DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE related term(s) Agriculture

Amendments

Agriculture, rural development, FDA, and related agencies programs: making appropriations (H.R. 2744), S10102, S10140, S10145 [15SE], S10175, S10183, S10200 [19SE], S10212, S10214, S10215, S10216, S10217, S10218, S10220, S10221, S10224, S10225, S10227, S10241, S10242, S10243, S10244, S10245 [20SE], S10264, S10270, S10271, S10272, S10273, S10275, S10276, S10277, S10278, S10280, S10281, S10284, S10286, S10309, S10310, S10311, S10312, S10313, S10314, S10315, S10316, S10317, S10318, S10319 [21SE], H4188, H4189 [7JN], H4223, H4224, H4225, H4227, H4237, H4238, H4243, H4244, H4245, H4247, H4252, H4257, H4263, H4264, H4265, H4266, H4268, H4269, H4270 [8JN]

Dept. of the Interior: cooperate with Mexican border States to conduct a hydrogeologic characterization, mapping, and modeling program for priority transboundary aquifers (S. 214), S9008 [26JY]

Forests: conduct projects with conservation corps to protect forests (S. 1238), S13037, S13054, S13055 [16NO]

Appointments

Conferees: H.R. 2744, agriculture, rural development, FDA, and related agencies programs appropriations, S10332 [22SE], H9011 [20OC]

Articles and editorials

Deal Milks Taxpayers Dry, S14159 [20DE]

Milking the Taxpayer, S13462 [13DE]

Open Canada to U.S. Beef Salazar Must Follow Allard's Example With Japan, S1968 [3MR]

Untested Plan, H8943 [19OC]

Bills and resolutions

Agricultural Adjustment Act: exempt certain identified varieties of tomatoes from agricultural marketing orders (see S. 531), S2083 [4MR] (see H.R. 1135), H988 [7MR]

Agricultural Credit Act: reauthorize State mediation programs (see S. 643), S2846 [16MR] (see H.R. 1930), H2647 [27AP]

Agricultural Management Assistance Program: expand to include Hawaii (see H.R. 3536), H7557 [28JY]

Agriculture: allow modified bloc voting by dairy marketing cooperatives in the scheduled referendum on Federal milk marketing order reform (see S. 838), S3897 [19AP]

———enhance ability to produce fruits and vegetables on covered commodity base acres (see S. 1038), S5219 [16MY]

———ensure regulatory equity between and among dairy farmers and handlers for sales of packaged fluid milk in federally regulated and non-federally regulated areas (see S. 2120), S13786 [16DE] (see H.R. 4015), H8807 [7OC]

———increase specialty crops competitiveness funding, route value-added agricultural product market development grants through the States, and expand adjusted gross revenue insurance program (see S. 1556), S9466 [29JY] (see H.R. 3562), H7558 [28JY]

———prohibit products containing dry ultra-filtered milk, milk protein concentrate, or casein from being labeled domestic natural cheese (see S. 827), S3817 [18AP]

———provide assistance to agricultural producers whose operations were severely damaged by hurricanes (see S. 2009), S12839 [15NO] (see H.R. 4330), H10226 [15NO]

———provide assistance to nursery crop and tropical fruit producers whose agricultural operations were severely damaged by Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, or Rita (see H.R. 4031), H8807 [7OC]

———provide disaster assistance to agricultural producers for crop and livestock losses (see S. 1692), S9984 [13SE] (see H.R. 3754), H7860 [13SE]

———provide emergency assistance to agricultural producers who have suffered losses as a result of drought, Hurricane Katrina, and other natural disasters (see S. 1636), S9833 [8SE] (see S. 1804), S10796 [30SE] (see H.R. 3702), H7813 [8SE]

———provide greater fairness in livestock and poultry contract arbitration process (see S. 2131), S13786 [16DE]

Agriculture, rural development, FDA, and related agencies programs: making appropriations (see H.R. 2744), H4185 [7JN]

———making appropriations (H.R. 2744), consideration (see H. Res. 303), H4185 [7JN]

———making appropriations (H.R. 2744), consideration of conference report (see H. Res. 520), H9361 [27OC]

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: improve administration of bird collection and management activities (see S. 126), S145 [24JA]

Animals: establish electronic nationwide livestock identification system, prevent unauthorized release of information collected, and review responses to livestock disease outbreaks (see H.R. 1254), H1370 [10MR]

———provide better protection against bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) and other prion diseases (see S. 2002), S12766 [14NO]

———strengthen ability to regulate pet industry (see S. 1139), S6021 [26MY] (see H.R. 2669), H4139 [26MY]

Arizona: authorize the Dept. of Agriculture to exchange certain land with the Yavapai Ranch Limited Partnership (see S. 161), S436 [25JA] (see H.R. 410), H234 [26JA]

Arizona Trail: designate for study for potential addition to the National Trails System (see S. 588), S2482 [10MR] (see H.R. 1250), H1370 [10MR]

Aviation: ensure general aviation aircraft access to Federal land and to the airspace over that land (see S. 2108), S13659 [15DE]

Cemeteries and funerals: convey certain land in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest to Jefferson County, MT, for use as a cemetery (see S. 997), S4936 [11MY]

Chesapeake Bay: establish a Forest Service program to expand and strengthen cooperative efforts to restore and protect forests in the Chesapeake Bay watershed (see S. 1493), S8948 [26JY]

Colorado: designate certain lands as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System (see H.R. 4587), H12048 [16DE]

Colville National Forest: convey a small parcel of Federal land (see H.R. 1138), H988 [7MR]

Community Forest Restoration Act: expand the Collaborative Forest Restoration Program to cover Arizona and New Mexico (see H.R. 3590), H7560 [28JY]

Congress: disapprove rule submitted by the Dept. of Agriculture relating to risk zones for introduction of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) (see S.J. Res. 4), S1345 [14FE] (see H.J. Res. 23), H796 [17FE]

