
     conservation practices or activities identified under 
     subparagraph (A) have been implemented;
       ``(C) a plan for a periodic audit, as appropriate, of the 
     continued implementation or maintenance of each of the 
     conservation practices or activities identified under 
     subparagraph (A); and
       ``(D) notification to a farmer, rancher, or private 
     nonindustrial forest landowner of, and an opportunity to 
     correct, any noncompliance with a requirement to obtain 
     regulatory certainty, regulatory predictability, safe harbor 
     protection, or other similar regulatory assurance.
       ``(3) Continuing current collaboration on soil, water, or 
     wildlife conservation practices.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) continue collaboration with Federal agencies, States, 
     Indian tribes, or local units of government on existing 
     regulatory certainty, regulatory predictability, safe harbor 
     protection, or other similar regulatory assurances in 
     accordance with paragraph (2); and
       ``(B) continue collaboration with the Secretary of the 
     Interior on consultation under section 7(a)(2) of the 
     Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)) or 
     conference under section 7(a)(4) of that Act (16 U.S.C. 
     1536(a)(4)), as applicable, for wildlife conservation 
     efforts, including the Working Lands for Wildlife model of 
     conservation on working landscapes, as implemented on the day 
     before the date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement 
     Act of 2018, in accordance with--
       ``(i) the document entitled `Partnership Agreement Between 
     the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources 
     Conservation Service and the United States Department of the 
     Interior Fish and Wildlife Service', numbered A-3A75-16-937, 
     and formalized by the Chief of the Natural Resources 
     Conservation Service on September 15, 2016, and by the 
     Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service on 
     August 4, 2016, as in effect on September 15, 2016; and
       ``(ii) United States Fish and Wildlife Service Director's 
     Order No. 217, dated August 9, 2016, as in effect on August 
     9, 2016.
       ``(4) Savings clause.--Nothing in this subsection--
       ``(A) preempts, displaces, or supplants any authority or 
     right of a Federal agency, a State, an Indian tribe, or a 
     unit of local government;
       ``(B) modifies or otherwise affects, preempts, or 
     displaces--
       ``(i) any cause of action; or
       ``(ii) a provision of Federal or State law establishing a 
     remedy for a civil or criminal cause of action; or
       ``(C) applies to a case in which the Department of 
     Agriculture is the originating agency requesting a 
     consultation or other technical and programmatic information 
     or assistance from another Federal agency in assisting 
     farmers, ranchers, or nonindustrial private forest landowners 
     participating in a conservation program administered by the 
     Secretary.''.

     SEC. 2426. HEALTHY FORESTS RESERVE PROGRAM.

       (a) Purposes.--Section 501(a) of the Healthy Forests 
     Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6571(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) to conserve forest land that provides habitat for 
     species described in section 502(b)(2).''.
       (b) Eligibility.--Section 502 of the Healthy Forests 
     Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6572) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``private land'' and all 
     that follows through ``which will'' and inserting ``private 
     land, including private forest land or land being restored to 
     forest, the enrollment of which will maintain,''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``private land'' and all that follows through ``which will'' 
     and inserting ``private land, including private forest land 
     or land being restored to forest, the enrollment of which 
     will maintain,'';
       (ii) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(B)(i) are candidates for such listing, State-listed 
     species, or special concern species; or
       ``(ii) are deemed a species of greatest conservation need 
     under a State wildlife action plan.'';
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (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:
       ``(3) conserve forest land that provides habitat for 
     species described in section 502(b)(2).'';
       (3) in subsection (e)--
       (A) by striking paragraph (2);
       (B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); and
       (C) in paragraph (2)(B) (as redesignated by subparagraph 
     (A))--
       (i) in clause (ii), by striking ``or'' at the end; and
       (ii) by striking clause (iii) and inserting the following:
       ``(iii) a permanent easement; or
       ``(iv) any combination of the options described in clauses 
     (i), (ii), and (iii).''; and
       (4) in subsection (f)(1)(B), by striking clause (ii) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(ii)(I) are candidates for such listing, State-listed 
     species, or special concern species; or
       ``(II) are deemed a species of greatest conservation need 
     under a State wildlife action plan.''.
       (c) Restoration Plans.--Section 503(b) of the Healthy 
     Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6573(b)) is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (2) by striking the subsection designation and all that 
     follows through ``restoration practices'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(b) Practices and Measures.--
       ``(1) Definition of practices and measures.--In this 
     subsection, the term `practices and measures' includes land 
     management practices, vegetative treatments, structural 
     practices and measures, practices to improve biological 
     diversity, practices to increase carbon sequestration, and 
     other appropriate activities, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(2) Restoration plans.--The restoration plan may require 
     such restoration practices and measures'';
       (3) in subparagraph (A) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)), 
     by striking ``and'' at the end; and
       (4) in subparagraph (B) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)), 
     by striking the period at the end and inserting ``, or a 
     species deemed a species of greatest conservation need under 
     a State wildlife action plan.''.

     SEC. 2427. WATERSHED PROTECTION.

       (a) Watershed Areas.--Section 2 of the Watershed Protection 
     and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1002) is amended in the 
     undesignated matter following paragraph (3) by inserting 
     ``(except in cases in which the Secretary determines that the 
     undertaking is necessary in a larger watershed or 
     subwatershed in order to address regional drought concerns)'' 
     after ``fifty thousand acres''.
       (b) Authority of the Secretary.--Section 3 of the Watershed 
     Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1003) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking the section designation and all that 
     follows through ``In order to assist'' and inserting the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 3. ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.

       ``(a) In General.--In order to assist''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the watershed plan 
     for works of improvement if the Secretary determines the 
     watershed plan is unnecessary or duplicative.''.

     SEC. 2428. SENSE OF CONGRESS RELATING TO 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 
     (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) and provide benefits to farmers, 
     landowners, and the public.

[[Page S4543]]

  


     SEC. 2429. MODIFICATIONS TO CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM.

       Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801 
     et seq.) is amended by inserting after subtitle E the 
     following:

              ``Subtitle F--Other Conservation Provisions

     ``SEC. 1251. MODIFICATIONS TO CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Definition of Covered Program.--In this section, the 
     term `covered program' means wetland reserve easements under 
     section 1265C.
       ``(b) Modifications.--Notwithstanding any other provision 
     of law applicable to the covered program, subject to 
     subsection (c), if requested by the landowner, the Secretary 
     shall--
       ``(1) allow land enrolled in the covered program to be--
       ``(A) modified for water management, general maintenance, 
     vegetative cover control, wildlife habitat management, or any 
     other purpose, subject to the condition that the modification 
     shall be approved jointly by--
       ``(i) the State department of natural resources (or 
     equivalent State agency); and
       ``(ii) the technical committee established under section 
     1261(a) of the State; or
       ``(B) exchanged for land that has equal or greater 
     conservation, wildlife, ecological, and economic values, as 
     determined by the Secretary; and
       ``(2) provide for the modification of an easement under the 
     covered program if the Secretary determines that the 
     modification--
       ``(A) would facilitate the practical administration and 
     management of the land covered by the easement; and
       ``(B) would not adversely affect the functions and values 
     for which the easement was established.
       ``(c) Requirements.--
       ``(1) No effect on enrolled acreage, ecological functions 
     and values.--A modification or exchange under subsection (b) 
     shall not--
       ``(A) result in a net loss of acreage enrolled in the 
     covered program; or
       ``(B) adversely affect any ecological or conservation 
     function or value for which the applicable easement was 
     established.
       ``(2) Exchanged acres.--Any land for which an exchange is 
     made under subsection (b) shall satisfy all requirements for 
     enrollment in the covered program.
       ``(3) Restriction on payments.--In modifying any easement 
     under the covered program, the Secretary shall not increase 
     any payment to any party to the easement.
       ``(d) Costs.--A party to an easement under the covered 
     program that requests a modification or exchange under 
     subsection (b) shall be responsible for all costs of the 
     modification or exchange, including--
       ``(1) an appraisal to determine whether the economic value 
     of the land for which an exchange is made under subsection 
     (b) is equal to or greater than the value of the land removed 
     from the covered program;
       ``(2) the repayment of the costs paid by the Secretary for 
     any restoration of land removed from the covered program;
       ``(3) if applicable, a survey of property boundaries, 
     including review and approval by the applicable agency;
       ``(4) preparation and recording in accordance with standard 
     real estate practices of any exchange, including requirements 
     for title approval by the Secretary, subordination of liens, 
     and amended warranty easement deed recording; and
       ``(5) any applicable recording and legal fees.''.

                 Subtitle E--Funding and Administration

     SEC. 2501. FUNDING.

       (a) In General.--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)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``$10,000,000 for the 
     period of fiscal years 2014 through 2018'' and inserting 
     ``$11,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 
     2023''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) by striking ``$33,000,000 for the period of fiscal 
     years 2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``$50,000,000 for the 
     period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, including not more 
     than $5,000,000 to provide outreach and technical 
     assistance,''; and
       (ii) by striking ``retired or retiring owners and 
     operators'' and inserting ``contract holders'';
       (3) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraphs (A) through 
     (E) and inserting the following:
       ``(A) $400,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 
     2021;
       ``(B) $425,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
       ``(C) $450,000,000 for fiscal year 2023.''; and
       (4) in paragraph (5), by striking subparagraphs (A) through 
     (E) and inserting the following:
       ``(A) $1,473,000,000 for fiscal year 2019;
       ``(B) $1,478,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;
       ``(C) $1,541,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
       ``(D) $1,571,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
       ``(E) $1,595,000,000 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) Allocations Review and Update.--Section 1241(g) of the 
     Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(g)) is amended by 
     striking ``Review and Update'' in the subsection heading and 
     all that follows through ``The Secretary'' in paragraph (2) 
     and inserting ``Update.--The Secretary''.
       (d) Assistance to Certain Farmers or Ranchers for 
     Conservation Access.--Section 1241(h)(1) of the Food Security 
     Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(h)(1)) is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''; and
       (2) by striking ``5 percent'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``15 percent''.
       (e) Conservation Standards and Requirements.--Section 1241 
     of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841) is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(j) Conservation Standards and Requirements.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to the requirements of this 
     title, the Natural Resources Conservation Service shall serve 
     as the lead agency in developing and establishing technical 
     standards and requirements for conservation programs carried 
     out under this title, including--
       ``(A) standards for conservation practices under this 
     title;
       ``(B) technical guidelines for implementing conservation 
     practices under this title, including the location of the 
     conservation practices;
       ``(C) standards for conservation plans; and
       ``(D) payment rates for conservation practices and 
     activities under programs carried out under this title.
       ``(2) Consistency of farm service agency standards.--The 
     Administrator of the Farm Service Agency shall ensure that 
     the standards and requirements of programs administered by 
     the Farm Service Agency incorporate and are consistent with 
     the standards and requirements established by the Natural 
     Resources Conservation Service under paragraph (1).
       ``(3) Local flexibility.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     procedure to allow, on request of a State committee of the 
     Farm Service Agency or a State technical committee 
     established under section 1261(a) to modify any standard or 
     requirement established under paragraph (1), that 
     modification if the modification--
       ``(A) addresses a specific and local natural resource 
     concern;
       ``(B) is based on science; and
       ``(C) maintains the conservation benefits of the standards 
     and requirements established under paragraph (1).''.

     SEC. 2502. DELIVERY OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

       Section 1242 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3842) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking the subsection designation and heading and 
     all that follows through ``the term'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Eligible participant.--The term''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Third-party provider.--The term `third-party 
     provider' means a commercial entity (including a farmer 
     cooperative, agriculture retailer, or other commercial 
     entity, as determined by the Secretary), a nonprofit entity, 
     a State, a unit of 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.'';
       (2) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Certification process.--The Secretary shall certify a 
     third-party provider through--
       ``(A) a certification process administered by the 
     Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural Resources 
     Conservation Service; or
       ``(B) a non-Federal entity approved by the Secretary to 
     perform the certification.
       ``(5) Streamlined certification.--The Secretary shall 
     provide a streamlined certification process for a third-party 
     provider that has an appropriate specialty certification, 
     including a sustainability specialty certification and a 4R 
     nutrient management specialty certification from the American 
     Society of Agronomy.''; and
       (3) in subsection (h)--
       (A) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
       ``(3) Expedited revision of standards.--Not later than 1 
     year after the date of enactment of the Agriculture 
     Improvement Act of 2018, the Secretary shall develop an 
     administrative process for--
       ``(A) expediting the establishment and revision of 
     conservation practice standards; and
       ``(B) considering conservation innovations with respect to 
     any establishment or revision under subparagraph (A).
       ``(4) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, and 
     every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to 
     Congress a report on--
       ``(A) the administrative process developed under paragraph 
     (3);
       ``(B) conservation practice standards that were established 
     or revised under that process; and

[[Page S4544]]

       ``(C) conservation innovations that were considered under 
     that process.''.

     SEC. 2503. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSERVATION 
                   PROGRAMS.

       (a) Incentives for Acequias.--Section 1244(a) of the Food 
     Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(a)) is amended--
       (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Ranchers and 
     Indian Tribes'' and inserting ``Ranchers, Indian Tribes, and 
     Acequias''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(F) Acequias.''.
       (b) Acreage Limitations.--Section 1244(f) of the Food 
     Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(f)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``10'' and inserting 
     ``15''; and
       (2) in paragraph (5), by striking ``the Agricultural Act of 
     2014'' and inserting ``the Agriculture Improvement Act of 
     2018''.
       (c) Funding for Indian Tribes.--Section 1244(l) of the Food 
     Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(l)) is amended by 
     striking ``may'' and inserting ``shall''.
       (d) Exemption From Certain Reporting Requirements.--Section 
     1244(m) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(m)) 
     is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or commodity'' after 
     ``conservation''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``or the Farm Service 
     Agency'' before the period at the end.
       (e) Source Water Protection.--Section 1244 of the Food 
     Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844) (as amended by section 
     2425(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(o) Source Water Protection.--
       ``(1) In general.--In carrying out the conservation 
     stewardship program under subchapter B of chapter 2 of 
     subtitle D and the environmental quality incentives program 
     under chapter 4 of subtitle D, the Secretary shall encourage 
     water quality and water quantity practices that--
       ``(A) protect sources of potable water, including 
     protecting against public health threats; and
       ``(B) mutually benefit agricultural producers.
       ``(2) Collaboration and payments.--In encouraging practices 
     under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
       ``(A) work collaboratively with drinking water utilities, 
     community water systems, and State technical committees 
     established under section 1261 to identify local priority 
     areas for the protection of source waters for drinking water; 
     and
       ``(B) subject to limitations under the programs described 
     in paragraph (1), provide payment rates to producers for 
     water quality practices or enhancements that primarily result 
     in off-farm benefit at a rate sufficient to encourage greater 
     adoption of those practices or enhancements by producers.''.
       (f) Payments Made to Acequias.--Section 1244 of the Food 
     Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844) (as amended by 
     subsection (e)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(p) Payments Made to Acequias.--
       ``(1) Waiver authority.--The Secretary may waive the 
     applicability of the limitations in section 1001D(b) or 
     section 1240G for a payment made under a contract under this 
     title entered into with an acequia if the Secretary 
     determines that the waiver is necessary to fulfill the 
     objectives of the project under the contract.
       ``(2) Contract limitations.--If the Secretary grants a 
     waiver under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall impose a 
     separate payment limitation, as determined by the Secretary, 
     for the contract to which the waiver applies.''.

     SEC. 2504. DEFINITION OF ACEQUIA.

       (a) In General.--Section 1201(a) of the Food Security Act 
     of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801(a)) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (27) as 
     paragraphs (2) through (28), respectively;
       (2) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(1) Acequia.--The term `acequia' means an entity that--
       ``(A) is a political subdivision of a State;
       ``(B) is organized for the purpose of managing the 
     operation of an irrigation ditch; and
       ``(C) does not have the authority to impose taxes or 
     levies.''; and
       (3) in paragraph (19)(B) (as so redesignated), by inserting 
     ``acequia,'' before ``or other''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 363 of the Consolidated 
     Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2006e) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``section 1201(a)(16)'' and inserting 
     ``section 1201(a)''; and
       (2) by striking ``(16 U.S.C. 3801(a)(16))'' and inserting 
     ``(16 U.S.C. 3801(a))''.

     SEC. 2505. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR WATER BANK 
                   PROGRAM.

       Section 11 of the Water Bank Act (16 U.S.C. 1310) is 
     amended--
       (1) in the first sentence, by striking ``without fiscal 
     year'' and all that follows through ``necessary'' and 
     inserting ``$5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 
     2023, to remain available until expended,''; and
       (2) by striking the second sentence.

     SEC. 2506. REPORT ON LAND ACCESS, TENURE, AND TRANSITION.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the 
     Chief Economist, shall submit to Congress and make publicly 
     available a report identifying--
       (1) the barriers that prevent or hinder the ability of 
     beginning farmers and ranchers and historically underserved 
     producers to acquire or access farmland;
       (2) the extent to which Federal programs, including 
     agricultural conservation easement programs, land transition 
     programs, and financing programs, are improving--
       (A) farmland access and tenure for beginning farmers and 
     ranchers and historically underserved producers; and
       (B) farmland transition and succession; and
       (3) the regulatory, operational, or statutory changes that 
     are necessary to improve--
       (A) the ability of beginning farmers and ranchers and 
     historically underserved producers to acquire or access 
     farmland;
       (B) farmland tenure for beginning farmers and ranchers and 
     historically underserved producers; and
       (C) farmland transition and succession.

     SEC. 2507. REPORT ON SMALL WETLANDS.

       (a) In General.--The Chief of the Natural Resources 
     Conservation Service shall submit to Congress a report 
     describing the number of wetlands with an area not more than 
     1 acre that have been delineated in each of the States of 
     North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa.
       (b) Requirement.--In the report under subsection (a), the 
     Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service shall 
     list the number of wetlands acres in each State described in 
     the report by tenths of an acre, and ensure the report is 
     based on based available science.

     SEC. 2508. STATE TECHNICAL COMMITTEES.

       Section 1262(c) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3862(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Recommendations to secretary.--Each State technical 
     committee shall regularly review new and innovative 
     technologies and practices, including processes to conserve 
     water and improve water quality and quantity, and make 
     recommendations to the Secretary for further consideration of 
     and possible development of conservation practice standards 
     that incorporate those technologies and practices.''.

                   Subtitle F--Technical Corrections

     SEC. 2601. FARMABLE WETLAND PROGRAM.

       Section 1231B(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 
     (16 U.S.C. 3831b(b)(2)(A)(i)) is amended by adding a 
     semicolon at the end.

     SEC. 2602. REPORT ON PROGRAM ENROLLMENTS AND ASSISTANCE.

       Section 1241(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3841(i)) is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraphs (2) and (4); and
       (2) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (5), and (6) as 
     paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively.

     SEC. 2603. DELIVERY OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

       Section 1242 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3842) is amended in subsections (e)(3)(B) and (f)(4) by 
     striking ``third party'' each place it appears and inserting 
     ``third-party''.

     SEC. 2604. STATE TECHNICAL COMMITTEES.

       Section 1261(b)(2) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
     U.S.C. 3861(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``under section 
     1262(b)''.

                            TITLE III--TRADE

                     Subtitle A--Food for Peace Act

     SEC. 3101. FOOD AID QUALITY.

       Section 202(h)(3) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1722(h)(3)) is amended by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and 
     inserting ``2019 through 2023''.

     SEC. 3102. GENERATION AND USE OF CURRENCIES BY PRIVATE 
                   VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS AND COOPERATIVES.

       Section 203 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1723) is 
     amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(b) Local Sales.--In carrying out agreements of the type 
     referred to in subsection (a), the Administrator may permit 
     private voluntary organizations and cooperatives to sell, in 
     1 or more recipient countries, or in 1 or more countries in 
     the same region, commodities distributed under nonemergency 
     programs under this title for each fiscal year to generate 
     proceeds to be used as provided in this section.''.

     SEC. 3103. 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'' 
     each place it appears and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 3104. FOOD AID CONSULTATIVE GROUP.

       Section 205 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1725) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (d)(1), in the first sentence, by 
     striking ``45'' and inserting ``30''; and
       (2) in subsection (f), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.

     SEC. 3105. 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, but not less than $17,000,000,''; and
       (B) by striking ``2018'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``2023''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``2018'' and 
     inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 3106. ASSISTANCE FOR STOCKPILING AND RAPID 
                   TRANSPORTATION, DELIVERY, AND DISTRIBUTION OF 
                   SHELF-STABLE PREPACKAGED FOODS.

       Section 208(f) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1726b(f)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.

[[Page S4545]]

  


     SEC. 3107. ALLOWANCE OF DISTRIBUTION COSTS.

       Section 406(b)(6) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1736(b)(6)) is amended by striking ``distribution costs'' and 
     inserting ``distribution costs, including the types of 
     activities for which costs were paid under this subsection 
     prior to fiscal year 2017''.

     SEC. 3108. 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. 3109. ANNUAL REPORT REGARDING FOOD AID PROGRAMS AND 
                   ACTIVITIES.

       Section 407(f)(1)(A) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1736a(f)(1)(A)) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``or each separately'' after ``jointly''; 
     and
       (2) by inserting ``by the Administrator, the Secretary, or 
     both, as applicable,'' after ``Act''.

     SEC. 3110. 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. 3111. NONEMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE.

       Section 412(e) of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1736f(e)) is amended--
       (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Minimum Level 
     of'';
       (2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023'';
       (3) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$350,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``$365,000,000''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Farmer-to-farmer program.--In determining the amount 
     expended for a fiscal year for nonemergency food assistance 
     programs under paragraphs (1) and (2), amounts expended for 
     that year to carry out programs under section 501 may be 
     considered amounts expended for those nonemergency food 
     assistance programs.
       ``(4) Community development funds.--In determining the 
     amount expended for a fiscal year for nonemergency food 
     assistance programs under paragraphs (1) and (2), amounts 
     expended for that year from funds appropriated to carry out 
     part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 
     et seq.) may be considered amounts expended for those 
     nonemergency food assistance programs if the funds are made 
     available through grants or cooperative agreements that--
       ``(A) strengthen food security in developing countries; and
       ``(B) are consistent with the goals of title II.''.

     SEC. 3112. 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. 3113. JOHN OGONOWSKI AND DOUG BEREUTER FARMER-TO-FARMER 
                   PROGRAM.

       Section 501 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1737) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting 
     ``section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, or'' after 
     ``Notwithstanding''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph 
     (A), by inserting ``employees or staff of a State cooperative 
     institution (as defined in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of 
     section 1404(18) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
     3103(18)),'' after ``private corporations,'';
       (2) in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''; and
       (3) in subsection (e)(1), in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.

               Subtitle B--Agricultural Trade Act of 1978

     SEC. 3201. PRIORITY TRADE PROMOTION, DEVELOPMENT, AND 
                   ASSISTANCE.

       (a) In General.--Title II of the Agricultural Trade Act of 
     1978 (7 U.S.C. 5621 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

  ``Subtitle C--Priority Trade Promotion, Development, and Assistance

     ``SEC. 221. ESTABLISHMENT.

       ``The Secretary shall carry out activities under this 
     subtitle--
       ``(1) to access, develop, maintain, and expand markets for 
     United States agricultural commodities; and
       ``(2) to promote cooperation and the exchange of 
     information.

     ``SEC. 222. MARKET ACCESS PROGRAM.

       ``(a) In General.--The Commodity Credit Corporation shall 
     establish and carry out a program to encourage the 
     development, maintenance, and expansion of commercial export 
     markets for agricultural commodities (including commodities 
     that are organically produced (as defined in section 2103 of 
     the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502))) 
     through cost-share assistance to eligible trade organizations 
     that implement a foreign market development program.
       ``(b) Type of Assistance.--Assistance under this section 
     may be provided in the form of funds of, or commodities owned 
     by, the Commodity Credit Corporation, as determined 
     appropriate by the Secretary.
       ``(c) Requirements for Participation.--To be eligible for 
     cost-share assistance under this section, an organization 
     shall--
       ``(1) be an eligible trade organization;
       ``(2) prepare and submit a marketing plan to the Secretary 
     that meets the guidelines governing such plans established by 
     the Secretary; and
       ``(3) meet any other requirements established by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(d) Eligible Trade Organizations.--An eligible trade 
     organization shall be--
       ``(1) a United States agricultural trade organization or 
     regional State-related organization that--
       ``(A) promotes the export and sale of agricultural 
     commodities; and
       ``(B) does not stand to profit directly from specific sales 
     of agricultural commodities;
       ``(2) a cooperative organization or State agency that 
     promotes the sale of agricultural commodities; or
       ``(3) a private organization that promotes the export and 
     sale of agricultural commodities if the Secretary determines 
     that such organization would significantly contribute to 
     United States export market development.
       ``(e) Approved Marketing Plan.--
       ``(1) In general.--A marketing plan submitted by an 
     eligible trade organization under this section 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 
     section is being requested.
       ``(2) Requirements.--To be approved by the Secretary, a 
     marketing plan submitted under this subsection shall--
       ``(A) 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;
       ``(B) establish specific market goals to be achieved as a 
     result of the market access program; and
       ``(C) contain any additional requirements that the 
     Secretary determines to be necessary.
       ``(3) Amendments.--A marketing plan may be amended by the 
     eligible trade organization at any time, with the approval of 
     the Secretary.
       ``(4) Branded promotion.--An agreement entered into under 
     this section may provide for the use of branded advertising 
     to promote the sale of agricultural commodities in a foreign 
     country under such terms and conditions as may be established 
     by the Secretary.
       ``(f) Other Terms and Conditions.--
       ``(1) Multiyear basis.--The Secretary may provide 
     assistance under this section on a multiyear basis, subject 
     to annual review by the Secretary for compliance with the 
     approved marketing plan.
       ``(2) Termination of assistance.--The Secretary may 
     terminate any assistance made, or to be made, available under 
     this section if the Secretary determines that--
       ``(A) the eligible trade organization is not adhering to 
     the terms and conditions of the program established under 
     this section;
       ``(B) the eligible trade organization is not implementing 
     the approved marketing plan or is not adequately meeting the 
     established goals of the market access program;
       ``(C) the eligible trade organization is not adequately 
     contributing its own resources to the market access program; 
     or
       ``(D) the Secretary determines that termination of 
     assistance in a particular instance is in the best interests 
     of the program.
       ``(3) Monitoring and evaluations.--
       ``(A) Monitoring.--The Secretary shall monitor the 
     expenditure of funds received under this section by 
     recipients of those funds.
       ``(B) Evaluations.--The Secretary shall make evaluations of 
     the expenditure of funds received under this section, 
     including--
       ``(i) an evaluation of the effectiveness of the program in 
     developing or maintaining markets for United States 
     agricultural commodities;
       ``(ii) an evaluation of whether assistance provided under 
     this section is necessary to maintain markets for United 
     States agricultural commodities; and
       ``(iii) a thorough accounting of the expenditure of those 
     funds by the recipient.
       ``(C) Initial evaluation.--The Secretary shall make an 
     initial evaluation of expenditures of a recipient under this 
     paragraph not later than 15 months after the initial 
     provision of funds to the recipient.
       ``(4) Use of funds.--Funds made available to carry out this 
     section--
       ``(A) shall not be used to provide direct assistance to any 
     foreign for-profit corporation for the use of the corporation 
     in promoting foreign-produced products;
       ``(B) shall not be used to provide direct assistance to any 
     for-profit corporation that is not recognized as a small-
     business concern described in section 3(a) of the Small 
     Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a)), excluding--
       ``(i) a cooperative;
       ``(ii) 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); and
       ``(iii) a nonprofit trade association; and
       ``(C) may be used by a United States trade association, 
     cooperative, or small business 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 
     section.
       ``(g) Level of Marketing Assistance.--

[[Page S4546]]

       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall justify in writing 
     the level of assistance provided to an eligible trade 
     organization under the program under this section and the 
     level of cost-sharing required of the organization.
       ``(2) Limitation.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     assistance provided under this section for activities 
     described in subsection (e)(4) shall not exceed 50 percent of 
     the cost of implementing the marketing plan.
       ``(B) Action by united states trade representative.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Secretary may determine not to apply 
     the limitation described in subparagraph (A) in the case of 
     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).
       ``(ii) Requirement.--Criteria for determining that the 
     limitation shall not apply under clause (i) shall be 
     consistent and documented.

     ``SEC. 223. FOREIGN MARKET DEVELOPMENT COOPERATOR PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Definition of Eligible Trade Organization.--In this 
     section, the term `eligible trade organization' means a 
     United States trade organization that--
       ``(1) promotes the export of 1 or more United States 
     agricultural commodities; and
       ``(2) does not have a business interest in or receive 
     remuneration from specific sales of agricultural commodities.
       ``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish and, in 
     cooperation with eligible trade organizations, carry out a 
     foreign market development cooperator program to maintain and 
     develop foreign markets for United States agricultural 
     commodities, with a continued significant emphasis on the 
     importance of the export of value-added United States 
     agricultural commodities into emerging markets.
       ``(c) Use of Funds.--Funds made available to carry out this 
     section shall be used only to provide--
       ``(1) cost-share assistance to an eligible trade 
     organization under a contract or agreement with the eligible 
     trade organization; and
       ``(2) assistance for other costs that are appropriate to 
     carry out the foreign market development cooperator program, 
     including contingent liabilities that are not otherwise 
     funded.

     ``SEC. 224. E (KIKA) DE LA GARZA AGRICULTURAL FELLOWSHIP 
                   PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Definition of Emerging Market.--In this section, the 
     term `emerging market' means any country, foreign territory, 
     customs union, or other economic market that the Secretary 
     determines--
       ``(1) is taking steps toward a market-oriented economy 
     through the food, agriculture, or rural business sectors of 
     the economy of that country, territory, customs union, or 
     other economic market, as applicable; and
       ``(2) has the potential to provide a viable and significant 
     market for United States agricultural commodities.
       ``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     program, to be known as the `E (Kika) de la Garza 
     Agricultural Fellowship Program'--
       ``(1) to develop agricultural markets in emerging markets; 
     and
       ``(2) to promote cooperation and exchange of information 
     between agricultural institutions and agribusinesses in the 
     United States and emerging markets.
       ``(c) Development of Agricultural Systems.--
       ``(1) In general.--
       ``(A) Establishment of program.--To develop, maintain, or 
     expand markets for exports of United States agricultural 
     commodities, the Secretary shall make available to emerging 
     markets the expertise of the United States--
       ``(i) to make assessments of food and rural business 
     systems needs;
       ``(ii) to make recommendations on measures necessary to 
     enhance the effectiveness of the food and rural business 
     systems described in clause (i), including potential 
     reductions in trade barriers; and
       ``(iii) to identify and carry out specific opportunities 
     and projects to enhance the effectiveness of the food and 
     rural business systems described in clause (i).
       ``(B) Extent of program.--The Secretary shall implement 
     this paragraph with respect to at least 3 emerging markets in 
     each fiscal year.
       ``(2) Experts from the united states.--The Secretary may 
     implement paragraph (1) by providing--
       ``(A) assistance to teams (consisting primarily of 
     agricultural consultants, agricultural producers, other 
     persons from the private sector, and government officials 
     expert in assessing the food and rural business systems of 
     other countries) to enable those teams to conduct the 
     assessments, make the recommendations, and identify the 
     opportunities and projects described in paragraph (1)(A) in 
     emerging markets;
       ``(B) necessary subsistence expenses in the United States 
     and necessary transportation expenses by individuals 
     designated by emerging markets to enable those individuals to 
     consult with food and rural business system experts in the 
     United States to enhance those systems of those emerging 
     markets;
       ``(C) necessary subsistence expenses in emerging markets 
     and necessary transportation expenses of United States food 
     and rural business system experts, agricultural producers, 
     and other individuals knowledgeable in agricultural and 
     agribusiness matters to assist in transferring knowledge and 
     expertise to entities in emerging markets; and
       ``(D) necessary subsistence expenses and necessary 
     transportation expenses of United States food and rural 
     business system experts, including United States agricultural 
     producers and other United States individuals knowledgeable 
     in agriculture and agribusiness matters, and of individuals 
     designated by emerging markets, to enable those designated 
     individuals to consult with those United States experts--
       ``(i) to enhance food and rural business systems of 
     emerging markets; and
       ``(ii) to transfer knowledge and expertise to 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 
     those experts in the program under this subsection.
       ``(4) Technical assistance.--The Secretary is authorized to 
     provide, or pay the necessary costs for, technical assistance 
     (including the establishment of extension services) to enable 
     individuals or other entities to carry out recommendations, 
     projects, and opportunities in emerging markets, including 
     recommendations, projects, and opportunities described in 
     clauses (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (1)(A).
       ``(5) Reports to secretary.--A team that receives 
     assistance under paragraph (2)(A) shall prepare and submit to 
     the Secretary such reports as the Secretary may require.
       ``(6) Advisory committee.--To provide the Secretary with 
     information that may be useful to the Secretary in carrying 
     out this subsection, the Secretary may establish an advisory 
     committee composed of representatives of the various sectors 
     of the food and rural business systems of the United States.
       ``(7) Effect.--The authority provided under this subsection 
     shall be in addition to and not in place of any other 
     authority of the Secretary or the Commodity Credit 
     Corporation.

     ``SEC. 225. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR SPECIALTY CROPS.

       ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
     establish an export assistance program (referred to in this 
     section as the `program') to address existing or potential 
     unique barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of 
     United States specialty crops.
       ``(b) Purpose.--The program shall provide direct assistance 
     through public and private sector projects and technical 
     assistance, including through the program under section 2(e) 
     of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(e)), to remove, resolve, or mitigate 
     existing or potential sanitary and phytosanitary and 
     technical barriers to trade.
       ``(c) Priority.--The program shall address time sensitive 
     and strategic market access projects based on--
       ``(1) trade effect on market retention, market access, and 
     market expansion; and
       ``(2) trade impact.
       ``(d) Multiyear Projects.--The Secretary may provide 
     assistance under the program to a project for longer than a 
     5-year period if the Secretary determines that further 
     assistance would effectively support the purpose of the 
     program described in subsection (b).
       ``(e) Annual Report.--Each year, the Secretary shall submit 
     to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that 
     contains, for the period covered by the report, a description 
     of--
       ``(1) each factor that affects the export of specialty 
     crops, including each factor relating to any--
       ``(A) significant sanitary or phytosanitary issue;
       ``(B) trade barrier; or
       ``(C) emerging sanitary or phytosanitary issue or trade 
     barrier; and
       ``(2)(A) any funds provided under section 226(c)(4) that 
     were not obligated in a fiscal year; and
       ``(B) a description of why the funds described in 
     subparagraph (A) were not obligated.

     ``SEC. 226. FUNDING AND ADMINISTRATION.

       ``(a) Commodity Credit Corporation.--The Secretary shall 
     use the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity 
     Credit Corporation to carry out this subtitle.
       ``(b) Funding Amount.--For each of fiscal years 2019 
     through 2023, of the funds of, or an equal value of 
     commodities owned by, the Commodity Credit Corporation, the 
     Secretary shall use to carry out this subtitle $259,500,000, 
     to remain available until expended.
       ``(c) Allocation.--For each of fiscal years 2019 through 
     2023, the Secretary shall allocate funds to carry out this 
     subtitle in accordance with the following:
       ``(1) Market access program.--For market access activities 
     authorized under section 222, of the funds of, or an equal 
     value of commodities owned by, the Commodity Credit 
     Corporation, not less than $200,000,000 for each fiscal year.
       ``(2) Foreign market development cooperator program.--To 
     carry out section 223, of the funds of, or an equal value of 
     commodities owned by, the Commodity Credit Corporation, not 
     less than $34,500,000 for each fiscal year.
       ``(3) E (kika) de la garza agricultural fellowship 
     program.--To provide assistance under section 224, of the 
     funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, not more than 
     $10,000,000 for each fiscal year.

[[Page S4547]]

       ``(4) Technical assistance for specialty crops.--To carry 
     out section 225, of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
     Corporation, not less than $9,000,000 for each fiscal year, 
     to remain available until expended.
       ``(5) Priority trade fund.--
       ``(A) In general.--In addition to the amounts allocated 
     under paragraphs (1) through (4), and notwithstanding any 
     limitations in those paragraphs, as determined by the 
     Secretary, for 1 or more programs under this subtitle for 
     authorized activities to access, develop, maintain, and 
     expand markets for United States agricultural commodities, 
     $6,000,000 for each fiscal year.
       ``(B) Considerations.--In allocating funds made available 
     under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may consider providing 
     a greater allocation to 1 or more programs under this 
     subtitle for which the amounts requested under applications 
     exceed available funding for the 1 or more programs.
       ``(d) Cuba.--Notwithstanding section 908 of the Trade 
     Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (22 
     U.S.C. 7207) or any other provision of law, funds made 
     available under this section may be used to carry out the 
     programs authorized under sections 222 and 223 in Cuba.
       ``(e) Authorization for Appropriations.--In addition to any 
     other amounts provided under this section, there are 
     authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to 
     carry out the programs and authorities under subsection 
     (c)(5) and sections 222 through 225.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Market access program.--
       (A) Section 203 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 
     U.S.C. 5623) is repealed.
       (B) Section 211 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 
     U.S.C. 5641) is amended by striking subsection (c).
       (C) Section 402(a)(1) of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 
     (7 U.S.C. 5662(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``203'' and 
     inserting ``222''.
       (D) 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 222 of the Agricultural Trade 
     Act of 1978''.
       (E) Section 718 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food 
     and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations 
     Act, 1999 (7 U.S.C. 5623 note; Public Law 105-277) is amended 
     by striking ``section 203 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 
     1978 (7 U.S.C. 5623)'' and inserting ``section 222 of the 
     Agricultural Trade Act of 1978''.
       (F) Section 1302(b) of the Agricultural Reconciliation Act 
     of 1993 (7 U.S.C. 5623 note; Public Law 103-66) is amended--
       (i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``section 203 of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 
     5623)'' and inserting ``section 222 of the Agricultural Trade 
     Act of 1978''; and
       (ii) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph 
     (A), by striking ``section 203 of such Act'' and inserting 
     ``section 222 of that Act''.
       (2) Foreign market development cooperator program.--Title 
     VII of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5721 et 
     seq.) is repealed.
       (3) E (kika) de la garza agricultural fellowship program.--
       (A) Section 1542 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, 
     and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C 5622 note; Public Law 101-624) 
     is amended--
       (i) by striking subsection (d);
       (ii) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as 
     subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and
       (iii) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated)--

       (I) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``country'' and inserting ``country, foreign territory, 
     customs union, or economic market''; and
       (II) in paragraph (1), by striking ``the country'' and 
     inserting ``that country, foreign territory, customs union, 
     or economic market, as applicable''.

       (B) 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 ``section 1542(f)'' and inserting 
     ``section 1542(e)''.
       (C) Section 1543A(c)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, 
     Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5679(c)(2)) is 
     amended by inserting ``and section 224 of the Agricultural 
     Trade Act of 1978'' after ``section 1542''.
       (4) Technical assistance for specialty crops.--Section 3205 
     of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 
     U.S.C. 5680) is repealed.

               Subtitle C--Other Agricultural Trade Laws

     SEC. 3301. FOOD FOR PROGRESS ACT OF 1985.

       The Food for Progress Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1736o) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``President'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``Secretary'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (5)--
       (i) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(G) a land-grant college or university (as defined in 
     section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
     3103)).''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(10) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary 
     of Agriculture.'';
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by striking ``food'';
       (B) by striking ``entities to furnish'' and inserting the 
     following: ``entities--
       ``(1) to furnish'';
       (C) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking the 
     period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) to provide financial assistance under subsection 
     (l)(5) to eligible entities.'';
       (4) in subsection (f)(3), by striking ``2018'' and 
     inserting ``2023'';
       (5) in subsection (g), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023'';
       (6) in subsection (k), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023'';
       (7) in subsection (l)--
       (A) by striking the subsection designation and heading and 
     all that follows through ``(1) To enhance'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(l) Support for Agricultural Development.--
       ``(1) In general.--To enhance'';
       (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023'';
       (C) in paragraph (4)(B), by inserting ``internal'' before 
     ``transportation''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Flexibility.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, as necessary to carry out this section, the following 
     funds shall be used to pay for the costs described in 
     paragraph (4):
       ``(A) Of the funds of the Corporation described in 
     subsection (f)(3), 30 percent.
       ``(B) Of the funds for administrative expenses under 
     paragraph (1), 30 percent.
       ``(C) Of the funds of the Corporation, $26,000,000 for each 
     of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.'';
       (8) in subsection (m), in the subsection heading, by 
     striking ``Presidential'' and inserting ``Secretarial'';
       (9) in subsection (n)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause 
     (i), by inserting ``and assistance'' after ``commodities''; 
     and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``and assistance 
     made available under this section'' after ``commodities''; 
     and
       (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Requirements.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 270 days after the date 
     of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the 
     Secretary shall issue regulations and revisions to agency 
     guidance and procedures necessary to implement the amendments 
     made to this section by that Act.
       ``(B) Consultations.--Not later than 270 days after the 
     date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, 
     the Secretary shall consult with the Committee on Agriculture 
     and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, 
     and Forestry of the Senate relating to regulations issued and 
     agency guidance and procedures revised under subparagraph 
     (A).''; and
       (10) in subsection (o), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by striking ``(acting through the Secretary)''.

     SEC. 3302. 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. 3303. 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. 3304. COCHRAN EMERGING MARKET FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

       Section 1543 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 3293) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``(which may include 
     agricultural extension services)'' after ``systems''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``enhance trade'' and inserting the 
     following: ``enhance--
       ``(A) trade'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated) by striking the 
     period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) linkages between agricultural interests in the United 
     States and regulatory systems governing sanitary and 
     phytosanitary standards for agricultural products that--
       ``(i) may enter the United States; and
       ``(ii) may pose risks to human, animal, or plant life or 
     health.''; and
       (2) in subsection (f)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$3,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``$4,000,000'';
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$2,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``$3,000,000''; and
       (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``$5,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``$6,000,000''.

     SEC. 3305. BORLAUG INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND 
                   TECHNOLOGY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

       Section 1473G of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319j) 
     is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)(2)--
       (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``shall support'' and inserting ``support'';
       (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (C) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and

[[Page S4548]]

       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(E) the development of agricultural extension services in 
     eligible countries.''; and
       (2) in subsection (f)--
       (A) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Leveraging alumni engagement.--In carrying out the 
     purposes and programs under this section, the Secretary shall 
     encourage ongoing engagement with fellowship recipients who 
     have completed training under the program to provide advice 
     regarding, and participate in, new or ongoing agricultural 
     development projects, with a priority for capacity-building 
     projects, that are sponsored by--
       ``(A) Federal agencies; and
       ``(B) institutions of higher education in the eligible 
     country of the fellowship recipient.''.

     SEC. 3306. INTERNATIONAL FOOD SECURITY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

       The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 
     is amended by inserting after section 1543A (7 U.S.C. 5679) 
     the following:

     ``SEC. 1543B. INTERNATIONAL FOOD SECURITY TECHNICAL 
                   ASSISTANCE.

       ``(a) Definition of International Food Security.--In this 
     section, the term `international food security' means access 
     by any person at any time to food and nutrition that is 
     sufficient for a healthy and productive life.
       ``(b) Collection of Information.--The Secretary of 
     Agriculture (referred to in this section as the `Secretary') 
     shall compile information from appropriate mission areas of 
     the Department of Agriculture (including the Food, Nutrition, 
     and Consumer Services mission area) relating to the 
     improvement of international food security.
       ``(c) Public Availability.--To benefit programs for the 
     improvement of international food security, the Secretary 
     shall organize the information described in subsection (b) 
     and make the information available in a format suitable for--
       ``(1) public education; and
       ``(2) use by--
       ``(A) a Federal, State, or local agency;
       ``(B) an agency or instrumentality of the government of a 
     foreign country;
       ``(C) a domestic or international organization, including a 
     domestic or international nongovernmental organization; and
       ``(D) an intergovernmental organization.
       ``(d) Technical Assistance.--On request by an entity 
     described in subsection (c)(2), the Secretary may provide 
     technical assistance to the entity to implement a program for 
     the improvement of international food security.
       ``(e) Program Priority.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Secretary shall give priority to programs relating to the 
     development of food and nutrition safety net systems with a 
     focus on food insecure countries.
       ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for 
     each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.

     SEC. 3307. MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND 
                   CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM.

       Section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
     of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o-1) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``that is'' and inserting the following: 
     ``that--
       ``(1) is'';
       (B) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking the 
     period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2)(A) is produced in and procured from--
       ``(i) a developing country that is a recipient country; or
       ``(ii) a developing country in the same region as a 
     recipient country; and
       ``(B) at a minimum, meets each nutritional, quality, and 
     labeling standard of the recipient country, as determined by 
     the Secretary.'';
       (2) in subsection (c)(2)(A)--
       (A) in clause (v)(IV), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (vii); and
       (C) by inserting after clause (v) the following:
       ``(vi) the costs associated with transporting the 
     commodities described in subsection (a)(2) from a developing 
     country described in subparagraph (A)(ii) of that subsection 
     to any designated point of entry within the recipient 
     country; and'';
       (3) in subsection (f)(1)--
       (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as 
     subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
       ``(E) ensure to the maximum extent practicable that 
     assistance--
       ``(i) is provided under this section in a timely manner; 
     and
       ``(ii) is available when needed throughout the applicable 
     school year;''; and
       (4) in subsection (l)--
       (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Purchase of commodities.--Of the funds made available 
     to carry out this section, not more than 10 percent shall be 
     used to purchase agricultural commodities described in 
     subsection (a)(2).''.

     SEC. 3308. GLOBAL CROP DIVERSITY TRUST.

       Section 3202(c) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act 
     of 2008 (22 U.S.C. 2220a note; Public Law 110-246) is amended 
     by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2019 
     through 2023''.

     SEC. 3309. 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--
       (1) by inserting ``to the Secretary'' after 
     ``appropriated''; and
       (2) by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2019 
     through 2023''.

     SEC. 3310. FOREIGN TRADE MISSIONS.

       (a) Tribal Representation on Trade Missions.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with the 
     Tribal Advisory Committee established under subsection (b)(2) 
     of section 309 of the Department of Agriculture 
     Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6921) (as added by 
     section 12304(2)) (referred to in this section as the 
     ``Advisory Committee''), shall seek--
       (A) to support the greater inclusion of Tribal agricultural 
     and food products in Federal trade-related activities; and
       (B) to increase the collaboration between Federal trade 
     promotion efforts and other Federal trade-related activities 
     in support of the greater inclusion sought under subparagraph 
     (A).
       (2) Interdepartmental coordination.--In carrying out 
     activities to increase the collaboration described in 
     paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall coordinate with--
       (A) the Secretary of Commerce;
       (B) the Secretary of State;
       (C) the Secretary of the Interior; and
       (D) the heads of any other relevant Federal agencies.
       (b) Report; Goals.--
       (1) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report 
     describing the efforts of the Department of Agriculture and 
     other Federal agencies under this section to--
       (A) the Advisory Committee;
       (B) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (C) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (D) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 
     of the Senate;
       (E) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate; and
       (F) the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate.
       (2) Goals.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish goals 
     for measuring, in an objective and quantifiable format, the 
     extent to which Indian Tribes and Tribal agricultural and 
     food products are included in the trade-related activities of 
     the Department of Agriculture.

                          TITLE IV--NUTRITION

         Subtitle A--Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

     SEC. 4101. DEFINITION OF CERTIFICATION PERIOD.

       Section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
     2012) is amended by striking subsection (f) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(f) Certification Period.--
       ``(1) In general.--The term `certification period' means 
     the period for which a household shall be eligible to receive 
     benefits.
       ``(2) Time limits.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (C), 
     the certification period shall not exceed 12 months.
       ``(B) Contact.--A State agency shall have at least 1 
     contact with each certified household every 12 months.
       ``(C) Elderly or disabled household members.--The 
     certification period may be for a duration of--
       ``(i) not more than 24 months if each adult household 
     member is elderly or disabled; or
       ``(ii) not more than 36 months if--

       ``(I) each adult household member is elderly or disabled; 
     and
       ``(II) the household of the adult household member has no 
     earned income at the time of certification.

       ``(D) Extension of limit.--The limits under this paragraph 
     may be extended until the end of any transitional benefit 
     period established under section 11(s).''.

     SEC. 4102. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act 
     of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)) is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
       ``(4) Administrative costs.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall pay not less than 80 
     percent of administrative costs and distribution costs on 
     Indian reservations as the Secretary determines necessary for 
     effective administration of such distribution by a State 
     agency or tribal organization.
       ``(B) Waiver.--The Secretary shall waive up to 100 percent 
     of the non-Federal share of the costs described in 
     subparagraph (A) if the Secretary determines that--
       ``(i) the tribal organization is financially unable to 
     provide a greater non-Federal share of the costs; or
       ``(ii) providing a greater non-Federal share of the costs 
     would be a substantial burden for the tribal organization.
       ``(C) Limitation.--The Secretary may not reduce any 
     benefits or services under the

[[Page S4549]]

     food distribution program on Indian reservations under this 
     subsection to any tribal organization that is granted a 
     waiver under subparagraph (B).
       ``(D) Tribal contribution.--The Secretary may allow a 
     tribal organization to use funds provided to the tribal 
     organization through a Federal agency or other Federal 
     benefit to satisfy all or part of the non-Federal share of 
     the costs described in subparagraph (A) if that use is 
     otherwise consistent with the purpose of the funds.'';
       (2) in paragraph (6)(F), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(7) Availability of funds.--
       ``(A) In general.--Funds made available for a fiscal year 
     to carry out this subsection shall remain available for 
     obligation for a period of 2 fiscal years.
       ``(B) Administrative costs.--Funds made available for a 
     fiscal year to carry out paragraph (4) shall remain available 
     for obligation by the State agency or tribal organization for 
     a period of 2 fiscal years.''.
       (b) Demonstration Project for Tribal Organizations.--
       (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       (A) Demonstration project.--The term ``demonstration 
     project'' means the demonstration project established under 
     paragraph (2).
       (B) Food distribution program.--The term ``food 
     distribution program'' means the food distribution program on 
     Indian reservations carried out under section 4(b) of the 
     Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)).
       (C) Indian reservation.--The term ``Indian reservation'' 
     has the meaning given the term ``reservation'' in section 3 
     of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012).
       (D) 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).
       (E) Self-determination contract.--The term ``self-
     determination contract'' has the meaning given the term in 
     section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education 
     Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
       (F) Tribal organization.--The term ``tribal organization'' 
     has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Food and 
     Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012).
       (2) Establishment.--Subject to the availability of 
     appropriations, the Secretary shall establish a demonstration 
     project under which 1 or more tribal organizations may enter 
     into self-determination contracts to purchase agricultural 
     commodities under the food distribution program for the 
     Indian reservation of that tribal organization.
       (3) Eligibility.--
       (A) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with the 
     Secretary of the Interior and Indian tribes to determine the 
     process and criteria under which a tribal organization may 
     participate in the demonstration project.
       (B) Criteria.--The Secretary shall select for participation 
     in the demonstration project tribal organizations that--
       (i) are successfully administering the food distribution 
     program of the tribal organization under section 4(b)(2)(B) 
     of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
     2013(b)(2)(B));
       (ii) have the capacity to purchase agricultural commodities 
     in accordance with paragraph (4) for the food distribution 
     program of the tribal organization; and
       (iii) meet any other criteria determined by the Secretary, 
     in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and Indian 
     tribes.
       (4) Procurement of agricultural commodities.--Any 
     agricultural commodities purchased by a tribal organization 
     under the demonstration project shall--
       (A) be domestically produced;
       (B) supplant, not supplement, the type of agricultural 
     commodities in existing food packages for that tribal 
     organization;
       (C) be of similar or higher nutritional value as the type 
     of agricultural commodities that would be supplanted in the 
     existing food package for that tribal organization; and
       (D) meet any other criteria determined by the Secretary.
       (5) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Secretary 
     shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, 
     and Forestry of the Senate a report describing the activities 
     carried out under the demonstration project during the 
     preceding year.
       (6) Funding.--
       (A) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this 
     subsection $5,000,000, to remain available until expended.
       (B) Appropriations in advance.--Only funds appropriated 
     under subparagraph (A) in advance specifically to carry out 
     this subsection shall be available to carry out this 
     subsection.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 3(v) of the Food and 
     Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(v)) is amended by 
     striking ``the Indian Self-Determination Act (25 U.S.C. 
     450b(b))'' and inserting ``section 4 of the Indian Self-
     Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
     5304)''.

     SEC. 4103. WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION 
                   ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

       (a) Work Requirements for Able-bodied Adults Without 
     Dependents.--Section 6 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 
     (7 U.S.C. 2015) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking the second sentence;
       (ii) by striking ``, as amended'' each place it appears;
       (iii) by striking ``(F) a person'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(vi) a person'';
       (iv) by striking ``(E) employed'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(v) employed'';
       (v) by striking ``(D) a regular'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(iv) a regular'';
       (vi) by striking ``(C) a bona fide student'' and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(iii) a bona fide student'';
       (vii) by striking ``(B) a parent'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(ii) a parent'';
       (viii) by striking ``(A) currently'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(i) currently''; and
       (ix) by striking ``(2) A person who'' and all that follows 
     through ``if he or she is'' inserting the following:
       ``(E) Exemptions.--A person who otherwise would be required 
     to comply with the requirements of subparagraphs (A) through 
     (D) shall be exempt from such requirements if the person is--
     ''; and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as amended by 
     subparagraph (A)) the following:
       ``(2) Additional work requirements.--
       ``(A) Definition of work program.--In this paragraph, 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);
       ``(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 Governor of the State, 
     including a program under paragraph (4), other than a job 
     search program or a job search training program; and
       ``(iv) a workforce partnership under paragraph (4)(N).
       ``(B) Work requirement.--Subject to the other provisions of 
     this paragraph, no individual shall be eligible to 
     participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program 
     as a member of any household if, during the preceding 36-
     month period, the individual received supplemental nutrition 
     assistance program benefits for not less than 3 months 
     (consecutive or otherwise) during which the individual did 
     not--
       ``(i) work 20 hours or more per week, averaged monthly;
       ``(ii) participate in and comply with the requirements of a 
     work program for 20 hours or more per week, as determined by 
     the State agency;
       ``(iii) participate in and comply with the requirements of 
     a program under section 20 or a comparable program 
     established by a State or political subdivision of a State; 
     or
       ``(iv) receive benefits pursuant to subparagraph (C), (D), 
     (E), or (F).
       ``(C) Exception.--Subparagraph (B) shall not apply to an 
     individual if the individual is--
       ``(i) under 18 or over 50 years of age;
       ``(ii) medically certified as physically or mentally unfit 
     for employment;
       ``(iii) a parent or other member of a household with 
     responsibility for a dependent child;
       ``(iv) otherwise exempt under paragraph (1)(E); or
       ``(v) a pregnant woman.
       ``(D) Waiver.--
       ``(i) In general.--On the request of a State agency, the 
     Secretary may waive the applicability of subparagraph (B) to 
     any group of 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; or
       ``(II) does not have a sufficient number of jobs to provide 
     employment for the individuals.

       ``(ii) Report.--The Secretary shall report the basis for a 
     waiver under clause (i) to the Committee on Agriculture of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
       ``(E) Subsequent eligibility.--
       ``(i) Regaining eligibility.--An individual denied 
     eligibility under subparagraph (B) shall regain eligibility 
     to participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance 
     program if, during a 30-day period, the individual--

       ``(I) works 80 or more hours;
       ``(II) participates in and complies with the requirements 
     of a work program for 80 or more hours, as determined by a 
     State agency; or
       ``(III) participates in and complies with the requirements 
     of a program under section 20 or a comparable program 
     established by a State or political subdivision of a State.

       ``(ii) Maintaining eligibility.--An individual who regains 
     eligibility under clause (i) shall remain eligible as long as 
     the individual meets the requirements of clause (i), (ii), or 
     (iii) of subparagraph (B).
       ``(iii) Loss of employment.--

       ``(I) In general.--An individual who regained eligibility 
     under clause (i) and who no longer meets the requirements of 
     clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of subparagraph (B) shall remain 
     eligible for a consecutive 3-month period, beginning on the 
     date the individual first notifies the State agency that the 
     individual no longer meets the requirements of clause (i), 
     (ii), or (iii) of subparagraph (B).

[[Page S4550]]

       ``(II) Limitation.--An individual shall not receive any 
     benefits pursuant to subclause (I) for more than a single 3-
     month period in any 36-month period.

       ``(F) 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 subparagraph (B), who--

       ``(aa) is not eligible for an exception under subparagraph 
     (C);
       ``(bb) does not reside in an area covered by a waiver 
     granted under subparagraph (D);
       ``(cc) is not complying with clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of 
     subparagraph (B);
       ``(dd) is not receiving supplemental nutrition assistance 
     program benefits during the 3 months of eligibility provided 
     under subparagraph (B); and
       ``(ee) is not receiving supplemental nutrition assistance 
     program benefits under subparagraph (E).
       ``(ii) General rule.--Subject to clauses (iii) through 
     (vii), a State agency may provide an exemption from the 
     requirements of subparagraph (B) for covered individuals.
       ``(iii) Fiscal year 1998.--Subject to clauses (v) and 
     (vii), for fiscal year 1998, 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 1998, as estimated by the Secretary, 
     based on the survey conducted to carry out section 16(c) for 
     fiscal year 1996 and such other factors as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate due to the timing and limitations of 
     the survey.
       ``(iv) Subsequent fiscal years.--Subject to clauses (v) 
     through (vii), for fiscal year 1999 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, 
     as estimated by the Secretary under clause (iii), adjusted by 
     the Secretary to reflect changes in the State's caseload and 
     the Secretary's estimate of changes in the proportion of 
     members of households that receive supplemental nutrition 
     assistance program benefits covered by waivers granted under 
     subparagraph (D).
       ``(v) Caseload adjustments.--The Secretary shall adjust the 
     number of individuals estimated for a State under clause 
     (iii) or (iv) 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.
       ``(vi) Exemption adjustments.--During fiscal year 1999 and 
     each subsequent fiscal year, the Secretary shall increase or 
     decrease the number of individuals who may be granted an 
     exemption by a State agency under this subparagraph to the 
     extent that the average monthly number of exemptions in 
     effect in the State for the preceding fiscal year under this 
     subparagraph is lesser or greater than the average monthly 
     number of exemptions estimated for the State agency for such 
     preceding fiscal year under this subparagraph.
       ``(vii) Reporting requirement.--A State agency shall submit 
     such reports to the Secretary as the Secretary determines are 
     necessary to ensure compliance with this subparagraph.
       ``(G) Other program rules.--Nothing in this paragraph 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.''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (o).
       (b) Employment and Training Programs That Meet State and 
     Local Workforce Needs.--Section 6(d)(4) of the Food and 
     Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015(d)(4)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A)--
       (A) in clause (i)--
       (i) by inserting ``, in consultation with the State 
     workforce development board, or, if the State demonstrates 
     that consultation with private employers or employer 
     organizations would be more effective or efficient, in 
     consultation with private employers or employer 
     organizations,'' after ``designed by the State agency''; and
       (ii) by striking ``that will increase their ability to 
     obtain regular employment.'' and inserting the following: 
     ``that will--

       ``(I) increase the ability of the household members to 
     obtain regular employment; and
       ``(II) meet State or local workforce needs.''; and

       (B) in clause (ii), by inserting ``and implemented to meet 
     the purposes of clause (i)'' after ``under this paragraph'';
       (2) in subparagraph (B)--
       (A) in clause (iv), by redesignating subclauses (I) and 
     (II) as items (aa) and (bb), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (B) by redesignating clauses (i) through (vii) and clause 
     (viii) as subclauses (I) through (VII) and subclause (IX), 
     respectively, and indenting appropriately;
       (C) by inserting after subclause (VII) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:

       ``(VIII) Programs or activities described in subclauses (I) 
     through (XII) of clause (iv) of section 16(h)(1)(F) that the 
     Secretary determines, based on the results of the applicable 
     independent evaluations conducted under clause (vii)(I) of 
     that section, are effective at increasing employment or 
     earnings for households participating in a pilot project 
     under that section.'';

       (D) in the matter preceding subclause (I) (as so 
     redesignated)--
       (i) by striking ``this subparagraph'' and inserting ``this 
     clause'';
       (ii) by inserting ``and a program containing a component 
     under subclause (I) shall contain at least 1 additional 
     component'' before the colon; and
       (iii) by striking ``(B) For purposes of this Act, an'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(B) Definitions.--In this Act:
       ``(i) Employment and training program.--The term''; and
       (E) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ii) Workforce partnership.--

       ``(I) In general.--The term `workforce partnership' means a 
     program that--

       ``(aa) is operated by a private employer, an organization 
     representing private employers, or a nonprofit organization 
     providing services relating to workforce development;
       ``(bb) the Secretary or the State agency certifies--
       ``(AA) subject to subparagraph (N)(ii), would assist 
     participants who are members of households participating in 
     the supplemental nutrition assistance program in gaining 
     high-quality, work-relevant skills, training, work, or 
     experience that will increase the ability of the participants 
     to obtain regular employment;
       ``(BB) subject to subparagraph (N)(ii), would provide 
     participants with not fewer than 20 hours per week of 
     training, work, or experience under subitem (AA);
       ``(CC) would not use any funds authorized to be 
     appropriated by this Act;
       ``(DD) would provide sufficient information, on request by 
     the State agency, for the State agency to determine that 
     participants who are members of households participating in 
     the supplemental nutrition assistance program are fulfilling 
     any applicable work requirement under this subsection;
       ``(EE) would be willing to serve as a reference for 
     participants who are members of households participating in 
     the supplemental nutrition assistance program for future 
     employment or work-related programs; and
       ``(FF) meets any other criteria established by the 
     Secretary, on the condition that the Secretary shall not 
     establish any additional criteria that would impose 
     significant paperwork burdens on the workforce partnership; 
     and
       ``(cc) is in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act 
     of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.), if applicable.

       ``(II) Inclusion.--The term `workforce partnership' 
     includes a multistate program.'';

       (3) in subparagraph (E)--
       (A) in the second sentence, by striking ``Such 
     requirements'' and inserting the following:
       ``(ii) Variation.--The requirements under clause (i)'';
       (B) by striking ``(E) Each State'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(E) Requirements for participation for certain 
     individuals.--
       ``(i) In general.--Each State''; and
       (C) adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) Application to workforce partnerships.--To the 
     extent that a State agency requires an individual to 
     participate in an employment and training program, the State 
     agency shall consider an individual participating in a 
     workforce partnership to be in compliance with the employment 
     and training requirements.'';
       (4) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``(B)(v)'' and 
     inserting ``(B)(i)(V)''; and
       (5) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(N) Workforce partnerships.--
       ``(i) In general.--A work registrant may participate in a 
     workforce partnership to comply with the requirements of 
     paragraph (1)(A)(ii) and paragraph (2).
       ``(ii) Certification.--In certifying that a program meets 
     the requirements of subitems (AA) and (BB) of subparagraph 
     (B)(ii)(I)(bb) to be certified as a workforce partnership, 
     the Secretary or the State agency shall require that the 
     program submit to the Secretary or State agency sufficient 
     information that describes--

       ``(I) the services and activities of the program that would 
     provide participants with not fewer than 20 hours per week of 
     training, work, or experience under those subitems; and
       ``(II) how the program would provide services and 
     activities described in subclause (I) that would directly 
     enhance the employability or job readiness of the 
     participant.

       ``(iii) Supplement, not supplant.--A State agency may use a 
     workforce partnership to supplement, not to supplant, the 
     employment and training program of the State agency.
       ``(iv) Participation.--A State agency may provide 
     information on workforce partnerships, if available, to any 
     member of a household participating in the supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program, but may not require any member 
     of a household to participate in a workforce partnership.
       ``(v) Effect.--

       ``(I) In general.--A workforce partnership shall not 
     replace the employment or training

[[Page S4551]]

     of an individual not participating in the workforce 
     partnership.
       ``(II) Selection.--Nothing in this subsection affects the 
     criteria or screening process for selecting participants by a 
     workforce partnership.

       ``(vi) Limitation on reporting requirements.--In carrying 
     out this subparagraph, the Secretary and each applicable 
     State agency shall limit the reporting requirements of a 
     workforce partnership to--

       ``(I) on notification that an individual is receiving 
     supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits, notifying 
     the applicable State agency that the individual is 
     participating in the workforce partnership;
       ``(II) identifying participants who have completed or are 
     no longer participating in the workforce partnership;
       ``(III) identifying changes to the workforce partnership 
     that result in the workforce partnership no longer meeting 
     the certification requirements of the Secretary or the State 
     agency under subparagraph (B)(ii)(I)(bb); and
       ``(IV) providing sufficient information, on request by the 
     State agency, for the State agency to verify that a 
     participant is fulfilling any applicable work requirements 
     under this subsection.

       ``(O) Referral of certain individuals.--
       ``(i) In general.--In accordance with such regulations as 
     may be issued by the Secretary, with respect to any 
     individual who is not eligible for an exemption under 
     paragraph (1)(E) and who is determined by an employment and 
     training program component to be ill-suited to participate in 
     the employment and training program component, the State 
     agency shall--

       ``(I) refer the individual to an appropriate employment and 
     training program component;
       ``(II) refer the individual to an appropriate workforce 
     partnership, if available;
       ``(III) reassess the physical and mental fitness of the 
     individual under paragraph (1)(A); or
       ``(IV) to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate with 
     other Federal, State, or local workforce or assistance 
     programs to identify work opportunities or assistance for the 
     individual.

       ``(ii) Process.--In carrying out clause (i), the State 
     agency shall ensure that an individual undergoing and 
     complying with the process established under that clause 
     shall not be found to have refused without good cause to 
     participate in an employment and training program.''.
       (c) Updating Work-related Pilot Projects.--
       (1) In general.--Section 16(h) of the Food and Nutrition 
     Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(h)) is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking ``6(o)'' and 
     inserting ``6(d)(2)'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (E)--

       (I) in clause (i)--

       (aa) in subclause (I), by striking ``6(o)(3)'' and 
     inserting ``6(d)(2)(C)''; and
       (bb) in subclause (II), by striking ``subparagraph (B) or 
     (C) of section 6(o)(2)'' and inserting ``clause (ii) or (iii) 
     of section 6(d)(2)(B)''; and

       (II) in clause (ii)--

       (aa) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking 
     ``subparagraph (B) or (C) of section 6(o)(2)'' and inserting 
     ``clause (ii) or (iii) of section 6(d)(2)(B)'';
       (bb) in subclause (I), by striking ``6(o)(2)'' and 
     inserting ``6(d)(2)(B)'';
       (cc) in subclause (II), by striking ``6(o)(3)'' and 
     inserting ``6(d)(2)(C)'';
       (dd) in subclause (III), by striking ``6(o)(4)'' and 
     inserting ``6(d)(2)(D)''; and
       (ee) in subclause (IV), by striking ``6(o)(6)'' and 
     inserting ``6(d)(2)(F)''; and
       (iii) in subparagraph (F)--

       (I) in clause (ii)(III)(ee)(AA), by striking ``6(o)'' and 
     inserting ``6(d)(2)'';
       (II) in clause (viii)--

       (aa) in subclause (III), by striking ``September 30, 2018'' 
     and inserting the following: ``September 30, 2023, for--
       ``(aa) the continuation of pilot projects being carried out 
     under this subparagraph as of the date of enactment of the 
     Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, if the pilot projects 
     meet the limitations described in subclause (II); and
       ``(bb) additional pilot projects authorized under clause 
     (x).''; and
       (bb) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(IV) Funds for additional pilot projects.--From amounts 
     made available under section 18(a)(1), the Secretary shall 
     use to carry out clause (x) $92,500,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2019 and 2020, to remain available until expended.''; 
     and
       (III) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(x) Authority to carry out additional pilot projects.--

       ``(I) In general.--Subject to the availability of funds 
     under clause (viii), the Secretary may carry out 8 or more 
     additional pilot projects using a competitive grant process.
       ``(II) Requirements.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
     clause, a pilot project under this clause shall meet the 
     criteria described in clauses (i), (ii)(II)(bb), and (iii) 
     through (vi) and items (aa) through (dd) of clause (ii)(III).
       ``(III) Evaluation and reporting.--

       ``(aa) Optional evaluation.--
       ``(AA) In general.--The Secretary shall have the option to 
     conduct an independent longitudinal evaluation of pilot 
     projects carried out under this clause, in accordance with 
     clause (vii)(I).
       ``(BB) Qualifying criteria.--If the Secretary determines to 
     conduct an independent longitudinal evaluation under subitem 
     (AA), to be eligible to participate in a pilot project under 
     this clause, a State agency shall agree to participate in the 
     evaluation described in clause (vii), including providing 
     evidence that the State has a robust data collection system 
     for program administration and is cooperating to make 
     available State data on the employment activities and post-
     participation employment, earnings, and public benefit 
     receipt of participants to ensure proper and timely 
     evaluation.
       ``(bb) Reporting.--If the Secretary determines not to 
     conduct an independent longitudinal evaluation under item 
     (aa), subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary 
     determines to be appropriate and not less frequently than 
     annually, each State agency participating in a pilot project 
     carried out under this clause shall submit to the Secretary a 
     report that describes the results of the pilot project.

       ``(IV) Voluntary activities.--Except as provided in 
     subclause (VIII), employment and training activities under a 
     pilot project carried out under this clause shall be 
     voluntary for work registrants.
       ``(V) Eligibility.--To be eligible to participate in a 
     pilot project carried out under this clause, a State agency 
     shall commit to maintain at least the amount of State funding 
     for employment and training programs and services under 
     paragraphs (2) and (3) and under section 20 as the State 
     expended for fiscal year 2018.
       ``(VI) Limitation.--In carrying out pilot projects under 
     this clause, the Secretary shall not be subject to the 
     limitation described in clause (viii)(II)(aa).
       ``(VII) Priority.--In selecting pilot projects under this 
     clause, the Secretary may give priority to pilot projects 
     that--

       ``(aa) are targeted to--
       ``(AA) individuals 50 years of age or older;
       ``(BB) formerly incarcerated individuals;
       ``(CC) individuals participating in a substance abuse 
     treatment program.
       ``(DD) homeless individuals;
       ``(EE) people with disabilities seeking to enter the 
     workforce; or
     1  ``(FF) other individuals with substantial barriers to 
     employment; or
       ``(bb) support employment and workforce participation 
     through an integrated and family-focused approach in 
     providing supportive services.

       ``(VIII) Pilot projects for mandatory participation in 
     employment and training activities.--A State agency may be 
     eligible to participate in a pilot project under this clause 
     to test programs that assign work registrants to mandatory 
     participation in employment and training activities, on the 
     conditions that--

       ``(aa) the pilot project provides individualized case 
     management designed to help remove barriers to employment for 
     participants; and
       ``(bb) a work registrant is not assigned to employment and 
     training activities primarily consisting of job search, job 
     search training, or workforce activities.''; and
       (B) in paragraph (5)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
     ``section 6(d)(4)'' and inserting ``this paragraph''; and
       (II) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subclauses 
     (I) and (II), respectively, and indenting appropriately;

       (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in clause (ii), by redesignating subclauses (I) and 
     (II) as items (aa) and (bb), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (II) in clause (iv)--

       (aa) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking 
     ``clause (iii)'' and inserting ``subclause (III)'';
       (bb) in subclause (IV)--
       (AA) in item (cc), by striking ``section 6(b)'' and 
     inserting ``subsection (b)''; and
       (BB) by redesignating items (aa) through (cc) as subitems 
     (AA) through (CC), respectively, and indenting appropriately; 
     and
       (cc) by redesignating subclauses (I) through (V) as items 
     (aa) through (ee), respectively, and indenting appropriately;

       (III) by redesignating clauses (i) through (iv) as 
     subclauses (I) through (IV), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately; and
       (IV) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(V) State option.--The State agency may report relevant 
     data from a workforce partnership carried out under 
     subparagraph (N) to demonstrate the number of program 
     participants served by the workforce partnership.'';

       (iii) in subparagraph (C)--

       (I) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (II) in clause (iv)--

       (aa) in the matter preceding subclause (I)--
       (AA) by striking ``paragraph (1)(E)'' and inserting 
     ``subparagraph (E) of section 16(h)(1)''; and
       (BB) by striking ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``that 
     section'';
       (bb) in subclause (I)--
       (AA) by striking ``paragraph (1)(E)(ii)'' and inserting 
     ``section 16(h)(1)(E)(ii)''; and
       (BB) by striking ``subparagraph (B) or (C) of section 
     6(o)(2)'' and inserting ``clause (ii) or (iii) of paragraph 
     (2)(B)'';
       (cc) in subclause (II), by striking ``paragraph (1)(E)'' 
     and inserting ``section 16(h)(1)(E)''; and

[[Page S4552]]

       (dd) by redesignating subclauses (I) through (III) as items 
     (aa) through (cc), respectively, and indenting appropriately;

       (III) by redesignating clauses (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) 
     as subclauses (I), (II), (IV), and (VI), respectively, and 
     indenting appropriately;
       (IV) by inserting after subclause (II) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(III) that the State agency has consulted with the State 
     workforce board or, if appropriate, private employers or 
     employer organizations, in the design of the employment and 
     training program;''; and
       (V) by inserting after subclause (IV) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(V) that the employment and training program components 
     of the State agency are responsive to State or local 
     workforce needs; and'';

       (iv) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``subparagraph (B)'' 
     and inserting ``clause (ii)'';
       (v) in subparagraph (E), by inserting ``or that the 
     employment and training program is not adequately meeting 
     State or local workforce needs'' after ``is inadequate'';
       (vi) in subparagraph (F)--

       (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
     ``October 1, 2016'' and inserting ``October 1, 2020'';
       (II) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (III) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and'';
       (IV) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subclauses 
     (I) and (II), respectively, and indenting appropriately; and
       (V) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(III) are meeting State or local workforce needs.'';

       (vii) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (F) (as so 
     amended) as clauses (i) through (vi), respectively, and 
     indenting appropriately; and
       (viii) by redesignating the paragraph as subparagraph (P), 
     indenting the subparagraph appropriately, and moving the 
     subparagraph so as to appear after subparagraph (O) of 
     section 6(d)(4) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2015(d)(4)) (as added by subsection (b)(5)).
       (2) Research, demonstration, and evaluations.--Section 17 
     of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2026) is 
     amended--
       (A) in subsection (b)--
       (i) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3);
       (ii) by striking ``(b)(1)(A) The Secretary'' and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(b) Demonstration Projects; Pilot Projects.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary'';
       (iii) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)--

       (I) in subparagraph (D)--

       (aa) in clause (i), in the matter preceding subclause (I), 
     by striking ``subparagraph (A)'' and inserting ``paragraph 
     (1)'';
       (bb) in clause (ii), by striking ``clause (i)'' and 
     inserting ``subparagraph (A)''; and
       (cc) in clause (iii), by striking ``clause (i)(III)'' and 
     inserting ``subparagraph (A)(iii)'';

       (II) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as paragraph (4), 
     and indenting appropriately;
       (III) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``(C)(i) No waiver'' 
     and inserting the following:

       ``(3) Restrictions.--
       ``(A) In general.--No waiver'';

       (IV) in subparagraph (B)--

       (aa) in clause (i), in the matter preceding subclause (I), 
     by striking ``subparagraph (A)'' and inserting ``paragraph 
     (1)'';
       (bb) in clause (ii)--
       (AA) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking 
     ``subparagraph (A)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1)''; and
       (BB) in subclause (IV), by striking ``this paragraph'' and 
     inserting ``this subsection'';
       (cc) in clause (iii), in the matter preceding subclause 
     (I), by striking ``subparagraph (A)'' and inserting 
     ``paragraph (1)'';
       (dd) in clause (iv)--
       (AA) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking 
     ``subparagraph (A)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1)'';
       (BB) in subclause (I), by striking ``the date of enactment 
     of this subparagraph'' and inserting ``August 22, 1996'';
       (CC) in subclause (III)(aa), by striking ``3(n)'' and 
     inserting ``3(q)'';
       (DD) in subclause (III)(dd), by striking ``(2)(B)'' and 
     inserting ``(1)(E)(ii)'';
       (EE) in subclause (III)(ii), by striking ``this paragraph'' 
     and inserting ``this subsection''; and
       (FF) in subclause (IV)(bb), by striking ``this subclause'' 
     and inserting ``this clause''; and
       (ee) in clause (vi), by striking ``this paragraph'' and 
     inserting ``this subsection''; and

       (V) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as paragraph (2) and 
     indenting appropriately;

       (iv) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)--

       (I) by redesignating clauses (i) through (vi) as 
     subparagraphs (A) through (F), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (II) in subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated), by 
     redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i) and 
     (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately;
       (III) in subparagraph (B) (as so redesignated), by 
     redesignating subclauses (I) through (IV) as clauses (i) 
     through (iv), respectively, and indenting appropriately;
       (IV) in subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated), by 
     redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i) and 
     (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately; and
       (V) in subparagraph (D) (as so redesignated)--

       (aa) by redesignating subclauses (I) through (VII) as 
     clauses (i) through (vii), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (bb) in clause (iii) (as so redesignated), by redesignating 
     items (aa) through (jj) as subclauses (I) through (X), 
     respectively, and indenting appropriately; and
       (cc) in clause (iv) (as so redesignated), by redesignating 
     items (aa) and (bb) as subclauses (I) and (II), respectively, 
     and indenting appropriately;
       (v) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)--

       (I) in subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated)--

       (aa) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking 
     ``the date of enactment of this subparagraph'' and inserting 
     ``November 28, 1990''; and
       (bb) in clause (ii), by striking ``(ii) Clause (i)'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(B) Application.--Subparagraph (A)''; and

       (II) in subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated), by 
     redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i) and 
     (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately; and

       (vi) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)--

       (I) by redesignating clauses (i) through (iii) as 
     subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately; and
       (II) in subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated), by 
     redesignating subclauses (I) through (IV) as clauses (i) 
     through (iv), respectively, and indenting appropriately;

       (B) by striking subsection (d);
       (C) by redesignating subsections (e) through (l) as 
     subsections (d) through (k), respectively; and
       (D) in subsection (e) (as so redesignated), in the first 
     sentence, by striking ``subsection (b)(1)'' and inserting 
     ``subsection (b)''.
       (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 18 of the 
     Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2027) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(i) Restriction.--No funds authorized to be appropriated 
     under this Act shall be used to operate a workforce 
     partnership under section 6(d)(4)(N).''.
       (e) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 5(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2014(a)) is amended in the second sentence by striking 
     ``(d)(2)'' and inserting ``(d)(1)(E)''.
       (2) Section 6(i)(3) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 
     (7 U.S.C. 2015(i)(3)) is amended by striking ``(d)'' and 
     inserting ``(d)(1)''.
       (3) Section 7(h)(6) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 
     (7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(6)) is amended by striking ``17(f)'' and 
     inserting ``17(e)''.
       (4) Section 7(i)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 
     (7 U.S.C. 2016(i)(1)) is amended by striking ``6(o)(2)'' and 
     inserting ``6(d)(2)(B)''.
       (5) Section 7(j)(1)(G) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 
     2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(j)(1)(G)) is amended by striking 
     ``17(f)'' and inserting ``17(e)''.
       (6) Section 11(n) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2020(n)) is amended by striking ``17(b)(1)'' and 
     inserting ``17(b)''.
       (7) Section 16(b)(4) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 
     (7 U.S.C. 2025(b)(4)) is amended by striking ``section 6(d)'' 
     and inserting ``section 6(d)(1)''.
       (8) Section 20(b)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 
     (7 U.S.C. 2029(b)(1)) is amended by striking ``clause (B), 
     (C), (D), (E), or (F) of section 6(d)(2)'' and inserting 
     ``clause (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), or (vi) of section 
     6(d)(1)(E)''.
       (9) Section 103(a)(2)(D) of the Workforce Innovation and 
     Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3113(a)(2)(D)) is amended by 
     striking ``section 6(o) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 
     (7 U.S.C. 2015(o))'' and inserting ``paragraph (2) of section 
     6(d) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
     2015(d))''.
       (10) Section 121(b)(2)(B)(iv) of the Workforce Innovation 
     and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3151(b)(2)(B)(iv)) is amended 
     by striking ``section 6(o) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 
     2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015(o))'' and inserting ``paragraph (2) of 
     section 6(d) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
     2015(d))''.
       (11) Section 23(b)(7)(D)(ii) of the Richard B. Russell 
     National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769d(b)(7)(D)(ii)) is 
     amended by striking ``section 17(b)(1)(B) of the Food and 
     Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2026(b)(1)(B))'' and 
     inserting ``paragraph (2) of section 17(b) of the Food and 
     Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2026(b))''.
       (12) Section 24(g)(3)(C) of the Richard B. Russell National 
     School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769e(g)(3)(C)) is amended by 
     striking ``section 17(b)(1)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act 
     of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2026(b)(1)(B))'' and inserting ``paragraph 
     (2) of section 17(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2026(b))''.

     SEC. 4104. IMPROVEMENTS TO ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER 
                   SYSTEM.

       (a) Prohibited Fees.--Section 7 of the Food and Nutrition 
     Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (f)(2)(C), in the subparagraph heading, 
     by striking ``Interchange'' and inserting ``Prohibited''; and
       (2) in subsection (h), by striking paragraph (13) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(13) Prohibited fees.--
       ``(A) Definition of switching.--In this paragraph, 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 EBT 
     card in 1 State to the issuer of the card in--
       ``(i) the same State; or
       ``(ii) another State.
       ``(B) Prohibition.--
       ``(i) Interchange fees.--No interchange fee shall apply to 
     an electronic benefit transfer transaction under this 
     subsection.
       ``(ii) Other fees.--

[[Page S4553]]

       ``(I) In general.--No fee charged by a benefit issuer 
     (including any affiliate of a benefit issuer), or by any 
     agent or contractor when acting on behalf of such benefit 
     issuer, to a third party relating to the switching or routing 
     of benefits to the same benefit issuer (including any 
     affiliate of the benefit issuer) shall apply to an electronic 
     benefit transfer transaction under this subsection.
       ``(II) Effective date.--The prohibition under subclause (I) 
     shall be effective through fiscal year 2022.''.

       (b) EBT Portability.--Section 7(f)(5) of the Food and 
     Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(f)(5)) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) Operation of individual point of sale device by 
     farmers' markets and direct marketing farmers.--A farmers' 
     market or direct marketing farmer that is exempt under 
     paragraph (2)(B)(i) shall be allowed to operate an individual 
     electronic benefit transfer point of sale device at more than 
     1 location under the same supplemental nutrition assistance 
     program authorization, if--
       ``(i) the farmers' market or direct marketing farmer 
     provides to the Secretary information on location and hours 
     of operation at each location; and
       ``(ii)(I) the point of sale device used by the farmers' 
     market or direct marketing farmer is capable of providing 
     location information of the device through the electronic 
     benefit transfer system; or
       ``(II) if the Secretary determines that the technology is 
     not available for a point of sale device to meet the 
     requirement under subclause (I), the farmers' market or 
     direct marketing farmer provides to the Secretary any other 
     information, as determined by the Secretary, necessary to 
     ensure the integrity of transactions processed using the 
     point of sale device.''.
       (c) Evaluation of State Electronic Benefit Transfer 
     Systems.--Section 7(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 
     (7 U.S.C. 2016(h)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(15) GAO evaluation and study of state electronic benefit 
     transfer systems.--
       ``(A) Evaluation.--
       ``(i) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
     of enactment of this paragraph, the Comptroller General of 
     the United States (referred to in this paragraph as the 
     `Comptroller General') shall evaluate for each electronic 
     benefit transfer system of a State agency selected in 
     accordance with clause (ii)--

       ``(I) any type of fee charged--

       ``(aa) by the benefit issuer (or an affiliate, agent, or 
     contractor of the benefit issuer) of the State agency for 
     electronic benefit transfer-related services, including 
     electronic benefit transfer-related services that did not 
     exist before February 7, 2014; and
       ``(bb) to any retail food stores, including retail food 
     stores that are exempt under subsection (f)(2)(B)(i) for 
     electronic benefit transfer-related services;

       ``(II) in consultation with the Secretary and the retail 
     food stores within the State, any electronic benefit transfer 
     system outages affecting the EBT cards of the State agency;
       ``(III) in consultation with the Secretary, any type of 
     entity that--

       ``(aa) provides electronic benefit transfer equipment and 
     related services to the State agency, any benefit issuers of 
     the State agency, or any retail food stores within the State;
       ``(bb) routes or switches transactions through the 
     electronic benefit transfer system of the State agency; or
       ``(cc) has access to transaction information in the 
     electronic benefit transfer system of the State agency; and

       ``(IV) in consultation with the Secretary, any emerging 
     entities, services, or technologies in use with respect to 
     the electronic benefit transfer system of the State agency.

       ``(ii) Selection criteria.--The Comptroller General shall 
     select for evaluation under clause (i)--

       ``(I) with respect to each benefit issuer that provides 
     electronic benefit transfer-related services to 1 or more 
     State agencies, not fewer than 1 electronic benefit transfer 
     system provided by that benefit issuer; and
       ``(II) any electronic benefit transfer system of a State 
     agency that has experienced significant or frequent outages 
     during the 2-year period preceding the date of enactment of 
     this paragraph.

       ``(B) Study.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this paragraph, the Comptroller General 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 based on the evaluation 
     carried out under subparagraph (A) that includes--
       ``(i) a description of the types of entities that--

       ``(I) provide electronic benefit transfer equipment and 
     related services to State agencies, benefit issuers, and 
     retail food stores;
       ``(II) route or switch transactions through electronic 
     benefit transfer systems of State agencies; or
       ``(III) have access to transaction information in 
     electronic benefit transfer systems of State agencies;

       ``(ii) a description of emerging entities, services, and 
     technologies in use with respect to electronic benefit 
     transfer systems of State agencies; and
       ``(iii) a summary of--

       ``(I) the types of fees charged--

       ``(aa) by benefit issuers (or affiliates, agents, or 
     contractors of benefit issuers) of State agencies for 
     electronic benefit transfer-related services, including 
     whether the types of fees existed before February 7, 2014; 
     and
       ``(bb) to any retail food stores, including retail food 
     stores that are exempt under subsection (f)(2)(B)(i) for 
     electronic benefit transfer-related services;

       ``(II)(aa) the causes of any electronic benefit transfer 
     system outages affecting EBT cards; and
       ``(bb) potential solutions to minimize the disruption of 
     outages to participating households.

       ``(16) Review of ebt systems requirements.--
       ``(A) Review.--
       ``(i) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
     of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall review 
     for each electronic benefit transfer system of a State agency 
     selected under clause (ii)--

       ``(I) any contracts or other agreements between the State 
     agency and the benefit issuer of the State agency to 
     determine--

       ``(aa) the customer service requirements of the benefit 
     issuer, including call center requirements; and
       ``(bb) the consistency and compatibility of data provided 
     by the benefit issuer to the Secretary for appropriate 
     oversight of possible fraudulent transactions; and

       ``(II) the use of third-party applications that access the 
     electronic benefit transfer system to provide electronic 
     benefit transfer account information to participating 
     households.

       ``(ii) Selection criteria.--The Secretary shall select for 
     the review under clause (i) not fewer than 5 electronic 
     benefit transfer systems of State agencies, of which--

       ``(I) with respect to each benefit issuer that provides 
     electronic benefit transfer-related services to 1 or more 
     State agencies, not fewer than 1 shall be provided by that 
     benefit issuer; and
       ``(II) not more than 4 shall have experienced significant 
     or frequent outages during the 2-year period preceding the 
     date of enactment of this paragraph.

       ``(B) Regulations and guidance.--Based on the study 
     conducted by the Comptroller General of the United States 
     under paragraph (15)(B) and the review conducted by the 
     Secretary under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall 
     promulgate such regulations or issue such guidance as the 
     Secretary determines appropriate--
       ``(i) to prohibit the imposition of any fee that is 
     inconsistent with paragraph (13);
       ``(ii) to minimize electronic benefit system outages;
       ``(iii) to update procedures to handle electronic benefit 
     transfer system outages that minimize disruption to 
     participating households and retail food stores while 
     protecting against fraud and abuse;
       ``(iv) to develop cost-effective customer service standards 
     for benefit issuers, including benefit issuer call centers or 
     other customer service options equivalent to call centers, 
     that would ensure adequate customer service for participating 
     households;
       ``(v) to address the use of third-party applications that 
     access electronic benefit transfer systems to provide 
     electronic benefit transfer account information to 
     participating households, including by establishing 
     safeguards consistent with sections 9(c) and 11(e)(8) to 
     protect the privacy of data relating to participating 
     households and approved retail food stores; and
       ``(vi) to improve the reliability of electronic benefit 
     transfer systems.
       ``(C) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this paragraph, 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 a description of the 
     effects, if any, on an electronic benefit transfer system of 
     a State agency from the use of third-party applications that 
     access the electronic benefit transfer system to provide 
     electronic benefit transfer account information to 
     participating households.''.
       (d) Approval of Retail Food Stores.--Section 9 of the Food 
     and Nutrition Act (7 U.S.C. 2018) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1)--
       (A) in the fourth sentence, by striking ``No retail food 
     store'' and inserting the following:
       ``(D) Visit required.--No retail food store'';
       (B) in the third sentence, by striking ``Approval'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(C) Certificate.--Approval'';
       (C) in the second sentence--
       (i) by striking ``food; and (D) the'' and inserting the 
     following: ``food;
       ``(iv) any information, if available, about the ability of 
     the anticipated or existing electronic benefit transfer 
     equipment and service provider of the applicant to provide 
     sufficient information through the electronic benefit 
     transfer system to minimize the risk of fraudulent 
     transactions; and
       ``(v) the'';
       (ii) by striking ``concern; (C) whether'' and inserting the 
     following: ``concern;
       ``(iii) whether'';
       (iii) by striking ``applicant; (B) the'' and inserting the 
     following: ``applicant;
       ``(ii) the'';

[[Page S4554]]

       (iv) by striking ``following: (A) the nature'' and 
     inserting the following: ``following:
       ``(i) the nature''; and
       (v) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so designated), 
     by striking ``In determining'' and inserting the following:
       ``(B) Factors for consideration.--In determining''; and
       (D) in the first sentence, by striking ``(a)(1) 
     Regulations'' and inserting the following:
       ``(a) Authorization to Accept and Redeem Benefits.--
       ``(1) Applications.--
       ``(A) In general.--Regulations'';
       (2) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Electronic benefit transfer equipment and service 
     providers.--Before implementing clause (iv) of paragraph 
     (1)(B), the Secretary shall issue guidance for retail food 
     stores on how to select electronic benefit transfer equipment 
     and service providers that are able to meet the requirements 
     of that clause.''; and
       (3) in subsection (c), in the first sentence, by inserting 
     ``records relating to electronic benefit transfer equipment 
     and related services, transaction and redemption data 
     provided through the electronic benefit transfer system,'' 
     after ``purchase invoices,''.

     SEC. 4105. RETAIL INCENTIVES.

       Section 9 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
     2018) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(i) Incentives.--
       ``(1) Definition of eligible incentive food.--In this 
     subsection, the term `eligible incentive food' means food 
     that is--
       ``(A) identified for increased consumption by the most 
     recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans published under 
     section 301 of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related 
     Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341); and
       ``(B) a fruit, a vegetable, low-fat dairy, or a whole 
     grain.
       ``(2) Regulations.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall promulgate 
     regulations to clarify the process by which an approved 
     retail food store may seek a waiver to offer an incentive 
     that may be used only for the purchase of eligible incentive 
     food at the point of purchase to a household purchasing food 
     with benefits issued under this Act.
       ``(B) Regulations.--The regulations under subparagraph (A) 
     shall establish a process under which an approved retail food 
     store, prior to carrying out an incentive program under this 
     subsection, shall provide to the Secretary information 
     describing the incentive program, including--
       ``(i) the types of incentives that will be offered;
       ``(ii) the types of foods that will be incentivized for 
     purchase; and
       ``(iii) an explanation of how the incentive program intends 
     to support meeting dietary intake goals.
       ``(3) No limitation on benefits.--A waiver granted under 
     this subsection shall not be used to carry out any activity 
     that limits the use of benefits under this Act or any other 
     Federal nutrition law.
       ``(4) Effect.--Regulations promulgated under this 
     subsection shall not affect any requirements under section 
     4405 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 7517) or section 4304 of the Agriculture Improvement 
     Act of 2018, including the eligibility of a retail food store 
     to participate in a project funded under those sections.
       ``(5) 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 an annual report describing the types of incentives 
     approved under this subsection.''.

     SEC. 4106. REQUIRED ACTION ON DATA MATCH INFORMATION.

       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'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (25), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(26) that for a household participating in the 
     supplemental nutrition assistance program, the State agency 
     shall pursue clarification and verification, if applicable, 
     of information relating to the circumstances of the household 
     received from data matches for the purpose of ensuring an 
     accurate eligibility and benefit determination, only if the 
     information--
       ``(A) appears to present significantly conflicting 
     information from the information that was used by the State 
     agency at the time of certification of the household;
       ``(B) is obtained from data matches carried out under 
     subsection (q), (r), or (w); or
       ``(C)(i) is fewer than 60 days old relative to the current 
     month of participation of the household; and
       ``(ii) if accurate, would have been required to be reported 
     by the household based on the reporting requirements assigned 
     to the household by the State agency under section 6(c).''.

     SEC. 4107. INCOME VERIFICATION.

       Section 17 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
     2026) (as amended by section 4103(c)(2)(C)) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(l) Pilot Projects for Improving Earned Income 
     Verification.--
       ``(1) In general.--Under such terms and conditions as the 
     Secretary considers to be appropriate, the Secretary shall 
     establish a pilot program (referred to in this subsection as 
     the `pilot program') under which not more than 8 States may 
     carry out pilot projects to test strategies to improve the 
     accuracy or efficiency of the process for verification of 
     earned income at certification and recertification of 
     applicant households for the supplemental nutrition 
     assistance program.
       ``(2) Contract options.--
       ``(A) In general.--In carrying out the pilot program, prior 
     to soliciting applications for pilot projects from State 
     agencies, the Secretary shall--
       ``(i) assess the availability of up-to-date earned income 
     information from different commercial data service providers; 
     and
       ``(ii) make a determination regarding the overall cost-
     effectiveness to the Department of Agriculture and the State 
     agencies administering the supplemental nutrition assistance 
     program of--

       ``(I) the Secretary entering into a contract with a 
     commercial data service provider to provide to State agencies 
     carrying out pilot projects up-to-date earned income 
     information for verification of the earned income at 
     certification and recertification of applicant households for 
     the supplemental nutrition assistance program;
       ``(II) the Secretary entering into an agreement with the 
     Secretary of Health and Human Services to allow State 
     agencies carrying out pilot projects to verify earned income 
     information at certification and recertification of applicant 
     households for the supplemental nutrition assistance program 
     in the State using up-to-date earned income information from 
     a commercial data service provider under the electronic 
     interface developed by the State and used by the State 
     Medicaid agency to verify income eligibility for the State 
     Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act 
     (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.); or
       ``(III) a State agency carrying out a pilot project 
     entering into a contract with a commercial data service 
     provider to obtain up-to-date earned income information to 
     verify the earned income at certification and recertification 
     of applicant households for the supplemental nutrition 
     assistance program in the State.

       ``(B) Authority to enter into contracts.--If determined 
     appropriate by the Secretary, the Secretary may, based on the 
     cost-effectiveness determination described in subparagraph 
     (A)(ii)--
       ``(i) enter into a contract described in subclause (I) of 
     that subparagraph;
       ``(ii) enter into an agreement described in subclause (II) 
     of that subparagraph; or
       ``(iii) allow each State agency carrying out a pilot 
     project to enter into a contract described in subclause (III) 
     of that subparagraph, on the condition that the Federal share 
     of the cost of the contract shall not exceed 75 percent of 
     the total cost of the contract.
       ``(C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to 
     the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives 
     and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of 
     the Senate a report that describes the results of the 
     assessment and determination under subparagraph (A).
       ``(3) Pilot projects.--
       ``(A) Application.--A State agency seeking to carry out a 
     pilot project under the pilot program shall submit to the 
     Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and 
     containing such information as the Secretary may require, 
     including--
       ``(i) an identification of the 1 or more proposed changes 
     to the process for verifying earned income used by the State 
     agency;
       ``(ii) a description of how the proposed changes under 
     clause (i) would meet the purpose described in paragraph (1); 
     and
       ``(iii) a plan to evaluate how the proposed changes under 
     clause (i) would improve the accuracy or efficiency of the 
     verification of earned income at certification and 
     recertification of applicant households for the supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program in the State.
       ``(B) Selection criteria.--The Secretary shall select to 
     carry out pilot projects State agencies that, as determined 
     by the Secretary--
       ``(i) do not have access to up-to-date earned income 
     information for the verification of earned income at 
     certification and recertification of applicant households for 
     the supplemental nutrition assistance program in the State;
       ``(ii) would be able to access and use, for the 
     verification of earned income at certification and 
     recertification of applicant households for the supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program in the State, up-to-date earned 
     income information used to determine eligibility for another 
     Federal assistance program; or
       ``(iii) have cost-effective, innovative approaches to 
     verifying earned income that would improve the accuracy or 
     efficiency of the verification of earned income at 
     certification and recertification of applicant households for 
     the supplemental nutrition assistance program in the State.
       ``(4) Grants.--The Secretary may make grants to a State 
     agency to carry out a pilot project.
       ``(5) Effect on other requirements.--A pilot project 
     carried out under this subsection shall not alter the 
     eligibility requirements under section 5 or the reporting 
     requirements under section 6(c).
       ``(6) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
     which the pilot program terminates under paragraph (8), the 
     Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the 
     House of Representatives and

[[Page S4555]]

     the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
     Senate a report that describes the results of the pilot 
     projects carried out under the pilot program.
       ``(7) Funding.--
       ``(A) In general.--Out of funds made available under 
     section 18(a)(1), on October 1, 2018, the Secretary shall 
     make available $10,000,000 to carry out this subsection, to 
     remain available until expended.
       ``(B) Costs.--The Secretary shall allocate not more than 10 
     percent of the amounts made available under subparagraph (A) 
     to carry out subparagraphs (A) and (C) of paragraph (2) and 
     paragraph (6).
       ``(8) Termination.--The pilot program shall terminate not 
     later than September 30, 2022.''.

     SEC. 4108. PILOT PROJECTS TO IMPROVE HEALTHY DIETARY PATTERNS 
                   RELATED TO FLUID MILK IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL 
                   NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

       Section 17 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
     2026) (as amended by section 4107) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following:
       ``(m) Pilot Projects to Improve Healthy Dietary Patterns 
     Related to Fluid Milk Consumption Among Participants or 
     Households in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 
     That Under-consume Fluid Milk.--
       ``(1) Definition of fluid milk.--In this subsection, the 
     term `fluid milk' means cow milk, without flavoring or 
     sweeteners, consistent with the most recent Dietary 
     Guidelines for Americans published under section 301 of the 
     National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 
     1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341), that is packaged in liquid form.
       ``(2) Pilot projects.--The Secretary shall carry out, under 
     such terms and conditions as the Secretary considers to be 
     appropriate, pilot projects to develop and test methods that 
     would increase the purchase of fluid milk, in a manner 
     consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for 
     Americans published under section 301 of the National 
     Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 
     U.S.C. 5341), by individuals or households participating in 
     the supplemental nutrition assistance program that under-
     consume fluid milk by providing an incentive for the purchase 
     of fluid milk at the point of purchase to a household 
     purchasing food with supplemental nutrition assistance 
     program benefits.
       ``(3) Grants or cooperative agreements.--
       ``(A) In general.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Secretary may enter into competitively awarded cooperative 
     agreements with, or provide grants to, a government agency or 
     nonprofit organization for use in accordance with projects 
     that meet the strategic goals of this subsection, including 
     allowing the government agency or nonprofit organization to 
     award subgrants to retail food stores authorized under this 
     Act.
       ``(B) Application.--To be eligible to receive a cooperative 
     agreement or grant under this paragraph, a government agency 
     or nonprofit organization shall submit to the Secretary an 
     application at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Secretary may require.
       ``(C) Selection criteria.--Pilot projects shall be 
     evaluated against publicly disseminated criteria that shall 
     include--
       ``(i) incorporation of a scientifically based strategy that 
     is designed to improve diet quality through the increased 
     purchase of fluid milk for participants or households in the 
     supplemental nutrition assistance program that under-consume 
     fluid milk;
       ``(ii) a commitment to a pilot project that allows for a 
     rigorous outcome evaluation, including data collection; and
       ``(iii) other criteria, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(D) Use of funds.--Funds provided under this paragraph 
     shall not be used for any project that limits the use of 
     benefits under this Act.
       ``(E) Duration.--Each pilot project carried out under this 
     subsection shall be in effect for not more than 24 months.
       ``(4) Projects.--Pilot projects carried out under paragraph 
     (2) shall include projects to determine whether incentives 
     for the purchase of fluid milk by individuals or households 
     participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance 
     program that under-consume fluid milk result in--
       ``(A) improved nutritional outcomes for participating 
     individuals or households;
       ``(B) changes in purchasing and consumption of fluid milk 
     among participating individuals or households; or
       ``(C) diets more closely aligned with healthy eating 
     patterns consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines 
     for Americans published under section 301 of the National 
     Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 
     U.S.C. 5341).
       ``(5) Evaluation and reporting.--
       ``(A) Evaluation.--
       ``(i) Independent evaluation.--

       ``(I) In general.--The Secretary shall provide for an 
     independent evaluation of projects selected under this 
     subsection that measures the impact of the pilot program on 
     health and nutrition as described in paragraphs (2) through 
     (4).
       ``(II) Requirement.--The independent evaluation under 
     subclause (I) shall use rigorous methodologies, particularly 
     random assignment or other methods that are capable of 
     producing scientifically valid information regarding which 
     activities are effective.

       ``(ii) Costs.--The Secretary may use funds provided to 
     carry out this subsection to pay costs associated with 
     monitoring and evaluating each pilot project.
       ``(B) Reporting.--Not later than 90 days after the last day 
     of fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter until the 
     completion of the last evaluation under subparagraph (A), 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 
     a description of--
       ``(i) the status of each pilot project;
       ``(ii) the results of the evaluation completed during the 
     previous fiscal year; and
       ``(iii) to the maximum extent practicable--

       ``(I) the impact of the pilot project on appropriate 
     health, nutrition, and associated behavioral outcomes among 
     households participating in the pilot project;
       ``(II) baseline information relevant to the stated goals 
     and desired outcomes of the pilot project; and
       ``(III) equivalent information about similar or identical 
     measures among control or comparison groups that did not 
     participate in the pilot project.

       ``(C) Public dissemination.--In addition to the reporting 
     requirements under subparagraph (B), evaluation results shall 
     be shared broadly to inform policy makers, service providers, 
     other partners, and the public to promote wide use of 
     successful strategies.
       ``(6) Funding.--
       ``(A) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $20,000,000, 
     to remain available until expended.
       ``(B) Appropriations 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. 4109. INTERSTATE DATA MATCHING TO PREVENT MULTIPLE 
                   ISSUANCES.

       Section 11 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
     2020) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(w) National Accuracy Clearinghouse.--
       ``(1) Definition of indication of multiple issuance.--In 
     this subsection, the term `indication of multiple issuance' 
     means an indication, based on a computer match, that benefits 
     are being issued to an individual under the supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program from more than 1 State 
     simultaneously.
       ``(2) Establishment.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish an 
     interstate data system, to be known as the `National Accuracy 
     Clearinghouse', to prevent the simultaneous issuance of 
     benefits to an individual by more than 1 State under the 
     supplemental nutrition assistance program.
       ``(B) Data matching.--The Secretary shall require that 
     States make available to the National Accuracy Clearinghouse 
     only such information as is necessary for the purpose 
     described in subparagraph (A).
       ``(C) Data protection.--The information made available by 
     States under subparagraph (B)--
       ``(i) shall be used only for the purpose described in 
     subparagraph (A); and
       ``(ii) shall not be retained for longer than is necessary 
     to accomplish that purpose.
       ``(3) Issuance of interim final regulations.--Not later 
     than 18 months after the date of enactment of this 
     subsection, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations (which 
     shall include interim final regulations) to carry out this 
     subsection that--
       ``(A) incorporate best practices and lessons learned from 
     the pilot program under section 4032(c) of the Agricultural 
     Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 2036c(c));
       ``(B) require a State to take appropriate action, as 
     determined by the Secretary, with respect to each indication 
     of multiple issuance or indication that an individual 
     receiving benefits in 1 State has applied to receive benefits 
     in another State, while ensuring timely and fair service to 
     applicants for, and participants in, the supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program;
       ``(C) limit the information submitted through or retained 
     by the National Accuracy Clearinghouse to information 
     necessary to accomplish the purpose described in paragraph 
     (2)(A);
       ``(D) establish safeguards to protect--
       ``(i) the information submitted through or retained by the 
     National Accuracy Clearinghouse, including by limiting the 
     period of time that information is retained to the period 
     necessary to accomplish the purpose described in paragraph 
     (2)(A); and
       ``(ii) the privacy of information that is submitted through 
     or retained by the National Accuracy Clearinghouse, which 
     shall include--

       ``(I) prohibiting any contractor who has access to 
     information that is submitted through or retained by the 
     National Accuracy Clearinghouse from using that information 
     for purposes not directly related to the purpose described in 
     paragraph (2)(A); and
       ``(II) other safeguards, consistent with subsection (e)(8);

       ``(E) establish a process by which a State shall--
       ``(i) not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of 
     this subsection, conduct a computer match using the National 
     Accuracy Clearinghouse;
       ``(ii) after the first computer match under clause (i), 
     conduct computer matches on an

[[Page S4556]]

     ongoing basis, as determined by the Secretary;
       ``(iii) identify and take appropriate action, as determined 
     by the Secretary, with respect to each indication of multiple 
     issuance or indication that an individual receiving benefits 
     in 1 State has applied to receive benefits in another State; 
     and
       ``(iv) protect the identity and location of a vulnerable 
     individual (including a victim of domestic violence) that is 
     an applicant to or participant of the supplemental nutrition 
     assistance program; and
       ``(F) include other rules and standards, as determined by 
     the Secretary.''.

     SEC. 4110. QUALITY CONTROL.

       (a) Records.--
       (1) In general.--Section 11(a)(3)(B) of the Food and 
     Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2020(a)(3)(B)) is amended in 
     the matter preceding clause (i) by inserting ``and systems 
     containing those records'' after ``subparagraph (A)''.
       (2) Cost sharing for computerization.--Section 16(g)(1) of 
     the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(g)(1)) is 
     amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (F)(ii), 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 inspection 
     and audit under section 11(a)(3)(B); and''.
       (b) Quality Control System.--Section 16(c)(1) of the Food 
     and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(c)(1)) is amended by 
     striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:
       ``(B) Quality control system integrity.--
       ``(i) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the 
     Secretary shall issue interim final regulations that--

       ``(I) ensure that the quality control system established 
     under this subsection produces valid statistical results;
       ``(II) provide for oversight of contracts entered into by a 
     State agency for the purpose of improving payment accuracy;
       ``(III) ensure the accuracy of data collected under the 
     quality control system established under this subsection; and
       ``(IV) to the maximum extent practicable, for each fiscal 
     year, evaluate the integrity of the quality control process 
     of not fewer than 2 State agencies, selected in accordance 
     with criteria determined by the Secretary.

       ``(ii) Debarment.--In accordance with the nonprocurement 
     debarment procedures under part 417 of title 2, Code of 
     Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), the Secretary 
     shall bar any person that, in carrying out the quality 
     control system established under this subsection, knowingly 
     submits, or causes to be submitted, false information to the 
     Secretary.''.
       (c) Elimination of State Bonuses for Error Rates.--
       (1) In general.--Section 16(d) of the Food and Nutrition 
     Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(d)) is amended--
       (A) by striking the subsection heading and inserting 
     ``State Performance Indicators and Bonuses.--''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ``subparagraph 
     (B)(ii)'' and inserting ``clauses (ii) and (iii) of 
     subparagraph (B)''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``With 
     respect'' and all that follows through the end of clause (i) 
     and inserting the following:

       ``(i) Performance measurement.--With respect to fiscal year 
     2005 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall 
     measure the performance of each State agency with respect to 
     the criteria established under subparagraph (A)(i).'';

       (II) in clause (ii), by striking ``(ii) subject to 
     paragraph (3),'' and inserting the following:

       ``(ii) Performance bonuses for fiscal years 2005 through 
     2017.--With respect to each of fiscal years 2005 through 
     2017, subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary shall''; and

       (III) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(iii) Performance bonuses for fiscal years 2018 and 
     thereafter.--

       ``(I) In general.--With respect to fiscal year 2018 and 
     each fiscal year thereafter, subject to subclause (II) and 
     paragraph (3), the Secretary shall award performance bonus 
     payments in the following fiscal year, in a total amount of 
     $6,000,000 for each fiscal year, to State agencies that meet 
     standards for high or most improved performance established 
     by the Secretary under subparagraph (A)(ii) for the measure 
     of application processing timeliness.
       ``(II) Performance bonus payments for fiscal year 2018 
     performance.--The Secretary shall award performance bonus 
     payments in a total amount of $6,000,000 to State agencies in 
     fiscal year 2019 for fiscal year 2018 performance, in 
     accordance with subclause (I).''.

       (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 16(i)(1) of the Food and 
     Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(i)(1)) is amended by 
     striking ``(as defined in subsection (d)(1))''.

     SEC. 4111. REQUIREMENT OF LIVE-PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENTS FOR 
                   CERTAIN PILOT PROJECTS RELATING TO COST SHARING 
                   FOR COMPUTERIZATION.

       Section 16(g)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2025(g)(1)) (as amended by section 4110(a)(2)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (F), by redesignating clauses (i) and 
     (ii) as subclauses (I) and (II), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (G) as 
     clauses (i) through (vii), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (3) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so 
     redesignated)--
       (A) by striking ``paragraphs (2) and (3)'' and inserting 
     ``paragraph (2)''; and
       (B) by striking ``in the planning'' and inserting the 
     following: ``in the--
       ``(A) planning'';
       (4) in clause (v) (as so redesignated) of subparagraph (A) 
     (as so designated), by striking ``implementation, including 
     through pilot projects in limited areas for major systems 
     changes as determined under rules promulgated by the 
     Secretary, data from which'' and inserting the following: 
     ``implementation, including a requirement that--

       ``(I) such testing shall be accomplished through pilot 
     projects in limited areas for major systems changes (as 
     determined under rules promulgated by the Secretary);
       ``(II) each pilot project described in subclause (I) that 
     is carried out before the implementation of a system shall be 
     conducted in a live-production environment; and
       ``(III) the data resulting from each pilot project carried 
     out under this clause''; and

       (5) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) operation of 1 or more automatic data processing and 
     information retrieval systems that the Secretary determines 
     may continue to be operated in accordance with clauses (i) 
     through (vii) of subparagraph (A).''.

     SEC. 4112. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 18(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2027(a)(1)) is amended in the first sentence by 
     striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 4113. ASSISTANCE FOR COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECTS.

       Section 25(b)(2) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2034(b)(2)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``fiscal year 2015 and 
     each fiscal year thereafter.'' and inserting ``each of fiscal 
     years 2015 through 2018; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year 
     thereafter.''.

     SEC. 4114. NUTRITION EDUCATION STATE PLANS.

       Section 28(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2036a(c)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
     ``Except as provided in subparagraph (C), a'' and inserting 
     ``A'';
       (ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (iii) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (iv); and
       (iv) by inserting after clause (ii) the following:
       ``(iii) describe how the State agency shall use an 
     electronic reporting system that measures and evaluates the 
     projects; and''; and
       (B) by striking subparagraph (C);
       (2) in paragraph (3)(B), in the matter preceding clause 
     (i), by inserting ``, the Director of the National Institute 
     of Food and Agriculture,'' before ``and outside 
     stakeholders'';
       (3) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``the expanded food and 
     nutrition education program or'' before ``other health 
     promotion''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) Report.--The State agency shall submit to the 
     Secretary an annual evaluation report in accordance with 
     regulations issued by the Secretary.''.

     SEC. 4115. EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

       (a) State Plan.--Section 202A(b) of the Emergency Food 
     Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7503(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) at the option of the State agency, describe a plan of 
     operation for 1 or more projects in partnership with 1 or 
     more emergency feeding organizations located in the State to 
     harvest, process, and package donated commodities received 
     under section 203D(d); and
       ``(6) describe a plan, which may include the use of a State 
     advisory board established under subsection (c), that 
     provides emergency feeding organizations or eligible 
     recipient agencies within the State an opportunity to provide 
     input on the commodity preferences and needs of the emergency 
     feeding organization or eligible recipient agency.''.
       (b) State and Local Supplementation of Commodities.--
     Section 203D of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 
     U.S.C. 7507) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Projects to Harvest, Process, and Package Donated 
     Commodities.--
       ``(1) Definition of project.--In this subsection, the term 
     `project' means the harvesting, processing, or packaging of 
     unharvested, unprocessed, or unpackaged commodities donated 
     by agricultural producers, processors, or distributors for 
     use by emergency feeding organizations under subsection (a).
       ``(2) Federal funding for projects.--

[[Page S4557]]

       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C) and 
     paragraph (3), using funds made available under paragraph 
     (5), the Secretary may provide funding to States to pay for 
     the costs of carrying out a project.
       ``(B) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost of a 
     project under subparagraph (A) shall not exceed 50 percent of 
     the total cost of the project.
       ``(C) Allocation.--
       ``(i) In general.--Each fiscal year, the Secretary shall 
     allocate to States that have submitted under section 
     202A(b)(5) a State plan describing a plan of operation for a 
     project the funds made available under subparagraph (A) based 
     on a formula determined by the Secretary.
       ``(ii) Reallocation.--If the Secretary determines that a 
     State will not expend all of the funds allocated to the State 
     for a fiscal year under clause (i), the Secretary shall 
     reallocate the unexpended funds to other States that have 
     submitted under section 202A(b)(5) a State plan describing a 
     plan of operation for a project during that fiscal year or 
     the subsequent fiscal year, as the Secretary determines 
     appropriate.
       ``(iii) Reports.--Each State to which funds are allocated 
     for a fiscal year under this subparagraph shall, on a regular 
     basis, submit to the Secretary financial reports describing 
     the use of the funds.
       ``(3) Project purposes.--A State may only use Federal funds 
     received under paragraph (2) for a project the purposes of 
     which are--
       ``(A) to reduce food waste at the agricultural production, 
     processing, or distribution level through the donation of 
     food;
       ``(B) to provide food to individuals in need; and
       ``(C) to build relationships between agricultural 
     producers, processors, and distributors and emergency feeding 
     organizations through the donation of food.
       ``(4) Cooperative agreements.--The Secretary may encourage 
     a State agency that carries out a project using Federal funds 
     received under paragraph (2) to enter into cooperative 
     agreements with State agencies of other States under section 
     203B(d) to maximize the use of commodities donated under the 
     project.
       ``(5) Funding.--Out of funds not otherwise appropriated, 
     the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary 
     to carry out this subsection $4,000,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2019 through 2023, to remain available until the end of 
     the subsequent fiscal year.''.
       (c) Food Waste.--Section 203D of the Emergency Food 
     Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7507) (as amended by 
     subsection (b)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(e) Food Waste.--The Secretary shall issue guidance 
     outlining best practices to minimize the food waste of the 
     commodities donated under subsection (a).''.
       (d) Emergency Food Program Infrastructure Grants.--Section 
     209(d) of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 
     7511a(d)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.
       (e) Availability of Commodities for the Emergency Food 
     Assistance Program.--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''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023'';
       (B) in subparagraph (D)--
       (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
     ``2018'' and inserting ``2023'';
       (ii) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (iii) in clause (iv), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (iv) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(v) for fiscal year 2019, $23,000,000;
       ``(vi) for fiscal year 2020, $35,000,000;
       ``(vii) for fiscal year 2021, $35,000,000;
       ``(viii) for fiscal year 2022, $35,000,000; and
       ``(ix) for fiscal year 2023, $35,000,000; and''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (E)--
       (i) by striking ``2019'' and inserting ``2024'';
       (ii) by striking ``(D)(iv)'' and inserting ``(D)(ix)''; and
       (iii) by striking ``June 30, 2017'' and inserting ``June 
     30, 2023''.

     SEC. 4116. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2012) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (d), by striking ``7(i)'' and inserting 
     ``7(h)'';
       (2) in subsection (i), by striking ``7(i)'' and inserting 
     ``7(h)''; and
       (3) in subsection (o)(1)(A), by striking ``(r)(1)'' and 
     inserting ``(q)(1)''.
       (b) Section 5(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2014(a)) is amended by striking ``3(n)(4)'' each place 
     it appears and inserting ``3(m)(4)''.
       (c) Section 8 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2017) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``3(n)(5)'' and 
     inserting ``3(m)(5)''; and
       (2) in subsection (f)(1)(A), by striking ``3(n)(5)'' and 
     inserting ``3(m)(5)''.
       (d) Section 9(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2018(c)) is amended in the third sentence by striking 
     ``to any used by'' and inserting ``to, and used by,''.
       (e) Section 10 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2019) is amended in the first sentence--
       (1) by striking ``or the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance 
     Corporation'' each place it appears; and
       (2) by striking ``3(p)(4)'' and inserting ``3(o)(4)''.
       (f) Section 11 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2020) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``3(t)(1)'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``3(s)(1)''; and
       (2) by striking ``3(t)(2)'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``3(s)(2)''.
       (g) Section 18(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2027(e)) is amended in the first sentence by striking 
     ``7(f)'' and inserting ``7(e)''.
       (h) Section 25(a)(1)(B)(i)(I) of the Food and Nutrition Act 
     of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2034(a)(1)(B)(i)(I)) is amended by striking 
     ``service;;'' and inserting ``service;''.

              Subtitle B--Commodity Distribution Programs

     SEC. 4201. COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM.

       Section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act 
     of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93-86) is amended in 
     the first sentence by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.

     SEC. 4202. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM.

       Section 5 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 
     1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note; Public Law 93-86) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)(B), in the matter preceding clause 
     (i), by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023'';
       (2) in subsection (d)(2), in the first sentence, by 
     striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''; and
       (3) in subsection (g)--
       (A) by striking ``Except'' and inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--Except''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Certification.--
       ``(A) Definition of certification period.--In this 
     paragraph, the term `certification period' means the period 
     during which a participant in the commodity supplemental food 
     program in a State may continue to receive benefits under the 
     commodity supplemental food program without a formal review 
     of the eligibility of the participant.
       ``(B) Minimum certification period.--Subject to 
     subparagraphs (C) and (D), a State shall establish for the 
     commodity supplemental food program of the State a 
     certification period of--
       ``(i) not less than 1 year; but
       ``(ii) not more than 3 years.
       ``(C) Temporary certification.--An eligible individual in 
     the commodity supplemental food program in a State may be 
     provided with a temporary monthly certification to fill any 
     caseload slot resulting from nonparticipation by other 
     certified participants.
       ``(D) Approvals.--A certification period of more than 1 
     year established by a State under subparagraph (B) shall be 
     subject to the approval of the Secretary, who shall approve 
     such a certification period on the condition that, with 
     respect to each participant receiving benefits under the 
     commodity supplemental food program of the State, the local 
     agency in the State administering the commodity supplemental 
     food program, on an annual basis during the certification 
     period applicable to the participant--
       ``(i) verifies the address and continued interest of the 
     participant; and
       ``(ii) has sufficient reason to determine that the 
     participant still meets the income eligibility standards 
     under paragraph (1), which may include a determination that 
     the participant has a fixed income.''.

     SEC. 4203. DISTRIBUTION OF SURPLUS COMMODITIES; 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 in the first 
     sentence by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

                       Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

     SEC. 4301. PURCHASE OF SPECIALTY CROPS.

       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. 4302. 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. 4303. THE GUS SCHUMACHER FOOD INSECURITY NUTRITION 
                   INCENTIVE.

       Section 4405 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
     2008 (7 U.S.C. 7517) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``food'' and 
     inserting ``the gus schumacher food'';
       (2) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph 
     (A), by striking ``means'' and all that follows through the 
     end of subparagraph (L) and inserting ``means a governmental 
     agency or nonprofit organization.''; and
       (B) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     and'';
       (ii) by striking ``means the'' and inserting the following: 
     ``means--
       ``(A) the''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) the programs for nutrition assistance under section 
     19 of that Act (7 U.S.C. 2028).'';
       (3) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as 
     subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively;

[[Page S4558]]

       (ii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
       ``(B) Partners and collaborators.--An eligible entity that 
     receives a grant under this subsection may partner with, or 
     make subgrants to, public, private, nonprofit, or for-profit 
     entities, including--
       ``(i) an emergency feeding organization;
       ``(ii) an agricultural cooperative;
       ``(iii) a producer network or association;
       ``(iv) a community health organization;
       ``(v) a public benefit corporation;
       ``(vi) an economic development corporation;
       ``(vii) a farmers' market;
       ``(viii) a community-supported agriculture program;
       ``(ix) a buying club;
       ``(x) a retail food store participating in the supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program;
       ``(xi) a State, local, or tribal agency;
       ``(xii) another eligible entity that receives a grant; and
       ``(xiii) any other entity the Secretary designates.'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``The'' and inserting ``Except as provided in subparagraph 
     (D)(iii), the''; and
       (iv) in subparagraph (D) (as so redesignated), by adding at 
     the end the following:
       ``(iii) Tribal agencies.--The Secretary may allow a tribal 
     agency to use funds provided to the Indian Tribe of the 
     tribal agency through a Federal agency (including the Indian 
     Health Service) or other Federal benefit to satisfy all or 
     part of the non-Federal share described in clause (i), if 
     such use is otherwise consistent with the purpose of such 
     funds.'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``For 
     purposes of'' and all that follows through ``that'' and 
     inserting ``To receive a grant under this subsection, an 
     eligible entity shall'';
       (II) in clause (i), by striking ``meets'' and inserting 
     ``meet''; and
       (III) in clause (ii)--

       (aa) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking 
     ``proposes'' and inserting ``propose'';
       (bb) by striking subclauses (II) and (III) and inserting 
     the following:

       ``(II) would increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables 
     by low-income consumers participating in the supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program by providing an incentive for 
     the purchase of fruits and vegetables at the point of 
     purchase to a household purchasing food with supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program benefits;
       ``(III) except in the case of projects receiving $100,000 
     or less over 1 year, would measure the purchase of fruits and 
     vegetables by low-income consumers participating in the 
     supplemental nutrition assistance program;'';

       (cc) in subclause (IV), by striking ``and'' at the end; and
       (dd) by striking subclause (V) and inserting the following:

       ``(V) has adequate plans to collect data for reporting and 
     agrees to provide that information for the report described 
     in paragraph (5); and
       ``(VI) would share information with the Training and 
     Technical Assistance Centers and the Information and 
     Evaluation Centers (as those terms are defined in paragraph 
     (4)) for the purposes described in that paragraph.''; and

       (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) by striking clause (v);
       (II) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (x); and
       (III) by inserting after clause (iv) the following:

       ``(v) include a program design--

       ``(I) that provides incentives when fruits or vegetables 
     are purchased using supplemental nutrition assistance program 
     benefits; and
       ``(II) in which the incentives earned may be used only to 
     purchase fruits or vegetables;

       ``(vi) have demonstrated the ability to provide services to 
     underserved communities;
       ``(vii) include coordination with multiple stakeholders, 
     such as farm organizations, nutrition education programs, 
     cooperative extension services, public health departments, 
     health providers, private and public health insurance 
     agencies, cooperative grocers, grocery associations, and 
     community-based and nongovernmental organizations;
       ``(viii) offer supplemental services in high-need 
     communities, including online ordering, transportation 
     between home and store, and delivery services;
       ``(ix) include food retailers that are open--

       ``(I) for extended hours; and
       ``(II) most or all days of the year; or''; and

       (C) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
       ``(4) Training and technical assistance centers; 
     information and evaluation centers.--
       ``(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
       ``(i) Information and evaluation center.--The term 
     `Information and Evaluation Center' means any of the 
     information and evaluation centers established under 
     subparagraph (B)(i)(II).
       ``(ii) Training and technical assistance center.--The term 
     `Training and Technical Assistance Center' means any of the 
     training and technical assistance centers established under 
     subparagraph (B)(i)(I).
       ``(B) Establishment.--
       ``(i) In general.--To provide services to eligible entities 
     applying for or receiving a grant under this subsection or to 
     partners or collaborators applying for or receiving a 
     subgrant under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall 
     establish, in accordance with clause (ii)--

       ``(I) 1 or more training and technical centers, each of 
     which shall be known as a `Food Insecurity Nutrition 
     Incentive Program Training and Technical Assistance Center'; 
     and
       ``(II) 1 or more information and evaluation centers, each 
     of which shall be known as a `Food Insecurity Nutrition 
     Incentive Program Information and Evaluation Center'.

       ``(ii) Criteria.--

       ``(I) In general.--The Secretary shall establish the 
     Training and Technical Assistance Centers and the Information 
     and Evaluation Centers under clause (i) by designating as a 
     Training and Technical Assistance Center or an Information or 
     Evaluation Center, as applicable, 1 or more entities that 
     meet the criteria described in subclause (II) or (III), as 
     applicable.
       ``(II) Training and technical assistance centers.--To be 
     eligible to be designated as a Training and Technical 
     Assistance Center--

       ``(aa) an entity shall--
       ``(AA) have the capacity to effectively implement and track 
     outreach, training, and coordination functions;
       ``(BB) be able to produce instructional materials that can 
     easily be replicated and distributed through multiple 
     formats;
       ``(CC) have working relationships with nonprofit and 
     private organizations, State and local governments, and 
     tribal organizations (as defined in section 4 of the Indian 
     Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
     5304));
       ``(DD) have the ability to work in underserved or rural 
     communities; and
       ``(EE) have an organizational mission aligned with the 
     needs of eligible entities receiving grants under this 
     subsection; or
       ``(bb) for purposes of carrying out subclauses (VII) and 
     (VIII) of subparagraph (C)(i), an entity shall--
       ``(AA) have experience developing or supporting the 
     development of point of sale technology; and
       ``(BB) meet any other criteria, as determined by the 
     Secretary, to effectively carry out subclauses (VII) and 
     (VIII) of subparagraph (C)(i).

       ``(III) Information and evaluation centers.--To be eligible 
     to be designated as an Information and Evaluation Center, an 
     entity shall--

       ``(aa) have experience designing, creating, and maintaining 
     an online, publicly searchable reporting and informational 
     clearinghouse; and
       ``(bb) be able to conduct systematic analysis of the 
     impacts and outcomes of projects using a grant under this 
     subsection.
       ``(C) Services.--
       ``(i) Training and technical assistance centers.--The 
     Training and Technical Assistance Centers shall provide 
     services that include--

       ``(I) assisting eligible entities applying for a grant or 
     partners or collaborators applying for a subgrant under this 
     subsection in--

       ``(aa) assessing the food system in the geographical area 
     of the eligible entity; and
       ``(bb) designing a proposed project;

       ``(II) collecting and providing to eligible entities 
     applying for or receiving a grant or to partners or 
     collaborators applying for or receiving a subgrant under this 
     subsection information on best practices from existing 
     projects, including best practices regarding communications, 
     signage, record-keeping, incentive instruments, integration 
     with point of sale systems, and reporting;
       ``(III) disseminating information and facilitating 
     communication among eligible entities receiving a grant or 
     partners or collaborators receiving a subgrant under this 
     subsection;
       ``(IV)(aa) identifying common challenges faced by eligible 
     entities receiving a grant or partners or collaborators 
     receiving a subgrant under this subsection; and
       ``(bb) coordinating the work towards solutions to those 
     challenges;
       ``(V) communicating with farms, direct to consumer markets, 
     and grocery organizations to share information and partner on 
     projects using a grant or subgrant under this subsection;
       ``(VI) assisting with collaboration among eligible entities 
     receiving a grant or partners or collaborators receiving a 
     subgrant under this subsection, State agencies, and the Food 
     and Nutrition Service;
       ``(VII) identifying and providing to eligible entities 
     applying for or receiving a grant or partners or 
     collaborators applying for or receiving a subgrant under this 
     subsection information on point of sale technology that could 
     reduce cost and increase efficiency of supplemental nutrition 
     assistance program and incentive transaction processing at 
     participating authorized retailers;
       ``(VIII) supporting the development of the technology 
     described in clause (VII); and
       ``(IX) other services identified by the Secretary.

       ``(ii) Information and evaluation centers.--The Information 
     and Evaluation Centers shall provide services that include--

       ``(I) using standard metrics based on outcome measures used 
     for existing projects, and in collaboration with the Director 
     of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the 
     Administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service, creating a 
     system to collect

[[Page S4559]]

     and compile core data sets from eligible entities receiving a 
     grant and partners or collaborators receiving a subgrant, as 
     appropriate, under this subsection;
       ``(II) beginning with fiscal year 2020, preparing an annual 
     report with summary data and an evaluation of each project 
     receiving a grant under this subsection during the fiscal 
     year preceding the report, that includes the amount of grant 
     funds used for the project and the measurement of the 
     outcomes of the project, for submission to the Secretary; and
       ``(III) other services identified by the Secretary.

       ``(D) Grants and cooperative agreements.--In carrying out 
     this paragraph, the Secretary, on a competitive basis, shall 
     make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with--
       ``(i) State cooperative extension services;
       ``(ii) nongovernmental organizations;
       ``(iii) Federal, State, or tribal agencies;
       ``(iv) 2-year and 4-year degree-granting institutions of 
     higher education (as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))) and land-grant 
     colleges and universities (as defined in section 1404 of the 
     National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)); and
       ``(v) other appropriate partners, as determined by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(5) Annual evaluation and report.--
       ``(A) In general.--Annually beginning with fiscal year 
     2020, the Secretary shall conduct, and submit to Congress an 
     evaluation of each project receiving a grant under this 
     subsection, including--
       ``(i) the results of the project;
       ``(ii) the amount of grant funds used for the project; and
       ``(iii) a measurement of the outcomes of the project.
       ``(B) Requirement.--The evaluation conducted under 
     subparagraph (A) shall be based on uniform data provided by 
     eligible entities receiving a grant under this subsection.
       ``(C) Public availability.--The Secretary shall make the 
     evaluation conducted under subparagraph (A), including the 
     data provided by eligible entities under subparagraph (B), 
     publicly available online in an anonymized format that 
     protects confidential, personal, or other sensitive data.
       ``(D) Reporting mechanism.--The Secretary shall, to the 
     maximum extent practicable, include eligible entities 
     receiving a grant under this subsection, grocers, farmers, 
     health professionals, researchers, and employees of the 
     Department of Agriculture with direct experience with 
     implementation of the supplemental nutrition assistance 
     program in the design of--
       ``(i) the instrument through which data will be collected 
     from eligible entities under subparagraph (B); and
       ``(ii) the mechanism for reporting by eligible entities.''; 
     and
       (4) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (2) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(2) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity 
     Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out 
     subsection (b) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each 
     fiscal year thereafter.
       ``(3) Costs.--Of the funds made available under paragraph 
     (2) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall allocate not more 
     than 15 percent--
       ``(A) to carry out paragraphs (4) and (5) of subsection 
     (b); and
       ``(B) to pay for the administrative costs of carrying out 
     this section.''.

     SEC. 4304. HARVESTING HEALTH PILOT PROJECTS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
       (A) a nonprofit organization; or
       (B) a State or unit of local government.
       (2) Healthcare partner.--The term ``healthcare partner'' 
     means a healthcare provider, including--
       (A) a hospital;
       (B) a Federally-qualified health center (as defined in 
     section 1905(l) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
     1396d(l)));
       (C) a hospital or clinic operated by the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs; or
       (D) a health care provider group.
       (3) Member.--
       (A) In general.--The term ``member'' means, as determined 
     by the applicable eligible entity or healthcare partner 
     carrying out a pilot project in accordance with procedures 
     established by the Secretary--
       (i) an individual eligible for--

       (I) benefits under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); or
       (II) medical assistance under a State plan or a waiver of 
     such a plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 
     U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) and enrolled under such plan or waiver; 
     and

       (ii) a member of a low-income household that suffers from, 
     or is at risk of developing, a diet-related health condition.
       (B) Scope of eligibility determinations.--A determination 
     by an eligible entity or healthcare partner that an 
     individual is a member for purposes of subparagraph (A) shall 
     not--
       (i) constitute a determination that the individual is 
     eligible for benefits or assistance under title XIX of the 
     Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) or the Food and 
     Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), as applicable; 
     or
       (ii) be a factor in determining whether the individual is 
     eligible for such benefits or assistance.
       (4) Pilot project.--The term ``pilot project'' means a 
     pilot project that is awarded a grant under subsection 
     (b)(1).
       (5) Produce prescription program.--The term ``produce 
     prescription program'' means a program that--
       (A) prescribes fresh fruits and vegetables to members;
       (B) may provide--
       (i) financial or non-financial incentives for members to 
     purchase or procure fresh fruits and vegetables; and
       (ii) educational resources on nutrition to members; and
       (C) may establish additional accessible locations for 
     members to procure fresh fruits and vegetables.
       (b) Grant Program.--
       (1) Establishment.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a grant 
     program under which the Secretary shall award grants to 
     eligible entities to conduct pilot projects that demonstrate 
     and evaluate the impact of a produce prescription program 
     on--
       (i) the improvement of dietary health through increased 
     consumption of fruits and vegetables;
       (ii) the reduction of individual and household food 
     insecurity; and
       (iii) the reduction in health care use and associated 
     costs.
       (B) Healthcare partners.--In carrying out a pilot project 
     using a grant received under subparagraph (A), an eligible 
     entity shall partner with 1 or more healthcare partners.
       (C) Grant applications.--
       (i) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     subparagraph (A), an eligible entity shall submit to the 
     Secretary an application containing such information as the 
     Secretary may require, including the information described in 
     clause (ii).
       (ii) Application.--An application under clause (i) shall--

       (I) identify the 1 or more healthcare partners with which 
     the eligible entity is partnering under subparagraph (B); and
       (II) include--

       (aa) a description of the methods by which an eligible 
     entity shall--
       (AA) screen and verify eligibility for members for 
     participation in a produce prescription program, in 
     accordance with procedures established under subsection 
     (a)(3)(A);
       (BB) implement an effective produce prescription program, 
     including the role of each healthcare partner in implementing 
     the produce prescription program;
       (CC) evaluate members participating in a produce 
     prescription program with respect to the issues described in 
     clauses (i) through (iii) of subparagraph (A);
       (DD) provide educational opportunities relating to 
     nutrition to members participating in a produce prescription 
     program; and
       (EE) inform members of the availability of the produce 
     prescription pilot project;
       (bb) a description of any additional nonprofit or emergency 
     feeding organizations that shall be involved in the pilot 
     project and the role of each additional nonprofit or 
     emergency feeding organization in implementing and evaluating 
     an effective produce prescription program;
       (cc) documentation of a partnership agreement with a 
     relevant State Medicaid agency or other appropriate entity, 
     as determined by the Secretary, to evaluate the effectiveness 
     of a produce prescription program in reducing health care use 
     and associated costs; and
       (dd) any other data necessary to analyze the impact of a 
     produce prescription program, as determined by the Secretary.
       (2) Coordination.--In carrying out the grant program 
     established under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall 
     coordinate with the Secretary of Health and Human Services 
     and the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies that 
     carry out activities relating to healthcare partners.
       (3) Partnerships.--
       (A) In general.--In carrying out the grant program under 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary may enter into 1 or more 
     memoranda of understanding with a Federal agency, a State, or 
     a private partner to ensure the effective implementation and 
     evaluation of each pilot project.
       (B) Memorandum of understanding.--A memorandum of 
     understanding entered into under subparagraph (A) shall 
     include--
       (i) a description of a plan to provide educational 
     opportunities relating to nutrition to members participating 
     in the produce prescription program;
       (ii) a description of the role of the Federal agency, 
     State, or private partner, as applicable, in implementing and 
     evaluating an effective produce prescription program;
       (iii) documentation of a partnership agreement with a 
     relevant State Medicaid agency or other appropriate entity, 
     as determined by the Secretary, to evaluate the effectiveness 
     of the produce prescription program in reducing health care 
     use and associated costs; and
       (iv) any other data necessary to analyze the impact of the 
     produce prescription program, as determined by the Secretary.
       (c) Funding.--
       (1) In general.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
     Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this 
     section $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 
     2023, to remain available until expended.
       (2) Costs.--The Secretary may use not greater than 10 
     percent of the amounts provided under paragraph (1) to pay 
     for the

[[Page S4560]]

     costs of administering, monitoring, and evaluating each pilot 
     project.

