[House Report 108-804]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Union Calendar No. 489
108th Congress, 2d Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House Report 108-804
REPORT ON ACTIVITIES
DURING THE 108TH CONGRESS
__________
R E P O R T
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 3, 2005.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
For Sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office
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COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
BOB GOODLATTE, Virginia, Chairman
JOHN A. BOEHNER, Ohio CHARLES W. STENHOLM, Texas,
Vice Chairman Ranking Minority Member
RICHARD W. POMBO, California COLLIN C. PETERSON, Minnesota
NICK SMITH, Michigan CALVIN M. DOOLEY, California
TERRY EVERETT, Alabama TIM HOLDEN, Pennsylvania
FRANK D. LUCAS, Oklahoma BENNIE G. THOMPSON, Mississippi
JERRY MORAN, Kansas MIKE McINTYRE, North Carolina
WILLIAM L. JENKINS, Tennessee BOB ETHERIDGE, North Carolina
GIL GUTKNECHT, Minnesota BARON P. HILL, Indiana
DOUG OSE, California JOE BACA, California
ROBIN HAYES, North Carolina MIKE ROSS, Arkansas
CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING, ANIBAL ACEVEDO-VILA, Puerto Rico
Mississippi ED CASE, Hawaii
TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON, Illinois DENNIS A. CARDOZA, California
TOM OSBORNE, Nebraska DAVID SCOTT, Georgia
MIKE PENCE, Indiana JIM MARSHALL, Georgia
DENNIS R. REHBERG, Montana BEN CHANDLER, Kentucky
SAM GRAVES, Missouri STEPHANIE HERSETH, South Dakota
MAX BURNS, Georgia G.K. BUTTERFIELD, North Carolina
JO BONNER, Alabama EARL POMEROY, North Dakota
MIKE ROGERS, Alabama LEONARD L. BOSWELL, Iowa
STEVE KING, Iowa MARK UDALL, Colorado
CHRIS CHOCOLA, Indiana RICK LARSEN, Washington
MARILYN N. MUSGRAVE, Colorado LINCOLN DAVIS, Tennessee
DEVIN NUNES, California ------ ------
RANDY NEUGEBAUER, Texas
RODNEY ALEXANDER, Louisiana
------ ------
Professional Staff
William E. O'Conner, Jr., Staff Director
Kevin Kramp, Chief Counsel
Stephen Haterius, Minority Staff Director
(ii)
LETTER OF SUBMITTAL
----------
House of Representatives,
Committee on Agriculture,
Washington, DC, January 3, 2005.
Mr. Jeff Trandahl
Clerk of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Trandahl: Pursuant to rule XI, clause 1(d), of the
Rules of the House of Representatives, I herewith submit to the
House a report of the activities of the Committee on
Agriculture during the 108th Congress.
With best wishes, I am
Sincerely,
Bob Goodlatte,
Chairman.
C O N T E N T S
----------
Page
I. Summary of organization, jurisdiction, and oversight plan of
the Committee on Agriculture................................... 1
A. Organization.......................................... 1
B. Committee Jurisdiction................................ 3
C. Oversight Plan........................................ 7
II. Committee Activities During the 108th Congress............... 14
A. Main legislative activities........................... 14
B. Statistical summary of activities..................... 17
C. Digest of bills within the jurisdiction of the
Committee on Agriculture on which some action has been
taken.................................................. 17
D. Oversight............................................. 61
E. Printed Hearings...................................... 74
F. Meetings not printed.................................. 78
G. Committee prints...................................... 79
III. Appendix.................................................... 79
A. Executive communications.............................. 79
B. Presidential Messages................................. 139
C. Presidential Proclamations and other documents of
interest............................................... 139
D. Statutory reports..................................... 142
E. Memorials............................................. 152
F. Petitions............................................. 156
Union Calendar No. 489
108th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 108-804
======================================================================
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE ON ACTIVITIES DURING THE 108TH
CONGRESS
_______
January 3, 2005.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Goodlatte, from the Committee on Agriculture, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
In accordance with rule XI, clause 1(d), of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the Committee on Agriculture
reports herewith on its activities during the 108th Congress.
I. Summary of Organization, Jurisdiction, and Oversight Plan of the
Committee on Agriculture
A. ORGANIZATION
The House of Representatives established the total
authorized membership of the Committee on Agriculture for the
108th Congress at 51, with a party division of 27 Republicans
and 24 Democrats. Among the committee members were 14
Representatives who were serving their first terms (Janklow,
Burns, Bonner, Rogers of AL, King of IA, Chocola, Musgrave,
Nunes, Alexander, Ballance, Cardoza, Scott of GA, Marshall, and
Davis of TN).
The committee organized on February 12, 2003, into five
subcommittees, four of which were assigned jurisdiction over
major agricultural commodities and one that dealt with various
related agricultural operations. The five subcommittees were
constituted as follows:
SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
(Ratio includes ex officio members. Bob Goodlatte, chairman, and
Charles W. Stenholm, ranking minority member, were ex officio members
of all subcommittees)
Commodity Subcommittees
General Farm Commodities and Risk Management (Ratio 16-15)
JERRY MORAN, Kansas, Chairman
COLLIN C. PETERSON, Minnesota JOHN A. BOEHNER, Ohio,
Ranking Minority Member Vice Chairman
BENNIE G. THOMPSON, Mississippi NICK SMITH, Michigan
MIKE ROSS, Arkansas TERRY EVERETT, Alabama
CALVIN M. DOOLEY FRANK D. LUCAS, Oklahoma
EARL POMEROY WILLIAM L. JENKINS, Tennessee
LEONARD L. BOSWELL, Iowa CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING,
BOB ETHERIDGE, North Carolina Mississippi
BARON P. HILL, Indiana TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON, Illinois
ED CASE, Hawaii MIKE PENCE, Indiana
Dennis A. Cardoza, California DENNIS R. REHBERG, Montana
JIM MARSHALL, California SAM GRAVES, Missouri
BEN CHANDLER, Kentucky MAX BURNS, Georgia
RICK LARSEN, Washington CHRIS CHOCOLA, Indiana
LINCOLN DAVIS, Tennesee MARILYN N. MUSGRAVE, Colorado
RANDY NEUGEBAUER, Texas
Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture (Ratio 12-11)
ROBIN HAYES, North Carolina,
Chairman
MIKE ROSS, Arkansas RICHARD W. POMBO, California
Ranking Minority Member Vice Chairman
DENNIS A. CARDOZA, California DOUG OSE, California
DAVID SCOTT, Georgia CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING,
COLLIN C. PETERSON, Minnesota Mississippi
STEPHANIE HERSETH, South Dakota TOM OSBORNE, Nebraska
G.K. BUTTERFIELD, North Carolina MIKE PENCE, Indiana
BEN CHANDLER, Kentucky MIKE ROGERS, Alabama
LEONARD L. BOSWELL, Iowa CHRIS CHOCOLA, Indiana
MARK UDALL, Colorado MARILYN N. MUSGRAVE, Colorado
RICK LARSEN, Washington RANDY NEUGEBAUER, Texas
------ ------
Subcommittee on Specialty Crops and Foreign Agriculture Programs (Ratio
9-8)
WILLIAM L. JENKINS, Tennessee,
Chairman
MIKE McINTYRE, North Carolina TERRY EVERETT, Alabama,
Ranking Minority Member Vice Chairman
BOB ETHERIDGE, North Carolina GIL GUTKNECHT, Minnesota
BARON P. HILL, Indiana ROBIN HAYES, North Carolina
DAVID SCOTT, Georgia DENNIS R. REHBERG, Montana
JIM MARSHALL, Georgia MIKE ROGERS, Alabama
BENNIE G. THOMPSON, Mississippi DEVIN NUNES, California
BEN CHANDLER, Kentucky RANDY NEUGEBAUER, Texas
CONSERVATION, CREDIT, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND RESEARCH (RATIO 11-10)
FRANK D. LUCAS, Oklahoma, Chairman
TIM HOLDEN, Pennsylvania JERRY MORAN, Kansas
Ranking Minority Member TOM OSBORNE, Nebraska
ED CASE, Hawaii Vice Chairman
COLLIN C. PETERSON, Minnesota SAM GRAVES, Missouri
CALVIN M. DOOLEY, California ADAM K. PUTNAM, Florida
BOB ETHERIDGE, North Carolina MAX BURNS, Georgia
ANIBAL ACEVEDO-VILA, Puerto Rico JO BONNER, Alabama
JIM MARSHALL, Georgia MIKE ROGERS, Alabama
MIKE McINTYRE, North Carolina STEVE KING, Iowa
STEPHANIE HERSETH, South Dakota ------ ------
Operational Subcommittee
Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and
Forestry (Ratio 11-10)
GIL GUTKNECHT, Minnesota, Chairman
CALVIN M. DOOLEY, California RICHARD W. POMBO, California
Ranking Minority Member NICK SMITH, Michigan
JOE BACA, California DOUG OSE, California
ANIBAL ACEVEDO-VILA, Puerto Rico DENNIS R. REHBERG, Montana
DENNIS A. CARDOZA, California Vice Chairman
TIM HOLDEN, Pennsylvania JO BONNER, Alabama
BARON P. HILL, Indiana STEVE KING, Iowa
G.K. BUTTERFIELD, North Carolina DEVIN NUNES, California
LINCOLN DAVIS, Tennessee ------ ------
------ ------ ------ ------
B. COMMITTEE JURISDICTION
Under rules adopted by the House of Representatives for
the 108th Congress, the Committee on Agriculture's (hereinafter
also referred to as committee) jurisdiction (See rule X, clause
1 of the Rules of the House of Representatives) extended to----
(1) Adulteration of seeds, insect pests, and
protection of birds and animals in forest reserves.
(2) Agriculture generally.
(3) Agricultural and industrial chemistry.
(4) Agricultural colleges and experiment stations.
(5) Agricultural economics and research.
(6) Agricultural education extension services.
(7) Agricultural production and marketing and
stabilization of prices of agricultural products, and
commodities (not including distribution outside of the
United States).
(8) Animal industry and diseases of animals.
(9) Commodity exchanges.
(10) Crop insurance and soil conservation.
(11) Dairy industry.
(12) Entomology and plant quarantine.
(13) Extension of farm credit and farm security.
(14) Inspection of livestock, poultry, meat products,
and seafood and seafood products.
(15) Forestry in general, and forest reserves other
than those created from the public domain.
(16) Human nutrition and home economics.
(17) Plant industry, soils, and agricultural
engineering.
(18) Rural electrification.
(19) Rural development.
(20) Water conservation related to activities of the
Department of Agriculture.
The revised edition of the Rules and Manual of the House of
Representatives for the 107th Congress (House Document No. 106-
320) provides the following concerning the Committee on
Agriculture: \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ References are to the volume and section of Hinds' (volumes I-
V, e.g., IV, 500) and Cannon's (volumes VI-VIII, e.g., VI, 400)
Precedents of the House of Representatives, and to the Congressional
Record by date and page (e.g., January 3, 1953, p. 500).
``This committee was established in 1820 (IV, 4149).
In 1880 the subject of forestry was added to its
jurisdiction, and the committee was conferred authority
to receive estimates of and to report appropriations
(IV, 4149). However, on July 1, 1920, authority to
report appropriations for the U.S. Department of
Agriculture was transferred to the Committee on
Appropriations (VII, 1860).
The basic form of the present jurisdictional
statement was made effective January 2, 1947, as a part
of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (60 Stat.
812). Subparagraph (7) was altered by the 93d Congress,
effective January 3, 1975, to include jurisdiction over
agricultural commodities (including the Commodity
Credit Corporation) while transferring jurisdiction
over foreign distribution and nondomestic production of
commodities to the Committee on International Relations
(H. Res. 988, 93d Cong., Oct 8, 1974, p. 34470).
Nevertheless, the committee has retained a limited
jurisdiction over measures to release CCC stocks for
such foreign distribution (Sept. 14, 1989, p. 20428).
Previously unstated jurisdictions over commodities
exchanges and rural development were codified effective
January 3, 1975.
The 104th Congress consolidated the committee's
jurisdiction over inspection of livestock and meat
products to include inspection of poultry, seafood, and
seafood products, and added subparagraph (20) relating
to water conservation (sec. 202(a), H. Res. 6, Jan. 4,
1995, p.464). Clerical and stylistic changes were
effected when the House recodified its rules in the
106th Congress (H. Res. 5. Jan. 6, 1999, p.------).
The committee has had jurisdiction of bills for
establishing and regulating the Department of
Agriculture (IV, 4150), for inspection of livestock and
meat products, regulation of animal industry, diseases
of animals (IV, 4154; VII, 1862), adulteration of
seeds, insect pests, protection of birds and animals in
forest reserves (IV, 4157; VII, 1870), the improvement
of the breed of horses, even with the cavalry service
in view (IV, 4158; VII, 1865).
The committee, having charge of the general subject
of forestry, has reported bills relating to timber, and
forest reserves other than those created from the
public domain (IV, 4160). It has also exercised
jurisdiction of bills relating to agricultural colleges
and experiment stations (IV, 4152), incorporation of
agricultural societies (IV, 4159), and establishment of
a highway commission (IV, 4153), to discourage
fictitious and gambling transactions in farm products
(IV, 4161; VII, 1861), to regulate the transportation,
sale and handling of dogs and cats intended for use in
research and the licensing of animal research
facilities (July 29, 1965, p. 18691); and to designate
an agricultural research center (May 14, 1995,
p.11070). The committee shares with the Committee on
the Judiciary jurisdiction over a bill comprehensively
amending the Immigration and Nationality Act and
including food stamp eligibility requirements for
aliens (Sept. 19, 1995, p.25533).
The House referred the President's message dealing
with the refinancing of farm-mortgage indebtedness to
the committee, thus conferring jurisdiction (April 4,
1933, p.1209).
The committee has jurisdiction over a bill relating
solely to executive level position in the Department of
Agriculture (March 2, 1976, p. 4958) and has
jurisdiction over bills to develop land and water
conservation programs on private and non-Federal lands
(June 7, 1976, p. 16768).
Some of the specific areas in which the Committee on
Agriculture exercises its jurisdiction or that have been
created for the committee by historical reference include:
(1) Public Law 480, Eighty-third Congress, the
restoration, expansion, and development of foreign
markets for United States agricultural products; and
the effect of the General Agreement on Tariffs and
Trade (and the North American Free Trade Agreement),
bilateral free trade agreements, the European
Community, and other regional economic agreements and
commodity marketing and pricing systems on United
States agriculture.
(2) All matters relating to the establishment and
development of an effective Foreign Agricultural
Service.
(3) Matters relating to rural development, including
rural telephone companies, farm credit banks, farm
rural housing loans, rural water supply, rural flood
control and water pollution control programs, and loans
for rural firehouses, community facilities, and
businesses.
(4) Production and use of energy from agricultural
and forestry resources.
(5) Matters relating to the development, use, and
administration of the National Forests, including, but
not limited to, development of a sound program for
general public use of the National Forests consistent
with watershed protection and sustained-yield timber
management, study of the forest fire prevention and
control policies and activities of the Forest Service
and their relation to coordinated activities of other
Federal, State, and private agencies; Forest Service
land exchanges; and wilderness and similar use
designations applied to National Forest land.
(6) Price spreads of agricultural commodities
between producers and consumers.
(7) The formulation and development of improved
programs for agricultural commodities; matters relating
to the inspection, grading, and marketing of such
commodities, including seafood; and food safety
generally.
(8) Matters relating to trading in futures contracts
for all commodities and similar instruments, including
commodity options and commodity leverage contracts.
(9) The administration and operation of agricultural
programs through State and county committees and the
administrative policies and procedures relating to the
selection, election, and operation of such committees.
(10) The administration and development of small
watershed programs under Public Law 566, Eighty-third
Congress, as amended, and the development of resource
conservation and development programs for rural areas.
(11) Programs of food assistance or distribution
supported in whole or in part by funds of the
Department of Agriculture, including but not limited to
the food stamp program and the commodity distribution
program.
(12) Aquaculture programs of the Department of
Agriculture.
(13) Sugar legislation, including import control
programs that stabilize domestic prices.
(14) All matters relating to pesticides, the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as
amended, the Federal Environmental Pesticide Control
Act of 1972, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act Amendments of 1988, and the Food
Quality Protection Act of 1996, including, but not
limited to, the registration, marketing, and safe use
of pesticides, groundwater contamination, and the
coordination of the pesticide program under FIFRA with
food safety programs.
(15) Agricultural research programs, including, but
not limited to, the authorization of specific research
projects and agricultural biotechnology development
efforts.
(16) All matters relating to the Commodity Credit
Corporation Charter Act.
(17) Legislation relating to the control of the
entry into the United States of temporary, nonresident
aliens for employment in agricultural production.
(18) Legislation relating to the general operations
and the Organic Act of the Department of Agriculture,
the Commodity Credit Corporation, Federal Crop
Insurance Corporation, Farm Credit Administration, Farm
Credit System, Federal Agricultural Mortgage
Corporation, and Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
(19) Producer-funded research, promotion, and
consumer and industry information programs for
agricultural commodities.
(20) Legislation regarding reclamation water
projects where the pricing of water delivered by such
projects is affected by whether the water will be used
in the production of a crop for which an acreage
reduction program is in effect.
(21) Legislation regarding reclamation water
projects for which the Secretary of Agriculture is
required to make a determination regarding commodity
availability prior to the determination of the price to
be charged for the delivery of such project water.
(22) Legislation establishing the level of fees
charged by the Federal Government for the grazing of
livestock on Federal lands.
(23) Legislation governing the Federal regulation of
transactions involving swaps contracts, hybrid
financial instruments, and derivative securities and
financial products.
(24) Legislation regarding the Federal Reserve Board
with respect to its authority to regulate the
establishment of appropriate levels of margin on stock
index futures contracts.
The committee also reviews and studies, on a
continuing basis, the current and prospective
application, administration, execution, and
effectiveness of those laws, or parts of laws, the
subject matter of which is within the jurisdiction of
the committee, and the organization and operation of
the Federal agencies and entities having
responsibilities in or for the administration and
execution thereof. In addition, the committee, along
with other standing committees of the House, has the
function of reviewing and studying on a continuing
basis the effect or probable effect of tax and other
fiscal and monetary policies affecting subjects within
their jurisdiction.
C. OVERSIGHT PLAN
The Committee on Agriculture met on February 12, 2003 to
fulfill the General Oversight Responsibility reporting
requirements of rule X 2(d)(1) of the Rules of the House of
Representatives.
The following outline was prepared in consultation with
the Ranking Minority Member and approved by the Full committee
which was forwarded to the Committee on Government Reform and
the Committee on House Administration on February 15, 1999:
OVERSIGHT PLAN, HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE FOR THE 108TH CONGRESS
The committee expects to exercise appropriate oversight
activity with regard to the following issues:
2002 FARM BILL AND CURRENT AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's
(USDA) implementation of the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002;
Current status U.S farm economy;
USDA's implementation of the 2003
Crop Loan Rates, Nonrecourse Marketing
Assistance Loans and Loan Deficiency Payments;
Implementation of the Milk Income
Loss Contract program authorized in the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002;
Review Federal Milk Marketing Order
minimum pricing regulations; Operation of
specialty crop programs;
Impact of 2002 and 2003 calendar year
weather conditions on 2003 crop production.
Oversight of implementation of new
peanut program, including marketing loan
program, direct payments, counter-cyclical
payments, and quota compensation payments;
Oversight of implementation of sugar
program, including flexible marketing
allotments and
Payment in Kind Program; and
Proposed policy options for a new
tobacco program and a buyout of tobacco quota.
Federal Crop Insurance and Risk Management
Administration of the Federal Crop
Insurance Program, including implementation of
crop insurance provisions contained in ARPA of
2000 in light of 2001 and 2002 crop and
livestock disasters and continued drought
conditions into the 2003 crop year;
Oversight of RMA and FCIC actions
following the demise of American Growers
Insurance Company, including analysis of the
possible causes of the firm's failure and
future problems for the crop insurance industry
and its reinsurers and with respect to
development of risk management products for
livestock producers;
USDA implementation of statutory
provisions designed to reduce crop insurance
program waste and improve program integrity;
Proposed policy options regarding
crop insurance options for revenue and gross
income protection;
Implementation of dairy forward
contracting pilot project and expansion of the
dairy options pilot program; and
Impact of the Enron fraud and
electricity market investigations by the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the
CFTC.
Agricultural Trade
The administration is negotiating the
World Trade Organization (WTO) multilateral
trade agreement affecting U.S. agriculture.
Negotiations continue on the Agricultural
Agreement under the Doha Development Agenda.
New oversight of possible accession of new
countries to the WTO, such as Russia;
The administration's plans for new
trade agreements with Chile and Singapore, the
Free Trade Area of the Americas and bilateral
Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with Morocco,
Central America, the South African Customs
Union and Australia;
USDA's implementation of the Trade
Title of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002;
USDA and USTR's implementation of
trade agreements and related issues to ensure
compliance of other countries' trade
obligations, including:
WTO dispute settlement provisions,
European Union (EU) issues such as the EU meat
hormone ban, use of the U.S. carousel
legislation, tariff rate quotas (TRQ),
withdrawal of EU TRQ's for grains,
biotechnology, EU non-trade concerns, including
animal welfare and other societal concerns and
import and export State trading enterprises;
Issues relating to the North American
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), including
Canada's use of high tariffs for dairy,
poultry, eggs, barley, and margarine products
and Canadian exports of wheat, barley, and
other agricultural commodities into the U.S.
Additionally, Mexico's recent actions designed
to impair NAFTA trade by imposing antidumping
cases on U.S. pork, apples, beef, and rice;
sanitary and phytosanitary barriers on grains
and meat, and a tax on soft drinks using high
fructose corn syrup. Furthermore, issues
relating to the implementation of the NAFTA
agreement on sugar;
Issues relating to China's accession
to the WTO, including U.S. concerns with the
implementation of tariff rate quotas,
acceptance of U.S. biotechnology, and China's
use of export subsidies;
Issues relating to Russia's actions
to revoke import licenses for meat and poultry;
Harmonization of sanitary and
phytosanitary standards (SPS), including those
provided by international organizations and
incorporation of new technologies and products
into SPS standards;
Food assistance programs to ensure
that program goals are being met in the most
recent uses of the program reauthorized in the
2002 farm bill, including the Global Food for
Education Program, Food for Progress Program,
and P.L. 480; and
Congressional oversight of trade
legislation that affects U.S. agriculture,
including trade promotion negotiating authority
and import sensitive products, sanctions
legislation and examination of which markets
offer the greatest opportunity to increase
sales of U.S. agricultural products.
Agricultural Research and Promotion
Review implementation of biosecurity
protocols at USDA ARS laboratories;
USDA's implementation of research,
education and extension programs authorized in
the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002, the Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Education Reform Act of 1998, and the
Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000;
Administration of the Agricultural
Research Service's research stations and
worksites;
Administration of USDA's agricultural
marketing and promotion programs;
Review USDA's continuing ability to
conduct foreign animal disease research,
training and diagnostic programs at the Plum
Island Animal Disease Center following the
transfer of the center to the Department of
Homeland Security;
Federal efforts to facilitate
research and development of aquacultural
enterprises, specifically focusing on the
activities of the Joint Committee on
Aquaculture, chaired by the Secretary of
Agriculture and including the Secretaries of
Interior and Commerce; and
Implementation of USDA's regulation
on organic standards.
Conservation and the Environment
All changes to current and
implementation of new conservation programs
created in the 2002 farm bill;
Comparing conservation payments to
commodity program payments and their effect of
keeping producers profitable;
Impact of regulatory activities
carried out pursuant to the Endangered Species
Act, or any proposed legislative changes to
such Act, on agricultural producers;
Oversight of regulatory initiatives
undertaken by the EPA, NMFS, and the FWS
concerning Endangered Species Act consultations
regarding pesticide products regulated under
the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act;
Impact of EPA's regulatory activity
relative to methyl bromide on production
agriculture in the U.S.;
Review of the resource needs of the
EPA as they pertain to the collection of
pesticide registration, re-registration and
tolerance fees;
Review of the continuing
international negotiations concerning
implementation of the Stockholm Convention on
Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Protocol on
Persistent Organic Pollutants to the Convention
on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, and
the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed
Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous
Chemicals and Pesticides in International
Trade;
EPA's implementation of the Food
Quality Protection Act (FQPA);
Budget and program activities of
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS);
NRCS implementation of the FSRIA 2002
amendments to the Environmental Quality
Incentives Program;
NRCS implementation of the technical
service provider assistance provisions of FSRIA
2002;
Review of NRCS's Advance Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking of the Conservation
Security Program enacted in FSRIA 2002;
Review of USDA's Conservation Reserve
and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program;
Review of implementation of the EPA's
rule on animal feeding operations and its
impact on the U.S. livestock industry and the
practical uses of the EQIP to ease
implementation of the rule;
Review of EPA's rule on permit
trading under the Clean Water Act and its
effect on and potential benefits to U.S.
agriculture;
Review implementation of the small
watershed rehabilitation act;
Review of potential impacts of EPA's
Clean Air Act regulatory program on U.S.
agriculture, including a review of the findings
of the National Research Council's final
report, Air Emissions from Animal Feeding
Operations: Current Knowledge, Future Needs;
Potential consequences for production
agriculture in the U.S. should the mandates
contained in the Kyoto Protocol to the United
Nations' Framework Convention on Climate Change
be implemented by treaty, law or regulation;
Impact of regulatory activities
carried out pursuant to the Endangered Species
Act, or any proposed legislative changes to the
ESA, on agricultural producers;
Impact of EPA's regulatory activity
relative to methyl bromide on production
agriculture in the U.S; and
Impact of EPA's rule change on
wetlands regulation under the Clean Water Act
in recognition of the SWANK ruling.
U.S. Forest Service Administration
United States Forest Service (USFS)
management of the National Forest System,
including the agency's fiscal and financial
accountability, strategic planning and
performance measurement under the Government
Performance and Results Act, efforts to address
the Nation's declining forest health, and
Federal laws and regulations affecting the
management of private forest lands;
USFS management of public lands under
its jurisdiction, including a review of agency
policy governing grazing and other uses of
these lands which require users to secure a
permit;
Impacts of implementation delay in
last-minute regulations affecting Federal
lands, including the forest roadless policy,
transportation policy, and planning
regulations;
Impact of the Southern Forests
Assessment, an interagency study on the
sustainability of southern forest practices;
Review of programs that strengthen
and support private forestland management; and
Review of the USFS/Bureau of Land
Management report on co-location and
combination of services and operations.
USDA General Administration
Implementation of the Freedom to E-
File Act;
Implementation and streamlining of
USDA's Common Computing Environment;
Administration of USDA operations,
including reorganization efforts,
administrative convergence, management
improvements, compliance with the Government
Performance and Results Act, oversight of the
National Appeals Division, and the impact on
client services;
Implementation of USDA's Civil Rights
settlement; and
Confidentiality of information
provided to USDA by agricultural producers.
Farm Credit, Rural Development, and the Rural Economy
Farm Credit Administration's (FCA)
regulatory program and activities regarding the
Farm Credit System (FCS) to assure the FCS'
safety and soundness;
Availability of credit to
agricultural producers in light of low
commodity prices and weather disasters;
Review of FCA's national charter
proposal and its potential effects on the
viability of the FCS;
Review of Farmer Mac activities and
programs;
Implementation of rural development
policies and authorities contained in FSRIA
2002; and
Implementation of the local
television legislation enacted in FSRIA 2002.
Welfare Reform and Food Nutrition Programs
Oversight of the implementation of
provisions relating to the food stamp program
included in the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002. These include:
Food stamp benefits for non-citizens
Increasing the food stamp standard
deduction
Increasing the transitional food
stamp benefits for persons leaving welfare
programs
Simplification of the food stamp
program by states
Employment and training programs for
food stamp participants;
Reauthorization of the Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), including
waiver authority for the food stamp program and
initiation of the State food assistance block
grant demonstration project;
Implementation and assessment of the
state's use of electronic benefits transfer
(EBT) systems to improve the distribution of
food benefits;
Effectiveness of State welfare
agencies and statutory provisions designed to
curb food stamp trafficking and fraud;
Effectiveness of the reformed food
stamp quality control system on reducing
overpayments, payments to ineligible
participants and underpayments;
Implementation and monitoring of the
funding levels for the Emergency Food
Assistance Program (TEFAP), both levels of
funding for commodities and for administrative
expenses;
Oversight of other commodity
distribution programs and those programs
included in the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002, including:
Commodity food projects
Commodity supplemental food program
Seniors' farmers market nutrition
program
Commodities for the school lunch
program
Grants for purchase of locally
produced food
Fruit and vegetable pilot program
Nutrition information and awareness
pilot program and
Nutrition monitoring oversight.
Food Safety
USDA's Food Safety Inspection
Service's administration of the meat and
poultry inspection laws and the Food and Drug
Administration's food inspection activities,
including seafood and seafood products to
ensure that policies and resources are focused
on developing scientifically sound systems for
food safety assurance;
USDA's efforts to educate consumers
regarding safe food handling practices, the
development of pre-exposure and post-exposure
interventions to reduce the frequency and
severity of food borne illnesses, expanded
research and development of pathogen reduction
technologies, as well as streamlined, science-
based policies relative to assessment and
approval of food safety technologies;
Review implementation of new
protocols for meat, poultry, eggs, or seafood
safety inspection, including the implementation
of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point
pathogen reduction regulation; and
Impact of lawsuits challenging
aspects of food safety inspection modernization
efforts including authority to establish and
enforce microbiological performance standards
and HACCP based inspection models.
Plant and Animal Health
The issue of new drug development,
approval, and availability for animal
agriculture as well as the implementation of
the Animal Drug Availability Act;
Review implementation of the Plant
Protection Act of 2000;
Review implementation of the Animal
Health Protection Act of 2002;
Review enforcement of the Animal
Welfare Act;
Federal efforts to reduce threats to
human, animal, and plant health due to
predatory and invasive species; and
USDA's management of domestic pest
and disease surveillance and eradication
programs.
Livestock Marketing
USDA's implementation of mandatory
livestock price reporting;
USDA's implementation of voluntary
Country of Origin Labeling in preparation for
mandatory Country of Origin Labeling;
Effectiveness of the Grain
Inspection, Packers and Stockyards
Administration (GIPSA) in monitoring the
potential for market manipulation in the
livestock industry; and
Concentration of agribusiness and the
potential impact on agricultural producers;
Homeland Security and Bioterrorism
Review the implementation of the
Public Health Security and Bioterrorism
Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 including
USDA and HHS joint regulation of select
biological agents and toxins; also, protection
against adulteration of food, debarment for
repeated or serious food import violations,
registration of food facilities and other
activities;
USDA's ability to protect, prevent
and effectively deal with an attack on
agriculture and its infrastructure;
Oversight of the transfer of the
Agricultural Quarantine Inspection
responsibility from the USDA to the Department
of Homeland Security;
USDA's management of domestic pest
and disease surveillance and eradication
programs in light of the transfer of resources
to the Department of Homeland Security; and
USDA's continuing ability to conduct
foreign animal disease research, training and
diagnostic programs at the Plum Island Animal
Disease Center following the transfer of the
center to the Department of Homeland Security.
Miscellaneous
Adequacy of agricultural labor and
the agricultural guest worker program, H2A.
II. COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES DURING THE 108TH CONGRESS
A. MAIN LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
The Committee on Agriculture reported or otherwise
considered a variety of bills in the 108th Congress covering
many of the diverse areas within its jurisdictional interest. A
considerable portion of the committee's work in the first
session of the 108th Congress was devoted to developing H.R.
1904, which became Public Law 108-148, the Healthy Forests
Restoration Act. This bill represents the culmination of over 8
years of effort dating back to 1997, when then-Chairman Bob
Smith of Oregon introduced H.R. 2515, the Forest Recovery and
Protection Act. Although that bill failed on the House floor,
the problem it was intended to address became increasingly
prevalent in the intervening years.
In 3 of the last 6 years, wildland fires consumed more
than twice the annual average number of acres. In 3 of the last
4 years, the Forest Service has spent considerably more than $1
billion annually suppressing wildfires. In two of those years,
the severe depletion of funds for firefighting costs have
essentially stopped implementation of other agency programs in
middle of the fiscal year, disrupting program delivery.
The conditions that have led to this situation are over-
crowded forests, wildfires, and insect infestations. Public
forest and rangelands have been degraded by years of fire
suppression and other management decisions that have led to an
increase in over-crowded stands of trees, with far too many
trees per acre than many arid areas can support. Catastrophic
wildfires, which burn unusually hot and cause severe ecological
damage, have been increasingly common, and Forest Service
experts say over 70 million acres of forests, primarily in the
Western United States, are at extreme risk of future
catastrophic fires. A total of 190 million acres are considered
to be at some degree of risk of catastrophic fire or insect
infestations.
While the Forest Service has increased their efforts to
reduce hazardous fuel loads and improve forest health on the
National Forests, procedural laws (including the National
Environmental Policy Act and the National Forest Management Act
(NEPA)) were hampering their ability to complete projects in a
timely fashion. These cumbersome process-oriented laws were
delaying projects to the point where any commercially-viable
wood lost value, or, worse, the stands the project was intended
to restore were destroyed by catastrophic wildfire before
appropriate treatments could be executed.
P.L. 108-148 is designed to streamline the process to
execute vital forest health projects by specifying how Federal
land management agencies are to comply with NEPA, as well as
how to handle administrative appeals and litigation against
forest health projects. Specific safeguards to protect old
growth forests were included in the final version of the bill.
Other provisions include: pilot research projects on a
list of critical forest pests and diseases which primarily
threaten Eastern Forests; research on biomass energy production
from by-products of hazardous fuel reduction projects; and a
new Watershed Forestry Assistance program designed to help
landowners meet water quality objectives in their forests.
(Note.-- For a description of P.L. 108-148, see under ``C.
Digest of Bills Within the Jurisdiction of the Committee on
Agriculture on Which Some Action Has Been Taken.'')
Other major activities of the committee during the 108th
Congress included the following:
Tobacco
The Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act of 2004 was
included in H.R. 4520, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004,
which became Public Law 108-357. This measure provides for the
termination of tobacco marketing quotas and related price
support, the compensation of tobacco quota holders and
producers, and the assessment mechanism for tobacco
manufacturers and importers.
The current Tobacco Program was created by the Federal
Government in 1938, and the overall structure of the program
has been modified minimally since. The program consists of
supply management and support prices and operates at no net
cost to the Federal Government. In order to produce and market
tobacco, farmers must own quota or rent quota from quota
holders.
In recent years, the Federal Tobacco Program has faced
significant challenges. Domestic consumption of cigarettes has
steadily decreased, as has U.S. leaf content in cigarettes.
Domestic purchase intentions of manufacturers have decreased,
and imports of tobacco have increased. As a result, tobacco
quota holders have experienced more than a 50 percent reduction
in their quotas over the past 8 years through no fault of their
own.
The tobacco provisions in P.L. 108-357 become effective
with the 2005 and subsequent crops of each kind of tobacco. The
law eliminates the current Federal tobacco price support and
supply control program and compensates tobacco quota owners and
growers for the elimination of the quota. Rather than being
funded by the taxpayer, the buyout is funded by assessments on
tobacco manufacturers and importers. The law does not provide
authority for the Food and Drug Administration to regulate
tobacco or tobacco products. The total cost of the law is
limited to $10.14 billion over 10 years. (Note.-- For a
description of P.L. 108-357, see under ``C. Digest of Bills
Within the Jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture on
Which Some Action Has Been Taken'')
Economic Assistance
Early in the 108th Congress, a $3.1 billion agricultural
disaster assistance package was approved (P.L. 108-7). A
portion of the measure was earmarked for livestock producers,
as well as producers who suffered losses due to several years
of persistent drought and other disasters.
Later in the Congress, the committee saw enacted
Agricultural Disaster Assistance which was included in the
conference report to H.R. 4837, the Military Construction
Appropriations and Emergency Hurricane Supplemental
Appropriations Act 2005, which became Public Law 108-324.