Dept. of the Interior: cooperate with Mexican border States to conduct a hydrogeologic characterization, mapping, and modeling program for priority transboundary aquifers (see S. 214), S647 [31JA] (see H.R. 469), H284 [1FE]

Disasters: designate a disaster liaison to assist State and local employees with responding to a federally declared disaster area (see H.R. 3969), H8732 [6OC]

———improve ability of Depts. of Agriculture and the Interior to promptly implement recovery treatments in response to catastrophic events affecting forest lands (see S. 2079), S13361 [18NO] (see H.R. 4200), H9554 [2NO]

Discrimination: provide farm debt and program relief to African-American farmers who suffered discrimination in the administration of farm credit and benefit programs (see H.R. 3998), H8733 [6OC]

———reopen filing of claims by African-American farmers who suffered discrimination in the administration of farm credit and benefit programs (see H.R. 4398), H11033 [18NO]

Dixie National Forest: convey certain real property (see S. 1941), S12076 [31OC] (see H.R. 4577), H12047 [16DE]

Ecology and environment: make permanent the authorization for watershed restoration and enhancement agreements (see S. 2003), S12766 [14NO]

Education Land Grant Act: require the Dept. of Agriculture to pay costs of environmental reviews relative to conveyances (see H.R. 12), H71 [4JA]

EPA: establish greenhouse gas inventory, registry, and information system to encourage reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases (see H.R. 955), H794 [17FE]

Farm Service Agency: prepare an annual report specifying the number of non-Federal employees needed to handle the workload generated by programs administered by the Agency (see H.R. 2209), H3112 [10MY]

———prohibit closure or relocation of certain county offices (see S. 1877), S11422 [17OC]

———prohibit closure or relocation of county or local office pending completion of the next omnibus agriculture law (see H.R. 3974), H8732 [6OC]

Farmers: offer supplemental crop insurance based on area yield and loss plan of insurance (see H.R. 721), H522 [9FE]

Federal aid programs: allow quick aid to producers in federally declared disaster areas (see S. 1776), S10513 [27SE] (see H.R. 1118), H983 [3MR]

———clarify manner in which assistance is made available to producers under the Crop Disaster Assistance Program (see H.R. 3554), H7558 [28JY]

Federal-State relations: augment efforts of State and local governments to conduct early detection and surveillance to prevent the establishment or spread of plant pests that endanger agriculture, environment, and the economy (see H.R. 4049), H8808 [7OC]

Firefighters: provide death and disability benefits to certain contracted aerial firefighters who suffer death or disability in the line of duty (see H.R. 1232), H1369 [10MR]

———provide portal-to-portal compensation for Federal wildland firefighters (see H.R. 408), H234 [26JA]

Food: establish and enforce performance standards and sanitation requirements for reduction of pathogens in meat and poultry (see S. 1357), S7820 [30JN] (see H.R. 3160), H5600 [30JN]

———promote food safety and protect the animal feed supply from bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) (see S. 73), S143 [24JA]

———require foods containing certain ingredients derived from meat, poultry, or other animal products to bear labeling that states that fact and the names of such ingredients (see H.R. 3571), H7559 [28JY]

Food industry: prevent a quality grade label issued for beef and lamb from being used for imported beef or lamb (see S. 2018), S12949 [16NO]

Food stamps: investigate and find alternative actions relative to unilateral temporary termination of participation of retail food stores in electronic benefits transfer system (EBT) (see H. Res. 262), H2978 [4MY]

Foreign aid: support international hunger relief efforts and use resources and diplomatic leverage to secure food aid for countries in need (see S. Res. 227), S9468 [29JY]

Foreign trade: prohibit establishment of standards to designate minimal-risk regions, including Canada, for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) unless country-of-origin labeling is required (see S. 108), S144 [24JA] (see H.R. 384), H233 [26JA]

———prohibit establishment of standards to designate minimal-risk regions, including Canada, for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) unless export access for cattle and beef products improves (see H.R. 187), H77 [4JA]

Forest Service: anniversary (see S. Res. 181), S7294 [23JN] (see H. Con. Res. 185), H4984 [22JN]

———enter into partnership agreements with entities and local communities to encourage greater cooperation in administration of activities on and near National Forest System lands (see H.R. 3818), H8088 [15SE]

———provide for the disposal of certain administrative sites in Oregon (see S. 741), S3358 [7AP] (see H.R. 3013), H4896 [21JN]

———restore authority to utilize special use permit fees for marinas in units of the National Forest System derived from the public domain (see H.R. 4084), H8985 [19OC]

Forests: conduct projects with conservation corps to protect forests (see S. 1238), S6481 [14JN] (see H.R. 2875), H4485 [14JN]

Government regulations: issue regulations to restore integrity to payment limitation requirements for commodity payments and benefits, and to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse related to receipt of commodity payments and benefits (see H.R. 4149), H9275 [26OC]

Hawaii: exempt Hawaiian producers relative to the adjusted gross income limitation on participation in conservation programs (see H.R. 3467), H6933 [27JY]

———recognize threat posed by non-native plants, animals, and plant and animal diseases to ecosystem and expand Federal efforts to prevent introduction of non-native species (see H.R. 3468), H6933 [27JY]

Hunger: reduce (see S. 1120), S5921 [25MY] (see H.R. 2717), H4141 [26MY]

Hurricanes: provide additional authority and funding to provide emergency relief, in coordination with the Dept. of Homeland Security, to victims of Hurricane Katrina and related conditions (see S. 1643), S9833 [8SE] (see S. 1695), S9985 [13SE]

Livestock Identification Board: establish (see H.R. 3170), H5601 [30JN]

Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act: extend termination date for mandatory price reporting (see S. 1613), S9645 [6SE]