                            TITLE V--CREDIT

                    Subtitle A--Farm Ownership Loans

     SEC. 5101. MODIFICATION OF THE 3-YEAR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT 
                   FOR PURPOSES OF ELIGIBILITY FOR FARM OWNERSHIP 
                   LOANS.

       (a) In General.--Section 302(b) of the Consolidated Farm 
     and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph 
     (A)--
       (A) by striking ``(3)'' and inserting ``(5)''; and
       (B) by inserting ``(not exceeding 2 years)'' after ``period 
     of time'';
       (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
     (4) and (5), respectively; and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) Other acceptable experience.--In determining whether 
     a farmer or rancher has other acceptable experience under 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary may count any of--
       ``(A) not less than 16 hours of post-secondary education in 
     a field related to agriculture;
       ``(B) successful completion of a farm management curriculum 
     offered by a cooperative extension service, a community 
     college, an adult vocational agriculture program, a non-
     profit organization, or a land-grant college or university;
       ``(C) an honorable discharge from the armed forces of the 
     United States;
       ``(D) successful repayment of a youth loan made under 
     section 311(b);
       ``(E) at least 1 year as hired farm labor with substantial 
     management responsibilities;
       ``(F) successful completion of a farm mentorship, 
     apprenticeship, or internship program with an emphasis on 
     management requirements and day-to-day farm management 
     decisions; and
       ``(G) an established relationship with an individual 
     participating as a counselor who has experience in farming or 
     ranching or is a retired farmer or rancher 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.
       ``(3) Deeming rule.--For purposes of paragraph (1), a 
     farmer or rancher is deemed to have participated in the 
     business operations of a farm or ranch for not less than 3 
     years or have other acceptable experience for a period of 
     time, as determined by the Secretary, if the farmer or 
     rancher meets the requirements of subparagraphs (E) and (G) 
     of paragraph (2).''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 310D(a)(2) of the 
     Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1934(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``paragraphs (2) through 
     (4) of section 302'' and inserting ``subparagraphs (A) 
     through (D) of section 302(a)(1)''.

     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 by striking 
     ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 5103. LIMITATIONS ON AMOUNT OF FARM OWNERSHIP LOANS.

       Section 305 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 1925) is amended in subsection (a), by striking 
     ``smaller of'' and all that follows through the period at the 
     end and inserting the following: ``lesser of--
       ``(1) the value of the farm or other security; and
       ``(2) in the case of--
       ``(A) a loan other than a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, 
     $600,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023; or
       ``(B) a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, subject to 
     subsection (c), $1,750,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 
     through 2023.''.

                      Subtitle B--Operating Loans

     SEC. 5201. LIMITATIONS ON AMOUNT OF OPERATING LOANS.

       Section 313 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 1943) is amended in subsection (a)(1), by 
     striking ``to exceed'' and all that follows through 
     ``Secretary);'' and inserting the following: ``to exceed, in 
     the case of--
       ``(A) a loan other than a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, 
     $400,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023; or
       ``(B) a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, subject to 
     subsection (c), $1,750,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 
     through 2023;''.

     SEC. 5202. COOPERATIVE LENDING PILOT PROJECTS.

       Section 313(c)(4)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
     Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1943(c)(4)(A)) is amended by 
     striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

                 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--
       (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``$4,226,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2018'' 
     and inserting ``$12,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 
     through 2023''; and
       (2) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) $4,000,000,000 shall be for direct loans, of which--
       ``(i) $2,000,000,000 shall be for farm ownership loans 
     under subtitle A; and
       ``(ii) $2,000,000,000 shall be for operating loans under 
     subtitle B; and
       ``(B) $8,000,000,000 shall be for guaranteed loans, of 
     which--
       ``(i) $4,000,000,000 shall be for farm ownership loans 
     under subtitle A; and
       ``(ii) $4,000,000,000 shall be for operating loans under 
     subtitle B.''.

     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''.

     SEC. 5304. EQUITABLE RELIEF.

       The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is amended 
     by inserting after section 365 (7 U.S.C. 2008) the following:

     ``SEC. 366. EQUITABLE RELIEF.

       ``(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary 
     may provide a form of relief described in subsection (c) to 
     any farmer or rancher who--
       ``(1) received a direct farm ownership, operating, or 
     emergency loan under this title; and
       ``(2) the Secretary determines is not in compliance with 
     the requirements of this title with respect to the loan.
       ``(b) Limitation.--The Secretary may only provide relief to 
     a farm or rancher under subsection (a) if the Secretary 
     determines that the farmer or rancher--
       ``(1) acted in good faith; and
       ``(2) relied on an action of, or the advice of, the 
     Secretary (including any authorized representative of the 
     Secretary) to the detriment of the farming or ranching 
     operation of the farmer or rancher.
       ``(c) Forms of Relief.--The Secretary may provide to a 
     farmer or rancher under subsection (a) any of the following 
     forms of relief:
       ``(1) The farmer or rancher may retain loans or other 
     benefits received in association with the loan with respect 
     to which the farmer or rancher was determined to be 
     noncompliant under subsection (a)(2).
       ``(2) The farmer or rancher may receive such other 
     equitable relief as the Secretary determines to be 
     appropriate.
       ``(d) Condition.--As a condition of receiving relief under 
     this section, the Secretary may require the farmer or rancher 
     to take actions designed to remedy the noncompliance.
       ``(e) Administrative Appeal; Judicial Review.--A 
     determination or action of the Secretary under this section--
       ``(1) shall be final; and
       ``(2) shall not be subject to administrative appeal or 
     judicial review under chapter 7 of title 5, United States 
     Code.''.

     SEC. 5305. SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND RANCHERS; 
                   QUALIFIED BEGINNING FARMERS AND RANCHERS.

       The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is amended 
     by inserting after section 366 (as added by section 5304) the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 367. SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND RANCHERS; 
                   QUALIFIED BEGINNING FARMERS AND RANCHERS.

       ``In the case of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary under 
     subtitle A or B to a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher 
     (as defined in section 355(e)) or a qualified beginning 
     farmer or rancher, the Secretary shall--
       ``(1) waive the guarantee fee of 1.5 percent; and
       ``(2) provide for a standard guarantee plan, which shall 
     cover an amount equal to 95 percent of the outstanding 
     principal of the loan.''.

     SEC. 5306. EMERGENCY LOAN ELIGIBILITY.

       Section 373(b)(2)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
     Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008h(b)(2)(B)) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subclauses (I) 
     and (II), respectively, and indenting appropriately;
       (2) in the matter preceding subclause (I) (as so 
     redesignated), by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(i) In general.--The Secretary''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ii) Restructured loans.--For purposes of clause (i), a 
     borrower who was restructured with a write-down or 
     restructuring under section 353 shall not be considered to 
     have received debt forgiveness on a loan made or guaranteed 
     under this title.''.

                       Subtitle D--Miscellaneous

     SEC. 5401. STATE AGRICULTURAL MEDIATION PROGRAMS.

       (a) Issues Covered by State Mediation Programs.--Section 
     501(c) of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 
     5101(c)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``under 
     the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture'';
       (ii) in clause (ii), by inserting ``and the national 
     organic program established under the Organic Foods 
     Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.)'' before the 
     period at the end; and
       (iii) by striking clause (vii) and inserting the following:
       ``(vii) Lease issues, including land leases and equipment 
     leases.

[[Page S4561]]

       ``(viii) Family farm transition.
       ``(ix) Farmer-neighbor disputes.
       ``(x) Such other issues as the Secretary or the head of the 
     department of agriculture of each participating State 
     considers appropriate for better serving the agricultural 
     community and persons eligible for mediation.''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) Mediation services.--Funding provided for the 
     mediation program of a qualifying State may also be used to 
     provide credit counseling to persons described in paragraph 
     (2)--
       ``(i) prior to the initiation of any mediation involving 
     the Department of Agriculture; or
       ``(ii) unrelated to any ongoing dispute or mediation in 
     which the Department of Agriculture is a party.'';
       (2) in paragraph (2)(A)--
       (A) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (B) in clause (iii), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iv) any other persons involved in an issue described in 
     any of clauses (i) through (x) of paragraph (1)(B).''; and
       (3) in paragraph (3)(F), by striking ``that persons'' and 
     inserting the following: ``that--
       ``(i) the Department of Agriculture receives adequate 
     notification of those issues; and
       ``(ii) persons''.
       (b) Report Required.--Section 505 of the Agricultural 
     Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5105) is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``SEC. 505. REPORT.

       ``Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the 
     Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the Secretary shall 
     submit to Congress a report describing--
       ``(1) the effectiveness of the State mediation programs 
     receiving matching grants under this subtitle;
       ``(2) recommendations for improving the delivery of 
     mediation services to producers;
       ``(3) the steps being taken to ensure that State mediation 
     programs receive timely funding under this subtitle; and
       ``(4) the savings to the States as a result of having a 
     mediation program.''.
       (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 506 of the 
     Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5106) is amended by 
     striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 5402. SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND RANCHERS.

       (a) In General.--Section 4.19 of the Farm Credit Act of 
     1971 (12 U.S.C. 2207) is amended--
       (1) by striking the section designation and heading and 
     inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 4.19. YOUNG, BEGINNING, SMALL, AND SOCIALLY 
                   DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND RANCHERS.''; AND

       (2) in subsection (a), in the first sentence, by striking 
     ``ranchers.'' and inserting ``ranchers and socially 
     disadvantaged farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 
     2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
     of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))).''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 5.17(a)(3) of the Farm 
     Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2252(a)(3)) is amended, in the 
     second sentence, by striking ``ranchers.'' and inserting 
     ``ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers (as 
     defined in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, 
     Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e))).''.

     SEC. 5403. SHARING OF 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) Sharing of Privileged and Confidential Information.--
     A System institution shall not be considered to have waived 
     the confidentiality of a privileged communication with an 
     attorney or an accountant if the System 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. 5404. REMOVAL AND PROHIBITION AUTHORITY; INDUSTRY-WIDE 
                   PROHIBITION.

       Part C of title V of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 is amended 
     by inserting after section 5.29 (12 U.S.C. 2265) the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 5.29A. REMOVAL AND PROHIBITION AUTHORITY; INDUSTRY-
                   WIDE PROHIBITION.

       ``(a) Definition of Person.--In this section, the term 
     `person' means--
       ``(1) an individual; and
       ``(2) in the case of a specific determination by the Farm 
     Credit Administration, a legal entity.
       ``(b) Industry-wide Prohibition.--Except as provided in 
     subsection (c), any person who, pursuant to an order issued 
     under section 5.28 or 5.29, has been removed or suspended 
     from office at a System institution or prohibited from 
     participating in the conduct of the affairs of a System 
     institution shall not, during the period of effectiveness of 
     the order, continue or commence to hold any office in, or 
     participate in any manner in the conduct of the affairs of--
       ``(1) any insured depository institution subject to section 
     8(e)(7)(A)(i) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 
     1818(e)(7)(A)(i));
       ``(2) any institution subject to section 8(e)(7)(A)(ii) of 
     the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 
     1818(e)(7)(A)(ii));
       ``(3) any insured credit union under the Federal Credit 
     Union Act (12 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.);
       ``(4) any Federal home loan bank;
       ``(5) any institution chartered under this Act;
       ``(6) any appropriate Federal financial institutions 
     regulatory agency (as defined in section 8(e)(7)(D) of the 
     Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(7)(D)));
       ``(7) the Federal Housing Finance Agency; or
       ``(8) the Farm Credit Administration.
       ``(c) Exception for Institution-affiliated Party That 
     Receives Written Consent.--
       ``(1) In general.--
       ``(A) Affiliated parties.--If, on or after the date on 
     which an order described in subsection (b) is issued that 
     removes or suspends an institution-affiliated party from 
     office at a System institution or prohibits an institution-
     affiliated party from participating in the conduct of the 
     affairs of a System institution, that party receives written 
     consent described in subparagraph (B), subsection (b) shall 
     not apply to that party--
       ``(i) to the extent provided in the written consent 
     received; and
       ``(ii) with respect to the institution described in each 
     written consent.
       ``(B) Written consent described.--The written consent 
     referred to in subparagraph (A) is written consent received 
     from--
       ``(i) the Farm Credit Administration; and
       ``(ii) each appropriate Federal financial institutions 
     regulatory agency (as defined in section 8(e)(7)(D) of the 
     Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(7)(D))) of 
     the applicable institution described in any of paragraphs 
     (1), (2), (3), or (4) of subsection (b) with respect to which 
     the party proposes to be become an affiliated party.
       ``(2) Disclosure.--Any agency described in clause (i) or 
     (ii) of paragraph (1)(B) that provides a written consent 
     under that paragraph shall--
       ``(A) report the action to the Farm Credit Administration; 
     and
       ``(B) publicly disclose the action.
       ``(3) Consultation between agencies.--The agencies 
     described in clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (1)(B) shall 
     consult with each other before providing any written consent 
     under that paragraph.
       ``(d) Violations.--A violation of subsection (b) by any 
     person who is subject to an order described in that 
     subsection shall be treated as violation of that order.''.

     SEC. 5405. JURISDICTION OVER INSTITUTION-AFFILIATED PARTIES.

       Part C of title V of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 is amended 
     by inserting after section 5.31 (12 U.S.C. 2267) the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 5.31A. JURISDICTION OVER INSTITUTION-AFFILIATED 
                   PARTIES.

       ``(a) In General.--For purposes of sections 5.25, 5.26, and 
     5.32, 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) Effect of Separation on Jurisdiction and Authority.--
     Subject to subsection (c), 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 
     Farm Credit 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 that party.
       ``(c) Limitation.--To proceed against a party under 
     subsection (b), the notice or order described in that 
     subsection shall be served not later than 6 years after the 
     date on which the party ceased to be an institution-
     affiliated party with respect to the applicable Farm Credit 
     System institution.
       ``(d) Applicability.--The date on which a party ceases to 
     be an institution-affiliated party described in subsection 
     (c) may occur before, on, or after the date of enactment of 
     this section.''.

     SEC. 5406. DEFINITION OF INSTITUTION-AFFILIATED PARTY.

       Section 5.35 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2271) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
       ``(4) the term `institution-affiliated party' means--
       ``(A) a director, officer, employee, shareholder, or agent 
     of a System institution;
       ``(B) an independent contractor (including an attorney, 
     appraiser, or accountant) who knowingly or recklessly 
     participates in--
       ``(i) a violation of law (including regulations) that is 
     associated with the operations and activities of 1 or more 
     System institutions;
       ``(ii) a breach of fiduciary duty; or
       ``(iii) an unsafe practice that causes or is likely to 
     cause more than a minimum 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. 5407. REPEAL OF OBSOLETE PROVISIONS; TECHNICAL 
                   CORRECTIONS.

       (1) Section 1.1(c) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2001(c)) is amended in the first sentence by striking 
     ``including any costs of defeasance under section 4.8(b),''.

[[Page S4562]]

       (2) Section 1.2 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2002) is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) Composition.--The Farm Credit System shall include 
     the Farm Credit Banks, the bank 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, 
     and such other institutions as may be made a part of the Farm 
     Credit System, all of which shall be chartered by and subject 
     to regulation by the Farm Credit Administration.''.
       (3) Section 2.4 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2075) is amended by striking subsection (d).
       (4) Section 3.0(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2121(a)) is amended--
       (A) in the third sentence, by striking ``and a Central Bank 
     for Cooperatives''; and
       (B) by striking the fifth sentence.
       (5) Section 3.2 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2123) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a)--
       (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``not merged into the 
     United Bank for Cooperatives or the National Bank for 
     Cooperatives''; and
       (ii) in paragraph (2)(A), in the matter preceding clause 
     (i), by striking ``(other than the National Bank for 
     Cooperatives)'';
       (B) by striking subsection (b);
       (C) in subsection (a)--
       (i) by striking ``(a)(1) Each bank'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) In General.--Each bank''; and
       (ii) by striking ``(2)(A) If approved'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(b) Nomination and Election.--
       ``(1) In general.--If approved'';
       (D) in subsection (b)(1) (as so designated)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``(B) The total'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(2) Number of votes.--The total''; and
       (ii) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subparagraphs 
     (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting appropriately; and
       (E) in paragraph (2) (as so designated), by striking 
     ``paragraph'' and inserting ``subsection''.
       (6) Section 3.5 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2126) is amended in the third sentence by striking 
     ``district''.
       (7) Section 3.7(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2128(a)) is amended by striking the second sentence.
       (8) Section 3.8(b)(1)(A) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2129(b)(1)(A)) is amended by inserting ``(or any 
     successor agency)'' after ``Rural Electrification 
     Administration''.
       (9) Section 3.9(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2130(a)) is amended by striking the third sentence.
       (10) Section 3.10 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2131) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (c), by striking the second sentence; and
       (B) in subsection (d)--
       (i) by striking ``district'' each place it appears; and
       (ii) by inserting ``for cooperatives (or any successor 
     bank)'' before ``on account''.
       (11) Section 3.11 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2132) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a), in the first sentence, by striking 
     ``subsections (b) and (c) of this section'' and inserting 
     ``subsection (b)'';
       (B) in subsection (b)--
       (i) in the first sentence, by striking ``district''; and
       (ii) in the second sentence, by striking ``Except as 
     provided in subsection (c) below, all'' and inserting 
     ``All'';
       (C) by striking subsection (c); and
       (D) by redesignating subsections (d) through (f) as 
     subsections (c) through (e), respectively.
       (12) Part B of title III of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2141 et seq.) is amended in the part heading by 
     striking ``United and''.
       (13) Section 3.20 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2141) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``or the United Bank for 
     Cooperatives, as the case may be''; and
       (B) in subsection (b), by striking ``the district banks for 
     cooperatives and the Central Bank for Cooperatives'' and 
     inserting ``the constituent banks described in section 413(b) 
     of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (12 U.S.C. 2121 note; 
     Public Law 100-233)''.
       (14) Section 3.21 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2142) is repealed.
       (15) Section 3.28 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2149) is amended by striking ``a district bank for 
     cooperatives and the Central Bank for Cooperatives'' and 
     inserting ``the constituent banks described in section 413(b) 
     of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (12 U.S.C. 2121 note; 
     Public Law 100-233)''.
       (16) Section 3.29 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2149a) is repealed.
       (17) Section 4.0 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2151) is repealed.
       (18) Section 4.8 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2159) is amended--
       (A) by striking the section designation and heading and all 
     that follows through ``Each bank'' in subsection (a) and 
     inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 4.8. PURCHASE AND SALE OF OBLIGATIONS.

       ``Each bank''; and
       (B) by striking subsection (b).
       (19) Section 4.9 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2160) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (d)--
       (i) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
       ``(3) Representation of board.--The Farm Credit System 
     Insurance Corporation shall not have representation on the 
     board of directors of the Corporation.'';
       (ii) in the undesignated matter following paragraph (1)(D), 
     by striking ``In selecting'' and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Considerations.--In selecting''; and
       (iii) in paragraph (2) (as so designated), by inserting 
     ``of paragraph (1)'' after ``(A) and (B)'';
       (B) by striking subsection (e); and
       (C) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (e).
       (20) Section 4.9A(c) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2162(c)) is amended--
       (A) by striking ``institution, and--'' in the matter 
     preceding paragraph (1) and all that follows through the 
     period at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting 
     ``institution.'';
       (B) by striking ``If an institution'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--If an institution'';
       (C) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking ``the 
     receiver of the institution'' and inserting ``the Farm Credit 
     System Insurance Corporation, acting as receiver,''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Funding.--The Farm Credit System Insurance 
     Corporation shall use such funds from the Farm Credit 
     Insurance Fund as are sufficient to carry out this 
     section.''.
       (21) Section 4.12A(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2184(a)) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--A Farm Credit System bank or association 
     shall provide to a stockholder of the bank or association a 
     current list of stockholders of the bank or association not 
     later than 7 calendar days after the date on which the bank 
     or association receives a written request for the stockholder 
     list from the stockholder.''.
       (22) Section 4.14A of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2202a) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a)--
       (i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting 
     ``and section 4.36'' before the colon at the end; and
       (ii) in paragraph (5)(B)(ii)(I), by striking ``4.14C,'';
       (B) by striking subsection (h);
       (C) by redesignating subsections (i) through (l) as 
     subsections (h) through (k), respectively; and
       (D) in subsection (k) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``production credit''.
       (23) Section 4.14C of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2202c) is repealed.
       (24) Section 4.17 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2205) is amended in the third sentence by striking ``Federal 
     intermediate credit banks and''.
       (25) Section 4.19(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2207(a)) (as amended by section 5402(a)(2)) is 
     amended--
       (A) in the first sentence--
       (i) by striking ``district''; and
       (ii) by striking ``Federal land bank association and 
     production credit''; and
       (B) in the second sentence, by striking ``units'' and 
     inserting ``institutions''.
       (26) Section 4.38 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2219c) is amended by striking ``The Assistance Board 
     established under section 6.0 and all'' and inserting 
     ``All''.
       (27) Section 4.39 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2219d) is amended by striking ``8.0(7))'' and inserting 
     ``8.0)''.
       (28) Section 5.16 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2251) is amended--
       (A) by striking the section designation and heading and all 
     that follows through ``As an alternate'' in the matter 
     preceding paragraph (1) and inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 5.16. OFFICES, QUARTERS, AND FACILITIES FOR THE FARM 
                   CREDIT ADMINISTRATION.

       ``(a) Offices.--The Farm Credit Administration shall 
     maintain--
       ``(1) the principal office of the Farm Credit 
     Administration within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, 
     DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the 
     Office of Management and Budget; and
       ``(2) such other offices in the United States as the Farm 
     Credit Administration determines are necessary.
       ``(b) Quarters and Facilities.--As an alternative''; and
       (B) in the undesignated matter following paragraph (5) of 
     subsection (b) (as so designated)--
       (i) in the fifth sentence, by striking ``In actions 
     undertaken by the banks pursuant to the foregoing provisions 
     of this section'' and inserting the following:
       ``(5) Agent for banks.--In actions undertaken by the banks 
     pursuant to this section'';
       (ii) in the fourth sentence, by striking ``The plans'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(4) Approval of board.--The plans'';
       (iii) in the third sentence, by striking ``The powers'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(3) Powers of banks.--The powers'';
       (iv) in the second sentence, by striking ``Such advances'' 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Advances.--The advances of funds described in 
     paragraph (1)''; and
       (v) in the first sentence, by striking ``The Board'' and 
     inserting the following:

[[Page S4563]]

       ``(c) Financing.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Board''.
       (29) Section 5.17(a)(2) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2252(a)(2)) is amended by striking the second and 
     third sentences.
       (30) Section 5.18 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2253) is repealed.
       (31) Section 5.19 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2254) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a)--
       (i) in the first sentence, by striking ``Except for Federal 
     land bank associations, each'' and inserting ``Each''; and
       (ii) by striking the second sentence; and
       (B) in subsection (b)--
       (i) by striking ``(b)(1) Each'' and inserting ``(b) Each'';
       (ii) in the matter preceding paragraph (2) (as so 
     designated)--

       (I) in the second sentence, by striking ``, except with 
     respect to any actions taken by any banks of the System under 
     section 4.8(b),''; and
       (II) by striking the third sentence; and

       (iii) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3).
       (32) Section 5.31 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2267) is amended in the second sentence by striking 
     ``4.14A(i)'' and inserting ``4.14A(h)''.
       (33) Section 5.32(h) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2268(h)) is amended by striking ``4.14A(i)'' and 
     inserting ``4.14A(h)''.
       (34) Section 5.35 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2271) is amended in paragraph (5) (as redesignated by section 
     5406(2))--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by adding ``and'' at the end;
       (B) by striking subparagraph (B);
       (C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B); 
     and
       (D) in subparagraph (B) (as so redesignated)--
       (i) by striking ``after December 31, 1992,''; and
       (ii) by striking ``by the Farm Credit System Assistance 
     Board under section 6.6 or''.
       (35) Section 5.38 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2274) is amended by striking ``a farm'' and all that follows 
     through ``land bank'' and inserting ``a Farm Credit Bank 
     board, officer, or employee shall not remove any director or 
     officer of any''.
       (36) Section 5.44 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2275) is repealed.
       (37) Section 5.58(2) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2277a-7(2)) is amended by striking the second 
     sentence.
       (38) Section 5.60 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2277a-9) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (b), by striking the subsection 
     designation and heading and all that follows through ``The 
     Corporation'' in paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Amounts in Fund.--The Corporation''; and
       (B) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``Insurance Fund to--
     '' in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) and all that 
     follows through ``ensure'' in subparagraph (B) and inserting 
     ``Insurance Fund to ensure''.
       (39) Title VI of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2278a et seq.) is repealed.
       (40) Section 7.9 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2279c-2) is amended by striking subsection (c).
       (41) Section 7.10(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2279d(a)) is amended by striking paragraph (4) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(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;''.
       (42) Section 8.0 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2279aa) is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``means--'' in the matter 
     preceding subparagraph (A) and all that follows through the 
     period at the end of the undesignated matter following 
     subparagraph (B) and inserting ``means the board of directors 
     established under section 8.2.'';
       (B) by striking paragraphs (6) and (8);
       (C) by redesignating paragraphs (7), (9), and (10) as 
     paragraphs (6), (7), and (8), respectively; and
       (D) in subparagraph (B)(i) of paragraph (7) (as so 
     redesignated), by striking ``(b) through (d)'' and inserting 
     ``(b) and (c)''.
       (43) Section 8.2 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2279aa-2) is amended--
       (A) by striking subsection (a);
       (B) in subsection (b), by striking the subsection 
     designation and heading and all that follows through the 
     period at the end of paragraph (1) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) In General.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--The Corporation shall be under the 
     management of the board of directors.'';
       (C) in subsection (a) (as so designated)--
       (i) by striking ``permanent board'' each place it appears 
     and inserting ``Board'';
       (ii) by striking paragraph (3);
       (iii) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (10) as 
     paragraphs (3) through (9), respectively; and
       (iv) in paragraph (3)(A) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``(6)'' and inserting ``(5)''; and
       (D) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).
       (44) Section 8.4(a)(1) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2279aa-4(a)(1)) is amended--
       (A) in the sixth sentence--
       (i) by striking ``Class B'' and inserting the following:
       ``(iii) Class b stock.--Class B''; and
       (ii) by striking ``8.2(b)(2)(B)'' and inserting 
     ``8.2(a)(2)(B)'';
       (B) in the fifth sentence--
       (i) by striking ``Class A'' and inserting the following:
       ``(ii) Class a stock.--Class A''; and
       (ii) by striking ``8.2(b)(2)(A)'' and inserting 
     ``8.2(a)(2)(A)'';
       (C) in the fourth sentence, by striking ``The stock'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(D) Classes of stock.--
       ``(i) In general.--The stock'';
       (D) by striking the third sentence and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(C) Offers.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Board shall offer the voting common 
     stock to banks, other financial institutions, insurance 
     companies, and System institutions under such terms and 
     conditions as the Board may adopt.
       ``(ii) Requirements.--The voting common stock shall be 
     fairly and broadly offered to ensure that--

       ``(I) no institution or institutions acquire a 
     disproportionate share of the total quantity of the voting 
     common stock outstanding of a class of stock; and
       ``(II) capital contributions and issuances of voting common 
     stock for the contributions are fairly distributed between 
     entities eligible to hold class A stock and class B stock.'';

       (E) in the second sentence, by striking ``Each share'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(B) Number of votes.--Each share''; and
       (F) in the first sentence, by striking ``The Corporation'' 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(A) In general.--The Corporation''.
       (45) Section 8.6 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2279aa-6) is amended--
       (A) by striking subsection (d);
       (B) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d); and
       (C) in paragraph (2) of subsection (d) (as so 
     redesignated), by striking ``8.0(9))'' and inserting 
     ``8.0)''.
       (46) Section 8.9 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2279aa-9) is amended by striking ``4.14C,'' each place it 
     appears.
       (47) Section 8.11(e) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2279aa-11(e)) is amended by striking ``8.0(7))'' and 
     inserting ``8.0)''.
       (48) Section 8.32(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 
     U.S.C. 2279bb-1(a)) is amended--
       (A) in the first sentence of the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), 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''; and
       (B) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``8.0(9)(C)'' and 
     inserting ``8.0(7)(C)''.
       (49) Section 8.33(b)(2)(A) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 
     (12 U.S.C. 2279bb-2(b)(2)(A)) is amended by striking 
     ``8.6(e)'' and inserting ``8.6(d)''.
       (50) Section 8.35 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2279bb-4) is amended by striking subsection (e).
       (51) Section 8.38 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 
     2279bb-7) is repealed.
       (52) Section 4 of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C. 
     1141b) is repealed.
       (53) Section 5 of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C. 
     1141c) is repealed.
       (54) Section 6 of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C. 
     1141d) is repealed.
       (55) Section 7 of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C. 
     1141e) is repealed.
       (56) Section 8 of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C. 
     1141f) is repealed.
       (57) Section 14 of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 
     U.S.C. 1141i) is repealed.
       (58) The Act of June 22, 1939 (53 Stat. 853, chapter 239; 
     12 U.S.C. 1141d-1), is repealed.
       (59) Section 201(e) of the Emergency Relief and 
     Construction Act of 1932 (12 U.S.C. 1148) is repealed.
       (60) Section 2 of the Act of July 14, 1953 (67 Stat. 150, 
     chapter 192; 12 U.S.C. 1148a-4), is repealed.
       (61) Section 32 of the Farm Credit Act of 1937 (12 U.S.C. 
     1148b) is repealed.
       (62) Section 33 of the Farm Credit Act of 1937 (12 U.S.C. 
     1148c) is repealed.
       (63) Section 34 of the Farm Credit Act of 1937 (12 U.S.C. 
     1148d) is repealed.
       (64) The Joint Resolution of March 3, 1932 (47 Stat. 60, 
     chapter 70; 12 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.), is repealed.

     SEC. 5408. CORPORATION AS CONSERVATOR OR RECEIVER; CERTAIN 
                   OTHER POWERS.

       Part E of title V of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 is amended 
     by inserting after section 5.61B (12 U.S.C. 2277a-10b) the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 5.61C. CORPORATION AS CONSERVATOR OR RECEIVER; CERTAIN 
                   OTHER POWERS.

       ``(a) Definition of Institution.--In this section, the term 
     `institution' includes any System institution for which the 
     Corporation has been appointed as conservator or receiver.
       ``(b) Certain Powers and Duties of Corporation as 
     Conservator or Receiver.--In addition to the powers inherent 
     in the express grant of corporate authority under section 
     5.58(9), and other powers exercised by the Corporation under 
     this part, the Corporation shall have the following express 
     powers to act as a conservator or receiver:
       ``(1) Rulemaking authority of corporation.--The Corporation 
     may prescribe such regulations as the Corporation determines 
     to be appropriate regarding the conduct of conservatorships 
     or receiverships.
       ``(2) General powers.--
       ``(A) Successor to system institution.--The Corporation 
     shall, as conservator or receiver, and by operation of law, 
     succeed to--
       ``(i) all rights, titles, powers, and privileges of the 
     System institution, and of any stockholder, member, officer, 
     or director of such System institution with respect to the 
     System institution and the assets of the System institution; 
     and

[[Page S4564]]

       ``(ii) title to the books, records, and assets of any 
     previous conservator or other legal custodian of such System 
     institution.
       ``(B) Operate the system institution.--The Corporation may, 
     as conservator or receiver--
       ``(i) take over the assets of and operate the System 
     institution with all the powers of the stockholders or 
     members, the directors, and the officers of the System 
     institution and conduct all business of the System 
     institution;
       ``(ii) collect all obligations and money due the System 
     institution;
       ``(iii) perform all functions of the System institution in 
     the name of the System institution which are consistent with 
     the appointment as conservator or receiver;
       ``(iv) preserve and conserve the assets and property of 
     such System institution; and
       ``(v) provide by contract for assistance in fulfilling any 
     function, activity, action, or duty of the Corporation as 
     conservator or receiver.
       ``(C) Functions of system institution's officers, 
     directors, members, and stockholders.--The Corporation may, 
     by regulation or order, provide for the exercise of any 
     function by any stockholder, member, director, or officer of 
     any System institution for which the Corporation has been 
     appointed conservator or receiver.
       ``(D) Powers as conservator.--Subject to any Farm Credit 
     Administration approvals required under this Act, the 
     Corporation may, as conservator, take such action as may be--
       ``(i) necessary to put the System institution in a sound 
     and solvent condition; and
       ``(ii) appropriate to carry on the business of the System 
     institution and preserve and conserve the assets and property 
     of the System institution.
       ``(E) Additional powers as receiver.--The Corporation may, 
     as receiver, liquidate the System institution and proceed to 
     realize upon the assets of the System institution, in such 
     manner as the Corporation determines to be appropriate.
       ``(F) Organization of new system bank.--The Corporation 
     may, as receiver with respect to any System bank, organize a 
     bridge System bank under subsection (h).
       ``(G) Merger; transfer of assets and liabilities.--
       ``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), the Corporation 
     may, as conservator or receiver--

       ``(I) merge the System institution with another System 
     institution; and
       ``(II) transfer or sell any asset or liability of the 
     System institution in default without any approval, 
     assignment, or consent with respect to such transfer.

       ``(ii) Approval.--No merger or transfer under clause (i) 
     may be made to another System institution (other than a 
     bridge System bank under subsection (h)) without the approval 
     of the Farm Credit Administration.
       ``(H) Payment of valid obligations.--The Corporation, as 
     conservator or receiver, shall, to the extent that proceeds 
     are realized from the performance of contracts or the sale of 
     the assets of a System institution, pay all valid obligations 
     of the System institution in accordance with the 
     prescriptions and limitations of this section.
       ``(I) Incidental powers.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Corporation may, as conservator or 
     receiver--

       ``(I) exercise all powers and authorities specifically 
     granted to conservators or receivers, respectively, under 
     this section and such incidental powers as shall be necessary 
     to carry out such powers; and
       ``(II) take any action authorized by this section, which 
     the Corporation determines is in the best interests of--

       ``(aa) the System institution in receivership or 
     conservatorship;
       ``(bb) System institutions;
       ``(cc) System institution stockholders or investors; or
       ``(dd) the Corporation.
       ``(ii) Termination of rights and claims.--

       ``(I) In general.--Except as provided in subclause (II), 
     notwithstanding any other provision of law, the appointment 
     of the Corporation as receiver for a System institution and 
     the succession of the Corporation, by operation of law, to 
     the rights, titles, powers, and privileges described in 
     subparagraph (A) shall terminate all rights and claims that 
     the stockholders and creditors of the System institution may 
     have, arising as a result of their status as stockholders or 
     creditors, against the assets or charter of the System 
     institution or the Corporation.
       ``(II) Exceptions.--Subclause (I) shall not terminate the 
     right to payment, resolution, or other satisfaction of the 
     claims of stockholders and creditors described in that 
     subclause, as permitted under paragraphs (10) and (11) and 
     subsection (d).

       ``(iii) Charter.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, for purposes of this section, the charter of a System 
     institution shall not be considered to be an asset of the 
     System institution.
       ``(J) Utilization of private sector.--In carrying out its 
     responsibilities in the management and disposition of assets 
     from System institutions, as conservator, receiver, or in its 
     corporate capacity, the Corporation may utilize the services 
     of private persons, including real estate and loan portfolio 
     asset management, property management, auction marketing, 
     legal, and brokerage services, if the Corporation determines 
     utilization of such services is practicable, efficient, and 
     cost effective.
       ``(3) Authority of receiver to determine claims.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Corporation may, as receiver, 
     determine claims in accordance with the requirements of this 
     subsection and regulations prescribed under paragraph (4).
       ``(B) Notice requirements.--The receiver, in any case 
     involving the liquidation or winding up of the affairs of a 
     closed System institution, shall--
       ``(i) promptly publish a notice to the System institution's 
     creditors to present their claims, together with proof, to 
     the receiver by a date specified in the notice which shall be 
     not less than 90 days after the publication of such notice; 
     and
       ``(ii) republish such notice approximately 1 month and 2 
     months, respectively, after the publication under clause (i).
       ``(C) Mailing required.--The receiver shall mail a notice 
     similar to the notice published under subparagraph (B)(i) at 
     the time of such publication to any creditor shown on the 
     System institution's books--
       ``(i) at the creditor's last address appearing in such 
     books; or
       ``(ii) upon discovery of the name and address of a claimant 
     not appearing on the System institution's books within 30 
     days after the discovery of such name and address.
       ``(4) Rulemaking authority relating to determination of 
     claims.--The Corporation may prescribe regulations regarding 
     the allowance or disallowance of claims by the receiver and 
     providing for administrative determination of claims and 
     review of such determination.
       ``(5) Procedures for determination of claims.--
       ``(A) Determination period.--
       ``(i) In general.--Before the end of the 180-day period 
     beginning on the date any claim against a System institution 
     is filed with the Corporation as receiver, the Corporation 
     shall determine whether to allow or disallow the claim and 
     shall notify the claimant of any determination with respect 
     to such claim.
       ``(ii) Extension of time.--The period described in clause 
     (i) may be extended by a written agreement between the 
     claimant and the Corporation.
       ``(iii) Mailing of notice sufficient.--The requirements of 
     clause (i) shall be deemed to be satisfied if the notice of 
     any determination with respect to any claim is mailed to the 
     last address of the claimant which appears--

       ``(I) on the System institution's books;
       ``(II) in the claim filed by the claimant; or
       ``(III) in documents submitted in proof of the claim.

       ``(iv) Contents of notice of disallowance.--If any claim 
     filed under clause (i) is disallowed, the notice to the 
     claimant shall contain--

       ``(I) a statement of each reason for the disallowance; and
       ``(II) the procedures available for obtaining agency review 
     of the determination to disallow the claim or judicial 
     determination of the claim.

       ``(B) Allowance of proven claims.--The receiver shall allow 
     any claim received on or before the date specified in the 
     notice published under paragraph (3)(B)(i) by the receiver 
     from any claimant which is proved to the satisfaction of the 
     receiver.
       ``(C) Disallowance of claims filed after end of filing 
     period.--
       ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), 
     claims filed after the date specified in the notice published 
     under paragraph (3)(B)(i) shall be disallowed and such 
     disallowance shall be final.
       ``(ii) Certain exceptions.--Clause (i) shall not apply with 
     respect to any claim filed by any claimant after the date 
     specified in the notice published under paragraph (3)(B)(i) 
     and such claim may be considered by the receiver if--

       ``(I) the claimant did not receive notice of the 
     appointment of the receiver in time to file such claim before 
     such date; and
       ``(II) such claim is filed in time to permit payment of 
     such claim.

       ``(D) Authority to disallow claims.--
       ``(i) In general.--The receiver may disallow any portion of 
     any claim by a creditor or claim of security, preference, or 
     priority which is not proved to the satisfaction of the 
     receiver.
       ``(ii) Payments to less than fully secured creditors.--In 
     the case of a claim of a creditor against a System 
     institution which is secured by any property or other asset 
     of such System institution, any receiver appointed for any 
     System institution--

       ``(I) may treat the portion of such claim which exceeds an 
     amount equal to the fair market value of such property or 
     other asset as an unsecured claim against the System 
     institution; and
       ``(II) may not make any payment with respect to such 
     unsecured portion of the claim other than in connection with 
     the disposition of all claims of unsecured creditors of the 
     System institution.

       ``(iii) Exceptions.--No provision of this paragraph shall 
     apply with respect to--

       ``(I) any extension of credit from any Federal Reserve bank 
     or the United States Treasury to any System institution; or
       ``(II) any security interest in the assets of the System 
     institution securing any such extension of credit.

       ``(E) No judicial review of determination pursuant to 
     subparagraph (d).--No court may review the Corporation's 
     determination pursuant to subparagraph (D) to disallow a 
     claim.
       ``(F) Legal effect of filing.--

[[Page S4565]]

       ``(i) Statute of limitation tolled.--For purposes of any 
     applicable statute of limitations, the filing of a claim with 
     the receiver shall constitute a commencement of an action.
       ``(ii) No prejudice to other actions.--Subject to paragraph 
     (12) and the determination of claims by a receiver, the 
     filing of a claim with the receiver shall not prejudice any 
     right of the claimant to continue any action which was filed 
     before the appointment of the receiver.
       ``(6) Provision for judicial determination of claims.--
       ``(A) In general.--Before the end of the 60-day period 
     beginning on the earlier of--
       ``(i) the end of the period described in paragraph 
     (5)(A)(i) with respect to any claim against a System 
     institution for which the Corporation is receiver; or
       ``(ii) the date of any notice of disallowance of such claim 
     pursuant to paragraph (5)(A)(i),
     the claimant may request administrative review of the claim 
     in accordance with paragraph (7) or file suit on such claim 
     (or continue an action commenced before the appointment of 
     the receiver) in the district or territorial court of the 
     United States for the district within which the System 
     institution's principal place of business is located or the 
     United States District Court for the District of Columbia 
     (and such court shall have jurisdiction to hear such claim).
       ``(B) Statute of limitations.--If any claimant fails to 
     file suit on such claim (or continue an action commenced 
     before the appointment of the receiver), before the end of 
     the 60-day period described in subparagraph (A), the claim 
     shall be deemed to be disallowed (other than any portion of 
     such claim which was allowed by the receiver) as of the end 
     of such period, such disallowance shall be final, and the 
     claimant shall have no further rights or remedies with 
     respect to such claim.
       ``(7) Review of claims; administrative hearing.--If any 
     claimant requests review under this paragraph in lieu of 
     filing or continuing any action under paragraph (6) and the 
     Corporation agrees to such request, the Corporation shall 
     consider the claim after opportunity for a hearing on the 
     record. The final determination of the Corporation with 
     respect to such claim shall be subject to judicial review 
     under chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code.
       ``(8) Expedited determination of claims.--
       ``(A) Establishment required.--The Corporation shall 
     establish a procedure for expedited relief outside of the 
     routine claims process established under paragraph (5) for 
     claimants who--
       ``(i) allege the existence of legally valid and enforceable 
     or perfected security interests in assets of any System 
     institution for which the Corporation has been appointed 
     receiver; and
       ``(ii) allege that irreparable injury will occur if the 
     routine claims procedure is followed.
       ``(B) Determination period.--Before the end of the 90-day 
     period beginning on the date any claim is filed in accordance 
     with the procedures established pursuant to subparagraph (A), 
     the Corporation shall--
       ``(i) determine--

       ``(I) whether to allow or disallow such claim; or
       ``(II) whether such claim should be determined pursuant to 
     the procedures established pursuant to paragraph (5); and

       ``(ii) notify the claimant of the determination, and if the 
     claim is disallowed, provide a statement of each reason for 
     the disallowance and the procedure for obtaining agency 
     review or judicial determination.
       ``(C) Period for filing or renewing suit.--Any claimant who 
     files a request for expedited relief shall be permitted to 
     file a suit, or to continue a suit filed before the 
     appointment of the receiver, seeking a determination of the 
     claimant's rights with respect to such security interest 
     after the earlier of--
       ``(i) the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date of 
     the filing of a request for expedited relief; or
       ``(ii) the date the Corporation denies the claim.
       ``(D) Statute of limitations.--If an action described in 
     subparagraph (C) is not filed, or the motion to renew a 
     previously filed suit is not made, before the end of the 30-
     day period beginning on the date on which such action or 
     motion may be filed in accordance with subparagraph (B), the 
     claim shall be deemed to be disallowed as of the end of such 
     period (other than any portion of such claim which was 
     allowed by the receiver), such disallowance shall be final, 
     and the claimant shall have no further rights or remedies 
     with respect to such claim.
       ``(E) Legal effect of filing.--
       ``(i) Statute of limitation tolled.--For purposes of any 
     applicable statute of limitations, the filing of a claim with 
     the receiver shall constitute a commencement of an action.
       ``(ii) No prejudice to other actions.--Subject to paragraph 
     (12), the filing of a claim with the receiver shall not 
     prejudice any right of the claimant to continue any action 
     which was filed before the appointment of the receiver.
       ``(9) Agreement as basis of claim.--
       ``(A) Requirements.--Except as provided in subparagraph 
     (B), any agreement which does not meet the requirements set 
     forth in section 5.61(d) shall not form the basis of, or 
     substantially comprise, a claim against the receiver or the 
     Corporation.
       ``(B) Exception to contemporaneous execution requirement.--
     Notwithstanding section 5.61(d), any agreement relating to an 
     extension of credit between a Federal Reserve bank or the 
     United States Treasury and any System institution which was 
     executed before such extension of credit to such System 
     institution shall be treated as having been executed 
     contemporaneously with such extension of credit for purposes 
     of subparagraph (A).
       ``(10) Payment of claims.--
       ``(A) In general.--The receiver may, in the receiver's 
     discretion and to the extent funds are available from the 
     assets of the System institution, pay creditor claims which 
     are allowed by the receiver, approved by the Corporation 
     pursuant to a final determination pursuant to paragraph (7) 
     or (8), or determined by the final judgment of any court of 
     competent jurisdiction in such manner and amounts as are 
     authorized under this Act.
       ``(B) Liquidation payments.--The receiver may, in the 
     receiver's sole discretion, pay from the assets of the System 
     institution portions of proved claims at any time, and no 
     liability shall attach to the Corporation (in such 
     Corporation's corporate capacity or as receiver), by reason 
     of any such payment, for failure to make payments to a 
     claimant whose claim is not proved at the time of any such 
     payment.
       ``(C) Rulemaking authority of corporation.--The Corporation 
     may prescribe such rules, including definitions of terms, as 
     it deems appropriate to establish a single uniform interest 
     rate for or to make payments of post insolvency interest to 
     creditors holding proven claims against the receivership 
     estates of System institutions following satisfaction by the 
     receiver of the principal amount of all creditor claims.
       ``(11) Priority of expenses and claims.--
       ``(A) In general.--Amounts realized from the liquidation or 
     other resolution of any System institution by any receiver 
     appointed for such System institution shall be distributed to 
     pay claims (other than secured claims to the extent of any 
     such security) in the following order of priority:
       ``(i) Administrative expenses of the receiver.
       ``(ii) If authorized by the Corporation, wages, salaries, 
     or commissions, including vacation, severance, and sick leave 
     pay earned by an individual--

       ``(I) in an amount that is not more than $11,725 for each 
     individual (as indexed for inflation, by regulation of the 
     Corporation); and
       ``(II) that is earned 180 days or fewer before the date of 
     appointment of the Corporation as receiver.

       ``(iii) In the case of the resolution of a System bank, all 
     claims of holders of consolidated and System-wide bonds and 
     all claims of the other System banks arising from the 
     payments of the System banks pursuant to--

       ``(I) section 4.4 on consolidated and System-wide bonds 
     issued under subsection (c) or (d) of section 4.2; or
       ``(II) an agreement, in writing and approved by the Farm 
     Credit Administration, among the System banks to reallocate 
     the payments.

       ``(iv) In the case of the resolution of a production credit 
     association or other association making direct loans under 
     section 7.6, all claims of a System bank based on the 
     financing agreement between the association and the System 
     bank--

       ``(I) including interest accrued before and after the 
     appointment of the receiver; and
       ``(II) not including any setoff for stock or other equity 
     of that System bank owned by the association, on that 
     condition that, prior to making that setoff, that System bank 
     shall obtain the approval of the Farm Credit Administration 
     Board for the retirement of that stock or equity.

       ``(v) Any general or senior liability of the System 
     institution (which is not a liability described in clause 
     (vi) or (vii)).
       ``(vi) Any obligation subordinated to general creditors 
     (which is not an obligation described in clause (vii)).
       ``(vii) Any obligation to stockholders or members arising 
     as a result of their status as stockholders or members.
       ``(B) Payment of claims.--
       ``(i) In general.--

       ``(I) Payment.--All claims of each priority described in 
     clauses (i) through (vii) of subparagraph (A) shall be paid 
     in full, or provisions shall be made for that payment, prior 
     to the payment of any claim of a lesser priority.
       ``(II) Insufficient funds.--If there are insufficient funds 
     to pay in full all claims in any priority described clauses 
     (i) through (vii) of subparagraph (A), distribution on that 
     priority of claims shall be made on a pro rata basis.

       ``(ii) Distribution of remaining assets.--Following the 
     payment of all claims in accordance with subparagraph (A), 
     the receiver shall distribute the remainder of the assets of 
     the System institution to the owners of stock, participation 
     certificates, and other equities in accordance with the 
     priorities for impairment under the bylaws of the System 
     institution.
       ``(iii) Eligible borrower stock.--Notwithstanding 
     subparagraph (C) or any other provision of this section, 
     eligible borrower stock shall be retired in accordance with 
     section 4.9A.
       ``(C) Effect of state law.--
       ``(i) In general.--The provisions of subparagraph (A) shall 
     not supersede the law of any State except to the extent such 
     law is

[[Page S4566]]

     inconsistent with the provisions of such subparagraph, and 
     then only to the extent of the inconsistency.
       ``(ii) Procedure for determination of inconsistency.--Upon 
     the Corporation's own motion or upon the request of any 
     person with a claim described in subparagraph (A) or any 
     State which is submitted to the Corporation in accordance 
     with procedures which the Corporation shall prescribe, the 
     Corporation shall determine whether any provision of the law 
     of any State is inconsistent with any provision of 
     subparagraph (A) and the extent of any such inconsistency.
       ``(iii) Judicial review.--The final determination of the 
     Corporation under clause (ii) shall be subject to judicial 
     review under chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code.
       ``(D) Accounting report.--Any distribution by the 
     Corporation in connection with any claim described in 
     subparagraph (A)(vii) shall be accompanied by the accounting 
     report required under paragraph (15)(B).
       ``(12) Suspension of legal actions.--
       ``(A) In general.--After the appointment of a conservator 
     or receiver for a System institution, the conservator or 
     receiver may request a stay for a period not to exceed--
       ``(i) 45 days, in the case of any conservator; and
       ``(ii) 90 days, in the case of any receiver,
     in any judicial action or proceeding to which such System 
     institution is or becomes a party.
       ``(B) Grant of stay by all courts required.--Upon receipt 
     of a request by any conservator or receiver pursuant to 
     subparagraph (A) for a stay of any judicial action or 
     proceeding in any court with jurisdiction of such action or 
     proceeding, the court shall grant such stay as to all 
     parties.
       ``(13) Additional rights and duties.--
       ``(A) Prior final adjudication.--The Corporation shall 
     abide by any final unappealable judgment of any court of 
     competent jurisdiction which was rendered before the 
     appointment of the Corporation as conservator or receiver.
       ``(B) Rights and remedies of conservator or receiver.--In 
     the event of any appealable judgment, the Corporation as 
     conservator or receiver shall--
       ``(i) have all the rights and remedies available to the 
     System institution (before the appointment of such 
     conservator or receiver) and the Corporation in its corporate 
     capacity, including removal to Federal court and all 
     appellate rights; and
       ``(ii) not be required to post any bond in order to pursue 
     such remedies.
       ``(C) No attachment or execution.--No attachment or 
     execution may issue by any court on--
       ``(i) assets in the possession of the receiver; or
       ``(ii) the charter of a System institution for which the 
     Corporation has been appointed receiver.
       ``(D) Limitation on judicial review.--Except as otherwise 
     provided in this subsection, no court shall have jurisdiction 
     over--
       ``(i) any claim or action for payment from, or any action 
     seeking a determination of rights with respect to, the assets 
     of any System institution for which the Corporation has been 
     appointed receiver, including assets which the Corporation 
     may acquire from itself as such receiver; or
       ``(ii) any claim relating to any act or omission of such 
     System institution or the Corporation as receiver.
       ``(E) Disposition of assets.--In exercising any right, 
     power, privilege, or authority as receiver in connection with 
     any sale or disposition of assets of any System institution 
     for which the Corporation is acting as receiver, the 
     Corporation shall, to the maximum extent practicable, conduct 
     its operations in a manner which--
       ``(i) maximizes the net present value return from the sale 
     or disposition of such assets;
       ``(ii) minimizes the amount of any loss realized in the 
     resolution of cases;
       ``(iii) ensures adequate competition and fair and 
     consistent treatment of offerors;
       ``(iv) prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, 
     or ethnic groups in the solicitation and consideration of 
     offers; and
       ``(v) mitigates the potential for serious adverse effects 
     to the rest of the System.
       ``(14) Statute of limitations for actions brought by 
     conservator or receiver.--
       ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any provision of any 
     contract, the applicable statute of limitations with regard 
     to any action brought by the Corporation as conservator or 
     receiver shall be--
       ``(i) in the case of any contract claim, the longer of--

       ``(I) the 6-year period beginning on the date the claim 
     accrues; or
       ``(II) the period applicable under State law; and

       ``(ii) in the case of any tort claim, the longer of--

       ``(I) the 3-year period beginning on the date the claim 
     accrues; or
       ``(II) the period applicable under State law.

       ``(B) Determination of the date on which a claim accrues.--
     For purposes of subparagraph (A), the date on which the 
     statute of limitations begins to run on any claim described 
     in such subparagraph shall be the later of--
       ``(i) the date of the appointment of the Corporation as 
     conservator or receiver; or
       ``(ii) the date on which the cause of action accrues.
       ``(C) Revival of expired state causes of action.--
       ``(i) In general.--In the case of any tort claim described 
     in clause (ii) for which the statute of limitation applicable 
     under State law with respect to such claim has expired not 
     more than 5 years before the appointment of the Corporation 
     as conservator or receiver, the Corporation may bring an 
     action as conservator or receiver on such claim without 
     regard to the expiration of the statute of limitation 
     applicable under State law.
       ``(ii) Claims described.--A tort claim referred to in 
     clause (i) is a claim arising from fraud, intentional 
     misconduct resulting in unjust enrichment, or intentional 
     misconduct resulting in substantial loss to the System 
     institution.
       ``(15) Accounting and recordkeeping requirements.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Corporation as conservator or 
     receiver shall, consistent with the accounting and reporting 
     practices and procedures established by the Corporation, 
     maintain a full accounting of each conservatorship and 
     receivership or other disposition of System institutions in 
     default.
       ``(B) Annual accounting or report.--With respect to each 
     conservatorship or receivership to which the Corporation was 
     appointed, the Corporation shall make an annual accounting or 
     report, as appropriate, available to the Farm Credit 
     Administration Board.
       ``(C) Availability of reports.--Any report prepared 
     pursuant to subparagraph (B) shall be made available by the 
     Corporation upon request to any stockholder of the System 
     institution for which the Corporation was appointed 
     conservator or receiver or any other member of the public.
       ``(D) Recordkeeping requirement.--
       ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), after 
     the end of the 6-year period beginning on the date the 
     Corporation is appointed as receiver of a System institution, 
     the Corporation may destroy any records of such System 
     institution which the Corporation, in the Corporation's 
     discretion, determines to be unnecessary unless directed not 
     to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction or governmental 
     agency, or prohibited by law.
       ``(ii) Old records.--Notwithstanding clause (i), the 
     Corporation may destroy records of a System institution which 
     are at least 10 years old as of the date on which the 
     Corporation is appointed as the receiver of such System 
     institution in accordance with clause (i) at any time after 
     such appointment is final, without regard to the 6-year 
     period of limitation contained in clause (i).
       ``(16) Fraudulent transfers.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Corporation, as conservator or 
     receiver for any System institution, may avoid a transfer of 
     any interest of a System institution-affiliated party, or any 
     person who the Corporation determines is a debtor of the 
     System institution, in property, or any obligation incurred 
     by such party or person, that was made within 5 years of the 
     date on which the Corporation was appointed conservator or 
     receiver if such party or person voluntarily or involuntarily 
     made such transfer or incurred such liability with the intent 
     to hinder, delay, or defraud the System institution, the Farm 
     Credit Administration, or the Corporation.
       ``(B) Right of recovery.--To the extent a transfer is 
     avoided under subparagraph (A), the Corporation may recover, 
     for the benefit of the System institution, the property 
     transferred, or, if a court so orders, the value of such 
     property (at the time of such transfer) from--
       ``(i) the initial transferee of such transfer or the System 
     institution-affiliated party or person for whose benefit such 
     transfer was made; or
       ``(ii) any immediate or mediate transferee of any such 
     initial transferee.
       ``(C) Rights of transferee or obligee.--The Corporation may 
     not recover under subparagraph (B) from--
       ``(i) any transferee that takes for value, including 
     satisfaction or securing of a present or antecedent debt, in 
     good faith; or
       ``(ii) any immediate or mediate good faith transferee of 
     such transferee.
       ``(D) Rights under this paragraph.--The rights under this 
     paragraph of the Corporation shall be superior to any rights 
     of a trustee or any other party (other than any party which 
     is a Federal agency) under title 11, United States Code.
       ``(17) Attachment of assets and other injunctive relief.--
     Subject to paragraph (18), any court of competent 
     jurisdiction may, at the request of the Corporation (in the 
     Corporation's capacity as conservator or receiver for any 
     System institution or in the Corporation's corporate capacity 
     with respect to any asset acquired or liability assumed by 
     the Corporation under section 5.61), issue an order in 
     accordance with Rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil 
     Procedure, including an order placing the assets of any 
     person designated by the Corporation under the control of the 
     court and appointing a trustee to hold such assets.
       ``(18) Standards.--
       ``(A) Showing.--Rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil 
     Procedure shall apply with respect to any proceeding under 
     paragraph (17) without regard to the requirement of such rule 
     that the applicant show that the injury, loss, or damage is 
     irreparable and immediate.
       ``(B) State proceeding.--If, in the case of any proceeding 
     in a State court, the court determines that rules of civil 
     procedure available under the laws of such State provide 
     substantially similar protections to such party's right to 
     due process as Rule 65 (as modified with respect to such 
     proceeding

[[Page S4567]]

     by subparagraph (A)), the relief sought by the Corporation 
     pursuant to paragraph (17) may be requested under the laws of 
     such State.
       ``(19) Treatment of claims arising from breach of contracts 
     executed by the receiver or conservator.--Notwithstanding any 
     other provision of this subsection, any final and 
     unappealable judgment for monetary damages entered against a 
     receiver or conservator for a System institution for the 
     breach of an agreement executed or approved by such receiver 
     or conservator after the date of its appointment shall be 
     paid as an administrative expense of the receiver or 
     conservator. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to 
     limit the power of a receiver or conservator to exercise any 
     rights under contract or law, including terminating, 
     breaching, canceling, or otherwise discontinuing such 
     agreement.
       ``(c) Provisions Relating to Contracts Entered Into Before 
     Appointment of Conservator or Receiver.--
       ``(1) Authority to repudiate contracts.--In addition to any 
     other rights a conservator or receiver may have, the 
     conservator or receiver for a System institution may 
     disaffirm or repudiate any contract or lease--
       ``(A) to which such System institution is a party;
       ``(B) the performance of which the conservator or receiver, 
     in the conservator's or receiver's discretion, determines to 
     be burdensome; and
       ``(C) the disaffirmance or repudiation of which the 
     conservator or receiver determines, in the conservator's or 
     receiver's discretion, will promote the orderly 
     administration of the System institution's affairs.
       ``(2) Timing of repudiation.--The Corporation as 
     conservator or receiver for any System institution shall 
     determine whether or not to exercise the rights of 
     repudiation under this subsection within a reasonable period 
     following such appointment.
       ``(3) Claims for damages for repudiation.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in 
     subparagraph (C) and paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), the 
     liability of the conservator or receiver for the 
     disaffirmance or repudiation of any contract pursuant to 
     paragraph (1) shall be--
       ``(i) limited to actual direct compensatory damages; and
       ``(ii) determined as of--

       ``(I) the date of the appointment of the conservator or 
     receiver; or
       ``(II) in the case of any contract or agreement referred to 
     in paragraph (8), the date of the disaffirmance or 
     repudiation of such contract or agreement.

       ``(B) No liability for other damages.--For purposes of 
     subparagraph (A), the term `actual direct compensatory 
     damages' does not include--
       ``(i) punitive or exemplary damages;
       ``(ii) damages for lost profits or opportunity; or
       ``(iii) damages for pain and suffering.
       ``(C) Measure of damages for repudiation of financial 
     contracts.--In the case of any qualified financial contract 
     or agreement to which paragraph (8) applies, compensatory 
     damages shall be--
       ``(i) deemed to include normal and reasonable costs of 
     cover or other reasonable measures of damages utilized in the 
     industries for such contract and agreement claims; and
       ``(ii) paid in accordance with this subsection and 
     subsection (j), except as otherwise specifically provided in 
     this section.
       ``(4) Leases under which the system institution is the 
     lessee.--
       ``(A) In general.--If the conservator or receiver 
     disaffirms or repudiates a lease under which the System 
     institution was the lessee, the conservator or receiver shall 
     not be liable for any damages (other than damages determined 
     pursuant to subparagraph (B)) for the disaffirmance or 
     repudiation of such lease.
       ``(B) Payments of rent.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), 
     the lessor under a lease to which such subparagraph applies 
     shall--
       ``(i) be entitled to the contractual rent accruing before 
     the later of the date--

       ``(I) the notice of disaffirmance or repudiation is mailed; 
     or
       ``(II) the disaffirmance or repudiation becomes effective, 
     unless the lessor is in default or breach of the terms of the 
     lease; and

       ``(ii) have no claim for damages under any acceleration 
     clause or other penalty provision in the lease; and
       ``(iii) have a claim for any unpaid rent, subject to all 
     appropriate offsets and defenses, due as of the date of the 
     appointment, which shall be paid in accordance with this 
     subsection and subsection (j).
       ``(5) Leases under which the system institution is the 
     lessor.--
       ``(A) In general.--If the conservator or receiver 
     repudiates an unexpired written lease of real property of the 
     System institution under which the System institution is the 
     lessor and the lessee is not, as of the date of such 
     repudiation, in default, the lessee under such lease may 
     either--
       ``(i) treat the lease as terminated by such repudiation; or
       ``(ii) remain in possession of the leasehold interest for 
     the balance of the term of the lease, unless the lessee 
     defaults under the terms of the lease after the date of such 
     repudiation.
       ``(B) Provisions applicable to lessee remaining in 
     possession.--If any lessee under a lease described in 
     subparagraph (A) remains in possession of a leasehold 
     interest pursuant to clause (ii) of such subparagraph--
       ``(i) the lessee--

       ``(I) shall continue to pay the contractual rent pursuant 
     to the terms of the lease after the date of the repudiation 
     of such lease; and
       ``(II) may offset against any rent payment which accrues 
     after the date of the repudiation of the lease, any damages 
     which accrue after such date due to the nonperformance of any 
     obligation of the System institution under the lease after 
     such date; and

       ``(ii) the conservator or receiver shall not be liable to 
     the lessee for any damages arising after such date as a 
     result of the repudiation, other than the amount of any 
     offset allowed under clause (i)(II).
       ``(6) Contracts for the sale of real property.--
       ``(A) In general.--If the conservator or receiver 
     repudiates any contract (which repudiates any contract that 
     meets the requirements of paragraphs (1) through (4) of 
     section 5.61(d) for the sale of real property, and the 
     purchaser of such real property under such contract is in 
     possession and is not, as of the date of such repudiation, in 
     default, such purchaser may either--
       ``(i) treat the contract as terminated by such repudiation; 
     or
       ``(ii) remain in possession of such real property.
       ``(B) Provisions applicable to purchaser remaining in 
     possession.--If any purchaser of real property under any 
     contract described in subparagraph (A) remains in possession 
     of such property pursuant to clause (ii) of such 
     subparagraph--
       ``(i) the purchaser--

       ``(I) shall continue to make all payments due under the 
     contract after the date of the repudiation of the contract; 
     and
       ``(II) may offset against any such payments any damages 
     which accrue after such date due to the nonperformance (after 
     such date) of any obligation of the System institution under 
     the contract; and

       ``(ii) the conservator or receiver shall--

       ``(I) not be liable to the purchaser for any damages 
     arising after that date as a result of the repudiation, other 
     than the amount of any offset allowed under clause (i)(II);
       ``(II) deliver title to the purchaser in accordance with 
     the contract; and
       ``(III) have no obligation under the contract, other than 
     the performance required under subclause (II).

       ``(C) Assignment and sale allowed.--
       ``(i) In general.--No provision of this paragraph shall be 
     construed as limiting the right of the conservator or 
     receiver to assign the contract described in subparagraph (A) 
     and sell the property subject to the contract and this 
     paragraph.
       ``(ii) No liability after assignment and sale.--If an 
     assignment and sale described in clause (i) is consummated, 
     the Corporation, acting as conservator or receiver, shall 
     have no further liability under the applicable contract 
     described in subparagraph (A) or with respect to the real 
     property which was the subject of such contract.
       ``(7) Provisions applicable to service contracts.--
       ``(A) Services performed before appointment.--In the case 
     of any contract for services between any person and any 
     System institution for which the Corporation has been 
     appointed conservator or receiver, any claim of such person 
     for services performed before the appointment of the 
     conservator or the receiver shall be--
       ``(i) a claim to be paid in accordance with subsections (b) 
     and (d); and
       ``(ii) deemed to have arisen as of the date the conservator 
     or receiver was appointed.
       ``(B) Services performed after appointment and prior to 
     repudiation.--If, in the case of any contract for services 
     described in subparagraph (A), the conservator or receiver 
     accepts performance by the other person before the 
     conservator or receiver makes any determination to exercise 
     the right of repudiation of such contract under this 
     section--
       ``(i) the other party shall be paid under the terms of the 
     contract for the services performed; and
       ``(ii) the amount of such payment shall be treated as an 
     administrative expense of the conservatorship or 
     receivership.
       ``(C) Acceptance of performance no bar to subsequent 
     repudiation.--The acceptance by any conservator or receiver 
     of services referred to in subparagraph (B) in connection 
     with a contract described in such subparagraph shall not 
     affect the right of the conservator or receiver, to repudiate 
     such contract under this section at any time after such 
     performance.
       ``(8) Certain qualified financial contracts.--
       ``(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
       ``(i) Commodity contract.--The term `commodity contract' 
     means--

       ``(I) with respect to a futures commission merchant, a 
     contract for the purchase or sale of a commodity for future 
     delivery on, or subject to the rules of, a contract market or 
     board of trade;
       ``(II) with respect to a foreign futures commission 
     merchant, a foreign future;
       ``(III) with respect to a leverage transaction merchant, a 
     leverage transaction;
       ``(IV) with respect to a clearing organization, a contract 
     for the purchase or sale of a commodity for future delivery 
     on, or subject to the rules of, a contract market or board of 
     trade that is cleared by such clearing organization, or 
     commodity option traded on, or subject to the rules of, a 
     contract market or board of trade that is cleared by such 
     clearing organization;

[[Page S4568]]

       ``(V) with respect to a commodity options dealer, a 
     commodity option;
       ``(VI) any other agreement or transaction that is similar 
     to any agreement or transaction referred to in this clause;
       ``(VII) any combination of the agreements or transactions 
     referred to in this clause;
       ``(VIII) any option to enter into any agreement or 
     transaction referred to in this clause;
       ``(IX) a master agreement that provides for an agreement or 
     transaction referred to in any of subclauses (I) through 
     (VIII), together with all supplements to any such master 
     agreement, without regard to whether the master agreement 
     provides for an agreement or transaction that is not a 
     commodity contract under this clause, except that the master 
     agreement shall be considered to be a commodity contract 
     under this clause only with respect to each agreement or 
     transaction under the master agreement that is referred to in 
     subclause (I), (II), (III), (IV), (V), (VI), (VII), or 
     (VIII); or
       ``(X) any security agreement or arrangement or other credit 
     enhancement related to any agreement or transaction referred 
     to in this clause, including any guarantee or reimbursement 
     obligation in connection with any agreement or transaction 
     referred to in this clause.

       ``(ii) Forward contract.--The term `forward contract' 
     means--

       ``(I) a contract (other than a commodity contract) for the 
     purchase, sale, or transfer of a commodity or any similar 
     good, article, service, right, or interest which is presently 
     or in the future becomes the subject of dealing in the 
     forward contract trade, or product or byproduct thereof, with 
     a maturity date more than 2 days after the date the contract 
     is entered into, including a repurchase or reverse repurchase 
     transaction (whether or not such repurchase or reverse 
     repurchase transaction is a repurchase agreement), 
     consignment, lease, swap, hedge transaction, deposit, loan, 
     option, allocated transaction, unallocated transaction, or 
     any other similar agreement;
       ``(II) any combination of agreements or transactions 
     referred to in subclauses (I) and (III);
       ``(III) any option to enter into any agreement or 
     transaction referred to in subclause (I) or (II);
       ``(IV) a master agreement that provides for an agreement or 
     transaction referred to in subclauses (I) through (III), 
     together with all supplements to any such master agreement, 
     without regard to whether the master agreement provides for 
     an agreement or transaction that is not a forward contract 
     under this clause, except that the master agreement shall be 
     considered to be a forward contract under this clause only 
     with respect to each agreement or transaction under the 
     master agreement that is referred to in subclause (I), (II), 
     or (III); or
       ``(V) any security agreement or arrangement or other credit 
     enhancement related to any agreement or transaction referred 
     to in subclause (I), (II), (III), or (IV), including any 
     guarantee or reimbursement obligation in connection with any 
     agreement or transaction referred to in any such subclause.

       ``(iii) Person.--The term `person'--

       ``(I) has the meaning given the term in section 1 of title 
     1, United States Code; and
       ``(II) includes any governmental entity.

       ``(iv) Qualified financial contract.--The term `qualified 
     financial contract' means any securities contract, commodity 
     contract, forward contract, repurchase agreement, swap 
     agreement, and any similar agreement that the Corporation 
     determines by regulation, resolution, or order to be a 
     qualified financial contract for purposes of this paragraph.
       ``(v) Repurchase agreement.--

       ``(I) In general.--The term `repurchase agreement' 
     (including with respect to a reverse repurchase agreement)--

       ``(aa) means--
         ``(AA) an agreement, including related terms, which 
     provides for the transfer of one or more certificates of 
     deposit, mortgage-related securities (as such term is defined 
     in section 3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 
     U.S.C. 78c(a))), mortgage loans, interests in mortgage-
     related securities or mortgage loans, eligible bankers' 
     acceptances, qualified foreign government securities or 
     securities that are direct obligations of, or that are fully 
     guaranteed by, the United States or any agency of the United 
     States against the transfer of funds by the transferee of 
     such certificates of deposit, eligible bankers' acceptances, 
     securities, mortgage loans, or interests with a simultaneous 
     agreement by such transferee to transfer to the transferor 
     thereof certificates of deposit, eligible bankers' 
     acceptances, securities, mortgage loans, or interests as 
     described above, at a date certain not later than 1 year 
     after such transfers or on demand, against the transfer of 
     funds, or any other similar agreement;
         ``(BB) any combination of agreements or transactions 
     referred to in subitems (AA) and (CC);
         ``(CC) any option to enter into any agreement or 
     transaction referred to in subitem (AA) or (BB);
         ``(DD) a master agreement that provides for an agreement 
     or transaction referred to in subitem (AA), (BB), or (CC), 
     together with all supplements to any such master agreement, 
     without regard to whether the master agreement provides for 
     an agreement or transaction that is not a repurchase 
     agreement under this item, except that the master agreement 
     shall be considered to be a repurchase agreement under this 
     item only with respect to each agreement or transaction under 
     the master agreement that is referred to in subitem (AA), 
     (BB), or (CC); and
         ``(EE) any security agreement or arrangement or other 
     credit enhancement related to any agreement or transaction 
     referred to in any of subitems (AA) through (DD), including 
     any guarantee or reimbursement obligation in connection with 
     any agreement or transaction referred to in any such subitem; 
     and
       ``(bb) does not include any repurchase obligation under a 
     participation in a commercial mortgage, loan unless the 
     Corporation determines by regulation, resolution, or order to 
     include any such participation within the meaning of such 
     term.

       ``(II) Related definition.--For purposes of subclause 
     (I)(aa), the term `qualified foreign government security' 
     means a security that is a direct obligation of, or that is 
     fully guaranteed by, the central government of a member of 
     the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (as 
     determined by regulation or order adopted by the appropriate 
     Federal banking authority).

       ``(vi) Securities contract.--The term `securities 
     contract'--

       ``(I) means--

       ``(aa) a contract for the purchase, sale, or loan of a 
     security, a certificate of deposit, a mortgage loan, any 
     interest in a mortgage loan, a group or index of securities, 
     certificates of deposit, or mortgage loans or interests 
     therein (including any interest therein or based on the value 
     thereof) or any option on any of the foregoing, including any 
     option to purchase or sell any such security, certificate of 
     deposit, mortgage loan, interest, group or index, or option, 
     and including any repurchase or reverse repurchase 
     transaction on any such security, certificate of deposit, 
     mortgage loan, interest, group or index, or option (whether 
     or not the repurchase or reverse repurchase transaction is a 
     repurchase agreement);
       ``(bb) any option entered into on a national securities 
     exchange relating to foreign currencies;
       ``(cc) the guarantee (including by novation) by or to any 
     securities clearing agency of any settlement of cash, 
     securities, certificates of deposit, mortgage loans or 
     interests therein, group or index of securities, certificates 
     of deposit, or mortgage loans or interests therein (including 
     any interest therein or based on the value thereof) or option 
     on any of the foregoing, including any option to purchase or 
     sell any such security, certificate of deposit, mortgage 
     loan, interest, group or index, or option (whether or not the 
     settlement is in connection with any agreement or transaction 
     referred to in any of items (aa), (bb), and (dd) through 
     (kk));
       ``(dd) any margin loan;
       ``(ee) any extension of credit for the clearance or 
     settlement of securities transactions;
       ``(ff) any loan transaction coupled with a securities 
     collar transaction, any prepaid securities forward 
     transaction, or any total return swap transaction coupled 
     with a securities sale transaction;
       ``(gg) any other agreement or transaction that is similar 
     to any agreement or transaction referred to in this 
     subclause;
       ``(hh) any combination of the agreements or transactions 
     referred to in this subclause;
       ``(ii) any option to enter into any agreement or 
     transaction referred to in this subclause;
       ``(jj) a master agreement that provides for an agreement or 
     transaction referred to in any of items (aa) through (ii), 
     together with all supplements to any such master agreement, 
     without regard to whether the master agreement provides for 
     an agreement or transaction that is not a securities contract 
     under this subclause, except that the master agreement shall 
     be considered to be a securities contract under this 
     subclause only with respect to each agreement or transaction 
     under the master agreement that is referred to in item (aa), 
     (bb), (cc), (dd), (ee), (ff), (gg), (hh), or (ii); and
       ``(kk) any security agreement or arrangement or other 
     credit enhancement related to any agreement or transaction 
     referred to in this subclause, including any guarantee or 
     reimbursement obligation in connection with any agreement or 
     transaction referred to in this subclause; and

       ``(II) does not include any purchase, sale, or repurchase 
     obligation under a participation in a commercial mortgage 
     loan unless the Corporation determines by regulation, 
     resolution, or order to include any such agreement within the 
     meaning of such term.

       ``(vii) Swap agreement.--The term `swap agreement' means--

       ``(I) any agreement, including the terms and conditions 
     incorporated by reference in any such agreement, that is--

       ``(aa) an interest rate swap, option, future, or forward 
     agreement, including a rate floor, rate cap, rate collar, 
     cross-currency rate swap, and basis swap;
       ``(bb) a spot, same day-tomorrow, tomorrow-next, forward, 
     or other foreign exchange precious metals or other commodity 
     agreement;
       ``(cc) a currency swap, option, future, or forward 
     agreement;
       ``(dd) an equity index or equity swap, option, future, or 
     forward agreement;
       ``(ee) a debt index or debt swap, option, future, or 
     forward agreement;
       ``(ff) a total return, credit spread or credit swap, 
     option, future, or forward agreement;

[[Page S4569]]

       ``(gg) a commodity index or commodity swap, option, future, 
     or forward agreement;
       ``(hh) a weather swap, option, future, or forward 
     agreement;
       ``(ii) an emissions swap, option, future, or forward 
     agreement; or
       ``(jj) an inflation swap, option, future, or forward 
     agreement;

       ``(II) any agreement or transaction that is similar to any 
     other agreement or transaction referred to in this clause and 
     that is of a type that has been, is presently, or in the 
     future becomes, the subject of recurrent dealings in the swap 
     or other derivatives markets (including terms and conditions 
     incorporated by reference in such agreement) and that is a 
     forward, swap, future, option or spot transaction on one or 
     more rates, currencies, commodities, equity securities or 
     other equity instruments, debt securities or other debt 
     instruments, quantitative measures associated with an 
     occurrence, extent of an occurrence, or contingency 
     associated with a financial, commercial, or economic 
     consequence, or economic or financial indices or measures of 
     economic or financial risk or value;
       ``(III) any combination of agreements or transactions 
     referred to in this clause;
       ``(IV) any option to enter into any agreement or 
     transaction referred to in this clause;
       ``(V) a master agreement that provides for an agreement or 
     transaction referred to in any of subclauses (I) through 
     (IV), together with all supplements to any such master 
     agreement, without regard to whether the master agreement 
     contains an agreement or transaction that is not a swap 
     agreement under this clause, except that the master agreement 
     shall be considered to be a swap agreement under this clause 
     only with respect to each agreement or transaction under the 
     master agreement that is referred to in subclause (I), (II), 
     (III), or (IV); and
       ``(VI) any security agreement or arrangement or other 
     credit enhancement related to any agreements or transactions 
     referred to in any of subclauses (I) through (V), including 
     any guarantee or reimbursement obligation in connection with 
     any agreement or transaction referred to in any such 
     subclause.

       ``(viii) Transfer.--The term `transfer' means every mode, 
     direct or indirect, absolute or conditional, voluntary or 
     involuntary, of disposing of or parting with property or with 
     an interest in property, including retention of title as a 
     security interest and foreclosure of the equity of redemption 
     of a System institution.
       ``(ix) Treatment of master agreement as 1 agreement.--For 
     purposes of this subparagraph--

       ``(I) any master agreement for any contract or agreement 
     described in this subparagraph (or any master agreement for 
     such a master agreement or agreements), together with all 
     supplements to the master agreement, shall be treated as a 
     single agreement and a single qualified financial contact; 
     and
       ``(II) if a master agreement contains provisions relating 
     to agreements or transactions that are not qualified 
     financial contracts, the master agreement shall be deemed to 
     be a qualified financial contract only with respect to those 
     transactions that are themselves qualified financial 
     contracts.

       ``(B) Rights of parties to contracts.--Subject to 
     paragraphs (9) and (10), and notwithstanding any other 
     provision of this Act (other than subsection (b)(9) and 
     section 5.61(d)) or any other Federal or State law, no person 
     shall be stayed or prohibited from exercising--
       ``(i) any right such person has to cause the termination, 
     liquidation, or acceleration of any qualified financial 
     contract with a System institution which arises upon the 
     appointment of the Corporation as receiver for such System 
     institution at any time after such appointment;
       ``(ii) any right under any security agreement or 
     arrangement or other credit enhancement related to one or 
     more qualified financial contracts described in clause (i); 
     or
       ``(iii) any right to offset or net out any termination 
     value, payment amount, or other transfer obligation arising 
     under, or in connection with, 1 or more contracts and 
     agreements described in clause (i), including any master 
     agreement for such contracts or agreements.
       ``(C) Applicability of other provisions.--Subsection 
     (b)(12) shall apply in the case of any judicial action or 
     proceeding brought against any receiver referred to in 
     subparagraph (A), or the System institution for which such 
     receiver was appointed, by any party to a contract or 
     agreement described in subparagraph (B)(i) with such System 
     institution.
       ``(D) Certain transfers not avoidable.--
       ``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraph (11) or any 
     other Federal or State law relating to the avoidance of 
     preferential or fraudulent transfers, the Corporation, 
     whether acting as such or as conservator or receiver of a 
     System institution, may not avoid any transfer of money or 
     other property in connection with any qualified financial 
     contract with a System institution.
       ``(ii) Exception for certain transfers.--Clause (i) shall 
     not apply to any transfer of money or other property in 
     connection with any qualified financial contract with a 
     System institution if the Corporation determines that the 
     transferee had actual intent to hinder, delay, or defraud 
     such System institution, the creditors of such System 
     institution, or any conservator or receiver appointed for 
     such System institution.
       ``(E) Certain protections in event of appointment of 
     conservator.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act 
     (other than subparagraph (G), paragraph (10), subsection 
     (b)(9), and section 5.61(d)) or any other Federal or State 
     law, no person shall be stayed or prohibited from 
     exercising--
       ``(i) any right such person has to cause the termination, 
     liquidation, or acceleration of any qualified financial 
     contract with a System institution in a conservatorship based 
     upon a default under such financial contract which is 
     enforceable under applicable noninsolvency law;
       ``(ii) any right under any security agreement or 
     arrangement or other credit enhancement related to one or 
     more qualified financial contracts described in clause (i); 
     and
       ``(iii) any right to offset or net out any termination 
     values, payment amounts, or other transfer obligations 
     arising under or in connection with such qualified financial 
     contracts.
       ``(F) Clarification.--No provision of law shall be 
     construed as limiting the right or power of the Corporation, 
     or authorizing any court or agency to limit or delay, in any 
     manner, the right or power of the Corporation to transfer any 
     qualified financial contract in accordance with paragraphs 
     (9) and (10) or to disaffirm or repudiate any such contract 
     in accordance with paragraph (1).
       ``(G) Walkaway clauses not effective.--
       ``(i) Definition of walkaway clause.--In this subparagraph, 
     the term `walkaway clause' means any provision in a qualified 
     financial contract that suspends, conditions, or extinguishes 
     a payment obligation of a party, in whole or in part, or does 
     not create a payment obligation of a party that would 
     otherwise exist--

       ``(I) solely because of--

       ``(aa) the status of the party as a nondefaulting party in 
     connection with the insolvency of a System institution that 
     is a party to the contract; or
       ``(bb) the appointment of, or the exercise of rights or 
     powers by, the Corporation as a conservator or receiver of 
     the System institution; and

       ``(II) not as a result of the exercise by a party of any 
     right to offset, setoff, or net obligations that exist 
     under--

       ``(aa) the contract;
       ``(bb) any other contract between those parties; or
       ``(cc) applicable law.
       ``(ii) Treatment.--Notwithstanding the provisions of 
     subparagraphs (B) and (E), no walkaway clause shall be 
     enforceable in a qualified financial contract of a System 
     institution in default.
       ``(iii) Limited suspension of certain obligations.--In the 
     case of a qualified financial contract referred to in clause 
     (ii), any payment or delivery obligations otherwise due from 
     a party pursuant to the qualified financial contract shall be 
     suspended from the time the receiver is appointed until the 
     earlier of--

       ``(I) the time such party receives notice that such 
     contract has been transferred pursuant to subparagraph (B); 
     or
       ``(II) 5:00 p.m. (eastern time) on the business day 
     following the date of the appointment of the receiver.

       ``(H) Recordkeeping requirements.--The Corporation, in 
     consultation with the Farm Credit Administration, may 
     prescribe regulations requiring more detailed recordkeeping 
     by any System institution with respect to qualified financial 
     contracts (including market valuations), only if such System 
     institution is subject to subclause (I), (III), or (IV) of 
     section 5.61B(a)(1)(A)(ii).
       ``(9) Transfer of qualified financial contracts.--
       ``(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
       ``(i) Clearing organization.--The term `clearing 
     organization' has the meaning given the term in section 402 
     of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act 
     of 1991 (12 U.S.C. 4402).
       ``(ii) Financial institution.--The term `financial 
     institution' means a System institution, a broker or dealer, 
     a depository institution, a futures commission merchant, or 
     any other institution, as determined by the Corporation by 
     regulation to be a financial institution.
       ``(B) Requirement.--In making any transfer of assets or 
     liabilities of a System institution in default which includes 
     any qualified financial contract, the conservator or receiver 
     for such System institution shall either--
       ``(i) transfer to one financial institution, other than a 
     financial institution for which a conservator, receiver, 
     trustee in bankruptcy, or other legal custodian has been 
     appointed, or that is otherwise the subject of a bankruptcy 
     or insolvency proceeding--

       ``(I) all qualified financial contracts between any person 
     or any affiliate of such person and the System institution in 
     default;
       ``(II) all claims of such person or any affiliate of such 
     person against such System institution under any such 
     contract (other than any claim which, under the terms of any 
     such contract, is subordinated to the claims of general 
     unsecured creditors of such System institution);
       ``(III) all claims of such System institution against such 
     person or any affiliate of such person under any such 
     contract; and
       ``(IV) all property securing or any other credit 
     enhancement for any contract described in subclause (I) or 
     any claim described in subclause (II) or (III) under any such 
     contract; or

[[Page S4570]]

       ``(ii) transfer none of the qualified financial contracts, 
     claims, property or other credit enhancement referred to in 
     clause (i) (with respect to such person and any affiliate of 
     such person).
       ``(C) Transfer to foreign bank, foreign financial 
     institution, or branch or agency of a foreign bank or 
     financial institution.--In transferring any qualified 
     financial contracts and related claims and property under 
     subparagraph (B)(i), the conservator or receiver for the 
     System institution shall not make such transfer to a foreign 
     bank, financial institution organized under the laws of a 
     foreign country, or a branch or agency of a foreign bank or 
     financial institution unless, under the law applicable to 
     such bank, financial institution, branch or agency, to the 
     qualified financial contracts, and to any netting contract, 
     any security agreement or arrangement or other credit 
     enhancement related to one or more qualified financial 
     contracts, the contractual rights of the parties to such 
     qualified financial contracts, netting contracts, security 
     agreements or arrangements, or other credit enhancements are 
     enforceable substantially to the same extent as permitted 
     under this section.
       ``(D) Transfer of contracts subject to the rules of a 
     clearing organization.--In the event that a conservator or 
     receiver transfers any qualified financial contract and 
     related claims, property, and credit enhancements pursuant to 
     subparagraph (B)(i) and such contract is cleared by or 
     subject to the rules of a clearing organization, the clearing 
     organization shall not be required to accept the transferee 
     as a member by virtue of the transfer.
       ``(10) Notification of transfer.--
       ``(A) Definition of business day.--In this paragraph, the 
     term `business day' means any day other than any Saturday, 
     Sunday, or any day on which either the New York Stock 
     Exchange or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is closed.
       ``(B) Notification.--If--
       ``(i) the conservator or receiver for a System institution 
     in default makes any transfer of the assets and liabilities 
     of such System institution; and
       ``(ii) the transfer includes any qualified financial 
     contract, the conservator or receiver shall notify any person 
     who is a party to any such contract of such transfer by 5:00 
     p.m. (eastern time) on the business day following the date of 
     the appointment of the receiver in the case of a 
     receivership, or the business day following such transfer in 
     the case of a conservatorship.
       ``(C) Certain rights not enforceable.--
       ``(i) Receivership.--A person who is a party to a qualified 
     financial contract with a System institution may not exercise 
     any right that such person has to terminate, liquidate, or 
     net such contract under paragraph (8)(B) of this subsection, 
     solely by reason of or incidental to the appointment of a 
     receiver for the System institution (or the insolvency or 
     financial condition of the System institution for which the 
     receiver has been appointed)--

       ``(I) until 5:00 p.m. (eastern time) on the business day 
     following the date of the appointment of the receiver; or
       ``(II) after the person has received notice that the 
     contract has been transferred pursuant to paragraph (9)(B).

       ``(ii) Conservatorship.--A person who is a party to a 
     qualified financial contract with a System institution may 
     not exercise any right that such person has to terminate, 
     liquidate, or net such contract under paragraph (8)(E) of 
     this subsection, solely by reason of or incidental to the 
     appointment of a conservator for the System institution (or 
     the insolvency or financial condition of the System 
     institution for which the conservator has been appointed).
       ``(iii) Notice.--For purposes of this paragraph, the 
     Corporation as receiver or conservator of a System 
     institution shall be deemed to have notified a person who is 
     a party to a qualified financial contract with such System 
     institution if the Corporation has taken steps reasonably 
     calculated to provide notice to such person by the time 
     specified in subparagraph (B).
       ``(D) Treatment of bridge system institutions.--The 
     following System institutions shall not be considered to be a 
     financial institution for which a conservator, receiver, 
     trustee in bankruptcy, or other legal custodian has been 
     appointed or which is otherwise the subject of a bankruptcy 
     or insolvency proceeding for purposes of paragraph (9):
       ``(i) A bridge System bank.
       ``(ii) A System institution organized by the Corporation or 
     the Farm Credit Administration, for which a conservator is 
     appointed either--

       ``(I) immediately upon the organization of the System 
     institution; or
       ``(II) at the time of a purchase and assumption transaction 
     between the System institution and the Corporation as 
     receiver for a System institution in default.

       ``(11) Disaffirmance or repudiation of qualified financial 
     contracts.--In exercising the rights of disaffirmance or 
     repudiation of a conservator or receiver with respect to any 
     qualified financial contract to which a System institution is 
     a party, the conservator or receiver for such System 
     institution shall either--
       ``(A) disaffirm or repudiate all qualified financial 
     contracts between--
       ``(i) any person or any affiliate of such person; and
       ``(ii) the System institution in default; or
       ``(B) disaffirm or repudiate none of the qualified 
     financial contracts referred to in subparagraph (A) (with 
     respect to such person or any affiliate of such person).
       ``(12) Certain security interests not avoidable.--No 
     provision of this subsection shall be construed as permitting 
     the avoidance of any legally enforceable or perfected 
     security interest in any of the assets of any System 
     institution except where such an interest is taken in 
     contemplation of the System institution's insolvency or with 
     the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud the System 
     institution or the creditors of such System institution.
       ``(13) Authority to enforce contracts.--
       ``(A) In general.--The conservator or receiver may enforce 
     any contract, other than a director's or officer's liability 
     insurance contract or a System institution bond, entered into 
     by the System institution notwithstanding any provision of 
     the contract providing for termination, default, 
     acceleration, or exercise of rights upon, or solely by reason 
     of, insolvency or the appointment of or the exercise of 
     rights or powers by a conservator or receiver.
       ``(B) Certain rights not affected.--No provision of this 
     paragraph may be construed as impairing or affecting any 
     right of the conservator or receiver to enforce or recover 
     under a director's or officer's liability insurance contract 
     or institution bond under other applicable law.
       ``(C) Consent requirement.--
       ``(i) In general.--Except as otherwise provided by this 
     section, no person may exercise any right or power to 
     terminate, accelerate, or declare a default under any 
     contract to which the System institution is a party, or to 
     obtain possession of or exercise control over any property of 
     the System institution or affect any contractual rights of 
     the System institution, without the consent of the 
     conservator or receiver, as appropriate, during the 45-day 
     period beginning on the date of the appointment of the 
     conservator, or during the 90-day period beginning on the 
     date of the appointment of the receiver, as applicable.
       ``(ii) Certain exceptions.--No provision of this 
     subparagraph shall apply to a director or officer liability 
     insurance contract or an institution bond, to the rights of 
     parties to certain qualified financial contracts pursuant to 
     paragraph (8), or shall be construed as permitting the 
     conservator or receiver to fail to comply with otherwise 
     enforceable provisions of such contract.
       ``(14) Exception for federal reserve and the united states 
     treasury.--No provision of this subsection shall apply with 
     respect to--
       ``(A) any extension of credit from any Federal Reserve bank 
     or the United States Treasury to any System institution; or
       ``(B) any security interest in the assets of the System 
     institution securing any such extension of credit.
       ``(15) Savings clause.--The meanings of terms used in this 
     subsection--
       ``(A) are applicable for purposes of this subsection only; 
     and
       ``(B) shall not be construed or applied so as to challenge 
     or affect the characterization, definition, or treatment of 
     any similar terms under any other law, regulation, or rule, 
     including--
       ``(i) the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (12 U.S.C. 1811 note; 
     Public Law 106-102);
       ``(ii) the Legal Certainty for Bank Products Act of 2000 (7 
     U.S.C. 27 et seq.);
       ``(iii) the securities laws (as that term is defined in 
     section 3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 
     U.S.C. 78c(a))); and
       ``(iv) the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1 et seq.).
       ``(d) Valuation of Claims in Default.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     Federal law or the law of any State and regardless of the 
     method which the Corporation determines to utilize with 
     respect to a System institution in default or in danger of 
     default, including transactions authorized under subsection 
     (h) and section 5.61(a), this subsection shall govern the 
     rights of the creditors of such System institution.
       ``(2) Maximum liability.--The maximum liability of the 
     Corporation, acting as receiver or in any other capacity, to 
     any person having a claim against the receiver or the System 
     institution for which such receiver is appointed shall equal 
     the amount such claimant would have received if the 
     Corporation had liquidated the assets and liabilities of such 
     System institution without exercising the Corporation's 
     authority under subsection (h) or section 5.61(a).
       ``(3) Additional payments authorized.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Corporation may, in its discretion 
     and in the interests of minimizing its losses, use its own 
     resources to make additional payments or credit additional 
     amounts to or with respect to or for the account of any 
     claimant or category of claimants. Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of Federal or State law, or the constitution of any 
     State, the Corporation shall not be obligated, as a result of 
     having made any such payment or credited any such amount to 
     or with respect to or for the account of any claimant or 
     category of claimants, to make payments to any other claimant 
     or category of claimants.
       ``(B) Manner of payment.--The Corporation may make the 
     payments or credit the amounts specified in subparagraph (A) 
     directly to the claimants or may make such payments or credit 
     such amounts to an open System institution to induce such 
     System

[[Page S4571]]

     institution to accept liability for such claims.
       ``(e) Limitation on Court Action.--Except as provided in 
     this section, no court may take any action, except at the 
     written request of the Board of Directors, to restrain or 
     affect the exercise of powers or functions of the Corporation 
     as a conservator or a receiver.
       ``(f) Liability of Directors and Officers.--
       ``(1) In general.--A director or officer of a System 
     institution may be held personally liable for monetary 
     damages in any civil action--
       ``(A) brought by, on behalf of, or at the request or 
     direction of the Corporation;
       ``(B) prosecuted wholly or partially for the benefit of the 
     Corporation--
       ``(i) acting as conservator or receiver of that System 
     institution;
       ``(ii) acting based on a suit, claim, or cause of action 
     purchased from, assigned by, or otherwise conveyed by that 
     receiver or conservator; or
       ``(iii) acting based on a suit, claim, or cause of action 
     purchased from, assigned by, or otherwise conveyed in whole 
     or in part by a System institution or an affiliate of a 
     System institution in connection with assistance provided 
     under section 5.61(a); and
       ``(C) for, as determined under the applicable State law--
       ``(i) gross negligence; or
       ``(ii) any similar conduct, including conduct that 
     demonstrates a greater disregard of a duty of care than gross 
     negligence, such as intentional tortious conduct.
       ``(2) Effect.--Nothing in paragraph (1) impairs or affects 
     any right of the Corporation under any other applicable law.
       ``(g) Damages.--In any proceeding related to any claim 
     against a System institution's director, officer, employee, 
     agent, attorney, accountant, appraiser, or any other party 
     employed by or providing services to a System institution, 
     recoverable damages determined to result from the improvident 
     or otherwise improper use or investment of any System 
     institution's assets shall include principal losses and 
     appropriate interest.
       ``(h) Bridge Farm Credit System Banks.--
       ``(1) Organization.--
       ``(A) Purpose.--
       ``(i) In general.--When 1 or more System banks are in 
     default, or when the Corporation anticipates that 1 or more 
     System banks may become in default, the Corporation may, in 
     its discretion, organize, and the Farm Credit Administration 
     may, in its discretion, charter, 1 or more System banks, with 
     the powers and attributes of System banks, subject to the 
     provisions of this subsection, to be referred to as `bridge 
     System banks'.
       ``(ii) Intent of congress.--It is the intent of the 
     Congress that, in order to prevent unnecessary hardship or 
     losses to the customers of any System bank in default with 
     respect to which a bridge System bank is chartered, the 
     Corporation should--

       ``(I) continue to honor commitments made by the System bank 
     in default to creditworthy customers; and
       ``(II) not interrupt or terminate adequately secured loans 
     which are transferred under this subsection and are being 
     repaid by the debtor in accordance with the terms of the loan 
     instrument.

       ``(B) Authorities.--Once chartered by the Farm Credit 
     Administration, the bridge System bank may--
       ``(i) assume such liabilities of the System bank or banks 
     in default or in danger of default as the Corporation may, in 
     its discretion, determine to be appropriate;
       ``(ii) purchase such assets of the System bank or banks in 
     default or in danger of default as the Corporation may, in 
     its discretion, determine to be appropriate; and
       ``(iii) perform any other temporary function which the 
     Corporation may, in its discretion, prescribe in accordance 
     with this Act.
       ``(C) Articles of association.--The articles of association 
     and organization certificate of a bridge System bank as 
     approved by the Corporation shall be executed by 3 
     representatives designated by the Corporation.
       ``(D) Interim directors.--A bridge System bank shall have 
     an interim board of directors consisting of not fewer than 5 
     nor more than 10 members appointed by the Corporation.
       ``(2) Chartering.--
       ``(A) Conditions.--The Farm Credit Administration may 
     charter a bridge System bank only if the Board of Directors 
     determines that--
       ``(i) the amount which is reasonably necessary to operate 
     such bridge System bank will not exceed the amount which is 
     reasonably necessary to save the cost of liquidating 1 or 
     more System banks in default or in danger of default with 
     respect to which the bridge System bank is chartered;
       ``(ii) the continued operation of such System bank or banks 
     in default or in danger of default with respect to which the 
     bridge System bank is chartered is essential to provide 
     adequate farm credit services in the 1 or more communities 
     where each such System bank in default or in danger of 
     default is or was providing those farm credit services; or
       ``(iii) the continued operation of such System bank or 
     banks in default or in danger of default with respect to 
     which the bridge System bank is chartered is in the best 
     interest of the Farm Credit System or the public.
       ``(B) Bridge system bank treated as being in default for 
     certain purposes.--A bridge System bank shall be treated as 
     being in default at such times and for such purposes as the 
     Corporation may, in its discretion, determine.
       ``(C) Management.--A bridge System bank, upon the granting 
     of its charter, shall be under the management of a board of 
     directors consisting of not fewer than 5 nor more than 10 
     members appointed by the Corporation, in consultation with 
     the Farm Credit Administration.
       ``(D) Bylaws.--The board of directors of a bridge System 
     bank shall adopt such bylaws as may be approved by the 
     Corporation.
       ``(3) Transfer of assets and liabilities.--
       ``(A) Transfer upon grant of charter.--Upon the granting of 
     a charter to a bridge System bank pursuant to this 
     subsection, the Corporation, as receiver, may transfer any 
     assets and liabilities of the System bank to the bridge 
     System bank in accordance with paragraph (1).
       ``(B) Subsequent transfers.--At any time after a charter is 
     granted to a bridge System bank, the Corporation, as 
     receiver, may transfer any assets and liabilities of such 
     System bank in default as the Corporation may, in its 
     discretion, determine to be appropriate in accordance with 
     paragraph (1).
       ``(C) Effective without approval.--The transfer of any 
     assets or liabilities of a System bank in default or danger 
     of default transferred to a bridge System bank shall be 
     effective without any further approval under Federal or State 
     law, assignment, or consent with respect thereto.
       ``(4) Powers of bridge system banks.--Each bridge System 
     bank chartered under this subsection shall, to the extent 
     described in the charter of the System bank in default with 
     respect to which the bridge System bank is chartered, have 
     all corporate powers of, and be subject to the same 
     provisions of law as, any System bank, except that--
       ``(A) the Corporation may--
       ``(i) remove the interim directors and directors of a 
     bridge System bank;
       ``(ii) fix the compensation of members of the interim board 
     of directors and the board of directors and senior 
     management, as determined by the Corporation in its 
     discretion, of a bridge System bank; and
       ``(iii) waive any requirement established under Federal or 
     State law which would otherwise be applicable with respect to 
     directors of a bridge System bank, on the condition that the 
     waiver of any requirement established by the Farm Credit 
     Administration shall require the concurrence of the Farm 
     Credit Administration;
       ``(B) the Corporation may indemnify the representatives for 
     purposes of paragraph (1)(B) and the interim directors, 
     directors, officers, employees, and agents of a bridge System 
     bank on such terms as the Corporation determines to be 
     appropriate;
       ``(C) no requirement under any provision of law relating to 
     the capital of a System institution shall apply with respect 
     to a bridge System bank;
       ``(D) the Farm Credit Administration Board may establish a 
     limitation on the extent to which any person may become 
     indebted to a bridge System bank without regard to the amount 
     of the bridge System bank's capital or surplus;
       ``(E)(i) the board of directors of a bridge System bank 
     shall elect a chairperson who may also serve in the position 
     of chief executive officer, except that such person shall not 
     serve either as chairperson or as chief executive officer 
     without the prior approval of the Corporation; and
       ``(ii) the board of directors of a bridge System bank may 
     appoint a chief executive officer who is not also the 
     chairperson, except that such person shall not serve as chief 
     executive officer without the prior approval of the 
     Corporation;
       ``(F) the Farm Credit Administration may waive any 
     requirement for a fidelity bond with respect to a bridge 
     System bank at the request of the Corporation;
       ``(G) any judicial action to which a bridge System bank 
     becomes a party by virtue of its acquisition of any assets or 
     assumption of any liabilities of a System bank in default 
     shall be stayed from further proceedings for a period of up 
     to 45 days at the request of the bridge System bank;
       ``(H) no agreement which tends to diminish or defeat the 
     right, title or interest of a bridge System bank in any asset 
     of a System bank in default acquired by it shall be valid 
     against the bridge System bank unless such agreement--
       ``(i) is in writing;
       ``(ii) was executed by such System bank in default and the 
     person or persons claiming an adverse interest thereunder, 
     including the obligor, contemporaneously with the acquisition 
     of the asset by such System bank in default;
       ``(iii) was approved by the board of directors of such 
     System bank in default or its loan committee, which approval 
     shall be reflected in the minutes of said board or committee; 
     and
       ``(iv) has been, continuously from the time of its 
     execution, an official record of such System bank in default;
       ``(I) notwithstanding subsection 5.61(d)(2), any agreement 
     relating to an extension of credit between a System bank, 
     Federal Reserve bank, or the United States Treasury and any 
     System institution which was executed before the extension of 
     credit by such lender to such System institution shall be 
     treated as having been executed contemporaneously with such 
     extension of credit for purposes of subparagraph (H); and
       ``(J) except with the prior approval of the Corporation and 
     the concurrence of the

[[Page S4572]]

     Farm Credit Administration, a bridge System bank may not, in 
     any transaction or series of transactions, issue capital 
     stock or be a party to any merger, consolidation, disposition 
     of substantially all of the assets or liabilities of the 
     bridge System bank, sale or exchange of capital stock, or 
     similar transaction, or change its charter.
       ``(5) Capital.--
       ``(A) No capital required.--The Corporation shall not be 
     required to--
       ``(i) issue any capital stock on behalf of a bridge System 
     bank chartered under this subsection; or
       ``(ii) purchase any capital stock of a bridge System bank, 
     except that notwithstanding any other provision of Federal or 
     State law, the Corporation may purchase and retain capital 
     stock of a bridge System bank in such amounts and on such 
     terms as the Corporation, in its discretion, determines to be 
     appropriate.
       ``(B) Operating funds in lieu of capital.--Upon the 
     organization of a bridge System bank, and thereafter, as the 
     Corporation may, in its discretion, determine to be necessary 
     or advisable, the Corporation may make available to the 
     bridge System bank, upon such terms and conditions and in 
     such form and amounts as the Corporation may in its 
     discretion determine, funds for the operation of the bridge 
     System bank in lieu of capital.
       ``(C) Authority to issue capital stock.--Whenever the Farm 
     Credit Administration Board determines it is advisable to do 
     so, the Corporation shall cause capital stock of a bridge 
     System bank to be issued and offered for sale in such amounts 
     and on such terms and conditions as the Corporation may, in 
     its discretion, determine.
       ``(6) Employee status.--Representatives for purposes of 
     paragraph (1)(C), interim directors, directors, officers, 
     employees, or agents of a bridge System bank are not, solely 
     by virtue of service in any such capacity, officers or 
     employees of the United States. Any employee of the 
     Corporation, the Farm Credit Administration, or any Federal 
     instrumentality who serves at the request of the Corporation 
     as a representative for purposes of paragraph (1)(C), interim 
     director, director, officer, employee, or agent of a bridge 
     System bank shall not--
       ``(A) solely by virtue of service in any such capacity lose 
     any existing status as an officer or employee of the United 
     States for purposes of any provision of law; or
       ``(B) receive any salary or benefits for service in any 
     such capacity with respect to a bridge System bank in 
     addition to such salary or benefits as are obtained through 
     employment with the Corporation or such Federal 
     instrumentality.
       ``(7) Assistance authorized.--The Corporation may, in its 
     discretion, provide assistance under section 5.61(a) to 
     facilitate any merger or consolidation of a bridge System 
     bank in the same manner and to the same extent as such 
     assistance may be provided to a qualifying insured System 
     bank (as defined in section 5.61(a)(2)(B)) or to facilitate a 
     bridge System bank's acquisition of any assets or the 
     assumption of any liabilities of a System bank in default or 
     in danger of default.
       ``(8) Duration of bridge system banks.--Subject to 
     paragraphs (10) and (11), the status of a bridge System bank 
     as such shall terminate at the end of the 2-year period 
     following the date it was granted a charter. The Farm Credit 
     Administration Board may, in its discretion, extend the 
     status of the bridge System bank as such for 3 additional 1-
     year periods.
       ``(9) Termination of bridge system banks status.--The 
     status of any bridge System bank as such shall terminate upon 
     the earliest of--
       ``(A) the merger or consolidation of the bridge System bank 
     with a System institution that is not a bridge System bank, 
     on the condition that the merger or consolidation shall be 
     subject to the approval of the Farm Credit Administration;
       ``(B) at the election of the Corporation and with the 
     approval of the Farm Credit Administration, the sale of a 
     majority or all of the capital stock of the bridge System 
     bank to a System institution or another bridge System bank;
       ``(C) at the election of the Corporation, and with the 
     approval of the Farm Credit Administration, either the 
     assumption of all or substantially all of the liabilities of 
     the bridge System bank, or the acquisition of all or 
     substantially all of the assets of the bridge System bank, by 
     a System institution that is not a bridge System bank or 
     other entity as permitted under applicable law; and
       ``(D) the expiration of the period provided in paragraph 
     (8), or the earlier dissolution of the bridge System bank as 
     provided in paragraph (11).
       ``(10) Effect of termination events.--
       ``(A) Merger or consolidation.--A bridge System bank that 
     participates in a merger or consolidation as provided in 
     paragraph (9)(A) shall be for all purposes a System 
     institution, with all the rights, powers, and privileges 
     thereof, and such merger or consolidation shall be conducted 
     in accordance with, and shall have the effect provided in, 
     the provisions of applicable law.
       ``(B) Charter conversion.--Following the sale of a majority 
     or all of the capital stock of the bridge System bank as 
     provided in paragraph (9)(B), the Farm Credit Administration 
     Board may amend the charter of the bridge System bank to 
     reflect the termination of the status of the bridge System 
     bank as such, whereupon the System bank shall remain a System 
     bank, with all of the rights, powers, and privileges thereof, 
     subject to all laws and regulations applicable thereto.
       ``(C) Assumption of liabilities and sale of assets.--
     Following the assumption of all or substantially all of the 
     liabilities of the bridge System bank, or the sale of all or 
     substantially all of the assets of the bridge System bank, as 
     provided in paragraph (9)(C), at the election of the 
     Corporation, the bridge System bank may retain its status as 
     such for the period provided in paragraph (8).
       ``(D) Amendments to charter.--Following the consummation of 
     a transaction described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of 
     paragraph (9), the charter of the resulting System 
     institution shall be amended by the Farm Credit 
     Administration to reflect the termination of bridge System 
     bank status, if appropriate.
       ``(11) Dissolution of bridge system bank.--
       ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     State or Federal law, if the bridge System bank's status as 
     such has not previously been terminated by the occurrence of 
     an event specified in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of 
     paragraph (9)--
       ``(i) the Corporation, after consultation with the Farm 
     Credit Administration, may, in its discretion, dissolve a 
     bridge System bank in accordance with this paragraph at any 
     time; and
       ``(ii) the Corporation, after consultation with the Farm 
     Credit Administration, shall promptly commence dissolution 
     proceedings in accordance with this paragraph upon the 
     expiration of the 2-year period following the date the bridge 
     System bank was chartered, or any extension thereof, as 
     provided in paragraph (8).
       ``(B) Procedures.--The Farm Credit Administration Board 
     shall appoint the Corporation as receiver for a bridge System 
     bank upon determining to dissolve the bridge System bank. The 
     Corporation as such receiver shall wind up the affairs of the 
     bridge System bank in conformity with the provisions of law 
     relating to the liquidation of closed System banks. With 
     respect to any such bridge System bank, the Corporation as 
     such receiver shall have all the rights, powers, and 
     privileges and shall perform the duties related to the 
     exercise of such rights, powers, or privileges granted by law 
     to a receiver of any insured System bank and, notwithstanding 
     any other provision of law in the exercise of such rights, 
     powers, and privileges, the Corporation shall not be subject 
     to the direction or supervision of any State agency or other 
     Federal agency.
       ``(12) Multiple bridge system banks.--The Corporation may, 
     in the Corporation's discretion, organize, and the Farm 
     Credit Administration may, in its discretion, charter, 2 or 
     more bridge System banks under this subsection to assume any 
     liabilities and purchase any assets of a single System 
     institution in default.
       ``(i) Certain Sales of Assets Prohibited.--
       ``(1) Persons who engaged in improper conduct with, or 
     caused losses to, system institutions.--The Corporation shall 
     prescribe regulations which, at a minimum, shall prohibit the 
     sale of assets of a failed System institution by the 
     Corporation to--
       ``(A) any person who--
       ``(i) has defaulted, or was a member of a partnership or an 
     officer or director of a corporation that has defaulted, on 1 
     or more obligations the aggregate amount of which exceed 
     $1,000,000, to such failed System institution;
       ``(ii) has been found to have engaged in fraudulent 
     activity in connection with any obligation referred to in 
     clause (i); and
       ``(iii) proposes to purchase any such asset in whole or in 
     part through the use of the proceeds of a loan or advance of 
     credit from the Corporation or from any System institution 
     for which the Corporation has been appointed as conservator 
     or receiver;
       ``(B) any person who participated, as an officer or 
     director of such failed System institution or of any 
     affiliate of such System institution, in a material way in 
     transactions that resulted in a substantial loss to such 
     failed System institution;
       ``(C) any person who has been removed from, or prohibited 
     from participating in the affairs of, such failed System 
     institution pursuant to any final enforcement action by the 
     Farm Credit Administration;
       ``(D) any person who has demonstrated a pattern or practice 
     of defalcation regarding obligations to such failed System 
     institution; or
       ``(E) any person who is in default on any loan or other 
     extension of credit from such failed System institution 
     which, if not paid, will cause substantial loss to the System 
     institution or the Corporation.
       ``(2) Defaulted debtors.--Except as provided in paragraph 
     (3), any person who is in default on any loan or other 
     extension of credit from the System institution, which, if 
     not paid, will cause substantial loss to the System 
     institution or the Corporation, may not purchase any asset 
     from the conservator or receiver.
       ``(3) Settlement of claims.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply 
     to the sale or transfer by the Corporation of any asset of 
     any System institution to any person if the sale or transfer 
     of the asset resolves or settles, or is part of the 
     resolution or settlement, of--

[[Page S4573]]

       ``(A) 1 or more claims that have been, or could have been, 
     asserted by the Corporation against the person; or
       ``(B) obligations owed by the person to any System 
     institution, or the Corporation.
       ``(4) Definition of default.--For purposes of this 
     subsection, the term `default' means a failure to comply with 
     the terms of a loan or other obligation to such an extent 
     that the property securing the obligation is foreclosed upon.
       ``(j) Expedited Procedures for Certain Claims.--
       ``(1) Time for filing notice of appeal.--The notice of 
     appeal of any order, whether interlocutory or final, entered 
     in any case brought by the Corporation against a System 
     institution's director, officer, employee, agent, attorney, 
     accountant, or appraiser or any other person employed by or 
     providing services to a System institution shall be filed not 
     later than 30 days after the date of entry of the order. The 
     hearing of the appeal shall be held not later than 120 days 
     after the date of the notice of appeal. The appeal shall be 
     decided not later than 180 days after the date of the notice 
     of appeal.
       ``(2) Scheduling.--A court of the United States shall 
     expedite the consideration of any case brought by the 
     Corporation against a System institution's director, officer, 
     employee, agent, attorney, accountant, or appraiser or any 
     other person employed by or providing services to a System 
     institution. As far as practicable the court shall give such 
     case priority on its docket.
       ``(3) Judicial discretion.--The court may modify the 
     schedule and limitations stated in paragraphs (1) and (2) in 
     a particular case, based on a specific finding that the ends 
     of justice that would be served by making such a modification 
     would outweigh the best interest of the public in having the 
     case resolved expeditiously.
       ``(k) Bond Not Required; Agents; Fee.--The Corporation as 
     conservator or receiver of a System institution shall not be 
     required to furnish bond and may appoint an agent or agents 
     to assist in its duties as such conservator or receiver. All 
     fees, compensation, and expenses of liquidation and 
     administration shall be fixed by the Corporation and may be 
     paid by it out of funds coming into its possession as such 
     conservator or receiver.
       ``(l) Consultation Regarding Conservatorships and 
     Receiverships.--To the extent practicable--
       ``(1) the Farm Credit Administration shall consult with the 
     Corporation prior to taking a preresolution action concerning 
     a System institution that may result in a conservatorship or 
     receivership; and
       ``(2) the Corporation, acting in the capacity of the 
     Corporation as a conservator or receiver, shall consult with 
     the Farm Credit Administration prior to taking any 
     significant action impacting System institutions or service 
     to System borrowers.
       ``(m) Applicability.--This section shall become applicable 
     with respect to the power of the Corporation to act as a 
     conservator or receiver on the date on which the Farm Credit 
     Administration appoints the Corporation as a conservator or 
     receiver under section 4.12 or 8.41.''.

     SEC. 5409. REPORTING.

       (a) Definition of Farm Loan.--In this section, the term 
     ``farm loan'' means--
       (1) a farm ownership loan under subtitle A of the 
     Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922 et 
     seq.); and
       (2) an operating loan under subtitle B of that Act (7 
     U.S.C. 1941 et seq.).
       (b) Reports.--
       (1) Preparation.--For each fiscal year, the Secretary shall 
     prepare a report that includes--
       (A) aggregate data based on a review of each outstanding 
     farm loan made or guaranteed by the Secretary describing, for 
     the United States and for each State and county in the United 
     States--
       (i) the age of the recipient producer;
       (ii) the duration that the recipient producer has engaged 
     in agricultural production;
       (iii) the size of the farm or ranch of the recipient 
     producer;
       (iv) the race, ethnicity, and gender of the recipient 
     producer;
       (v) the agricultural commodity or commodities, or type of 
     enterprise, for which the loan was secured;
       (vi) the amount of the farm loan made or guaranteed;
       (vii) the type of the farm loan made or guaranteed; and
       (viii) the default rate of the farm loan made or 
     guaranteed;
       (B) for each State and county in the United States, data 
     demonstrating the number of outstanding farm loans made or 
     guaranteed, according to loan size cohort; and
       (C) an assessment of actual loans made or guaranteed as 
     measured against target participation rates for beginning and 
     socially disadvantaged farmers, broken down by State, as 
     described in sections 346(b)(2) and 355 of the Consolidated 
     Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)(2), 2003).
       (2) Submission of report.--The report described in 
     paragraph (1) shall be--
       (A) submitted--
       (i) to--

       (I) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (II) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (III) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 
     of the Senate; and
       (IV) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and

       (ii) not later than December 30, 2018, and annually 
     thereafter; and
       (B) made publically available not later than 90 days after 
     the date described in subparagraph (A)(ii).
       (c) Comprehensive Review.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act (and every 5 years thereafter), the 
     Secretary shall--
       (A) prepare a comprehensive review of all reports submitted 
     under subsection (b)(2);
       (B) identify trends within data outlined in subsection 
     (b)(1), including the extent to which target annual 
     participation rates for beginning and socially disadvantaged 
     farmers (as defined by the Secretary) are being met for each 
     loan type; and
       (C) provide specific actions the Department will take to 
     improve the performance of direct and guaranteed loans with 
     respect to underserved producers and any recommendations the 
     Secretary may make for further congressional action.
       (2) Submission of comprehensive review.--The comprehensive 
     review described in paragraph (1) shall be--
       (A) submitted to--
       (i) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (ii) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (iii) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 
     of the Senate; and
       (iv) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
       (B) made publicly available not later than 90 days after 
     the date of submission under subparagraph (A).
       (d) Privacy.--In preparing any report or review under this 
     section, the Secretary shall aggregate or de-identify the 
     data in a manner sufficient to ensure that the identity of a 
     recipient producer associated with the data cannot be 
     ascertained.

     SEC. 5410. SENSE OF THE SENATE.

       It is the sense of the Senate that --
       (1) sections 346 and 355 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
     Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994, 2003) reserve amounts to 
     incentivize participation in Farm Service Agency loan 
     programs for qualified beginning farmers and ranchers and 
     socially disadvantaged farmers;
       (2) under current law--
       (A) for direct loans, 75 percent of the funding for farm 
     ownership loans and 50 percent of operating loans are 
     reserved for the first 11 months of the fiscal year; and
       (B) for guaranteed loans, 40 percent of available funding 
     is reserved for ownership loans and farm operating loans for 
     the first \1/2\ of the fiscal year; and
       (3) all participants of the Farm Service Agency loan 
     programs should strive to encourage beginning farmers and 
     ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers to use Farm 
     Service Agency loans.

                      TITLE VI--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

        Subtitle A--Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act

     SEC. 6101. 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 ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.

     SEC. 6102. RURAL WATER AND WASTEWATER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 
                   AND TRAINING PROGRAMS.

       Section 306(a)(14) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
     Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(14)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A)--
       (A) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in clause (iii), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iv) identify options to enhance the long-term 
     sustainability of rural water and waste systems, including 
     operational practices, revenue enhancements, policy 
     revisions, partnerships, consolidation, regionalization, or 
     contract services.'';
       (2) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(B) Selection priority.--In selecting recipients of 
     grants to be made under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall 
     give priority to--
       ``(i) private nonprofit organizations that have experience 
     in providing the technical assistance and training described 
     in subparagraph (A) to associations serving rural areas in 
     which residents have low income and in which water supply 
     systems or waste facilities are unhealthful; and
       ``(ii) recipients that will provide technical assistance 
     and training programs to address the contamination of 
     drinking water and surface water supplies by emerging 
     contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances 
     and perfluorooctanoic acid.''; and
       (3) in subparagraph (C)--
       (A) by striking ``1 nor more than 3'' and inserting ``3 
     percent and not more than 5''; and
       (B) by striking ``1 per centum'' and inserting ``3 
     percent''.

     SEC. 6103. 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 each fiscal 
     year thereafter'' and inserting ``$25,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2019 through 2023''.

[[Page S4574]]

  


     SEC. 6104. 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 ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 6105. COMMUNITY FACILITIES DIRECT LOANS AND GRANTS FOR 
                   SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT SERVICES.

       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) Direct loans and grants for substance use disorder 
     treatment services.--
       ``(A) Selection priority.--In selecting recipients of loans 
     or grants (not including loans guaranteed by the Secretary) 
     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 substance use 
     disorder (including opioid substance use disorder)--

       ``(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 with 
     substance use disorders.
       ``(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 
     telehealth services for substance use disorder treatment.''.

     SEC. 6106. EMERGENCY AND IMMINENT COMMUNITY WATER ASSISTANCE 
                   GRANT PROGRAM.

       Section 306A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 1926a) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``; and'' and 
     inserting the following: ``, particularly to projects to 
     address contamination that--
       ``(A) poses a threat to human health or the environment; 
     and
       ``(B) was caused by circumstances beyond the control of the 
     applicant for a grant, including circumstances that occurred 
     over a period of time; and'';
       (2) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``$500,000'' and 
     inserting ``$1,000,000'';
       (3) by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (j);
       (4) by inserting after subsection (h) the following:
       ``(i) Interagency Task Force on Rural Water Quality.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the 
     Secretary shall coordinate and chair an interagency task 
     force to examine drinking water and surface water 
     contamination in rural communities, particularly rural 
     communities that are in close proximity to active or 
     decommissioned military installations in the United States.
       ``(2) Membership.--The interagency task force shall consist 
     of--
       ``(A) the Secretary;
       ``(B) the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief 
     of Engineers;
       ``(C) the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting 
     through--
       ``(i) the Director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and 
     Disease Registry; and
       ``(ii) the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention;
       ``(D) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development;
       ``(E) the Secretary of the Interior, acting through--
       ``(i) the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife 
     Service; and
       ``(ii) the Director of the United States Geological Survey;
       ``(F) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
     Agency; and
       ``(G) representatives from rural drinking and wastewater 
     entities, State and community regulators, and appropriate 
     scientific experts that reflect a diverse cross-section of 
     the rural communities described in paragraph (1).
       ``(3) Report.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 360 days after the date 
     of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the 
     task force shall submit to the committees described in 
     subparagraph (B) a report that--
       ``(i) examines, and identifies issues relating to, water 
     contamination in rural communities, particularly rural 
     communities that are in close proximity to active or 
     decommissioned military installations in the United States;
       ``(ii) reviews the extent to which Federal, State, and 
     local government agencies coordinate with one another to 
     address the issues identified under clause (i);
       ``(iii) recommends how Federal, State, and local government 
     agencies can work together in the most effective, efficient, 
     and cost-effective manner practicable, to address the issues 
     identified under clause (i); and
       ``(iv) recommends changes to existing statutory 
     requirements, regulatory requirements, or both, to improve 
     interagency coordination and responsiveness to address the 
     issues identified under clause (i).
       ``(B) Committees described.--The committees referred to in 
     subparagraph (A) are--
       ``(i) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives;
       ``(ii) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
     Forestry of the Senate;
       ``(iii) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House 
     of Representatives;
       ``(iv) the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the 
     Senate;
       ``(v) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       ``(vi) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate.''; 
     and
       (5) in subsection (j) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``3 nor more than 5'' 
     and inserting ``5 percent and not more than 7''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$35,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2008 through 2018'' and inserting ``$50,000,000 
     for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023''.

     SEC. 6107. WATER SYSTEMS FOR RURAL AND NATIVE VILLAGES IN 
                   ALASKA.

       Section 306D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 1926d) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``Alaska for'' and 
     inserting ``Alaska, a consortium formed pursuant to section 
     325 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies 
     Appropriations Act, 1998 (Public Law 105-83; 111 Stat. 1597), 
     and Native villages (as defined in section 3 of the Alaska 
     Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602)) for'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by inserting ``for any grant awarded 
     under subsection (a)'' before the period at the end; and
       (3) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Alaska'' and inserting 
     ``Alaska, and not more than 2 percent of the amount made 
     available under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year may be used 
     by a consortium formed pursuant to section 325 of the 
     Department of the Interior and Related Agencies 
     Appropriations Act, 1998 (Public Law 105-83; 111 Stat. 
     1597),''.

     SEC. 6108. RURAL DECENTRALIZED WATER SYSTEMS.

       Section 306E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 1926e) is amended--
       (1) by striking the section heading and inserting ``rural 
     decentralized water systems'';
       (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``100'' and inserting 
     ``60'';
       (3) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by inserting ``and subgrants'' after ``loans''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``and individually owned household 
     decentralized wastewater systems'' after ``well systems'';
       (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Terms and amounts.--
       ``(A) Terms of loans.--A loan made with grant funds under 
     this section--
       ``(i) shall have an interest rate of 1 percent; and
       ``(ii) shall have a term not to exceed 20 years.
       ``(B) Amounts.--A loan or subgrant made with grant funds 
     under this section shall not exceed $15,000 for each water 
     well system or decentralized wastewater system described in 
     paragraph (1).''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Ground well water contamination.--In the event of 
     ground well water contamination, the Secretary shall allow a 
     loan or subgrant to be made with grant funds under this 
     section for the installation of water treatment where needed 
     beyond the point of entry, with or without the installation 
     of a new water well system.'';
       (4) in subsection (c), by striking ``productive use of 
     individually-owned household water well systems'' and 
     inserting ``effective use of individually owned household 
     water well systems, individually owned household 
     decentralized wastewater systems,''; and
       (5) in subsection (d)--
       (A) by striking ``$5,000,000'' and inserting 
     ``$40,000,000''; and
       (B) by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2019 
     through 2023''.

     SEC. 6109. 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. 6110. 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. 6111. RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.

       Section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
     Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(e)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (10), by inserting ``(including research 
     and analysis based on data from the latest available Economic 
     Census conducted by the Bureau of the Census)'' after 
     ``conduct research''; and
       (2) in paragraph (13), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.

     SEC. 6112. 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. 6113. 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''.

[[Page S4575]]

  


     SEC. 6114. 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. 6115. INTEMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM.

       Section 310H of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 1936b) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (i);
       (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
       ``(e) Limitation on Loan Amounts.--The maximum amount of a 
     loan by an eligible entity described in subsection (b) to 
     individuals and entities for a project under subsection (c), 
     including the unpaid balance of any existing loans, shall be 
     the lesser of--
       ``(1) $400,000; and
       ``(2) 50 percent of the loan to the eligible entity under 
     subsection (a).
       ``(f) Applications.--
       ``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a loan or loan 
     guarantee under subsection (a), an eligible entity described 
     in subsection (b) shall submit to the Secretary an 
     application at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Secretary may require.
       ``(2) Evaluation.--In evaluating applications submitted 
     under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
       ``(A)(i) take into consideration the previous performance 
     of an eligible entity in carrying out projects under 
     subsection (c); and
       ``(ii) in the case of satisfactory performance under clause 
     (i), require the eligible entity to contribute less equity 
     for subsequent loans without modifying the priority given to 
     subsequent applications; and
       ``(B) in assigning priorities to applications, require an 
     eligible entity to demonstrate that it has a governing or 
     advisory board made up of business, civic, and community 
     leaders who are representative of the communities of the 
     service area, without limitation to the size of the service 
     area.
       ``(g) Return of Equity.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     schedule that is consistent with the amortization schedules 
     of the portfolio of loans made or guaranteed under subsection 
     (a) for the return of any equity contribution made under this 
     section by an eligible entity described in subsection (b), if 
     the eligible entity is--
       ``(1) current on all principal and interest payments; and
       ``(2) in compliance with loan covenants.
       ``(h) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate 
     regulations and establish procedures reducing the 
     administrative requirements on eligible entities described in 
     subsection (b), including regulations to carry out the 
     amendments made to this section by the Agriculture 
     Improvement Act of 2018.''; and
       (3) in subsection (i) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 6116. SINGLE APPLICATION FOR BROADBAND.

       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) Single Application for Broadband.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), 
     notwithstanding any other provision of law, broadband 
     facilities and broadband service (as defined in section 
     601(b) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 
     950bb(b)), may be funded as an incidental part of any grant, 
     loan, or loan guarantee provided under this title or any 
     other provision of law administered by the Secretary, acting 
     through the rural development mission area.
       ``(2) Limitation.--Except as otherwise authorized by an Act 
     of Congress, funding under paragraph (1) shall not constitute 
     more than 10 percent of any loan for a fiscal year for any 
     program under this title or any other provision of law 
     administered by the Secretary, acting through the rural 
     development mission area.
       ``(3) Competitive harm.--The Secretary shall not provide 
     funding under paragraph (1) if the funding would result in 
     competitive harm to any existing grant, loan, or loan 
     guarantee described in that paragraph.
       ``(4) Eligibility.--Funding under paragraph (1) shall be 
     granted only for eligible projects described in section 
     601(d)(2) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 
     950bb(d)(2)).''.

     SEC. 6117. LOAN GUARANTEE LOAN FEES.

       (a) Certain Programs Under Consolidated Farm and Rural 
     Development Act.--Section 333 of the Consolidated Farm and 
     Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (6)(E), by striking the period at the end 
     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 
     lender fees in such amounts as are necessary such that--
       ``(A) the sum of--
       ``(i) the total amount of fees so charged for each fiscal 
     year; and
       ``(ii) the total of the amounts appropriated for the 
     insured or guaranteed loans for the fiscal year; is equal to
       ``(B) the amount of the costs of subsidies for the insured 
     or guaranteed loans for the fiscal year.''.
       (b) Rural Broadband Program.--Section 601(c) of the Rural 
     Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb(c)) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Fees.--In the case of a loan guarantee issued or 
     modified under this section, the Secretary shall charge and 
     collect from the lender fees in such amounts as are necessary 
     such that--
       ``(A) the sum of--
       ``(i) the total amount of fees so charged for each fiscal 
     year; and
       ``(ii) the total of the amounts appropriated for the loan 
     guarantees for the fiscal year; is equal to
       ``(B) the amount of the costs of subsidies for the loan 
     guarantees for the fiscal year.''.

     SEC. 6118. RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE PROGRAMS 
                   TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING.

       The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act is amended 
     by inserting after section 367 (as added by section 5305) the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 368. RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE PROGRAMS 
                   TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may make grants to public 
     bodies, private nonprofit corporations, economic development 
     authorities, institutions of higher education, federally 
     recognized Indian Tribes, and rural cooperatives for the 
     purpose of providing or obtaining technical assistance and 
     training to support funding applications for programs carried 
     out by the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the 
     Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
       ``(b) Purposes.--A grant under subsection (a) may be used--
       ``(1) to assist communities in identifying and planning for 
     business and economic development needs;
       ``(2) to identify public and private resources to finance 
     business and small and emerging business needs;
       ``(3) to prepare reports and surveys necessary to request 
     financial assistance for businesses in rural communities; and
       ``(4) to prepare applications for financial assistance.
       ``(c) Selection Priority.--In selecting recipients of 
     grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority 
     to grants serving persistent poverty counties and high 
     poverty communities, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(d) Funding.--
       ``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated 
     to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
     2019 through 2023, to remain available until expended.
       ``(2) Availability.--Any amounts authorized to be 
     appropriated under paragraph (1) for any fiscal year that are 
     not appropriated for that fiscal year may be appropriated for 
     any succeeding fiscal year.''.

     SEC. 6119. NATIONAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP.

       Section 378 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 2008m) is amended in subsections (g)(1) and (h) 
     by striking ``2018'' each place it appears and inserting 
     ``2023''.

     SEC. 6120. 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. 6121. RURAL MICROENTREPRENEUR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

       Section 379E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 2008s) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(4)(B)(ii)--
       (A) in the clause heading, by striking ``Maximum amount'' 
     and inserting ``Amount'';
       (B) by inserting ``not less than 20 percent and'' before 
     ``not more than 25 percent''; and
       (C) by striking the period at the end and inserting the 
     following: ``, subject to--

       ``(I) satisfactory performance by the microenterprise 
     development organization under this section, and
       ``(II) the availability of funding.''; and

       (2) in subsection (d)(2)--
       (A) by striking ``$40,000,000'' and inserting 
     ``$20,000,000''; and
       (B) by striking ``2009 through 2018'' and inserting ``2019 
     through 2023''.

     SEC. 6122. 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. 6123. STRATEGIC ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

       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 under this 
     title or administered by the Secretary, acting through the 
     rural development mission area, as determined by the 
     Secretary (referred to in this section as a `covered 
     program'), 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 the 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, to include 
     considerations for improving and expanding broadband services 
     as needed.

[[Page S4576]]

       ``(b) Reserve.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary 
     shall reserve not more than 10 percent of the funds made 
     available for a fiscal year for covered programs for projects 
     that support the implementation of a strategic community 
     investment plan described in subsection (d) on a 
     multisectoral and multijurisdictional basis.
       ``(2) Period.--Any funds reserved under paragraph (1) shall 
     only be reserved for the 1-year period beginning on the date 
     on which the funds were first made available, as determined 
     by the Secretary.
       ``(c) Approved Applications.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), any applicant 
     who submitted an application under a covered program 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 applicant who submitted an 
     application under paragraph (2), (14), or (24) of section 
     306(a), or section 306A or 310B(b), that was approved by the 
     Secretary before the date of enactment of this section shall 
     be eligible for the funds reserved under subsection (b)--
       ``(A) on the same basis as an application submitted under 
     this section; and
       ``(B) until September 30, 2019.
       ``(d) Strategic Community Investment Plans.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide assistance 
     to rural communities in 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 the 
     vision of a rural community for the future, including 
     considerations for improving and expanding broadband services 
     as needed;
       ``(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) Indian 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 
     Indian Tribes and local, State, regional, and Federal 
     partners to develop strategic community investment plans 
     under this subsection.
       ``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 
     for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, to remain 
     available until expended.''.

     SEC. 6124. 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 ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.
       (b) Termination of Authority.--Section 382N of the 
     Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa-
     13) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 6125. 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 B--Rural Electrification Act of 1936

     SEC. 6201. ELECTRIC LOAN REFINANCING.

       Section 2(a) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 
     U.S.C. 902(a)) is amended by striking ``loans in'' and 
     inserting ``loans, or refinance loans made by the Secretary 
     under this Act, in''.

     SEC. 6202. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR RURAL ELECTRIFICATION 
                   LOANS.

       Section 2 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 
     U.S.C. 902) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Technical Assistance.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the 
     Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with 
     the Secretary of Energy under which the Secretary of Energy 
     shall provide technical assistance to applicants for loans 
     made under subsection (a) and section 4(a).
       ``(2) Form of assistance.--The technical assistance that 
     the Secretary may request pursuant to a memorandum of 
     understanding entered into under paragraph (1) may include--
       ``(A) direct advice;
       ``(B) tools, maps, and training relating to--
       ``(i) the implementation of demand-side management of 
     electric and telephone service in rural areas;
       ``(ii) energy efficiency and conservation programs; and
       ``(iii) on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems; and
       ``(C) any other forms of assistance determined necessary by 
     the Secretary.''.

     SEC. 6203. LOANS FOR TELEPHONE SERVICE.