In addition to experiencing excessive rains and wind from
five major hurricanes making landfall in the United States,
producers also suffered damages from early freezes, floods,
droughts, and other natural disasters in 2004. The Agricultural
Disaster Assistance measure contains funding for various
assistance provisions, including crop loss, livestock, and tree
assistance. Most of the provisions are offset by capping
available funds for the Conservation Security Program at $6.037
billion for fiscal year 2005 through 2014. (Note.-- For a
description of P.L. 108-7 and P.L. 108-324, see under ``C.
Digest of Bills Within the Jurisdiction of the Committee on
Agriculture on Which Some Action Has Been Taken'')
Trade
Trade continues to be a primary interest to the committee.
Since fiscal year 1999, U.S. agricultural exports have show an
upward trend, increasing from $49 billion to an estimated $55.5
billion for fiscal year 2003 and a projected $57 billion for
fiscal year 2004. These exports account for about a quarter of
the gross income of U.S. farmers and ranchers and generate both
farm and nonfarm employment. U.S. agricultural imports,
estimated at $45 billion in fiscal year 2003 and $47.5 billion
in fiscal year 2004, are fostered by low average U.S. tariffs,
the relative strength of the U.S. dollar, and consumer tastes
and preferences for high value food products, the largest
component of imports.
While various world economic and other factors influence
exports, many farm groups believe that U.S. agriculture's
future prosperity depends on U.S. trade policies such as
negotiating improved market access for U.S. products
bilaterally, regionally, and multilaterally; assuring market
access and consumer acceptance at home and abroad for products
of agricultural biotechnology; assuring that China adheres to
its World Trade Organization (WTO) agricultural market access
commitments; and resolving commodity trade disputes.
The committee oversaw multilateral negotiations on
agricultural trade liberalization in the WTO. The fifth
ministerial conference was held September 2003 in Cancun,
Mexico; however, the conference ended without an agreement on a
framework for negotiating reductions in farm subsidies and
agricultural tariffs, raising doubts about the ability of WTO
member countries to complete the current round of negotiations,
known as the Doha Development Agenda, by the scheduled deadline
of January 1, 2005.
Free trade agreements (FTA's) with Chile, Singapore,
Australia, and Morocco were signed into law (P.L. 108-77, P.L.
108-78, P.L. 108-286, and P.L. 108-302). Passage of the FTA's
were expedited under the fast track procedure in the Trade Act
of 2002. (Note.-- For a description of the FTA's, see P.L. 108-
77, P.L. 108-78, P.L. 108-286 and P.L. 108-302, see under ``C.
Digest of Bills Within the Jurisdiction of the Committee on
Agriculture on Which Some Action Has Been Taken'')
B. STATISTICAL SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
(1) Statistics on bills referred to the Committee on Agriculture
Number of bills referred:
House bills....................................................... 218
Senate bills...................................................... 13
House joint resolutions........................................... 2
House resolutions................................................. 5
House concurrent resolutions...................................... 3
Senate joint resolutions.......................................... 1
Senate concurrent resolutions..................................... 0
______
Total........................................................ 242
Disposition of bills containing items under the jurisdiction of the
Committee on Agriculture
Bills enacted into law............................................ 26
Bills acted on by the committee included in other bills that
became law.................................................... 0
Bills vetoed...................................................... 0
Bills acted on by both Houses, but not enacted.................... 3
Bills passed by the House but not considered by the Senate........ 12
House resolutions passed.......................................... 2
Bills reported to the House but not considered.................... 2
Bills ordered reported, but not reported.......................... 22
Bills defeated in the House....................................... 0
Other bills acted on by the committee............................. 4
(2) Statistics on hearings and markups
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Open
business Washington Field Total
meeting hearings hearings
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Full committee.............................................. 9 19 1 29
Subcommittees:
General Farm Commodities and Risk Management............ 0 9 2 11
Livestock and Horticulture.............................. 0 3 2 5
Specialty Crops and Foreign Agriculture Programs........ 0 1 0 1
Conservation, Credit, Rural Development, and Research... 1 5 3 9
Department Opeerations, Oversight, Nutrition, and 0 3 1 4
Forestry...............................................
---------------------------------------------------
Total................................................. 10 40 9 59
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C. DIGEST OF BILLS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE COMMITTEE ON WHICH
ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN \2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Note. ``Similar or identical bills, and bills having reference
to each other, are indicated by the number in parenthesis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Bills Enacted into Law
Public Law 108-58 (H.R. 2474)
To authorize the Congressional Hunger Center to award Bill
Emerson and Mickey Leland Hunger Fellowships for fiscal years
2003 and 2004 (approved July 14, 2003).
This Act ensures that funds appropriated to operate the
Bill Emerson and Mickey Leland Hunger Fellows Program are
administered through the Congressional Hunger Center for fiscal
years 2003 and 2004.
Legislative History: H.R. 2474 was introduced by
Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson on June 16, 2003. The bill was
referred to the Committee on Agriculture and in addition to the
Committee on International Relations. On June 25, 2003, the
bill passed the House, under suspension of the rules by a vote
of 411 yeas to 0 nays. On June 27, 2003, the bill passed the
Senate by unanimous consent. On July 14, 2003, the bill was
signed by the President into Public Law 108-58.
Public Law 108-136 (H.R. 1588, S. 1050)
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2004 for
military activities of the Department of Defense, for military
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of
Energy, to prescribe personnel strengths for such fiscal year
for the Armed Forces, and for other purposes (approved November
24, 2003).
This Act known as the National Defense Authorization
included two provisions within the Committee on Agriculture's
jurisdiction.
Section 2852 of the Act authorizes the Secretary of the
Air Force to take appropriate action to quiet title to tracts
of land located in the platted subdivision of Falling Waters,
Okalossa County, Florida adjacent to Eglin Air Force Base in
order to resolve certain encroachment issues.
The land was at one time within the Choctawatchee National
Forest that was transferred in 1940 from the control and
jurisdiction of the Forest Service, Department of Agriculture,
to the control and jurisdiction of the War Department for
military purposes. However, according to the 1940 Act, in the
event that the area transferred within or adjacent to the
national forest shall cease to be needed for military purposes,
it be restored to a national-forest status.
Section 1058 of the Act requires the Director of OMB to
conduct a review of existing authorities regarding the use of
Air Force and Air National Guard modular airborne fire-fighting
system units and other DOD assets to fight wildfires to ensure
that such assets are available in the most expeditious manner
to fight wildfire on Federal or non-Federal land at the request
of a Federal agency or State government. The Act also
authorizes the Director to report to Congress on results and
policy revisions and prohibits implementation of any revised
policies until 30 days after the report has been submitted.
Legislative History: H.R. 1588 was introduced by
Representative Duncan Hunter on April 3, 2003. It was reported
by the Committee on Armed Services on May 16, 2003, (H.Rept.
108-106). On May 22, 2003, the bill was agreed to in the House
by a vote of 361 yeas to 68 nays. On June 4, 2003, the bill was
agreed to in the Senate with an amendment by voice vote. On
July 16, 2003, the House appointed conferees from the Committee
on Agriculture for consideration of sections 1057 and 2822 of
the House bill. On November 7, 2003, the conference report
(H.Rept. 108-354) was agreed to in the House by a vote of 362
yeas to 40 nays, and 2 present. On November 12, 2003, the
conference report was agreed to in the Senate by a vote of 95
yeas to 3 nays. On November 24, 2003, the bill was signed by
the President into Public Law 108-136.
Public Law 108-140 (S.J. Res.22, H.J. Res. 74)
Recognizing the Agricultural Research Service of the
Department of Agriculture for 50 years of outstanding service
to the Nation through agricultural research (approved December
1, 2003).
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the primary
research agency of the Department of Agriculture that provides
the Department of Agriculture and other Federal offices with
objective research that is critical to the mission of those
offices. The agricultural research conducted by ARS has an
enormous impact on the economic viability of agriculture in the
United States and around the world. The ARS has achieved major
scientific breakthroughs that have benefited farmers, ranchers,
agribusiness, and consumers.
This Act recognizes the Agricultural Research Service of
the Department of Agriculture for 50 years of outstanding
service to the Nation through agricultural research. The Act
acknowledges the promise of ARS to continue to perform
outstanding agricultural research in the next 50 years and
beyond.
Legislative History: H.J. Res. 74 was introduced by
Chairman Goodlatte on October 21, 2003. On October 29, 2003,
the Committee on Agriculture met in an open business meeting
and ordered favorably reported H.J. Res. 74. S.J.Res. 22 was
introduced by Senator Cochran on November 3, 2003. It was
agreed to in the Senate without amendment by unanimous consent
on November 3, 2003. On November 17, 2003, S.J.Res. 22 was
agreed to in the House under suspension of the rules by a vote
of 332 yeas to 0 nays. On December 1, 2003, the bill was signed
by the President into Public Law 108-140.
Public Law 108-148 (H.R. 1904, S. 2449)
To improve the capacity of the Secretary of Agriculture
and the Secretary of the Interior to conduct hazardous fuels
reduction projects on National Forest System land and Bureau of
Land Management lands aimed at protecting communities,
watershed, and certain other at-risk lands from catastrophic
wildfire, to enhance efforts to protect watersheds and address
threats to forest and rangeland health, including catastrophic
wildfire, across the landscape, and for other purposes
(approved December 3, 2003; short title ``The Healthy Forests
Restoration Act'').
Major provisions of the ``Healthy Forests Restoration
Act'' include:
Hazardous Fuels Reduction on Federal Land: Directs the
Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior with
respect to National Forest System lands, and public lands
administered by the Bureau of Land Management, to plan and
conduct hazardous fuel reduction projects on specified types of
Federal lands, including on certain lands that contain
threatened and endangered species habitat. Directs the
Secretary concerned to fully maintain, or contribute toward the
restoration of, the structure and composition of old growth
stands according to pre-fire suppression old growth conditions
characteristic of the forest type. The Secretary should take
into account the contribution of the stand to landscape fire
adaptation and watershed health, and retain the large trees
contributing to old growth.
The Act directs the Secretary concerned to establish a
multiparty monitoring, evaluation, and accountability process
to assess ecological and social effects of authorized fuel
projects. Directs the Secretary concerned to track, by the
degree of severity, acres burned by wildfires and develop a
process for monitoring the maintenance of treated areas, over
time, to preserve the forest health benefits achieved.
The Act directs the Secretary concerned to give priority
to fuel projects that provide for the protection of communities
and watersheds. Requires the Secretary concerned to plan and
conduct fuel projects in accordance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other applicable laws,
analyze alternative options to proposed agency actions, with
exceptions for projects in wildland-urban interface areas and
facilitate collaboration among State and local governments,
Indian tribes, and interested persons during the preparation of
each fuel project in a manner consistent with standards in the
Western Governors Association's wildfire management strategy.
Biomass: The Act amends the Biomass Research and
Development Act to extend certain research by developing new
tools for land managers, including tools to estimate the cost
of delivering varying quantities of wood to a particular
location.
The Act amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and
Trade Act of 1990 to allow the Secretary of Agriculture, acting
through the Chief of the Forest Service and in collaboration
with eligible institutions, to accelerate adoption of biomass
technologies, create community-based enterprises, and establish
small-scale business enterprises to find uses for biomass.
The measure also authorizes the Secretary to make grants
to persons that own or operate facilities that use biomass for
wood-based products or other commercial purposes to offset the
costs incurred to purchase biomass.
Watershed Forestry Assistance: The Act amends the
Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to permit the
Secretary of Agriculture to provide assistance to State
foresters and State officials, or to Cooperative Extension
officials at land grant colleges and universities and specified
institutions, for the purpose of expanding State forest
capacities and activities to address watershed issues on non-
Federal forested land and potentially forested lands. The Act
directs the Secretary to develop, a technical assistance
program to protect water quality, and establish a watershed
forestry cost-share program.
Insect Infestations and Related Diseases: The Act directs
the Secretary concerned to establish an accelerated program to
plan, conduct, and promote comprehensive and systematic
information gathering on forest-damaging insects and associated
diseases.
The measure also allows the Secretary concerned to conduct
applied silvicultural assessments on Federal lands that are
infested with forest-damaging insects or that are at risk of
such infestation.
Healthy Forests Reserve Program: The Act directs the
Secretary of Agriculture to establish the healthy forest
reserve program within the Forest Service for the purpose of
restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems to promote the
recovery of threatened and endangered species as well as
improve biodiversity and enhance carbon sequestration.
The measure directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in
coordination with the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce,
to designate rare forest ecosystems to be eligible for the
program. The Act sets forth eligibility criteria for private
lands and specifies that lands may be enrolled pursuant to a
10-year cost-share agreement, a 30-year easement, or a long-
term easement with a buyback option.
The Act requires that lands enrolled in the program
compile a restoration plan, which shall be developed jointly by
the land owner and the Secretary of Agriculture. It sets forth
the payment structures for the various methods of enrollment in
the program and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide
landowners with the technical assistance necessary to comply
with the terms of the plan under the program.
The Act also directs the Secretary of the Interior to
provide safe harbor provisions under the Endangered Species Act
of 1973 to landowners who enroll land in the program when such
enrollment will result in a net conservation benefit for
listed, candidate, or other species.
Miscellaneous: The Act directs the Secretary of Agriculture
to carry out a program to inventory and monitor forest stands
including forest stands in the National Forest System and on
private forest land that will address issues such as the early
detection and assessment of environmental threats and to
develop an early warning system for potential catastrophic
environmental threats to forests.
Legislative History: H.R. 1904 was introduced by
Representative McInnis on May 1, 2003, and referred to the
Committee on Agriculture and in addition to the Committee on
Resources. On May 9, 2003, the Committee on Agriculture
reported the bill to the House, H.Rept. 108-96 part I, and the
Committee on Resources was discharged from further
consideration. However, on that same date, the bill was
sequentially referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. On May
16, 2003, the Committee on the Judiciary reported the bill to
the House, H.Rept. 108-96 part II. On May 20, 2003, the bill
passed the House by a vote of 256 yeas to 170 nays. On July 31,
2003, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and
Forestry reported the bill to the Senate, S.Rept. 108-121. On
October 30, 2003, the bill passed the Senate by a vote of 80
yeas to 14 nays. On November 20, 2003, Conference Report 108-
386 was filed. On November 21, 2003, the Conference Report
passed the House, by a vote of 286 yeas to14 nays. On that same
date, the Conference Report passed the Senate by unanimous
consent. On December 3, 2003, the bill was signed by the
President into Pubic Law 198-148. (Note.-- See also the
discussion under ``D. Oversight. Summary for April 30, 2003,
Hearing Serial No. 108-3'')
Public Law 108-152 (S. 117, H.R. 482)
To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or
exchange certain land in the State of Florida, and for other
purposes (approved December 1, 2003).
This Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to sell
or exchange specified land in Florida. The Act also requires
the concurrence of the Secretary of the Air Force with respect
to the sale or exchange of certain land.
Legislative History: S. 117 was introduced by Senator
Graham of Florida on January 9, 2003. On January 9, 2003, the
Senate agreed to the bill, without amendment, by unanimous
consent. The bill was then referred to the House Committee on
Agriculture. On November 19, 2003, the bill was passed by the
House, under suspension of the rules by a voice vote. On
December 3, 2003, the bill was signed by the President into
Public Law 108-152.
Public Law 108-161 (H.R. 1367, 1858)
To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a
loan repayment program regarding the provision of veterinary
services in shortage situations, and for other purposes
(approved December 6, 2003).
This Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, subject
to the availability of appropriations, to assist veterinarians
in repaying their educational loans if they agree to provide
veterinary medical services in areas where the Secretary has
determined a shortage of qualified veterinarians exist.
In addition, the Act authorizes the Secretary to provide
additional loan repayment for those veterinarians in the
program who agree to provide services to the Federal Government
in emergency situations. Examples of when this may be important
include California's outbreak of Exotic Newcastle Disease and
the outbreak of low pathogenic Avian Influenza in Virginia. In
both of these examples, the Federal Government, acting through
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, mobilized
its resources in order to detect, control and eradicate
diseases. Having a pool of qualified veterinarians able to
assist in a time of emergency simply bolsters the ability to
rapidly contain diseases which can cost our economy millions of
dollars.
Legislative History: H.R. 1367 was introduced by
Representative Pickering on March 19, 2003. The Committee on
Agriculture ordered reported the bill on October 29, 2003. On
November 17, 2003, the bill passed the House, under suspension
of the rules by a voice vote. The bill passed the Senate,
without amendment, by unanimous consent. On December 6, 2003,
the bill was signed by the President into Public Law 108-161.
Public Law 108-204 (S. 523)
To make technical corrections to laws relating to Native
Americans, and for other purposes (approved March 2, 2004).
This Act makes technical changes to Indian laws relating
to tribal sovereignty, culture, and economic development
potential. These changes include the extension of several
expiring authorizations, amending provisions and statutes
relating to particular Indian tribes, and modifying certain
Native American programs.
Of interest to this committee is section 128 of the Act
which adds the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College in Mount
Pleasant, Michigan to the list of 1994 Land Grant Institutions.
Legislative History: S. 523 was introduced by Senator
Campbell on March 5, 2003. On May 15, 2003, the bill was
reported to the Senate by the Committee on Indian Affairs, S.
Rept.108-49. On July 30, 2003, the bill passed the Senate by
unanimous consent. The bill was referred to the House Committee
on Resources. On November 17, 2003, the Committee on Resources
reported the bill, H.Rept. 108-374 part I. However, on that
same date, the House Committee on Agriculture received a
sequential referral of the bill. On January 31, 2004, the
Committee on Agriculture was discharged from further
consideration. On February 11, 2004, the bill passed the House,
under suspension of the rules by a voice vote. On March 2,
2004, the bill was signed by the President into Public Law 108-
204.
Public Law 108-278 (H.R. 3846, S. 2134)
To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture and the
Secretary of the Interior to enter into an agreement or
contract with Indian tribes meeting certain criteria to carry
out projects to protect Indian forest land (approved July 22,
2004).
This Act establishes a process for the Secretaries of
Agriculture and the Interior to enter into contracts or
agreements with certain Indian tribes to carry out land
management activities on Federal lands adjacent to tribal
forests or rangelands. The purpose of such projects would be to
restore lands that pose a risk of fire, disease, or other
threat to tribal lands.
Legislative History: H.R. 3846 was introduced by
Representative Pombo on February 26, 2004 and referred to the
Committee on Resources and in addition to the Committee on
Agriculture. On May 20, 2004, the Committee on Resources
reported the bill, H.Rept. 108-509 pt. 1. On that same date,
the Committee on Agriculture discharged the bill from further
consideration. On June 21, 2004, the bill passed the House, as
amended, under suspension of the rules by a voice vote. On June
22, 2004, H.R. 3846 was received in the Senate. On June 25,
2004, the bill passed the Senate without amendment, by
unanimous consent. On July 22, 2004, the President signed H.R.
3846 into Public Law 108-278.
Public Law 108-279 (S. 1167, H.R. 2304)
To resolve boundary conflicts in Barry and Stone Counties
in the State of Missouri (approved July 22, 2004).
This Act establishes a process for the Forest Service and
the U.S. Army to resolve boundary disputes with private
landowners around the Mark Twain National Forest. The Act
provides property owners who have ownership disputes with the
two agencies 15 years to notify the Federal Government of their
claim. Upon receipt of a valid claim, the appropriate agency
would then either convey the disputed property to owners or
confirm Federal ownership and compensate the private owners for
the value of the disputed land. In the first case, the agencies
could convey the land without consideration and pay associated
administrative costs and reimbursements to the landowner.
Legislative History: S. 1167 was introduced by Senator Bond
on June 2, 2003. On June 3, 2003, the companion bill H.R. 2304
was introduced by Representative Blunt. On November 17, 2003,
H.R. 2304 passed the House, amended, under suspension of the
rules by a voice vote. On March 9, 2004, the Senate Committee
on Energy and Natural Resources reported S. 1167, amended, S.
Rept. 108-234. On May 19, 2004, S. 1167 was agreed to by the
Senate by unanimous consent. On July 12, 2004, S. 1167 passed
the House, without amendment, under suspension of the rules by
a voice vote. On July 22, 2004, the President signed S. 1167
into Public Law 108-279.
Public Law 108-317 (HR. 2696)
To establish Institutes to demonstrate and promote the use
of adaptive ecosystem management to reduce the risk of
wildfires, and restore the health of fire-adapted forest
woodland ecosystems of the interior West (approved October 5,
2004).
The Southwest Forest Health and Wildfire Prevention Act of
2004 directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the
Chief of the Forest Service to establish institutes to promote
the use of adaptive ecosystem management to reduce the risk of
wildfires and restore the health of forest and woodland
ecosystems in the interior West (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho,
Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah). The Act would also authorize the
appropriation of $15 million for the Secretary of Agriculture
to establish and provide assistance to three research
institutes. Those institutes would be required to develop
strategies, conduct research on, transfer, promote, and monitor
restoration-based hazardous fuel reduction treatments to reduce
the risk of severe wildfires and enhance the health of forests
within the interior West.
Legislative History: H.R. 2696 was introduced by
Representative Rick Renzi on July 10, 2003. The bill was
referred to the Committee on Resources, and in addition to the
Committee on Agriculture. On November 21, 2003, the Committee
on Resources reported the measure, amended, H.Rept. 108-397 pt.
1, and the Committee on Agriculture was discharged from further
consideration. On February 24, 2004, H.R. 2696 passed the
House, as amended, under suspension of the rules by a voice
vote, and the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources. On March 29, 2004, the Senate
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources reported the measure,
without amendment, S. Rept. 108-252. On September 15, 2004,
H.R. 2696 passed the Senate, without amendment, by unanimous
consent. On October 5, 2004, the President signed H.R. 2696
into Public Law 108-317.
Public Law 108-319 (H.R. 3249)
To extend the term of the Forest Counties Payments
committee (approved October 5, 2004).
This Act extends the term of the Forest Counties Payments
committee to coincide with the sunset of the Secure Rural
Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, which
expires on September 30, 2007. The committee was created in the
fiscal year 2001 Interior Appropriations bill and is comprised
of local government county and school officials. Its purpose
was to develop long-term solutions to ensure the proper
management of our national forests, emphasizing forest health
and economic activity, and evaluate the effectiveness of the
County Schools legislation.
Legislative History: H.R. 3249 was introduced by
Congressman Greg Walden on October 3, 2003. The bill was
referred to the Committee on Resources, and in addition to the
Committee on Agriculture. On October 28, 2003, H.R. 3249 passed
the House, under suspension of the rules by a voice vote, and
was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources. On May 20, 2004, the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources reported the bill, without amendment, S.Rept. 108-
277. On September 15, 2004, the bill passed the Senate, without
amendment, by unanimous consent. On October 5, 2004, the
President signed H.R. 3249 into Public Law 108-319.
Public Law 108-341 (S. 1814, H.R. 3433)
To transfer Federal lands between the Secretary of
Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior (approved October
18, 2004)
This Act transfers administrative jurisdiction of certain
Federal lands in Stoddard County, Missouri, from the Secretary
of the Interior to the Secretary of Agriculture for continued
operation of the Mingo Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center.
The Act also transfers eligible employees, with their benefits
and without a break in Federal service and without competition,
from the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, to the Department of Agriculture (approved October 18,
2004).
Legislative History: S. 1814 was introduced by Senator Bond
on November 3, 2003 and referred to the Senate Committee on
Environment and Public Works. On April 20, 2004, S. 1814 passed
the Senate, without amendment by unanimous consent. On April
21, 2004, the bill was referred to the House Committee on
Resources, and in addition to the committees on Agriculture,
and Education and the Workforce. On October 4, 2004, the bill
was reported by the Committee on Resources, without amendment,
H.Rept. 108-716, and the committees on Agriculture and
Education and the Workforce were discharged. On that same date,
the bill passed the House, under suspension of the rules by a
vote of 333 yeas to 0 nays. On October 18, 2004, the President
signed the S. 1814 into Public Law 108-341.
Public Law 108-350 (S. 33, H.R. 3744)
To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or
exchange all or part of certain administrative sites and other
land in the Ozark-St. Francis and Ouachita National Forest and
to use funds derived from the sale or exchange to acquire,
construct, or improve administrative sites (approved October
21, 2004).
This Act allows the Forest Service to sell or exchange a
total of 23 administrative sites on National Forest lands in
Arkansas and Oklahoma and use the funds generated to relocate
and renovate offices as well as purchase and replace
administrative sites. The total value of the sites to be sold
is $3.375 million. The total acreage involved requires an act
of Congress to allow the agency to sell these lands. These
sales will encourage efficient management of the National
Forest system lands in Arkansas and Oklahoma.
Legislative History: S. 33 was introduced by Senator
Blanche Lincoln on January 1, 2003 and referred the Senate
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. On November
24, 2003, S. 33 passed the Senate by unanimous consent. On
December 8, 2003, S. 33 was referred to the Committee on
Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture. On
September 23, 2004, S. 33 was ordered reported, without
amendment, by the Committee on Agriculture. On October 5, 2004,
S. 33 passed the House, without amendment, under suspension of
the rules by a voice vote. On October 21, 2004, S. 33 was
signed by the President into Public Law 108-350.
Public Law 108-357 (H.R.4520, S. 1637)
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to remove
impediments in such Code and make our manufacturing, service,
and high-technology business and workers more competitive and
productive both at home and abroad (approved October 22, 2004).
Title VI of H.R. 4520 repeals the tobacco marketing quota
program and provides tobacco farmers and quota holders with
transitional assistance payments over 10 years that are
financed with assessments on tobacco companies. The Act capped
the program at $10.14 billion.
The Act also includes the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax
(VEETC) which extends the Ethanol Tax Incentive through 2010
and ensures that the full amount of user excise taxes levied
will be collected and remitted to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF).
On average, this provision will generate more than $3 billion
per year in additional HTF revenue. The Small Ethanol Producer
Tax Credit will allow the credit to be passed through to the
farmer owners of a cooperative promoting the growth of small
business and farmer owned ethanol refineries. For the first
time the biodiesel industry will receive a tax credit to
encourage and promote the use of a clean fuel for diesel
engines.
Several timber-related tax provisions were included that
allow small landowners to treat timber sale income as capital
gains, expensing of reforestation costs, and expansion of
biomass tax credit to include open-loop biomass. These
provisions were drawn from several stand-alone bills, including
H.R. 974, the Timber Tax Simplification Act, H.R. 1310, the
Reforestation Tax Act, and portions of H.R. 6, (comprehensive
energy bill). Most of these provisions are low- or no-cost
items that will provide incentives for landowners to continue
to replant forests, and provide new markets for undervalued
timber resources on both public and private lands.
Legislative History: H.R. 4520 was introduced by
Representative Bill Thomas on June 4, 2004 and referred to the
Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee
on Agriculture. On June 16, 2004, H.R. 4520 was reported,
amended, by the Committee on Ways and Means, H.Rept. 108-548
pt. 1, and the Committee on Agriculture was discharged from
further consideration. On June 17, 2004, H.R. 4520 passed the
House, as amended, by a vote of 251 yeas to 178 nays. On July
15, 2004, the Senate struck all after the enacting clause and
inserted the text of S. 1637 as previously considered. A
conference was held on September 29, 2004, October 4, 5, and 6,
2004. On October 7, 2004, a conference report was filed,
H.Rept. 108-755, and passed by the House, by a vote of 280 yeas
to 141 nays. On October 11, 2004, the conference report passed
the Senate by a vote of 69 yeas to 17 nays. On October 22,
2004, H.R. 4520 was signed by the President into Public Law
108-357.
Public Law 108-375 (H.R. 4200, S. 2400)
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2005 for
military activities of the Department of Defense, for military
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of
Energy, to prescribe personnel strengths for such fiscal year
for the Armed Forces, and for other purposes (approved October
28, 2004).
The Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2005 authorizes appropriations for fiscal year
2005 for the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, and Air Force for
aircraft, missiles, weapons and tracked combat vehicles,
ammunition, shipbuilding and conversion, and other procurement
Section 1086 of the Act authorizes the Secretary of
Agriculture to purchase ten aircraft for the National
Interagency Fire Center for use in aerial firefighting. The
measure requires that the aircraft be certified by the Chief of
the Forest Service as suited for conditions commonly carried
out in the United States, including Alaska.
Legislative History: H.R. 4200 was introduced by
Representative Duncan Hunter on April 22, 2004 and referred to
the Committee on Armed Services. On May 14, 2004, H.R. 4200 was
reported by the Committee on Armed Serviced, as amended,
H.Rept. 108-491. On May 20, 2004, H.R. 4200 passed the House,
as amended, by a vote of 391 yeas to 34 yeas. On June 23, 2004,
H.R. 4200 passed the Senate after striking all after the
enacting clause and inserting the text of S. 2400 by unanimous
consent. On June 24, 2004, the Senate insisted on its
amendment, requested a conference and appointed conferees. On
September 28, 2004, the House disagreed to the Senate
amendment, agreed to a conference and appointed conferees.
Appointed from the Committee on Agriculture were Messrs.
Goodlatte, Burns, and Stenholm. On September 29, 2004, a
conference was held. On October 8, 2004, Conference Report 108-
767 was filed and passed by the House by a vote of 359 yeas to
14 nays. On October 9, 2004, the Conference Report passed the
Senate by unanimous consent. On October 28, 2004, H.R. 4200 was
signed by the President into Public Law 108-375.
Public Law 108-379 (H.R. 2984, S. 1827)
To amend the Agricultural Adjustment Act to remove the
requirement that processors be members of an agency
administering a marketing order applicable to pears (approved
October 30, 2004).
H.R. 2984 amends the Agricultural Adjustment Act to remove
the requirement that processors be members of an agency
administering a marketing order applicable to pears. The Act
allows producers to dictate how their funds will be used in
pear promotion activities.
Legislative History: H.R. 2984 was introduced by
Congressman Greg Walden on July 25, 2003 and referred to the
Committee on Agriculture. On September 23, 2004, H.R. 2984 was
ordered reported by the Committee on Agriculture, without
amendment. On October 5, 2004, H.R.2984 passed the House,
without amendment, under suspension of the rules, by a voice
vote. On October 11, 2004, the measure passed the Senate by
unanimous consent. On October 30, 2004, H.R. 2984 was signed by
the President into Public Law 108-379.
Public Law 108-381 (H.R. 3217)
To provide for the conveyance of several small parcels of
National Forest System land in the Apalachicola National
Forest, Florida, to resolve boundary discrepancies involving
the Mt. Trial Primitive Baptist Church of Wakulla County,
Florida, and for other purposes.
H.R. 3217 authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to
convey without consideration specified parcels of real property
in the Apalachicola National Forest to the Mt. Trial Primitive
Baptist Church of Wakulla County, Florida, to resolve boundary
discrepancies. The measure also authorizes the Secretary to
require such additional terms and conditions in connection with
the conveyance as may be necessary to protect the interests of
the Unites States.
Legislative History: H.R. 3217 was introduced by
Representative Allen Boyd on October 1, 2003 and referred to
the Committee on Agriculture. On October 29, 2003, H.R. 3217
was ordered reported by the Committee on Agriculture, without
amendment. On November 17, 2003, H.R. 3217 passed the House,
without amendment, under suspension of the rules by a voice
vote. On October 11, 2004, the measure passed the Senate by
unanimous consent. On October 30, 2004, H.R. 3217 was signed by
the President into Public Law 108-381.
Public Law 108-384 (H.R. 3479)
To provide for the control and eradication of the brown
tree snake on the island of Guam and the prevention of the
introduction of the brown tree snake to other areas of the
United States, and for other purposes (approved October 30,
2004).
The Brown Tree Snake Control and Eradication Act of 2004
expresses the sense of Congress that there is a need for better
coordinated control, interdiction, research, and eradication of
the brown tree snake.
The Act directs the Secretaries of the Interior and
Agriculture to fund snake control, interdiction, research, and
eradication efforts carried out by the Department of the
Interior and the Department of Agriculture, other Federal
agencies, States, territorial governments, local governments,
and private sector entities.
The measure also designates the brown tree snake as an
agricultural pest under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act and as non-mailable matter.
Legislative History: H.R. 3479 was introduced by Delegate
Madeleine Bordallo of Guam on November 7, 2003 and referred to
the Committee on Resources and in addition to the Committee on
Agriculture. On September 15, 2004, H.R. 3479 was reported,
amended, by the Committee on Resources, H.Rept. 108-687. On
that same date, the measure was discharged from further
consideration from the Committee on Agriculture. On September
28, 2004, the measure passed the House, as amended, under
suspension of the rules by a voice vote. On October 10, 2004,
H.R. 3479 passed the Senate, without amendment, by unanimous
consent. On October 30, 2004, H.R. 3479 was signed by the
President into Public Law 108-384.
Public Law 108-412 (S. 144, HR. 119)
To require the Secretary of the Interior to establish a
program to provide assistance through States to eligible weed
management entities to control or eradicate harmful, nonnative
weeds on public and private land.
The Noxious Weed Control Act of 2004 requires the
Secretary of Agriculture to establish a program to provide
financial assistance through States to eligible weed management
entities to control or eradicate ``noxious weeds,'' as defined
by the Plant Protection Act. The measure limits the scope of
potentially noxious weeds as animals, pests, and row crops are
specifically ineligible. In developing the program, the
Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of the Interior,
representatives from States and Indian tribes with weed
management entities or that have particular problems with
noxious weeds, and public and private entities with experience
in noxious management.
Under the measure, weed management entities are to submit
weed eradication or control projects initially to the States
for approval. States would then submit projects to the
Secretary. Based on priorities established in the Act, the
Secretary may provide funding to the States, who serve as a
pass through to those eligible weed management entities.
Federal monies are limited to State, private and Federal lands
under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service and the
Bureau of Land Management. Priority for funding proposed
projects will be given on the basis of the severity or
potential severity of the noxious weed problem, the extent to
which the Federal funds will be used to leverage non-Federal
funds, the extent to which the State has made progress in
addressing noxious weed problems, and such other factors as the
Secretary deems relevant. The Secretary is mandated to provide
special consideration for States with approved weed management
entities established by Indian Tribes, and may also provide an
additional allocation to a State to meet the particular needs
and projects that such a tribal weed management entity will
address. The Secretary will also make States responsible for
the auditing and reporting of funded projects, as well as
prescribe to States the requirements for funding applications
to be made by the States to the Secretary.
The Act authorizes $50 million annually from 2005-2009.
Administrative costs incurred by the Secretary may not exceed 5
percent in any given year, and the Federal share of any project
carried out on non-Federal land may not exceed 50 percent.
Administrative costs incurred by States are limited to 10
percent annually.
The Act also establishes an emergency response program
that allows weed management entities at the request of the
governor of the State in which they reside to forgo the
application process established under the Act and request
emergency funds from the Secretary to enable a rapid response
to noxious weed outbreaks. The reporting and auditing
requirements remain consistent with those established for non-
emergency funding requests under the Act.
Legislative History: S. 144 was introduced by Senator Larry
Craig on January 13, 2003 and referred to the Senate Committee
on Energy and Natural Resources. On February 11, 2003, S. 144
was reported, amended, by the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources, S.Rept. 108-6. On March 4, 2003, S. 144 passed the
Senate, as amended, by unanimous consent. On March 5, 2003, S.
144 was referred to the Committee on Resources and in addition
to the Committee on Agriculture. On June 1, 2004, S. 144 was
reported, amended, by the Committee on Resources, H.Rept. 108-
517 pt. 1. On September 30, 2004, the Committee on Agriculture
was discharged from further consideration. On October 4, 2004,
S. 144 passed, the House, as amended, under suspension of the
rules by a voice vote. On October 10, 2004, the Senate agreed
to the House amendment by unanimous consent. On October 30,
2004, the President signed S. 144 into Public Law 108-412.
Public Law 108-421 (H.R. 1964, S. 999)
To establish the Highlands Stewardship Area in the States
of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, and for
other purpose (approved November 30, 2004).
The Highlands Conservation Act is to promote conservation
of critical natural resources and priority conservation lands
identified in the U.S. Forest Service's update of the New York-
New Jersey Highlands Regional Study (an area encompassing more
than 2 million acres extending from eastern Pennsylvania
through New Jersey and New York to northwestern Connecticut
(the Highlands States)) and State open space plans. As passed
by the House, the bill would authorize $10 million annually
over 10 years for land conservation partnership projects, and
$1 million over 10 years for U.S. Forest Service studies and
technical assistance to private landowners and local
communities.