Los Padres National Forest: eliminate private inholdings through a land exchange with the United Water Conservation District (see H.R. 4162), H9361 [27OC]

Milk: prohibit the use of distance or transportation costs as a basis for pricing milk (see S. 869), S4108 [21AP]

Milk Income Loss Contract Program: extension (see H.R. 3846, 3847, 3848), H8247 [21SE]

National Drought Council: establish (see S. 802), S3653 [14AP] (see H.R. 1386), H1692 [17MR]

National forests: provide a reliable method for compensating owners of non-Federal lands that have been damaged by wildfires spread from certain National Forest System or BLM lands (see S. 807), S3653 [14AP]

National School Lunch Act: expand fruit and vegetable pilot program and include Head Start programs (see H.R. 203), H78 [4JA]

———permit certain summer food pilot programs to be carried out in all States and by all service institutions (see S. 1005), S4936 [11MY]

———restore funds under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (see H.R. 204), H78 [4JA]

Native Americans: technical correction to conveyance of certain land in the Lake Tahoe Basin to be held in trust for the Washoe Indian Tribe of Nevada and California (see S. 404), S1513 [16FE] (see H.R. 4461), H11219 [7DE]

Nevada: authorize the Dept. of Agriculture to sell certain parcels of Federal land in Carson City and Douglas County (see S. 235), S738 [1FE] (see H.R. 816), H629 [15FE]

———convey certain land to Lander and Eureka Counties for continued use as cemeteries (see S. 254), S739 [1FE] (see H.R. 541), H349 [2FE]

New Mexico: convey Jornada Experimental Range land to the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park (see S. 447), S1623 [17FE]

Ottawa National Forest: transfer certain land to the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians (see H.R. 3314), H5913 [14JY]

Packers and Stockyards Act: prohibit packers from owning, feeding, or controlling livestock intended for slaughter (see S. 818), S3735 [15AP]

Phoenix, AZ: convey Western Cotton Research Laboratory to the nonprofit organizations that originally provided the real property for the laboratory (see H.R. 400), H234 [26JA]

Power resources: enhance national security by providing research, development, demonstration, administrative support, and market mechanisms for deployment and commercialization of biobased energy technologies and products (see S. 1210), S6298 [9JN]

———provide for a Biofuels Feedstocks Energy Reserve and authorize loans for the production, distribution, development, and storage of biofuels (see H.R. 388), H233 [26JA]

Public lands: clarify method to determine fair market value of rights-of-way to prevent unreasonable increases in deployment costs of critical infrastructure (see H.R. 906), H792 [17FE]

———designate percentage of farmland protection program funds for grants to encourage the purchase of conservation easements by a State agency, county, or other eligible entity (see H.R. 1514), H1845 [6AP]

———facilitate the exchange of small tracts of land in California (see H.R. 1905), H2646 [27AP]

———provide funding to carry out restoration activities on Federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Depts. of the Interior or Agriculture (see H.R. 599), H352 [2FE]

Puerto Rico: acquire and manage lands to protect critical aquifers, watersheds, and the tropical forests of the Karst Region (see H.R. 1644), H2100 [14AP]

———make funds generated in Caribbean National Forest available to Dept. of Agriculture for land acquisition to protect the surrounding buffer zone (see S. 1477), S8826 [25JY] (see H.R. 3365), H6204 [20JY]

Riverside, CA: convey a small parcel of Natural Resources Conservation Service property (see H.R. 1007), H846 [1MR]

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area: conduct special resources study on the suitability and feasibility of inclusion of the Rim of the Valley Corridor (see S. 153), S436 [25JA] (see H.R. 355), H195 [25JA]

Senior citizens: modify the eligibility criteria for supplemental foods provided under the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (see H.R. 782), H583 [10FE]

Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program; funding reform (see S. 1555), S9466 [29JY] (see H.R. 131), H75 [4JA]

Small business: provide financial assistance for the construction, improvement, and rehabilitation of farmers markets (see H.R. 710), H522 [9FE]

States: limit acquisition by the U.S. of land located in States in which 25 percent or more of the land is already owned by the U.S. (see H.R. 1235), H1369 [10MR]

Tahoe National Forest: carry out certain land exchanges involving small parcels of land (see H.R. 3981), H8733 [6OC]

Taxation: exclude from gross income the first $5,000 of each transitional payment under the Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act (see H.R. 1825), H2548 [26AP]

———expand and modernize agricultural bond programs to assist young farmers and ranchers (see H.R. 651), H411 [8FE]

———permit interest on federally guaranteed water, wastewater, and essential community facilities loans to be tax exempt in order to improve such facilities in rural areas (see S. 157), S436 [25JA] (see H.R. 2378), H3331 [16MY]

———provide credit for farmers' investments in value-added agriculture (see H.R. 142), H76 [4JA]

Texas: condition receipt of direct or counter-cyclical payments to rice producers that agree to retain rice cropland in production for the next crop year (see H.R. 3660), H7672 [6SE]

Thad Cochran Southern Horticultural Laboratory Site, Poplarville, MS: designate (see H.R. 231), H78 [4JA]

Vermont: authorize sale or exchange of certain National Forest System land (see S. 425), S1622 [17FE]

Walnut Canyon National Monument: direct the Depts. of the Interior and Agriculture to jointly conduct a study of certain adjacent lands in Arizona (see S. 556), S2244 [8MR] (see H.R. 1199), H1263 [9MR]

Cloture motions

Dorr, Thomas C.: nomination to be Under Sec. of Agriculture for Rural Development, S8498 [19JY]

Conference reports

Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies Programs Appropriations (H.R. 2744), H9204-H9240 [26OC]

Letters

Chesapeake Bay restoration legislation: Mike Waugh, Chesapeake Bay Commission, S8959 [26JY]

———Roy A. Hoagland, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, S8958 [26JY]

Conversion of sugar into ethanol, S7715 [30JN]