       Section 201 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 
     U.S.C. 922) is amended--
       (1) by striking the section designation and all that 
     follows through ``From such sums'' and inserting the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 201. LOANS FOR TELEPHONE SERVICE.

       ``From such sums'';
       (2) in the second sentence, by striking ``associations:'' 
     and all that follows through ``same subscribers.'' and 
     inserting ``associations.''; and
       (3) in the sixth sentence, by striking ``nor shall such 
     loan'' and all that follows through ``writing)'' and 
     inserting ``and''.

     SEC. 6204. CUSHION OF CREDIT PAYMENTS PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Section 313 of the Rural Electrification 
     Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
     (3) and (4), respectively;
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) Termination of deposit authority.--Effective October 
     1, 2018, no deposits may be made under paragraph (1).''; and
       (C) in paragraph (3) (as so designated), by striking 
     ``borrower at a rate of 5 percent per annum.'' and inserting 
     the following: ``borrower--
       ``(A) for each fiscal year through fiscal year 2018, at a 
     rate of 5 percent; and
       ``(B) for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter, 
     at a rate equal to--
       ``(i) the average interest rate used to make payments on 
     the 5-year Treasury note for the most recent calendar 
     quarter; but
       ``(ii) not greater than 5 percent.'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(i) In general.--The Secretary'';
       (ii) in clause (i) (as so designated), by striking ``Fund 
     to which shall be credited, on a monthly basis,'' and 
     inserting the following: ``Fund, to be known as the ``rural 
     economic development subaccount'' (referred to in this 
     paragraph as the ``subaccount'').
       ``(ii) Differential payments.--For each month through 
     September 2021, the Secretary shall credit to the 
     subaccount''; and
       (iii) in clause (ii) (as so designated), by striking ``the 
     5 percent'' and all that follows through the period at the 
     end and inserting ``5 percent.'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) by striking ``is authorized, from the interest 
     differential sums credited this subaccount'' and inserting 
     ``shall, from interest differential sums credited under 
     subparagraph (A)(ii) to the subaccount''; and
       (ii) by striking ``to provide'' and inserting ``provide'';
       (C) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``rural economic 
     development''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(F) Funding.--
       ``(i) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity 
     Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall credit to the 
     subaccount to use for the cost of grants and loans under 
     subparagraphs (B) through (E) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2022 and 2023, to remain available until expended.
       ``(ii) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to 
     other amounts available in the subaccount for the cost of 
     grants and loans under subparagraphs (B) through (E), there 
     is authorized to be appropriated to the subaccount for the 
     cost of the grants and loans $5,000,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2022 and 2023, to remain available until expended.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) 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)(A)(ii)''.
       (2) Section 313A of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 
     (7 U.S.C. 940c-1) is amended in subsections (c)(4)(A) and 
     (e)(2) by striking ``313(b)(2)(A)'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``313(b)(2)(A)(i)''.

     SEC. 6205. GUARANTEES FOR BONDS AND NOTES ISSUED FOR 
                   ELECTRIFICATION OR TELEPHONE PURPOSES.

       (a) In General.--Section 313A of the Rural Electrification 
     Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c-1) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``Subject to'' and inserting the following:
       ``(1) Guarantees.--Subject to'';
       (B) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking 
     ``basis'' and all that follows through the period at the end 
     and inserting ``basis, if the proceeds of the bonds or notes 
     are used to make utility infrastructure loans, or refinance 
     bonds or notes issued for those purposes, to a borrower that 
     has at any time received, or is eligible to receive, a loan 
     under this Act.''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Terms.--A bond or note guaranteed under this section 
     shall, by agreement between the Secretary and the borrower--
       ``(A) be for a term of 30 years (or another term of years 
     that the Secretary determines is appropriate); and
       ``(B) be repaid by the borrower--
       ``(i) in periodic installments of principal and interest;
       ``(ii) in periodic installments of interest and, at the end 
     of the term of the bond or note, as applicable, by the 
     repayment of the outstanding principal; or
       ``(iii) through a combination of the methods described in 
     clauses (i) and (ii).'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``electrification'' and 
     all that follows through the period at the end and inserting 
     ``purposes described in subsection (a)(1).'';

[[Page S4577]]

       (B) by striking paragraph (2);
       (C) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs 
     (2) and (3), respectively; and
       (D) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``for electrification 
     or telephone purposes'' and inserting ``for eligible purposes 
     described in subsection (a)(1)''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``subsection (a)'' 
     and inserting ``subsection (a)(1)''; and
       (3) in subsection (f), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.
       (b) Administration.--Beginning on the date of enactment of 
     the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the Secretary shall 
     continue to carry out section 313A of the Rural 
     Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c-1) (as amended by 
     subsection (a)) under a Notice of Solicitation of 
     Applications until the date on which any regulations 
     necessary to carry out the amendments made by subsection (a) 
     are fully implemented.

     SEC. 6206. 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 (a), by striking ``loans and'' and 
     inserting ``grants, loans, and'';
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Loans and'' 
     and inserting ``Grants, Loans, and'';
       (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``make grants and'' 
     after ``Secretary shall'';
       (C) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Priority.--
       ``(A) In general.--In making grants, loans, or loan 
     guarantees under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
       ``(i) give the highest priority to applications for 
     projects to provide broadband service to unserved rural 
     communities that do not have any residential broadband 
     service;
       ``(ii) give priority to applications for projects to 
     provide the maximum level of broadband service to the 
     greatest proportion of rural households in the proposed 
     service area identified in the application;
       ``(iii) give priority to applications for projects to 
     provide rapid and expanded deployment of fixed and mobile 
     broadband on cropland and ranchland within a service 
     territory for use in various applications of precision 
     agriculture;
       ``(iv) provide equal consideration to all eligible 
     entities, including those that have not previously received 
     grants, loans, or loan guarantees under paragraph (1); and
       ``(v) with respect to 2 or more applications that are given 
     the same priority under clause (i), give priority to an 
     application that requests less grant funding than loan 
     funding.
       ``(B) Other.--After giving priority to the applications 
     described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A), the 
     Secretary shall then give priority to applications--
       ``(i) for projects to provide broadband service to rural 
     communities--

       ``(I) with a population of less than 10,000 permanent 
     residents;
       ``(II) that are experiencing outmigration and have adopted 
     a strategic community investment plan under section 379H(d) 
     that includes considerations for improving and expanding 
     broadband service;
       ``(III) with a high percentage of low income families or 
     persons (as defined in section 501(b) of the Housing Act of 
     1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471(b)); or
       ``(IV) that are isolated from other significant population 
     centers; and

       ``(ii) that were developed with the participation of, and 
     will receive a substantial portion of the funding for the 
     project from, 1 or more stakeholders, including--

       ``(I) State, local, and tribal governments;
       ``(II) nonprofit institutions;
       ``(III) community anchor institutions, such as--

       ``(aa) public libraries;
       ``(bb) elementary schools and secondary schools (as defined 
     in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
     of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801));
       ``(cc) institutions of higher education; and
       ``(dd) health care facilities;

       ``(IV) private entities; and
       ``(V) philanthropic organizations.

       ``(C) Identification of unserved communities.--
       ``(i) In general.--In the case of an application given the 
     highest priority under subparagraph (A)(i), the Secretary 
     shall confirm that each unserved rural community identified 
     in the application is eligible for funding by--

       ``(I) conferring with and obtaining data from the Chair of 
     the Federal Communications Commission and the Administrator 
     of the National Telecommunications and Information 
     Administration with respect to the service level in the 
     service area proposed in the application;
       ``(II) reviewing any other source that is relevant to 
     service data validation, as determined by the Secretary; and
       ``(III) performing site-specific testing to verify the 
     unavailability of any residential broadband service in the 
     unserved rural community.

       ``(ii) Adjustments.--Not less often than once every 2 
     years, the Secretary shall review, and may adjust through 
     notice published in the Federal Register, the unserved 
     communities identified under clause (i).'';
       (D) by redesignating paragraph (3) (as added by section 
     6117(b)) as paragraph (4); and
       (E) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Grant amounts.--
       ``(A) Definition of development costs.--In this paragraph, 
     the term `development costs' means costs of--
       ``(i) construction, including labor and materials;
       ``(ii) project applications; and
       ``(iii) other development activities, as determined by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(B) Eligibility.--To be eligible for a grant under this 
     section, the project that is the subject of the grant shall 
     be carried out in a rural area.
       ``(C) Maximum.--Except as provided in subparagraph (D), the 
     amount of any grant made under this section shall not exceed 
     50 percent of the development costs of the project for which 
     the grant is provided.
       ``(D) Secretarial authority to adjust.--The Secretary may 
     make grants of up to 75 percent of the development costs of 
     the project for which the grant is provided to an eligible 
     entity if the Secretary determines that the project serves--
       ``(i) an area of rural households described in paragraph 
     (2)(A)(ii); and
       ``(ii) a rural community described in any of subclauses (I) 
     through (IV) of paragraph (2)(B)(i).'';
       (3) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``loan 
     or'' and inserting ``grant, loan, or'';
       (II) in clause (ii), by striking ``a loan application'' and 
     inserting ``an application''; and
       (III) in clause (iii)--

       (aa) by striking ``service'' and inserting 
     ``infrastructure'';
       (bb) by striking ``loan'' the first place it appears;
       (cc) by striking ``3'' and inserting ``5''; and
       (dd) by striking ``proceeds from the loan made or 
     guaranteed under this section are'' and inserting 
     ``assistance under this section is''; and
       (ii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) Relation to universal service high-cost support.--The 
     Secretary shall coordinate with the Federal Communications 
     Commission to ensure that any grants, loans, or loan 
     guarantees made under this section complement and do not 
     conflict with universal service high-cost support (as defined 
     in section 54.5 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or 
     any successor regulation) provided by the Commission.'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) in the matter preceding clause (i)--

       (aa) by striking ``the proceeds of a loan made or 
     guaranteed'' and inserting ``assistance''; and
       (bb) by striking ``for the loan or loan guarantee'' and 
     inserting ``of the eligible entity'';

       (II) in clause (i)--

       (aa) by striking ``15'' and inserting ``90''; and
       (bb) by striking ``level of broadband service'' and 
     inserting ``level of fixed broadband service, whether 
     terrestrial or wireless,''; and

       (III) in clause (ii), by striking ``3'' and inserting 
     ``2'';

       (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking clause (ii) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(ii) Exceptions.--Clause (i) shall not apply if the 
     applicant is eligible for funding under another title of this 
     Act.'';
       (C) in paragraph (3), in subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``loan or'' and inserting ``grant, loan, or'';
       (D) in paragraph (4), by striking ``loan or'' and inserting 
     ``grant, loan, or'';
       (E) in paragraph (5)(A), in the matter preceding clause 
     (i), by striking ``loan or'' and inserting ``grant, loan, 
     or'';
       (F) in paragraph (6), by striking ``loan or'' and inserting 
     ``grant, loan, or'';
       (G) by redesignating paragraph (7) as subparagraph (B) and 
     indenting appropriately;
       (H) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
       ``(7) Application process.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide to an 
     applicant of a grant, loan, or loan guarantee under this 
     section feedback and decisions on funding in a timely 
     manner.'';
       (I) in paragraph (7)(B) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``may seek a determination of area eligibility prior to 
     preparing a loan application under this section.'' and 
     inserting the following: ``may, before preparing an 
     application under this section--
       ``(i) seek a determination of area eligibility; and
       ``(ii) submit to the Secretary a proposal for a project, on 
     which the Secretary shall provide feedback regarding how the 
     proposal could be changed to improve the likelihood that the 
     Secretary would approve the application.'';
       (J) in paragraph (10)(A), by striking ``15'' and inserting 
     ``30''; and
       (K) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(11) Technical assistance and training.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may provide eligible 
     entities described in paragraph (1) that are applying for a 
     grant, loan, or loan guarantee for a project described in 
     subsection (c)(2)(A)(i) technical assistance and training--
       ``(i) to prepare reports and surveys necessary to request 
     grants, loans, and loan guarantees under this section for 
     broadband deployment;

[[Page S4578]]

       ``(ii) to improve management, including financial 
     management, relating to the proposed broadband deployment;
       ``(iii) to prepare applications for grants, loans, and loan 
     guarantees under this section; or
       ``(iv) to assist with other areas of need identified by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(B) Funding.--Not less than 3 percent and not more than 5 
     percent of amounts appropriated to carry out this section for 
     a fiscal year shall be used for technical assistance and 
     training under this paragraph.'';
       (4) in subsection (e)(1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``4-Mbps'' and 
     inserting ``25-Mbps''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``1-Mbps'' and 
     inserting ``3-Mbps'';
       (5) in subsection (f), by striking ``make a loan or loan 
     guarantee'' and inserting ``provide assistance'';
       (6) in subsection (j)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``loan and loan guarantee'';
       (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``grants and'' after 
     ``number of'';
       (C) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``loan''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``loans and'' and 
     inserting ``grants, loans, and''; and
       (D) in paragraph (3), by striking ``loan'';
       (7) by redesignating subsections (k) and (l) as subsections 
     (m) and (n), respectively;
       (8) by inserting after subsection (j) the following:
       ``(k) Broadband Buildout Data.--As a condition of receiving 
     a grant, loan, or loan guarantee under this section, a 
     recipient of assistance shall provide to the Secretary 
     complete, reliable, and precise geolocation information that 
     indicates the location of new broadband service that is being 
     provided or upgraded within the service territory supported 
     by the grant, loan, or loan guarantee not later than 30 days 
     after the earlier of--
       ``(1) the date of completion of any project milestone 
     established by the Secretary; or
       ``(2) the date of completion of the project.
       ``(l) Environmental Reviews.--The Secretary may obligate, 
     but not disperse, funds under this Act before the completion 
     of otherwise required environmental, historical, or other 
     types of reviews if the Secretary determines that a 
     subsequent site-specific review shall be adequate and easily 
     accomplished for the location of towers, poles, or other 
     broadband facilities in the service area of the borrower 
     without compromising the project or the required reviews.'';
       (9) in subsection (m) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``$25,000,000'' and inserting 
     ``$150,000,000''; and
       (ii) by striking ``2008 through 2018'' and inserting ``2019 
     through 2023''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)(A)--
       (i) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) set aside at least 1 percent to be used for--

       ``(I) conducting oversight under this section; and
       ``(II) implementing accountability measures and related 
     activities authorized under this section.''; and

       (10) in subsection (n) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) by striking ``loan or'' and inserting ``grant, loan, 
     or''; and
       (B) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 6207. COMMUNITY CONNECT GRANT PROGRAM.

       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. 604. COMMUNITY CONNECT GRANT PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Eligible broadband service.--The term `eligible 
     broadband service' means broadband service that has the 
     capability to transmit data at a speed specified by the 
     Secretary, which may not be less than the applicable minimum 
     download and upload speeds established by the Federal 
     Communications Commission in defining the term `advanced 
     telecommunications capability' for purposes of section 706 of 
     the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (47 U.S.C. 1302).
       ``(2) Eligible service area.--The term `eligible service 
     area' means an area in which broadband service capacity is 
     less than--
       ``(A) a 10-Mbps downstream transmission capacity; and
       ``(B) a 1-Mbps upstream transmission capacity.
       ``(3) Eligible entity.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `eligible entity' means a 
     legally organized entity that--
       ``(i) is--

       ``(I) an incorporated organization;
       ``(II) an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization;
       ``(III) a State;
       ``(IV) a unit of local government; or
       ``(V) any other legal entity, including a cooperative, a 
     private corporation, or a limited liability company, that is 
     organized on a for-profit or a not-for-profit basis; and

       ``(ii) has the legal capacity and authority to enter into a 
     contract, to comply with applicable Federal laws, and to own 
     and operate broadband facilities, as proposed in the 
     application submitted by the entity for a grant under the 
     Program.
       ``(B) Exclusions.--The term `eligible entity' does not 
     include--
       ``(i) an individual; or
       ``(ii) a partnership.
       ``(4) Program.--The term `Program' means the Community 
     Connect Grant Program established under subsection (b).
       ``(5) Rural area.--The term `rural area' has the meaning 
     given the term in section 601(b)(3)(A).
       ``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     program, to be known as the `Community Connect Grant 
     Program', to provide grants to eligible entities to finance 
     broadband transmission in rural areas.
       ``(c) Eligible Projects.--An eligible entity that receives 
     a grant under the Program shall use the grant to carry out a 
     project that--
       ``(1) provides eligible broadband service to, within the 
     proposed eligible service area described in the application 
     submitted by the eligible entity--
       ``(A) each essential community facility funded under 
     section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)); and
       ``(B) any required facilities necessary to offer that 
     eligible broadband service to each residential and business 
     customer; and
       ``(2) for not less than 2 years--
       ``(A) furnishes free wireless eligible broadband service to 
     a community center described in subsection (d)(1)(B);
       ``(B) provides not fewer than 2 computer access points for 
     that free wireless eligible broadband service; and
       ``(C) covers the cost of bandwidth to provide free eligible 
     broadband service to each essential community facility funded 
     under section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
     Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)) within the proposed 
     eligible service area described in the application submitted 
     by the eligible entity.
       ``(d) Uses of Grant Funds.--
       ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity that receives a grant 
     under the Program may use the grant for--
       ``(A) the construction, acquisition, or leasing of 
     facilities (including spectrum), land, or buildings to deploy 
     eligible broadband service; and
       ``(B) the improvement, expansion, construction, or 
     acquisition of a community center within the proposed 
     eligible service area described in the application submitted 
     by the eligible entity.
       ``(2) Ineligible uses.--An eligible entity that receives a 
     grant under the Program shall not use the grant for--
       ``(A) the duplication of any existing broadband service 
     provided by another entity in the eligible service area; or
       ``(B) operating expenses, except as provided in--
       ``(i) subsection (c)(2)(C) with respect to free wireless 
     eligible broadband service; and
       ``(ii) paragraph (1)(A) with respect to spectrum.
       ``(3) Free access for community centers.--Of the amounts 
     provided to an eligible entity under a grant under the 
     Program, the eligible entity shall use to carry out paragraph 
     (1)(B) not greater than the lesser of--
       ``(A) 10 percent; and
       ``(B) $150,000.
       ``(e) Matching Funds.--
       ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity that receives a grant 
     under the Program shall provide a cash contribution in an 
     amount that is not less than 15 percent of the amount of the 
     grant.
       ``(2) Requirements.--A cash contribution described in 
     paragraph (1)--
       ``(A) shall be used solely for the project for which the 
     eligible entity receives a grant under the Program; and
       ``(B) shall not include any Federal funds, unless a Federal 
     statute specifically provides that those Federal funds may be 
     considered to be from a non-Federal source.
       ``(f) Applications.--
       ``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     the Program, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary 
     an application at such time, in such manner, and containing 
     such information as the Secretary may require.
       ``(2) Requirement.--An application submitted by an eligible 
     entity under paragraph (1) shall include documentation 
     sufficient to demonstrate the availability of funds to 
     satisfy the requirement of subsection (e).
       ``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for 
     each fiscal year.''.

     SEC. 6208. TRANSPARENCY IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS 
                   INFRASTRUCTURE LOAN PROGRAM.

       Title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 
     950bb et seq.) (as amended by section 6207) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 605. TRANSPARENCY IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS 
                   INFRASTRUCTURE LOAN PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Public Notice of Applications for Assistance.--The 
     Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register, and promptly 
     make available to the public, a fully searchable database on 
     the website of Rural Utilities Service that contains, at a 
     minimum--
       ``(1) notice of each application for a loan from the 
     Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan and Guarantee Program 
     under this Act describing the application, including--
       ``(A) the identity of the applicant;
       ``(B) a description of the application, including--
       ``(i) each census block proposed to be served by the 
     applicant; and

[[Page S4579]]

       ``(ii) the amount and type of support requested by the 
     applicant;
       ``(C) the status of the application;
       ``(D) the estimated number and proportion of households in 
     each census block under subparagraph (B)(i) that are without 
     telecommunications service; and
       ``(E) a list of the census block groups, in a manner 
     specified by the Secretary, to which the applicant proposes 
     to provide service; and
       ``(2) notice of each borrower receiving assistance under 
     the Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan and Guarantee 
     Program under this Act, including--
       ``(A) the name of the borrower;
       ``(B) the type of assistance being received; and
       ``(C) the purpose for which the borrower is receiving the 
     assistance; and
       ``(3) such other information as is sufficient to allow the 
     public to understand the assistance provided under the 
     Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan and Guarantee Program 
     under this Act.
       ``(b) Opportunity for the Public to Submit Information.--
     The Secretary shall, with respect to an application for a 
     loan under the Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan and 
     Guarantee Program under this Act--
       ``(1) for a period of not less than 15 days after the date 
     on which the notice required by subsection (a)(1) is provided 
     with respect to the application, provide an opportunity for 
     an interested party to voluntarily submit information 
     concerning the services that the party offers in the census 
     blocks described in subsection (a)(1)(B)(i), such that the 
     Secretary may assess whether approving the application would 
     result in any duplication of lines, facilities, or systems 
     that are providing reasonably adequate services; and
       ``(2) if no interested party submits information under 
     paragraph (1), consider the number of providers in the census 
     block group to be established by using broadband deployment 
     data from the most recent Form 477 data collection of the 
     Federal Communications Commission.''.

     SEC. 6209. REFINANCING OF BROADBAND AND TELEPHONE LOANS.

       (a) In General.--Section 201 of the Rural Electrification 
     Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 922) is amended, in the fifth sentence, 
     by striking ``furnishing telephone service in rural areas:'' 
     and all that follows through ``40 per centum of any loan made 
     under this title.'' and inserting ``furnishing telephone 
     service in rural areas, including indebtedness of recipients 
     on another telecommunications loan made under this Act.''.
       (b) Broadband.--Section 601(i) of the Rural Electrification 
     Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb(i)) is amended by striking ``Act 
     if the use of'' and all that follows through the period at 
     the end and inserting ``Act, or on any other loan if that 
     loan would have been for an eligible purpose under this 
     Act.''.

     SEC. 6210. CYBERSECURITY AND GRID SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS.

       Title III of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 
     U.S.C. 931 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 319. CYBERSECURITY AND GRID SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS.

       ``(a) Definition of Cybersecurity and Grid Security 
     Improvements.--In this section, the term `cybersecurity and 
     grid security improvements' means investment in the 
     development, expansion, and modernization of rural utility 
     infrastructure that addresses known cybersecurity and grid 
     security risks.
       ``(b) Loans and Loan Guarantees.--The Secretary may make or 
     guarantee loans under this title and title I for 
     cybersecurity and grid security improvements.''.

                       Subtitle C--Miscellaneous

     SEC. 6301. DISTANCE LEARNING AND TELEMEDICINE.

       (a) Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services.--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) Substance use disorder treatment services.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the 
     Secretary shall make available not less than 20 percent of 
     amounts made available under section 2335A for financial 
     assistance under this chapter for substance use disorder 
     treatment services.
       ``(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 for 
     substance use disorder treatment services to reach the 20-
     percent requirement under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may 
     make available less than 20 percent of amounts made available 
     under section 2335A for those services.''.
       (b) 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 ``2018'' and 
     inserting ``2023''.
       (c) 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. 6302. 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 (b)(2), by striking ``efficiency.'' and 
     inserting ``efficiency (including cost-effective on- or off-
     grid renewable energy or energy storage systems).'';
       (2) 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 by a borrower under this section in 
     the calculation of the debt-equity ratio of the borrower for 
     purposes of eligibility for loans under the Rural 
     Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.).'';
       (C) in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (5) (as so 
     redesignated), by striking ``(6)'' and inserting ``(7)''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(9) Accounting.--The Secretary shall take appropriate 
     steps to streamline the accounting requirements on borrowers 
     under this section while maintaining adequate assurances of 
     the repayment of the loans.'';
       (3) in subsection (d)(1)(A), by striking ``3 percent'' and 
     inserting ``6 percent'';
       (4) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i);
       (5) by inserting after subsection (g) the following:
       ``(h) Publication.--Not later than 120 days after the end 
     of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall publish a 
     description of--
       ``(1) the number of applications received under this 
     section for that fiscal year;
       ``(2) the number of loans made to eligible entities under 
     this section for that fiscal year; and
       ``(3) the recipients of the loans described in paragraph 
     (2).''; and
       (6) in subsection (i) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 6303. RURAL HEALTH AND SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

       (a) In General.--Section 502(i) of the Rural Development 
     Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 2662(i)) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
       ``(5) Substance use disorder education and prevention.--In 
     making grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give 
     priority to an applicant that will use the grant for 
     substance use disorder education, prevention, or 
     treatment.''.
       (b) Technical Amendments.--Title V of the Rural Development 
     Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 2661 et seq.) (as amended by subsection 
     (a)) is amended--
       (1) in section 502, in the matter preceding subsection (a), 
     by inserting ``(referred to in this title as the 
     `Secretary')'' after ``Agriculture''; and
       (2) by striking ``Secretary of Agriculture'' each place it 
     appears (other than in section 502 in the matter preceding 
     subsection (a)) and inserting ``Secretary''.

     SEC. 6304. NORTHERN BORDER REGIONAL COMMISSION 
                   REAUTHORIZATION.

       (a) Administrative Expenses of Regional Commissions.--
     Section 15304(c)(3)(A) of title 40, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``unanimous'' and inserting ``majority''.
       (b) Economic and Infrastructure Development Grants.--
     Section 15501 of title 40, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) by redesignating paragraph (8) as paragraph (9); and
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
       ``(8) to grow the capacity for successful community 
     economic development in its region; and'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``paragraphs (1) through 
     (3)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (7)''; and
       (3) in subsection (f), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``, except that financial assistance may be 
     used as otherwise authorized by this subtitle to attract 
     businesses to the region from outside the United States.''.
       (c) State Capacity Building Grant Program.--
       (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       (A) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Northern 
     Border Regional Commission established by section 15301(a)(3) 
     of title 40, United States Code.
       (B) Commission state.--The term ``Commission State'' means 
     each of the States of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and 
     Vermont.
       (C) Eligible county.--The term ``eligible county'' means a 
     county described in section 15733 of title 40, United States 
     Code.
       (D) Program.--The term ``program'' means the State capacity 
     building grant program established under paragraph (2).
       (2) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall establish a 
     State capacity building grant program to provide grants to 
     Commission States to carry out the purpose under paragraph 
     (3).
       (3) Purpose.--The purpose of the program is to support the 
     efforts of Commission States--
       (A) to better support business retention and expansion in 
     eligible counties;
       (B) to create programs to encourage job creation and 
     workforce development;
       (C) to prepare economic and infrastructure plans for 
     eligible counties;
       (D) to expand access to high-speed broadband;
       (E) to encourage initiatives that drive investments in 
     transportation, water, wastewater, and other critical 
     infrastructure;

[[Page S4580]]

       (F) to create initiatives to increase the effectiveness of 
     local or regional economic developers; and
       (G) to implement new or innovative economic development 
     practices that will better position the Commission States to 
     compete in the global economy.
       (4) Use of funds.--
       (A) In general.--Funds from a grant under the program may 
     be used to support a project, program, or expense of the 
     Commission State in an eligible county.
       (B) Limitation.--Funds from a grant under the program shall 
     not be used for--
       (i) the purchase of furniture, fixtures, or equipment; or
       (ii) the compensation of--

       (I) any State member of the Commission (as described in 
     section 15301(b)(1)(B) of title 40, United States Code); or
       (II) any State alternate member of the Commission (as 
     described in section 15301(b)(2)(B) of title 40, United 
     States Code).

       (5) Annual work plan.--
       (A) In general.--For each fiscal year, before providing a 
     grant under the program, each Commission State shall provide 
     to the Commission an annual work plan that includes the 
     proposed use of the grant.
       (B) Approval.--No grant under the program shall be provided 
     to a Commission State unless the Commission has approved the 
     annual work plan of the State.
       (6) Amount of grant.--
       (A) In general.--The amount of a grant provided to a 
     Commission State under the program shall be an amount equal 
     to the share of the State of administrative expenses of the 
     Commission for a fiscal year (as determined under section 
     15304(c) of title 40, United States Code).
       (B) Approval.--For each fiscal year, a grant provided under 
     the program shall be approved and made available as part of 
     the approval of the annual budget of the Commission.
       (7) Grant availability.--Funds from a grant under the 
     program shall be available only during the fiscal year for 
     which the grant is provided.
       (8) Report.--Each fiscal year, each Commission State shall 
     submit to the Commission and make publicly available a report 
     that describes the use of the grant funds and the impact of 
     the program in the State.
       (9) Funding.--
       (A) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated 
     such sums as the Commission determines to be necessary, 
     subject to the condition that the Commission may use not more 
     than $5,000,000 to carry out this subsection for any fiscal 
     year.
       (B) Supplement, not supplant.--Funds made available to 
     carry out this subsection shall supplement and not supplant 
     funds made available for the Commission and other activities 
     of the Commission.
       (d) Northern Border Regional Commission.--Section 15733 of 
     title 40, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) by inserting ``Belknap,'' before ``Carroll,''; and
       (B) by inserting ``Cheshire,'' before ``Coos,''; and
       (2) in paragraph (4)--
       (A) by inserting ``Addison, Bennington,'' before 
     ``Caledonia,'';
       (B) by inserting ``Chittenden,'' before ``Essex,'';
       (C) by striking ``and'' and inserting ``Orange,'' and
       (D) by inserting ``, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and 
     Windsor'' after ``Orleans''.
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 15751(a) of 
     title 40, United States Code, is amended by striking ``2018'' 
     and inserting ``2023''.
       (f) Technical Amendments.--Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 of 
     subtitle V of title 40, United States Code, are redesignated 
     as chapters 151, 153, 155, and 157, respectively.

          TITLE VII--RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND RELATED MATTERS

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

     SEC. 7101. PURPOSES OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND 
                   EDUCATION.

       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'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(9) support international collaboration that leverages 
     resources and advances priority food and agricultural 
     interests of the United States, such as--
       ``(A) addressing emerging plant and animal diseases;
       ``(B) improving crop varieties and animal breeds; and
       ``(C) developing safe, efficient, and nutritious food 
     systems.''.

     SEC. 7102. MATTERS RELATING TO CERTAIN SCHOOL DESIGNATIONS 
                   AND DECLARATIONS.

       (a) Study of Food and Agricultural Sciences.--Section 
     1404(14) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
     and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103(14)) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(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 described in clause (ii).
       ``(ii) Clarification.--An area of study referred to in 
     clause (i) may include 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.
       ``(XXXIII) Any other area, as determined appropriate by the 
     Secretary.''; and

       (2) in subparagraph (C)--
       (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting ``any 
     institution designated under'' after ``include'';
       (B) by striking clause (i); and
       (C) 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 
     clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately.
       (b) Designation Review.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     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 that section 
     (as amended by subsection (a)).
       (2) Violation.--If the Secretary determines under paragraph 
     (1) that an NLGCA Institution is not in compliance with 
     section 1404(14)(A) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
     3103(14)(A)) (as amended by subsection (a)), the designation 
     of that NLGCA Institution shall be revoked.

     SEC. 7103. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, 
                   EDUCATION, AND ECONOMICS ADVISORY BOARD.

       Section 1408(h) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123(h)) 
     is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 7104. CITRUS DISEASE SUBCOMMITTEE OF SPECIALTY CROP 
                   COMMITTEE.

       Section 1408A(a)(2)(D) of the National Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
     U.S.C. 3123a(a)(2)(D)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and 
     inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 7105. VETERINARY SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM.

       Section 1415B of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3151b) 
     is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)(2)--
       (A) by striking ``to qualified'' and inserting the 
     following: ``to--
       ``(A) qualified'';
       (B) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by striking the 
     period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) qualified entities for the purpose of exposing 
     students in grades 11 and 12 to education and career 
     opportunities in food animal medicine.''; and
       (2) in subsection (h)--
       (A) by striking the subsection designation and heading and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(h) Funding.--
       ``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--'';
       (B) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking ``for 
     fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal year thereafter'' and 
     inserting ``for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2023''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Priority.--The Secretary shall award not less than 
     \2/3\ of amounts made available for grants under this section 
     to qualified entities with a focus on food animal 
     medicine.''.

[[Page S4581]]

  


     SEC. 7106. 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. 7107. RESEARCH EQUIPMENT GRANTS.

       The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after section 1418 
     (7 U.S.C. 3153) the following:

     ``SEC. 1419. RESEARCH EQUIPMENT GRANTS.

       ``(a) Definition of Eligible Institution.--In this section, 
     the term `eligible institution' means--
       ``(1) an institution of higher education (as defined in 
     section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1001(a))); or
       ``(2) a State cooperative institution.
       ``(b) Grants.--The Secretary may award competitive grants 
     to eligible institutions for the acquisition of special 
     purpose scientific research equipment for use in the food and 
     agricultural sciences programs of those institutions.
       ``(c) Maximum Amount.--The amount of a grant under 
     subsection (b) shall not exceed $500,000.
       ``(d) Prohibition on Charge of Indirect Costs.--The cost of 
     the 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.
       ``(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. 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. NEXT GENERATION AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE.

       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:

     ``SEC. 1419C. NEXT GENERATION AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY 
                   CHALLENGE.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a next 
     generation agriculture technology challenge competition to 
     provide an incentive for the development of innovative mobile 
     technology that removes barriers to entry in the marketplace 
     for beginning farmers and ranchers (as defined in section 
     2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
     of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a))).
       ``(b) Amount.--The Secretary may award not more than 
     $1,000,000 in the aggregate to 1 or more winners of the 
     competition under subsection (a).''.

     SEC. 7111. NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM.

       Section 1425(f) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3175(f)) 
     is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 7112. AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS FOR FEDERAL 
                   AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH FACILITIES.

       Section 1431 of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act Amendments of 1985 (Public 
     Law 99-198; 99 Stat. 1556; 128 Stat. 900) is amended by 
     striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 7113. 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. 7114. EXTENSION AT 1890 LAND-GRANT COLLEGES, INCLUDING 
                   TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY; REPORT.

       Section 1444 of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (4); and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(g) Report.--The Secretary shall annually submit to 
     Congress a report describing the allocations made to, and 
     matching funds received by--
       ``(1) eligible institutions under this section; and
       ``(2) institutions designated under the Act of July 2, 1862 
     (commonly known as the `First Morrill Act') (12 Stat. 503, 
     chapter 130; 7 U.S.C. 301 et seq.).''.

     SEC. 7115. REPORT ON AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AT 1890 LAND-GRANT 
                   COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.

       Section 1445 of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3222) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(i) Report.--The Secretary shall annually submit to 
     Congress a report describing the allocations made to, and 
     matching funds received by--
       ``(1) eligible institutions under this section; and
       ``(2) institutions designated under the Act of July 2, 1862 
     (commonly known as the `First Morrill Act') (12 Stat. 503, 
     chapter 130; 7 U.S.C. 301 et seq.).''.

     SEC. 7116. 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. 7117. 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. 7118. NEW BEGINNING FOR TRIBAL STUDENTS.

       Subtitle G of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3221 et 
     seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 1450. NEW BEGINNING FOR TRIBAL STUDENTS.

       ``(a) Definition of Tribal Student.--In this section, the 
     term `Tribal student' means a student at a land-grant college 
     or university that is a member of an Indian tribe (as defined 
     in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education 
     Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)).
       ``(b) New Beginning Initiative.--
       ``(1) Authorization.--The Secretary may make competitive 
     grants to land-grant colleges and universities to provide 
     identifiable support specifically targeted for Tribal 
     students.
       ``(2) Application.--A land-grant college or university that 
     desires to receive a grant under this section shall submit an 
     application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, 
     and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may 
     require.
       ``(3) Use of funds.--A land-grant college or university 
     that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant 
     funds to support Tribal students through--
       ``(A) recruiting;
       ``(B) tuition and related fees;
       ``(C) experiential learning; and
       ``(D) student services, including--
       ``(i) tutoring;
       ``(ii) counseling;
       ``(iii) academic advising; and
       ``(iv) other student services that would increase the 
     retention and graduation rate of Tribal students enrolled at 
     the land-grant college or university, as determined by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(4) Matching funds.--A land-grant college or university 
     that receives a grant under this section shall provide 
     matching funds toward the cost of carrying out the activities 
     described in this section in an amount equal to not less than 
     100 percent of the grant award.
       ``(5) Maximum amount per state.--No State shall receive, 
     through grants made under this section to land-grant colleges 
     and universities located in the State, more than $500,000 per 
     year.
       ``(c) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
     the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the 
     Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate a report that 
     includes an itemized list of grant funds distributed under 
     this section, including the specific form of assistance, and 
     the number of Tribal students assisted and the graduation 
     rate of Tribal students at land-grant colleges and 
     universities receiving grants under this section.
       ``(d) Authorization of Appropriation.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for 
     each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.

     SEC. 7119. 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. 7120. BINATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

       Section 1458(e) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3291(e)) 
     is amended--
       (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Full Payment 
     of Funds Made Available for Certain'' and inserting 
     ``Certain'' ;
       (2) by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) Full payment of funds.--Notwithstanding'';
       (3) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)--
       (A) by striking ``Israel-United States'' and inserting 
     ``United States-Israel''; and
       (B) by inserting ``(referred to in this subsection as the 
     `BARD Fund')'' after ``Development Fund''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Activities.--Activities under the BARD Fund to 
     promote and support agricultural research and development 
     that are of mutual benefit to the United States and Israel 
     shall--
       ``(A) be carried out by the Secretary in a manner 
     consistent with this section;

[[Page S4582]]

       ``(B) accelerate the demonstration, development, and 
     application of agricultural solutions resulting from or 
     relating to BARD Fund programs, including BARD Fund-sponsored 
     research and innovations in drip irrigation, pesticides, 
     aquaculture, livestock, poultry, disease control, and farm 
     equipment; and
       ``(C) encourage research carried out by governmental, 
     nongovernmental, and private entities, including through 
     collaboration with colleges and universities, research 
     institutions, and the private sector.''.

     SEC. 7121. PARTNERSHIPS TO BUILD CAPACITY IN INTERNATIONAL 
                   AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND TEACHING.

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

     ``SEC. 1458A. PARTNERSHIPS TO BUILD CAPACITY IN INTERNATIONAL 
                   AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND TEACHING.

       ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to build the 
     capacity, and improve the performance, of covered 
     Institutions and agricultural higher education institutions 
     in lower and middle income countries performing, or desiring 
     to perform, activities substantially similar to agricultural 
     research, extension, and teaching activities (referred to in 
     this section as `agricultural higher education institutions 
     in developing countries') in order to solve food, health, 
     nutrition, rural income, and environmental challenges, 
     especially among chronically food insecure populations, 
     including by--
       ``(1) promoting partnerships between covered Institutions 
     and agricultural higher education institutions in developing 
     countries; and
       ``(2) leveraging the capacity of covered Institutions to 
     partner with agricultural higher education institutions in 
     developing countries.
       ``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) 1862 institution; 1890 institution; 1994 
     institution.--The terms `1862 Institution', `1890 
     Institution', and `1994 Institution' have the meanings given 
     the terms in section 2 of the Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601).
       ``(2) Covered institution.--The term `covered Institution' 
     means--
       ``(A) an 1862 Institution;
       ``(B) an 1890 Institution;
       ``(C) a 1994 Institution;
       ``(D) an NLGCA Institution;
       ``(E) an Hispanic-serving agricultural college or 
     university; and
       ``(F) a cooperating forestry school.
       ``(c) Authority of the Secretary.--To carry out the purpose 
     of this section, the Secretary may promote cooperation and 
     coordination between covered Institutions and agricultural 
     higher education institutions in developing countries 
     through--
       ``(1) improving extension by--
       ``(A) encouraging the exchange of research materials and 
     results between covered Institutions and agricultural higher 
     education institutions in developing countries;
       ``(B) facilitating the broad dissemination of agricultural 
     research through extension; and
       ``(C) assisting with efforts to plan and initiate extension 
     services in lower and middle income countries;
       ``(2) improving agricultural research by--
       ``(A) in partnership with agricultural higher education 
     institutions in developing countries, encouraging research 
     that addresses problems affecting food production and 
     security, human nutrition, agriculture, forestry, livestock, 
     and fisheries, including local challenges; and
       ``(B) supporting and strengthening national agricultural 
     research systems in lower and middle income countries;
       ``(3) supporting the participation of covered Institutions 
     in programs of international organizations, such as the 
     United Nations, the World Bank, regional development banks, 
     and international agricultural research centers;
       ``(4) improving agricultural teaching and education by--
       ``(A) in partnership with agricultural higher education 
     institutions in developing countries, supporting education 
     and teaching relating to food and agricultural sciences, 
     including technical assistance, degree training, research 
     collaborations, classroom instruction, workforce training, 
     and education programs; and
       ``(B) assisting with efforts to increase student capacity, 
     including to encourage equitable access for women and other 
     underserved populations, at agricultural higher education 
     institutions in developing countries by promoting 
     partnerships with, and improving the capacity of, covered 
     Institutions;
       ``(5) assisting covered Institutions in strengthening their 
     capacity for food, agricultural, and related research, 
     extension, and teaching programs relevant to agricultural 
     development activities in lower and middle income countries 
     to promote the application of new technology to improve 
     education delivery;
       ``(6) providing support for the internationalization of 
     resident instruction programs of covered Institutions;
       ``(7) establishing a program, to be coordinated by the 
     Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture 
     and the Administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service, to 
     place interns from covered Institutions in, or in service to 
     benefit, lower and middle income countries; and
       ``(8) establishing a program to provide fellowships to 
     students at covered Institutions to study at foreign 
     agricultural colleges and universities.
       ``(d) Enhancing Linkages.--The Secretary shall enhance the 
     linkages among covered Institutions, the Federal Government, 
     international research centers, counterpart research, 
     extension, and teaching agencies and institutions in 
     developed countries and developing countries--
       ``(1) to carry out the purpose described in subsection (a); 
     and
       ``(2) to make a substantial contribution to the cause of 
     improved food and agricultural progress throughout the world.
       ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for 
     each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.

     SEC. 7122. 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. 7123. 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. 7124. 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''.

     SEC. 7125. SUPPLEMENTAL AND ALTERNATIVE CROPS; HEMP.

       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 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.'';
       (3) in subsection (c)(3)(E), by inserting ``(including hemp 
     (as defined in section 297A of the Agricultural Marketing Act 
     of 1946))'' after ``material''; and
       (4) in subsection (e)(2), by striking ``2018'' and 
     inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 7126. NEW ERA RURAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

       Section 1473E of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3319e) 
     is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(1)(B)--
       (A) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in clause (iii), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iv) precision agriculture.''; and
       (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``2008 through 2012'' 
     and inserting ``2019 through 2023''.

     SEC. 7127. 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. 7128. AGRICULTURE ADVANCED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
                   AUTHORITY PILOT.

       Subtitle K of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310 et 
     seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 1473H. AGRICULTURE ADVANCED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
                   AUTHORITY PILOT.

       ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to promote 
     advanced research and development through a pilot program 
     targeting high-priority research needs for qualified products 
     and projects, agricultural technologies, and research tools.
       ``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Advanced research and development.--The term 
     `advanced research and development' means research and 
     development activities used to overcome long-term and high-
     risk research challenges in agriculture and food through--
       ``(A) targeted acceleration of novel, early stage 
     innovative agricultural research with promising technology 
     applications and products; or
       ``(B) development of qualified products and projects, 
     agricultural technologies, or innovative research tools, 
     which may include--
       ``(i) prototype testing, preclinical development, or field 
     experimental use;
       ``(ii) assessing and assisting with product approval, 
     clearance, or need for a license under--

       ``(I) the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et 
     seq.);
       ``(II) the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.); or
       ``(III) other applicable law; or

       ``(iii) manufacturing and commercialization of a product.

[[Page S4583]]

       ``(2) AGARDA.--The term `AGARDA' means the Agriculture 
     Advanced Research and Development Authority established by 
     subsection (c)(1).
       ``(3) Agricultural technology.--The term `agricultural 
     technology' means machinery and other equipment engineered 
     for an applicable and novel use in agriculture, natural 
     resources, and food relating to the research and development 
     of qualified products and projects.
       ``(4) Director.--The term `Director' means the Director of 
     the AGARDA.
       ``(5) Fund.--The term `Fund' means the Agriculture Advanced 
     Research and Development Fund established by subsection 
     (e)(1).
       ``(6) Other transaction.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `other transaction' means a 
     transaction other than a procurement contract, grant, or 
     cooperative agreement.
       ``(B) Inclusion.--The term `other transaction' includes a 
     transaction described in subsection (c)(6)(A).
       ``(7) Person.--The term `person' means--
       ``(A) an individual;
       ``(B) a partnership;
       ``(C) a corporation;
       ``(D) an association;
       ``(E) an entity;
       ``(F) a public or private corporation;
       ``(G) a Federal, State, or local government agency or 
     department; and
       ``(H) an institution of higher education, including a land-
     grant college or university and a non-land-grant college of 
     agriculture.
       ``(8) Qualified product or project.--The term `qualified 
     product or project' means advanced research and development 
     of--
       ``(A) engineering, mechanization, or technology 
     improvements that will address challenges relating to 
     growing, harvesting, handling, processing, storing, packing, 
     and distribution of agricultural products;
       ``(B) plant disease or plant pest recovery countermeasures 
     to intentional or unintentional biological or natural 
     threats, including--
       ``(i) replacement or resistant plant cultivars or 
     varieties;
       ``(ii) other enhanced management strategies, including 
     novel chemical, biological, or cultural approaches; or
       ``(iii) diagnostic or surveillance technology; and
       ``(C) veterinary countermeasures to intentional or 
     unintentional biological threats (including naturally 
     occurring threats), including--
       ``(i) animal vaccine or therapeutic products (including 
     anti-infective products); or
       ``(ii) diagnostic or surveillance technology.
       ``(9) Research tool.--The term `research tool' means a 
     device, technology, procedure, biological material, reagent, 
     computer system, computer software, or analytical technique 
     that is developed to assist in the discovery, development, or 
     manufacture of a qualified product or project.
       ``(c) Agriculture Advanced Research and Development 
     Authority.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--There is established within the 
     Department of Agriculture the Agriculture Advanced Research 
     and Development Authority to address long-term and high-risk 
     challenges in the development of--
       ``(A) qualified products and projects;
       ``(B) agricultural technologies; and
       ``(C) research tools.
       ``(2) Goals.--The goals of the AGARDA are--
       ``(A) to enhance the economic viability, security, and 
     sustainability of agriculture to ensure that the United 
     States is competitive and maintains a technological lead 
     globally;
       ``(B) to develop and deploy advanced solutions to prevent, 
     prepare, and protect against unintentional and intentional 
     threats to agriculture and food in the United States;
       ``(C) to overcome the long-term and high-risk technological 
     barriers in the development of agricultural technologies that 
     enhance export competitiveness, environmental sustainability, 
     and resilience to extreme weather; and
       ``(D) to ensure that the United States maintains a 
     technological lead in developing and deploying advanced 
     agricultural technologies that increase economic 
     opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
       ``(3) Leadership.--
       ``(A) In general.--The AGARDA shall be a component of the 
     Office of the Chief Scientist.
       ``(B) Director.--
       ``(i) In general.--The AGARDA shall be headed by a 
     Director, who shall be appointed by the Chief Scientist.
       ``(ii) Qualifications.--The Director shall be an individual 
     who, by reason of professional background and experience, is 
     especially qualified to advise the Chief Scientist on, and 
     manage research programs addressing, matters pertaining to--

       ``(I) advanced research and development;
       ``(II) qualified products and projects;
       ``(III) agricultural technologies;
       ``(IV) research tools; and
       ``(V) long-term and high-risk challenges relating to the 
     matters described in subclauses (I) through (IV).

       ``(iii) Relationship within the department of 
     agriculture.--The Director shall report to the Chief 
     Scientist.
       ``(4) Duties.--To achieve the goals described in paragraph 
     (2), the Secretary, acting through the Director, shall 
     accelerate advanced research and development by--
       ``(A) identifying and promoting revolutionary advances in 
     fundamental sciences;
       ``(B) translating scientific discoveries and cutting-edge 
     inventions into technological innovations;
       ``(C) incubating and accelerating transformational advances 
     in areas in which industry by itself is not likely to 
     undertake advanced research and development because of the 
     high-risk technological or financial uncertainty;
       ``(D) collaborating with Federal agencies, relevant 
     industries, academia, international agencies, the Foundation 
     for Food and Agriculture Research, and other persons to carry 
     out the goals described in paragraph (2), including 
     convening, at a minimum, annual meetings or working groups to 
     demonstrate the operation and effectiveness of advanced 
     research and development of qualified products and projects, 
     agricultural technologies, and research tools;
       ``(E) conducting ongoing searches for, and support calls 
     for, potential advanced research and development of 
     agricultural technologies, qualified products and projects, 
     and research tools;
       ``(F) awarding grants and entering into contracts, 
     cooperative agreements, or other transactions under paragraph 
     (6) for advanced research and development of agricultural 
     technology, qualified products and projects, and research 
     tools;
       ``(G) establishing issue-based multidisciplinary discovery 
     teams to reduce the time and cost of solving specific 
     problems that--
       ``(i) are composed of representatives from Federal and 
     State agencies, professional groups, academia, and industry;
       ``(ii) seek novel and effective solutions; and
       ``(iii) encourage data sharing and translation of research 
     to field use; and
       ``(H) connecting interested persons with offices or 
     employees authorized by the Secretary to advise those persons 
     regarding requirements under relevant laws that impact the 
     development, commercialization, and technology transfer of 
     qualified products and projects, agricultural technologies, 
     and research tools.
       ``(5) Priority.--In awarding grants and entering into 
     contracts, cooperative agreements, or other transactions 
     under paragraph (4)(F), the Secretary shall give priority to 
     projects that accelerate the advanced research and 
     development of--
       ``(A) new technologies to address critical research needs 
     for specialty crops; and
       ``(B) qualified products and projects that prevent, 
     protect, and prepare against intentional and unintentional 
     threats to agriculture and food.
       ``(6) Other transaction authorities.--
       ``(A) In general.--In carrying out the pilot program under 
     this section, the Secretary shall have the authority to enter 
     into other transactions in the same manner and subject to the 
     same terms and conditions as transactions that the Secretary 
     of Defense may enter into under section 2371 of title 10, 
     United States Code.
       ``(B) Scope.--The authority of the Secretary to enter into 
     contracts, cooperative agreements, and other transactions 
     under this subsection shall be in addition to the authorities 
     under this Act and title I of the Department of Agriculture 
     and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 1964 (7 U.S.C. 
     3318a), to use contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants 
     in carrying out the pilot program under this section.
       ``(C) Guidelines.--The Secretary shall establish guidelines 
     regarding the use of the authority under subparagraph (A).
       ``(D) Technology transfer.--In entering into other 
     transactions, the Secretary may negotiate terms for 
     technology transfer in the same manner as a Federal 
     laboratory under paragraphs (1) through (4) of section 12(b) 
     of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 
     U.S.C. 3710a(b)).
       ``(7) Availability of data.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall require that, as a 
     condition of being awarded a contract or grant or entering 
     into a cooperative agreement or other transaction under 
     paragraph (4)(F), a person shall make available to the 
     Secretary on an ongoing basis, and submit to the Secretary on 
     request of the Secretary, all data relating to or resulting 
     from the activities carried out by the person pursuant to 
     this section.
       ``(B) Exemption from disclosure.--
       ``(i) In general.--This subparagraph shall be considered a 
     statute described in section 552(b)(3)(B) of title 5, United 
     States Code.
       ``(ii) Exemption.--The following information shall be 
     exempt from disclosure and withheld from the public:

       ``(I) Specific technical data or scientific information 
     that is created or obtained under this section that reveals 
     significant and not otherwise publicly known vulnerabilities 
     of existing agriculture and food defenses against biological, 
     chemical, nuclear, or radiological threats.
       ``(II) Trade secrets or commercial or financial information 
     that is privileged or confidential (within the meaning of 
     section 552(b)(4) of title 5, United States Code) and 
     obtained in the conduct of research or as a result of 
     activities under this section from a non-Federal party 
     participating in a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or 
     other transaction under this section.

       ``(iii) Review.--Information that results from research and 
     development activities conducted under this section and that 
     would be a trade secret or commercial or financial 
     information that is privileged or confidential if the 
     information had been obtained from a non-Federal party 
     participating in a cooperative agreement or other transaction 
     shall

[[Page S4584]]

     be withheld from disclosure under clause (ii) for 5 years.
       ``(8) Milestone-based payments allowed.--In awarding 
     contracts and grants and entering into cooperative agreements 
     or other transactions under paragraph (4)(F), the Secretary 
     may--
       ``(A) use milestone-based awards and payments; and
       ``(B) terminate a project for not meeting technical 
     milestones.
       ``(9) Use of existing personnel authorities.--In carrying 
     out this subsection, the Secretary may appoint highly 
     qualified individuals to scientific or professional positions 
     on the same terms and conditions as provided in section 
     620(b)(4) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
     Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7657(b)(4)).
       ``(10) Report and evaluation.--
       ``(A) 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 an annual report examining the actions undertaken and 
     results generated by the AGARDA.
       ``(B) Evaluation.--After the date on which the AGARDA has 
     been in operation for 3 years, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall conduct an evaluation--
       ``(i) to be completed and submitted to the Committee on 
     Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate not 
     later than 1 year after the date on which the Comptroller 
     General began conducting the evaluation;
       ``(ii) describing the extent to which the AGARDA is 
     achieving the goals described in paragraph (2); and
       ``(iii) including a recommendation on whether the AGARDA 
     should be continued, terminated, or expanded.
       ``(d) Strategic Plan.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 360 days after the date 
     of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall develop and 
     make publically available a strategic plan describing the 
     strategic vision that the AGARDA shall use--
       ``(A) to make determinations for future investments during 
     the period of effectiveness of this section; and
       ``(B) to achieve the goals described in subsection (c)(2).
       ``(2) Dissemination.--The Secretary shall carry out such 
     activities as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to 
     disseminate the information contained in the strategic plan 
     under paragraph (1) to persons who may have the capacity to 
     substantially contribute to the activities described in that 
     strategic plan.
       ``(3) Coordination; consultation.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) update and coordinate the strategic coordination plan 
     under section 221(d)(7) of the Department of Agriculture 
     Reorganization Act of 1994 with the strategic plan developed 
     under paragraph (1) for activities relating to agriculture 
     and food defense countermeasure development and procurement; 
     and
       ``(B) in developing the strategic plan under paragraph (1), 
     consult with--
       ``(i) the National Agricultural Research, Extension, 
     Education, and Economics Advisory Board established under 
     section 1408(a);
       ``(ii) the specialty crops committee established under 
     section 1408A(a)(1);
       ``(iii) relevant agriculture research agencies of the 
     Federal Government;
       ``(iv) the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and 
     Medicine;
       ``(v) the National Veterinary Stockpile Intra-Government 
     Advisory Committee for Strategic Steering; and
       ``(vi) other appropriate parties, as determined by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(e) Funds.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury 
     the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Fund, which 
     shall be administered by the Secretary, acting through the 
     Director--
       ``(A) for the purpose of carrying out this section; and
       ``(B) in the same manner and subject to the same terms and 
     conditions as are applicable to the Secretary of Defense 
     under section 2371 of title 10, United States Code.
       ``(2) Deposits into fund.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Director, may accept and deposit into the Fund monies 
     received pursuant to cost recovery or contribution under a 
     contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or other transaction 
     under this section.
       ``(B) Clarification.--Nothing in this paragraph authorizes 
     the use of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to 
     carry out this section.
       ``(3) Funding.--In addition to funds otherwise deposited in 
     the Fund under paragraph (1) or (2), there is authorized to 
     be appropriated to the Fund $50,000,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2019 through 2023, to remain available until expended.
       ``(f) Termination of Effectiveness.--The authority provided 
     by this section terminates effective September 30, 2023.''.

     SEC. 7129. 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. 7130. REPEAL OF RANGELAND RESEARCH PROGRAMS.

       Subtitle M of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3331 et 
     seq.) is repealed.

     SEC. 7131. SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION FOR BIOSECURITY PLANNING AND 
                   RESPONSE.

       Section 1484(a)(2) of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
     3351(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.

     SEC. 7132. 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. 7133. LIMITATION ON DESIGNATION OF ENTITIES ELIGIBLE TO 
                   RECEIVE FUNDS UNDER A CAPACITY PROGRAM.

       Subtitle P of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3371 et 
     seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 1493. LIMITATION ON DESIGNATION OF ENTITIES ELIGIBLE 
                   TO RECEIVE FUNDS UNDER A CAPACITY PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Definition of Capacity Program.--In this section, the 
     term `capacity program' means each of the following 
     agricultural research, extension, education, and related 
     programs:
       ``(1) The programs for which funds are made available under 
     subsections (b) and (c) of section 3 of the Smith-Lever Act 
     (7 U.S.C. 343).
       ``(2) The program for which funds are made available under 
     the Hatch Act of 1887 (7 U.S.C. 361a et seq.).
       ``(3) The program for which funds are made available under 
     section 1444.
       ``(4) The program for which funds are made available under 
     section 1445.
       ``(5) The grant program authorized under section 1447.
       ``(6) The program for which funds are made available under 
     Public Law 87-788 (commonly known as the `McIntire-Stennis 
     Cooperative Forestry Act') (16 U.S.C. 582a et seq.).
       ``(7) Any other agricultural research, extension, or 
     education program relating to capacity and infrastructure, as 
     determined by the Secretary.
       ``(b) Limitation.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided under paragraph (2), 
     and notwithstanding any other provision of law, no additional 
     entity designated after the date of enactment of this section 
     shall be eligible to receive funds under a capacity program.
       ``(2) Exceptions.--
       ``(A) 1994 institutions.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply in 
     the case of a designation of a 1994 Institution under section 
     2 of Public Law 87-788 (commonly known as the ``McIntire-
     Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act'') (16 U.S.C. 582a-1).
       ``(B) Extraordinary circumstances.--In the case of 
     extraordinary circumstances or a situation that would lead to 
     an inequitable result, as determined by the Secretary, the 
     Secretary may determine that an entity designated after the 
     date of enactment of this section is eligible to receive 
     funds under a capacity program.
       ``(c) No Increase in State Funding.--No State shall receive 
     an increase in the amount of capacity program funding as a 
     result of the designation of additional entities as eligible 
     to receive funds under a capacity program.''.

     SEC. 7134. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS ATTENDING 1890 
                   INSTITUTIONS.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) The Act of August 30, 1890 (commonly known as the 
     ``Second Morrill Act'') (26 Stat. 417, chapter 841; 7 U.S.C. 
     321 et seq.), brought about the establishment of the 
     following 19 public, African-American land-grant colleges and 
     universities:
       (A) Alabama A&M University.
       (B) Alcorn State University.
       (C) Central State University.
       (D) Delaware State University.
       (E) Florida A&M University.
       (F) Fort Valley State University.
       (G) Kentucky State University.
       (H) Langston University.
       (I) Lincoln University.
       (J) North Carolina A&T State University.
       (K) Prairie View A&M University.
       (L) South Carolina State University.
       (M) Southern University System.
       (N) Tennessee State University.
       (O) Tuskegee University.
       (P) University of Arkansas Pine Bluff.
       (Q) University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
       (R) Virginia State University.
       (S) West Virginia State University.
       (2) Funding for agricultural education, research, and 
     extension at the colleges and universities described in 
     paragraph (1) is authorized to be appropriated to the 
     Department of Agriculture with each farm bill, which is 
     enacted approximately every 5 years.
       (3) The Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79; 128 
     Stat. 649) authorizes the appropriation of Federal funds for 
     research, education, and extension activities at the

[[Page S4585]]

     colleges and universities described in paragraph (1) and the 
     Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, 
     and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016 (Public Law 
     114-113; 129 Stat. 2245) appropriated $19,000,000 for 
     education grants for the colleges and universities described 
     in paragraph (1).
       (4) There is a great need to increase the number of young 
     African-Americans seeking careers in the food and 
     agricultural sciences (as defined in section 1404 of the 
     National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)), including agribusiness, 
     food production, distribution, and retailing, the clothing 
     industries, energy and renewable fuels, and farming 
     marketing, finance, and distribution.
       (5) Scholarship funding provided to increase the number of 
     young African-American individuals seeking a career in the 
     food and agricultural sciences shall be provided with the 
     caveat that those scholarship students shall commit to pursue 
     a career in the food and agricultural sciences, including 
     agribusiness, food production, distribution, and retailing, 
     the clothing industries, energy and renewable fuels, and 
     farming marketing, finance, and distribution.
       (6) The average age of farmers and producers in the United 
     States is 60 years of age and continues to rise.
       (7) Beginning farmers and ranchers (as defined in section 
     7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 
     U.S.C. 3319f)) need greater assistance in the financing of 
     their education because of the increased startup costs 
     associated with farming, such as the purchase of land and 
     farming equipment.
       (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this section and the 
     amendment made by this section are--
       (1) to address the national crisis posed by the aging 
     farmer and producer population in the United States;
       (2) to increase the number of young African-American 
     individuals seeking a career in the food and agricultural 
     sciences (as defined in section 1404 of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)), including careers in agribusiness, 
     food production, distribution, and retailing, the clothing 
     industries, energy and renewable fuels, and farming 
     marketing, finance, and distribution;
       (3) to reduce the average age of farmers and producers in 
     the United States;
       (4) to provide greater assistance to beginning farmers and 
     ranchers (as defined in section 7405 of Farm Security and 
     Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f)); and
       (5) to provide scholarships to 1890 land-grant students 
     seeking careers in the food and agricultural sciences.
       (c) Scholarship Program for Students Attending 1890-
     institutions.--Subtitle G of the National Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
     U.S.C. 3221 et seq.) (as amended by section 7118) is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 1451. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS AT 1890 LAND-GRANT 
                   COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a grant 
     program under which the Secretary shall award a grant to each 
     1890 Institution (as defined in section 2 of the Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 
     U.S.C. 7601)) (referred to in this section as an `eligible 
     institution'), to award scholarships to individuals who--
       ``(1) seek to attend the eligible institution; and
       ``(2) intend to pursue a career in the food and 
     agricultural sciences, including a career in agribusiness, 
     food production, distribution, and retailing, the clothing 
     industries, energy and renewable fuels, and farming 
     marketing, finance, and distribution.
       ``(b) Funding.--
       ``(1) 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.
       ``(2) Allocation.--Of the funds made available under 
     paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall allocate 
     to each eligible institution $1,000,000.''.

   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 STRATEGIC GERMPLASM AND CULTIVAR 
                   COLLECTION ASSESSMENT AND UTILIZATION PLAN.

       (a) In General.--Section 1632(d) of the Food, Agriculture, 
     Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5841(d)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
       ``(6) develop and implement a national strategic germplasm 
     and cultivar collection assessment and utilization plan that 
     takes into consideration the resources and research necessary 
     to address the significant backlog of characterization and 
     maintenance of existing accessions considered to be critical 
     to preserve the viability of, and public access to, germplasm 
     and cultivars; and''.
       (b) Plan Publication.--Section 1633 of the Food, 
     Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
     5842) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Plan Publication.--On completion of the development 
     of the plan described in section 1632(d)(6), the Secretary 
     shall make the plan available to the public.''.

     SEC. 7206. NATIONAL GENETICS RESOURCES PROGRAM.

       (a) Advisory Council.--Section 1634 of the Food, 
     Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
     5843) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the first sentence, by striking ``The Secretary'' 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary'';
       (B) in the second sentence of paragraph (1) (as so 
     designated), by striking ``The advisory'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(2) Membership.--The advisory'';
       (C) in paragraph (2) (as so designated), by striking 
     ``nine'' and inserting ``13''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Recommendations.--
       ``(A) In general.--In making recommendations under 
     paragraph (1), the advisory council shall include 
     recommendations on--
       ``(i) the state of public cultivar development, including--

       ``(I) an analysis of existing cultivar research 
     investments;
       ``(II) the research gaps relating to the development of 
     cultivars across a diverse range of crops; and
       ``(III) an assessment of the state of commercialization of 
     federally funded cultivars;

       ``(ii) the training and resources needed to meet future 
     breeding challenges;
       ``(iii) the appropriate levels of Federal funding for 
     cultivar development for underserved crops and geographic 
     areas; and
       ``(iv) the development of the plan described in section 
     1632(d)(6).''; and
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``Two-thirds'' and inserting ``6''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``economics and policy,'' after 
     ``agricultural sciences,'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``One-third'' and inserting ``3''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``community development,'' after ``public 
     policy,''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) 4 of the members shall be appointed from among 
     individuals with expertise in public cultivar and animal 
     breed development.
       ``(4) 4 of the members shall be appointed from among 
     individuals representing--
       ``(A) 1862 Institutions (as defined in section 2 of the 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 
     1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601));
       ``(B) 1890 Institutions (as defined in section 2 of the 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 
     1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601));
       ``(C) eligible institutions (as defined in section 502(a) 
     of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a(a))); or
       ``(D) 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)).''.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--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. 7207. 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. 7208. 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 striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
       ``(a) Goals.--The goals of this section are--
       ``(1) to expand knowledge concerning genomes and phenomes 
     of crops and animals of importance to the agriculture sector 
     of the United States;
       ``(2) to understand how variable weather, environments, and 
     production systems impact the growth and productivity of 
     specific varieties of crops and species of animals in order 
     to provide greater accuracy in predicting crop and animal 
     performance under variable conditions;
       ``(3) to support research that leverages plant and animal 
     genomic information with phenotypic and environmental data 
     through an interdisciplinary framework, leading to a novel 
     understanding of plant and animal

[[Page S4586]]

     processes that affect growth, productivity, and the ability 
     to predict performance, which will result in the deployment 
     of superior varieties and species to producers and improved 
     crop and animal management recommendations for farmers and 
     ranchers;
       ``(4) to catalyze and coordinate research that links 
     genomics and predictive phenomics at different sites across 
     the United States to achieve advances in crops and animals 
     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 combine fields such as genetics, genomics, animal 
     physiology, meat science, animal nutrition, and veterinary 
     science with computation and informatics, statistics, and 
     engineering;
       ``(7) to focus on crops and animals that will yield 
     scientifically important results that will enhance the 
     usefulness of many other crops and animals;
       ``(8) to build on genomic research, such as the Plant 
     Genome Research Project and the National Animal Genome 
     Research Program, to understand gene function in production 
     environments that is expected to have considerable returns 
     for crops and animals of importance to the agriculture of the 
     United States;
       ``(9) to develop improved data analytics to enhance 
     understanding of the biological function of genes;
       ``(10) 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
       ``(11) to encourage international partnerships with each 
     partner country responsible for financing its own 
     research.'';
       (3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Duties of Secretary.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
     (referred to in this section as the `Secretary') shall 
     conduct a research initiative, to be known as the 
     `Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative', for the purpose 
     of--
       ``(1) studying agriculturally significant crops and animals 
     in production environments to achieve sustainable and secure 
     agricultural production;
       ``(2) ensuring that current gaps in existing knowledge of 
     agricultural crop and animal genetics and phenomics are 
     filled;
       ``(3) identifying and developing a functional understanding 
     of relevant genes from animals and agronomically relevant 
     genes from crops that are of importance to the agriculture 
     sector of the United States;
       ``(4) ensuring future genetic improvement of crops and 
     animals of importance to the agriculture sector of the United 
     States;
       ``(5) studying the relevance of diverse germplasm as a 
     source of unique genes that may be of importance in the 
     future;
       ``(6) enhancing genetics to reduce the economic impact of 
     pathogens on crops and animals of importance to the 
     agriculture sector of the United States;
       ``(7) disseminating findings to relevant audiences; and
       ``(8) otherwise carrying out this section.'';
       (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:
       ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $30,000,000 for 
     each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.

     SEC. 7209. HIGH-PRIORITY RESEARCH AND EXTENSION INITIATIVES.

       (a) High-priority Research and Extension Areas.--Section 
     1672(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
     of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925(d)) is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:
       ``(11) 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 
     development of improved technologies for managing commercial, 
     residential, and recreational turf areas;
       ``(E) producing grasses that aid in mitigating soil 
     erosion, protect against pollutant runoff into waterways, and 
     provide other environmental benefits;
       ``(F) investigating, preserving, and protecting native 
     plant species, including grasses not currently used in turf 
     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.
       ``(12) Nutrient management.--Research and extension grants 
     may be made under this section for the purposes of examining 
     nutrient management based on the source, rate, timing, and 
     placement of crop nutrients.
       ``(13) 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 (Eriococcus 
     ironsidei).
       ``(14) Chronic wasting disease.--Research and extension 
     grants may be made under this section for the purposes of 
     supporting research projects at land-grant colleges and 
     universities (as defined in section 1404 of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) with established deer research programs 
     for the purposes of treating, mitigating, or eliminating 
     chronic wasting disease in free-ranging white-tailed deer 
     populations.''.
       (b) Pulse Crop Health Initiative.--Section 1672(e)(5) of 
     the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 
     U.S.C. 5925(e)(5)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and 
     inserting ``2023''.
       (c) Training Coordination for Food and Agriculture 
     Protection.--Section 1672(f)(5) of the Food, Agriculture, 
     Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925(f)(5)) is 
     amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
       (d) Pollinator Protection.--Section 1672(g) of the Food, 
     Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
     5925(g)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraphs (1)(B), (2)(B), and (3), by striking 
     ``2018'' each place it appears and inserting ``2023'';
       (2) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs 
     (5) and (7), respectively;
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
       ``(4) Pollinator health task force.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the 
     Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the 
     Environmental Protection Agency (referred to in this 
     paragraph as the `Administrator'), shall reconstitute the 
     Pollinator Health Task Force (referred to in this paragraph 
     as the `Task Force') to carry out the purposes described in 
     subparagraph (B).
       ``(B) Purposes.--The Task Force shall--
       ``(i) address issues relating to pollinator health and 
     disease, pollinator population decline, and Federal 
     pollinator protection activities; and
       ``(ii) ensure effective implementation of the 2015 National 
     Pollinator Health Strategy, as modified under subparagraph 
     (D)(i).
       ``(C) Composition.--
       ``(i) Co-chairs.--The Secretary and the Administrator shall 
     serve as co-chairs of the Task Force.
       ``(ii) Members.--

       ``(I) In general.--The Task Force shall be composed of not 
     less than 15 members, each of whom shall be appointed by the 
     Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator.
       ``(II) Members.--The members of the Task Force--

       ``(aa) shall include a qualified representative from each 
     of--
         ``(AA) the Department of State;
         ``(BB) the Department of Defense;
         ``(CC) the Department of the Interior;
         ``(DD) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
         ``(EE) the Department of Transportation;
         ``(FF) the Department of Energy;
         ``(GG) the Department of Education;
         ``(HH) the Council on Environmental Quality;
         ``(II) the Domestic Policy Council;
         ``(JJ) the General Services Administration;
         ``(KK) the National Science Foundation;
         ``(LL) the National Security Council;
         ``(MM) the Office of Management and Budget;
         ``(NN) the Food and Drug Administration; and
         ``(OO) the Office of Science and Technology Policy; and
       ``(bb) may include--
         ``(AA) 1 or more qualified representatives from any other 
     Federal department, agency, or office, as determined by the 
     Secretary and the Administrator; and
         ``(BB) 1 or more nongovernmental individuals that possess 
     adequate scientific credentials to make meaningful 
     contributions to the activities of the Task Force, as 
     determined by the Secretary and the Administrator.
       ``(D) Duties.--The Task Force shall--
       ``(i) review and modify the 2015 National Pollinator Health 
     Strategy to reflect the evolving science on which it is 
     based;
       ``(ii) implement the 2015 National Pollinator Health 
     Strategy as modified under clause (i);
       ``(iii) ensure that Federal resources are used effectively 
     to improve pollinator habitat and health;
       ``(iv) engage in regular collaboration with the Department 
     of Agriculture, other governmental and institutional 
     entities, and private persons to leverage Federal funding to 
     create public-private partnerships that will achieve the 
     long-term improvement of pollinator habitat and health, 
     consistent with the 2016 Pollinator Partnership Action Plan; 
     and
       ``(v) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment 
     of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, host a joint 
     summit of the

[[Page S4587]]

     Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection 
     Agency on crop protection tools that examines--

       ``(I) the science relating to the impact of crop protection 
     tools on pollinators;
       ``(II) the techniques used to mitigate the impact of crop 
     protection tools; and
       ``(III) the gaps in research relating to crop protection 
     tools.

       ``(E) Annual report.--Not later than December 31 of each 
     year, the Task Force shall submit a report--
       ``(i) to--

       ``(I) the Secretary;
       ``(II) the Administrator;
       ``(III) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       ``(IV) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
     Forestry of the Senate; and

       ``(ii) that describes--

       ``(I) the work carried out by the Task Force under 
     subparagraph (D); and
       ``(II) the recommendations of the Task Force for the next 
     steps that should be taken to carry out the purposes 
     described in subparagraph (B).'';

       (4) by inserting after paragraph (5) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(6) Enhanced coordination of honeybee and pollinator 
     research.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Chief Scientist shall coordinate 
     research, education, and economic activities in the 
     Department of Agriculture relating to native and managed 
     pollinator health.
       ``(B) Duties.--To carry out subparagraph (A), the Chief 
     Scientist shall--
       ``(i) assign an individual to serve in the Office of the 
     Chief Scientist as a Honeybee and Pollinator Research 
     Coordinator, who--

       ``(I) may be--

       ``(aa) an employee of the Department of Agriculture at the 
     time of appointment; and
       ``(bb) a detailee from the research, economics, and 
     education mission area; and

       ``(II) shall be responsible for leading the efforts of the 
     Chief Scientist in carrying out subparagraph (A);

       ``(ii) implement the pollinator health research efforts 
     described in the 2015 report of the Pollinator Health Task 
     Force entitled `Pollinator Research Action Plan';
       ``(iii) establish annual strategic priorities and goals for 
     the Department of Agriculture for native and managed 
     pollinator research;
       ``(iv) communicate those priorities and goals to each 
     agency in the Department of Agriculture, the managed 
     pollinator industry, and relevant grant recipients under 
     programs administered by the Secretary; and
       ``(v) coordinate and identify all research needed and 
     conducted by the Department of Agriculture and relevant grant 
     recipients under programs administered by the Secretary on 
     native and managed pollinator health to ensure consistency 
     and reduce unintended duplication of effort.
       ``(C) Pollinator research.--
       ``(i) In general.--In coordinating research under 
     subparagraph (A), the Chief Scientist shall ensure that 
     research is conducted--

       ``(I) to evaluate the impact of horticultural and 
     agricultural pest management practices on native and managed 
     pollinator colonies in diverse agro-ecosystems;
       ``(II) to document pesticide residues--

       ``(aa) that are found in native and managed pollinator 
     colonies; and
       ``(bb) that are associated with typical commercial crop 
     pest management practices;

       ``(III) with respect to native and managed pollinator 
     colonies visiting crops for crop pollination or honey 
     production purposes, to document--

       ``(aa) the strength and health of those colonies;
       ``(bb) survival, growth, reproduction, and production of 
     those colonies;
       ``(cc) pests, pathogens, and viruses that affect those 
     colonies;
       ``(dd) environmental conditions of those colonies; and
       ``(ee) any other relevant information, as determined by the 
     Chief Scientist;

       ``(IV) to document best management practices and other 
     practices in place for managed pollinators and crop managers 
     with respect to healthy populations of managed pollinators;
       ``(V) to evaluate the effectiveness of--

       ``(aa) conservation practices that target the specific 
     needs of native and managed pollinator habitats; and
       ``(bb) incentives that allow for the expansion of native 
     and managed pollinator forage acreage;

       ``(VI) in the case of commercially managed pollinator 
     colonies, to continue gathering data on--

       ``(aa) annual colony losses;
       ``(bb) rising input costs associated with managing 
     colonies; and
       ``(cc) the overall economic value of commercially managed 
     pollinators to the food economy; and

       ``(VII) relating to any other aspect of native and managed 
     pollinators, as determined by the Chief Scientist, in 
     consultation with scientific experts.

       ``(ii) Public availability.--The Chief Scientist shall--

       ``(I) make publicly available the results of the research 
     described in clause (i); and
       ``(II) in the case of the research described in clause 
     (i)(VI), immediately publish any data or reports that were 
     previously produced by the Department of Agriculture but not 
     made publicly available.''; and

       (5) in paragraph (7) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by inserting ``and native and 
     managed pollinators'' after ``disorder''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (C)--
       (i) by striking ``regarding how'' and inserting the 
     following: ``regarding--
       ``(i) how'';
       (ii) in clause (i) (as so designated), by striking the 
     period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ii) the establishment of a sufficiently funded large-
     scale multiyear field research project to evaluate the impact 
     of horticultural and agricultural pest management practices 
     on native and managed pollinator colonies in diverse agro-
     ecosystems; and
       ``(iii) the development of crop-specific best management 
     practices that balance the needs of crop managers with the 
     health of native and managed pollinator colonies.''.
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 1672(h) of 
     the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 
     U.S.C. 5925(h)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.

     SEC. 7210. 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 striking ``conservation'' and 
     inserting ``conservation, soil health,''; 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 a semicolon; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 and 2020;
       ``(E) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2021; and
       ``(F) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 and each fiscal year 
     thereafter.''; 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. 7211. FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT.

       Section 1672D(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, 
     and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925f(d)(2)) is amended by 
     striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 7212. URBAN, INDOOR, AND OTHER EMERGING AGRICULTURAL 
                   PRODUCTION RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION 
                   INITIATIVE.

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

     ``SEC. 1672E. URBAN, INDOOR, AND OTHER EMERGING AGRICULTURAL 
                   PRODUCTION RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION 
                   INITIATIVE.

       ``(a) Competitive Research and Extension Grants 
     Authorized.--In consultation with the Urban Agriculture and 
     Innovative Production Advisory Committee established under 
     section 222(b) of the Department of Agriculture 
     Reorganization Act of 1994, the Secretary may make 
     competitive grants to support research, education, and 
     extension activities for the purposes of enhancing urban, 
     indoor, and other emerging agricultural production by--
       ``(1) facilitating the development of urban, indoor, and 
     other emerging agricultural production, harvesting, 
     transportation, aggregation, packaging, distribution, and 
     markets;
       ``(2) assessing and developing strategies to remediate 
     contaminated sites;
       ``(3) determining and developing the best production 
     management and integrated pest management practices;
       ``(4) assessing the impacts of shipping and transportation 
     on nutritional value;
       ``(5) identifying and promoting the horticultural, social, 
     and economic factors that contribute to successful urban, 
     indoor, and other emerging agricultural production;
       ``(6) analyzing the means by which new agricultural sites 
     are determined, including an evaluation of soil quality, 
     condition of a building, or local community needs;
       ``(7) exploring new and innovative technologies that 
     minimize energy, lighting systems, water, and other inputs 
     for increased food production;
       ``(8) examining building material efficiencies and 
     structural upgrades for the purpose of optimizing growth of 
     agricultural products;
       ``(9) studying and developing new crop varieties and 
     innovative agricultural products to connect to new markets; 
     or
       ``(10) examining the impacts of crop exposure to urban 
     elements on environmental quality and food safety.
       ``(b) Grant Types and Process.--Subparagraphs (A) through 
     (E) of paragraph (4), paragraph (7), and paragraph (11)(B) of 
     subsection (b) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities 
     Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157) shall apply with respect 
     to the making of grants under this section.
       ``(c) Priority.--The Secretary may give priority to grant 
     proposals that involve--
       ``(1) the cooperation of multiple entities; or
       ``(2) States or regions with a high concentration of or 
     significant interest in urban farms, rooftop farms, and 
     indoor production facilities.
       ``(d) Funding.--
       ``(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity 
     Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this 
     section $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 
     2023, to remain available until expended.
       ``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to 
     amounts made available under

[[Page S4588]]

     paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated to 
     carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
     2019 through 2023.''.
       (b) Data Collection on Urban, Indoor, and Emerging 
     Agricultural Production.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 360 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct as a 
     follow-on study to the census of agriculture conducted in the 
     calendar year 2017 under section 2 of the Census of 
     Agriculture Act of 1997 (7 U.S.C. 2204g) a census of urban, 
     indoor, and other emerging agricultural production, including 
     information about--
       (A) community gardens and farms located in urban areas, 
     suburbs, and urban clusters;
       (B) rooftop farms, outdoor vertical production, and green 
     walls;
       (C) indoor farms, greenhouses, and high-tech vertical 
     technology farms;
       (D) hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic farm facilities; 
     and
       (E) other innovations in agricultural production, as 
     determined by the Secretary.
       (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $14,000,000 
     for the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2021.

     SEC. 7213. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE AT 1890 INSTITUTIONS.

       Section 1673 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5926) is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:
       ``(d) Centers of Excellence at 1890s Institutions.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish not 
     less than 3 centers of excellence, each led by an 1890 
     Institution (as defined in section 2 of the Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 
     U.S.C. 7601)), to focus on 1 or more of the areas described 
     in paragraph (2).
       ``(2) Areas of focus.--
       ``(A) Student success and workforce development.--A center 
     of excellence established under paragraph (1) may engage in 
     activities to ensure that students have the skills and 
     education needed to work in agriculture and food industries, 
     agriculture science, technology, engineering, mathematics, 
     and related fields of study.
       ``(B) Nutrition, health, wellness, and quality of life.--A 
     center of excellence established under paragraph (1) may 
     carry out research, education, and extension programs that 
     increase access to healthy food, improve nutrition, mitigate 
     preventive disease, and develop strategies to assist limited 
     resource individuals in accessing health and nutrition 
     resources.
       ``(C) Farming systems, rural prosperity, and economic 
     sustainability.--A center of excellence established under 
     paragraph (1) may share best practices with farmers to 
     improve agricultural production, processing, and marketing, 
     reduce urban food deserts, examine new uses for traditional 
     and nontraditional crops, animals, and natural resources, and 
     continue activities carried out by the Center of Innovative 
     and Sustainable Small Farms, Ranches, and Forest Lands.
       ``(D) Global food security and defense.--A center of 
     excellence established under paragraph (1) may engage in 
     international partnerships that strengthen agricultural 
     development in developing countries, partner with 
     international researchers regarding new and emerging animal 
     and plant pests and diseases, engage in agricultural disaster 
     recovery, and continue activities carried out by the Center 
     for International Engagement.
       ``(E) Natural resources, energy, and environment.--A center 
     of excellence established under paragraph (1) may focus on 
     protecting and managing domestic natural resources for 
     current and future production of food and agricultural 
     products.
       ``(F) Emerging technologies.--A center of excellence 
     established under paragraph (1) may focus on the development 
     of emerging technologies to increase agricultural 
     productivity, enhance small farm economic viability, and 
     improve rural communities by developing genetic and sensor 
     technologies for food and agriculture and providing 
     technology training to farmers.
       ``(3) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, and 
     every year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
     the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
     Senate a report describing--
       ``(A) the resources invested in the centers of excellence 
     established under paragraph (1); and
       ``(B) the work being done by those centers of excellence.
       ``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $10,000,000 
     for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.

     SEC. 7214. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM FOR FARMERS WITH 
                   DISABILITIES.

       Section 1680(c)(1)(B) of the Food, Agriculture, 
     Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5933(c)(1)(B)) 
     is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 7215. 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. 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 ``there are authorized'' and all that follows 
     through the period at the end and inserting ``there is 
     authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 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) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
     Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7628(e)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 
     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) Industry Needs.--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) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (E) as 
     subparagraphs (C) through (F); and
       (B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
       ``(B) size-controlling rootstock systems for perennial 
     crops;'';
       (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``including threats to 
     specialty crop pollinators;'' and inserting the following: 
     ``such as--
       ``(A) threats to specialty crop pollinators;
       ``(B) emerging and invasive species; and
       ``(C) a more effective understanding and utilization of 
     existing natural enemy complexes;'';
       (3) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) by striking ``efforts to improve'' and inserting the 
     following: ``efforts--
       ``(A) to improve'';
       (B) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by adding 
     ``and'' at the end; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) to achieve a better understanding of--
       ``(i) the soil rhizosphere microbiome;
       ``(ii) pesticide application systems and certified drift-
     reduction technologies; and
       ``(iii) systems to improve and extend the storage life of 
     specialty crops;''; and
       (4) in paragraph (4), by striking ``including improved 
     mechanization and technologies that delay or inhibit 
     ripening; and'' and inserting the following: ``such as--
       ``(A) mechanization and automation of labor-intensive tasks 
     in production and processing;
       ``(B) technologies that delay or inhibit ripening;
       ``(C) decision support systems driven by phenology and 
     environmental factors;
       ``(D) improved monitoring systems for agricultural pests; 
     and
       ``(E) effective systems for preharvest and postharvest 
     management of quarantine pests; and''.
       (b) Funding.--Section 412(k) of the Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 
     7632(k)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``for fiscal 
     years 2014 through 2018'';
       (B) by striking ``In addition'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) In general.--In addition''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by striking 
     ``2018'' and inserting ``2023'';
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as subparagraph (B) of 
     paragraph (2) and indenting appropriately; and
       (3) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs 
     (3) and (4), respectively.

     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--Other Laws

     SEC. 7401. CRITICAL AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS ACT.

       (a) Hemp Research.--Section 5(b)(9) of the Critical 
     Agricultural Materials Act (7 U.S.C. 178c(b)(9)) is amended 
     by inserting ``, and including hemp (as defined in section 
     297A of

[[Page S4589]]

     the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946)'' after 
     ``hydrocarbon-containing plants''.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--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. 7402. EQUITY IN EDUCATIONAL LAND-GRANT STATUS ACT OF 
                   1994.

       (a) Definition of 1994 Institution.--
       (1) In general.--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--
       (A) by striking paragraph (11);
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (12) through (23) and (25) 
     through (35) as paragraphs (11) through (22) and (26) through 
     (36), respectively;
       (C) in paragraph (20) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``College'' and inserting ``University'';
       (D) by inserting after paragraph (22) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(23) Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College.''; and
       (E) by inserting after paragraph (24) the following:
       ``(25) Red Lake Nation College.''.
       (2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1) 
     take effect on October 1, 2018.
       (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. 7403. RESEARCH FACILITIES ACT.

       Section 6(a) of the Research Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 
     390d(a)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.

     SEC. 7404. AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD RESEARCH INITIATIVE.

       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) 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:
       ``(viii) soil health.''; and
       (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:
       ``(v) automation or mechanization in the production and 
     distribution of specialty crops, with a focus on labor-
     intensive tasks.'';
       (2) in paragraph (6)--
       (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) to an institution to carry out collaboration in 
     biomedical and agricultural research using existing research 
     models.''; and
       (3) in paragraph (11)(A), in the matter preceding clause 
     (i), by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 7405. EXTENSION DESIGN AND DEMONSTRATION INITIATIVE.

       (a) In General.--The Competitive, Special, and Facilities 
     Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157) is amended by inserting 
     after subsection (c) the following:
       ``(d) Extension Design and Demonstration Initiative.--
       ``(1) Purpose.--The purpose of this subsection is to 
     encourage the design of adaptive prototype systems for 
     extension and education that seek to advance the application, 
     translation, and demonstration of scientific discoveries and 
     other agricultural research for the adoption and 
     understanding of food, agricultural, and natural resources 
     practices, techniques, methods, and technologies using 
     digital or other novel platforms.
       ``(2) Grants.--The Secretary shall award grants on a 
     competitive basis--
       ``(A) for the design of 1 or more extension and education 
     prototype systems--
       ``(i) that leverage digital platforms or other novel means 
     of translating, delivering, or demonstrating agricultural 
     research; and
       ``(ii) to adapt, apply, translate, or demonstrate 
     scientific findings, data, technology, and other research 
     outcomes to producers, the agricultural industry, and other 
     interested persons or organizations; and
       ``(B) to demonstrate, by incorporating analytics and 
     specific metrics, the value, impact, and return on the 
     Federal investment of a prototype system designed under 
     subparagraph (A) as a model for use by other eligible 
     entities described in paragraph (3) for improving, 
     modernizing, and adapting applied research, demonstration, 
     and extension services.
       ``(3) Eligible entities.--An entity that is eligible to 
     receive a grant under paragraph (2) is--
       ``(A) a State agricultural experiment station; and
       ``(B) a land-grant college or university (as defined in 
     section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)).
       ``(4) Requirement.--The Secretary shall award grants under 
     paragraph (2) to not fewer than 2 and not more than 5 
     eligible entities described in paragraph (3) that represent a 
     diversity of regions, commodities, and agricultural or food 
     production issues.
       ``(5) Term.--The term of a grant awarded under paragraph 
     (2) shall be not longer than 5 years.
       ``(6) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 
     for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, to remain 
     available until expended.''.
       (b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--The Competitive, 
     Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``subsection--'' in 
     the matter preceding subparagraph (A) and all that follows 
     through ``for the planning'' in subparagraph (B) and 
     inserting ``subsection for the planning''; and
       (2) in subsection (h), by inserting ``, (d),'' after 
     ``subsections (b)''.

     SEC. 7406. 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''.
       (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. 7407. 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. 7408. REPEAL OF REVIEW OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE.

       Section 7404 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
     of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3101 note; Public Law 107-171) is repealed.

     SEC. 7409. BIOMASS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

       Section 9008 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
     of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8108) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; or''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) carbon dioxide that--
       ``(i) is intended for permanent sequestration or 
     utilization; and
       ``(ii) is a byproduct of the production of the products 
     described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).'';
       (2) in subsection (d)(2)(A)--
       (A) in clause (xii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) by redesignating clause (xiii) as clause (xiv); and
       (C) by inserting after clause (xii) the following:
       ``(xiii) an individual with expertise in carbon dioxide 
     capture, utilization, and sequestration; and'';
       (3) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)(B)--
       (i) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at the end; and
       (ii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iv) to permanently sequester or utilize carbon dioxide 
     that is produced as a byproduct of the production of biobased 
     products; and''; and
       (B) in paragraph (3)(B)--
       (i) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) the development of technologies to permanently 
     sequester or utilize carbon dioxide that is produced as a 
     byproduct of the production of biobased products.''; and
       (4) in subsection (h)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(F) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 
     2023.''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.

     SEC. 7410. REINSTATEMENT OF MATCHING REQUIREMENT FOR FEDERAL 
                   FUNDS USED IN EXTENSION WORK AT THE UNIVERSITY 
                   OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

       (a) In General.--Section 208(c) of the District of Columbia 
     Public Postsecondary Education Reorganization Act (88 Stat. 
     1428; sec. 38-1202.09(c), D.C. Official Code) is amended by 
     inserting after the first sentence the following: ``Such sums 
     may be used to pay not more than \1/2\ of the total cost of 
     providing such extension work.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect on October 1, 2018.

     SEC. 7411. ENHANCED USE LEASE AUTHORITY PILOT PROGRAM.

       Section 308 of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and 
     Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 
     U.S.C. 3125a note; Public Law 103-354) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(6)(A), by striking ``10 years'' and 
     inserting ``15 years''; and

[[Page S4590]]

       (2) in subsection (d)(2), in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A), by striking ``6, 8, and 10 years'' and 
     inserting ``13 years''.

     SEC. 7412. TRANSFER OF ADMINISTRATIVE JURISDICTION OVER 
                   PORTION OF HENRY A. WALLACE BELTSVILLE 
                   AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER, BELTSVILLE, 
                   MARYLAND.

       (a) Transfer Authorized.--Subject to subsection (e), the 
     Secretary may transfer to the Secretary of the Treasury 
     administrative jurisdiction over 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 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 may 
     correct errors in the legal description and map.
       (c) Terms and Conditions.--The transfer of administrative 
     jurisdiction under subsection (a) shall be subject to 
     easements, valid existing rights, and such other 
     reservations, terms, and conditions as the Secretary 
     considers to be necessary.
       (d) Waiver.--The parcel of real property under subsection 
     (a) is exempt from Federal screening for other possible use 
     due to an identified Federal need for the parcel as the site 
     of Bureau of Engraving and Printing facilities.
       (e) Conditions for Transfer.--As a condition of the 
     transfer of administrative jurisdiction under subsection (a), 
     the Secretary of the Treasury shall agree to pay the 
     Secretary the costs incurred to carry out the transfer of 
     administrative jurisdiction under subsection (a), including 
     the costs for--
       (1) any environmental or administrative analysis required 
     by law with respect to the parcel to be transferred under 
     subsection (a);
       (2) a survey, if needed; and
       (3) any hazardous substances assessment of the parcel to be 
     transferred under subsection (a).
       (f) Hazardous Materials.--
       (1) In general.--For the parcel to be transferred under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall meet the applicable 
     disclosure requirements relating to hazardous substances.
       (2) Remediation.--The Secretary shall not be required to 
     remediate or abate any hazardous substances disclosed under 
     paragraph (1) or any other hazardous pollutants, 
     contaminants, or waste that may be present at or on the 
     parcel on the date of the transfer of administrative 
     jurisdiction under subsection (a).

     SEC. 7413. FOUNDATION FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE RESEARCH.

       Section 7601 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 
     5939) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (d)(1)(D), by inserting ``and agriculture 
     stakeholders'' after ``community'';
       (2) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)(C)(ii)(I), by inserting ``agriculture 
     or'' before ``agricultural research''; and
       (B) in paragraph (4)(A)--
       (i) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) by redesignating clause (iv) as clause (v); and
       (iii) by inserting after clause (iii) the following:
       ``(iv) actively solicit and accept funds, gifts, grants, 
     devises, or bequests of real or personal property made to the 
     Foundation, including from private entities; and'';
       (3) in subsection (f)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)(A)(iii), by striking ``any''; and
       (B) in paragraph (3)(B)--
       (i) in clause (i)(I)--

       (I) in the matter preceding item (aa), by inserting ``and 
     post online'' before ``a report'';
       (II) in item (aa), by striking ``accomplishments; and'' and 
     inserting ``accomplishments and how those activities align to 
     the challenges identified in the strategic plan under clause 
     (iv);'';
       (III) in item (bb), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (IV) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(cc) a description of available agricultural research 
     programs and priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.''; and
       (ii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) Stakeholder notice.--The Foundation shall publish 
     an annual notice with a description of agricultural research 
     priorities under this section for the upcoming fiscal year, 
     including--

       ``(I) a schedule for funding competitions;
       ``(II) a discussion of how applications for funding will be 
     evaluated; and
       ``(III) how the Foundation will communicate information 
     about funded awards to the public to ensure that grantees and 
     partners understand the objectives of the Foundation.

       ``(iv) Strategic plan.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, 
     the Foundation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture 
     of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a 
     strategic plan describing a path for the Foundation to become 
     self-sustaining, including--

       ``(I) a forecast of major agricultural challenge 
     opportunities identified by the scientific advisory councils 
     of the Foundation and approved by the Board, including short- 
     and long-term objectives;
       ``(II) an overview of the efforts that the Foundation will 
     take to be transparent in each of the processes of the 
     Foundation, including--

       ``(aa) processes relating to grant awards, including the 
     selection, review, and notification processes;
       ``(bb) communication of past, current, and future research 
     priorities; and
       ``(cc) plans to solicit and respond to public input on the 
     opportunities identified in the strategic plan;

       ``(III) a description of financial goals and benchmarks for 
     the next 10 years, including a detailed plan for raising 
     funds in amounts greater than the amounts required under this 
     section; and
       ``(IV) other related issues, as determined by the Board.''; 
     and

       (4) in subsection (g)(1)--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Mandatory 
     funding'' and inserting ``Funding'';
       (B) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) by striking ``On the date'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(i) Establishment funding.--On the date''; and
       (ii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ii) Enhanced funding.--On the date of enactment of the 
     Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, of the funds of the 
     Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall transfer to 
     the Foundation to carry out this section $200,000,000, to 
     remain available until expended.''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) by striking ``The Foundation'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(i) In general.--The Foundation'';
       (ii) in clause (i) (as so designated)--

       (I) by striking ``purposes'' and inserting ``purposes, 
     duties, and powers''; and
       (II) by striking ``non-Federal matching funds for each 
     expenditure'' and inserting ``matching funds from a non-
     Federal source, including a generic agricultural commodity 
     promotion, research, and information program''; and

       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ii) Effect.--Nothing in this section requires the 
     Foundation to require a matching contribution from an 
     individual grantee as a condition of receiving a grant under 
     this section.''.

     SEC. 7414. ASSISTANCE FOR FORESTRY RESEARCH UNDER THE 
                   MCINTIRE-STENNIS COOPERATIVE FORESTRY ACT.

       Section 2 of Public Law 87-788 (commonly known as the 
     ``McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act'') (16 U.S.C. 
     582a-1) is amended in the second sentence--
       (1) by striking ``and'' before ``1890 Institutions''; and
       (2) by inserting ``and 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)) that 
     offer an associate's degree or a baccalaureate degree in 
     forestry,'' before ``and (b)''.

     SEC. 7415. LEGITIMACY OF INDUSTRIAL HEMP RESEARCH.

       (a) In General.--Section 7606 of the Agricultural Act of 
     2014 (7 U.S.C. 5940) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (a) and (b) as subsections 
     (b) and (a), respectively, and moving the subsections so as 
     to appear in alphabetical order;
       (2) in subsection (b) (as so redesignated), in the 
     subsection heading, by striking ``In General'' and inserting 
     ``Industrial Hemp Research''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Study and Report.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a study of 
     agricultural pilot programs--
       ``(A) to determine the economic viability of the domestic 
     production and sale of industrial hemp; and
       ``(B) that shall include a review of--
       ``(i) each agricultural pilot program; and
       ``(ii) any other agricultural or academic research relating 
     to industrial hemp.
       ``(2) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
     enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to 
     Congress a report describing the results of the study 
     conducted under paragraph (1).''.
       (b) Repeal.--Effective on the date that is 1 year after the 
     date on which the Secretary establishes a plan under section 
     297C of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, section 7606 
     of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 5940) is repealed.

     SEC. 7416. COLLECTION OF DATA RELATING TO BARLEY AREA PLANTED 
                   AND HARVESTED.

       For all acreage reports published after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the 
     Administrator of the National Agricultural Statistics 
     Service, shall include the State of New York in the States 
     surveyed to produce the table entitled ``Barley Area Planted 
     and Harvested'' in those reports.

     SEC. 7417. COLLECTION OF DATA RELATING TO THE SIZE AND 
                   LOCATION OF DAIRY FARMS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the 
     Administrator of the Economic Research Service, shall update 
     the report entitled ``Changes in the Size

[[Page S4591]]

     and Location of US Dairy Farms'' contained in the report of 
     the Economic Research Service entitled ``Profits, Costs, and 
     the Changing Structure of Dairy Farming'' and published in 
     September 2007.
       (b) Requirement.--In updating the report described in 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall include an expanded Table 
     2 of that report containing the full range of herd sizes that 
     are detailed in Table 1 of that report.

     SEC. 7418. AGRICULTURE INNOVATION CENTER DEMONSTRATION 
                   PROGRAM.

       Section 6402 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
     of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1632b) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``subsection (i)'' 
     and inserting ``subsection (h)'';
       (2) by striking subsection (g);
       (3) by redesignating subsections (h) and (i) as subsections 
     (g) and (h), respectively; and
       (4) in subsection (h) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``is authorized'' and all that follows through ``2018'' and 
     inserting ``are authorized to be appropriated such sums as 
     are necessary to carry out this section''.

     SEC. 7419. SMITH-LEVER COMMUNITY EXTENSION PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Section 3(d) of the Smith-Lever Act (7 
     U.S.C. 343(d)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(d) Administration, Technical, and Extension Services.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary'';
       (2) in paragraph (1) (as designated by paragraph (1)), by 
     striking the second sentence; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Competitive funding.--The Secretary of Agriculture 
     may provide funding, on a competitive basis, to--
       ``(A) a college or university eligible to receive funds 
     under the Act of August 30, 1890 (7 U.S.C. 321-326a and 328), 
     including Tuskegee University; or
       ``(B) 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)) for--
       ``(i) the Children, Youth, and Families at Risk funding 
     program under subsection (b)(3); and
       ``(ii) the Federally Recognized Tribes Extension 
     Program.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 3(f) of the Smith Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343(f)) 
     is amended--
       (A) by striking ``There shall'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--There shall''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Exception not applicable.--Paragraph (1) shall not 
     apply to a 1994 Institution receiving funding under 
     subsection (d)(2)(B) for the Children, Youth, and Families at 
     Risk funding program under subsection (b)(3) or for the 
     Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program.''.
       (2) Section 533(a)(2)(A) 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 clause (ii) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(ii) the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 341 et seq.), except 
     as provided under--

       ``(I) section 3(b)(3) of that Act (7 U.S.C. 343(b)(3)); or
       ``(II) paragraph (2) of section 3(d) of that Act (7 U.S.C. 
     343(d)); or''.

         Subtitle E--Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008

                     PART I--AGRICULTURAL SECURITY

     SEC. 7501. 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. 7502. 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. 7503. 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. 7504. 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 PROVISIONS

     SEC. 7511. 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 ``to support cooperative 
     programs between State cooperative extension services and 
     nonprofit organizations'' and inserting ``to eligible 
     entities described in subsection (c)'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking paragraph (5);
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as 
     subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively, and indenting 
     the subparagraphs appropriately;
       (C) by striking subparagraph (B) (as so redesignated) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(B) training, including training programs and workshops, 
     for--
       ``(i) advocates for individuals who are engaged in farming, 
     ranching, and other occupations relating to agriculture; and
       ``(ii) other individuals and entities that may assist 
     individuals who--

       ``(I) are engaged in farming, ranching, and other 
     occupations relating to agriculture; and
       ``(II) are in crisis;'';

       (D) in subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated), by adding 
     ``and'' after the semicolon at the end;
       (E) in subparagraph (D) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``activities; and'' and inserting ``activities, including the 
     dissemination of information and materials; or'';
       (F) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so 
     redesignated), by striking ``be used to initiate'' and 
     inserting the following: ``be used--
       ``(1) to initiate''; and
       (G) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) to enter into contracts, on a multiyear basis, with 
     community-based, direct-service organizations to initiate, 
     expand, or sustain programs described in paragraph (1) and 
     subsection (a).''; and
       (3) by striking subsections (c) and (d) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(c) Eligible Recipients.--The Secretary may award a grant 
     under this section to--
       ``(1) a State department of agriculture;
       ``(2) a State cooperative extension service;
       ``(3) a qualified nonprofit organization, as determined by 
     the Secretary;
       ``(4) an entity providing appropriate services, as 
     determined by the Secretary, in 1 or more States; or
       ``(5) a partnership carried out by 2 or more entities 
     described in paragraphs (1) through (4).
       ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section 
     $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
       ``(e) Report to Congress.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this subsection, the Secretary, in coordination 
     with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall submit 
     to Congress and any other relevant Federal department or 
     agency, and make publicly available, a report describing the 
     state of behavioral and mental health of individuals who are 
     engaged in farming, ranching, and other occupations relating 
     to agriculture.
       ``(2) Contents.--The report under paragraph (1) shall 
     include--
       ``(A) an inventory and assessment of efforts to support the 
     behavioral and mental health of individuals who are engaged 
     in farming, ranching, and other occupations relating to 
     agriculture by--
       ``(i) the Federal Government, States, and units of local 
     government;
       ``(ii) communities comprised of those individuals;
       ``(iii) healthcare providers;
       ``(iv) State cooperative extension services; and
       ``(v) other appropriate entities, as determined by the 
     Secretary;
       ``(B) a description of the challenges faced by individuals 
     who are engaged in farming, ranching, and other occupations 
     relating to agriculture that may impact the behavioral and 
     mental health of farmers and ranchers;
       ``(C) a description of how the Department of Agriculture 
     can improve coordination and cooperation with Federal health 
     departments and agencies, including the Department of Health 
     and Human Services, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health 
     Services Administration, the Health Resources and Services 
     Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health, to best 
     address the behavioral and mental health of individuals who 
     are engaged in farming, ranching, and other occupations 
     relating to agriculture;
       ``(D) a long-term strategy for responding to the challenges 
     described under subparagraph (B) and recommendations based on 
     best practices for further action to be carried out by 
     appropriate Federal departments or agencies to improve 
     Federal Government response and seek to prevent suicide among 
     individuals who are engaged in farming, ranching, and other 
     occupations relating to agriculture; and
       ``(E) an evaluation of the impact of suicide among 
     individuals who are engaged in farming, ranching, and other 
     occupations relating to agriculture on--
       ``(i) the agricultural workforce;
       ``(ii) agricultural production;
       ``(iii) rural families and communities; and
       ``(iv) succession planning.''.

     SEC. 7512. 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. 7513. 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''.

     SEC. 7514. MECHANIZATION AND AUTOMATION FOR SPECIALTY CROPS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a review 
     of the programs of the Department of Agriculture that affect 
     the production or processing of specialty crops.
       (b) Requirements.--The review under subsection (a) shall 
     identify--

[[Page S4592]]

       (1) programs that currently are, or previously have been, 
     effectively used to accelerate the development and use of 
     automation or mechanization in the production or processing 
     of specialty crops; and
       (2) programs that may be more effectively used to 
     accelerate the development and use of automation or 
     mechanization in the production or processing of specialty 
     crops.
       (c) Strategy.--With respect to programs identified under 
     subsection (b), the Secretary shall develop and implement a 
     strategy to accelerate the development and use of automation 
     and mechanization in the production or processing of 
     specialty crops.

                 Subtitle F--Matching Funds Requirement

     SEC. 7601. MATCHING FUNDS REQUIREMENT.

       (a) Repeal.--Subtitle P of the National Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
     U.S.C. 3371) is repealed.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) National agricultural research, extension, and teaching 
     policy act of 1977.--
       (A) National agricultural research, extension, education, 
     and economics advisory board.--Section 1408(c)(1) of the 
     National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123(c)(1)) is amended by 
     striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:
       ``(B) the annual establishment of national priorities, as 
     determined by the Board;''.
       (B) Grants to enhance research capacity in schools of 
     veterinary medicine.--Section 1415(a) of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3151(a)) is amended--
       (i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary''; and
       (ii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Matching requirement.--A State receiving a grant 
     under paragraph (1) shall provide State matching funds equal 
     to not less than the amount of the grant.''.
       (C) Aquaculture assistance grant program.--Section 1475(b) 
     of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
     Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3322(b)) is amended by 
     striking ``The Secretary'' and all that follows through the 
     period at the end and inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary 
     may make competitive grants to entities eligible for grants 
     under paragraph (2) for research and extension to facilitate 
     or expand promising advances in the production and marketing 
     of aquacultural food species and products and to enhance the 
     safety and wholesomeness of those species and products, 
     including the development of reliable supplies of seed stock 
     and therapeutic compounds.
       ``(2) Eligible entities.--The Secretary may make a 
     competitive grant under paragraph (1) to--
       ``(A) a land-grant or seagrant college or university;
       ``(B) a State agricultural experiment station;
       ``(C) a college, university, or Federal laboratory having a 
     demonstrable capacity to conduct aquacultural research, as 
     determined by the Secretary; or
       ``(D) a nonprofit private research institution.
       ``(3) Matching state grants.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     the Secretary shall not make a grant under paragraph (1) 
     unless the State in which the grant recipient is located 
     makes a grant to that recipient in an amount equal to not 
     less than the amount of the grant under paragraph (1) (of 
     which State amount an in-kind contribution shall not exceed 
     50 percent).
       ``(B) Federal laboratories.--Subparagraph (A) shall not 
     apply to a grant to a Federal laboratory.''.
       (2) Food, agriculture, conservation, and trade act of 
     1990.--
       (A) Federal-state matching grant program.--Section 
     1623(d)(2) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade 
     Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5813(d)(2)) is amended by striking the 
     second sentence.
       (B) Agricultural genome initiative.--Section 1671 of the 
     Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 
     U.S.C. 5924) (as amended by section 7208) is amended--
       (i) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and
       (ii) by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
       ``(f) Matching Funds Requirement.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), with respect 
     to a grant or cooperative agreement under this section that 
     provides a particular benefit to a specific agricultural 
     commodity, the recipient of funds under the grant or 
     cooperative agreement shall provide non-Federal matching 
     funds (including funds from a generic agricultural commodity 
     promotion, research, and information program) equal to not 
     less than the amount provided under the grant or cooperative 
     agreement.
       ``(2) In-kind support.--Non-Federal matching funds 
     described in paragraph (1) may include in-kind support.
       ``(3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching funds 
     requirement under paragraph (1) with respect to a research 
     project if the Secretary determines that--
       ``(A) the results of the project are of a particular 
     benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, but those 
     results are likely to be applicable to agricultural 
     commodities generally; or
       ``(B)(i) the project--
       ``(I) involves a minor commodity; and
       ``(II) deals with scientifically important research; and
       ``(ii) the recipient is unable to satisfy the matching 
     funds requirement.''.
       (C) High-priority research and extension initiatives.--
     Section 1672(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925(a)) is amended--
       (i) by striking ``The Secretary of Agriculture'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture'';
       (ii) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), in the second 
     sentence, by striking ``The Secretary shall'' and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(3) Consultation.--The Secretary shall''; and
       (iii) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) Matching funds requirement.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (C), an entity 
     receiving a grant under paragraph (1) shall provide non-
     Federal matching funds (including funds from a generic 
     agricultural commodity promotion, research, and information 
     program) equal to not less than the amount of the grant.
       ``(B) In-kind support.--Non-Federal matching funds 
     described in subparagraph (A) may include in-kind support.
       ``(C) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching funds 
     requirement under subparagraph (A) with respect to a research 
     project if the Secretary determines that--
       ``(i) the results of the project are of a particular 
     benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, but those 
     results are likely to be applicable to agricultural 
     commodities generally; or
       ``(ii)(I) the project--

       ``(aa) involves a minor commodity; and
       ``(bb) deals with scientifically important research; and

       ``(II) the recipient is unable to satisfy the matching 
     funds requirement.''.
       (D) Organic agriculture research and extension 
     initiative.--Section 1672B of the Food, Agriculture, 
     Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925b) (as 
     amended by section 7210) is amended--
       (i) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as 
     subsections (d), (e), and (f), respectively; and
       (ii) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
       ``(c) Matching Requirement.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), an entity 
     receiving a grant under subsection (a) shall provide non-
     Federal matching funds (including funds from a generic 
     agricultural commodity promotion, research, and information 
     program) equal to not less than the amount of the grant.
       ``(2) In-kind support.--Non-Federal matching funds 
     described in paragraph (1) may include in-kind support.
       ``(3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching funds 
     requirement under paragraph (1) with respect to a research 
     project if the Secretary determines that--
       ``(A) the results of the project are of a particular 
     benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, but those 
     results are likely to be applicable to agricultural 
     commodities generally; or
       ``(B)(i) the project--
       ``(I) involves a minor commodity; and
       ``(II) deals with scientifically important research; and
       ``(ii) the recipient is unable to satisfy the matching 
     funds requirement.''.
       (3) Agricultural research, extension, and education reform 
     act of 1998.--
       (A) Integrated research, education, and extension 
     competitive grants program.--Section 406 of the Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 
     U.S.C. 7626) is amended--
       (i) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections 
     (e) and (f), respectively; and
       (ii) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
       ``(d) Matching Funds Requirement.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), with respect 
     to a grant under this section that provides a particular 
     benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, the recipient 
     of the grant shall provide non-Federal matching funds 
     (including funds from a generic agricultural commodity 
     promotion, research, and information program) equal to not 
     less than the amount of the grant.
       ``(2) In-kind support.--Non-Federal matching funds 
     described in paragraph (1) may include in-kind support.
       ``(3) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the matching funds 
     requirement under paragraph (1) with respect to a research 
     project if the Secretary determines that--
       ``(A) the results of the project are of a particular 
     benefit to a specific agricultural commodity, but those 
     results are likely to be applicable to agricultural 
     commodities generally; or
       ``(B)(i) the project--
       ``(I) involves a minor commodity; and
       ``(II) deals with scientifically important research; and
       ``(ii) the recipient is unable to satisfy the matching 
     funds requirement.''.
       (B) Specialty crop research initiative.--Section 412(g) of 
     the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform 
     Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7632(g)) is amended--
       (i) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
       (ii) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Matching requirement.--
       ``(A) In general.--An entity receiving a grant under this 
     section shall provide non-

[[Page S4593]]

     Federal matching funds (including funds from a generic 
     agricultural commodity promotion, research, and information 
     program) equal to not less than the amount of the grant.
       ``(B) In-kind support.--Non-Federal matching funds 
     described in subparagraph (A) may include in-kind support.''.
       (4) Other laws.--
       (A) Sun grant program.--Section 7526(c)(1)(C)(iv) of the 
     Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
     8114(c)(1)(C)(iv)) is amended by striking subclause (IV).
       (B) Agriculture and food research initiative.--Subsection 
     (b)(9) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research 
     Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(b)(9)) is amended--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking clause (iii);
       (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in clause (i), by striking ``clauses (ii) and (iii),'' 
     and inserting ``clause (ii),''; and
       (II) by striking clause (iii); and

       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) Applied research.--An entity receiving a grant under 
     paragraph (5)(B) for applied research that is commodity-
     specific and not of national scope shall provide non-Federal 
     matching funds equal to not less than the amount of the 
     grant.''.
       (c) Application of Amendments.--
       (1) Grants awarded after october 1, 2018.--The amendments 
     made by subsections (a) and (b) shall apply with respect to 
     grants described in subsection (b) that are awarded after 
     October 1, 2018.
       (2) Grants awarded on or before october 1, 2018.--
     Notwithstanding the amendments made by subsections (a) and 
     (b), a matching funds requirement in effect on the day before 
     the date of enactment of this Act under a provision of law 
     amended by subsection (a) or (b) shall continue to apply to a 
     grant described in subsection (b) that is awarded on or 
     before October 1, 2018.

                          TITLE VIII--FORESTRY

        Subtitle A--Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978

     SEC. 8101. STATE AND PRIVATE FOREST LANDSCAPE-SCALE 
                   RESTORATION PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--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 encourage 
     collaborative, science-based restoration of priority forest 
     landscapes.
       ``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) 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).
       ``(2) Nonindustrial private forest land.--The term 
     `nonindustrial private forest land' means land that--
       ``(A) is rural, as determined by the Secretary;
       ``(B) has existing tree cover or is suitable for growing 
     trees; and
       ``(C) is owned by any private individual, group, 
     association, corporation, Indian tribe, or other private 
     legal entity.
       ``(3) State forest land.--The term `State forest land' 
     means land that--
       ``(A) is rural, as determined by the Secretary; and
       ``(B) is under State or local governmental ownership and 
     considered to be non-Federal forest land.
       ``(c) Establishment.--The Secretary, in consultation with 
     State foresters or appropriate State agencies, shall 
     establish a competitive grant program to provide financial 
     and technical assistance to encourage collaborative, science-
     based restoration of priority forest landscapes.
       ``(d) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this section, an applicant shall submit to the Secretary, 
     through the State forester or appropriate State agency, a 
     State and private forest landscape-scale restoration proposal 
     based on a restoration strategy that--
       ``(1) is complete or substantially complete;
       ``(2) is for a multiyear period;
       ``(3) covers nonindustrial private forest land or State 
     forest land;
       ``(4) is accessible by wood-processing infrastructure; and
       ``(5) is based on the best available science.
       ``(e) Plan Criteria.--A State and private forest landscape-
     scale restoration proposal submitted under this section shall 
     include plans--
       ``(1) to reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfires;
       ``(2) to improve fish and wildlife habitats, including the 
     habitats of threatened and endangered species;
       ``(3) to maintain or improve water quality and watershed 
     function;
       ``(4) to mitigate invasive species, insect infestation, and 
     disease;
       ``(5) to improve important forest ecosystems;
       ``(6) to measure ecological and economic benefits, 
     including air quality and soil quality and productivity; and
       ``(7) to take other relevant actions, as determined by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(f) Priorities.--In making grants under this section, the 
     Secretary shall give priority to plans that--
       ``(1) further a statewide forest assessment and resource 
     strategy;
       ``(2) promote cross boundary landscape collaboration; and
       ``(3) leverage public and private resources.
       ``(g) Collaboration and Consultation.--The Chief of the 
     Forest Service, the Chief of the Natural Resources 
     Conservation Service, and relevant stakeholders shall 
     collaborate and consult on an ongoing basis regarding--
       ``(1) administration of the program established under this 
     section; and
       ``(2) identification of other applicable resources for 
     landscape-scale restoration.
       ``(h) Matching Funds Required.--As a condition of receiving 
     a grant under this section, the Secretary shall require the 
     recipient of the grant to provide funds or in-kind support 
     from non-Federal sources in an amount that is at least equal 
     to the amount of Federal funds.
       ``(i) Coordination and Proximity Encouraged.--In making 
     grants under this section, the Secretary may consider 
     coordination with and 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 under--
       ``(1) the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration 
     Program established under section 4003 of the Omnibus Public 
     Land Management Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303);
       ``(2) landscape areas designated for insect and disease 
     treatments under section 602 of the Healthy Forests 
     Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591a);
       ``(3) good neighbor authority under section 19;
       ``(4) stewardship end result contracting projects 
     authorized under section 604 of the Healthy Forests 
     Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591c);
       ``(5) appropriate State-level programs; and
       ``(6) other relevant programs, as determined by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(j) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate such 
     regulations as the Secretary determines necessary to carry 
     out this section.
       ``(k) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of 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 a report on--
       ``(1) the status of development, execution, and 
     administration of selected projects;
       ``(2) the accounting of program funding expenditures; and
       ``(3) specific accomplishments that have resulted from 
     landscape-scale projects.
       ``(l) Fund.--
       ``(1) In general.--There is established in the Treasury a 
     fund, to be known as the `State and Private Forest Landscape-
     Scale Restoration Fund' (referred to in this subsection as 
     the `Fund'), to be used by the Secretary to make grants under 
     this section.
       ``(2) Contents.--The Fund shall consist of such amounts as 
     are appropriated to the Fund under paragraph (3).
       ``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Fund $20,000,000 for each fiscal 
     year beginning with the first full fiscal year after the date 
     of enactment of this subsection through fiscal year 2023, to 
     remain available until expended.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 13B of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act 
     of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2109b) is repealed.
       (2) Section 19(a)(4)(C) of the Cooperative Forestry 
     Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2113(a)(4)(C)) is amended 
     by striking ``sections 13A and 13B'' and inserting ``section 
     13A''.

 Subtitle B--Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 
                                  1978

     SEC. 8201. REPEAL OF RECYCLING RESEARCH.

       Section 9 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources 
     Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1648) is repealed.

     SEC. 8202. REPEAL OF FORESTRY STUDENT GRANT PROGRAM.

       Section 10 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources 
     Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1649) is repealed.

        Subtitle C--Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 1990

     SEC. 8301. REPEALS.

       (a) Biomass Energy Demonstration Projects.--Section 2410 of 
     the Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
     6708) is repealed.
       (b) Interagency Cooperation to Maximize Biomass Growth.--
     Section 2411 of the Global Climate Change Prevention Act of 
     1990 (7 U.S.C. 6709) is amended in the matter preceding 
     paragraph (1) by striking ``to--'' and all that follows 
     through ``such forests and lands'' in paragraph (2) and 
     inserting ``to develop a program to manage forests and land 
     on Department of Defense military installations''.

          Subtitle D--Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003

     SEC. 8401. PROMOTING CROSS-BOUNDARY WILDFIRE MITIGATION.

       Section 103 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 
     (16 U.S.C. 6513) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(e) Cross-boundary Hazardous Fuel Reduction Projects.--
       ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Hazardous fuel reduction project.--The term 
     `hazardous fuel reduction project' means a hazardous fuel 
     reduction project described in paragraph (2).
       ``(B) Non-federal land.--The term `non-Federal land' 
     includes--
       ``(i) State land;

[[Page S4594]]

       ``(ii) county land;
       ``(iii) Tribal land;
       ``(iv) private land; and
       ``(v) other non-Federal land.
       ``(2) Grants.--The Secretary may make grants to State 
     foresters to support hazardous fuel reduction projects that 
     incorporate treatments in landscapes across ownership 
     boundaries on Federal and 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.
       ``(3) Land treatments.--To conduct and fund treatments for 
     hazardous fuel reduction projects carried out by State 
     foresters using grants under paragraph (2), the Secretary may 
     use the authorities of the Secretary relating to cooperation 
     and technical and financial assistance, including the good 
     neighbor authority under--
       ``(A) section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 
     U.S.C. 2113a); and
       ``(B) section 331 of the Department of the Interior and 
     Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 (16 U.S.C. 1011 
     note; Public Law 106-291).
       ``(4) Cooperation.--In carrying out a hazardous fuel 
     reduction project using a grant under paragraph (2) on non-
     Federal land, the State forester, in consultation with the 
     Secretary--
       ``(A) shall consult with any applicable owners of the non-
     Federal land; and
       ``(B) shall not implement the hazardous fuel reduction 
     project on non-Federal land without the consent of the owner 
     of the non-Federal land.
       ``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $20,000,000 
     for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.

     SEC. 8402. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR HAZARDOUS FUEL 
                   REDUCTION ON FEDERAL LAND.

       Section 108 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 
     (16 U.S.C. 6518) is amended by striking ``$760,000,000 for 
     each fiscal year'' and inserting ``$660,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2019 through 2023''.

     SEC. 8403. REPEAL OF BIOMASS COMMERCIAL UTILIZATION GRANT 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Section 203 of the Healthy Forests 
     Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6531) is repealed.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for the 
     Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6501 note; 
     Public Law 108-148) is amended by striking the item relating 
     to section 203.

     SEC. 8404. WATER SOURCE PROTECTION PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Title III of the Healthy Forests 
     Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6541 et seq.) is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 303. WATER SOURCE PROTECTION PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) End water user.--The term `end water user' means a 
     non-Federal entity, including--
       ``(A) a State;
       ``(B) a political subdivision of a State;
       ``(C) an Indian tribe;
       ``(D) a utility;
       ``(E) a municipal water system;
       ``(F) an irrigation district;
       ``(G) a nonprofit organization; and
       ``(H) a corporation.
       ``(2) Forest management activity.--The term `forest 
     management activity' means a project carried out by the 
     Secretary on National Forest System land.
       ``(3) Forest plan.--The term `forest plan' means a land 
     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).
       ``(4) Non-federal partner.--The term `non-Federal partner' 
     means an end water user with whom the Secretary has entered 
     into a partnership agreement under subsection (c)(1).
       ``(5) Program.--The term `Program' means the Water Source 
     Protection Program established under subsection (b).
       ``(6) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary 
     of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest 
     Service.
       ``(7) Water source management plan.--The term `water source 
     management plan' means the water source management plan 
     developed under subsection (d)(1).
       ``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish and 
     maintain a program, to be known as the `Water Source 
     Protection Program', to carry out watershed protection and 
     restoration projects on National Forest System land.
       ``(c) Water Source Investment Partnerships.--
       ``(1) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the 
     Secretary may enter into water source investment partnership 
     agreements with end water users to protect and restore the 
     condition of National Forest watersheds that provide water to 
     the end water users.
       ``(2) Form.--A partnership agreement described in paragraph 
     (1) may take the form of--
       ``(A) a memorandum of understanding;
       ``(B) a cost-share or collection agreement;
       ``(C) a long-term funding matching commitment; or
       ``(D) another appropriate instrument, as determined by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(d) Water Source Management Plan.--
       ``(1) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the 
     Secretary, in cooperation with the non-Federal partners and 
     applicable State, local, and Tribal governments, may develop 
     a water source management plan that describes the proposed 
     implementation of watershed protection and restoration 
     projects under the Program.
       ``(2) Requirement.--A water source management plan shall be 
     conducted in a manner consistent with the forest plan 
     applicable to the National Forest System land on which the 
     watershed protection and restoration project is carried out.
       ``(3) Environmental analysis.--The Secretary may conduct a 
     single environmental impact statement or similar analysis 
     required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
     (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)--
       ``(A) for each watershed protection and restoration project 
     included in the water source management plan; or
       ``(B) as part of the development of, or after the 
     finalization of, the water source management plan.
       ``(e) Forest Management Activities.--
       ``(1) In general.--To the extent that forest management 
     activities are necessary to protect, maintain, or enhance 
     water quality, and in accordance with paragraph (2), the 
     Secretary shall carry out forest management activities as 
     part of watershed protection and restoration projects carried 
     out on National Forest System land, with the primary purpose 
     of--
       ``(A) protecting a municipal water supply system;
       ``(B) restoring forest health from insect infestations and 
     disease; or
       ``(C) any combination of the purposes described in 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B).
       ``(2) Compliance.--The Secretary shall carry out forest 
     management activities under paragraph (1) in accordance 
     with--
       ``(A) this Act;
       ``(B) the applicable water source management plan;
       ``(C) the applicable forest plan; and
       ``(D) other applicable laws.
       ``(f) Endangered Species Act of 1973.--In carrying out the 
     Program, the Secretary may use the Manual on Adaptive 
     Management of the Department of the Interior, including any 
     associated guidance, to comply with the Endangered Species 
     Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
       ``(g) Funds and Services.--
       ``(1) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the 
     Secretary may accept and use funding, services, and other 
     forms of investment and assistance from non-Federal partners 
     to implement the water source management plan.
       ``(2) Matching funds required.--The Secretary shall require 
     the contribution of funds or in-kind support from non-Federal 
     partners to be in an amount that is at least equal to the 
     amount of Federal funds.
       ``(3) Manner of use.--The Secretary may accept and use 
     investments described in paragraph (1) directly or indirectly 
     through the National Forest Foundation.
       ``(4) Water source protection fund.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to the availability of 
     appropriations, the Secretary may establish a Water Source 
     Protection Fund to match funds or in-kind support contributed 
     by non-Federal partners under paragraph (1).
       ``(B) Use of appropriated funds.--There is authorized to be 
     appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each 
     of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
       ``(C) Partnership agreements.--The Secretary may make 
     multiyear commitments, if necessary, to implement 1 or more 
     partnership agreements under subsection (c).''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for the 
     Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6501 note; 
     Public Law 108-148) is amended by striking the item relating 
     to section 303 and inserting the following:

``Sec. 303. Water Source Protection Program.''.

     SEC. 8405. WATERSHED CONDITION FRAMEWORK.

       (a) In General.--Title III of the Healthy Forests 
     Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6541 et seq.) (as amended 
     by section 8404(a)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 304. WATERSHED CONDITION FRAMEWORK.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture, acting 
     through the Chief of the Forest Service (referred to in this 
     section as the `Secretary'), shall establish and maintain a 
     Watershed Condition Framework for National Forest System 
     land--
       ``(1) to evaluate and classify the condition of watersheds, 
     taking into consideration--
       ``(A) water quality and quantity;
       ``(B) aquatic habitat and biota;
       ``(C) riparian and wetland vegetation;
       ``(D) the presence of roads and trails;
       ``(E) soil type and condition;
       ``(F) groundwater-dependent ecosystems;
       ``(G) relevant terrestrial indicators, such as fire regime, 
     risk of catastrophic fire, forest and rangeland vegetation, 
     invasive species, and insects and disease; and
       ``(H) other significant factors, as determined by the 
     Secretary;
       ``(2) to identify for protection and restoration up to 5 
     priority watersheds in each National Forest, and up to 2 
     priority watersheds in each national grassland, taking into 
     consideration the impact of the condition of the watershed 
     condition on--
       ``(A) wildfire behavior;

[[Page S4595]]

       ``(B) flood risk;
       ``(C) fish and wildlife;
       ``(D) drinking water supplies;
       ``(E) irrigation water supplies;
       ``(F) forest-dependent communities; and
       ``(G) other significant impacts, as determined by the 
     Secretary;
       ``(3) to develop a watershed protection and restoration 
     action plan for each priority watershed that--
       ``(A) takes into account existing restoration activities 
     being implemented in the watershed; and
       ``(B) includes, at a minimum--
       ``(i) the major stressors responsible for the impaired 
     condition of the watershed;
       ``(ii) a set of essential projects that, once completed, 
     will address the identified stressors and improve watershed 
     conditions;
       ``(iii) a proposed implementation schedule;
       ``(iv) potential partners and funding sources; and
       ``(v) a monitoring and evaluation program;
       ``(4) to prioritize protection and restoration activities 
     for each watershed restoration action plan;
       ``(5) to implement each watershed protection and 
     restoration action plan; and
       ``(6) to monitor the effectiveness of protection and 
     restoration actions and indicators of watershed health.
       ``(b) Coordination.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Secretary shall--
       ``(1) coordinate with interested non-Federal landowners and 
     State, Tribal, and local governments within the relevant 
     watershed; and
       ``(2) provide for an active and ongoing public engagement 
     process.
       ``(c) Emergency Designation.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2) 
     of subsection (a), the Secretary may identify a watershed as 
     a priority for rehabilitation in the Watershed Condition 
     Framework without using the process described in that 
     subsection if a Forest Supervisor determines that--
       ``(1) a wildfire has significantly diminished the condition 
     of the watershed; and
       ``(2) the emergency stabilization activities of the Burned 
     Area Emergency Response Team are insufficient to return the 
     watershed to proper function.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for the 
     Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6501 note; 
     Public Law 108-148) (as amended by section 8404(b)) is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 303 
     the following:

``Sec. 304. Watershed Condition Framework.''.

     SEC. 8406. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS TO COMBAT INSECT 
                   INFESTATIONS AND RELATED DISEASES.

       (a) In General.--Section 406 of the Healthy Forests 
     Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6556) is amended to read 
     as follows:

     ``SEC. 406. TERMINATION OF EFFECTIVENESS.

       ``The authority provided by this title terminates effective 
     October 1, 2023.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for the 
     Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6501 note; 
     Public Law 108-148) is amended by striking the item relating 
     to section 406 and inserting the following:

``Sec. 406. Termination of effectiveness.''.

     SEC. 8407. HEALTHY FORESTS RESERVE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION.

       Section 508(b) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 
     2003 (16 U.S.C. 6578(b)) is amended--
       (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``2018'' and 
     inserting ``2023''; and
       (2) by striking ``2018.'' and inserting ``2023.''.

     SEC. 8408. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR DESIGNATION OF 
                   TREATMENT AREAS.

       Section 602 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 
     (16 U.S.C. 6591a) is amended by striking subsection (f).

     SEC. 8409. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW OF COLLABORATIVE RESTORATION 
                   PROJECTS.

       Section 603(c) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 
     2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591b(c)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(4) Extraordinary circumstances.--The Secretary shall 
     apply the extraordinary circumstances procedures under 
     section 220.6 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or 
     successor regulations), when using the categorical exclusion 
     under this section.''.

    Subtitle E--Repeal or Reauthorization of Miscellaneous Forestry 
                                Programs

     SEC. 8501. REPEAL OF REVISION OF STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FOREST 
                   INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS.

       Section 8301 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 
     1642 note; Public Law 113-79) is repealed.

     SEC. 8502. SEMIARID AGROFORESTRY RESEARCH CENTER.

       Section 1243(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 1642 note; Public Law 101-624) 
     is amended by striking ``annually'' and inserting ``for each 
     of fiscal years 2019 through 2023''.

     SEC. 8503. NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION ACT.

       (a) Matching Funds.--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''.

     SEC. 8504. CONVEYANCE OF FOREST SERVICE ADMINISTRATIVE SITES.

       Section 503(f) of the Forest Service Facility Realignment 
     and Enhancement Act of 2005 (16 U.S.C. 580d note; Public Law 
     109-54) is amended by striking ``2016'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.

                     Subtitle F--Forest Management

     SEC. 8601. DEFINITIONS.

       In this subtitle:
       (1) National forest system.--The term ``National Forest 
     System'' has the meaning given the term in section 11(a) of 
     the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 
     1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)).
       (2) Public land.--The term ``public land'' has the meaning 
     given the term ``public lands'' in section 103 of the Federal 
     Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702).

     PART I--EXPEDITED ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND AVAILABILITY OF 
    CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS TO EXPEDITE FOREST MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

     SEC. 8611. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR GREATER SAGE-GROUSE AND 
                   MULE DEER HABITAT.

       (a) In General.--Title VI of the Healthy Forests 
     Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591 et seq.) is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 606. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR GREATER SAGE-GROUSE AND 
                   MULE DEER HABITAT.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Covered vegetation management activity.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `covered vegetation management 
     activity' means any activity described in subparagraph (B) 
     that--
       ``(i)(I) is carried out on National Forest System land 
     administered by the Forest Service; or
       ``(II) is carried out on public land administered by the 
     Bureau of Land Management;
       ``(ii) with respect to public land, meets the objectives of 
     the order of the Secretary of the Interior numbered 3336 and 
     dated January 5, 2015;
       ``(iii) conforms to an applicable forest plan or land use 
     plan;
       ``(iv) protects, restores, or improves greater sage-grouse 
     or mule deer habitat in a sagebrush steppe ecosystem as 
     described in--

       ``(I) Circular 1416 of the United States Geological Survey 
     entitled `Restoration Handbook for Sagebrush Steppe 
     Ecosystems with Emphasis on Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat--Part 
     1. Concepts for Understanding and Applying Restoration' 
     (2015); or
       ``(II) the habitat guidelines for mule deer published by 
     the Mule Deer Working Group of the Western Association of 
     Fish and Wildlife Agencies;

       ``(v) will not permanently impair--

       ``(I) the natural state of the treated area;
       ``(II) outstanding opportunities for solitude;
       ``(III) outstanding opportunities for primitive, unconfined 
     recreation;
       ``(IV) economic opportunities consistent with multiple-use 
     management; or
       ``(V) the identified values of a unit of the National 
     Landscape Conservation System;

       ``(vi)(I) restores native vegetation following a natural 
     disturbance;
       ``(II) prevents the expansion into greater sage-grouse or 
     mule deer habitat of--

       ``(aa) juniper, pinyon pine, or other associated conifers; 
     or
       ``(bb) nonnative or invasive vegetation;

       ``(III) reduces the risk of loss of greater sage-grouse or 
     mule deer habitat from wildfire or any other natural 
     disturbance; or
       ``(IV) provides emergency stabilization of soil resources 
     after a natural disturbance; and
       ``(vii) provides for the conduct of restoration treatments 
     that--

       ``(I) maximize the retention of old-growth and large trees, 
     as appropriate for the forest type;
       ``(II) consider the best available scientific information 
     to maintain or restore the ecological integrity, including 
     maintaining or restoring structure, function, composition, 
     and connectivity;
       ``(III) are developed and implemented through a 
     collaborative process that--

       ``(aa) includes multiple interested persons representing 
     diverse interests; and
       ``(bb)(AA) is transparent and nonexclusive; or
       ``(BB) meets the requirements for a resource advisory 
     committee under subsections (c) through (f) of section 205 of 
     the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act 
     of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7125); and

       ``(IV) may include the implementation of a proposal that 
     complies with the eligibility requirements of the 
     Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program under 
     section 4003(b) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 
     2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303(b)).