Legislative History: H.R. 1964 was introduced by
Representative Rodney Frelinghuysen on May 6, 2003, and
referred to the Committee on Resources, and in addition to the
Committee on Agriculture. On November 17, 2003, the Committee
on Resources reported the bill, as amended, H.Rept. 108-373. On
November 21, 2003, the Committee on Agriculture was discharged
from further consideration and bill passed the House, as
amended, under suspension of the rules by a voice vote. On
December 9, 2003, H.R.1964 was received in the Senate and
referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. On
September 28, 2004, the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources reported H.R. 1964, as amended, S. Rept. 108-376. On
October 10, 2004, H.R. 1964 passed the Senate, as amended, by
unanimous consent. On November 17, 2004, the House agreed to
the Senate amendment to H.R. 1964, under suspension of the
rules by a voice vote. On November 30, 2004 the President
signed H.R. 1964 into Public Law 108-421.
Public Law 108-444 (S. 2965)
To amend the Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting Act of
1999 to modify the termination date for mandatory price
reporting (approved December 3, 2004).
S. 2965 amends the Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting Act
of 1999 to extend the termination date of such Acts mandatory
beef and swine reporting and related authorities to September
30, 2005.
Legislative History: S. 2965 was introduced by Senator Thad
Cochran on October 8, 2004. On that same date, the bill passed
the Senate, without amendment by unanimous consent. On October
9, 2004, S. 2965 was received in the House and referred to the
Committee on Agriculture. On November 17, 2004, S. 2965 passed
the House, without amendment, under suspension of the rules by
a voice vote. On December 3, 2004, the President signed S. 2965
into Public Law 108-444.
Public Law 108-460 (H.R. 2119)
To provide for the use by the State of North Carolina of
Federal lands, improvements, equipment, and resource materials
at the Oxford Research Station in Granville County, North
Carolina (approved December 21, 2004).
This Act authorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture to
convey, without any consideration, to the State of North
Carolina, all rights, title and interest of the United States
in, and real property and related personal property
administered by USDA, as part of the Oxford Research Station.
The research station, which has been abandoned for some time,
was established in 1912 and is located at the western city
limits of Oxford, NC. The North Carolina Department of
Agriculture would like to use the facility to study invasive
species.
Legislative History: H.R. 2119 was introduced by
Representative Frank Ballance on May 15, 2003 and referred to
the Committee on Agriculture and in addition to the Committee
on Government Reform. On September 23, 2004, the Committee on
Agriculture ordered reported H.R. 2119, as amended. On October
5, 2004, H.R. 2119, passed the House, as amended, under
suspension of the rules by a voice vote. On October 6, 2004,
H.R. 2119 was received in the Senate. On December 7, 2004, H.R.
2119 passed the Senate without amendment by unanimous consent.
On December 21, 2004, H.R. 2119 was signed by the President
into Public Law 108-460.
Public Law 108-465 (H.R. 3242)
To ensure an abundant and affordable supply of highly
nutritious fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops for
American consumers and international markets by enhancing the
competitiveness of United States-grown specialty crops, and for
other purposes (approved December 21, 2004.
The Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 was
intended to make changes in Federal agriculture policy in order
to accomplish the goals of increasing fruit, vegetable and nut
consumption and improving the competitiveness of United States
specialty crop producers.
The Act is an authorization of $54 million per year over 5
years with several provisions designed to help U.S. specialty
crop producers compete globally and export internationally,
improve the focus of specialty crop research, and help improve
response to pest and disease problems.
The measure authorizes $44.5 million per year in State
block grants to be used solely to enhance the competitiveness
of specialty crops. Base grants of $100,000 would be awarded to
each State with remaining monies to be allotted based on the
proportion of the value of specialty crop production of each
State in relation to the national value of specialty crop
production for that year. Each State would have to submit a
plan that fulfills the requirements of enhancing the
competitiveness of specialty crops to the Secretary of
Agriculture for approval. Additionally there are yearly audit
requirements and the ability of the Secretary of Agriculture to
disqualify states for future grant receipt if the states fail
to comply with the requirements of the plan.
This Act also authorizes the appropriation of $2 million
per year, in addition to Commodity Credit Corporation funds
already made available, to carry out the Technical Assistance
for Specialty Crops (TASC) program; authorizes $5 million per
year and requires the Secretary of Agriculture to elevate the
priority of current methyl bromide alternative research and
extension activities and re-examine the risks and benefits of
extending the phase-out deadline; authorizes $1.5 million per
year for the maintenance of the Agricultural Marketing Service
inspection training center in Fredericksburg, Virginia; and
establishes and authorizes $1 million per year on the books of
the Treasury a pest and disease response fund account. The
Secretary shall have complete discretion regarding the use of
this fund to support activities in response to economic and
health threats posed by pests and diseases affecting
agricultural commodities.
The measure requires the Secretary of Agriculture to
reduce the export petition certificate backlog, submit a report
to Congress on the significant sanitary/phytosanitary issues
that affect the export of specialty crops, and instructs the
Secretary of Agriculture to enter into an agreement with the
National Plant Board to obtain peer review of procedures and
standards that govern consideration of import/export requests.
Additionally the bill adds specialty crop research to the list
of the United States Department of Agriculture's high priority
research and extension activities, and establishes a permanent
specialty crops committee under an existing board to study
research needs of specialty crops and make recommendations.
Specialty crops are defined for the purposes of this Act.
Legislative History: H.R. 3242 was introduced by
Representative Doug Ose on October 2, 2003 and referred to the
Committee on Agriculture and in addition to the Committee on
Ways and Means. On October 6, 2004, the Committee on
Agriculture reported H.R. 3242, amended, H.Rept. 108-750 pt. 1,
and the Committee on Ways and Means was discharged from further
consideration. On October 7, 2004, H.R. 3242 passed the House,
as amended, under suspension of the rules by a voice vote. On
that same date H.R. 3242 was received in the Senate. On
December 7, 2004, H.R. 3242 passed the Senate without amendment
by unanimous consent. On December 21, 2004, H.R. 3242 was
signed by the President into Public Law 108-465. (Note.-- See
also the discussion under ``D. Oversight. Summary for November
5, 2003, Hearing Serial No. 108-20'')
Public Law 108-470 (H.R. 4620, S. 2866)
To confirm the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture
to collect approved State commodity assessments on behalf of
the State from the proceeds of marketing assistance loans
(approved December 21, 2004).
For years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has
collected State commodity checkoff assessments from marketing
loans to fund research and promotion. In recent years, however,
when producers within a State have voted to increase
assessments on themselves, USDA has found that it lacks the
statutory authority to recognize modified memorandums of
understanding with a state. This Act provides USDA the
authority to collect these assessments and allows USDA to
recognize modified agreements with the States.
Legislative History: H.R. 4620 was introduced by
Representative George Nethercutt on June 18, 2004 and referred
to the Committee on Agriculture. On September 23, H.R. 4620 was
ordered reported, amended, by the Committee on Agriculture. On
October 5, 2004, the measure passed the House, as amended,
under suspension of the rules by a voice vote. On October 6,
2004, H.R. 4620 was received in the Senate with no further
action being taken. The companion bill S. 2866 was introduced
by Senator Jim Inhofe on September 29, 2004. On September 30,
S. 2866 was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders. On November 21, 2004, S. 2866 passed the
Senate, without amendment by unanimous consent. On November 24,
2004, S. 2866 was received in the House and referred to the
Committee on Agriculture. On December 7, 2004, H.R. 4620 passed
the Senate without amendment by unanimous consent. On December
21, 2004, H.R. 4620 was signed by the President into Public Law
108-470.
Public Law 108-488 (H.R. 4569, S. 2575)
To provide for the development of a national plan for the
control and management of Sudden Oak Death, a tree disease
caused by the fungus-like pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, and
for other purposes (approved December 23, 2004).
This Act directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the
Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service and in consultation
with other Federal agencies that have appropriate expertise, to
develop a national plan to control and manage Sudden Oak Death,
a forest disease caused by the fungus-like pathogen
Phytophthora ramorum.
The Act also directs such plan to address information
derived by USDA to identify Phytophthora ramorum hosts and
survey the extent of Sudden Oak Death, past and current efforts
to understand the risk posed by Phytophthora ramorum.
Legislative History: H.R. 4569 was introduced by
Representative Max Burns on June 15, 2004 and referred to the
Committee on Agriculture. On September 23, 2004, H.R. 4569 was
ordered reported, without amendment, by the Committee on
Agriculture. On October 5, 2004, the measure passed the House,
without amendment, under suspension of the rules by a voice
vote. On October 6, 2004, H.R. 4569 was received in the Senate
. On December 8,2004, H.R. 4569 passed the Senate without
amendment by unanimous consent. On that same date, the
companion bill, S. 2575 passed the Senate without amendment by
unanimous consent, after discharging the Senate Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. On December 23, 2004,
H.R. 4569 was signed by the President into Public Law 108-488.
Public Law 108-498 (S. 2856)
To limit the transfer of certain Commodity Credit
Corporation funds between conservation programs for technical
assistance for the programs (approved December 23, 2004).
This Act amends the Food Security Act of 1985 which makes
certain Commodity Credit Corporation technical assistance
funding available for producers and landowners participating in
specified agricultural conservation programs. The measure
limits the use of such funding only to the program for which it
was made available.
Legislative History: S. 2856 was introduced by Senator Thad
Cochran on September 28, 2004 and referred to the Senate
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. On October
11, 2004, S. 2856 was discharged from the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and passed by the Senate
without amendment by unanimous consent. On November 16, 2004,
S. 2856 was received in the House and referred to the Committee
on Agriculture. On December 6, 2004, S. 2856 passed the House
under suspension of the rules by a voice vote. On December 23,
S. 2856 was signed by the President into Public Law 108-498.
(Note.-- See also the discussion under ``D. Oversight.
Summaries for June 4, 2003, Hearing Serial No. 108-7 and June
15, 2004, Hearing Serial No. 108-32.)
Other Laws
Several bills acted on by other authorizing committees,
but not acted on by the Committee on Agriculture, were enacted
with provisions relating to matters within the committee's
jurisdiction. Following are abbreviated summaries of these
bills, including some of the relevant provisions:
Legislative Matters
Public Law 108-30 (S. 870)
To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act
to extend the availability of funds to carry out the fruit and
vegetable pilot program (approved May 29, 2003).
This Act extends the authorization to allow the funds for
the fresh and dried fruit and fresh vegetable pilot program
within the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to
remain available through the completion of the 2003-2004 school
years. The 2002 farm bill authorized $6 million for a fresh and
dried fruit and fresh vegetable pilot program in a limited
number of schools. Children in participating schools receive
fresh fruits and vegetables at no cost throughout the school
day. The pilot program is currently operating in 25 schools in
each of 4 States (Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa) and one
Indian reservation. The pilot program was to begin in September
2002, however due to the timing of the passage of the farm
bill, it did not begin until late November. As a result, the
funds provided for this pilot were not fully expended.
Legislative History: On April 20, 2003, S. 870 was
introduced by Senator Harkin and passed by the Senate without
amendment by unanimous consent. The bill was referred to the
Committee on Education and Workforce, but was not considered.
On May 14, 2003, the bill passed the House under suspension of
the rules by a voice vote. On May 29, 2003, the bill was signed
by the President into Public Law 108-30.
Public Law 108-73 (H.R. 2465, S. 1323)
To extend for six months the period for which chapter 12
of title 11 of the U.S.Code is reenacted (approved August 15,
2003).
Chapter 12 is a specialized form of bankruptcy relief
available only to a family farmer with regular annual income.
This form of bankruptcy relief permits eligible family farmers,
under the supervision of a bankruptcy trustee to reorganize
their debts pursuant to a repayment plan. The special
attributes of chapter 12 make it better suited to meet the
particularized needs of family farmers in financial distress
then other forms of bankruptcy relief, such as chapter 11
(business organization) and chapter 13 (individual
reorganization).
Chapter 12 was enacted on a temporary 7-year basis as part
of the Bankruptcy Judges, United States Trustees, and Family
Farmer Bankruptcy Act of 1986 in response to the farm financial
crisis of the early 1980's. It has subsequently been extended
several times.
This Act amends the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999, as amended, to extend
until January 1, 2004, the reenactment of chapter 12 of the
Federal Bankruptcy Code (Adjustment of Debts of a Family Farmer
with Regular Annual Income) thereby extending family farmer
bankruptcy relief.
Legislative History: On June 12, 2003, H.R. 2465 was
introduced by Representative F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. On
June 23, 2003, the bill passed the House under suspension of
the rules by a voice vote. On June 24, 2003, the bill was
received in the Senate, however, it was not referred to a
committee. On July 31, 2003, the bill passed the Senate without
amendment, by unanimous consent, clearing the measure for the
President. On August 15, 2003, the bill was signed by the
President into Public Law 108-73.
Public Law 108-77 (H.R. 2738, S. 1416)
To implement the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement
(approved September 3, 2003).
The U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is intended to
benefit key U.S. export sectors including agriculture and
construction equipment, autos and auto parts, computers and
other information technology products, medical equipment and
paper products. More than 85 percent of trade in these areas
will become tariff free immediately, with most of the remainder
to be phased out over 4 years.
More than three-quarters of U.S. farm goods will enter
Chile duty-free within 4 years and duties on U.S. products will
be phased out over 12 years. Key U.S. farm products will
benefit from improved market access, including pork and pork
products, beef and beef products, soybeans, and soybean meal,
durum wheat, feed grains, potatoes, and processed food products
such as French fries, pasta, distilled spirits and breakfast
cereals. Tariffs on U.S. and Chilean wines will first be
equalized at low U.S. rates and then eliminated
U.S. farmers will have access to Chile that is as good as
or better than the European Union or Canada, both of which
already have FTAs with Chile.
Chilean price bands, under which important duties on the
same product may vary according to price level, will be phased
out. During the phase out, producer of these products will be
treated as good as or better than their competitors with other
countries.
The FTA eliminated the use of export subsidies on U.S.-
Chilean farm trade, but preserves the right to respond to third
countries' use of export subsidies to displace U.S. products in
the Chilean market and vice-versa.
The U.S.-Chile FTA establishes a Committee on Sanitary and
Phytosanitary (SPS) Matters whose objective is to enhance
implementation of the WTO SPS Agreement and develop a mutual
understanding of each other's SPS and regulatory processes.
The U.S.-Chile FTA also renewed their commitment to
continue to work on resolving important sanitary and
phytosanitary issues, such as meat and dairy inspection and
meat grading, which are inhibiting trade.
Legislative History: On July, 15, 2004, Representative
DeLay and Representative Rangel introduced H.R. 2738, both by
request. The bill was referred to the Committee on Ways and
Means, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary. On
July 21, 2003, the bill was reported by the Committee on Ways
and Means, H.Rept. 108-224 pt I and on July 22, 2003, reported
by the Committee on the Judiciary, H.Rept. 108-224, pt II. On
July 24, 2003, the bill passed the House by a vote 270 yeas to
156 nays. On July 31, 2003, the bill passed the Senate, without
amendment by a vote of 65 yeas to 32 nays. On September 3,
2003, H.R. 2738 was signed by the President into Public Law
108-77. (Note.-- See also the discussion under ``D. Oversight.
Summaries for May 21, 2003, June 18, 2003, and July 22, 3003,
Hearing Serial No. 108-5, and April 28 2004 and May 19, 2004,
Hearing Serial No. 108-29'')
Public Law 108-78 (H.R. 2739, S. 1417)
To implement the United States-Singapore Free Trade
Agreement (approved September 3, 2003).
The United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement is
intended to enhance the commercial relationship with American's
12th largest trading partner. It will also serve as the
foundation for other possible FTAs in southeast Asia.
In 2002, American farmers exported around $259 million
worth of food products to Singapore. By binding all of its
tariffs at zero, Singapore will open its markets to American
agricultural products and create new opportunities for American
farmers to sell their produce to a national whose small size
prevents it from being able to grow enough food for consumption
by its citizens
Legislative History: On July, 15, 2004, Representative
DeLay and Representative Rangel introduced H.R. 2739, both by
request. The bill was referred to the Committee on Ways and
Means, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary. On
July 21, 2003, the bill was reported by the Committee on Ways
and Means, H.Rept. 108-225 pt I and on July 22, 2003, reported
by the Committee on the Judiciary, H.Rept. 108-225, pt II. On
July 24, 2003, the bill passed the House by a vote 309 yeas to
114 nays. On July 31, 2003, the bill passed the Senate, without
amendment by a vote of 66 yeas to 32 nays. On September 3,
2003, H.R. 2739 was signed by the President into Public Law
108-78. (Note.-- See also the discussion under ``D. Oversight.
Summaries for May 21, 2003, June 18, 2003, and July 22, 3003,
Hearing Serial No. 108-5, and April 28 2004 and May 19, 2004,
Hearing Serial No. 108-29.)
Public Law 108-130 (S. 313, H.R. 1260)
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to
establish a program of fees relating to animal drugs (approved
November 18, 2003).
In 1996 Congress enacted the Animal Drug Availability Act
to streamline drug review and approval procedures. However,
contrary to Congressional intent and despite additional
resources, it became more difficult to get new products
approved. This Act will authorize a program of fees by the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) relating to the review of new
animal drugs. Under this legislation, the additional revenues
generated from fees paid by the animal health industry would be
dedicated for use in expediting the new animal drug review
process, in accordance with performance goals that would be
developed by FDA in consultation with the industry.
Legislative History: S. 313 was introduced by Senator
Ensign on February 5, 2003 and referred to the Senate Committee
on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. On May 21, 2003, the
bill was reported, amended, by the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor and Pensions, H.Rept. 108-51. On May 23, 2003,
the bill passed the Senate, as amended, by unanimous consent.
On June 4, 2003, the bill was referred in the House to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce. On November, 4, 2003, S. 313
passed the House under suspension of the rules, amended, by a
voice vote. On November 7, 2003, the Senate agreed to the House
amendment, clearing the measure for the President. On November
12, 2003, the President signed S. 313 into Public Law 108-130.
Public Law 108-134 (H.R. 3232)
To reauthorize certain school lunch and child nutrition
programs through March 31, 2004 (approved November 22, 2003).
The Act amends the Richard B. Russell National School
Lunch Act, and the Commodity Distribution Reform Act and WIC
Amendments of 1987, to reauthorize certain school lunch and
child nutrition programs through March 31, 2004.
Legislative History: H.R. 3232 was introduced by
Representative Castle on October 2, 2003 and referred to the
Committee on Education and the Workforce. On October 28, 2003,
H.R. 3232 passed the House, as amended, under suspension of the
rules by a voice vote, On October 29, 2003, the bill was
referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry. On November 6, 2003, the Senate Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry was discharged and the
bill was passed by the Senate by unanimous consent, clearing
the measure for the President. On November 22, 2003, H.R. 3232
was signed by the President into Public Law 108-134.
Public Law 108-211 (S. 2241)
To reauthorize certain school lunch and child nutrition
programs through June 30, 2004 (approved March 31, 2004).
This Act extends provisions in the Richard B. Russell
National School Lunch and Commodity Distribution Reform Act
that are due to expire on March 31, 2004. These provisions
ensure that low income children have access to safe and
nutritious food in school, after school, and during the summer
months. Passage of this legislation will give Congress
additional time to complete work on H.R. 4, the ``Personal
Responsibility, Work, and Family Protection Act of 2003.''
Legislative History: S. 2241 was introduced by Senator
Cochran on March 26, 2004. It was agreed to in the Senate
without amendment by unanimous consent on March 26, 2004. The
bill was held at the desk in the House and agreed to under
suspension of rules by a voice vote on March 30, 2004. On March
31, 2004, the bill was signed by the President into Public Law
108-211.
Public Law 108-265 (S. 2507, H.R 3873)
To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act
and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to provide children with
increased access to food and nutrition assistance, to simplify
program operations and improve program management, to
reauthorize child nutrition programs, and for other purposes
(approved June 30, 2004).
This Act reauthorizes programs contained in the Richard B.
Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act
of 1966 through fiscal year 2008. Some of the various programs
include the Special Nutrition Supplemental Program for Women,
Infants, and Children (WIC), the Summer Food Service Program,
the State Administrative Expense Program, and the WIC Farmer's
Market Nutrition Program.
This Act also amends the Commodity Distribution Reform Act
and WIC Amendments of 1987 to reform certain commodity
provisions as they relate to Federal child nutrition programs.
The Act requires school food authorities (which currently
are only authorized) to certify directly as eligible for free
school meals, without further application, any child who is a
member of a food stamp household. The Act amends the Food Stamp
Act of 1977 to require State food stamp agencies to enter into
agreements to cooperate in such direct certification. This
requirement would be phased in over 3 years based on district
size, starting with the largest school districts.
The Act expands the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program to
eight States and three Indian reservations. The program
proivides free fresh and dried fruits and vegetables to
eligible schools.
Legislative History: H.R. 3873 was introduced by
Representative Castle on March 2, 2004 and referred to the
committee Education and the Workforce. On March 23, 2004, H.R.
3873 was reported, amended, by the Committee on Education and
the Workforce, H.Rept. 108-445, and passed by the House under
suspension of the rules, by a vote of 419 yeas to 5 nays. On
March 25, 2004, H.R. 3873 was referred to the Senate Committee
on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. S. 2507 was introduced
by Senator Cochran and reported by the Senate Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry on June 7, 2004. See S.
Rept. 108-279. On June 23, 2004, S. 2507 passed the Senate,
amended, by unanimous consent. On June 24, 2004, S. 2507 passed
the House, without amendment, by unanimous consent. On June 30,
2004, the bill was signed by the President into Public Law 108-
265.
Public Law 108-282 (S. 741, H.R. 2079)
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with
regard to new animal drugs, and for other purposes (approved
August 2, 2004).
This Act addresses the critical shortage of animal drugs
available for minor species, which are defined as animals other
than humans that are not major species (cattle, horses, swine,
chickens, turkeys, dogs and cats), and for minor uses for major
species, which are defined as the use of a drug in a major
species for a disease that occurs infrequently in a small
number of animals, or in limited geographic areas in a small
number of animals annually.
The Act also provides for new requirements for the
labeling of food in order to protect consumers with food
allergies. Specifically, food that contains one of the eight
major food allergens (milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish,
tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybean) must list the food
source from which the major food allergen is derived either
immediately after the list of ingredients or in parentheses
following an ingredient that contains a food allergen.
Legislative History: S. 741 was introduced by Senator
Sessions on March 27, 2003. On February 8, 2004, S. 741 was
reported, amended, by the Committee on Health, Education, Labor
and Pensions, S.Rept. 108-226. On March 8, 2004, S. 741 passed
the Senate, as amended, by unanimous consent. On July 15, 2004,
S. 741 was reported, without amendment, by the Committee on
Energy and Commerce, H.Rept. 108-608. On July 20, 2004, the
bill passed the House, without amendment, under suspension of
the rules, by a voice vote. On August 2, 2004, the bill was
signed by the President into Public Law 108-282.
Public Law 108-286 (H.R. 4759, S. 2610)
To implement the United States-Australia Free Trade
Agreement (approved August 3, 2003).
The U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement is intended to
provide expanded export opportunities for a range of U.S.
agricultural goods. Duties on all U.S. agricultural exports to
Australia, which totaled $700 million in 2003, will be
eliminated immediately upon entry into force of the Agreement.
Currently, Australia maintains duties of 5 percent on fresh and
processed fruits and vegetables, soups, processed food, some
grains, oilseeds and other products. For some dairy products,
Australia's tariffs reach 30 percent. Duties on most imports
from Australia will be phased out over a period of 4 to 18
years. Duties will be maintained on sugar and certain dairy
products. In addition, for certain products, including beef,
dairy, cotton, peanuts, and certain horticultural products, the
Agreement includes other mechanisms, such as preferential
tariff rate quotas and safeguards. The United State and
Australia agree to work together in WTO agriculture
negotiations to improve market access; reduce, with a view to
phasing out, all forms of export subsidies; to develop
disciplines eliminating State trading enterprises' monopoly
export rights; and to substantially reduce trade-distorting
domestic support.
Legislative History: On July, 6, 2004, Representative DeLay
and Representative Rangel introduced H.R. 4759, both by
request. The bill was referred to the Committee on Ways and
Means. Also, on July 6, 2004, Senator Grassley introduced S.
2610, which was referred to the Committee on Finance. On July
12, 2004, the Committee on Ways and Means reported the bill
without amendment, H.Rept. 108-597. On July 14, 2004, H.R. 4759
passed the House by a vote of 314 yeas to 109 nays. On July 15,
2004, H.R. 4759 passed the Senate by a vote of 80 yeas to 16
nays. On August 3, 2004, the President signed H.R. 4759 into
Public Law 108-286. On August 25, 2004, S. 2610 was reported by
the Committee on Finance, S.Rept. 108-316. (Note.-- See also
the discussion under ``D. Oversight. Summaries for May 21,
2003, June 18, 2003, and July 22, 3003, Hearing Serial No. 108-
5, and April 28 2004 and May 19, 2004, Hearing Serial No. 108-
29.'')
Public Law 108-302(H.R. 4842, S.2677)
To implement the United States-Morocco Free Trade
Agreement (approved August 17, 2004).
The United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement will go
into effect on or after January 1, 2005, if the President
determines that Morocco has complied with certain provisions of
the Agreement.
For agriculture, U.S. poultry, beef, wheat, corn, and
sorghum exports will benefit from liberalization of Morocco's
tariff-rate quotas. Morocco will also provide immediate duty-
free access on products such as pecans, frozen potatoes, and
breakfast cereals and more graduated duty-free on other
products such as soybeans, sorghum, and grapes. For its part,
the United States will phase-out all agricultural tariffs
within 15 years.
Legislative History: On July 15, 2004, Representative DeLay
and Representative Rangel introduced H.R. 4842, both by
request. The bill was referred to the Committee on Ways and
Means. Also on July 15, 2004, Senator Grassley introduced S.
2677, which was referred to the Committee on Finance. On July
21, 2004, the Committee on Ways and Means filed a report to
accompany H.R. 4842, H.Rept. 108-627. On that same day, S.
2677, passed the Senate, without amendment by a vote of 85 yeas
to 13 nays. On July 22, 2004, H.R. 4842 passed the House,
without amendment, by a vote of 323 yeas to 99 nays. On that
same day, H.R. 4842 passed the Senate by unanimous consent. On
August 17, 2004, H.R. 4842 was signed by the President into
Public Law 108-302. On August 25, 2004, S. 2677 was reported by
the Committee on Finance, S. Rept. 108-317. (Note.-- See also
the discussion under ``D. Oversight. Summaries for May 21,
2003, June 18, 2003, and July 22, 3003, Hearing Serial No. 108-
5, and April 28 2004 and May 19, 2004, Hearing Serial No. 108-
29.'')
Public Law 108-369 (S. 2864, H.R. 5167)
To extend for 18 months the period for which chapter 12 of
title 11, United States Code, is reenacted.
The Family Farmer Bankruptcy Relief Act of 2004 amends the
Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations
Act, 1999, to extend for 18 additional months (until July 1,
2005) the period for which chapter 12 of the Federal Bankruptcy
Code (Adjustments of Debts of a Family Farmer) is reenacted.
Legislative History: S. 2864 was introduced by Senator
Charles Grassley on September 29, 2004 and referred to the
Senate Committee on the Judiciary. On October 6, 2004, S. 2864
passed the Senate, without amendment by unanimous consent. On
October 8, 2004, the measure passed the House, without
amendment by unanimous consent. On October 25, 2004, the
President signed S. 2864 into Public Law 108-369.
Appropriations
Public Law 108-7 (H.J. Res.2)
Making further Continuing Appropriations for the Fiscal
Year 2003, and for other purposes (approved February 20, 2003).
Division N, title 2 of Public Law 108-7 is known as the
``The Agricultural Assistance Act of 2003'' and provides
disaster payments for crop losses for either 2001 or 2002 (a
producer will choose which year) and will operate like the 2000
disaster program (with a few exceptions). The Agricultural
Assistance Act covers all traditional disaster crops.
The Act expands eligibility for the 2002 Livestock
Compensation Program (LCP) which was initiated by the
Administration to provide assistance for selected types of
livestock in counties designated as disaster counties. The Act
re-establishes a more targeted Livestock Assistance Program
(LAP) for producers suffering grazing losses in counties
designated as disaster counties due to weather-related
problems.
The Act also provides the Livestock Compensation Program
with a flat payment by number and type of livestock to all
livestock producers in a qualifying disaster county. The
measure provides funding through the Commodity Credit
Corporation (CCC) to producers who were in counties eligible to
be declared 2001 or 2002 primary disaster counties but had not
applied for a disaster designation by the original cutoff date,
in addition to counties designated as disaster counties for
reasons other than drought.
The Act authorized the Livestock Assistance Program to
provide payments to livestock producers for grazing losses in a
primary disaster county. However, payments vary by the severity
of the grazing loss.
The Act provided $250 million for replenishment of section
32 funds. section 32 funds are used for government purchases of
surplus fruits and vegetables and other commodities that are
used by schools and food banks.
The Act gives direct payments to tobacco growers who are
eligible at a $.0555 per pound based on the national basic
poundage quota for the 2002 marketing year.
The Act provides compensation for losses to the cottonseed
industry resulting from hurricanes and other conditions in
2002. The measure also provides disaster assistance to
sugarcane producers for losses resulting from hurricanes in
2002.
The Act further provides disaster assistance for sugar
beet losses for either 2001 or 2002. A producer will choose
which year.
The Act provides assistance to agricultural producers
located along Rio Grande for suffering economic losses because
of irrigation water shortages caused by Mexico's failure to
deliver water to the United States under treaty obligations.
The Act provides $1.65 million to reimburse producers in
New Mexico for losses during 2002 due to pesticide
misapplications by the Federal Government.
The Act allows the Secretary to use up to $18.2 million of
funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation to compensate
Florida commercial citrus and lime growers for lost production
from trees removed to control citrus canker and certified
citrus nursery stocks placed in a citrus canker quarantine
area. It specifies that to be eligible for assistance due to
tree removal a grower must have removed the tree after
September 30, 2001.
The Act ensures that the reduction in Conservation Reserve
Program (CRP) annual payments on CRP acres approved for haying
and grazing in 2002 because of drought and other weather
problems is waived for all producers.
The Act specifies that the Secretary may use funds from
the Commodity Credit Corporation made available for USDA
conservation programs for the provision of technical
assistance.
The Act allows producer-owned coops to forfeit 1999, 2000
and 2001 crops of type 21 fire-cured tobaccos or type 37
Virginia sun-cured tobacco.
The Act provides $15 million to address chronic bovine
tuberculosis problems in the El Paso region.
The Act provides $70 million to USDA to cover
administrative costs of implementing this title and the 2002
farm bill.
Legislative History: H.J. Res. 2 was introduced by
Representative Young of Florida on January 7, 2003 and referred
to the Committee on Appropriations. On January 8, 2003, the
resolution passed the House, without amendment by a voice vote.
On January 9, 2003, the resolution was received by the Senate
and placed on the Senate legislative calendar for
consideration. On January 23, 2003, the resolution passed the
Senate, as amended, by a vote of 69 yeas to 29 nays. After
passage, the Senate insisted on its amendment, requested a
conference and appointed conferees. On January 29, 2003, the
House disagreed to the Senate amendment, agreed to a conference
and appointed conferees. A Conference was held on February 10,
and 11, 2003. On February 13, 2003, conference report 108-10
was filed and passed by the House by a vote of 338 yeas to 83
ayes. On that same date, the conference report was filed in the
Senate and passed by a vote of 76 yeas to 20 nays. On February
20, 2003, the resolution was signed by the President into
Public Law 108-7. (Note.-- See also the discussion under ``D.
Oversight. Summary for April 10, 2003, Hearing Serial No. 108-
2'')
Public Law 108-83 (H.R. 2657, S. 1383)
Making appropriations for the legislative branch for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2004, and for other purposes
(approved September 30, 2003).
The Legislative Branch Appropriations Act funds House and
certain Senate operations as well as various joint support
services and Federal agencies. Included in this Act was an
additional $319 million for wildland fire management.
Legislative History: H.R. 2657 was introduced and reported
as an original measure by Representative Kingston on July 1,
2003. See House Report 108-186. On July 9, 2003, the bill
passed the House, as amended, by a vote of 394 yeas to 26 nays.
On July 10, 2003, the Senate received the bill and began
consideration. On July 11, 2003, the bill passed the Senate,
amended, by a vote of 85 yeas to 7 nays. On that same date, the
Senate insisted on its amendment, requested a conference and
appointed conferees. On September 16, 2003, the House disagreed
to the Senate amendment, agreed to a conference and appointed
conferees. On September 18, 2003, conference report 108-279 was
filed in the House. On September 24, 2003, the conference
report passed the House, by a vote of 371 yeas to 56 nays and
the Senate by unanimous consent. On September 30, 2003, the
President signed H.R. 2657 into Public Law 108-83.
Public Law 108-108 (H.R. 2691, S. 1391)
Making appropriations for the Department of the Interior
and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30,
2004, and for other purposes (approved November 10, 2003).
The Department of the Interior and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2004, reduced Forest Service funding to
just over $67 million, a roughly 25 percent cut from the
previous fiscal year. It mandated that if the Forest Service
was forced to transfer funds from other programs to cover fire
suppression expenses, the first source of those funds was to be
the Forest Legacy Program.
Legislative History: H.R. 2691 was introduced and reported,
H.Rept. 108-195, as an original measure by Representative
Charles Taylor on July 10, 2003. On July 17, 2003, H.R. 2691
passed the House, as amended, by a vote of 268 yeas to 152
nays. On September 23, 2003, the bill passed the Senate,
amended, by a voice vote. On that same date, the Senate
insisted on its amendment, requested a conference and appointed
conferees. On October 1, 2004, the House disagreed to the
Senate Amendment, agreed to a conference, and appointed
conferees. On October 28, 2003, Conference Report 108-330 was
filed. On October 30, 2003, the Conference Report passed the
House by a vote of 190 yeas to 229 nays. On November 3, 2003,
the report passed the Senate by a vote of 87 yeas 2 nays. On
November 10, 2003, H.R. 2691 was signed by the President into
Public Law 108-108.
Public Law 108-199 (H.R. 2673, S. 1427)
Making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for the
Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2004, and for other purposes
(approved January 23, 2004).
This Act--known also as the ``Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2004''--provides $80.6 billion for the Department of
Agriculture and related agencies and programs. Broken down, it
provides: (1) $3.27 billion for agriculture credit program loan
authorizations; (2) $1.15 billion for the Agricultural Research
Service; 3) $989 million for the Farm Service Agency; 4) $858
million for conservation activities; (5) $784.5 million for the
Food Safety and Inspection Service; (6) 725.5 million for the
Animal and Plant Healthy Inspection Service; (7) $30.9 billion
for the Food Stamp Program; (8) $11.42 billion for child
nutrition programs; (9) $4.64 billion for Special Supplemental
Nutrition Programs for Women, Infants and Children; and (10)
$1.19 billion for the Food for Peace Program.
The Act delays until September 30, 2006 the mandatory
country of origin labeling for all products except for farm-
raised and wild fish be delayed until September 30, 2006. Under
the 2002 farm bill (P.L. 107-171), the labeling program was
scheduled to begin on September 30, 2004.
Legislative History: H.R. 2673 was introduced and reported
as an original measure by Representative Bonilla on July 9,
2003. See House Report 108-193. On July 14, 2003, the bill
passed the House, as amended, by a vote of 347 yeas to 64 nays.
On November 6, 2003, the bill passed the Senate, amended, by
vote of 93 yeas to 1 nay. On November 17, 2003, the Senate then
insisted on its amendment, requested a conference and appointed
conferees. On November 18, 2003, the House disagreed to the
Senate amendment, agreed to a conference, and appointed
conferees. A Conference was held on November 19, 2003. On
December 8, 2003, conference report 108-401 was filed in the
House and passed by a vote of 242 to 176 nays. On January 22,
2004, the conference report passed the Senate by a vote of 65
yeas to 28 nays. On January 23, 2004, H.R. 2673 was signed by
the President into Public Law 108-199.