Dept. of Agriculture funding to inspect horses for the purpose of slaughter or horse flesh for human consumption, S12228 [2NO]

Dept. of Agriculture Milk Income Loss Contract Program extension: Senators Specter, Dayton, Kohl and Leahy, S85 [20JA]

Dept. of Agriculture Team Nutrition program funding to support nutrition education and promote physical activities in schools: Sue A. Nelson, American Heart Association, S10281 [21SE]

Fair Contracts for Growers Act: Chris Peterson, Iowa Farmers Union, S13795 [16DE]

———George Naylor, National Family Farm Coalition, S13796 [16DE]

———Keith Mudd, Organization for Competitive Markets, S13795 [16DE]

———Martha L. Noble, Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, S13795 [16DE]

———Steven D. Etka, Campaign for Contract Agriculture Reform, S13796 [16DE]

———Traci Bruckner, Center for Rural Affairs, S13795 [16DE]

Forest Service firefighting aircraft acquisition relative to wildfire prevention and management: Representative Rohrabacher, H2530 [26AP]

McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program funding: Mike Johanns, Sec. of Agriculture, H4203 [8JN], H9368 [28OC]

———several Representatives, H4203 [8JN]

National Security and Bioenergy Investment Act: Brent Erickson, Biotechnology Industry Organization, S6311 [9JN]

———David Morris, Institute for Local Self-Reliance, S6312 [9JN]

———Howard A. Learner, Environmental Law & Policy Center, S6312 [9JN]

———Karen Wayland, Natural Resources Defense Council, S6312 [9JN]

———Leon Corzine, National Corn Growers Association, Neal Bredehoeft, American Soybean Association, and Bob Dinneen, Renewable Fuels Association, S6311 [9JN]

———Reid Detchon, Energy Future Coalition, S6311 [9JN]

———Tim Pawlenty and Kathleen Sebelius, Governor's Ethanol Coalition, S6311 [9JN]

National security enhancement through various means allowing for the deployment and commercialization of biobased energy technologies and products: Brent Erickson, Biotechnology Industry Organization, S6808 [20JN]

———David J. Frederickson, National Farmers Union, S6808 [20JN]

———David Morris, Institute for Local Self-Reliance, S6808 [20JN]

———Howard A. Learner, Environmental Law & Policy Center, S6808 [20JN]

———Karen Wayland, Natural Resources Defense Council, S6807 [20JN]

———Reid Detchon, Energy Future Coalition, S6808 [20JN]

———Tim Pawlenty and Kathleen Sebelius, Governors' Ethanol Coalition, S6807 [20JN]

———several agricultural producer associations, S6807 [20JN]

Permit National Dairy Promotion and Research Board diversion of funds for activities that improve public health and the environment: Idaho congressional delegation, S10265 [21SE]

Reopening of Canadian border relative to Dept. of Agriculture ruling on risk zones for introduction of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease): several Senators, S1967 [3MR]

Repayment of government farm subsidies by Thomas C. Dorr relative to efforts to circumvent payment limitations: Ann M. Veneman, Dept. of Agriculture, S8597 [21JY]

———Charles W. Larson, Sr., and Judith A. Whetstine, Dept. of Justice, S8594 [21JY]

———Senator Dayton, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Senate), S8594 [21JY]

———Senator Harkin, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Senate), S8595, S8596, S8597 [21JY]

Repayment of government farm subsidies relative to efforts to circumvent payment limitations and diversity remarks apology: Thomas C. Dorr, S8601 [21JY]

Sugar price supports, H4253 [8JN]

Texas proposal to privatize the Food Stamp Program eligibility determination process: several Texas congressional delegation members, H8943 [19OC]

U.S. Grain Standards Act reauthorization: Mike Johanns, Sec. of Agriculture, S10583 [28SE]

Motions

Agriculture, rural development, FDA, and related agencies programs: making appropriations (H.R. 2744), H8940 [19OC]

Press releases

Dept. of Agriculture Proposed Rule To Allow Importation of Beef From Japan: Jim McAdams, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, S10211 [20SE]

———Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America (organization), S10210 [20SE]

Remarks in House

Agricultural Credit Act: reauthorize State mediation programs (S. 643), H4361, H4362 [13JN]

Agricultural Management Assistance Program: expand to include Hawaii (H.R. 3536), E1695 [29JY]

Agriculture: anniversary of agricultural improvements through biotechnology, E1934 [22SE]

———economic impact of Federal regulations on U.S. rice industry, H2724-H2727 [28AP], E841 [3MY]

———Federal farm policies, H813 [1MR]

———impact of rising natural gas costs on the agricultural economy, H4257 [8JN]

———price supports for sugar, H4207, H4252-H4257 [8JN]

———reduce interest rate on loans to processors of sugar beets and sugarcane, H4252-H4257 [8JN]

———repeal delay in implementation of country of origin labeling requirements for meat and meat products, H4238-H4242 [8JN]

Agriculture, rural development, FDA, and related agencies programs: across-the-board funding reduction, H4264, H4265 [8JN]

———funding, H12275 [18DE]

———making appropriations (H.R. 2744), H4208-H4273 [8JN], H4301 [9JN]

———making appropriations (H.R. 2744), amendment process, H4251 [8JN]

———making appropriations (H.R. 2744), conference report, H9381-H9394 [28OC], E2366 [15NO]

———making appropriations (H.R. 2744), consideration (H. Res. 303), H4201-H4208 [8JN]

———making appropriations (H.R. 2744), consideration of conference report (H. Res. 520), H9367-H9373 [28OC]

———making appropriations (H.R. 2744), motion to instruct conferees, H8940-H8946 [19OC]

———prohibit promulgation of regulations without consideration of their effect on the competitiveness of U.S. businesses, H4268 [8JN]

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: invasive species eradication funding, H4225, H4226 [8JN]