       ``(B) Description of activities.--An activity referred to 
     in subparagraph (A) is--
       ``(i) manual cutting and removal of juniper trees, pinyon 
     pine trees, other associated conifers, or other nonnative or 
     invasive vegetation;
       ``(ii) mechanical mastication, cutting, or mowing, 
     mechanical piling and burning, chaining, broadcast burning, 
     or yarding;
       ``(iii) removal of cheat grass, medusa head rye, or other 
     nonnative, invasive vegetation;
       ``(iv) collection and seeding or planting of native 
     vegetation using a manual, mechanical, or aerial method;

[[Page S4596]]

       ``(v) seeding of nonnative, noninvasive, ruderal vegetation 
     only for the purpose of emergency stabilization;
       ``(vi) targeted use of an herbicide, subject to the 
     condition that the use shall be in accordance with applicable 
     legal requirements, Federal agency procedures, and land use 
     plans;
       ``(vii) targeted livestock grazing to mitigate hazardous 
     fuels and control noxious and invasive weeds;
       ``(viii) temporary removal of wild horses or burros in the 
     area in which the activity is being carried out to ensure 
     treatment objectives are met;
       ``(ix) in coordination with the affected permit holder, 
     modification or adjustment of permissible usage under an 
     annual plan of use of a grazing permit issued by the 
     Secretary concerned to achieve restoration treatment 
     objectives;
       ``(x) installation of new, or modification of existing, 
     fencing or water sources intended to control use or improve 
     wildlife habitat; or
       ``(xi) necessary maintenance of, repairs to, rehabilitation 
     of, or reconstruction of an existing permanent road or 
     construction of temporary roads to accomplish the activities 
     described in this subparagraph.
       ``(C) Exclusions.--The term `covered vegetation management 
     activity' does not include--
       ``(i) any activity conducted in a wilderness area or 
     wilderness study area;
       ``(ii) any activity for the construction of a permanent 
     road or permanent trail;
       ``(iii) any activity conducted on Federal land on which, by 
     Act of Congress or Presidential proclamation, the removal of 
     vegetation is restricted or prohibited;
       ``(iv) any activity conducted in an area in which 
     activities under subparagraph (B) would be inconsistent with 
     the applicable land and resource management plan; or
       ``(v) any activity conducted in an inventoried roadless 
     area.
       ``(2) Secretary concerned.--The term `Secretary concerned' 
     means--
       ``(A) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to 
     National Forest System land; and
       ``(B) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public 
     land.
       ``(3) Temporary road.--The term `temporary road' means a 
     road that is--
       ``(A) authorized--
       ``(i) by a contract, permit, lease, other written 
     authorization; or
       ``(ii) pursuant to an emergency operation;
       ``(B) not intended to be part of the permanent 
     transportation system of a Federal department or agency;
       ``(C) not necessary for long-term resource management;
       ``(D) designed in accordance with standards appropriate for 
     the intended use of the road, taking into consideration--
       ``(i) safety;
       ``(ii) the cost of transportation; and
       ``(iii) impacts to land and resources; and
       ``(E) managed to minimize--
       ``(i) erosion; and
       ``(ii) the introduction or spread of invasive species.
       ``(b) Categorical Exclusion.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this section, the Secretary concerned shall 
     develop a categorical exclusion (as defined in section 1508.4 
     of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
     regulation)) for covered vegetation management activities 
     carried out to protect, restore, or improve habitat for 
     greater sage-grouse or mule deer.
       ``(2) Administration.--In developing and administering the 
     categorical exclusion under paragraph (1), the Secretary 
     concerned shall--
       ``(A) comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
     1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
       ``(B) with respect to National Forest System land, apply 
     the extraordinary circumstances procedures under section 
     220.6 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
     regulations), in determining whether to use the categorical 
     exclusion;
       ``(C) with respect to public land, apply the extraordinary 
     circumstances procedures under section 46.215 of title 43, 
     Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), in 
     determining whether to use the categorical exclusion; and
       ``(D) consider--
       ``(i) the relative efficacy of landscape-scale habitat 
     projects;
       ``(ii) the likelihood of continued declines in the 
     populations of greater sage-grouse and mule deer in the 
     absence of landscape-scale vegetation management; and
       ``(iii) the need for habitat restoration activities after 
     wildfire or other natural disturbances.
       ``(c) Implementation of Covered Vegetative Management 
     Activities Within the Range of Greater Sage-grouse and Mule 
     Deer.--If the categorical exclusion developed under 
     subsection (b) is used to implement a covered vegetative 
     management activity in an area within the range of both 
     greater sage-grouse and mule deer, the covered vegetative 
     management activity shall protect, restore, or improve 
     habitat concurrently for both greater sage-grouse and mule 
     deer.
       ``(d) Long-term Monitoring and Maintenance.--Before 
     commencing any covered vegetation management activity that is 
     covered by the categorical exclusion under subsection (b), 
     the Secretary concerned shall develop a long-term monitoring 
     and maintenance plan, covering at least the 20-year period 
     beginning on the date of commencement, to ensure that 
     management of the treated area does not degrade the habitat 
     gains secured by the covered vegetation management activity.
       ``(e) Disposal of Vegetative Material.--Subject to 
     applicable local restrictions, any vegetative material 
     resulting from a covered vegetation management activity that 
     is covered by the categorical exclusion under subsection (b) 
     may be--
       ``(1) used for--
       ``(A) fuel wood; or
       ``(B) other products; or
       ``(2) piled or burned, or both.
       ``(f) Treatment for Temporary Roads.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection 
     (a)(1)(B)(xi), any temporary road constructed in carrying out 
     a covered vegetation management activity that is covered by 
     the categorical exclusion under subsection (b)--
       ``(A) shall be used by the Secretary concerned for the 
     covered vegetation management activity for not more than 2 
     years; and
       ``(B) shall be decommissioned by the Secretary concerned 
     not later than 3 years after the earlier of the date on 
     which--
       ``(i) the temporary road is no longer needed; and
       ``(ii) the project is completed.
       ``(2) Requirement.--A treatment under paragraph (1) shall 
     include reestablishing native vegetative cover--
       ``(A) as soon as practicable; but
       ``(B) not later than 10 years after the date of completion 
     of the applicable covered vegetation management activity.
       ``(g) Limitations.--
       ``(1) Project size.--A covered vegetation management 
     activity that is covered by the categorical exclusion under 
     subsection (b) may not exceed 3,000 acres.
       ``(2) Location.--A covered vegetation management activity 
     carried out on National Forest System land that is covered by 
     the categorical exclusion under subsection (b) shall be 
     limited to areas designated under section 602(b), as of the 
     date of enactment of this section.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--The table of contents for the 
     Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6501 note; 
     Public Law 108-148) is amended by adding at the end of the 
     items relating to title VI the following:

``Sec. 602. Designation of treatment areas.
``Sec. 603. Administrative review.
``Sec. 604. Stewardship end result contracting projects.
``Sec. 605. Wildfire resilience projects.
``Sec. 606. Categorical exclusion for greater sage-grouse and mule deer 
              habitat.''.

          PART II--MISCELLANEOUS FOREST MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

     SEC. 8621. ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE OF SMALL 
                   PARCELS OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND.

       (a) Increase in Maximum Value of Small Parcels.--Section 3 
     of Public Law 97-465 (commonly known as the ``Small Tract Act 
     of 1983'') (16 U.S.C. 521e) is amended in the matter 
     preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``$150,000'' and 
     inserting ``$500,000''.
       (b) Additional Conveyance Purposes.--Section 3 of Public 
     Law 97-465 (16 U.S.C. 521e) (as amended by subsection (a)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``; or'' and inserting a 
     semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) parcels of 40 acres or less that are determined by 
     the Secretary--
       ``(A) to be physically isolated from other Federal land;
       ``(B) to be inaccessible; or
       ``(C) to have lost National Forest character;
       ``(5) parcels of 10 acres or less that are not eligible for 
     conveyance under paragraph (2) but are encroached on by a 
     permanent habitable improvement for which there is no 
     evidence that the encroachment was intentional or negligent; 
     or
       ``(6) parcels used as a cemetery (including a parcel of not 
     more than 1 acre adjacent to the parcel used as a cemetery), 
     a landfill, or a sewage treatment plant under a special use 
     authorization issued or otherwise authorized by the 
     Secretary.''.
       (c) Disposition of Proceeds.--Section 2 of Public Law 97-
     465 (16 U.S.C. 521d) is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``The Secretary is authorized'' and inserting the following:
       ``(a) Conveyance Authority; Consideration.--The Secretary 
     is authorized'';
       (2) in paragraph (2), in the second sentence, by striking 
     ``The Secretary shall insert'' and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Inclusion of Terms, Covenants, Conditions, and 
     Reservations.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall insert'';
       (3) in subsection (b) (as so designated)--
       (A) by striking ``convenants'' and inserting ``covenants''; 
     and
       (B) in the second sentence by striking ``The preceding 
     sentence shall not'' and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Limitation.--Paragraph (1) shall not''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Disposition of Proceeds.--
       ``(1) Deposit in sisk fund.--The net proceeds derived from 
     any sale or exchange conducted under paragraph (4), (5), or 
     (6) of section 3 shall be deposited in the fund established 
     under Public Law 90-171 (commonly known as the `Sisk Act') 
     (16 U.S.C. 484a).

[[Page S4597]]

       ``(2) Use.--Amounts deposited under paragraph (1) shall be 
     available to the Secretary until expended for--
       ``(A) the acquisition of land or interests in land for 
     administrative sites for the National Forest System in the 
     State from which the amounts were derived;
       ``(B) the acquisition of land or interests in land for 
     inclusion in the National Forest System in that State, 
     including land or interests in land that enhance 
     opportunities for recreational access; or
       ``(C) the reimbursement of the Secretary for costs incurred 
     in preparing a sale conducted under the authority of section 
     3 if the sale is a competitive sale.''.

     SEC. 8622. FOREST SERVICE PARTICIPATION IN ACES PROGRAM.

       Section 8302 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 
     3851a) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Termination of Effectiveness.--The authority provided 
     to the Secretary to carry out this section terminates 
     effective October 1, 2023.''.

     SEC. 8623. AUTHORIZATION FOR LEASE OF FOREST SERVICE SITES.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Administrative site.--
       (A) In general.--The term ``administrative site'' means--
       (i) any facility or improvement, including curtilage, that 
     was acquired or is used specifically for purposes of 
     administration of the National Forest System;
       (ii) any Federal land that--

       (I) is associated with a facility or improvement described 
     in clause (i) that was acquired or is used specifically for 
     purposes of administration of Forest Service activities; and
       (II) underlies or abuts the facility or improvement; and

       (iii) for each fiscal year, not more than 10 isolated, 
     undeveloped parcels of not more than 40 acres each.
       (B) Exclusions.--The term ``administrative site'' does not 
     include--
       (i) any land within a unit of the National Forest System 
     that is exclusively designated for natural area or 
     recreational purposes;
       (ii) any land within--

       (I) a component of the National Wilderness Preservation 
     System;
       (II) a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers 
     System; or
       (III) a National Monument; or

       (iii) any Federal land that the Secretary determines--

       (I) is needed for resource management purposes or to 
     provide access to other land or water; or
       (II) would be in the public interest not to lease.

       (2) Facility or improvement.--The term ``facility or 
     improvement'' includes--
       (A) a forest headquarters;
       (B) a ranger station;
       (C) a research station or laboratory;
       (D) a dwelling;
       (E) a warehouse;
       (F) a scaling station;
       (G) a fire-retardant mixing station;
       (H) a fire-lookout station;
       (I) a guard station;
       (J) a storage facility;
       (K) a telecommunication facility; and
       (L) any other administrative installation for conducting 
     Forest Service activities.
       (3) Market analysis.--The term ``market analysis'' means 
     the identification and study of the market for a particular 
     economic good or service.
       (b) Authorization.--The Secretary may lease an 
     administrative site that is under the jurisdiction of the 
     Secretary in accordance with this section.
       (c) Identification of Eligible Sites.--A regional forester, 
     in consultation with forest supervisors in the region, may 
     submit to the Secretary a recommendation for administrative 
     sites in the region that the regional forester considers 
     eligible for leasing under this section.
       (d) Consultation With Local Government and Public Notice.--
     Before making an administrative site available for lease 
     under this section, the Secretary shall--
       (1) consult with government officials of the community and 
     of the State in which the administrative site is located; and
       (2) provide public notice of the proposed lease.
       (e) Lease Requirements.--
       (1) Size.--An administrative site or compound of 
     administrative sites under a single lease under this section 
     may not exceed 40 acres.
       (2) Configuration of administrative sites.--
       (A) In general.--To facilitate the lease of an 
     administrative site under this section, the Secretary may 
     configure the administrative site--
       (i) to maximize the marketability of the administrative 
     site; and
       (ii) to achieve management objectives.
       (B) Separate treatment of facility or improvement.--A 
     facility or improvement on an administrative site to be 
     leased under this section may be severed from the land and 
     leased under a separate lease under this section.
       (3) Consideration.--
       (A) In general.--A person to which a lease of an 
     administrative site is made under this section shall provide 
     to the Secretary consideration described in subparagraph (B) 
     in an amount that is not less than the market value of the 
     administrative site, as determined in accordance with 
     subparagraph (C).
       (B) Form of consideration.--The consideration referred to 
     in subparagraph (A) may be--
       (i) cash;
       (ii) in-kind, including--

       (I) the construction of new facilities or improvements, the 
     title to which shall be transferred by the lessee to the 
     Secretary;
       (II) the maintenance, repair, improvement, or restoration 
     of existing facilities or improvements; and
       (III) other services relating to activities that occur on 
     the administrative site, as determined by the Secretary; or

       (iii) any combination of the consideration described in 
     clauses (i) and (ii).
       (C) Determination of market value.--
       (i) In general.--The Secretary shall determine the market 
     value of an administrative site to be leased under this 
     section--

       (I) by conducting an appraisal in accordance with--

       (aa) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land 
     Acquisitions established in accordance with the Uniform 
     Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies 
     Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.); and
       (bb) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal 
     Practice; or

       (II) by competitive lease.

       (ii) In-kind consideration.--The Secretary shall determine 
     the market value of any in-kind consideration under 
     subparagraph (B)(ii).
       (4) Conditions.--The lease of an administrative site under 
     this section shall be subject to such conditions, including 
     bonding, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
       (5) Right of first refusal.--Subject to terms and 
     conditions that the Secretary determines to be necessary, the 
     Secretary shall offer to lease an administrative site to the 
     municipality or county in which the administrative site is 
     located before seeking to lease the administrative site to 
     any other person.
       (f) Relation to Other Laws.--
       (1) Federal property disposal.--Chapter 5 of title 40, 
     United States Code, shall not apply to the lease of an 
     administrative site under this section.
       (2) Lead-based paint and asbestos abatement.--
       (A) In general.--Notwithstanding any provision of law 
     relating to the mitigation or abatement of lead-based paint 
     or asbestos-containing building materials, the Secretary 
     shall not be required to mitigate or abate lead-based paint 
     or asbestos-containing building materials with respect to an 
     administrative site to be leased under this section.
       (B) Procedures.--With respect to an administrative site to 
     be leased under this section that has lead-based paint or 
     asbestos-containing building materials, the Secretary shall--
       (i) provide notice to the person to which the 
     administrative site will be leased of the presence of the 
     lead-based paint or asbestos-containing building material; 
     and
       (ii) obtain written assurance from that person that the 
     person will comply with applicable Federal, State, and local 
     laws relating to the management of lead-based paint and 
     asbestos-containing building materials.
       (3) Environmental review.--The National Environmental 
     Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) shall apply to 
     the lease of an administrative site under this section, 
     except that, in any environmental review or analysis required 
     under that Act for the lease of an administrative site under 
     this section, the Secretary shall be required only--
       (A) to analyze the most reasonably foreseeable use of the 
     administrative site, as determined through a market analysis;
       (B) to determine whether to include any conditions under 
     subsection (e)(4); and
       (C) to evaluate the alternative of not leasing the 
     administrative site in accordance with the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
       (4) Compliance with local laws.--A person that leases an 
     administrative site under this section shall comply with all 
     applicable State and local zoning laws, building codes, and 
     permit requirements for any construction activities that 
     occur on the administrative site.
       (g) Use of Consideration.--Cash consideration for a lease 
     of an administrative site under this section shall be 
     available to the Secretary, until expended and without 
     further appropriation, to pay--
       (1) any necessary and incidental costs incurred by the 
     Secretary in connection with--
       (A) the acquisition, improvement, maintenance, 
     reconstruction, or construction of a facility or improvement 
     for the National Forest System; and
       (B) the lease of an administrative site under this section; 
     and
       (2) reasonable commissions or fees for brokerage services 
     obtained in connection with the lease, subject to the 
     conditions that the Secretary--
       (A) determines that the services are in the public 
     interest; and
       (B) shall provide public notice of any brokerage services 
     contract entered into in connection with a lease under this 
     section.
       (h) Congressional Notifications.--
       (1) Anticipated use of authority.--As part of the annual 
     budget justification documents provided to the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, the Secretary 
     shall include--

[[Page S4598]]

       (A) a list of the anticipated leases to be made, including 
     the anticipated revenue that may be obtained, under this 
     section;
       (B) a description of the intended use of any revenue 
     obtained under a lease under this section, including a list 
     of any projects that cost more than $500,000; and
       (C) a description of accomplishments during previous years 
     using the authority of the Secretary under this section.
       (2) Changes to lease list.--If the Secretary desires to 
     lease an administrative site under this section that is not 
     included on a list provided under paragraph (1)(A), the 
     Secretary shall submit to the congressional committees 
     described in paragraph (3) a notice of the proposed lease, 
     including the anticipated revenue that may be obtained from 
     the lease.
       (3) Use of authority.--Not less frequently than once each 
     year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
     Agriculture, the Committee on Appropriations, and the 
     Committee on Natural Resources of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, 
     and Forestry, the Committee on Appropriations, and the 
     Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a 
     report describing each lease made by the Secretary under this 
     section during the period covered by the report.
       (i) Expiration of Authority.--
       (1) In general.--The authority of the Secretary to make a 
     lease of an administrative site under this section expires on 
     October 1, 2023.
       (2) Effect on lease agreement.--Paragraph (1) shall not 
     affect the authority of the Secretary to carry out this 
     section in the case of any lease agreement that was entered 
     into by the Secretary before October 1, 2023.

     SEC. 8624. GOOD NEIGHBOR AUTHORITY.

       (a) Inclusion of Indian Tribes.--Section 8206(a) of the 
     Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``land and non-Federal 
     land'' and inserting ``land, non-Federal land, and land owned 
     by an Indian tribe'';
       (2) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``or Indian tribe'' 
     after ``affected State'';
       (3) by redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs 
     (7) and (8), respectively; and
       (4) by inserting after paragraph (5) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(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).''.
       (b) Inclusion of Counties.--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 inserting ``or county, as 
     applicable,'' after ``Governor'';
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (9) (as amended 
     by subsection (a)) as paragraphs (3) through (10), 
     respectively;
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) County.--The term `county' means--
       ``(A) the appropriate executive official of an affected 
     county; or
       ``(B) in any case in which multiple counties are affected, 
     the appropriate executive official of a compact of the 
     affected counties.''; and
       (D) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by inserting 
     ``or county, as applicable,'' after ``Governor''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``or county'' after 
     ``Governor'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``cooperative 
     agreement or contract entered into under subsection (a)'' and 
     inserting ``good neighbor agreement'';
       (C) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``or county'' after 
     ``Governor''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Receipts.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, any payment made by a county to the Secretary under a 
     project conducted under a good neighbor agreement shall not 
     be considered to be monies received from National Forest 
     System land or Bureau of Land Management land, as 
     applicable.''.

     SEC. 8625. WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE.

       To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall 
     prioritize the expenditure of hazardous fuels funding for 
     projects within the wildland-urban interface (as defined in 
     section 101 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 
     (16 U.S.C. 6511)).

     SEC. 8626. CHATTAHOOCHEE-OCONEE NATIONAL FOREST LAND 
                   ADJUSTMENT.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) certain National Forest System land in the State of 
     Georgia consists of isolated tracts that are inefficient to 
     manage or have lost their principal value for National Forest 
     purposes;
       (2) the disposal of that National Forest System land would 
     be in the public interest; and
       (3) proceeds from the sale of National Forest System land 
     under subsection (b)(1) would be used best by the Forest 
     Service to purchase land for National Forest purposes in the 
     State of Georgia.
       (b) Land Conveyance Authority.--
       (1) In general.--Under such terms and conditions as the 
     Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may sell or exchange 
     any or all rights, title, and interest of the United States 
     in and to the National Forest System land described in 
     paragraph (2)(A).
       (2) Land authorized for disposal.--
       (A) In general.--The National Forest System land referred 
     to in paragraph (1) is the 30 tracts of land totaling 
     approximately 3,841 acres that are generally depicted on the 
     2 maps entitled ``Priority Land Adjustments, State of 
     Georgia, U.S. Forest Service-Southern Region, Oconee and 
     Chattahoochee National Forests, U.S. Congressional Districts-
     8, 9, 10 & 14'' and dated September 24, 2013.
       (B) Maps.--The maps described in subparagraph (A) shall be 
     on file and available for public inspection in the Office of 
     the Forest Supervisor, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, 
     until such time as the land is sold or exchanged.
       (C) Modification of boundaries.--The Secretary may modify 
     the boundaries of the National Forest System land described 
     in subparagraph (A) based on land management considerations.
       (3) Form of conveyance.--
       (A) Quitclaim deed.--The Secretary shall convey National 
     Forest System land sold or exchanged under paragraph (1) by 
     quitclaim deed.
       (B) Reservations.--The Secretary may reserve any rights-of-
     way or other rights or interests in National Forest System 
     land sold or exchanged under paragraph (1) that the Secretary 
     considers necessary for management purposes or to protect the 
     public interest.
       (4) Valuation.--
       (A) Market value.--The Secretary may not sell or exchange 
     National Forest System land under paragraph (1) for less than 
     market value, as determined by appraisal or through 
     competitive bid.
       (B) Appraisal requirements.--Any appraisal under 
     subparagraph (A) shall be--
       (i) consistent with the Uniform Appraisal Standards for 
     Federal Land Acquisitions or the Uniform Standards of 
     Professional Appraisal Practice; and
       (ii) subject to the approval of the Secretary.
       (5) Consideration.--
       (A) Cash.--Consideration for a sale of National Forest 
     System land or equalization of an exchange under paragraph 
     (1) shall be paid in cash.
       (B) Exchange.--Notwithstanding section 206(b) of the 
     Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 
     1716(b)), the Secretary may accept a cash equalization 
     payment in excess of 25 percent of the value of any National 
     Forest System land exchanged under paragraph (1).
       (6) Method of sale.--
       (A) Options.--The Secretary may sell National Forest System 
     land under paragraph (1) at public or private sale, including 
     competitive sale by auction, bid, or otherwise, in accordance 
     with such terms, conditions, and procedures as the Secretary 
     determines are in the best interest of the United States.
       (B) Solicitations.--The Secretary may--
       (i) make public or private solicitations for the sale or 
     exchange of National Forest System land under paragraph (1); 
     and
       (ii) reject any offer that the Secretary determines is not 
     adequate or not in the public interest.
       (7) Brokers.--The Secretary may--
       (A) use brokers or other third parties in the sale or 
     exchange of National Forest System land under paragraph (1); 
     and
       (B) from the proceeds of a sale, pay reasonable commissions 
     or fees.
       (c) Treatment of Proceeds.--
       (1) Deposit.--Subject to subsection (b)(7)(B), the 
     Secretary shall deposit the proceeds of a sale or a cash 
     equalization payment received from the sale or exchange of 
     National Forest System land under subsection (b)(1) in the 
     fund established under Public Law 90-171 (commonly known as 
     the ``Sisk Act'') (16 U.S.C. 484a).
       (2) Availability.--Subject to paragraph (3), amounts 
     deposited under paragraph (1) shall be available to the 
     Secretary until expended, without further appropriation, for 
     the acquisition of land for National Forest purposes in the 
     State of Georgia.
       (3) Private property protection.--Nothing in this section 
     authorizes the use of funds deposited under paragraph (1) to 
     be used to acquire land without the written consent of the 
     owner of the land.

     SEC. 8627. TENNESSEE WILDERNESS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map entitled 
     ``Proposed Wilderness Areas and Additions-Cherokee National 
     Forest'' and dated January 20, 2010.
       (2) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of 
     Tennessee.
       (b) Additions to Cherokee National Forest.--
       (1) Designation of wilderness.--In accordance with the 
     Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the following 
     parcels of Federal land in the Cherokee National Forest in 
     the State are designated as wilderness and as additions to 
     the National Wilderness Preservation System:
       (A) Certain land comprising approximately 9,038 acres, as 
     generally depicted as the ``Upper Bald River Wilderness'' on 
     the Map and which shall be known as the ``Upper Bald River 
     Wilderness''.
       (B) Certain land comprising approximately 348 acres, as 
     generally depicted as the ``Big Frog Addition'' on the Map 
     and which shall be incorporated in, and shall be considered 
     to be a part of, the Big Frog Wilderness.
       (C) Certain land comprising approximately 630 acres, as 
     generally depicted as the ``Little Frog Mountain Addition 
     NW'' on the Map and which shall be incorporated in, and shall 
     be considered to be a part of, the Little Frog Mountain 
     Wilderness.

[[Page S4599]]

       (D) Certain land comprising approximately 336 acres, as 
     generally depicted as the ``Little Frog Mountain Addition 
     NE'' on the Map and which shall be incorporated in, and shall 
     be considered to be a part of, the Little Frog Mountain 
     Wilderness.
       (E) Certain land comprising approximately 2,922 acres, as 
     generally depicted as the ``Sampson Mountain Addition'' on 
     the Map and which shall be incorporated in, and shall be 
     considered to be a part of, the Sampson Mountain Wilderness.
       (F) Certain land comprising approximately 4,446 acres, as 
     generally depicted as the ``Big Laurel Branch Addition'' on 
     the Map and which shall be incorporated in, and shall be 
     considered to be a part of, the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness.
       (G) Certain land comprising approximately 1,836 acres, as 
     generally depicted as the ``Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Addition'' 
     on the Map and which shall be incorporated in, and shall be 
     considered to be a part of, the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock 
     Wilderness.
       (2) Maps and legal descriptions.--
       (A) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file maps and 
     legal descriptions of the wilderness areas designated by 
     paragraph (1) with the appropriate committees of Congress.
       (B) Public availability.--The maps and legal descriptions 
     filed under subparagraph (A) shall be on file and available 
     for public inspection in the office of the Chief of the 
     Forest Service and the office of the Supervisor of the 
     Cherokee National Forest.
       (C) Force of law.--The maps and legal descriptions filed 
     under subparagraph (A) shall have the same force and effect 
     as if included in this Act, except that the Secretary may 
     correct typographical errors in the maps and descriptions.
       (3) Administration.--
       (A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights, the 
     Federal land designated as wilderness by paragraph (1) shall 
     be administered by the Secretary in accordance with the 
     Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), except that any 
     reference in that Act to the effective date of that Act shall 
     be deemed to be a reference to the date of enactment of this 
     Act.
       (B) Fish and wildlife management.--In accordance with 
     section 4(d)(7) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(7)), 
     nothing in this section affects the jurisdiction of the State 
     with respect to fish and wildlife management, including the 
     regulation of hunting, fishing, and trapping, in the 
     wilderness areas designated by paragraph (1).

     SEC. 8628. ADDITIONS TO ROUGH MOUNTAIN AND RICH HOLE 
                   WILDERNESSES.

       (a) Rough Mountain Addition.--Section 1 of Public Law 100-
     326 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; 102 Stat. 584; 114 Stat. 2057; 123 
     Stat. 1002) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(21) Rough mountain addition.--Certain land in the George 
     Washington National Forest comprising approximately 1,000 
     acres, as generally depicted as the `Rough Mountain Addition' 
     on the map entitled `GEORGE WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST - 
     South half - Alternative I - Selected Alternative Management 
     Prescriptions - Land and Resources Management Plan Final 
     Environmental Impact Statement' and dated March 4, 2014, 
     which is incorporated in the Rough Mountain Wilderness Area 
     designated by paragraph (1).''.
       (b) Rich Hole Addition.--
       (1) Potential wilderness designation.--In furtherance of 
     the purposes of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), 
     certain land in the George Washington National Forest 
     comprising approximately 4,600 acres, as generally depicted 
     as the ``Rich Hole Addition'' on the map entitled ``GEORGE 
     WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST - South half - Alternative I - 
     Selected Alternative Management Prescriptions - Land and 
     Resources Management Plan Final Environmental Impact 
     Statement'' and dated March 4, 2014, is designated as a 
     potential wilderness area for incorporation in the Rich Hole 
     Wilderness Area designated by section 1(2) of Public Law 100-
     326 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; 102 Stat. 584; 114 Stat. 2057; 123 
     Stat. 1002).
       (2) Wilderness designation.--The potential wilderness area 
     designated by paragraph (1) shall be designated as wilderness 
     and incorporated in the Rich Hole Wilderness Area designated 
     by section 1(2) of Public Law 100-326 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; 
     102 Stat. 584; 114 Stat. 2057; 123 Stat. 1002) on the earlier 
     of--
       (A) the date on which the Secretary publishes in the 
     Federal Register notice that the activities permitted under 
     paragraph (4) have been completed; or
       (B) the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of 
     this Act.
       (3) Management.--Except as provided in paragraph (4), the 
     Secretary shall manage the potential wilderness area 
     designated by paragraph (1) in accordance with the Wilderness 
     Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.).
       (4) Water quality improvement activities.--
       (A) In general.--To enhance natural ecosystems within the 
     potential wilderness area designated by paragraph (1) by 
     implementing certain activities to improve water quality and 
     aquatic passage, as set forth in the Forest Service document 
     entitled ``Decision Notice for the Lower Cowpasture 
     Restoration and Management Project'' and dated December 2015, 
     the Secretary may use motorized equipment and mechanized 
     transport in the potential wilderness area until the date on 
     which the potential wilderness area is incorporated into the 
     Rich Hole Wilderness Area under paragraph (2).
       (B) Requirement.--In carrying out subparagraph (A), the 
     Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable, shall use the 
     minimum tool or administrative practice necessary to carry 
     out that subparagraph with the least amount of adverse impact 
     on wilderness character and resources.

     SEC. 8629. KISATCHIE NATIONAL FOREST LAND CONVEYANCE.

       (a) Finding.--Congress finds that it is in the public 
     interest to authorize the conveyance of certain Federal land 
     in the Kisatchie National Forest in the State of Louisiana 
     for market value consideration.
       (b) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Collins camp properties.--The term ``Collins Camp 
     Properties'' means Collins Camp Properties, Inc., a 
     corporation incorporated under the laws of the State.
       (2) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of 
     Louisiana.
       (c) Authorization of Conveyances, Kisatchie National 
     Forest, Louisiana.--
       (1) Authorization.--
       (A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights and 
     paragraph (2), the Secretary may convey the Federal land 
     described in subparagraph (B) by quitclaim deed at public or 
     private sale, including competitive sale by auction, bid, or 
     other methods.
       (B) Description of land.--The Federal land referred to in 
     subparagraph (A) consists of--
       (i) all Federal land within sec. 9, T. 10 N., R. 5 W., Winn 
     Parish, Louisiana; and
       (ii) a 2.16-acre parcel of Federal land located in the 
     SW\1/4\ of sec. 4, T. 10 N., R. 5 W., Winn Parish, Louisiana, 
     as depicted on a certificate of survey dated March 7, 2007, 
     by Glen L. Cannon, P.L.S. 4436.
       (2) First right of purchase.--Subject to valid existing 
     rights and subsection (e), during the 1-year period beginning 
     on the date of enactment of this Act, on the provision of 
     consideration by the Collins Camp Properties to the 
     Secretary, the Secretary shall convey, by quitclaim deed, to 
     Collins Camp Properties all right, title, and interest of the 
     United States in and to--
       (A) the not more than 47.92 acres of Federal land 
     comprising the Collins Campsites within sec. 9, T. 10 N., R. 
     5 W., in Winn Parish, Louisiana, as generally depicted on a 
     certificate of survey dated February 28, 2007, by Glen L. 
     Cannon, P.L.S. 4436; and
       (B) the parcel of Federal land described in paragraph 
     (1)(B)(ii).
       (3) Terms and conditions.--The Secretary may--
       (A) configure the Federal land to be conveyed under this 
     section--
       (i) to maximize the marketability of the conveyance; or
       (ii) to achieve management objectives; and
       (B) establish any terms and conditions for the conveyances 
     under this section that the Secretary determines to be in the 
     public interest.
       (4) Consideration.--Consideration for a conveyance of 
     Federal land under this section shall be--
       (A) in the form of cash; and
       (B) in an amount equal to the market value of the Federal 
     land being conveyed, as determined under paragraph (5).
       (5) Market value.--The market value of the Federal land 
     conveyed under this section shall be determined--
       (A) in the case of Federal land conveyed under paragraph 
     (2), by an appraisal that is--
       (i) conducted in accordance with the Uniform Appraisal 
     Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions; and
       (ii) approved by the Secretary; or
       (B) if conveyed by a method other than the methods 
     described in paragraph (2), by competitive sale.
       (6) Hazardous substances.--
       (A) In general.--In any conveyance of Federal land under 
     this section, the Secretary shall meet disclosure 
     requirements for hazardous substances, but shall otherwise 
     not be required to remediate or abate the substances.
       (B) Effect.--Except as provided in subparagraph (A), 
     nothing in this subsection affects the application of the 
     Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 
     Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) to the 
     conveyances of Federal land.
       (d) Proceeds From the Sale of Land.--The Secretary shall 
     deposit the proceeds of a conveyance of Federal land under 
     subsection (c) in the fund established under Public Law 90-
     171 (commonly known as the ``Sisk Act'') (16 U.S.C. 484a).
       (e) Administration.--
       (1) Costs.--As a condition of a conveyance of Federal land 
     to Collins Camp Properties under subsection (c), the 
     Secretary shall require Collins Camp Properties to pay at 
     closing--
       (A) reasonable appraisal costs; and
       (B) the cost of any administrative and environmental 
     analyses required by law (including regulations).
       (2) Permits.--
       (A) In general.--An offer by Collins Camp Properties for 
     the acquisition of the Federal land under subsection (c) 
     shall be accompanied by a written statement from each holder 
     of a Forest Service special use authorization with respect to 
     the Federal land that specifies that the holder agrees to 
     relinquish the special use authorization on the conveyance of 
     the Federal land to Collins Camp Properties.
       (B) Special use authorizations.--If any holder of a special 
     use authorization described in subparagraph (A) fails to 
     provide a written authorization in accordance with

[[Page S4600]]

     that subparagraph, the Secretary shall require, as a 
     condition of the conveyance, that Collins Camp Properties 
     administer the special use authorization according to the 
     terms of the special use authorization until the date on 
     which the special use authorization expires.

     SEC. 8630. PURCHASE OF NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 
                   PROPERTY, RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds as follows:
       (1) Since 1935, the United States has owned a parcel of 
     land in Riverside, California, consisting of approximately 
     8.75 acres, more specifically described in subsection (b)(1) 
     (in this section referred to as the ``property'').
       (2) The property is under the jurisdiction of the 
     Department of Agriculture and has been variously used for 
     research and plant materials purposes.
       (3) Since 1998, the property has been administered by the 
     Natural Resources Conservation Service of the Department of 
     Agriculture.
       (4) Since 2002, the property has been co-managed under a 
     cooperative agreement between the Natural Resources 
     Conservation Service and the Riverside Corona Resource 
     Conservation District, which is a legal subdivision of the 
     State of California under section 9003 of the California 
     Public Resources Code.
       (5) The Conservation District wishes to purchase the 
     property and use it for conservation, environmental, and 
     related educational purposes.
       (6) As provided in subsection (b), the purchase of the 
     property by the Conservation District would promote the 
     conservation education and related activities of the 
     Conservation District and result in savings to the Federal 
     Government.
       (b) Land Purchase, Natural Resources Conservation Service 
     Property, Riverside County, California.--
       (1) Purchase authorized.--The Secretary shall sell and 
     quitclaim to the Riverside Corona Resource Conservation 
     District (in this section referred to as the ``Conservation 
     District'') all right, title, and interest of the United 
     States in and to a parcel of real property, including 
     improvements thereon, that is located at 4500 Glenwood Drive 
     in Riverside, California, consists of approximately 8.75 
     acres, and is administered by the Natural Resources 
     Conservation Service of the Department of Agriculture. As 
     necessary or desirable to facilitate the purchase of the 
     property under this subsection, the Secretary or the 
     Conservation District may survey all or portions of the 
     property.
       (2) Consideration.--As consideration for the purchase of 
     the property under this subsection, the Conservation District 
     shall pay to the Secretary an amount equal to the appraised 
     value of the property.
       (3) Prohibition on reservation of interest.--The Secretary 
     shall not reserve any future interest in the property to be 
     conveyed under this subsection, except such interest as may 
     be acceptable to the Conservation District.
       (4) Hazardous substances.--Notwithstanding section 120(h) 
     of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, 
     and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)) or the Solid 
     Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), in the case of 
     the property purchased by the Conservation District under 
     this subsection, the Secretary shall be only required to meet 
     the disclosure requirements for hazardous substances, 
     pollutants, or contaminants, but shall otherwise not be 
     required to remediate or abate any such releases of hazardous 
     substances, pollutants, or contaminants, including petroleum 
     and petroleum derivatives.
       (5) Cooperative authority.--
       (A) Leases, contracts, and cooperative agreements 
     authorized.--In conjunction with, or in addition to, the 
     purchase of the property by the Conservation District under 
     this subsection, the Secretary may enter into leases, 
     contracts and cooperative agreements with the Conservation 
     District.
       (B) Sole source.--Notwithstanding sections 3105, 3301, and 
     3303 to 3305 of title 41, United States Code, or any other 
     provision of law, the Secretary may lease real property from 
     the Conservation District on a noncompetitive basis.
       (C) Non-exclusive authority.--The authority provided by 
     this subsection is in addition to any other authority of the 
     Secretary.

     SEC. 8631. COLLABORATIVE FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) Reauthorization.--Section 4003(f)(6) of the Omnibus 
     Public Land Management Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303(f)(6)) is 
     amended by striking ``$40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
     2009 through 2019'' and inserting ``$80,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2019 through 2023''.
       (b) Reporting Requirements.--Section 4003(h) of the Omnibus 
     Public Land Management Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303(h)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and'';
       (3) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs 
     (4) and (5), respectively;
       (4) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 
     of the Senate;''; and
       (5) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives.''.

     SEC. 8632. UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE RIGHTS-OF-WAY VEGETATION 
                   MANAGEMENT PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) National forest system land.--
       (A) In general.--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)).
       (B) Exclusions.--The term ``National Forest System land'' 
     does not include--
       (i) a National Grassland; or
       (ii) a land utilization project on land designated as a 
     National Grassland and administered pursuant to sections 31, 
     32, and 33 of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1010, 1011, 1012).
       (2) Passing wildfire.--The term ``passing wildfire'' means 
     a wildfire that originates outside of a right-of-way.
       (3) Pilot program.--The term ``pilot program'' means the 
     pilot program established by the Secretary under subsection 
     (b).
       (4) Right-of-way.--The term ``right-of-way'' means a 
     special use authorization issued by the Forest Service 
     allowing the placement of utility infrastructure.
       (5) Utility infrastructure.--The term ``utility 
     infrastructure'' means electric transmission lines, natural 
     gas infrastructure, or related structures.
       (b) Establishment.--To encourage owners or operators of 
     rights-of-way on National Forest System land to partner with 
     the Forest Service to voluntarily conduct vegetation 
     management projects on a proactive basis to better protect 
     utility infrastructure from potential passing wildfires, the 
     Secretary may establish a limited, voluntary pilot program, 
     in the manner described in this section, to conduct 
     vegetation management projects on National Forest System land 
     adjacent to or near those rights-of-way.
       (c) Eligible Participants.--
       (1) In general.--A participant in the pilot program shall 
     be the owner or operator of a right-of-way on National Forest 
     System land.
       (2) Selection priority.--In selecting participants for the 
     pilot program, the Secretary shall give priority to an owner 
     or operator of a right-of-way that has worked with Forest 
     Service fire scientists and used technologies, such as light 
     detection and ranging surveys, to improve utility 
     infrastructure protection prescriptions.
       (d) Vegetation Management Projects.--
       (1) In general.--A vegetation management project conducted 
     under the pilot program shall involve only limited and 
     selective vegetation management activities that--
       (A) shall create the least disturbance reasonably necessary 
     to protect utility infrastructure from passing wildfires 
     based on applicable models, including Forest Service fuel 
     models;
       (B) may include thinning, fuel reduction, creation and 
     treatment of shaded fuel breaks, and other appropriate 
     measures;
       (C) shall only be conducted on National Forest System 
     land--
       (i) adjacent to the right-of-way of a participant; or
       (ii) within 75 feet of the right-of-way of a participant; 
     and
       (D) shall not be conducted on--
       (i) a component of the National Wilderness Preservation 
     System;
       (ii) a designated wilderness study area; or
       (iii) an inventoried roadless area.
       (2) Approval.--Each vegetation management project described 
     in paragraph (1) (including each vegetation management 
     activity described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of that 
     paragraph) shall be subject to approval by the Forest Service 
     in accordance with this section.
       (e) Project Costs.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a 
     participant in the pilot program shall be responsible for all 
     costs, as determined by the Secretary, incurred in 
     participating in the pilot program.
       (2) Federal funding.--The Secretary may contribute funds 
     for a vegetation management project conducted under the pilot 
     program if the Secretary determines that the contribution is 
     in the public interest.
       (f) Liability.--
       (1) In general.--Participation in the pilot program shall 
     not affect any 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 conducted under the pilot program.
       (2) Project work.--A participant in the pilot program shall 
     not be liable to the United States for damage proximately 
     caused by an activity conducted pursuant to an approved 
     vegetation management project conducted under the pilot 
     program, unless--
       (A) the activity was 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 participation in the 
     pilot program.
       (g) Implementation.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     Secretary shall use the authority of the Secretary under 
     other laws (including regulations) to carry out the pilot 
     program.
       (2) Modification of regulations.--In order to implement the 
     pilot program in an

[[Page S4601]]

     efficient and expeditious manner, the Secretary may waive or 
     modify specific provisions of the Federal Acquisition 
     Regulation, including waivers or modifications to allow for 
     the formation of contracts or agreements on a noncompetitive 
     basis.
       (h) 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 funds retained under paragraph (1), in such amounts 
     as may be appropriated, to carry out the pilot program.
       (i) Report to Congress.--Not later than December 31, 2020, 
     and 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report 
     describing the status of the pilot program and vegetation 
     management projects conducted under the pilot program to--
       (1) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 
     of the Senate; and
       (2) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (j) Duration.--The authority to carry out the pilot 
     program, including any vegetation management project 
     conducted under the pilot program, expires on October 1, 
     2023.

     SEC. 8633. OKHISSA LAKE RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LAND 
                   CONVEYANCE.

       (a) Definition of Alliance.--In this section, the term 
     ``Alliance'' means the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance.
       (b) Request.--Subject to the requirements of this section, 
     if the Alliance submits a written request for conveyance by 
     not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act and the Secretary determines that it is in the public 
     interest to convey the National Forest System Land described 
     in subsection (c), the Secretary shall convey to the Alliance 
     all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to 
     the National Forest System land described in subsection (c) 
     by quitclaim deed through a public or private sale, including 
     a competitive sale by auction or bid.
       (c) Description of National Forest System Land.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the National 
     Forest System land referred to in subsection (b) is the 
     approximately 150 acres of real property located in sec. 6, 
     T. 5 N. R. 4 E., Franklin County, Mississippi, and further 
     described as--
       (A) the portion of the NW\1/4\ NW\1/4\ lying south of the 
     south boundary of Berrytown Road;
       (B) the portion of the W\1/2\ NE\1/4\ NW\1/4\ lying south 
     of the south boundary of Berrytown Road;
       (C) the portion of the SW\1/4\ NW\1/4\ lying east of the 
     east boundary of U.S. Highway 98;
       (D) the W\1/2\ SE\1/4\ NW\1/4\;
       (E) the portion of the NW\1/4\ SW\1/4\ lying east of the 
     east boundary of U.S. Highway 98;
       (F) the portion of the NE\1/4\ SW\1/4\ commencing at the 
     southwest corner of the NE\1/4\ SW\1/4\, said point being the 
     point of beginning, thence running east 330 feet along the 
     south boundary of the NE\1/4\ SW\1/4\ to a point in Lake 
     Okhissa, thence running northeasterly to a point in Lake 
     Okhissa on the east boundary of the NE\1/4\ SW\1/4\ 330 feet 
     south of the northeast corner thereof, thence running north 
     330 feet along the east boundary of the NE\1/4\ SW\1/4\ to 
     the northeast corner thereof, thence running west along the 
     north boundary of the NE\1/4\ SW\1/4\ to the NW corner 
     thereof; thence running south along the west boundary of the 
     NE\1/4\ SW\1/4\ to the point of beginning; and
       (G) the portion of the SE\1/4\ SE\1/4\ NW\1/4\ commencing 
     at the southeast corner of the SE\1/4\ NW\1/4\, said point 
     being the point of beginning, and running northwesterly to 
     the northwest corner of the SE\1/4\ SE1\1/4\ NW\1/4\, thence 
     running south along the west boundary of the SE\1/4\ SE\1/4\ 
     NW\1/4\ to the southwest corner thereof, thence running east 
     along the south boundary of the SE\1/4\ SE\1/4\ NW\1/4\ to 
     the point of beginning.
       (2) Survey.--The exact acreage and legal description of the 
     National Forest System land to be conveyed under this section 
     shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the 
     Secretary.
       (d) Consideration.--
       (1) In general.--The consideration for the conveyance of 
     any National Forest System land under this section shall be--
       (A) provided in the form of cash; and
       (B) in an amount equal to the fair market value of the 
     National Forest System land being conveyed, as determined 
     under paragraph (2).
       (2) Fair market value determination.--The fair market value 
     of the National Forest System land conveyed under this 
     section shall be determined--
       (A) in the case of a method of conveyance described in 
     subsection (b), by an appraisal that is--
       (i) conducted in accordance with the Uniform Appraisal 
     Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions; and
       (ii) approved by the Secretary; or
       (B) in the case of a conveyance by a method other than a 
     method described in subsection (b), by competitive sale.
       (e) Terms and Conditions.--The conveyance under this 
     section shall be subject to--
       (1) valid existing rights; and
       (2) such other terms and conditions as the Secretary 
     considers to be appropriate to protect the interests of the 
     United States.
       (f) Proceeds From Sale.--The Secretary shall deposit the 
     proceeds of the conveyance of any National Forest System land 
     under this section in the fund established under Public Law 
     90-171 (commonly known as the ``Sisk Act'') (16 U.S.C. 484a).
       (g) Costs.--As a condition for the conveyance under this 
     section, the Secretary shall require the Alliance to pay at 
     closing--
       (1) any reasonable appraisal costs; and
       (2) the costs of any administrative or environmental 
     analysis required by applicable law (including regulations).

     SEC. 8634. PRAIRIE DOGS.

       (a) In General.--With respect to the grasslands plan 
     guidance of the Forest Service relating to prairie dogs, the 
     Chief of the Forest Service shall base policies of the Forest 
     Service on sound ecological and livestock management 
     principles.
       (b) Grazing Allotments.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (3), not later than 
     180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Chief 
     of the Forest Service shall complete a report on the 
     percentage of prairie dogs occupying each total grazing 
     allotment acreage.
       (2) Action required.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     on which the report under paragraph (1) is completed and 
     subject to paragraph (3), the Chief of the Forest Service 
     shall take appropriate action based on the results of that 
     report.
       (3) Requirement.--This section, including any actions taken 
     under paragraph (2), shall apply only to grazing allotments 
     where prairie dogs are present as of the date of enactment of 
     this Act.

                      PART III--TIMBER INNOVATION

     SEC. 8641. DEFINITIONS.

       In this part:
       (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, 
     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. 8642. 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 
     at the Forest Products Laboratory or through the State and 
     Private Forestry deputy area 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 Forest Products Laboratory of the 
     lifecycle environmental footprint, from extraction of raw 
     materials through the manufacturing process, of tall wood 
     building construction;
       (4) analyzing methods to reduce the lifecycle 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) 1 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 
     timeframe.

     SEC. 8643. WOOD INNOVATION GRANT PROGRAM.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
       (A) an individual;
       (B) a public or private entity (including a center of 
     excellence that consists of 1 or more partnerships between 
     forestry, engineering, architecture, or business schools at 1 
     or more institutions of higher education); or
       (C) a State, local, or Tribal government.

[[Page S4602]]

       (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary, 
     acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.
       (b) Grant Program.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary, in carrying out the wood 
     innovation grant program of the Secretary described in the 
     notice of the Secretary entitled ``Request for Proposals: 
     2016 Wood Innovations Funding Opportunity'' (80 Fed. Reg. 
     63498 (October 20, 2015)), may make a wood innovation grant 
     to 1 or more eligible entities each year for the purpose of 
     advancing the use of innovative wood products.
       (2) Proposals.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this subsection, an eligible entity shall submit to the 
     Secretary a proposal at such time, in such manner, and 
     containing such information as the Secretary may require.
       (c) Incentivizing Use of Existing Milling Capacity.--In 
     selecting among proposals of eligible entities under 
     subsection (b)(2), the Secretary shall give priority to 
     proposals that include the use or retrofitting (or both) of 
     existing sawmill facilities located in counties in which the 
     average annual unemployment rate exceeded the national 
     average unemployment rate by more than 1 percent in the 
     previous calendar year.
       (d) Matching Requirement.--As a condition of receiving a 
     grant under subsection (b), an eligible entity shall provide 
     funds equal to the amount received by the eligible entity 
     under the grant, to be derived from non-Federal sources.

                            TITLE IX--ENERGY

     SEC. 9101. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 9001 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
     of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8101) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking ``agricultural 
     materials'' and inserting ``agricultural materials, renewable 
     chemicals,'';
       (2) in paragraph (7)(A), by striking ``into biofuels and 
     biobased products'' and inserting the following: ``or an 
     intermediate ingredient or feedstock of renewable biomass 
     into any 1 or more, or a combination, of--
       ``(i) biofuels;
       ``(ii) renewable chemicals; or
       ``(iii) biobased products''; and
       (3) in paragraph (16)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``(B)'' 
     and inserting ``(C)''; and
       (ii) by striking ``that--'' in the matter preceding clause 
     (i) and all that follows through the period at the end of 
     clause (ii) and inserting ``that produces usable energy from 
     a renewable energy source.'';
       (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); 
     and
       (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
       ``(B) Inclusions.--The term `renewable energy system' 
     includes--
       ``(i) distribution components necessary to move energy 
     produced by a system described in subparagraph (A) to the 
     initial point of sale; and
       ``(ii) other components and ancillary infrastructure of a 
     system described in subparagraph (A), such as a storage 
     system.''.

     SEC. 9102. BIOBASED MARKETS PROGRAM.

       Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
     of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8102) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(2)(A)(i)(III), by inserting ``, 
     acting through the rural development mission area (referred 
     to in this section as the `Secretary')'' before the period at 
     the end;
       (2) in subsection (b)(2)(A), by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(iii) Renewable chemicals.--Not later than 90 days after 
     the date of enactment of this clause, the Secretary shall 
     update the criteria issued under clause (i) to provide 
     criteria for determining which renewable chemicals may 
     qualify to receive the label under paragraph (1).'';
       (3) in subsection (f), by striking the subsection 
     designation and all that follows through ``The Secretary'' 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(f) Manufacturers of Renewable Chemicals and Biobased 
     Products.--
       ``(1) NAICS codes.--The Secretary and the Secretary of 
     Commerce shall jointly develop North American Industry 
     Classification System codes for--
       ``(A) renewable chemicals manufacturers; and
       ``(B) biobased products manufacturers.
       ``(2) National testing center registry.--The Secretary'';
       (4) by redesignating subsections (h) through (j) as 
     subsections (k) through (m), respectively;
       (5) by inserting after subsection (g) the following:
       ``(h) Education and Outreach.--The Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Administrator, shall provide to 
     appropriate stakeholders education and outreach relating to--
       ``(1) the Federal procurement of biobased products under 
     subsection (a); and
       ``(2) the voluntary labeling program under subsection (b).
       ``(i) Streamlining.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall establish 
     guidelines for an integrated process under which biobased 
     products may be, in 1 expedited approval process--
       ``(A) determined to be eligible for a Federal procurement 
     preference under subsection (a); and
       ``(B) approved to use the `USDA Certified Biobased Product' 
     label under subsection (b).
       ``(2) Initiation.--The Secretary shall ensure that a review 
     of a biobased product under the integrated qualification 
     process established pursuant to paragraph (1) may be 
     initiated on receipt of a recommendation or petition from a 
     manufacturer, vendor, or other interested party.
       ``(3) Product designations.--The Secretary may issue a 
     product designation pursuant to subsection (a)(3)(B), or 
     approve the use of the `USDA Certified Biobased Product' 
     label under subsection (b), through streamlined procedures, 
     which shall not be subject to chapter 7 of title 5, United 
     States Code.
       ``(j) Requirement of Procuring Agencies.--A procuring 
     agency (as defined in subsection (a)(1)) shall not establish 
     regulations, guidance, or criteria regarding the procurement 
     of biobased products, pursuant to this section or any other 
     law, that impose limitations on that procurement that are 
     more restrictive than the limitations established by the 
     Secretary under the regulations to implement this section.''; 
     and
       (6) in subsection (l) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$2,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``$3,000,000 
     for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023''.

     SEC. 9103. BIOREFINERY 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) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``produces an advanced 
     biofuel; and'' and inserting the following: ``produces any 1 
     or more, or a combination, of--
       ``(i) an advanced biofuel;
       ``(ii) a renewable chemical; or
       ``(iii) a biobased product; and''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``produces an advanced 
     biofuel.'' and inserting the following: ``produces any 1 or 
     more, or a combination, of--
       ``(i) an advanced biofuel;
       ``(ii) a renewable chemical; or
       ``(iii) a biobased product.''; and
       (2) in subsection (g)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(A)--
       (i) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2019; and
       ``(iv) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2020.''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.

     SEC. 9104. REPOWERING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

       Section 9004 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
     of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8104) is repealed.

     SEC. 9105. BIOENERGY PROGRAM FOR ADVANCED BIOFUEL.

       Section 9005(g) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment 
     Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8105(g)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (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) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 
     2023.''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$20,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``$15,000,000 
     for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023''.

     SEC. 9106. BIODIESEL FUEL EDUCATION PROGRAM.

       Section 9006(d)(2) of the Farm Security and Rural 
     Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8106(d)(2)) is amended by 
     striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 9107. RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM.

       Section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
     of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (e), by striking ``(g)'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``(f)'';
       (2) by striking subsection (f);
       (3) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (f); and
       (4) in subsection (f) (as so redesignated), in paragraph 
     (3), by striking ``$20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 
     through 2018'' and inserting ``$50,000,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2019 through 2023''.

     SEC. 9108. 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. 9109. FEEDSTOCK FLEXIBILITY PROGRAM FOR BIOENERGY 
                   PRODUCERS.

       Section 9010(b) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment 
     Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8110(b)) is amended, in paragraphs 
     (1)(A) and (2)(A), by striking ``2018'' each place it appears 
     and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 9110. BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

       Section 9011 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
     of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8111) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(6)--
       (A) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) in clause (ii)(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:
       ``(iv) algae.''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (C)--

[[Page S4603]]

       (i) by striking clause (iv); and
       (ii) by redesignating clauses (v) through (vii) as clauses 
     (iv) through (vi), respectively;
       (2) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting ``(including 
     eligible material harvested for the purpose of hazardous 
     woody fuel reduction)'' after ``material''; and
       (3) in subsection (f)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``Of the funds'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by striking 
     ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) 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.''; and
       (B) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by striking the paragraph designation and heading and 
     all that follows through ``Effective'' in subparagraph (A) 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(3) Technical assistance.--Effective''; and
       (ii) by striking subparagraph (B).

     SEC. 9111. BIOGAS RESEARCH AND ADOPTION OF BIOGAS SYSTEMS.

       Title IX of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
     2002 is amended by inserting after section 9011 (7 U.S.C. 
     8111) the following:

     ``SEC. 9012. BIOGAS RESEARCH AND ADOPTION OF BIOGAS SYSTEMS.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Anaerobic digestion.--The term `anaerobic digestion' 
     means a biological process or series of biological 
     processes--
       ``(A) through which microorganisms break down biodegradable 
     material in the absence of oxygen; and
       ``(B) the end products of which are biogas and digested 
     materials.
       ``(2) Biogas.--The term `biogas' means a mixture of 
     primarily methane and carbon dioxide produced by the 
     bacterial decomposition of organic materials in the absence 
     of oxygen.
       ``(3) Biogas processing.--The term `biogas processing' 
     means the process by which water, carbon dioxide, and other 
     trace compounds are removed from biogas, as determined by the 
     end user.
       ``(4) Biogas system.--The term `biogas system' means a 
     system--
       ``(A) with the potential to capture and use biogas, 
     including biogas from organic waste, including animal manure, 
     food waste, waste from landfills, and wastewater; and
       ``(B) that includes--
       ``(i) the infrastructure necessary to manage the organic 
     waste referred to in subparagraph (A);
       ``(ii) the equipment necessary to generate--

       ``(I) electricity, heat, or fuel; and
       ``(II) biogas system co-products; and

       ``(iii) the equipment necessary for biogas processing.
       ``(5) Biogas system co-product.--The term `biogas system 
     co-product' means a nonenergy biogas system product produced 
     from digested material, including soil amendments, 
     fertilizers, compost, animal bedding, and feedstock for 
     plastics and chemicals.
       ``(6) Digested material.--The term `digested material' 
     means solid or liquid digested material--
       ``(A) produced by digesters; and
       ``(B) that contains nutrients and organic carbon.
       ``(b) Interagency Biogas Opportunities Task Force.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, 
     the Secretary, acting jointly with the Secretary of Energy 
     and the Administrator, shall establish an Interagency Biogas 
     Opportunities Task Force (referred to in this subsection as 
     the `Task Force') that shall coordinate policies, programs, 
     and research to accelerate--
       ``(A) biogas research; and
       ``(B) investment in cost-effective biogas systems.
       ``(2) Membership.--The Task Force shall be composed of--
       ``(A) the head of each Federal office responsible for 
     biogas research or biogas system financing (or a designee), 
     including a representative from the Department of 
     Agriculture, the Department of Energy, and the Environmental 
     Protection Agency;
       ``(B) 1 or more representatives of State or local 
     governments, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary of 
     Energy, and the Administrator;
       ``(C) 1 or more nongovernmental or industry stakeholders, 
     including 1 or more stakeholders from relevant industries, as 
     determined by the Secretary, the Secretary of Energy, and the 
     Administrator; and
       ``(D) 1 or more community stakeholders.
       ``(3) Duties of the task force.--In carrying out paragraph 
     (1), the Task Force shall--
       ``(A) evaluate and improve the coordination of loan and 
     grant programs of the Federal agencies represented on the 
     Task Force--
       ``(i) to broaden the financing options available for biogas 
     systems; and
       ``(ii) to enhance opportunities for private financing of 
     biogas systems;
       ``(B) review Federal procurement guidelines to ensure that 
     products of biogas systems are eligible for and promoted by 
     applicable procurement programs of the Federal Government;
       ``(C) in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce, 
     evaluate the development of North American Industry 
     Classification System and North American Product 
     Classification System codes for biogas and biogas system 
     products;
       ``(D) review opportunities and develop strategies to 
     overcome barriers to integrating biogas into electricity and 
     renewable natural gas markets;
       ``(E) develop tools to broaden the market for nonenergy 
     biogas system products, including by developing best 
     management practices for--
       ``(i) the use and land application of digestate to maximize 
     recovery of waste resources and minimize environmental and 
     public health risks; and
       ``(ii) the use of carbon dioxide from biogas processing;
       ``(F) provide information on the ability of biogas system 
     products to participate in markets that provide environmental 
     benefits;
       ``(G) identify and investigate research gaps in biogas and 
     anaerobic digestion technology, including research gaps in 
     environmental benefits, market assessment, and performance 
     standards;
       ``(H) assess the most cost-effective voluntary investments 
     in biogas to reduce waste and methane emissions; and
       ``(I) identify and advance additional priorities, as 
     determined by the Task Force.
       ``(4) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     the establishment of the Task Force, the Task Force shall 
     submit to Congress a report that--
       ``(A) describes the steps taken by the Task Force to carry 
     out the duties of the Task Force under paragraph (3); and
       ``(B) identifies and prioritizes policies and technology 
     opportunities--
       ``(i) to expand the biogas industry;
       ``(ii) to eliminate barriers to investment in biogas 
     systems in the landfill, livestock, wastewater, and other 
     relevant sectors; and
       ``(iii) to enhance opportunities for private and public 
     sector partnerships to finance biogas systems.
       ``(c) Advancement of Biogas Research.--
       ``(1) Study on biogas.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary, in coordination with the 
     Secretary of Energy and the Administrator, shall enter into 
     an agreement with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to 
     conduct a study relating to biogas.
       ``(B) Study.--Under the agreement described in subparagraph 
     (A), the study conducted by the National Renewable Energy 
     Laboratory shall include an analysis of--
       ``(i) barriers to injecting biogas into existing natural 
     gas pipelines;
       ``(ii) methods for optimizing biogas systems, including 
     methods to obtain the highest energy output from biogas, 
     including through the use of co-digestion;
       ``(iii) opportunities for, and barriers to, the productive 
     use of biogas system co-products, carbon dioxide from biogas 
     processing, and recovered nutrients;
       ``(iv) the optimal configuration of local, State, or 
     regional infrastructure for the production of electricity, 
     heat, or fuel from biogas, including infrastructure for the 
     aggregation, cleaning, and pipeline injection of biogas; and
       ``(v) any other subject relating to biogas, as determined 
     by the Interagency Biogas Opportunities Task Force 
     established under subsection (b)(1).
       ``(C) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the 
     Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the study 
     conducted under this paragraph.
       ``(2) Collection of data for biogas markets.--The 
     Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy and 
     the Administrator, shall identify, collect, and analyze 
     environmental, technical, and economic performance data 
     relating to biogas systems, including the production of 
     energy of biogas systems, co-products, greenhouse gas and 
     other emissions, water quality benefits, and other data 
     necessary to develop markets for biogas and biogas system co-
     products.''.

     SEC. 9112. COMMUNITY WOOD ENERGY PROGRAM.

       Section 9013(e) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment 
     Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8113(e)) is amended by striking 
     ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 9113. CARBON UTILIZATION EDUCATION PROGRAM.

       Title IX of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
     2002 (7 U.S.C. 8101 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

     ``SEC. 9014. CARBON UTILIZATION EDUCATION PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Carbon dioxide.--The term `carbon dioxide' means 
     carbon dioxide that is produced as a byproduct of the 
     production of a biobased product.
       ``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means an 
     entity that--
       ``(A) is--
       ``(i) an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under 
     501(a) of that Code; or
       ``(ii) an institution of higher education (as defined in 
     section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1001(a)));
       ``(B) has demonstrated knowledge about--
       ``(i) sequestration and utilization of carbon dioxide; or

[[Page S4604]]

       ``(ii) aggregation of organic waste from multiple sources 
     into a single biogas system; and
       ``(C) has a demonstrated ability to conduct educational and 
     technical support programs.
       ``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary, in consultation with 
     the Secretary of Energy, shall make competitive grants to 
     eligible entities--
       ``(1) to provide education to the public about the economic 
     and emissions benefits of permanent sequestration or 
     utilization of carbon dioxide; or
       ``(2) to provide education to biogas producers about 
     opportunities for aggregation of organic waste from multiple 
     sources into a single biogas system.
       ``(c) Funding.--
       ``(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity 
     Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use for each of 
     fiscal years 2019 through 2023--
       ``(A) $1,000,000 to carry out subsection (b)(1); and
       ``(B) $1,000,000 to carry out subsection (b)(2).
       ``(2) Discretionary funding.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023--
       ``(A) $1,000,000 to carry out subsection (b)(1); and
       ``(B) $1,000,000 to carry out subsection (b)(2).''.

                         TITLE X--HORTICULTURE

     SEC. 10101. 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. 10102. LOCAL AGRICULTURE MARKET PROGRAM.

       (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to combine the 
     purposes and coordinate the functions, as in effect on the 
     day before the date of enactment of this Act, of--
       (1) the Farmers' Market and Local Food Promotion Program 
     established under section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct 
     Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005); and
       (2) the value-added agricultural product market development 
     grants under section 231(b) of the Agricultural Risk 
     Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 1632a(b)).
       (b) Local Agriculture Market Program.--Subtitle A of the 
     Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 210A. LOCAL AGRICULTURE MARKET PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Beginning farmer or rancher.--The term `beginning 
     farmer or rancher' has the meaning given the term in section 
     343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
     U.S.C. 1991(a)).
       ``(2) Direct producer-to-consumer marketing.--The term 
     `direct producer-to-consumer marketing' has the meaning given 
     the term `direct marketing from farmers to consumers' in 
     section 3 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 
     1976 (7 U.S.C. 3002).
       ``(3) Eligible activity.--The term `eligible activity' 
     means an activity described in subsection (d)(2) that is 
     carried out using a grant provided under subsection (d)(1).
       ``(4) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
       ``(A) a producer;
       ``(B) a producer network or association;
       ``(C) a farmer or rancher cooperative;
       ``(D) an agricultural business entity or majority-
     controlled producer-based business venture;
       ``(E) a food council;
       ``(F) a local or Tribal government;
       ``(G) a nonprofit corporation;
       ``(H) an economic development corporation;
       ``(I) a public benefit corporation;
       ``(J) a community supported agriculture network or 
     association; and
       ``(K) a regional farmers' market authority.
       ``(5) Eligible partner.--The term `eligible partner' 
     means--
       ``(A) a State agency or regional authority;
       ``(B) a philanthropic organization;
       ``(C) a private corporation;
       ``(D) an institution of higher education;
       ``(E) a commercial, Federal, or Farm Credit System lending 
     institution; and
       ``(F) another entity, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(6) Family farm.--The term `family farm' has the meaning 
     given the term in section 231(a) of the Agricultural Risk 
     Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 1632a(a)).
       ``(7) Food council.--The term `food council' means a food 
     policy council or food and farm system network, as determined 
     by the Secretary, that--
       ``(A) represents--
       ``(i) multiple organizations involved in the production, 
     processing, and consumption of food; and
       ``(ii) local, Tribal, and State governments; and
       ``(B) addresses food and farm-related issues and needs 
     within city, county, State, Tribal region, multicounty 
     region, or other region designated by the food council or 
     food system network.
       ``(8) Majority-controlled producer-based business 
     venture.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `majority-controlled producer-
     based business venture' means a venture greater than 50 
     percent of the ownership and control of which is held by--
       ``(i) 1 or more producers; or
       ``(ii) 1 or more entities, 100 percent of the ownership and 
     control of which is held by 1 or more producers.
       ``(B) Entity described.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), 
     the term `entity' means--
       ``(i) a partnership;
       ``(ii) a limited liability corporation;
       ``(iii) a limited liability partnership; and
       ``(iv) a corporation.
       ``(9) Mid-tier value chain.--The term `mid-tier value 
     chain' means a local or regional supply network that links 
     independent producers with businesses and cooperatives that 
     market value-added agricultural products in a manner that--
       ``(A) targets and strengthens the profitability and 
     competitiveness of small and medium-sized farms and ranches 
     that are structured as a family farm; and
       ``(B) obtains agreement from an eligible agricultural 
     producer group, farmer or rancher cooperative, or majority-
     controlled producer-based business venture that is engaged in 
     the value chain on a marketing strategy.
       ``(10) Partnership.--The term `partnership' means a 
     partnership entered into under an agreement between--
       ``(A) 1 or more eligible partners; and
       ``(B) 1 or more eligible entities.
       ``(11) Program.--The term `Program' means the Local 
     Agriculture Market Program established under subsection (b).
       ``(12) Regional food chain coordination.--The term 
     `regional food chain coordination' means coordination and 
     collaboration along the supply chain to increase connections 
     between producers and markets.
       ``(13) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary 
     of Agriculture.
       ``(14) Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher.--The term 
     `socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher' has the meaning 
     given the term in section 355(e) of the Consolidated Farm and 
     Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2003(e)).
       ``(15) Value-added agricultural product.--The term `value-
     added agricultural product' means any agricultural commodity 
     or product that--
       ``(A)(i) has undergone a change in physical state;
       ``(ii) was produced in a manner that enhances the value of 
     the agricultural commodity or product, as demonstrated 
     through a business plan that shows the enhanced value, as 
     determined by the Secretary;
       ``(iii) is physically segregated in a manner that results 
     in the enhancement of the value of the agricultural commodity 
     or product;
       ``(iv) is a source of farm- or ranch-based renewable 
     energy, including E-85 fuel; or
       ``(v) is aggregated and marketed as a locally produced 
     agricultural food product; and
       ``(B) as a result of the change in physical state or the 
     manner in which the agricultural commodity or product was 
     produced, marketed, or segregated--
       ``(i) the customer base for the agricultural commodity or 
     product is expanded; and
       ``(ii) a greater portion of the revenue derived from the 
     marketing, processing, or physical segregation of the 
     agricultural commodity or product is available to the 
     producer of the commodity or product.
       ``(16) Veteran farmer or rancher.--The term `veteran farmer 
     or rancher' has the meaning given the term in section 2501(a) 
     of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 
     (7 U.S.C. 2279(a)).
       ``(b) Establishment and Purpose.--The Secretary shall 
     establish a program, to be known as the `Local Agriculture 
     Market Program', that--
       ``(1) supports the development, coordination, and expansion 
     of--
       ``(A) direct producer-to-consumer marketing;
       ``(B) local and regional food markets and enterprises; and
       ``(C) value-added agricultural products;
       ``(2) connects and cultivates regional food economies 
     through public-private partnerships;
       ``(3) supports the development of business plans, 
     feasibility studies, and strategies for local and regional 
     marketing opportunities;
       ``(4) strengthens capacity and regional food system 
     development through community collaboration and expansion of 
     mid-tier value chains;
       ``(5) improves income and economic opportunities for 
     producers and food businesses through job creation and 
     improved regional food system infrastructure; and
       ``(6) simplifies the application processes and the 
     reporting processes for the Program.
       ``(c) Regional Partnerships.--
       ``(1) Grants to support partnerships.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service, in 
     accordance with the purposes of the Program described in 
     subsection (b), shall provide grants to support partnerships 
     to plan and develop a local or regional food system.
       ``(B) Geographical diversity.--To the maximum extent 
     practicable, the Secretary shall ensure geographical 
     diversity in selecting partnerships to receive grants under 
     subparagraph (A).
       ``(2) Authorities of partnerships.--A partnership receiving 
     a grant under paragraph (1) may--
       ``(A) determine the scope of the regional food system to be 
     developed, including goals, outreach objectives, and eligible 
     activities to be carried out;
       ``(B) determine the local, regional, State, multi-State, or 
     other geographic area covered;

[[Page S4605]]

       ``(C) create and conduct a feasibility study, 
     implementation plan, and assessment of eligible activities 
     under the partnership agreement;
       ``(D) conduct outreach and education to other eligible 
     entities and eligible partners for potential participation in 
     the partnership agreement and eligible activities;
       ``(E) describe measures to be taken through the partnership 
     agreement to obtain funding for the eligible activities to be 
     carried out under the partnership agreement;
       ``(F) at the request of a producer or eligible entity 
     desiring to participate in eligible activities under the 
     partnership agreement, act on behalf of the producer or 
     eligible entity in applying for a grant under subsection (d);
       ``(G) monitor, evaluate, and periodically report to the 
     Secretary on progress made toward achieving the objectives of 
     eligible activities under the partnership agreement; or
       ``(H) at the conclusion of the partnership agreement, 
     submit to the Secretary a report describing--
       ``(i) the results and effects of the partnership agreement; 
     and
       ``(ii) funds provided under paragraph (3).
       ``(3) Contribution.--A partnership receiving a grant under 
     paragraph (1) shall provide funding in an amount equal to not 
     less than 25 percent of the total amount of the Federal 
     portion of the grant.
       ``(4) Applications.--
       ``(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     paragraph (1), a partnership shall submit to the Secretary an 
     application at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Secretary considers necessary to evaluate 
     and select applications.
       ``(B) Competitive process.--The Secretary--
       ``(i) shall conduct a competitive process to select 
     applications submitted under subparagraph (A);
       ``(ii) may assess and rank applications with similar 
     purposes as a group; and
       ``(iii) shall make public the criteria to be used in 
     evaluating applications prior to accepting applications.
       ``(C) Priority to certain applications.--The Secretary may 
     give priority to applications submitted under subparagraph 
     (A) that--
       ``(i)(I) leverage significant non-Federal financial and 
     technical resources; and
       ``(II) coordinate with other local, State, Tribal, or 
     national efforts; and
       ``(ii) cover an area that includes distressed low-income 
     rural or urban communities, including areas with persistent 
     poverty.
       ``(D) Producer or food business benefits.--
       ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), an 
     application submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include a 
     description of the direct or indirect producer or food 
     business benefits intended by the eligible entity to result 
     from the proposed project within a reasonable period of time 
     after the receipt of a grant.
       ``(ii) Exception.--Clause (i) shall not apply to a planning 
     or feasibility project.
       ``(5) Technical assistance.--On request of an eligible 
     entity, an eligible partner, or a partnership, the Secretary 
     may provide technical assistance in carrying out a 
     partnership agreement.
       ``(d) Development Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--Under the Program, the Secretary may 
     provide grants to eligible entities to carry out, in 
     accordance with purposes of the Program described in 
     subsection (b), activities described in paragraph (2).
       ``(2) Eligible activities.--An eligible entity may use a 
     grant provided under paragraph (1)--
       ``(A) to support and promote--
       ``(i) domestic direct producer-to-consumer marketing;
       ``(ii) farmers' markets;
       ``(iii) roadside stands;
       ``(iv) agritourism activities,
       ``(v) community-supported agriculture programs; or
       ``(vi) online sales;
       ``(B) to support local and regional food business 
     enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect 
     producer-to-consumer marketing;
       ``(C) to support the processing, aggregation, distribution, 
     and storage of local and regional food products that are 
     marketed locally or regionally;
       ``(D) to encourage the development of new food products and 
     value-added agricultural products;
       ``(E) to assist with business development and feasibility 
     studies;
       ``(F) to develop marketing strategies for producers of 
     local food products and value-added agricultural products in 
     new and existing markets;
       ``(G) to facilitate regional food chain coordination and 
     mid-tier value chain development;
       ``(H) to promote new business opportunities and marketing 
     strategies to reduce on-farm food waste;
       ``(I) to respond to changing technology needs in direct 
     producer-to-consumer marketing; or
       ``(J) to cover expenses relating to costs incurred in--
       ``(i) obtaining food safety certification; and
       ``(ii) making changes and upgrades to practices and 
     equipment to improve food safety.
       ``(3) Criteria and guidelines.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish criteria 
     and guidelines for the submission, evaluation, and funding of 
     proposed projects under paragraph (1) as the Secretary 
     determines are appropriate.
       ``(B) Producer or food business benefits.--
       ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), an 
     application submitted for a grant under paragraph (1) shall 
     include a description of the direct or indirect producer or 
     food business benefits intended by the eligible entity to 
     result from the proposed project within a reasonable period 
     of time after the receipt of the grant.
       ``(ii) Exception.--Clause (i) shall not apply to a planning 
     or feasibility project.
       ``(4) Amount.--Unless otherwise determined by the 
     Secretary, the amount of a grant under this subsection shall 
     be not more than $500,000.
       ``(5) Development grants available to producers.--In the 
     case of a grant provided under paragraph (1) to an eligible 
     entity described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (D) of 
     subsection (a)(4), the following shall apply:
       ``(A) Administration.--The Secretary shall carry out this 
     subsection through the Administrator of the Rural Business-
     Cooperative Service, in coordination with the Administrator 
     of the Agricultural Marketing Service.
       ``(B) Priorities.--The Secretary shall give priority to 
     applications--
       ``(i) in the case of an application submitted by a 
     producer, that are submitted by, or serve--

       ``(I) beginning farmers or ranchers;
       ``(II) socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers;
       ``(III) operators of small or medium sized farms or ranches 
     that are structured as family farms; or
       ``(IV) veteran farmers or ranchers; and

       ``(ii) in the case of an application submitted by an 
     eligible entity described in any of subparagraphs (B) through 
     (D) of subsection (a)(4), that provide the greatest 
     contribution to creating or increasing marketing 
     opportunities for producers described in subclauses (I) 
     through (IV) of clause (i).
       ``(C) Limitation on use of funds.--
       ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), an 
     eligible entity may not use a grant for the purchase or 
     construction of a building, general purpose equipment, or 
     structure.
       ``(ii) Exception.--An eligible entity may use not more than 
     $6,500 of the amount of a grant for an eligible activity 
     described in paragraph (2)(J) to purchase or upgrade 
     equipment to improve food safety.
       ``(D) Matching funds.--An eligible entity receiving a grant 
     shall provide matching funds in the form of cash or an in-
     kind contribution in an amount that is equal to 50 percent of 
     the total amount of the grant.
       ``(6) Development grants for other eligible entities.--In 
     the case of a grant provided under paragraph (1) to an 
     eligible entity described in any of subparagraphs (E) through 
     (K) of subsection (a)(4), the following shall apply:
       ``(A) Administration.--The Secretary shall carry out this 
     subsection through the Administrator of the Agricultural 
     Marketing Service, in coordination with the Administrator of 
     the Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
       ``(B) Priorities.--The Secretary shall give priority to 
     applications that--
       ``(i) benefit underserved communities, including 
     communities that are located in areas of concentrated poverty 
     with limited access to fresh locally or regionally grown 
     food; or
       ``(ii) are used to carry out eligible activities under a 
     partnership agreement under subsection (c).
       ``(C) Limitation on use of funds.--
       ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), an 
     eligible entity may not use a grant for the purchase or 
     construction of a building, general purpose equipment, or 
     structure.
       ``(ii) Exception.--An eligible entity may use not more than 
     $6,500 of the amount of a grant for an eligible activity 
     described in paragraph (2)(J) to purchase or upgrade 
     equipment to improve food safety.
       ``(D) Matching funds.--An eligible entity receiving a grant 
     shall provide matching funds in the form of cash or an in-
     kind contribution in an amount that is equal to 25 percent of 
     the total amount of the Federal portion of the grant.
       ``(e) Simplification of Application and Reporting 
     Processes.--
       ``(1) Applications.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     simplified application form for eligible entities that--
       ``(A) request less than $50,000 under subsection (d); or
       ``(B) apply for grants under subsection (d) through 
     partnership agreements under subsection (c).
       ``(2) Reporting.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(A) streamline and simplify the reporting process for 
     eligible entities; and
       ``(B) obtain from eligible entities and maintain such 
     information as the Secretary determines is necessary to 
     administer and evaluate the Program.
       ``(f) Cooperative Extension Service.--In carrying out the 
     Program, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of 
     the Agricultural Marketing Service or the Administrator of 
     the Rural Business Cooperative Service, may coordinate with a 
     cooperative extension service to provide Program technical 
     assistance and outreach to eligible entities and eligible 
     partners.

[[Page S4606]]

       ``(g) Interdepartmental Coordination.--In carrying out the 
     Program, to the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary 
     shall ensure coordination among Federal agencies.
       ``(h) Evaluation.--
       ``(1) In general.--Using amounts made available under 
     subsection (i)(3)(E), the Secretary shall conduct an 
     evaluation of the Program that--
       ``(A) measures the economic impact of the Program on new 
     and existing market outcomes;
       ``(B) measures the effectiveness of the Program in 
     improving and expanding--
       ``(i) the regional food economy through public and private 
     partnerships;
       ``(ii) the production of value-added agricultural products;
       ``(iii) producer-to-consumer marketing, including direct 
     producer-to-consumer marketing;
       ``(iv) local and regional food systems, including regional 
     food chain coordination and business development;
       ``(v) new business opportunities and marketing strategies 
     to reduce on-farm food waste;
       ``(vi) the use of new technologies in producer-to-consumer 
     marketing, including direct producer-to-consumer marketing; 
     and
       ``(vii) the workforce and capacity of regional food 
     systems; and
       ``(C) provides a description of--
       ``(i) each partnership agreement; and
       ``(ii) each grant provided under subsection (d).
       ``(2) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of 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 a report describing the evaluation conducted under 
     paragraph (1), including a thorough analysis of the outcomes 
     of the evaluation.
       ``(i) Funding.--
       ``(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity 
     Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this 
     section $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year 
     thereafter, to remain available until expended.
       ``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain 
     available until expended.
       ``(3) Allocation of funds.--
       ``(A) Regional partnerships.--Of the funds made available 
     to carry out this section for a fiscal year, 10 percent shall 
     be used to provide grants to support partnerships under 
     subsection (c).
       ``(B) Development grants for producers.--
       ``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), of the funds 
     made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year, 
     35 percent shall be used for grants under subsection (d)(5).
       ``(ii) Reservation of funds.--

       ``(I) Majority-controlled producer-based business 
     ventures.--The total amount of grants under subsection (d)(5) 
     provided to majority-controlled producer-based business 
     ventures for a fiscal year shall not exceed 10 percent of the 
     amount allocated under clause (i).
       ``(II) Beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged 
     farmers and ranchers.--Of the funds made available for grants 
     under subsection (d)(5), 10 percent shall be reserved for 
     grants provided to beginning, veteran, and socially 
     disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
       ``(III) Mid-tier value chains.--Of the funds made available 
     for grants under subsection (d)(5), 10 percent shall be 
     reserved for grants to develop mid-tier value chains.
       ``(IV) Food safety assistance.--Of the funds made available 
     for grants under subsection (d)(5), not more than 25 percent 
     shall be reserved for grants for eligible activities 
     described in subsection (d)(2)(J).

       ``(C) Development grants for other eligible entities.--Of 
     the funds made available to carry out this section for a 
     fiscal year, 47 percent shall be used for grants under 
     subsection (d)(6).
       ``(D) Unobligated funds.--Any funds under subparagraph (A), 
     (B), or (C) that are not obligated for the uses described in 
     that subparagraph, as applicable, by September 30 of the 
     fiscal year for which the funds were made available--
       ``(i) shall be available to the agency carrying out the 
     Program with the unobligated funds to carry out any function 
     of the Program, as determined by the Secretary; and
       ``(ii) may carry over to the next fiscal year.
       ``(E) Administrative expenses.--Not greater than 8 percent 
     of amounts made available to provide grants under subsections 
     (c) and (d)(6) for a fiscal year may be used for 
     administrative expenses.''.
       (c) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Agricultural marketing resource center pilot project.--
     Section 231 of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 
     (7 U.S.C. 1632a) is amended--
       (A) by striking the section heading and inserting 
     ``agricultural marketing resource center pilot project.'';
       (B) by striking subsections (a), (b), (d), and (e);
       (C) in subsection (c)--
       (i) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subsections 
     (a) and (b), respectively, and indenting appropriately; and
       (ii) by striking the subsection designation and heading;
       (D) in subsection (a) (as so redesignated)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``Notwithstanding'' and all that follows through ``paragraph 
     (2)'' and inserting the following: ``The Secretary shall not 
     use more than 2.5 percent of the funds made available to 
     carry out the Local Agriculture Market Program established 
     under section 210A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 
     to establish a pilot project (to be known as the 
     `Agricultural Marketing Resource Center') at an eligible 
     institution described in subsection (b)''; and
       (ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as 
     paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately; and
       (E) in subsection (b) (as so redesignated)--
       (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C) as 
     paragraphs (1) through (3), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately; and
       (ii) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``paragraph (1)(A)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(1)''.
       (2) Agriculture innovation center demonstration program.--
     Section 6402(f) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
     of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1632b(f)) is amended in the matter 
     preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``section 231(d) of the 
     Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 1621 note; 
     Public Law 106-224))'' and inserting ``section 210A(d)(2) of 
     the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946''.
       (3) Local food production and program evaluation.--Section 
     10016(b)(3)(B) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 
     2204h(b)(2)(B)) is amended by striking ``Farmers' Market and 
     Local Food Promotion Program established under section 6 of 
     the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 
     3005)'' and inserting ``Local Agriculture Market Program 
     established under section 210A of the Agricultural Marketing 
     Act of 1946''.
       (4) Program metrics.--Section 6209(a) of the Agricultural 
     Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 2207b(a)) is amended by striking 
     paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) section 210A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 
     1946;''.
       (5) Farmer-to-consumer direct marketing act of 1976.--
       (A) Section 4 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing 
     Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3003) is amended--
       (i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary''; and
       (ii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to 
     carry out this section.''.
       (B) Sections 6, 7, and 8 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct 
     Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005, 3006; 90 Stat. 1983) 
     are repealed.

     SEC. 10103. 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) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``through fiscal 
     year 2012''; and
       (B) by striking ``$5,000,000, to remain available until 
     expended.'' and inserting the following: ``, to remain 
     available until expended--
       ``(A) $5,000,000 for each of the periods of fiscal years 
     2008 through 2012 and 2014 through 2018; and
       ``(B) $5,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2019 
     through 2023.'';
       (2) by striking paragraph (2);
       (3) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); and
       (4) in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) by striking ``paragraphs (1) and (2)'' and inserting 
     ``paragraph (1)''; and
       (B) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 10104. ORGANIC CERTIFICATION.

       (a) Exclusions From Certification.--Not later than 1 year 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
     issue regulations to limit the type of organic operations 
     that are excluded from certification under section 205.101 of 
     title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, and from certification 
     under any other related sections under part 205 of title 7, 
     Code of Federal Regulations.
       (b) Definitions.--Section 2103 of the Organic Foods 
     Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6502) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) by striking ``The term'' and inserting the following:
       ``(A) In general.--The term''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) Foreign operations.--When used in the context of a 
     certifying agent operating in a foreign country, the term 
     `certifying agent' includes a certifying agent--
       ``(i) accredited in accordance with section 2106(b)(1); or
       ``(ii) accredited by a foreign government that acted under 
     an equivalency arrangement negotiated between the United 
     States and the foreign government.'';
       (2) by redesignating paragraphs (13) through (21) as 
     paragraphs (14) through (22), respectively; and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (12) the following:
       ``(13) National organic program import certificate.--The 
     term `national organic program import certificate' means a 
     form developed for purposes of the program under this title--
       ``(A) to provide documentation sufficient to verify that an 
     agricultural product imported for sale in the United States 
     satisfies the requirement under section 2106(b)(1); and

[[Page S4607]]

       ``(B) which shall include, at a minimum, information 
     sufficient to indicate, with respect to the agricultural 
     product--
       ``(i) the origin;
       ``(ii) the destination;
       ``(iii) the certifying agent issuing the national organic 
     program import certificate;
       ``(iv) the harmonized tariff code, if a harmonized tariff 
     code exists for the agricultural product;
       ``(v) the total weight; and
       ``(vi) the organic standard to which the agricultural 
     product is certified.''.
       (c) Documentation and Traceability Enhancement; Data 
     Collection.--Section 2106(b) of the Organic Foods Production 
     Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6505(b)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Imported'' and inserting the following:
       ``(1) Accreditation of foreign organic certification 
     program.--Imported''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Import certification.--
       ``(A) Import certificates.--For an agricultural product 
     being imported into the United States to be represented as 
     organically produced, the Secretary shall require the 
     agricultural product to be accompanied by a complete and 
     valid national organic program import certificate, which 
     shall be available as an electronic record.
       ``(B) Tracking system.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a system 
     to track national organic program import certificates.
       ``(ii) Integration.--In establishing the system under 
     clause (i), the Secretary may integrate the system into any 
     existing information tracking systems for imports of 
     agricultural products.
       ``(3) Modernization of trade tracking and data collection 
     systems.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall modernize 
     international trade tracking and data collection systems of 
     the national organic program established under this title.
       ``(B) Activities.--In carrying out subparagraph (A), the 
     Secretary shall modernize trade and transaction certificates 
     to ensure full traceability to the port of entry without 
     unduly hindering trade, such as through an electronic trade 
     document exchange system.
       ``(4) Reports.--
       ``(A) In general.--On an annual basis, the Secretary shall 
     submit to Congress and make publically available on the 
     website of the Department of Agriculture a report providing 
     detailed quantitative data on imports of organically produced 
     agricultural products accepted into the United States during 
     the year covered by the report.
       ``(B) Requirements.--The data described in subparagraph (A) 
     shall be broken down by agricultural product type, quantity, 
     value, and month.
       ``(C) Exception.--Any data that is specific enough to be 
     protected as confidential business information shall not be 
     provided in the report under subparagraph (A).''.
       (d) Accreditation Program.--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);
       (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
       ``(c) Oversight of Satellite Offices and Foreign 
     Operations.--As part of the accreditation of certifying 
     agents under this section, the Secretary shall oversee any 
     certifying agent operating in a foreign country.''; and
       (3) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) by striking ``section shall'' and inserting the 
     following: ``section--
       ``(1) subject to paragraph (2), shall''; and
       (B) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)--
       (i) by striking ``of''; and
       (ii) by striking ``Secretary, and may'' and inserting the 
     following: ``Secretary;
       ``(2) in the case of a certifying agent operating in a 
     foreign country, shall be for a period of time that is 
     consistent with the certification of a domestic certifying 
     agent, as determined appropriate by the Secretary; and
       ``(3) may''.
       (e) National Organic Standards Board.--Section 2119(i) of 
     the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6518(i)) 
     is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Two-thirds'' and inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--\2/3\''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) National list.--Any vote on a motion proposing to 
     amend the national list shall be considered to be a decisive 
     vote that requires \2/3\ of the votes cast at a meeting of 
     the Board at which a quorum is present to prevail.''.
       (f) Investigations.--Section 2120(b) of the Organic Foods 
     Production Act (7 U.S.C. 6519(b)) is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:
       ``(3) Information sharing during active investigation.--In 
     carrying out this title, all parties conducting an active 
     investigation under this subsection (including certifying 
     agents, State organic certification programs, and the 
     national organic program) shall 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.
       ``(4) Expedited procedures for foreign operations.--
       ``(A) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish 
     expedited investigative procedures under this subsection to 
     review the accreditation of a certifying agent operating in a 
     foreign country under any of the circumstances described in 
     subparagraph (B).
       ``(B) Expedited procedures.--The Secretary shall promptly 
     carry out expedited investigative procedures established 
     under subparagraph (A) to review the accreditation of a 
     certifying agent operating in a foreign country if--
       ``(i) the accreditation of the certifying agent is revoked 
     by a foreign government--

       ``(I) operating an organic certification program described 
     in section 2106(b)(1); or
       ``(II) that acted under an equivalency arrangement 
     negotiated between the United States and the foreign 
     government; or

       ``(ii) the Secretary determines that there is a sudden and 
     substantial increase in the rate and quantity of imports of 
     an individual organically produced agricultural product from 
     the foreign country, in which case the expedited 
     investigative procedures shall be carried out with respect to 
     each certifying agent of that agricultural product in that 
     foreign country.''.
       (g) Data Organization and Access.--Section 2122 of the 
     Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6521) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Data Relating to Imports of Organically Produced 
     Agricultural Products.--
       ``(1) Access to data documentation systems.--The head of 
     each Federal agency that administers a cross-border 
     documentation system shall provide to the head of each other 
     Federal agency that administers such a system access to 
     available data from the system, 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.
       ``(2) Data collection and organization system.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a new 
     system or modify an existing data collection and organization 
     system to collect and organize in a single system 
     quantitative data on imports of each organically produced 
     agricultural product accepted into the United States.
       ``(B) Access.--The single system under subparagraph (A) 
     shall be accessible by any agency with the authority to 
     engage in--
       ``(i) inspection of imports of agricultural products;
       ``(ii) trade data collection and organization; or
       ``(iii) enforcement of trade requirements for organically 
     produced agricultural products.''.
       (h) Organic Agricultural Product Imports Interagency 
     Working Group.--The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 is 
     amended by inserting after section 2122 (7 U.S.C. 6521) the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 2122A. ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT IMPORTS 
                   INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.

       ``(a) Establishment.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary and the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security shall jointly establish a working group to 
     facilitate coordination and information sharing between the 
     Department of Agriculture and U.S. Customs and Border 
     Protection relating to imports of organically produced 
     agricultural products (referred to in this section as the 
     `working group').
       ``(2) Members.--The working group--
       ``(A) shall include--
       ``(i) the Secretary (or a designee); and
       ``(ii) the Secretary of Homeland Security (or a designee); 
     and
       ``(B) shall not include any non-Federal officer or 
     employee.
       ``(3) Duties.--The working group shall facilitate 
     coordination and information sharing between the Department 
     of Agriculture and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the 
     purposes of--
       ``(A) identifying imports of organically produced 
     agricultural products;
       ``(B) verifying the authenticity of organically produced 
     agricultural product import documentation, such as national 
     organic program import certificates;
       ``(C) ensuring imported agricultural products represented 
     as organically produced meet the requirements under this 
     title;
       ``(D) collecting and organizing quantitative data on 
     imports of organically produced agricultural products; and
       ``(E) reporting to Congress on--
       ``(i) enforcement activity carried out by the Department of 
     Agriculture or U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the 
     United States or abroad; and
       ``(ii) barriers to preventing agricultural products 
     fraudulently represented as organically produced from entry 
     into the United States.
       ``(4) Designated employees and officials.--An employee or 
     official designated to carry out the duties of the Secretary 
     or the Secretary of Homeland Security on the working group 
     under subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (2) shall be an 
     employee or official compensated at a rate of pay not less 
     than the minimum annual rate of basic pay for GS-12 under 
     section 5332 of title 5, United States Code.
       ``(b) Reports.--On an annual basis, the working group shall 
     submit to Congress and make publically available on the 
     websites of the Department of Agriculture and U.S. Customs 
     and Border Protection the following reports:
       ``(1) Organic trade enforcement interagency coordination 
     report.--A report--

[[Page S4608]]

       ``(A) identifying existing barriers to cooperation between 
     the agencies involved in agricultural product import 
     inspection, trade data collection and organization, and 
     organically produced agricultural product trade enforcement, 
     including--
       ``(i) U.S. Customs and Border Protection;
       ``(ii) the Agricultural Marketing Service; and
       ``(iii) the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service;
       ``(B) assessing progress toward integrating organic trade 
     enforcement into import inspection procedures of U.S. Customs 
     and Border Protection and the Animal and Plant Health 
     Inspection Service, including an assessment of--
       ``(i) the status of the development of systems for--

       ``(I) tracking the fumigation of imports of organically 
     produced agricultural products into the United States; and
       ``(II) electronically verifying national organic program 
     import certificate authenticity; and

       ``(ii) training of U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
     personnel on--

       ``(I) the use of the systems described in clause (i); and
       ``(II) requirements and protocols under this title;

       ``(C) establishing outcome-based goals for ensuring imports 
     of agricultural products represented as organically produced 
     meet the requirements under this title;
       ``(D) recommending steps to improve the documentation and 
     traceability of imported organically produced agricultural 
     products;
       ``(E) recommending and describing steps toward the goals 
     of--
       ``(i) achieving complete compliance with the requirements 
     of this title for all agricultural products imported into the 
     United States and represented as organically produced; and
       ``(ii) ensuring accurate labeling and marketing of imported 
     agricultural products represented as organically produced by 
     the exporter;
       ``(F) providing a timeline for implementing the steps 
     described in subparagraph (E);
       ``(G) identifying additional resources needed to achieve 
     any unmet goals; and
       ``(H) describing staffing needs at U.S. Customs and Border 
     Protection and the Department of Agriculture to achieve the 
     goals for ensuring organic integrity described in the report.
       ``(2) Report on enforcement actions taken on organic 
     imports.--A report--
       ``(A) providing detailed quantitative data (broken down by 
     commodity type, quantity, value, month, and origin) on 
     imports of agricultural products represented as organically 
     produced found to be fraudulent or lacking any documentation 
     required under this title at the port of entry during the 
     report year;
       ``(B) providing data on domestic enforcement actions taken 
     on imported agricultural products represented as organically 
     produced, including--
       ``(i) the number and type of actions taken by United States 
     officials at ports of entry in response to violations of this 
     title; and
       ``(ii) the total quantity and value of the agricultural 
     products that were the subject of the actions, broken down by 
     product variety and country of origin;
       ``(C) providing data on fumigation of agricultural products 
     represented as organically produced at ports of entry and 
     notifications of fumigation actions to shipment owners, 
     broken down by product variety and country of origin; and
       ``(D) providing information on enforcement activities under 
     this title involving overseas investigations and compliance 
     actions taken within that year, including--
       ``(i) the number of investigations by country; and
       ``(ii) a descriptive summary of compliance actions taken by 
     certifying agents in each country.''.
       (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 2123 of the 
     Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6522) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking the section heading and inserting 
     ``funding'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking paragraphs (1) through 
     (7) and inserting the following:
       ``(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.''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Modernization of Trade Tracking and Data Collection 
     Systems.--
       ``(1) In general.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
     Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out section 
     2106(b)(3) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2019, to remain 
     available until expended.
       ``(2) Additional amount.--The amount made available under 
     paragraph (1) shall be in addition to any other amounts made 
     available to carry out section 2106(b)(3).''.
       (j) Trade Savings Provision.--The amendments made by 
     subsections (c), (d), and (f) shall be carried out in a 
     manner consistent with United States obligations under 
     international agreements.

     SEC. 10105. NATIONAL ORGANIC CERTIFICATION COST-SHARE 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) Elimination of Directed Delegation.--Section 10606(a) 
     of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 
     U.S.C. 6523(a)) is amended by striking ``(acting through the 
     Agricultural Marketing Service)''.
       (b) Funding.--Section 10606 of the Farm Security and Rural 
     Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 6523) is amended by striking 
     subsection (d) and inserting the following:
       ``(d) Mandatory Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity 
     Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to 
     carry out this section $11,500,000 for each of fiscal years 
     2019 through 2023, to remain available until expended.''.

     SEC. 10106. 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. 10107. 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), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023'';
       (2) in subsection (e)--
       (A) by striking ``shall identify'' and inserting the 
     following: ``shall--
       ``(1) identify'';
       (B) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking ``plan 
     and indicate'' and inserting the following: ``plan;
       ``(2) indicate'';
       (C) in paragraph (2) (as so designated), by striking 
     ``crops.'' and inserting ``crops at the national, regional, 
     and local levels;''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) include performance measures developed by the State 
     department of agriculture, in consultation with specialty 
     crop stakeholders, to be used as the primary means for 
     performing an evaluation; and
       ``(4) provide best practices for methods used to enhance 
     the competitiveness of specialty crops across multiple 
     commodities, types of production, and geographic 
     locations.'';
       (3) in subsection (f)--
       (A) in the second sentence, by striking ``The Secretary'' 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Acceptance or rejection.--The Secretary'';
       (B) in the matter preceding paragraph (2) (as so 
     designated), by striking ``In reviewing'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--In reviewing''; and
       (C) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)--
       (i) by striking ``would carry'' and inserting the 
     following: ``would--
       ``(A) carry''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by striking 
     ``(a).'' and inserting the following: ``(a); and
       ``(B) meet the requirements described in subsection (e).'';
       (4) in subsection (h)--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by inserting ``and 
     Evaluation'' after ``Audit'';
       (B) in the second sentence, by striking ``Not later than 30 
     days after the completion of the audit,'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(2) Submission of audit.--Not later than 30 days after 
     the completion of the audit under paragraph (1)(A),'';
       (C) in the matter preceding paragraph (2) (as so 
     designated), by striking ``For each'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--For each''; and
       (D) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)--
       (i) by striking ``conduct an audit'' and inserting the 
     following: ``conduct--
       ``(A) an audit''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by striking 
     ``State.'' and inserting the following: ``State; and
       ``(B) an evaluation of performance measures developed under 
     subsection (e)(3).'';
       (5) in subsection (k)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``3'' and inserting 
     ``4'';
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``8'' and inserting 
     ``9''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Guidance.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each year, prior to the submission of 
     State plans under subsection (d), the Secretary shall provide 
     guidance to States regarding best practices and national and 
     regional priorities.
       ``(B) National and regional priorities.--National and 
     regional priorities described in subparagraph (A) shall be--
       ``(i) based on formal stakeholder input; and
       ``(ii) considered by the Secretary as States develop State 
     plans under subsection (d).
       ``(4) Multistate projects.--Notwithstanding subsection (a) 
     and paragraph (1), the Administrator of the Agricultural 
     Marketing Service shall administer the funds of approved 
     multistate projects under subsection (j).''; and
       (6) in subsection (l)(2)(E), by inserting ``and each fiscal 
     year thereafter'' before the period at the end.

     SEC. 10108. PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION.

       Section 42(a) of the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 
     2402(a)) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by 
     striking ``or tuber propagated'' and inserting ``tuber 
     propagated or asexually propagated''.

     SEC. 10109. MULTIPLE CROP AND PESTICIDE USE SURVEY.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Director 
     of the Office of Pest Management Policy, shall conduct a 
     multiple crop and pesticide use survey of farmers to collect 
     data for risk assessment modeling and mitigation for an 
     active ingredient.
       (b) Submission.--The Secretary shall submit to the 
     Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and make 
     publically available the survey described in subsection (a).
       (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to

[[Page S4609]]

     carry out this section $2,500,000, to remain available until 
     expended.
       (d) Confidentiality of Information.--Section 1770 of the 
     Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 2276) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``(a) In the case'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) In General.--In the case''; and
       (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``subsection (d)(12)'' 
     and inserting ``paragraph (12) or (13) of subsection (d)''; 
     and
       (2) in subsection (d)--
       (A) by striking ``(d) For purposes'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(d) Provisions of Law References.--For purposes'';
       (B) in paragraph (11), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (C) in paragraph (12), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; or''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(13) section 10109 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 
     2018.''.

     SEC. 10110. CLARIFICATION OF USE OF FUNDS FOR TECHNICAL 
                   ASSISTANCE.

       Section 11 of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act 
     (15 U.S.C. 714i) is amended in the last sentence by inserting 
     after ``activities'' the following: ``but excluding any 
     amounts used to provide technical assistance under title X of 
     the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 or an amendment made 
     by that title.''.

     SEC. 10111. HEMP PRODUCTION.

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

                     ``Subtitle G--Hemp Production

     ``SEC. 297A. DEFINITIONS.

       ``In this subtitle:
       ``(1) Hemp.--The term `hemp' means the plant Cannabis 
     sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds 
     thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, 
     acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, 
     with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more 
     than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.
       ``(2) 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).
       ``(3) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary 
     of Agriculture.
       ``(4) 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.
       ``(5) State department of agriculture.--The term `State 
     department of agriculture' means the agency, commission, or 
     department of a State government responsible for agriculture 
     in the State.
       ``(6) Tribal government.--The term `Tribal government' 
     means the governing body of an Indian tribe.

     ``SEC. 297B. STATE AND TRIBAL PLANS.

       ``(a) Submission.--
       ``(1) In general.--A State or Indian tribe desiring to have 
     primary regulatory authority over the production of hemp in 
     the State or territory of the Indian tribe shall submit to 
     the Secretary, through the State department of agriculture 
     (in consultation with the Governor and chief law enforcement 
     officer of the State) or the Tribal government, as 
     applicable, a plan under which the State or Indian tribe 
     monitors and regulates that production as described in 
     paragraph (2).
       ``(2) Contents.--A State or Tribal plan referred to in 
     paragraph (1)--
       ``(A) shall only be required to include--
       ``(i) a practice to maintain relevant information regarding 
     land on which hemp is produced in the State or territory of 
     the Indian tribe, including a legal description of the land, 
     for a period of not less than 3 calendar years;
       ``(ii) a procedure for testing, using post-decarboxylation 
     or other similarly reliable methods, delta-9 
     tetrahydrocannabinol concentration levels of hemp produced in 
     the State or territory of the Indian tribe;
       ``(iii) a procedure for the effective disposal of products 
     that are produced in violation of this subtitle;
       ``(iv) a procedure to comply with the enforcement 
     procedures under subsection (d);
       ``(v) a procedure for conducting annual inspections of a 
     random sample of hemp producers--

       ``(I) to verify that hemp is not produced in violation of 
     this subtitle; and
       ``(II) in a manner that ensures that a hemp producer is 
     subject to not more than 1 inspection each year; and

       ``(vi) a certification that the State or Indian tribe has 
     the resources and personnel to carry out the practices and 
     procedures described in clauses (i) through (v); and
       ``(B) may include any other practice or procedure 
     established by a State or Indian tribe, as applicable, to the 
     extent that the practice or procedure is consistent with this 
     subtitle.
       ``(3) Relation to state and tribal law.--
       ``(A) No preemption.--Nothing in this subsection preempts 
     or limits any law of a State or Indian tribe regulating the 
     production of hemp, to the extent that law is consistent with 
     this subtitle.
       ``(B) References in plans.--A State or Tribal plan referred 
     to in paragraph (1) may include a reference to a law of the 
     State or Indian tribe regulating the production of hemp, to 
     the extent that law is consistent with this subtitle.
       ``(b) Approval.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after receipt of 
     a State or Tribal plan under subsection (a), the Secretary 
     shall--
       ``(A) approve the State or Tribal plan if the State or 
     Tribal plan complies with subsection (a); or
       ``(B) disapprove the State or Tribal plan only if the State 
     or Tribal plan does not comply with subsection (a).
       ``(2) Amended plans.--If the Secretary disapproves a State 
     or Tribal plan under paragraph (1)(B), the State, through the 
     State department of agriculture (in consultation with the 
     Governor and chief law enforcement officer of the State) or 
     the Tribal government, as applicable, may submit to the 
     Secretary an amended State or Tribal plan that complies with 
     subsection (a).
       ``(3) Consultation.--The Secretary may consult with the 
     Attorney General in carrying out this subsection.
       ``(c) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may provide 
     technical assistance to a State or Indian tribe in the 
     development of a State or Tribal plan under subsection (a).
       ``(d) Violations.--
       ``(1) In general.--A violation of a State or Tribal plan 
     approved under subsection (b) shall be subject to enforcement 
     solely in accordance with this subsection.
       ``(2) Negligent violations.--
       ``(A) In general.--A hemp producer in a State or the 
     territory of an Indian tribe for which a State or Tribal plan 
     is approved under subsection (b) shall be subject to 
     subparagraph (B) of this paragraph if the State department of 
     agriculture or Tribal government, as applicable, determines 
     that the hemp producer has negligently violated the State or 
     Tribal plan, including by negligently--
       ``(i) failing to provide a legal description of land on 
     which the producer produces hemp;
       ``(ii) failing to obtain a license or other required 
     authorization from the State department of agriculture or 
     Tribal government, as applicable; or
       ``(iii) producing Cannabis sativa L. with a delta-9 
     tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of more than 0.3 percent 
     on a dry weight basis.
       ``(B) Corrective action plan.--A hemp producer described in 
     subparagraph (A) shall comply with a plan established by the 
     State department of agriculture or Tribal government, as 
     applicable, to correct the negligent violation, including--
       ``(i) a reasonable date by which the hemp producer shall 
     correct the negligent violation; and
       ``(ii) a requirement that the hemp producer shall 
     periodically report to the State department of agriculture or 
     Tribal government, as applicable, on the compliance of the 
     hemp producer with the State or Tribal plan for a period of 
     not less than the next 2 calendar years.
       ``(C) Result of negligent violation.--Except as provided in 
     subparagraph (D), a hemp producer that negligently violates a 
     State or Tribal plan under subparagraph (A) shall not as a 
     result of that violation be subject to any criminal or civil 
     enforcement action by the Federal Government or any State 
     government, Tribal government, or local government other than 
     the enforcement action authorized under subparagraph (B).
       ``(D) Repeat violations.--A hemp producer that negligently 
     violates a State or Tribal plan under subparagraph (A) 3 
     times in a 5-year period shall be ineligible to produce hemp 
     for a period of 5 years beginning on the date of the third 
     violation.
       ``(3) Other violations.--
       ``(A) In general.--If the State department of agriculture 
     or Tribal government in a State or the territory of an Indian 
     tribe for which a State or Tribal plan is approved under 
     subsection (b), as applicable, determines that a hemp 
     producer in the State or territory has violated the State or 
     Tribal plan with a culpable mental state greater than 
     negligence--
       ``(i) the State department of agriculture or Tribal 
     government, as applicable, shall immediately report the hemp 
     producer to--

       ``(I) the Attorney General; and
       ``(II) in the case of a State department of agriculture, 
     the chief law enforcement officer of the State; and

       ``(ii) paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not apply to 
     the violation.
       ``(B) Felony.--Any person convicted of a felony relating to 
     a controlled substance under State or Federal law shall be 
     ineligible--
       ``(i) to participate in the program established under this 
     section; and
       ``(ii) to produce hemp under any regulations or guidelines 
     issued under section 297D(a).
       ``(C) False statement.--Any person who materially falsifies 
     any information contained in an application to participate in 
     the program established under this section shall be 
     ineligible to participate in that program.
       ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to 
     carry out this section.
       ``(f) Effect.--Nothing in this section prohibits the 
     production of hemp in a State or the territory of an Indian 
     tribe for which a State or Tribal plan is not approved under 
     this section in accordance with section 297C or other Federal 
     laws (including regulations).

     ``SEC. 297C. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

       ``(a) Department of Agriculture Plan.--

[[Page S4610]]

       ``(1) In general.--In the case of a State or Indian tribe 
     for which a State or Tribal plan is not approved under 
     section 297B, the production of hemp in that State or the 
     territory of that Indian tribe shall be subject to a plan 
     established by the Secretary to monitor and regulate that 
     production in accordance with paragraph (2).
       ``(2) Content.--A plan established by the Secretary under 
     paragraph (1) shall include--
       ``(A) a practice to maintain relevant information regarding 
     land on which hemp is produced in the State or territory of 
     the Indian tribe, including a legal description of the land, 
     for a period of not less than 3 calendar years;
       ``(B) a procedure for testing, using post-decarboxylation 
     or other similarly reliable methods, delta-9 
     tetrahydrocannabinol concentration levels of hemp produced in 
     the State or territory of the Indian tribe;
       ``(C) a procedure for the effective disposal of products 
     that are produced in violation of this subtitle;
       ``(D) a procedure to comply with the enforcement procedures 
     under subsection (c)(2);
       ``(E) a procedure for conducting annual inspections of a 
     random sample of hemp producers--
       ``(i) to verify that hemp is not produced in violation of 
     this subtitle; and
       ``(ii) in a manner that ensures that a hemp producer is 
     subject to not more than 1 inspection each year; and
       ``(F) such other practices or procedures as the Secretary 
     considers to be appropriate, to the extent that the practice 
     or procedure is consistent with this subtitle.
       ``(b) Licensing.--The Secretary shall establish a procedure 
     to issue licenses to hemp producers in accordance with a plan 
     established under subsection (a).
       ``(c) Violations.--
       ``(1) In general.--In the case of a State or Indian tribe 
     for which a State or Tribal plan is not approved under 
     section 297B, it shall be unlawful to produce hemp in that 
     State or the territory of that Indian tribe without a license 
     issued by the Secretary under subsection (b).
       ``(2) Negligent and other violations.--A violation of a 
     plan established under subsection (a) shall be subject to 
     enforcement in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3) of 
     section 297B(d), except that the Secretary shall carry out 
     that enforcement instead of a State department of agriculture 
     or Tribal government.
       ``(3) Reporting to attorney general.--In the case of a 
     State or Indian tribe covered by paragraph (1), the Secretary 
     shall report the production of hemp without a license issued 
     by the Secretary under subsection (b) to the Attorney 
     General.

     ``SEC. 297D. AUTHORITY TO ISSUE REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES; 
                   EFFECT ON OTHER LAW.

       ``(a) Authority.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall have sole authority 
     to issue Federal regulations and guidelines that relate to 
     the production of hemp, including Federal regulations and 
     guidelines that relate to the implementation of sections 297B 
     and 279C.
       ``(2) Consultation with attorney general.--The Secretary 
     may consult with the Attorney General before issuing 
     regulations and guidelines under paragraph (1).
       ``(b) Effect on Other Law.--Nothing in this subtitle shall 
     affect or modify--
       ``(1) the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 
     301 et seq.); or
       ``(2) the authority of the Commissioner of Food and Drugs 
     and the Secretary of Health and Human Services under that 
     Act.''.

     SEC. 10112. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.

       Nothing in this title authorizes interference with the 
     interstate commerce of hemp (as defined in section 297A of 
     the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as added by section 
     10111).

                        TITLE XI--CROP INSURANCE

     SEC. 11101. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1502(b)) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), 
     and (11) as paragraphs (7), (8), (10), (11), (12), and (13) 
     respectively;
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
       ``(6) Cover crop termination.--The term `cover crop 
     termination' means a practice that historically and under 
     reasonable circumstances results in the termination of the 
     growth of a cover crop.''; and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (8) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(9) Hemp.--The term `hemp' has the meaning given the term 
     in section 297A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946.''.

     SEC. 11102. DATA COLLECTION.

       Section 506(h)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 
     U.S.C. 1506(h)(2)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The Corporation'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) In general.--The Corporation''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) National agricultural statistics service.--Data 
     collected by the National Agricultural Statistics Service, 
     whether published or unpublished, shall be--
       ``(i) provided in an aggregate form to the Corporation for 
     the purpose of providing insurance under this subtitle; and
       ``(ii) kept confidential by the Corporation in the same 
     manner and to the same extent as is required under--

       ``(I) section 1770 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 
     U.S.C. 2276); and
       ``(II) the Confidential Information Protection and 
     Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002 (44 U.S.C. 3501 note; 
     Public Law 107-347).

       ``(C) Noninsured crop disaster assistance program.--In 
     collecting data under this subsection, the Secretary shall 
     ensure that--
       ``(i) appropriate data are collected through the noninsured 
     crop disaster assistance program established by section 196 
     of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 
     (7 U.S.C. 7333); and
       ``(ii) not less frequently than annually, the Farm Service 
     Agency shares, and the Corporation considers, the data 
     described in clause (i).''.

     SEC. 11103. SHARING OF RECORDS.

       Section 506(h)(3) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 
     U.S.C. 1506(h)(3)) is amended by inserting ``applicants who 
     have received payment under section 522(b)(2)(E),'' after 
     ``divisions,''.

     SEC. 11104. USE OF RESOURCES.

       Section 507(f) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1507(f)) is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(3) the Farm Service Agency, in assisting the Board in--
       ``(A) the determination of individual producer yields;
       ``(B) sharing information on beginning farmers and ranchers 
     and veteran farmers and ranchers;
       ``(C) investigating potential waste, fraud, or abuse;
       ``(D) sharing information to support the transition of 
     crops and counties from the noninsured crop disaster 
     assistance program established by section 196 of the Federal 
     Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 
     7333) to insurance under this subtitle; and
       ``(E) serving as a local point of contact for the 
     dissemination of information on risk management options 
     available to farmers and ranchers; and
       ``(4) other Federal agencies, in assisting the Board in any 
     way the Board determines is necessary in carrying out this 
     subtitle.'';
       (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(2) the'' and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(2) the''; and
       (3) by striking ``(f) The Board'' in the matter preceding 
     paragraph (1) and all that follows through the semicolon at 
     the end of paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(f) Use of Resources, Data, Boards, and Committees of 
     Federal Agencies.--The Board shall use, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, the resources, data, boards, and the committees 
     of--
       ``(1) the Natural Resources Conservation Service, in 
     assisting the board in--
       ``(A) the classification of land as to risk and production 
     capability;
       ``(B) the assessment of--
       ``(i) long-term trends in, and impacts from, weather 
     variability; and
       ``(ii) opportunities to ameliorate the impacts described in 
     clause (i); and
       ``(C) the consideration of acceptable conservation 
     practices, including good farming practices with respect to 
     conservation (such as cover crop termination);''.

     SEC. 11105. SPECIALTY CROPS.

       (a) Specialty Crops Coordinator.--Section 507(g) of the 
     Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1507(g)) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Specialty crop liaisons.--The Specialty Crops 
     Coordinator shall--
       ``(A) designate a Specialty Crops Liaison in each regional 
     field office; and
       ``(B) share the contact information of the Specialty Crops 
     Liaisons with specialty crop producers.
       ``(5) Website.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Specialty Crops Coordinator shall 
     establish a website focused on the efforts of the Corporation 
     to provide and expand crop insurance for specialty crop 
     producers.
       ``(B) Inclusions.--The website established under 
     subparagraph (A) shall include--
       ``(i) an online mechanism to provide comments or feedback 
     relating to specialty crops;
       ``(ii) a calendar of opportunities to provide comments or 
     feedback at specialty crop events or in other public forums; 
     and
       ``(iii) a plan, with projected completion dates, for 
     examining--

       ``(I) potential new crops to be added to existing policies 
     or plans of insurance for specialty crops;
       ``(II) opportunities to expand existing policies or plans 
     of insurance for specialty crops to new areas; and
       ``(III) the potential for providing additional policies or 
     plans of insurance for specialty crops, such as adding a 
     revenue option or endorsement.''.

       (b) Addition of Specialty Crops and Other Value-added 
     Crops.--Section 508(a)(6) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act 
     (7 U.S.C. 1508(a)(6)) is amended--
       (1) in the paragraph heading, by adding at the end the 
     following: ``(including value-added crops)'';
       (2) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) Annual review.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, and 
     annually thereafter, the manager of the Corporation shall 
     prepare, to the maximum extent practicable, based on data 
     shared from the noninsured crop disaster assistance program 
     established by section 196 of the Federal Agriculture 
     Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333), written 
     agreements, or

[[Page S4611]]

     other data, and present to the Board not less than 2 of each 
     of the following:
       ``(i) Research and development for a policy or plan of 
     insurance for a new crop.
       ``(ii) Expansion of an existing policy or plan of insurance 
     to additional counties or States, including malting barley 
     endorsements or contract options.
       ``(iii) Research and development for a new policy or plan 
     of insurance, or endorsement, for crops with existing 
     policies or plans of insurance, such as dollar plans.'';
       (3) in subparagraph (B), in the subparagraph heading, by 
     striking ``Addition of new crops'' and inserting ``Report''; 
     and
       (4) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D).

     SEC. 11106. INSURANCE PERIOD.

       Section 508(a)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 
     U.S.C. 1508(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``and sweet 
     potatoes'' and inserting ``sweet potatoes, and hemp''.

     SEC. 11107. COVER CROPS.

       Section 508(a) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1508(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)(iii), by striking ``practices'' the 
     first place it appears and all that follows through the 
     period at the end and inserting ``practices.'';
       (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as 
     subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively;
       (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
       ``(B) Voluntary good farming practices.--
       ``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), the following 
     voluntary practices shall be considered good farming 
     practices under subparagraph (A)(iii):

       ``(I) A scientifically sound, sustainable, and organic 
     farming practice, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(II) A conservation activity or enhancement (including 
     cover crops) that is approved by the Natural Resources 
     Conservation Service or an agricultural expert, as determined 
     by the Secretary.

       ``(ii) Expected growth.--A practice described in subclause 
     (I) or (II) of clause (i) shall be considered a good farming 
     practice only if under that practice the insured crop may be 
     expected to make normal progress toward maturity under 
     typical growing conditions, as determined by the 
     Secretary.''; and
       (D) in subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated), in the 
     subparagraph heading, by inserting ``determination review'' 
     after ``practices''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(11) Cover crop termination.--
       ``(A) In general.--Cover crop termination shall not affect 
     the insurability of a subsequently planted insurable crop if 
     the cover crop termination is carried out according to 
     guidelines--
       ``(i) established by the Secretary; or
       ``(ii) approved by--

       ``(I) the Natural Resources Conservation Service; or
       ``(II) an agricultural expert, as determined by the 
     Corporation.

       ``(B) Summer fallow.--In a county in which summer fallow is 
     an insurable practice, a cover crop in that county that is 
     terminated according to guidelines established by the 
     Secretary shall be considered as summer fallow for the 
     purpose of insurability.''.

     SEC. 11108. UNDERSERVED PRODUCERS.

       Section 508(a)(7) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 
     U.S.C. 1508(a)(7)) is amended--
       (1) in the paragraph heading, by inserting ``and 
     underserved producers'' after ``states'';
       (2) in subparagraph (A)--
       (A) by striking the designation and heading and all that 
     follows through ``the term'' and inserting the following:
       ``(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
       ``(i) Adequately served.--The term'';
       (B) in clause (i) (as so designated), by striking 
     ``participation rate'' and inserting ``participation rate, by 
     crop,''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ii) Underserved producer.--The term `underserved 
     producer' means a beginning farmer or rancher, a veteran 
     farmer or rancher, or a socially disadvantaged farmer or 
     rancher.'';
       (3) in subparagraph (B)--
       (A) by striking ``The Board'' and inserting the following:
       ``(i) In general.--The Board'';
       (B) in clause (i) (as so designated), by striking 
     ``subtitle'' and inserting ``subtitle, including policies and 
     plans of insurance for underserved producers,''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ii) Types of production.--In conducting the review under 
     clause (i), the Board shall examine the types of production 
     common among underserved producers, such as diversified 
     production for local markets.''; and
       (4) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(C) Report.--
       ``(i) In general.--Not later than 30 days after completion 
     of the review under subparagraph (B)(i), and not less 
     frequently than once every 3 years thereafter, the Board 
     shall make publically available and 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 results of the review.
       ``(ii) Recommendations.--The report under clause (i) shall 
     include recommendations to increase participation in States 
     and among underserved producers that are not adequately 
     served by the policies and plans of insurance, including any 
     plans for administrative action or recommendations for 
     Congressional action.''.

     SEC. 11109. EXPANSION OF PERFORMANCE-BASED DISCOUNT.

       Section 508(d)(3) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 
     U.S.C. 1508(d)(3)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The Corporation'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) In general.--The Corporation''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(A) Risk-reducing practice discount.--
       ``(i) In general.--Beginning with the 2020 reinsurance 
     year, the Corporation may offer discounts under subparagraph 
     (A) for practices that can be demonstrated to reduce risk 
     relative to other practices.
       ``(ii) Review.--In determining practices for which to offer 
     discounts under clause (i), the Corporation shall--

       ``(I) for the 2020 reinsurance year, consider precision 
     irrigation or fertilization, crop rotations, cover crops, and 
     any other practices determined appropriate by the 
     Corporation; and
       ``(II) on an annual basis, seek expert opinion and consider 
     additional practices based on new evidence.''.

     SEC. 11110. ENTERPRISE UNITS.

       Section 508(e)(5) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 
     U.S.C. 1508(e)(5)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(E) Enterprise units across county lines.--The 
     Corporation may allow a producer to establish a single 
     enterprise unit by combining an enterprise unit with--
       ``(i) 1 or more other enterprise units in 1 or more other 
     counties; or
       ``(ii) all basic units and all optional units in 1 or more 
     other counties.''.

     SEC. 11111. PASTURE, RANGELAND, AND FORAGE POLICY FOR MEMBERS 
                   OF INDIAN TRIBES.

       Section 508(e)(7) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 
     U.S.C. 1508(e)(7)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(D) Pasture, rangeland, and forage policy for members of 
     indian tribes.--With respect to a policy or plan of insurance 
     established under this subtitle for producers of livestock 
     commodities the source of feedstock of which is pasture, 
     rangeland, and forage, the premium subsidy for a member of an 
     Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-
     Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)), 
     as certified to the Secretary by the Chairperson of that 
     Indian tribe (or a designee), shall be 90 percent for the 
     first purchase of that policy or plan of insurance by that 
     member of an Indian tribe.''.

     SEC. 11112. SUBMISSION OF POLICIES AND MATERIALS TO BOARD.

       Section 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1508(h)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)(B)--
       (A) by redesignating clauses (i) through (iii) as 
     subclauses (I) through (III), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (B) in the matter preceding subclause (I) (as so 
     redesignated), by striking ``The Corporation shall'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(i) In general.--The Corporation shall'';
       (C) in clause (i)(I) (as so redesignated), by inserting 
     ``subject to clause (ii),'' before ``will likely''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ii) Waiver for hemp.--The Corporation may waive the 
     viability and marketability requirement under clause (i)(I) 
     in the case of a policy or pilot program relating to the 
     production of hemp.''; and
       (2) in paragraph (3)(C)--
       (A) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in clause (iii), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iv) in the case of reviewing policies and other 
     materials relating to the production of hemp, may waive the 
     viability and marketability requirement under subparagraph 
     (A)(ii)(I).''.

     SEC. 11113. WHOLE FARM REVENUE AGENT INCENTIVES.

       Section 508(k)(4) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 
     U.S.C. 1508(k)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(G) Whole farm revenue agent incentives.--
       ``(i) In general.--Beginning with the 2019 reinsurance 
     year, in the case of an agent that sells a Whole Farm Revenue 
     Policy, or a successor policy, the Corporation shall provide 
     to the approved insurance provider, to pay to the agent, an 
     additional reimbursement, determined in accordance with the 
     following:

       ``(I) If the compensation of the agent authorized under the 
     Standard Reinsurance Agreement for the policy is less than 
     $1,000, the reimbursement shall be an amount equal to the 
     difference between--

       ``(aa) $1,000; and
       ``(bb) the amount authorized under the Standard Reinsurance 
     Agreement for the policy.

       ``(II) If the producer, or any entity in which the producer 
     had an insurable interest, has never previously obtained 
     coverage under a Whole Farm Revenue Policy, or a successor 
     policy, in addition to any amount authorized under subclause 
     (I), the reimbursement shall be $300 for each Whole Farm 
     Revenue Policy, or successor policy.

       ``(ii) Limitation on use.--Any additional reimbursement 
     authorized under clause (i)

[[Page S4612]]

     shall not be included for the purpose of establishing the 
     limitation on the compensation for agents under the Standard 
     Reinsurance Agreement.''.

     SEC. 11114. CROP PRODUCTION ON NATIVE SOD.

       Section 508(o) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1508(o)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (A) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(A) In general.--
       ``(i) Agricultural act of 2014.--Native sod acreage that 
     has been tilled for the production of an insurable crop 
     during the period beginning on February 8, 2014, and ending 
     on the date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act 
     of 2018 shall be subject to 4 cumulative years of a reduction 
     in benefits under this subtitle as described in this 
     paragraph.
       ``(ii) Subsequent years.--

       ``(I) Non-hay and non-forage crops.--As determined by the 
     Secretary, native sod acreage that has been tilled for the 
     production of an insurable crop other than a hay or forage 
     crop after the date of enactment of the Agriculture 
     Improvement Act of 2018 shall be subject to 4 cumulative 
     years of a reduction in benefits under this subtitle as 
     described in this paragraph.
       ``(II) Hay and forage crops.--During each crop year of 
     planting, as determined by the Secretary, native sod acreage 
     that has been tilled for the production of an insurable hay 
     or forage crop after the date of enactment of the Agriculture 
     Improvement Act of 2018 shall be subject to 4 cumulative 
     years of a reduction in benefits under this subtitle as 
     described in this paragraph.'';

       (2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4);
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Native sod conversion certification.--
       ``(A) Certification.--As a condition on the receipt of 
     benefits under this subtitle, a producer that has tilled 
     native sod acreage for the production of an insurable crop as 
     described in paragraph (2)(A) shall certify to the Secretary 
     that acreage using--
       ``(i) an acreage report form of the Farm Service Agency 
     (FSA-578 or any successor form); and
       ``(ii) 1 or more maps.
       ``(B) Corrections.--Beginning on the date on which a 
     producer submits a certification under subparagraph (A), as 
     soon as practicable after the producer discovers a change in 
     tilled native sod acreage described in that subparagraph, the 
     producer shall submit to the Secretary any appropriate 
     corrections to a form or map described in clause (i) or (ii) 
     of that subparagraph.
       ``(C) Annual reports.--Not later than January 1, 2019, and 
     each January 1 thereafter through January 1, 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 a report that describes 
     the tilled native sod acreage that has been certified under 
     subparagraph (A) in each county and State as of the date of 
     submission of the report.''; and
       (4) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) by striking ``This subsection'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), this 
     subsection''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) Election.--A governor of a State other than a State 
     described in subparagraph (A) may elect to have this 
     paragraph apply to the State.''.

     SEC. 11115. USE OF NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE 
                   DATA TO COMBAT WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE.

       Section 515 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1515) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (d)(1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) using published aggregate data from the National 
     Agricultural Statistics Service or any other data source to--
       ``(i) detect yield disparities or other data anomalies that 
     indicate potential fraud; and
       ``(ii) target the relevant counties, crops, regions, 
     companies, or agents associated with that potential fraud for 
     audits and other enforcement actions.''; and
       (2) in subsection (f)(2)(A), by striking ``pursuant to'' 
     each place it appears and inserting ``under''.

     SEC. 11116. SUBMISSION OF INFORMATION TO CORPORATION.

       Section 515(g) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1515(g)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) The actual production history to be used to establish 
     insurable yields.''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) by striking ``The information required by paragraph 
     (1)'' and inserting the following:
       ``(A) In general.--The information required to be submitted 
     under subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph (1)''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) Actual production history.--The information required 
     to be submitted under paragraph (1)(D) with respect to an 
     applicable policy or plan of insurance shall be submitted so 
     as to ensure receipt by the Corporation not later than the 
     Saturday of the week containing the calendar day that is 30 
     days after the applicable production reporting date for the 
     crop to be insured.''.

     SEC. 11117. ACREAGE REPORT STREAMLINING INITIATIVE.

       Section 515(j)(1)(B)(ii) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act 
     (7 U.S.C. 1515(j)(1)(B)(ii)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``As soon'' and inserting the following:

       ``(I) In general.--As soon'';

       (2) in subclause (I) (as so designated), by striking 
     ``information'' and inserting ``information, electronically 
     (including in the form of geospatial data) or 
     conventionally,'' and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(II) Method for determining common information 
     requirements.--Not later than September 30, 2020, the 
     Administrator of the Risk Management Agency and the 
     Administrator of the Farm Service Agency shall implement a 
     consistent method for determining crop acreage, acreage 
     yields, farm acreage, property descriptions, and other common 
     informational requirements, including measures of common land 
     units.
       ``(III) Acceptance of data.--The Corporation shall require 
     each approved insurance provider to accept from a producer or 
     an authorized agent of a producer reports of crop acreage, 
     acreage yields, and other information electronically 
     (including in the form of geospatial data) or conventionally, 
     at the option of the producer or the agent of the producer, 
     as applicable.''.

     SEC. 11118. CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR LOSS ADJUSTERS AND 
                   AGENTS.

       Section 515 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1515) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (l); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (j) the following:
       ``(k) Continuing Education for Loss Adjusters and Agents.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Corporation shall establish 
     requirements for continuing education for loss adjusters and 
     agents of approved insurance providers.
       ``(2) Requirements.--The requirements for continuing 
     education described in paragraph (1) shall ensure that loss 
     adjusters and agents of approved insurance providers are 
     familiar with appropriate conservation activities and 
     agronomic practices that--
       ``(A) are common and appropriate to the area in which the 
     insured crop being inspected is produced; and
       ``(B) include organic and sustainable practices.''.

     SEC. 11119. FUNDING FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.

       Section 515 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1515) is amended in subsection (l)(1)(A) (as redesignated by 
     section 11118(1))--
       (1) by striking clause (ii);
       (2) in clause (i)--
       (A) by striking ``(i)(I) for'' and inserting the following:
       ``(i) for'';
       (B) by striking ``and'' at the end; and
       (C) by redesignating subclause (II) as clause (ii);
       (3) in clause (ii) (as so redesignated), by striking ``or'' 
     at the end and inserting ``and''; and
       (4) by inserting after clause (ii) (as so redesignated) the 
     following:
       ``(iii) for each of fiscal years 2019 and 2020, 
     $1,000,000.''.

     SEC. 11120. AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY.

       Section 518 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1518) is amended by inserting ``hemp,'' before ``aquacultural 
     species''.

     SEC. 11121. REIMBURSEMENT OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND 
                   MAINTENANCE COSTS.

       Section 522(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1522(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(K) Waiver for hemp.--The Board may waive the viability 
     and marketability requirements under this paragraph in the 
     case of research and development relating to a policy to 
     insure the production of hemp.''; and
       (2) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) by striking ``The Corporation'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the 
     Corporation''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) Waiver for hemp.--The Corporation may waive the 
     marketability requirement under subparagraph (A) in the case 
     of research and development relating to a policy to insure 
     the production of hemp.''.

     SEC. 11122. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.

       Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1522(c)) is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraphs (7) through (18) and (20) 
     through (23);
       (2) by redesignating paragraphs (19) and (24) as paragraphs 
     (7) and (8), respectively;
       (3) in paragraph (7) (as so redesignated) (entitled ``Whole 
     farm diversified risk management insurance plan''), by adding 
     at the end the following:
       ``(E) Review of modifications to improve effectiveness.--
       ``(i) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the 
     Corporation shall--

       ``(I) hold stakeholder meetings to solicit producer and 
     agent feedback;
       ``(II) review procedures and paperwork requirements on 
     agents and producers; and

[[Page S4613]]

       ``(III) modify procedures and requirements, as appropriate, 
     to decrease burdens and increase flexibility and 
     effectiveness.

       ``(ii) Factors.--In carrying out subclauses (II) and (III) 
     of clause (i), the Corporation shall consider--

       ``(I) removing caps on nursery and livestock production;
       ``(II) allowing a waiver to expand operations, especially 
     for small and beginning farmers;
       ``(III) minimizing paperwork for producers and agents;
       ``(IV) implementing an option for producers with less than 
     $1,000,000 in gross revenue that requires significantly less 
     paperwork and recordkeeping;
       ``(V) developing and using alternative records such as 
     time-stamped photographs or technology applications to 
     document planting and production history;
       ``(VI) treating the different growth stages of aquaculture 
     species as separate crops to recognize the difference in 
     perils at different phases of growth;
       ``(VII) moderating the impacts of disaster years on 
     historic revenue, such as--

       ``(aa) using an average of the historic and projected 
     revenue;
       ``(bb) counting indemnities as historic revenue for loss 
     years; or
       ``(cc) using an assigned yield floor similar to a T-yield, 
     as determined by the Secretary; and

       ``(VIII) improving agent training and outreach to 
     underserved regions and sectors such as small dairy farms.''; 
     and

       (4) by inserting after paragraph (8) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(9) Irrigated grain sorghum crop insurance policy.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out research 
     and development, or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts 
     with 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research and 
     development--
       ``(i) regarding improvements to 1 or more policies to 
     insure irrigated grain sorghum; and
       ``(ii) regarding alternative methods for producers with not 
     more than 4 years of production history to insure irrigated 
     grain sorghum.
       ``(B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, 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--
       ``(i) the results of the research and development conducted 
     under subparagraph (A); and
       ``(ii) any recommendations with respect to those results.
       ``(10) Limited irrigation practices.--
       ``(A) Authority.--The Corporation shall--
       ``(i) expand the availability of the limited irrigation 
     insurance program to not fewer than 2 neighboring and 
     similarly situated States (such as the States of Colorado and 
     Nebraska), as determined by the Secretary;
       ``(ii) carry out research, or offer to enter into 1 or more 
     contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry out 
     research, on the marketability of the existing limited 
     irrigation insurance program; and
       ``(iii) make recommendations on how to improve 
     participation in that program.
       ``(B) Research.--In carrying out research under 
     subparagraph (A), a qualified person shall--
       ``(i) collaborate with researchers on the subjects of--

       ``(I) reduced irrigation practices or limited irrigation 
     practices; and
       ``(II) expected yield reductions following the application 
     of reduced irrigation;

       ``(ii) collaborate with State and Federal officials 
     responsible for the collection of water and the regulation of 
     water use for the purpose of irrigation;
       ``(iii) provide recommendations to encourage producers to 
     carry out limited irrigation practices or reduced irrigation 
     and water conservation practices; and
       ``(iv) develop web-based applications that will streamline 
     access to coverage for producers electing to conserve water 
     use on irrigated crops.
       ``(C) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, 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--
       ``(i) the results of the research carried out under 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B);
       ``(ii) any recommendations to encourage producers to carry 
     out limited irrigation practices or reduced irrigation and 
     water conservation practices; and
       ``(iii) the actions taken by the Corporation to carry out 
     the recommendations described in clause (ii).
       ``(11) Quality loss.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out research 
     and development, or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts 
     with 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research and 
     development, regarding the establishment of each of the 
     following alternative methods of adjusting for quality 
     losses:
       ``(i) A method that does not impact the average production 
     history of a producer.
       ``(ii) A method that is optional for a producer to elect to 
     use.
       ``(iii) A method that provides that, in circumstances in 
     which a producer has suffered a quality loss to the insured 
     crop of the producer that is insufficient to trigger an 
     indemnity payment, the producer may elect to exclude that 
     quality loss from the actual production history of the 
     producer.
       ``(iv) 1 or more methods that combine 2 or more of the 
     methods described in clauses (i) through (iii).
       ``(B) Requirements.--Notwithstanding subsections (g) and 
     (m) of section 508, any method developed under subparagraph 
     (A) that is used by the Corporation shall be--
       ``(i) optional for a producer to use; and
       ``(ii) offered at an actuarially sound premium rate.
       ``(C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the 
     Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report 
     that describes the results of the research and development 
     carried out under subparagraph (A).
       ``(12) Citrus.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out research 
     and development, or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts 
     with 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research and 
     development, regarding the insurance of citrus fruit 
     commodities and commodity types, including research and 
     development of--
       ``(i) improvements to 1 or more existing policies, 
     including the whole-farm revenue protection pilot policy;
       ``(ii) alternative methods of insuring revenue for citrus 
     fruit commodities and commodity types; and
       ``(iii) the development of new, or expansion of existing, 
     revenue policies for citrus fruit commodities and commodity 
     types.
       ``(B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, 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--
       ``(i) the results of the research and development carried 
     out under subparagraph (A); and
       ``(ii) any recommendations with respect to those results.
       ``(13) Greenhouse policy.--
       ``(A) In general.--
       ``(i) Research and development.--The Corporation shall 
     carry out research and development, or offer to enter into 1 
     or more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry 
     out research and development, regarding a policy to insure in 
     a controlled environment such as a greenhouse--

       ``(I) the production of floriculture, nursery, and bedding 
     plants;
       ``(II) the establishment of cuttings or tissue culture in a 
     growing medium; or
       ``(III) other similar production, as determined by the 
     Secretary.