Public Law 108-324 (H.R. 4837, S.2674)
Making appropriations for military construction, family
housing, and base realignment and closure for the Department of
Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for
other purposes (approved October 13, 2004).
This Act provides $2.9 billion in emergency assistance for
agricultural producers experiencing crop loss caused by natural
disasters including drought conditions, hurricanes, and other
disasters.
The measure provides financial assistance to producers
incurring qualifying crop or quality losses due to damaging
weather or related condition for either the 2003, 2004, or 2005
crop. Assistance is limited to only one of the crop years 2003,
2004, or 2005 as elected by the producer. Qualifying crop
losses for the 2005 crop are limited to only those losses
caused by a hurricane or tropical storm of the 2004 hurricane
season in counties receiving a Presidential disaster
declaration.
The measure requires that USDA administer the program in
the same manner as the disaster bill contained in the 2001
Agriculture Appropriations bill and deems ineligible for
financial assistance those producers who did not purchase crop
insurance or file appropriate paperwork for a noninsurable
commodity for the year incurring the losses. The measure
provides a waiver if the producers enter into a contract to
purchase insurance coverage (at higher than the catastrophic
level) for the insurable commodity for each of the next two
crops, or in the case of a noninsurable commodity, to file the
required paperwork and pay the administrative fee for each of
the next two crops.
The Act deems ineligible for financial assistance those
producers with adjusted gross incomes of greater than $2.5
million in 2003 and deems ineligible for financial assistance
those producers not in compliance with highly erodible land
conservation and wetland conservation provisions.
The measure limits financial assistance to no greater than
95 percent of what the value of the crop would have been in the
absence of the losses and does not allow producers to be
eligible for payments if they receive payments from section 32
funds with respect to 2004 hurricane crop losses.
The measure also provides financial assistance for
livestock losses to producers for 2003 or 2004 losses (but not
both years) in a county that has received an emergency
designation by the President or the Secretary after January 1,
2003. It requires that USDA administer the program in the same
manner as the disaster provisions in the 2001 Agriculture
Appropriations bill.
The Act provides funding to producers who suffered tree
losses during the period beginning on December 1, 2003, through
December 31, 2004. I also provides an additional $15 million to
eligible forest land owners who produce periodic crops of
timber from trees for commercial purposes and who have suffered
tree losses during the period beginning on December 1, 2003,
through December 31, 2004. However, it does not allow producers
to be eligible for payments if they receive payments from
section 32 funds with respect to 2004 hurricane crop losses.
The Act provides for assistance to participants in the
Emergency Conservation Program.
The Act caps the Conservation Security Program at
$6,037,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2005 through
2014.
Legislative History: H.R. 4837 was introduced and reported
as an original measure on July 15, 2004, by Representative
Knollenberg, H.Rept. 108-607. On July 22, 2004, H.R. 4837
passed the House, as amended, by a vote of 420 yeas to nay. On
September 20, 2004, H.R. 4837 passed the Senate, as amended, by
a vote of 91 yeas to 0 nays, in lieu of S. 2674. On October 9,
2004, conference report 108-773 was filed and passed by the
House by a vote of 374 yeas to 0 nays. On October 11, 2004, the
Senate agreed to the conference report by a voice vote. On
October 13, 2004, the President signed H.R. 4837 into Public
Law 108-324.
Public Law 108-447 (H.R. 4818, S. 2812)
Making appropriations for foreign operations, export
financing, and related programs for the fiscal years ending
September 20, 2005, and for other purposes (approved December
8, 2004).
This Act known also as the ``Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2005'' provides $83.3 billion for the Department of
Agriculture and related agencies and programs. Broken down, it
provides: (1) $16.5 billion for the Commodity Credit
Corporation; (2) $1.299 billion for the Agricultural Research
Service; (3) $1.008 million for the Farm Service Agency; (4)
$837 million for conservation activities; (5) $824 million for
the Food Safety and Inspection Service; (6) $820 million for
the Animal and Plant Healthy Inspection Service; (7) $35.2
billion for the Food Stamp Program; (8) $11.8 billion for child
nutrition programs; 9) $5.3 billion for Special Supplemental
Nutrition Programs for Women, Infants and Children; and (10)
$1.8 billion for the Food for Peace Program.
In order to offset part of the cost of the Act, division
J, title I, section 122, requires that fiscal year 2005
appropriations (and obligation limitations), with certain
exceptions, be cut across the board by 0.80 percent. (The
exceptions pertain to funding provided in the Defense, Homeland
Security, and Military Construction Appropriations Acts enacted
earlier in the session, as well as any supplemental
appropriations for fiscal year 2005.) In addition, the cut
applies to advance appropriations for fiscal year 2005 provided
in prior appropriations acts and certain contract authority.
According to preliminary estimates, the across-the-board cut is
expected to yield savings of about $3.5 billion in budget
authority and $1.9 billion in outlays for fiscal year 2005.
The Act also: provides that $33,197,000 of the
$814,623,000 allocated to the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service for Salaries and Expenses may be spent on an
animal I.D. program; caps the Conservation Security Program at
$202,411,000; rescinds all of the funds appropriated for the
Local Television Loan Guarantee program; rescinds $3,500,000 of
the funds in the Agricultural Conservation Program account;
rescinds $163,000,000 of section 32 funds; rescinds
$191,108,000 of the funds available for P.L. 480 Title I; adds
producers of elk, reindeer and bison to the list of livestock
producers eligible for emergency feed assistance; provides $1
million to the Virginia Horse Center; provides $6 million to
the Florida Department of Citrus; incorporates Chairman
Goodlatte's legislation designating the oak tree as the
national tree; and authorizes the Forest Service to charge
recreation fees to visitors of Federal recreational lands and
waters.
The Act also removed the funding limitation for salaries
and expenses for the Forest Land Enhancement Program (FLEP),
however, it did include a provision canceling $20 million of
the mandatory funds provided in the farm bill.
Legislative History: H.R. 4818 was introduced and reported
as an original measure by Representative Jim Kolbe of the
Committee on Appropriations, H.Rept. 108-599. On July 15, 2004,
H.R. 4818 passed the House, amended, by a vote of 365 yeas to
41 nays. H.R. 4818 was expanded at the conference stage to
cover eight other regular appropriations acts. The conference
report, H.Rept.108-792, was reported on November 19, 2004.
The House agreed to the conference report on H.R. 4818, by
a vote of 344-51, on November 20, 2004. The conference report
was considered pursuant to the terms of a special rule, H. Res.
866, which had been reported by the House Rules Committee
earlier that day (H.Rept. 108-794). During House consideration
of the special rule, it was amended to provide for automatic
adoption in the House of a measure (discussed below) providing
for enrollment corrections in H.R. 4818. The Senate agreed to
the conference report, by a vote of 65-30, later that day.
On December 6, 2004, the House completed action on H. Con.
Res. 528, a measure correcting the enrollment of H.R. 4818.
Among other things, the enrollment correction measure
reduced from 0.83 percent to 0.80 percent the across-the-board
cut in discretionary programs included in the conference
report. (Note.-- See also the discussion under ``D. Oversight.
Summary for July 20, 2004, Hearing Serial No. 108-35'')
2. Bills Acted on by the Committee Included in Other Laws Enacted
None.
3. Bills Vetoed
None.
4. Bills Acted on by Both Chambers But Not Enacted
H.R. 4, to reauthorize and improve the program of block
grants to States for temporary assistance for needy
families, improve access to quality child care and
for other purposes.
H.R. 4 was introduced by Representative Deborah Pryce on
February 4, 2003 and referred to the Committee on Ways and
Means and in addition to the committees on Energy and Commerce,
Education and the Workforce, Agriculture, and Financial
Services. On February 13, 2003, H.R. 4 passed the House,
without amendment, by a vote of 230 yeas to 192 nays. On
October 3, 2003, the Senate Committee on Finance, reported the
bill, amended, S.Rept. 108-162. On April 1, 2004, the Senate
was unable to invoke a cloture motion by a vote of 51 yeas to
47 nays.
H.R. 4 as passed by the House was a bill to continue
funding and revise the block grant Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families (TANF), which was created in the 1996 welfare
reform law. Under the TANF block grant program, caseloads have
fallen 50 percent, and is widely considered a success.
The House passed measure included changes in law with
regard to food stamps by 1) establishing a new Federal ``super
waiver'' authority that would allow states to set aside or
change Federal food stamp policies and 2) permit up to five
states the authority to operate a food assistance block grant
program in place of the regular Food Stamp Program.
H.R. 6, to enhance energy conservation and research and
development, to provide for security and diversity
in the energy supply for the American people, and
for other purposes.
H.R. 6 was introduced by Representative Billy Tauzin on
April 7, 2003 and referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce and in addition to the committees on Science, Ways and
Means, Resources, Education and the Workforce, Transportation
and Infrastructure, Financial Services, and Agriculture. On
April 11, 2004, H.R. 6 passed the House, as amended, by a vote
of 247 yeas to 175 nays. On July 31, 2003, H.R. 6 passed the
Senate as amended, by a vote of 84 yeas to 14 nays. The Senate
also insisted on its amendment, requested a conference and
appointed conferees. On September 5, 2003, the House disagreed
to the Senate amendment, agreed to a conference and appointed
conferees. On November 18, 2003, Conference Report 108-375 was
filed and passed by the House by a vote 246 yeas to 180 nays.
On November 21, 2003, the Senate was unable to invoke a cloture
motion by a vote of 57 yeas to 40 nays.
H.R. 6 included a provision that set minimum ethanol
production at 5 billion gallons, nearly doubling the number of
bushels of corn for ethanol production from 1 billion bushels
currently to about 2 billion by 2012. This would provide a
boost to corn and sorghum prices by 10 to perhaps 30 cents per
bushel. It would also have spillover effects to other crop
prices as farmers shift acreage to corn and sorghum. The
overall effect would be positive for net farm income by an
estimated $2 to $4 billion by the year 2012. The measure also
extends and expands income tax credit for the production of
electricity from qualified energy resources including wind,
closed-loop biomass, open-loop biomass, geothermal energy,
solar energy, small irrigation power, and municipal solid
waste.
Renewable energy provisions relating to ethanol and
biodiesel that were contained in this bill were modified and
included in P.L. 108-357. (Note.-- See also the discussion
under ``D. Oversight. Summary for March 15, 2004, Hearing
Serial No. 108-26'')
H.R. 2707, to direct the Secretaries of the Interior and
Agriculture, acting through the U.S. Forest Service, to carry
out a demonstration program to assess potential water saving
through control of Salt Cedar and Russian Olive on forests and
public lands administered by the Department of the Interior and
the U.S. Forest Service.
H.R. 2707 was introduced by Representative Stevan Pearce
on July 10, 2003 and referred to the Committee on Resources and
in addition to the Committee on Agriculture. On February 24,
2004, the Committee on Resources reported H.R. 2707, as
amended, H.Rept. 108-424 pt. 1. On that same date, the
Committee on Agriculture was discharged from further
consideration of the bill and H.R. 2707 passed the House, as
amended, under suspension of the rules, by a vote of 367 yeas
to 40 nays. On February 25, H.R. 2707 was received in the
Senate and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders. The companion, bill S. 1516, was introduced by
Senator Pete Domenici on July 31, 2003 and referred to the
Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. On March 9,
2004, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources reported S.
1516, as amended, S.Rept. 108-235. On May 19, 2004, S. 1516
passed the Senate, as amended, by unanimous consent. On May 20,
2004, S. 1516 was received by the House and held at the desk.
H.R. 2707 directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in
cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior to assess the
extent of Salt Cedar and Russian Olive invasion in the western
United States. The Act also authorizes a demonstration program
to control Salt Cedar and Russian Olive on public lands.
Bills Acted on by the House But Not the Senate
H.J. Res. 49, Recognizing the important service to the
Nation provided by the Foreign Agricultural Service
of the Department of Agriculture on the occasion of
its 50th anniversary.
H.J. Res. 49 was introduced by Chairman Goodlatte on April
10, 2003 and referred to the Committee on Agriculture and in
addition to the Committee on International Relations. On June
16, 2003, H.J. Res. 49 was reported by the Committee on
Agriculture, H.Rept. 155 pt. 1, and the Committee on
International Relations was discharged from further
consideration. On June 25, 2004, the measure passed the House,
under suspension of the rules by a vote of 409 yeas to 0 nays.
On June 26, 2003, H.J. Res. 49 was referred to the Senate
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry with no
further action being taken. (Note.-- On April 7, 2003, the
Senate passed S. Res. 106, expressing the sense of the Senate
with respect to the 50th anniversary of the Foreign
Agricultural Service of the Department of Agriculture by
unanimous consent. The House does not have the opportunity to
act on Senate Resolutions.)
H.J. Res. 49 cites the FAS for representing U.S.
agriculture interests for 50 years and acknowledges the
benefits that have been seen as agriculture exports have risen
from $3 million in 1953 to over $50 million in 2002.
The measure recognizes the FAS and its employees for
cooperating with the agriculture community, identifying private
partners capable of carrying out the FAS mission, identifying
and expanding markets for U.S. agriculture products,
introducing innovative and creative ways of expanding markets
for agriculture products, providing international food
assistance to feed the hungry worldwide, addressing unfair
barriers to United States agriculture exports, implementing
strict procedures governing the use of programs and funds for
FAS, and overseeing the efficient and effective use of Federal
funds to carry out programs.
H. Con. Res. 494, Supporting the goals and purposes of
National Farm Safety and Health Week and applauding
the men and women who provide a stable supply of
food and fiber for the United States and the world.
H. Con. Res. 494 was introduced by Representative Thomas
Reynolds on September 21, 2004 and referred to the Committee on
Agriculture. On September 22, 2004, H. Con. Res. 494 passed the
House, without amendment, under suspension of the rules by a
voice vote. On September 23, 2004, H. Con. Res. 494 was
referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry with no further action being taken.
H. Con. Res. 494 declares that Congress supports the goals
and purposes of National Farm Safety and Health Week, and
applauds the men and women who provide a stable supply of food
and fiber for the United States and the world.
H.R. 1014, To require Federal land managers to support, and
to communicate, coordinate, and cooperate with,
designated gateway communities, to improve the
ability of gateway communities to participate in
Federal land management planning conducted by the
Forest Service and agencies of the Department of
the Interior, and to respond to the impacts of the
public use of the Federal land administered by
these agencies, and for other purposes.
H.R. 1014 was introduced by Representative George
Radanovich on February 27, 2003 and referred to the Committee
on Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture.
On May 20, 2004, the Committee on Resources reported the bill,
amended, H.Rept. 108-508 pt. 1, and the Committee on
Agriculture was discharged from further consideration. On July
19, 2004, H.R. 1014 passed the House, as amended, under
suspension of the rules by a voice vote. On July 20, 2004, H.R.
1014 was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources with no further action being taken.
H.R. 1014 directs the Secretary of the Interior or the
Secretary of Agriculture to take certain steps to solicit
involvement by government officials of local gateway
communities (communities, including recognized Indian tribes or
Alaska Native villages, that are near public lands) in the
development of land use plans, programs, regulations, and
decisions projects, or policies for public land under the
jurisdiction of the National Park Service, the United States
Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau
of Land Management which are likely to have a significant
impact.
H.R. 2432, To amend the Paperwork Reduction Act and titles
5 and 31, United States Code, to reform Federal
paperwork and regulatory processes.
H.R. 2432 was introduced by Representative Doug Ose on
June 11, 2003 and referred to the Committee on Government
Reform, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget. On May
14, 2004, H.R. 2432 was reported, amended, by the Committee on
Government Reform, H.Rept. 108-490 pt. 1, and the measure was
sequential referred to the Committee on Agriculture because of
its jurisdictional interest in agriculture commodity programs
created and reauthorized in the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002. On that same date, the Committee on the
Budget and the Committee on Agriculture was discharged from
further consideration. On May 18, 2004, H.R. 2432 passed the
House, amended, by a vote of 373 yeas to 54 nays. However, H.R.
2432 was laid on the table and its text appended to H.R. 2728,
pursuant to H. Res. 645. H.R. 2728 passed the House by a vote
of 251 yeas to 177 nays on May 18, 2004. On May 20, 2004, H.R.
2728 was received in the Senate and placed on the Legislative
Calendar under General Orders.
Section 4 of the Paperwork and Regulatory Improvements Act
removes statutory exemptions in the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171) from various paperwork
review and regulatory requirements.
H.R. 2966, To preserve the use and access of pack and
saddle stock animals on public land, including
wilderness areas, national monuments, and other
specifically designated areas, administered by the
National Park Service, the Bureau of Land
Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service, or the Forest Service where there is a
historical tradition of such use, and for other
purposes.
H.R. 2966 was introduced by Representative George
Radnovich on July 25, 2003 and referred to the Committee on
Resources and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture. On
May 20, 2004, H.R. 2966 was reported, amended, by the Committee
on Resources, H.Rept. 108-513 pt. 1. On June 30, 2004, the
Committee on Agriculture was discharged from further
consideration. On September 21, 2004, H.R. 2966 passed the
House, amended, under suspension of the rules by a voice vote.
On September 22, 2004, H.R. 2966 was referred to the Senate
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources with no further
action being taken.
The Right-to-Ride Livestock on Federal Lands Act of 2004
amends Public Law 91-383 to direct the Secretary of the
Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations
directing Federal land management agencies to preserve and
facilitate the continued use and access of pack and saddle
stock animals on the lands they administer. Under the measure,
as a general rule, trails and areas now used by pack and saddle
stock animals would remain open and accessible for such use.
H.R. 3157, To provide for the designation of a Department
of Agriculture disaster liaison to assist State and
local employees of the Department in coordination
with other disaster agencies in response to a
federally declared disaster areas as a result of a
disaster.
H.R. 3157 was introduced by Representative Roy Blunt on
September 24, 2003 and referred to the Committee on
Agriculture. On October 29, 2003, the Committee on Agriculture
ordered reported the measure, as amended. On November 17, 2003,
H.R. 3157 passed the House, as amended, under suspension of the
rules by a voice vote. On November 18, 2003, H.R. 3157 was
referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry with no further action being taken.
H.R. 3157 would designate a specific disaster liaison from
USDA headquarters to work with State and local USDA offices in
federally-declared disaster areas. The liaison would coordinate
the implementation of USDA disaster assistance with other
Federal agencies' assistance and also with state department of
agriculture.
H.R. 3247, To provide consistent enforcement authority to
the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park
Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service, and the Forest Service to respond to
violations of regulations regarding the management,
use, and protection of public lands under the
jurisdiction of these agencies, to clarify the
purposes for which collected fines may be used, and
for other purposes.
H.R. 3247 was introduced by Representative Thomas Tancredo
on October 2, 2003 and referred to the Committee on Resources,
and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture. On May 20,
2004, H.R. 3247 was reported, amended, by the Committee on
Resources, H.Rept. 108-511 pt. 1, and the bill was then
sequentially referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. On
that same date, the Committee on Agriculture was discharged
from further consideration. On June 30, 2004, the Committee on
the Judiciary reported the measure, amended, H.Rept. 108-511
pt. 2. On September 28, 2004, H.R. 3247 passed the House, as
amended, under suspension of the rules by a voice vote. On
September 29, 2004, the bill was received in the Senate with no
further action being taken.
The Trail Responsibility and Accountability for the
Improvement of Lands Act amends Federal laws to provide that
any person who knowingly violates or fails to comply with any
of the provisions of such an Act or any regulations issued
under such Act concerning the management, use, and protection
of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, National Park
System (NPS) lands, National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) lands, and
National Forest (NF) land shall be guilty of a Class A
misdemeanor, subject to fine and or imprisonment as provided
under Federal criminal law.
The Act also set a minimum fine of $500 for fire usage
violations on BLM lands, National Park Systems lands, and
National Forest System lands, if the violation was the result
of reckless conduct, occurred in an area subject to a complete
ban on open fires, and resulted in damage to public or private
property.
H.R. 3514, To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to
convey certain lands and improvements associated
with the National Forest System in the State of
Pennsylvania, and for other purposes.
H.R. 3514 was introduced by Representative John Peterson
on November 18, 2003 and referred to the Committee on
Agriculture. On September 23, 2004, H.R. 3514 was ordered
reported, amended, by the Committee on Agriculture. On October
5, 2004, the measure passed the House, as amended, under
suspension of the rules by a voice vote. On October 6, 2004,
H.R. 3514 was received in the Senate with no further action
being taken.
The Pennsylvania National Forest Improvement Act of 2003,
authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or convey six
parcels of land from the Allegheny National Forest to local
municipalities or private individuals. All of these parcels
have been identified by the Forest Service as outlying parcels
that are not connected to the National Forest. Three of the
parcels would be conveyed to local government agencies,
allowing them to consolidate operations to better serve their
communities. Proceeds from the land sold would be used to
improve administrative sites and acquire in holdings from
willing sellers.
H.R. 4503, To enhance energy conservation and research and
development, to provide for security and diversity
in the energy supply for the American people, and
for other purposes.
H.R. 4503 was introduced by Representative Joe Barton on
June 3, 2004 and referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce and in addition to the committees on Science, Ways and
Means, Resources, Education and the Workforce, Transportation
and Infrastructure, Financial Services, Agriculture, and the
Budget. On June 14, 2004, H.R. 4503 passed the House, by a vote
of 244 yeas to 178 nays. On June 16, 2004, H.R. 4503 was
received in the Senate with no further action being taken.
The Energy Policy Act of 2004 included provisions crucial
to the agriculture sector including the Renewable Fuel Standard
(RFS) and renewable energy tax provisions.
The measure allowed for RFS to increase over time the
contribution of ethanol and biodiesel, a clean-burning
alternative fuel made from domestic renewable fuel sources, to
our Nation's fuel supply, so that by 2012, 5 billion gallons of
renewable fuels would be required. The mandate would begin at
3.1 billion gallons in 2005.
It was estimated that the legislation, which would
dramatically increase the use of renewable fuels, would reduce
the Nation's trade deficit by more than $34 billion, increase
the GDP by $156 billion by 2012, create more than 214,000 jobs
throughout the entire economy, expand household income by an
additional $51.7 billion, increase net farm income nearly $6
billion per year, create $5.3 billion of new investment in
renewable fuel production capacity and displace more than 1.6
billion barrels of oil.
Additionally, the measure extends the production tax
credit for alternative fuels to producers of electricity from
wind, biomass (including livestock waste nutrients), and
methane derived from farm wastes.
The bill also has many provisions that allow for more
domestic oil and natural gas exploration. (Note.-- This bill is
similar to H.R. 6, for further discussion, see H.R. 6 under
``4. Bills Acted on by Both Chambers But Not Enacted.'')
H.R. 4617, To amend the Small Tracts Act to facilitate the
exchange of small tracts of land, and for other
purposes.
H.R. 4617 was introduced by Representative John Doolittle
on June 18, 2004 and referred to the Committee on Resources,
and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture. On September
8, 2004, H.R. 4617 was reported, amended, by the Committee on
Resources, H.Rept. 108-666 pt. 1, and the Committee on
Agriculture was discharged from further consideration. On
September 28, 2004, the measure passed the House, as amended,
under suspension of the rules by a voice vote. On September 29,
2004, H.R. 4617 was received by the Senate with no further
action being taken.
H.R. 4617 authorizes two land exchanges between private
landowners and the U.S. Forest Service of the U.S. Department
of Agriculture. The Act provides for the Secretary of
Agriculture to acquire two small tracts of land from two
private landowners in the Tahoe National Forest. While the
parcels are small enough to be exchanged under the Small Tracts
Act, other antiquated limitations would prevent the exchange.
H.R. 4838, To establish a Healthy Forest Youth Conservation
Corps to provide a means by which young adults can
carry out rehabilitation and enhancement projects
to prevent fire and suppress fires, rehabilitation
public land affected or altered by fires, and
provide disaster relief, and for other purposes.
H.R. 4838 was introduced by Representative Greg Walden on
July 15, 2004 and referred to the Committee on Resources, and
in addition to the Committee on Agriculture. On September 28,
2004, H.R. 4838 passed the House, as amended, under suspension
of the rules by a voice vote. On September 29, 2004, H.R. 4838
was received in the Senate with no further action being taken.
The Healthy Forest Youth Conservation Act of 2004
establishes a Healthy Forest Youth Conservation Crops to be
composed of young adults enrolled as members of a service and
conservation corps covered by a contract or cooperative
agreement to work on projects that prevent and suppress fires,
rehabilitate public land affected by fires, and provide
disaster relief. The Act authorizes the Secretary of
Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to enter into
contracts or cooperative agreements directly with any service
and conservation corps or State department of natural
resources, agriculture, or forest to carry out such projects.
The Act also directs the Secretaries to give priority to
certain projects that will reduce hazardous fuels on publics
lands, restore public land affected or threatened by disease or
insect infestation, rehabilitate public land affected or
altered by fires, assess public land at high risk of reburn,
and address public land located near a municipal watershed and
water supply.
H.R. 5042, To amend the Department of Agriculture Organic
Act of 1944 to ensure that the dependents of
employees of the Forest Service stationed in Puerto
Rico receive a high-quality elementary and
secondary education.
H.R. 5042 was introduced by Representative Anibal Acevedo-
Vila on September 9, 2004 and referred to the Committee on
Agriculture. On September 23, 2004, H.R. 5042 was ordered
reported, without amendment, by the Committee on Agriculture.
On October 5, 2004, the measure passed the House, without
amendment, under suspension of the rules by a voice vote. On
October 6, 2004, H.R. 5042 was received in the Senate with no
further action being taken.
H.R. 5042 amends the Department of Agriculture Organic Act
of 1944 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to pay for
expenses related to the education of certain dependents of
Forest Service employees stationed in Puerto Rico. Those
expenses would include tuition at primary and secondary schools
and the cost of transporting students to those schools. The
measure specifies that the Forest Service could use any funds
available to the agency to pay for those costs, including
permanently appropriated funds.
Other Bills
Several bills acted on by other authorizing committees,
but not acted on by the Committee on Agriculture, were enacted
with provisions relating to matters within the committee's
jurisdiction. Following are abbreviated summaries of these
bills, including some of the relevant provisions:
Legislative Matters
H.R. 108, To amend the Education Land Grant Act to require
the Secretary of Agriculture to pay the costs of
environmental reviews with respect to conveyances
under that Act.
H.R. 108 was introduced by Representative J.D. Hayworth on
January 7, 2003 and referred to the Committee on Resources. On
April 8, 2004, H.R. 108 passed the House, without amendment,
under suspension of the rules by a vote of 406 yeas to 8 nays.
On April 9, 2003, H.R. 108 was received in the Senate and
referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry with no further action being taken.
H.R. 108 amends the Education Land Grant Act to require
that the Forest Service pay the cost for all action required
under the National Environmental Policy Act with respect to
conveyance under the Education Land Grant Act. Additionally,
both the conveyance of land under this Act and the forest plan
amendment requires an environmental analysis under the National
Environmental Policy Act. The Act and the interim Forest
Service manual are silent on who bears the cost of the
environmental analysis. H.R. 108 requires the Forest Service to
bear the full cost of environmental analysis.
Appropriation Matters
H.R. 4568, Making appropriations for the Department of the
Interior and related agencies for fiscal year ending September
30, 2005, and for other purposes.
H.R. 4568 was introduced and reported as an original
measure by Mr. Taylor of the Committee on Appropriations,
H.Rept. 108-542, on June 15, 2004. On June 16, 2004, the
measure passed the House, as amended by a vote of 334 yeas to
86 nays. Also on that date, two points of order were sustained
that were brought up by Chairman Goodlatte against the bill
that constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. On June
21, 2004, H.R. 4568 was receive in the Senate and referred to
the Senate Committee on Appropriations with no further action
being taken.
The House-passed bill further reduced Forest Service Land
Acquisition from last year's $67 million to $15.5 million, a 77
percent reduction.
The House passed bill retained (in the Administrative
Provisions) a funding limitation preventing the Forest Service
from paying salaries or expenses related to the Forest Land
Enhancement Program (FLEP). Chairman Goodlatte had language
that would have cancelled $40 million in mandatory funding for
FLEP struck from the bill on a point of order when the bill was
considered on the floor of the House.
The House passed bill (Sec. 317) amends the Knutson-
Vandenberg Act (Act of June 9, 1930, 16 USC 576(b)) to allow
the Secretary to determine that receipts should be made
available for fire suppression costs before they are determined
to be ``excess'' and returned to the Treasury. Previous
practice by the Forest Service had created questions about
whether the Forest Service ``owed'' prior year receipts to the
Treasury because they should have been declared ``excess''
under the K-V Act.
Section 331 of the measure requires more detailed
reporting to Congress on competitive sourcing studies conducted
by the Forest Service, and restricts the application of
competitive sourcing studies to activities with substantial
potential to reduce costs.
Title IV of the measure provided an additional $400
million for emergency wildfire suppression activities, and, if
not used for that purpose, to reimburse appropriated funds
diverted to fire suppression in previous fiscal years.
Section 402 of the passed bill prohibited the use of funds
to plan, design, or construct forest roads on the Tongass
National Forest in Alaska if such roads were necessary in order
to conduct timber sales. (Note.-- For further action, see the
discussion of Public Law 108-447 (H.R. 4818) under ``1. Bills
Enacted Into Law'')
H.R. 4766, Making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural
Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
for fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other
purposes.
H.R. 4766 was introduced and reported as an original
measure by Mr. Bonilla of the Committee on Appropriations,
H.Rept. 108-584, on July 7, 2004. On July 13, 2004, the bill
passed the House by a vote of 389 yeas to 31 nays. On July 22,
2004, H.R. 4766 was received in the Senate and referred to the
Senate Committee on Appropriations with no further action being
taken.
This Act provided $83.1 billion for the Department of
Agriculture and related agencies and programs. Broken down, it
provided: 1) $16.5 billion for Commodity Credit Corporation; 2)
$1.3 billion for the Agricultural Research Service; 3) $1
billion for the Farm Service Agency; 4) $814 million for
conservation activities; 5) $825 million for the Food Safety
and Inspection Service; 6) $814 million for the Animal and
Plant Healthy Inspection Service; 7) $34 billion for the food
stamp program; 8) $11.4 billion for child nutrition programs;
9) $4.9 billion for Special Supplemental Nutrition Programs for
Women, Infants and Children; and 10) $1.18 billion for the Food
for Peace Program.
This Act also: rejected an administration proposal to fund
technical assistance for two mandatory conservation programs
with a new fiscal year 2005 discretionary account; provided
funding increases for animal and plant pest and disease
surveillance and eradication, including an expansion in funding
of $20 million and oversight for bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE) activities; reduced spending for
discretionary rural development programs by $86 million, but
provided $152 million more than the administrations request;
prohibited FDA from using funds to enforce the current stature
that bans importation of prescription drugs by parties other
than drug companies; and prohibited USDA employees from
implementing a tobacco quota buyout program if the buyout
payments are from appropriated funds. (Note.-- For further
discussion see P.L. 108-447 (H.R. 4818) under ``1. Bills
Enacted into Law'')
H.R. 5212, Making emergency supplemental appropriations
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, for additional
disaster assistance relating to storm damage, and for other
purposes.
H.R. 5212 was introduced by Representative Bill Young on
October 5, 2004 and referred to the Committee on Appropriations
and in addition to the Committee on the Budget. On October 6,
H.R. 5212 passed the House, amended, by a vote of 412 yeas to 0
nays. On October 7, 2004, H.R. 5212 was received by the Senate
with no further action being taken.
The Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricane
Disasters Assistance Act of 2005 included language that would
provide disaster assistance to producers affected by weather
related disasters across the country. The provision contained
offsets that impose a cap on spending for the Conservation
Security Program (CSP). However, the language stipulated that
producers could not received disaster assistance that exceeds
95 percent of the crop's worth absent the disaster.
Similar disaster assistance was included in the Senate
version of H.R. 4567, fiscal year 2005 Homeland Security
Appropriations bill. (Note.-- For further action, see the
discussion of Public Law 108-324 (H.R. 4837) under ``1. Bills
Enacted Into Law'')
6. House Resolutions Approved
H. Res. 261, Expressing the support of the House of
Representatives for the efforts of organizations such as Second
Harvest to provide emergency food assistance to hungry people
in the United States, and encouraging all Americans to provide
volunteer services and other support for local antihunger
advocacy efforts and hunger relief charities, including food
banks, food rescue organizations, food pantries, soup kitchens,
and emergency shelters.
H. Res. 261 was introduced by Representative Frank Wolf on
June 5, 2005 and referred to the Committee on Agriculture. On
September 23, 2004, H. Res. 261 was ordered reported, without
amendment, by the Committee on Agriculture. On October 5, 2004,
the measure passed the House, without amendment, under
suspension of the rules by a voice vote.
This resolution recognizes the efforts of community-and
faith-based groups such a Second Harvest to recover surplus
food from restaurants and other facilities and donate it to
local soup kitchens. These efforts play an important role in
combating hunger which afflicts many American, particularly
children.
H. Res.481,Recognizing the establishment of Hunters for the
Hungry programs across the United States and the contributions
of those programs to efforts to decrease hunger and help feed
those in need.
H. Res. 481 was introduced by Representative Phil Gingrey
on December 8, 2003 and referred to the Committee on
Agriculture. On September 23, 2004, H. Res. 481 was ordered
reported, without amendment, by the Committee on Agriculture.
On October, 5, 2004, the measure passed the House, without
amendment, under suspension of the rules by a voice vote.
This resolution recognizes and encourages Hunters for the
Hungry programs. These are voluntary, cooperative efforts among
hunters, sportsmen's associations, meat processors, State meat
inspectors, and hunger relief organizations to help feed those
in need.
Other Resolutions:
Several other resolutions acted on by other authorizing
committees, but not acted on by the Committee on Agriculture,
were enacted with provisions relating to matters within the
committee's jurisdiction. Following are abbreviated summaries
of these bills, including some of the relevant provisions:
H. Res.252, Expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives supporting the United States in its efforts
within the World Trade Organization (WTO) to end the European
Union's protectionist and discriminatory trade practices of the
past 5 years regarding agricultural biotechnology.
H. Res. 252 was introduced by Representative Roy Blunt on
May 22, 2003 and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
On June 10, 2003, H. Res. 252 passed the House, amended, under
suspension of the rules by a vote of 339 yeas to 80 nays.
This resolution supports and applauds the efforts of the
administration on behalf of the Nation's farmers and ranchers,
and sound science by challenging the long-standing, unwarranted
moratorium imposed in the European Union on agriculture and
food biotech products. (Note.-- See also the discussion under
``D. Oversight. Summary for June 17, 2003, Hearing Serial No.
108-9.'')
H. Res. 425, Recognizing and honoring the firefighters and
other public servants who responded to the October 2003,
historically devastating, outbreak of wildfires in Southern
California.
H. Res. 425 was introduced by Representative Susan Davis
on October 30, 2003 and referred to the Committee on Government
Reform. On November 5, 2003, H. Res. 425 passed the House,
without amendment, under suspension of the rules by a voice
vote.
H. Res. 425 commends the firefighters and public servants
who participated in responding to the October 2003 wildfires in
southern California for their dedicated service to the people
of California.
7. Bills Reported to the House But Not Considered
H.R. 1038, To increase the penalties to be imposed for a
violation of fire regulations applicable to the
public lands, National Park System lands, or
National Forest System lands when the violation
results in damage to public or private property, to
specify the purpose for which collected fines may
be used, and for other purposes.
H.R. 1038 was introduced by Representative Thomas Tancredo
on February 27, 2003 and refereed to the Committee on Resources
and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture. On July 17,
2003, H.R. 1038 was reported by the Committee on Resources,
without amendment, H.Rept. 108-218 pt. 1, and the bill was
sequentially referred to the Committee on the Judiciary until
September 15, 2003. On September 10, 2003, the Committee on
Resources filed a supplemental report, H.Rept. 108-218 pt. II.
On September 15, 2003, the Committee on the Judiciary reported
the measure, amended, H.Rept. 108-218 pt. III, and the
Committee on Agriculture was discharged from further
consideration. No further action was taken.