———noxious weed control and eradication funding, H4237 [8JN]

———plum pox disease eradication funding, H4227 [8JN]

Animals: establish an electronic nationwide livestock identification system, H4258, H4259 [8JN]

———prohibit transport of horses for the purpose of slaughter or horse flesh for human consumption, H4247-H4251 [8JN]

———require testing for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) at the request of any livestock producer or processor, H4270 [8JN]

Arizona: authorize the Dept. of Agriculture to exchange certain land with the Yavapai Ranch Limited Partnership (S. 161), H10172-H10176 [15NO]

Berry, Cardon and Joyce: Kiowa County, CO, 4-H Club Meritorious Service Award recipients, E2550 [15DE]

Commodity Supplemental Food Program: funding, H4222 [8JN]

Contracts: prevent the use of private contractors on certain elements of the Food Stamp Program unless authorized by Congress, H8940-H8946 [19OC]

Environmental Quality Incentives Program: funding, H4237 [8JN]

Ethanol: use of rice in production, H4405 [14JN]

Farm Service Agency: prohibit closure or relocation of county or local office pending completion of the next omnibus agriculture law, H8940-H8946 [19OC]

Firefighters: provide death and disability benefits to certain contracted aerial firefighters who suffer death or disability in the line of duty (H.R. 1232), E413 [10MR]

First Responder Grants Board: add Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Administrator to board, H3228, H3229 [12MY]

Food: ensure that chickens purchased for school nutrition programs comply with existing law stating that chickens must be wholesome, H4269 [8JN]

———establish and enforce performance standards and sanitation requirements for reduction of pathogens in meat and poultry (H.R. 3160), E1427 [1JY]

Food industry: organic food standards, H9392, H9393 [28OC]

Food stamps: funding, H10006, H10007 [8NO], H10120, H10127 [9NO], H11496 [13DE]

———prohibit funding from being expended in contravention of the Immigration and Nationality Act, H4266 [8JN]

Foreign trade: prohibit establishment of standards to designate minimal-risk regions, including Canada, for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) unless country-of-origin labeling is required (H.R. 384), E98 [26JA]

Forest Service: anniversary, E1431 [1JY]

———firefighting aircraft acquisition relative to wildfire prevention and management, H2530 [26AP]

———wildfire management funding through reductions in National Endowment for the Arts funding, H3618, H3646-H3648 [19MY]

Forests: conduct projects with conservation corps to protect forests (S. 1238), H12216 [18DE]

Hawaii: exempt Hawaiian producers relative to the adjusted gross income limitation on participation in conservation programs (H.R. 3467), E1641 [27JY]

———recognize threat posed by non-native plants, animals, and plant and animal diseases to ecosystem and expand Federal efforts to prevent introduction of non-native species (H.R. 3468), E1643 [27JY]

Hispanic Serving Institutions National Program: funding, H4224, H4225 [8JN]

Hunger: reduce, H4207 [8JN], H9438 [1NO]

———reduce (H.R. 2717), E1921 [21SE]

Illinois: agricultural research laboratories funding, H4207 [8JN]

Insects: emerald ash borer eradication funding, H4244 [8JN]

Knight, Bruce: North American Pollinator Protection Campaign NAPPC Pollinator Advocate Award recipient, E2405 [18NO]

Market Access Program: funding, H4257, H4258 [8JN]

McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program: funding, H4203 [8JN], H9368 [28OC]

Milk Income Loss Contract Program: extension, H8395 [28SE]

National Animal Disease Laboratory: funding, H9392 [28OC]

National Drought Council: establish (H.R. 1386), E482 [17MR]

Nevada: authorize the Dept. of Agriculture to sell certain parcels of Federal land in Carson City and Douglas County (H.R. 816), H1378, H1379 [14MR]

———convey certain land to Lander and Eureka Counties for continued use as cemeteries (H.R. 541), H1862-H1864 [12AP]

Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Program: funding, H4224 [8JN]

Phoenix, AZ: convey Western Cotton Research Laboratory to the nonprofit organizations that originally provided the real property for the laboratory, H4237 [8JN]

Power resources: provide for a Biofuels Feedstocks Energy Reserve and authorize loans for the production, distribution, development, and storage of biofuels (H.R. 388), H1680 [17MR], H7843 [13SE]

Public lands: provide funding to carry out restoration activities on Federal lands under the jurisdiction of the Depts. of the Interior or Agriculture (H.R. 599), E141 [2FE]

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area: conduct special resources study on the suitability and feasibility of inclusion of the Rim of the Valley Corridor (H.R. 355), E73 [25JA]

Senior citizens: modify the eligibility criteria for supplemental foods provided under the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (H.R. 782), E222 [10FE]

Tahoe National Forest: carry out certain land exchanges involving small parcels of land (H.R. 3981), H10171, H10172 [15NO]

Texas: condition receipt of direct or counter-cyclical payments to rice producers that agree to retain rice cropland in production for the next crop year (H.R. 3660), E1758 [6SE]

United Kingdom: food rations sent as relief effort to States impacted by Hurricane Katrina, H8168 [21SE]

Walnut Canyon National Monument: direct the Depts. of the Interior and Agriculture to jointly conduct a study of certain adjacent lands in Arizona (H.R. 1199), E392, E401 [9MR]

Remarks in Senate

Agricultural Adjustment Act: exempt certain identified varieties of tomatoes from agricultural marketing orders (S. 531), S2084 [4MR]

Agricultural Credit Act: reauthorize State mediation programs (S. 643), S4138 [21AP]

Agriculture: allow modified bloc voting by dairy marketing cooperatives in the scheduled referendum on Federal milk marketing order reform (S. 838), S3899 [19AP]

———change effective date for counties in States declared agriculture disasters to use the acreage for harvesting or grazing, S10277, S10278 [21SE]

———delay in implementation of country of origin labeling requirements for meat and meat products, S12221-S12228 [2NO], S12287-S12289 [3NO]