       ``(ii) Availability of policy or plan of insurance.--
     Notwithstanding the last sentence of section 508(a)(1), and 
     section 508(a)(2), the Corporation shall make a policy or 
     plan of insurance described in clause (i) available if the 
     requirements of section 508(h) are met.
       ``(B) Research and development described.--Research and 
     development described in subparagraph (A)(i) shall evaluate 
     the effectiveness of policies and plans of insurance for the 
     production of plants in a controlled environment, including 
     policies and plans of insurance that--
       ``(i) are based on the risk of--

       ``(I) plant diseases introduced from the environment;
       ``(II) contaminated cuttings, seedlings, or tissue culture; 
     or
       ``(III) Federal or State quarantine or destruction orders 
     associated with the contaminated items described in subclause 
     (II);

       ``(ii) consider other causes of loss applicable to a 
     controlled environment, such as a loss of electricity due to 
     weather;
       ``(iii) consider appropriate best practices to minimize the 
     risk of loss;
       ``(iv) consider whether to provide coverage for various 
     types of plants under 1 policy or plan of insurance or to 
     provide coverage for 1 species or type of plant per policy or 
     plan of insurance;
       ``(v) have streamlined reporting and paperwork requirements 
     that take into account short propagation schedules, variable 
     crop years, and the variety of plants that may be produced in 
     a single facility; and
       ``(vi) provide protection for revenue losses.
       ``(C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, 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--
       ``(i) describes the results of the research and development 
     conducted under subparagraphs (A)(i) and (B); and
       ``(ii) any recommendations with respect to those results.
       ``(14) Hops.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out research 
     and development, or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts 
     with 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research and 
     development, regarding a policy to insure the production of 
     hops or revenue derived from the production of hops.
       ``(B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the 
     Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of

[[Page S4614]]

     the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report 
     that describes--
       ``(i) the results of the research and development conducted 
     under subparagraph (A); and
       ``(ii) any recommendations with respect to those results.
       ``(15) Local foods.--
       ``(A) In general.--
       ``(i) Research and development.--The Corporation shall 
     carry out research and development, or offer to enter into 1 
     or more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry 
     out research and development, regarding a policy to insure 
     production--

       ``(I) of floriculture, fruits, vegetables, poultry, 
     livestock, or the products of floriculture, fruits, 
     vegetables, poultry, or livestock; and
       ``(II) that is targeted toward local consumers and markets.

       ``(ii) Availability of policy or plan of insurance.--
     Notwithstanding the last sentence of section 508(a)(1), and 
     section 508(a)(2), the Corporation shall make a policy or 
     plan of insurance described in clause (i) available if the 
     requirements of section 508(h) are met.
       ``(B) Research and development described.--Research and 
     development described in subparagraph (A)(i) shall evaluate 
     the effectiveness of policies and plans of insurance for 
     production targeted toward local consumers and markets, 
     including policies and plans of insurance that--
       ``(i) consider small-scale production in various areas, 
     including urban, suburban, and rural areas;
       ``(ii) consider a variety of marketing strategies, 
     including--

       ``(I) direct-to-consumer marketing;
       ``(II) farmers markets;
       ``(III) farm-to-institution marketing; and
       ``(IV) marketing through community-supported agriculture;

       ``(iii) allow for production in soil and in alternative 
     systems such as vertical systems, greenhouses, rooftops, or 
     hydroponic systems;
       ``(iv) consider the price premium when accounting for 
     production or revenue losses;
       ``(v) consider whether to provide coverage--

       ``(I) for various types of production under 1 policy or 
     plan of insurance; and
       ``(II) for 1 species or type of plant per policy or plan of 
     insurance; and

       ``(vi) have streamlined reporting and paperwork 
     requirements.
       ``(C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, 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--
       ``(i) examines whether a version of existing policies such 
     as the whole-farm revenue protection insurance plan may be 
     tailored to provide improved coverage for producers of local 
     foods;
       ``(ii) describes the results of the research and 
     development conducted under subparagraphs (A) and (B); and
       ``(iii) includes any recommendations with respect to those 
     results.
       ``(16) Insurable irrigation practices for rice.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall carry out research 
     and development, or offer to enter into 1 or more contracts 
     with 1 or more qualified persons to carry out research and 
     development, to include new and innovative irrigation 
     practices under the current rice policy or the development of 
     a distinct plan of insurance or policy endorsement rated for 
     rice produced using--
       ``(i) alternate wetting and drying practices (also referred 
     to as `intermittent flooding'); and
       ``(ii) furrow irrigation practices.
       ``(B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, 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--
       ``(i) the results of the research and development carried 
     out under paragraph (1); and
       ``(ii) any recommendations with respect to those results.
       ``(17) High-risk, highly productive batture land policy.--
       ``(A) In general.--
       ``(i) Research and development.--The Corporation shall 
     carry out research and development, or offer to enter into 1 
     or more contracts with 1 or more qualified persons to carry 
     out research and development, regarding a policy to insure 
     producers of corn, cotton, and soybeans--

       ``(I) with operations on highly productive batture land 
     within the Lower Mississippi River Valley below Mississippi 
     River mile 368.44;
       ``(II) that have a history of production of not less than 5 
     years; and
       ``(III) that have been impacted by more frequent flooding 
     over the past 10 years due to sedimentation and federally 
     constructed engineering improvements.

       ``(ii) Availability of policy or plan of insurance.--
     Notwithstanding the last sentence of section 508(a)(1), and 
     section 508(a)(2), the Corporation shall make a policy or 
     plan of insurance described in clause (i) available if the 
     requirements of section 508(h) are met.
       ``(B) Research and development described.--Research and 
     development described in subparagraph (A)(i) shall evaluate 
     the feasibility of less cost-prohibitive policies and plans 
     of insurance for batture-land producers in high risk areas, 
     including policies and plans of insurance that--
       ``(i) consider premium rate adjustments;
       ``(ii) consider automatic yield exclusion for consecutive-
     year losses; and
       ``(iii) allow for flexibility of final plant dates and 
     prevent plant regulations.
       ``(C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, 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--
       ``(i) examines whether a version of existing policies may 
     be tailored to provide improved coverage for batture-land 
     producers;
       ``(ii) describes the results of the research and 
     development conducted under subparagraphs (A) and (B); and
       ``(iii) includes any recommendations with respect to those 
     results.''.

     SEC. 11123. EDUCATION ASSISTANCE.

       Section 524(a)(3)(A) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 
     U.S.C. 1524(a)(3)(A)) is amended by inserting ``conservation 
     activities,'' after ``benchmarking,''.

     SEC. 11124. CROPLAND REPORT ANNUAL UPDATES.

       Section 11014(c)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public 
     Law 113-79; 128 Stat. 963) is amended in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

                        TITLE XII--MISCELLANEOUS

                         Subtitle A--Livestock

     SEC. 12101. SHEEP PRODUCTION AND MARKETING GRANT PROGRAM.

       Section 209 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 
     U.S.C. 1627a) is amended by striking subsection (c) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section 
     $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.''.

     SEC. 12102. NATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH LABORATORY NETWORK.

       Section 10409A(d) of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 
     U.S.C. 8308a(d)) is amended by striking ``$15,000,000 for 
     each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018'' and inserting 
     ``$30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023''.

     SEC. 12103. NATIONAL ANIMAL DISEASE PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, 
                   AND RECOVERY PROGRAM; NATIONAL ANIMAL VACCINE 
                   AND VETERINARY COUNTERMEASURES BANK.

       The Animal Health Protection Act is amended by inserting 
     after section 10409A (7 U.S.C. 8308a) the following:

     ``SEC. 10409B. NATIONAL ANIMAL DISEASE PREPAREDNESS, 
                   RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY PROGRAM; NATIONAL ANIMAL 
                   VACCINE AND VETERINARY COUNTERMEASURES BANK.

       ``(a) National Animal Disease Preparedness, Response, and 
     Recovery Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--To prevent the introduction into or the 
     dissemination within the United States of any pest or disease 
     of animals affecting the economic interests of the livestock 
     and related industries of the United States (including the 
     maintenance and expansion of export market potential), the 
     Secretary shall establish a program to be known as the 
     `National Animal Disease Preparedness, Response, and Recovery 
     Program' (referred to in this subsection as the `Program').
       ``(2) Eligible activities.--Under the Program, the 
     Secretary shall support activities to prevent, detect, and 
     rapidly respond to animal pests and diseases, including--
       ``(A) enhancing animal pest and disease analysis and 
     surveillance;
       ``(B) expanding education and outreach;
       ``(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 to enhance 
     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 disease, including 
     veterinary biologics, veterinary diagnostics, animal drugs 
     for minor use and minor species, animal medical devices, and 
     emerging veterinary countermeasures; and
       ``(I) such other activities as determined appropriate by 
     the Secretary, in consultation with entities described in 
     paragraph (3)(B).
       ``(3) Cooperative agreements.--
       ``(A) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the 
     Secretary shall offer to enter into cooperative agreements or 
     other legal instruments with entities described in 
     subparagraph (B) to carry out activities described in 
     paragraph (2).
       ``(B) Eligible entities.--The Secretary may enter into a 
     cooperative agreement or

[[Page S4615]]

     other legal instrument under subparagraph (A) with 1 or more 
     of the following entities:
       ``(i) A State department of agriculture.
       ``(ii) The State veterinarian or chief animal health 
     official of a State.
       ``(iii) A land-grant college or university (as defined in 
     section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)).
       ``(iv) A NLGCA Institution (as defined in section 1404 of 
     the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)).
       ``(v) A college of veterinary medicine.
       ``(vi) A State or national livestock producer organization 
     with a direct and significant economic interest in livestock 
     production.
       ``(vii) A State, national, allied, or regional veterinary 
     organization or specialty board recognized by the American 
     Veterinary Medical Association.
       ``(viii) An Indian tribe.
       ``(ix) A State emergency management agency.
       ``(x) A Federal agency.
       ``(C) Special funding considerations.--In entering into 
     cooperative agreements or other legal instruments under 
     subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall give priority to--
       ``(i) a State department of agriculture;
       ``(ii) the State veterinarian or chief animal health 
     official of a State; and
       ``(iii) an eligible entity that shall carry out Program 
     activities in a State or region in which--

       ``(I) an animal disease or pest is a Federal concern, as 
     determined by the Secretary; or
       ``(II) there is potential for the spread of an animal 
     disease or pest, as determined by the Secretary, taking into 
     consideration--

       ``(aa) the agricultural industries in that State or region;
       ``(bb) factors contributing to animal disease or pests in 
     that State or region, such as climate, natural resources, 
     geography, native or exotic wildlife species, and other 
     disease vectors; and
       ``(cc) the movement of animals in that State or region.
       ``(D) Applications.--
       ``(i) In general.--An entity described in subparagraph (B) 
     desiring to enter into a cooperative agreement or other legal 
     instrument under subparagraph (A) shall submit to the 
     Secretary an application at such time and containing such 
     information as the Secretary may require.
       ``(ii) Notification.--The Secretary shall notify an entity 
     that submits an application under clause (i) of--

       ``(I) the requirements to be imposed on the entity for 
     auditing of, and reporting on, the use of any funds provided 
     by the Secretary under the cooperative agreement or other 
     legal instrument; and
       ``(II) the criteria to be used to ensure activities 
     supported under the cooperative agreement or other legal 
     instrument are based on sound scientific data or thorough 
     risk assessments.

       ``(E) Use of funds.--
       ``(i) Subagreements.--Nothing in this section prevents an 
     entity from using funds received under a cooperative 
     agreement or other legal instrument under subparagraph (A) to 
     enter into a subagreement with another organization or a 
     political subdivision of a State that has legal 
     responsibilities relating to animal disease prevention, 
     surveillance, or rapid response.
       ``(ii) Non-federal share.--In determining whether to enter 
     into a cooperative agreement or other legal instrument with 
     an entity under subparagraph (A), the Secretary--

       ``(I) may consider the ability of the entity to provide 
     non-Federal funds to carry out the cooperative agreement or 
     other legal instrument; but
       ``(II) shall not require the provision of non-Federal funds 
     by an entity as a condition to enter into a cooperative 
     agreement or other legal instrument.

       ``(iii) Administration.--Of amounts made available to carry 
     out the Program, not more than 10 percent may be retained by 
     an entity that receives funds under a cooperative agreement 
     or other legal instrument under subparagraph (A), including a 
     subagreement under clause (i), to pay administrative costs 
     incurred by the entity in carrying out the cooperative 
     agreement or other legal instrument.
       ``(4) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with 
     entities described in paragraph (3)(B) in establishing 
     priorities under the Program.
       ``(5) Federal advisory committee act.--The Federal Advisory 
     Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to any 
     consultation by the Secretary with an entity described in 
     paragraph (3)(B) under the Program.
       ``(6) Reports.--Not later than 90 days after the date on 
     which an entity completes an activity prescribed and funded 
     by a cooperative agreement or other legal instrument under 
     paragraph (3)(A), the entity shall submit to the Secretary a 
     report that describes the purposes and results of the 
     activity.
       ``(b) National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary 
     Countermeasures Bank.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a National 
     Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank to benefit 
     the domestic interests of the United States.
       ``(2) Requirements.--Under the National Animal Vaccine and 
     Veterinary Countermeasures Bank, the Secretary shall--
       ``(A) leverage, as appropriate, the mechanisms and 
     infrastructure that have been developed for the management, 
     storage, and distribution of the National Veterinary 
     Stockpile; and
       ``(B) maintain a sufficient quantity of animal vaccine, 
     antiviral, therapeutic products, diagnostic products, and 
     veterinary countermeasures--
       ``(i) to appropriately respond to the most damaging animal 
     diseases affecting human health or the economy; and
       ``(ii) that will be capable of rapid deployment in the 
     event of an outbreak of an animal disease described in clause 
     (i).
       ``(3) Foot-and-mouth disease priority.--
       ``(A) In general.--In carrying out paragraph (2), the 
     Secretary shall give priority to the maintenance of a 
     sufficient quantity of foot-and-mouth disease vaccine, as 
     determined by the Secretary, and accompanying diagnostic 
     products, covering, to the maximum extent practicable, an 
     appropriate representation of foot-and-mouth disease 
     serotypes and strains for which appropriate vaccine products 
     are available.
       ``(B) Contracts.--The Secretary may offer to enter into 1 
     or more contracts with 1 or more entities that produce foot-
     and-mouth disease vaccine--
       ``(i) to maintain a bank of viral antigen concentrate or 
     vaccine products for, to the maximum extent practicable, an 
     appropriate representation of foot-and-mouth disease 
     serotypes (as determined by the Secretary) for which antigen 
     concentrate is available; and
       ``(ii) to maintain surge production capacity to produce, as 
     quickly as practicable, foot-and-mouth disease vaccine to 
     address a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
       ``(c) Use of Funds.--
       ``(1) Federal administration.--Of amounts made available to 
     carry out this section, not greater than 4 percent may be 
     retained by the Secretary to pay administrative costs 
     incurred by the Secretary in carrying out this section.
       ``(2) Buildings and facilities.--None of the amounts made 
     available to carry out this section shall be used for--
       ``(A) the construction of a new building or facility;
       ``(B) the acquisition or expansion of an existing building 
     or facility;
       ``(C) site grading and improvement; or
       ``(D) architect fees.
       ``(3) Proceeds.--The proceeds from the sale of any vaccine 
     or antigen by the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary 
     Countermeasures Bank shall--
       ``(A) be deposited in the Treasury;
       ``(B) be credited to an account for the operation of the 
     National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank;
       ``(C) be available for expenditure without further 
     appropriation; and
       ``(D) remain available until expended.
       ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to 
     carry out this section, to remain available until 
     expended.''.

     SEC. 12104. STUDY ON LIVESTOCK DEALER STATUTORY TRUST.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct a study to 
     determine the feasibility of establishing a livestock dealer 
     statutory trust.
       (b) Contents.--The study conducted under subsection (a) 
     shall--
       (1) analyze how the establishment of a livestock dealer 
     statutory trust would affect buyer and seller behavior in 
     markets for livestock (as defined in section 2(a) of the 
     Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 (7 U.S.C. 182));
       (2) consider what potential effects a livestock dealer 
     statutory trust would have on credit availability, including 
     impacts on lenders and lending behavior and other industry 
     participants;
       (3) examine unique circumstances common to livestock 
     dealers and how those circumstances could impact the 
     functionality of a livestock dealer statutory trust;
       (4) study the feasibility of the industry-wide adoption of 
     electronic funds transfer or another expeditious method of 
     payment to provide sellers of livestock protection from 
     nonsufficient funds payments;
       (5) assess the effectiveness of statutory trusts in other 
     segments of agriculture and whether similar effects could be 
     experienced under a livestock dealer statutory trust; and
       (6) consider the effects of exempting dealers with average 
     annual purchases under a de minimis threshold from being 
     subject to the livestock dealer statutory trust.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 540 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and 
     the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
     Senate a report describing the findings of the study 
     conducted under subsection (a).

     SEC. 12105. DEFINITION OF LIVESTOCK.

       Section 602(2) of the Emergency Livestock Feed Assistance 
     Act of 1988 (7 U.S.C. 1471(2)) is amended in the matter 
     preceding subparagraph (A) by striking ``fish'' and all that 
     follows through ``that--'' and inserting ``llamas, alpacas, 
     live fish, crawfish, and other animals that--''.

                Subtitle B--Agriculture and Food Defense

     SEC. 12201. REPEAL OF OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY.

       Section 14111 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
     2008 (7 U.S.C. 8911) is repealed.

     SEC. 12202. OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY.

       Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization 
     Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C.

[[Page S4616]]

     6911 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 221. OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY.

       ``(a) Definition of Agriculture and Food Defense.--In this 
     section, the term `agriculture and food defense' means any 
     action to prevent, protect against, mitigate the effects of, 
     respond to, or recover from a naturally occurring, 
     unintentional, or intentional threat to the agriculture and 
     food system.
       ``(b) Authorization.--The Secretary shall establish in the 
     Department the Office of Homeland Security.
       ``(c) Executive Director.--The Office of Homeland Security 
     shall be headed by an Executive Director, who shall be known 
     as the `Executive Director of Homeland Security'.
       ``(d) Duties.--The Executive Director of Homeland Security 
     shall--
       ``(1) serve as the principal advisor to the Secretary on 
     homeland security, including emergency management and 
     agriculture and food defense;
       ``(2) coordinate activities of the Department, including 
     policies, processes, budget needs, and oversight relating to 
     homeland security, including emergency management and 
     agriculture and food defense;
       ``(3) act as the primary liaison on behalf of the 
     Department with other Federal departments and agencies in 
     activities relating to homeland security, including emergency 
     management and agriculture and food defense, and provide for 
     interagency coordination and data sharing;
       ``(4)(A) coordinate in the Department the gathering of 
     information relevant to early warning and awareness of 
     threats and risks to the food and agriculture critical 
     infrastructure sector; and
       ``(B) share that information with, and provide assistance 
     with interpretation and risk characterization of that 
     information to, the intelligence community (as defined in 
     section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C 
     3003)), law enforcement agencies, the Secretary of Defense, 
     the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Health 
     and Human Services, and State fusion centers (as defined in 
     section 210A(j) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 
     U.S.C. 124h(j));
       ``(5) liaison with the Director of National Intelligence to 
     assist in the development of periodic assessments and 
     intelligence estimates, or other intelligence products, that 
     support the defense of the food and agriculture critical 
     infrastructure sector;
       ``(6) coordinate the conduct, evaluation, and improvement 
     of exercises to identify and eliminate gaps in preparedness 
     and response;
       ``(7) produce a Department-wide centralized strategic 
     coordination plan to provide a high-level perspective of the 
     operations of the Department relating to homeland security, 
     including emergency management and agriculture and food 
     defense; and
       ``(8) carry out other appropriate duties, as determined by 
     the Secretary.
       ``(e) Agriculture and Food Threat Awareness Partnership 
     Program.--
       ``(1) Interagency exchange program.--The Secretary, in 
     partnership with the intelligence community (as defined in 
     section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 
     3003)) and fusion centers (as defined in section 210A(j) of 
     the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 124h(j)) that 
     have analysis and intelligence capabilities relating to the 
     defense of the food and agriculture critical infrastructure 
     sector, shall establish and carry out an interagency exchange 
     program of personnel and information to improve communication 
     and analysis for the defense of the food and agriculture 
     critical infrastructure sector.
       ``(2) Collaboration with federal, state, and local 
     authorities.--To carry out the program established under 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary may--
       ``(A) enter into 1 or more cooperative agreements or 
     contracts with Federal, State, or local authorities that have 
     analysis and intelligence capabilities and expertise relating 
     to the defense of the food and agriculture critical 
     infrastructure sector; and
       ``(B) carry out any other activity under any other 
     authority of the Secretary that is appropriate to engage the 
     authorities described in subparagraph (A) for the defense of 
     the food and agriculture critical infrastructure sector, as 
     determined by the Secretary.''.

     SEC. 12203. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD DEFENSE.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Animal.--The term ``animal'' has the meaning given the 
     term in section 10403 of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 
     U.S.C. 8302).
       (2) Disease or pest of concern.--The term ``disease or pest 
     of concern'' means a plant or animal disease or pest that--
       (A) is--
       (i) a transboundary disease; or
       (ii) an established disease; and
       (B) is likely to pose a significant risk to the food and 
     agriculture critical infrastructure sector that warrants 
     efforts at prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and 
     recovery.
       (3) Established disease.--The term ``established disease'' 
     means a plant or animal disease or pest that--
       (A)(i) if it becomes established, poses an imminent threat 
     to agriculture in the United States; or
       (ii) has become established, as defined by the Secretary, 
     within the United States; and
       (B) requires management.
       (4) High-consequence plant transboundary disease.--The term 
     ``high-consequence plant transboundary disease'' means a 
     transboundary disease that is--
       (A)(i) a plant disease; or
       (ii) a plant pest; and
       (B) of high consequence, as determined by the Secretary.
       (5) Pest.--The term ``pest''--
       (A) with respect to a plant, has the meaning given the term 
     ``plant pest'' in section 403 of the Plant Protection Act (7 
     U.S.C. 7702); and
       (B) with respect to an animal, has the meaning given the 
     term in section 10403 of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 
     U.S.C. 8302).
       (6) Plant.--The term ``plant'' has the meaning given the 
     term in section 403 of the Plant Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 
     7702).
       (7) Plant health management strategy.--The term ``plant 
     health management strategy'' means a strategy to timely 
     control and eradicate a plant disease or plant pest outbreak, 
     including through mitigation (such as chemical control), 
     surveillance, the use of diagnostic products and procedures, 
     and the use of existing resistant seed stock.
       (8) Transboundary disease.--
       (A) In general.--The term ``transboundary disease'' means a 
     plant or animal disease or pest that is within 1 or more 
     countries outside of the United States.
       (B) Inclusion.--The term ``transboundary disease'' includes 
     a plant or animal disease or pest described in subparagraph 
     (A) that--
       (i) has emerged within the United States; or
       (ii) has been introduced within the United States.
       (9) Veterinary countermeasure.--The term ``veterinary 
     countermeasure'' means the use of any animal vaccine, 
     antiviral, therapeutic product, or diagnostic product to 
     respond to the most damaging animal diseases to animal and 
     human health and the economy.
       (b) Disease or Pest of Concern Response Planning.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
       (A) establish a list of diseases or pests of concern by--
       (i) developing a process to solicit and receive expert 
     opinion and evidence relating to the diseases and pests of 
     concern entered on the list; and
       (ii) reviewing all available evidence relating to the 
     diseases and pests of concern entered on the list, including 
     classified information; and
       (B) periodically update the list established under 
     subparagraph (A).
       (2) Response plans.--
       (A) Comprehensive strategic response plan or plans.--The 
     Secretary shall develop, in collaboration with appropriate 
     Federal, State, regional, and local officials, a 
     comprehensive strategic response plan or plans, as 
     appropriate, for the diseases or pests of concern that are 
     entered on the list established under paragraph (1).
       (B) State or region response plan or plans.--The Secretary 
     shall provide information to a State or regional authority to 
     assist in developing a comprehensive strategic response plan 
     or plans for that State or region that shall--
       (i) include--

       (I) a concept of operations for each disease or pest of 
     concern; or
       (II) a platform concept of operations for responses to 
     similar diseases or pests, as determined by the Secretary;

       (ii) describe the appropriate interactions among, and roles 
     of--

       (I) Federal, State, Tribal, and units of local government; 
     and
       (II) plant or animal industry partners;

       (iii) include a decision matrix that shall, as appropriate, 
     include--

       (I) information and timing requirements necessary for the 
     use of veterinary countermeasures;
       (II) plant health management strategies;
       (III) deployment of other key materials and resources; and
       (IV) parameters for transitioning from outbreak response to 
     disease management;

       (iv) identify key response performance metrics to 
     establish--

       (I) benchmarking;
       (II) progressive exercise evaluation; and
       (III) continuing improvement of a response plan, including 
     by providing for--

       (aa) ongoing exercise evaluations to improve a response 
     plan over time; and
       (bb) strategic information to guide investment in any 
     appropriate research to mitigate the risk of a disease or 
     pest of concern; and
       (v) be updated periodically, as determined to be 
     appropriate by the Secretary, including in response to--

       (I) an exercise evaluation; or
       (II) new risk information becoming available regarding a 
     disease or pest of concern.

       (3) Coordination of plans.--Pursuant to section 221(d)(6) 
     of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, 
     the Secretary shall, as appropriate, assist in coordinating 
     with other appropriate Federal, State, regional, or local 
     officials in the exercising of the plans developed under 
     paragraph (2).
       (c) National Plant Diagnostic Network.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish in the 
     Department of Agriculture a National Plant Diagnostic Network 
     to monitor and surveil through diagnostics threats to plant 
     health from diseases or pests of concern in the United 
     States.
       (2) Requirements.--The National Plant Diagnostic Network 
     established under paragraph (1) shall--

[[Page S4617]]

       (A) provide for increased awareness, surveillance, early 
     identification, rapid communication, warning, and diagnosis 
     of a threat to plant health from a disease or pest of concern 
     to protect natural and agricultural plant resources;
       (B) coordinate and collaborate with agencies of the 
     Department of Agriculture and State agencies and authorities 
     involved in plant health;
       (C) establish diagnostic laboratory standards;
       (D) establish regional hubs throughout the United States 
     that provide expertise, leadership, and support to diagnostic 
     labs relating to the agricultural crops and plants in the 
     covered regions of those hubs; and
       (E) establish a national repository for records of endemic 
     or emergent diseases and pests of concern.
       (3) Head of network.--
       (A) In general.--The Director of the National Institute of 
     Food and Agriculture shall serve as the head of the National 
     Plant Diagnostic Network.
       (B) Duties.--The head of the National Plant Diagnostic 
     Network shall--
       (i) coordinate and collaborate with land-grant colleges and 
     universities (as defined in section 1404 of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) in carrying out the requirements under 
     paragraph (2), including through cooperative agreements 
     described in paragraph (4);
       (ii) partner with the Administrator of the Animal and Plant 
     Health Inspection Service for assistance with plant health 
     regulation and inspection; and
       (iii) coordinate with other Federal agencies, as 
     appropriate, in carrying out activities relating to the 
     National Plant Diagnostic Network, including the sharing of 
     biosurveillance information.
       (4) Collaboration with land-grant colleges and 
     universities.--The Secretary shall seek to establish 
     cooperative agreements with land-grant colleges and 
     universities (as defined in section 1404 of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)) that have the appropriate level of 
     skill, experience, and competence with plant diseases or 
     pests of concern.
       (5) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to the 
     amount authorized to carry out this subtitle under section 
     12205, there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
     this subsection $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 
     through 2023.
       (d) National Plant Disease Recovery System.--
       (1) Recovery system.--The Secretary shall establish in the 
     Department of Agriculture a National Plant Disease Recovery 
     System to engage in strategic long-range planning to recover 
     from high-consequence plant transboundary diseases.
       (2) Requirements.--The National Plant Disease Recovery 
     System established under paragraph (1) shall--
       (A) coordinate with disease or pest of concern concept of 
     operations response plans;
       (B) make long-range plans for the initiation of future 
     research projects relating to high-consequence plant 
     transboundary diseases;
       (C) establish research plans for long-term recovery;
       (D) plan for the identification and use of specific 
     genotypes, cultivars, breeding lines, and other disease-
     resistant materials necessary for crop stabilization or 
     improvement; and
       (E) establish a watch list of high-consequence plant 
     transboundary diseases for the purpose of making long-range 
     plans under subparagraph (B).

     SEC. 12204. BIOLOGICAL AGENTS AND TOXINS LIST.

       Section 212(a)(1)(B)(i) of the Agricultural Bioterrorism 
     Protection Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8401(a)(1)(B)(i)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subclause (III), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) by redesignating subclause (IV) as subclause (V); and
       (3) by inserting after subclause (III) the following:

       ``(IV)(aa) whether placing an agent or toxin on the list 
     under subparagraph (A) would have a substantial negative 
     impact on the research and development of solutions for the 
     animal or plant disease caused by the agent or toxin; and
       ``(bb) whether that negative impact would substantially 
     outweigh the risk posed by the agent or toxin to animal or 
     plant health if it is not placed on the list; and''.

     SEC. 12205. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       In addition to other amounts made available under this 
     subtitle, there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
     this subtitle $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 
     through 2023.

             Subtitle C--Historically Underserved Producers

     SEC. 12301. FARMING OPPORTUNITIES TRAINING AND OUTREACH.

       (a) Repeal.--
       (1) In general.--Section 7405 of the Farm Security and 
     Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f) is repealed.
       (2) Conforming amendments.--
       (A) Section 226B(e)(2)(B) of the Department of Agriculture 
     Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6934(e)(2)(B)) is 
     amended by striking ``the beginning farmer and rancher 
     development program established under section 7405 of the 
     Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 
     3319f).'' and inserting ``the beginning farmer and rancher 
     development grant program established under subsection (d) of 
     section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279).''.
       (B) Section 251(f)(1)(D) of the Department of Agriculture 
     Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(1)(D)) is 
     amended by striking clause (iv) and inserting the following:
       ``(iv) The beginning farmer and rancher development grant 
     program established under subsection (d) of section 2501 of 
     the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 
     U.S.C. 2279).''.
       (C) Section 7506(e) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy 
     Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 7614c(e)) is amended--
       (i) in paragraph (2)(C)--

       (I) by striking clause (v);
       (II) by redesignating clauses (i) through (iv) as clauses 
     (ii) through (v), respectively;
       (III) by inserting before clause (ii) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:

       ``(i) each grant awarded under subsection (d) of section 
     2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 
     1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279);'';

       (IV) in clause (ii) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``450i(b)(2));'' and inserting ``3157(b)(2));''; and
       (V) in clause (iv) (as so redesignated), by adding ``and'' 
     at the end;

       (ii) in paragraph (4)--

       (I) by striking subparagraph (E);
       (II) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (D) as 
     subparagraphs (B) through (E), respectively;
       (III) by inserting before subparagraph (B) (as so 
     redesignated) the following:

       ``(A) subsection (d) of section 2501 of the Food, 
     Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
     2279);'';

       (IV) in subparagraph (B) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``450i(b));'' and inserting ``3157(b));'';
       (V) in subparagraph (D) (as so redesignated), by adding 
     ``or'' at the end; and
       (VI) in subparagraph (E) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``; or'' and inserting a period.

       (b) Outreach and Education for Socially Disadvantaged 
     Farmers and Ranchers, Veteran Farmers and Ranchers, and 
     Beginning Farmers and Ranchers.--Section 2501 of the Food, 
     Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
     2279) is amended--
       (1) by striking the section heading and inserting ``farming 
     opportunities training and outreach'';
       (2) by redesignating subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), 
     (g), (h), and (i) as subsections (c), (j), (o), (k), (a), 
     (l), (m), and (n), respectively, and moving the subsections 
     so as to appear in alphabetical order;
       (3) by moving paragraph (5) of subsection (a) (as so 
     redesignated) so as to appear at the end of subsection (c) 
     (as so redesignated);
       (4) in subsection (a) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) by striking the subsection designation and heading and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:'';
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), and (6) 
     as paragraphs (6), (5), (1), (3), and (4), respectively, and 
     moving the paragraphs so as to appear in numerical order;
       (C) in paragraphs (1), (5), and (6) (as so redesignated), 
     by striking ``As used in this section, the'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``The''; and
       (D) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(2) Beginning farmer or rancher.--The term `beginning 
     farmer or rancher' means a person that--
       ``(A)(i) has not operated a farm or ranch; or
       ``(ii) has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 
     years; and
       ``(B) meets such other criteria as the Secretary may 
     establish.'';
       (5) by inserting after subsection (a) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(b) Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach.--The 
     Secretary shall carry out this section to encourage and 
     assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, veteran 
     farmers and ranchers, and beginning farmers and ranchers in 
     the ownership and operation of farms and ranches through--
       ``(1) education and training; and
       ``(2) equitable participation in all agricultural programs 
     of the Department.'';
       (6) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated and as amended by 
     paragraph (3))--
       (A) by striking paragraph (4);
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (5) as 
     paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (1), respectively, and moving 
     the paragraphs so as to appear in numerical order;
       (C) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``The term'' and inserting ``In this subsection, the term'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ``subsection 
     (a)'' and inserting ``this subsection''; and
       (iii) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``450b))'' and 
     inserting ``5304))'';
       (D) in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) (as so 
     redesignated), by striking ``agricultural'' and inserting 
     ``agricultural, forestry, and related'';
       (E) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``(1)'' in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) and 
     inserting ``(2)''; and
       (F) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by striking the subparagraph heading and inserting 
     ``Outreach and technical assistance.--'';

[[Page S4618]]

       (II) by striking ``(2)'' and inserting ``(3)''; and
       (III) by inserting ``to socially disadvantaged farmers and 
     ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers'' after 
     ``assistance'';

       (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``(1)'' and inserting 
     ``(2)'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (D), by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(v) The number of farms or ranches started, maintained, 
     or improved as a result of funds made available under the 
     program.
       ``(vi) Actions taken by the Secretary in partnership with 
     eligible entities to enhance participation in agricultural 
     programs by veteran farmers or ranchers and socially 
     disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
       ``(vii) The effectiveness of the actions described in 
     clause (vi).''; and
       (iv) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(E) Maximum term and amount of grant, contract, or 
     agreement.--A grant, contract, or agreement entered into 
     under subparagraph (A) shall be--
       ``(i) for a term of not longer than 3 years; and
       ``(ii) in an amount that is not more than $250,000 for each 
     year of the grant, contract, or agreement.
       ``(F) Priority.--In making grants and entering into 
     contracts and other agreements under subparagraph (A), the 
     Secretary shall give priority to nongovernmental and 
     community-based organizations with an expertise in working 
     with socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers or veteran 
     farmers and ranchers.
       ``(G) Regional balance.--To the maximum extent practicable, 
     the Secretary shall ensure the geographical diversity of 
     eligible entities to which grants are made and contracts and 
     other agreements are entered into under subparagraph (A).
       ``(H) Prohibition.--A grant, contract, or other agreement 
     under subparagraph (A) may not be used for the planning, 
     repair, rehabilitation, acquisition, or construction of a 
     building or facility.
       ``(I) Peer review.--The Secretary shall establish a fair 
     and efficient external peer review process that--
       ``(i) the Secretary shall use in making grants and entering 
     into contracts and other agreements under subparagraph (A); 
     and
       ``(ii) shall include a broad representation of peers of the 
     eligible entity.
       ``(J) Input from eligible entities.--The Secretary shall 
     seek input from eligible entities providing technical 
     assistance under this subsection not less than once each year 
     to ensure that the program is responsive to the eligible 
     entities providing that technical assistance.'';
       (7) by inserting after subsection (c) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(d) Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Grant 
     Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, 
     shall make competitive grants to support new and established 
     local and regional training, education, outreach, and 
     technical assistance initiatives for beginning farmers and 
     ranchers.
       ``(2) Included programs and services.--Initiatives 
     described in paragraph (1) may include programs or services, 
     as appropriate, relating to--
       ``(A) basic livestock, forest management, and crop farming 
     practices;
       ``(B) innovative farm, ranch, and private, nonindustrial 
     forest land transfer and succession strategies;
       ``(C) entrepreneurship and business training;
       ``(D) financial and risk management training, including the 
     acquisition and management of agricultural credit;
       ``(E) natural resource management and planning;
       ``(F) diversification and marketing strategies;
       ``(G) curriculum development;
       ``(H) mentoring, apprenticeships, and internships;
       ``(I) resources and referral;
       ``(J) farm financial benchmarking;
       ``(K) assisting beginning farmers and ranchers in acquiring 
     land from retiring farmers and ranchers;
       ``(L) agricultural rehabilitation and vocational training 
     for veteran farmers and ranchers;
       ``(M) farm safety and awareness;
       ``(N) food safety and recordkeeping; and
       ``(O) other similar subject areas of use to beginning 
     farmers and ranchers.
       ``(3) Eligibility.--
       ``(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this subsection, the recipient of the grant shall be a 
     collaborative State, Tribal, local, or regionally-based 
     network or partnership of public or private entities.
       ``(B) Inclusions.--A recipient of a grant described in 
     subparagraph (A) may include--
       ``(i) a State cooperative extension service;
       ``(ii) a Federal, State, municipal, or Tribal agency;
       ``(iii) a community-based or nongovernmental organization;
       ``(iv) a college or university (including an institution 
     awarding an associate's degree) or foundation maintained by a 
     college or university; or
       ``(v) any other appropriate partner, as determined by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(4) Terms of grants.--A grant under this subsection 
     shall--
       ``(A) be for a term of not longer than 3 years; and
       ``(B) provide not more than $250,000 for each year.
       ``(5) Evaluation criteria.--In making grants under this 
     subsection, the Secretary shall evaluate, with respect to 
     applications for the grants--
       ``(A) relevancy;
       ``(B) technical merit;
       ``(C) achievability;
       ``(D) the expertise and track record of 1 or more 
     applicants;
       ``(E) the consultation of beginning farmers and ranchers in 
     design, implementation, and decisionmaking relating to an 
     initiative described in paragraph (1);
       ``(F) the adequacy of plans for--
       ``(i) a participatory evaluation process;
       ``(ii) outcome-based reporting; and
       ``(iii) the communication of findings and results beyond 
     the immediate target audience; and
       ``(G) other appropriate factors, as determined by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(6) Regional balance.--To the maximum extent practicable, 
     the Secretary shall ensure the geographical diversity of 
     recipients of grants under this subsection.
       ``(7) Priority.--In making grants under this subsection, 
     the Secretary shall give priority to partnerships and 
     collaborations that are led by or include nongovernmental, 
     community-based organizations and school-based educational 
     organizations with expertise in new agricultural producer 
     training and outreach.
       ``(8) Prohibition.--A grant made under this subsection may 
     not be used for the planning, repair, rehabilitation, 
     acquisition, or construction of a building or facility.
       ``(9) Coordination permitted.--A recipient of a grant under 
     this subsection may coordinate with a recipient of a grant 
     under section 1680 in addressing the needs of veteran farmers 
     and ranchers with disabilities.
       ``(10) Consecutive awards.--A grant under this subsection 
     may be made to a recipient for consecutive years.
       ``(11) Peer review.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a fair and 
     efficient external peer review process, which the Secretary 
     shall use in making grants under this subsection.
       ``(B) Requirement.--The peer review process under 
     subparagraph (A) shall include a review panel composed of a 
     broad representation of peers of the applicant for the grant 
     that are not applying for a grant under this subsection.
       ``(12) Participation by other farmers and ranchers.--
     Nothing in this subsection prohibits the Secretary from 
     allowing a farmer or rancher who is not a beginning farmer or 
     rancher (including an owner or operator that has ended, or 
     expects to end within 5 years, active labor in a farming or 
     ranching operation as a producer) from participating in a 
     program or service under this subsection, to the extent that 
     the Secretary determines that such participation--
       ``(A) is appropriate; and
       ``(B) will not detract from the primary purpose of 
     increasing opportunities for beginning farmers and ranchers.
       ``(e) Application Requirements.--In making grants and 
     entering into contracts and other agreements, as applicable, 
     under subsections (c) and (d), the Secretary shall make 
     available a simplified application process for an application 
     for a grant that requests less than $50,000.'';
       (8) by inserting after subsection (f) the following:
       ``(g) Education Teams.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish beginning 
     farmer and rancher education teams to develop curricula and 
     conduct educational programs and workshops for beginning 
     farmers and ranchers in diverse geographical areas of the 
     United States.
       ``(2) Curriculum.--In promoting the development of 
     curricula under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, to the 
     maximum extent practicable, include modules tailored to 
     specific audiences of beginning farmers and ranchers, based 
     on crop diversity or regional diversity.
       ``(3) Composition.--In establishing an education team under 
     paragraph (1) for a specific program or workshop, the 
     Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable--
       ``(A) obtain the short-term services of specialists with 
     knowledge and expertise in programs serving beginning farmers 
     and ranchers; and
       ``(B) use officers and employees of the Department with 
     direct experience in programs of the Department that may be 
     taught as part of the curriculum for the program or workshop.
       ``(4) Cooperation.--
       ``(A) In general.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Secretary shall cooperate, to the maximum extent practicable, 
     with--
       ``(i) State cooperative extension services;
       ``(ii) Federal, State, and Tribal agencies;
       ``(iii) community-based and nongovernmental organizations;
       ``(iv) colleges and universities (including an institution 
     awarding an associate's degree) or foundations maintained by 
     a college or university; and
       ``(v) other appropriate partners, as determined by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(B) Cooperative agreements.--Notwithstanding chapter 63 
     of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary may enter into 
     a cooperative agreement to reflect the terms of any 
     cooperation under subparagraph (A).
       ``(h) Curriculum and Training Clearinghouse.--The Secretary 
     shall establish an online clearinghouse that makes available 
     to

[[Page S4619]]

     beginning farmers and ranchers education curricula and 
     training materials and programs, which may include online 
     courses for direct use by beginning farmers and ranchers.
       ``(i) Stakeholder Input.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Secretary shall seek stakeholder input from--
       ``(1) beginning farmers and ranchers;
       ``(2) socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers;
       ``(3) veteran farmers and ranchers;
       ``(4) national, State, Tribal, and local organizations and 
     other persons with expertise in operating programs for--
       ``(A) beginning farmers and ranchers;
       ``(B) socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; or
       ``(C) veteran farmers and ranchers;
       ``(5) the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and 
     Ranchers established under section 5(b) of the Agricultural 
     Credit Improvement Act of 1992 (7 U.S.C. 1929 note; Public 
     Law 102-554);
       ``(6) the Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers 
     established under section 14008 of the Food, Conservation, 
     and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2279 note; Public Law 110-
     246); and
       ``(7) the Tribal Advisory Committee established under 
     subsection (b) of section 309 of the Department of 
     Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6921).'';
       (9) in paragraph (3) of subsection (k) (as so 
     redesignated), by inserting ``and not later than March 1, 
     2020,'' after ``1991,''; and
       (10) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(p) Funding.--
       ``(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity 
     Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this 
     section $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 and each fiscal year 
     thereafter.
       ``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for 
     each fiscal years 2018 through 2023.
       ``(3) Reservation of funds.--Of the amounts made available 
     to carry out this section--
       ``(A) 50 percent shall be used to carry out subsection (c); 
     and
       ``(B) 50 percent shall be used to carry out subsection (d).
       ``(4) Allocation of funds.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not less than 5 percent of the amounts 
     made available to carry out subsections (d) and (n) for a 
     fiscal year shall be used to support programs and services 
     that address the needs of--
       ``(i) limited resource beginning farmers and ranchers, as 
     defined by the Secretary;
       ``(ii) socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers that 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 amounts made available to carry out 
     subsections (d), (g), and (h) for a fiscal year shall be used 
     to support programs and services that address the needs of 
     veteran farmers and ranchers.
       ``(5) Interagency funding.--Any agency of the Department 
     may participate in any grant, contract, or agreement entered 
     into under this section by contributing funds, if the 
     contributing agency determines that the objectives of the 
     grant, contract, or agreement will further the authorized 
     programs of the contributing agency.
       ``(6) Administrative expenses.--Not more than 5 percent of 
     the amounts made available to carry out this section for a 
     fiscal year may be used for expenses relating to the 
     administration of this section.
       ``(7) Limitation on indirect costs.--A recipient of a grant 
     or a party to a contract or other agreement under subsection 
     (c) or (d) may not use more than 10 percent of the funds 
     received for the indirect costs of carrying out a grant.''.

     SEC. 12302. URBAN AGRICULTURE.

       (a) Definition of Director.--In this section, the term 
     ``Director'' means the Director of the Office of Urban 
     Agriculture and Innovative Production established under 
     section 222(a)(1) of the Department of Agriculture 
     Reorganization Act of 1994 (as added by subsection (b)).
       (b) Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative 
     Production.--Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture 
     Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6911 et seq.) (as 
     amended by section 12202) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 222. OFFICE OF URBAN AGRICULTURE AND INNOVATIVE 
                   PRODUCTION.

       ``(a) Office.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish in the 
     Department an Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative 
     Production.
       ``(2) Director.--The Secretary shall appoint a senior 
     official to serve as the Director of the Office of Urban 
     Agriculture and Innovative Production (referred to in this 
     section as the `Director').
       ``(3) Mission.--The mission of the Office of Urban 
     Agriculture and Innovative Production shall be to encourage 
     and promote urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural 
     practices, including--
       ``(A) community gardens and farms located in urban areas, 
     suburbs, and urban clusters;
       ``(B) rooftop farms, outdoor vertical production, and green 
     walls;
       ``(C) indoor farms, greenhouses, and high-tech vertical 
     technology farms;
       ``(D) hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic farm facilities; 
     and
       ``(E) other innovations in agricultural production, as 
     determined by the Secretary.
       ``(4) Responsibilities.--The Director shall be responsible 
     for engaging in activities to carry out the mission described 
     in paragraph (3), including by--
       ``(A) managing and facilitating programs, including for 
     community gardens, urban farms, rooftop agriculture, and 
     indoor vertical production;
       ``(B) coordinating with the agencies and officials of the 
     Department;
       ``(C) advising the Secretary on issues relating to the 
     mission of the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative 
     Production;
       ``(D) ensuring that the programs of the Department are 
     updated to address urban, indoor, and other emerging 
     agricultural production practices, in coordination with the 
     officials in the Department responsible for those programs;
       ``(E) engaging in external relations with stakeholders and 
     coordinating external partnerships to share best practices, 
     provide mentorship, and offer technical assistance;
       ``(F) facilitating interagency program coordination and 
     developing interagency tools for the promotion of existing 
     programs and resources;
       ``(G) creating resources that identify common State and 
     municipal best practices for navigating local policies;
       ``(H) reviewing and improving farm enterprise development 
     programs that provide information about financial literacy, 
     business planning, and food safety record keeping;
       ``(I) coordinating networks of community gardens and 
     facilitating connections to local food banks, in partnership 
     with the Food and Nutrition Service; and
       ``(J) collaborating with other Federal agencies that use 
     agricultural practices on-site for food production or 
     infrastructure.
       ``(b) Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory 
     Committee.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish 
     an Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory 
     Committee (referred to in this subsection as the `Committee') 
     to advise the Secretary on--
       ``(A) the development of policies relating to urban, 
     indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices; 
     and
       ``(B) any other aspects of the implementation of this 
     section.
       ``(2) Membership.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Committee shall be composed of 15 
     members, of whom--
       ``(i) 5 shall be individuals who are agricultural 
     producers, of whom--

       ``(I) not fewer than 2 individuals shall be agricultural 
     producers located in an urban area or urban cluster; and
       ``(II) not fewer than 2 individuals shall be farmers that 
     use innovative technology, including indoor farming and 
     rooftop agriculture;

       ``(ii) 2 shall be representatives from an institution of 
     higher education or extension program;
       ``(iii) 1 shall be an individual who represents a nonprofit 
     organization, which may include a public health, 
     environmental, or community organization;
       ``(iv) 1 shall be an individual who represents business and 
     economic development, which may include a business 
     development entity, a chamber of commerce, a city government, 
     or a planning organization;
       ``(v) 1 shall be an individual with supply chain 
     experience, which may include a food aggregator, wholesale 
     food distributor, food hub, or an individual who has direct-
     to-consumer market experience;
       ``(vi) 1 shall be an individual from a financing entity; 
     and
       ``(vii) 4 shall be individuals with related experience or 
     expertise in urban, indoor, and other emerging agriculture 
     production practices, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(B) Initial appointments.--The Secretary shall appoint 
     the members of the Committee not later than 180 days after 
     the date of enactment of this section.
       ``(3) Period of appointment; vacancies.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     a member of the Committee shall be appointed for a term of 3 
     years.
       ``(B) Initial appointments.--Of the members first appointed 
     to the Committee--
       ``(i) 5 of the members, as determined by the Secretary, 
     shall be appointed for a term of 3 years;
       ``(ii) 5 of the members, as determined by the Secretary, 
     shall be appointed for a term of 2 years; and
       ``(iii) 5 of the members, as determined by the Secretary, 
     shall be appointed for a term of 1 year.
       ``(C) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the Committee--
       ``(i) shall not affect the powers of the Committee; and
       ``(ii) shall be filled as soon as practicable in the same 
     manner as the original appointment.
       ``(D) Consecutive terms.--An initial appointee of the 
     committee may serve an additional consecutive term if the 
     member is reappointed by the Secretary.
       ``(4) Meetings.--
       ``(A) Frequency.--The Committee shall meet not fewer than 3 
     times per year.
       ``(B) Initial meeting.--Not later than 60 days after the 
     date on which the members are appointed under paragraph 
     (2)(B), the Committee shall hold the first meeting of the 
     Committee.
       ``(5) Duties.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Committee shall--

[[Page S4620]]

       ``(i) develop recommendations--

       ``(I) to further the mission of the Office of Urban 
     Agriculture and Innovative Production described in subsection 
     (a)(3);
       ``(II) regarding the establishment of urban agriculture 
     policy priorities and goals within the Department;

       ``(ii) advise the Director on policies and initiatives 
     administered by the Office of Urban Agriculture and 
     Innovative Production;
       ``(iii) evaluate and review ongoing research and extension 
     activities relating to urban, indoor, and other innovative 
     agricultural practices;
       ``(iv) identify new and existing barriers to successful 
     urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production 
     practices; and
       ``(v) provide additional assistance and advice to the 
     Director as appropriate.
       ``(B) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this section, and each year thereafter, the 
     Committee shall submit to the Secretary, the Committee on 
     Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and the 
     Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
     Senate a report describing the recommendations developed 
     under subparagraph (A)(i).
       ``(6) Personnel matters.--
       ``(A) Compensation.--A member of the Committee shall serve 
     without compensation.
       ``(B) Travel expenses.--A member of the Committee shall be 
     allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
     subsistence, in accordance with section 5703 of title 5, 
     United States Code.
       ``(7) Termination.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the 
     Committee shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after 
     the date on which the members are appointed under paragraph 
     (2)(B).
       ``(B) Extensions.--Before the date on which the Committee 
     terminates, the Secretary may renew the Committee for 1 or 
     more 2-year periods.''.
       (c) Farm Numbers.--The Secretary shall provide for the 
     assignment of a farm number (as defined in section 718.2 of 
     title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the 
     date of enactment of this Act)) for rooftop farms, indoor 
     farms, and other urban farms, as determined by the Secretary.
       (d) Grant Authority.--
       (1) Definition of eligible entity.--In this subsection, the 
     term ``eligible entity'' means--
       (A) a community organization;
       (B) a nonprofit organization;
       (C) a unit of local government;
       (D) a Tribal government;
       (E) any school that serves any of grades kindergarten 
     through grade 12; and
       (F) an institution of higher education.
       (2) Grants.--The Director may award competitive grants to 
     eligible entities to support the development of urban 
     agriculture and innovative production.
       (3) Funding priority.--In awarding grants under this 
     subsection, priority shall be given to an eligible entity 
     that uses and provides an evaluation of a grant received 
     under this subsection--
       (A) to plan and construct gardens or nonprofit farms;
       (B) to operate community gardens or nonprofit farms that--
       (i) produce food for donation;
       (ii) have a demonstrated environmental benefit and 
     educational component; and
       (iii) are part of community efforts to address local food 
     security needs;
       (C) to educate a community on--
       (i) issues relating to food systems, including connections 
     between rural farmers and urban communities;
       (ii) nutrition;
       (iii) environmental impacts, including pollinator health, 
     soil fertility, composing, heat islands, and storm water 
     runoff; and
       (iv) agricultural production, including pest and disease 
     management; and
       (D) to provide multiple small dollar equity investments to 
     help offset start-up costs relating to new production, land 
     access, and equipment for new and beginning farmers who--
       (i) develop a 3-year business plan;
       (ii) live in the community in which they plan to farm; and
       (iii) provide a match to the start-up investment in the 
     form of cash or an in-kind contribution.
       (e) Pilot Projects.--
       (1) Urban and suburban county committees.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a pilot 
     program for not fewer than 5 years that establishes 10 county 
     committees in accordance with section 8(b)(5)(B)(ii)(II) of 
     the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 
     590h(b)(5)(B)) to operate in counties located in urban or 
     suburban areas with a high concentration of urban or suburban 
     farms.
       (B) Effect.--Nothing in this paragraph requires or 
     precludes the establishment of a Farm Service Agency office 
     in a county in which a county committee is established under 
     subparagraph (A).
       (C) Report.--For fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year 
     thereafter through fiscal year 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 a report describing a summary of--
       (i) the status of the pilot program under subparagraph (A);
       (ii) meetings and other activities of the committees 
     established under that subparagraph; and
       (iii) the types and volume of assistance and services 
     provided to farmers in counties in which county committees 
     are established under that subparagraph.
       (2) Increasing community compost and reducing food waste.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the Director 
     (referred to in this paragraph as the ``Secretary''), shall 
     carry out pilot projects under which the Secretary shall 
     offer to enter into cooperative agreements with local or 
     municipal governments in not fewer than 10 States to develop 
     and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal 
     compost plans and food waste reduction plans.
       (B) Eligible entities and purposes of pilot projects.--
     Under a cooperative agreement entered into under this 
     paragraph, the Secretary shall provide assistance to 
     municipalities, counties, local governments, or city 
     planners, as appropriate, to carry out planning and 
     implementing activities that will--
       (i) generate compost;
       (ii) increase access to compost for agricultural producers;
       (iii) reduce reliance on, and limit the use of, fertilizer;
       (iv) improve soil quality;
       (v) encourage waste management and permaculture business 
     development;
       (vi) increase rainwater absorption;
       (vii) reduce municipal food waste; and
       (viii) divert food waste from landfills.
       (C) Evaluation and ranking of applications.--
       (i) Criteria.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish criteria 
     for the selection of pilot projects under this paragraph.
       (ii) Priority.--In selecting a pilot project under this 
     paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to an 
     application for a pilot project that--

       (I) anticipates or demonstrates economic benefits;
       (II) incorporates plans to make compost easily accessible 
     to agricultural producers, including community gardeners;
       (III) integrates other food waste strategies, including 
     food recovery efforts; and
       (IV) provides for collaboration with multiple partners.

       (D) Matching requirement.--The recipient of assistance for 
     a pilot project under this paragraph shall provide funds, in-
     kind contributions, or a combination of both from sources 
     other than funds provided through the grant in an amount 
     equal to not less than 25 percent of the amount of the grant.
       (E) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall conduct an evaluation 
     of the pilot projects funded under this paragraph to assess 
     different solutions for increasing access to compost and 
     reducing municipal food waste, including an evaluation of--
       (i) the amount of Federal funds used for each project; and
       (ii) a measurement of the outcomes of each project.
       (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section and the 
     amendments made by this section $25,000,000 for fiscal year 
     2019 and each fiscal year thereafter.

     SEC. 12303. OFFICE OF ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH.

       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''.

     SEC. 12304. TRIBAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

       Section 309 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization 
     Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6921) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Tribal Advisory Committee.--
       ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) 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).
       ``(B) Relevant committees of congress.--The term `relevant 
     Committees of Congress' means--
       ``(i) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives;
       ``(ii) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
     Forestry of the Senate; and
       ``(iii) the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate.
       ``(C) Tribal organization.--The term `tribal organization' 
     has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian 
     Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
     5304).
       ``(2) Establishment of committee.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish an 
     advisory committee, to be known as the `Tribal Advisory 
     Committee' (referred to in this subsection as the 
     `Committee') to provide advice and guidance to the Secretary 
     on matters relating to Tribal and Indian affairs.
       ``(B) Facilitation.--The Committee shall facilitate, but 
     not supplant, government-to-government consultation between 
     the Department of Agriculture (referred to in this subsection 
     as the `Department') and Indian tribes.
       ``(3) Membership.--
       ``(A) Composition.--The Council shall be composed of 9 
     members, of whom--
       ``(i) 7 shall be appointed by the Secretary;

[[Page S4621]]

       ``(ii) 1 shall be appointed by the chairperson of the 
     Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate; and
       ``(iii) 1 shall be appointed by the ranking Member of the 
     Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate.
       ``(B) Nominations.--The Secretary shall accept nominations 
     for members of the Council from--
       ``(i) an Indian tribe;
       ``(ii) a tribal organization; and
       ``(iii) a national or regional organization with expertise 
     in issues relating to the duties of the Committee described 
     in paragraph (4).
       ``(C) Diversity.--To the maximum extent feasible, the 
     Secretary shall ensure that the members of the Committee 
     represent a diverse set of expertise on issues relating to 
     geographic regions, Indian tribes, and the agricultural 
     industry.
       ``(D) Limitation.--No member of the Committee shall be an 
     officer or employee of the Federal government.
       ``(E) Period of appointment; vacancies.--
       ``(i) In general.--Each member of the Committee--

       ``(I) subject to clause (ii), shall be appointed to a 3-
     year term; and
       ``(II) may be reappointed to not more than 3 consecutive 
     terms.

       ``(ii) Initial staggering.--The first 7 appointments made 
     by the Secretary under paragraph (3)(A)(i) shall be for a 2-
     year term.
       ``(iii) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the Council shall be 
     filled in the same manner as the original appointment not 
     more than 90 days after the date on which the position 
     becomes vacant.
       ``(F) Meetings.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Council shall meet in person not 
     less than twice each year.
       ``(ii) Office of tribal relations representative.--Not 
     fewer than 1 representative from the Office of Tribal 
     Relations of the Department shall be present at each meeting 
     of the Committee.
       ``(iii) Department of interior representative.--The 
     Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs of the Department of 
     the Interior (or a designee) shall be present at each meeting 
     of the Committee.
       ``(iv) Nonvoting representatives.--The individuals 
     described in clauses (ii) and (iii) shall be nonvoting 
     representatives.
       ``(4) Duties of committee.--The Committee shall--
       ``(A) identify evolving issues of relevance to Indian 
     tribes relating to programs of the Department;
       ``(B) communicate to the Secretary the issues identified 
     under subparagraph (A);
       ``(C) submit to the Secretary recommendations for and 
     solutions to--
       ``(i) the issues identified under subparagraph (A);
       ``(ii) issues raised at the Tribal, regional, or national 
     level; and
       ``(iii) issues relating to any Tribal consultation carried 
     out by the Department;
       ``(D) discuss issues and proposals for changes to the 
     regulations, policies, and procedures of the Department that 
     impact Indian tribes;
       ``(E) identify priorities and provide advice on appropriate 
     strategies for Tribal consultation on issues at the Tribal, 
     regional, or national level regarding the Department;
       ``(F) ensure that pertinent issues of the Department are 
     brought to the attention of an Indian tribe in a timely 
     manner so that timely feedback from an Indian tribe can be 
     obtained; and
       ``(G) identify and propose solutions to any 
     interdepartmental barrier between the Department and other 
     Federal agencies.
       ``(5) Reports.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not less frequently than once each year, 
     the Committee shall submit to the Secretary and the relevant 
     Committees of Congress a report that describes--
       ``(i) the activities of the Committee during the previous 
     year; and
       ``(ii) recommendations for legislative or administrative 
     action for the following year.
       ``(B) Response from secretary.--Not more than 45 days after 
     the date on which the Secretary receives a report under 
     subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall submit a written 
     response to that report to--
       ``(i) the Committee; and
       ``(ii) the relevant Committees of Congress.
       ``(6) Compensation of members.--Members of the Committee 
     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 Committee.
       ``(7) Federal advisory committee act exemption.--Section 14 
     of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall 
     not apply to the Committee.''.

     SEC. 12305. EXPERIENCED SERVICES PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Section 1252 of the Food Security Act of 
     1985 (16 U.S.C. 3851) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``agriculture 
     conservation'';
       (2) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the first sentence--
       (i) by striking ``a conservation'' and inserting ``an'';
       (ii) by striking ``(in this section referred to as the 
     `ACES Program')'' and inserting ``(referred to in this 
     section as the `program')''; and
       (iii) by striking ``provide technical'' and inserting the 
     following: ``provide--
       ``(1) technical''; and
       (B) in paragraph (1) (as so designated)--
       (i) by striking ``Secretary. Such technical services may 
     include'' and inserting ``Secretary, including'';
       (ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) technical, professional, and administrative services 
     to support the research, education, and economics mission 
     area of the Department of Agriculture (including the 
     Agricultural Research Service, the Economic Research Service, 
     the National Agricultural Library, the National Agricultural 
     Statistics Service, the Office of the Chief Scientist, and 
     the National Institute of Food and Agriculture), including--
       ``(A) supporting agricultural research and information;
       ``(B) advancing scientific knowledge relating to 
     agriculture;
       ``(C) enhancing access to agricultural information;
       ``(D) providing statistical information and research 
     results to farmers, ranchers, agribusiness, and public 
     officials; and
       ``(E) assisting research, education, and extension programs 
     in land-grant colleges and universities (as defined in 
     section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 
     3103)).'';
       (3) by striking ``ACES'' each place it appears;
       (4) by striking ``technical services'' each place it 
     appears (other than in subsection (a)) and inserting 
     ``technical, professional, or administrative services, as 
     applicable,''; and
       (5) in subsection (c)(1)--
       (A) by striking the paragraph heading and inserting 
     ``Conservation technical services.--''; and
       (B) by inserting ``with respect to subsection (a)(1),'' 
     before ``the Secretary''.
       (b) Technical Amendment.--Title XII of the Food Security 
     Act of 1985 is amended by moving section 1252 (16 U.S.C. 
     3851) (as amended by subsection (a)) and section 1253 (as 
     added by section 2409) to appear after section 1251 (as added 
     by section 2429).

     SEC. 12306. YOUTH OUTREACH AND BEGINNING FARMER COORDINATION.

       Subtitle D of title VII of the Farm Security and Rural 
     Investment Act of 2002 (as amended by section 12301(a)(1)) is 
     amended by inserting after section 7404 (7 U.S.C. 3101 note; 
     Public Law 107-171) the following:

     ``SEC. 7405. YOUTH OUTREACH AND BEGINNING FARMER 
                   COORDINATION.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Beginning farmer or rancher.--The term `beginning 
     farmer or rancher' means a person that--
       ``(A)(i) has not operated a farm or ranch; or
       ``(ii) has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 
     years; and
       ``(B) meets such other criteria as the Secretary may 
     establish.
       ``(2) National coordinator.--The term `National 
     Coordinator' means the National Beginning Farmer and Rancher 
     Coordinator established under subsection (b)(1).
       ``(3) State coordinator.--The term `State coordinator' 
     means a State beginning farmer and rancher coordinator 
     designated under subsection (c)(1)(A).
       ``(4) State office.--The term `State office' means--
       ``(A) a State office of--
       ``(i) the Farm Service Agency;
       ``(ii) the Natural Resources Conservation Service;
       ``(iii) the Rural Business-Cooperative Service; or
       ``(iv) the Rural Utilities Service; or
       ``(B) a regional office of the Risk Management Agency.
       ``(b) National Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinator.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish in the 
     Department the position of National Beginning Farmer and 
     Rancher Coordinator.
       ``(2) Duties.--
       ``(A) In general.--The National Coordinator shall--
       ``(i) advise the Secretary and coordinate activities of the 
     Department on programs, policies, and issues relating to 
     beginning farmers and ranchers; and
       ``(ii) in consultation with the applicable State food and 
     agriculture council, determine whether to approve a plan 
     submitted by a State coordinator under subsection (c)(3)(B).
       ``(B) Discretionary duties.--Additional duties of the 
     National Coordinator may include--
       ``(i) developing and implementing new strategies--

       ``(I) for outreach to beginning farmers and ranchers; and
       ``(II) to assist beginning farmers and ranchers with 
     connecting to owners or operators that have ended, or expect 
     to end within 5 years, actively owning or operating a farm or 
     ranch; and

       ``(ii) facilitating interagency and interdepartmental 
     collaboration on issues relating to beginning farmers and 
     ranchers.
       ``(3) Reports.--Not less frequently than once each year, 
     the National Coordinator shall distribute within the 
     Department and make publicly available a report describing 
     the status of steps taken to carry out the duties described 
     in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2).
       ``(4) Contracts and cooperative agreements.--In carrying 
     out the duties under

[[Page S4622]]

     paragraph (2), the National Coordinator may enter into a 
     contract or cooperative agreement with an institution of 
     higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), cooperative 
     extension services (as defined in section 1404 of the 
     National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching 
     Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103), or a nonprofit 
     organization--
       ``(A) to conduct research on the profitability of new farms 
     in operation for not less than 5 years in a region;
       ``(B) to develop educational materials;
       ``(C) to conduct workshops, courses, training, or certified 
     vocational training; or
       ``(D) to conduct mentoring activities.
       ``(c) State Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coordinators.--
       ``(1) In general.--
       ``(A) Designation.--The National Coordinator, in 
     consultation with State food and agriculture councils and 
     directors of State offices, shall designate in each State a 
     State beginning farmer and rancher coordinator from among 
     employees of State offices.
       ``(B) Requirements.--To be designated as a State 
     coordinator, an employee shall--
       ``(i) be familiar with issues relating to beginning farmers 
     and ranchers; and
       ``(ii) have the ability to interface with other Federal 
     departments and agencies.
       ``(2) Training.--The Secretary shall develop a training 
     plan to provide to each State coordinator knowledge of 
     programs and services available from the Department for 
     beginning farmers and ranchers, taking into consideration the 
     needs of all production types and sizes of agricultural 
     operations.
       ``(3) Duties.--A State coordinator shall--
       ``(A) coordinate technical assistance at the State level to 
     assist beginning farmers and ranchers in accessing programs 
     of the Department;
       ``(B) develop and submit to the National Coordinator for 
     approval under subsection (b)(2)(A)(ii) a State plan to 
     improve the coordination, delivery, and efficacy of programs 
     of the Department to beginning farmers and ranchers, taking 
     into consideration the needs of all types of production 
     methods and sizes of agricultural operation, at each county 
     and area office in the State;
       ``(C) oversee implementation of an approved State plan 
     described in subparagraph (B);
       ``(D) work with outreach coordinators in the State offices 
     to ensure appropriate information about technical assistance 
     is available at outreach events and activities; and
       ``(E) coordinate partnerships and joint outreach efforts 
     with other organizations and government agencies serving 
     beginning farmers and ranchers.
       ``(d) Agricultural Youth Coordinator.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish in the 
     Department the position of Agricultural Youth Coordinator.
       ``(2) Duties.--The Agricultural Youth Coordinator shall--
       ``(A) promote the role of school-based agricultural 
     education and youth-serving agricultural organizations in 
     motivating and preparing young people to pursue careers in 
     the agriculture, food, and natural resources systems;
       ``(B) coordinate outreach to programs and agencies within 
     the Department--
       ``(i) to work with schools and youth-serving organizations 
     to develop joint programs and initiatives, such as 
     internships; and
       ``(ii) to provide resources and input to schools and youth-
     serving organizations regarding motivating and preparing 
     young people to pursue careers in the agriculture, food, and 
     natural resources systems;
       ``(C) raise awareness among youth about the importance of 
     agriculture in a diversity of fields and disciplines;
       ``(D) provide information to persons involved in youth, 
     food, and agriculture organizations about the availability 
     of, and eligibility requirements for, agricultural programs, 
     with particular emphasis on--
       ``(i) beginning farmer and rancher programs;
       ``(ii) agriculture education;
       ``(iii) nutrition education;
       ``(iv) science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 
     education; and
       ``(v) other food and agriculture programs for youth;
       ``(E) serve as a resource for youth involved in food and 
     agriculture applying for participation in agricultural 
     programs;
       ``(F) conduct outreach to youth agriculture organizations; 
     and
       ``(G) advocate on behalf of youth involved in food and 
     agriculture and youth organizations in interactions with 
     employees of the Department.
       ``(3) Contracts and cooperative agreements.--For purposes 
     of carrying out the duties described in paragraph (2), the 
     Agricultural Youth Coordinator--
       ``(A) shall consult with land-grant colleges and 
     universities and cooperative extension services (as those 
     terms are defined in section 1404 of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103)); and
       ``(B) may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements 
     with the research centers of the Agricultural Research 
     Service, 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--
       ``(i) the development of educational materials;
       ``(ii) the conduct of workshops, courses, and certified 
     vocational training;
       ``(iii) the conduct of mentoring activities; or
       ``(iv) the provision of internship opportunities.''.

     SEC. 12307. AVAILABILITY OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
                   PROGRAMS FOR VETERAN FARMERS AND RANCHERS.

       (a) Definition of Veteran Farmer or Rancher.--Paragraph (7) 
     of subsection (a) (as redesignated by section 12301(b)(3)) of 
     section 2501 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; or''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) is a veteran (as defined in section 101 of that 
     title) who has first obtained status as a veteran (as so 
     defined) during the most recent 10-year period.''.
       (b) Federal Crop Insurance.--
       (1) Definition of veteran farmer or rancher.--Section 
     502(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(b)) 
     (as amended by section 11101) is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:
       ``(14) Veteran farmer or rancher.--The term `veteran farmer 
     or rancher' means a farmer or rancher who--
       ``(A) has served in the Armed Forces (as defined in section 
     101 of title 38, United States Code); and
       ``(B)(i) has not operated a farm or ranch;
       ``(ii) has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 5 
     years; or
       ``(iii) is a veteran (as defined in section 101 of that 
     title) who has first obtained status as a veteran (as so 
     defined) during the most recent 5-year period.''.
       (2) Crop insurance.--Section 508 of the Federal Crop 
     Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (b)(5)(E)--
       (i) by striking ``The Corporation'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(i) In general.--The Corporation''; and
       (ii) in clause (i) (as so designated), by striking the 
     period at the end and inserting the following: ``, and 
     veteran farmers or ranchers.
       ``(ii) Coordination.--The Corporation shall coordinate with 
     other agencies of the Department that provide programs or 
     services to farmers and ranchers described in clause (i) to 
     make available coverage under the waiver under that clause 
     and to share eligibility information to reduce paperwork and 
     avoid duplication.'';
       (B) in subsection (e)(8)--
       (i) in the paragraph heading, by inserting ``and veteran'' 
     after ``beginning''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``or veteran farmer or rancher'' after 
     ``beginning farmer or rancher'' each place it appears; and
       (C) in subsection (g)--
       (i) in paragraph (2)(B)(iii), in the matter preceding 
     subclause (I), by inserting ``or veteran farmer or rancher'' 
     after ``beginning farmer or rancher'' each place it appears; 
     and
       (ii) in paragraph (4)(B)(ii)(II), by inserting ``and 
     veteran farmers or ranchers'' after ``beginning farmers or 
     ranchers''.
       (3) Education and risk management assistance.--Section 
     524(a)(4) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1524(a)(4)) is amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (D)(ii), 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) veteran farmers or ranchers.''.
       (c) Down Payment Loan Program.--Section 310E of the 
     Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1935) 
     is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``qualified beginning 
     farmers or ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers or 
     ranchers'' and inserting ``eligible farmers or ranchers'';
       (2) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``recipients of the 
     loans'' and inserting ``farmers or ranchers'';
       (B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
       ``(3) encourage retiring farmers and ranchers to assist in 
     the sale of their farms and ranches to eligible farmers or 
     ranchers by providing seller financing;''; and
       (C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``for beginning farmers 
     or ranchers or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers'' 
     and inserting the following: ``for--
       ``(A) beginning farmers or ranchers;
       ``(B) socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, as 
     defined in section 355(e); or
       ``(C) veteran farmers or ranchers, as defined in section 
     2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
     of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a))''; and
       (D) in paragraph (5), by striking ``a qualified beginning 
     farmer or rancher or socially disadvantaged farmer or 
     rancher'' and inserting ``an eligible farmer or rancher''; 
     and
       (3) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
       ``(e) Definition of Eligible Farmer or Rancher.--In this 
     section, the term `eligible farmer or rancher' means--
       ``(1) a qualified beginning farmer or rancher;
       ``(2) a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher, as 
     defined in section 355(e); and
       ``(3) a veteran farmer or rancher, as defined in section 
     2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture,

[[Page S4623]]

     Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a)).''.
       (d) Interest Rate Reduction Program.--Section 351(e)(2)(B) 
     of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1999(e)(2)(B)) is amended--
       (1) in the subparagraph heading, by inserting ``and 
     veteran'' after ``Beginning'';
       (2) in clause (i), by inserting ``or veteran farmers and 
     ranchers (as defined in section 2501(a) of the Food, 
     Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
     2279(a)))'' before the period at the end; and
       (3) in clause (ii), by striking ``beginning''.
       (e) National Food Safety Training, Education, Extension, 
     Outreach, and Technical Assistance Program.--Section 405(c) 
     of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform 
     Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7625(c)) is amended by inserting 
     ``veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 2501(a) 
     of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 
     (7 U.S.C. 2279(a))),'' after ``socially disadvantaged 
     farmers,''.
       (f) Administration and Operation of Noninsured Crop 
     Assistance Program.--Section 196 of the Federal Agriculture 
     Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (k)(2), by inserting ``, or a veteran 
     farmer or rancher (as defined in section 2501(a) of the Food, 
     Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
     2279(a)))'' before the period at the end; and
       (2) in subsection (l), in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by 
     section 1601(7)(C))--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by inserting ``veteran,'' 
     before ``and socially''; and
       (B) by inserting ``and veteran farmers or ranchers (as 
     defined in section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, 
     Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a)))'' 
     before ``in exchange''.
       (g) Funding for Transition Option for Certain Farmers or 
     Ranchers.--Section 1241(a)(1)(B) of the Food Security Act of 
     1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(a)(1)(B)) is amended by striking 
     ``beginning farmers or ranchers and socially disadvantaged 
     farmers or ranchers'' and inserting ``covered farmers or 
     ranchers, as defined in section 1235(f)(1)''.
       (h) Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance.--
       (1) Definition of covered producer.--Section 1501(a) of the 
     Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(a)) is amended--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as 
     paragraphs (2) through (5), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(1) Covered producer.--The term `covered producer' means 
     an eligible producer on a farm that is--
       ``(A) as determined by the Secretary--
       ``(i) a beginning farmer or rancher;
       ``(ii) a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher; or
       ``(iii) a limited resource farmer or rancher; or
       ``(B) a veteran farmer or rancher, as defined in section 
     2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act 
     of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a)).''.
       (2) Emergency assistance for livestock, honey bees, and 
     farm-raised fish.--Section 1501(d) of the Agricultural Act of 
     2014 (7 U.S.C. 9081(d)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(4) Payment rate for covered producers.--In the case of a 
     covered producer that is eligible to receive assistance under 
     this subsection, the Secretary shall provide reimbursement of 
     90 percent of the cost of losses described in paragraph (1) 
     or (2).''.

   Subtitle D--Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 
                               Amendments

     SEC. 12401. OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL RELATIONS AND 
                   INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS.

       (a) Assistant Secretaries of Agriculture.--Section 
     218(a)(1) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act 
     of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6918(a)(1)) is amended by striking 
     ``Relations'' and inserting ``Relations and Intergovernmental 
     Affairs''.
       (b) Succession.--Any official who is serving as the 
     Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Congressional 
     Relations on the date of enactment of this Act and who was 
     appointed by the President, by and with the advice and 
     consent of the Senate, shall not be required to be 
     reappointed as a result of the change made to the name of 
     that position under the amendment made by subsection (a).

     SEC. 12402. MILITARY VETERANS AGRICULTURAL LIAISON.

       Section 219 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization 
     Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6919) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) establish and periodically update the website 
     described in subsection (d); and
       ``(6) in carrying out the duties described in paragraphs 
     (1) through (5), consult with and provide technical 
     assistance to any Federal agency, including the Department of 
     Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Small 
     Business Administration, and the Department of Labor.''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Website Required.--
       ``(1) In general.--The website required under subsection 
     (b)(5) shall include the following:
       ``(A) Positions identified within the Department of 
     Agriculture that are available to veterans for 
     apprenticeships.
       ``(B) Apprenticeships, programs of training on the job, and 
     programs of education that are approved for purposes of 
     chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code.
       ``(C) Employment skills training programs for members of 
     the Armed Forces carried out pursuant to section 1143(e) of 
     title 10, United States Code.
       ``(D) Information designed to assist businesses, nonprofit 
     entities, educational institutions, and farmers interested in 
     developing apprenticeships, on-the-job training, educational, 
     or entrepreneurial programs for veterans in navigating the 
     process of having a program approved by a State approving 
     agency for purposes of chapter 36 of title 38, United States 
     Code, including--
       ``(i) contact information for relevant offices in the 
     Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
     Department of Labor, and Small Business Administration;
       ``(ii) basic requirements for approval by each State 
     approving agency;
       ``(iii) recommendations with respect to training and 
     coursework to be used during apprenticeships or on-the-job 
     training that will enable a veteran to be eligible for 
     agricultural programs; and
       ``(iv) examples of successful programs and curriculums that 
     have been approved for purposes of chapter 36 of title 38, 
     United States Code (with consent of the organization and 
     without any personally identifiable information).
       ``(2) Review of website.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the date of 
     enactment of this paragraph, and once every 5 years 
     thereafter, the Secretary shall conduct a study to determine 
     if the website required under subsection (b)(5) is effective 
     in providing veterans the information required under 
     paragraph (1).
       ``(B) Ineffective website.--If the Secretary determines 
     that the website is not effective under subparagraph (A), the 
     Secretary shall--
       ``(i) notify the agriculture and veterans committees 
     described in subparagraph (C) of that determination; and
       ``(ii) not earlier than 180 days after the date on which 
     the Secretary provides notice under clause (i), terminate the 
     website.
       ``(C) Agriculture and veterans committees.--The agriculture 
     and veterans committees referred to in subparagraph (B)(i) 
     are--
       ``(i) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives;
       ``(ii) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
     Forestry of the Senate;
       ``(iii) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       ``(iv) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate.
       ``(e) Consultation Required.--In carrying out this section, 
     the Secretary shall consult with organizations that serve 
     veterans.
       ``(f) Report.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this subsection, and annually thereafter, the 
     Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall submit a report 
     on beginning farmer training for veterans and agricultural 
     vocational and rehabilitation programs for veterans to--
       ``(A) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives;
       ``(B) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives;
       ``(C) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 
     of the Senate; and
       ``(D) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate.
       ``(2) Contents of report.--The report submitted under 
     paragraph (1) shall include--
       ``(A) a summary of the measures taken to carry out 
     subsections (b) and (c);
       ``(B) a description of the information provided to veterans 
     under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b);
       ``(C) recommendations for best informing veterans of the 
     programs described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection 
     (b);
       ``(D) a summary of the contracts or cooperative agreements 
     entered into under subsection (c);
       ``(E) a description of the programs implemented under 
     subsection (c);
       ``(F) a summary of the employment outreach activities 
     directed to veterans;
       ``(G) recommendations for how opportunities for veterans in 
     agriculture should be developed or expanded;
       ``(H) a summary of veteran farm lending data and a summary 
     of shortfalls, if any, identified by the Military Veterans 
     Agricultural Liaison in collecting data with respect to 
     veterans engaged in agriculture; and
       ``(I) recommendations, if any, on how to improve activities 
     under subsection (b).
       ``(g) Public Dissemination of Information.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this subsection, and annually thereafter, the 
     Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall make publicly 
     available and share broadly, including by posting on the 
     website of the Department--
       ``(A) the report of the Military Veterans Agricultural 
     Liaison on beginning farmer training for veterans and 
     agricultural vocational and rehabilitation programs; and
       ``(B) the information disseminated under paragraphs (1) and 
     (2) of subsection (b).
       ``(2) Further dissemination.--Not later than the day before 
     the date on which the

[[Page S4624]]

     Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison makes publicly 
     available the information under paragraph (1), the Military 
     Veterans Agricultural Liaison shall provide that information 
     to the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans 
     Affairs, the Small Business Administration, and the 
     Department of Labor.''.

     SEC. 12403. CIVIL RIGHTS ANALYSES.

       (a) In General.--Subtitle A of the Department of 
     Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6911 et 
     seq.) (as amended by section 12302(b)) is amended by adding 
     at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 223. CIVIL RIGHTS ANALYSES.

       ``(a) Definition of Civil Rights Analysis.--In this 
     section, the term `civil rights analysis' means a review to 
     analyze and identify actions, policies, and decisions under 
     documents described in subsection (b) that may have an 
     adverse or disproportionate impact on employees, contractors, 
     or beneficiaries (including participants) of any program or 
     activity of the Department based on the membership of the 
     employees, contractors, or beneficiaries in a group that is 
     protected under Federal law from discrimination in 
     employment, contracting, or provision of a program or 
     activity, as applicable.
       ``(b) Actions, Policies, and Decisions.--Before 
     implementing any of the following action, policy, or decision 
     documents, the Secretary shall conduct a civil rights 
     analysis of the action, policy, or decision that is the 
     subject of the document:
       ``(1) New, revised, or interim rules and notices to be 
     published in the Federal Register or the Code of Federal 
     Regulations.
       ``(2) Charters for advisory committees, councils, or boards 
     managed by any agency of the Department on behalf of the 
     Secretary.
       ``(3) Any regulations of the Department or new or revised 
     agency-specific instructions, procedures, or other guidance 
     published in an agency directives system.
       ``(4) Reductions-in-force or transfer of function 
     proposals, including reorganization of the Department.
       ``(5) At the discretion of the Secretary, any other policy, 
     program, or activity documents that have potentially adverse 
     civil rights impacts.
       ``(c) Expedited Review.--The Assistant Secretary for Civil 
     Rights may grant, on a case-by-case basis, an expedited civil 
     rights analysis if the head of an agency within the 
     Department provides a written justification for the expedited 
     civil rights analysis.
       ``(d) Waiver.--On petition by the head of any agency within 
     the Department, the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights may 
     grant, on a case-by-case basis, a waiver of the civil rights 
     analysis if the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 
     determines that there is no foreseeable adverse or 
     disproportionate impact described in subsection (a) of the 
     proposed action, policy, or decision document described in 
     subsection (b).''.
       (b) Study; Report.--
       (1) Study.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States (referred to in this section as the ``Comptroller 
     General'') shall conduct a study describing--
       (A) the effectiveness of the Department of Agriculture in 
     processing and resolving civil rights complaints;
       (B) minority participation rates in farm programs, 
     including a comparison of overall farmer and rancher 
     participation with minority farmer and rancher participation 
     by considering particular aspects of the programs of the 
     Department of Agriculture for producers, such as ownership 
     status, program participation, usage of permits, and waivers;
       (C) the realignment the civil rights functions of the 
     Department of Agriculture, as outlined in Secretarial 
     Memorandum 1076-023 (March 9, 2018), including an analysis of 
     whether that realignment has any negative implications on the 
     civil rights functions of the Department;
       (D) efforts of the Department of Agriculture to identify 
     actions, programs, or activities of the Department of 
     Agriculture that may adversely affect employees, contractors, 
     or beneficiaries (including participants) of the action, 
     program, or activity based on the membership of the 
     employees, contractors, or beneficiaries in a group that is 
     protected under Federal law from discrimination in 
     employment, contracting, or provision of an action, program, 
     or activity, as applicable; and
       (E) efforts of the Department of Agriculture to 
     strategically plan actions to decrease discrimination and 
     civil rights complaints within the Department of Agriculture 
     or in the carrying out of the programs and authorities of the 
     Department of Agriculture.
       (2) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     completion of the study under paragraph (1), the Comptroller 
     General shall submit a report describing the results of the 
     study to--
       (A) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       (B) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 
     of the Senate.

     SEC. 12404. FARM SERVICE AGENCY.

       (a) In General.--Section 226 of the Department of 
     Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6932) is 
     amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``consolidated 
     farm'' and inserting ``farm'';
       (2) in subsection (b), in the subsection heading, by 
     striking ``of Consolidated Farm Service Agency''; and
       (3) by striking ``Consolidated Farm'' each place it appears 
     and inserting ``Farm''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 246 of the Department of Agriculture 
     Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6962) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (c), by striking ``Consolidated Farm'' 
     each place it appears and inserting ``Farm''; and
       (B) in subsection (e)(2), by striking ``Consolidated Farm'' 
     each place it appears and inserting ``Farm''.
       (2) Section 271(2)(A) of the Department of Agriculture 
     Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6991(2)(A)) is amended 
     by striking ``Consolidated Farm'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``Farm''.
       (3) Section 275(b) of the Department of Agriculture 
     Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6995(b)) is amended by 
     striking ``Consolidated Farm'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``Farm''.

     SEC. 12405. UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR FARM 
                   PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION.

       (a) 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''.
       (b) 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 Farm Production and 
     Conservation''.
       (c) Food Aid Consultative Group.--Section 205(b)(2) of the 
     Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1725(b)(2)) is amended by 
     striking ``Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and 
     Foreign Agricultural Services'' and inserting ``Under 
     Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural 
     Affairs''.
       (d) 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'' and all that follows through 
     ``designee'' and inserting ``Under Secretary of Agriculture 
     for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, or the designee 
     of that Under Secretary''.

     SEC. 12406. UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR RURAL 
                   DEVELOPMENT.

       Section 231 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization 
     Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6941) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``is authorized to'' and 
     inserting ``shall'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``If the Secretary'' and 
     all that follows through ``the Under Secretary'' and 
     inserting ``The Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural 
     Development''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(g) Termination of Authority.--Section 296(b)(9) shall 
     not apply to this section.''.

     SEC. 12407. ADMINISTRATOR OF THE RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE.

       (a) In General.--
       (1) Technical correction.--
       (A) In general.--Section 232(b) of the Department of 
     Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6942(b)) (as 
     in effect on the day before the effective date of the 
     amendments made by section 2(a)(2) of the Presidential 
     Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011 (Public 
     Law 112-166; 126 Stat. 1283, 1295)) is amended--
       (i) by striking paragraph (2) (relating to succession); and
       (ii) by redesignating paragraph (3) (relating to the 
     Executive Schedule) as paragraph (2).
       (B) Effective date.--The amendments made by subparagraph 
     (A) take effect on the effective date described in section 
     6(a) of the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and 
     Streamlining Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-166; 126 Stat. 
     1295).
       (2) Compensation.--Section 232(b) of the Department of 
     Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6942(b)) (as 
     amended by paragraph (1)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(3) Compensation.--The Administrator of the Rural 
     Utilities Service shall receive basic pay at a rate not to 
     exceed the maximum amount of compensation payable to a member 
     of the Senior Executive Service under subsection (b) of 
     section 5382 of title 5, United States Code, except that the 
     certification requirement under that subsection shall not 
     apply to the compensation of the Director.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking ``Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, 
     Department of Agriculture.''.
       (2) Section 748 of Public Law 107-76 (7 U.S.C. 918b) is 
     amended by striking ``the Administrator of the Rural 
     Utilities Service'' and inserting ``the Secretary of 
     Agriculture''.
       (3) Section 379B(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
     Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008p(a)) is amended by striking 
     ``Secretary'' and all that follows through ``may'' and 
     inserting ``Secretary may''.
       (4) Section 6407(b)(4) of the Farm Security and Rural 
     Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107a(b)(4)) is amended by 
     striking ``Agriculture'' and all that follows through 
     ``Service'' and inserting ``Agriculture''.

[[Page S4625]]

       (5) Section 1004 of the Launching our Communities' Access 
     to Local Television Act of 2000 (47 U.S.C. 1103) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``The Administrator 
     (as defined in section 1005)'' and inserting ``The Secretary 
     of Agriculture''; and
       (B) in subsection (h)(2)(D), by striking ``Administrator'' 
     each place it appears and inserting ``Secretary of 
     Agriculture''.
       (6) Section 1005 of the Launching our Communities' Access 
     to Local Television Act of 2000 (47 U.S.C. 1104) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``The Administrator'' 
     and all that follows through ``shall'' and inserting ``The 
     Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this section as the 
     `Secretary') shall''; and
       (B) by striking ``Administrator'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``Secretary''.

     SEC. 12408. RURAL HEALTH LIAISON.

       Subtitle C of title II of the Department of Agriculture 
     Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6941 et seq.) is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 236. RURAL HEALTH LIAISON.

       ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary shall establish in the 
     Department the position of Rural Health Liaison.
       ``(b) Duties.--The Rural Health Liaison shall--
       ``(1) in consultation with the Secretary of Health and 
     Human Services, coordinate the role of the Department with 
     respect to rural health;
       ``(2) integrate across the Department the strategic 
     planning and activities relating to rural health;
       ``(3) improve communication relating to rural health within 
     the Department and between Federal agencies;
       ``(4) advocate on behalf of the health care and relevant 
     infrastructure needs in rural areas;
       ``(5) provide to stakeholders, potential grant applicants, 
     Federal agencies, State agencies, Indian Tribes, private 
     organizations, and academic institutions relevant data and 
     information, including the eligibility requirements for, and 
     availability and outcomes of, Department programs applicable 
     to the advancement of rural health;
       ``(6) maintain communication with public health, medical, 
     occupational safety, and telecommunication associations, 
     research entities, and other stakeholders to ensure that the 
     Department is aware of current and upcoming issues relating 
     to rural health;
       ``(7) consult on programs, pilot projects, research, 
     training, and other affairs relating to rural health at the 
     Department and other Federal agencies;
       ``(8) provide expertise on rural health to support the 
     activities of the Secretary as Chair of the Interagency Task 
     Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity; and
       ``(9) provide technical assistance and guidance with 
     respect to activities relating to rural health to the 
     outreach, extension, and county offices of the Department.''.

     SEC. 12409. HEALTHY FOOD FINANCING INITIATIVE.

       Section 243 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization 
     Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6953) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``and enterprises'' 
     after ``retailers'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(3)(B)(iii), by inserting ``and 
     enterprises'' after ``retailers''; and
       (3) in subsection (c)(2)(B)(ii), by inserting ``as 
     applicable,'' before ``to accept''.

     SEC. 12410. NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE.

       (a) Field Offices.--Section 246 of the Department of 
     Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6962) (as 
     amended by section 12404(b)(1)) is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:
       ``(g) Field Offices.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall not close any field 
     office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service unless, 
     not later than 60 days before the date of the closure, the 
     Secretary submits to the Committee on Agriculture of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
     Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a notification of the 
     closure.
       ``(2) Employees.--The Secretary shall not permanently 
     relocate any field-based employees of the Natural Resources 
     Conservation Service or the rural development mission area if 
     doing so would result in a field office of the Natural 
     Resources Conservation Service or the rural development 
     mission area with 2 or fewer employees, unless, not later 
     than 60 days before the date of the permanent relocation, the 
     Secretary submits to the Committee on Agriculture of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
     Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a notification of the 
     permanent relocation.''.
       (b) Technical Corrections.--Section 246 of the Department 
     of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6962) (as 
     amended by subsection (a)) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking paragraph (2);
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (6) as 
     paragraphs (2) through (5), respectively;
       (C) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated), by inserting ``; 
     Public Law 101-624'' after ``note''; and
       (D) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``3831-3836'' and inserting ``3831 et seq.''; and
       (2) in subsection (c), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by striking ``paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) of subsection 
     (b) and the program under subchapter C of chapter 1 of 
     subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
     U.S.C. 3837-3837f)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (1) and (3) 
     of subsection (b)''.
       (c) Relocation in Act.--
       (1) In general.--Section 246 of the Department of 
     Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6962) (as 
     amended by subsection (b)) is--
       (A) redesignated as section 228; and
       (B) moved so as to appear at the end of subtitle B of title 
     II (7 U.S.C. 6931 et seq.).
       (2) Conforming amendments.--
       (A) Section 226 of the Department of Agriculture 
     Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6932) (as amended by 
     section 12404(a)) is amended--
       (i) in subsection (b)(5), by striking ``section 246(b)'' 
     and inserting ``section 228(b)''; and
       (ii) in subsection (g)(2), by striking ``section 246(b)'' 
     and inserting ``section 228(b)''.
       (B) Section 271(2)(F) of the Department of Agriculture 
     Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6991(2)(F)) is amended 
     by striking ``section 246(b)'' and inserting ``section 
     228(b)''.

     SEC. 12411. OFFICE OF THE CHIEF SCIENTIST.

       (a) In General.--Section 251(e) of the Department of 
     Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(e)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Research, 
     Education, and Extension Office'' and inserting ``Office of 
     the Chief Scientist'';
       (2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Research, Education, 
     and Extension Office'' and inserting ``Office of the Chief 
     Scientist'';
       (3) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph 
     (A), by striking ``Research, Education, and Extension 
     Office'' and inserting ``Office of the Chief Scientist'';
       (4) in paragraph (3)(C), by striking ``subparagraph (A) 
     shall not exceed 4 years'' and inserting ``clauses (i) and 
     (iii) of subparagraph (A) shall be for not less than 3 
     years'';
       (5) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs 
     (5) and (6), respectively;
       (6) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
       ``(4) Additional leadership duties.--In addition to 
     selecting the Division Chiefs under paragraph (3), using 
     available personnel authority under title 5, United States 
     Code, the Under Secretary shall select personnel--
       ``(A) to oversee implementation, training, and compliance 
     with the scientific integrity policy of the Department;
       ``(B)(i) to integrate strategic program planning and 
     evaluation functions across the programs of the Department; 
     and
       ``(ii) to help prepare the annual report to Congress on the 
     relevance and adequacy of programs under the jurisdiction of 
     the Under Secretary;
       ``(C) to assist the Chief Scientist in coordinating the 
     international engagements of the Department with the 
     Department of State and other international agencies and 
     offices of the Federal Government; and
       ``(D) to oversee other duties as may be required by law or 
     Department policy.'';
       (7) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``Notwithstanding'' 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(i) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to 
     fund the costs of Division personnel.
       ``(ii) Additional funding.--In addition to amounts made 
     available under clause (i), notwithstanding''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (C)--
       (i) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) provides strong staff continuity to the Office of 
     the Chief Scientist.''; and
       (8) in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``Research, Education and Extension Office'' and inserting 
     ``Office of the Chief Scientist''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 251(f)(5)(B) of the Department of Agriculture 
     Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971(f)(5)(B)) is 
     amended by striking ``Research, Education and Extension 
     Office'' and inserting ``Office of the Chief Scientist''.
       (2) Section 296(b)(6)(B) of the Department of Agriculture 
     Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)(6)(B)) is 
     amended by striking ``Research, Education, and Extension 
     Office'' and inserting ``Office of the Chief Scientist''.

     SEC. 12412. TRADE AND FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL AFFAIRS.

       The Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating subtitle J (7 U.S.C. 7011 et seq.) as 
     subtitle K; and
       (2) by inserting after subtitle I (7 U.S.C. 7005 et seq.) 
     the following:

          ``Subtitle J--Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs

     ``SEC. 287. UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR TRADE AND 
                   FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL AFFAIRS.

       ``(a) Establishment.--There is established in the 
     Department the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for 
     Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.
       ``(b) Appointment.--The Under Secretary of Agriculture for 
     Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs shall be appointed by 
     the President, by and with the advice and consent of the 
     Senate.
       ``(c) Functions.--
       ``(1) Principal functions.--The Secretary shall delegate to 
     the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign 
     Agricultural Affairs those functions and duties under the

[[Page S4626]]

     jurisdiction of the Department that are related to trade and 
     foreign agricultural affairs.
       ``(2) Additional functions.--The Under Secretary of 
     Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs shall 
     perform such other functions and duties as may be--
       ``(A) required by law; or
       ``(B) prescribed by the Secretary.''.

     SEC. 12413. REPEALS.

       (a) Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994.--
     The following provisions of the Department of Agriculture 
     Reorganization Act of 1994 are repealed:
       (1) Section 211 (7 U.S.C. 6911).
       (2) Section 213 (7 U.S.C. 6913).
       (3) Section 214 (7 U.S.C. 6914).
       (4) Section 217 (7 U.S.C. 6917).
       (5) Section 247 (7 U.S.C. 6963).
       (6) Section 252 (7 U.S.C. 6972).
       (7) Section 295 (7 U.S.C. 7013).
       (b) Other Provision.--Section 3208 of the Agricultural Act 
     of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 6935) is repealed.

     SEC. 12414. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

       (a) Office of Risk Management.--Section 226A(a) of the 
     Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 
     U.S.C. 6933(a)) is amended by striking ``Subject to 
     subsection (e), the Secretary'' and inserting ``The 
     Secretary''.
       (b) Correction of Error.--
       (1) Assistant secretaries of agriculture.--Section 218 of 
     the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 
     U.S.C. 6918) (as in effect on the day before the effective 
     date of the amendments made by section 2(a)(1) of the 
     Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 
     2011 (Public Law 112-166; 126 Stat. 1283, 1295)) is amended 
     by striking ``Senate.'' in subsection (b) and all that 
     follows through ``responsibility for--'' in the matter 
     preceding paragraph (1) of subsection (d) and inserting the 
     following: ``Senate.
       ``(c) Duties of Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for 
     Civil Rights.--The Secretary may delegate to the Assistant 
     Secretary for Civil Rights responsibility for--''.
       (2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1) 
     take effect on the effective date described in section 6(a) 
     of the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining 
     Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-166; 126 Stat. 1295).

     SEC. 12415. EFFECT OF SUBTITLE.

       (a) Effective Date.--Except as provided in sections 
     12407(a)(1)(B) and 12414(b)(2), this subtitle and the 
     amendments made by this subtitle take effect on the date of 
     enactment of this Act.
       (b) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this subtitle or an 
     amendment made by this subtitle affects--
       (1) the authority of the Secretary to continue to carry out 
     a function vested in, and performed by, the Secretary as of 
     the date of enactment of this Act; or
       (2) the authority of an agency, office, officer, or 
     employee of the Department of Agriculture to continue to 
     perform all functions delegated or assigned to the agency, 
     office, officer, or employee as of the date of enactment of 
     this Act.

     SEC. 12416. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.

       Section 296(b) of the Department of Agriculture 
     Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 7014(b)) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(9) The authority of the Secretary to carry out the 
     amendments made to this title by the Agriculture Improvement 
     Act of 2018.''.

               Subtitle E--Other Miscellaneous Provisions

     SEC. 12501. ACER ACCESS AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

       Section 12306(f) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 
     1632c(f)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.

     SEC. 12502. 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. 12503. PET AND WOMEN SAFETY.

       (a) Pet Involvement in Crimes Related to Domestic Violence 
     and Stalking.--
       (1) Interstate stalking.--Section 2261A of title 18, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(A)--
       (i) in clause (ii), by striking ``or'' at the end; and
       (ii) by inserting after clause (iii) the following:
       ``(iv) the pet of that person; or''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)(A)--
       (i) by inserting after ``to a person'' the following: ``or 
     a pet''; and
       (ii) by striking ``or (iii)'' and inserting ``(iii), or 
     (iv)''.
       (2) Interstate violation of protection order.--Section 2262 
     of title 18, United States Code, is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a)--
       (i) in paragraph (1), by inserting after ``another person'' 
     the following: ``or the pet of that person''; and
       (ii) in paragraph (2), by inserting after ``proximity to, 
     another person'' the following ``or the pet of that person''; 
     and
       (B) in subsection (b)(5), by inserting after ``in any other 
     case,'' the following: ``including any case in which the 
     offense is committed against a pet,''.
       (3) Restitution to include veterinary services.--Section 
     2264 of title 18, United States Code, is amended in 
     subsection (b)(3)--
       (A) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (G);
       (B) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the end; 
     and
       (C) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following:
       ``(F) veterinary services relating to physical care for the 
     victim's pet; and''.
       (4) Pet defined.--Section 2266 of title 18, United States 
     Code, is amended by inserting after paragraph (10) the 
     following:
       ``(11) Pet.--The term `pet' means a domesticated animal, 
     such as a dog, cat, bird, rodent, fish, turtle, horse, or 
     other animal that is kept for pleasure rather than for 
     commercial purposes.''.
       (b) Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing 
     Assistance Grant Program.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary, acting in consultation with 
     the Office of the Violence Against Women of the Department of 
     Justice, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and 
     the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall award 
     grants under this subsection to eligible entities to carry 
     out programs to provide the assistance described in paragraph 
     (3) with respect to victims of domestic violence, dating 
     violence, sexual assault, or stalking and the pets of such 
     victims.
       (2) Application.--
       (A) In general.--An eligible entity seeking a grant under 
     this subsection shall submit an application to the Secretary 
     at such time, in such manner, and containing such information 
     as the Secretary may reasonably require, including--
       (i) a description of the activities for which a grant under 
     this subsection is sought;
       (ii) such assurances as the Secretary determines to be 
     necessary to ensure compliance by the entity with the 
     requirements of this subsection; and
       (iii) a certification that the entity, before engaging with 
     any individual domestic violence victim, will disclose to the 
     victim any mandatory duty of the entity to report instances 
     of abuse and neglect (including instances of abuse and 
     neglect of pets).
       (B) Additional requirements.--In addition to the 
     requirements of subparagraph (A), each application submitted 
     by an eligible entity under that subparagraph shall--
       (i) not include proposals for any activities that may 
     compromise the safety of a domestic violence victim, 
     including--

       (I) background checks of domestic violence victims; or
       (II) clinical evaluations to determine the eligibility of 
     such a victim for support services;

       (ii) not include proposals that would require mandatory 
     services for victims or that a victim obtain a protective 
     order in order to receive proposed services; and
       (iii) reflect the eligible entity's understanding of the 
     dynamics of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual 
     assault, or stalking.
       (C) Rules of construction.--Nothing in this paragraph shall 
     be construed to require--
       (i) domestic violence victims to participate in the 
     criminal justice system in order to receive services; or
       (ii) eligible entities receiving a grant under this 
     subsection to breach client confidentiality.
       (3) Use of funds.--Grants awarded under this subsection may 
     only be used for programs that provide--
       (A) emergency and transitional shelter and housing 
     assistance for domestic violence victims with pets, including 
     assistance with respect to any construction or operating 
     expenses of newly developed or existing emergency and 
     transitional pet shelter and housing (regardless of whether 
     such shelter and housing is co-located at a victim service 
     provider or within the community);
       (B) short-term shelter and housing assistance for domestic 
     violence victims with pets, including assistance with respect 
     to expenses incurred for the temporary shelter, housing, 
     boarding, or fostering of the pets of domestic violence 
     victims and other expenses that are incidental to securing 
     the safety of such a pet during the sheltering, housing, or 
     relocation of such victims;
       (C) support services designed to enable a domestic violence 
     victim who is fleeing a situation of domestic violence, 
     dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to--
       (i) locate and secure--

       (I) safe housing with the victim's pet; or
       (II) safe accommodations for the victim's pet; or

       (ii) provide the victim with pet-related services, such as 
     pet transportation, pet care services, and other assistance; 
     or
       (D) for the training of relevant stakeholders on--
       (i) the link between domestic violence, dating violence, 
     sexual assault, or stalking and the abuse and neglect of 
     pets;
       (ii) the needs of domestic violence victims;
       (iii) best practices for providing support services to such 
     victims;
       (iv) best practices for providing such victims with 
     referrals to victims' services; and
       (v) the importance of confidentiality.
       (4) Grant conditions.--An eligible entity that receives a 
     grant under this subsection shall, as a condition of such 
     receipt, agree--

[[Page S4627]]

       (A) to be bound by the nondisclosure of confidential 
     information requirements of section 40002(b)(2) of the 
     Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(b)(2)); 
     and
       (B) that the entity shall not condition the receipt of 
     support, housing, or other benefits provided pursuant to this 
     subsection on the participation of domestic violence victims 
     in any or all of the support services offered to such victims 
     through a program carried out by the entity using grant 
     funds.
       (5) Duration of assistance provided to victims.--
       (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), assistance 
     provided with respect to a pet of a domestic violence victim 
     using grant funds awarded under this subsection shall be 
     provided for a period of not more than 24 months.
       (B) Extension.--An eligible entity that receives a grant 
     under this subsection may extend the 24-month period referred 
     to in subparagraph (A) for a period of not more than 6 months 
     in the case of a domestic violence victim who--
       (i) has made a good faith effort to acquire permanent 
     housing for the victim's pet during that 24-month period; and
       (ii) has been unable to acquire such permanent housing 
     within that period.
       (6) Report to the secretary.--Not later than 1 year after 
     the date on which an eligible entity receives a grant under 
     this subsection and each year thereafter, the entity shall 
     submit to the Secretary a report that contains, with respect 
     to assistance provided by the entity to domestic violence 
     victims with pets using grant funds received under this 
     subsection, information on--
       (A) the number of domestic violence victims with pets 
     provided such assistance; and
       (B) the purpose, amount, type of, and duration of such 
     assistance.
       (7) Report to congress.--
       (A) Reporting requirement.--Not later than November 1 of 
     each even-numbered fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to 
     the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives 
     and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of 
     the Senate a report that contains a compilation of the 
     information contained in the reports submitted under 
     paragraph (6).
       (B) Availability of report.--The Secretary shall transmit a 
     copy of the report submitted under subparagraph (A) to--
       (i) the Office on Violence Against Women of the Department 
     of Justice;
       (ii) the Office of Community Planning and Development of 
     the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and
       (iii) the Administration for Children and Families of the 
     Department of Health and Human Services.
       (8) Authorization of appropriations.--
       (A) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     carry out this subsection $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
     2019 through 2023.
       (B) Limitation.--Of the amount made available under 
     subparagraph (A) in any fiscal year, not more than 5 percent 
     may be used for evaluation, monitoring, salaries, and 
     administrative expenses.
       (9) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       (A) Domestic violence victim defined.--The term ``domestic 
     violence victim'' means a victim of domestic violence, dating 
     violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
       (B) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
       (i) a State;
       (ii) a unit of local government;
       (iii) an Indian tribe; or
       (iv) any other organization that has a documented history 
     of effective work concerning domestic violence, dating 
     violence, sexual assault, or stalking (as determined by the 
     Secretary), including--

       (I) a domestic violence and sexual assault victim service 
     provider;
       (II) a domestic violence and sexual assault coalition;
       (III) a community-based and culturally specific 
     organization;
       (IV) any other nonprofit, nongovernmental organization; and
       (V) any organization that works directly with pets and 
     collaborates with any organization referred to in clauses (i) 
     through (iv), including--

       (aa) an animal shelter; and
       (bb) an animal welfare organization.
       (C) Pet.--The term ``pet'' means a domesticated animal, 
     such as a dog, cat, bird, rodent, fish, turtle, horse, or 
     other animal that is kept for pleasure rather than for 
     commercial purposes.
       (D) Other terms.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
     subsection, terms used in this section shall have the meaning 
     given such terms in section 40002(a) of the Violence Against 
     Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(a)).
       (c) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     States should encourage the inclusion of protections against 
     violent or threatening acts against the pet of a person in 
     domestic violence protection orders.

     SEC. 12504. DATA ON CONSERVATION PRACTICES.

       Subtitle E of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 
     (16 U.S.C. 3841 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 1247. DATA ON CONSERVATION PRACTICES.

       ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to increase 
     the knowledge of how covered conservation practices or suites 
     of covered conservation practices impact farm and ranch 
     profitability (such as crop yields, soil health, and other 
     risk-reducing factors) by using an appropriate collection, 
     review, and analysis of data.
       ``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Covered conservation practice.--The term `covered 
     conservation practice' means a conservation practice--
       ``(A) that is approved and supported by the Department; and
       ``(B) for which the Department has developed 1 or more 
     practice standards.
       ``(2) Department.--The term `Department' means the 
     Department of Agriculture.
       ``(3) Privacy and confidentiality requirements.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `privacy and confidentiality 
     requirements' means all laws applicable to the Department and 
     the agencies of the Department that protect data provided to, 
     or collected by, the agencies of the Department from being 
     disclosed to the public in any manner except as authorized by 
     those laws.
       ``(B) Inclusions.--The term `privacy and confidentiality 
     requirements' includes--
       ``(i) sections 552 and 552a of title 5, United States Code;
       ``(ii) section 502(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 
     U.S.C. 1502(c));
       ``(iii) section 1770 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 
     U.S.C. 2276);
       ``(iv) section 1619 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy 
     Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8791); and
       ``(v) the Confidential Information Protection and 
     Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002 (44 U.S.C. 3501 note; 
     Public Law 107-347).
       ``(c) Data Collection, Review, Analysis, and Technical 
     Assistance.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to applicable privacy and 
     confidentiality requirements, the Secretary shall--
       ``(A) not less frequently than annually, review and publish 
     a summary of existing research of the Department, 
     institutions of higher education, and other organizations 
     relating to the impacts of covered conservation practices 
     that relate to crop yields, soil health, risk, and farm and 
     ranch profitability;
       ``(B) identify current data pertaining to the impacts of 
     covered conservation practices that relate to crop yields, 
     soil health, risk, and farm and ranch profitability collected 
     by the Department, including--
       ``(i) the Farm Service Agency;
       ``(ii) the Risk Management Agency;
       ``(iii) the Natural Resources Conservation Service;
       ``(iv) the National Agricultural Statistics Service;
       ``(v) the Economic Research Service; and
       ``(vi) any other relevant agency, as determined by the 
     Secretary;
       ``(C) collect additional data specifically pertaining to 
     the impacts of covered conservation practices that relate to 
     crop yields, soil health, risk, and farm and ranch 
     profitability necessary to achieve the purpose described in 
     subsection (a), on the condition that a producer shall not be 
     compelled or required to provide that data;
       ``(D) ensure that data identified or collected under 
     subparagraph (B) or (C), respectively, are collected in a 
     compatible format at the field- and farm-level;
       ``(E) improve the interoperability of the data collected by 
     the Department for the purposes of this section;
       ``(F) in carrying out subparagraph (C), use existing 
     authorities and procedures of the National Agricultural 
     Statistics Service to allow producers to voluntarily provide 
     supplemental data that may be useful in analyzing the impacts 
     of covered conservation practices relating to crop yields, 
     soil health, risk, and farm and ranch profitability using the 
     least burdensome means to collect that data, such as through 
     voluntary producer surveys;
       ``(G) integrate and analyze the data identified or 
     collected under this subsection to consider the impacts of 
     covered conservation practices relating to crop yields, soil 
     health, risk, and farm and ranch profitability;
       ``(H) acting through the Administrator of the Risk 
     Management Agency, in coordination with the Administrator of 
     the Farm Service Agency and the Chief of the Natural 
     Resources Conservation Service--
       ``(i) research and analyze how yield variability and risk 
     are affected by different soil types for major crops;
       ``(ii) research and analyze how yield variability and risk 
     for different soil types are affected by individual, or 
     combinations of, agricultural management practices, including 
     cover crops, no-till farming, adaptive nitrogen management, 
     skip-row planting, and crop rotation for major crops; and
       ``(iii) not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
     of this section, publish the findings of the research under 
     clauses (i) and (ii);
       ``(I) to the extent practicable, integrate, collate, and 
     link data identified under this subsection with other 
     external data sources that include crop yields, soil health, 
     and conservation practices, ensuring that all privacy and 
     confidentiality requirements are implemented to protect all 
     data subject to the privacy and confidentiality requirements;
       ``(J) not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
     this section--
       ``(i) establish a conservation and farm productivity data 
     warehouse that contains the data identified or collected 
     under subparagraph (B) or (C), respectively, in a form 
     authorized under the privacy and confidentiality requirements 
     applicable to each agency of the Department that contributes 
     data to the data warehouse; and

[[Page S4628]]

       ``(ii) allow access to the data warehouse established under 
     clause (i) by an academic institution or researcher, if the 
     academic institution or researcher has complied with all 
     requirements of the National Agricultural Statistics Service 
     under section 1770 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 
     2276) relating to the sharing of data of the Natural 
     Agricultural Statistics Service; and
       ``(K) not less frequently than annually, and, if 
     practicable, more frequently than annually, disseminate the 
     results of the research and analysis obtained through 
     carrying out this section that demonstrate the impacts of 
     covered conservation practices on crop yields, soil health, 
     risk, and farm and ranch profitability in an aggregate manner 
     that protects individual producer data and makes the results 
     of the research and analysis easily used and implemented by 
     producers and other stakeholders.
       ``(2) Procedures to protect integrity and 
     confidentiality.--
       ``(A) In general.--Before providing access to any data 
     under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall establish procedures 
     to protect the integrity and confidentiality of any data 
     identified, collected, or warehoused under this section.
       ``(B) Requirements.--Procedures under subparagraph (A) 
     shall--
       ``(i) ensure that any research or analysis published or 
     disseminated by any person with access to the data 
     identified, collected, or warehoused under this section 
     complies with all applicable privacy and confidentiality 
     requirements relating to that data; and
       ``(ii) limit access to data to only individuals 
     specifically authorized to access the data by the Secretary.
       ``(3) Administration.--The Secretary shall carry out 
     paragraph (1) using--
       ``(A) authorities available to the Secretary under other 
     applicable laws; and
       ``(B) funds otherwise made available to the Secretary.
       ``(4) Effect.--
       ``(A) Combination of data.--The combination of data 
     protected from disclosure under the privacy and 
     confidentiality requirements with data covered by lesser 
     protections or no protections in the data warehouse 
     established under paragraph (1)(J)(i) shall not modify or 
     otherwise affect the privacy and confidentiality requirements 
     that protect the data.
       ``(B) Protections from release.--Data provided by an agency 
     of the Department under this section shall continue to be 
     covered by the same protections from release as if that data 
     were in the possession of the agency.
       ``(d) Producer Tools.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this section, the Secretary shall provide 
     technical assistance, including through internet-based tools, 
     based on the analysis conducted in carrying out this section 
     and other sources of relevant data, to assist producers in 
     improving sustainable production practices that increase 
     yields and enhance environmental outcomes.
       ``(2) Internet-based tools.--Internet-based tools described 
     in paragraph (1) shall provide to producers, to the maximum 
     extent practicable--
       ``(A) confidential data specific to each farm or ranch of 
     the producer; and
       ``(B) general data relating to the impacts of covered 
     conservation practices on crop yields, soil health, risk, and 
     farm and ranch profitability.
       ``(e) Limitation.--Nothing in this section mandates the 
     submission of information by a producer that is not already 
     required for another purpose under a program of the 
     Department.
       ``(f) Reporting.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this section, and each year thereafter, the 
     Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
     Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that 
     includes--
       ``(1) a summary of the analysis conducted under this 
     section;
       ``(2) the number and regions of producers that voluntarily 
     submitted information under subparagraphs (C) and (F) of 
     subsection (c)(1);
       ``(3) a description of any additional or new activities 
     planned to be conducted under this section in the next fiscal 
     year, including--
       ``(A) research relating to any additional conservation 
     practices;
       ``(B) any new types of data to be collected;
       ``(C) any improved or streamlined data collection efforts 
     associated with this section; and
       ``(D) any new research projects; and
       ``(4) in the case of the first 2 reports submitted under 
     this subsection, a description of the current status of the 
     implementation of activities under subsection (c).''.

     SEC. 12505. MARKETING ORDERS.

       Section 8e(a) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C. 
     608e-1(a)), reenacted with amendments by the Agricultural 
     Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, is amended by inserting 
     ``cherries, pecans,'' after ``walnuts,''.

     SEC. 12506. STUDY ON FOOD WASTE.

       (a) Definition of Food Waste.--In this section, the term 
     ``food waste'' means food waste that occurs--
       (1) on the farm and ranch production level; and
       (2) before and after the harvest period.
       (b) Study.--The Secretary shall conduct a study to evaluate 
     and determine--
       (1) methods of measuring food waste;
       (2) standards for the volume of food waste;
       (3) factors that create food waste;
       (4) the cost and volume of food loss of--
       (A) domestic fresh food products; and
       (B) imported fresh food products that pass import 
     inspection but do not make it to market in the United States, 
     consistent with article III of the GATT 1994 (as defined in 
     section 2 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (19 U.S.C. 
     3501));
       (5) the reason for the waste described in subparagraphs (A) 
     and (B) of paragraph (4); and
       (6) the potential economic value of the products described 
     in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (4) if the products 
     were taken to market; and
       (7) measures to ensure that programs contemplated, 
     undertaken, or funded by the Department of Agriculture do not 
     disrupt existing food waste recovery and disposal by 
     commercial, marketing, or business relationships.
       (c) Initial Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report 
     that describes the results of the study conducted under 
     subsection (b) to the Committee on Agriculture of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
     Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate.
       (d) Annual Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     submission of the report under subsection (c), the Secretary 
     shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, 
     and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes--
       (1) an estimate of the quantity of food waste during the 1-
     year period ending on the date of submission of the report 
     under subsection (c); and
       (2) the best practices or other recommendations that the 
     Secretary, producers, or other stakeholders may consider to 
     reduce food waste.

     SEC. 12507. REPORT ON BUSINESS CENTERS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 365 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States 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 
     each business center established in the Department of 
     Agriculture.
       (b) Inclusions.--The report under subsection (a) shall 
     include--
       (1) an examination of the effectiveness of each business 
     center in carrying out its mission, including any 
     recommendations to improve the operation of and function of 
     any of those business centers; and
       (2) an evaluation of--
       (A) the impact the business centers have on customer 
     service of the Department of Agriculture;
       (B) the impact on the annual budget for agencies the budget 
     offices of which have been relocated to the business center, 
     and the effectiveness of funds used to support the business 
     centers, including an accounting of all discretionary and 
     mandatory funding provided to the business center for 
     conservation and farm services from--
       (i) the Natural Resources Conservation Service;
       (ii) the Farm Service Agency; and
       (iii) the Risk Management Agency;
       (C) funding described in subparagraph (B) spent on 
     information technology modernizations;
       (D) the impact that the business centers have had on the 
     human resources of the Department of Agriculture, including 
     hiring;
       (E) any concerns or problems with the business centers; and
       (F) any positive or negative impact that the business 
     centers have had on the functionality of the Department of 
     Agriculture.

     SEC. 12508. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MODERNIZATION.

       (a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States (referred to in this section as the ``Comptroller 
     General'') shall examine efforts of the Department of 
     Agriculture --
       (1) relating to information technology for the business 
     center established by the Secretary for the farm production 
     and conservation activities of the Department of Agriculture; 
     and
       (2) to modernize or otherwise improve information 
     technology for--
       (A) the Centers of Excellence of the Department of 
     Agriculture; and
       (B) other major information technology projects of the 
     Department of Agriculture that have the potential to impact 
     the ability of the Department of Agriculture to serve 
     farmers, ranchers, and families.
       (b) Reports.--
       (1) Initial report.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall 
     submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, 
     and Forestry of the Senate an initial report or a detailed 
     briefing on the efforts examined under subsection (a), 
     including--
       (A) a detailed description of each ongoing or planned 
     information technology modernization project and investment 
     in information technology at the Department of Agriculture 
     described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a) (referred 
     to in this subsection as a ``project or investment'');

[[Page S4629]]

       (B) the justification of the Secretary for each project or 
     investment;
       (C) a description of whether a cost-benefit analysis was 
     completed for each project or investment identifying savings 
     that will be achieved through the completion of the project 
     or investment; and
       (D) a description of any concerns about the projects or 
     investments or recommendations for improving the projects or 
     investments.
       (2) Updates.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
     Comptroller General shall provide to the Committee on 
     Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate regular 
     briefings to give status updates.
       (3) Comprehensive report.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall 
     submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, 
     and Forestry of the Senate a comprehensive report that 
     reviews each project or investment, including--
       (A) a review of any contract awards or contracting 
     activities;
       (B) a description of any problems or inadequacies in the 
     projects and investments; and
       (C) any recommendations for improving the projects and 
     investments.

     SEC. 12509. REPORT ON PERSONNEL.

       For the period of fiscal years 2019 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 a biannual report 
     describing the number of staff years and employees of each 
     agency of the Department of Agriculture.

     SEC. 12510. REPORT ON ABSENT LANDLORDS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress 
     a report describing the effects of absent landlords on the 
     long-term economic health of agricultural production, 
     including the effect of absent landlords on--
       (1) land valuation;
       (2) soil health; and
       (3) the economic stability of rural communities.
       (b) Contents.--The report under subsection (a) shall 
     include--
       (1) a description of the positive and negative effects of 
     an absent landlord on the land owned by the landlord, 
     including--
       (A) the effect of an absent landlord on the long-term value 
     of the land; and
       (B) the environmental and economic impact of an absent 
     landlord on the surrounding community; and
       (2) recommendations to policymakers concerning how to 
     mitigate those effects when necessary.

     SEC. 12511. RESTRICTION ON USE OF CERTAIN POISONS FOR 
                   PREDATOR CONTROL.

       (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to restrict 
     the use of sodium cyanide to kill predatory animals given the 
     risks posed by sodium cyanide to--
       (1) public safety;
       (2) national security;
       (3) the environment; and
       (4) persons and other animals that come into accidental 
     contact with sodium cyanide.
       (b) Prohibition.--The Secretary shall use sodium cyanide in 
     a predator control device described in subsection (c) only in 
     accordance with Wildlife Services Directive Number 2.415 of 
     the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, dated 
     February 27, 2018, and the implementation guidelines attached 
     to that Directive.
       (c) Predator Control Device Described.--A predator control 
     device referred to in subsection (b) is--
       (1) a dispenser designed to propel sodium cyanide when 
     activated by an animal;
       (2) a gas cartridge or other pyrotechnic device designed to 
     emit sodium cyanide fumes; and
       (3) any other means of dispensing sodium cyanide, including 
     in the form of capsules, for wildlife management or other 
     animal control purposes.

     SEC. 12512. 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. 12513. REPORT ON THE IMPORTATION OF LIVE DOGS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary, 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 on the importation of 
     live dogs into the United States.
       (b) Contents.--The Secretaries described in subsection (a) 
     shall provide relevant data to complete the report submitted 
     under subsection (a), which shall include, with respect to 
     the importation of live dogs into the United States:
       (1) An estimate of the number of live dogs imported 
     annually, excluding personal pets.
       (2) An estimate of the number of live dogs imported for 
     resale annually.
       (3) An estimate of the number of dogs during the period 
     covered by the report for which a request for the importation 
     of live dogs for resale was denied because the proposed 
     importation failed to meet the requirements of section 18 of 
     the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2148).
       (4) Any recommendations of the Secretary for any 
     modifications to Federal law relating to the importation of 
     live dogs for resale that the Secretary determines to be 
     necessary to meet the requirements of section 18 of the 
     Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2148).

     SEC. 12514. ESTABLISHMENT OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

       (a) Definition.--In this section, the term ``tribally 
     designated housing entity'' has the meaning given the term in 
     section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
     Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103).
       (b) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a technical 
     assistance program to improve access by Tribal entities to 
     rural development programs funded by the Department of 
     Agriculture through available cooperative agreement 
     authorities of the Secretary.
       (c) Technical Assistance Program.--The technical assistance 
     program established under subsection (b) shall address the 
     unique challenge of Tribal governments, Tribal producers, 
     Tribal businesses, Tribal business entities, and tribally 
     designated housing entities in accessing Department of 
     Agriculture-supported rural infrastructure, rural cooperative 
     development, rural business and industry, rural housing, and 
     other rural development activities.

     SEC. 12515. PROMISE ZONES.

       (a) In General.--In this section, the term ``Tribal Promise 
     Zone'' means an area that--
       (1) is nominated by 1 or more Indian tribes (as defined in 
     section 4(13) of the Native American Housing Assistance and 
     Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103(13))) for 
     designation as a Tribal Promise Zone (in this section 
     referred to as a ``nominated zone'');
       (2) has a continuous boundary; and
       (3) the Secretary designates as a Tribal Promise Zone, 
     after consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, the 
     Secretary of Education, the Attorney General, the Secretary 
     of the Interior, the Secretary of Housing and Urban 
     Development, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the 
     Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of the Treasury, the 
     Secretary of Transportation, and other agencies as 
     appropriate.
       (b) Authorization and Number of Designations.--Not later 
     than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary shall nominate a minimum number of nominated zones, 
     as determined by the Secretary in consultation with Indian 
     tribes, to be designated as Tribal Promise Zones.
       (c) Period of Designations.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall designate nominated 
     zones as Tribal Promise Zones before January 1, 2020.
       (2) Effective dates of designations.--The designation of 
     any Tribal Promise Zone shall take effect--
       (A) for purposes of priority consideration in Federal grant 
     programs and initiatives (other than this section), upon 
     execution of the Tribal Promise Zone agreement with the 
     Secretary; and
       (B) for purposes of this section, on January 1 of the first 
     calendar year beginning after the date of the execution of 
     the Tribal Promise Zone agreement.
       (3) Termination of designations.--The designation of any 
     Tribal Promise Zone shall end on the earlier of--
       (A)(i) with respect to a Tribal Promise Zone not described 
     in paragraph (4), the end of the 10-year period beginning on 
     the date that such designation takes effect; or
       (ii) with respect to a Tribal Promise Zone described in 
     paragraph (4), the end of the 10-year period beginning on the 
     date the area was designated as a Tribal Promise Zone before 
     the date of the enactment of this Act; or
       (B) the date of the revocation of such designation.
       (4) Application to certain zones already designated.--In 
     the case of any area designated as a Tribal Promise Zone by 
     the Secretary before the date of the enactment of this Act, 
     such area shall be deemed a Tribal Promise Zone designated 
     under this section (notwithstanding whether any such 
     designation has been revoked before the date of the enactment 
     of this Act) and shall reduce the number of Tribal Promise 
     Zones remaining to be designated under paragraph (1).
       (d) Limitations on Designations.--No area may be designated 
     under this section unless--
       (1) the entities nominating the area have the authority to 
     nominate the area of designation under this section;
       (2) such entities provide written assurances satisfactory 
     to the Secretary that the competitiveness plan described in 
     the application under subsection (e) for such area will be 
     implemented and that such entities will provide the Secretary 
     with such data regarding the economic conditions of the area 
     (before, during, and after the area's period of designation 
     as a Tribal Promise Zone) as such Secretary may require; and

[[Page S4630]]

       (3) the Secretary determines that any information furnished 
     is reasonably accurate.
       (e) Application.--No area may be designated under this 
     section unless the application for such designation--
       (1) demonstrates that the nominated zone satisfies the 
     eligibility criteria described in subsection (a); and
       (2) includes a competitiveness plan that--
       (A) addresses the need of the nominated zone to attract 
     investment and jobs and improve educational opportunities;
       (B) leverages the nominated zone's economic strengths and 
     outlines targeted investments to develop competitive 
     advantages;
       (C) demonstrates collaboration across a wide range of 
     stakeholders;
       (D) outlines a strategy that connects the nominated zone to 
     drivers of regional economic growth; and
       (E) proposes a strategy for focusing on increased access to 
     high quality affordable housing and improved public safety.
       (f) Selection Criteria.--
       (1) In general.--From among the nominated zones eligible 
     for designation under this section, the Secretary shall 
     designate Tribal Promise Zones on the basis of--
       (A) the effectiveness of the competitiveness plan submitted 
     under subsection (e) and the assurances made under subsection 
     (d);
       (B) unemployment rates, poverty rates, vacancy rates, crime 
     rates, and such other factors as the Secretary may identify, 
     including household income, labor force participation, and 
     educational attainment; and
       (C) other criteria as determined by the Secretary.
       (2) Minimal standards.--The Secretary may set minimal 
     standards for the levels of unemployment and poverty that 
     must be satisfied for designation as a Tribal Promise Zone.
       (g) Competitive Enhancement in Federal Awards to Tribal 
     Promise Zones.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
     each Federal grant program, technical assistance, and 
     capacity-building competitive funding application 
     opportunity, made available under any appropriations law in 
     effect for a year in which the designation of a Tribal 
     Promise Zones is in effect, shall provide preference points 
     or priority special consideration to each application which 
     advances the specific objectives of a Tribal Promise Zones 
     competitiveness plan described in subsection (e) if the 
     project or activity to be funded includes specific and 
     definable services or benefits that will be delivered to 
     residents of a Tribal Economic Opportunity Area.

     SEC. 12516. PRECISION AGRICULTURE CONNECTIVITY.

       (a) 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 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 agricultural land to promote precision 
     agriculture.
       (b) Task Force.--
       (1) Definitions.--In this subsection--
       (A) 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;
       (B) the term ``Commission'' means the Federal 
     Communications Commission;
       (C) the term ``Department'' means the Department of 
     Agriculture; and
       (D) the term ``Task Force'' means the Task Force for 
     Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision 
     Agriculture in the United States established under paragraph 
     (2).
       (2) 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.
       (3) Duties.--
       (A) 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--
       (i) identify and measure current gaps in the availability 
     of broadband Internet access service on agricultural land;
       (ii) 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;
       (iii) promote effective policy and regulatory solutions 
     that encourage the adoption of broadband Internet access 
     service on farms and ranches and promote precision 
     agriculture;
       (iv) 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 clause (ii);
       (v) 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 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
       (vi) recommend specific steps that the Commission should 
     consider to ensure that the expertise of the Secretary and 
     available farm data are reflected in 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.
       (B) No duplicate data reporting.--In performing the duties 
     of the Commission under subparagraph (A), the Commission 
     shall ensure that no provider of broadband Internet access 
     service is required to report data to the Commission that is, 
     on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, required 
     to be reported by the provider of broadband Internet access 
     service.
       (C) Hold harmless.--The Task Force and the Commission shall 
     not interpret the phrase ``future programs of the 
     Commission'', as used in clauses (v) and (vi) of subparagraph 
     (A), to include the universal service programs of the 
     Commission established under section 254 of the 
     Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254).
       (D) 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 subparagraph (A).
       (E) 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.
       (4) Membership.--
       (A) In general.--The Task Force shall be--
       (i) composed of not more than 15 voting members who shall--

       (I) be selected by the Chairman of the Commission; and
       (II) include--

       (aa) agricultural producers representing diverse geographic 
     regions and farm sizes, including owners and operators of 
     farms of less than 100 acres;
       (bb) an agricultural producer representing tribal 
     agriculture;
       (cc) Internet service providers, including regional or 
     rural fixed and mobile broadband Internet access service 
     providers and telecommunications infrastructure providers;
       (dd) representatives from the electric cooperative 
     industry;
       (ee) representatives from the satellite industry;
       (ff) representatives from precision agriculture equipment 
     manufacturers, including drone manufacturers, manufacturers 
     of autonomous agricultural machinery, and manufacturers of 
     farming robotics technologies; and
       (gg) representatives from State and local governments; and
       (ii) fairly balanced in terms of technologies, points of 
     view, and fields represented on the Task Force.
       (B) Period of appointment; vacancies.--
       (i) In general.--A member of the Committee appointed under 
     subparagraph (A)(i) shall serve for a single term of 2 years.
       (ii) 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.

       (C) Ex-officio member.--The Secretary, or a designee of the 
     Secretary, shall serve as an ex-officio, nonvoting member of 
     the Task Force.
       (5) 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--
       (A) the status of fixed and mobile broadband Internet 
     access service coverage of agricultural land;
       (B) the projected future connectivity needs of agricultural 
     operations, farmers, and ranchers; and

[[Page S4631]]

       (C) 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.
       (6) Termination.--The Commission shall renew the Task Force 
     every 2 years until the Task Force terminates on January 1, 
     2025.

     SEC. 12517. IMPROVED SOIL MOISTURE AND PRECIPITATION 
                   MONITORING.