The Public Lands Fire Regulations Enforcement Act of 2003
amends the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to
increase to $1,000 the maximum fine for violations of public
lands regulations to the fine as provided under current Federal
criminal law with respect to lands under the Bureau of Land
Management.
The measure also amend the National Park Service Organic
Act, and other Federal laws concerning the National Forest
System, to increase the maximum $500 fines to $10,000 for use
and management violations with respect to national park and
national forest lands.
The bill also amends such Acts to set a minimum fine of
$500 for fire usage violations on BLM public lands, National
Park System lands, or National Forest System lands if the
violation was the result of reckless conduct, occurred in an
area subject to a complete ban on open fires, and resulted in
damage to public or private property.
H.R. 3283, To improve recreational facilities and visitor
opportunities on Federal recreational lands by
reinvesting receipts from fair and consistent
recreational fees and passes and for other
purposes.
The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act was
introduced by Representative Ralph Regula on October 8, 2003
and referred to the Committee on Resources and in addition to
the Committee on Agriculture. On November 19, 2004, H.R. 3283
was reported, as amended, by the Committee on Resources,
H.Rept. 108-790 pt. 1. On November 22, 2004, the Committee on
Agriculture was granted an extension for further consideration
ending not later than December 10, 2004. (Note.-- For further
discussion, see P.L. 108-447 (H.R. 4818) under ``1. Bills
Enacted Into Law'')
H.R. 3283 directs the Secretary of the Interior (with
respect to the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau
of Reclamation) and the Secretary of Agriculture (with respect
to the Forest Service) to establish fair and equitable basic
recreation fees, expanded recreation fees, and special
recreation permit fees and guidelines identifying the process
by which Federal land management agencies shall establish and
change amounts charged for such fees.
Other Bills
One bill was reported by another authorizing committee,
but not considered with provisions relating to matters within
the Committee on Agriculture's jurisdiction. Following is an
abbreviated summary of the bill, including some of the relevant
provisions.
H.R. 4264, To amend title 18, United States Code, to
strengthen prohibitions against animal fighting, and for other
purposes.
H.R. 4264 was introduced by Representative Mark Green on
May 4, 2004 and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. On
October 7, 2004, H.R. 4264 was reported, amended, by the
Committee on the Judiciary, H.Rept. 108-756. No further action
was taken.
The Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2004
amends the Federal criminal code to make the buying selling, or
transporting of animals for participation in animal fighting
ventures felonies to be charged under Title I8 of the U.S.
Code. It authorizes jail time of up to 2 years for violations
of the Federal animal fighting law doubling the current
misdemeanor penalty of up to 1 year. Under current law, animal
fighting prohibitions are misdemeanors under Title 7 of the
U.S. Code.
8. Bills Defeated in the House
None.
9. Other Bills Acted on by the committee
H.R. 1907, to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to ensure
that availability of funds to provide technical
assistance for certain conservation programs of the
Department of Agriculture.
H.R. 1907 was introduced by Representative Frank Lucas on
May 1, 2003 and referred to the Committee on Agriculture. On
June 17, 2003, the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit and
Rural Development, and Research ordered reported the bill,
amended, to the Full committee with no further action being
taken.
H.R. 1907 amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to declare
that certain funds reserved for technical assistance for the
Farmland Protection Program, the Grassland Reserve Program, and
the Environmental Quality Incentives Program shall be available
only for the conservation program from which the funds were
reserved and not for other specified programs. (Note.-- See
also the discussion for P.L. 108-498 (S. 2856) under ``1. Bills
Enacted Into Law'')
H.R. 3372, To designate the facility of the Agriculture
Research Service of the Department of Agriculture
located at State Highway 26 West in Poplarville,
Mississippi, as the ``Thad Cochran Southern
Horticultural Laboratory.''
H.R. 3372 was introduced by Representative Gene Taylor on
October 21, 2003 and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
On September 23, 2004, H.R. 3372 was ordered reported, without
amendment, by the Committee on Agriculture. In compliance with
House rule XXII, clause 1(6), no further action was taken.
H.R. 3372 would designate the Agriculture Research Service
facility in Poplarville, Mississippi as the ``Thad Cochran
Southern Horticultural Laboratory.'' This facility assists the
Gulf Coast States in research and development of small fruits.
H.R. 4576, To amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946
to establish a voluntary program for the provision
of country of origin information with respect to
certain agricultural products, and for other
purposes.
H.R. 4576 was introduced by Chairman Bob Goodlatte on June
15, 2004 and referred to the Committee on Agriculture. On July
22, 2004, H.R. 4576 was ordered reported, without amendment, by
the Committee on Agriculture. No further action was taken.
Under current law, the U.S. Department of Agriculture must
require country of origin labels for fish sold in the U.S. by
September 30, 2004, and for meat, vegetable, and fruit
commodities by September 30, 2006. H.R. 4576 would replace
those requirements with a voluntary labeling program. A person
participating in the voluntary program would be required to use
a label created by the Secretary of Agriculture and to follow
specific requirements and definitions to label food as
originating in the United States.
The measure also requires USDA to conduct a nationwide
survey during the first year after enactment, and every 2 years
thereafter, to evaluate whether consumers are able to determine
the country of origin of fresh fruits and vegetables. Results
of the survey and any recommendations for improving consumer
awareness of the country of origin of fruits and vegetables
would be reported to Congress. The Secretary of Agriculture
would be authorized to assess labeling program participants a
civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 for violations of the terms
of the program. (Note.-- See also the discussion under ``D.
Oversight. Summaries for June 26, 2003, Hearing Serial No. 108-
12 and October 1, 2003 Hearing Serial No. 108-17.'')
H.R. 5120, To improve the operation and utilization of the
United States National Arboretum in the District of
Columbia, and for other purposes.
H.R. 5120 was introduced by Representative Calvin Dooley
on September 22, 2004 and referred to the Committee on
Agriculture. On September 30, 2004, H.R. 5120 was ordered
reported, amended, by the Committee on Agriculture. No further
action was taken.
The U.S. National Arboretum Appreciation Act of 2004
requires the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into a contract
with the Friends of the National Arboretum, either through a
sole-source contract or other method and authorize the Friends
of the National Arboretum to act as an agent of the USDA to
allow the use of the grounds and facilities of the National
Arboretum by private persons and entities. The measure also
provides guidelines for services related to planning and
overseeing special events. (Note.-- See also the discussion
under ``D. Oversight. Summary for October 21, 2003, Hearing
Serial No. 108-19.'')
D. OVERSIGHT
The Committee on Agriculture and its subcommittees were
active in their oversight functions, holding a number of
oversight hearings both in the field and in Washington, DC
during the course of the 108th Congress. The hearings related
to the application, administration, and effectiveness of laws
that lie within the committee's jurisdiction as well as the
organization and operation of the Department of Agriculture and
other Federal agencies having responsibility for the
administration of such laws. The hearings often resulted in
recommendations for improvements in the administration of the
laws, regulations and policies in effect in the executive
branch as they related to the committee's jurisdiction.
Information gathered at these hearings was useful in preparing
legislation for consideration in the House of Representatives.
As part of its hearings, the committee and its
subcommittees reviewed the way the particular Federal agency or
department (usually the Department of Agriculture) administered
existing laws related to the subject matter of the legislation
before, or to be considered by, the committee. In some cases,
legislation favorably reported to the House carries a
termination date (a ``sunset'') to ensure that in the future
Congress will again review the effectiveness and the methods
with which the executive branch of Government has carried out
the letter and the spirit of that statute.
In keeping with the objective of the Oversight Plan as
submitted to the Committee on Government Reform and House
Administration, the committee and its subcommittees conducted
the following chronological oversight hearings during the 108th
Congress (Note.-- To see a copy of the Oversight Plan as
submitted, see ``I. Summary of Organization, Jurisdiction, and
Oversight Plan of the Committee on Agriculture.''):
Oversight hearings
March 26, 2003: Review of Artificial Barriers to United
States Agricultural Trade and Foreign Food Assistance. Full
committee. Hearing Serial No. 108-1.
The committee held its first hearing on the issue of
artificial barriers to U.S. trade and food aid, focusing on the
European Union's moratorium on agricultural biotechnology, and
how it may have influenced some developing African countries,
currently in the throws of a severe famine, to reject much
needed U.S. food aid because the shipments contained corn
produced with biotechnology. The witness testimony largely held
that EU policy concerning biotechnology is not based on sound
science, and is severely detrimental not only to U.S. farmers
and ranchers but to those throughout the world who are in the
grip of starvation.
April 10, 2003: Review the implementation of the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 and the Agricultural
Assistance Act of 2003. Subcommittee on General Farm
Commodities and Risk Management. Hearing Serial No. 108-2.
The purpose of this hearing was to review the
implementation of the 2002 farm bill that made several changes
to agricultural policy, particularly the commodity title. The
commodity programs continue the fixed direct payment and
marketing loans for grains, cotton, and oilseeds. A new
counter-cyclical assistance program was also implemented. Also
under review by the subcommittee was the Agricultural
Assistance Act of 2003 that was signed into public law under
the Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2003. Under
Secretary J.B. Penn of the Farm and Foreign Agriculture
Services of the U.S. Department of Agriculture testified that
the Direct Payment and Counter-Cyclical Payment Program was in
place with benefits available to producers. In his testimony,
Under Secretary Penn also discussed the distribution of
disaster assistance to producers in areas struggling from
multiple years of drought and highlighted efforts by the USDA
to ensure efficient and timely delivery of assistance to
producers. Foremost among these efforts was the launching of a
new website which gives producers a single location to access
information, find answers to frequently asked questions and
submit suggestions. (Note.-- For discussion of the Consolidated
Appropriations Resolution, 2003, see P.L. 108-7 (H.J. Res. 2)
under ``1. Bills Enacted Into Law'')
May 20, 2003: Review of the state of the dairy industry.
Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition,
and Forestry. Hearing Serial No. 108-4.
The purpose of this subcommittee hearing was to review the
state of the Nation's dairy industry and gather information to
provide a sound basis for future dairy policy discussions. The
subcommittee heard testimony from three panels of witnesses
which included economists from both the USDA and academia,
representatives from dairy organizations, and producers
representing different regions of the country.
May 21, 2003: Review of the status of the World Trade
Organization (WTO) negotiations on Agriculture. Full committee.
Hearing Serial No. 108-5.
Chairman Goodlatte emphasized that the voices of America's
farmers and ranchers must be heard in the WTO negotiations.
This hearing provided Members of the committee the opportunity
to question USDA Secretary Ann Veneman and USTR Ambassador
Robert Zoellick about the status of WTO negotiations on
agriculture. Chairman Goodlatte recognized that for American
farmers and ranchers, trade is an essential part of their
livelihood and that the WTO negotiations offer an opportunity
for the United States to increase agricultural exports. USDA
Secretary Veneman, in prepared remarks, discussed the
importance of export markets to agriculture and how past trade
agreements have benefited agriculture before taking questions.
Ambassador Zoellick centered his remarks around the position
agricultural trade holds in the current U.S. trade strategy
before discussing the major challenges that continue to exist.
(Note.-- See also the discussion on P.L. 108-77 (H.R.
2783), P.L. 108-78 (H.R.2739), P.L. 108-286 (H.R. 4759) and
P.L. 108-302 (H.R. 4842) under ``1. Bills Enacted Into Law'')
May 22, 2003: Review of the financial condition of crop
insurance and the implementation of the Agriculture at Risk
Protection Act. Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and
Risk Management. Hearing Serial No. 108-6.
The purpose of this hearing was to review the financial
state of the Crop Insurance Program, specifically, the affect
of the Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000 (ARPA) has had
on the program. The ARPA was passed to reform and improve the
Crop Insurance Program, while reducing the participation cost
of farmers. The subcommittee heard from four witnesses
including Dr. Keith Collins, USDA Chief Economist and
Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Federal Crop
Insurance Corporation, and Ronald Davidson, Administrator of
the USDA Risk Management Agency.
June 4, 2003: Review of Conservation Technical Assistance
and the Implementation of the Conservation Title of the 2002
farm bill. Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural
Development and Research. Hearing Serial No. 108-7.
The purpose of this hearing was to review current
conservation technical assistance and the implementation of the
Conservation Title of the 2002 farm bill. Subcommittee Chairman
Lucas noted in his opening statement that all of the testimony
the committee received concluded that the current technical
assistance funding is not equitable. In comments addressing
disagreements arising from the implementation of the
Conservation Title of the 2002 farm bill, Chairman Lucas stated
``It is up to this subcommittee to help keep the implementation
process on track.'' Mr. Lucas maintained that the subcommittee
``will make sure that the implementation process is fair and
equitable.'' Testimony was received from three panels of
witnesses. The panels included representatives from the USDA,
producer organizations and environmental and conservation
groups. (Note.-- See also the discussion on P.L. 108-498 (S.
2856) ``1. Bills Enacted Into Law'')
June 5, 2003: Review of regulatory and enforcement
activity since the passage of the Commodity Futures
Modernization Act. Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and
Risk Management. Hearing Serial No. 108-8.
The Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management received the testimony of James Newsome, Chairman of
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Chairman Newsome's
testimony focused on the regulatory and enforcement activity
since the passage of the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of
2000. Chairman Newsome said, ``I am excited by the remarkable
changes we have seen in just the short time since enactment of
the Commodity Futures Modernization Act.''
June 17, 2003: Review of biotechnology in agriculture.
Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural Development, and
Research. Hearing Serial No. 108-9.
The purpose of this hearing was to review the status of
biotechnology in U.S. agriculture. The subcommittee focused
specifically on the active role the Federal Government has
taken in regulating genetically modified foods and plants.
Testimony was received from a panel of three witnesses; each
witness represented a Federal agency with regulatory
responsibility over biotechnology. The hearing conveniently
followed the passage of H. Res. 252 by the House of
Representatives. In his opening statement Chairman Lucas noted
that during the debate on H. Res. 252 statements were made
which ``erroneously suggested that products of biotechnology
were not regulated.''
Regarding the concerns of many in the agricultural
community over the seeming lack of progress by the FDA to
publish a final decision on pre-market notification, Chairman
Goodlatte asked the USDA witness if it would be feasible for
APHIS to formalize a consultation process with the FDA to
ensure that the FDA is notified of the availability of an
agricultural biotechnology product prior to commercialization.
The USDA witness responded that this was a viable method of
dealing with this issue and that the agency would be
considering this approach as part of their ongoing review of
their regulatory process. (Note.-- See also the discussion of
H. Res. 252 under ``6. House Resolutions Approved.'')
June 18, 2003: Review of current Multilateral and
Bilateral Agricultural Trade Negotiations. Full committee.
Hearing Serial No. 108-5.
The purpose of this hearing was to review the current
state of multilateral and bilateral agricultural trade
negotiations. In his opening statement Chairman Goodlatte said,
``United States agriculture depends on exports and a vibrant
trade policy is important to United States farmers and
ranchers. We want to seek greater opportunity for our
agricultural products and trade negotiations can make that
possible.'' The committee heard from three panels of witnesses
representing commodity and producer groups. Among the testimony
heard by the committee were concerns raised by Ernest Reeves.
Reeves stated that ``there is a concern that past negotiations
have given more access than we have received. Future trade
agreements must provide favorable access to for U.S.
agricultural products.'' (Note.-- See also the discussion on
P.L. 108-77 (H.R. 2783), P.L. 108-78 (H.R.2739), P.L. 108-286
(H.R. 4759) and P.L. 108-302 (H.R. 4842) under ``1. Bills
Enacted Into Law.'')
June 19, 2003: Review of the implementation of the
Commodity Futures Modernization Act. Subcommittee on General
Farm Commodities and Risk Management. Hearing Serial No. 108-8.
This hearing focused on the implementation of the
Commodity Futures Modernization Act, (CFMA) market changes
since the passage of the Act, and recent developments in the
futures industry. The subcommittee heard testimony from the
Chairmen of both the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago
Mercantile Exchange, in addition to executives representing the
New York Mercantile Exchange and several industry associations.
June 21, 2003: Review of proposals to ban packer ownership
of livestock. Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture Field
Hearing. Hearing Serial No. 108-10.
The purpose of this hearing was to discuss proposals to
ban packer ownership of livestock and to hear the comments from
both packers and producers. The 2002 farm bill encouraged
hearings such as this one to discuss the many differing
viewpoints regarding a ban of packer ownership of livestock.
Chairman Hayes, in his opening statement, acknowledged, ``In
convening this hearing, and taking time to listen to folks who
would be directly impacted by such proposals, we are honoring
the intent of the farm bill, and we have begun a helpful
dialog.''
June 25, 2003: Review of the Department of Agriculture's
Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program. Full committee.
Hearing Serial No. 108-11.
The purpose of this hearing was to review the USDA's
Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program. Chairman Goodlatte
remarked that ``Funding for distance learning and telemedicine
services are having a positive impact on many residents in our
rural areas.'' The committee first discussed the program with
Tom Dorr, USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development, before
participating in a live telemedicine and distance learning
demonstration.
June 26, 2003: Hearing to review mandatory country of
origin labeling. Full committee. Hearing Serial No. 108-12.
Three panels of witnesses, totaling fifteen witnesses,
testified and responded to questions regarding the 2002 farm
bill's mandatory country of origin labeling provision. The
committee heard from the administration, producers, packers,
processors and retailers, in, an effort to gauge concerns and
possible problems developing during the programs voluntary
stage. Chairman Goodlatte stated that ``testimony at today's
hearing underscored that there is still a lack of consensus
about what the law says, how it should be implemented, and
whether or not it will ultimately do more harm than good.''
(Note.-- See also the discussion of H.R. 4576 under ``9. Other
Bills Acted on by the committee.'')
July 10, 2003: Review of crop insurance products available
for specialty crop producers. Subcommittee on General Farm
Commodities and Risk Management. Hearing Serial No. 108-13.
The first in a series of subcommittee hearings reviewing
crop insurance, the purpose of this hearing was to review the
availability of crop insurance products to producers of
specialty crops, specifically in the eastern United States.
Chairman Moran expressed a concern of the subcommittee.
``Despite significant progress, it can still be difficult for
producers to obtain coverage for their particular crops'' he
said. The subcommittee heard from a panel of four witnesses
representing growers and State administrators. The subcommittee
plans to continue to hold hearings reviewing crop insurance by
region and commodity.
July 22, 2003: Hearing to review Geographical Indications
and the World Trade Organization's agricultural negotiations.
Full committee. Hearing Serial No. 108-5.
The purpose of the hearing was to review the issue of
geographical indications and the potential effect of proposals
by countries in the World Trade Organization (WTO) agricultural
negotiations on United States agriculture and food exports.
Chairman Goodlatte noted that, if adopted, the European Union's
proposals would ``severely impact our domestic producers and
consumers while simultaneously undermining valuable
intellectual property rights.'' The committee heard from two
panels of witnesses. During the hearing Jon W. Dudas, Deputy
Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and
Deputy Director of U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, stated
concerns regarding ``systematic discrimination'' that U.S.
geographical indicator owners face in the EU. The second panel
consisted of several witnesses whose products are affected by
geographical indications policy, including representatives from
the Idaho Potato Commission, Kraft Food North America, and
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. among others. (Note.-- See also
the discussion on P.L. 108-77 (H.R. 2783), P.L. 108-78
(H.R.2739), P.L. 108-286 (H.R. 4759) and P.L. 108-302 (H.R.
4842) under ``1. Bills Enacted Into Law'')
July 23, 2002. Hearing to review the 2002 Wildfire Season
and the Wildfire Threats of the 2003 Season. Full committee.
Hearing Serial No. 108-14.
Congress has appropriated over half a billion dollars over
the last three fiscal years to reduce hazardous fuel loads on
the National Forests, and has increased other fire suppression
and operations funding as well. The purpose of the hearing was
to explore what administrative barriers are preventing timely
fuels treatment, and provided an opportunity to examine the on-
the-ground impact of catastrophic fires, insect, and disease
outbreaks on public lands on States, counties and private
landowners. The committee heard from two panels of witnesses.
The first panel featured Mark E. Rey, the Under Secretary for
Natural Resources and Environment at the USDA. The second panel
included representatives from State and local governments that
are affected by the administration of public forests.
August 19, 2003: Review of Crop Insurance and the
Commodity Programs. Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities
and Risk Management. Hearing Serial No. 108-13.
This was the second hearing conducted in a series of
hearings to review crop insurance. However, this was a field
hearing that heard first-hand from State and local agricultural
leaders in Minnesota and North Dakota on how the results of the
crop insurance reforms approved 3 years ago, along with new
farm bill programs, have benefited their operations. In
addition to discussing what is working well, the subcommittee
heard testimony on how the program might be improved to better
serve the farmers of the region, as well as their lenders and
insurance agents.
September 24, 2003: Review of Crop Insurance for Program
Crops. Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management. Hearing Serial No. 108-13.
This hearing was the third in a series of hearings to
review crop insurance by commodity and region. This hearing
provided an overview of the crop insurance program for
commodity crops, including corn, cotton, grain sorghum,
soybeans, and wheat grown primarily in the midwest, southeast,
and southwest areas of the U.S. The hearing also focused on the
availability of insurance products and adequate coverage
levels, changes that have been made as a result of implementing
of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act, and improvements that
could enhance the ability of crop insurance to better manage
risk for producers.
October 1, 2003: Review of mandatory country of origin
labeling. Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture. Hearing
Serial No. 108-17.
The 2002 farm bill as amended contained language that will
require retailers to provide country of origin labeling (COOL)
on fresh fruits and vegetables, red meats, seafood, and peanuts
beginning September 30, 2004. Until then the program is
voluntary. The purpose of this hearing was to focus on how the
implementation of the law could specifically affect the fruit,
vegetable, fish and peanut industries. (Note.-- See also the
discussion of H.R. 4576 under ``9. Other Bills Acted on by the
committee'')
October 2, 2003: Review of Crop Insurance for Specialty
Crop Producers. Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and
Risk Management. Hearing Serial No. 108-13.
This was the second hearing on crop insurance coverage for
specialty crops in a series of hearings on crop insurance. The
hearing focused on additional issues for non-commodity
agriculture including apples, sweet potatoes, and floral
products. Three witnesses testified before the subcommittee as
to how crop insurance is an increasingly important part of the
risk management strategy for many farmers.
October 16, 2003: To examine new generation cooperatives
and strategies to maximize farm and ranch income. Full
committee. Hearing Serial No. 108-18.
The focus of this hearing was to examine how traditional
cooperatives sustain themselves during the rapidly changing and
globalizing agricultural economy and to learn more about the
new structures of farmer associations that are working to
maximize economic returns to the U.S. agriculture industry.
Twelve witnesses testified before the committee including
producers who are seeking new business structures that may
abandon the traditional cooperative model and seek outside
investors who may have an interest in the community where the
operation is located but otherwise are looking for a reasonable
return on their investment.
October 21, 2003: Review the U.S. National Arboretum.
Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition,
and Forestry. Hearing Serial No. 108-19.
The purpose of this hearing was to review the U.S.
National Arboretum, including its public facilities and
research missions. Two panels testified before the subcommittee
including the Honorable Rodney Frelinghuysen, Chairman of the
District of Columbia Appropriations Subcommittee, Dr. Rodney J.
Brown, Deputy Under Secretary for Research, Education and
Economics of USDA, and Ms. Tuckie Westfall, Chairwoman of the
Friends of the National Arboretum.
On September 22, 2004, H.R. 5120 was introduced by
Representative Calvin Dooley and referred to the Committee on
Agriculture. On September 30, 2004, H.R. 5120 was ordered
reported, as amended by the Committee on Agriculture. (Note.--
For further discussion, see H.R. 5120 under ``9. Other Bills
Acted on by the committee'')
November 5, 2003: Review domestic policies affecting the
specialty crop industry. Subcommittee Livestock and
Horticulture. Hearing Serial No. 108-20.
The purpose of this hearing was to review domestic
policies that affect the U.S. produce industry ranging from
conservation, research, and market access to marketing orders
and risk management tools. The subcommittee heard from eight
representatives of the fruit and vegetable sector on a variety
of critical issues including the implementation of the 2002
farm bill, the Homeland Security Act of 2002, and the 2001
Economic Assistance Package which included specialty crop State
block grants.
On October 2, 2003, H.R. 3242 was introduced by
Representative Doug Ose and referred to the Committee on
Agriculture and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means.
On September 30, 2004, H.R. 3242 was ordered reported, as
amended by the Committee on Agriculture. (Note.-- See also the
discussion on P.L. 108-465 (H.R. 3242) ``1. Bills Enacted Into
Law'')
November 6, 2003: Review the application for contract
market designation of the United States Futures Exchange LLC
before the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Full
committee. Hearing Serial No. 108-21.
The purpose of this hearing was to review EUREX's pending
application for designation as a U.S. futures exchange. With
the passage of the Commodity Futures Modernization Act (P.L.
106-554), exchanges, both new and old, have been able to bring
innovative ideas to the marketplace, while compelling the
Commission to define anew its charge to preserve the integrity
of markets. Seven witnesses testified before the committee that
provided insight on the new regulatory approval process.
December 1, 2003: Review crop insurance and commodity
programs. Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management. Hearing Serial No. 108-13.
This was the second field hearing in a series of hearings
to review of crop insurance. The purpose of this field hearing
was to hear from State and local agricultural leaders and
producers in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas on crop insurance
reforms that were enacted 3 years ago, along with new farm bill
programs, and how they have benefited their operations. In
addition to understanding what is working well, the
subcommittee heard testimony on how the program might be
improved to better serve the farmers of the region, as well as
their lenders and insurance agents.
January 21, 2004: Review USDA's Bovine Spongiform
Encephalopahty (BSE) Response. Full committee. Hearing Serial
No. 108-22.
The purpose of this hearing was to review the USDA's
response to the discovery of a Bovine Spongiform
Encephalophathy (BSE) positive cow in the U.S. The committee
heard from Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, marking the first
time she had testified on Capitol Hill since the discovery. The
committee commended the Secretary and USDA for their diligent
work in maintaining public confidence; however, the committee
questioned USDA's announcement regarding non-ambulatory, or
``downer'' cattle, saying that it had failed to address
important questions. Among the concerns raised was what happens
to these animals when they do not move forward in the food
production system. Prior to the announcement, non-ambulatory
animals were the principle target of the U.S. BSE surveillance
and testing regime. Had the current policy been in place
previously, the U.S. would likely not have found the BSE-
infected cow.
March 5, 2004: Review the development of USDA's animal
identification program. Full committee. Hearing Serial No. 108-
24.
This was a field hearing held at the Houston Livestock
Show and Rodeo, to review the development of the USDA's animal
identification program. Animal identification has been at the
forefront of policy discussions within the livestock sector and
various proposals to implement a nationwide identification
system have gained awareness since the December 23, 2003,
discovery of Bovine Spongiform Encephalophay (BSE) in
Washington State. Since then, USDA has accelerated efforts to
develop a national animal ID program.
Six witnesses testified before the committee including
administration officials, representatives of one of the largest
of livestock groups, and the hosts of the hearing, the
International Livestock Congress.
March 11, 2004: Review the peanut program. Subcommittee on
Specialty Crops and Foreign Agriculture Programs. Hearing
Serial No. 108-25.
The purpose of this hearing was to review the peanut
program. Congress made historic changes to the peanut program
in the Farm Security Act of 2002. A 1930's depression era
program was replaced with a peanut program for the 21st
century. A supply management program that relied on quotas was
replaced with a program that gives a safety net to producers
while also giving them the freedom to make production choices
that best suit them for each particular year.
Seven witnesses testified before the subcommittee
including administration officials, and producers and growers
who are familiar with all aspects of the peanut industry.
March 15, 2004: Review energy and the rural economy.
Subcommittee on Department Operations, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Hearing Serial No. 108-26.
The purpose of this field hearing was to discuss the
opportunities, challenges, and benefits of renewable energy,
particularly the benefits it provides to rural America.
Seven witnesses appeared before the subcommittee and
testified about how agriculture has gone through an amazing
transformation, from working in the fields to feed their
families to feeding the world. In the last few decades,
agriculture has branched out into a whole host of new arenas
that provide markets for American crops, create jobs for
American workers, and offer new products for U.S. consumers as
well as consumer around the world. (Note.-- See also the
discussion of H.R. 6 under ``4. Bills Act on by Both Chambers
But Not Enacted'')
March 29, 2004: Review agricultural research. Subcommittee
on Conservation, Credit, Rural Development and Research.
Hearing Serial No. 108-27.
The purpose of this field hearing was to review
agriculture research and extension. The subcommittee heard from
two panels of witnesses on how agricultural research is
critical to the U.S. For example, in the 1960's, one farmer
supplied 25.8 people in the U.S. and abroad with their food. In
1994, one farmer supplied food for 129 people in the U.S. and
abroad. The efficiency of U.S. farmers also benefits U.S.
consumers. U.S. consumers spend approximately 9 percent of
their income on food compared with 11 percent in the United
Kingdom, 17 percent in Japan, 27 percent in South Africa, and
53 percent in India.
April 8, 2004: Review agricultural conservation.
Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural Development, and
Research. Hearing Serial No. 108-28.
The purpose of this field hearing was to review how
agricultural conservation programs benefit agricultural
producers in Hawaii. Hawaii has a long and diverse history of
agricultural products. The fact that fruits, rice, hogs,
cattle, nuts, coffee beans, sugarcane, forestry products,
flowers and nursery products either are or have been major
agricultural products show just a glimpse of how necessary
conservation programs are to give producers the tools to grow
crops in an environmentally sound manner. Six witnesses
testified on how the 2002 farm bill greatly increased
conservation funding and that in fiscal year 2003, Hawaii
received 37 EQIP contracts worth over $2.1 million but that
there were still many contracts left unfunded.
April 28, 2004: To Review Agricultural Trade Negotiations.
Full committee. Hearing Serial No. 108-29.
The purpose of this hearing was to review agricultural
trade negotiations during which only Administrative witnesses
testified. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman and U.S. Trade
Representative Robert Zoellick assured the committee that they
will consult with and keep Members of the committee fully
informed of all activities related to the recent decision in
the WTO trade dispute filed by Brazil against the U.S.
Additionally they will aggressively pursue all possible appeals
in the case so that the U.S. can maintain its farm programs
that were designed to be and are fully consistent with the WTO
obligations. (Note.-- See also the discussion on P.L. 108-77
(H.R. 2783), P.L. 108-78 (H.R.2739), P.L. 108-286 (H.R. 4759)
and P.L. 108-302 (H.R. 4842) under ``1. Bills Enacted Into
Law'')
May 19, 2004: To Review Agricultural Trade Negotiations.
Full committee. Hearing Serial No. 108-29.
This was the second in a series of hearings related to
agricultural trade negotiations during which the committee
heard from farmers and ranchers who are most affected by
agricultural trade. Testifying before the committee were 15
groups including, but not limited to, the National Chicken
Council, National Cotton Council, National Farmers Union,
National Milk Producers, and National Cattlemen's Beef
Associations. Discussion focused on many trade issues
confronted by the agricultural sector that restrict and even
halt U.S. exports. It was noted that the future strength of
agricultural economy in the U.S. will depend on expanding trade
opportunities. Thus, the committee was urged to help ensure
real and broad-based market access along with careful
consideration of regional and multilateral negotiations.
(Note.-- See also the discussion on P.L. 108-77 (H.R. 2783),
P.L. 108-78 (H.R.2739), P.L. 108-286 (H.R. 4759) and P.L. 108-
302 (H.R. 4842) under ``1. Bills Enacted Into Law'')
May 20, 2004: Review the second anniversary of the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 and its impact on the
farm economy. Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management. Hearing Serial No. 108-30.
The purpose of this hearing was to review the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, a comprehensive law
that attempted to return income stability to U.S. farmers and
ranchers. The subcommittee heard from high level officials from
the USDA, as well as national farm and commodity organizations
on the policies within the legislation as well as the
performance of the programs.
June 2, 2004: To Review the Federal Agricultural Mortgage
Corporation. Full committee. Hearing Serial No. 108-31.
The purpose of this hearing was to examine the programs
and financial products of the Federal Agriculture Mortgage
Corporation. The hearing also focused on an October 2003 report
from the General Accounting Office entitled, ``Farmer Mac: Some
Progress Made, but Greater Attention to Risk Management,
Mission, and Corporate Governance Is Needed.'' In this report,
GAO made observations about Farmer Mac's operations, and point
to several issues of relevance to the committee in terms of
Farmer Mac's mission and management. In addition to GAO, the
committee heard from the Farm Credit Administration, which over
the last several months has increased examination and
supervision of Farmer Mac's management and board activities as
well as its portfolio of agricultural real estate loans and
acquired property, and from the Farmer Mac's Board Chairman and
President.
June 15, 2004: To Review the implementation of the
Conservation Title of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002. Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural
Development and Research. Hearing Serial No. 108-32.
The Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural
Development and Research convened a hearing to review
implementation of the farm bill conservation programs. Many of
the programs assist farmers in accomplishing significant
improvements in environmental quality. These programs are
critical tools for the long-term conservation of soil, water,
and wildlife habitat that also ensure a sound financial base
for agriculture. Discussion involved how the commitments by
agriculture supporters to environmental protection and
improvement are constantly being reshaped by dynamic forces and
pressures at the local, state, national and international
level. Several witnesses expressed concerns about continued
funding of conservation programs. Witnesses also provided
suggestions to move the needle and go beyond the basics to
achieve the full potential of the 2002 farm bill. (Note.-- See
also the discussion on P.L. 108-498 (S. 2856) ``1. Bills
Enacted Into Law'')
June 16, 2004: To Review Iraqi Agriculture, from Oil for
Food to the future of Iraqi production agriculture and trade.
Full committee. Hearing Serial No. 108-33.
The purpose of this hearing was to focus on the successful
food assistance operation that enabled the U.S. and the World
Food Program to feed 26 million Iraqis during the transition
from Saddam's Iraqi to a free Iraq. Even though the food
assistance to Iraq was provided temporarily during the
transition last summer, the importance and effectiveness of the
U.S. Food Aid Program in preventing disruption to the food
supply and keeping the needy fed is clear. USAID is working
toward implementation of both short and long-term interventions
which link agricultural development, trade and food aid in
order to promote food security. In addition, the committee
wanted to receive an update on the investigations into the Oil
for Food Program while facilitating discussion about the future
of Iraqi production agriculture and trade. Compared to many
other countries in the region, Iraq has significant water
resources. Since the arrival of U.S. forces in Iraq, miles of
irrigation, canals and ditches have been restored. Thus,
increased agricultural production is likely in 2004.
June 23, 2004: To Review How Products of Biotechnology are
Used in Agriculture. Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit,
Rural Development, and Research. Hearing Serial No. 108-34.
The Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Research and
Rural Development held a hearing to review the importance of
new technology and its impact on agricultural input costs and
techniques. Witnesses aptly pointed out how certain events such
as trade restrictions have caused domestic usage of
biotechnology to ebb and flow at times. Witnesses also
discussed current and future products that are in the research
pipelines. Biotechnology has made significant contributions to
the enhanced production of key commodities such as corn,
soybeans, cotton and canola. Biotechnology also offers the
ability to improve the quality and enhance the nutritional
content of various foods. Congress was urged to continue to
dismantle any non-scientifically-based trade barriers that
would seek to restrict trade of commodities produced with
biotechnology and promote trade agreements that guarantee the
free and open trade of our agricultural products, whether
produced through traditional or newer methods.
July 14, 2004: To Review USDA's Expanded BSE Cattle
Surveillance Program. Full committee Joint Hearing. Hearing
Serial No. 108-39.
The House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee
on Government Reform held a joint hearing to review the USDA's
expanded Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) cattle
surveillance program. The purpose of the hearing was to examine
USDA's recently implemented expanded surveillance plan and
USDA's efforts to detect the prevalence of BSE in the U.S.
cattle population. The U.S. developed and implemented an active
surveillance program for BSE in 1990. The USDA's improved
surveillance programs are intended to take a snapshot of the
Nation's cattle herd; a baseline from which prevalence of BSE
can be determined. The surveillance in the U.S. is designed to
sample those cattle where BSE would most likely occur (most
susceptible) and where the disease would most likely be
detected. Congress wants to ensure that the USDA has the tools
and resources necessary to ensure the American beef supply
stays BSE free and the cattle markets remain stable.