———ensure legislation allowing cuts in agriculture programs receives full consideration and debate in the Senate under regular order, S2903-S2907, S2926 [17MR]

———ensure regulatory equity between and among dairy farmers and handlers for sales of packaged fluid milk in federally regulated and non-federally regulated areas (S. 2120), S13701 [16DE]

———farm program payment limitation changes, S12175-S12185 [2NO], S12306, S12307 [3NO]

———Federal farm policies, S1153 [9FE]

———increase specialty crops competitiveness funding, route value-added agricultural product market development grants through the States, and expand adjusted gross revenue insurance program (S. 1556), S9474 [29JY]

———price supports, S1153 [9FE]

———prohibit products containing dry ultra-filtered milk, milk protein concentrate, or casein from being labeled domestic natural cheese (S. 827), S3822 [18AP]

———provide assistance to agricultural producers who have suffered losses as a result of Hurricane Katrina, S13984 [19DE]

———provide disaster assistance to agricultural producers for crop and livestock losses, S12043 [28OC]

———provide disaster assistance to agricultural producers for crop and livestock losses (S. 1692), star print, S10391 [22SE]

———provide emergency assistance to agricultural producers who have suffered losses as a result of drought, Hurricane Katrina, and other natural disasters, S10276, S10277 [21SE]

———provide greater fairness in livestock and poultry contract arbitration process (S. 2131), S13794 [16DE]

———repeal delay in implementation of country of origin labeling requirements for meat and meat products, S10269, S10271 [21SE]

———specialty crops funding, S10287 [21SE]

Agriculture, rural development, FDA, and related agencies programs: making appropriations (H.R. 2744), S10080-S10103 [15SE], S10173-S10176 [19SE], S10210-S10227 [20SE], S10264, S10275-S10288 [21SE], S10327-S10332 [22SE]

———making appropriations (H.R. 2744), conference report, S12219-S12228 [2NO], S12287-S12291 [3NO], S12399 [4NO]

———making appropriations (H.R. 2744), conference report—unanimous-consent agreement, S12145 [1NO]

———making appropriations (H.R. 2744), unanimous-consent agreement, S10223 [20SE]

———redirect certain funds for relief for States impacted by Hurricane Katrina, S10272 [21SE]

———reform Federal budget procedures, impose spending safeguards, combat waste, fraud, and abuse, and account for accurate Government agency costs, S10278, S10279 [21SE]

———require appropriations conference report inclusion of limitations, directives and earmarks, S10280 [21SE]

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: bark beetle eradication funding, S10328 [22SE]

———emerald ash borer eradication funding, S10329 [22SE]

———prohibit the use of funds to demolish or dismantle the Hawaii Fruit Fly Production Facility, S10216 [20SE]

Animals: prohibit transport of horses for the purpose of slaughter or horse flesh for human consumption, S10218-S10220 [20SE]

———provide better protection against bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) and other prion diseases (S. 2002), S12767 [14NO]

———strengthen ability to regulate pet industry (S. 1139), S6031 [26MY], S9148 [27JY]

Arizona: authorize the Dept. of Agriculture to exchange certain land with the Yavapai Ranch Limited Partnership (S. 161), S487, S490 [25JA], S9040, S9052 [26JY]

Arizona Trail: designate for study for potential addition to the National Trails System (S. 588), S2484, S2485 [10MR]

Budget: Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Senate) mandatory spending program guidelines, S2837, S2838 [16MR]

Cemeteries and funerals: convey certain land in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest to Jefferson County, MT, for use as a cemetery (S. 997), S4940 [11MY]

Chesapeake Bay: establish a Forest Service program to expand and strengthen cooperative efforts to restore and protect forests in the Chesapeake Bay watershed (S. 1493), S8951-S8953 [26JY]

Colorado State University: allow lease of land from the Agricultural Research Service, S10214 [20SE]

Congress: accomplishments of the 109th Congress, S10392 [22SE]

———disapprove rule submitted by the Dept. of Agriculture relating to risk zones for introduction of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) (S.J. Res. 4), S1349 [14FE], S1591 [17FE], S1927 [2MR], S1961-S1979 [3MR]

Contracts: prevent the use of private contractors on certain elements of the Food Stamp Program unless authorized by Congress, S10284 [21SE]

Dept. of the Interior: cooperate with Mexican border States to conduct a hydrogeologic characterization, mapping, and modeling program for priority transboundary aquifers (S. 214), S659 [31JA], S9024 [26JY]

Disasters: improve ability of Depts. of Agriculture and the Interior to promptly implement recovery treatments in response to catastrophic events affecting forest lands (S. 2079), S13393 [18NO]

Diseases: citrus canker eradication funding, S10287 [21SE]

Dixie National Forest: convey certain real property (S. 1941), S12077 [31OC]

Dorr, Thomas C.: nomination to be Under Sec. of Agriculture for Rural Development, S8498 [19JY], S8590-S8602 [21JY]

———nomination to CCC Board of Directors, S8602 [21JY]

———repayment of government farm subsidies relative to efforts to circumvent payment limitations, S8592-S8602 [21JY]

Ecology and environment: make permanent the authorization for watershed restoration and enhancement agreements (S. 2003), S12770 [14NO]

Farm Service Agency: prohibit funding for the closure or relocation of a county or local office prior to determining cost effectiveness of such actions, S10224 [20SE]

Farmers Market Promotion Program: funding, S10328 [22SE]

FCIC: modify conditions under which crop insurance may be offered to single producers, S10225 [20SE]

Federal aid programs: food assistance programs funding, S10328 [22SE]

Fish and fishing: open ocean cage aquaculture development funding, S10226, S10227 [20SE]

Food: establish and enforce performance standards and sanitation requirements for reduction of pathogens in meat and poultry (S. 1357), S7851 [30JN]