       (a) Improved Soil Moisture Monitoring.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop and 
     implement a strategy to improve the accuracy of the United 
     States Drought Monitor through increased geographic 
     resolution of rural in-situ soil moisture profile observation 
     or other soil moisture profile measuring devices, as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate.
       (2) Implementation.--
       (A) In general.--In implementing the strategy required by 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary shall prioritize adding soil 
     moisture profile stations in States described in subparagraph 
     (B) so that the number of drought monitoring stations is 
     increased to an average of 1 soil moisture profile station 
     per 1,250 square miles in each State described in 
     subparagraph (B) or by 50 stations in each State described in 
     subparagraph (B), whichever is less.
       (B) States described.--A State described in this paragraph 
     is a State that has experienced D3 (extreme drought) or D4 
     (exceptional drought) (as defined by the United States 
     Drought Monitor) within any 6 months during the period 
     beginning on January 1, 2016, and ending on the date of the 
     enactment of this Act.
       (3) Coordination.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Secretary may coordinate with other Federal agencies, State 
     and local governments, and non-Federal entities that 
     collaborate with the United States Drought Monitor.
       (4) Cost-effectiveness.--In carrying out this subsection, 
     the Secretary shall consider cost-effective solutions to 
     maximize the efficiency and accuracy of the United States 
     Drought Monitor.
       (5) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary $5,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to carry out this subsection.
       (b) Standards for Integrating Citizen Science Into Drought 
     Models.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall--
       (A) develop a set of standards for integration of data 
     derived from citizen science (as defined in the Crowdsourcing 
     and Citizen Science Act (15 U.S.C. 3724)) into the United 
     States Drought Monitor models, including data relating to--
       (i) location and spacing of monitoring stations;
       (ii) data quality standards;
       (iii) incorporation of data from commercially available 
     weather stations;
       (iv) standardized procedures for autonomous integration of 
     data;
       (v) streamlining of data entry methods; and
       (vi) reasonable metadata fields; and
       (B) develop a set of consistent standards for soil moisture 
     data collection based on equipment that is readily available, 
     including standards relating to--
       (i) acceptable error ranges;
       (ii) sensor installation procedures;
       (iii) manufacturers of soil moisture probes;
       (iv) calibration methodology;
       (v) metadata fields; and
       (vi) soil descriptions.
       (2) Inclusion of data from cooperative observer program.--
     For purposes of paragraph (1)(A), data derived from citizen 
     science includes data from the Cooperative Observer Program 
     of the National Weather Service.
       (c) Requirement for Elements of Department of Agriculture 
     to Use the Same Monitoring Data.--
       (1) In general.--To be consistent with assistance provided 
     under the livestock forage disaster program established under 
     section 1501(c) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 
     9081(c)) and a policy or plan of insurance established under 
     the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) for 
     producers of livestock commodities the source of feedstock of 
     which is pasture, rangeland, and forage, and the annual 
     establishment of grazing rates, as applicable, on Forest 
     Service grasslands and other applicable land, the Secretary 
     shall use the United States Drought Monitor, in-situ soil 
     moisture profile monitoring stations described in subsection 
     (a), data from the Cooperative Observer Program described in 
     subsection (b)(2), and any other applicable data to determine 
     and establish grazing loss assistance and grazing rates, as 
     applicable.
       (2) Coordination.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Secretary may coordinate with--
       (A) other Federal agencies, State and local governments, 
     and non-Federal entities that collaborate with the United 
     States Drought Monitor; and
       (B) other Federal and non-Federal entities involved in 
     collecting data on precipitation and soil monitoring.
       (3) Cost-effectiveness.--In carrying out this subsection, 
     the Secretary shall consider cost-effective solutions to 
     maximize the efficiency and accuracy of the data utilized to 
     determine eligibility for assistance under the programs 
     specified in paragraph (1).

     SEC. 12518. STUDY OF MARKETPLACE FRAUD OF UNIQUE TRADITIONAL 
                   FOODS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a study on--
       (1) the market impact of traditional foods, Tribally 
     produced products, and products that use traditional foods;
       (2) fraudulent foods that mimic Tribal foods that are 
     available in the commercial marketplace as of the date of 
     enactment of this Act; and
       (3) the means by which authentic traditional foods and 
     Tribally produced foods might be protected against the impact 
     of fraudulent foods in the marketplace.
       (b) Inclusions.--The study conducted under subsection (a) 
     shall include--
       (1) a consideration of the circumstances under which 
     fraudulent foods in the marketplace occur; and
       (2) an analysis of Federal laws administered by the 
     Secretary, intellectual property laws, and trademark laws 
     that might offer protections against fraudulent foods in a 
     the context of Tribal foods.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     completion of the study, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall submit a report describing the results of 
     the study under this section to--
       (1) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (2) the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (3) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 
     of the Senate;
       (4) the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate; and
       (5) the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate.

     SEC. 12519. DAIRY BUSINESS INNOVATION INITIATIVES.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Dairy business.--The term ``dairy business'' means a 
     business that develops, produces, markets, or distributes 
     dairy products.
       (2) Initiative.--The term ``initiative'' means a dairy 
     product and business innovation initiative established under 
     subsection (b).
       (b) Establishment.--The Secretary, acting through the 
     Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service, shall 
     establish not less than 3 regionally located dairy product 
     and business innovation initiatives for the purposes of--
       (1) encouraging the use of regional milk production;
       (2) creating higher-value uses for dairy products;
       (3) promoting business development that diversifies farmer 
     income through processing and marketing innovation;
       (4) diversifying dairy product markets to reduce risk; and
       (5) leveraging Federal resources by encouraging entities 
     that host initiatives and partners of those entities to 
     provide matching funds.
       (c) Selection of Initiatives.--An initiative--
       (1) shall be located in a region with a history of dairy 
     farming;
       (2) shall be positioned to draw on existing dairy industry 
     resources, including research capacity, academic and industry 
     expertise, a density of dairy farms or farmland suitable for 
     dairying, and dairy businesses;
       (3) may serve a certain product niche, such as artisanal 
     cheese, or serve dairy businesses with dairy products derived 
     from a specific type of dairy animal, including dairy 
     products made from cow milk, sheep milk, and goat milk; and
       (4) shall serve dairy businesses in other regions.
       (d) Entities Eligible to Host Initiative.--
       (1) In general.--Any of the following entities may submit 
     to the Secretary an application to host an initiative:
       (A) A State department of agriculture or other State 
     entity.
       (B) A nonprofit entity with capacity to provide 
     consultation, expertise, and grant distribution and tracking.
       (C) An institution of higher education.
       (D) A cooperative extension service.
       (2) Partners.--An entity described in paragraph (1) may 
     establish partners prior to the submission of the application 
     under that paragraph, or add partners in consultation with 
     the Secretary, which may include organizations or entities 
     with expertise or experience in dairy, including the 
     marketing, research, education, or promotion of dairy.
       (e) Activities of Initiatives.--
       (1) Direct assistance to dairy businesses.--An initiative 
     shall provide nonmonetary assistance to dairy businesses in 
     accordance with the following:
       (A) Provision of direct assistance.--Assistance may be 
     provided directly to dairy businesses in a private 
     consultation or through widely available distribution, and 
     may be provided--
       (i) directly by the entity that hosts the initiative under 
     subsection (d)(1);
       (ii) through contracting with industry experts;
       (iii) through the provision of technical assistance, such 
     as informational websites, webinars, conferences, trainings, 
     plant tours, and field days; and
       (iv) through research institutions, including cooperative 
     extension services.
       (B) Types of assistance.--Eligible forms of assistance 
     include--

[[Page S4632]]

       (i) business consulting, including business plan 
     development for processed dairy products;
       (ii) accounting and financial literacy training;
       (iii) market evaluation;
       (iv) strategic planning assistance;
       (v) product innovation, including relating to value-added 
     products;
       (vi) marketing and branding assistance, including market 
     messaging, consumer assessments, and evaluation of regional, 
     national, and international markets;
       (vii) innovation in emerging market opportunities, 
     including agritourism, and marketing communication methods;
       (viii) packaging, distribution, and supply chain 
     innovation;
       (ix) dairy product production training, including in new, 
     rare, or innovative techniques;
       (x) innovation in byproduct reprocessing and use 
     maximization; and
       (xi) other non-monetary assistance, as determined by the 
     Secretary.
       (2) Grants to dairy businesses.--
       (A) In general.--An initiative shall provide grants for new 
     and existing dairy businesses for the purposes of--
       (i) modernization, specialization, and grazing transition 
     on dairy farms;
       (ii) value chain and commodity innovation and facility and 
     process updates for dairy processors; and
       (iii) product development, packaging, and marketing of 
     dairy products.
       (B) Grants.--An initiative shall provide grants under 
     subparagraph (A)--
       (i) on a competitive basis, with opportunities to apply for 
     funding available on a rolling basis; and
       (ii) to an entity that receives assistance under paragraph 
     (1) to advance the business activities recommended as a 
     result of that assistance.
       (C) Consultation.--An entity that hosts an initiative shall 
     consult with the Secretary and the Administrator of the 
     Agricultural Marketing Service in carrying out the 
     initiative.
       (D) Conflict of interest.--
       (i) In general.--The Secretary shall establish guidelines 
     and procedures to prevent any conflict of interest or the 
     appearance of a conflict of interest by an initiative 
     (including a partner of the initiative) during the grant 
     selection process under subparagraph (B)(i).
       (ii) Penalty.--The Secretary may suspend or terminate an 
     initiative if the initiative or a partner of the initiative 
     is found to be in violation of the guidelines and procedures 
     established under clause (i).
       (f) Distribution of Funds.--
       (1) In general.--Of the funds made available to carry out 
     this section, the Secretary shall provide not less than 3 
     awards to eligible entities described in subsection (d)(1) 
     for the purposes of carrying out the activities under 
     subsection (e).
       (2) Multiyear funding.--The Secretary is encouraged--
       (A) to award funds under paragraph (1) in multiyear funding 
     allocations; and
       (B) to require frequent reporting, as appropriate.
       (3) Use of funds.--
       (A) In general.--The funds awarded to an eligible entity 
     under paragraph (1) may be used--
       (i) for program administration of an initiative, including 
     staff costs; and
       (ii) for workshops or other informational sessions that--

       (I) directly benefit dairy businesses and entrepreneurs; or
       (II) enhance the capacity of providers of technical 
     assistance to dairy businesses.

       (B) Allocation.--Not less than 50 percent of the funds made 
     available under subsection (h) shall be allocated to grants 
     under subsection (e)(2).
       (4) Priority.--An entity hosting an initiative shall give 
     priority to the provision of direct assistance under 
     subsection (e)(1) and grants under subsection (e)(2) to--
       (A) dairy farms and dairy businesses with limited access to 
     other forms of assistance;
       (B) employee-owned dairy businesses;
       (C) cooperatives;
       (D) dairy businesses that establish contracting mechanisms 
     that return profits to farmers who supply their milk;
       (E) dairy businesses that, in addition to salary and wage 
     compensation, return profits to employees; and
       (F) dairy businesses that seek to create dairy products 
     that add substantial value in processing or marketing, such 
     as specialty cheeses.
       (5) Requirement.--In the case of direct assistance under 
     subsection (e)(1) or a grant under subsection (e)(2) that is 
     provided to a specific dairy business and does not benefit 
     the general public, as determined by the Secretary, the 
     assistance or grant shall exclusively be available to dairy 
     businesses owned in the United States.
       (6) Supplementation.--To the extent practicable, the 
     Secretary shall ensure that funds provided to an initiative 
     supplement, and do not duplicate or replace, existing dairy 
     product research, development, and promotion activities.
       (g) Reporting.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress 
     a report describing the implementation of this section.
       (2) Innovation reports.--The Secretary, in coordination 
     with the Chief Economist, shall publish an annual report on 
     the impact of initiatives carried out under this section on--
       (A) innovation in dairy products;
       (B) product development under the program under this 
     section;
       (C) growth areas for dairy product development; and
       (D) barriers inhibiting majority member-owned domestic 
     dairy firms from--
       (i) updating capacity;
       (ii) performing competitively in the marketplace; and
       (iii) returning gains to members or reinvesting the gains 
     in ways that benefit the long-term financial stability of the 
     majority member-owned domestic dairy firm and the members of 
     that firm.
       (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for 
     each fiscal year.

                     Subtitle F--General Provisions

     SEC. 12601. EXPEDITED EXPORTATION OF CERTAIN SPECIES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Director of the United States Fish 
     and Wildlife Service (referred to in this section as the 
     ``Director'') shall issue a proposed rule to amend section 
     14.92 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, to establish 
     expedited procedures relating to the export permission 
     requirements of section 9(d)(1) of the Endangered Species Act 
     of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1538(d)(1)) for fish or wildlife described 
     in subsection (c).
       (b) Exemptions.--
       (1) In general.--As part of the rulemaking under subsection 
     (a), subject to paragraph (2), the Director may provide an 
     exemption from the requirement to procure--
       (A) permission under section 9(d)(1) of the Endangered 
     Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1538(d)(1)); or
       (B) an export license under subpart I of part 14 of title 
     50, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (2) Limitations.--The Director shall not provide an 
     exemption under paragraph (1)--
       (A) unless the Director determines that the exemption will 
     not have a negative impact on the conservation of the species 
     that is the subject of the exemption; or
       (B) to an entity that has been convicted of a violation of 
     a Federal law relating to the importation, transportation, or 
     exportation of wildlife during a period of not less than 5 
     years ending on the date on which the entity applies for 
     exemption under paragraph (1).
       (c) Covered Fish or Wildlife.--The fish or wildlife 
     referred to in subsection (a) are the species commonly known 
     as sea urchins and sea cucumbers (including any product of a 
     sea urchin or sea cucumber) that--
       (1) do not require a permit under part 16, 17, or 23 of 
     title 50, Code of Federal Regulations;
       (2) are harvested in waters under the jurisdiction of the 
     United States; and
       (3) are exported for purposes of human or animal 
     consumption.

     SEC. 12602. BAITING OF MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Normal agricultural operation.--The term ``normal 
     agricultural operation'' has the meaning given the term in 
     section 20.11 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (as in 
     effect on the date of enactment of this Act).
       (2) Post-disaster flooding.--The term ``post-disaster 
     flooding'' means the destruction of a crop through flooding 
     in accordance with practices required by the Federal Crop 
     Insurance Corporation for agricultural producers to obtain 
     crop insurance under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1501 et seq.) on land on which a crop was not harvestable due 
     to a natural disaster (including any hurricane, storm, 
     tornado, flood, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, 
     tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, 
     drought, fire, snowstorm, or other catastrophe that is 
     declared a major disaster by the President in accordance with 
     section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170)) in the crop year--
       (A) in which the natural disaster occurred; or
       (B) immediately preceding the crop year in which the 
     natural disaster occurred.
       (3) Rice ratooning.--The term ``rice ratooning'' means the 
     agricultural practice of harvesting rice by cutting the 
     majority of the aboveground portion of the rice plant but 
     leaving the roots and growing shoot apices intact to allow 
     the plant to recover and produce a second crop yield.
       (b) Regulations to Exclude Rice Ratooning and Post-disaster 
     Flooding.--Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment 
     of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation 
     with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall revise part 20 of 
     title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, to clarify that rice 
     ratooning and post-disaster flooding, when carried out as 
     part of a normal agricultural operation, do not constitute 
     baiting.
       (c) Reports.--Not less frequently than once each year, the 
     Secretary of Agriculture shall--
       (1) submit to the Secretary of the Interior a report that 
     describes any changes to normal agricultural operations 
     across the range of crops grown by agricultural producers in 
     each region of the United States in which the official 
     recommendations described in section 20.11(h) of title 50, 
     Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of 
     enactment of this Act), are provided to agricultural 
     producers; and

[[Page S4633]]

       (2) in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and 
     after seeking input from the heads of State departments of 
     fish and wildlife or the Regional Migratory Bird Flyway 
     Councils of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 
     publicly post a report on the impact that rice ratooning and 
     post-disaster flooding have on the behavior of migratory game 
     birds that are hunted in the area in which rice ratooning and 
     post-disaster flooding, respectively, have occurred.

     SEC. 12603. PIMA AGRICULTURE COTTON TRUST FUND.

       Section 12314 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 
     2101 note; Public Law 113-79) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``2018'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``2023'';
       (2) by striking ``calendar year 2013'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``the prior calendar year'';
       (3) in subsection (b)(2)--
       (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses 
     (i) and (ii), respectively;
       (B) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so 
     redesignated), by striking ``(2) Twenty-five'' and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), twenty-
     five'';
       (C) in subparagraph (A)(ii) (as so designated), by striking 
     ``subparagraph (A)'' and inserting ``clause (i)''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B)(i) A yarn spinner shall not receive an amount under 
     subparagraph (A) that exceeds the cost of pima cotton that--
       ``(I) was purchased during the prior calendar year; and
       ``(II) was used in spinning any cotton yarns.
       ``(ii) The Secretary shall reallocate any amounts reduced 
     by reason of the limitation under clause (i) to spinners 
     using the ratio described in subparagraph (A), disregarding 
     production of any spinner subject to that limitation.'';
       (4) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``(b)(2)(A)'' and inserting ``(b)(2)(A)(i)'';
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (C) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) the dollar amount of pima cotton purchased during the 
     prior calendar year--
       ``(A) that was used in spinning any cotton yarns; and
       ``(B) for which the producer maintains supporting 
     documentation.'';
       (5) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``by 
     the Secretary--'' and inserting ``by the Secretary not later 
     than March 15 of the applicable calendar year.''; and
       (B) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2); and
       (6) in subsection (f), by striking ``subsection (b)--'' in 
     the matter preceding paragraph (1) and all that follows 
     through ``not later than'' in paragraph (2) and inserting 
     ``subsection (b) not later than''.

     SEC. 12604. AGRICULTURE WOOL APPAREL MANUFACTURERS TRUST 
                   FUND.

       Section 12315 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 
     7101 note; Public Law 113-79) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``2019'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``2023'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``the 
     payment--'' and inserting ``the payment, payments in amounts 
     authorized under that paragraph.''; and
       (II) by striking clauses (i) and (ii); and

       (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
     ``4002(c)--'' and inserting ``4002(c), payments in amounts 
     authorized under that paragraph.''; and
       (II) by striking clauses (i) and (ii); and

       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``submitted--'' in the 
     matter preceding subparagraph (A) and all that follows 
     through ``to the Secretary'' in subparagraph (B) and 
     inserting ``submitted to the Secretary''; and
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``subsection (b)--'' and inserting ``subsection (b) not later 
     than April 15 of the year of the payment.''; and
       (B) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2).

     SEC. 12605. WOOL RESEARCH AND PROMOTION.

       Section 12316(a) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 
     7101 note; Public Law 113-79) is amended by striking ``2015 
     through 2019'' and inserting ``2019 through 2023''.

     SEC. 12606. EMERGENCY CITRUS DISEASE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
                   TRUST FUND.

       (a) Definition of Citrus.--In this section, the term 
     ``citrus'' means edible fruit of the family Rutaceae, 
     including any hybrid of that fruit and any product of that 
     hybrid that is produced for commercial purposes in the United 
     States.
       (b) Establishment of Trust Fund.--There is established in 
     the Treasury of the United States a trust fund, to be known 
     as the ``Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Development 
     Trust Fund'' (referred to in this section as the ``Citrus 
     Trust Fund''), consisting of such amounts as shall be 
     transferred to the Citrus Trust Fund pursuant to subsection 
     (d).
       (c) Distribution of Funds.--
       (1) In general.--From amounts in the Citrus Trust Fund, the 
     Secretary shall make payments annually beginning in fiscal 
     year 2019 to--
       (A) entities engaged in scientific research and extension 
     activities, technical assistance, or development activities 
     to combat domestic or invasive citrus diseases and pests that 
     pose imminent harm to the United States citrus production and 
     threaten the future viability of the citrus industry, 
     including huanglongbing and the Asian Citrus Psyllid; and
       (B) entities engaged in supporting the dissemination and 
     commercialization of relevant information, techniques, or 
     technologies discovered under research and extension 
     activities funded through--
       (i) the Citrus Trust Fund; or
       (ii) other research and extension projects intended to 
     solve problems caused by citrus production diseases and 
     invasive pests.
       (2) Priority.--In making payments under paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall give priority to entities that use the 
     payments to address the research and extension priorities 
     established pursuant to section 1408A(g)(4) of the National 
     Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123a(g)(4)).
       (3) Coordination.--In determining how to distribute funds 
     under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
       (A) seek input from Federal and State agencies and other 
     entities involved in citrus disease response; and
       (B) take into account other public and private citrus-
     related research and extension projects and the funding for 
     those projects.
       (4) Nonduplication.--The Secretary shall ensure that funds 
     provided under paragraph (1) shall be in addition to and not 
     supplant funds made available to carry out other citrus 
     disease activities carried out by the Department of 
     Agriculture in consultation with State agencies.
       (d) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
     Corporation, the Secretary shall transfer to the Citrus Trust 
     Fund $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, 
     to remain available until expended.

     SEC. 12607. EXTENSION OF MERCHANDISE PROCESSING FEES.

       Section 503 of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement 
     Implementation Act (Public Law 112-41; 19 U.S.C. 3805 note) 
     is amended by striking ``February 24, 2027'' and inserting 
     ``May 26, 2027''.

     SEC. 12608. CONFORMING CHANGES TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT.

       (a) In General.--Section 102(16) of the Controlled 
     Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802(16)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``(16) The'' and inserting ``(16)(A) 
     Subject to subparagraph (B), the''; and
       (2) by striking ``Such term does not include the'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(B) The term `marihuana' does not include--
       ``(i) hemp, as defined in section 297A of the Agricultural 
     Marketing Act of 1946; or
       ``(ii) the''.
       (b) Tetrahydrocannabinol.--Schedule I, as set forth in 
     section 202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 
     812(c)), is amended in subsection (c)(17) by inserting after 
     ``Tetrahydrocannabinols'' the following: ``, except for 
     tetrahydrocannabinols in hemp (as defined under section 297A 
     of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946)''.

     SEC. 12609. NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION.

       (a) Financing.--Section 1309(a) of the National Flood 
     Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4016(a)) is amended by 
     striking ``September 30, 2017'' and inserting ``January 31, 
     2019''.
       (b) Program Expiration.--Section 1319 of the National Flood 
     Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4026) is amended by striking 
     ``September 30, 2017'' and inserting ``January 31, 2019''.

     SEC. 12610. EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR LIVESTOCK, HONEY BEES, 
                   AND FARM-RAISED FISH.

       Section 1501(d)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 
     U.S.C. 9081(d)(2)) is amended by inserting ``, including 
     inspections of cattle tick fever'' before the period at the 
     end.

     SEC. 12611. ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS.

       Section 1117 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 
     9017) (as amended by section 1104(6)) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following:
       ``(i) Administrative Units.--
       ``(1) In general.--For purposes of agriculture risk 
     coverage payments in the case of county coverage, a county 
     may be divided into not greater than 2 administrative units 
     in accordance with this subsection.
       ``(2) Eligible counties.--A county that may be divided into 
     administrative units under this subsection is a county that--
       ``(A) is larger than 1,400 square miles;
       ``(B) in contained within a State that is larger than 
     140,000 square miles; and
       ``(C) contains more than 190,000 base acres.
       ``(3) Elections.--Before making any agriculture risk 
     coverage payments for the 2019 crop year, the Farm Service 
     Agency State committee, in consultation with the Farm Service 
     Agency county or area committee of a county described in 
     paragraph (2), may make a 1-time election to divide the 
     county into administrative units under this subsection along 
     a boundary that better reflects differences in weather 
     patterns, soil types, or other factors.
       ``(4) Administration.--For purposes of providing 
     agriculture risk coverage payments in the case of county 
     coverage, the Secretary shall consider an administrative unit 
     elected

[[Page S4634]]

     under paragraph (3) to be a county for the 2019 through 2023 
     crop years.''.

     SEC. 12612. DROUGHT AND WATER CONSERVATION AGREEMENTS.

       Section 1231A of the Food Security Act of 1985 (as added by 
     section 2105(a)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(g) Drought and Water Conservation Agreements.--In the 
     case of an agreement under subsection (b)(1) to address 
     regional drought concerns, in accordance with the 
     conservation purposes of the program, the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the applicable State technical committee 
     established under section 1261(a), may--
       ``(1) notwithstanding subsection (a)(1), enroll other 
     agricultural land on which the resource concerns identified 
     in the agreement can be addressed if the enrollment of the 
     land is critical to the accomplishment of the purposes of the 
     agreement;
       ``(2) permit dryland agricultural uses with the adoption of 
     best management practices on enrolled land if the agreement 
     involves the significant long-term reduction of consumptive 
     water use and dryland production is compatible with the 
     agreement; and
       ``(3) calculate annual rental payments consistent with 
     existing administrative practice for similar drought and 
     water conservation agreements under this subchapter and 
     ensure regional consistency in those rates.''.

     SEC. 12613. ENCOURAGEMENT OF POLLINATOR HABITAT DEVELOPMENT 
                   AND PROTECTION.

       Section 1244(h) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
     3844(h)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) the development of a conservation and recovery plan 
     for protection of pollinators through conservation biological 
     control or practices and strategies to integrate natural 
     predators and parasites of crop pests into agricultural 
     systems for pest control; and
       ``(4) training for producers relating to background 
     science, implementation, and promotion of conservation 
     biological control such that producers base conservation 
     activities on practices and techniques that conserve or 
     enhance natural habitat for beneficial insects as a way of 
     reducing pest problems and pesticide applications on 
     farms.''.

     SEC. 12614. REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF FENCING; COST SHARE 
                   PAYMENTS.

       (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 inserting ``wildfires,'' after ``hurricanes,'';
       (B) 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')''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Repair or Replacement of Fencing.--
       ``(1) In general.--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 not more than 
     25 percent of the payment, determined by the Secretary based 
     on the applicable percentage of the fair market value of the 
     cost of the repair or replacement, before the agricultural 
     producer carries out the repair or replacement.
       ``(2) Return of funds.--If the funds provided under 
     paragraph (1) are not expended by the end of the 60-day 
     period beginning on the date on which the agricultural 
     producer receives those funds, the funds shall be returned 
     within a reasonable timeframe, as determined by the 
     Secretary.''.
       (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.--Subject to subsections (b) and (c), 
     the maximum cost-share payment under sections 401 and 402 
     shall not exceed, 75 percent of the total allowable cost, as 
     determined by the Secretary.
       ``(b) Exception.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), a payment 
     to a limited resource farmer or rancher, a socially 
     disadvantaged farmer or rancher (as defined in 2501(a) of the 
     Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 
     U.S.C. 2279(a)), or a beginning farmer or rancher under 
     section 401 or 402 shall not exceed 90 percent of the total 
     allowable cost, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(c) Limitation.--The total payment under sections 401 and 
     402 for a single event may not exceed 50 percent of the 
     agriculture value of the land, as determined by the 
     Secretary.''.

     SEC. 12615. FOOD DONATION STANDARDS.

       Section 203D of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 
     (7 U.S.C. 7507) (as amended by section 4115(c)) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Food Donation Standards.--
       ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Apparently wholesome food.--The term `apparently 
     wholesome food' has the meaning given the term in section 
     22(b) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1791(b)).
       ``(B) Institution of higher education.--The term 
     `institution of higher education' has the meaning given the 
     term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
     U.S.C. 1002).
       ``(C)  Qualified direct donor.--The term `qualified direct 
     donor' means a retail food store, wholesaler, agricultural 
     producer, restaurant, caterer, school food authority, or 
     institution of higher education.
       ``(2) Guidance.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the 
     Secretary shall issue guidance to promote awareness of 
     donations of apparently wholesome food protected under 
     section 22(c) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 
     1791(c)) by qualified direct donors in compliance with 
     applicable State and local health, food safety, and food 
     handling laws (including regulations).
       ``(B)  Issuance.--The Secretary shall encourage State 
     agencies and emergency feeding organizations to share the 
     guidance issued under subparagraph (A) with qualified direct 
     donors.''.

     SEC. 12616. MICRO-GRANTS FOR FOOD SECURITY.

       The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 is amended 
     by inserting after section 4405 (7 U.S.C. 7517) the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 4406. MICRO-GRANTS FOR FOOD SECURITY.

       ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to increase 
     the quantity and quality of locally grown food through small-
     scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations in food 
     insecure communities in areas of the United States that have 
     significant levels of food insecurity and import a 
     significant quantity of food.
       ``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means an 
     entity that--
       ``(A) is--
       ``(i) an individual;
       ``(ii) an Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the 
     Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 
     U.S.C. 5304)) or a consortium of Indian tribes;
       ``(iii) a nonprofit organization engaged in increasing food 
     security, as determined by the Secretary, including--

       ``(I) a religious organization;
       ``(II) a food bank; and
       ``(III) a food pantry;

       ``(iv) a federally funded educational facility, including--

       ``(I) a Head Start program or an Early Head Start program 
     carried out under the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et 
     seq.);
       ``(II) a public elementary school or public secondary 
     school;
       ``(III) a public institution of higher education (as 
     defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
     (20 U.S.C. 1001));
       ``(IV) a Tribal College or University (as defined in 
     section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1059c(b))); and
       ``(V) a job training program; or

       ``(v) a local or Tribal government that may not levy local 
     taxes under State or Federal law; and
       ``(B) is located in an eligible State.
       ``(2) Eligible state.--The term `eligible State' means--
       ``(A) the State of Alaska;
       ``(B) the State of Hawaii;
       ``(C) American Samoa;
       ``(D) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands;
       ``(E) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
       ``(F) the Federated States of Micronesia;
       ``(G) Guam;
       ``(H) the Republic of the Marshall Islands;
       ``(I) the Republic of Palau; and
       ``(J) the United States Virgin Islands.
       ``(c) Establishment.--The Secretary shall distribute funds 
     to the agricultural department or agency of each eligible 
     State for the competitive distribution of subgrants to 
     eligible entities to increase the quantity and quality of 
     locally grown food in food insecure communities, including 
     through small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock 
     operations.
       ``(d) Distribution of Funds.--
       ``(1) In general.--Of the amount made available under 
     subsection (g), the Secretary shall distribute--
       ``(A) 40 percent to the State of Alaska;
       ``(B) 40 percent to the State of Hawaii; and
       ``(C) 2.5 percent to each insular area described in 
     subparagraphs (C) through (J) of subsection (b)(2).
       ``(2) Carryover of funds.--Funds distributed under 
     paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.
       ``(3) Administrative funds.--An eligible State that 
     receives funds under paragraph (1) may use not more than 3 
     percent of those funds--
       ``(A) to administer the competition for providing subgrants 
     to eligible entities in that eligible State;
       ``(B) to provide oversight of the subgrant recipients in 
     that eligible State; and
       ``(C) to collect data and submit a report to the Secretary 
     under subsection (f)(2).
       ``(e) Subgrants to Eligible Entities.--
       ``(1) Amount of subgrants.--
       ``(A) In general.--The amount of a subgrant to an eligible 
     entity under this section shall be--

[[Page S4635]]

       ``(i) in the case of an eligible entity that is an 
     individual, not greater than $5,000 per year; and
       ``(ii) in the case of an eligible entity described in 
     clauses (ii) through (v) of subsection (b)(1)(A), not greater 
     than $10,000 per year.
       ``(B) Matching requirement.--As a condition of receiving a 
     subgrant under this section, an eligible entity shall provide 
     funds equal to 10 percent of the amount received by the 
     eligible entity under the subgrant, to be derived from non-
     Federal sources.
       ``(C) Carryover of funds.--Funds received by an eligible 
     entity that is awarded a subgrant under this section shall 
     remain available until expended.
       ``(2) Priority.--In carrying out the competitive 
     distribution of subgrants under subsection (c), an eligible 
     State may give priority to an eligible entity that--
       ``(A) has not previously received a subgrant under this 
     section; or
       ``(B) is located in a community or region in that eligible 
     State with the highest degree of food insecurity, as 
     determined by the agricultural department or agency of the 
     eligible State.
       ``(3) Projects.--An eligible State may provide subgrants to 
     2 or more eligible entities to carry out the same project.
       ``(4) Use of subgrant funds by eligible entities.--An 
     eligible entity that receives a subgrant under this section 
     shall use the funds to engage in activities that will 
     increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food, 
     including by--
       ``(A) purchasing gardening tools or equipment, soil, soil 
     amendments, seeds, plants, animals, canning equipment, 
     refrigeration, or other items necessary to grow and store 
     food;
       ``(B) purchasing or building composting units;
       ``(C) purchasing or building towers designed to grow leafy 
     green vegetables;
       ``(D) expanding an area under cultivation or engaging in 
     other activities necessary to be eligible to receive funding 
     under the environmental quality incentives program 
     established under chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the 
     Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq.) for a 
     high tunnel;
       ``(E) engaging in an activity that extends the growing 
     season;
       ``(F) starting or expanding hydroponic and aeroponic 
     farming of any scale;
       ``(G) building, buying, erecting, or repairing fencing for 
     livestock, poultry, or reindeer;
       ``(H) purchasing and equipping a slaughter and processing 
     facility approved by the Secretary;
       ``(I) travelling to participate in agricultural education 
     provided by--
       ``(i) a State cooperative extension service;
       ``(ii) a land-grant college or university (as defined in 
     section 1404 of the National Agricultural Research, 
     Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103));
       ``(iii) a Tribal College or University (as defined in 
     section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1059c(b)));
       ``(iv) an Alaska Native-serving institution or a Native 
     Hawaiian-serving institution (as those terms are defined in 
     section 317(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1059d(b))); or
       ``(v) a Federal or State agency;
       ``(J) paying for shipping of purchased items relating to 
     increasing food security;
       ``(K) creating or expanding avenues for--
       ``(i) the sale of food commodities, specialty crops, and 
     meats that are grown by the eligible entity for sale in the 
     local community; or
       ``(ii) the availability of fresh, locally grown, and 
     nutritious food; and
       ``(L) engaging in other activities relating to increasing 
     food security (including subsistence), as determined by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(5) Eligibility for other financial assistance.--An 
     eligible entity shall not be ineligible to receive financial 
     assistance under another program administered by the 
     Secretary as a result of receiving a subgrant under this 
     section.
       ``(f) Reporting Requirement.--
       ``(1) Subgrant recipients.--As a condition of receiving a 
     subgrant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit 
     to the eligible State in which the eligible entity is located 
     a report--
       ``(A) as soon as practicable after the end of the project; 
     and
       ``(B) that describes the quantity of food grown and the 
     number of people fed as a result of the subgrant.
       ``(2) Report to the secretary.--Not later than 120 days 
     after the date on which an eligible State receives a report 
     from each eligible entity in that State under paragraph (1), 
     the eligible State shall submit to the Secretary a report 
     that describes, in the aggregate, the information and data 
     contained in the reports received from those eligible 
     entities.
       ``(g) Funding.--
       ``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section 
     $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year 
     thereafter, to remain available until expended.
       ``(2) Appropriations in advance.--Only funds appropriated 
     under paragraph (1) in advance specifically to carry out this 
     section shall be available to carry out this section.
       ``(h) Effective Date.--This section takes effect on the 
     date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 
     2018.''.

     SEC. 12617. USE OF ADDITIONAL COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION 
                   FUNDS FOR DIRECT OPERATING MICROLOANS UNDER 
                   CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

       Section 346(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
     Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1994(b)) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following:
       ``(5) Use of additional commodity credit corporation funds 
     for direct operating microloans under certain conditions.--
       ``(A) In general.--If the Secretary determines that the 
     amount needed for a fiscal year for direct operating loans 
     (including microloans) under subtitle B is greater than the 
     aggregate principal amount authorized for that fiscal year by 
     this Act, an appropriations Act, or any other provision of 
     law, the Secretary shall make additional microloans under 
     subtitle B using amounts made available under subparagraph 
     (B).
       ``(B) Funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity Credit 
     Corporation, the Secretary shall use to make microloans under 
     subtitle B, under the conditions described in subparagraph 
     (A), not more than $5,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 
     2019 through 2023.
       ``(C) Notice.--Not later than 15 days before the date on 
     which the Secretary uses the authority under subparagraphs 
     (A) and (B), the Secretary shall submit a notice of the use 
     of that authority to--
       ``(i) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives;
       ``(ii) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;
       ``(iii) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       ``(iv) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
     Forestry of the Senate.''.

     SEC. 12618. BUSINESS AND INNOVATION SERVICES ESSENTIAL 
                   COMMUNITY FACILITIES.

       Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
     Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)) (as amended by section 
     6105) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(28) Business and innovation services essential community 
     facilities.--The Secretary may make loans and loan guarantees 
     under this subsection and grants under paragraphs (19), (20), 
     and (21) for essential community facilities for business and 
     innovation services, such as incubators, co-working spaces, 
     makerspaces, and residential entrepreneur and innovation 
     centers.''.

     SEC. 12619. RURAL INNOVATION STRONGER ECONOMY GRANT PROGRAM.

       Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 1981 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

     ``SEC. 379I. RURAL INNOVATION STRONGER ECONOMY GRANT PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a 
     rural jobs accelerator partnership established after the date 
     of enactment of this section that--
       ``(A) organizes key community and regional stakeholders 
     into a working group that--
       ``(i) focuses on the shared goals and needs of the industry 
     clusters that are objectively identified as existing, 
     emerging, or declining;
       ``(ii) represents a region defined by the partnership in 
     accordance with subparagraph (B);
       ``(iii) includes 1 or more representatives of--

       ``(I) an institution of higher education (as defined in 
     section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1001));
       ``(II) a private entity; or
       ``(III) a government entity;

       ``(iv) may include 1 or more representatives of--

       ``(I) an economic development or other community or labor 
     organization;
       ``(II) a financial institution, including a community 
     development financial institution (as defined in section 103 
     of the Community Development Banking and Financial 
     Institutions Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4702));
       ``(III) a philanthropic organization; or
       ``(IV) a rural cooperative, if the cooperative is organized 
     as a nonprofit organization; and

       ``(v) has, as a lead applicant--

       ``(I) a District Organization (as defined in section 300.3 
     of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
     regulation));
       ``(II) an Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the 
     Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 
     U.S.C. 5304)), or a consortium of Indian tribes;
       ``(III) a State or a political subdivision of a State, 
     including a special purpose unit of a State or local 
     government engaged in economic development activities, or a 
     consortium of political subdivisions;
       ``(IV) an institution of higher education (as defined in 
     section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1001)) or a consortium of institutions of higher education; 
     or
       ``(V) a public or private nonprofit organization; and

       ``(B) subject to approval by the Secretary, may--
       ``(i) serve a region that is--

       ``(I) a single jurisdiction; or
       ``(II) if the region is a rural area, multijurisdictional; 
     and

       ``(ii) define the region that the partnership represents, 
     if the region--

       ``(I) is large enough to contain critical elements of the 
     industry cluster prioritized by the partnership;
       ``(II) is small enough to enable close collaboration among 
     members of the partnership;

[[Page S4636]]

       ``(III) includes a majority of communities that are located 
     in--

       ``(aa) a nonmetropolitan area that qualifies as a low-
     income community (as defined in section 45D(e) of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986); and
       ``(bb) an area that has access to or has a plan to achieve 
     broadband service (within the meaning of title VI of the 
     Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb et seq.)); 
     and

       ``(IV)(aa) has a population of 50,000 or fewer inhabitants; 
     or
       ``(bb) for a region with a population of more than 50,000 
     inhabitants, is the subject of a positive determination by 
     the Secretary with respect to a rural-in-character petition, 
     including such a petition submitted concurrently with the 
     application of the partnership for a grant under this 
     section.

       ``(2) Industry cluster.--The term `industry cluster' means 
     a broadly defined network of interconnected firms and 
     supporting institutions in related industries that accelerate 
     innovation, business formation, and job creation by taking 
     advantage of assets and strengths of a region in the business 
     environment.
       ``(3) High-wage job.--The term `high-wage job' means a job 
     that provides a wage that is greater than the median wage for 
     the applicable region, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(4) Jobs accelerator.--The term `jobs accelerator' means 
     a jobs accelerator center or program located in or serving a 
     low-income rural community that may provide co-working space, 
     in-demand skills training, entrepreneurship support, and any 
     other services described in subsection (d)(1)(B).
       ``(5) Small and disadvantaged business.--The term `small 
     and disadvantaged business' has the meaning given the term 
     `small business concern owned and controlled by socially and 
     economically disadvantaged individuals' in section 8(d)(3)(C) 
     of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(3)(C)).
       ``(b) Establishment.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a grant 
     program under which the Secretary shall award grants, on a 
     competitive basis, to eligible entities to establish jobs 
     accelerators, including related programming, that--
       ``(A) improve the ability of distressed rural communities 
     to create high-wage jobs, accelerate the formation of new 
     businesses with high-growth potential, and strengthen 
     regional economies, including by helping to build capacity in 
     the applicable region to achieve those goals; and
       ``(B) help rural communities identify and maximize local 
     assets and connect to regional opportunities, networks, and 
     industry clusters that demonstrate high growth potential.
       ``(2) Cost-sharing.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of any 
     activity carried out using a grant made under paragraph (1) 
     shall be not greater than 80 percent.
       ``(B) In-kind contributions.--The non-Federal share of the 
     total cost of any activity carried out using a grant made 
     under paragraph (1) may be in the form of donations or in-
     kind contributions of goods or services fairly valued.
       ``(3) Selection criteria.--In selecting eligible entities 
     to receive grants under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall 
     consider--
       ``(A) the commitment of participating core stakeholders in 
     the jobs accelerator partnership, including a demonstration 
     that--
       ``(i) investment organizations, including venture 
     development organizations, venture capital firms, revolving 
     loan funders, angel investment groups, community lenders, 
     community development financial institutions, rural business 
     investment companies, small business investment companies (as 
     defined in section 103 of the Small Business Investment Act 
     of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 662)), philanthropic organizations, and 
     other institutions focused on expanding access to capital, 
     are committed partners in the jobs accelerator partnership 
     and willing to potentially invest in projects emerging from 
     the jobs accelerator; and
       ``(ii) institutions of higher education, applied research 
     institutions, workforce development entities, and community-
     based organizations are willing to partner with the jobs 
     accelerator to provide workers with skills relevant to the 
     industry cluster needs of the region, with an emphasis on the 
     use of on-the-job training, registered apprenticeships, 
     customized training, classroom occupational training, or 
     incumbent worker training;
       ``(B) the ability of the eligible entity to provide the 
     non-Federal share as required under paragraph (2);
       ``(C) the speed of available broadband service and how the 
     jobs accelerator plans to improve access to high-speed 
     broadband service, if necessary, and leverage that broadband 
     service for programs of the jobs accelerator;
       ``(D) the identification of a targeted industry cluster, 
     including a description of--
       ``(i) data showing the existence of emergence of an 
     industry cluster;
       ``(ii) the importance of the industry cluster to economic 
     growth in the region;
       ``(iii) the specific needs and opportunities for growth in 
     the industry cluster;
       ``(iv) the unique assets a region has to support the 
     industry cluster and to have a competitive advantage in that 
     industry cluster;
       ``(v) evidence of a concentration of firms or concentration 
     of employees in the industry cluster; and
       ``(vi) available industry-specific infrastructure that 
     supports the industry cluster;
       ``(E) the ability of the partnership to link rural 
     communities to markets, networks, industry clusters, and 
     other regional opportunities and assets--
       ``(i) to improve the competitiveness of the rural region;
       ``(ii) to repatriate United States jobs;
       ``(iii) to foster high-wage job creation;
       ``(iv) to support innovation and entrepreneurship; and
       ``(v) to promote private investment in the rural regional 
     economy;
       ``(F) other grants or loans of the Secretary and other 
     Federal agencies that the jobs accelerator would be able to 
     leverage; and
       ``(G) prospects for the proposed center and related 
     programming to have sustainability beyond the full maximum 
     length of assistance under this subsection, including the 
     maximum number of renewals.
       ``(4) Grant term and renewals.--
       ``(A) Term.--The initial term of a grant under paragraph 
     (1) shall be 4 years.
       ``(B) Renewal.--The Secretary may renew a grant under 
     paragraph (1) for an additional period of not longer than 2 
     years if the Secretary is satisfied, using the evaluation 
     under subsection (e)(2), that the grant recipient has 
     successfully established a jobs accelerator and related 
     programming.
       ``(5) Geographic distribution.--To the maximum extent 
     practicable, the Secretary shall provide grants under 
     paragraph (1) for jobs accelerators and related programming 
     in not fewer than 25 States at any time.
       ``(c) Grant Amount.--A grant awarded under subsection (b) 
     may be in an amount equal to--
       ``(1) not less than $500,000; and
       ``(2) not more than $2,000,000.
       ``(d) Use of Funds.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), funds from a 
     grant awarded under subsection (b) may be used--
       ``(A) to construct, purchase, or equip a building to serve 
     as an innovation center, which may include--
       ``(i) housing for business owners or workers;
       ``(ii) co-working space, which may include space for remote 
     work;
       ``(iii) space for businesses to utilize with a focus on 
     entrepreneurs and small and disadvantaged businesses but that 
     may include collaboration with companies of all sizes;
       ``(iv) job training programs; and
       ``(v) efforts to utilize the innovation center as part of 
     the development of a community downtown; or
       ``(B) to support programs to be carried out at, or in 
     direct partnership with, the jobs accelerator that support 
     the objectives of the jobs accelerator, including--
       ``(i) linking rural communities to markets, networks, 
     industry clusters, and other regional opportunities to 
     support high-wage job creation, new business formation, and 
     economic growth;
       ``(ii) integrating small businesses into a supply chain;
       ``(iii) creating or expanding commercialization activities 
     for new business formation;
       ``(iv) identifying and building assets in rural communities 
     that are crucial to supporting regional economies;
       ``(v) facilitating the repatriation of high-wage jobs to 
     the United States;
       ``(vi) supporting the deployment of innovative processes, 
     technologies, and products;
       ``(vii) enhancing the capacity of small businesses in 
     regional industry clusters, including small and disadvantaged 
     businesses;
       ``(viii) increasing United States exports and business 
     interaction with international buyers and suppliers;
       ``(ix) developing the skills and expertise of local 
     workforces, entrepreneurs, and institutional partners to 
     support growing industry clusters, including the upskilling 
     of incumbent workers;
       ``(x) ensuring rural communities have the capacity and 
     ability to carry out projects relating to housing, community 
     facilities, infrastructure, or community and economic 
     development to support regional industry cluster growth;
       ``(xi) establishing training programs to meet the needs of 
     employers in a regional industry cluster and prepare workers 
     for high-wage jobs; or
       ``(xii) any other activities that the Secretary may 
     determine to be appropriate.
       ``(2) Requirement.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), not more 
     than 10 percent of a grant awarded under subsection (b) shall 
     be used for indirect costs associated with administering the 
     grant.
       ``(B) Increase.--The Secretary may increase the percentage 
     described in subparagraph (A) on a case-by-case basis.
       ``(e) Annual Activity Report and Evaluation.--Not later 
     than 1 year after receiving a grant under this section, and 
     annually thereafter for the duration of the grant, an 
     eligible entity shall--
       ``(1) report to the Secretary on the activities funded with 
     the grant; and
       ``(2)(A) evaluate the progress that the eligible entity has 
     made toward the strategic objectives identified in the 
     application for the grant; and
       ``(B) measure that progress using performance measures 
     during the project period, which may include--
       ``(i) high-wage jobs created;
       ``(ii) high-wage jobs retained;
       ``(iii) private investment leveraged;
       ``(iv) businesses improved;

[[Page S4637]]

       ``(v) new business formations;
       ``(vi) new products or services commercialized;
       ``(vii) improvement of the value of existing products or 
     services under development;
       ``(viii) regional collaboration, as measured by such 
     metrics as--
       ``(I) the number of organizations actively engaged in the 
     industry cluster;
       ``(II) the number of symposia held by the industry cluster, 
     including organizations that are not located in the immediate 
     region defined by the partnership; and
       ``(III) the number of further cooperative agreements;
       ``(ix) the number of education and training activities 
     relating to innovation;
       ``(x) the number of jobs relocated from outside of the 
     United States to the region;
       ``(xi) the amount and number of new equity investments in 
     industry cluster firms;
       ``(xii) the amount and number of new loans to industry 
     cluster firms;
       ``(xiii) the dollar increase in exports resulting from the 
     project activities;
       ``(xiv) the percentage of employees for which training was 
     provided;
       ``(xv) improvement in sales of participating businesses;
       ``(xvi) improvement in wages paid at participating 
     businesses;
       ``(xvii) improvement in income of participating workers; or
       ``(xviii) any other measure the Secretary determines to be 
     appropriate.
       ``(f) Interagency Task Force.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish an 
     interagency Federal task force to support the network of jobs 
     accelerators by--
       ``(A) providing successful applicants with available 
     information and technical assistance on Federal resources 
     relevant to the project and region;
       ``(B) establishing a Federal support team comprised of 
     staff from participating agencies in the task force that 
     shall provide coordinated and dedicated support services to 
     jobs accelerators; and
       ``(C) providing opportunities for the network of jobs 
     accelerators to share best practices and further collaborate 
     to achieve the purposes of this section.
       ``(2) Membership.--The task force established under 
     paragraph (1) shall--
       ``(A) be co-chaired by--
       ``(i) the Secretary of Commerce (or a designee); and
       ``(ii) the Secretary (or a designee); and
       ``(B) include--
       ``(i) the Secretary of Education (or a designee);
       ``(ii) the Secretary of Energy (or a designee);
       ``(iii) the Secretary of Health and Human Services (or a 
     designee);
       ``(iv) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (or a 
     designee);
       ``(v) the Secretary of Labor (or a designee);
       ``(vi) the Secretary of Transportation (or a designee);
       ``(vii) the Secretary of the Treasury (or a designee);
       ``(viii) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
     Agency (or a designee);
       ``(ix) the Administrator of the Small Business 
     Administration (or a designee);
       ``(x) the Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional 
     Commission (or a designee);
       ``(xi) the Federal Co-Chairman of the Board of the Delta 
     Regional Authority (or a designee);
       ``(xii) the Federal Co-Chair of the Northern Border 
     Regional Commission (or a designee);
       ``(xiii) national and local organizations that have 
     relevant programs and interests that could serve the needs of 
     the jobs accelerators;
       ``(xiv) representatives of State and local governments or 
     State and local economic development agencies;
       ``(xv) representatives of institutions of higher education, 
     including land-grant universities; and
       ``(xvi) such other heads of Federal agencies and non-
     Federal partners as determined appropriate by the co-chairs 
     of the task force.''.

     SEC. 12620. DRYLAND FARMING AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS.

       Section 1672(d) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and 
     Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925(d)) (as amended by section 
     7209(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(15) Dryland farming agricultural systems.--Research and 
     extension grants may be made under this section for the 
     purposes of carrying out or enhancing research on the 
     utilization of big data for more precise management of 
     dryland farming agricultural systems.''.

     SEC. 12621. REMOTE SENSING TECHNOLOGIES.

       The Chief of the Forest Service shall--
       (1) continue to find efficiencies in the operations of the 
     forest inventory and analysis program under section 3(e) of 
     the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 
     1978 (16 U.S.C. 1642(e)) through the improved use and 
     integration of advanced remote sensing technologies to 
     provide estimates for State- and national-level inventories, 
     where appropriate; and
       (2) partner with States and other interested stakeholders 
     to carry out the program described in paragraph (1).

     SEC. 12622. BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENTS.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary shall--
       (1) fully enforce the Buy American provisions applicable to 
     domestic food assistance programs administered by the Food 
     and Nutrition Service; and
       (2) submit to Congress a report on the actions the 
     Secretary has taken and plans to take to comply with 
     paragraph (1).

     SEC. 12623. ELIGIBILITY FOR OPERATORS ON HEIRS PROPERTY LAND 
                   TO OBTAIN A FARM NUMBER.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Eligible documentation.--The term ``eligible 
     documentation'', with respect to land for which a farm 
     operator seeks assignment of a farm number under subsection 
     (b)(1), includes--
       (A) in States that have adopted a statute consisting of an 
     enactment or adoption of the Uniform Partition of Heirs 
     Property Act, as approved and recommended for enactment in 
     all States by the National Conference of Commissioners on 
     Uniform State Laws in 2010--
       (i) a court order verifying the land meets the definition 
     of heirs property (as defined in that Act); or
       (ii) a certification from the local recorder of deeds that 
     the recorded owner of the land is deceased and not less than 
     1 heir of the recorded owner of the land has initiated a 
     procedure to retitle the land in the name of the rightful 
     heir;
       (B) a fully executed, unrecorded tenancy-in-common 
     agreement that sets out ownership rights and responsibilities 
     among all of the owners of the land that--
       (i) has been approved by a majority of the ownership 
     interests in that property;
       (ii) has given a particular owner the right to manage and 
     control any portion or all of the land for purposes of 
     operating a farm or ranch; and
       (iii) was validly entered into under the authority of the 
     jurisdiction in which the land is located;
       (C) the tax return of a farm operator farming a property 
     with undivided interests for each of the 5 years preceding 
     the date on which the farm operator submits the tax returns 
     as eligible documentation under subsection (b);
       (D) self-certification that the farm operator has control 
     of the land for purposes of operating a farm or ranch; and
       (E) any other documentation identified by the Secretary 
     under subsection (c).
       (2) Farm number.--The term ``farm number'' has the meaning 
     given the term in section 718.2 of title 7, Code of Federal 
     Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this 
     Act).
       (b) Farm Number.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide for the 
     assignment of a farm number to any farm operator who provides 
     any form of eligible documentation for purposes of 
     demonstrating that the farm operator has control of the land 
     for purposes of defining that land as a farm.
       (2) Eligibility.--Any farm number provided under paragraph 
     (1) shall be sufficient to satisfy any requirement of the 
     Secretary to have a farm number to participate in a program 
     of the Secretary.
       (c) Eligible Documentation.--The Secretary shall identify 
     alternative forms of eligible documentation that a farm 
     operator may provide in seeking the assignment of a farm 
     number under subsection (b)(1).

     SEC. 12624. LOANS TO PURCHASERS OF LAND WITH UNDIVIDED 
                   INTEREST AND NO ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY.

       (a) Reauthorization of 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)) (as amended by section 5301) is amended by 
     striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2024''.
       (b) Pilot Program.--Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and 
     Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1981 et seq.) is amended by 
     inserting after section 333D the following:

     ``SEC. 333E. FARMER LOAN PILOT PROJECTS.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may conduct pilot projects 
     of limited scope and duration that are consistent with 
     subtitles A, B, C, and this subtitle to evaluate processes 
     and techniques that may improve the efficiency and 
     effectiveness of the programs carried out under subtitles A, 
     B, C, and this subtitle.
       ``(b) Notification.--The Secretary shall--
       ``(1) not less than 60 days before the date on which the 
     Secretary initiates a pilot project under subsection (a), 
     submit notice of the proposed pilot project to the Committee 
     on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the 
     Senate; and
       ``(2) consider any recommendations or feedback provided to 
     the Secretary in response to the notice provided under 
     paragraph (1).''.
       (c) Relending Program.--Subtitle A of title III of the 
     Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1922 et 
     seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 310I. RELENDING PROGRAM TO RESOLVE OWNERSHIP AND 
                   SUCCESSION ON FARMLAND.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may make or guarantee 
     loans to eligible entities described in subsection (b) using 
     amounts made available for farm ownership loans under this 
     subtitle so that the eligible entities may relend the funds 
     to individuals and entities for the purposes described in 
     subsection (c).
       ``(b) Eligible Entities.--Entities eligible for loans and 
     loan guarantees described in subsection (a) are cooperatives, 
     credit unions, and nonprofit organizations with--

[[Page S4638]]

       ``(1) certification under section 1805.201 of title 12, 
     Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations) to 
     operate as a lender;
       ``(2) experience assisting socially disadvantaged farmers 
     and ranchers (as defined in section 2501(a) of the Food, 
     Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
     2279(a))) or limited resource or new and beginning farmers 
     and ranchers, rural businesses, cooperatives, or credit 
     unions, including experience in making and servicing 
     agricultural and commercial loans; and
       ``(3) the ability to provide adequate assurance of the 
     repayment of a loan.
       ``(c) Eligible Purposes.--The proceeds from loans made or 
     guaranteed by the Secretary pursuant to subsection (a) shall 
     be relent by eligible entities for projects that assist heirs 
     with undivided ownership interests to resolve ownership and 
     succession on farmland that has multiple owners.
       ``(d) Preference.--In making loans under subsection (a), 
     the Secretary shall give preference to eligible entities--
       ``(1) with not less than 10 years of experience serving 
     socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; and
       ``(2) in States that have adopted a statute consisting of 
     an enactment or adoption of the Uniform Partition of Heirs 
     Property Act, as approved and recommended for enactment in 
     all States by the National Conference of Commissioners on 
     Uniform State Laws in 2010, that relend to owners of heirs 
     property (as defined in that Act).
       ``(e) Loan Terms and Conditions.--The following terms and 
     conditions shall apply to loans made or guaranteed under this 
     section:
       ``(1) The interest rate at which intermediaries may borrow 
     funds under this section shall be equal to the rate at which 
     farm ownership loans under this subtitle are made.
       ``(2) The rates, terms, and payment structure for borrowers 
     to which intermediaries lend shall be--
       ``(A) determined by the intermediary in an amount 
     sufficient to cover the cost of operating and sustaining the 
     revolving loan fund; and
       ``(B) clearly and publicly disclosed to qualified ultimate 
     borrowers.
       ``(3) Borrowers to which intermediaries lend shall be--
       ``(A) required to complete a succession plan as a condition 
     of the loan; and
       ``(B) be offered the opportunity to borrow sufficient funds 
     to cover costs associated with the succession plan under 
     subparagraph (A) and other associated legal and closing 
     costs.
       ``(f) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of 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 a report describing the operation and outcomes of the 
     program under this section, with recommendations on how to 
     strengthen the program.
       ``(g) Funding.--The Secretary shall carry out this section 
     using funds otherwise made available to the Secretary.''.

     SEC. 12625. FARMLAND OWNERSHIP DATA COLLECTION.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall collect and, not less 
     frequently than once every 5 years report, data and analysis 
     on farmland ownership, tenure, transition, and entry of 
     beginning farmers and ranchers (as defined in section 343(a) 
     of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1991(a))) and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers (as 
     defined in section 2501(a) of the Food, Agriculture, 
     Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a))).
       (b) Requirements.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Secretary shall, at a minimum--
       (1) collect and distribute comprehensive reporting of 
     trends in farmland ownership, tenure, transition, barriers to 
     entry, profitability, and viability of beginning farmers and 
     ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers;
       (2) develop surveys and report statistical and economic 
     analysis on farmland ownership, tenure, transition, barriers 
     to entry, profitability, and viability of beginning farmers 
     and ranchers, including a regular follow-on survey to each 
     Census of Agriculture with results of the follow-on survey 
     made public not later than 3 years after the previous Census 
     of Agriculture; and
       (3) require the National Agricultural Statistics Service--
       (A) to include in the Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of 
     Agricultural Land survey questions relating to--
       (i) the extent to which non-farming landowners are 
     purchasing and holding onto farmland for the sole purpose of 
     real estate investment;
       (ii) the impact of these farmland ownership trends on the 
     successful entry and viability of beginning farmers and 
     ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers;
       (iii) the extent to which farm and ranch land with 
     undivided interests and no administrative authority 
     identified have farms or ranches operating on that land; and
       (iv) the impact of land tenure patterns, categorized by--

       (I) race, gender, and ethnicity; and
       (II) region; and

       (B) to include in the report of each Tenure, Ownership, and 
     Transition of Agricultural Land survey the results of the 
     questions under subparagraph (A).

     SEC. 12626. RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM.

       (a) Definitions.--Section 384A of the Consolidated Farm and 
     Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``venture''; and
       (B) by striking ``venture''; and
       (2) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
       ``(4) Equity capital.--The term `equity capital' means--
       ``(A) common or preferred stock or a similar instrument, 
     including subordinated debt with equity features; and
       ``(B) any other type of equity-like financing that might be 
     necessary to facilitate the purposes of this Act, excluding 
     financing such as senior debt or other types of financing 
     that competes with routine loanmaking of commercial 
     lenders.''.
       (b) Purposes.--Section 384B of the Consolidated Farm and 
     Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc-1) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``venture''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``venture''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``venture''.
       (c) Selection of Rural Business Investment Companies.--
     Section 384D(b)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
     Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc-3(b)(1)) is amended by 
     striking ``developmental venture'' and inserting 
     ``developmental''.
       (d) Fees.--Section 384G of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
     Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc-6) is amended--
       (1) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking ``a fee that 
     does not exceed $500'' each place it appears and inserting 
     ``such fees as the Secretary considers appropriate, so long 
     as those fees are proportionally equal for each rural 
     business investment company,''; and
       (2) in subsection (c)(2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``solely to cover the 
     costs of licensing examinations'' and inserting ``as the 
     Secretary considers appropriate''; and
       (B) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(C) shall be in such amounts as the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.''.
       (e) Limitation on Rural Business Investment Companies 
     Controlled by Farm Credit System Institutions.--Section 
     384J(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
     U.S.C. 2009cc-9(c)) is amended by striking ``25'' and 
     inserting ``50''.
       (f) Flexibility on Sources of Investment or Capital.--
     Section 384J(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
     Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009cc-9(a)) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (2) by striking the subsection designation and heading and 
     all that follows through ``Except as'' in the matter 
     preceding subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated) and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(a) Investment.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Limitation on requirements.--The Secretary may not 
     require that an entity described in paragraph (1) provide 
     investment or capital that is not required of other companies 
     eligible to apply to operate as a rural business investment 
     company under section 384D(a).''.

     SEC. 12627. NATIONAL OILHEAT RESEARCH ALLIANCE.

       (a) In General.--Section 713 of the National Oilheat 
     Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; Public 
     Law 106-469) is repealed.
       (b) Limitations on Obligations of Funds.--The National 
     Oilheat Research Alliance Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 6201 note; 
     Public Law 106-469) is amended by inserting after section 707 
     the following:

     ``SEC. 708. LIMITATIONS ON OBLIGATION OF FUNDS.

       ``(a) In General.--In each fiscal year of the covered 
     period, the Alliance may not obligate an amount greater than 
     the sum of--
       ``(1) 75 percent of the amount of assessments estimated to 
     be collected under section 707 in that fiscal year;
       ``(2) 75 percent of the amount of assessments actually 
     collected under section 707 in the most recent fiscal year 
     for which an audit report has been submitted under section 
     706(f)(2)(B) as of the beginning of the fiscal year for which 
     the amount that may be obligated is being determined, less 
     the estimate made pursuant to paragraph (1) for that most 
     recent fiscal year; and
       ``(3) amounts permitted in preceding fiscal years to be 
     obligated pursuant to this subsection that have not been 
     obligated.
       ``(b) Excess Amounts Deposited in Escrow Account.--
     Assessments collected under section 707 in excess of the 
     amount permitted to be obligated under subsection (a) in a 
     fiscal year shall be deposited in an escrow account for the 
     duration of the covered period.
       ``(c) Treatment of Amounts in Escrow Account.--
       ``(1) In general.--During the covered period, the Alliance 
     may not obligate, expend, or borrow against amounts required 
     under subsection (b) to be deposited in the escrow account.
       ``(2) Interest.--Any interest earned on amounts described 
     in paragraph (1) shall be--
       ``(A) deposited in the escrow account; and
       ``(B) unavailable for obligation for the duration of the 
     covered period.

[[Page S4639]]

       ``(d) Release of Amounts in Escrow Account.--After the 
     expiration of the covered period, the Alliance may withdraw 
     and obligate in any fiscal year an amount in the escrow 
     account that does not exceed \1/5\ of the amount in the 
     escrow account on the last day of the covered period.
       ``(e) Special Rule for Estimates for Particular Fiscal 
     Years.--
       ``(1) Rule.--For purposes of subsection (a)(1), the amount 
     of assessments estimated to be collected under section 707 in 
     a fiscal year described in paragraph (2) shall be equal to 62 
     percent of the amount of assessments actually collected under 
     that section in the most recent fiscal year for which an 
     audit report has been submitted under section 706(f)(2)(B) as 
     of the beginning of the fiscal year for which the amount that 
     may be obligated is being determined.
       ``(2) Fiscal years described.--The fiscal years referred to 
     in paragraph (1) are the 9th and 10th fiscal years that begin 
     on or after the date of enactment of the Agriculture 
     Improvement Act of 2018.
       ``(f) Covered Period Defined.--In this section, the term 
     `covered period' means the period that begins on the date of 
     enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 and ends 
     on the last day of the 11th fiscal year that begins on or 
     after that date of enactment.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3225. Mrs. GILLIBRAND (for herself, Mr. Rubio, and Mr. Nelson) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 
proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       After section 4112, insert the following:

     SEC. 411__. CONSOLIDATED BLOCK GRANTS FOR THE COMMONWEALTH OF 
                   PUERTO RICO.

       Section 19(a)(2)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 
     (7 U.S.C. 2028(a)(2)(B)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(iii) Additional assistance for disaster recovery efforts 
     in the commonwealth of puerto rico for fiscal years 2020 and 
     2021.--

       ``(I) Authorization of appropriations.--Due to the needs 
     associated with disaster recovery efforts in the Commonwealth 
     of Puerto Rico, in addition to amounts made available under 
     clause (i) there is authorized to be appropriated not more 
     than $635,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 and 2021 to 
     make additional payments to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico 
     for the expenditures and expenses described in clause (i).
       ``(II) Appropriation in advance.--Except as provided in 
     subclause (III), only amounts appropriated under subclause 
     (I) in advance specifically for the expenditures and expenses 
     described in clause (i) shall be available for payment to the 
     Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for the expenditures and expenses 
     described in that clause.
       ``(III) Other funds.--Funds appropriated under subclause 
     (I) shall be in addition to funds made available under clause 
     (i).''.

                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3226. Mrs. GILLIBRAND (for herself, Mr. Toomey, and Mr. Rubio) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 
proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 125__. PROHIBITION ON SLAUGHTER OF DOGS AND CATS FOR 
                   HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

       (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (c), 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) a dog or cat part for human consumption.
       (b) Scope.--Subsection (a) shall apply only with respect to 
     conduct--
       (1) in or affecting interstate commerce or foreign 
     commerce; or
       (2) within the special maritime and territorial 
     jurisdiction of the United States.
       (c) Exception for Indian Tribes.--The prohibition in 
     subsection (a) shall not apply to an Indian (as defined in 
     section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education 
     Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)) carrying out any activity 
     described in subsection (a) for the purpose of a religious 
     ceremony.
       (d) Penalty.--Any person who violates subsection (a) shall 
     be subject to a fine in an amount not greater than $5,000 for 
     each violation.
       (e) Effect on State Law.--Nothing in this section--
       (1) limits any State or local law or regulation protecting 
     the welfare of animals; or
       (2) prevents a State or unit of local government from 
     adopting and enforcing an animal welfare law or regulation 
     that is more stringent than this section.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3227. Mr. BLUMENTHAL submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and 
Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. ___. STOP SUBSIDIZING CHILDHOOD OBESITY.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and 
     tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years. Currently, more 
     than \1/3\ of children and adolescents in the United States 
     are overweight or obese.
       (2) A report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and 
     Trust for America's Health found that if the population of 
     the United States continues on its current trajectory, adult 
     obesity rates could exceed 60 percent in a number of States 
     by 2030.
       (3) Health-related behaviors, such as eating habits and 
     physical activity patterns, develop early in life and affect 
     behavior and health in adulthood. The diets of American 
     children and adolescents depart substantially from 
     recommended patterns that put their health at risk. Overall, 
     American children and youth are not achieving basic 
     nutritional goals. They are consuming excess calories and 
     added sugars and have higher than recommended intakes of 
     sodium, total fat, and saturated fats.
       (4) According to a 2012 report from the Federal Trade 
     Commission, the total amount spent on food marketing to 
     children is about $2,000,000,000 per year.
       (5) Companies market food to children through television, 
     radio, Internet, magazines, product placement in movies and 
     video games, schools, product packages, toys, clothing and 
     other merchandise.
       (6) According to a comprehensive review by the National 
     Academy of Medicine, studies demonstrate that television food 
     advertising affects children's food choices, food purchase 
     requests, diets, and health. The Academy concluded that the 
     marketing of high-calorie foods to children and adolescents 
     is one of the major contributors to childhood obesity.
       (7) More than 80 percent of the food advertisements seen by 
     children on television are for foods of poor nutritional 
     value.
       (8) A study published in the Journal of Law and Economics 
     and funded by the National Institutes of Health found that 
     the elimination of the tax deduction that allows companies to 
     deduct costs associated with advertising food of poor 
     nutritional quality to children could reduce the rates of 
     childhood obesity by 5 to 7 percent.
       (9) A study published in the Journal of Health Affairs 
     found that the elimination of the tax deduction for costs 
     described in paragraph (8) would save up to $260,000,000 in 
     health care costs and prevent nearly 130,000 cases of 
     childhood obesity over 10 years.
       (b) Denial of Deduction for Advertising and Marketing 
     Directed at Children to Promote the Consumption of Food of 
     Poor Nutritional Quality.--
       (1) In general.--Part IX of subchapter B of chapter 1 of 
     the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the 
     end the following new section:

     ``SEC. 280I. DENIAL OF DEDUCTION FOR ADVERTISING AND 
                   MARKETING DIRECTED AT CHILDREN TO PROMOTE THE 
                   CONSUMPTION OF FOOD OF POOR NUTRITIONAL 
                   QUALITY.

       ``(a) In General.--No deduction shall be allowed under this 
     chapter with respect to--
       ``(1) any advertisement or marketing--
       ``(A) primarily directed at children for purposes of 
     promoting the consumption by children of any food of poor 
     nutritional quality, or
       ``(B) of a brand primarily associated with food of poor 
     nutritional quality that is primarily directed at children, 
     and
       ``(2) any of the following which are incurred or provided 
     primarily for purposes described in paragraph (1):
       ``(A) Travel expenses (including meals and lodging).
       ``(B) Goods or services of a type generally considered to 
     constitute entertainment, amusement, or recreation or the use 
     of a facility in connection with providing such goods and 
     services.
       ``(C) Gifts.
       ``(D) Other promotion expenses.
       ``(b) NAM Study.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall enter into 
     a contract with the National Academy of Medicine under which 
     the National Academy of Medicine shall develop procedures for 
     the evaluation and identification of--
       ``(A) food of poor nutritional quality, and
       ``(B) brands that are primarily associated with food of 
     poor nutritional quality.
       ``(2) NAM report.--Not later than 12 months after the date 
     of the enactment of this section, the National Academy of 
     Medicine shall submit to the Secretary a report that 
     establishes the proposed procedures described in paragraph 
     (1).
       ``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Brand.--The term `brand' means a corporate or product 
     name, a business image,

[[Page S4640]]

     or a mark, regardless of whether it may legally qualify as a 
     trademark, used by a seller or manufacturer to identify goods 
     or services and to distinguish them from the goods of a 
     competitor.
       ``(2) Child.--The term `child' means an individual who is 
     age 14 or under.
       ``(3) Food.--The term `food' shall include beverages, 
     candy, and chewing gum.
       ``(d) Regulations.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
     of the enactment of this section, the Secretary, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services 
     and the Federal Trade Commission and based on the report 
     prepared by the National Academy of Medicine pursuant to 
     subsection (b)(2), shall promulgate such regulations as may 
     be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section, 
     including regulations defining the terms `marketing', 
     `directed at children', `food of poor nutritional quality', 
     and `brand primarily associated with food of poor nutritional 
     quality' for purposes of this section.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections for such 
     part IX is amended by adding at the end the following new 
     item:

``Sec. 280I. Denial of deduction for advertising and marketing directed 
              at children to promote the consumption of food of poor 
              nutritional quality.''.

       (3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection 
     shall apply to amounts paid or incurred in taxable years 
     beginning 24 months after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act.
       (c) Additional Funding for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable 
     Program.--In addition to any other amounts made available to 
     carry out the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program under section 
     19 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 
     U.S.C. 1769a), the Secretary of the Treasury (or the 
     Secretary's delegate) shall, on an annual basis, transfer to 
     such program, from amounts in the general fund of the 
     Treasury of the United States, an amount determined by the 
     Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary's delegate) to be 
     equal to the increase in revenue for the preceding 12-month 
     period by reason of the amendments made by subsection (b).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3228. Mr. BLUMENTHAL submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and 
Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle A of title XII, insert the 
     following:

     SEC. 121__. GRASS-FED LABELING OF CERTAIN MEAT PRODUCTS.

       Subtitle A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 
     U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) (as amended by section 10102(b)) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 210B. GRASS-FED LABELING OF CERTAIN MEAT PRODUCTS.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Covered product.--The term `covered product' means a 
     beef product, a lamb product, a goat product, and a bison 
     product.
       ``(2) Nontherapeutic.--The term `nontherapeutic', with 
     respect to an antibiotic, hormone, or other drug, means 
     administration of the drug to an animal for purposes other 
     than individualized disease treatment or nonroutine disease 
     control, such as growth promotion, feed efficiency, weight 
     gain, or disease prevention.
       ``(b) Establishment of Standard.--The Secretary shall 
     establish a standard for the use of the claim `grass-fed' on 
     covered product labels relating to the raising of animals for 
     the covered products.
       ``(c) Requirements.--In the standard established under 
     subsection (b), the term `grass fed', or any substantially 
     similar word or phrase, shall not be used on the label of any 
     covered product unless the person making the claim submits 
     and continues to submit not less than once every 15 months to 
     the Secretary a certificate indicating that a qualified 
     auditor has determined that all producers supplying animals 
     for the covered product are in compliance with the following 
     standards:
       ``(1) The animal is not confined to a feedlot at any point 
     in their life from birth to slaughter.
       ``(2) The animal is not treated with nontherapeutic 
     antibiotics or hormones from birth to slaughter.
       ``(3) The animal is not fed any diet other than grass or 
     forage after being weaned from the milk of the applicable 
     animal until slaughter.
       ``(4) The animal is provided continuous access to pasture 
     during the grazing season from weaning until slaughter.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3229. Mr. BLUMENTHAL submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and 
Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 125__. FOOD DATE LABELING.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Administering secretaries.--The term ``administering 
     Secretaries'' means--
       (A) with respect to products described in paragraph (4)(A), 
     the Secretary; and
       (B) with respect to products described in paragraph (4)(B), 
     the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
       (2) Food labeler.--The term ``food labeler'' means the 
     producer, manufacturer, distributor, or retailer that places 
     a date label on food packaging of a product.
       (3) Quality date.--The term ``quality date'' means a date 
     voluntarily printed on food packaging that is intended to 
     communicate to consumers the date after which the quality of 
     the product may begin to deteriorate, but the product remains 
     apparently wholesome food (as defined in section 22(b) of the 
     Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1791(b))).
       (4) Ready-to-eat product.--The term ``ready-to-eat 
     product'' means--
       (A) with respect to a product under the jurisdiction of the 
     Secretary, a product that--
       (i) is in a form that is edible without additional 
     preparation to achieve food safety and may receive additional 
     preparation for palatability or aesthetic, epicurean, 
     gastronomic, or culinary purposes; and
       (ii) is--

       (I) a poultry product (as defined in section 4 of the 
     Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 453));
       (II) a meat food product (as defined in section 1 of the 
     Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601)); or
       (III) an egg product (as defined in section 4 of the Egg 
     Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1033)); and

       (B) with respect to a food (as defined in section 201 of 
     the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321)) 
     under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Health and Human 
     Services--
       (i) a food that is normally eaten in its raw state; or
       (ii) any other food, including a processed food, for which 
     it is reasonably foreseeable that the food will be eaten 
     without further processing that would significantly minimize 
     biological hazards.
       (5) Safety date.--The term ``safety date'' means a date 
     printed on food packaging of a high-risk ready-to-eat 
     product, which signifies the end of the estimated period of 
     shelf life under any stated storage conditions, after which 
     the product may pose a health safety risk.
       (b) Quality Dates and Safety Dates.--
       (1) Quality dates.--
       (A) In general.--If a food labeler includes a quality date 
     on food packaging, the label shall use the uniform quality 
     date label phrase under subparagraph (B).
       (B) Uniform phrase.--The uniform quality date label phrase 
     under this paragraph shall be ``BEST If Used By'', unless and 
     until the administering Secretaries, acting jointly, specify 
     through rulemaking another uniform phrase to be used for 
     purposes of complying with subparagraph (A).
       (C) Option of labeler.--The decision to include a quality 
     date on food packaging shall be at the discretion of the food 
     labeler.
       (2) Safety dates.--
       (A) In general.--The label of a ready-to-eat product that 
     meets the criteria established under subparagraph (C)(i) 
     shall include a safety date determined under subparagraph 
     (C)(ii) that is immediately preceded by the uniform safety 
     date label phrase under subparagraph (B).
       (B) Uniform phrase.--The uniform safety date label phrase 
     under this paragraph shall be ``USE By'', unless and until 
     the administering Secretaries jointly specify through 
     rulemaking another uniform phrase to be used for purposes of 
     complying with subparagraph (A).
       (C) High-risk ready-to-eat products.--The administering 
     Secretaries, acting jointly, shall issue guidance--
       (i) establishing criteria for determining the conditions 
     under which ready-to-eat products may have a high level of 
     risk associated with consumption after a certain date; and
       (ii) for determining safety dates for high-risk ready-to-
     eat products described in clause (i).
       (3) Quality date and safety date labeling.--
       (A) In general.--The quality date and safety date, as 
     applicable, and immediately adjacent uniform quality date 
     label phrase or safety date label phrase shall be--
       (i) in single easy-to-read type style; and
       (ii) located in a conspicuous place on the package of the 
     food.
       (B) Date format.--Each quality date and safety date shall 
     be stated in terms of day and month and, as appropriate, 
     year.
       (C) Abbreviations.--A food labeler may use a standard 
     abbreviation of ``BB'' and ``UB'' for the quality date and 
     safety date, respectively, only if the food packaging is too 
     small to include the uniform phrase described in paragraph 
     (1)(B) or (2)(B), as applicable.
       (D) Freeze by.--A food labeler may add ``or Freeze By'' 
     following a quality date or safety date uniform phrase 
     described in paragraph (1)(B) or (2)(B), as applicable.
       (4) Sale or donation after quality date.--The sale, 
     donation, or use of any product shall not be prohibited based 
     on passage of the quality date of the product.

[[Page S4641]]

       (5) Education.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the administering Secretaries, acting 
     jointly, shall provide consumer education and outreach on the 
     meaning of quality date and safety date food labels.
       (6) Rule of construction; preemption.--
       (A) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section 
     prohibits any State or political subdivision of a State from 
     establishing or continuing in effect any requirement that 
     prohibits the sale or donation of foods based on passage of 
     the safety date.
       (B) Preemption.--No State or political subdivision of a 
     State may establish or continue in effect any requirement 
     that--
       (i) relates to the inclusion in food labeling of a quality 
     date or a safety date that is different from or in addition 
     to, or that is otherwise not identical with, the requirements 
     under this section; or
       (ii) prohibits the sale or donation of foods based on 
     passage of the quality date.
       (C) Enforcement.--The administering Secretaries, acting 
     jointly and in coordination with the Federal Trade 
     Commission, shall ensure that the uniform quality date label 
     phrase and uniform safety date label phrase are standardized 
     across all food products.
       (D) Savings.--Nothing in this section, any amendment made 
     by this section, or any standard or requirement imposed 
     pursuant to this section preempts, displaces, or supplants 
     any State or Federal common law rights or any State or 
     Federal statute creating a remedy for civil relief, including 
     those for civil damage, or a penalty for criminal conduct.
       (7) Time temperature indicator labels.--Nothing in this 
     subsection prohibits or restricts the use of time-temperature 
     indicator labels or similar technology that is consistent 
     with the requirements of this section.
       (c) Misbranding Violation for Quality Dates and Safety 
     Dates in Food Labeling.--
       (1) FDA violations.--Section 403 of the Federal Food, Drug, 
     and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 343) is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:
       ``(z) if its labeling is in violation of section 402 of the 
     Food Recovery Act of 2017 (relating to quality dates and 
     safety dates).''.
       (2) Poultry products.--Section 4(h) of the Poultry Products 
     Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 453(h)) is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (11), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (B) in paragraph (12), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; or''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(13) if it does not bear a label in accordance with 
     section 402 of the Food Recovery Act of 2017.''.
       (3) Meat products.--Section 1(n) of the Federal Meat 
     Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601(n)) is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (11), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (B) in paragraph (12), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; or''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(13) if it does not bear a label in accordance with 
     section 402 of the Food Recovery Act of 2017.''.
       (4) Egg products.--Section 7(b) of the Egg Products 
     Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1036(b)) is amended in the first 
     sentence by adding before the period at the end ``or if it 
     does not bear a label in accordance with section 402 of the 
     Food Recovery Act of 2017''.
       (d) Regulations and Guidance.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the administering Secretaries, acting 
     jointly, shall--
       (A) promulgate final regulations for carrying out this 
     section and the amendments made by this section (other than 
     subsection (b)(2)(C)); and
       (B) issue the guidance required by subsection (b)(2)(C).
       (2) Updates to guidance.--Not less frequently than once 
     every 4 years, the administering Secretaries, acting jointly, 
     shall review and, as the administering Secretaries determine 
     to be appropriate, update the guidance required by subsection 
     (b)(2)(C).
       (e) Delayed Applicability.--This section and the amendments 
     made by this section shall apply only with respect to food 
     products that are labeled on or after the date that is 2 
     years after the date on which final regulations are 
     promulgated under subsection (d)(1)(A).
       (f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 5 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the administering Secretaries, 
     acting jointly, shall report to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress on rates of compliance of food labelers with the 
     food date labeling requirements under this section and the 
     amendments made by this section.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3230. Mr. MERKLEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 127, strike lines 4 through 7 and insert the 
     following:
       (6) in subsection (i)--
       (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``$20,000 per year or 
     $80,000 during any 6-year period'' and inserting ``$160,000 
     during the period of fiscal years 2019 through 2023'';
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs 
     (5) and (6), respectively; and
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
       ``(4) Allocation.--
       ``(A) In general.--For each of fiscal years 2019 through 
     2023, the Secretary shall allocate payments to States for the 
     purposes described in paragraph (1) in accordance with 
     subparagraph (B).
       ``(B) Determination.--The Secretary shall determine the 
     allocation to a State under this subsection based on--
       ``(i) the certified and transitioning organic operations in 
     the State;
       ``(ii) the organic acreage of the State; and
       ``(iii) historical data on organic and transitioning 
     participation within the program.''; and
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3231. Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Mr. Brown, Mr. Durbin, Mr. 
McCain, Mr. Enzi, Ms. Collins, and Mr. Flake) submitted an amendment 
intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts 
(for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 63, between lines 11 and 12, insert the following:

     SEC. 1704. DEFINITION OF SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION OF ACTIVE 
                   PERSONAL MANAGEMENT.

       Section 1001(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 
     1308(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) Significant contribution of active personal 
     management.--The term `significant contribution of active 
     personal management' means active personal management 
     activities performed by a person with a direct or indirect 
     ownership interest in the farming operation on a regular, 
     continuous, and substantial basis to the farming operation, 
     and that meet at least one of the following to be considered 
     significant:
       ``(A) Are performed for at least 25 percent of the total 
     management hours required for the farming operation on an 
     annual basis.
       ``(B) Are performed for at least 500 hours annually for the 
     farming operation.''.

     SEC. 1705. ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN FARMING REQUIREMENT.

       Section 1001A(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 
     1308-1(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Actively engaged in farming requirement.--
       ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     this section, section 1001, and sections 1001B through 1001F, 
     and any regulations to implement those provisions or 
     sections, the Secretary shall consider not more than 1 person 
     or legal entity per farming operation to be actively engaged 
     in farming using active personal management.
       ``(B) Requirements.--The Secretary may only consider a 
     person or legal entity to be actively engaged in farming 
     using active personal management under subparagraph (A) if 
     the person or legal entity--
       ``(i) together with other persons or legal entities in the 
     farming operation qualifying as actively engaged in farming 
     under subsection (b)(2), does not collectively receive, 
     directly or indirectly, an amount equal to more than the 
     limitation under section 1001(b);
       ``(ii) does not use the active management contribution 
     allowed under this section to qualify as actively engaged in 
     farming in more than 1 farming operation; and
       ``(iii) manages a farming operation that does not 
     substantially share equipment, labor, or management with 
     persons or legal entities that, together with the person or 
     legal entity, collectively receive, directly or indirectly, 
     an amount equal to more than the limitation under section 
     1001(b).''.
       On page 366, line 6, strike ``$20,000,000'' and insert 
     ``$23,000,000''.
       On page 366, line 8, strike ``$23,000,000'' and insert 
     ``$35,000,000''.
       On page 366, line 10, strike ``$24,000,000'' and insert 
     ``$35,000,000''.
       On page 366, line 12, strike ``$25,000,000'' and insert 
     ``$35,000,000''.
       On page 366, line 14, strike ``$25,000,000'' and insert 
     ``$35,000,000''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3232. Mr. HELLER (for himself and Mr. Manchin) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part II of subtitle F of title VIII, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 86__. STREAMLINING THE FOREST SERVICE PROCESS FOR 
                   CONSIDERATION OF COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY 
                   LOCATION APPLICATIONS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Communications facility.--The term ``communications 
     facility'' includes--

[[Page S4642]]

       (A) any infrastructure, including any transmitting device, 
     tower, or support structure, and any equipment, switches, 
     wiring, cabling, power sources, shelters, or cabinets, 
     associated with the licensed or permitted unlicensed wireless 
     or wireline transmission of writings, signs, signals, data, 
     images, pictures, and sounds of all kinds; and
       (B) any antenna or apparatus that is--
       (i) designed for the purpose of emitting radio frequency;
       (ii)(I) designed to be operated, or is operating, from a 
     fixed location pursuant to authorization by the Federal 
     Communications Commission; or
       (II) using duly authorized devices that do not require 
     individual licenses; and
       (iii) is added to a tower, building, or other structure.
       (2) Communications site.--The term ``communications site'' 
     means an area of covered land designated for communications 
     uses.
       (3) Communications use.--The term ``communications use'' 
     means the placement and operation of communications facility.
       (4) Communications use authorization.--The term 
     ``communications use authorization'' means an easement, 
     right-of-way, lease, license, or other authorization to 
     locate or modify a communications facility on covered land by 
     the Forest Service for the primary purpose of authorizing the 
     occupancy and use of the covered land for communications use.
       (5) Covered land.--The term ``covered land'' means National 
     Forest System land.
       (6) Organizational unit.--The term ``organizational unit'', 
     with respect to the Forest Service, means--
       (A) a regional office;
       (B) the headquarters;
       (C) a management unit; or
       (D) a ranger district office.
       (7) Special account.--The term ``special account'' means 
     the special account established for the Forest Service under 
     subsection (f)(1).
       (b) Regulations.--Notwithstanding section 6409 of the 
     Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (47 
     U.S.C. 1455) or section 606 of the Repack Airwaves Yielding 
     Better Access for Users of Modern Services Act of 2018 
     (Public Law 115-141), not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate 
     regulations--
       (1) to streamline the process for considering applications 
     to locate or modify communications facilities on covered 
     land;
       (2) to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the 
     process is uniform and standardized across the organizational 
     units of the Forest Service; and
       (3) to require that the applications described in paragraph 
     (1) be considered and granted on a competitively neutral, 
     technology neutral, and nondiscriminatory basis.
       (c) Requirements.--The regulations promulgated under 
     subsection (b) shall--
       (1) include procedures for the tracking of applications 
     described in subsection (b)(1), including--
       (A) identifying the number of applications--
       (i) received;
       (ii) approved; and
       (iii) denied;
       (B) in the case of an application that is denied, 
     describing the reasons for the denial; and
       (C) describing the period of time between the receipt of an 
     application and the issuance of a final decision on an 
     application;
       (2) provide for minimum lease terms of not less than 15 
     years for leases with respect to the location of 
     communications facilities on covered land;
       (3) include a procedure under which a communications use 
     authorization renews automatically on expiration, unless the 
     communications use authorization is revoked for good cause;
       (4) include a structure of fees for--
       (A) submitting an application described in subsection 
     (b)(1), based on the cost to the Forest Service of 
     considering such an application; and
       (B) issuing communications use authorizations, based on the 
     cost to the Forest Service of any maintenance or other 
     activities required to be performed by the Forest Service as 
     a result of the location or modification of the 
     communications facility;
       (5) provide that if the Forest Service does not grant or 
     deny an application described in subsection (b)(1) by the 
     deadline described in section 6409(b)(3)(A) of the Middle 
     Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (47 U.S.C. 
     1455(b)(3)(A)), the Forest Service shall be deemed to have 
     granted the application; and
       (6) provide for prioritization or streamlining of the 
     consideration of applications to locate or modify 
     communications facilities on covered land in a previously 
     disturbed right-of-way.
       (d) Additional Considerations.--In promulgating regulations 
     under subsection (b), the Secretary shall consider--
       (1) how discrete reviews in considering an application 
     described in paragraph (1) of that subsection can be 
     conducted simultaneously, rather than sequentially, by any 
     organizational units of the Forest Service that must approve 
     the location or modification; and
       (2) how to eliminate overlapping requirements among the 
     organizational units of the Forest Service with respect to 
     the location or modification of a communications facility on 
     covered land administered by those organizational units.
       (e) Communication of Streamlined Process to Organizational 
     Units.--With respect to the regulations promulgated under 
     subsection (b), the Secretary shall--
       (1) communicate the regulations to the organizational units 
     of the Forest Service; and
       (2) ensure that the organizational units of the Forest 
     Service follow the regulations.
       (f) Deposit and Availability of Fees.--
       (1) Special account.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall 
     establish a special account in the Treasury for the Forest 
     Service for the deposit of fees collected by the Forest 
     Service under subsection (c)(4) for communications use 
     authorizations on covered land granted, issued, or executed 
     by the Forest Service.
       (2) Requirements for fees collected.--Fees collected by the 
     Forest Service under paragraph (4) of subsection (c) shall 
     be--
       (A) based on the costs described in that paragraph; and
       (B) competitively neutral, technology neutral, and 
     nondiscriminatory with respect to other users of the 
     communications site.
       (3) Deposit of fees.--Fees collected by the Forest Service 
     under subsection (c)(4) shall be deposited in the special 
     account.
       (4) Availability of fees.--Amounts deposited in the special 
     account shall be available, to the extent and in such amounts 
     as are provided in advance in appropriation Acts, to the 
     Secretary to cover costs incurred by the Forest Service 
     described in subsection (c)(4), including--
       (A) preparing needs assessments or other programmatic 
     analyses necessary to designate communications sites and 
     issue communications use authorizations;
       (B) developing management plans for communications sites;
       (C) training for management of communications sites; and
       (D) obtaining or improving access to communications sites.
       (5) No additional appropriations authorized.--Except as 
     provided in paragraph (4), no other amounts are authorized to 
     be appropriated to carry out this section.
       (g) Savings Provisions.--
       (1) Real property authorities.--Nothing in this section 
     provides any executive agency with any new leasing or other 
     real property authorities not in existence before the date of 
     enactment of this Act.
       (2) Effect on other laws.--
       (A) In general.--Nothing in this section, including any 
     action taken pursuant to this section, impacts a decision or 
     determination by any executive agency to sell, dispose of, 
     declare excess or surplus, lease, reuse, or redevelop any 
     Federal real property pursuant to title 40, United States 
     Code, the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 
     (Public Law 114-287; 40 U.S.C. 1303 note), or any other law 
     governing real property activities of the Federal Government.
       (B) Agreements.--No agreement entered into pursuant to this 
     section obligates the Federal Government to hold, control, or 
     otherwise retain or use real property that may otherwise be 
     deemed as excess, surplus, or that could otherwise be sold, 
     leased, or redeveloped.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3233. Mr. DAINES (for himself and Mr. Risch) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part II of subtitle F of title VIII, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 86____. FOREST PLAN AMENDMENTS.

       Section 6(d) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable 
     Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604(d)) is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Consultation with secretaries of the interior and 
     commerce.--
       ``(A) Definition of new, significant information.--In this 
     paragraph, the term `new, significant information' means new, 
     significant information relevant to the listing of a species 
     as threatened or endangered, or the designation of critical 
     habitat pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 
     U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) on a unit of the National Forest System 
     covered by a land management plan under this section.
       ``(B) Consultation.--If appropriate or on request of the 
     Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as 
     appropriate, if new, significant information becomes 
     available to the Secretary, the Secretary, in accordance with 
     applicable regulations, shall consult with the Secretary of 
     the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as applicable, for 
     the sole purpose of assessing whether the new, significant 
     information indicates that the applicable land management 
     plan should be amended or revised.
       ``(C) Application.--The consultation under subparagraph (B) 
     shall not be subject to--
       ``(i) section 7(d) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 
     (16 U.S.C. 1536(d)); or
       ``(ii) judicial review.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3234. Mr. DAINES (for himself and Mr. Moran) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to the bill H.R. 2, to provide 
for

[[Page S4643]]

the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the 
Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2023, and for other 
purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle B of title VI, add the following:

     SEC. 62__. USE OF ASSISTANCE FOR DEPLOYMENT OF BROADBAND 
                   INFRASTRUCTURE.

       Title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 
     950bb et seq.) (as amended by section 6208) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 606. USE OF ASSISTANCE FOR DEPLOYMENT OF BROADBAND 
                   INFRASTRUCTURE.

       ``(a) Definition of Qualifying Broadband-capable 
     Infrastructure.--In this section, the term `qualifying 
     broadband-capable infrastructure' means fixed broadband-
     capable infrastructure--
       ``(1) used by a service provider to provide fixed broadband 
     service for which the service provider receives universal 
     service support under section 254 of the Communications Act 
     of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254), if--
       ``(A) the broadband service satisfies any applicable 
     broadband speed standards under that section and the 
     regulations issued under that section; or
       ``(B) the service provider is in compliance with buildout 
     obligations to provide retail fixed broadband service that 
     will comply with applicable broadband speed standards 
     described in subparagraph (A); or
       ``(2) that--
       ``(A) was financed with funds provided by the Secretary 
     under this Act or any other program carried out by the 
     Secretary for the costs of the construction, improvement, or 
     acquisition of facilities or equipment for the purpose of 
     providing fixed telecommunications or broadband service; and
       ``(B)(i) is used to provide fixed broadband service, if--
       ``(I) the broadband service satisfies any applicable 
     broadband speed standards established by the Secretary; or
       ``(II) the service provider is in compliance with buildout 
     obligations to provide retail fixed broadband service that 
     will comply with applicable broadband speed standards 
     described in subclause (I); or
       ``(ii) was financed with a loan under this Act or any other 
     program carried out by the Secretary that remains 
     outstanding.
       ``(b) Restriction on Use of Assistance.--A loan, grant, or 
     other assistance awarded under this Act, or by the rural 
     development mission area under the Consolidated Farm and 
     Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.), may not be 
     used to coordinate, approve, or finance the deployment of 
     broadband-capable infrastructure by a service provider to 
     provide retail fixed broadband service that would overbuild 
     or otherwise duplicate qualifying broadband-capable 
     infrastructure that another service provider is using to 
     provide retail fixed broadband service in the same area.
       ``(c) Use of Assistance in Unserved Areas.--A loan, grant, 
     or other assistance provided by the Secretary, acting through 
     the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service, to 
     coordinate, approve, or finance the deployment of broadband-
     capable infrastructure by a service provider may be used to 
     provide retail fixed broadband service in an area in which 
     there is no qualifying broadband-capable infrastructure owned 
     or operated by another service provider.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3235. Mr. DAINES submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part II of subtitle F of title VIII, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 863_. COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Collaborative process.--The term ``collaborative 
     process'' means the process described in section 603(b)(1)(C) 
     of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 
     6591b(b)(1)(C)).
       (2) Lead objector.--The term ``lead objector'', with 
     respect to a filed objection that lists multiple individuals 
     or entities, means, as applicable, the individual or entity--
       (A) identified on the objection as the representative of 
     all other objectors for the purposes of communication, 
     written or otherwise, regarding the objection; or
       (B) designated under subsection (d)(1)(B)(ii).
       (3) Project.--The term ``project'' means any project 
     carried out by the Chief of the Forest Service that is 
     developed through a collaborative process, including--
       (A) an authorized hazardous fuel reduction project under 
     section 102 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 
     (16 U.S.C. 6512); and
       (B) the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program 
     under section 4003(b) of the Omnibus Public Land Management 
     Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303(b)).
       (b) Civil Action.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, an individual or entity that files a predecisional 
     administrative objection to a project, or any portion of a 
     project, may only commence a civil action for review of the 
     project, subject to subsection (d).
       (c) Treatment of Collaborative Members.--For purposes of a 
     civil action for review of a project commenced under 
     subsection (b), any individual or entity that is recognized 
     by the Secretary as a member of the collaborative process for 
     that project shall be--
       (1) entitled to intervene, as of right, in any subsequent 
     civil action; and
       (2) considered to be a full participant in any settlement 
     negotiation regarding the project.
       (d) Administrative Remedies.--
       (1) Meetings required.--
       (A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, subject to subparagraph (C), on request by the 
     Secretary, an individual or entity or lead objector that 
     files a predecisional administrative objection regarding a 
     project, or any portion of a project, shall publicly meet 
     with the Secretary to resolve the objection before filing a 
     petition for review of the project with a court of competent 
     jurisdiction.
       (B) Multiple objectors.--
       (i) In general.--If multiple individuals or entities are 
     listed on an objection, on request for a meeting under 
     subparagraph (A), identification of the lead objector shall 
     be provided to the Secretary.
       (ii) Designation of lead objector.--If identification of 
     the lead objector is not provided under clause (i), the 
     Secretary shall designate the lead objector.
       (C) Telephone conferences.--The Secretary may elect, on a 
     limited, case-by-case basis, to hold a meeting under 
     subparagraph (A) through a telephone conference call, if the 
     Secretary determines an in-person meeting to be 
     impracticable.
       (D) Public participation.--The Secretary shall provide to 
     each individual or entity that is recognized by the Secretary 
     as a member of the collaborative process--
       (i) notice that a public meeting has been scheduled under 
     subparagraph (A); and
       (ii) an opportunity to comment at that public meeting.
       (2) Authority to dismiss.--The Secretary shall dismiss any 
     predecisional administrative objection if an objector or lead 
     objector fails to appear for a meeting scheduled under 
     paragraph (1)(A).
       (3) Treatment.--If an objection is dismissed under 
     paragraph (2), each individual or entity that filed the 
     objection shall be--
       (A) considered to have failed to exhaust administrative 
     remedies; and
       (B) ineligible to seek judicial review of the applicable 
     project.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3236. Mr. DAINES submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle D of title VIII, add the following:

     SEC. 84____. INJUNCTIONS FOR AGENCY ACTIONS UNDER 
                   COLLABORATIVELY DEVELOPED FOREST PROJECTS.

       (a) In General.--Title VI of the Healthy Forests 
     Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591 et seq.) (as amended 
     by section 8611(a)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 607. INJUNCTIONS FOR AGENCY ACTIONS UNDER 
                   COLLABORATIVELY DEVELOPED FOREST PROJECTS.

       ``A court may not enjoin an agency action under a 
     collaboratively developed forest project carried out under 
     this Act, section 4003 of the Omnibus Public Land Management 
     Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303), or any other applicable law, 
     unless the court determines that the plaintiff has 
     demonstrated that the claim is likely to succeed on the 
     merits.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for the 
     Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6501 note; 
     Public Law 108-148) (as amended by section 8611(b)) is 
     amended by inserting after the item relating to section 606 
     the following:

``Sec. 607. Injunctions for agency actions under collaboratively 
              developed forest projects.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3237. Mr. DAINES submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part I of subtitle F of title VIII, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 861_. EMERGENCY SITUATION DETERMINATIONS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Emergency action.--The term ``emergency action'' means 
     an action carried out pursuant to an emergency situation 
     determination.
       (2) Emergency situation.--The term ``emergency situation'' 
     means a situation on

[[Page S4644]]

     National Forest System land for which immediate 
     implementation of a decision is necessary to mitigate harm to 
     life, property, or important natural or cultural resources on 
     National Forest System land or adjacent land.
       (3) Emergency situation determination.--The term 
     ``emergency situation determination'' means a determination 
     that an emergency situation exists.
       (4) Land and resource management plan.--The term ``land and 
     resource management plan'' means a plan developed under 
     section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources 
     Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604).
       (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary, 
     acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.
       (b) Authorized Emergency Actions to Respond to Emergency 
     Situations.--
       (1) Authorized emergency actions.--After making an 
     emergency situation determination with respect to National 
     Forest System land, the Secretary may carry out emergency 
     actions on that National Forest System land, including 
     through--
       (A) the salvage of dead or dying trees;
       (B) the harvest of trees damaged by wind or ice;
       (C) the commercial and noncommercial sanitation harvest of 
     trees to control insects or disease;
       (D) the felling and harvest of trees infested with insects 
     or disease;
       (E) the construction or reconstruction of existing utility 
     lines; and
       (F) replacing underground cables.
       (2) Relation to land and resource management plans.--To the 
     maximum extent practicable, an emergency action carried out 
     under paragraph (1) shall be conducted consistent with the 
     land and resource management plan.
       (c) Environmental Analysis.--
       (1) Environmental assessment or environmental impact 
     statement.--If the Secretary determines that an emergency 
     action requires an environmental assessment or an 
     environmental impact statement pursuant to section 102(2) of 
     the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
     4332(2)), the Secretary shall study, develop, and describe--
       (A) the proposed agency action; and
       (B) the alternative of no action.
       (2) Public notice.--The Secretary shall provide notice of 
     each emergency action that the Secretary determines requires 
     an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement 
     under paragraph (1), in accordance with applicable 
     regulations and administrative guidelines.
       (3) Public comment.--The Secretary shall provide an 
     opportunity for public comment during the preparation of any 
     environmental assessment or environmental impact statement 
     under paragraph (1).
       (4) Savings clause.--Nothing in this subsection prohibits 
     the Secretary from making an emergency situation 
     determination, including a determination that an emergency 
     exists pursuant to section 220.4(b) of title 36, Code of 
     Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), that makes it 
     necessary to take an emergency action before preparing an 
     environmental assessment or environmental impact statement 
     under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
     U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
       (d) Administrative Review of Emergency Actions.--An 
     emergency action carried out under this section shall not be 
     subject to objection under the predecisional administrative 
     review processes established under section 105 of the Healthy 
     Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6515) and section 
     428 of the Department of the Interior, Environment, and 
     Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 (16 U.S.C. 6515 
     note; Public Law 112-74).
       (e) Judicial Review of Emergency Actions.--
       (1) Judicial review of projects.--Section 106 of the 
     Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6516) 
     shall apply to an emergency action carried out under this 
     section.
       (2) Injunctions.--A court of competent jurisdiction may not 
     enjoin an emergency action based solely on a finding by the 
     court that--
       (A) an environmental assessment was improperly prepared in 
     lieu of an environmental impact statement for the emergency 
     action; or
       (B) any other procedural error was made with respect to the 
     environmental analysis or implementation of the emergency 
     action.
       (f) Environmental and Judicial Review of Emergency 
     Situation Determinations.--An emergency situation 
     determination under this section shall not be subject to--
       (1) review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 
     1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); or
       (2) judicial review.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3238. Ms. SMITH (for herself, Mr. Donnelly, and Mr. Sullivan) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 
proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 125__. BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENTS.

       The Secretary shall--
       (1) fully enforce the Buy American requirements applicable 
     to domestic food assistance programs administered by the Food 
     and Nutrition Service; and
       (2) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, submit to Congress a report on the actions the 
     Secretary has taken to comply with paragraph (1).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3239. Mr. KING (for himself, Mr. Daines, and Ms. Collins) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 
proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part III of subtitle F of title VIII, add 
     following:

     SEC. 864_. INSTITUTIONAL MASS TIMBER BUILDING COMPETITION.

       Subject to the availability of appropriations, not less 
     frequently than once each fiscal year during the period of 
     fiscal years 2019 through 2023, the Secretary shall carry out 
     a competition for a mass timber building design or other 
     innovative wood product demonstration at or relating to 
     institutions of higher education, in accordance with section 
     24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 
     (15 U.S.C. 3719).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3240. Mr. HEINRICH submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       In section 7209(a), strike the closing quotation marks and 
     the following period at the end and insert the following:
       ``(15) Rangeland soil health research.--Research and 
     extension grants may be used to improve the scientific 
     understanding of methods to improve rangeland soil health and 
     to increase the carbon content of rangeland soil by 
     developing new technologies and methods for producers to 
     better manage and promote soil health.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3241. Mr. HEINRICH (for himself and Mr. Daines) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       In section 2503, add at the end the following:
       (g) Administration of Conservation Programs on Publicly 
     Owned Land.--Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 
     (16 U.S.C. 3844) (as amended by subsection (f)) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(q) Administration of Conservation Programs on Federal 
     Land.--
       ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Federal land.--
       ``(i) In general.--The term `Federal land' means land owned 
     by the Federal Government.
       ``(ii) Exclusion.--The term `Federal land' does not include 
     land held in trust for an Indian tribe.
       ``(B) Publicly owned land.--The term `publicly owned land' 
     means land owned by the Federal Government, a State, or a 
     unit of local government.
       ``(2) Eligible land for conservation programs.--
     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the following 
     land shall be eligible for enrollment in any conservation 
     program administered by the Secretary:
       ``(A) Privately owned land.
       ``(B) Publicly owned land, if--
       ``(i) the land is a working component of an agricultural or 
     forestry operation of a producer under the applicable 
     conservation program;
       ``(ii) a producer under the applicable conservation program 
     has control of the land for the term of the contract under 
     that program; and
       ``(iii) the conservation practices to be implemented on the 
     publicly owned land are necessary and will contribute to an 
     improvement in an identified resource concern, as determined 
     by the Secretary.
       ``(C) Tribal land.
       ``(3) Contracts.--The Secretary may enter into a contract 
     with a soil and water conservation district or another local 
     partner, as determined by the Secretary, to coordinate 
     projects under conservation programs administered by the 
     Secretary on publicly owned land, in accordance with 
     paragraph (2)(B).
       ``(4) Federal land management agency collaboration.--

[[Page S4645]]

       ``(A) In general.--The Federal agency that manages Federal 
     land enrolled in a conservation program administered by the 
     Secretary may contribute matching funds or other in-kind 
     contributions to the conservation project carried out on that 
     land.
       ``(B) Use of matching funds.--Matching funds provided by a 
     Federal agency under subparagraph (A) may be used by the 
     Secretary or a local partner, including a soil and water 
     conservation district, for costs relating to planning or 
     technical assistance.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3242. Mr. JONES submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       In subtitle C of title V, add at the end the following:

     SEC. 53___. REFINANCING OF CERTAIN RURAL HOSPITAL DEBT.

       Subtitle D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
     Act is amended by inserting after section 374 (7 U.S.C. 
     2008i) the following:

     ``SEC. 375. 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--
       ``(1) help preserve access to a health service in a rural 
     community; and
       ``(2) meaningfully improve the financial position of the 
     hospital.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3243. Mr. COONS (for himself and Mr. Corker) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle A of title III, add the following:

     SEC. 31__. INCREASED SUPPORT FOR ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 202(e)(1) of the Food for Peace 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 1722(e)(1)) is amended in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A) by striking ``20 percent'' and inserting 
     ``25 percent''.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the amendment made by subsection (a) is intended to support--
       (1) monetization replacement activities; and
       (2) an expansion of market-based food assistance 
     modalities, such as food vouchers or local and regional 
     procurement of commodities.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3244. Mr. KENNEDY (for himself, Mr. Cassidy, and Mr. Whitehouse) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 
proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Strike section 7131 and insert the following:

     SEC. 7131. 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)(2), by striking ``2018'' and 
     inserting ``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 inserting ``and cooperative 
     agreements'' after ``competitive grants''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) To coordinate the tactical science and educational 
     activities of the Research, Education, and Economics mission 
     area of the Department of Agriculture 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.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3245. Mr. HOEVEN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle G of title I, add the following:

     SEC. 17__. STORAGE FACILITY LOANS.

       Section 1614(a) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act 
     of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8789(a)) is amended--
       (1) by striking the subsection designation and all that 
     follows through ``As soon as'' and inserting the following:
       ``(a) Establishment.--
       ``(1) In general.--As soon as''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Inclusion.--Funds under the storage facility loan 
     program under paragraph (1) may be used to construct or 
     upgrade temporary refrigerated beehive storage facilities.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3246. Mr. HOEVEN (for himself and Ms. Heitkamp) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 637, strike lines 11 and 12 and insert the 
     following:
       (4) in subsection (e)(2)--
       (A) by striking ``$1,000,000'' and inserting 
     ``$2,000,000''; and
       (B) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3247. Mr. HOEVEN (for himself and Ms. Heitkamp) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Strike section 8634 (relating to prairie dogs) and insert 
     the following:

     SEC. 8634. PRAIRIE DOGS.

       (a) In General.--With respect to the grasslands plan 
     guidance of the Forest Service relating to prairie dogs, the 
     Chief of the Forest Service shall base policies of the Forest 
     Service on sound ecological and livestock management 
     principles.
       (b) Grazing Allotments.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), not later than 
     120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Chief 
     of the Forest Service shall permit prairie dogs to occupy not 
     more than 2.5 percent of each total grazing allotment 
     acreage.
       (2) Requirement.--Paragraph (1) shall apply only to grazing 
     allotments where prairie dogs are or have previously been 
     present as of the date of enactment of this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3248. Mr. LEE (for himself, Mr. Cruz, and Mr. Sasse) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. ___. WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES REPEAL.

       (a) In General.--The final rule issued by the Administrator 
     of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of 
     the Army entitled ``Clean Water Rule: Definition of `Waters 
     of the United States' '' (80 Fed. Reg. 37054 (June 29, 2015)) 
     is void.
       (b) Effect.--Until such time as the Administrator of the 
     Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of the Army 
     issue a final rule after the date of enactment of this Act 
     defining the scope of waters protected under the Federal 
     Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) and that 
     final rule goes into effect, any regulation or policy revised 
     under, or otherwise affected as a result of, the rule voided 
     by this section shall be applied as if the voided rule had 
     not been issued.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3249. Mr. LEE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. ____. WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES AND NAVIGABLE WATERS.

       (a) Waters of the United States Rule Repeal.--The final 
     rule issued by the Administrator of the Environmental 
     Protection Agency and the Secretary of the Army entitled 
     ``Clean Water Rule: Definition of

[[Page S4646]]

     `Waters of the United States' '' (80 Fed. Reg. 37054 (June 
     29, 2015)) is repealed.
       (b) Navigable Waters Definition.--Section 502 of the 
     Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1362) is 
     amended by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(7) Navigable waters.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `navigable waters' means--
       ``(i) the territorial seas;
       ``(ii) interstate waters that are used, or are susceptible 
     to use in the natural and ordinary condition of those waters, 
     as a means to transport interstate or foreign commerce;
       ``(iii) relatively permanent, standing, or continuously 
     flowing bodies of water that form geographical features 
     commonly known as streams, rivers, or lakes, that flow 
     directly into waters described in clause (ii); and
       ``(iv) wetlands that have a continuous surface water 
     connection to waters described in clause (ii) or (iii).
       ``(B) Exclusions.--The term `navigable waters' does not 
     include--
       ``(i) intermittent or ephemeral waters;
       ``(ii) subsurface waters, including groundwater or 
     underground streams;
       ``(iii) intrastate waters, unless the waters meet the 
     requirements described in subparagraph (A);
       ``(iv) a man-made channel or ditch, including irrigation, 
     distribution, and drainage systems;
       ``(v) waters that require the use of means beyond visual 
     inspection by the naked eye, including aerial photographs, 
     satellite imaging, or hydrological testing, to determine if 
     the waters meets the requirements described in subparagraph 
     (A);
       ``(vi) prior converted cropland;
       ``(vii) waste treatment systems, including systems created 
     in or with impounded waters described in subparagraph (A) and 
     all features and components of any system designed to 
     actively or passively retain or reduce or remove pollutants 
     from wastewater or stormwater, including those features or 
     components that convey the pollutants into and out of the 
     system; or
       ``(viii) any other waters that do not meet the requirements 
     under subparagraph (A), without regard to whether the water--

       ``(I) previously met or would have met those requirements; 
     or
       ``(II) may in the future meet those requirements.

       ``(C) Associated definitions.--For the purposes of this 
     paragraph:
       ``(i) Continuous surface water connection.--The term 
     `continuous surface water connection' means a connection with 
     respect to which an ordinary person would not be able to 
     visually determine by the naked eye, by looking at the water 
     surface, where 1 body of water ends and the other begins.
       ``(ii) Prior converted cropland.--

       ``(I) In general.--The term `prior converted cropland' 
     means areas that, prior to December 23, 1985, were drained or 
     otherwise manipulated for the purpose, or having the effect, 
     of making an agricultural product possible, and that are 
     inundated for not more than 14 consecutive days during the 
     growing season.
       ``(II) Inclusion.--The term `prior converted cropland' 
     includes agricultural drainage features, including ditches 
     and conveyances, that are the means by which the original 
     conversion from wetlands to cropland took place and that are 
     integral to the continued production of agricultural products 
     by providing drainage or irrigation to maintain productive 
     growing conditions.

       ``(iii) Relatively permanent, standing, or continuously 
     flowing bodies of water.--The term `relatively permanent, 
     standing, or continuously flowing bodies of water' means 
     waters that stand or have continuous flow for not less than 
     290 days each year, except in cases of extreme events, such 
     as a drought.
       ``(iv) Wetlands.--

       ``(I) In general.--The term `wetlands' means areas that are 
     inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a 
     frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under 
     normal circumstances does support, a prevalence of vegetation 
     typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.
       ``(II) Inclusion.--The term `wetlands' includes swamps, 
     marshes, bogs, and similar areas.''.

       (c) Jurisdictional Determination.--Title V of the Federal 
     Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating section 519 (33 U.S.C. 1251 note) as 
     section 520; and
       (2) by inserting after section 518 (33 U.S.C. 1377) the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 519. JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATIONS.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Affected person.--The term `affected person' means an 
     applicant for a permit under section 402, landowner, or other 
     affected person with an identifiable and substantial legal 
     interest in a property.
       ``(2) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary 
     of the Army.
       ``(b) Binding Determination.--On written request of an 
     affected person, the Secretary shall provide a binding 
     determination of whether the waters on the property of the 
     affected person are navigable waters that meet the 
     requirements described in section 502(7)(A)(iv).
       ``(c) Costs.--A determination of the Secretary under 
     subsection (b) shall be made at the cost of the Secretary.
       ``(d) Timing.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make a determination 
     under subsection (b) not later than 60 days after the date on 
     which the Secretary receives a written request from an 
     affected person.
       ``(2) Effect of nonresponse.--If the Secretary does not 
     make a determination by the end of the period described in 
     paragraph (1), the waters on the property of the affected 
     person shall not be considered to be navigable waters.
       ``(e) Term of Determination.--
       ``(1) Finding of navigable waters.--If the Secretary 
     determines under subsection (b) that the waters on the 
     property of the affected person are navigable waters, the 
     determination shall be binding on the Secretary and the 
     Administrator for a period to be determined by the Secretary, 
     but in any case not longer than 5 years after the date of the 
     determination.
       ``(2) Finding of nonnavigable waters.--If the Secretary 
     determines under subsection (b) that the waters on the 
     property of the affected person are not navigable waters, the 
     determination shall be binding on the Secretary and the 
     Administrator for as long as the affected person has an 
     identifiable and substantial legal interest in the property.
       ``(f) Judicial Review.--
       ``(1) In general.--An affected person may obtain expedited 
     judicial review of a determination of the Secretary under 
     subsection (b).
       ``(2) Timing.--To obtain expedited judicial review under 
     paragraph (1), the affected person shall submit a claim under 
     that paragraph not later than 30 days after the date on which 
     the Secretary makes the determination under subsection (b).
       ``(3) Jurisdiction.--A district court of the United States 
     with appropriate venue for the State in which the affected 
     person resides or in which a substantial part of the property 
     of the affected person is located shall have jurisdiction 
     over an action under this subsection.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3250. Mr. LEE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. ____. PROHIBITION ON MANDATORY OR COMPULSORY CHECKOFF 
                   PROGRAMS.

       (a) Definition of Checkoff Program.--In this section, the 
     term ``checkoff program'' means a program to promote and 
     provide research and information for a particular 
     agricultural commodity without reference to specific 
     producers or brands, including a program carried out under 
     any of the following:
       (1) The Cotton Research and Promotion Act (7 U.S.C. 2101 et 
     seq.).
       (2) The Potato Research and Promotion Act (7 U.S.C. 2611 et 
     seq.).
       (3) The Egg Research and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 
     2701 et seq.).
       (4) The Beef Research and Information Act (7 U.S.C. 2901 et 
     seq.).
       (5) The Wheat and Wheat Foods Research and Nutrition 
     Education Act (7 U.S.C. 3401 et seq.).
       (6) The Floral Research and Consumer Information Act (7 
     U.S.C. 4301 et seq.).
       (7) Subtitle B of the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 
     1983 (7 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.).
       (8) The Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.).
       (9) The Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information 
     Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 4801 et seq.).
       (10) The Watermelon Research and Promotion Act (7 U.S.C. 
     4901 et seq.).
       (11) The Pecan Promotion and Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
     6001 et seq.).
       (12) The Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Consumer 
     Information Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.).
       (13) The Lime Research, Promotion, and Consumer Information 
     Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6201 et seq.).
       (14) The Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer 
     Information Act (7 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.).
       (15) The Fluid Milk Promotion Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6401 et 
     seq.).
       (16) The Fresh Cut Flowers and Fresh Cut Greens Promotion 
     and Information Act of 1993 (7 U.S.C. 6801 et seq.).
       (17) The Sheep Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 
     1994 (7 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.).
       (18) Section 501 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and 
     Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7401).
       (19) The Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act 
     of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7411 et seq.).
       (20) The Canola and Rapeseed Research, Promotion, and 
     Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 7441 et seq.).
       (21) The National Kiwifruit Research, Promotion, and 
     Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 7461 et seq.).
       (22) The Popcorn Promotion, Research, and Consumer 
     Information Act (7 U.S.C. 7481 et seq.).
       (23) The Hass Avocado Promotion, Research, and Information 
     Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 7801 et seq.).
       (b) Prohibition.--No checkoff program shall be mandatory or 
     compulsory.

[[Page S4647]]

       (c) Voluntary Participation.--Producer participation in a 
     checkoff program shall be voluntary at the point of sale.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3251. Mr. LEE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Strike subtitle C of title II and insert the following:

     Subtitle C--Repeal of Environmental Quality Incentives Program

     SEC. 2301. REPEAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of 
     the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq.) is 
     repealed.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 1211(a)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
     U.S.C. 3811(a)(3)) is amended--
       (A) by striking subparagraph (A);
       (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (D) as 
     subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively; and
       (C) in subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``any other provision of''.
       (2) Section 1221(b)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
     U.S.C. 3821(b)(3)) is amended--
       (A) by striking subparagraph (A);
       (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (D) as 
     subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively; and
       (C) in subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``any other provision of''.
       (3) Section 1235(e)(1)(D) of the Food Security Act of 1985 
     (16 U.S.C. 3835(e)(1)(D)) (as amended by section 2106(a)(2)) 
     is amended by striking ``or the environmental quality 
     incentives program''.
       (4) Section 1241(i) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
     U.S.C. 3841(i)) is amended--
       (A) by striking paragraph (2); and
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (6) as 
     paragraphs (2) through (5), respectively.
       (5) Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
     U.S.C. 3844) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (c)--
       (i) in paragraph (1)(B), by adding ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in paragraph (2), by striking ``; and'' and inserting 
     a period; and
       (iii) by striking paragraph (3); and
       (B) in subsection (l), by striking ``D and the 
     environmental quality incentives program under chapter 4 of 
     subtitle''.
       (6) Section 1271A(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
     U.S.C. 3871a(1)) is amended--
       (A) by striking subparagraph (B); and
       (B) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as 
     subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively.
       (7) Section 344(f)(8) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 
     1938 (7 U.S.C. 1344(f)(8)) is amended in the proviso of the 
     first sentence by striking ``Act, the environmental quality 
     incentives program established under chapter 4 of subtitle D 
     of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985,'' and 
     inserting ``Act''.
       (8) Section 377 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 
     (7 U.S.C. 1377) is amended in the first proviso by striking 
     ``Act or the environmental quality incentives program 
     established under chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the 
     Food Security Act of 1985):'' and inserting ``Act):''.
       (9) The last proviso of the matter under the heading 
     ``conservation reserve program'' under the heading ``Soil 
     Bank Programs'' of title I of the Department of Agriculture 
     and Farm Credit Administration Appropriation Act, 1959 (7 
     U.S.C. 1831a), is amended by striking ``(1) payments'' and 
     all that follows through ``or (2)''.
       (10) Section 8(b) of the Soil Conservation and Domestic 
     Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590h(b)) is amended by striking 
     paragraph (1).
       (11) Section 1271(c)(3)(C) of the Food, Agriculture, 
     Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 
     2106a(c)(3)(C)) is amended--
       (A) by striking ``section, the'' and inserting ``section 
     and the''; and
       (B) by striking ``(16 U.S.C. 2101 et seq.)'' and all that 
     follows through ``or other'' and inserting ``(16 U.S.C. 2101 
     et seq.) or any other applicable''.
       (12) Section 304 of the Lake Champlain Special Designation 
     Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 1270 note; Public Law 101-596) is 
     amended--
       (A) by striking subsection (a);
       (B) by redesignating subsections (b) through (d) as 
     subsections (a) through (c), respectively; and
       (C) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated)--
       (i) by striking ``(1) There'' in paragraph (1) and all that 
     follows through ``(2) There'' in paragraph (2) and inserting 
     ``There''; and
       (ii) by striking ``(b) and (c)'' and inserting ``(a) and 
     (b)''.
       (13) Section 202 of the Colorado River Basin Salinity 
     Control Act (43 U.S.C. 1592) is amended by striking 
     subsection (c).
       In section 1271A(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 
     U.S.C. 3871a(1)), redesignate subparagraphs (E) and (F) (as 
     added by section 2411(b)(1)(B)) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), 
     respectively.
       In section 2501(a), strike paragraph (4) and insert the 
     following:
       (4) by striking paragraph (5).
       In section 2501, strike subsection (d) and insert the 
     following:
       (d) Assistance to Certain Farmers or Ranchers for 
     Conservation Access.--Section 1241(h) of the Food Security 
     Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3841(h)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
       (i) by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023'';
       (ii) by striking ``funds'' and inserting ``acres''; and
       (iii) by striking ``to carry out the environmental quality 
     incentives program and the acres made available for each of 
     such fiscal years''; and
       (B) by striking ``5 percent'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``15 percent'';
       (2) by striking paragraph (2); and
       (3) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs 
     (2) and (3), respectively.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3252. Mr. LEE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       In section 6206, strike paragraph (4).
       In section 6206, redesignate paragraphs (5) through (10) as 
     paragraphs (4) through (9), respectively.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3253. Mr. LEE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle A of title III, add the following:

     SEC. 31__. CARGO PREFERENCE.

       Section 207 of the Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1726a) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(h) Cargo Preference Exemption.--Section 55305(b) of 
     title 46, United States Code, shall not apply to agricultural 
     commodities provided under this title.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3254. Mr. LEE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       In section 6206(9), strike subparagraph (A) and insert the 
     following:
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2008 through 2018'' and 
     inserting ``2019 through 2023''; and
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3255. Mr. LEE (for himself and Mr. Toomey) submitted an amendment 
intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts 
(for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       After section 12608, insert the following:

     SEC. 12609. CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OF REGULATIONS.

       (a) Congressional Review.--
       (1) Publication and submission to congress of draft 
     regulations.--
       (A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     this Act, before a regulation prescribed by the Secretary to 
     carry out this Act or any amendment made by this Act may take 
     effect, the Secretary shall--
       (i) publish in the Federal Register a list of information 
     on which the regulation is based, including data, scientific 
     and economic studies, and cost-benefit analyses, and identify 
     how the public can access such information online; and
       (ii) submit to each House of Congress and to the 
     Comptroller General of the United States a report 
     containing--

       (I) a copy of the regulation;
       (II) a concise general statement relating to the 
     regulation;
       (III) a classification of the regulation as a major 
     regulation or nonmajor regulation, including an explanation 
     of the classification specifically addressing each criteria 
     for a major regulation contained within subparagraphs (A) 
     through (C) of subsection (e)(1);
       (IV) a list of any other related regulatory actions 
     intended to implement the same provision of or amendment made 
     by this Act, as well as the individual and aggregate economic 
     effects of those actions; and
       (V) the proposed effective date of the regulation.

       (B) Additional submissions.--On the date of the submission 
     of the report under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall 
     submit to

[[Page S4648]]

     the Comptroller General and make available to each House of 
     Congress--
       (i) a complete copy of the cost-benefit analysis of the 
     regulation, if any, including an analysis of any jobs added 
     or lost, differentiating between public and private sector 
     jobs;
       (ii) the Secretary's actions pursuant to sections 202, 203, 
     204, and 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 
     U.S.C. 1532, 1533, 1534, 1535); and
       (iii) any other relevant information or requirements under 
     any other Act and any relevant Executive orders.
       (C) Copies to committees and members of congress.--Upon 
     receipt of a report submitted under subparagraph (A), each 
     House shall provide copies of the report to the chairman and 
     ranking member of each standing committee with jurisdiction 
     under the rules of the House of Representatives or the Senate 
     to report a bill to amend the provision of law under which 
     the regulation is issued and, upon request, any Member of 
     Congress.
       (2) Report by gao.--
       (A) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall provide a report on each major regulation to the 
     committees of jurisdiction by the end of 15 calendar days 
     after the submission or publication date. The report of the 
     Comptroller General shall include an assessment of the 
     Secretary's compliance with procedural steps required by 
     paragraph (1)(B) and an assessment of whether the major 
     regulation imposes any new limits or mandates on private-
     sector activity.
       (B) Cooperation of federal agencies.--The Secretary shall 
     cooperate with the Comptroller General by providing 
     information relevant to the Comptroller General's report 
     under subparagraph (A).
       (3) Effective date of regulations.--
       (A) Major regulations.--A major regulation relating to a 
     report submitted under subsection (a) shall take effect upon 
     enactment of a joint resolution of approval described in 
     subsection (c) or as provided for in the regulation following 
     enactment of a joint resolution of approval described in 
     subsection (c), whichever is later.
       (B) Nonmajor regulations.--A nonmajor regulation shall take 
     effect as provided by subsection (d) after submission to 
     Congress under paragraph (1).
       (4) Prohibition on subsequent consideration of same 
     regulation.--If a joint resolution of approval relating to a 
     major regulation is not enacted within the period provided in 
     subsection (b)(2), then a joint resolution of approval 
     relating to the same regulation may not be considered under 
     this section in the same Congress by either the House of 
     Representatives or the Senate.
       (b) Effectiveness of Regulations.--
       (1) In general.--A major regulation shall not take effect 
     unless the Congress enacts a joint resolution of approval 
     described under subsection (c).
       (2) Effect of not enacting joint resolution of approval.--
     If a joint resolution of approval described in subsection (c) 
     is not enacted into law by the end of 70 session days or 
     legislative days, as applicable, beginning on the date on 
     which the report referred to in subsection (a)(1)(A) is 
     received by Congress (excluding days either House of Congress 
     is adjourned for more than 3 days during a session of 
     Congress), then the regulation described in that resolution 
     shall be deemed not to be approved and such regulation shall 
     not take effect.
       (3) Temporary effectiveness.--
       (A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     this section (except subject to subparagraph (C)), a major 
     regulation may take effect for one 90-calendar-day period if 
     the President makes a determination under subparagraph (B) 
     and submits written notice of such determination to Congress.
       (B) Determination.--Subparagraph (A) applies to a 
     determination made by the President by Executive order that a 
     major regulation should take effect because such regulation 
     is--
       (i) necessary because of an imminent threat to health or 
     safety or other emergency;
       (ii) necessary for the enforcement of criminal laws;
       (iii) necessary for national security; or
       (iv) issued pursuant to any statute implementing an 
     international trade agreement.
       (C) Effect on other provisions.--An exercise by the 
     President of the authority under this paragraph shall have no 
     effect on the procedures under subsection (c).
       (4) Congressional review around adjournments of congress.--
       (A) In general.--In addition to the opportunity for review 
     otherwise provided under this section, in the case of any 
     regulation for which a report was submitted in accordance 
     with subsection (a)(1)(A) during the period beginning on the 
     date occurring--
       (i) in the case of the Senate, 60 session days, or
       (ii) in the case of the House of Representatives, 60 
     legislative days,

     before the date Congress is scheduled to adjourn a session of 
     Congress through the date on which the same or succeeding 
     Congress first convenes its next session, subsection (c) or 
     (d) shall apply to such rule in the succeeding session of 
     Congress.
       (B) Special rules.--
       (i) In general.--In applying subsections (c) and (d) for 
     purposes of such additional review, a regulation described in 
     subparagraph (A) shall be treated as though--

       (I) such regulation were published in the Federal Register 
     on--

       (aa) in the case of the Senate, the 15th session day, or
       (bb) in the case of the House of Representatives, the 15th 
     legislative day,

     after the succeeding session of Congress first convenes; and
       (II) a report on such regulation were submitted to Congress 
     under subsection (a)(1) on such date.

       (ii) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this paragraph shall 
     be construed to affect the requirement under subsection 
     (a)(1) that a report shall be submitted to Congress before a 
     regulation can take effect.
       (C) Effect in accordance with law.--A regulation described 
     in subparagraph (A) shall take effect as otherwise provided 
     by law (including any other provision of this section).
       (c) Congressional Approval Procedure for Major 
     Regulations.--
       (1) Joint resolutions.--
       (A) Joint resolution defined.--For purposes of this 
     subsection, the term ``joint resolution'' means only a joint 
     resolution addressing a report classifying a regulation as a 
     major regulation pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(A)(i)(III) 
     that--
       (i) bears no preamble;
       (ii) bears the following title (with blanks filled as 
     appropriate): ``Approving the regulation submitted by the 
     Department of Agriculture relating to ___.'';
       (iii) includes after its resolving clause only the 
     following (with blanks filled as appropriate): ``That 
     Congress approves the regulation submitted by the Department 
     of Agriculture relating to ___.''; and
       (iv) is introduced pursuant to subparagraph (B).
       (B) Introduction.--After a House of Congress receives a 
     report classifying a regulation as a major regulation 
     pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(A)(i)(III), the majority leader 
     of that House (or his or her respective designee) shall 
     introduce (by request, if appropriate) a joint resolution 
     described in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) in the case of the House of Representatives, within 3 
     legislative days, and
       (ii) in the case of the Senate, within 3 session days.
       (C) Prohibition on amendments.--A joint resolution 
     described in subparagraph (A) shall not be subject to 
     amendment at any stage of proceeding.
       (2) Referral.--A joint resolution described in paragraph 
     (1) shall be referred in each House of Congress to the 
     committees having jurisdiction over the provision of law 
     under which the regulation is issued.
       (3) Discharge in senate.--In the Senate, if the committee 
     or committees to which a joint resolution described in 
     paragraph (1) has been referred have not reported it at the 
     end of 15 session days after its introduction, such committee 
     or committees shall be automatically discharged from further 
     consideration of the resolution and it shall be placed on the 
     calendar. A vote on final passage of the resolution shall be 
     taken on or before the close of the 15th session day after 
     the resolution is reported by the committee or committees to 
     which it was referred, or after such committee or committees 
     have been discharged from further consideration of the 
     resolution.
       (4) Floor consideration in senate.--
       (A) Motions to proceed.--In the Senate, when the committee 
     or committees to which a joint resolution is referred have 
     reported, or when a committee or committees are discharged 
     (under paragraph (3)) from further consideration of a joint 
     resolution described in paragraph (1), it is at any time 
     thereafter in order (even though a previous motion to the 
     same effect has been disagreed to) for a motion to proceed to 
     the consideration of the joint resolution, and all points of 
     order against the joint resolution (and against consideration 
     of the joint resolution) are waived. The motion is not 
     subject to amendment, or to a motion to postpone, or to a 
     motion to proceed to the consideration of other business. A 
     motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is agreed 
     to or disagreed to shall not be in order. If a motion to 
     proceed to the consideration of the joint resolution is 
     agreed to, the joint resolution shall remain the unfinished 
     business of the Senate until disposed of.
       (B) Debate.--In the Senate, debate on the joint resolution, 
     and on all debatable motions and appeals in connection 
     therewith, shall be limited to not more than 2 hours, which 
     shall be divided equally between those favoring and those 
     opposing the joint resolution. A motion to further limit 
     debate is in order and not debatable. An amendment to, or a 
     motion to postpone, or a motion to proceed to the 
     consideration of other business, or a motion to recommit the 
     joint resolution is not in order.
       (C) Vote on final passage.--In the Senate, immediately 
     following the conclusion of the debate on a joint resolution 
     described in paragraph (1), and a single quorum call at the 
     conclusion of the debate if requested in accordance with the 
     rules of the Senate, the vote on final passage of the joint 
     resolution shall occur.
       (D) Appeals from decisions of chair.--Appeals from the 
     decisions of the Chair relating to the application of the 
     rules of the Senate to the procedure relating to a joint 
     resolution described in paragraph (1) shall be decided 
     without debate.
       (5) Consideration in house of representatives.--In the 
     House of Representatives, if any committee to which a joint 
     resolution

[[Page S4649]]

     described in paragraph (1) has been referred has not reported 
     it to the House at the end of 15 legislative days after its 
     introduction, such committee shall be discharged from further 
     consideration of the joint resolution, and it shall be placed 
     on the appropriate calendar. On the second and fourth 
     Thursdays of each month it shall be in order at any time for 
     the Speaker to recognize a Member who favors passage of a 
     joint resolution that has appeared on the calendar for at 
     least 5 legislative days to call up that joint resolution for 
     immediate consideration in the House without intervention of 
     any point of order. When so called up a joint resolution 
     shall be considered as read and shall be debatable for 1 hour 
     equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an 
     opponent, and the previous question shall be considered as 
     ordered to its passage without intervening motion. It shall 
     not be in order to reconsider the vote on passage. If a vote 
     on final passage of the joint resolution has not been taken 
     by the third Thursday on which the Speaker may recognize a 
     Member under this subsection, such vote shall be taken on 
     that day.
       (6) Procedures upon receipt of resolution from other 
     house.--
       (A) In general.--If, before passing a joint resolution 
     described in paragraph (1), one House receives from the other 
     a joint resolution having the same text, then--
       (i) the joint resolution of the other House shall not be 
     referred to a committee; and
       (ii) the procedure in the receiving House shall be the same 
     as if no joint resolution had been received from the other 
     House until the vote on passage, when the joint resolution 
     received from the other House shall supplant the joint 
     resolution of the receiving House.
       (B) Revenue measures.--This paragraph shall not apply to 
     the House of Representatives if the joint resolution received 
     from the Senate is a revenue measure.
       (7) Final vote.--If either House has not taken a vote on 
     final passage of the joint resolution by the last day of the 
     period described in subsection (b)(2), then such vote shall 
     be taken on that day.
       (8) Rules of house of representatives and senate.--This 
     subsection and subsection (d) are enacted by Congress--
       (A) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate 
     and House of Representatives, respectively, and as such are 
     deemed to be part of the rules of each House, respectively, 
     but applicable only with respect to the procedure to be 
     followed in that House in the case of a joint resolution 
     described in paragraph (1) and superseding other rules only 
     where explicitly so; and
       (B) with full recognition of the constitutional right of 
     either House to change the rules (so far as they relate to 
     the procedure of that House) at any time, in the same manner 
     and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of 
     that House.
       (d) Congressional Disapproval Procedure for Nonmajor 
     Regulations.--
       (1) Joint resolution defined.--For purposes of this 
     section, the term ``joint resolution'' means only a joint 
     resolution introduced in the period beginning on the date on 
     which the report referred to in subsection (a)(1)(A) is 
     received by Congress and ending 60 days thereafter (excluding 
     days either House of Congress is adjourned for more than 3 
     days during a session of Congress), the matter after the 
     resolving clause of which is as follows: ``That Congress 
     disapproves the nonmajor regulation submitted by the 
     Department of Agriculture relating to ___, and such 
     regulation shall have no force or effect.'' (The blank spaces 
     being appropriately filled in).
       (2) Referral.--A joint resolution described in paragraph 
     (1) shall be referred to the committees in each House of 
     Congress with jurisdiction.
       (3) Discharge in senate.--In the Senate, if the committee 
     to which is referred a joint resolution described in 
     paragraph (1) has not reported such joint resolution (or an 
     identical joint resolution) at the end of 15 session days 
     after the date of introduction of the joint resolution, such 
     committee may be discharged from further consideration of 
     such joint resolution upon a petition supported in writing by 
     30 Members of the Senate, and such joint resolution shall be 
     placed on the calendar.
       (4) Floor consideration in the senate.--
       (A) Motions to proceed.--In the Senate, when the committee 
     to which a joint resolution is referred has reported, or when 
     a committee is discharged (under paragraph (3)) from further 
     consideration of a joint resolution described in paragraph 
     (1), it is at any time thereafter in order (even though a 
     previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to) for 
     a motion to proceed to the consideration of the joint 
     resolution, and all points of order against the joint 
     resolution (and against consideration of the joint 
     resolution) are waived. The motion is not subject to 
     amendment, or to a motion to postpone, or to a motion to 
     proceed to the consideration of other business. A motion to 
     reconsider the vote by which the motion is agreed to or 
     disagreed to shall not be in order. If a motion to proceed to 
     the consideration of the joint resolution is agreed to, the 
     joint resolution shall remain the unfinished business of the 
     Senate until disposed of.
       (B) Debate.--In the Senate, debate on the joint resolution, 
     and on all debatable motions and appeals in connection 
     therewith, shall be limited to not more than 10 hours, which 
     shall be divided equally between those favoring and those 
     opposing the joint resolution. A motion to further limit 
     debate is in order and not debatable. An amendment to, or a 
     motion to postpone, or a motion to proceed to the 
     consideration of other business, or a motion to recommit the 
     joint resolution is not in order.
       (C) Vote on final passage.--In the Senate, immediately 
     following the conclusion of the debate on a joint resolution 
     described in paragraph (1), and a single quorum call at the 
     conclusion of the debate if requested in accordance with the 
     rules of the Senate, the vote on final passage of the joint 
     resolution shall occur.
       (D) Appeals from decisions of the chair.--Appeals from the 
     decisions of the Chair relating to the application of the 
     rules of the Senate to the procedure relating to a joint 
     resolution described in subsection (a) shall be decided 
     without debate.
       (5) Special rule in senate.--In the Senate, the procedure 
     specified in paragraph (3) or (4) shall not apply to the 
     consideration of a joint resolution respecting a nonmajor 
     regulation--
       (A) after the expiration of the 60 session days beginning 
     with the applicable submission or publication date; or
       (B) if the report under subsection (a)(1)(A) was submitted 
     during the period referred to in subsection (b)(2), after the 
     expiration of the 60 session days beginning on the 15th 
     session day after the succeeding session of Congress first 
     convenes.
       (6) Receipt of resolution from other house.--If, before the 
     passage by one House of a joint resolution of that House 
     described in paragraph (1), that House receives from the 
     other House a joint resolution described in paragraph (1), 
     then the following procedures shall apply:
       (A) The joint resolution of the other House shall not be 
     referred to a committee.
       (B) With respect to a joint resolution described in 
     paragraph (1) of the House receiving the joint resolution--
       (i) the procedure in that House shall be the same as if no 
     joint resolution had been received from the other House; but
       (ii) the vote on final passage shall be on the joint 
     resolution of the other House.
       (e) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Major regulation.--The term ``major regulation'' means 
     any regulation, including an interim final rule, that the 
     Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory 
     Affairs of the Office of Management and Budget finds has 
     resulted in or is likely to result in--
       (A) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or 
     more;
       (B) a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, 
     individual industries, Federal, State, or local government 
     agencies, or geographic regions; or
       (C) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, 
     investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
     United States-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based 
     enterprises in domestic and export markets.
       (2) Nonmajor regulation.--The term ``nonmajor regulation'' 
     means any regulation that is not a major regulation.
       (3) Regulation.--The term ``regulation'' has the meaning 
     given the term ``rule'' in section 551 of title 5, United 
     States Code, except that such term does not include--
       (A) any rule of particular applicability, including a rule 
     that approves or prescribes for the future rates, wages, 
     prices, services, or allowances therefore, corporate or 
     financial structures, reorganizations, mergers, or 
     acquisitions thereof, or accounting practices or disclosures 
     bearing on any of the foregoing;
       (B) any rule relating to agency management or personnel; or
       (C) any rule of agency organization, procedure, or practice 
     that does not substantially affect the rights or obligations 
     of non-agency parties.
       (4) Submission of publication date.--The term ``submission 
     or publication date'', except as otherwise provided in this 
     section, means--
       (A) in the case of a major regulation, the date on which 
     Congress receives the report submitted under subsection 
     (a)(1); and
       (B) in the case of a nonmajor regulation, the later of--
       (i) the date on which the Congress receives the report 
     submitted under subsection (a)(1); and
       (ii) the date on which the nonmajor regulation is published 
     in the Federal Register, if so published.
       (f) Judicial Review.--
       (1) In general.--No determination, finding, action, or 
     omission under this section shall be subject to judicial 
     review.
       (2) Determination of compliance with requirements.--
     Notwithstanding subsection (a), a court may determine whether 
     the Secretary has completed the necessary requirements under 
     this section for a regulation described in subsection 
     (a)(1)(A) to take effect.
       (3) Effect.--The enactment of a joint resolution of 
     approval under subsection (c) shall not be interpreted to 
     serve as a grant or modification of statutory authority by 
     Congress for the promulgation of a regulation, shall not 
     extinguish or affect any claim, whether substantive or 
     procedural, against any alleged defect in a regulation, and 
     shall not form part of the record before the court in any 
     judicial proceeding concerning a regulation except for 
     purposes of determining whether or not the regulation is in 
     effect.
       (g) Budgetary Effects of Regulations.--Section 257(b)(2) of 
     the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 
     (2

[[Page S4650]]

     U.S.C. 907(b)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(E) Budgetary effects of certain regulations of the 
     department of agriculture.--Any regulation subject to the 
     congressional approval procedure under section 12609 of the 
     Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 affecting budget 
     authority, outlays, or receipts shall be assumed to be 
     effective unless it is not approved in accordance with such 
     section''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3256. Mr. LEE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of title III, add the following:

      Subtitle D--Congressional Review of Unilateral Trade Actions

     SEC. 3301. CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OF UNILATERAL TRADE ACTIONS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 5 of title I of the Trade Act of 
     1974 (19 U.S.C. 2191 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

     ``SEC. 155. CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW OF UNILATERAL TRADE ACTIONS.