July 20, 2004: To Review Implementation of the Forest Land
Enhancement Program. Hearing Serial No. Full committee. 108-35.
The Full committee held an oversight hearing to review the
Forest Land Enhancement Program (FLEP), which was authorized in
the 2002 farm bill, but has thus far received only $20 million
of the $100 million in mandatory funds authorized. Congress has
long recognized the importance of private forest lands to the
Nation's fiber supply, as well as important sources of other
forest values such as wildlife habitat, water quality,
recreation, and open space. The intent of FLEP was to create a
flexible companion program to the Forest Stewardship program
that would utilize the existing State Stewardship committees to
identify a range of needed forest conservation and productivity
practices that most efficiently met the needs of each state.
Program implementation has in effect come to a stop since funds
have dried up. This situation has left forest landowners
frustrated, and states facing requests for assistance that far
exceeded even the funding that was available before the funds
were diverted for other purposes. (Note.-- See also the
discussion on P.L. 108-447 (H.R. 4818) under ``1. Bills Enacted
Into Law'')
July 21, 2004: To Review the Federal Crop Insurance
System. Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management. Hearing Serial No. 108-36.
The Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management held a hearing to address problems concerning the
current crop insurance system in regard to affordable coverage,
multi-year losses, and other key factors that have affected
producers. The hearing was intended to consider ways to improve
the effectiveness of the crop insurance system as a risk
management tool for producers.
July 22, 2004: To Review USDA's National Animal
Identification System. Subcommittee on Livestock and
Horticulture. Hearing Serial No. 108-24.
The Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture held a
hearing to discuss the National Animal Identification System.
Because the ability to track ``at-risk'' cattle has become a
major concern for the government, consumers, and industry
alike, national animal identification was propelled onto the
fast track towards implementation. Testimony included witnesses
who have worked on a regional basis with producers, the
livestock industry, State animal health officials, and USDA
officials on how to begin identifying animals.
July 26, 2004: To Review the Endangered Species Act and its
Impact on Agricultural Producers. Subcommittee on Conservation,
Credit, Rural Development and Research. Hearing Serial No. 108-
37.
The Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural
Development, and Research held a hearing to discuss the
Endangered Species Act (ESA) and its impact on agriculture. The
ESA was intended to restore populations of species at risk from
becoming extinct. However, ESA can play a critical role in how
farmers and ranchers do business in the very near future. ESA
places restrictions on how agricultural producers can use their
property in order to protect plants and animals deemed
endangered or threatened. Farmers and ranchers face fines and
imprisonment for even the most basic farm practices if Federal
regulators believe such actions would disturb the endangered
species. Witnesses provided suggestions to Congress on how to
improve the ESA. First witness asserted, the statute should
require the formulation and publication of recovery goals to
accompany any species listing proposal. Secondly, witnesses
urged Congress to amend the standard of ``best available
scientific and commercial information'' to require that the
science be peer-reviewed.
August 17, 2004: To Review USDA's National Animal
Identification System. Subcommittee on Livestock and
Horticulture. Hearing Serial No. 108-24.
This was a field hearing held in Fayetteville, NC. It was
the second hearing held by the Subcommittee on Livestock and
Horticulture to review USDA's National Animal Identification
System (NAIS). In March 2004, the Full committee held a hearing
to gain an understanding of USDA's vision for a NAIS as well as
hear from representatives of various producers groups. On July
22, 2004, the Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture held a
hearing in Washington to review USDA's progress toward
implementing animal ID. Today, seven witnesses appeared before
the subcommittee that included the administration as well as
representatives of various State and national producer groups.
Several witnesses expressed concerns with the cost of
implementing a system, confidentiality, whether it will be a
voluntary or mandatory program, which technology will be used,
and making sure that this is not a ``one size fits all''
program.
September 29, 2004: Review the Farm Credit System.
Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural Development, and
Research. Hearing Serial No. 108-38.
Providing credit to America's farmers and ranchers is a
necessary and serious undertaking for many lenders in the U.S.
This hearing provided a venue for discussion of the Farm Credit
Act and its guidelines for a Farm Credit System Association
that wishes to exit the Farm Credit System (FCS or the System).
Recently, Farm Credit Services of America (FSCA), an
institution of the FCS, initiated procedures to terminate its
involvement in the System. Eight witnesses appeared before the
subcommittee and testified on the many challenges facing
agriculture and rural America today that raise the question of
whether there should be modifications to the System's
chartering legislation in order to enhance agricultural and
rural economies of the future.
2. Legislative Oversight
April 30, 2003: Review of H.R. 1904 the President's
Healthy Forests Initiative. Full committee. Hearing Serial No.
108-3.
The purpose of this hearing was to review the President's
proposed Healthy Forests Initiative. In preparation for the
upcoming 2003 fire season the committee focused on this high
priority legislation which would allow Federal agencies to
reduce the risk to U.S. forest and rangelands from catastrophic
wildfire, disease and infestation through better management.
The committee received testimony from eight individuals
including representatives from the USDA, Department of the
Interior, Forest Service, among others. (Note.-- For further
discussion, see P.L. 108-148 (H.R. 1904) under ``1. Bills
Enacted Into Law'')
January 28, 2004: Review the potential impact of recent
temporary guest worker proposals on the agriculture sector.
Full committee. Hearing Serial No. 108-23.
The purpose of this hearing was to review the potential
impact of recent temporary guest worker proposals on the
agriculture sector. The committee heard from three panels of
witnesses representing the major sections of the agriculture
industry, as well as witnesses representing the views of those
concerned with the U.S. immigration policy.
On November 21, 2003, H.R. 3604 was introduced by Chairman
Bob Goodlatte and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture. H.R. 3604 was
a bi-partisan bill designed to reform the H-2A guest worker
program and to streamline the labor certification process while
also creating a wage standard that is more fair.
E. PRINTED HEARINGS (BY SUBJECT)
ARTIFICIAL BARRIERS TO UNITED STATES AGRICULTURAL TRADE AND
FOREIGN FOOD ASSISTANCE. Full committee. March 26, 2003. Serial
No. 108-1
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FARM SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT
ACT OF 2002 AND AGRICULTURAL ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2003.
Subcommittee on GeneralFarm Commodities and Risk Management.
April 10, 2003. Serial No. 108-2
PRESIDENT'S HEALTHY FORESTS INITIATIVE. Full committee.
April 30, 2003. Serial No. 108-3
DAIRY INDUSTRY. Subcommittee on Department Operations,
Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry. May 20, 2003. Serial No.
108-4
WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION NEGOTIATIONS ON AGRICULTURE. Full
committee. May 21, June 18, July 22, 2003. Serial No. 108-5
FINANCIAL STATUS OF THE CROP INSURANCE INDUSTRY.
Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Managment.
May 22, 2003. Serial No. 108-6
CONSERVATION TITLE OF THE FARM SECURITY AND RURAL
INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002. Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit,
Rural Development, and Research. June 4, 2003. Serial No. 108-7
COMMODITY FUTURES MODERNIZATION ACT. Subcommittee on
General Farm Commodities and Risk Management. June 5, 19, 2003.
Serial No. 108-8
BIOTECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE. Subcommittee on Conservation,
Credit, Rural Development, and Research. June 17, 2003. Serial
No. 108-9
PROPOSALS TO BAN PACKER OWNERSHIP OF LIVESTOCK.
Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture. June 21, 2003
(Grand Island, NE). Serial No. 108-10
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE'S DISTANCE LEARNING AND
TELEMEDICINE PROGRAM. Full committee. June 25, 2003. Serial No.
108-11
MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING. Full committee. June
26, 2003. Serial No. 108-12
REVIEW CROP INSURANCE FOR SPECIALTY CROP PRODUCERS.
Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.
July 10, August 19 (Ada, MN), September 24, October 2, and
December 1, 2003 (Lubbock, TX). Serial No. 108-13
2002 WILDFIRE SEASON AND THE WILDFIRE THREATS OF THE 2003
SEASON. Full committee. July 23, 2003. Serial No. 108-14
TOBACCO QUOTA BUYOUT. Full committee. July 24, 2003. Serial
No. 108-15
OPERATIONS OF THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM. Subcommittee on
Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry. July
24, 2003. Serial No. 108-16
MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING, Part II. Subcommittee
on Livestock and Horticulture. October 1, 2003. Serial No. 108-
17
NEW GENERATION COOPERATIVES AND STRATEGIES TO MAXIMIZE FARM
AND RANCH INCOME. Full committee. October 16, 2003. Serial No.
108-18
UNITED STATES NATIONAL ARBORETUM. Subcommittee on
Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry.
October 21, 2003. Serial No. 108-19
DOMESTIC POLICIES AFFECTING THE SPECIALTY CROP INDUSTRY.
Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture. November 5, 2003.
Serial No. 108-20
APPLICATION FOR CONTRACT MARKET DESIGNATION OF THE UNITED
STATES FUTURES EXCHANGE LLC BEFORE THE COMMODITY FUTURES
TRADING COMMISSION. Full committee. November 6, 2003. Serial
No. 108-21
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE'S BOVINE SPONGIFORM
ENCEPHALOPATHY (BSE) RESPONSE. Full committee. January 21,
2004. Serial No. 108-22
TEMPORARY GUEST WORKER PROPOSALS ON THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR.
Full committee. January 28, 2004. Serial No. 108-23
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE'S NATIONAL ANIMAL
IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM. Full committee. March 5, 2004 (Houston,
TX). Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture. July 22 and
August 17, 2004 (Fayetteville, NC). Serial No. 108-24
PEANUT PROGRAM. Subcommittee on Specialty Crops and Foreign
Agriculture Programs. March 11, 2004. Serial No. 108-25
RENEWABLE ENERGY AND THE RURAL ECONOMY. Subommittee on
Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry.
March 15, 2004 (Rochester, MN. Serial No. 108-26
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION. Subcommittee on
Conservation, Credit, Rural Development, and Research. March
29, 2004 (Athens, GA). Serial No. 108-27
AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS. Subcommittee on
Conservation, Credit, Rural Development, and Research. April 8,
2004 (Hilo, HI). Serial No. 108-28
AGRICULTURAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS. Full committee. April 28,
May 19, 2004. Serial No. 108-29
FARM SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002.
Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.
May 20, 2004. Serial No. 108-30
FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL MORTGAGE CORPORATION. Full committee.
June 2, 2004. Serial No. 108-31
CONSERVATION TITLE OF THE FARM SECURITY AND RURAL
INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002. Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit,
Rural Development, and Research. June 15, 2004. Serial No. 108-
32
IRAQI AGRICULTURE: FROM OIL FOR FOOD TO THE FUTURE OF IRAQI
PRODUCTION, AGRICULTURE, AND TRADE. Full committee. June 16,
2004. Serial No. 108-33
AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY. Subcommittee on Conservation,
Credit, Rural Development, and Research. June 23, 2004. Serial
No. 108-34
FOREST LAND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM. Full committee. July 20,
2004. Serial No. 108-35
FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE SYSTEM. Subcommittee on General Farm
Commodities and Risk Management. July 21, 2004. Serial No. 108-
36
ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT. Subcommittee on Conservation,
Credit, Rural Development and Research. July 26, 2004 (Greeley,
CO). Serial No. 108-37
FARM CREDIT SYSTEM. Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit,
Rural Development and Research. September 29, 2004. Serial No.
108-38
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE'S BSE CATTLE SURVEILLANCE
PROGRAM. Full committee, joint with Committee on Government
Reform. July 14, 2004. Serial No. 108-39
PRINTED HEARINGS (BY SERIAL NO.)
108-1 ARTIFICIAL BARRIERS TO UNITED STATES AGRICULTURAL
TRADE AND FOREIGN FOOD ASSISTANCE. Full committee. March 26,
2003.
108-2 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FARM SECURITY AND RURAL
INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002 AND AGRICULTURAL ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2003.
Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.
April 10, 2003.
108-3 PRESIDENT'S HEALTHY FORESTS INITIATIVE. Full
committee. April 30, 2003.
108-4 STATE OF THE DAIRY INDUSTRY. Subcommittee on
Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry. May
20, 2003.
108-5 WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION NEGOTIATIONS ON AGRICULTURE.
Full committee. May 21, June 18, July 22, 2003.
108-6 FINANCIAL STATUS OF THE CROP INSURANCE INDUSTRY.
Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Managment.
May 22, 2003.
108-7 CONSERVATION TITLE OF THE FARM SECURITY AND RURAL
INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002. Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit,
Rural Development, and Research. June 4, 2003.
108-8 COMMODITY FUTURES MODERNIZATION ACT. Subcommittee on
General Farm Commodities and Risk Management. June 5, 19, 2003.
108-9 BIOTECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE. Subcommittee on
Conservation, Credit, Rural Development, and Research. June 17,
2003.
108-10 PROPOSALS TO BAN PACKER OWNERSHIP OF LIVESTOCK.
Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture. June 21, 2003
(Grand Island, NE).
108-11 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE'S DISTANCE LEARNING
AND TELEMEDICINE PROGRAM. Full committee. June 25, 2003.
108-12 MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING. Full
committee. June 26, 2003.
108-13 CROP INSURANCE FOR SPECIALTY CROP PRODUCERS.
Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.
July 10, August 19 (Ada, MN), September 24, October 2, and
December 1, 2003 (Lubbock, TX).
108-14 2002 WILDFIRE SEASON AND THE WILDFIRE THREATS OF THE
2003 SEASON. Full committee. July 23, 2003.
108-15 TOBACCO QUOTA BUYOUT. Full committee. July 24, 2003.
108-16 OPERATIONS OF THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM. Subcommittee
on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry.
July 24, 2003.
108-17 MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING, Part II.
Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture. October 1, 2003.
108-18 NEW GENERATION COOPERATIVES AND STRATEGIES TO
MAXIMIZE FARM AND RANCH INCOME. Full committee. October 16,
2003.
108-19 UNITED STATES NATIONAL ARBORETUM. Subcommittee on
Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry.
October 21, 2003.
108-20 DOMESTIC POLICIES AFFECTING THE SPECIALTY CROP
INDUSTRY. Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture. November
5, 2003.
108-21 APPLICATION FOR CONTRACT MARKET DESIGNATION OF THE
UNITED STATES FUTURES EXCHANGE LLC BEFORE THE COMMODITY FUTURES
TRADING COMMISSION. Full Committee. November 6, 2003.
108-22 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE'S BOVINE SPONGIFORM
ENCEPHALOPATHY (BSE) RESPONSE. Full committee. January 21,
2004.
108-23 TEMPORARY GUEST WORKER PROPOSALS ON THE AGRICULTURE
SECTOR. Full committee. January 28, 2004.
108-24 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE'S NATIONAL ANIMAL
IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM. Full committee. March 5, 2004 (Houston,
TX). Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture. July 22 and
August 17, 2004 (Fayetteville, NC).
108-25 PEANUT PROGRAM. Subcommittee on Specialty Crops and
Foreign Agriculture Programs. March 11, 2004.
108-26 RENEWABLE ENERGY AND THE RURAL ECONOMY. Subommittee
on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry.
March 15, 2004 (Rochester, MN).
108-27 AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH. Subcommittee on Conservation,
Credit, Rural Development, and Research. March 29, 2004
(Athens, GA).
108-28 AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS. Subcommittee on
Conservation, Credit, Rural Development, and Research. April 8,
2004 (Hilo, HI).
108-29 AGRICULTURAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS. Full committee.
April 28, May 19, 2004.
108-30 FARM SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002.
Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.
May 20, 2004.
108-31 FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL MORTGAGE CORPORATION. Full
committee. June 2, 2004.
108-32 CONSERVATION TITLE OF THE FARM SECURITY AND RURAL
INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002. Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit,
Rural Development, and Research. June 15, 2004.
108-33 IRAQI AGRICULTURE. Full committee. June 16, 2004.
108-34 AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY. Subcommittee on
Conservation, Credit, Rural Development, and Research. June 23,
2004.
108-35 FOREST LAND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM. Full committee.
July 20, 2004.
108-36 FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE SYSTEM. Subcommittee on
General Farm Commodities and Risk Management. July 21, 2004.
108-37 ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT. Subcommittee on
Conservation, Credit, Rural Development and Research. July 26,
2004 (Greeley, CO).
108-38 FARM CREDIT SYSTEM. Subcommittee on Conservation,
Credit, Rural Development and Research. September 29, 2004.
108-39 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE'S BSE CATTLE
SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM. Full committee, joint with Committee on
Government Reform. July 14, 2004.
F. HEARINGS NOT PRINTED
Full committee. Open business meeting. Organizational
meeting and approval by voice vote of Committee Oversight Plan
for 108th Congress. February 12, 2003.
Full committee. Open business meeting. Approval by voice
vote of budget views and estimates letter to be forwarded to
the Committee on the Budget. Approval by voice vote of en bloc
amendment to committee rules for the 108th Congress. February
26, 2003.
Full committee. Open business meeting. H.J. Res. 49,
recognizing the important service to the Nation provided by the
Foreign Agriculture Service of the Department of Agriculture on
the occasion of its 50th Anniversary, ordered favorably
reported to the House; and H.R. 1904, the Healthy Forests
Restoration Act of 2003, ordered favorably reported to the
House. May 8, 2003.
Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural Development,
and Research. Open business meeting. H.R. 1907, to amend the
Food Security Act of 1985 to ensure the availability of funds
to provide technical assistance for certain conservation
programs of the Department of Agriculture, ordered favorably
reported to the full Committee on Agriculture.June 17, 2003.
Full committee. Open business meeting. Without objection, House
Committee on Agriculture findings, pursuant to section 301 of
the Conference Report (H. Rept. 108-71) to accompany the
Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for fiscal year 2004 (H.
Con. Res. 95), adopted and forwarded to the House Committee on
the Budget. September 10, 2003.
Full committee. Open business meeting. H.J. Res. 74,
ordered favorably reported by voice vote; H.R. 1367, ordered
favorably reported, as amended, by voice vote; H.R. 2304,
ordered favorably reported, as amended, by voice vote; H.R.
3157, ordered favorably reported, as amended, by voice vote;
and H.R. 3217, ordered favorably reported, by voice vote.
October 29, 2003.
House-Senate Conference on Healthy Forests Restoration Act
of 2003(H.R. 1904). Open conference meeting. Consideration of
titles I-VI. November 20, 2003.
Full committee. Open business meeting. Approval by voice
vote of budget views and estimates letter to be forwarded to
the Committee on the Budget. March 3, 2004.
Full committee. Open business meeting. H.R. 4576, ordered
favorably reported by voice vote. July 22, 2004.
Full committee. Open business meeting. H. Res. 261, ordered
favorably reported by voice vote; H. Res. 481, ordered
favorably reported by voice vote; H.R. 2119, ordered favorably
reported, as amended, by voice vote; H.R. 2984, ordered
favorably reported by voice vote; H.R. 3372, ordered favorably
reported by voice vote; H.R. 3514, ordered favorably reported,
as amended, by voice vote; H.R. 4569, ordered favorably
reported by voice vote; H.R. 4620, ordered favorably reported,
as amended, by voice vote; H.R. 5042, ordered favorably
reported by voice vote; S. 33, ordered favorably reported by
voice vote; and S. 1814, ordered favorably reported by voice
vote. September 23, 2004.
Full committee. Open business meeting. H.R. 3242, ordered
favorably reported, as amended, by voice vote; and H.R. 5102,
ordered favorably reported, as amended, by voice vote.
September 30, 2004.
G. COMMITTEE PRINTS
Special Orders in Tribute to the Honorable Larry Combest.
Tuesday, May 19, 2003.
Ceremony Unveiling the Portrait of the Honorable Thomas S.
Foley, June25, 2003.
III. Appendix
A. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
1--January 7, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Brucellosis: Testing of Rodeo Bulls Docket No. 01-095-2.
Received December 9, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2--January 7, 2003; Letter from the Administrator, Rural
Utilities Services, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Exceptions of RUS Operational Controls
Under Section 306E of the RE Act (RIN: 0572-AB68) Received
December 2, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3--January 7, 2003; Letter from the Administrator, Rural
Business-Cooperative Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Rural Business
Enterprise Grants and Television Demonstration Grants;
Definition of ``rural area'' and new types of ``eligible small
and emerging private business enterprises'' (RIN: 0570-AA36)
Received December 17, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4--January 7, 2003; Letter from the Chief, Forest Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber;
Extension of Timber Sale Contracts To Facilitate Urgent Timber
Removal From Other Lands (RIN: 0596-AB48) Received December 13,
2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5--January 7, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Mexican Fruit Fly; Addition of Regulated Area Docket No.
02-121-1. Received December 30, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
6--January 7, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Change in Disease Status of Great Britain With Regard to
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Docket No. 01-018-4. Received December
20, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7--January 7, 2003; Letter from the Administrator, Rural
Business-Cooperative Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Business and Industry
Loans; Revision to Definition of Rural Area (RIN: 0570-AA38)
Received December 20, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8--January 7, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review & Foreign Investment Disclosure Group, Farm Service
Agency, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Skip Row and Strip Crops (RIN: 0560-
AG55) Received December 20, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
9--January 7, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California;
Decrease in Desirable Carryout Used to Compute Trade Demand
Docket No. FV02-989-6 FIR. Received December 20, 2002, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10--January 7, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in
Florida; Change in the Minimum Maturity Requirements for Fresh
Grapefruit Docket No. FVO2-905-2 FIR. Received December 20,
2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
11--January 7, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Revision of
Regulations for Determining Price Quotations for Spot Cotton.
Doc. CN-01-004. (RIN: 0581-ACOO) Received December 20, 2002,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
12--January 7, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Stall Reservations at Import Quarantine Facilities Docket
No. 02-024-1. Received December 13, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
13--January 7, 2003; Letter from the Administrator, Rural
Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Demand Side Management and Renewable
Energy Systems (RIN: 0572-AB65) Received December 2, 2002,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
14--January 7, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002;
Possession, Use, and Transfer of Biological Agents and Toxins
Docket No. 02-088-1. (RIN: 0579-AB47) Received December 20,
2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
15--January 7, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California;
Temporary Suspension of a Provision, and Extension of Certain
Deadlines Under the Raisin Diversion Program Docket No. FV03-
989-2 IFR. Received December 20, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
16--January 7, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Carboxin;
Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2002-0326; FRL-7282-1. Received
December 4, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
111--January 8, 2003; Letter from the Chief, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Marketing
Assistance Loans and Loan Deficiency Payments for Peanuts,
Pulse Crops, Wheat, Feed Grains, Soybeans and Other Oilseeds
(RIN: 0560-AG72) Received November 26, 2002, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
112--January 8, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Pesticides;
Tolerance Exemptions for Active and Inert Ingredients for Use
in Antimicrobial Formulations (Food-Contact Surface Sanitizing
Solutions). OPP-2002-0278; FRL-6824-2. Received November 26,
2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
113--January 8, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Pyriproxyfen;
Pesticide Tolerance for Emergency Exemption. OPP-2002-0314;
FRL-7281-2. Received November 26, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
114--January 8, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule-Pyrithiobac Sodium
(sodium 2-chloro-6.(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)thio.benzoate);
Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2002-0005; FRL-7279-5. Received
November 26, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
115--January 8, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Cyromazine;
Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2002-0237; FRL-7274-8. Received
December 2, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
280--January 29, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Poultry Programs, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Increase in Fees and Charges for Egg,
Poultry, and Rabbit Grading Docket No. PY-02-002. (RIN: 0581-
AC10) Received January 2, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
331--January 31, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Termination of Designation of the State of Missouri With
Respect to the Inspection of Meat and Meat Food Products and
Poultry and Poultry Food Products Docket No. 00-052F. Received
January 16, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
332--January 31, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Establishment of Minimum Quality and Handling Standards
for Domestic and Imported Peanuts Marketed in the United States
and Termination of the Peanut Marketing Agreement and
Associated Rules and Regulations Docket No. FV02-996-1 FIR.
Received January 23, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
333--January 31, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in Lower Rio Grande Valley
in Texas; Decreased Assessment Rate Docket No. FV02-906-1 FIR.
Received January 23, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
334--January 31, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Fresh Cut Flowers and Fresh Cut Greens Promotion and
Information Order; Termination. FV-02-710. Received January 23,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
335--January 31, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California;
Increased Assessment Rate Docket No. FV02-989-7 FR. Received
January 23, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
336--January 31, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Mandatory Inspection of Ratites and Squabs Docket No. 01-
045F. Received January 27, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
337--January 31, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Movement and Importation of Fruits and
Vegetables Docket No. 00-059-1. Received January 27, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
338--January 31, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Cold Treatment for Fresh Fruits; Port
of Corpus Christi, TX Docket No. 00-068-3. Received January 27,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
339--January 31, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Mexican Fruit Fly; Regulated Areas
Docket No. 02-129-1. Received January 27, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
340--January 31, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Increases in Fees for Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products
Inspection Services--Fiscal Year 2002 Docket No. 01-019F. (RIN:
0583-AC89) Received January 27, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
341--January 31, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Use of Transglutaminase Enzyme and Pork Collagen as
Binders in Certain Meat and Poultry Products Docket No. 01-
016DF. Received January 27, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
441--February 4, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Termination of Designation of the State of Maine with
Respect to the Inspection of Meat and Meat Food Products and
Poultry and Poultry Food Products Docket No. 02-028F. Received
January 28, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
442--February 4, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Urea; Exemption
from the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2002-0277; FRL-7284-2.
Received December 20, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
443--February 4, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Urea: Revocation
of Tolerance Exemptions. OPP-2 002-0276; FRL-7284-3. Received
December 20, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
766--February 26, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting Agency's final rule--Lambda-cyhalothrin;
Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions. OPP-2002-0335;
FRL-7285-2. Received December 30, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
767--February 26, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Mesotrione;
Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2002-0303; FRL-7282-4. Received
December 30, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
768--February 26, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--S-metolachor;
Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions. OPP-2002-0331;
FRL-7283-2. Received December 30, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
785--February 27, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Extension of
Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions (Multiple Chemicals). OPP-
2002-0336; FRL-7284-8. Received January 21, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
924--March 5, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Imported Fire Ant; Additions to
Quarantined Areas Docket No. 02-114-1. Received February 11,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
925--March 5, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Karnal Bunt; Restrictions on the Use
of Grain Originating in a Regulated Area Docket No. 01-118-2.
Received February 11, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
926--March 5, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Interstate Movement of Gardenia From
Hawaii Docket No. 01-042-2. Received February 11, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
927--March 5, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Fruits and Vegetables From Hawaii
Docket No. 00-052-2. Received February 11, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
928--March 5, 2003; Letter from the Administrator, Dairy
Programs, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Milk in the Central Marketing Area;
Interim Order Amending the Order Docket No. AO-313-A44; DA-01-
07. Received February 12, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
929--March 5, 2003; Letter from the Administrator, Dairy
Programs, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Milk in the Northeast and Other
Marketing Areas: Order Amending the Orders Docket No. AO-14-
A69, et al.: DA-00-03. Received February 12, 2003, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
930--March 5, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agriculture Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in
Florida; Exemption for Shipments of Tree Run Citrus Docket No.
FV02-905-4 FIR. Received February 12, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
931--March 5, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California;
Modifications to the Raisin Diversion Program Docket No. FV03-
989-1IFR. Received February 12, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
932--March 5, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Program,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California;
Additional Opportunity for Participation in 2002 Raisin
Diversion Program Docket No. FV02-989-5 FIR. Received February
12, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
933--March 5, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Farm Service Agency, Rural Housing
Service, Rural Utilities Service, Rural Business-Cooperative
Service (RIN: 0560-AE02) Received February 13, 2002, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
934--March 5, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Farm Loan Programs Account Servicing
Policies-Reduction of Amortized Shared Appreciation Recapture
Amortization Rate (RIN: 0560-AG43) Received February 13, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
935--March 5, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Transportation, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Used Farm Equipment
From Regions Affected With Foot-and-Mouth Disease Docket No.
01-037-2. Received February 11, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
969--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Tobacco Loss Assistance Program 2001
(RIN: 0560-AG61) Received February 13, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
970--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Livestock Indemnity Program (RIN:
0560-AG33) Received February 13, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
971--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Chief, Regulatory
Review and Foreign Investment Disclosure Group, Department of
Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final rule--Hard
White Wheat Incentive Program (RIN: 0560-AG71) Received
February 13, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
972--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Administrator, Farm
Service Agency, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Apple Market Loss Assistance Payment
Program III (RIN: 0560-AG85) Received February 13, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
973--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Mexican Fruit Fly; Addition of
Regulated Area Docket No. 02-121-2. Received February 20, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
974--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--AQI User Fees: Extension of Current
Fees Beyond Fiscal Year 2002 Docket No. 02-085-2. Received
February 20, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
975--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Exotic Newcastle Disease; Additions to
Quarantined Area Docket No. 02-117-3. Received February 20,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
976--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Swine Health Protection Docket No. 03-
008-1. Received February 20, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
977--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Remove Texas From Lists of States
Approved to Receive Stallions and Mares From CEM-Affected
Regions Docket No. 03-004-1. Received February 20, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
978--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Exotic Newcastle Disease; Additions to
Quarantined Area Docket No. 02-117-4. Received February 20,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
979--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Witchweed; Regulated Areas Docket No.
02-042-1. Received February 20, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
980--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Animal Health Protection Act;
Revisions to Authority Citations Docket No. 02-076-1. Received
February 20, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
981--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Implementation of the United States
Warehouse Act (RIN: 0560-AG45) Received February 20, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
982--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Tobacco Marketing Quotas, Acreage
Allotsments and Production Adjustment (RIN: 0560-AG51) Received
February 20, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
983--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Dairy Indemnity Payment Program (RIN:
0560-AG08) Received February 20, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
984--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Grazing Payments for 2001 Wheat,
Barley, or Oats (RIN: 0560-AG22) Received February 20, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
985--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Collecting Guaranteed Loss Payments
From FSA Farm Loan Program Borrowers (RIN: 0560-AG44) Received
February 20, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
986--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Limitations on the Amount of Farm
Service Agency Guaranteed Loans (RIN: 0560-AG64) Received
February 20, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
987--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Conservation Reserve Program-Farmable
Wetlands Pilot Program (RIN: 0560-AG38) Received February 20,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
988--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Sale and Purchase of Flue-Cured
Tobacco Across County Lines (Florida and Georgia) Received
February 20, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
989--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Conservation Reserve Program-Good
Faith Reliance and Excessive Rainfall (RIN: 0560-AG37) Received
February 20, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
990--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Transportation, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Boll Weevil Eradication Loan Program
(RIN: 0560-AG69) Received February 20, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
991--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Transportation, transmitting the
Department's final rule--2002 Farm Bill Regulations-Termination
of Peanut Market Quota Program and Revised Flue-Cured Tobacco
Reserve Stock Level (RIN: 0560-AG75) Received February 20,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
992--March 6, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Transportation, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Amendments to the Tobacco Marketing
Quota Regulations (RIN: 0560-AG40) Received February 20, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1002--March 10, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Payment Limits (RIN: 0560-AG77)
Received February 20, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1028--March 11, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Thiophanate
Methyl; Pesticide Tolerance for Emergency Exemptions. OPP-2002-
0355; FRL-7285-9. Received February 3, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1029--March 11, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Cyprodinil;
Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2002-0344; FRL-7289-7. Received
February 3, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1030--March 11, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--6-Benzyladenine;
Temporary Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-
2002-0308; FRL-7287-2. Received February 3, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1031--March 11, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Oxadiazon;
Tolerance Revocations. OPP-2002-0086; FRL-7187-3. Received
January 22, 2002, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1032--March 11, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--4-
(Dichloroacetyl)-1-Oxa-4-Azaspiro. 4.5. Decane; Pesticide
Import Tolerance. OPP-2002-0245; FRL-7199-4. Received January
22, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1033--March 11, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Pesticides;
Tolerance Exemptions for Polymers. OPP-2003-0039; FRL-7291-7.
Received February 20, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1034--March 11, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Pelargonic Acid
(Nonanoic Acid); Exemption from the Requirement of a Pesticide
Tolerance. OPP-2002-273; FRL-7278-7. Received February 20,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1078--March 12, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Decanoic Acid;
Exemption from the Requirement of a Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2002-0272; FRL-7278-6. Received February 20, 2003, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1079--March 12, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Imazamox;
Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2003-0034;
FRL-7291-3. Received February 11, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
1130--March 13, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Payments for Cattle and Other Property
Because of Tuberculosis Docket No. 00-105-2. (RIN: 0579-AB36)
Received March 7, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1131--March 13, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Unshu Oranges From Honshu Island,
Japan Docket No. 02-108-1. Received March 7, 2003, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1132--March 13, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Aluminum tris (O-
ethylphosphonate); Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2002-0348; FRL-
7292-6. Received March 6, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
1133--March 13, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--1,3 Benzene
Dicarboxylic Acid, 5-Sulfo-, 1,3-Dimethyl Ester, Sodium Salt,
Polymer with 1,3-Benzene Dicarboxylic Acid, 1,4-Benzene
Dicarboxylic Acid, Dimethyl 1,4-Benzene Dicarboxylate and 1,2-
Ethanediol; Tolerance Exemption. OPP-2003-0037; FRL-7290-9.
Received March 4, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1134--March 13, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Pyriproxyfen;
Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2002-0345; FRL-7289-6. Received March
4, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1220--March 20, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Mexican Fruit Fly; Treatments Docket No. 02-129-2.
Received March 3, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1221--March 20, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Mexican Fruit Fly; Addition of Regulated Area Docket No.
02-129-3. Received March 18, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
1222--March 20, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Licensing and Inspection Requirements for Dealers of Dogs
Intended for Hunting, Breeding, or Security Purposes Docket No.
99-087-3. Received March 18, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
1303--March 24, 2003; Letter from the Administrator, Rural
Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--RUS Specification for Voice Frequency
Loading Coils--Received March 13, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
1304--March 24, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Imazethapyr;
Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2003-0032; FRL-7294-1. Received March
18, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1380--March 25, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Walnuts Grown in California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Docket No. FV02-984-1 FIR. Received March 20, 2003, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1381--March 25, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Limes Grown in Florida and Imported Limes; Termination of
Marketing Order and Implementing Rules and Regulations Docket
No. FV03-911-1 FR. Received March 20, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1382--March 25, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Onions Grown in South Texas; Revision of Rules and
Regulations Docket No. FV03-959-2 IFR. Received March 20, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1383--March 25, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Hazelnuts Grown in Oregon and Washington; Establishment
of Final Free and Restricted Percentages for the 2002-2003
Marketing Year Docket No. FV03-982-1 IFR. Received March 20,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1384--March 25, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California;
Reduction in Production Cap for 2003 Diversion Program Docket
No. FV03-989-3 IFR. Received March 20, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1385--March 25, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California;
Temporary Suspension of a Provision, and Extension of Certain
Deadlines Under the Raisin Diversion Program Docket No. FV03-
989-2 FIR. Received March 20, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
1433--March 26, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Folpet; Pesticide
Tolerance. OPP-2003-0075; FRL-7296-2. Received February 27,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1434--March 26, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Hexythiazox;
Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2003-0036; FRL-7292-8. Received
February 27, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1560--March 31, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Bacillus pumilus
GB 34; Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2002-
0328; FRL-7286-9. Received March 27, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
1561--March 31, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--S-Metolachlor;
Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2003-0 046; FRL-7229-8. Received March
27, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1674--April 7, 2003; Letter from the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration, transmitting the
administration's final rule--Funding and Fiscal Affairs, Loan
Policies and Operations, and Funding Operations; Capital
Adequacy--ABS and MBS Investments (RIN: 3052-AC14) Received
March 31, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1702--April 8, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Lactic acid,
ethyl ester and Lactic acid, n-butyl ester; Exemptions from the
Requirement of a Tolerance; Technical Correction. OPP-2002-0-
217; FRL-7298-4. Received April 1, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
1703--April 8, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Modified Acrylic
Polymers; Revision of Tolerance Exemption. OPP-2003-0079; FRL-
7297-8. Received April 1, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
1723--April 8, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Fellowships. FRL-
7476-2. (RIN: 2030-AA77) Received April 1, 2002, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1813--April 12, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Recognition of Animal Disease Status
of Regions in the European Union Docket No. 98-090-5. (RIN:
0579-AB03) Received April 10, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
1814--April 12, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review and Foreign Investment Disclosure Group, Department of
Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final rule--2002
Farm Bill Regulations-General Credit Provisions (RIN: 0560-
AG78) Received March 31, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
1815--April 12, 2003; Letter from the Administrator, Rural
Business-Cooperative Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Methodology and
Formulas for Allocation of Loan and Grant Program Funds (RIN:
0570-AA30) Received April 8, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
1816--April 12, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Decanoic Acid;
Exemption from the Requirement of a Pesticide Tolerance;
Technical Correction. OPP-2002-0272; FRL-7296-9. Received April
4, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
1817--April 12, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal
Deputy Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Pesticides;
Tolerance Exemptions for Active and Inert Ingredients for Use
in Antimicrobial Formulations (Food-Contact Surface Sanitizing
Solutions); Withdrawal of Direct Final Rule. OPP-2002-0278;
FRL-7299-4. Received March 24, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
1976--May 1, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Tuberculosis in Cattle and Bison;
State Designations; California Docket No. 03-005-1. Received
April 29, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2010--May 5, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agriculture Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Onions Grown in South Texas; Increased Assessment Rate
Docket No. FV03-959-1 FR. Received April 21, 2003, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2011--May 5, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Tomatoes Grown in Florida; Decreased Assessment Rate;
Correction Docket No. FV03-966-03 C. Received April 21, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2060--May 7, 2003; Letter from the General Counsel,
Department of the Treasury, transmitting a draft bill entitled,
``Rural Electrification Act Amendments of 2003''.