———promote food safety and protect the animal feed supply from bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease), S81-S84 [20JA]

———promote food safety and protect the animal feed supply from bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) (S. 73), S249 [24JA]

Food stamps: funding, S12194-S12196 [2NO], S13491-S13494 [13DE], S13527, S13530 [14DE]

Foreign trade: change in Federal regulations relaxing prohibition of beef imports from Canada due to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease), S26 [4JA], S1591 [17FE]

———prohibit establishment of standards to designate minimal-risk regions, including Canada, for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) unless country-of-origin labeling is required (S. 108), S278 [24JA]

Forest Service: anniversary (S. Res. 181), S7329 [23JN]

———forest management and planning regulations, S58 [6JA]

Forests: conduct projects with conservation corps to protect forests (S. 1238), S6486 [14JN], S13054 [16NO]

Funding, S1070 [8FE], S1153 [9FE], S14078 [20DE]

Hunger: encourage expanded efforts to alleviate hunger in developing countries, S10273 [21SE]

———reduce (S. 1120), S5928-S5931 [25MY], S6130, S6132 [7JN]

Hurricanes: provide additional authority and funding to provide emergency relief, in coordination with the Dept. of Homeland Security, to victims of Hurricane Katrina and related conditions (S. 1643), S9773, S9847 [8SE]

Japan: prevent importation of Japanese beef into the U.S. until Japan allows the importation of U.S. beef, S10212, S10213 [20SE]

———prohibit the use of funds for developing a final rule regarding the importation of beef, S10210-S10214 [20SE]

Johanns, Mike: nomination to be Sec. of Agriculture, S78-S86, S95 [20JA]

Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act: extend termination date for mandatory price reporting (S. 1613), S9648 [6SE], S9995 [13SE], S10794 [30SE]

Milk: prohibit the use of distance or transportation costs as a basis for pricing milk (S. 869), S4113 [21AP]

Milk Income Loss Contract Program: extension, S85 [20JA], S10227 [20SE], S12336 [3NO], S13461 [13DE], S14156 [20DE], S14284 [21DE]

National Dairy Promotion and Research Board: permit diversion of funds for activities that improve public health and the environment, S10264-S10266 [21SE]

National Drought Council: establish (S. 802), S3675, S3679 [14AP]

National forests: provide a reliable method for compensating owners of non-Federal lands that have been damaged by wildfires spread from certain National Forest System or BLM lands (S. 807), S3683 [14AP]

Natural Resources Conservation Service: grant authority to transfer appropriated funds from the Lost River Watershed Project to the Upper Tygart Valley Watershed Project in West Virginia, S3881 [19AP]

Nevada: convey certain land to Lander and Eureka Counties for continued use as cemeteries (H.R. 541), S9052 [26JY]

———convey certain land to Lander and Eureka Counties for continued use as cemeteries (S. 254), S767 [1FE]

New Mexico: convey Jornada Experimental Range land to the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park (S. 447), S1659 [17FE], S9198 [27JY]

Northeast States Forestry Research Cooperative: funding, S7590 [29JN]

Petroleum: require coordination with the Dept. of Energy to produce a comprehensive report on the impact of high gasoline prices on farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, S10328 [22SE]

Power resources: enhance national security by providing research, development, demonstration, administrative support, and market mechanisms for deployment and commercialization of biobased energy technologies and products (S. 1210), S6305 [9JN]

Presidential appointments: nominations considered and confirmed en bloc, S4435 [27AP], S7924 [1JY]

Research: transfer of legume pathologist position, S10287 [21SE]

Rural Housing Service: rental assistance programs funding, S10278, S10279 [21SE]

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area: conduct special resources study on the suitability and feasibility of inclusion of the Rim of the Valley Corridor (S. 153), S473 [25JA], S9019 [26JY]

Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program; funding reform (S. 1555), S9472 [29JY]

Taxation: permit interest on federally guaranteed water, wastewater, and essential community facilities loans to be tax exempt in order to improve such facilities in rural areas (S. 157), S484 [25JA]

Team Nutrition program: funding to support nutrition education and promote physical activities in schools, S10268, S10281-S10284 [21SE]

U.S. Animal Identification Plan: implement, S10226 [20SE]

Walnut Canyon National Monument: direct the Depts. of the Interior and Agriculture to jointly conduct a study of certain adjacent lands in Arizona (S. 556), S2258 [8MR]

Reports

Biomass as Feedstock for a Bioenergy and Bioproducts Industry—The Technical Feasibility of a Billion-Ton Annual Supply, S6637 [15JN]

HHSC Awards Call Center Contract: Center on Public Policy Priorities, H8944 [19OC]

Reports filed

Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies Programs Appropriations: Committee of Conference (H.R. 2744) (H. Rept. 109-255), H9275 [26OC]

———Committee on Appropriations (House) (H.R. 2744) (H. Rept. 109-102), H4185 [7JN]

———Committee on Appropriations (Senate) (H.R. 2744) (S. Rept. 109-92), S7428 [27JN]

Central Nevada Rural Cemeteries Act: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Senate) (S. 254) (S. Rept. 109-12), S1794 [28FE]

Consideration of Conference Report on H.R. 2744, Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies Programs Appropriations: Committee on Rules (House) (H. Res. 520) (H. Rept. 109-257), H9361 [27OC]

Consideration of H.R. 2744, Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies Programs Appropriations: Committee on Rules (House) (H. Res. 303) (H. Rept. 109-105), H4185 [7JN]

Federal Lands Restoration, Enhancement, Public Education, and Information Resources Act: Committee on Resources (House) (H.R. 599) (H. Rept. 109-129), H4485 [14JN]

Forest Service Partnership Enhancement Act: Committee on Resources (House) (H.R. 3818) (H. Rept. 109-325), H11108 [6DE]