       ``(a) Unilateral Trade Action Defined.--
       ``(1) In general.--In this section, the term `unilateral 
     trade action' means any of the following actions taken with 
     respect to the importation of an article pursuant to a 
     provision of law specified in paragraph (2):
       ``(A) A prohibition on importation of the article.
       ``(B) The imposition of or an increase in a duty applicable 
     to the article.
       ``(C) The imposition or tightening of a tariff-rate quota 
     applicable to the article.
       ``(D) The imposition or tightening of a quantitative 
     restriction on the importation of the article.
       ``(E) The suspension, withdrawal, or prevention of the 
     application of trade agreement concessions with respect to 
     the article.
       ``(F) Any other restriction on importation of the article.
       ``(2) Provisions of law specified.--The provisions of law 
     specified in this paragraph are the following:
       ``(A) Section 122.
       ``(B) Title III.
       ``(C) Sections 406, 421, and 422.
       ``(D) Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 
     1338).
       ``(E) Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (19 
     U.S.C. 1862).
       ``(F) Section 103(a) of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade 
     Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (19 U.S.C. 
     4202(a)).
       ``(G) The Trading with the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. 4301 et 
     seq.).
       ``(H) The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 
     U.S.C. 1701 et seq.).
       ``(I) Any provision of law enacted to implement a trade 
     agreement to which the United States is a party.
       ``(3) Exception for technical corrections to harmonized 
     tariff schedule.--A technical correction to the Harmonized 
     Tariff Schedule of the United States shall not be considered 
     a unilateral trade action for purposes of this section.
       ``(b) Congressional Approval Required.--Except as provided 
     by subsection (d), a unilateral trade action may not take 
     effect unless--
       ``(1) the President submits to Congress and to the 
     Comptroller General of the United States a report that 
     includes--
       ``(A) a description of the proposed unilateral trade 
     action;
       ``(B) the proposed effective period for the action;
       ``(C) an analysis of the action, including whether the 
     action is in the national economic interest of the United 
     States;
       ``(D) an assessment of the potential effect of retaliation 
     from trading partners affected by the action; and
       ``(E) a list of articles that will be affected by the 
     action by subheading number of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule 
     of the United States; and
       ``(2) a joint resolution of approval is enacted pursuant to 
     subsection (e).
       ``(c) Report of Comptroller General.--Not later than 15 
     days after the submission of the report required by 
     subsection (b)(1) with respect to a proposed unilateral trade 
     action, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a 
     report on the proposed action that includes an assessment of 
     the compliance of the President with the provision of law 
     specified in subsection (a)(2) pursuant to which the action 
     would be taken.
       ``(d) Temporary Authority.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of this section, a unilateral trade action may take 
     effect for one 90-calendar-day period (without renewal) if 
     the President--
       ``(1) determines that is necessary for the unilateral trade 
     action to take effect because the action is--
       ``(A) necessary because of a national emergency;
       ``(B) necessary because of an imminent threat to health or 
     safety;
       ``(C) necessary for the enforcement of criminal laws; or
       ``(D) necessary for national security; and
       ``(2) submits written notice of the determination to 
     Congress.
       ``(e) Procedures for Joint Resolution.--
       ``(1) Joint resolution defined.--For purposes of this 
     subsection, the term `joint resolution' means only a joint 
     resolution of either House of Congress, the matter after the 
     resolving clause of which is as follows: `That Congress 
     approves the action proposed by the President under section 
     155(b) of the Trade Act of 1974 in the report submitted to 
     Congress under that section on _______.', with the blank 
     space being filled with the appropriate date.
       ``(2) Introduction.--After a House of Congress receives a 
     report under subsection (b)(1) with respect to a unilateral 
     trade action, the majority leader of that House (or his or 
     her respective designee) shall introduce (by request, if 
     appropriate) a joint resolution--
       ``(A) in the case of the House of Representatives, within 3 
     legislative days; and
       ``(B) in the case of the Senate, within 3 session days.
       ``(3) Application of section 152.--The provisions of 
     subsections (b) through (f) of section 152 shall apply to a 
     joint resolution under this subsection to the same extent 
     those provisions apply to a resolution under section 152.
       ``(f) Report by the United States International Trade 
     Commission.--Not later than 12 months after the date of a 
     unilateral trade action taken pursuant to this section, the 
     United States International Trade Commission shall submit to 
     the Committee on Finance of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Ways and Means of the House of Representatives a report on 
     the effects of the action on the United States economy, 
     including a comprehensive assessment of the economic effects 
     of the action on producers and consumers in the United 
     States.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for the 
     Trade Act of 1974 is amended by inserting after the item 
     relating to section 154 the following:

``Sec. 155. Congressional review of unilateral trade actions.''.

       (c) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Balance-of-payments authority.--Section 122 of the 
     Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2132) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a), in the flush text following 
     paragraph (3), by inserting ``and subject to approval under 
     section 155'' after ``Congress)'';
       (B) in subsection (c), in the flush text following 
     paragraph (2), by inserting ``and subject to approval under 
     section 155'' after ``Congress)''; and
       (C) in subsection (g), by inserting ``and subject to 
     approval under section 155'' after ``of this section''.
       (2) Rules of house and senate.--Section 151(a) of the Trade 
     Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2191(a)) is amended--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``and 153'' and inserting ``, 153, and 155''; and
       (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and 153(a)'' and 
     inserting ``, 153(a), and 155(e)''.
       (3) Enforcement of rights under trade agreements.--Title 
     III of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2411 et seq.) is 
     amended--
       (A) in section 301--
       (i) in subsection (a), in the flush text, by inserting ``to 
     approval under section 155 and'' after ``subsection (c), 
     subject''; and
       (ii) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting ``to approval under 
     section 155 and'' after ``subsection (c), subject'';
       (B) in section 305(a)(1), by inserting ``to approval under 
     section 155 and'' after ``section 301, subject''; and
       (C) in section 307(a)(1), in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A), by inserting ``to approval under section 
     155 and'' after ``any action, subject''.
       (4) Market disruption.--Section 406 of the Trade Act of 
     1974 (19 U.S.C. 2436) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by striking ``With respect to'' and inserting ``Subject 
     to approval under section 155, with respect to''; and
       (B) in subsection (c), in the second sentence, by striking 
     ``If the President'' and inserting ``Subject to approval 
     under section 155, if the President''.
       (5) Action to address market disruption.--Section 421 of 
     the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2451) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a), by inserting ``and subject to 
     approval under section 155'' after ``of this section'';
       (B) in subsection (i)(4)(A), by inserting ``, subject to 
     approval under section 155,'' after ``provisional relief 
     and'';
       (C) in subsection (k)(1), by striking ``Within 15 days'' 
     and inserting ``Subject to section 155, within 15 days'';
       (D) by striking subsection (m) and by redesignating 
     subsections (n) and (o) as subsections (m) and (n), 
     respectively;
       (E) in subsection (m), as redesignated by subparagraph 
     (D)--
       (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``subsection (m)'' and 
     inserting ``this section''; and
       (ii) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``and subject to 
     approval under section 155'' after ``paragraph (1)''; and
       (F) in paragraph (3) of subsection (n), as redesignated by 
     subparagraph (D), by striking ``subsection (m)'' and 
     inserting ``this section''.
       (6) Action in response to trade diversion.--Section 422(h) 
     of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2451a(h)) is amended by 
     striking ``Within 20 days'' and inserting ``Subject to 
     approval under section 155, within 20 days''.
       (7) Discrimination by foreign countries.--Section 338 of 
     the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1338) is amended--

[[Page S4651]]

       (A) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``, subject to approval under section 155 
     of the Trade Act of 1974,'' after ``by proclamation'';
       (B) in subsection (b), by inserting ``subject to approval 
     under section 155 of the Trade Act of 1974 and'' after 
     ``hereby authorized,'';
       (C) in subsection (c), by striking ``Any proclamation'' and 
     inserting ``Subject to approval under section 155 of the 
     Trade Act of 1974, any proclamation'';
       (D) in subsection (d), by inserting ``subject to approval 
     under section 155 of the Trade Act of 1974 and'' after ``he 
     shall,''; and
       (E) in subsection (e), by inserting ``subject to approval 
     under section 155 of the Trade Act of 1974 and'' after ``he 
     shall,''.
       (8) Safeguarding national security.--Section 232(c)(1)(B) 
     of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (19 U.S.C. 1862(c)(1)(B)) 
     is amended by inserting ``, subject to approval under section 
     155 of the Trade Act of 1974,'' after ``shall''.
       (9) Bipartisan congressional trade priorities and 
     accountability act of 2015.--Section 103(a) of the Bipartisan 
     Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 
     (19 U.S.C. 4202(a)) is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting ``and approval under 
     section 155 of the Trade Act of 1974'' after ``paragraphs (2) 
     and (3)''; and
       (B) in paragraph (7), by inserting ``and approval under 
     section 155 of the Trade Act of 1974'' after ``3524)''.
       (10) International emergency economic powers act.--Section 
     203(a)(1)(B) of the International Emergency Economic Powers 
     Act (50 U.S.C. 1702(a)(1)(B)) is amended by inserting 
     ``(subject to section 155 of the Trade Act of 1974)'' after 
     ``importation''.
       (11) Trading with the enemy act.--Section 11 of the Trading 
     with the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. 4311) is amended by striking 
     ``Whenever'' and inserting ``Subject to approval under 
     section 155 of the Trade Act of 1974, whenever''.
       (12) Free trade agreement implementing bills.--
       (A) North american free trade agreement implementation 
     act.--Section 201 of the North American Free Trade Agreement 
     Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. 3331) is amended--
       (i) in subsection (a)(1), in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A), by striking ``may'' and inserting ``may, 
     subject to approval under section 155 of the Trade Act of 
     1974,''; and
       (ii) in subsection (b)(1), in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A), by striking ``and the consultation and 
     layover requirements of section 103(a)'' and inserting ``, 
     the consultation and layover requirements of section 103(a), 
     and approval under section 155 of the Trade Act of 1974,''.
       (B) Uruguay round agreements act.--Section 111 of the 
     Uruguay Round Agreements Act (19 U.S.C. 3521) is amended--
       (i) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``and subject to approval under section 155 
     of the Trade Act of 1974'' after ``2902)'';
       (ii) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``and approval under section 155 of the 
     Trade Act of 1974'' after ``section 115'';
       (iii) in subsection (c)(1)(A), in the flush text at the 
     end, by striking ``may'' and inserting ``may, subject to 
     approval under section 155 of the Trade Act of 1974,''; and
       (iv) in subsection (e)(1), in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and approval under section 
     155 of the Trade Act of 1974'' after ``section 115''.
       (C)  United states-israel free trade area implementation 
     act of 1985.--Section 4 of the United States-Israel Free 
     Trade Area Implementation Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-47; 19 
     U.S.C. 2112 note) is amended--
       (i) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``and subject to approval under section 155 
     of the Trade Act of 1974'' after ``subsection (c)''; and
       (ii) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``and subject to approval under section 155 
     of the Trade Act of 1974'' after ``subsection (c)''.
       (D)  United states-jordan free trade area implementation 
     act.--Section 101 of the United States-Jordan Free Trade Area 
     Implementation Act (Public Law 107-43; 19 U.S.C. 2112 note) 
     is amended--
       (i) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by striking ``may'' and inserting ``may, subject to 
     approval under section 155 of the Trade Act of 1974,''; and
       (ii) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by striking ``may'' and inserting ``may, subject to 
     approval under section 155 of the Trade Act of 1974,''.
       (E) Dominican republic-central america-united states free 
     trade agreement implementation act.--Section 201 of the 
     Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade 
     Agreement Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. 4031) is amended--
       (i) in subsection (a)(1), in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A), by striking ``may'' and inserting ``may, 
     subject to approval under section 155 of the Trade Act of 
     1974,''; and
       (ii) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``and approval under section 155 of the 
     Trade Act of 1974'' after ``section 104''.
       (F) United states-chile free trade agreement implementation 
     act.--Section 201 of the United States-Chile Free Trade 
     Agreement Implementation Act (Public Law 108-77; 19 U.S.C. 
     3805 note) is amended--
       (i) in subsection (a)(1), in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A), by striking ``may'' and inserting ``may, 
     subject to approval under section 155 of the Trade Act of 
     1974,''; and
       (ii) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``and approval under section 155 of the 
     Trade Act of 1974'' after ``section 103(a)''.
       (G) United states-singapore free trade agreement 
     implementation act.--Section 201 of the United States-
     Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (Public Law 
     108-78; 19 U.S.C. 3805 note) is amended--
       (i) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by striking ``may'' and inserting ``may, subject to 
     approval under section 155 of the Trade Act of 1974,''; and
       (ii) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``and approval under section 155 of the 
     Trade Act of 1974'' after ``section 103(a)''.
       (H) United states-australia free trade agreement 
     implementation act.--Section 201 of the United States-
     Australia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (Public Law 
     108-286; 19 U.S.C. 3805 note) is amended--
       (i) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by striking ``may'' and inserting ``may, subject to 
     approval under section 155 of the Trade Act of 1974,''; and
       (ii) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``and approval under section 155 of the 
     Trade Act of 1974'' after ``section 104''.
       (I) United states-morocco free trade agreement 
     implementation act.--Section 201 of the United States-Morocco 
     Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (Public Law 108-302; 
     19 U.S.C. 3805 note) is amended--
       (i) in subsection (a)(1), in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A), by striking ``may'' and inserting ``may, 
     subject to approval under section 155 of the Trade Act of 
     1974,''; and
       (ii) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``and approval under section 155 of the 
     Trade Act of 1974'' after ``section 104''.
       (J) United states-bahrain free trade agreement 
     implementation act.--Section 201 of the United States-Bahrain 
     Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (Public Law 109-169; 
     19 U.S.C. 3805 note) is amended--
       (i) in subsection (a)(1), in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A), by striking ``may'' and inserting ``may, 
     subject to approval under section 155 of the Trade Act of 
     1974,''; and
       (ii) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``and approval under section 155 of the 
     Trade Act of 1974'' after ``section 104''.
       (K) United states-oman free trade agreement implementation 
     act.--Section 201 of the United States-Oman Free Trade 
     Agreement Implementation Act (Public Law 109-283; 19 U.S.C. 
     3805 note) is amended--
       (i) in subsection (a)(1), in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A), by striking ``may'' and inserting ``may, 
     subject to approval under section 155 of the Trade Act of 
     1974,''; and
       (ii) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``and approval under section 155 of the 
     Trade Act of 1974'' after ``section 104''.
       (L) United states-peru trade promotion agreement 
     implementation act.--Section 201 of the United States-Peru 
     Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (Public Law 110-
     138; 19 U.S.C. 3805 note) is amended--
       (i) in subsection (a)(1), in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A), by striking ``may'' and inserting ``may, 
     subject to approval under section 155 of the Trade Act of 
     1974,''; and
       (ii) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``and approval under section 155 of the 
     Trade Act of 1974'' after ``section 104''.
       (M) United states-korea free trade agreement implementation 
     act.--Section 201 of the United States-Korea Free Trade 
     Agreement Implementation Act (Public Law 112-41; 19 U.S.C. 
     3805 note) is amended--
       (i) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by striking ``may'' and inserting ``may, subject to 
     approval under section 155 of the Trade Act of 1974,''; and
       (ii) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``and approval under section 155 of the 
     Trade Act of 1974'' after ``section 104''.
       (N) United states-colombia trade promotion agreement 
     implementation act.--Section 201 of the United States-
     Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (Public 
     Law 112-42; 19 U.S.C. 3805 note) is amended--
       (i) in subsection (a)(1), in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A), by striking ``may'' and inserting ``may, 
     subject to approval under section 155 of the Trade Act of 
     1974,''; and
       (ii) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``and approval under section 155 of the 
     Trade Act of 1974'' after ``section 104''.
       (O) United states-panama trade promotion agreement 
     implementation act.--Section 201 of the United States-Panama 
     Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (Public Law 112-
     43; 19 U.S.C. 3805 note) is amended--
       (i) in subsection (a)(1), in the matter preceding 
     subparagraph (A), by striking ``may'' and inserting ``may, 
     subject to approval

[[Page S4652]]

     under section 155 of the Trade Act of 1974,''; and
       (ii) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``and approval under section 155 of the 
     Trade Act of 1974'' after ``section 104''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3257. Mr. HELLER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle F of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 12609. PRIVATE FLOOD INSURANCE.

       (a) Mandatory Purchase Requirement.--
       (1) Amount and term of coverage.--Section 102 of the Flood 
     Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a) is amended 
     by striking ``Sec. 102. (a)'' and all that follows through 
     the end of subsection (a) and inserting the following:
       ``Sec. 102. (a) Amount and Term of Coverage.--After the 
     expiration of sixty days following the date of enactment of 
     this Act, no Federal officer or agency shall approve any 
     financial assistance for acquisition or construction purposes 
     for use in any area that has been identified by the 
     Administrator as an area having special flood hazards and in 
     which the sale of flood insurance has been made available 
     under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 
     4001 et seq.), unless the building or mobile home and any 
     personal property to which such financial assistance relates 
     is covered by flood insurance: Provided, That the amount of 
     flood insurance (1) in the case of Federal flood insurance, 
     is at least equal to the development or project cost of the 
     building, mobile home, or personal property (less estimated 
     land cost), the outstanding principal balance of the loan, or 
     the maximum limit of Federal flood insurance coverage made 
     available with respect to the particular type of property, 
     whichever is less; or (2) in the case of private flood 
     insurance, is at least equal to the development or project 
     cost of the building, mobile home, or personal property (less 
     estimated land cost), the outstanding principal balance of 
     the loan, or the maximum limit of Federal flood insurance 
     coverage made available with respect to the particular type 
     of property, whichever is less: Provided further, That if the 
     financial assistance provided is in the form of a loan or an 
     insurance or guaranty of a loan, the amount of flood 
     insurance required need not exceed the outstanding principal 
     balance of the loan and need not be required beyond the term 
     of the loan. The requirement of maintaining flood insurance 
     shall apply during the life of the property, regardless of 
     transfer of ownership of such property.''.
       (2) Requirement for mortgage loans.--Subsection (b) of 
     section 102 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 
     U.S.C. 4012a(b)) is amended--
       (A) by striking the subsection designation and all that 
     follows through the end of paragraph (5) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(b) Requirement for Mortgage Loans.--
       ``(1) Regulated lending institutions.--Each Federal entity 
     for lending regulation (after consultation and coordination 
     with the Financial Institutions Examination Council 
     established under the Federal Financial Institutions 
     Examination Council Act of 1974 (12 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.)) 
     shall by regulation direct regulated lending institutions not 
     to make, increase, extend, or renew any loan secured by 
     improved real estate or a mobile home located or to be 
     located in an area that has been identified by the 
     Administrator as an area having special flood hazards and in 
     which flood insurance has been made available under the 
     National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et 
     seq.), unless the building or mobile home and any personal 
     property securing such loan is covered for the term of the 
     loan by flood insurance: Provided, That the amount of flood 
     insurance (A) in the case of Federal flood insurance, is at 
     least equal to the outstanding principal balance of the loan 
     or the maximum limit of Federal flood insurance coverage made 
     available with respect to the particular type of property, 
     whichever is less; or (B) in the case of private flood 
     insurance, is at least equal to the outstanding principal 
     balance of the loan or the maximum limit of Federal flood 
     insurance coverage made available with respect to the 
     particular type of property, whichever is less.
       ``(2) Federal agency lenders.--
       ``(A) In general.--A Federal agency lender may not make, 
     increase, extend, or renew any loan secured by improved real 
     estate or a mobile home located or to be located in an area 
     that has been identified by the Administrator as an area 
     having special flood hazards and in which flood insurance has 
     been made available under the National Flood Insurance Act of 
     1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.), unless the building or mobile 
     home and any personal property securing such loan is covered 
     for the term of the loan by flood insurance in accordance 
     with paragraph (1). Each Federal agency lender may issue any 
     regulations necessary to carry out this paragraph. Such 
     regulations shall be consistent with and substantially 
     identical to the regulations issued under paragraph (1).
       ``(B) Requirement to accept flood insurance.--Each Federal 
     agency lender shall accept flood insurance as satisfaction of 
     the flood insurance coverage requirement under subparagraph 
     (A) if the flood insurance coverage meets the requirements 
     for coverage under that subparagraph.
       ``(3) Government-sponsored enterprises for housing.--The 
     Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home 
     Loan Mortgage Corporation shall implement procedures 
     reasonably designed to ensure that, for any loan that is--
       ``(A) secured by improved real estate or a mobile home 
     located in an area that has been identified, at the time of 
     the origination of the loan or at any time during the term of 
     the loan, by the Administrator as an area having special 
     flood hazards and in which flood insurance is available under 
     the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et 
     seq.), and
       ``(B) purchased or guaranteed by such entity,
     the building or mobile home and any personal property 
     securing the loan is covered for the term of the loan by 
     flood insurance in the amount provided in paragraph (1). The 
     Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home 
     Loan Mortgage Corporation shall accept flood insurance as 
     satisfaction of the flood insurance coverage requirement 
     under paragraph (1) if the flood insurance coverage provided 
     meets the requirements for coverage under that paragraph and 
     any requirements established by the Federal National Mortgage 
     Association or the Federal Home Loan Corporation, 
     respectively, relating to the financial strength of private 
     insurance companies from which the Federal National Mortgage 
     Association or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation 
     will accept private flood insurance, provided that such 
     requirements shall not affect or conflict with any State law, 
     regulation, or procedure concerning the regulation of the 
     business of insurance.
       ``(4) Applicability.--
       ``(A) Existing coverage.--Except as provided in 
     subparagraph (B), paragraph (1) shall apply on the date of 
     enactment of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory 
     Improvement Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.).
       ``(B) New coverage.--Paragraphs (2) and (3) shall apply 
     only with respect to any loan made, increased, extended, or 
     renewed after the expiration of the 1-year period beginning 
     on the date of enactment of the Riegle Community Development 
     and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4701 et 
     seq.). Paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to any loan 
     made, increased, extended, or renewed by any lender 
     supervised by the Farm Credit Administration only after the 
     expiration of the period under this subparagraph.
       ``(C) Continued effect of regulations.--Notwithstanding any 
     other provision of this subsection, the regulations to carry 
     out paragraph (1), as in effect immediately before the date 
     of enactment of the Riegle Community Development and 
     Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.), 
     shall continue to apply until the regulations issued to carry 
     out paragraph (1) as amended by section 522(a) of such Act 
     take effect.
       ``(5) Rule of construction.--Except as otherwise specified, 
     any reference to flood insurance in this section shall be 
     considered to include Federal flood insurance and private 
     flood insurance. Nothing in this subsection shall be 
     construed to supersede or limit the authority of a Federal 
     entity for lending regulation, the Federal Housing Finance 
     Agency, a Federal agency lender, the Federal National 
     Mortgage Association, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage 
     Corporation to establish requirements relating to the 
     financial strength of private insurance companies from which 
     the entity or agency will accept private flood insurance, 
     provided that such requirements shall not affect or conflict 
     with any State law, regulation, or procedure concerning the 
     regulation of the business of insurance.''; and
       (B) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following 
     new paragraph:
       ``(7) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(A) Flood insurance.--The term `flood insurance' means--
       ``(i) Federal flood insurance; and
       ``(ii) private flood insurance.
       ``(B) Federal flood insurance.--The term `Federal flood 
     insurance' means an insurance policy made available under the 
     National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et 
     seq.).
       ``(C) Private flood insurance.--The term `private flood 
     insurance' means an insurance policy that--
       ``(i) is issued by an insurance company that is--

       ``(I) licensed, admitted, or otherwise approved to engage 
     in the business of insurance in the State in which the 
     insured building is located, by the insurance regulator of 
     that State; or
       ``(II) eligible as a nonadmitted insurer to provide 
     insurance in the home State of the insured, in accordance 
     with sections 521 through 527 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street 
     Reform and Consumer Protection Act (15 U.S.C. 8201 through 
     8206);

       ``(ii) is issued by an insurance company that is not 
     otherwise disapproved as a surplus lines insurer by the 
     insurance regulator of the State in which the property to be 
     insured is located; and
       ``(iii) provides flood insurance coverage that complies 
     with the laws and regulations of that State.
       ``(D) State.--The term `State' means any State of the 
     United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 
     Puerto

[[Page S4653]]

     Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, 
     and American Samoa.''.
       (b) Effect of Private Flood Insurance Coverage on 
     Continuous Coverage Requirements.--Section 1308 of the 
     National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(n) Effect of Private Flood Insurance Coverage on 
     Continuous Coverage Requirements.--For purposes of applying 
     any statutory, regulatory, or administrative continuous 
     coverage requirement, including under section 1307(g)(1), the 
     Administrator shall consider any period during which a 
     property was continuously covered by private flood insurance 
     (as defined in section 102(b)(7) of the Flood Disaster 
     Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)(7))) to be a 
     period of continuous coverage.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3258. Mr. BURR (for himself, Mr. Bennet, and Mr. Tester) submitted 
an amendment intended to be proposed by him to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle D of title II, add the following:

     SEC. 24__. PERMANENT REAUTHORIZATION OF THE LAND AND WATER 
                   CONSERVATION FUND.

       (a) In General.--Section 200302 of title 54, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by striking ``During the period ending September 30, 
     2018, there'' and inserting ``There''; and
       (2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``through September 
     30, 2018''.
       (b) Public Access.--Section 200306 of title 54, United 
     States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Public Access.--An amount equal to the greater of not 
     less than 1.5 percent of amounts made available for 
     expenditure in any fiscal year under section 200303 and 
     $10,000,000 shall be used for projects that secure 
     recreational public access to existing Federal public land 
     for hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3259. Mr. UDALL (for himself and Mr. Booker) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by him to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       In section 2303(4)(A), strike clause (iii) and insert the 
     following:
       (iii) by striking ``production.'' and inserting 
     ``production, including grazing management practices, non-
     lethal predator deterrence, and agricultural management 
     practices that reduce wildlife conflict.'';
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3260. Mr. KING (for himself, Ms. Collins, and Mr. Boozman) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 
proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Strike section 6206(3)(D) and insert the following:
       (D) in paragraph (4)--
       (i) by striking ``loan or'' and inserting ``grant, loan, 
     or''; and
       (ii) by striking ``provide'' and inserting ``provide, or 
     contract for the provision of,'';
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3261. Mr. RUBIO (for himself, Mr. Nelson, and Mr. Cruz) submitted 
an amendment intended to be proposed by him to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 257, line 2, insert after the period the following: 
     ``Funds may not be used as described in the previous sentence 
     until the date that is 30 days after the date on which Cuba 
     holds free and fair elections for a new government--
       ``(1) with the participation of multiple independent 
     political parties that have full access to the media;
       ``(2) that are conducted under the supervision of 
     internationally recognized observers, such as the 
     Organization of American States, the United Nations, and 
     other election monitors; and
       ``(3) that are certified by the Secretary of State.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3262. Mr. RUBIO submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 257, line 2, insert after the period the following: 
     ``Funds may not be used as described in the previous sentence 
     in contravention of the National Security Presidential 
     Memorandum entitled `Strengthening the Policy of the United 
     States Toward Cuba' issued by the President on June 16, 2017, 
     and regulations implementing that memorandum, prohibiting 
     transactions with entities owned, controlled, or operated by 
     or on behalf of military intelligence or security services of 
     Cuba.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3263. Ms. MURKOWSKI (for herself, Mr. Sullivan, and Mr. Manchin) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle C of title IV, add the following:

     SEC. 43__. NATIONAL NUTRITIONAL AND DIETARY INFORMATION AND 
                   GUIDELINES FOR CERTAIN WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

       Section 301(a)(3) of the National Nutrition Monitoring and 
     Related Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341(a)(3)) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking the paragraph designation and heading and 
     all that follows through ``Not later'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(3) Certain women and children.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later'';
       (2) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by inserting 
     ``, women who may become pregnant, breastfeeding mothers,'' 
     after ``pregnant women''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) Treatment.--The most recent guidelines published 
     under subparagraph (A) shall--
       ``(i) supersede any previous Federal nutrition guidance 
     relating to the population described in that subparagraph; 
     and
       ``(ii) be promoted by each applicable Federal department or 
     agency in carrying out any food, nutrition, or health 
     program.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3264. Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Mr. King, Mr. Jones, Mr. 
Whitehouse, Mr. Barrasso, Mrs. Fischer, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Enzi, Mrs. 
Shaheen, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Blunt, Ms. Hassan, Mr. Toomey, 
Mrs. Capito, Mr. Markey, Mr. Rounds, and Mr. Reed) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by her to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of title III, add the following:

                       Subtitle D--Other Matters

     SEC. 3401. STUDY OF NEWSPRINT INDUSTRY WELL-BEING.

       (a) Study.--The Secretary of Commerce shall conduct a study 
     of the economic well-being, health, and vitality of the 
     newsprint industry and the local newspaper publishing 
     industry in the United States, which shall include an 
     assessment of the following:
       (1) The trends in demand for newsprint and traditional 
     printed newspapers.
       (2) The trends in demand for digital or online consumption 
     of news.
       (3) The costs of inputs in the production of traditional 
     printed newspapers, including the use of newsprint.
       (4) The effect of declining readership of traditional 
     printed newspapers on the continued viability of the 
     newsprint and newspaper publishing industries and the 
     continued availability of coverage of local news, local 
     sports, local government, and local disaster prevention and 
     awareness.
       (5) The trends in the pulp and paper industry of the United 
     States and the effect of declining demand for newsprint on 
     the health of the pulp and paper industry.
       (6) Measures undertaken by printers and newspaper 
     publishers to reduce costs in response to increased costs for 
     newsprint in the United States, and whether such measures 
     have harmed local news coverage or reduced employment in the 
     newspaper and publishing industries.
       (7) Whether measures undertaken by publishers and printers 
     to reduce costs have harmed local businesses that advertise 
     in local newspapers.
       (8) The global production capacity for newsprint in light 
     of the declining demand for newsprint.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall submit 
     to the President and Congress a report on--
       (1) the findings of the study required by subsection (a); 
     and
       (2) any recommendations that the Secretary considers 
     appropriate.
       (c) Stay of Determinations.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2) and 
     notwithstanding any provision of title VII of the Tariff Act 
     of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1671 et seq.), the Secretary of Commerce 
     and the United States International Trade Commission may not 
     give effect to an affirmative

[[Page S4654]]

     determination in an antidumping or countervailing duty 
     investigation relating to imports of uncoated groundwood 
     paper conducted under that title until the President 
     certifies to the Secretary and the Chairman of the Commission 
     that the President--
       (A) has received the report required by subsection (b); and
       (B) has concluded that giving effect to the determination 
     is in the economic interest of the United States.
       (2) Rates.--
       (A) In general.--Until such time as the President issues 
     the certification described in paragraph (1), the 
     administering authority (as defined in section 771(1) of the 
     Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1677(1))) shall order a rate of 
     zero for deposits posted pursuant to sections 703(d), 
     705(c)(1), 733(d), and 735(c)(1) of that Act (19 U.S.C. 
     1671b(d), 1671d(c)(1), 1673b(d), and 1673d(c)(1)) in an 
     investigation described in paragraph (1).
       (B) Effective date.--This paragraph shall take effect on 
     the date of the enactment of this Act without regard to any 
     later effective date of an order required by subparagraph 
     (A).
       (3) Canada and mexico.--Pursuant to article 1902 of the 
     North American Free Trade Agreement and section 408 of the 
     North America Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (19 
     U.S.C. 3438), this subsection applies to goods from Canada 
     and Mexico.
       (4) Application.--This subsection applies only to an 
     antidumping or countervailing duty investigation that is 
     ongoing as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3265. Mr. TOOMEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:
       In section 5409(b)(2)(A)(i)(III), strike ``and'' at the 
     end.
       In section 5409(b)(2)(A)(i)(IV), strike ``and'' at the end.
       In section 5409(b)(2)(A)(i), insert at the end the 
     following:

       (V) the Committee on Financial Services of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (VI) the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs 
     of the Senate;
       (VII) the Committee on the Budget of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       (VIII) the Committee on the Budget of the Senate; and

                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3266. Mr. TOOMEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       Strike section 9110 (relating to the Biomass Crop 
     Assistance Program) and insert the following:

     SEC. 9110. BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM REPEAL.

       Section 9011 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
     of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8111) is repealed.
       In section 9111, strike ``9011 (7 U.S.C. 8111)'' and insert 
     ``9010 (7 U.S.C. 8110)''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3267. Mr. TOOMEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:
       In section 5409(b)(2)(A)(i)(III), strike ``and'' at the 
     end.
       In section 5409(b)(2)(A)(i)(IV), strike ``and'' at the end.
       In section 5409(b)(2)(A)(i), insert at the end the 
     following:

       (V) the Committee on Financial Services of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (VI) the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs 
     of the Senate;
       (VII) the Committee on the Budget of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       (VIII) the Committee on the Budget of the Senate; and

                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3268. Mr. TOOMEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       Strike section 9110 (relating to the Biomass Crop 
     Assistance Program) and insert the following:

     SEC. 9110. BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM REPEAL.

       Section 9011 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
     of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8111) is repealed.
       In section 9111, strike ``9011 (7 U.S.C. 8111)'' and insert 
     ``9010 (7 U.S.C. 8110)''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3269. Mr. KING (for himself, Mr. Rounds, Mr. Thune, and Mr. Moran) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 125___. STATE MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING REGARDING 
                   INTERSTATE SHIPMENT OF STATE-INSPECTED POULTRY 
                   AND MEAT ITEMS.

       (a) Meat Items.--Section 501 of the Federal Meat Inspection 
     Act (21 U.S.C. 683) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``that is located in a 
     State that has enacted a mandatory State meat product 
     inspection law that imposes ante mortem and post mortem 
     inspection, reinspection, and sanitation requirements that 
     are at least equal to those under this Act'' before the 
     period at the end; and
       (B) by striking paragraph (5);
       (2) by striking subsections (b) through (e) and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(b) State Memoranda of Understanding Regarding Interstate 
     Shipment of State-inspected Meat Items.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law (including regulations), a State may enter into a 
     memorandum of understanding with another State under which 
     meat items from an eligible establishment in 1 State are sold 
     in interstate commerce in the other State, in accordance with 
     the requirements of paragraph (2).
       ``(2) Requirements.--To be eligible to enter into a 
     memorandum of understanding under paragraph (1), a State, 
     acting through the appropriate State agency, shall receive a 
     certification from the Secretary that--
       ``(A) the ante mortem and post mortem inspection, 
     reinspection, and sanitation requirements of the State are at 
     least equal to those under this Act; and
       ``(B) the State employs designated personnel to inspect 
     meat items to be shipped by eligible establishments in 
     interstate commerce.'';
       (3) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (c);
       (4) by striking subsections (g), (h), and (j); and
       (5) by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (d).
       (b) Poultry Items.--Section 31 of the Poultry Products 
     Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 472) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (5);
       (2) by striking subsections (b) through (g) and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(b) State Memoranda of Understanding Regarding Interstate 
     Shipment of State-inspected Poultry Items.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law (including regulations), a State may enter into a 
     memorandum of understanding with another State under which 
     poultry items from an eligible establishment in 1 State are 
     sold in interstate commerce in the other State, in accordance 
     with the requirements of paragraph (2).
       ``(2) Requirements.--To be eligible to enter into a 
     memorandum of understanding under paragraph (1), a State, 
     acting through the appropriate State agency, shall receive a 
     certification from the Secretary that--
       ``(A) the ante mortem and post mortem inspection, 
     reinspection, and sanitation requirements of the State are at 
     least equal to those under this Act; and
       ``(B) the State employs designated personnel to inspect 
     poultry items to be shipped by eligible establishments in 
     interstate commerce.'';
       (3) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (c); and
       (4) by striking subsection (i).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3270. Mr. UDALL (for himself and Mr. Hatch) submitted an amendment 
intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts 
(for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 609, line 25, strike ``services.'' and insert 
     ``services, including applicants seeking to implement 
     technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity 
     building models, as defined in section 2 of the Expanding 
     Capacity for Health Outcomes Act (Public Law 114-270; 130 
     Stat. 1395).''.

                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3271. Mr. YOUNG (for himself, Mr. Donnelly, Mr. Lankford, and Mr. 
Jones) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

       At the end of title XII, add the following:

[[Page S4655]]

  


 Subtitle G--National FFA Organization's Federal Charter Amendments Act

     SEC. 12701. SHORT TITLE.

       This subtitle may be cited as the ``National FFA 
     Organization's Federal Charter Amendments Act''.

     SEC. 12702. ORGANIZATION.

       Section 70901 of title 36, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``corporation'' and 
     inserting ``FFA''; and
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``corporation'' and 
     inserting ``FFA''.

     SEC. 12703. PURPOSES OF THE CORPORATION.

       Section 70902 of title 36, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``corporation'' and inserting ``FFA'';
       (2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs 
     (7) and (8), respectively;
       (3) by striking paragraphs (3), (4), (6), and (7);
       (4) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (11);
       (5) by redesignating paragraphs (8) and (9) as paragraphs 
     (12) and (13), respectively;
       (6) by inserting before paragraph (7), as redesignated by 
     paragraph (2), the following:
       ``(1) to be an integral component of instruction in 
     agricultural education, including instruction relating to 
     agriculture, food, and natural resources;
       ``(2) to advance comprehensive agricultural education in 
     the United States, including in public schools, by supporting 
     contextual classroom and laboratory instruction and work-
     based experiential learning;
       ``(3) to prepare students for successful entry into 
     productive careers in fields relating to agriculture, food, 
     and natural resources, including by connecting students to 
     relevant postsecondary educational pathways and focusing on 
     the complete delivery of classroom and laboratory 
     instruction, work-based experiential learning, and leadership 
     development;
       ``(4) to be a resource and support organization that does 
     not select, control, or supervise State association, local 
     chapter, or individual member activities;
       ``(5) to develop educational materials, programs, services, 
     and events as a service to State and local agricultural 
     education agencies;
       ``(6) to seek and promote inclusion and diversity in its 
     membership, leadership, and staff to reflect the belief of 
     the FFA in the value of all human beings;'';
       (7) in paragraph (7), as redesignated by paragraph (2)--
       (A) by striking ``composed of students and former students 
     of vocational agriculture in public schools qualifying for 
     Federal reimbursement under the Smith-Hughes Vocational 
     Education Act (20 U.S.C. 11-15, 16-28''; and
       (B) by inserting ``as such chapters and associations carry 
     out agricultural education programs that are approved by 
     States, territories, or possessions'' after ``United 
     States'';
       (8) in paragraph (8), as redesignated by paragraph (2)--
       (A) by striking ``to develop'' and inserting ``to build'';
       (B) by striking ``train for useful citizenship, and foster 
     patriotism, and thereby'' and inserting ``and''; and
       (C) by striking ``aggressive rural and'' and inserting 
     ``assertive'';
       (9) by inserting after paragraph (8), as redesignated by 
     paragraph (2), the following:
       ``(9) to increase awareness of the global and technological 
     importance of agriculture, food, and natural resources, and 
     the way agriculture contributes to our well-being;
       ``(10) to promote the intelligent choice and establishment 
     of a career in fields relating to agriculture, food, and 
     natural resources;'';
       (10) in paragraph (11), as redesignated by paragraph (4)--
       (A) by striking ``to procure for and distribute to State'' 
     and inserting ``to make available to State'';
       (B) by inserting ``, programs, services,'' before ``and 
     equipment''; and
       (C) by striking ``corporation'' and inserting ``FFA'';
       (11) in paragraph (12), as redesignated by paragraph (5), 
     by striking ``State boards for vocational'' and inserting 
     ``State boards and officials for career and technical''; and
       (12) in paragraph (13), as redesignated by paragraph (5), 
     by striking ``corporation'' and inserting ``FFA''.

     SEC. 12704. MEMBERSHIP.

       Section 70903 of title 36, United States Code is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``corporation'' and inserting ``FFA''; and
       (B) by striking ``as provided in the bylaws'' and inserting 
     ``as provided in the constitution or bylaws of the FFA''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Voting.--Except as provided in this chapter, the 
     voting rights of members and the election process are as 
     provided in the constitution or bylaws of the FFA.''.

     SEC. 12705. GOVERNING BODY.

       Section 70904 of title 36, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``corporation'' and 
     inserting ``FFA'' each place the term appears;
       (B) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(2) The board--
       ``(A) shall consist of--
       ``(i) the Secretary of Education, or the Secretary of 
     Education's designee who has experience in agricultural 
     education, the FFA, or career and technical education; and
       ``(ii) other individuals--

       ``(I) representing the fields of education, agriculture, 
     food, and natural resources; or
       ``(II) with experience working closely with the FFA; and

       ``(B) shall not include any individual who is a current 
     employee of the National FFA Organization.
       ``(3) The number of directors, terms of office of the 
     directors, and the method of selecting the directors, are as 
     provided in the constitution or bylaws of the FFA.''; and
       (C) in paragraph (4)--
       (i) in the first sentence, by striking ``bylaws'' and 
     inserting ``constitution or bylaws of the FFA''; and
       (ii) in the third sentence, by striking ``chairman'' and 
     inserting ``chair'';
       (2) by striking subsection (b); and
       (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
       ``(b) Officers.--The officers of the FFA, the terms of 
     officers, and the election of officers, are as provided in 
     the constitution or bylaws of the FFA, except that such 
     officers shall include--
       ``(1) a national advisor;
       ``(2) an executive secretary; and
       ``(3) a treasurer.
       ``(c) Governing Committee.--
       ``(1) The board shall designate a governing committee. The 
     terms and method of selecting the governing committee members 
     are as provided in the constitution or bylaws of the FFA, 
     except that all members of the governing committee shall be 
     members of the board of directors and at all times the 
     governing committee shall be comprised of not less than 3 
     individuals.
       ``(2) When the board is not in session, the governing 
     committee has the powers of the board subject to the board's 
     direction and may authorize the seal of the FFA to be affixed 
     to all papers that require it.
       ``(3) The board shall designate to such committee--
       ``(A) the chair of the board;
       ``(B) the executive secretary; and
       ``(C) the treasurer.''.

     SEC. 12706. NATIONAL STUDENT OFFICERS.

       Section 70905 of title 36, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking subsections (a) through (d) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) Composition.--There shall be--
       ``(1) not less than 6 national student officers of the FFA, 
     which shall include not less than 4 national student officers 
     of the corporation, including a student president;
       ``(2) 4 student vice presidents (each representing regions 
     as provided in the constitution or bylaws of the 
     corporation); and
       ``(3) a student secretary.
       ``(b) Election.--
       ``(1) The 6 national student officers of the FFA, shall be 
     elected annually by a majority vote of official delegates 
     assembled at the annual convention. Elections for not less 
     than 4 national student officer vice presidents shall be 
     based upon regional representation as further detailed in the 
     constitution or bylaws of the FFA.
       ``(2) The voting rights of delegates and the process of 
     electing the national student officers shall be as provided 
     in the constitution or bylaws of the FFA.''.

     SEC. 12707. POWERS.

       Section 70906 of title 36, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``corporation'' and inserting ``FFA'';
       (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``corporate'';
       (3) in paragraph (4), by striking ``corporation'' and 
     inserting ``FFA'';
       (4) in paragraph (6), by striking ``corporation'' and 
     inserting ``FFA'';
       (5) by amending paragraph (8) to read as follows:
       ``(8) use FFA funds to give prizes, awards, loans, and 
     grants to deserving members, chapters, and associations to 
     carry out the purposes of the FFA;'';
       (6) by amending paragraph (9) to read as follows:
       ``(9) produce publications, websites, and other media;'';
       (7) in paragraph (10)--
       (A) by striking ``procure for and distribute to State'' and 
     inserting ``make available to State''; and
       (B) by striking ``Future Farmers of America'' and inserting 
     ``FFA''; and
       (8) in paragraph (12), by striking ``corporation'' and 
     inserting ``FFA''.

     SEC. 12708. NAME, SEALS, EMBLEMS, AND BADGES.

       Section 70907 of title 36, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``corporation'' and inserting ``FFA'' each 
     place the term appears;
       (2) by striking ``name'' and inserting ``names'';
       (3) by striking `` `Future Farmers of America' '' and 
     inserting `` `Future Farmers of America' and `National FFA 
     Organization,' ''; and
       (4) by inserting ``education'' before ``membership''.

     SEC. 12709. RESTRICTIONS.

       Section 70908 of title 36, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``corporation'' and 
     inserting ``FFA'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``corporation or a 
     director, officer, or member as

[[Page S4656]]

     such'' and inserting ``FFA or a director, officer, or member 
     acting on behalf of the FFA'';
       (3) in subsection (c), by striking ``corporation'' and 
     inserting ``FFA'' each place the term appears; and
       (4) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in the first sentence, by striking ``corporation'' and 
     inserting ``FFA''; and
       (B) by striking ``Directors who vote for or assent to 
     making a loan to a director, officer, or employee, and 
     officers who participate in making the loan, are jointly and 
     severally liable to the corporation for the amount of the 
     loan until it is repaid.''.

     SEC. 12710. RELATIONSHIP TO FEDERAL AGENCIES.

       Section 70909 of title 36, United States Code, is amended 
     to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 70909. RELATIONSHIP TO FEDERAL AGENCIES.

       ``(a) In General.--On request of the board of directors, 
     the FFA may collaborate with Federal agencies, including the 
     Department of Education and the Department of Agriculture on 
     matters of mutual interest and benefit.
       ``(b) Agency Assistance.--Those Federal agencies may make 
     personnel, services, and facilities available to administer 
     or assist in the administration of the activities of the FFA.
       ``(c) Agency Compensation.--Personnel of the Federal 
     agencies may not receive compensation from the FFA for their 
     services, except that travel and other legitimate expenses as 
     defined by the Federal agencies and approved by the board may 
     be paid.
       ``(d) Cooperation With State Boards.--The Federal agencies 
     also may cooperate with State boards and other organizations 
     for career and technical education to assist in the promotion 
     of activities of the FFA.''.

     SEC. 12711. HEADQUARTERS AND PRINCIPAL OFFICE.

       Section 70910 of title 36, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking ``of the corporation shall be in the District of 
     Columbia. However, the activities of the corporation are not 
     confined to the District of Columbia but'' and inserting ``of 
     the FFA shall be as provided in the constitution or bylaws of 
     the FFA. The activities of the FFA''.

     SEC. 12712. RECORDS AND INSPECTION.

       Section 709011 of title 36, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``corporation'' and 
     inserting ``FFA''; and
       (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``entitled to vote''; and
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``corporation'' and 
     inserting ``FFA''.

     SEC. 12713. SERVICE OF PROCESS.

       Section 70912 of title 36, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``District of Columbia'' and inserting ``In 
     General'';
       (B) by striking ``corporation'' and inserting ``FFA'' each 
     place the term appears;
       (C) by striking ``in the District of Columbia'' before ``to 
     receive''; and
       (D) by striking ``Designation of the agent shall be filed 
     in the office of the clerk of the United States District 
     Court for the District of Columbia''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``corporation'' and inserting ``FFA'' each 
     place the term appears; and
       (B) by inserting ``of the FFA'' after ``association or 
     chapter''.

     SEC. 12714. LIABILITY FOR ACTS OF OFFICERS OR AGENTS.

       Section 70913 of title 36, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking ``corporation'' and inserting ``FFA''.

     SEC. 12715. DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS IN DISSOLUTION OR FINAL 
                   LIQUIDATION.

       Section 70914 of title 36, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``corporation'' and inserting ``FFA''; and
       (2) by striking ``vocational agriculture'' and inserting 
     ``agricultural education''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3272. Mr. BOOZMAN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 125__. RELEASE OF INTEREST IN LAND, PINE TREE RESEARCH 
                   STATION, ARKANSAS.

       (a) Release of Interest.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), after execution 
     of the agreement described in subsection (b), the Secretary 
     shall release the condition in the deed with respect to the 
     land described in subsection (c) that the land shall be used 
     for public purposes, and if at any time the land ceases to be 
     so used, the land conveyed shall immediately revert to and 
     become revested in the United States.
       (2) Condition.--The release under paragraph (1) shall be 
     subject to the condition that--
       (A) proceeds from the sale of any land described in 
     subsection (c) shall be reinvested by the Board of Trustees 
     of the University of Arkansas to benefit the public research 
     and extension programs of the University of Arkansas System 
     Division of Agriculture; and
       (B) if the proceeds are not used as described in 
     subparagraph (A), the proceeds from the sale of the land 
     described in subsection (c) shall be transferred to the 
     United States.
       (3) Application of bankhead-jones farm tenant act.--Section 
     32(c) of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1011(c)) shall not apply to the release under paragraph (1).
       (b) Agreement.--The Secretary shall enter into an agreement 
     with the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, 
     satisfactory to the Secretary of Agriculture, that requires 
     that--
       (1) the proceeds from a sale of any portion of the land 
     described in subsection (c) shall inure to the benefit of the 
     University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture for use 
     in the public research and extension programs of the 
     University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, 
     including facilities and operations for those programs; and
       (2) the proceeds of a disposition described in paragraph 
     (1) shall be--
       (A) deposited and held in an account open to inspection by 
     the Secretary; and
       (B) if withdrawn from the account, used for the purpose 
     described in paragraph (1).
       (c) Land Described.--The land referred to in subsections 
     (a) and (b) is the land conveyed, sold, and quitclaimed to 
     the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas by the 
     United States, through the Director of Lands of the Forest 
     Service in accordance with section 32(c) of the Bankhead-
     Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 1011(c)) on February 2, 1978, 
     containing 11,849.90 acres from 23 different sections, with 
     the deed recorded in the St. Francis County records in book 
     376, page 376 by the St. Francis County Circuit Clerk, and 
     generally described as: ``all those certain tracts, or 
     parcels of land embraced within the Forrest City (Pine Tree) 
     Land Utilization Project, AK-LU-4, lying and being in the 
     County of St. Francis, State of Arkansas, 5th Principal 
     Meridian''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3273. Mr. TILLIS (for himself and Mr. Heller) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 281, strike line 19 and insert the following:
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking subparagraph (B);
       (ii) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by striking clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting the 
     following:

       ``(i) without good cause, fails to work or refuses to 
     participate in an employment and training program under 
     paragraph (4), a work program, or any combination of work, an 
     employment and training program, and a work program for--

       ``(I) during any of fiscal years 2021 through 2025, a 
     minimum of 20 hours per week, averaged monthly; and
       ``(II) during fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year 
     thereafter, a minimum of 25 hours per week, averaged 
     monthly;'';
       (II) by striking clause (vi);
       (III) in clause (iv), by adding ``or'' after the semicolon 
     at the end;
       (IV) in clause (v)(II), by striking ``30 hours per week; 
     or'' and inserting ``the applicable hourly requirement under 
     clause (i).'';
       (V) by redesignating clauses (iii), (iv), and (v) as 
     clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv), respectively; and
       (VI) by striking the subparagraph designation and heading 
     and all that follows through ``individual--'' in the matter 
     preceding clause (i) and inserting the following:

       ``(A) Definition of work program.--In this paragraph, the 
     term `work program' means--
       ``(i) a program under title I of the Workforce Innovation 
     and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3111 et seq.);
       ``(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 (other than a 
     program under paragraph (4)) that--

       ``(I) is operated or supervised by a State or political 
     subdivision of a State; and
       ``(II) achieves compliance with applicable standards 
     approved by--

       ``(aa) the chief executive officer of the State; and
       ``(bb) the Secretary.
       ``(B) General requirement.--Subject to subparagraph (C), no 
     physically and mentally fit individual aged not less than 18, 
     and not more than 59, years shall be eligible to participate 
     in the supplemental nutrition assistance program if the 
     applicable State agency determines that the individual--'';
       (iii) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(C) Onset of applicability.--An individual described in 
     subparagraph (B) shall be ineligible to participate in the 
     supplemental nutrition assistance program under that 
     subparagraph beginning on the date that is 30 days after the 
     date on which the applicable State agency makes a 
     determination of noncompliance under that subparagraph with 
     respect to the individual.'';
       (iv) in subparagraph (D)--

[[Page S4657]]

       (I) in clause (iii)(I), by striking ``subparagraph (A)'' 
     each place it appears and inserting ``subparagraph (B)'';
       (II) in clause (iv), by striking ``subparagraph (A)(v)''and 
     inserting ``subparagraph (B)(iv)''; and
       (III) by striking clauses (v) and (vi);

       (v) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(F) Transition period.--During each of fiscal years 2019 
     and 2020, a State agency shall continue to implement and 
     enforce applicable work program and employment and training 
     program requirements in accordance with this subsection, 
     subsections (e) and (o) (other than paragraph (6)(F) of that 
     subsection), and sections 7(i), 11(e)(19), and 16 (other than 
     subparagraphs (A) through (D) of subsection (h)(1) of that 
     section) (as those provisions were in effect on the day 
     before the date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement 
     Act of 2018).
       ``(G) Additional flexibility.--
       ``(i) In general.--On receipt of an application from a 
     State agency that demonstrates to the satisfaction of the 
     Secretary that the State agency is unable to implement and 
     enforce applicable work program and employment and training 
     program requirements in accordance with the requirements of 
     this Act (as amended by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 
     2018) that would otherwise be applicable to the work programs 
     and employment and training programs of the State, the 
     Secretary may--

       ``(I) for such additional period as the Secretary 
     determines to be appropriate, permit the State agency to 
     continue to implement and enforce those programs as described 
     in subparagraph (F); or
       ``(II) subject to clause (ii), provide to the State agency 
     a waiver of the requirement to enforce the those programs in 
     accordance with the requirements of this Act (as amended by 
     the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018) that would otherwise 
     be applicable to the programs.

       ``(ii) Condition on waiver.--For any fiscal year during 
     which a waiver under clause (i)(II) is in effect with respect 
     to a State agency, the Secretary shall not pay to the State 
     agency the administrative cost payment under section 16(a).
       ``(H) Ineligibility.--
       ``(i) Notification of failure to meet work requirements.--
     The State agency shall issue a notice of adverse action to an 
     individual by not later than 10 days after the date on which 
     the State agency determines that the individual has failed to 
     meet an applicable requirement under subparagraph (B).
       ``(ii) Initial violation.--The first instance in which an 
     individual receives a notice of adverse action under clause 
     (i), the individual shall remain ineligible to participate in 
     the supplemental nutrition assistance program until the 
     earliest of--

       ``(I) the date that is 1 year after the date on which the 
     individual became ineligible;
       ``(II) the date on which the individual obtains employment 
     sufficient to meet the applicable hourly requirements under 
     subparagraph (B)(i); and
       ``(III) the date on which the individual is no longer 
     subject to subparagraph (B).

       ``(iii) Subsequent violations.--The second, or any 
     subsequent, instance in which an individual receives a notice 
     of adverse action under clause (i), the individual shall 
     remain ineligible to participate in the supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program until the earliest of--

       ``(I) the date that is 3 years after the date on which the 
     individual became ineligible;
       ``(II) the date on which the individual obtains employment 
     sufficient to meet the applicable hourly requirements under 
     subparagraph (B)(i); and
       ``(III) the date on which the individual is no longer 
     subject to subparagraph (B).'';

       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       On page 282, strike lines 24 and 25 and insert the 
     following:
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as amended by 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B)) the following:
       On page 284, strike lines 5 through 11 and insert the 
     following:
       ``(i) work or participate in an employment and training 
     program under paragraph (4), a work program, or any 
     combination of work, an employment and training program, and 
     a work program for--

       ``(I) during any of fiscal years 2021 through 2025, a 
     minimum of 20 hours per week, averaged monthly; and
       ``(II) during fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year 
     thereafter, a minimum of 25 hours per week, averaged monthly;

       ``(ii) participate in and comply with
       On page 284, line 16, strike ``(iv)'' and insert ``(iii)''.
       On page 284, line 21, strike ``50'' and insert ``59''.
       Beginning on page 285, strike line 25 and all that follows 
     through page 287, line 14, and insert the following:
       ``(E) Onset of applicability.--An individual described in 
     subparagraph (B) shall be ineligible to participate in the 
     supplemental nutrition assistance program under that 
     subparagraph beginning on the date that is 30 days after the 
     date on which the applicable State agency makes a 
     determination of noncompliance under that subparagraph with 
     respect to the individual.
       ``(F) Ineligibility.--
       ``(i) Notification of failure to meet work requirements.--
     The State agency shall issue a notice of adverse action to an 
     individual by not later than 10 days after the date on which 
     the State agency determines that the individual has failed to 
     meet an applicable requirement under subparagraph (B).
       ``(ii) Initial violation.--The first instance in which an 
     individual receives a notice of adverse action under clause 
     (i), the individual shall remain ineligible to participate in 
     the supplemental nutrition assistance program until the 
     earliest of--

       ``(I) the date that is 1 year after the date on which the 
     individual became ineligible;
       ``(II) the date on which the individual obtains employment 
     sufficient to meet the applicable hourly requirements under 
     subparagraph (B)(i); and
       ``(III) the date on which the individual is no longer 
     subject to subparagraph (B).

       ``(iii) Subsequent violations.--The second, or any 
     subsequent, instance in which an individual receives a notice 
     of adverse action under clause (i), the individual shall 
     remain ineligible to participate in the supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program until the earliest of--

       ``(I) the date that is 3 years after the date on which the 
     individual became ineligible;
       ``(II) the date on which the individual obtains employment 
     sufficient to meet the applicable hourly requirements under 
     subparagraph (B)(i); and
       ``(III) the date on which the individual is no longer 
     subject to subparagraph (B).

       On page 287, line 15, strike ``(F)'' and insert ``(G)''.
       On page 288, line 24, strike ``(E)'' and insert ``(F)''.
       On page 291, line 13, strike ``(G)'' and insert ``(H)''.
       On page 291, strike line 17 and insert the following:
     other provisions of this Act.
       ``(I) Transition period.--During each of fiscal years 2019 
     and 2020, a State agency shall continue to implement and 
     enforce applicable work program and employment and training 
     program requirements in accordance with this subsection, 
     subsections (e) and (o) (other than paragraph (6)(F) of that 
     subsection), and sections 7(i), 11(e)(19), and 16 (other than 
     subparagraphs (A) through (D) of subsection (h)(1) of that 
     section) (as those provisions were in effect on the day 
     before the date of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement 
     Act of 2018).
       ``(J) Additional flexibility.--
       ``(i) In general.--On receipt of an application from a 
     State agency that demonstrates to the satisfaction of the 
     Secretary that the State agency is unable to implement and 
     enforce applicable work program and employment and training 
     program requirements in accordance with the requirements of 
     this Act (as amended by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 
     2018) that would otherwise be applicable to the work programs 
     and employment and training programs of the State, the 
     Secretary may--

       ``(I) for such additional period as the Secretary 
     determines to be appropriate, permit the State agency to 
     continue to implement and enforce those programs as described 
     in subparagraph (I); or
       ``(II) subject to clause (ii), provide to the State agency 
     a waiver of the requirement to enforce the those programs in 
     accordance with the requirements of this Act (as amended by 
     the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018) that would otherwise 
     be applicable to the programs.

       ``(ii) Condition on waiver.--For any fiscal year during 
     which a waiver under clause (i)(II) is in effect with respect 
     to a State agency, the Secretary shall not pay to the State 
     agency the administrative cost payment under section 
     16(a).''; and
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3274. Mr. TILLIS (for himself and Mr. Burr) submitted an amendment 
intended to be proposed by him to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       In section 4104, add at the end the following:
       (e) 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 striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(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 striking clause (i) and inserting the following:
       ``(i) Demonstration projects.--Before authorizing the 
     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) in the matter preceding subclause (I)--

       (I) by striking ``retail food store'' the first place it 
     appears and inserting ``State agency''; and
       (II) by striking ``that includes--'' and inserting ``that--
     ''; and

[[Page S4658]]

       (iii) by striking subclauses (I), (II), (III), and (IV), 
     and inserting the following:

       ``(I) provides recipients protections with respect to 
     privacy, ease of use, household access to benefits, and 
     support similar to the protections provided under existing 
     methods;
       ``(II) ensures that all recipients, including recipients 
     without access to mobile payment technology and recipients 
     who shop across State borders, have a means of benefit 
     access;
       ``(III) requires retail food stores, unless exempt under 
     subsection (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 an evaluation of household access to 
     benefits; and
       ``(VII) meets other criteria as established by the 
     Secretary.'';

       (D) by striking clause (iii) and inserting the following:
       ``(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 second place 
     it appears.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3275. Mr. GARDNER (for himself and Mr. Peters) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle C of title VI, insert the following:

     SEC. 63__. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP ON RURAL ECONOMIC 
                   DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish an 
     interagency working group (referred to in this section as the 
     ``working group'')--
       (1) to study the process and implementation of rural 
     economic development grants and funding at agencies and 
     departments within the Federal Government; and
       (2) to develop a website to provide information about those 
     grants and funding in a central location.
       (b) Members.--The working group shall include--
       (1) the Secretary; and
       (2) the head of each Federal agency or department that 
     provides rural economic development grants or funding.
       (c) Duties.--The working group shall develop a common, 
     single website to be used by each Federal agency or 
     department participating in the working group that will--
       (1) describe each Federal rural economic development 
     program or grant; and
       (2) allow an applicant to apply for those programs or 
     grants on that single website.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3276. Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself and Mr. Gardner) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by her to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       In section 9101, redesignate paragraphs (1) through (3) as 
     paragraphs (2) through (4), respectively.

       In section 9101, insert before paragraph (2) (as so 
     redesignated) the following:
       (1) in paragraph (3)(A), by inserting ``ethanol derived 
     from'' after ``other than'';
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3277. Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself and Mr. Grassley) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by her to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Strike section 9106 and insert the following:

     SEC. 9106. 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 by striking 
     ``2018'' each place it appears and inserting ``2023''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3278. Mrs. SHAHEEN (for herself, Mrs. Capito, Ms. Hassan, and Mr. 
Manchin) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 
3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

       On page 556, line 10, strike ``and'' at the end.

       On page 556, line 14, strike the period at the end and 
     insert ``; and''.

       On page 556, between lines 14 and 15, insert the following:
       ``(iii) that are located in a State with the highest age-
     adjusted drug overdose mortality rates, as determined by the 
     Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 
     with priority under this clause based on an ordinal ranking 
     of States with the highest age-adjusted drug overdose 
     mortality rates.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3279. Mr. CASEY (for himself and Ms. Collins) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by him to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 125__. PROTECTION OF PETS.

       (a) Research Facilities.--Section 7 of the Animal Welfare 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 2137) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 7. SOURCES OF DOGS AND CATS FOR RESEARCH FACILITIES.

       ``(a) Definition of Person.--In this section, the term 
     `person' means any individual, partnership, firm, joint stock 
     company, corporation, association, trust, estate, pound, 
     shelter, or other legal entity.
       ``(b) Use of Dogs and Cats.--No research facility or 
     Federal research facility may use a dog or cat for research 
     or educational purposes if the dog or cat was obtained from a 
     person other than a person described in subsection (d).
       ``(c) Selling, Donating, or Offering Dogs and Cats.--No 
     person, other than a person described in subsection (d), may 
     sell, donate, or offer a dog or cat to any research facility 
     or Federal research facility.
       ``(d) Permissible Sources.--A person from whom a research 
     facility or a Federal research facility may obtain a dog or 
     cat for research or educational purposes under subsection 
     (b), and a person who may sell, donate, or offer a dog or cat 
     to a research facility or a Federal research facility under 
     subsection (c), shall be--
       ``(1) a dealer licensed under section 3 that has bred and 
     raised the dog or cat;
       ``(2) a publicly owned and operated pound or shelter that--
       ``(A) is registered with the Secretary;
       ``(B) is in compliance with section 28(a)(1) and with the 
     requirements for dealers in subsections (b) and (c) of 
     section 28; and
       ``(C) obtained the dog or cat from its legal owner, other 
     than a pound or shelter;
       ``(3) a person that is donating the dog or cat and that--
       ``(A) bred and raised the dog or cat; or
       ``(B) owned the dog or cat for not less than 1 year 
     immediately preceding the donation;
       ``(4) a research facility licensed by the Secretary; and
       ``(5) a Federal research facility licensed by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(e) Penalties.--
       ``(1) In general.--A person that violates this section 
     shall be fined $1,000 for each violation.
       ``(2) Additional penalty.--A penalty under this subsection 
     shall be in addition to any other applicable penalty.
       ``(f) No Required Sale or Donation.--Nothing in this 
     section requires a pound or shelter to sell, donate, or offer 
     a dog or cat to a research facility or Federal research 
     facility.''.
       (b) Federal Research Facilities.--Section 8 of the Animal 
     Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2138) is amended--
       (1) by striking the section designation and all that 
     follows through ``No department'' and inserting the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 8. FEDERAL RESEARCH FACILITIES.

       ``Except as provided in section 7, no department'';
       (2) by striking ``research or experimentation or''; and
       (3) by striking ``such purposes'' and inserting ``that 
     purpose''.
       (c) Certification.--Section 28(b)(1) of the Animal Welfare 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 2158(b)(1)) is amended by striking ``individual 
     or entity''

[[Page S4659]]

     and inserting ``research facility or Federal research 
     facility''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3280. Mr. CRUZ (for himself and Mr. Rubio) submitted an amendment 
intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts 
(for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 256, strike line 21 and all that follows through 
     page 257, line 4, and insert the following:
       ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--In addition to any 
     other amounts provided under this section,
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3281. Mr. ROUNDS (for himself, Mr. King, Mr. Thune, and Mr. Moran) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 
proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 125___. STATE MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING REGARDING 
                   INTERSTATE SHIPMENT OF STATE-INSPECTED POULTRY 
                   AND MEAT ITEMS.

       (a) Meat Items.--Section 501 of the Federal Meat Inspection 
     Act (21 U.S.C. 683) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``that is located in a 
     State that has enacted a mandatory State meat product 
     inspection law that imposes ante mortem and post mortem 
     inspection, reinspection, and sanitation requirements that 
     are at least equal to those under this Act'' before the 
     period at the end; and
       (B) by striking paragraph (5);
       (2) by striking subsections (b) through (e) and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(b) State Memoranda of Understanding Regarding Interstate 
     Shipment of State-inspected Meat Items.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law (including regulations), a State may enter into a 
     memorandum of understanding with another State under which 
     meat items from an eligible establishment in 1 State are sold 
     in interstate commerce in the other State, in accordance with 
     the requirements of paragraph (2).
       ``(2) Requirements.--To be eligible to enter into a 
     memorandum of understanding under paragraph (1), a State, 
     acting through the appropriate State agency, shall receive a 
     certification from the Secretary that--
       ``(A) the ante mortem and post mortem inspection, 
     reinspection, and sanitation requirements of the State are at 
     least equal to those under this Act; and
       ``(B) the State employs designated personnel to inspect 
     meat items to be shipped by eligible establishments in 
     interstate commerce.'';
       (3) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (c);
       (4) by striking subsections (g), (h), and (j); and
       (5) by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (d).
       (b) Poultry Items.--Section 31 of the Poultry Products 
     Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 472) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (5);
       (2) by striking subsections (b) through (g) and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(b) State Memoranda of Understanding Regarding Interstate 
     Shipment of State-inspected Poultry Items.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law (including regulations), a State may enter into a 
     memorandum of understanding with another State under which 
     poultry items from an eligible establishment in 1 State are 
     sold in interstate commerce in the other State, in accordance 
     with the requirements of paragraph (2).
       ``(2) Requirements.--To be eligible to enter into a 
     memorandum of understanding under paragraph (1), a State, 
     acting through the appropriate State agency, shall receive a 
     certification from the Secretary that--
       ``(A) the ante mortem and post mortem inspection, 
     reinspection, and sanitation requirements of the State are at 
     least equal to those under this Act; and
       ``(B) the State employs designated personnel to inspect 
     poultry items to be shipped by eligible establishments in 
     interstate commerce.'';
       (3) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (c); and
       (4) by striking subsection (i).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3282. Mr. PERDUE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 125__. QUAIL.

       Section 4(e) of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 
     U.S.C. 453(e)) is amended by inserting ``including quail,'' 
     before ``whether''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3283. Mr. PERDUE (for himself and Mr. Gardner) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 125___. JURISDICTION OF THE COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING 
                   COMMISSION.

       Section 2(a)(1)(A) of the Commodity Exchange Act (42 Stat. 
     998, chapter 369; 7 U.S.C. 2(a)(1)(A)) is amended by striking 
     ``pursuant to section 5 or a swap execution facility pursuant 
     to section 5h or any other'' and inserting ``pursuant to 
     section 5, a swap execution facility pursuant to section 5h, 
     or a reporting entity that sets or reports reference prices 
     for aluminum premiums, or any other''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3284. Mr. DAINES submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       After section 8401, insert the following:

     SEC. 84__. INJUNCTIONS.

       Section 106(c) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 
     2003 (16 U.S.C. 6516(c)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(4) Limitation.--A court of competent jurisdiction may 
     not enjoin an authorized hazardous fuel reduction project 
     that is located in part or in whole on a wildland-urban 
     interface based solely on a finding by the court that--
       ``(A) a categorical exclusion, in lieu of an environmental 
     assessment, was improperly prepared for the authorized 
     hazardous fuel reduction project;
       ``(B) an environmental assessment, in lieu of an 
     environmental impact statement, was improperly prepared for 
     the authorized hazardous fuel reduction project; or
       ``(C) any other procedural error was made with respect to 
     the environmental analysis required for, or the 
     implementation of, the authorized hazardous fuel reduction 
     project.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3285. Mr. DAINES submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part II of subtitle F of title VIII, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 86___. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Participant.--The term ``participant'' means an 
     individual or entity that files an objection or scoping 
     comments on a draft environmental document with respect to a 
     project that is subject to an objection at the project level 
     under part 218 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or 
     successor regulations).
       (2) Pilot program.--The term ``pilot program'' means the 
     pilot program established under subsection (b).
       (3) Project.--The term ``project'' means a project 
     described in subsection (c).
       (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary, 
     acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.
       (b) Arbitration Pilot Program.--Not later than 180 days 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
     establish within Region 1 of the Forest Service an 
     arbitration pilot program as an alternative dispute 
     resolution process in lieu of judicial review for projects 
     described in subsection (c).
       (c) Description of Projects.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary, at the sole discretion of 
     the Secretary, may designate for arbitration projects that--
       (A)(i) are developed through a collaborative process 
     (within the meaning of section 603(b)(1)(C) of the Healthy 
     Forest Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591b(b)(1)(C)));
       (ii) are carried out 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); or
       (iii) are identified in a community wildfire protection 
     plan (as defined in section 101 of the Healthy Forests 
     Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511));

[[Page S4660]]

       (B) have as a purpose--
       (i) hazardous fuels reduction; or
       (ii) mitigation of insect or disease infestation; and
       (C) are located, in whole or in part, in a wildland-urban 
     interface (as defined in section 101 of the Healthy Forests 
     Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511)).
       (2) Inclusion.--In designating projects for arbitration, 
     the Secretary may include projects that receive categorical 
     exclusions for purposes of the National Environmental Policy 
     Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
       (d) Limitation on Number of Projects.--The Secretary may 
     not designate for arbitration under the pilot program more 
     than 2 projects per calendar year.
       (e) Arbitrators.--
       (1) Appointment.--The Secretary shall develop and publish a 
     list of not fewer than 15 individuals eligible to serve as 
     arbitrators for the pilot program.
       (2) Qualifications.--To be eligible to serve as an 
     arbitrator under this subsection, an individual shall be--
       (A) certified by--
       (i) the American Arbitration Association; or
       (ii) a State arbitration program; or
       (B) a fully retired Federal or State judge.
       (f) Initiation of Arbitration.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 7 days after the date on 
     which the Secretary issues the final decision with respect to 
     a project, the Secretary shall--
       (A) notify each applicable participant and the Clerk of the 
     United States District Court for the district in which the 
     project is located that the project has been designated for 
     arbitration in accordance with this section; and
       (B) include in the decision document a statement that the 
     project has been designated for arbitration.
       (2) Initiation.--
       (A) In general.--A participant may initiate arbitration 
     regarding a project that has been designated for arbitration 
     under this section in accordance with--
       (i) sections 571 through 584 of title 5, United States 
     Code; and
       (ii) this paragraph.
       (B) Requirements.--A request to initiate arbitration under 
     subparagraph (A) shall--
       (i) be filed not later than the date that is 30 days after 
     the date of the notification by the Secretary under paragraph 
     (1); and
       (ii) include an alternative proposal for the applicable 
     project that describes each modification sought by the 
     participant with respect to the project.
       (C) No judicial review.--A project for which arbitration is 
     initiated under subparagraph (A) shall not be subject to 
     judicial review.
       (3) Compelled arbitration.--
       (A) Motion to compel arbitration.--
       (i) In general.--If a participant seeks judicial review of 
     a final decision with respect to a project, the Secretary may 
     file in the applicable court a motion to compel arbitration 
     in accordance with this section.
       (ii) Fees and costs.--For any motion described in clause 
     (i) for which the Secretary is the prevailing party, the 
     applicable court shall award to the Secretary--

       (I) court costs; and
       (II) attorney's fees.

       (B) Arbitration compelled by court.--If a participant seeks 
     judicial review of a project, the applicable court shall 
     compel arbitration in accordance with this section.
       (g) Selection of Arbitrator.--For each arbitration 
     commenced under this section--
       (1) the Secretary shall propose 3 arbitrators from the list 
     published under subsection (e)(1); and
       (2) the applicable participant shall select 1 arbitrator 
     from the list of arbitrators proposed under paragraph (1).
       (h) Responsibilities of Arbitrator.--
       (1) In general.--An arbitrator selected under subsection 
     (e)--
       (A) shall address all claims of each party seeking 
     arbitration with respect to a project under this section; but
       (B) may consolidate into a single arbitration all requests 
     to initiate arbitration by all participants with respect to a 
     project.
       (2) Selection of proposals.--An arbitrator shall make a 
     decision with respect to each applicable request for 
     initiation of arbitration under this section by--
       (A) selecting the project, as approved by the Secretary;
       (B) selecting an alternative proposal submitted by the 
     applicable participant; or
       (C) rejecting both projects described in subparagraphs (A) 
     and (B).
       (3) Limitations.--
       (A) Administrative record.--The evidence before an 
     arbitrator under this subsection shall be limited solely to 
     the administrative record for the project.
       (B) No modifications to proposals.--An arbitrator may not 
     modify any proposal contained in a request for initiation of 
     arbitration of a participant under this section.
       (i) Intervention.--A party may intervene in an arbitration 
     under this section if, with respect to the project to which 
     the arbitration relates, the party--
       (1) meets the requirements of Rule 24(a) of the Federal 
     Rules of Civil Procedure (or a successor rule); or
       (2) participated in the applicable collaborative process 
     referred to in clause (i) or (ii) of subsection (c)(1)(A).
       (j) Scope of Review.--In carrying out arbitration for a 
     project, the arbitrator shall set aside the agency action, 
     findings, and conclusions found to be arbitrary, capricious, 
     an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with 
     law, within the meaning of section 706(2)(A) of title 5, 
     United States Code.
       (k) Deadline for Completion of Arbitration.--Not later than 
     90 days after the date on which a request to initiate 
     arbitration is filed under subsection (f)(2), the arbitrator 
     shall make a decision with respect to the request to initiate 
     arbitration.
       (l) Effect of Arbitration Decision.--A decision of an 
     arbitrator under this section--
       (1) shall not be considered to be a major Federal action;
       (2) shall be binding; and
       (3) shall not be subject to judicial review, except as 
     provided in section 10(a) of title 9, United States Code.
       (m) Administrative Costs.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
       (A) be solely responsible for the professional fees of 
     arbitrators participating in the pilot program; and
       (B) use funds made available to the Secretary and not 
     otherwise obligated to carry out subparagraph (A).
       (2) Attorney's fees.--No arbitrator may award attorney's 
     fees in any arbitration brought under this section.
       (n) Reports.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
     which the pilot program is established, and annually 
     thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
     Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the Committee on 
     Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives, and 
     publish on the website of Region 1 of the Forest Service, a 
     report of not longer than 10 pages describing the 
     implementation of the pilot program for the applicable year, 
     including--
       (A) the reasons for selecting certain projects for 
     arbitration;
       (B) an evaluation of the arbitration process, including any 
     recommendations for improvements to the process;
       (C) a description of the outcome of each arbitration; and
       (D) a summary of the impacts of each outcome described in 
     subparagraph (C) on the timeline for implementation and 
     completion of the applicable project.
       (2) GAO reviews and reports.--
       (A) Initial review.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
     on which the pilot program is established, the Comptroller 
     General of the United States shall review the implementation 
     by the Secretary of the pilot program.
       (B) Review on termination.--On termination of the pilot 
     program under subsection (o), the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall review the implementation by the 
     Secretary of the pilot program.
       (C) Report.--On completion of the review described in 
     subparagraph (A) or (B), the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, 
     Nutrition, and Forestry and the Committee on Energy and 
     Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural 
     Resources of the House of Representatives a report describing 
     the results of the applicable review.
       (o) Termination.--The pilot program shall terminate on the 
     date that is 5 years after the date.
       (p) Effect.--Nothing in this section affects the 
     responsibility of the Secretary to comply with--
       (1) the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
     seq.); or
       (2) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
     U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3286. Mr. PAUL (for himself, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Cruz) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. ___. WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES REPEAL.

       (a) In General.--The final rule issued by the Administrator 
     of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of 
     the Army entitled ``Clean Water Rule: Definition of `Waters 
     of the United States' '' (80 Fed. Reg. 37054 (June 29, 2015)) 
     is void.
       (b) Effect.--Until such time as the Administrator of the 
     Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of the Army 
     issue a final rule after the date of enactment of this Act 
     defining the scope of waters protected under the Federal 
     Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) and that 
     final rule goes into effect, any regulation or policy revised 
     under, or otherwise affected as a result of, the rule voided 
     by this section shall be applied as if the voided rule had 
     not been issued.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3287. Mr. HEINRICH (for himself and Mr. Udall) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by him to 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,

[[Page S4661]]

and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

       Strike section 12518 and insert the following:

     SEC. 12518. STUDY OF MARKETPLACE FRAUD OF TRADITIONAL FOODS 
                   AND TRIBAL SEEDS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a study on--
       (1) the market impact of traditional foods, Tribally 
     produced products, and products that use traditional foods;
       (2) fraudulent foods that mimic traditional foods or Tribal 
     seeds that are available in the commercial marketplace as of 
     the date of enactment of this Act;
       (3) the means by which authentic traditional foods and 
     Tribally produced foods might be protected against the impact 
     of fraudulent foods in the marketplace; and
       (4) the availability and long-term viability of Tribal 
     seeds, including an analysis of the storage, cultivation, 
     harvesting, and commercialization of Tribal seeds.
       (b) Inclusions.--The study conducted under subsection (a) 
     shall include--
       (1) a consideration of the circumstances under which 
     fraudulent foods in the marketplace occur; and
       (2) an analysis of Federal laws, including intellectual 
     property laws and trademark laws, that might offer 
     protections for Tribal seeds and traditional foods and 
     against fraudulent foods.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     completion of the study, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall submit a report describing the results of 
     the study under this section to--
       (1) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (2) the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (3) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 
     of the Senate;
       (4) the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate; and
       (5) the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate.
       (d) Privacy of Information.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of law, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall protect sensitive Tribal information gained 
     through the study conducted under subsection (a), including 
     information about Indian sacred places.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3288. Mr. HEINRICH (for himself and Ms. Collins) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 576, line 24, insert ``and family stability'' 
     before ``, as''.
       On page 576, after line 24, insert the following:
       ``(3) Stronger outcomes for families.--In developing a 
     strategic community investment plan under paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary and rural communities are encouraged to develop 
     plans with an emphasis on stronger outcomes for families and 
     multigenerational poverty reduction.
       On page 577, line 1, strike ``(3)'' and insert ``(4)''.
       On page 577, line 5, strike ``(4)'' and insert ``(5)''.
       On page 577, strike line 9 and insert the following:
     pended.
       ``(6) Definition of multigenerational poverty.--In this 
     subsection, the term `multigenerational poverty' means 
     pervasive poverty transferred from parents to their children 
     through structural and systemic factors.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3289. Mr. MANCHIN (for himself, Mr. Heller, and Mr. Sullivan) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 
proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Beginning on page 598, strike line 24 and all that follows 
     through page 599, line 3, and insert the following:
       (ii) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) set aside not less than 15 percent for areas that 
     are high-cost and geographically challenged, as determined by 
     the Secretary; and
       ``(iv) set aside not less than 1 percent to be
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3290. Mr. LANKFORD (for himself, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. McCain, and Ms. 
Duckworth) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment 
SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

       At the end of subtitle A of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 121__. REPEAL OF DUPLICATIVE PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--
       (1) Agricultural act of 2014.--Effective on the date of 
     enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9001 et 
     seq.), section 12106 of that Act (Public Law 113-79; 128 
     Stat. 980) and the amendments made by that section are 
     repealed.
       (2) Food, conservation, and energy act of 2008.--Effective 
     on the date of enactment of the Food, Conservation, and 
     Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8701 et seq.), section 11016 of 
     that Act (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2130) and the 
     amendments made by that section are repealed.
       (b) Application.--The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 
     U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) and the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 
     U.S.C. 601 et seq.) shall be applied and administered as if--
       (1) section 12106 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public 
     Law 113-79; 128 Stat. 980) and the amendments made by that 
     section had not been enacted; and
       (2) section 11016 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act 
     of 2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 2130) and the 
     amendments made by that section had not been enacted.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3291. Mr. LANKFORD submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 881, strike lines 4 through 13 and insert the 
     following:
       ``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $80,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain 
     available until expended.
       ``(2) Limitation on use of funds.--No funds under this 
     section may be provided--
       ``(A) to entities with net sales of more than $50,000,000; 
     or
       ``(B) to support products with well-established product 
     markets, as determined by the Secretary.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3292. Mr. BARRASSO (for himself and Mr. Daines) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by him to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part II of subtitle F of title VIII, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 862___. EXPEDITED FOREST MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Collaborative process.--The term ``collaborative 
     process'' means a process relating to the management of 
     National Forest System land or public land under which a 
     project or forest management activity is developed and 
     implemented by the Secretary concerned through collaboration 
     with interested persons, as described in section 603(b)(1)(C) 
     of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 
     6591b(b)(1)(C)).
       (2) Community wildfire protection plan.--The term 
     ``community wildfire protection plan'' has the meaning given 
     the term in section 101 of the Healthy Forests Restoration 
     Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511).
       (3) Forest management activity.--The term ``forest 
     management activity'' means a project or activity carried out 
     by the Secretary concerned on National Forest System land or 
     public land consistent with the forest plan covering the 
     National Forest System land or public land.
       (4) Forest plan.--The term ``forest plan'' means--
       (A) a land use plan prepared by the Bureau of Land 
     Management for public land 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) Resource advisory committee.--The term ``resource 
     advisory committee'' has the meaning given the term in 
     section 201 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-
     Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7121).
       (6) Secretary concerned.--The term ``Secretary concerned'' 
     means--
       (A) the Secretary, with respect to National Forest System 
     land; and
       (B) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to public 
     land.
       (b) Analysis of 2 Alternatives in Proposed Collaborative 
     Forest Management Activities.--
       (1) In general.--In preparing an environmental assessment 
     or environmental impact

[[Page S4662]]

     statement under section 102(2) of the National Environmental 
     Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)) for a forest 
     management activity described in paragraph (2), the Secretary 
     concerned shall study, develop, and describe only the 
     following 2 alternatives:
       (A) The forest management activity.
       (B) The alternative of no action.
       (2) Forest management activity described.--A forest 
     management activity referred to in paragraph (1) is a forest 
     management activity--
       (A) that is--
       (i) developed through a collaborative process;
       (ii) proposed by a resource advisory committee;
       (iii) included in a selected proposal 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);
       (iv) conducted on land designated by the Secretary 
     concerned (or a designee of the Secretary concerned) under 
     section 602(b) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 
     (16 U.S.C. 6591a(b)), notwithstanding whether the forest 
     management activity is initiated before September 30, 2018; 
     or
       (v) covered by a community wildfire protection plan; and
       (B) the primary purpose of which is--
       (i)(I) hazardous fuel reduction;
       (II) installation of fuel and fire breaks appropriate for 
     the forest type;
       (III) protection of a municipal water supply system (as 
     defined in section 101 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act 
     of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511));
       (IV) improving wildlife habitat to meet management and 
     conservation goals; or
       (V) treatment of insect and disease outbreaks on land 
     designated under section 602(b) of the Healthy Forests 
     Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591a(b)); or
       (ii) a combination of 2 or more of the purposes described 
     in subclauses (I) through (V) of clause (i).
       (3) Elements of no action alternative.--In studying, 
     developing, and describing the alternative of no action under 
     paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary concerned shall consider 
     whether to evaluate--
       (A) the effect of no action on--
       (i) forest health;
       (ii) habitat diversity;
       (iii) wildfire potential;
       (iv) insect and disease potential; and
       (v) timber production; and
       (B) the implications of a resulting decline in forest 
     health, loss of habitat diversity, wildfire, or insect or 
     disease infestation, given fire and insect and disease 
     historic cycles, on--
       (i) domestic water supply in the project area;
       (ii) wildlife habitat loss; and
       (iii) other economic and social factors.
       (c) Expansion of Categorical Exclusion for Insect and 
     Disease Infestation.--Section 603 of the Healthy Forests 
     Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591b) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by striking ``described in subsection (b)'';
       (2) by striking subsection (b);
       (3) by redesignating subsections (c) through (g) as 
     subsections (b) through (f), respectively; and
       (4) in subsection (b) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``3000'' and inserting 
     ``10,000''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or III, outside the 
     wildland-urban interface.'' and inserting ``III, IV, or V, 
     outside the wildland-urban interface; or''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) designated under section 602(b).''.
       (d) Pilot Alternative Dispute Process.--
       (1) Arbitration.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the Chief of 
     the Forest Service (referred to in this subsection as the 
     ``Secretary''), shall establish within the Forest Service a 
     10-year arbitration pilot program as an alternative dispute 
     resolution process in lieu of judicial review for the 
     projects described in paragraph (2).
       (B) Notification to objectors.--On issuance of an appeal 
     response to an objection filed with respect to a project 
     subject to an objection at the project level under part 218 
     of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the 
     date of enactment of this Act), the Secretary shall notify 
     each applicable individual or entity that submitted the 
     objection (referred to in this subsection as the 
     ``objector'') that any further appeal may be subject to 
     arbitration in accordance with this subsection.
       (C) Maximum number of arbitrations.--Under the pilot 
     program under this subsection, the Secretary may not 
     arbitrate more than 5 objections to projects in a fiscal year 
     in each Region of the Forest Service.
       (2) Description of projects.--The Secretary, in 
     coordination with the head of the applicable Region of the 
     Forest Service, may designate any type of project under this 
     section for arbitration under this subsection.
       (3) Arbitrators.--
       (A) Appointment.--The Secretary shall develop and publish a 
     list of not fewer than 20 individuals eligible to serve as 
     arbitrators for the pilot program under this subsection.
       (B) Qualifications.--In order to be eligible to serve as an 
     arbitrator under this paragraph, an individual shall be 
     currently recognized by the American Arbitration Association.
       (4) Initiation of arbitration.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 7 days after the date of 
     receipt of a notice of intent to file suit challenging a 
     project, the Secretary shall notify each applicable objector 
     and the court of jurisdiction that the project has been 
     designated for arbitration in accordance with this 
     subsection.
       (B) Demand for arbitration.--
       (i) In general.--An objector that sought judicial review of 
     a project that has been designated by the Secretary for 
     arbitration under this subsection may file a demand for 
     arbitration in accordance with--

       (I) sections 571 through 584 of title 5, United States 
     Code; and
       (II) this subparagraph.

       (ii) Requirements.--A demand for arbitration under clause 
     (i) shall--

       (I) be filed not later than the date that is 30 days after 
     the date of the notification by the Secretary under 
     subparagraph (A); and
       (II) include an alternative proposal to the applicable 
     project that describes each modification sought by the 
     objector with respect to the project.

       (5) Selection of arbitrator.--
       (A) In general.--For each arbitration commenced under this 
     subsection, the Secretary and each applicable objector shall 
     agree on a mutually acceptable arbitrator from the list 
     published under paragraph (3)(A).
       (B) Appointment.--If no agreement is reached on a mutually 
     acceptable arbitrator under subparagraph (A) by the date that 
     is 21 days after the date on which demand for arbitration is 
     filed, the Secretary shall appoint an arbitrator from the 
     list published under paragraph (3)(A).
       (6) Responsibilities of arbitrator.--
       (A) In general.--An arbitrator selected under paragraph 
     (5)--
       (i) shall address each demand filed for arbitration with 
     respect to a project under this subsection; but
       (ii) may consolidate into a single arbitration all demands 
     for arbitration by all objectors with respect to a project.
       (B) Selection of proposals.--Subject to subparagraph (C), 
     an arbitrator shall make a decision regarding each applicable 
     demand for arbitration under this subsection by selecting--
       (i) the project, as approved by the Secretary; or
       (ii) an alternative proposal submitted by the applicable 
     objector.
       (C) Selection criteria.--In selecting a proposal under 
     subparagraph (B), an arbitrator shall consider--
       (i) the applicable administrative record;
       (ii) the consistency of a proposal with--

       (I) the applicable forest plan; and
       (II) applicable laws (including regulations); and

       (iii) which proposal best meets the purpose and need 
     described in the applicable environmental review documents 
     for the project.
       (D) No modifications to proposals.--An arbitrator may not 
     modify any proposal contained in a demand for arbitration of 
     an objector under this subsection.
       (7) Deadline for completion of arbitration.--Not later than 
     90 days after the date on which a demand for arbitration is 
     filed under paragraph (4)(B), the arbitration process shall 
     be completed.
       (8) Effect of arbitration decision.--A decision of an 
     arbitrator under this subsection--
       (A) shall not be considered to be a major Federal action;
       (B) shall be binding; and
       (C) shall not be subject to judicial review, except as 
     provided in section 10(a) of title 9, United States Code.
       (9) Report on the pilot program.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year before the date on 
     which the pilot program terminates under paragraph (10), the 
     Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Energy and 
     Natural Resources and Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of 
     the Senate and the Committees on Natural Resources and 
     Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and make 
     publicly available, a report describing the implementation 
     and results of the pilot program under this subsection.
       (B) Recommendations.--The report under subparagraph (A) 
     shall include recommendations of the Secretary relating to--
       (i) whether the pilot program under this subsection should 
     be extended, let expire, or made permanent;
       (ii) the manner in which the pilot program under this 
     subsection should be modified; and
       (iii) if and how the scope of the pilot program under this 
     subsection should be expanded.
       (10) Termination of pilot program.--The authority provided 
     by this subsection terminates effective January 1, 2027.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3293. Mr. BARRASSO submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following:

[[Page S4663]]

  


     SEC. 125___. PROTECTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES FROM INVASIVE 
                   SPECIES.

       (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to ensure the 
     effective management of Federal land, including National 
     Monuments and National Heritage Areas, to protect from 
     invasive species important natural resources, including--
       (1) soil;
       (2) vegetation;
       (3) archeological sites;
       (4) water resources; and
       (5) rare or unique habitats.
       (b) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Control.--The term ``control'', with respect to an 
     invasive species, means the eradication, suppression, or 
     reduction of the population of the invasive species within 
     the area in which the invasive species is present.
       (2) Ecosystem.--The term ``ecosystem'' means the complex of 
     a community of organisms and the environment of the 
     organisms.
       (3) Eligible state.--The term ``eligible State'' means any 
     of--
       (A) a State;
       (B) the District of Columbia;
       (C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
       (D) American Samoa;
       (E) Guam; and
       (F) the United States Virgin Islands.
       (4) Invasive species.--
       (A) In general.--The term ``invasive species'' means an 
     alien species, the introduction of which causes, or is likely 
     to cause, economic or environmental harm or harm to human 
     health.
       (B) Associated definition.--For purposes of subparagraph 
     (A), the term ``alien species'', with respect to a particular 
     ecosystem, means any species (including the seeds, eggs, 
     spores, or other biological material of the species that are 
     capable of propagating the species) that is not native to the 
     affected ecosystem.
       (C) Inclusion.--The terms ``invasive species'' and ``alien 
     species'' include any terrestrial or aquatic species 
     determined by the relevant tribal, regional, State, or local 
     authority to meet the requirements of subparagraph (A) or 
     (B), as applicable.
       (5) Manage; management.--The terms ``manage'' and 
     ``management'', with respect to an invasive species, mean the 
     active implementation of any activity--
       (A) to reduce or stop the spread of the invasive species; 
     and
       (B) to inhibit further infestations of the invasive 
     species, the spread of the invasive species, or harm caused 
     by the invasive species, including investigations regarding 
     methods for early detection and rapid response, prevention, 
     control, or management of the invasive species.
       (6) Prevent.--The term ``prevent'', with respect to an 
     invasive species, means--
       (A) to hinder the introduction of the invasive species onto 
     land or water; or
       (B) to impede the spread of the invasive species within 
     land or water by inspecting, intercepting, or confiscating 
     invasive species threats prior to the establishment of the 
     invasive species onto land or water of an eligible State.
       (7) Secretary concerned.--The term ``Secretary concerned'' 
     means--
       (A) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to Federal 
     land administered by the Secretary of the Interior through--
       (i) the Bureau of Indian Affairs;
       (ii) the Bureau of Land Management;
       (iii) the Bureau of Reclamation;
       (iv) the National Park Service; or
       (v) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service;
       (B) the Secretary, with respect to Federal land 
     administered by the Secretary through the Forest Service; and
       (C) the head or a representative of any other Federal 
     agency the duties of whom require planning relating to, and 
     the treatment of, invasive species on Federal land.
       (8) Species.--The term ``species'' means a group of 
     organisms, all of which--
       (A) have a high degree of physical and genetic similarity;
       (B) generally interbreed only among themselves; and
       (C) show persistent differences from members of allied 
     groups of organisms.
       (c) Federal Efforts to Control and Manage Invasive Species 
     on Federal Land.--
       (1) Control and management.--Each Secretary concerned shall 
     plan and carry out activities on land directly managed by the 
     Secretary concerned to control and manage invasive species--
       (A) to inhibit or reduce the populations of invasive 
     species; and
       (B) to effectuate restoration or reclamation efforts.
       (2) Strategic plan.--
       (A) In general.--Each Secretary concerned shall develop a 
     strategic plan for the implementation of the invasive species 
     program to achieve, to the maximum extent practicable, a 
     substantive annual net reduction of invasive species 
     populations or infested acreage on land managed by the 
     Secretary concerned.
       (B) Coordination.--Each strategic plan under subparagraph 
     (A) shall be developed--
       (i) in coordination with affected--

       (I) eligible States;
       (II) political subdivisions of eligible States; and
       (III) federally recognized Indian tribes; and

       (ii) in accordance with the priorities established by 1 or 
     more Governors of the eligible States in which an ecosystem 
     affected by an invasive species is located.
       (C) Factors for consideration.--In developing a strategic 
     plan under this paragraph, the Secretary concerned shall take 
     into consideration the economic and ecological costs of 
     action or inaction, as applicable.
       (d) Program Funding Allocations.--
       (1) Control and management.--Of the amount appropriated or 
     otherwise made available to each Secretary concerned for a 
     fiscal year for programs that address or include invasive 
     species management, the Secretary concerned shall use not 
     less than 75 percent for on-the-ground control and management 
     of invasive species, including through--
       (A) the purchase of necessary products, equipment, or 
     services to conduct that control and management;
       (B) the use of integrated pest management options, 
     including pesticides authorized for sale, distribution, or 
     use under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.);
       (C) the use of biological control agents that are proven to 
     be effective to reduce invasive species populations;
       (D) the use of revegetation or cultural restoration methods 
     designed to improve the diversity and richness of ecosystems; 
     or
       (E) the use of other effective mechanical or manual control 
     methods.
       (2) Investigations, outreach, and public awareness.--Of the 
     amount appropriated or otherwise made available to each 
     Secretary concerned for a fiscal year for programs that 
     address or include invasive species management, the Secretary 
     concerned may use not more than 15 percent for 
     investigations, development activities, and outreach and 
     public awareness efforts to address invasive species control 
     and management needs.
       (3) Administrative costs.--Of the amount appropriated or 
     otherwise made available to each Secretary concerned for a 
     fiscal year for programs that address or include invasive 
     species management, not more than 10 percent may be used for 
     administrative costs incurred to carry out those programs, 
     including costs relating to oversight and management of the 
     programs, recordkeeping, and implementation of the strategic 
     plan developed under subsection (c)(2).
       (4) Reporting requirements.--Not later than 60 days after 
     the end of the second fiscal year beginning after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, each Secretary concerned shall submit 
     to Congress a report--
       (A) describing the use by the Secretary concerned during 
     the 2 preceding fiscal years of funds for programs that 
     address or include invasive species management; and
       (B) specifying the percentage of funds expended for each of 
     the purposes specified in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3).
       (e) Prudent Use of Funds.--
       (1) Cost-effective methods.--In selecting a method to be 
     used to control or manage an invasive species as part of a 
     specific control or management project, the Secretary 
     concerned shall prioritize the use of the least-costly 
     option, based on sound scientific data and other commonly 
     used, cost-effective benchmarks, in an area to effectively 
     control and manage invasive species.
       (2) Comparative economic assessment.--To achieve compliance 
     with paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall require a 
     comparative economic assessment of invasive species control 
     and management methods to be conducted.
       (3) Categorical exclusions.--
       (A) In general.--An invasive species control or management 
     project or activity described in subparagraph (B) is 
     categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an 
     environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement 
     under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
     U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) during the period for which the 
     Secretary concerned determines that the project or activity 
     is otherwise conducted in accordance with applicable agency 
     procedures, including any land and resource management plan 
     or land use plan applicable to the area.
       (B) Description of projects and activities.--A project or 
     activity referred to in subparagraph (A) is a project or 
     activity that, as determined by the Secretary concerned--
       (i) is, or will be, carried out on land or water that is--

       (I) directly managed by the Secretary concerned; and
       (II) located in a prioritized, high-risk area; and

       (ii) involves the treatment of any land or waterway located 
     within 1,000 feet of--

       (I) any port of entry to the United States, including--

       (aa) a water body or waterway;
       (bb) a railroad line;
       (cc) an airport; and
       (dd) a roadside or highway;

       (II) a water project;
       (III) a utility or telephone infrastructure or right-of-
     way;
       (IV) a campground;
       (V) a National Heritage Area;
       (VI) a National Monument;
       (VII) a park or other recreational site;
       (VIII) a school; or
       (IX) any other similar, valuable infrastructure.

       (4) Relation to other authority.--
       (A) Other invasive species control, prevention, and 
     management authorities.--Nothing in this section precludes 
     the Secretary concerned from pursuing or supporting, pursuant 
     to any other provision of

[[Page S4664]]

     law, any activity regarding the control, prevention, or 
     management of an invasive species, including investigations 
     to improve the control, prevention, or management of the 
     invasive species.
       (B) Public water supply systems.--Nothing in this section 
     authorizes the Secretary concerned to suspend any water 
     delivery or diversion, or otherwise to prevent the operation 
     of a public water supply system, as a measure to control, 
     manage, or prevent the introduction or spread of an invasive 
     species.
       (f) Use of Partnerships.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to the requirements of this 
     subsection, the Secretary concerned may enter into any 
     contract or cooperative agreement with another Federal 
     agency, an eligible State, a political subdivision of an 
     eligible State, or a private individual or entity to assist 
     with the control and management of an invasive species.
       (2) Memorandum of understanding.--
       (A) In general.--As a condition of a contract or 
     cooperative agreement under paragraph (1), the Secretary 
     concerned and the applicable Federal agency, eligible State, 
     political subdivision of an eligible State, or private 
     individual or entity shall enter into a memorandum of 
     understanding that describes--
       (i) the nature of the partnership between the parties to 
     the memorandum of understanding; and
       (ii) the control and management activities to be conducted 
     under the contract or cooperative agreement.
       (B) Contents.--A memorandum of understanding under this 
     paragraph shall contain, at a minimum, the following:
       (i) A prioritized listing of each invasive species to be 
     controlled or managed.
       (ii) An assessment of the total acres or area infested by 
     the invasive species.
       (iii) An estimate of the expected total acres or area 
     infested by the invasive species after control and management 
     of the invasive species is attempted.
       (iv) A description of each specific, integrated pest 
     management option to be used, including a comparative 
     economic assessment to determine the least-costly method.
       (v) Any map, boundary, or Global Positioning System 
     coordinates needed to clearly identify the area in which each 
     control or management activity is proposed to be conducted.
       (vi) A written assurance that each partner will comply with 
     section 15 of the Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974 (7 U.S.C. 
     2814).
       (C) Coordination.--If a partner to a contract or 
     cooperative agreement under paragraph (1) is an eligible 
     State, political subdivision of an eligible State, or private 
     individual or entity, the memorandum of understanding under 
     this paragraph shall include a description of--
       (i) the means by which each applicable control or 
     management effort will be coordinated; and
       (ii) the expected outcomes of managing and controlling the 
     invasive species.
       (D) Public outreach and awareness efforts.--If a contract 
     or cooperative agreement under paragraph (1) involves any 
     outreach or public awareness effort, the memorandum of 
     understanding under this paragraph shall include a list of 
     goals and objectives for each outreach or public awareness 
     effort that have been determined to be efficient to inform 
     national, regional, State, or local audiences regarding 
     invasive species control and management.
       (3) Investigations.--The purpose of any invasive species-
     related investigation carried out under a contract or 
     cooperative agreement under paragraph (1) shall be--
       (A) to develop solutions and specific recommendations for 
     control and management of invasive species; and
       (B) specifically to provide faster implementation of 
     control and management methods.
       (g) Coordination With Affected Local Governments.--Each 
     project and activity carried out under this section shall be 
     coordinated with affected local governments, in accordance 
     with section 202(c)(9) of the Federal Land Policy and 
     Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712(c)(9)).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3294. Mr. BARRASSO (for himself, Mr. Risch, Mrs. Capito, Mr. 
Crapo, Mr. Cotton, Mrs. Fischer, Mr. Inhofe, and Mr. Enzi) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by him to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 125___. MODIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR 
                   AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS.

       (a) Predatory and Other Wild Animals.--Section 1 of the Act 
     of March 2, 1931 (7 U.S.C. 8351), is amended--
       (1) in the second sentence, by striking ``The Secretary'' 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Administration.--The Secretary'';
       (2) in the first sentence, by striking ``The Secretary'' 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Action by FWS.--The Director of the United States 
     Fish and Wildlife Service shall use the most expeditious 
     procedure practicable to process and administer permits for 
     take of--
       ``(1) a depredating eagle under the Act of June 8, 1940 
     (commonly known as the `Bald Eagle Protection Act') (54 Stat. 
     250, chapter 278; 16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.), or sections 22.11 
     through 22.32 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (or 
     successor regulations) (including depredation of livestock, 
     wildlife, and species protected under the Endangered Species 
     Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) or any other Federal 
     management program); or
       ``(2) a migratory bird included on the list under section 
     10.13 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
     regulations) that is posing a conflict.''.
       (b) Use of Authorized Pesticides; Discharges of Pesticides; 
     Report.--
       (1) 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 
     subsection (s) of section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution 
     Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342), the Administrator or a State 
     shall not require a permit under that Act for a discharge 
     from a point source into navigable waters of--
       ``(A) a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use 
     under this Act; or
       ``(B) the residue of the pesticide, resulting from the 
     application of the pesticide.''.
       (2) 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) a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use 
     under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act 
     (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.); or
       ``(B) the residue of the pesticide, resulting from the 
     application of the 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 (7 U.S.C. 136 et 
     seq.) relevant to protecting water quality if--
       ``(i) the discharge would not have occurred without the 
     violation; or
       ``(ii) the quantity 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.''.
       (3) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental 
     Protection Agency (referred to in this section as the 
     ``Administrator''), in consultation with the Secretary, shall 
     submit a report to the Committee on Environment and Public 
     Works and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
     Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation 
     and Infrastructure and the Committee on Agriculture of the 
     House of Representatives that includes--
       (A) the status of intra-agency coordination between the 
     Office of Water and the Office of Pesticide Programs of the 
     Environmental Protection Agency regarding streamlining 
     information collection, standards of review, and data use 
     relating to water quality impacts from the registration and 
     use of pesticides;
       (B) an analysis of the effectiveness of current regulatory 
     actions relating to pesticide registration and use aimed at 
     protecting water quality; and
       (C) any recommendations on how the Federal Insecticide, 
     Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.) can be 
     modified to better protect water quality and human health.
       (c) Farmer Identity Protection.--
       (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       (A) Agency.--The term ``Agency'' means the Environmental 
     Protection Agency.
       (B) Livestock operation.--The term ``livestock operation'' 
     includes any operation involved in the raising or finishing 
     of livestock and poultry.
       (2) Procurement and disclosure of information.--
       (A) Prohibition.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     the Administrator, any officer or employee of the Agency, or 
     any contractor or cooperator of the Agency, shall not 
     disclose the information of any owner, operator, or employee 
     of a livestock operation provided to the Agency by a 
     livestock producer or a State agency in accordance with the 
     Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) 
     or any other law, including--
       (i) names;
       (ii) telephone numbers;
       (iii) email addresses;
       (iv) physical addresses;
       (v) Global Positioning System coordinates;

[[Page S4665]]

       (vi) financial information, including business records and 
     production data; or
       (vii) other identifying information regarding the location 
     of the owner, operator, livestock, or employee.
       (B) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection affects--
       (i) the disclosure of information described in subparagraph 
     (A) if--

       (I) the information has been transformed into a statistical 
     or aggregate form at the county level or higher without any 
     information that identifies the agricultural operation or 
     agricultural producer; or
       (II) the livestock producer consents to the disclosure;

       (ii) the authority of any State agency to collect 
     information on livestock operations; or
       (iii) the authority of the Agency to disclose the 
     information on livestock operations to State or other Federal 
     governmental agencies.
       (C) Condition of permit or other programs.--The approval of 
     any permit, practice, or program administered by the 
     Administrator shall not be conditioned on the consent of the 
     livestock producer under subparagraph (B)(i)(II).
       (d) Privacy of Agricultural Producers.--
       (1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       (A) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means--
       (i) the Administrator; and
       (ii) in the case of an action taken pursuant to a permit 
     program approved under section 402 of the Federal Water 
     Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342), the head of the State 
     agency administering the program.
       (B) Aerial surveillance.--The term ``aerial surveillance'' 
     means any surveillance from the air, including--
       (i) surveillance conducted from manned or unmanned 
     aircraft; or
       (ii) the use of aerial or satellite images, regardless of 
     whether the images are publicly available.
       (C) Agricultural land.--
       (i) In general.--The term ``agricultural land'' means land 
     used primarily for agricultural production.
       (ii) Inclusions.--The term ``agricultural land'' includes--

       (I) cropland;
       (II) grassland;
       (III) prairie land;
       (IV) improved pastureland;
       (V) rangeland;
       (VI) cropped woodland;
       (VII) marshes;
       (VIII) reclaimed land;
       (IX) fish or other aquatic species habitat;
       (X) land used for--

       (aa) agroforestry; or
       (bb) the production of livestock; and

       (XI) land that contains existing infrastructure used for--

       (aa) the production of livestock; or
       (bb) another agricultural operation.
       (2) Limitation on use of aerial surveillance.--
       (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), in exercising 
     any authority under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act 
     (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.), the Administrator may not conduct 
     aerial surveillance of agricultural land.
       (B) Exceptions.--The Administrator may conduct aerial 
     surveillance of agricultural land under the Federal Water 
     Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) if the 
     Administrator--
       (i) has obtained the voluntary written consent of the owner 
     or operator of the land to be surveilled in accordance with 
     paragraph (3); or
       (ii) has obtained a certification of reasonable suspicion 
     in accordance with paragraph (4).
       (3) Voluntary written consent.--
       (A) Consent required.--In order to conduct aerial 
     surveillance under paragraph (2)(B)(i), the Administrator 
     shall obtain from the owner or operator of the land to be 
     surveilled written consent to such surveillance.
       (B) Contents.--The Administrator shall ensure that any 
     written consent required under subparagraph (A)--
       (i) specifies the period during which the consent is 
     effective, which may not exceed 1 year;
       (ii) contains a specific description of the geographical 
     area to be surveilled; and
       (iii) on the request of the owner or operator of the land 
     to be surveilled, contains limitations on the days and times 
     during which the surveillance may be conducted.
       (C) Assurance of voluntary consent.--The Administrator--
       (i) shall ensure that any written consent required under 
     subparagraph (A) is granted voluntarily by the owner or 
     operator of the land to be surveilled; and
       (ii) may not threaten additional, more detailed, or more 
     thorough inspections, or otherwise coerce or entice the owner 
     or operator, in order to obtain written consent.
       (4) Certification of reasonable suspicion.--
       (A) In general.--In order to conduct aerial surveillance 
     under paragraph (2)(B)(ii), the Administrator shall obtain 
     from a United States district court of competent jurisdiction 
     (referred to in this paragraph as a ``Court'') a 
     certification of reasonable suspicion in accordance with this 
     paragraph.
       (B) Certification requirements.--A Court may issue to the 
     Administrator a certification of reasonable suspicion if--
       (i) the Administrator submits to the Court an affidavit 
     setting forth specific and articulable facts that would 
     indicate to a reasonable person that a violation of the 
     Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) 
     exists in the area to be surveilled; and
       (ii) the Court finds that the Administrator has shown 
     reasonable suspicion that an owner or operator of 
     agricultural land in the area to be surveilled has violated 
     the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et 
     seq.).
       (5) Disclosure of information.--
       (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (C), or 
     for the purposes of an investigation or prosecution by the 
     Administrator as described in paragraph (6), the 
     Administrator may not disclose information collected through 
     aerial surveillance conducted under paragraph (2)(B).
       (B) Applicability of foia.--Section 552 of title 5, United 
     States Code, shall not apply to any information collected 
     through aerial surveillance conducted under paragraph (2)(B).
       (C) Right to petition.--The owner or operator of land 
     surveilled under this subsection has the right to petition 
     for copies of the information collected through such 
     surveillance.
       (6) Destruction of information.--The Administrator shall 
     destroy information collected through aerial surveillance 
     conducted under paragraph (2)(B) not later than 30 days after 
     collection, unless the information is pertinent to an active 
     investigation or prosecution by the Administrator.
       (7) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section expands 
     the power of the Administrator to inspect, monitor, or 
     conduct surveillance of agricultural land pursuant to the 
     Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) 
     or any other Federal law.
       (e) Regulations Relating to the Taking of Double-crested 
     Cormorants.--
       (1) Force and effect.--
       (A) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), sections 21.47 
     and 21.48 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (as in 
     effect on January 1, 2016), shall have the force and effect 
     of law.
       (B) Public notice.--The Secretary of the Interior (referred 
     to in this subsection as the ``Secretary''), acting through 
     the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service 
     (referred to in this subsection as the ``Director''), shall 
     notify the public of the authority provided by subparagraph 
     (A) in a manner determined to be appropriate by the 
     Secretary.
       (2) Sunset.--The authority provided by paragraph (1)(A) 
     shall terminate on the effective date of a regulation 
     promulgated by the Director after the date of enactment of 
     this Act to control depredation of double-crested cormorant 
     populations.
       (3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection 
     limits the authority of the Director to promulgate 
     regulations relating to the taking of double-crested 
     cormorants under any other law.
       (f) Applicability of Spill Prevention, Control, and 
     Countermeasure Rule.--Section 1049 of the Water Resources 
     Reform and Development Act of 2014 (33 U.S.C. 1361 note; 128 
     Stat. 1257; 130 Stat. 1902) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``20,000'' and 
     inserting ``42,000'';
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (A) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(A) an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater 
     than 10,000 gallons but less than 42,000 gallons; and'';
       (C) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) with an aggregate aboveground storage capacity of 
     less than or equal to 10,000 gallons; and''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' and 
     inserting a period; and
       (D) by striking paragraph (4);
       (2) in subsection (c)(2)(A)--
       (A) in clause (i), by striking ``1,000'' and inserting 
     ``1,320''; and
       (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``2,500'' and inserting 
     ``3,000''; and
       (3) by striking subsection (d).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3295. Ms. CORTEZ MASTO (for herself, Mr. Udall, Ms. Warren, and 
Mr. Blumenthal) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 275, strike line 21 and insert the following:
       (1) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``subparagraphs (B) 
     and (C)'' and inserting ``subparagraph (B)''; and
       (B) by striking subparagraph (C);
       (2) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the
       On page 277, line 4, strike ``(2)'' and insert ``(3)''.
       On page 277, line 6, strike ``(3)'' and insert ``(4)''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3296. Mr. CARDIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to the bill H.R. 2, to provide for

[[Page S4666]]

the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the 
Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2023, and for other 
purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle F of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 126__. COMPLIANCE WITH SMALL BUSINESS ACT.

       Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary shall--
       (1) ensure that the Office of Small and Disadvantaged 
     Business Utilization of the Department of Agriculture 
     achieves compliance with paragraphs (2), (15), and (17) of 
     section 15(k) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(k)); 
     or
       (2) submit to Congress a report that describes--
       (A) each instance in which the Office of Small and 
     Disadvantaged Business Utilization failed to achieve that 
     compliance, if applicable;
       (B) the reasons for the failure; and
       (C) recommendations for amendments to applicable laws 
     (including regulations) to provide to the Office of Small and 
     Disadvantaged Business Utilization appropriate flexibility or 
     exceptions, if any.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3297. Mr. MENENDEZ submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 125___. HORSE SLAUGHTER PREVENTION.

       (a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
       (1) to prohibit the slaughter of horses for human 
     consumption;
       (2) to prohibit the sale, possession, and trade of 
     horseflesh for human consumption; and
       (3) to prohibit the sale, possession, and trade of live 
     horses for slaughter for human consumption.
       (b) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Euthanasia.--The term ``euthanasia'' means to kill an 
     animal humanely by means that immediately render the animal 
     unconscious, with this state remaining until the swift death 
     of the animal.
       (2) Export.--The term ``export'' means to take from any 
     place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to a 
     place not subject to that jurisdiction, whether or not the 
     taking constitutes an exportation within the meaning of the 
     customs laws of the United States.
       (3) Horse.--The term ``horse'' means all members of the 
     equid family, including horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, 
     asses, and burros.
       (4) Horseflesh.--The term ``horseflesh'' means the flesh of 
     a dead horse, including the viscera, skin, hair, hide, 
     hooves, and bones of the horse.
       (5) Human consumption.--The term ``human consumption'' 
     means ingestion by people as a source of food.
       (6) Import.--The term ``import'' means to bring into any 
     place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States from a 
     place not subject to that jurisdiction, whether or not the 
     bringing constitutes an importation within the meaning of the 
     customs laws of the United States.
       (7) Person.--The term ``person'' means--
       (A) an individual, corporation, partnership, trust, 
     association, or other private entity;
       (B) an officer, employee, agent, department, or 
     instrumentality of--
       (i) the Federal Government; or
       (ii) any State, municipality, or political subdivision of a 
     State; or
       (C) any other entity subject to the jurisdiction of the 
     United States.
       (8) Slaughter.--The term ``slaughter'' means the commercial 
     slaughter of 1 or more horses with an intent to sell, barter, 
     or trade horseflesh for human consumption.
       (9) State.--The term ``State'' means--
       (A) each of the several States of the United States;
       (B) the District of Columbia;
       (C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
       (D) Guam;
       (E) American Samoa;
       (F) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands;
       (G) the Federated States of Micronesia;
       (H) the Republic of the Marshall Islands;
       (I) the Republic of Palau;
       (J) the United States Virgin Islands; and
       (K) any other territory or possession of the United States.
       (10) Transport.--The term ``transport'' means--
       (A) to move by any means; or
       (B) to receive or load onto a vehicle for the purpose of 
     movement.
       (11) United states.--The term ``United States'' means the 
     customs territory of the United States, as defined in general 
     note 2 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United 
     States.
       (c) Prohibited Acts.--A person shall not--
       (1) slaughter a horse for human consumption;
       (2) import into, or export from, the United States--
       (A) horseflesh for human consumption; or
       (B) live horses intended for slaughter for human 
     consumption;
       (3) sell or barter, offer to sell or barter, purchase, 
     possess, transport, deliver, or receive--
       (A) horseflesh for human consumption; or
       (B) live horses intended for slaughter for human 
     consumption; or
       (4) solicit, request, or otherwise knowingly cause any act 
     prohibited under paragraph (1), (2), or (3).
       (d) Penalties.--
       (1) Criminal penalties.--A person that violates subsection 
     (c) shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, 
     imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both.
       (2) Civil penalties.--
       (A) In general.--In addition to any other civil or criminal 
     penalty that may be imposed under title 18, United States 
     Code, or any other provision of law, if a person violates 
     subsection (c), the Secretary shall--
       (i) assess a civil penalty against the person of not less 
     than $2,500 but not more than $5,000; and
       (ii) confiscate all horses in the physical or legal 
     possession of the person at the time of arrest, if the horses 
     are intended for slaughter.
       (B) Remission or mitigation of penalties.--For good cause 
     shown, the Secretary may remit or mitigate any civil penalty 
     under this section.
       (C) Debarment.--The Secretary shall prohibit a person from 
     importing, exporting, transporting, trading, or selling 
     horses in the United States, if the Secretary finds that the 
     person has engaged in a pattern or practice of actions that 
     have resulted in a final judicial or administrative 
     determination with respect to the assessment of criminal or 
     civil penalties for violations of this section.
       (3) Notice; hearing.--No monetary penalty may be assessed 
     against a person for a violation under this subsection unless 
     the person is given notice and opportunity for a hearing with 
     respect to the violation in accordance with section 554 of 
     title 5, United States Code.
       (4) Separate offenses.--
       (A) Live horse.--Each live horse transported, traded, 
     slaughtered, or possessed in violation of this section shall 
     constitute a separate offense.
       (B) Horseflesh.--Each 400 hundred pounds or less of 
     horseflesh transported, traded, slaughtered, or possessed in 
     violation of this section shall constitute a separate 
     offense.
       (e) Enforcement.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall enforce this section 
     directly or by agreement with any other Federal, State, or 
     local agency.
       (2) Administration.--Any person authorized by the Secretary 
     to enforce this section--
       (A) may execute any warrant or process issued by any 
     officer or court of competent jurisdiction to enforce this 
     section; and
       (B) if so authorized, may, in addition to any other 
     authority conferred by law--
       (i) with or without warrant or other process, arrest any 
     person committing (in the presence or view of the authorized 
     person) a violation of this section (including a regulation 
     promulgated under this section);
       (ii) seize the cargo of any truck or other conveyance used 
     or employed to violate this section (including a regulation 
     promulgated under this section) or that reasonably appears to 
     have been so used or employed; and
       (iii) seize, whenever and wherever found, all horses and 
     horseflesh possessed in violation of this section (including 
     a regulation promulgated under this section) and dispose of 
     the horses and horseflesh, in accordance with this subsection 
     (including regulations promulgated under this section).
       (3) Placement of confiscated horses.--
       (A) Temporary placement.--After confiscation of a live 
     horse under this section, an arresting authority shall work 
     with animal welfare societies and animal control 
     departments--
       (i) to ensure the temporary placement of the horse with an 
     animal rescue facility that is an organization described in 
     section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is 
     exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of that Code, while 
     the person charged with violating this section is prosecuted; 
     or
       (ii) if placement at such a facility is not practicable, to 
     temporarily place the horse with--

       (I) a facility that has as its primary purpose the humane 
     treatment of animals; or
       (II) another suitable location, as determined by the 
     Secretary or arresting authority.

       (B) Bonds.--
       (i) In general.--The owner of a horse confiscated under 
     this section may prevent permanent placement of the horse by 
     the facility that has temporary custody of the horse by 
     posting a bond with a court of competent jurisdiction in an 
     amount the court determines is sufficient to provide for the 
     necessary care and keeping of the horse for at least 60 days, 
     including the day on which the horse was taken into custody.
       (ii) Timing.--The bond shall be filed with the court not 
     later than 10 days after the horse is confiscated.
       (iii) Lack of bond.--If a bond is not posted in accordance 
     with this subparagraph, the custodial facility shall 
     determine permanent placement of the horse in accordance with 
     reasonable practices for the humane treatment of animals.
       (iv) Treatment following bond period.--

       (I) New bond.--If the animal has not yet been returned to 
     the owner at the end of the

[[Page S4667]]

     time for which expenses are covered by the bond and if the 
     owner desires to prevent permanent placement of the animal by 
     the custodial facility, the owner shall post a new bond with 
     the court within 10 days after expiration of the prior bond.
       (II) Permanent placement.--If a new bond is not posted in 
     accordance with subclause (I), the custodial facility shall 
     determine permanent placement of the horse in accordance with 
     reasonable practices for the humane treatment of animals.

       (v) Costs for providing care for horse deducted from 
     bond.--If a bond is posted in accordance with this 
     subparagraph, the custodial facility may draw from the bond 
     the actual reasonable costs incurred by the facility in 
     providing the necessary care and keeping of the confiscated 
     horse from the date of the initial confiscation of the horse 
     to the date of final disposition of the horse in the criminal 
     action charging a violation of this section.
       (C) Permanent placement.--Except as provided in paragraph 
     (4), any horse confiscated pursuant to this section and not 
     returned to the owner after confiscation shall be placed 
     permanently with an animal rescue facility or other suitable 
     facility as described in this section on--
       (i) the conviction under this section of the owner of the 
     horse;
       (ii) the surrender of the horse by the owner;
       (iii) the failure of the owner of the horse to post a bond 
     as required under subparagraph (B); or
       (iv) the inability of the Secretary to identify the owner.
       (4) Euthanasia of horses.--
       (A) Emergency circumstances.--The Secretary or any law 
     enforcement authority charged with enforcing this section may 
     order or perform the immediate euthanasia of any horse in the 
     field if the horse is injured beyond recovery and suffering 
     irreversibly.
       (B) Horses beyond recovery and unplaceable.--The Secretary 
     or any law enforcement authority charged with enforcing this 
     section may order a licensed veterinarian to euthanize any 
     confiscated horse if--
       (i) the confiscated horse is injured, disabled, or diseased 
     beyond recovery; or
       (ii) placement at an animal rescue facility or other 
     suitable facility, as described in this subsection, is not 
     practicable within 90 days of any circumstance described in 
     paragraph (3)(C).
       (C) Method.--In euthanizing a horse under subparagraph (B), 
     the Secretary, law enforcement authority charged with 
     enforcing this section, or a licensed veterinarian conducting 
     the euthanasia shall use a method of euthanasia rated 
     ``Acceptable'' for horses in the most recent Report of the 
     American Veterinary Medical Association's Panel on 
     Euthanasia.
       (5) Funding of animal rescue facilities.--
       (A) Grants.--Subject to the availability of appropriated 
     funds, the Secretary shall make grants to animal rescue 
     facilities described in paragraph (3)(A)(i) that have given 
     adequate assurances to the Secretary that the facilities are 
     willing to accept horses under this section.
       (B) Penalties, fines, and forfeited property.--Amounts 
     received as penalties or fines under this section, and 
     property forfeited under this section, shall be used for the 
     care of any live horses seized from violators of this section 
     and taken into the possession by the United States or placed 
     with an animal rescue facility or other suitable location.
       (f) Reports.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and on an annual basis thereafter, the 
     Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on--
       (1) actions taken by the Secretary and other Federal 
     agencies to carry out this section; and
       (2) the adequacy of resources to carry out this section.
       (g) Exemptions.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to subsection (c) and paragraph 
     (2), nothing in this section affects the regulation of horses 
     by a State.
       (2) Law enforcement authorities.--
       (A) In general.--A State or local law enforcement or 
     arresting authority may take such actions as are necessary 
     under subsection (e) to enforce this section.
       (B) Enforcement.--A person described in subsection 
     (b)(7)(B) may engage in activities described in paragraphs 
     (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (c) solely for the purposes 
     of enforcing this section.
       (h) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate such 
     regulations as are necessary to carry out this section.
       (i) Effective Date.--This section takes effect on the date 
     that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3298. Mr. MENENDEZ submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. __. PROHIBITION.

       (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``John 
     Stringer Rainey Memorial Safeguard American Food Exports 
     Act'' or the ``SAFE Act''.
       (b) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) unlike cows, pigs, and other domesticated species, 
     horses and other members of the equidae family are not raised 
     for the purpose of human consumption;
       (2) equines raised in the United States are frequently 
     treated with substances that are not approved for use in 
     horses intended for human consumption and equine parts are 
     therefore unsafe within the meaning of section 409 of the 
     Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act;
       (3) equines raised in the United States are frequently 
     treated with drugs, including phenylbutazone, acepromazine, 
     boldenone undecylenate, omeprazole, ketoprofen, xylazine, 
     hyaluronic acid, nitrofurazone, polysulfated 
     glycosaminoglycan, clenbuterol, tolazoline, and ponazuril, 
     which are not approved for use in horses intended for human 
     consumption and equine parts are therefore unsafe within the 
     meaning of section 512 of the Federal Food, Drug, and 
     Cosmetic Act; and
       (4) consuming parts of an equine raised in the United 
     States likely poses a serious threat to human health and the 
     public should be protected from these unsafe products.
       (c) Prohibitions.--Section 301 of the Federal Food, Drug, 
     and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 331) is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:
       ``(eee) Notwithstanding any other provision of this 
     section--
       ``(1) equine parts shall be deemed unsafe under section 409 
     of this Act;
       ``(2) equine parts shall be deemed unsafe under section 512 
     of this Act; and
       ``(3) the knowing sale or transport of equines or equine 
     parts in interstate or foreign commerce for purposes of human 
     consumption is hereby prohibited.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3299. Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself and Mr. Graham) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by him to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 125__. SLAUGHTER OF HORSES.

       Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary 
     shall not--
       (1) carry out any inspection of horses under section 3 of 
     the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 603);
       (2) carry out any inspection of horses under section 903 of 
     the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 
     U.S.C. 1901 note; Public Law 104-127); or
       (3) implement or enforce section 352.19 of title 9, Code of 
     Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3300. Mr. MENENDEZ submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       After section 7405, insert the following:

     SEC. 7406. INTER-REGIONAL RESEARCH PROJECT NUMBER 4.

       Subsection (e) of the Competitive, Special, and Facilities 
     Research Grant Act (7 U.S.C. 3157(e)) is amended by striking 
     paragraph (7) and inserting the following:
       ``(7) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $50,000,000 
     for each fiscal year.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3301. Ms. MURKOWSKI (for herself, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Sullivan) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by her to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part II of subtitle F of title VIII, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 86___. APPLICATION OF THE ROADLESS AREA CONSERVATION 
                   RULE IN THE STATES OF ALASKA AND UTAH.

       The Roadless Area Conservation Rule established under part 
     294 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
     regulations), shall not apply to National Forest System land 
     in the State of Alaska or the State of Utah.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3302. Ms. MURKOWSKI submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by her to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part II of subtitle F of title VIII, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 86___. APPLICATION OF THE ROADLESS AREA CONSERVATION 
                   RULE IN THE TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST.

       The Roadless Area Conservation Rule established under part 
     294 of title 36, Code of

[[Page S4668]]

     Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), shall not 
     apply to National Forest System land in the Tongass National 
     Forest in the State of Alaska.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3303. Mr. SULLIVAN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 1203, strike lines 20 through 22 and insert the 
     following:
       (1) fully enforce the Buy American provisions applicable to 
     domestic food assistance programs administered by the Food 
     and Nutrition Service, including, for use in those domestic 
     food assistance programs, the purchase of a fish or fish 
     product that substantially contains--
       (A) fish (including tuna) harvested within--
       (i) a State;
       (ii) the District of Columbia; or
       (iii) the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States, as 
     described in Presidential Proclamation 5030 (48 Fed. Reg. 
     10605; March 10, 1983); or
       (B) tuna harvested by a United States flagged vessel; and
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3304. Mr. GARDNER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle F of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 12628. ALTERNATIVE NATIONAL PER RESIDENT PAYMENT FOR 
                   RESIDENTS TRAINING IN RURAL TRAINING LOCATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 1886 of the Social Security Act 
     (42 U.S.C. 1395ww) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new subsection:
       ``(u) Alternative National Per Resident Payment Amount for 
     Residents Training in Rural Training Locations.--
       ``(1) In general.--
       ``(A) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     national per resident payment (NPRP) amount for time spent by 
     residents training in rural training locations in accordance 
     with paragraph (2).
       ``(B) Election.--For cost reporting periods beginning on or 
     after the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of 
     this subsection, an applicable hospital (as defined in 
     paragraph (6)(A)), may elect to receive the payment amount 
     under this subsection for each full-time-equivalent resident 
     in an approved medical residency training program that 
     receives training in a rural training location in accordance 
     with paragraph (2). An applicable hospital may make an 
     election under the preceding sentence regardless of whether 
     the applicable hospital is otherwise eligible for a payment 
     or adjustment for indirect and direct graduate medical 
     education costs under subsections (d)(5)(B) and (h) or 
     section 1814(l), as applicable, with respect to such 
     residents. If the applicable hospital is otherwise eligible 
     for such a payment or adjustment, the national per resident 
     payment amount under this subsection shall be in lieu of such 
     payment or adjustment.
       ``(C) Application.--The provisions of this subsection, or 
     the application of such provisions to an applicable hospital, 
     shall not result in or otherwise effect the following:
       ``(i) The establishment of a limitation on the number of 
     residents in allopathic or osteopathic medicine for purposes 
     of subsections (d)(5)(B) and (h) with respect to an approved 
     medical residency training program of an applicable hospital 
     (or be taken into account in determining such a limitation 
     during the cap building period of an applicable hospital).
       ``(ii) The determination of--

       ``(I) the additional payment amount under subsection 
     (d)(5)(B); or
       ``(II) hospital-specific approved FTE resident amounts 
     under subsection (h).