2089--May 8, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Tobacco Payment Program (RIN: 0560-
AG96) Received May 2, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2145--May 13, 2003; Letter from the Directors, FinCEN,
Department of the Treasury, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Customer Identification Programs for Futures Commission
Merchants and Introducing Brokers (RIN: 1506-AA34) Received May
1, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2146--May 13, 2003; Letter from the Regulatory Contact,
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Fees for Rice Inspection Services (RIN: 0580-AA82)
Received May 6, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2147--May 13, 2003; Letter from the Administrator, Rural
Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Useful Life of Facility Determination
(RIN: 0572-AB80) Received May 6, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
2148--May 13, 2003; Letter from the Under Secretary, Food
Stamp Program, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Food Stamp Program: Anticipating
Income and Reporting Changes. Amendment No. 376. (RIN: 0584-
AB57) Received May 2, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2149--May 13, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Bacillus Thuringiensis
Cry1F Protein in Cotton; Temporary Exemption from the
Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2003-0147; FRL-7302-4. Received
April 29, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2186--May 14, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Pesticide Tolerance
Processing Fees; Annual Adjustment. OPP-2003-0140; FRL-7302-7.
Received May 1, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2187--May 14, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Indoxacarb; Time-Limited
Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2003-0173; FRL-7307-6. Received May 7,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2188--May 14, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Sapote Fruit Fly Docket No. 03-032-1.
Received May 9, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2189--May 14, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Imported Fire Ant; Additions to
Quarantined Areas Docket No. 02-114-2. Received May 9, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2190--May 14, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Cottonseed Payment Program (RIN: 0560-
AG97) Received May 12, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2226--May 15, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Raisin Produced from Grapes Grown in California; Final
Free and Reserve Percentages for 2002-03 Crop Natural (Sun-
Dried) Seedless and Zante Currant Raisins Docket No. FV03-989-4
IFR. Received April 21, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
2227--May 15, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Sweet Cherries Grown in Designated Counties in
Washington; Established of Procedures to Allow the Grading or
Packing of Sweet Cherries Outside the Production Area Docket
No. FV02-923-1 IFR. Received April 21, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2228--May 15, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Dried Prunes Produced in California; Revising the
Regulations Concerning Compensation Rates for Handlers'
Services Performed Regarding Reserve Prunes Covered Under the
California Dried Prune Marketing Order Docket No. FV02-993-2
FR. Received April 21, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2229--May 15, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Revision of
Handling Requirements for Fresh Nectarines and Peaches Docket
No. FV03-916-2 IFR. Received April 21, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2230--May 15, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Olives Grown in California; Increased Assessment Rate
Docket No. FV03-932-1 FR. Received May 7, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2231--May 15, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern
California; Establishment of Safeguards and Procedures for
Suspension of Packing Holidays Docket No. FV03-925-2 IFR.
Received May 7, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2232--May 15, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, PACA Branch, Department of
Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA): Amending
Regulations to Extend PACA Coverage to Fresh and Frozen Fruits
and Vegetables that are Coated or Battered Docket No. FV02-369.
(RIN: 0581-AC21) Received May 7, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
2233--May 15, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Winter Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington; Order
Amending Marketing Order No. 927 Docket No. FV00-927-3.
Received May 7, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2234--May 15, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Exotic Newcastle Disease; Additions to
Quarantined Area Docket No. 02-117-5. Received April 21, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2282--May 19, 2003; Letter from the Fiscal Assistant
Secretary, Department of the Treasury, transmitting the
Department's March 2003 ``Treasury Bulletin'', pursuant to 26
U.S.C. 9602(a).
2283--May 19, 2003; Letter from the Director, Executive
Office of the President, transmitting a bill to reauthorize the
Office of National Drug Control Policy.
2284--May 20, 2003; Letter from the Regulatory Contact,
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Exceptions to Geographic Areas for Official Agencies
Under the USGSA Docket No. FGIS 2003-003. (RIN: 0580-AA76)
Received May 16, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2285--May 20, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review and Foreign Investment Disclosure Group, Department of
Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final rule--Acreage
Reporting and Common Provisions (RIN: 0560-AG79) Received May
14, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2286--May 20, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Pesticides; Minimal Risk
Tolerance Exemptions. OPP-2003-0126; FRL-7302-6. Received May
16, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2287--May 20, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Indoxacarb; Pesticide
Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions. OPP-2003-0151; FRL-7305-2.
Received May 16, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2288--May 20, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Pyriproxyfen; Pesticide
Tolerances. OPP-2003-0109; FRL-7305-9. Received May 14, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2289--May 20, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Pyraflufen-ethyl;
Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2003-0163; FRL-7306-1. Receive May 14,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2320--May 21, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--.alpha.-Hydro-.omega.-
Hydroxypoly (oxythylene) C8-C18-Alkyl Ether Citrates,
Poly(oxyethylene) content is 4-12 moles Tolerance Exemption.
OPP-2003-0023; FRL-7290-8. Received April 28, 2003, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2321--May 21, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Bifenthrin; Pesticide
Tolerance. OPP-2002-0358; FRL-7304-4. Received April 28, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2322--May 21, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Mefenpyr-Diethyl;
Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2003-0077; FRL-7297-9. Received April
28, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2323--May 21, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Pyraflufen-ethyl;
Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2003-0110; FRL-7300-9. Received April
28, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2344--May 22, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--2002 Farm Bill--Conservation Reserve
Program--Long-Term Policy (RIN: 0560-AG74) Received May 19,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2367--June 2, 2003; Letter from the Regulatory Contact,
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Official Performance and Procedural Requirements for
Grain Weighing Equipment and Related Grain Handling Systems,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2368--June 2, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Bioenergy Program (RIN: 0560-AG84)
Received May 19, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2369--June 2, 2003; Letter from the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration, transmitting the
Administration's final rule--Funding and Fiscal Affairs, Loan
Policies and Operations, and Funding Operations; Capital
Adequacy (RIN: 3052-AC05) Received April 21, 2003, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2511--June 4, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Beef from Uruguay
Docket No. 02-109-3. Received June 2, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2512--June 4, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulations
Policy and Management Staff, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Change in Disease
Status of Canada Because of BSE Docket No. 03-058-1. Received
June 2, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2531--June 5, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Exotic Newcastle Disease; Additions to
Quarantined Area (Docket No. 02-117-7. Received May 27, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2532--June 5, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Asian Longhorned Beetle; Quarantined
Areas and Regulated Articles Docket No. 03-018-1. Received May
27, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2533--June 5, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Movement and Importation of Fruits and
Vegetables Docket No. 00-059-2. Received May 27, 2003, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2534--June 5, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Hot Water Dip Treatment for Mangoes
Docket No. 02-026-5. Received May 27, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2535--June 5, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Additional Declaration for Imported
Articles of Pelargonium spp. and Solanum spp. To Prevent
Introduction of Potato Brown Rot Docket No. 03-019-1. Received
May 27, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2554--June 9, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Exotic Newcastle Disease; Removal of
Areas From Quarantine Docket No. 02-117-6. Received May 27,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2555--June 9, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Ports Designated for Exportation of
Livestock; Portland, OR Docket No. 02-127-1. Received May 27,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2556--June 9, 2003; Letter from the Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Thymol and Eucalyptus
Oil; Exemptions from the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2003-
0002; FRL-7308-1. Received June 3, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
2672--June 16, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Requirements for the USDA ``Produced From'' Grademark for
Shell Eggs Docket No. PY-02-007. (RIN: 0581-AC24) Received June
2, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2673--June 16, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Dried Prunes Produced in California; Revising the
Regulations Pertaining to a Voluntary Prune Plum Diversion
Program Docket No. FV02-993-3 FR. Received May 29, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2674--June 16, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil
Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment
Percentages for the 2003-2004 Marketing Year Docket No. FV-03-
985-1 FR. Received June 2, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
2675--June 16, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California;
Reduction in Production Cap for 2003 Diversion Program Docket
No. FV03-989-3 FIR. Received June 2, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
2676--June 16, 2003; Letter from the Administrator, Tobacco
Programs, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Flue-Cured Tobacco Advisory Committee;
Amendment to Regulations. Doc. No. TB-02-14. (RIN: 0581-AC11)
Received June 2, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2677--June 16, 2003; Letter from the Administrator, Cotton
Program, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Cotton Board Rules and Regulations:
Adjusting Supplemental Assessment on Imports, (2003 Amendments)
Docket No. CN-03-002. Received June 2, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2678--June 16, 2003; Letter from the Administrator, Cotton
Programs, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Revision of User Fees for 2003 Crop
Cotton Classification Services to Growers. CN-02-006. (RIN:
0581-AC17) Received June 2, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
2679--June 16, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Increased
Assessment Rate Docket No. FV03-985-2 FIR. Received June 2,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2680--June 16, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Hazelnuts Grown in Oregon and Washington; Establishment
of Final Free and Restricted Percentages for the 2002-2003
Marketing Year Docket No. FV03-982-1 FIR. Received June 2,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2681--June 16, 2003; Letter from the Regulatory Contact,
Grain Inspection, Packersand Stockyards Administration,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Fees for Official Inspection and Official Weighing
Services (RIN: 0580-AA81) Received May 29, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2701--June 17, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable, Department
of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Modifications
to the Raisin Diversion Program Docket No. FV03-989-1 FIR.
Received June 2, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2723--June 18, 2003; Letter from the Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Methoprene,
Watermelon Mosaic Virus-2 Coat Protein, and Zucchini Yellow
Mosaic Virus Coat Protein; Final Tolerance Actions. OPP-2003-
0159; FRL-7309-5. Received June 3, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
2724--June 18, 2003; Letter from the Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Glyphosate; Pesticide
Tolerance. OPP-2003-0155; FRL-7308-8. Received June 12, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2725--June 18, 2003; Letter from the Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Imidacloprid; Pesticide
Tolerances. OPP-2003-0103; FRL-7310-8. Received June 12, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2730--June 18, 2003; Letter from the Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Bacillus Pumilus Strain
QST2808; Temporary Exemption From the Requirement of a
Tolerance. OPP-2003-0113; FRL-7301-1. Received June 11, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2753--June 19, 2003; Letter from the Chairman, Council on
Environmental Quality, transmitting an account of the actions
taken by the administration to implement the President's
climate change strategy.
2754--June 23, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Removal of Cold Treatment Requirement for Ya Pears
Imported From Hebei Province in China Docket No. 02-084-2.
Received June 17, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2755--June 23, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Exotic Newcastle Disease; Removal of Areas from
Quarantine Docket No. 02-117-8. Received June 17, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2756--June 23, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Viruses, Serums, Toxins, and Analogous Products; Standard
Requirements for Determination of Residual Free Formaldehyde
Content of Biological Products Docket No. 01-091-2. Received
June 17, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
2757--June 23, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting The Department's final
rule--Tuberculosis Testing for Imported Cattle Docket No. 00-
102-2. Received June 17, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
2800--June 24, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, FSA, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--2002 Marketing Quota and Price Support
for Flue-Cured Tobacco (RIN: 0560-AG60) Received June 19, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3009--July 8, 2003; Letter from the Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Extension of Tolerances
for Emergency Exemptions (Multiple Chemicals). OPP-2003-0179;
FRL-7311-5. Received June 20, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
3010--July 8, 2003; Letter from the Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Flufenacet (N-(4-
fluorophenyl)-N-(1-methylethyl)-2-..5-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3,4-
thiadiazol -2-yl.oxy. acetamide; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2003-
0181; FRL-7313-9. Received June 20, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
3011--July 8, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Clothianidin; Pesticide
Tolerance. OPP-2003-0133; FRL-7306-8. Revceived May 29, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3012--July 8, 2003; Letter from the Acting Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Methoxyfenozide;
Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2003-0088; FRL-7308-6. Received May
29, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3013--July 8, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Bacillus thuringiensis Cry34Ab1 and
Cry35Ab1 Proteins and the Genetic Material Necessary for their
Production in Corn; Temporary Exemption from the Requirement of
a Tolerance. OPP-2003-0154; FRL-7310-1. Received July 1, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3014--July 8, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Diallyl Sulfides; Exemption from the
Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2003-0134; FRL-7303-6. Received
July 1, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3015--July 8, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Famoxadone; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2003-0130; FRL-7310-9. Received July 1, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3016--July 8, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Fludioxonil; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2003-0135; FRL-7313-7. Received July 1, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3017--July 8, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Glyphosate; Pesticide Tolerance;
Technical Correction. OPP-2003-0155; FRL-7316-5. Received July
1, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3018--July 8, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Pesticide Tolerance Nomenclature
Changes; Technical Amendment. OPP-2002-0043; FRL-7308-9.
Received July 1, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3019--July 8, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Pesticide Tolerance Nomenclature
Changes; Technical Amendment. OPP-2002-0043; FRL-7316-9.
Received July 1, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3059--July 9, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Salmonella Enteritidis Phage-Type 4;
Remove Import Restrictions and Salmonella Enteritidis Serotype
Enteritidis; Remove Regulations Docket No. 00-107-2. (RIN:
0579-AB31) Received July 1, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
3060--July 9, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Irradiation of Sweetpotatoes From
Hawaii Docket No. 03-062-1. Received July 1, 2003, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3061--July 9, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Fruits and Vegetables
Docket No. 02-026-4. Received July 1, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3062--July 9, 2003; Letter from the Administrator, Risk
Management Agency, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Common Crop Insurance Regulations;
Small Grains Crop Insurance Provisions and Wheat Crop Insurance
Winter Coverage Endorsement (RIN: 0563-AB63) Received July 1,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3143--July 14, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Emamectin; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2003-0220; FRL-7316-6. Received July 8, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3144--July 14, 2003; Letter from the Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Azoxystrobin; Pesticide
Tolerance. OPP-2003-0196; FRL-7311-2. Received July 7, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3145--July 14, 2003; Letter from the Principal Deputy
Associate Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency,
transmitting the Agency's final rule--Buprofezin; Pesticide
Tolerance. OPP-2003-0136; FRL-7310-7. Received July 7, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3233--July 16, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Disqualification for Crop Insurance
Fraud (RIN: 0560-AG70) Received July 15, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3234--July 16, 2003; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--2003 Agricultural Assistance Act--Crop
Disaster Program and Livestock Assistance Program (RIN: 0560-
AG95) Received July 15, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
3235--July 16, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Addition of Australia and New Zealand to the List of
Foreign Countries Eligible to Import Poultry Products (Ratite
Only) Into the United States Docket No. 02-015DF. (RIN: 0583-
AC97) Received July 14, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
3257--July 17, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Aspergillus flavus AF36; Exemption
from the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2003-0138; FRL-7311-6.
Received July 14, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3258--July 17, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Cymoxanil; Pesticide Tolerances. OPP-
2003-0219; FRL-7313-6. Received July 14, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3259--July 17, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Imidacloprid; Pesticide Tolerances
Technical Correction. OPP-2003-0103; FRL-7317-1.Received July
14, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3263--July 18, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Dried Prunes Produced in California; Changes in Reporting
Requirements Docket No. FV03-993-1 IFR. Received July 10, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3264--July 18, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.;
Increased Assessment Rate Docket No. FV03-930-2 FR. Received
July 10, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3265--July 18, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Increase in Membership
on the Area No. 2 Colorado Potato Administrative Committee
Docket No. FV03-948-1 FR. Received July 10, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3266--July 18, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Changes in Fees for Federal Meat Grading and
Certification Services Docket No. LS-02-06. (RIN: 0581-AC13)
Received 10, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3267--July 18, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's
``Major'' final rule--Control of Listeria monocytogenes in
Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Docket No. 97-013F.
(RIN: 0583-AC46) Received July 14, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
3278--July 21, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Dried Prunes Produced in California; Temporary Suspension
of the Prune Reserve and the Voluntary Producer Prune Plum
Diversion Provisions Docket No. FV03-993-2IFR. Received July
16, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3279--July 21, 2003; Letter from the Branch Chief, EBT-
Benefit Redemption Divisor, Food and Nutrition Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Food Stamp Program: Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)
Systems Interoperability and Portability. Amendment No. 384.
(RIN: 0584-AC91) Received July 1, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
3280--July 21, 2003; Letter from the Chief, Retailer
Management Branch, Food and Nutrition Service, Department of
Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final rule--Food
Stamp Program: Administrative Review Requirements--Food
Retailers and Wholesalers (RIN: 0584-AD23) Received July 7,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3333--July 22, 2003; Letter from the Secretary, Department
of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's draft bill
entitled, ``To amend sections 7D, 16(i)(2), and 19 of the
United States Grain Standards Act to authorize the Secretary of
Agriculture to recover through user fees the costs of
standardization activities''.
3378--July 23, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern
California; Establishment of Safeguards and Procedures for
Suspension of Packing Holidays Docket No. FV03-925-2 FIR.
Received July 16, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3379--July 23, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Raisins Produced from Grapes Grown in California; Final
Free and Reserve Percentages for 2002-03 Crop Natural (Sun-
dried) Seedless and Zante Currant Raisins Docket No. FV03-989-4
FIR. Received July 16, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3380--July 23, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Thiophanate Methyl; Pesticide
Tolerance for Emergency Exemptions. OPP-2003-0242; FRL-7317-5.
Received July 18, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3454--July 24, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Bacillus subtilis var.
amyloliquefaciens strain FZB24; Exemption from the Requirement
of a Tolerance. OPP-2003-0059; FRL-7309-8. Received July 23,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3495--July 25, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza;
Payment of Indemnity Docket No. 02-048-2. (RIN: 0579-AB46)
Received July 25, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3496--July 25, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Oriental Fruit Fly; Removal of
Quarantined Area Docket No. 02-130-2. Received July 25, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3497--July 25, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Tuberculosis in Cattle and Bison;
State Designations; New Mexico Docket No. 03-044-1. Received
July 25, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3498--July 25, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Japanese Beetle; Domestic Quarantine
and Regulations Docket No. 03-057-1. Received July 25, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3499--July 25, 2003; Letter from the Administrator, Rural
Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Extensions of Payments of Principal
and Interest (RIN: 0572-AB79) Received July 25, 2003, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3500--July 25, 2003; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Transportation, transmitting
the Department's final rule--Sapote Fruit Fly; Removal of
Quarantined Area in Texas Docket No. 03-032-2. Received July
25, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3501--July 25, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Boscalid; 3-pyridinecarboxamide, 2-
chloro-N-(4'chloro.1,1'-biphenyl.-2-yl); Pesticide Tolerance.
OPP-2003-0246; FRL-7319-6. Received July 25, 2003, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3616--July 25, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Secretary,
Department of State, transmitting a draft of proposed
legislation entitled ``Compact of Free Association Amendments
Act of 2003''.
3639--September 3,, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
FSIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Changes in Fees for Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products
Inspection Services--Calendar Year (CY) 2003 Docket No. 02-
034F. (RIN: 0583-AC94) Received August 12, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3640--September 3, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California;
Revision of Varietal Types Docket No. FV03-989-6 IFR. Received
August 12, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3641--September 3, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Dried Prunes Produced in California; Temporary Suspension
of the Mandatory Outgoing Prune Inspection and Quality
Requirements, and Modification of the Undersized Prune
Disposition Requirements Under the Marketing Order; and
Suspension of the Prune Import Regulation Docket No. FV03-993-3
IFR. Received August 12, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
3642--September 3, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Kiwifruit Grown in California; Relaxation of Pack
Requirements Docket No. FV03-920-1 FR. Received August 12,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3643--September 3, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California;
Reduction in Additional Storage Payments Regarding Reserve
Raisins Intended for Use as Cattle Feed Docket No. FV03-989-7
IFR. Received August 12, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
3644--September 3, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Dried Prunes Produced in California; Decreased Assessment
Rate Docket No. FV03-993-4 IFR. Received August 12, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3645--September 3, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Grapefruit and Oranges (Texas and States Other than
Florida, California, and Arizona); Grade Standards Docket
Number FV-00-304. Received August 12, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3646--September 3, 2003; Letter from the Secretary,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting a copy of the
Department's draft bill entitled, ``Packers and Stockyards
Licensing Fee Act of 2003''.
3647--September 3, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--2,6-Diisopropylnaphthalene; Temporary
Tolerances. OPP-2003-0127; FRL-7321-6. Received August 6, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3648--September 3, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Hydramethylnon; Pesticide Tolerance.
OPP-2003-0251; FRL-7319-5. Received August 6, 2003, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3649--September 3, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Tralkoxydim; Time-Limited Pesticide
Tolerance. OPP-2003-0180; FRL-7315-9. Received August 6, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3650--September 3, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Department's final rule--Diallyl Sulfides; Exemption from
the Requirement of a Tolerance Correction. OPP-2003-0134; FRL-
7320-5. Received August 13, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
3651--September 3, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Envrionmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Spinosad; Pesticide Tolerances for
Emergency Exemptions. OPP-2003-0207; FRL-7317-3. Received
August 6, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3951--September 4, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Change in Minimum Quality and Handling Standards for
Domestic and Imported Peanuts Marketed in the United States
Docket No. FV03-996-2 IFR. Received September 2, 2003, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3952--September 4, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Revision of
Handling Requirements for Fresh Nectarines and Peaches Docket
No. FV03-916-2 IFR-A. Received September 2, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3953--September 4, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Onions Grown in Certain Designated Counties in Idaho, and
Malheur County, Oregon; Increased Assessment Rate and Defined
Fiscal Period Docket No. FV03-958-01 FR. Received September 2,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3954--September 4, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Increased
Assessment Rates Docket No. FV03-916-4 IFR. Received September
2, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3955--September 4, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Milk in the Central Marketing Area Docket # DA-03-09; AO-
313-A45. Received September 2, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
3956--September 4, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Milk in the Upper Midwest Marketing Area: Order Amending
the Order Docket No. DA-01-03; AO-361-A35. Received September
2, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
3957--September 4, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--United States Standards for Grades of Pistachio Nuts in
the Shell, and United States Standards for Grades of Shelled
Pistachio Nuts Docket Number FV-98-304. Received September 2,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4041--September 9, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Acetamiprid; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2002-0299; FRL-7324-1. Received August 27, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4042--September 9, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Bifenthrin; Pesticide Tolerance for
Emergency Exemption; Technical Amendment. OPP-2003-0288; FRL-
7323-9. Received August 27, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
4043--September 9, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Lambda Cyhalothrin; Pesticide
Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions. OPP-2003-0267; FRL-7321-3.
Received August 27, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4044--September 9, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Propylene Carbonate; Exemption from
the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2003-0284; FRL-7323-7.
Received September 2, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4045--September 9, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Diflubenzuron; Pesticide Tolerances
for Emergency Exemptions. OPP-2003-0279; FRL-7323-1. Received
August 26, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4148--September 10, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Veterinary Services User Fees; Fees
for Endorsing Export Certificates for Ruminants Docket No. 02-
040-2. Received September 4, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
4149--September 10, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Witchweed; Regulated Areas Docket No.
02-042-2. Received September 4, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
4150--September 10, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Mexican Fruit Fly; Removal of
Regulated Area Docket No. 02-121-3. Received September 4, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4151--September 10, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Exotic Newcastle Disease; Removal of
Areas From Quarantine Docket no. 02-117-9. Received September
2, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4152--September 10, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Introductions of Plants Genetically
Engineered to Produce Industrial Compounds Docket No. 03-038-1.
Received September 2, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4153--September 10, 2003; Letter from the Regulatory
Contact, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Swine Packer Marketing Contracts;
Contract Library. PSA-2000-01-b. (RIN: 0580-AA71) Received
September 5, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4154--September 10, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Flumioxazin; Pesticide Tolerance for
Emergency Exemptions. OPP-2003-0253; FRL-7319-4. Received
August 22, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4155--September 10, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Thiamethoxam; Pesticide Tolerances for
Emergency Exemptions. OPP-2003-0254; FRL-7320-2. Received
August 22, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4206--September 11, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Trifloxystrobin; Pesticide Tolerance.
OPP-2003-0244; FRL-7322-7. Received September 9, 2003, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4224--September 15, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Update of Nursery
Stock Regulations Docket No. 98-062-2. (RIN: 0579-AB23)
Received September 10, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4225--September 15, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Requirements for
Recognizing the Animal Health Status of Foreign Regions Docket
No. 01-036-2. Received September 9, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
4226--September 15, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
FSIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Definitions and Standards of Identity or
Composition: Elimination of the Pizza with Meat or Sausage
Standards Docket No. 01-018F. Received September 9, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4227--September 15, 2003; Letter from the Director,
Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Sugar Beet Disaster
Program (RIN: 0560-AH04) Received September 10, 2003, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4228--September 15, 2003; Letter from the Director,
Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Outside Storage of
Extra Long Staple Loan Cotton (RIN: 0560-AH03) Received
September 10, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4229--September 15, 2003; Letter from the Director,
Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--2003 Agricultural
Assistance Act--Crop Diaster Program and Livestock Assistance
Program (RIN: 0560-AG95) Received September 10, 2003, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4307--September 22, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Butafenacil; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2003-0282; FRL-7324-6. Received September 16, 2003, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4308--September 22, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Cyprodinil; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2003-0278; FRL-7326-4. Received September 16, 2003, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4309--September 22, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Cyromazine; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2003-0269; FRL-7326-5. Received September 16, 2003, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4310--September 22, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Fenhexamid; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2003-0301; FRL-7326-7. Received September 16, 2003, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4311--September 22, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--S-Metolachlor; Pesticide Tolerances.
OPP-2003-0300; FRL-7324-9. Received September 16, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4312--September 22, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Sulfentrazone; Pesticide Tolerances.
OPP-2003-0270; FRL-7324-5. Received September 16, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4313--September 22, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Thiamethoxam; Pesticide Tolerances.
OPP-2003-0306; FRL-7327-5. Received September 16, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4396--September 24, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Importation of Pork-
Filled Pasta Docket No. 02-003-2. Received September 16, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4397--September 24, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Asian Longhorned
Beetle; Quarantined Areas and Regulated Articles Docket No. 03-
018-2. Received September 16, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
4458--September 29, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Chlorfenapyr; Pesticide Tolerance.
OPP-2003-0146; FRL-7320-8. Received September 24, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4459--September 29, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Dimethomorph; Pesticide Tolerances.
OPP-2003-0303; FRL-7327-3. Received September 24, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4460--September 29, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Glufosinate Ammonium; Pesticide
Tolerance. OPP-2003-0058; FRL-7327-9. Received September 24,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4461--September 29, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Indian Meal Moth Granulosis Virus;
Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2003-0256;
FRL-7328-8. Received September 24, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
4462--September 29, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Quinoxyfen; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2003-0218; FRL-7318-2. Received September 24, 2003, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4463--September 29, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Sethoxydim; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2003-0315; FRL-7328-6. Received September 24, 2003, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4483--October 1, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Trifloxysulfuron; Pesticide Tolerance.
OPP-2003-0286; FRL-7325-1. Received September 30, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4549--October 2, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Reinstatement of the
Continuing Assessment Rate Docket No. FV03-948-2 FR. Received
September 30, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4550--October 2, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--National Dairy Promotion and Research Program; Amendment
to the Order Docket No. DA-03-06. Received September 30, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4551--October 2, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in
Florida; Extension and Modification of the Exemption for
Shipments of Tree Run Citrus Docket No. FV03-905-1 IFR.
Received September 30, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4552--October 2, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in
Florida; Limiting the Volume of Small Red Seedless Grapefruit
Docket No. FV03-905-3 IFR. Received September 30, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4553--October 2, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in
Florida and Imported Grapfruit; Removing All Seeded Grapefruit
Regulations, Relaxation of Grade Requirements for Valencia and
Other Late Type Oranges, and Removing Quality and Size
Regulations on Imported Seeded Grapefruit Docket No. FV03-905-
2-IFR. Received September 30, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
4554--October 2, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Increased Assessment
Rate Docket No. FV03-948-3 FR. Received September 30, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4555--October 2, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Dried Prunes Produced in California; Changes in Reporting
Requirements Docket No. FV03-993-1 FIR. Received September 30,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4556--October 2, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Domestic Dates Produced or Packaged in Riverside County,
CA; Decreased Assessment Rate Docket No. FV03-987-1 FR.
Received September 30, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4557--October 2, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in
Florida; Increased Assessment Rate Docket No. FV03-905-4 FR.
Received September 30, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4558--October 2, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Increased Assessment Rates for Specified Marketing Orders
Docket No. FV03-922-1 FR. Received September 30, 2003, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4662--October 7, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Zinc Phosphide; Pesticide Tolerance.
OPP-2003-0319; FRL-7329-9. Received September 30, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4714--October 10, 2003; Letter from the Director, Office of
Energy Policy and New Uses, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Biodiesel Fuel
Education Program--Administrative Provisions--Received
September 30, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4752--October 15, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Rural Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Part 1778--Emergency
and Imminent Community Water Assistance Grants--Received
October 2, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4849--October 24, 2003; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Review by the National Futures
Association of Disclosure Documents Required To Be Filed by
Commodity Pool Operators for Publicly-Offered Commodity Pools--
Received October 16, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4850--October 24, 2003; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Foreign Futures and Options
Transactions--Received October 16, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
4851--October 24, 2003; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Foreign Futures and Foreign Options
Transactions--Received October 16, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
4852--October 24, 2003; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Performance Data and Disclosure for
Commodity Trading Advisors (RIN: 3038-AB39) Received October
16, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4853--October 24, 2003; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--In the Matter of the New York
Mercantile Exchange, Inc. Petition for Interpretation Pursuant
to Section 1a(12)(C) of the Commodity Exchange Act--Received
October 16, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4854--October 24, 2003; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Amendment to Appendix C of Part 40 and
Redesignation as Appendix D of Part 30--Received October 16,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4855--October 24, 2003; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Account Identification for Eligible
Bunched Orders (RIN: 3038-AB93) Received October 16, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4856--October 24, 2003; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--In the Matter of Washington Mutual,
Inc. and Its Various Subsidiaries Request for Relief--Received
October 16, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4857--October 24, 2003; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Commodity Pool Operators--Received
October 16, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4858--October 24, 2003; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--In the Matter of the New York
Mercantile Exchange, Inc. and the Intercontinental Exchange,
Inc., Petitions for Treatment of Floor Brokers and Floor
Traders as Eligible Commercial Entities Pursuant to Section
1a(11)(C) of the Commodity Exchange Act--Received October 16,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4859--October 24, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Sweet Onions Grown in the Walla Walla Valley of Southeast
Washington and Northeast Oregon; Fiscal Period Change Docket
No. FV03-956-1 FR. Received October 10, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4860--October 24, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.;
Increased Assessment Rate Docket No. FV03-930-3 FR. Received
October 10, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4861--October 24, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Livestock and Seed Program,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Soybean Promotion and Research: Amend the Order to Adjust
Representation on the United Soybean Board. No. LS-03-03.
Received October 10, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4862--October 24, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Research and Promotion Branch,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Subpart
B-Referendum Procedures. Doc. # FV-02-708-FR. Received October
10, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4915--October 28, 2003; Letter from the Staff Director,
Office of Regulatory and Management Services, Forest Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Notice, Comment, and Appeal Procedures for National
Forest System Projects and Activites (RIN:0596-AB89) Received
October 10, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4916--October 28, 2003; Letter from the Staff Director,
Office of Regulatory and Management Services, Forest Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Forest Land Enhancement Program (RIN: 0596-AB95) Received
October 10, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4917--October 28, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Emerald Ash Borer;
Quarantine and Regulations Docket No. 02-125-1. Received
October 20, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4918--October 28, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Sapote Fruit Fly
Docket No. 03-032-3. Received October 20, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4919--October 28, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Imported Fire Ant;
Approved Treatments Docket No. 02-115-2. Received October 20,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4920--October 28, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Change in Disease
Status of East Anglia With Regard to Classical Swine Fever
Docket No. 00-080-3. Received October 20, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4921--October 28, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Vinclozolin; Time-Limited Pesticide
Tolerances. OPP-2003-0311; FRL-7327-6. Received Ocotber 7,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4973--October 29, 2003; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Additional Registration and Other
Regulatory Relief for Commodity Pool Operators and Commodity
Trading Advisors; Past Performance Issues (RIN: 3038-AB97)
Received October 16, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4974--October 29, 2003; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Denomination of Customer Funds and
Location of Depositories (RIN: 3038-AB31) Received October 16,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4975--October 29, 2003; Letter from the Under Secretary,
Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, Department of
Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final rule--Food
Stamp Program: Non-Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of
Title IV of Public Law 107-171 (RIN: 0584-AD31) Received
October 16, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4976--October 29, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Karnal Bunt; Regulated Areas Docket No. 02-037-2.
Received October 7, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4977--October 29, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegatable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Certain Designated Counties in
Idaho, and Malheur County, Oregon; Increased Assessment Rate
Docket No. FV03-945-1 FR. Received October 20, 2003, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4978--October 29, 2003; Letter from the Deputy General
Counsel. Office of Financial Assistance, Small Business
Administration, transmitting the administration's final rule--
Business Loans and Development Company Loans (RIN: 3245-AE68)
Received October 16, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4986--October 30, 2003; Letter from the Regulatory Contact,
GIPSA, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Official Performance Requirements for Grain
Inspection Equipment (RIN: 0580-AA57) Received October 22,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
4987--October 30, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Imidacloprid; Pesticide Tolerances for
Emergency Exemptions. OPP-2003-0327; FRL-7330-4. Received
October 28, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5101--November 6, 2003; Letter from the Administrator, AMS,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Fresh Bartlett Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington;
Increased Assessment Rate Docket No. FV03-931-1 FR. Received
November 3, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5102--November 6, 2003; Letter from the Administrator, AMS,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Processed Fruits and Vegetables--Received November 3,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5103--November 6, 2003; Letter from the Administrator, AMS,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--National Organic Program; Amendments to the National List
of Allowed and Prohibited Substances Docket Number TM-02-03.
(RIN: 0581-AC19) Received November 3, 2003, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5104--November 6, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Mexican Fruit Fly;
Removal of Regulated Area Docket No. 02-129-4. Received October
30, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5421--November 18, 2003; Letter from the Secretary,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's draft
bill entitled, ``To make technical ammendments to the Commodity
Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996''.
5422--November 18, 2003; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Tebufenozide; Extension of Tolerance
for Emergency Exemptions. OPP-2003-0329; FRL-7330-2. Received
October 24, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5621--November 21, 2003; Letter from the Secretary,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting a draft of proposed
legislation, ``To amend the Poultry Products Inspection Act,
the Federal Meat Inspection Act, and the Egg Products
Inspection Act to require establishments and official plants to
pay the costs of Federal Inspection for additional shifts, and
for other purposes''.