Nomination of Charles F. Conner To Be Deputy Sec. of Agriculture: Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Senate), S3481 [12AP]

Nomination of Mike Johanns To Be Sec. of Agriculture: Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Senate), S66 [6JA]

Northern Arizona Land Exchange and Verde River Basin Partnership Act: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Senate) (S. 161) (S. Rept. 109-40), S2845 [16MR]

Public Lands Corps Healthy Forests Restoration Act: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Senate) (S. 1238) (S. Rept. 109-152), S11558 [19OC]

———Committee on Resources (House) (H.R. 2875) (H. Rept. 109-273), H9961 [7NO]

Rim of the Valley Corridor Study Act: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Senate) (S. 153) (S. Rept. 109-9), S1794 [28FE]

Small Tracts Reform Act: Committee on Resources (House) (H.R. 1905) (H. Rept. 109-169), H5912 [14JY]

U.S.-Mexico Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Act: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Senate) (S. 214) (S. Rept. 109-17), S2147 [7MR]

Rulings of the Chair

Agriculture, rural development, FDA, and related agencies programs: making appropriations (H.R. 2744), H4233, H4237, H4244, H4264, H4267, H4270, H4271 [8JN]

Statements

Disapproval of Rule Submitted by the Dept. of Agriculture Relating to Risk Zones for Introduction of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (Mad Cow Disease): Executive Office of the President, S1979 [3MR]

Summaries

Hurricane Katrina Food Assistance Relief Act (S. 1643), S9773 [8SE]

Tables

Agriculture, rural development, FDA, and related agencies programs appropriations (H.R. 2744), H4209-H4217 [8JN]

———conference report, H9382-H9389 [28OC]

Committee on the Budget (Senate) scoring of H.R. 2744, agriculture, rural development, FDA, and related agencies programs appropriations, S10175 [19SE]

Texts of

H. Res. 303, consideration of H.R. 2744, agriculture, rural development, FDA, and related agencies programs appropriations, H4201 [8JN]

H. Res. 520, consideration of conference report on H.R. 2744, agriculture, rural development, FDA, and related agencies appropriations, H9367 [28OC]

H.R. 541, convey certain land to Lander and Eureka Counties, NV, for continued use as cemeteries, H1862 [12AP]

H.R. 816, Nevada National Forest Land Disposal Act, H1378 [14MR]

H.R. 2744, agriculture, rural development, FDA, and related agencies programs appropriations, S10080-S10100 [15SE], S10441-S10453 [26SE]

H.R. 3981, carry out certain land exchanges involving small parcels of Tahoe National Forest land, H10172 [15NO]

S. 73, Animal Feed Protection Act, S249 [24JA]

S. 153, Rim of the Valley Corridor Study Act, S473 [25JA], S9019 [26JY]

S. 157, permit interest on federally guaranteed water, wastewater, and essential community facilities loans to be tax exempt in order to improve such facilities in rural areas, S484 [25JA]

S. 161, Northern Arizona Land Exchange and Verde River Basin Partnership Act, S488-S490 [25JA], S9040-S9043 [26JY], H10172-H10175 [15NO]

S. 214, U.S.-Mexico Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Act, S659 [31JA], S9024, S9025 [26JY]

S. 254, Central Nevada Rural Cemeteries Act, S768 [1FE]

S. 404, technical correction to Dept. of Agriculture conveyance of certain land in the Lake Tahoe Basin to be held in trust for the Washoe Indian Tribe of Nevada and California, S1540 [16FE]

S. 447, Jornada Experimental Range Transfer Act, S1659 [17FE], S9198 [27JY]

S. 643, Agricultural Credit Act State mediation programs reauthorization, S4138 [21AP], H4361 [13JN]

S. 802, National Drought Preparedness Act, S3675-S3679 [14AP]

S. 827, Quality Cheese Act, S3822 [18AP]

S. 838, Democracy for Dairy Producers Act, S3900 [19AP]

S. 869, Federal Milk Marketing Reform Act, S4114 [21AP]

S. 997, Montana Cemetery Act, S4940 [11MY]

S. 1120, Hunger-Free Communities Act, S5929-S5931 [25MY]

S. 1210, National Security and Bioenergy Investment Act, S6306-S6311 [9JN]

S. 1238, Public Land Corps Healthy Forests Restoration Act, H12216 [18DE]

S. 1238, Public Lands Corps Healthy Forests Restoration Act, S6487 [14JN], S13055 [16NO]

S. 1493, Chesapeake Bay Watershed Forestry Program Act, S8956 [26JY]

S. 1555, Dept. of Agriculture Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program funding reform, S9473 [29JY]

S. 1556, Specialty Crop and Value-Added Agriculture Promotion Act, S9474 [29JY]

S. 1613, Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act termination date for mandatory price reporting extension, S9995 [13SE]

S. 1643, Hurricane Katrina Food Assistance Relief Act, S9847 [8SE]

S. 2002, BSE and Other Prion Disease Prevention and Public Health Protection Act, S12768-S12770 [14NO]

S. 2003, Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Agreements Act, S12770 [14NO]

S. 2009, Agriculture Hurricane Recovery Act, S12844-S12847 [15NO]

S. 2120, Milk Regulatory Equity Act, S13702 [16DE]

S. 2131, Fair Contracts for Growers Act, S13797 [16DE]

S. Res. 181, Forest Service anniversary, S7319, S7329 [23JN]

S. Res. 227, support international hunger relief efforts and use resources and diplomatic leverage to secure food aid for countries in need, S9538 [29JY]

S.J. Res. 4, congressional disapproval of rule submitted by the Dept. of Agriculture relating to risk zones for introduction of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease), S1979 [3MR]

Transcripts

Audio Tape of Conversation Between Thomas C. Dorr and Paul Dorr Relative to Efforts To Circumvent Payment Limitations on Government Farm Subsidies: Iowa Farm Service Agency, S8595 [21JY]