       ``(iii) The counting of any resident with respect to which 
     the applicable hospital receives a national per resident 
     payment under this subsection towards the application of the 
     limitation described in clause (i) for purposes of 
     subsections (d)(5)(B) and (h).
       ``(2) Payment amount.--
       ``(A) Base amount.--The national per resident payment 
     amount, with respect to full-time equivalent residents 
     training in rural training locations, for cost reporting 
     periods beginning during the first year beginning on or after 
     the date of enactment of this subsection shall be, based on 
     the most recently available data with respect to cost 
     reporting periods beginning during a preceding year (referred 
     to in this subparagraph as the `base cost reporting period'), 
     equal to the sum of the following:
       ``(i) Direct gme.--The amount that, out of all of the 
     payment amounts (determined on a per resident basis) received 
     by hospitals under subsection (h) for such base cost 
     reporting period, is equal to the national 85th percentile of 
     such payment amounts.
       ``(ii) Indirect gme.--The amount that, out of all of the 
     additional payment amounts (determined on a per resident 
     basis) received by hospitals under subsection (d)(5)(B) for 
     such base cost reporting period, is equal to the national 
     85th percentile of such payment amounts.
       ``(B) Updating for subsequent cost reporting periods.--For 
     each subsequent cost reporting period, the national per 
     resident payment amount is equal to such amount determined 
     under this paragraph for the previous cost reporting period 
     updated, through the midpoint of the period, by projecting 
     the estimated percentage change in the consumer price index 
     during the 12-month period ending at that midpoint, with 
     appropriate adjustments to reflect previous under- or over-
     estimations under this subparagraph in the projected 
     percentage change in the consumer price index.
       ``(C) Clarification.--The national per resident payment 
     amount shall not be discounted or otherwise adjusted based on 
     the Medicare patient load (as defined in subsection 
     (h)(3)(C)) of an applicable hospital or discharges in a 
     diagnosis-related group.
       ``(3) Allocation of payments.--In providing for payments 
     under this subsection, the Secretary shall provide for an 
     allocation of such payments between parts A and part B (and 
     the trust funds established under the respective parts) as 
     reasonably reflects the proportion of such costs associated 
     with the provision of services under each respective part.
       ``(4) Eligibility for payment.--
       ``(A) In general.--An applicable hospital shall be eligible 
     for payment of the national per resident payment amount under 
     this subsection for time spent by a resident training in a 
     rural training location if the following requirements are 
     met:
       ``(i) The resident spends the equivalent of at least 8 
     weeks over the course of their training in a rural training 
     location.
       ``(ii) The hospital pays the salary and benefits of the 
     resident for the time spent training in a rural training 
     location.
       ``(B) Treatment of time spent in rural tracks.--An 
     applicable hospital shall be eligible for payment of the 
     national per resident payment amount under this subsection 
     for all time spent by residents in an approved medical 
     residency program (or separately defined track within a 
     program) that provides 50 percent or more of the total 
     residency training time in rural training locations (as 
     defined in paragraph (6)(C)), regardless of where the 
     training occurs and regardless of specialty.
       ``(5) Determination of full-time-equivalent residents.--The 
     determination of full-time-equivalent residents for purposes 
     of this subsection shall be made in the same manner as the 
     determination of full-time-equivalent residents under 
     subsection (h)(4).
       ``(6) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Applicable hospital.--The term `applicable hospital' 
     means a hospital or critical access hospital.
       ``(B) Approved medical residency training program; direct 
     graduate medical education costs; resident.--The terms 
     `approved medical residency training program', `direct 
     graduate medical education costs', and `resident' have the 
     meanings given those terms in subsection (h)(5).
       ``(C) Rural training location.--The term `rural training 
     location' means a location in which training occurs that, 
     based on the 2010 census or any subsequent census adjustment, 
     meets one or more of the following criteria:
       ``(i) The training occurs in a location that is a rural 
     area (as defined in section 1886(d)(2)(D)).
       ``(ii) The training occurs in a location that has a rural-
     urban commuting area code equal to or greater than 4.0.
       ``(iii) The training occurs in a location that is within 10 
     miles of a sole community hospital (as defined in subsection 
     (d)(5)(D)(iii))).
       ``(7) Budget neutrality requirement.--The Secretary shall 
     ensure that aggregate payments for direct medical education 
     costs and indirect medical education costs under this title, 
     including any payments under this subsection, for each year 
     (effective beginning on or after the date that is 1 year 
     after the date of enactment of this subsection) are not 
     greater than the aggregate payments for such costs that would 
     have been made under this title for the year without the 
     application of this subsection. For purposes of carrying out 
     the budget neutrality requirement under the preceding 
     sentence, the Secretary may make appropriate adjustments to 
     the amount of such payments for direct graduate medical 
     education costs and indirect medical education costs under 
     subsections (h) and (d)(5)(B), respectively.''.
       (b) Treatment of Critical Access Hospitals and Sole 
     Community Hospitals.--
       (1) Critical access hospitals.--Section 1814(l) of the 
     Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(l)) is amended by adding 
     at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(6) For cost reporting periods beginning on or after the 
     date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     paragraph, the following shall apply:
       ``(A) A critical access hospital may elect to be treated as 
     a hospital or as a non-provider setting for purposes of 
     counting resident time for indirect medical education costs 
     and direct graduate medical education costs for the time 
     spent by the resident in that

[[Page S4669]]

     setting under subsections (d)(5)(B) and (h), respectively, of 
     section 1886.
       ``(B) Medical education costs shall not be considered 
     reasonable costs of a critical access hospital for purposes 
     of payment under paragraph (1), to the extent that the 
     critical access hospital or another hospital receives payment 
     for such costs for the time spent by the resident in that 
     setting pursuant to subsection (d)(5)(B), subsection (h), or 
     subsection (u) of section 1886.''.
       (2) Sole community hospitals.--Section 1886(d)(5)(D) of the 
     Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(5)(D)) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new clause:
       ``(vi) For cost reporting periods beginning on or after the 
     date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     paragraph, the hospital-specific payment amount determined 
     under clause (i)(I) with respect to a sole community hospital 
     shall not include medical education costs, to the extent that 
     the sole community hospital receives payment for such costs 
     for the time spent by the resident in that setting pursuant 
     to subsection (u).''.
       (c) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 1886 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
     1395ww) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (d)(5)(B), in the matter preceding clause 
     (i), by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting ``Subject to 
     subsection (u), the Secretary''; and
       (B) in subsection (h)--
       (i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``subject to subsection 
     (u)'' after ``1861(v),''; and
       (ii) in paragraph (3), in the flush matter at the end, by 
     striking ``subsection (k)'' and inserting ``subsection (k) or 
     subsection (u)''.

     SEC. 12629. SUPPORTING NEW, EXPANDING, AND EXISTING RURAL 
                   TRAINING TRACK RESIDENCIES.

       (a) Direct Graduate Medical Education.--Section 1886(h) of 
     the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(h)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (4)--
       (A) in subparagraph (F)(i)--
       (i) by striking ``130 percent'' and inserting ``for cost 
     reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1997, and 
     before the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of 
     the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, 130 percent''; and
       (ii) by adding at the end the following: ``For cost 
     reporting periods beginning on or after the date that is 1 
     year after the date of enactment of the Agriculture 
     Improvement Act of 2018, such rules shall provide that any 
     full-time-equivalent resident in an approved medical 
     residency program (or separately defined track within a 
     program) that provides 50 percent or more of the total 
     residency training time in rural training locations (as 
     defined in subsection (u)(6)(C)), regardless of where the 
     training occurs and regardless of specialty, shall not be 
     taken into account for purposes of applying the limitation 
     under this subparagraph.''. ; and
       (B) in subparagraph (H)--
       (i) in clause (i), in the second sentence, by inserting the 
     following before the period: ``, in accordance with the 
     second sentence of clause (i) of such subparagraph'';
       (ii) in clause (iv), by inserting the following before the 
     period: ``, in accordance with the second sentence of clause 
     (i) of such subparagraph''; and
       (2) in paragraph (5), by adding at the end the following 
     new subparagraph:
       ``(L) Special rules regarding application of national per 
     resident payment amount.--For special rules regarding 
     application of the national per resident payment amount under 
     subsection (u), see paragraph (1)(C) of such subsection.''.
       (b) Indirect Medical Education.--Section 1886(d)(5)(B)(v) 
     is amended--
       (1) by striking ``130 percent'' and inserting ``for cost 
     reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1997, and 
     before the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of 
     the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, 130 percent'';
       (2) by adding at the end the following: ``For cost 
     reporting periods beginning on or after the date that is 1 
     year after the date of enactment of the Agriculture 
     Improvement Act of 2018, such rules shall provide that any 
     full-time-equivalent resident in an approved medical 
     residency program (or separately defined track within a 
     program) that provides 50 percent or more of the total 
     residency training time in rural training locations (as 
     defined in subsection (u)(6)(C)), regardless of where the 
     training occurs and regardless of specialty, shall not be 
     taken into account for purposes of applying the limitation 
     under this subparagraph. For special rules regarding 
     application of the national per resident payment amount under 
     subsection (u), see paragraph (1)(C) of such subsection.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3305. Mr. HELLER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Beginning on page 360, strike line 23 and all that follows 
     through page 363, line 9, and insert the following:
       (c) 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 subsection heading and inserting 
     ``State Performance Indicators.--'';
       (2) in paragraph (1)(B)(ii), by striking ``paragraph (3)'' 
     and inserting ``paragraph (4)'';
       (3) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``and 
     thereafter'' and inserting ``through 2017'';
       (B) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause 
     (i), by striking ``fiscal year 2005 and each fiscal year 
     thereafter'' and inserting ``each of fiscal years 2005 
     through 2017''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
     ``fiscal year 2005 and each fiscal year thereafter'' and 
     inserting ``each of fiscal years 2005 through 2017''; and
       (ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``paragraph (3)'' and 
     inserting ``paragraph (4)'';
       (4) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (5) as 
     paragraphs (4) through (6), respectively; and
       (5) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Fiscal year 2018 and 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.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3306. Mr. HELLER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 324, strike lines 24 and 25 and insert the 
     following:
       (2) in subsection (h)--
       (A) in paragraph (12)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``due to inactivity.'' 
     and inserting the following: ``due to--
       ``(i) inactivity; or
       ``(ii) the death of all members of the household.'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``6'' and inserting 
     ``3''; and
       (iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``household after a 
     period of 12 months.'' and inserting the following: 
     ``household--
       ``(i) after a period of 6 months; or
       ``(ii) on verification that all members of the household 
     are deceased.''; and
       (B) by striking paragraph (13) and inserting the following:
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3307. Mr. MERKLEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle B of title I, add the following:

     SEC. 12__. REPORT ON LOANS FOR ORGANIC LOAN COMMODITIES.

       Subtitle B of title I of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 
     U.S.C. 9031 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 1211. REPORT ON LOANS FOR ORGANIC LOAN COMMODITIES.

       ``Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of 
     this section, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator 
     of the Farm Service Agency, shall submit to Congress a report 
     that includes--
       ``(1) an assessment of the demand of producers for market 
     assistance loans for loan commodities that are certified 
     organic during the 2014 through 2018 crop years, organized by 
     State and type of loan commodity;
       ``(2) an evaluation of the ability to adjust nonrecourse 
     loan rates under section 1210 for loan commodities that are 
     certified organic;
       ``(3) an analysis of the expected impact of the adjustment 
     described in paragraph (2) on loan rates for loan commodities 
     that are not certified organic;
       ``(4) an analysis on whether premiums associated with loan 
     commodities that are certified organic are sufficiently 
     significant to affect loan rates for loan commodities that 
     are not certified organic;
       ``(5) an evaluation of the risks and benefits of developing 
     a program to provide nonrecourse marketing assistance loans 
     for loan commodities that are certified organic that includes 
     a premium paid at the time that the loan is made;
       ``(6) an evaluation of the logistics of--
       ``(A) verifying the certification of loan commodities that 
     are certified organic;
       ``(B) storing those commodities; and
       ``(C) handling commodities that are forfeited to maintain 
     segregation of those commodities; and
       ``(7) any other relevant information, as determined by the 
     Secretary.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3308. Ms. WARREN (for herself and Mr. Udall) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to

[[Page S4670]]

amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 12519. STUDY ON THE AVAILABILITY OF AGRICULTURAL CREDIT 
                   IN INDIAN COUNTRY.

       Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States 
     shall--
       (1) conduct an in-depth analysis into the nature of 
     agricultural credit access in Indian country (as defined in 
     section 1151 of title 18, United States Code) and surrounding 
     areas, and to Tribal communities, specifically examining--
       (A) compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 
     (12 U.S.C. 2901 et seq.) by banks lending within Indian 
     country (as defined in section 1151 of title 18, United 
     States Code) and surrounding areas, and to Tribal 
     communities, for agricultural enterprises;
       (B) real estate mortgage lending on Indian trust land;
       (C) agricultural credit provided by commercial banks and 
     lending institutions;
       (D) compliance with section 184 of the Housing and 
     Community Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 1715z-13a); and
       (E) compliance with the authority for the approval of 
     mortgages and deeds for individual Indian trust land owners 
     under the Act entitled ``An Act to authorize the execution of 
     mortgages and deeds of trust on individual Indian trust or 
     restricted land'', approved March 29, 1956 (25 U.S.C. 5135); 
     and
       (2) submit a report with all findings and recommended 
     actions to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of 
     Representatives, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
     Forestry of the Senate, and the Committee on Indian Affairs 
     of the Senate.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3309. Mr. TOOMEY (for himself and Mr. Blumenthal) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 125__. FEDERAL RESEARCH INVOLVING CATS AND DOGS.

       Section 14 of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2144) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``sections 13(a), (f), (g), and (h)'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``subsections (a), (f), (g), 
     and (h) of section 13'';
       (2) in the second sentence, by striking ``Any department'' 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Exhibitions.--Any department'';
       (3) by striking the section designation and heading and all 
     that follows through ``Any department'' in the first sentence 
     and inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 14. STANDARDS FOR FEDERAL FACILITIES.

       ``(a) Laboratories.--Any department''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Research Involving Cats and Dogs.--The Secretary 
     shall conduct a study of the practicability of providing for 
     the adoption, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, 
     of any cats and dogs that--
       ``(1) are, or have been, located at any research facility 
     of the Department of Agriculture at which research, testing, 
     or experimentation on cats or dogs is conducted; and
       ``(2) are no longer needed for that research, testing, or 
     experimentation.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3310. Mr. DURBIN (for Ms. Duckworth (for herself, Mrs. Murray, and 
Mr. Udall)) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by Mr. 
Durbin to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. ___. BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING AND CERTAIN FEDERAL 
                   BENEFITS.

       (a) Exclusion of Basic Allowance for Housing.--Section 
     403(k) of title 37, United States Code, is amended by adding 
     at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(4) In determining eligibility to participate in any 
     Federal program issuing benefits for nutrition assistance 
     (including the Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance 
     program under section 402a of this title), the value of a 
     housing allowance under this section shall be excluded from 
     any calculation of income, assets, or resources.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--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'' and inserting 
     a semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (19)(B), by striking the period and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(20) any allowance under section 403 of title 37, United 
     States Code.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3311. Mr. DURBIN (for Ms. Duckworth) submitted an amendment 
intended to be proposed by Mr. Durbin to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       In subtitle D of title II, add at the end the following:

     SEC. 24___. SENSE OF CONGRESS RELATING TO INCREASED 
                   COLLABORATION FOR CONSERVATION.

       It is the sense of Congress that there should be increased 
     coordination and collaboration with respect to conservation 
     among the Department of Agriculture, the Environmental 
     Protection Agency, and the Corps of Engineers.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3312. Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Mr. Blunt) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle A of title I, add the following:

     SEC. 11__. NONRECOURSE CONSERVATION AND BEGINNING FARMERS 
                   LOAN ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Eligible commodity.--The term ``eligible commodity'' 
     means corn, soybeans, and wheat.
       (2) Qualified producer.--The term ``qualified producer'' 
     means a producer eligible for a nonrecourse marketing loan 
     under section 1201 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 
     9031) that agrees to not apply for that loan for any eligible 
     commodity in each of the 2019 through 2023 crop years.
       (b) Nonrecourse Conservation and Beginning Farmers Loan 
     Assistance Pilot Program.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     nonrecourse conservation and beginning farmers loan 
     assistance pilot program (referred to in this section as the 
     ``pilot program'') to make available to qualified producers 
     on a farm nonrecourse conservation assistance loans for each 
     eligible commodity for each of the 2019 through 2023 crop 
     years.
       (c) Eligible Production.--A qualified producer on a farm 
     shall be eligible for a loan under the pilot program for any 
     quantity of an eligible commodity produced on the farm.
       (d) Loan Rates for Nonrecourse Conservation Assistance 
     Loans.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), for purposes of 
     each of the 2019 through 2023 crop years, the loan rate for a 
     loan under the pilot program for an eligible commodity shall 
     be--
       (A) for beginning farmers and ranchers (as determined by 
     the Secretary), 70 percent of the national average price 
     received by producers during the 12-month marketing year for 
     the eligible commodity for the 5 crop years immediately prior 
     to the crop year in which the conservation assistance loan 
     will be made, excluding--
       (i) the crop year with the highest price; and
       (ii) the crop year with the lowest price; and
       (B) for qualified producers not described in subparagraph 
     (A), 55 percent of the national average price received by 
     producers during the 12-month marketing year for the eligible 
     commodity for the 5 crop years immediately prior to the crop 
     year in which the conservation assistance loan will be made, 
     excluding--
       (i) the crop year with the highest price; and
       (ii) the crop year with the lowest price.
       (2) Special rule for cover crops.--
       (A) In general.--In the case of a qualified producer who 
     agrees to plant a cover crop on acres associated with the 
     eligible commodity, the applicable loan rate under paragraph 
     (1) shall be increased by an amount equal to $0.20 per 
     bushel.
       (B) Effect of failure to plant cover crop.--In the case of 
     a qualified producer who is prevented from planting a cover 
     crop due to weather or other natural events that interfered 
     with the planting of a cover crop (as determined by the 
     Secretary), the qualified producer shall be eligible for the 
     loan rate described in subparagraph (A).
       (e) Terms of Loans.--
       (1) In general.--In the case of each eligible commodity, a 
     loan under the pilot program 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.
       (2) Extensions prohibited.--The Secretary may not extend 
     the term of a loan under the pilot program for any eligible 
     commodity.
       (f) Repayment of Loans.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall permit the qualified 
     producers on a farm to repay a loan under the pilot program 
     for an eligible commodity at a rate that is the lesser of--

[[Page S4671]]

       (A) the loan rate established under subsection (d);
       (B) a rate that is equal to the expected market price for 
     the eligible commodity as calculated for crop insurance, as 
     determined by the Secretary; and
       (C) such other rate the Secretary determines will avoid or 
     minimize potential loan forfeitures.
       (2) Adjustments.--The Secretary shall make such adjustments 
     that the Secretary determines necessary--
       (A) to avoid forfeiture or the accumulation of stocks of 
     the commodities placed under a loan under the pilot program;
       (B) to minimize the costs incurred by the Federal 
     Government;
       (C) to allow the commodity produced to be marketed freely 
     and competitively, both domestically and internationally; and
       (D) to minimize discrepancies in conservation loan benefits 
     across State boundaries and across county boundaries.
       (g) Compliance Requirements.--As a condition of the receipt 
     of a loan under the pilot program, the qualified producer 
     shall, during the crop year in which the loan was provided--
       (1) 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.);
       (2) agree to use a reduced tillage method and nutrient 
     management practices (as determined by the Secretary to be 
     appropriate for soil health management) for the acres 
     associated with the commodity covered by the loan; and
       (3) in the case of a loan calculated under subsection 
     (d)(2), agree to plant a cover crop on the acres associated 
     with the eligible commodity, as determined by the Secretary 
     to be appropriate.
       (h) Farm Service Agency Report.--The Administrator of the 
     Farm Service Agency shall submit an annual report to the 
     Secretary that includes the information with respect to the 
     compliance requirements described in paragraphs (1) and (2) 
     of subsection (g) with respect to each loan under the pilot 
     program that was fully repaid in the preceding fiscal year.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3313. Mrs. GILLIBRAND submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed by her to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle C of title IV, add the following:

     SEC. 43___. PREVENTING CHILDHOOD DIETARY EXPOSURE TO 
                   CHLOPYRIFOS.

       (a) In General.--Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, 
     the Secretary shall phase out all food that has been treated 
     with, or has levels in excess of the threshold established by 
     the Secretary under subsection (b)(1) of, chlorpyrifos 
     residue in food--
       (1) in school meals provided under the Richard B. Russell 
     National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.);
       (2) in school meals provided under the school breakfast 
     program established by section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act 
     of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773); and
       (3) provided by the Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and 
     Vegetable Program.
       (b) Requirements.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Secretary shall--
       (1) establish a threshold for chlorpyrifos for the food 
     described in subsection (a) of not more than .001 micrograms 
     of chlorpyrifos per kilogram of food, as the Secretary 
     determines to be necessary;
       (2) provide guidance, in consultation with State and local 
     educational agencies, to eliminate chlorpyrifos from meals 
     provided by schools, which may include guidance or criteria 
     related to food procurement or supply contract policies;
       (3) periodically update the guidance described in paragraph 
     (2); and
       (4) provide technical assistance to State and local 
     educational agencies to enforce the requirements of this 
     section.
       (c) Review by the Secretary.--Not later than January 1, 
     2020, and every 2 years thereafter until January 1, 2028, the 
     Secretary shall conduct a review to evaluate whether, based 
     on reports provided by State and local educational agencies, 
     any of the food described in subsection (a) exceeds the 
     threshold for chlorpyrifos established by the Secretary under 
     subsection (b)(1).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3314. Mr. LANKFORD submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 125__. PROHIBITION ON CONVENTIONAL ETHANOL.

       (a) Definition of Conventional Ethanol.--In this section, 
     the term ``conventional ethanol'' has the meaning given the 
     term ``conventional biofuel'' in section 211(o)(1) of the 
     Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545(o)(1)).
       (b) Prohibition.--The Secretary shall not use any funds 
     authorized under this Act or an amendment made by this Act to 
     provide a grant or other financial support to any individual 
     or entity for the development and production of conventional 
     ethanol.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3315. Mr. LANKFORD submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 254, line 18, strike ``226(c)(4)'' and insert 
     ``226(c)(3)''.
       On page 254, strike lines 23 and 24 and insert the 
     following:
       ``(a) Funding.--
       ``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out section 222 
     $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.
       ``(2) Commodity credit corporation.--In addition to the 
     amounts made available under paragraph (1), the Secretary 
     shall use, in accordance with subsection (b), the funds, 
     facilities, and authorities of the
       On page 255, line 5, strike ``$259,500,000'' and insert 
     ``$59,500,000''.
       On page 255, strike lines 9 through 14 and insert the 
     following:
       ``(1) Foreign market development coop-
       On page 255, line 19, strike ``(3)'' and insert ``(2)''.
       On page 255, line 24, strike ``(4)'' and insert ``(3)''.
       On page 256, line 4, strike ``(5)'' and insert ``(4)''.
       On page 256, line 7, strike ``(4)'' and insert ``(3)''.
       On page 257, line 7, strike ``subsection (c)(5)'' and 
     insert ``subsection (c)(4)''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3316. Mr. RUBIO submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 125___. INVESTIGATIONS AND INSPECTIONS OF RESEARCH 
                   FACILITIES UNDER THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT.

       Section 16(a) of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2146(a)) 
     is amended, in the second sentence, by striking ``inspect 
     each research facility at least once each year'' and 
     inserting ``determine the frequency of inspections for 
     research facilities through the risk-based inspection system 
     process, consistent with the treatment of other regulated 
     entities under this Act,''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3317. Mr. SCHUMER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end, add the following:
       The provisions in the Act shall go into effect 4 days after 
     enactment.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3318. Mr. SCHUMER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end, add the following:
       The provisions in this Act shall go into effect 1 day after 
     enactment.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3319. Mr. SCHUMER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end, add the following:
       The provisions in the Act shall go into effect 2 days after 
     enactment.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3320. Mr. SCHUMER submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end, add the following:
       The provisions in the Act shall go into effect 3 days after 
     enactment.

[[Page S4672]]

  

                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3321. Ms. HIRONO submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle F of title I, add the following:

     SEC. 1602. ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR CERTAIN PRODUCERS.

       (a) Definition of Qualifying Natural Disaster 
     Declaration.--In this section, the term ``qualifying natural 
     disaster declaration'' means--
       (1) a natural disaster declared by the Secretary under 
     section 321(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 1961(a)); or
       (2) a major disaster or emergency designated by the 
     President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
       (b) Availability of Additional Assistance.--As soon as 
     practicable after October 1, 2018, the Secretary shall make 
     available assistance under section 196 of the Federal 
     Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 
     7333) to producers of an eligible crop (as defined in 
     subsection (a)(2) of that section) that suffered losses in a 
     county covered by a qualifying natural disaster declaration 
     for production losses due to volcanic activity.
       (c) Amount.--The Secretary shall make assistance available 
     under subsection (b) in an amount equal to the amount of 
     assistance determined under section 196(d) of the Federal 
     Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 
     7333(d)), less any fees that are owed by producers under 
     section 196(k) of that Act (7 U.S.C. 7333(k)).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3322. Ms. CORTEZ MASTO submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and 
Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle A of title VI, add the following:

     SEC. 61__. CONSIDERATION OF FUNDING CHALLENGES.

       Section 333A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
     Act (7 U.S.C. 1983a) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(i) Consideration of Funding Challenges.--In making a 
     determination on an application for a loan, loan guarantee, 
     or grant under this title, the Secretary shall, to the 
     maximum extent practicable, consider the funding challenges 
     posed by any large quantity of Federal land in or near a 
     community or county in which the project to be carried out 
     using the loan, loan guarantee, or grant is located.''.
       At the end of subtitle B of title VI, add the following:

     SEC. 62__. CONSIDERATION OF FUNDING CHALLENGES.

       Section 4 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 
     U.S.C. 904) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Consideration of Funding Challenges.--In making a 
     determination on an application for a loan, loan guarantee, 
     or grant under this Act, the Secretary shall, to the maximum 
     extent practicable, consider the funding challenges posed by 
     any large quantity of Federal land in or near a community or 
     county in which the project to be carried out using the loan, 
     loan guarantee, or grant is located.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3323. Mr. BROWN (for himself and Mr. Portman) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. ____. EXTENSION AND AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AT 1890 LAND-
                   GRANT COLLEGES, INCLUDING TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY.

       (a) Extension.--Section 1444 of the National Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
     U.S.C. 3221) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Fiscal year 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022.--In addition 
     to other amounts authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
     this section, there are authorized to be appropriated for 1 
     of fiscal year 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022 such sums as are 
     necessary to ensure that an eligible institution receiving a 
     distribution of funds under this section for that fiscal year 
     receives not less than the amount of funds received by that 
     eligible institution under this section for the preceding 
     fiscal year.''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in the undesignated matter following paragraph (2)(B)--
       (i) by striking ``paragraph (2) of this subsection'' and 
     inserting ``this paragraph''; and
       (ii) by striking ``In computing'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(C) In computing'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``Of the remainder'' 
     and inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (4), of the 
     remainder''; and
       (ii) by striking ``(2) any funds'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(3) Additional amount.--Any funds'';
       (C) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``are allocated'' and inserting ``were 
     allocated''; and
       (ii) by striking ``; and'' and inserting ``, as so 
     designated as of that date.'';
       (D) by striking ``(b) Beginning'' in the matter preceding 
     paragraph (1) and all that follows through ``any funds'' in 
     paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Distribution of Funds.--
       ``(1) In general.--Funds made available under this section 
     shall be distributed among eligible institutions in 
     accordance with this subsection.
       ``(2) Base amount.--Any funds''; and
       (E) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Special amount for fiscal year 2019, 2020, 2021, or 
     2022.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), for 1 of 
     fiscal year 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022, if the calculation 
     under paragraph (3)(B) would result in a distribution of less 
     than $3,000,000 to an eligible institution that first 
     received funds under this section after the date of enactment 
     of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79; 128 Stat. 
     649) for a fiscal year, that institution shall receive a 
     distribution of $3,000,000 for that fiscal year.
       ``(B) Limitation.--Subparagraph (A) shall apply only if 
     amounts are appropriated under subsection (a)(5) to ensure 
     that an eligible institution receiving a distribution of 
     funds under this section for fiscal year 2019, 2020, 2021, or 
     2022, as applicable, receives not less than the amount of 
     funds received by that eligible institution under this 
     section for the preceding fiscal year.''.
       (b) Research.--Section 1445 of the National Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 
     U.S.C. 3222) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) Fiscal year 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022.--In addition 
     to other amounts authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
     this section, there are authorized to be appropriated for 1 
     of fiscal year 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022 such sums as are 
     necessary to ensure that an eligible institution receiving a 
     distribution of funds under this section for that fiscal year 
     receives not less than the amount of funds received by that 
     eligible institution under this section for the preceding 
     fiscal year.''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) Special amount for fiscal year 2019, 2020, 2021, or 
     2022.--
       ``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), for 1 of fiscal 
     year 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022, if the calculation under 
     subparagraph (C) would result in a distribution of less than 
     $3,000,000 to an eligible institution that first received 
     funds under this section after the date of enactment of the 
     Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79; 128 Stat. 649), 
     that institution shall receive a distribution of $3,000,000 
     for that fiscal year.
       ``(ii) Limitation.--Clause (i) shall apply only if amounts 
     are appropriated under subsection (a)(6) to ensure that an 
     eligible institution receiving a distribution of funds under 
     this section for fiscal year 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022, as 
     applicable, receives not less than the amount of funds 
     received by that eligible institution under this section for 
     the preceding fiscal year.'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``(B) Of funds'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(C) Additional amount.--Except as provided in 
     subparagraph (D), of funds'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by striking ``are allocated'' and inserting ``were 
     allocated'';
       (II) by inserting ``, as so designated as of that date'' 
     before the period at the end; and
       (III) by striking ``(A) Funds'' and inserting the 
     following:

       ``(B) Base amount.--Funds''; and
       (iv) in the matter preceding subparagraph (B) (as so 
     designated), by striking ``(2) The'' and all that follows 
     through ``follows:'' and inserting the following:
       ``(3) Distributions.--
       ``(A) In general.--After allocating amounts under paragraph 
     (2), the remainder shall be allotted among the eligible 
     institutions in accordance with this paragraph.'';
       (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``(1) Three per centum'' 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Administration.--3 percent''; and
       (C) in the matter preceding paragraph (2) (as so 
     designated), by striking ``(b) Beginning'' and all that 
     follows through ``follows:'' and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Distribution of Funds.--
       ``(1) In general.--Funds made available under this section 
     shall be distributed among eligible institutions in 
     accordance with this subsection.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3324. Mrs. HYDE-SMITH (for herself, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Boozman, Mr.

[[Page S4673]]

Cotton, Mr. Perdue, Mr. Isakson, Mr. Tillis, Mr. Burr, Mr. Cassidy, Mr. 
Shelby, Mr. Jones, Mr. Graham, and Mr. Inhofe) submitted an amendment 
intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts 
(for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 26, line 16, strike ``2020'' and insert ``2023''.

                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3325. Mrs. HYDE-SMITH submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and 
Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of title X, add the following:

     SEC. 10___. REPORT ON REGULATION OF PLANT BIOSTIMULANTS.

       (a) Definition of Plant Biostimulant.--In this section, the 
     term ``plant biostimulant'' means a substance or 
     microorganism 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.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     President and Congress a report 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.
       (c) Consultation.--In preparing the report under subsection 
     (b), the Secretary shall consult with the Administrator of 
     the Environmental Protection Agency, States, industry 
     stakeholders, and any other stakeholders that the Secretary 
     determines to be necessary.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3326. Mrs. HYDE-SMITH submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and 
Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle A of title VI, add the following:

     SEC. 61__. 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'';
       (B) by striking ``and guaranteed''; and
       (C) by striking ``(1), (2), and (24)'' and inserting ``(1) 
     and (2)''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (C)--
       (A) by striking ``and guaranteed''; and
       (B) by striking ``(21), and (24)'' and inserting ``and 
     (21)''.
       (b) Rural Broadband Program.--Section 601(b)(3)(A)(ii) of 
     the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 
     950bb(b)(3)(A)(ii)) is amended by inserting ``in the case of 
     a direct loan,'' before ``a city''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3327. Mrs. HYDE-SMITH submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and 
Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. __. 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''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3328. Mr. KING (for himself and Ms. Collins) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle E of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. 125_____. REPORT ON FUNDING FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE 
                   OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE AND OTHER EXTENSION 
                   PROGRAMS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date on 
     which the census of agriculture required to be conducted in 
     calendar year 2017 under section 2 of the Census of 
     Agriculture Act of 1997 (7 U.S.C. 2204g) is released, the 
     Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
     Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes 
     the funding necessary to adequately address the needs of the 
     National Institute of Food and Agriculture, activities 
     carried out under the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 341 et seq.), 
     and research and extension programs carried out at an 1890 
     Institution (as defined in section 2 of the Agricultural 
     Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 
     U.S.C. 7601)) or an institution designated under the Act of 
     July 2, 1862 (commonly known as the ``First Morrill Act'') 
     (12 Stat. 503, chapter 130; 7 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), to provide 
     adequate services for the growth and development of the 
     economies of rural communities based on the changing 
     demographic in the rural and farming communities in the 
     various States.
       (b) Requirements.--In preparing the report under subsection 
     (a), the Secretary shall focus on the funding needs of the 
     programs described in subsection (a) with respect to carrying 
     out activities relating to small and diverse farms and 
     ranches, veteran farmers and ranchers, value-added 
     agriculture, direct-to-consumer sales, and specialty crops.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3329. Ms. CORTEZ MASTO (for herself and Mr. Lankford) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle C of title IV, add the following:

     SEC. 43__. REPORT ON FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS REACHING 
                   UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS.

       The Secretary shall conduct a study on the challenges that 
     the food distribution program on Indian reservations 
     established under section 4(b) of the Food and Nutrition Act 
     of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)) and other food distribution 
     programs administered by the Secretary face in reaching 
     underserved populations, with an emphasis on the homebound 
     and the elderly, to better capture data on the population of 
     people unable to physically travel to a distribution location 
     for food.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3330. Ms. CORTEZ MASTO (for herself and Mr. Portman) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed by her to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle C of title VI, add the following:

     SEC. 63__. COUNCIL ON RURAL COMMUNITY INNOVATION AND ECONOMIC 
                   DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) 16 percent of the population of the United States lives 
     in rural counties.
       (2) Strong, sustainable rural communities are essential to 
     future prosperity and ensuring United States competitiveness 
     in the years ahead.
       (3) Rural communities supply the food, fiber, and energy of 
     the United States, safeguard the natural resources of the 
     United States, and are essential to the development of 
     science and innovation.
       (4) Though rural communities face numerous challenges, they 
     also present enormous economic potential.
       (5) The Federal Government has an important role to play in 
     expanding access to the capital necessary for economic 
     growth, promoting innovation, increasing energy resiliency 
     and reliability, improving access to health care and 
     education, and expanding outdoor recreational activities on 
     public land.
       (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to enhance the 
     efforts of the Federal Government to address the needs of 
     rural areas in the United States by--
       (1) establishing a council to better coordinate Federal 
     programs directed to rural communities;
       (2) maximizing the impact of Federal investment to promote 
     economic prosperity and quality of life in rural communities 
     in the United States; and
       (3) using innovation to resolve local and regional 
     challenges faced by rural communities.

[[Page S4674]]

       (c) Establishment.--There is established a Council on Rural 
     Community Innovation and Economic Development (referred to in 
     this section as the ``Council'').
       (d) Membership.--
       (1) In general.--The membership of the Council shall be 
     composed of the heads of the following executive branch 
     departments, agencies, and offices:
       (A) The Department of Agriculture.
       (B) The Department of the Treasury.
       (C) The Department of Defense.
       (D) The Department of Justice.
       (E) The Department of the Interior.
       (F) The Department of Commerce.
       (G) The Department of Labor.
       (H) The Department of Health and Human Services.
       (I) The Department of Housing and Urban Development.
       (J) The Department of Transportation.
       (K) The Department of Energy.
       (L) The Department of Education.
       (M) The Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (N) The Department of Homeland Security.
       (O) The Environmental Protection Agency.
       (P) The Federal Communications Commission.
       (Q) The Office of Management and Budget.
       (R) The Office of Science and Technology Policy.
       (S) The Office of National Drug Control Policy.
       (T) The Council of Economic Advisers.
       (U) The Domestic Policy Council.
       (V) The National Economic Council.
       (W) The Small Business Administration.
       (X) The Council on Environmental Quality.
       (Y) The White House Office of Public Engagement.
       (Z) The White House Office of Cabinet Affairs.
       (AA) Such other executive branch departments, agencies, and 
     offices as the President or the Secretary may, from time to 
     time, designate.
       (2) Chair.--The Secretary shall serve as the Chair of the 
     Council.
       (3) Designees.--A member of the Council may designate, to 
     perform the Council functions of the member, a senior-level 
     official who is--
       (A) part of the department, agency, or office of the 
     member; and
       (B) a full-time officer or employee of the Federal 
     Government.
       (4) Administration.--The Council shall coordinate policy 
     development through the rural development mission area.
       (e) Funding.--The Secretary shall provide funding and 
     administrative support for the Council to the extent 
     permitted by law and within existing appropriations.
       (f) Mission and Function of the Council.--The Council shall 
     work across executive departments, agencies, and offices to 
     coordinate development of policy recommendations--
       (1) to maximize the impact of Federal investment of rural 
     communities;
       (2) to promote economic prosperity and quality of life in 
     rural communities; and
       (3) to use innovation to resolve local and regional 
     challenges faced by rural communities.
       (g) Duties.--The Council shall--
       (1) make recommendations to the President, acting through 
     the Director of the Domestic Policy Council and the Director 
     of the National Economic Council, on streamlining and 
     leveraging Federal investments in rural areas, where 
     appropriate, to increase the impact of Federal dollars and 
     create economic opportunities to improve the quality of life 
     in rural areas in the United States;
       (2) coordinate and increase the effectiveness of Federal 
     engagement with rural stakeholders, including agricultural 
     organizations, small businesses, education and training 
     institutions, health-care providers, telecommunications 
     services providers, electric service providers, 
     transportation providers, research and land grant 
     institutions, law enforcement, State, local, and tribal 
     governments, and nongovernmental organizations regarding the 
     needs of rural areas in the United States;
       (3) coordinate Federal efforts directed toward the growth 
     and development of rural geographic regions that encompass 
     both metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas;
       (4) identify and facilitate rural economic opportunities 
     associated with energy development, outdoor recreation, and 
     other conservation related activities; and
       (5) identify common economic and social challenges faced by 
     rural communities that could be served through--
       (A) better coordination of existing Federal and non-Federal 
     resources; and
       (B) innovative solutions utilizing governmental and 
     nongovernmental resources.
       (h) Executive Departments and Agencies.--
       (1) In general.--The heads of executive departments and 
     agencies shall assist and provide information to the Council, 
     consistent with applicable law, as may be necessary to carry 
     out the functions of the Council.
       (2) Expenses.--Each executive department or agency shall be 
     responsible for paying any expenses of the executive 
     department or agency for participating in the Council.
       (i) Report on Rural Smart Communities.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     establishment of the Council, the Council shall submit to 
     Congress a report describing efforts of rural areas to 
     integrate ``smart'' technology into their communities to 
     solve challenges relating to energy, transportation, health 
     care, law enforcement, housing, or other relevant local 
     issues, as determined by the Secretary.
       (2) Smart rural communities.--The report under paragraph 
     (1) shall include a description of efforts of rural 
     communities to apply innovative and advanced technologies and 
     related mechanisms (such as telecommunications, energy, 
     transportation, housing, economic development)--
       (A) to improve the health and quality of life of residents;
       (B) to increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of 
     civic operations and services, including public safety and 
     other vital public functions;
       (C) to promote economic growth;
       (D) to enhance the use of electricity in the community and 
     reduce pollution; and
       (E) to create a more sustainable and resilient community.
       (3) Other inclusions.--The report under paragraph (1) shall 
     include--
       (A) an analysis of efforts to integrate ``smart'' 
     technology into rural communities across the United States;
       (B) an analysis of barriers and challenges faced by rural 
     areas in integrating ``smart'' technology into their 
     communities;
       (C) an analysis of Federal efforts to assist rural areas 
     with the development and integration of ``smart'' technology 
     into rural communities;
       (D) recommendations, if any, on how to improve coordination 
     and deployment of Federal efforts to assist rural areas 
     develop and integrate ``smart'' technology into their 
     communities;
       (E) recommendations, if any, on how rural areas developing 
     ``smart'' communities can better leverage private sector 
     resources; and
       (F) guidelines that establish best practices for rural 
     areas that desire to use ``smart'' technology to overcome 
     local challenges.
       (j) Review of Public Benefit to Rural Communities on the 
     Creation of Rural Smart Community Demonstration Projects.--
       (1) In general.--On completion of the report under 
     subsection (i)(1), the Council shall review the benefits of 
     the creation of a rural smart community demonstration 
     projects program for the purposes of coordinating Department 
     of Agriculture rural development, housing, energy, and 
     telecommunication programs, and other Federal programs 
     specific to rural communities, to expand innovative 
     technologies and address local challenges specific to rural 
     communities.
       (2) Inclusions.--In the review under paragraph (1) the 
     Council shall determine whether a rural smart community 
     demonstration projects program would--
       (A) demonstrate smart community technologies that can be 
     adapted and repeated by other rural communities;
       (B) encourage public, private, local, or regional best 
     practices that can be replicated by other rural communities;
       (C) encourage private sector innovation and investment in 
     rural communities;
       (D) promote a skilled workforce; and
       (E) promote standards that allow for the measurement and 
     validation of the cost savings and performance improvements 
     associated with the installation and use of smart community 
     technologies and practices.
       (k) Rural Smart Community Resource Guide.--
       (1) In general.--The Council shall create, publish, and 
     maintain a resource guide designed to assist States and other 
     rural communities in developing and implementing rural smart 
     community programs.
       (2) Inclusions.--A resource guide under paragraph (1) may 
     include--
       (A) a compilation of existing related Federal and non-
     Federal programs available to rural communities, including 
     technical assistance, education, training, research and 
     development, analysis, and funding;
       (B) available examples of local rural communities engaging 
     private sector entities to implement smart community 
     solutions, including public-private partnership models that 
     could be used to leverage private sector funding to solve 
     similar local challenges;
       (C) available examples of proven methods for local rural 
     communities to facilitate integration of smart technologies 
     with new and existing infrastructure and systems;
       (D) best practices and lessons learned from demonstration 
     projects, including return on investment and performance 
     information to help other rural communities decide how to 
     initiate integration of smart technologies; and
       (E) such other topics as are requested by industry entities 
     or local governments or determined to be necessary by the 
     Council.
       (3) Utilization of existing guides.--In creating, 
     publishing, and maintaining the guide under paragraph (1), 
     the Council shall consider Federal, State, and local guides 
     already published relating to smart community goals, 
     activities, and best practices--
       (A) to prevent duplication of efforts by the Federal 
     Government; and
       (B) to leverage existing complementary efforts.
       (4) Resource guide outreach.--The Council shall conduct 
     outreach to States, counties, communities, and other relevant 
     entities--
       (A) to provide interested stakeholders with the guide 
     published under paragraph (1);
       (B) to promote the consideration of smart community 
     technologies and encourage States and local governments to 
     contribute rural smart community program and activity 
     information to the guide published under paragraph (1);

[[Page S4675]]

       (C) to identify--
       (i) barriers to rural smart community technology adoption; 
     and
       (ii) any research, development, and assistance that is 
     needed that could be included in the guide published under 
     paragraph (1);
       (D) to respond to requests for assistance, advice, or 
     consultation from rural communities; and
       (E) for other purposes, as identified by the Council.
       (5) Subsequent resource guides.--The Council shall issue an 
     update to the guide published under paragraph (1) every 5 
     years.
       (l) Rural Broadband Integration Working Group.--
       (1) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
       (A) Access to high-speed broadband is no longer a luxury 
     and is a necessity for United States families, businesses, 
     and consumers.
       (B) Affordable, reliable access to high-speed broadband is 
     critical to United States economic growth and 
     competitiveness.
       (C) High-speed broadband enables the people of the United 
     States to use the Internet in new ways, expands access to 
     health services and education, increases the productivity of 
     businesses, and drives innovation throughout the digital 
     ecosystem.
       (D) The private sector and Federal, State, and local 
     governments have made substantial investments to expand 
     broadband access in the United States, but more must be done 
     to improve the availability and quality of high-speed 
     broadband, particularly in areas lacking competitive choices.
       (E) Today, more than 50,000,000 people of the United States 
     cannot purchase a wired broadband connection at speeds that 
     the Federal Communications Commission has defined as the 
     minimum for adequate broadband service, and only 29 percent 
     of people of the United States can choose from more than 1 
     service provider at that speed.
       (F) As a result of the statistics described in subparagraph 
     (E), the costs, benefits, and availability of high-speed 
     broadband Internet are not evenly distributed, with 
     considerable variation among States and between urban and 
     rural areas.
       (G) The Federal Government has an important role to play in 
     developing coordinated policies to promote broadband 
     deployment and adoption, including promoting best practices, 
     breaking down regulatory barriers, and encouraging further 
     investment, which will help deliver higher quality, lower 
     cost broadband to more families, businesses, and communities 
     and allow communities to benefit fully from those 
     investments.
       (2) Policy.--
       (A) In general.--It is the policy of the Federal Government 
     for executive departments and agencies having statutory 
     authorities applicable to broadband deployment (referred to 
     in this subsection as the ``agencies'') to use all available 
     and appropriate authorities--
       (i) to identify and address regulatory barriers that may 
     unduly impede either wired broadband deployment or the 
     infrastructure to augment wireless broadband deployment;
       (ii) to encourage further public and private investment in 
     broadband networks and services;
       (iii) to promote the adoption and meaningful use of 
     broadband technology; and
       (iv) to otherwise encourage or support broadband 
     deployment, competition, and adoption in ways that promote 
     the public interest.
       (B) Priorities.--In carrying out the policy under 
     subparagraph (A), the agencies shall focus on--
       (i) opportunities to promote broadband adoption and 
     competition through incentives to new entrants in the market 
     for broadband services;
       (ii) modernizing regulations;
       (iii) accurately measuring real-time broadband availability 
     and speeds;
       (iv) increasing broadband access for underserved 
     communities, including in rural areas;
       (v) exploring opportunities to reduce costs for potential 
     low-income users; and
       (vi) other possible measures, including supporting State, 
     local, and Tribal governments interested in encouraging or 
     investing in high-speed broadband networks.
       (C) Effect.--In carrying out the policy under subparagraph 
     (A), the agencies shall ensure that existing and planned 
     Federal, State, local, and Tribal government missions and 
     capabilities for delivering services to the public, including 
     those missions and capabilities relating to national 
     security, public safety, and emergency response, are 
     maintained.
       (D) Coordination.--The agencies shall coordinate the policy 
     under subparagraph (A) through the Rural Broadband 
     Integration Working Group established under paragraph (3).
       (3) Establishment of rural broadband integration working 
     group.--
       (A) In general.--There is established the Rural Broadband 
     Integration Working Group (referred to in this subsection as 
     the ``Working Group'').
       (B) Membership.--The membership of the Working Group shall 
     be composed of the heads, or their designees, of--
       (i) the Department of Agriculture;
       (ii) the Department of Commerce;
       (iii) the Department of Defense;
       (iv) the Department of State;
       (v) the Department of the Interior;
       (vi) the Department of Labor;
       (vii) the Department of Health and Human Services;
       (viii) the Department of Homeland Security;
       (ix) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
       (x) the Department of Justice;
       (xi) the Department of Transportation;
       (xii) the Department of the Treasury;
       (xiii) the Department of Energy;
       (xiv) the Department of Education;
       (xv) the Department of Veterans Affairs;
       (xvi) the Environmental Protection Agency;
       (xvii) the General Services Administration;
       (xviii) the Small Business Administration;
       (xix) the Institute of Museum and Library Services;
       (xx) the National Science Foundation;
       (xxi) the Council on Environmental Quality;
       (xxii) the Office of Science and Technology Policy;
       (xxiii) the Office of Management and Budget;
       (xxiv) the Council of Economic Advisers;
       (xxv) the Domestic Policy Council;
       (xxvi) the National Economic Council; and
       (xxvii) such other Federal agencies or entities as are 
     determined appropriate in accordance with subparagraph (E).
       (C) Co-chairs.--The Secretary and the Secretary of Commerce 
     shall serve as the Co-Chairs of the Working Group.
       (D) Consultation; coordination.--
       (i) Consultation.--The Working Group shall consult, as 
     appropriate, with other relevant agencies, including the 
     Federal Communications Commission.
       (ii) Coordination.--The Working Group shall coordinate with 
     existing Federal working groups and committees involved with 
     broadband.
       (E) Membership changes.--
       (i) In general.--The Director of the National Economic 
     Council and the Director of the Office of Science and 
     Technology Policy shall review, on a periodic basis, the 
     membership of the Working Group to ensure that the Working 
     Group--

       (I) includes necessary Federal Government entities; and
       (II) is an effective mechanism for coordinating among 
     agencies on the policy described in paragraph (2).

       (ii) Changes.--The Director of the National Economic 
     Council and the Director of the Office of Science and 
     Technology Policy may add or remove members of the Council, 
     as appropriate, based on the review under clause (i).
       (4) Functions of the working group.--
       (A) Consultation.--As permitted by law, the members of the 
     Working Group shall consult with State, local, Tribal, and 
     territorial governments, telecommunications companies, 
     utilities, trade associations, philanthropic entities, policy 
     experts, and other interested parties to identify and assess 
     regulatory barriers described in paragraphs (1)(G) and 
     (2)(A)(i) and opportunities described in clauses (i) and (v) 
     of paragraph (2)(B) to determine possible actions relating to 
     those barriers and opportunities.
       (B) Point of contact.--Not later than 15 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, each member of the Working 
     Group shall--
       (i) designate a representative to serve as the main point 
     of contact for matters relating to the Working Group; and
       (ii) notify the Co-Chairs of the Working Group of that 
     designee.
       (C) Survey.--
       (i) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the members of the Working Group shall 
     submit to the Working Group a comprehensive survey of--

       (I) Federal programs, including the allocated funding 
     amounts, that currently support or could reasonably be 
     modified to support broadband deployment and adoption; and
       (II) all agency-specific policies and rules with the direct 
     or indirect effect of facilitating or regulating investment 
     in or deployment of wired and wireless broadband networks.

       (ii) Exclusion.--Spectrum allocation decisions affecting 
     broadband deployment and other policies relating to spectrum 
     allocation--

       (I) are excluded from--

       (aa) the survey under clause (i); and
       (bb) the matters of the Working Group; and

       (II) shall continue in accordance with the Presidential 
     Memorandum of June 14, 2013 (Expanding America's Leadership 
     in Wireless Innovation).

       (D) List of actions.--Not later than 120 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the members of the Working 
     Group shall submit to the Working Group an initial list of 
     actions that each of the agencies could take to identify and 
     address regulatory barriers, incentivize investment, promote 
     best practices, align funding decisions, and otherwise 
     support wired broadband deployment and adoption.
       (E) Report.--
       (i) In general.--Not later than 150 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, after not fewer than 2 meetings of the 
     full Working Group, the Working Group shall submit to the 
     President, acting through the Director of the National 
     Economic Council, a coordinated, agreed-to, and prioritized 
     list of recommendations of the Working Group on actions that 
     agencies can take to support broadband deployment and 
     adoption.
       (ii) Inclusions.--The recommendations under clause (i) 
     shall include--

[[Page S4676]]

       (I) a list of priority actions and rulemakings; and
       (II) timelines to complete the priority actions and 
     rulemakings under subclause (I).

       (m) General Provisions.--
       (1) Effect.--Nothing in this section--
       (A) impairs or otherwise affects--
       (i) the authority granted by law to a department or agency, 
     or the head thereof;
       (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of 
     Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, 
     or legislative proposals; or
       (iii) the authority of the Federal Communications 
     Commission concerning spectrum allocation decisions;
       (B) requires the disclosure of classified information, law 
     enforcement sensitive information, or other information that 
     shall be protected in the interests of national security; or
       (C) creates any right or benefit, substantive or 
     procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party 
     against the United States, any Federal department, agency, or 
     entity, any officer, employee, or agent, of the United 
     States, or any other person.
       (2) Implementation.--This section shall be implemented 
     consistent with applicable law and subject to the 
     availability of appropriations.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3331. Mr. ENZI submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part II of subtitle F of title VIII, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 86____. VACANT GRAZING ALLOTMENTS MADE AVAILABLE TO 
                   CERTAIN GRAZING PERMIT HOLDERS.

       (a) Availability of Grazing Allotments.--The Secretary 
     concerned shall, to the maximum extent practicable, make 
     vacant grazing allotments available to a holder of a grazing 
     permit or lease issued by such Secretary if the lands covered 
     by the permit or lease are unusable because of a natural 
     disaster (including a drought or wildfire), court-issued 
     injunction, or conflict with wildlife, as determined by the 
     Secretary concerned.
       (b) Terms and Conditions.--The terms and conditions 
     contained in a permit or lease for a vacant grazing allotment 
     made available pursuant to subsection (a) shall be the terms 
     and conditions of the most recent permit or lease that was 
     applicable to such allotment.
       (c) Court-issued Injunctions.--A court may not issue any 
     order enjoining the use of any allotment for which a permit 
     or lease has been issued by the Secretary concerned and 
     continues in effect unless the Secretary concerned can make a 
     vacant grazing allotment available to the holder of such 
     permit or lease.
       (d) Environmental Assessment Under the National 
     Environmental Policy Act.--Activities carried out by the 
     Secretary concerned pursuant to subsection (a) 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).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3332. Mr. TILLIS (for himself and Mr. Burr) submitted an amendment 
intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts 
(for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       In section 4104, add at the end the following:
       (e) 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 striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(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 striking clause (i) and inserting the following:
       ``(i) Demonstration projects.--Before authorizing the 
     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) in the matter preceding subclause (I)--

       (I) by striking ``retail food store'' the first place it 
     appears and inserting ``State agency''; and
       (II) by striking ``that includes--'' and inserting ``that--
     ''; and

       (iii) by striking subclauses (I), (II), (III), and (IV), 
     and inserting the following:

       ``(I) provides recipients protections with respect to 
     privacy, ease of use, household access to benefits, and 
     support similar to the protections provided under existing 
     methods;
       ``(II) ensures that all recipients, including recipients 
     without access to mobile payment technology and recipients 
     who shop across State borders, have a means of benefit 
     access;
       ``(III) requires retail food stores, unless exempt under 
     subsection (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;
       ``(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 an evaluation of household access to 
     benefits;
       ``(VII) requires that the demonstration project is 
     voluntary for all retail food stores and that all recipients 
     are able to use benefits in nonparticipating retail food 
     stores; and
       ``(VIII) meets other criteria as established by the 
     Secretary.'';

       (D) by striking clause (iii) and inserting the following:
       ``(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 second place 
     it appears.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3333. Mr. DAINES submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of part II of subtitle F of title VIII, add the 
     following:

     SEC. 86___. STATE-SUPPORTED PLANNING OF FOREST MANAGEMENT 
                   ACTIVITIES.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
       (A) a State or political subdivision of a State that 
     contains National Forest System land;
       (B) a publicly chartered utility serving 1 or more States 
     or political subdivisions of a State;
       (C) a rural electric company; and
       (D) any other entity determined by the Secretary to be 
     appropriate for participation in the Fund.
       (2) Forest management activity.--The term ``forest 
     management activity'' means a project or activity carried out 
     by the Secretary on National Forest System land in accordance 
     with the applicable forest plan.
       (3) Forest plan.--The term ``forest plan'' means 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).
       (4) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the State-Supported 
     Forest Management Fund established by subsection (b).
       (5) National forest system.--The term ``National Forest 
     System'' has the meaning given the term in section 11(a) of 
     the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 
     1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)).
       (6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary, 
     acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.
       (b) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury of 
     the United States a fund, to be known as the ``State-
     Supported Forest Management Fund'', to cover the cost of 
     planning (giving priority to compliance with section 102(2) 
     of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
     4332(2))), carrying out, and monitoring certain forest 
     management activities on National Forest System land.
       (c) Contents.--The Fund shall consist of such amounts as 
     may be--
       (1) contributed by an eligible entity for deposit in the 
     Fund;
       (2) appropriated to the Fund; or

[[Page S4677]]

       (3) generated by forest management activities planned or 
     carried out using amounts in the Fund, as provided in 
     subsection (f).
       (d) Geographical and Use Limitations.--Except for the 
     revenue generated by a forest management activity as provided 
     in subsection (f)(2), in making a contribution under 
     subsection (c)(1), an eligible entity, in consultation with 
     the Secretary, may--
       (1) specify the National Forest System land for which the 
     contribution may be expended; and
       (2) limit the types of forest management activities for 
     which the contribution may be expended.
       (e) Authorized Activities.--Except as provided in 
     subsection (f), in such amounts as may be provided in advance 
     in appropriation Acts, the Secretary may use amounts in the 
     Fund to plan, carry out, and monitor any forest management 
     activity on National Forest System land that is--
       (1) developed through a collaborative process;
       (2) proposed by a resource advisory committee; or
       (3) covered by a community wildfire protection plan.
       (f) Use of Revenues.--
       (1) Revenue from timber sale contracts.--Except as provided 
     in subsection (g), for a forest management activity described 
     in subsection (e) carried out using a timber sale contract 
     under section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 
     1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a), any revenue generated from the sale of 
     timber under the contract shall--
       (A) be deposited in the Fund; and
       (B) be available, without further appropriation, until 
     expended.
       (2) Revenue from good neighbor agreements.--For a forest 
     management activity described in subsection (e) carried out 
     by a State using a subcontract in accordance with a State law 
     applicable to contracting under a good neighbor agreement 
     under section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 
     2113a), any revenue generated from the sale of timber by the 
     State shall--
       (A) be deposited in the Fund; and
       (B) be available, without further appropriation, until 
     expended, except that the amount of revenue in excess of the 
     appraised value of the timber shall be used to pay the State 
     for the costs of performing the authorized restoration 
     services under the good neighbor agreement.
       (g) Relation to Other Laws.--
       (1) Revenue sharing.--Subject to subsection (f), revenues 
     generated by a forest management activity carried out using 
     amounts from the Fund shall be considered to be monies 
     received from the National Forest System.
       (2) Knutson-vandenberg act.--The Act of June 9, 1930 
     (commonly known as the ``Knutson-Vandenberg Act'') (16 U.S.C. 
     576 et seq.), shall apply to a forest management activity 
     carried out using amounts in the Fund.
       (h) Termination of Fund.--
       (1) In general.--The authority to initiate planning for a 
     forest management activity described in subsection (e) shall 
     terminate 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (2) Effect.--On the termination of the authority to use the 
     Fund under paragraph (1), or pursuant to any other law, any 
     unobligated contribution remaining in the Fund that is 
     attributable to a contribution under subsection (c)(1) shall 
     be returned to the eligible entity that made the 
     contribution.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3334. Mr. LANKFORD submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 881, strike lines 4 through 13 and insert the 
     following:
       ``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $80,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain 
     available until expended.
       ``(2) Limitation on use of funds.--No funds under this 
     section may be provided--
       ``(A) to entities with net sales of more than $50,000; or
       ``(B) to support products with well-established product 
     markets, as determined by the Secretary.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3335. Mr. PERDUE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by 
him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle C of title VI, add the following:

     SEC. 63__. STUDY ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT LOAN PROGRAMS.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct a study to 
     establish a plan that, with respect to the Rural Energy for 
     America Program under section 9007 of the Farm Security and 
     Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107) and the business 
     and industry loan program under section 310B(g) of the 
     Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 
     1932(g)), results in the costs of subsidies for the loans 
     guaranteed under each program to equal zero or a negative 
     number.
       (b) Report.--Not later than September 30, 2019, the 
     Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
     Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes 
     the study conducted and the plan established under subsection 
     (a).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3336. Mr. LEAHY (for himself and Ms. Klobuchar) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 729, between lines 13 and 14, insert the following:
       (1) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``representatives'' 
     in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) and all that follows 
     through the period at the end of subparagraph (C) and 
     inserting ``a diverse array of public and private sector 
     members representing agriculture in the State in which the 
     eligible entity is located.'';
       On page 729, line 14, strike ``(1) in'' and insert ``(2) 
     in''.
       On page 729, line 16, strike ``(2)'' and insert ``(3)''.
       On page 729, line 17, strike ``(3)'' and insert ``(4)''.
       On page 729, line 19, strike ``(4)'' and insert ``(5)''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3337. Ms. CORTEZ MASTO submitted an amendment intended to be 
proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and 
Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Strike section 4113 and insert the following:

     SEC. 4113. ASSISTANCE FOR COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECTS.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) according to the Wisconsin HOPE Lab, at least 36 
     percent of 4-year college and university students and 42 
     percent of 2-year community college students have experienced 
     food insecurity in 2018;
       (2) hunger threatens the health, cognitive ability, and 
     economic security of students;
       (3) institutions of higher education should strive to 
     collect edible surplus food from campus-operated dining 
     facilities and distribute that food to students experiencing 
     hunger instead of throwing that food away; and
       (4) institutions of higher education should partner with 
     local organizations such as regional food banks to reduce 
     hunger and support the operation of food pantries on campus.
       (b) Assistance.--Section 25 of the Food and Nutrition Act 
     of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2034) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as 
     paragraphs (2) through (4), respectively;
       (B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(1) Community college.--The term `community college' 
     means a junior or community college (as defined in section 
     312(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1058(f))).''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Institution of higher education.--The term 
     `institution of higher education' has the meaning given the 
     term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
     (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``fiscal year 2015 and 
     each fiscal year thereafter.'' and inserting ``each of fiscal 
     years 2015 through 2018; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year 
     thereafter.''; and
       (3) in subsection (c), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting ``an institution of higher education, a 
     community college,'' before ``or a private''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3338. Mr. CRUZ (for himself and Mr. Lee) submitted an amendment 
intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts 
(for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Strike sections 4103 through 4116 and insert the following:

[[Page S4678]]

  


     SEC. 4103. WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR ABLE-BODIED ADULTS WITHOUT 
                   DEPENDENTS; WORK ACTIVATION PROGRAM FOR ADULTS 
                   WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN.

       (a) Declaration of Policy.--Section 2 of the Food and 
     Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following: ``Congress further finds that it 
     should also be the purpose of the supplemental nutrition 
     assistance program to increase employment, to encourage 
     healthy marriage, and to promote prosperous self-sufficiency, 
     which means the ability of households to maintain an income 
     above the poverty level without services and benefits from 
     the Federal Government.''.
       (b) Definitions.--
       (1) Food.--Section 3(k) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 
     2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(k)) is amended by inserting before the 
     period at the end the following: ``, except that a food, food 
     product, meal, or other item described in this subsection 
     shall be considered a food under this Act only if it is an 
     essential (as determined by the Secretary)''.
       (2) Supervised job search.--Section 3 of the Food and 
     Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012) is amended--
       (A) by redesignating subsections (t) through (v) as 
     subsections (u) through (w), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after subsection (s) the following:
       ``(t) Supervised Job Search.--The term `supervised job 
     search' means a job search program that has the following 
     characteristics:
       ``(1) The job search occurs at an official location where 
     the presence and activity of the recipient can be directly 
     observed, supervised, and monitored.
       ``(2) The entry, time onsite, and exit of the recipient 
     from the official job search location are recorded in a 
     manner that prevents fraud.
       ``(3) The recipient is expected to remain and undertake job 
     search activities at the job search center.
       ``(4) The quantity of time the recipient is observed and 
     monitored engaging in job search at the official location is 
     recorded for purposes of compliance with the work and work 
     activation requirements of sections 6(o) and 30.''.
       (3) Conforming amendment.--Section 27(a)(2) of the Food and 
     Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2036(a)(2)) is amended in 
     subparagraphs (C) and (E) by striking ``3(u)(4)'' each place 
     it appears and inserting ``3(v)(4)''.
       (c) Work Requirement for Able-Bodied Adults Without 
     Dependents.--Section 6(o) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 
     2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015(o)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``not less than 3 months (consecutive or otherwise)'' and 
     inserting ``more than 1 month'';
       (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (C) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; or''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(E) participate in supervised job search for at least 8 
     hours per week.'';
       (2) in paragraph (4), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) Termination.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply with 
     respect to any fiscal year that begins after the effective 
     date of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.'';
       (3) in paragraph (6)--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``15-percent'' 
     and inserting ``5-percent'';
       (B) in subparagraph (A)(ii)(IV), by striking ``3 months'' 
     and inserting ``1 month''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``15 percent'' and 
     inserting ``5 percent''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(8) Promoting work.--As a condition of receiving 
     supplemental nutrition assistance program funds under this 
     Act, a State agency shall provide each individual subject to 
     the work requirement of this subsection with the opportunity 
     to participate in an activity selected by the State from 
     among the options described in subparagraphs (B), (C), and 
     (E) of paragraph (2).
       ``(9) Penalties for inadequate state performance.--If a 
     State agency fails to fully comply with this section, 
     including the requirement to terminate the benefits of 
     individuals who fail to fulfill the work requirements 
     described in paragraph (2) during a fiscal quarter, the 
     funding allotment of the State for the supplemental nutrition 
     assistance program shall be reduced by 10 percent for the 
     quarter that begins 180 days after the first day of the 
     quarter in which the noncompliance occurred.''.

     SEC. 4104. IMPROVEMENTS TO ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER 
                   SYSTEM.

       (a) Prohibited Fees.--Section 7 of the Food and Nutrition 
     Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (f)(2)(C), in the subparagraph heading, 
     by striking ``Interchange'' and inserting ``Prohibited''; and
       (2) in subsection (h), by striking paragraph (13) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(13) Prohibited fees.--
       ``(A) Definition of switching.--In this paragraph, 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 EBT 
     card in 1 State to the issuer of the card in--
       ``(i) the same State; or
       ``(ii) another State.
       ``(B) Prohibition.--
       ``(i) Interchange fees.--No interchange fee shall apply to 
     an electronic benefit transfer transaction under this 
     subsection.
       ``(ii) Other fees.--

       ``(I) In general.--No fee charged by a benefit issuer 
     (including any affiliate of a benefit issuer), or by any 
     agent or contractor when acting on behalf of such benefit 
     issuer, to a third party relating to the switching or routing 
     of benefits to the same benefit issuer (including any 
     affiliate of the benefit issuer) shall apply to an electronic 
     benefit transfer transaction under this subsection.
       ``(II) Effective date.--The prohibition under subclause (I) 
     shall be effective through fiscal year 2022.''.

       (b) EBT Portability.--Section 7(f)(5) of the Food and 
     Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(f)(5)) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) Operation of individual point of sale device by 
     farmers' markets and direct marketing farmers.--A farmers' 
     market or direct marketing farmer that is exempt under 
     paragraph (2)(B)(i) shall be allowed to operate an individual 
     electronic benefit transfer point of sale device at more than 
     1 location under the same supplemental nutrition assistance 
     program authorization, if--
       ``(i) the farmers' market or direct marketing farmer 
     provides to the Secretary information on location and hours 
     of operation at each location; and
       ``(ii)(I) the point of sale device used by the farmers' 
     market or direct marketing farmer is capable of providing 
     location information of the device through the electronic 
     benefit transfer system; or
       ``(II) if the Secretary determines that the technology is 
     not available for a point of sale device to meet the 
     requirement under subclause (I), the farmers' market or 
     direct marketing farmer provides to the Secretary any other 
     information, as determined by the Secretary, necessary to 
     ensure the integrity of transactions processed using the 
     point of sale device.''.
       (c) Evaluation of State Electronic Benefit Transfer 
     Systems.--Section 7(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 
     (7 U.S.C. 2016(h)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(15) GAO evaluation and study of state electronic benefit 
     transfer systems.--
       ``(A) Evaluation.--
       ``(i) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
     of enactment of this paragraph, the Comptroller General of 
     the United States (referred to in this paragraph as the 
     `Comptroller General') shall evaluate for each electronic 
     benefit transfer system of a State agency selected in 
     accordance with clause (ii)--

       ``(I) any type of fee charged--

       ``(aa) by the benefit issuer (or an affiliate, agent, or 
     contractor of the benefit issuer) of the State agency for 
     electronic benefit transfer-related services, including 
     electronic benefit transfer-related services that did not 
     exist before February 7, 2014; and
       ``(bb) to any retail food stores, including retail food 
     stores that are exempt under subsection (f)(2)(B)(i) for 
     electronic benefit transfer-related services;

       ``(II) in consultation with the Secretary and the retail 
     food stores within the State, any electronic benefit transfer 
     system outages affecting the EBT cards of the State agency;
       ``(III) in consultation with the Secretary, any type of 
     entity that--

       ``(aa) provides electronic benefit transfer equipment and 
     related services to the State agency, any benefit issuers of 
     the State agency, or any retail food stores within the State;
       ``(bb) routes or switches transactions through the 
     electronic benefit transfer system of the State agency; or
       ``(cc) has access to transaction information in the 
     electronic benefit transfer system of the State agency; and

       ``(IV) in consultation with the Secretary, any emerging 
     entities, services, or technologies in use with respect to 
     the electronic benefit transfer system of the State agency.

       ``(ii) Selection criteria.--The Comptroller General shall 
     select for evaluation under clause (i)--

       ``(I) with respect to each benefit issuer that provides 
     electronic benefit transfer-related services to 1 or more 
     State agencies, not fewer than 1 electronic benefit transfer 
     system provided by that benefit issuer; and
       ``(II) any electronic benefit transfer system of a State 
     agency that has experienced significant or frequent outages 
     during the 2-year period preceding the date of enactment of 
     this paragraph.

       ``(B) Study.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this paragraph, the Comptroller General 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 based on the evaluation 
     carried out under subparagraph (A) that includes--
       ``(i) a description of the types of entities that--

       ``(I) provide electronic benefit transfer equipment and 
     related services to State agencies, benefit issuers, and 
     retail food stores;
       ``(II) route or switch transactions through electronic 
     benefit transfer systems of State agencies; or
       ``(III) have access to transaction information in 
     electronic benefit transfer systems of State agencies;

[[Page S4679]]

       ``(ii) a description of emerging entities, services, and 
     technologies in use with respect to electronic benefit 
     transfer systems of State agencies; and
       ``(iii) a summary of--

       ``(I) the types of fees charged--

       ``(aa) by benefit issuers (or affiliates, agents, or 
     contractors of benefit issuers) of State agencies for 
     electronic benefit transfer-related services, including 
     whether the types of fees existed before February 7, 2014; 
     and
       ``(bb) to any retail food stores, including retail food 
     stores that are exempt under subsection (f)(2)(B)(i) for 
     electronic benefit transfer-related services;

       ``(II)(aa) the causes of any electronic benefit transfer 
     system outages affecting EBT cards; and
       ``(bb) potential solutions to minimize the disruption of 
     outages to participating households.

       ``(16) Review of ebt systems requirements.--
       ``(A) Review.--
       ``(i) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
     of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall review 
     for each electronic benefit transfer system of a State agency 
     selected under clause (ii)--

       ``(I) any contracts or other agreements between the State 
     agency and the benefit issuer of the State agency to 
     determine--

       ``(aa) the customer service requirements of the benefit 
     issuer, including call center requirements; and
       ``(bb) the consistency and compatibility of data provided 
     by the benefit issuer to the Secretary for appropriate 
     oversight of possible fraudulent transactions; and

       ``(II) the use of third-party applications that access the 
     electronic benefit transfer system to provide electronic 
     benefit transfer account information to participating 
     households.

       ``(ii) Selection criteria.--The Secretary shall select for 
     the review under clause (i) not fewer than 5 electronic 
     benefit transfer systems of State agencies, of which--

       ``(I) with respect to each benefit issuer that provides 
     electronic benefit transfer-related services to 1 or more 
     State agencies, not fewer than 1 shall be provided by that 
     benefit issuer; and
       ``(II) not more than 4 shall have experienced significant 
     or frequent outages during the 2-year period preceding the 
     date of enactment of this paragraph.

       ``(B) Regulations and guidance.--Based on the study 
     conducted by the Comptroller General of the United States 
     under paragraph (15)(B) and the review conducted by the 
     Secretary under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall 
     promulgate such regulations or issue such guidance as the 
     Secretary determines appropriate--
       ``(i) to prohibit the imposition of any fee that is 
     inconsistent with paragraph (13);
       ``(ii) to minimize electronic benefit system outages;
       ``(iii) to update procedures to handle electronic benefit 
     transfer system outages that minimize disruption to 
     participating households and retail food stores while 
     protecting against fraud and abuse;
       ``(iv) to develop cost-effective customer service standards 
     for benefit issuers, including benefit issuer call centers or 
     other customer service options equivalent to call centers, 
     that would ensure adequate customer service for participating 
     households;
       ``(v) to address the use of third-party applications that 
     access electronic benefit transfer systems to provide 
     electronic benefit transfer account information to 
     participating households, including by establishing 
     safeguards consistent with sections 9(c) and 11(e)(8) to 
     protect the privacy of data relating to participating 
     households and approved retail food stores; and
       ``(vi) to improve the reliability of electronic benefit 
     transfer systems.
       ``(C) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this paragraph, 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 a description of the 
     effects, if any, on an electronic benefit transfer system of 
     a State agency from the use of third-party applications that 
     access the electronic benefit transfer system to provide 
     electronic benefit transfer account information to 
     participating households.''.
       (d) Approval of Retail Food Stores.--Section 9 of the Food 
     and Nutrition Act (7 U.S.C. 2018) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1)--
       (A) in the fourth sentence, by striking ``No retail food 
     store'' and inserting the following:
       ``(D) Visit required.--No retail food store'';
       (B) in the third sentence, by striking ``Approval'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(C) Certificate.--Approval'';
       (C) in the second sentence--
       (i) by striking ``food; and (D) the'' and inserting the 
     following: ``food;
       ``(iv) any information, if available, about the ability of 
     the anticipated or existing electronic benefit transfer 
     equipment and service provider of the applicant to provide 
     sufficient information through the electronic benefit 
     transfer system to minimize the risk of fraudulent 
     transactions; and
       ``(v) the'';
       (ii) by striking ``concern; (C) whether'' and inserting the 
     following: ``concern;
       ``(iii) whether'';
       (iii) by striking ``applicant; (B) the'' and inserting the 
     following: ``applicant;
       ``(ii) the'';
       (iv) by striking ``following: (A) the nature'' and 
     inserting the following: ``following:
       ``(i) the nature''; and
       (v) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so designated), 
     by striking ``In determining'' and inserting the following:
       ``(B) Factors for consideration.--In determining''; and
       (D) in the first sentence, by striking ``(a)(1) 
     Regulations'' and inserting the following:
       ``(a) Authorization to Accept and Redeem Benefits.--
       ``(1) Applications.--
       ``(A) In general.--Regulations'';
       (2) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Electronic benefit transfer equipment and service 
     providers.--Before implementing clause (iv) of paragraph 
     (1)(B), the Secretary shall issue guidance for retail food 
     stores on how to select electronic benefit transfer equipment 
     and service providers that are able to meet the requirements 
     of that clause.''; and
       (3) in subsection (c), in the first sentence, by inserting 
     ``records relating to electronic benefit transfer equipment 
     and related services, transaction and redemption data 
     provided through the electronic benefit transfer system,'' 
     after ``purchase invoices,''.

     SEC. 4105. RETAIL INCENTIVES.

       Section 9 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
     2018) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(i) Incentives.--
       ``(1) Definition of eligible incentive food.--In this 
     subsection, the term `eligible incentive food' means food 
     that is--
       ``(A) identified for increased consumption by the most 
     recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans published under 
     section 301 of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related 
     Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341); and
       ``(B) a fruit, a vegetable, low-fat dairy, or a whole 
     grain.
       ``(2) Regulations.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall promulgate 
     regulations to clarify the process by which an approved 
     retail food store may seek a waiver to offer an incentive 
     that may be used only for the purchase of eligible incentive 
     food at the point of purchase to a household purchasing food 
     with benefits issued under this Act.
       ``(B) Regulations.--The regulations under subparagraph (A) 
     shall establish a process under which an approved retail food 
     store, prior to carrying out an incentive program under this 
     subsection, shall provide to the Secretary information 
     describing the incentive program, including--
       ``(i) the types of incentives that will be offered;
       ``(ii) the types of foods that will be incentivized for 
     purchase; and
       ``(iii) an explanation of how the incentive program intends 
     to support meeting dietary intake goals.
       ``(3) No limitation on benefits.--A waiver granted under 
     this subsection shall not be used to carry out any activity 
     that limits the use of benefits under this Act or any other 
     Federal nutrition law.
       ``(4) Effect.--Regulations promulgated under this 
     subsection shall not affect any requirements under section 
     4405 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 7517) or section 4304 of the Agriculture Improvement 
     Act of 2018, including the eligibility of a retail food store 
     to participate in a project funded under those sections.
       ``(5) 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 an annual report describing the types of incentives 
     approved under this subsection.''.

     SEC. 4106. REQUIRED ACTION ON DATA MATCH INFORMATION.

       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'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (25), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(26) that for a household participating in the 
     supplemental nutrition assistance program, the State agency 
     shall pursue clarification and verification, if applicable, 
     of information relating to the circumstances of the household 
     received from data matches for the purpose of ensuring an 
     accurate eligibility and benefit determination, only if the 
     information--
       ``(A) appears to present significantly conflicting 
     information from the information that was used by the State 
     agency at the time of certification of the household;
       ``(B) is obtained from data matches carried out under 
     subsection (q), (r), or (w); or
       ``(C)(i) is fewer than 60 days old relative to the current 
     month of participation of the household; and
       ``(ii) if accurate, would have been required to be reported 
     by the household based on the reporting requirements assigned 
     to the household by the State agency under section 6(c).''.

     SEC. 4107. INCOME VERIFICATION.

       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 for Improving Earned Income 
     Verification.--
       ``(1) In general.--Under such terms and conditions as the 
     Secretary considers to be

[[Page S4680]]

     appropriate, the Secretary shall establish a pilot program 
     (referred to in this subsection as the `pilot program') under 
     which not more than 8 States may carry out pilot projects to 
     test strategies to improve the accuracy or efficiency of the 
     process for verification of earned income at certification 
     and recertification of applicant households for the 
     supplemental nutrition assistance program.
       ``(2) Contract options.--
       ``(A) In general.--In carrying out the pilot program, prior 
     to soliciting applications for pilot projects from State 
     agencies, the Secretary shall--
       ``(i) assess the availability of up-to-date earned income 
     information from different commercial data service providers; 
     and
       ``(ii) make a determination regarding the overall cost-
     effectiveness to the Department of Agriculture and the State 
     agencies administering the supplemental nutrition assistance 
     program of--

       ``(I) the Secretary entering into a contract with a 
     commercial data service provider to provide to State agencies 
     carrying out pilot projects up-to-date earned income 
     information for verification of the earned income at 
     certification and recertification of applicant households for 
     the supplemental nutrition assistance program;
       ``(II) the Secretary entering into an agreement with the 
     Secretary of Health and Human Services to allow State 
     agencies carrying out pilot projects to verify earned income 
     information at certification and recertification of applicant 
     households for the supplemental nutrition assistance program 
     in the State using up-to-date earned income information from 
     a commercial data service provider under the electronic 
     interface developed by the State and used by the State 
     Medicaid agency to verify income eligibility for the State 
     Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act 
     (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.); or
       ``(III) a State agency carrying out a pilot project 
     entering into a contract with a commercial data service 
     provider to obtain up-to-date earned income information to 
     verify the earned income at certification and recertification 
     of applicant households for the supplemental nutrition 
     assistance program in the State.

       ``(B) Authority to enter into contracts.--If determined 
     appropriate by the Secretary, the Secretary may, based on the 
     cost-effectiveness determination described in subparagraph 
     (A)(ii)--
       ``(i) enter into a contract described in subclause (I) of 
     that subparagraph;
       ``(ii) enter into an agreement described in subclause (II) 
     of that subparagraph; or
       ``(iii) allow each State agency carrying out a pilot 
     project to enter into a contract described in subclause (III) 
     of that subparagraph, on the condition that the Federal share 
     of the cost of the contract shall not exceed 75 percent of 
     the total cost of the contract.
       ``(C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to 
     the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives 
     and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of 
     the Senate a report that describes the results of the 
     assessment and determination under subparagraph (A).
       ``(3) Pilot projects.--
       ``(A) Application.--A State agency seeking to carry out a 
     pilot project under the pilot program shall submit to the 
     Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and 
     containing such information as the Secretary may require, 
     including--
       ``(i) an identification of the 1 or more proposed changes 
     to the process for verifying earned income used by the State 
     agency;
       ``(ii) a description of how the proposed changes under 
     clause (i) would meet the purpose described in paragraph (1); 
     and
       ``(iii) a plan to evaluate how the proposed changes under 
     clause (i) would improve the accuracy or efficiency of the 
     verification of earned income at certification and 
     recertification of applicant households for the supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program in the State.
       ``(B) Selection criteria.--The Secretary shall select to 
     carry out pilot projects State agencies that, as determined 
     by the Secretary--
       ``(i) do not have access to up-to-date earned income 
     information for the verification of earned income at 
     certification and recertification of applicant households for 
     the supplemental nutrition assistance program in the State;
       ``(ii) would be able to access and use, for the 
     verification of earned income at certification and 
     recertification of applicant households for the supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program in the State, up-to-date earned 
     income information used to determine eligibility for another 
     Federal assistance program; or
       ``(iii) have cost-effective, innovative approaches to 
     verifying earned income that would improve the accuracy or 
     efficiency of the verification of earned income at 
     certification and recertification of applicant households for 
     the supplemental nutrition assistance program in the State.
       ``(4) Grants.--The Secretary may make grants to a State 
     agency to carry out a pilot project.
       ``(5) Effect on other requirements.--A pilot project 
     carried out under this subsection shall not alter the 
     eligibility requirements under section 5 or the reporting 
     requirements under section 6(c).
       ``(6) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
     which the pilot program terminates under paragraph (8), the 
     Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, 
     Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes 
     the results of the pilot projects carried out under the pilot 
     program.
       ``(7) Funding.--
       ``(A) In general.--Out of funds made available under 
     section 18(a)(1), on October 1, 2018, the Secretary shall 
     make available $10,000,000 to carry out this subsection, to 
     remain available until expended.
       ``(B) Costs.--The Secretary shall allocate not more than 10 
     percent of the amounts made available under subparagraph (A) 
     to carry out subparagraphs (A) and (C) of paragraph (2) and 
     paragraph (6).
       ``(8) Termination.--The pilot program shall terminate not 
     later than September 30, 2022.''.

     SEC. 4108. PILOT PROJECTS TO IMPROVE HEALTHY DIETARY PATTERNS 
                   RELATED TO FLUID MILK IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL 
                   NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

       Section 17 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
     2026) (as amended by section 4107) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following:
       ``(n) Pilot Projects to Improve Healthy Dietary Patterns 
     Related to Fluid Milk Consumption Among Participants or 
     Households in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 
     That Under-consume Fluid Milk.--
       ``(1) Definition of fluid milk.--In this subsection, the 
     term `fluid milk' means cow milk, without flavoring or 
     sweeteners, consistent with the most recent Dietary 
     Guidelines for Americans published under section 301 of the 
     National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 
     1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341), that is packaged in liquid form.
       ``(2) Pilot projects.--The Secretary shall carry out, under 
     such terms and conditions as the Secretary considers to be 
     appropriate, pilot projects to develop and test methods that 
     would increase the purchase of fluid milk, in a manner 
     consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for 
     Americans published under section 301 of the National 
     Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 
     U.S.C. 5341), by individuals or households participating in 
     the supplemental nutrition assistance program that under-
     consume fluid milk by providing an incentive for the purchase 
     of fluid milk at the point of purchase to a household 
     purchasing food with supplemental nutrition assistance 
     program benefits.
       ``(3) Grants or cooperative agreements.--
       ``(A) In general.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Secretary may enter into competitively awarded cooperative 
     agreements with, or provide grants to, a government agency or 
     nonprofit organization for use in accordance with projects 
     that meet the strategic goals of this subsection, including 
     allowing the government agency or nonprofit organization to 
     award subgrants to retail food stores authorized under this 
     Act.
       ``(B) Application.--To be eligible to receive a cooperative 
     agreement or grant under this paragraph, a government agency 
     or nonprofit organization shall submit to the Secretary an 
     application at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Secretary may require.
       ``(C) Selection criteria.--Pilot projects shall be 
     evaluated against publicly disseminated criteria that shall 
     include--
       ``(i) incorporation of a scientifically based strategy that 
     is designed to improve diet quality through the increased 
     purchase of fluid milk for participants or households in the 
     supplemental nutrition assistance program that under-consume 
     fluid milk;
       ``(ii) a commitment to a pilot project that allows for a 
     rigorous outcome evaluation, including data collection; and
       ``(iii) other criteria, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(D) Use of funds.--Funds provided under this paragraph 
     shall not be used for any project that limits the use of 
     benefits under this Act.
       ``(E) Duration.--Each pilot project carried out under this 
     subsection shall be in effect for not more than 24 months.
       ``(4) Projects.--Pilot projects carried out under paragraph 
     (2) shall include projects to determine whether incentives 
     for the purchase of fluid milk by individuals or households 
     participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance 
     program that under-consume fluid milk result in--
       ``(A) improved nutritional outcomes for participating 
     individuals or households;
       ``(B) changes in purchasing and consumption of fluid milk 
     among participating individuals or households; or
       ``(C) diets more closely aligned with healthy eating 
     patterns consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines 
     for Americans published under section 301 of the National 
     Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 
     U.S.C. 5341).
       ``(5) Evaluation and reporting.--
       ``(A) Evaluation.--
       ``(i) Independent evaluation.--

       ``(I) In general.--The Secretary shall provide for an 
     independent evaluation of projects selected under this 
     subsection that measures the impact of the pilot program on 
     health and nutrition as described in paragraphs (2) through 
     (4).
       ``(II) Requirement.--The independent evaluation under 
     subclause (I) shall use rigorous

[[Page S4681]]

     methodologies, particularly random assignment or other 
     methods that are capable of producing scientifically valid 
     information regarding which activities are effective.

       ``(ii) Costs.--The Secretary may use funds provided to 
     carry out this subsection to pay costs associated with 
     monitoring and evaluating each pilot project.
       ``(B) Reporting.--Not later than 90 days after the last day 
     of fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter until the 
     completion of the last evaluation under subparagraph (A), 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 
     a description of--
       ``(i) the status of each pilot project;
       ``(ii) the results of the evaluation completed during the 
     previous fiscal year; and
       ``(iii) to the maximum extent practicable--

       ``(I) the impact of the pilot project on appropriate 
     health, nutrition, and associated behavioral outcomes among 
     households participating in the pilot project;
       ``(II) baseline information relevant to the stated goals 
     and desired outcomes of the pilot project; and
       ``(III) equivalent information about similar or identical 
     measures among control or comparison groups that did not 
     participate in the pilot project.

       ``(C) Public dissemination.--In addition to the reporting 
     requirements under subparagraph (B), evaluation results shall 
     be shared broadly to inform policy makers, service providers, 
     other partners, and the public to promote wide use of 
     successful strategies.
       ``(6) Funding.--
       ``(A) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $20,000,000, 
     to remain available until expended.
       ``(B) Appropriations 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. 4109. INTERSTATE DATA MATCHING TO PREVENT MULTIPLE 
                   ISSUANCES.

       Section 11 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
     2020) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(w) National Accuracy Clearinghouse.--
       ``(1) Definition of indication of multiple issuance.--In 
     this subsection, the term `indication of multiple issuance' 
     means an indication, based on a computer match, that benefits 
     are being issued to an individual under the supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program from more than 1 State 
     simultaneously.
       ``(2) Establishment.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish an 
     interstate data system, to be known as the `National Accuracy 
     Clearinghouse', to prevent the simultaneous issuance of 
     benefits to an individual by more than 1 State under the 
     supplemental nutrition assistance program.
       ``(B) Data matching.--The Secretary shall require that 
     States make available to the National Accuracy Clearinghouse 
     only such information as is necessary for the purpose 
     described in subparagraph (A).
       ``(C) Data protection.--The information made available by 
     States under subparagraph (B)--
       ``(i) shall be used only for the purpose described in 
     subparagraph (A); and
       ``(ii) shall not be retained for longer than is necessary 
     to accomplish that purpose.
       ``(3) Issuance of interim final regulations.--Not later 
     than 18 months after the date of enactment of this 
     subsection, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations (which 
     shall include interim final regulations) to carry out this 
     subsection that--
       ``(A) incorporate best practices and lessons learned from 
     the pilot program under section 4032(c) of the Agricultural 
     Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 2036c(c));
       ``(B) require a State to take appropriate action, as 
     determined by the Secretary, with respect to each indication 
     of multiple issuance or indication that an individual 
     receiving benefits in 1 State has applied to receive benefits 
     in another State, while ensuring timely and fair service to 
     applicants for, and participants in, the supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program;
       ``(C) limit the information submitted through or retained 
     by the National Accuracy Clearinghouse to information 
     necessary to accomplish the purpose described in paragraph 
     (2)(A);
       ``(D) establish safeguards to protect--
       ``(i) the information submitted through or retained by the 
     National Accuracy Clearinghouse, including by limiting the 
     period of time that information is retained to the period 
     necessary to accomplish the purpose described in paragraph 
     (2)(A); and
       ``(ii) the privacy of information that is submitted through 
     or retained by the National Accuracy Clearinghouse, which 
     shall include--

       ``(I) prohibiting any contractor who has access to 
     information that is submitted through or retained by the 
     National Accuracy Clearinghouse from using that information 
     for purposes not directly related to the purpose described in 
     paragraph (2)(A); and
       ``(II) other safeguards, consistent with subsection (e)(8);

       ``(E) establish a process by which a State shall--
       ``(i) not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of 
     this subsection, conduct a computer match using the National 
     Accuracy Clearinghouse;
       ``(ii) after the first computer match under clause (i), 
     conduct computer matches on an ongoing basis, as determined 
     by the Secretary;
       ``(iii) identify and take appropriate action, as determined 
     by the Secretary, with respect to each indication of multiple 
     issuance or indication that an individual receiving benefits 
     in 1 State has applied to receive benefits in another State; 
     and
       ``(iv) protect the identity and location of a vulnerable 
     individual (including a victim of domestic violence) that is 
     an applicant to or participant of the supplemental nutrition 
     assistance program; and
       ``(F) include other rules and standards, as determined by 
     the Secretary.''.

     SEC. 4110. QUALITY CONTROL.

       (a) Records.--
       (1) In general.--Section 11(a)(3)(B) of the Food and 
     Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2020(a)(3)(B)) is amended in 
     the matter preceding clause (i) by inserting ``and systems 
     containing those records'' after ``subparagraph (A)''.
       (2) Cost sharing for computerization.--Section 16(g)(1) of 
     the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(g)(1)) is 
     amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (F)(ii), 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 inspection 
     and audit under section 11(a)(3)(B); and''.
       (b) Quality Control System.--Section 16(c)(1) of the Food 
     and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(c)(1)) is amended by 
     striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:
       ``(B) Quality control system integrity.--
       ``(i) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the 
     Secretary shall issue interim final regulations that--

       ``(I) ensure that the quality control system established 
     under this subsection produces valid statistical results;
       ``(II) provide for oversight of contracts entered into by a 
     State agency for the purpose of improving payment accuracy;
       ``(III) ensure the accuracy of data collected under the 
     quality control system established under this subsection; and
       ``(IV) to the maximum extent practicable, for each fiscal 
     year, evaluate the integrity of the quality control process 
     of not fewer than 2 State agencies, selected in accordance 
     with criteria determined by the Secretary.

       ``(ii) Debarment.--In accordance with the nonprocurement 
     debarment procedures under part 417 of title 2, Code of 
     Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), the Secretary 
     shall bar any person that, in carrying out the quality 
     control system established under this subsection, knowingly 
     submits, or causes to be submitted, false information to the 
     Secretary.''.
       (c) Elimination of State Bonuses for Error Rates.--
       (1) In general.--Section 16(d) of the Food and Nutrition 
     Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(d)) is amended--
       (A) by striking the subsection heading and inserting 
     ``State Performance Indicators and Bonuses.--''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ``subparagraph 
     (B)(ii)'' and inserting ``clauses (ii) and (iii) of 
     subparagraph (B)''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``With 
     respect'' and all that follows through the end of clause (i) 
     and inserting the following:

       ``(i) Performance measurement.--With respect to fiscal year 
     2005 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall 
     measure the performance of each State agency with respect to 
     the criteria established under subparagraph (A)(i).'';

       (II) in clause (ii), by striking ``(ii) subject to 
     paragraph (3),'' and inserting the following:

       ``(ii) Performance bonuses for fiscal years 2005 through 
     2017.--With respect to each of fiscal years 2005 through 
     2017, subject to paragraph (3), the Secretary shall''; and

       (III) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(iii) Performance bonuses for fiscal years 2018 and 
     thereafter.--

       ``(I) In general.--With respect to fiscal year 2018 and 
     each fiscal year thereafter, subject to subclause (II) and 
     paragraph (3), the Secretary shall award performance bonus 
     payments in the following fiscal year, in a total amount of 
     $6,000,000 for each fiscal year, to State agencies that meet 
     standards for high or most improved performance established 
     by the Secretary under subparagraph (A)(ii) for the measure 
     of application processing timeliness.
       ``(II) Performance bonus payments for fiscal year 2018 
     performance.--The Secretary shall award performance bonus 
     payments in a total amount of $6,000,000 to State agencies in 
     fiscal year 2019 for fiscal year 2018 performance, in 
     accordance with subclause (I).''.

       (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 16(i)(1) of the Food and 
     Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2025(i)(1)) is amended by 
     striking ``(as defined in subsection (d)(1))''.

[[Page S4682]]

  


     SEC. 4111. REQUIREMENT OF LIVE-PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENTS FOR 
                   CERTAIN PILOT PROJECTS RELATING TO COST SHARING 
                   FOR COMPUTERIZATION.

       Section 16(g)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2025(g)(1)) (as amended by section 4110(a)(2)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (F), by redesignating clauses (i) and 
     (ii) as subclauses (I) and (II), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (G) as 
     clauses (i) through (vii), respectively, and indenting 
     appropriately;
       (3) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so 
     redesignated)--
       (A) by striking ``paragraphs (2) and (3)'' and inserting 
     ``paragraph (2)''; and
       (B) by striking ``in the planning'' and inserting the 
     following: ``in the--
       ``(A) planning'';
       (4) in clause (v) (as so redesignated) of subparagraph (A) 
     (as so designated), by striking ``implementation, including 
     through pilot projects in limited areas for major systems 
     changes as determined under rules promulgated by the 
     Secretary, data from which'' and inserting the following: 
     ``implementation, including a requirement that--

       ``(I) such testing shall be accomplished through pilot 
     projects in limited areas for major systems changes (as 
     determined under rules promulgated by the Secretary);
       ``(II) each pilot project described in subclause (I) that 
     is carried out before the implementation of a system shall be 
     conducted in a live-production environment; and
       ``(III) the data resulting from each pilot project carried 
     out under this clause''; and

       (5) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) operation of 1 or more automatic data processing and 
     information retrieval systems that the Secretary determines 
     may continue to be operated in accordance with clauses (i) 
     through (vii) of subparagraph (A).''.

     SEC. 4112. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 18(a)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2027(a)(1)) is amended in the first sentence by 
     striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 4113. ASSISTANCE FOR COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECTS.

       Section 25(b)(2) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2034(b)(2)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``fiscal year 2015 and 
     each fiscal year thereafter.'' and inserting ``each of fiscal 
     years 2015 through 2018; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year 
     thereafter.''.

     SEC. 4114. NUTRITION EDUCATION STATE PLANS.

       Section 28(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2036a(c)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
     ``Except as provided in subparagraph (C), a'' and inserting 
     ``A'';
       (ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (iii) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (iv); and
       (iv) by inserting after clause (ii) the following:
       ``(iii) describe how the State agency shall use an 
     electronic reporting system that measures and evaluates the 
     projects; and''; and
       (B) by striking subparagraph (C);
       (2) in paragraph (3)(B), in the matter preceding clause 
     (i), by inserting ``, the Director of the National Institute 
     of Food and Agriculture,'' before ``and outside 
     stakeholders'';
       (3) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``the expanded food and 
     nutrition education program or'' before ``other health 
     promotion''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) Report.--The State agency shall submit to the 
     Secretary an annual evaluation report in accordance with 
     regulations issued by the Secretary.''.

     SEC. 4115. WORK ACTIVATION PROGRAM FOR ADULTS WITH DEPENDENT 
                   CHILDREN.

       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. WORK ACTIVATION PROGRAM FOR ADULTS WITH DEPENDENT 
                   CHILDREN.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Eligible participant.--The term `eligible 
     participant' means an individual who, during a particular 
     month, is--
       ``(A) a parent in a household with dependent children;
       ``(B) at least 19, and not more than 55, years of age;
       ``(C) not disabled;
       ``(D) a member of a household in which 1 or more parents or 
     children receive supplemental nutrition assistance program 
     benefits in the month;
       ``(E) a member of a household that received supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program benefits for more than 3 months 
     in the year; and
       ``(F) employed less than 100 hours in the month.
       ``(2) Married couple household.--The term `married couple 
     household' means a household that includes 2 eligible 
     participants who are married to each other and have dependent 
     children.
       ``(3) Successful engagement in work activation.--The term 
     `successful engagement in work activation' means--
       ``(A) in the case of an individual who is eligible and 
     required to participate in interim work activation, 
     performance during the month that fulfills the activity and 
     hour requirements of subsection (c);
       ``(B) in the case of an individual who is required to 
     participate in full work activation, performance during the 
     month that fulfills the activity and hour requirements of 
     subsection (d); and
       ``(C) in the case of an individual who meets the 
     eligibility criteria described in subsection (e)(1), 
     performance that fulfills the activity and hour requirements 
     of that subsection.
       ``(4) Work and work preparation activities.--The term `work 
     and work preparation activities' means--
       ``(A) unsubsidized employment;
       ``(B) subsidized private sector employment;
       ``(C) subsidized public sector employment;
       ``(D) work experience (including work associated with the 
     refurbishing of publicly assisted housing) if sufficient 
     private sector employment is not available;
       ``(E) on-the-job training;
       ``(F) job readiness assistance;
       ``(G) a community service program;
       ``(H) vocational educational training (not to exceed 1 year 
     with respect to any individual);
       ``(I) job skills training directly related to employment;
       ``(J) education directly related to employment, in the case 
     of a recipient who has not received a high school diploma or 
     a certificate of high school equivalency;
       ``(K) satisfactory attendance at secondary school or in a 
     course of study leading to a certificate of general 
     equivalence, in the case of a recipient who has not completed 
     secondary school or received such a certificate;
       ``(L) the provision of child care services to an individual 
     who is participating in a community service program;
       ``(M) workfare under section 20; and
       ``(N) supervised job search.
       ``(b) Work Activation Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--As a condition of receiving supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program funds under this Act, a State 
     agency shall be required to operate a work activation program 
     for eligible participants.
       ``(2) Special rules for married couple households.--
       ``(A) In general.--In the case of eligible participants who 
     are spouses in a married couple household--
       ``(i) the work activation requirement of this section shall 
     apply only if the sum of the combined current employment of 
     both spouses is less than 100 hours per month; and
       ``(ii) both spouses shall be considered to have achieved 
     successful engagement in the work activation program if 
     either spouse fulfills the work activation requirements 
     described in subsection (c), (d), or (e)(1).
       ``(B) Total required hours.--The total combined number of 
     hours of required work and work preparation activities for 
     both spouses in a married couple household shall not be 
     greater than the total number of hours required for a single 
     head of household.
       ``(C) Requirement.--In carrying out this section, a State 
     agency shall ensure that, for any month--
       ``(i) the proportion that--

       ``(I) the number of married couple households that are 
     required to participate in work activation under this section 
     in a month; bears to
       ``(II) the number of all households that are required to 
     participate in work activation under this section in the same 
     month; is not greater than--

       ``(ii) the proportion that--

       ``(I) the number of all married couple households with 
     eligible participants in the month; bears to
       ``(II) the number of all households with eligible 
     participants in the same month.

       ``(c) Short-Term Interim Work Activation.--
       ``(1) In general.--A State agency may require eligible 
     participants who meet the criteria in paragraph (2) to engage 
     in--
       ``(A) interim work activation as described in this 
     subsection; or
       ``(B) full work activation as described in subsection (d).
       ``(2) Eligibility.--A State agency may require an eligible 
     participant to participate in interim work activation instead 
     of full work activation if the eligible participant has not 
     engaged in work activation under this section in the 
     preceding 3 years.
       ``(3) Required job search.--A participant in interim work 
     activation shall be required--
       ``(A) to participate in supervised job search for at least 
     6 hours per week; and
       ``(B) to engage in such additional activities as the State 
     agency may require.
       ``(4) Time limit on interim work activation.--
       ``(A) In general.--An eligible participant shall not 
     participate in interim work activation for more than 3 
     months.
       ``(B) Additional time.--After an eligible participant has 
     participated in interim work activation for 3 months, the 
     State agency shall require the eligible participant--
       ``(i) to maintain at least 100 hours of employment per 
     month; or
       ``(ii) to participate in full work activation.
       ``(d) Full Work Activation.--
       ``(1) In general.--As a condition of receiving supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program funds under this Act, a State 
     agency

[[Page S4683]]

     shall require all or part of the eligible participants in the 
     State to engage in full work activation under this section.
       ``(2) Requirements.--An eligible participant who is 
     required to participate in full work activation in a month 
     shall be required to engage in 1 or more work and work 
     preparation activities for an average of 100 hours per month.
       ``(3) Limitation.--Of the total number of required hours 
     described in paragraph (2), not fewer than 20 hours per week 
     shall be attributable to an activity described in 
     subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), (H), (L), 
     (M), or (N) of subsection (a)(4).
       ``(4) Participation in community service or workfare.--At 
     least 10 percent of the eligible participants that a State 
     requires to participate in full work activation under this 
     section shall be required to participate in activities 
     described in subparagraph (D), (G), or (M) of subsection 
     (a)(4).
       ``(5) Work activation not employment.--Other than 
     unsubsidized employment described in subsection (a)(4)(A), 
     participation in work and work preparation activities under 
     this section shall not be--
       ``(A) considered to be employment; or
       ``(B) subject to any law pertaining to wages, compensation, 
     hours, or conditions of employment under any law administered 
     by the Secretary of Labor.
       ``(6) Additional required activity.--Except as provided in 
     subsection (g), nothing in this section prevents a State from 
     requiring more than 100 hours per month of participation in 
     work and work preparation activities.
       ``(e) Limitations and Special Rules.--
       ``(1) Single teen head of household or married teen who 
     maintains satisfactory school attendance.--For purposes of 
     determining monthly participation rates under this section, 
     an eligible participant who is married or a head of household 
     and who has not attained 20 years of age shall be considered 
     to have completed successful engagement in work activation 
     for a month if the eligible participant--
       ``(A) maintains satisfactory attendance at secondary school 
     or the equivalent during the month; or
       ``(B) participates in education directly related to 
     employment for an average of at least 20 hours per week 
     during the month.
       ``(2) Limitation on number of persons who may be treated as 
     engaged in work activation by reason of participation in 
     educational activities.--For purposes of determining monthly 
     participation rates under this section, not more than 30 
     percent of the number of individuals in a State who are 
     treated as having completed successful engagement in work 
     activation for a month may be individuals who are determined 
     to be engaged in work activation for the month by reason of 
     participation in vocational educational training.
       ``(f) State Option for Participation Requirement 
     Exemptions.--
       ``(1) In general.--For any fiscal year, a State agency, at 
     the option of the State agency, may--
       ``(A) exempt a household that includes a child who has not 
     attained 12 months of age from engaging in work activation; 
     and
       ``(B) disregard that household in determining the monthly 
     participation rates under this section until the child has 
     attained 12 months of age.
       ``(2) Exclusion.--For purposes of determining monthly 
     participation rates under this section, a household that 
     includes a child who has not attained 6 years of age shall be 
     considered to be successfully engaged in work activation for 
     a month if a member of the household receiving supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program benefits is engaged in work 
     activation for an average of at least 20 hours per week 
     during the month.
       ``(g) Penalties Against Individuals.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), if 
     an eligible participant in a household receiving assistance 
     under the State program funded under this section fails to 
     complete successful engagement in work activation in 
     accordance with this section, the State agency shall--
       ``(A) in accordance with paragraph (2), reduce the amount 
     of assistance otherwise payable to the entire household pro 
     rata (or more, at the option of the State agency) with 
     respect to the month immediately after any month in which the 
     eligible participant fails to perform; or
       ``(B) terminate the assistance entirely.
       ``(2) Pro rata reduction.--For purposes of paragraph 
     (1)(A), the amount of the pro rata reduction shall equal the 
     product obtained by multiplying--
       ``(A) the normal monthly amount of assistance to the entire 
     household that would have been received if not for the 
     reduction under paragraph (1)(A); by
       ``(B) the proportion that--
       ``(i) the hours of required work and work preparation 
     activities performed by the eligible participant during the 
     month; bears to
       ``(ii) the number or hours of work and work preparation 
     activities the State agency required the eligible participant 
     to perform in accordance with this section.
       ``(3) Exception.--A State may not reduce or terminate 
     assistance under the State program funded under this section 
     or any other State program funded with qualified State 
     expenditures (as defined in section 409(a)(7)(B) of the 
     Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 609(a)(7)(B))) based on a 
     refusal of an eligible participant to engage in work and work 
     preparation activities required under this section if--
       ``(A) the eligible participant is a single custodial parent 
     caring for a child who has not attained 6 years of age; and
       ``(B) the eligible participant proves that the eligible 
     participant has a demonstrated inability (as determined by 
     the State agency) to obtain needed child care, due to--
       ``(i) unavailability of appropriate child care within a 
     reasonable distance from the home or work site of the 
     eligible participant; or
       ``(ii) unavailability of all affordable child care 
     arrangements, including formal child care and all informal 
     child care by a relative or under other arrangements.
       ``(h) Limitation on Hours of Required Participation in 
     Community Service or Workfare.--
       ``(1) In general.--The maximum number of hours during a 
     month that an eligible participant shall be required under 
     this section to work in a community service program or a 
     workfare program under section 20 shall not exceed the 
     quotient obtained by dividing--
       ``(A) the total dollar cost of all means-tested benefits 
     received by the household for that month, as determined under 
     paragraph (2); by
       ``(B) the Federal minimum wage.
       ``(2) Total dollar cost of all means-tested benefits 
     defined.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     the total dollar cost of all means-tested benefits shall 
     equal the sum of the dollar cost of all benefits received by 
     the household from--
       ``(i) the supplemental nutrition assistance program;
       ``(ii) the State program funded under part A of title IV of 
     the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) or any other 
     State program funded with qualified State expenditures (as 
     defined in section 409(a)(7)(B)(i) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 
     609(a)(7)(B)(i))); and
       ``(iii) any assistance provided to a household, landlord, 
     or public housing agency (as defined in section 3(b)(6) of 
     the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 
     1437a(b)(6))) to subsidize the rental payment for a dwelling 
     unit, including assistance provided for public housing 
     dwelling units under section 3 of the United States Housing 
     Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a) and assistance provided under 
     section 8 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1437f).
       ``(B) Value of benefits during sanction.--For purposes of 
     subparagraph (A), if the dollar value of 1 or more benefits 
     received by a household in a month has been reduced under 
     subsection (g) or another sanction requirement, the 
     calculated dollar value of the sanctioned benefits shall 
     equal the dollar value of the benefit that would have been 
     received if the benefit had not been reduced by the sanction.
       ``(3) Additional activities.--Nothing in this subsection 
     prevents a State agency from requiring an eligible 
     participant to engage in activities not described in 
     paragraph (1) for additional hours during the month.
       ``(i) Work Activation Participation Goals.--
       ``(1) In general.--As a condition of receiving supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program funds under this Act, except as 
     provided in paragraph (2), a State agency shall achieve for 
     each quarter of the fiscal year with respect to all eligible 
     participants receiving assistance under the State program 
     funded under this section for that fiscal year at least the 
     participation rate specified in the following table:


------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            The quarterly  participation
         ``If the fiscal year is:             rate  shall be at least:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019......................................  20 percent
2020......................................  35 percent
2021......................................  50 percent
2022......................................  65 percent
2023......................................  80 percent.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       ``(2) Adjustment if recessionary period.--If the average 
     national unemployment rate during a quarter of a fiscal year, 
     as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the 
     Department of Labor, is more than 8 percent, the 
     participation goal for the immediately succeeding quarter 
     shall equal the product obtained by multiplying--

[[Page S4684]]

       ``(A) the applicable quarterly participation rate under 
     paragraph (1); by
       ``(B) 0.8.
       ``(j) Calculation of Work Activation Participation Rates.--
       ``(1) Definition of sanctioned recipient.--In this 
     subsection, the term `sanctioned recipient' means any 
     eligible participant who--
       ``(A) was required to participate in work activation in a 
     month;
       ``(B) failed to perform the assigned work and work 
     preparation activities so as to meet the relevant hourly 
     requirements in subsection (c), (d), or (e)(2); and
       ``(C) was sanctioned by a reduced benefit payment in the 
     subsequent month under subsection (g).
       ``(2) Requirements.--The work activation participation rate 
     for a State for any quarter of a fiscal year shall equal the 
     average of the monthly participation rates for the State 
     during the 3 months of that quarter.
       ``(3) Monthly participation rate.--For purposes of 
     paragraph (2), the monthly participation rate shall equal the 
     ratio of all countable participants to all eligible 
     participants in the month, as determined under paragraph (4).
       ``(4) Ratio of all countable participants to all eligible 
     participants.--Subject to paragraph (5), the ratio of all 
     countable participants to all eligible participants in a 
     month equals the proportion that--
       ``(A) the sum obtained by adding--
       ``(i) all eligible participants who--

       ``(I) were required by the State to engage in interim work 
     activation, full work activation, or education under 
     subsection (e)(1) during the month; and
       ``(II) fulfilled the criteria for successful engagement in 
     work activation for that activity during the month; and

       ``(ii) all sanctioned recipients for that month; bears to
       ``(B) the average number of eligible participants in the 
     State in that month.
       ``(5) Multiple eligible participants.--A married couple 
     household consisting of more than 1 eligible participant 
     shall be counted as a single eligible participant for 
     purposes of calculating the participation rate under this 
     subsection.
       ``(k) Penalties for Inadequate State Performance.--
       ``(1) In general.--Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 
     year 2020 and for each subsequent quarter of fiscal year 2020 
     and of each subsequent fiscal year, each State shall count 
     the monthly average number of countable participants under 
     this section.
       ``(2) Reduction in funding.--If the monthly average number 
     of countable participants in a State of a fiscal year is not 
     sufficient to fulfill the relevant work activation 
     participation goal under subsection (i) during that quarter, 
     the supplemental nutrition assistance program funding for the 
     State under this Act shall be reduced for the fiscal quarter 
     that begins 180 days after the first day of the quarter in 
     which the inadequate performance occurred in accordance with 
     paragraph (3).
       ``(3) Funding in penalized quarter.--The total amount of 
     funding a State shall receive for all households with 
     eligible participants for a quarter for which funding is 
     reduced under paragraph (2) shall equal the product obtained 
     by multiplying--
       ``(A) the total amount of funding that the State would have 
     received in the preceding quarter for all households with 
     eligible participants if no reduction had been in place; by
       ``(B) the ratio of all countable participants to all 
     eligible participants (as determined under subsection (j)(4)) 
     for the quarter that began 180 days before the first day of 
     the quarter for which funding is reduced.
       ``(l) Funding To Administer Work Activation.--
       ``(1) TANF funding.--
       ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, for fiscal year 2019 and each subsequent fiscal year, a 
     State that receives supplemental nutrition assistance program 
     funds under this Act may use during that fiscal year to carry 
     out the work activation program of the State under this 
     section--
       ``(i) any of the Federal funds available to the State 
     through the State program funded under part A of title IV of 
     the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) in that 
     fiscal year; and
       ``(ii) any of the funds from State sources allocated to the 
     operation of the program described in clause (i).
       ``(B) Effect.--Any State that uses State funds allocated to 
     the State program funded under part A of title IV of the 
     Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) to administer the 
     work activation program of that State under this section may 
     treat those funds as qualified State expenditures (as defined 
     in section 409(a)(7)(B)(i) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 
     609(a)(7)(B)(i))) for purposes of meeting the requirements of 
     section 409(a)(7) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 609(a)(7)) in that 
     fiscal year.
       ``(2) Workforce investment act funding.--Notwithstanding 
     any other provision of law, for fiscal year 2019 and each 
     subsequent fiscal year, a State that receives Federal funds 
     under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801 et 
     seq.) may use up to 50 percent of those funds during that 
     fiscal year to carry out the work activation program of the 
     State under this section.
       ``(3) Supplemental nutrition assistance program employment 
     and training program.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, for fiscal year 2019 and each subsequent fiscal year, a 
     State that receives Federal funds under this Act for an 
     employment and training program under section 6(d) may use 
     those funds during that fiscal year to carry out the work 
     activation program of the State under this section.''.

     SEC. 4116. EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

       (a) State Plan.--Section 202A(b) of the Emergency Food 
     Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7503(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) at the option of the State agency, describe a plan of 
     operation for 1 or more projects in partnership with 1 or 
     more emergency feeding organizations located in the State to 
     harvest, process, and package donated commodities received 
     under section 203D(d); and
       ``(6) describe a plan, which may include the use of a State 
     advisory board established under subsection (c), that 
     provides emergency feeding organizations or eligible 
     recipient agencies within the State an opportunity to provide 
     input on the commodity preferences and needs of the emergency 
     feeding organization or eligible recipient agency.''.
       (b) State and Local Supplementation of Commodities.--
     Section 203D of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 
     U.S.C. 7507) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Projects to Harvest, Process, and Package Donated 
     Commodities.--
       ``(1) Definition of project.--In this subsection, the term 
     `project' means the harvesting, processing, or packaging of 
     unharvested, unprocessed, or unpackaged commodities donated 
     by agricultural producers, processors, or distributors for 
     use by emergency feeding organizations under subsection (a).
       ``(2) Federal funding for projects.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C) and 
     paragraph (3), using funds made available under paragraph 
     (5), the Secretary may provide funding to States to pay for 
     the costs of carrying out a project.
       ``(B) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost of a 
     project under subparagraph (A) shall not exceed 50 percent of 
     the total cost of the project.
       ``(C) Allocation.--
       ``(i) In general.--Each fiscal year, the Secretary shall 
     allocate to States that have submitted under section 
     202A(b)(5) a State plan describing a plan of operation for a 
     project the funds made available under subparagraph (A) based 
     on a formula determined by the Secretary.
       ``(ii) Reallocation.--If the Secretary determines that a 
     State will not expend all of the funds allocated to the State 
     for a fiscal year under clause (i), the Secretary shall 
     reallocate the unexpended funds to other States that have 
     submitted under section 202A(b)(5) a State plan describing a 
     plan of operation for a project during that fiscal year or 
     the subsequent fiscal year, as the Secretary determines 
     appropriate.
       ``(iii) Reports.--Each State to which funds are allocated 
     for a fiscal year under this subparagraph shall, on a regular 
     basis, submit to the Secretary financial reports describing 
     the use of the funds.
       ``(3) Project purposes.--A State may only use Federal funds 
     received under paragraph (2) for a project the purposes of 
     which are--
       ``(A) to reduce food waste at the agricultural production, 
     processing, or distribution level through the donation of 
     food;
       ``(B) to provide food to individuals in need; and
       ``(C) to build relationships between agricultural 
     producers, processors, and distributors and emergency feeding 
     organizations through the donation of food.
       ``(4) Cooperative agreements.--The Secretary may encourage 
     a State agency that carries out a project using Federal funds 
     received under paragraph (2) to enter into cooperative 
     agreements with State agencies of other States under section 
     203B(d) to maximize the use of commodities donated under the 
     project.
       ``(5) Funding.--Out of funds not otherwise appropriated, 
     the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary 
     to carry out this subsection $4,000,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2019 through 2023, to remain available until the end of 
     the subsequent fiscal year.''.
       (c) Food Waste.--Section 203D of the Emergency Food 
     Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7507) (as amended by 
     subsection (b)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(e) Food Waste.--The Secretary shall issue guidance 
     outlining best practices to minimize the food waste of the 
     commodities donated under subsection (a).''.
       (d) Emergency Food Program Infrastructure Grants.--Section 
     209(d) of the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 
     7511a(d)) is amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.
       (e) Availability of Commodities for the Emergency Food 
     Assistance Program.--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''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023'';
       (B) in subparagraph (D)--
       (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
     ``2018'' and inserting ``2023'';

[[Page S4685]]

       (ii) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (iii) in clause (iv), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (iv) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(v) for fiscal year 2019, $23,000,000;
       ``(vi) for fiscal year 2020, $35,000,000;
       ``(vii) for fiscal year 2021, $35,000,000;
       ``(viii) for fiscal year 2022, $35,000,000; and
       ``(ix) for fiscal year 2023, $35,000,000; and''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (E)--
       (i) by striking ``2019'' and inserting ``2024'';
       (ii) by striking ``(D)(iv)'' and inserting ``(D)(ix)''; and
       (iii) by striking ``June 30, 2017'' and inserting ``June 
     30, 2023''.

     SEC. 4117. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2012) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (d), by striking ``7(i)'' and inserting 
     ``7(h)'';
       (2) in subsection (i), by striking ``7(i)'' and inserting 
     ``7(h)''; and
       (3) in subsection (o)(1)(A), by striking ``(r)(1)'' and 
     inserting ``(q)(1)''.
       (b) Section 5(a) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2014(a)) is amended by striking ``3(n)(4)'' each place 
     it appears and inserting ``3(m)(4)''.
       (c) Section 8 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2017) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``3(n)(5)'' and 
     inserting ``3(m)(5)''; and
       (2) in subsection (f)(1)(A), by striking ``3(n)(5)'' and 
     inserting ``3(m)(5)''.
       (d) Section 9(c) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2018(c)) is amended in the third sentence by striking 
     ``to any used by'' and inserting ``to, and used by,''.
       (e) Section 10 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2019) is amended in the first sentence--
       (1) by striking ``or the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance 
     Corporation'' each place it appears; and
       (2) by striking ``3(p)(4)'' and inserting ``3(o)(4)''.
       (f) Section 11 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2020) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``3(t)(1)'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``3(s)(1)''; and
       (2) by striking ``3(t)(2)'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``3(s)(2)''.
       (g) Section 18(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2027(e)) is amended in the first sentence by striking 
     ``7(f)'' and inserting ``7(e)''.
       (h) Section 25(a)(1)(B)(i)(I) of the Food and Nutrition Act 
     of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2034(a)(1)(B)(i)(I)) is amended by striking 
     ``service;;'' and inserting ``service;''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3339. Mr. DURBIN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle F of title XII, add the following:

     SEC. __. REAUTHORIZATION OF RURAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES 
                   TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

       (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the 
     ``Supporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs Act of 2018'' or 
     the ``SIREN Act of 2018''.
       (b) Amendments.--Section 330J of the Public Health Service 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 254c-15) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``in rural areas'' and 
     inserting ``in rural areas or to residents of rural areas'';
       (2) by striking subsections (b) through (f) and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(b) Eligibility; Application.--To be eligible to receive 
     grant under this section, an entity shall--
       ``(1) be--
       ``(A) an emergency medical services agency operated by a 
     local or tribal government (including fire-based and non-fire 
     based); or
       ``(B) an emergency medical services agency that is 
     described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
     1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code; 
     and
       ``(2) submit an application to the Secretary at such time, 
     in such manner, and containing such information as the 
     Secretary may require.
       ``(c) Use of Funds.--An entity--
       ``(1) shall use amounts received through a grant under 
     subsection (a) to--
       ``(A) train emergency medical services personnel as 
     appropriate to obtain and maintain licenses and 
     certifications relevant to service in an emergency medical 
     services agency described in subsection (b)(1);
       ``(B) conduct courses that qualify graduates to serve in an 
     emergency medical services agency described in subsection 
     (b)(1) in accordance with State and local requirements;
       ``(C) fund specific training to meet Federal or State 
     licensing or certification requirements; and
       ``(D) acquire emergency medical services equipment; and
       ``(2) may use amounts received through a grant under 
     subsection (a) to--
       ``(A) recruit and retain emergency medical services 
     personnel, which may include volunteer personnel;
       ``(B) develop new ways to educate emergency health care 
     providers through the use of technology-enhanced educational 
     methods; or
       ``(C) acquire personal protective equipment for emergency 
     medical services personnel as required by the Occupational 
     Safety and Health Administration.
       ``(d) Grant Amounts.--Each grant awarded under this section 
     shall be in an amount not to exceed $200,000 .
       ``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) The term `emergency medical services'--
       ``(A) means resources used by a public or private nonprofit 
     licensed entity to deliver medical care outside of a medical 
     facility under emergency conditions that occur as a result of 
     the condition of the patient; and
       ``(B) includes services delivered (either on a compensated 
     or volunteer basis) by an emergency medical services provider 
     or other provider that is licensed or certified by the State 
     involved as an emergency medical technician, a paramedic, or 
     an equivalent professional (as determined by the State).
       ``(2) The term `rural area' means--
       ``(A) a nonmetropolitan statistical area;
       ``(B) an area designated as a rural area by any law or 
     regulation of a State; or
       ``(C) a rural census tract of a metropolitan statistical 
     area (as determined under the most recent rural urban 
     commuting area code as set forth by the Office of Management 
     and Budget).
       ``(f) Matching Requirement.--The Secretary may not award a 
     grant under this section to an entity unless the entity 
     agrees that the entity will make available (directly or 
     through contributions from other public or private entities) 
     non-Federal contributions toward the activities to be carried 
     out under the grant in an amount equal to 15 percent of the 
     amount received under the grant.''; and
       (3) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``2002 through 2006'' 
     and inserting ``2019 through 2023''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3340. Mr. KENNEDY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by him to 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; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

       At the appropriate place, insert the following:

     SEC. __. IDENTIFICATION FOR CARD USE.

       Section 7(h)(9) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 
     U.S.C. 2016(h)(9)) is amended--
       (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Optional 
     photographic identification'' and inserting ``Identification 
     for card use'';
       (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses 
     (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately;
       (3) by inserting before clause (i) (as so redesignated) the 
     following:
       ``(A) Listed beneficiaries.--A State agency shall require 
     that an electronic benefit card lists the names of--
       ``(i) the head of the household;
       ``(ii) each adult member of the household; and
       ``(iii) each adult that is not a member of the household 
     that is authorized to use that card.
       ``(B) Photographic identification required.--
       ``(i) In general.--Except as provided under clause (ii), 
     any individual listed on an electronic benefit card under 
     subparagraph (A) shall be required to show photographic 
     identification at the point of sale when using the card.
       ``(ii) Head of household.--A head of a household is not 
     required to show photographic identification under clause (i) 
     if the electronic benefit card contains a photograph of that 
     individual under subparagraph (C)(i).
       ``(C) Optional photographic identification.--'';
       (4) in subparagraph (C) (as so designated)--
       (A) in clause (i) (as so redesignated), by striking ``1 or 
     more members of a'' and inserting ``the head of the''; and
       (B) in clause (ii) (as so redesignated)--
       (i) by striking ``subparagraph (A)'' and inserting ``clause 
     (i)''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``subject to subparagraph (B)(i)'' after 
     ``the card''; and
       (5) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) Visual verification.--Any individual that is shown 
     photographic identification or an electronic benefit card 
     containing a photograph, as applicable, under subparagraph 
     (B) shall visually confirm that the photograph on the 
     identification or the electronic benefit card, as applicable, 
     is a clear and accurate likeness of the individual using the 
     electronic benefit card.''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3341. Mr. BENNET (for himself, Mr. Barrasso, and Mr. Whitehouse) 
submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 
proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle B of title VI, add the following:

[[Page S4686]]

  


     SEC. 62__. LOANS FOR CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE AND UTILIZATION.

       (a) In General.--Title I of the Rural Electrification Act 
     of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) is amended by inserting after 
     section 19 the following:

     ``SEC. 20. LOANS FOR CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE AND UTILIZATION.

       ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law (including regulations), in carrying out any program 
     under this Act under which the Secretary provides a loan or 
     loan guarantee, the Secretary may provide such a loan or loan 
     guarantee to facilities employing commercially demonstrated 
     technologies for carbon dioxide capture and utilization.''.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 3 of the 
     Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 903) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``There are'' and inserting the following:
       ``(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b)(2), there 
     are''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Loans for Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilization.--
       ``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     such sums as are necessary to carry out section 20.
       ``(2) Separate appropriations.--The sums appropriated under 
     paragraph (1) shall be separate and distinct from the sums 
     appropriated under subsection (a).''.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3342. Mr. BENNET (for himself and Mr. Whitehouse) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Strike paragraph (1) of section 9103 and insert the 
     following:
       (1) in subsection (b)(3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``produces an advanced 
     biofuel; and'' and inserting the following: ``produces any 1 
     or more, or a combination, of--
       ``(i) an advanced biofuel;
       ``(ii) a renewable chemical; or
       ``(iii) a biobased product;'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``produces an advanced 
     biofuel.'' and inserting the following: ``produces any 1 or 
     more, or a combination, of--
       ``(i) an advanced biofuel;
       ``(ii) a renewable chemical; or
       ``(iii) a biobased product; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) a technology for the capture, compression, or 
     utilization of carbon dioxide that is produced at a 
     biorefinery producing an advanced biofuel, a renewable 
     chemical, or a biobased product.''; and
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3343. Mr. INHOFE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle A of title IV, add the following:

     SEC. 41__. CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY.

       (a) In General.--Section 5 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 
     2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the fourth sentence, by striking ``Assistance'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(4) Applications for participation.--Assistance'';
       (B) in the second sentence--
       (i) by striking ``Act, shall be eligible'' and all that 
     follows through ``Except'' in the third sentence and 
     inserting the following: ``Act.
       ``(3) Additional eligibility.--Except'';
       (ii) by striking ``Act, or aid'' and inserting the 
     following: ``Act.
       ``(D) Households in which each member receives aid'';
       (iii) by striking ``supplemental security'' and inserting 
     the following: ``with an income eligibility limit of not 
     greater than 130 percent of the poverty line (as defined in 
     subsection (c)(1)).
       ``(B) Households in which each member 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 greater than 
     200 percent of the poverty line (as defined in subsection 
     (c)(1)).
       ``(C) Households in which each member receives supplemental 
     security'';
       (iv) by striking ``households in which each member receives 
     benefits'' and inserting the following: ``the following 
     households shall be eligible to participate in the 
     supplemental nutrition assistance program:
       ``(A) Households in which each member receives cash 
     assistance or ongoing and substantial services''; and
       (v) by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(2) Categories of eligibility.--Notwithstanding''; and
       (C) in the first sentence, by striking ``(a) 
     Participation'' and inserting the following:
       ``(a) Eligibility for Participation.--
       ``(1) In general.--Participation''; 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 ``the Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) to have'' 
     and inserting ``that Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), with an 
     income eligibility limit of not greater than 130 percent of 
     the poverty line (as defined in subsection (c)(1)), or who is 
     elderly or disabled and receives cash assistance or ongoing 
     and substantial services under a State program funded under 
     that part, with an income eligibility limit of not more than 
     200 percent of the poverty line (as defined in subsection 
     (c)(1)), to have''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect October 1, 2020.
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3344. Mr. INHOFE (for himself and Mr. Kennedy) submitted an 
amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. 
Roberts (for himself and Ms. Stabenow) to 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; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       Strike subtitle A of title IV and insert the following:

          Subtitle A--Nutrition Assistance Block Grant Program

     SEC. 4001. NUTRITION ASSISTANCE BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--For each of fiscal years 2019 through 
     2028, the Secretary shall establish a nutrition assistance 
     block grant program under which the Secretary shall make 
     annual grants to each participating State that establishes a 
     nutrition assistance program in the State and submits to the 
     Secretary annual reports under subsection (d).
       (b) Requirements.--As a requirement of receiving grants 
     under this section, the Governor of each participating State 
     shall certify that the State nutrition assistance program 
     includes--
       (1) work requirements;
       (2) mandatory drug testing;
       (3) verification of citizenship or proof of lawful 
     permanent residency of the United States; and
       (4) limitations on the eligible uses of benefits that are 
     at least as restrictive as the limitations in place for the 
     supplemental nutrition assistance program established under 
     the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) as 
     of [May 31, 2012].
       (c) Amount of Grant.--For each fiscal year, the Secretary 
     shall make a grant to each participating State in an amount 
     equal to the product of--
       (1) the amount made available under section 4002 for the 
     applicable fiscal year; and
       (2) the proportion that--
       (A) the number of legal residents in the State whose income 
     does not exceed 100 percent of the poverty line (as defined 
     in section 673 of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 
     U.S.C. 9902), including any revision required by that 
     section) applicable to a family of the size involved; bears 
     to
       (B) the number of such individuals in all participating 
     States for the applicable fiscal year, based on data for the 
     most recent fiscal year for which data is available.
       (d) Annual Report Requirements.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than January 1 of each year, 
     each State that receives a grant under this section shall 
     submit to the Secretary a report that shall include, for the 
     year covered by the report--
       (A) a description of the structure and design of the 
     nutrition assistance program of the State, including the 
     manner in which residents of the State qualify for the 
     program;
       (B) the cost the State incurs to administer the program;
       (C) whether the State has established a rainy day fund for 
     the nutrition assistance program of the State; and
       (D) general statistics about participation in the nutrition 
     assistance program.
       (2) Audit.--Each year, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall--
       (A) conduct an audit on the effectiveness of the 
     nutritional assistance block grant program and the manner in 
     which each participating State is implementing the program; 
     and
       (B) not later than June 30, submit to the appropriate 
     committees of Congress a report describing--
       (i) the results of the audit; and
       (ii) the manner in which the State will carry out the 
     supplemental nutrition assistance program in the State, 
     including eligibility and fraud prevention requirements.
       (e) Use of Funds.--
       (1) In general.--A State that receives a grant under this 
     section may use the grant in any manner determined to be 
     appropriate by the State to provide nutrition assistance to 
     the legal residents of the State.
       (2) Availability of funds.--Grant funds made available to a 
     State under this section shall--

[[Page S4687]]

       (A) remain available to the State for a period of 5 years; 
     and
       (B) after that period, shall--
       (i) revert to the Federal Government to be deposited in the 
     Treasury and used for Federal budget deficit reduction; or
       (ii) if there is no Federal budget deficit, be used to 
     reduce the Federal debt in such manner as the Secretary of 
     the Treasury considers appropriate.

     SEC. 4002. FUNDING.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section--
       (1) for fiscal year 2019, $33,750,000,000;
       (2) for fiscal year 2020, $34,500,000,000;
       (3) for fiscal year 2021, $35,800,000,000;
       (4) for fiscal year 2022, $37,100,000,000;
       (5) for fiscal year 2023, $38,800,000,000;
       (6) for fiscal year 2024, $40,000,000,000;
       (7) for fiscal year 2025, $42,000,000,000;
       (8) for fiscal year 2026, $43,200,000,000;
       (9) for fiscal year 2027, $45,000,000,000; and
       (10) for fiscal year 2028, $46,300,000,000.
       (b) Adjustment to Discretionary Spending Limits.--Section 
     251(b)(2) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit 
     Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 901(b)(2)) is amended by adding 
     at the end the following:
       ``(G) Nutrition assistance block grant program.--If a bill 
     or joint resolution making appropriations for a fiscal year 
     is enacted that specifies an amount for the nutrition 
     assistance block grant program established under section 
     4001(a) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, then the 
     adjustments for that fiscal year shall be the additional new 
     budget authority provided in that bill or joint resolution 
     for that block grant program.''.

     SEC. 4003. REPEALS.

       (a) In General.--Effective September 30, 2018, the Food and 
     Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) is repealed.
       (b) Repeal of Mandatory Funding.--
       (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, effective September 30, 2018, the supplemental nutrition 
     assistance program established under the Food and Nutrition 
     Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) (as in effect prior to 
     that date) shall cease to be a program funded through direct 
     spending (as defined in section 250(c) of the Balanced Budget 
     and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 900(c)) 
     prior to the amendment made by paragraph (2)).
       (2) Direct spending.--Effective September 30, 2018, section 
     250(c)(8) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit 
     Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 900(c)(8)) is amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by adding ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' at the end 
     and inserting a period; and
       (C) by striking subparagraph (C).
       (3) Entitlement authority.--Effective September 30, 2018, 
     section 3(9) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment 
     Control Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 622(9)) is amended--
       (A) by striking ``means--'' and all that follows through 
     ``the authority to make'' and inserting ``means the authority 
     to make'';
       (B) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a period; and
       (C) by striking subparagraph (B).
       (4) Other direct spending.--Effective September 30, 2018, 
     section 1026(5) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment 
     Control Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 691e(5)) is amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by adding ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' at the end 
     and inserting a period; and
       (C) by striking subparagraph (C).
       (c) Relationship to Other Law.--Any reference in this Act, 
     an amendment made by this Act, or any other Act to the 
     supplemental nutrition assistance program shall be considered 
     to be a reference to the nutrition assistance block grant 
     program under this subtitle.

     SEC. 4004. BASELINE.

       Notwithstanding section 257 of the Balanced Budget and 
     Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 907), the 
     baseline shall assume that, on and after September 30, 2018, 
     no benefits shall be provided under the supplemental 
     nutrition assistance program established under the Food and 
     Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) (as in effect 
     prior to that date).
                                 ______
                                 
  SA 3345. Mr. PERDUE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 3224 proposed by Mr. Roberts (for himself and Ms. 
Stabenow) to 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; which was 
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       On page 669, strike lines 10 through 13 and insert the 
     following:
       ``(1) Mandatory funding.--Of the funds of the Commodity 
     Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to 
     carry out this section $19,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
     2018 through 2023.

                          ____________________