5625--November 25, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Veterinary Services
User Fees; Fee for Use of Animal Ramp at Miami International
Airport Docket No. 02-041-2. Received November 18, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5626--November 25, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Interstate Movement
of Swine Within a Production System; Inspection of Swine Docket
No. 02-069-2. Received November 18, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
5627--November 25, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection
Act of 2002; Possession, Use, and Transfer of Biological Agents
and Toxins Docket No. 02-088-3. (RIN: 0579-AB47) Received
November 18, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5628--November 25, 2003; Letter from the Director,
Regulatory Review Group, Farm Service Agency, Department of
Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final rule--Prompt
Disaster Set-Aside Consideration and Primary Loan Servicing
Facilitation (RIN: 0560-AG56) Received October 24, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5629--November 25, 2003; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Dried Prunes Produced in California; Temporary Suspension
of the Prune Reserve and the Voluntary Producer Prune Plum
Diversion Provisions Docket No. FV03-993-2 FIR. Received
November 4, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5718--December 8,, 2003; Letter from the Director,
Regulatory Review Group, FSA, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Removal of Obsolete
Regulations (RIN: 0560-AH04) Received November 3, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5719--December 8, 2003; Letter from the Regulatory Contact,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Review Inspection Requirements (RIN: 0580-AA58) Received
October 24, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5720--December 8, 2003; Letter from the Director,
Regulatory Review Group, Commodity Credit Corporation,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Removal of Obsolete Regulations (RIN: 0560-AH04) Received
November 6, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5721--December 8, 2003; Letter from the Director,
Regulatory Review Group, FSA, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Removal of Obsolete
Regulations (RIN: 0560-AH04) Received October 24, 2003,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5722--December 8, 2003; Letter from the Staff Director,
Office of Regulatory and Management Services, Forest Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--National Forest System Land and Resource Management
Planning; Extension of Compliance Deadline for Site-Specific
Projects (RIN: 0596-AC02) Received October 10, 2003, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5723--December 8, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Tuberculosis in
Cattle and Bison; State Designations; California Docket No. 03-
005-2. Received December 1, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
5724--December 8, 2003; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Tuberculosis in
Cattle and Bison; State Designations; New Mexico Docket No. 03-
044-2. Received December 1, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
5725--December 8, 2003; Letter from the Secretary,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's draft
bill to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to provide
financial assistance to the Republic of the Marshall Islands,
the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau
under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978.
5945--January 20, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Ports of Entry for
Certain Plants and Plants Products Docket No. 03-067-1.
Received December 19, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5946--January 20, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Pine Shoot Beetle;
Additions to Quarantined Areas Docket No. 03-120-1. Received
January 13, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5947--January 20, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Golden Nematode;
Regulated Areas Docket No. 03-082-1. Received January 13, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5948--January 20, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Karnal Bunt;
Regulated Areas Docket No. 03-047-1. Received January 13, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5949--January 20, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Science & Technology,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Removal of Cottonseed Chemist Licensing Program, Updating
of Commodity Laboratory and Office Addresses, and Adoption of
Information Symbols Docket Number ST02-03. (RIN: 0581-AC18)
Received January 5, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5950--January 20, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agriculture Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Tomatoes Grown in
Florida; Increased Assessment Rate Docket No. FV03-966-4 FR.
Received January 5, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5951--January 20, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Fluroxypyr; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2003-0377; FRL-7340-5. Received December 29, 2003, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5952--January 20, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Cyprodinil; Time-Limited Pesticide
Tolerance. OPP-2003-0394; FRL-7337-5. Received December 29,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5953--January 20, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Vinclozolin; Time-Limited Pesticide
Tolerances Technical Correction. OPP-2003-0311; FRL-7337-7.
Received December 9, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
5954--January 20, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Extension of Tolerances for Emergency
Exemptions Multiple Chemicals. OPP-2003-0402; FRL-7339-8.
Received January 8, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6286--January 23, 2004; Letter from the Regulatory Officer,
Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Predecisional Administrative Review
Process for Hazardous Fuel Reduction Projects Authorized Under
the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (RIN: 0596-AC15)
Received January 22, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6287--January 23, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Oriental Fruit Fly;
Designation of Quarantined Area Docket No. 02-096-2. Received
January 20, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6288--January 23, 2004; Letter from the Program Manager,
OPPM, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Office of Procurement and Property Management
(OPPM); Uniform Procedures for the Acquisition and Transfer of
Excess Personal Property (RIN: 0599-AA10) Received January 8,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6289--January 23, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Copper (II) Hydroxide; Exemption from
the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2003-0356; FRL-7341-1.
Received January 20, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6290--January 23, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Formaldehyde, polymer with a-.bis(1-
phenylethyl)phenyl.-w-hydroxypoly (oxy-1,2-ethanedil);
Tolerance Exemption. OPP-2003-0392; FRL-7340-9. Received
January 20, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6366--January 27, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Foreign Agricultural Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Export Sales
Reporting Requirements--Received January 14, 2004, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6367--January 27, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Rural Housing Service, Department of Agriculture, transmitting
the Department's final rule--Fire and Rescue and Other
Community Facilities Projects (RIN: 0575-AC53) Received
December 9, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6368--January 27, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule-Importation of
Artificially Dwarfed Plants in Growing Media from the People's
Republic of China Docket No. 98-103-5. Received January 20,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6369--January 27, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Importation of
Eucalyptus Logs, Lumber, and Wood Chips From South America
Docket No. 02-097-2. Received January 20, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6427--January 28, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agriculture Marketing Service, Poultry Programs, Department of
Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final rule--Increase
in Fees and Charges for Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading Docket
No. PY-03-001. Received December 17, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
6428--January 28, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agriculture Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Oranges and Grapefuit Grown in Lower Rio Grande Valley in
Texas; Increased Assessment Rate Docket No. FV-906-1 IFR.
Received December 17, 2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6429--January 28, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agriculture Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Walnuts Grown in California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Docket No. FV04-984-1IFR. Received December 17, 2003, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6430--January 28, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agriculture Marketing Service, Transportation and Marketing
Programs, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--National Organic Program; Amendments
to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances
Docket Number TM-03-02. (RIN: 0581-AC27) Received December 17,
2003, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6431--January 28, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agriculture Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Division,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Revision of Fees for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable
Terminal Market Inspection Services Docket Number FV-03-301.
(RIN: 0581-AB63) Received January 5, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
6432--January 28, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agriculture Marketing Service, Livestock and Seed Program,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Amendment to the Soybean Promotion and Research Rules and
Regulations. Doc. No. LS-02-14. Received Janaury 5, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6433--January 28, 2004; Letter from the Regulatory Contact,
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Fees for Processed Commodity Analytical Services (RIN:
0580-AA84) Received January 8, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
6434--January 28, 2004; Letter from the Acting Staff
Director, Office of Regulatory and Management Services,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber;
Extension of Timber Sale Contracts To Facilitate Urgent Timber
Removal From Other Lands (RIN: 0596-AB48) Received January 8,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6466--January 30, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Yucatan Peninsula;
Addition to the List of Regions Considered Free of Exotic
Newcastle Disease Docket No. 02-036-2. Received January 28,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6467--January 30, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Lactic Acid, n-Butyl Ester, (S) and
Lactic Acid, Ethyl Ester, (S); Exemption from the Requirement
of a Tolerance. OPP-2003-0341; FRL-7338-4. Received January 26,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6468--January 30, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Sulfuryl Fluoride; Pesticide
Tolerance. OPP-2003-0373; FRL-7342-1. Received January 26,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6649--February 6, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Hazelnuts Grown in Oregon and Washington; Established of
Interim Final and Final Free and Restricted Percentages for the
2003-2004 Marketing Year Docket No. FV04-982-1 IFR. Received
February 2, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6650--February 6, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Onions Grown in South Texas; Decreased Assessment Rate
Docket No. FV03-959-4FR. Received February 2, 2004, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6651--February 6, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Dairy Programs, Department of
Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final rule--Milk in
the Pacific Northwest Marketing Area; Interim Order Amending
the Order Docket No. AO-368-A30; DA-01-08-PNW. Received
February 2, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6652--February 6, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Almonds Grown in California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Docket No. FV04-981-1 IFR. Received February 2, 2004, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6653--February 6, 2004; Letter from the Secretary, LOCAL
Television Loan Guarantee Board, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--LOCAL Television Loan
Guarantee Program (RIN: 0572-AB82) Received January 28, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6654--February 6, 2004; Letter from the Administrator, Food
Safety and Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Agency Organization
Docket No. 00-033F. (RIN: 0583-AC78) Received January 26, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6818--February 26, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Aminoethoxyvenylglycine hydrochloride
(aviglycine HCI); Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2003-0389; FRL-7341-
6. Received February 20, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
6819--February 26, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Bifenazate; Pesticide Tolerances for
Emergency Exemptions. OPP-2003-0370; FRL-7335-6. Received
February 6, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6820--February 26, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Aldicarb, Atrazine, Cacodylic Acid,
Carbofuran, et al.; Tolerance Actions. OPP-2003-0344; FRL-7338-
3. Received February 11, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
6821--February 26, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Thifensulfuron mehtyl; Tolerances
Actions. OPP-2003-0363; FRL-7338-6. Received February 11, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
6999--March 4, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Cold Treatment of Fruits Docket No.
02-071-2. Received February 10, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
7000--March 4, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Irradiation of Sweetpotatoes From
Hawaii Docket No. 03-062-2. Received February 23, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7001--March 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Gellan Gum; Exemption from the
Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0003; FRL-7344-1. Received
March 2, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7002--March 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Pyriproxyfen; Pesticide Tolerance for
Emergency Exemption. OPP-2004-0028; FRL-7345-3. Received March
2, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7003--March 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Yeast Extract Hydrolysate from
Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Exemption from the Requirement of a
Tolerance. OPP-2003-0403; FRL-7343-9. Received March 2, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7047--March 8, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Ports of Entry for Certain Plants and
Plant Products Docket No. 03-067-2. Received February 18, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7048--March 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Olives Grown in California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Docket No. FV04-932-1 IFR. Received February 18, 2004, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7049--March 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et. al.;
Final Free and Restricted Percentages for the 2003-2004 Crop
Year for Tart Cherries Docket No. FV04-930-1 FR. Received
February 18, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7141--March 11, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--National Poultry Improvement Plan; Technical Amendment
Docket No. 03-017-3. Received February 23, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7171--March 16, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Asian Longhorned Beetle; Quarantined
Areas Docket No. 04-002-1. Received March 11, 2004, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7172--March 16, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Cattle From Mexico Docket No. 00-112-
2. Received March 4, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7173--March 16, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Brucellosis in Cattle; State and Area
Classifications; Missouri Docket No. 01-015-1. Received March
4, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7174--March 16, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Unshu Oranges from Honshu Island,
Japan Docket No. 02-108-2. Received March 4, 2004, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7175--March 16, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Blood and Tissue Collection at
Slaughtering and Rendering Establishments Docket No. 99-017-3.
(RIN: 0579-AB13) Received March 4, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
7200--March 22, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Pesticide Tolerance Fees; Suspension
of Collection. OPP-2004-0084; FRL-7349-7. Received March 17,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7262--March 25, 2004; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Foreign Futures and Options
Transactions--Received March 10, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
7263--March 25, 2004; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--In the Matter of Intermarket Clearing
Corporation--Request for Vacation From Designation as
Derivatives Clearing Organization--Received March 10, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7264--March 25, 2004; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Investment of Customer Funds (RIN:
3038-AC01) Received March 19, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
7265--March 25, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Plant Protection Act; Revisions to
Authority Citations; Technical Amendment Docket No. 00-063-3.
Received March 19, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7288--March 29, 2004; Letter from the Administrator, Food
Safety and Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final ``Major'' rule--Meat
Produced by Advanced Meat
Bone Seperation Machinery and Meat Recovery (AMR) Systems
Docket No. 03-0381F. (RIN: 0583-AC51) Received March 23, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7289--March 29, 2004; Letter from the Administrator, Food
Safety and Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Prohibition of the
Use of Certain Stunning Devices Used to Immobilize Cattle
During Slaughter Docket No. 01-033IF. Received March 23, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7290--March 29, 2004; Letter from the Administrator, Food
Safety and Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Prohibition of the
Use of Specified Risk Materials for Human Food and Requirements
for the Disposition of Non-Ambulatory Disabled Cattle Docket
No. 03-025IF. Received March 23, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
7291--March 29, 2004; Letter from the Administrator, Food
Safety and Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Transfer of Voluntary
Inspection of Egg Products Regulations Docket No. 01-031F.
(RIN: 0583-AC94) Received March 23, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
7292--March 29, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Ammonium Bicarbonate; Exemption from
the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0001; FRL-7341-3.
Received March 22, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7293--March 29, 2004; Letter from the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration, transmitting
notification of the 2004 compensation program adjustments,
including the Agency's current salary range structure and the
performance-based merit pay matrix.
7350--March 31, 2004; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, FSA, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Farm Loan Programs Account Servicing
Policies--Elimination of 30-Day Past-Due Period (RIN: 0560-
AG50) Received March 23, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
7397--April 1, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--6-Benzyladenine; Exemption from the
Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0013; FRL-7347-6. Received
March 31, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7398--April 1, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Bacillus thuringiensis Cry2Ab2;
Amended Exemption From Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-
0029; FRL-7345-4. Received March 31, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
7399--April 1, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Bacillus Thuringiensis CryIF Protein
in Cotton; Extension of Temporary Exemption From Requirement of
a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0007; FRL-7242-3. Received March 31,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7400--April 1, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Flumioxazin; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2004-0089; FRL-7351-2. Received March 31, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7401--April 1, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Bacillus Thuringiensis Cry3Bb1;
Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2003-0415;
FRL-7350-5. Received March 24, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
7402--April 1, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Rhamnolipid Biosurfactant; Exemption
from the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2003-0281; FRL-7347-7.
Received March 24, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7403--April 1, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Time-Limited Exemption from
Requirement of a Tolerance; Exemption from the Requirement of a
Tolerance. OPP-2004-0035; FRL-7350-8. Received March 24, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7404--April 1, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Zoxamide; Pesticide Tolerances for
Emergency Exemptions. OPP-2004-0052; FRL-7349-3. Received March
24, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7508--April 2, 2004; Letter from the Secretary, Department
of Agriculture, transmitting a draft of proposed legislation,
``To authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe,
adjust, and collect fees to cover the costs incurred by the
Secretary for activities related to the review and maintenance
of licenses and registration under the Animal Welfare Act''.
7558--April 20, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Fosthiazate; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2003-0296; FRL-7339-4. Received April 6, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7559--April 20, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Hygromycin B phosphotransferase;
Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0036;
FRL-7352-8. Received April 6, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
7560--April 20, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Lambda-Cyhalothrin and an Isomer
Gamma-Cyhalothrin; Tolerances for Residues. OPP-2004-0025; FRL-
7353-4. Received April 6, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
7561--April 20, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Mesosulfuron-Methyl; Pesticide
Tolerance. OPP-2003-0257; FRL-7351-4. Received April 6, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7623--April 21, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Support the Tribal Pesticide Program
Council (TPPC); Notice of Funds Availability. OPP-2003-0399;
FRL-7349-1. Received April 9, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
7624--April 21, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Boscalid; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2004-0075; FRL-7353-1. Received April 9, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7715--April 22, 2004; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Extra Long Staple Cotton Outside
Storage and Strength Adjustment for Loan (RIN: 0560-AH03)
Received April 6, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7716--April 22, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Tuberculosis in Cattle and Bison;
State and Zone Designations; Delay of Compliance Date Docket
No. 03-072-2. Received March 25, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
7717--April 22, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Japanese Beetle; Domestic Quarantine
and Regulations Docket No. 03-057-2. Received March 25, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7718--April 22, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Animal Welfare; Transportation of Animals on Foreign Air
Carriers Docket No. 02-012-2. (RIN: 0579-AB51) Received April
7, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7719--April 22, 2004; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Farm Service Agency, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Emergency
Conservation Program (RIN: 0560-AG26) Received April 7, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7720--April 22, 2004; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Farm Service Agency, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Tree Assistance
Program (RIN: 0560-AG83) Received April 7, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7721--April 22, 2004; Letter from the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration, transmitting the
administration's final rule--Electronic Commerce; Organization;
Standards of Conduct and Refferal of Known or Suspected
Criminal Violations; Loan Policies and Operations; Funding and
Fiscal Affairs, Loan Policies and Operations, and Funding
Operations; Borrower Rights (RIN: 3052-AB69) Received March 25,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7722--April 22, 2004; Letter from the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration, transmitting the
administration's final rule--Loan Policies and Operations;
Borrower Rights; Effective Interest Rate Disclosure (RIN: 3052-
AC04) Received April 14, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
7870--April 29, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Revocation of Tolerance Exemptions for
Certain Biopesticides. OPP-2003-0416; FRL-7353-5. Received
April 21, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7911--April 30, 2004; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Fees for Product Review and Approval--
Received April 27, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7912--April 30, 2004; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Fees for Review of the Rule
Enforcement Programs of Contract Markets and Registered Futures
Association--Received April 27, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
7913--April 30, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Classical Swine Fever Status of France
and Spain Docket No. 98-090-7. (RIN: 0579-AB03) Received April
27, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7914--April 30, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Cattle From Australia and New Zealand;
Testing Exemptions Docket No. 99-071-3. Received April 27,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7915--April 30, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Golden Nematode; Regulated Area Docket
No. 03-082-2. Received April 27, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
7916--April 30, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Certification Program for Imported
Articles of Pelargonium spp. and Solanum spp. To Prevent
Introduction of Potato Brown Rot Docket No. 03-019-2. Received
April 27, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7917--April 30, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Tuberculosis in Cattle and Bison;
State and Zone Designation; Michigan Docket No. 02-112-3.
Received April 27, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7918--April 30, 2004; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Commodity Credit Corporation, Department of
Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final rule--Flexible
Marketing Allotments for Sugar (RIN: 0560-AH08) Received April
27, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7919--April 30, 2004; Letter from the Administrator, Rural
Business-Cooperative Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--General Requirements
for Cooperative Services Grant Programs, Value-Added Producer
Grants, Agriculture Innovation Centers and Rural Cooperative
Development Grants (RIN: 0570-AA40) Received April 27, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7920--April 30, 2004; Letter from the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, Farm Credit Admininstration, transmitting
the administration's final rule--Loan Policies and Operations;
Disclosure to Shareholders; Disclosure to Investors in
Systemwide and Consolidated Bank Debt Obligations of the Farm
Credit System (RIN: 3052-AC07) Received April 6, 2004, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7973--May 6, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Sweet Onions Grown in the Walla Walla Valley of Southeast
Washington and Northeast Oregon; Establishment of Special
Purpose Shipping Regulations and Modification of Reporting
Requirements Docket No. FV04-956-1 IFR. Received April 29,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7974--May 6, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Melons Grown in South Texas; Increased Assessment Rate
Docket No. FV04-979-1 FR. Received April 29, 2004, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7975--May 6, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Final
Free and Reserve Percentages for 2003-04 Crop Natural (Sun-
Dried) Seedless Raisins Docket No. FV04-989-1 IFR. Received
April 29, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7976--May 6, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Almonds Grown in California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Docket No. FV04-981-1 FIR. Received April 29, 2004, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7977--May 6, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern
California; Establishment of Reporting Requirements Docket No.
FV04-925-1 IFR. Received April 29, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
7978--May 6, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Revision of
Handling Requirements for Fresh Nectarines and Peaches Docket
No. FV04-916
917-02 IFR. Received April 29, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
7979--May 6, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Cranberries Grown in the States of Massachusetts, et al.;
Order Amending Marketing Agreement and Order No. 929 Docket
Nos. AO-341-A6; FV02-929-1. Received April 29, 2004, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7980--May 6, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Pistachios Grown in California; Order Regulating Handling
Docket Nos. AO-F&V-983-2; FV02-983-01. Received April 29, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7981--May 6, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Imported Fire Ant; Additions to
Quarantined Areas Docket No. 03-109-1. Received May 3, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7982--May 6, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Infectious Salmon Anemia; Payment of
Indemnity Docket No. 01-126-2. (RIN: 0579-AB37) Received May 3,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7983--May 6, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Pesticides; Tolerance Exemptions for
Active and Inert Ingredients for Use in Antimicrobial
Formulations (Food-Contact Surface Sanitizing Solutions). OPP-
2003-0368; FRL-7335-4. Received April 22, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
7984--May 6, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Geraniol; Exemption from the
Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0068; FRL-7351-1. Received
April 22, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8141--May 13, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Pyraflufen-ethyl; Pesticide Tolerance.
OPP-2004-0094; FRL-7358-2. Received May 6, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8142--May 13, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Harpin Protein; Exemption from the
Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0097; FRL-7356-5. Received
May 6, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8143--May 13, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Rhamnolipid Biosurfactant; Exemption
from the Requirement of a Tolerance; Technical Correction. OPP-
2003-0281; FRL-7356-2. Received May 6, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8166--May 17, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Procedures for Reestablishing a Region
as Free of a Disease Docket No. 02-001-2. (RIN: 0579-AB53)
Received May 11, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8167--May 17, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza;
Additional Restrictions Docket No. 04-011-1. Received May 11,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8178--May 18, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Phosphomannose Isomerase and the
Genetic Material Necessary for Its Production in All Plants;
Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0135;
FRL-7358-9. Received May 13, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
8226--May 20, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Corrdinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Orchids of the Genus
Phalaenopsis From Taiwan in Growing Media Docket No. 98-035-5.
(RIN: 0579-AB75) Received May 7, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
8227--May 20, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Veterinary Diagnostic Services User
Fees Docket No. 00-024-2. (RIN: 0579-AB22) Received May 7,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8228--May 20, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Pine Shoot Beetle; Additions to
Quatantined Areas Docket No. 03-102-2. Received May 7, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8229--May 20, 2004; Letter from the Regulatory Contact,
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyard Administration,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Fees for Official Inspection and Official Weighing
Services (RIN: 0580-AA80) Received May 6, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8230--May 20, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Homeland Security,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Karnal Bunt;
Compensation for Custom Harvesters in Northern Texas Docket No.
03-052-1. Received May 7, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
8231--May 20, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Isoxadifen-ethyl; Pesticide Tolerance.
OPP-2004-0093; FRL-7355-8. Received May 18, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8232--May 20, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Indoxacarb; Time-Limited Pesticide
Tolerance. OPP-2004-0130; FRL-7359-1. Received May 18, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8325--June 1, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting a draft of
proposed legislation ``To amend the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to implement pesticide-related
obligations of the United States under the international
conventions or protocols known as the PIC Convention, the POPs
Convention, and the LRTAP POPs Protocol''.
8327--June 1, 2004; Letter from the Fiscal Assistant
Secretary, Department of the Treasury, transmitting the annual
reports due to Congress that appearon pages 111-134 of the
March 2004 Treasury Bulletin as required by 26 U.S.C. 9602(a),
42 U.S.C. 10222(e)(1), 16 U.S.C. 1606a(c)(1), 42 U.S.C.
2297g(b)(1), and 7 U.S.C. 7101 note.
8328--June 2, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Extension of Tolerances for Emergency
Exemptions (Multiple Chemicals). OPP-2004-0136; FRL-7358-7.
Received May 21, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8329--June 2, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Ultramarine Blue; Exemption from the
Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0056; FRL-7357-6. Received
May 21, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8330--June 2, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Imidacloprid; Pesticide Tolerance.
OPP-2004-0090; FRL-7348-1. Received May 21, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8411--June 8, 2004; Letter from the Director, Regulatory
Review Group, Farm Service Agency, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--2002 Farm Bill
Regulations--Loan Eligibility Provisions (RIN: 0560-AG81)
Received June 7, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8412--June 8, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Indoxacarb; Tolerances for Residues;
Technical Correction. OPP-2004-0169;FRL-7362-4. Received June
4, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8413--June 8, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Humates; Exemption from the
Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0166; FRL-7361-6. Received
June 4, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8414--June 8, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Streptomyces Iydicus WYEC 108;
Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0041;
FRL-7361-3. Received June 2, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
8415--June 8, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Novaluron; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2004-0125; FRL-7359-2. Received June 2, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8544--June 16, 2004; Letter from the Director, Economic and
Policy Analysis Staff, Regulatory Review Group, Department of
Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final rule--2002
Farm Bill--Conservation Reserve Program--Long-Term Policy (RIN:
0560-AG74) Received May 20, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
8545--June 16, 2004; Letter from the Assistant Director,
Directives and Regulations Branch, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Sale and Disposal of
National Forest System Timber; Timber Sale Contracts,
Modification of Contracts (RIN: 0596-AC16) Received May 11,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8546--June 16, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Animal Welfare; Definition of Animal
Docket No. 98-106-3. (RIN: 0579-AB69) Received June 7, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8547--June 16, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Plum Pox Compensation Docket No. 00-
035-3. (RIN: 0579-AB19) Received June 2, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8548--June 16, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Spring Viremia of Carp; Payment of
Indemnity Docket No. 02-091-1. Received May 26, 2004, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8549--June 16, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Karnal Bunt; Regulated Areas Docket
No. 04-038-1. Received May 26, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
8550--June 16, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Gypsy Moth Generally Infested Areas
Docket No. 04-025-1. Received June 8, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8551--June 16, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Pine Shoot Beetle; Additions to
Quarantined Areas Docket No. 04-036-1. Received June 8, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8552--June 16, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Fenpyroximate; Pesticide Tolerance.
OPP-2004-0174; FRL-7362-9. Received June 9, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8553--June 16, 2004; Letter from the Chairman and Chief
Executive, Farm Credit Administration, transmitting the
administration's final rule--Loan Policies and Operations;
Funding and Fiscal Affairs, Loan Policies and Operations, and
Funding Operations; OFI Lending (RIN: 3052-AB96) Received May
28, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8624--June 18, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Sulfuryl Fluoride; Pesticide
Tolerance; Technical Correction. OPP-2003-0373; FRL-7346-1.
Received June 16, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8986--July 12, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Aspergillus flavus NRRL 21882;
Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0164;
FRL-7364-2. Received July 7, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
8987--July 12, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--C8, C10, and C12 Straight-Chain Fatty
Acid Monoesters of Glycerol and Propylene Glycol; Exemption
from the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2003-0379; FRL-7352-6.
Received July 7, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
8988--July 12, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Lactic acid, n-propyl ester, (S);
Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0040;
FRL-7362-3. Received July 7, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
8989--July 12, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Sulfuric Acid; Exemption from the
Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0190; FRL-7364-4. Received
July 7, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9096--July 15, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Brucellosis in Cattle; State and Area
Classifications; Wyoming Docket No. 04-009-2. Received July 9,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9097--July 15, 2004; Letter from the Administrator, AMS,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Revision of User Fees for 2004 Crop Cotton Classification
Services to Growers. Doc. No. CN-03-007. (RIN: 0581-AC34)
Received July 2, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9098--July 15, 2004; Letter from the Administrator, AMS,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Program: Rules
and Regulations. No. LS-02-05. Received July 2, 2004, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9099--July 15, 2004; Letter from the Administrator, AMS,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Program: Rules
and Regulations. No. LS-02-05. Received July 6, 2004, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9100--July 15, 2004; Letter from the Administrator, AMS,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Milk in the Mideast Marketing Area: Order Amending the
Order Docket No. AO-361-A35; DA-01-04. Received July 2, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9101--July 15, 2004; Letter from the Administrator, AMS,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.;
Revision of Current Procedures for Handlers To Receive Exempt
Use
Diversion Credit for New Product and New Market Development
Activities Docket No. FV03-930-5-IFR. Received July 2, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9218--July 20, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Brucellosis in Sheep, Goats, and
Horses; Payment of Indemnity Docket No. 00-002-2. (RIN: 0579-
AB42) Received July 15, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
9219--July 20, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Classical Swine Fever Status of Chile
Docket No. 03-009-2. Received July 15, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9220--July 20, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Animal Welfare; Inspection, Licensing,
and Procurement of Animals Docket No. 97-121-3. (RIN: 0579-
AA94) Received July 15, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
9221--July 20, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Japanese Beetle; Domestic Quarantine
and Regulations Docket No. 04-032-1. Received July 9, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9222--July 20, 2004; Letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Karnal Bunt; Compensation for Custom
Harvesters in Northern Texas Docket No. 03-052-2. Received July
15, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9223--July 20, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Pesticide Environmental Stewardship
(PESP) Regional Grants; Notice of Funds Availability. OPP-2004-
0171; FRL-7361-8. Received July 14, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
9224--July 20, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Spiroxamine; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2004-0120; FRL-7367-1. Received July14, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9225--July 20, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Acequinocyl; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2004-0141; FRL-7364-1. Received July 14, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9226--July 20, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Propoxycarbazone-sodium; Pesticide
Tolerance. OPP-2004-0172; FRL-7365-7. Received July 1, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9227--July 20, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Office of Pesticide Programs Address
Changes. OPP-2004-0216; FRL-7368-4. Received July 1, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9313--July 22, 2004; Letter from the Administrator, AMS,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Milk in the Pacific Northwest Marketing Area: Order
Amending the Order Docket No. AO-368-A29; DA-01-06. Received
July 22, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9353--September 7, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Pyrimethanil; Pesticide Tolerances.
OPP-2004-0195; FRL-7371-2. Received August 30, 2004, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9354--September 7, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Propiconazole; Time-Limited Pesticide
Tolerances. OPP-2004-0086; FRL-7352-1. Received July 30, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9355--September 7, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Propanoic Acid; Pesticide Tolerance.
OPP-2003-0283; FRL-7358-4. Received July 30, 2004, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9356--September 7, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Propamocarb hydrochloride; Pesticide
Tolerance. OPP-2004-0100; FRL-7368-8. Received July 30, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9476--September 8, 2004; Letter from the Secretary,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's report
entitled, ``Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group Forest
Recovery Act Pilot Project Status Report to Congress Fiscal
Year 2003''.
9526--September 13, 2004; Letter from the Executive
Director, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting
the Commission's final rule--Exempt Commercial Markets--
Received July 30, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9527--September 13, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Importation of
Unmanufactured Wood Articles From Mexico Docket No. 98-054-3.
(RIN: 0579-AB02) Received August 30, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
9528--September 13, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Brucellosis in
Cattle; State and Area Classifications; Missouri Docket No. 01-
015-2. Received August 30, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
9619--September 21, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Bitertanol, Chlorpropham, Cloprop,
Combustion Product Gas, Cyanazine, et al.; Tolerance Actions.
OPP-2004-0088; FRL-7358-6. Received July 20, 2004, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9847--September 29, 2004; Letter from the Director,
Regulatory Review Group, Farm Service Agency, Department of
Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Guaranteed Loans--Rescheduling Terms and Loan Subordinations
(RIN: 0560-AG53) Received August 6, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
9848--September 29, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Folpet; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2004-
0168; FRL-7369-1. Received August 20, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9849--September 29, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Flumioxazin; Pesticide Tolerances.
OPP-2004-0212; FRL-7369-9. Received August 20, 2004, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9850--September 29, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--DCPA; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2004-
0200; FRL-7673-6. Received August 20, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9851--September 29, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Pesticide Worker Protection Standard;
Glove Liners, and Chemical-Resistant Glove Requirements of
Agricultural Pilots. OPP-2003-0169; FRL-7352-3. (RIN: 2070-
AC93) Received August 30, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
9928--October 4,, 2004; Letter from the Under Secretary for
Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, Department of
Agriculture, transmitting the Department's ``Major'' final
rule--Food Stamp Program: Vehicle and Maximum Excess Shelter
Expense Deduction Provisions of Pub. L. 106-387. Amendment No.
396. (RIN: 0584-AD13) Received August 6, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9929--October 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai
strain PS811 (Cry1F insecticidal protein); Exemption from the
Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0249; FRL-7372-6. Received
September 29, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9930--October 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Cyazofamid; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2004-0211; FRL-7367-4. Received September 29, 2004, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9931--October 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Dichlormid; Time-Limited Pesticide
Tolerances. OPP-2004-0318; FRL-7680-8. Received September 29,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9932--October 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Forchlorfenuron; Pesticide Tolerance.
OPP-2004-0272; FRL-7681-5. Received September 29, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9933--October 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Mesotrione; Pesticide Tolerances for
Emergency Exemptions. OPP-2004-0313; FRL-7678-8. Received
September 29, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9934--October 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Octanal; Exemption from the
Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0298; FRL-7678-7. Received
September 29, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9935--October 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Sodium Thiosulfate; Exemption from the
Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0289; FRL-7677-1. Received
September 29, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9936--October 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Dinotefuran; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2004-0155; FRL-7368-1. Received September 14, 2004, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9937--October 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Thiamethoxam; Pesticide Tolerances for
Emergency Exemptions. OPP-2004-0254; FRL-7675-6. Received
September 14, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9938--October 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Thifensulfuron Methyl; Pesticide
Tolerance. OPP-2004-0277; FRL-7679-4. Received September 14,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9939--October 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Tribenuron Methyl; Pesticide
Tolerance. OPP-2004-0278; FRL-7679-5. Received September 14,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9940--October 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Allethrin, Bendiocarb, Burkholderia
cepacia, Fenridazon potassium, and Molinate; Tolerance Actions.
OPP-2004-0260; FRL-7679-7. Received September 24, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9941--October 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Fenamidone; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2004-0255; FRL-7681-3. Received September 24, 2004, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9942--October 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Fludioxonil; Pesticide Tolerances.
OPP-2004-0321; FRL-7682-3. Received September 24, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9943--October 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Methoxyfenozide; Pesticide Tolerances.
OPP-2004-0312; FRL-7681-6. Received September 24, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
9944--October 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Forchlorfenuron; N-(2-Chloro-4-pyridin
l)-N'-phenylurea; Time-Limited Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-2004-
0145; FRL-7362-1. Received August 9, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
9945--October 4, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Isodecyl Alcohol Ethoxylated (2-8
moles) Polymer with Chloromethyl Oxirane; Tolerance Exemption.
OPP-2004-0204; FRL-7368-3. Received August 16, 2004, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10260--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commoditity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Foreign Futures and Foreign Options
Transactions (RIN: 3038-AB45) Received September 21, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10261--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commoditity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Collection of Claims Owed the United
States Arising From Activities Under the Commission's
Jurisdiction (RIN: 3038-AC03) Received September 21, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10262--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Executive Director,
Commoditity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Correction to Regional Office
Information, Reference to Section 4D(2) and Criteria for CPO
Registration Exemption--Received July 23, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10263--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Importation of Wood
Packaging Material Docket No. 02-032-3. (RIN: 0579-AB48)
Received September 22, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10264--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Tuberculosis in
Cattle; Import Requirements Docket No. 03-081-2. Received
August 30, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10265--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Oriental Fruit Fly;
Removal of Quarantined Area Docket No. 02-130-3. Received
August 30, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10266--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Karnal Bunt;
Regulated Areas Docket No. 03-047-2. Received August 30, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10267--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Pine Shoot Beetle;
Additions to Quarantined Areas Docket No. 04-036-2. Received
September 9, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10268--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Citrus Canker;
Quarantined Areas Docket No. 04-045-1. Received September 16,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10269--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Gypsy Moth Generally
Infested Areas Docket No. 04-025-2. Received October 6, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10270--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in
Florida; Exemption for Shipments of Tree Run Citrus Docket No.
FV04-905-2 IFR. Received August 17, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
10271--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order. Doc.
No. FV-02-707-FR. (RIN: 0581-AC05) Received October 6, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10272--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegatable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Decreased Assessment Rates for Specified Marketing Orders
Docket No. FV04-922-1 IFR. Received August 16, 2004, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10273--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Winter Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington; Decrease of
a Continuing Supplemental Assessment Rate for the Beurre
d'Anjou Variety of Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington Docket
No. FV04-927-2 FR. Received October 6, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10274--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Dried Prunes Produced in California; Increased Assessment
Rate Docket No. FV04-993-2 FR. Received October 6, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10275--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Program,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Decreased
Assessment Rates Docket No. FV04-916
917-4 IFR. Received August 17, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
10276--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in
Florida; Modifying the Procedures Used To Limit the Volume of
Small Red Seedless Grapefruit Grown in Florida Docket No. FV04-
905-5 IFR. Received August 17, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
10277--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Kiwifruit Grown in California; Decreased Assessment Rates
Docket No. FV04-920-2 IFR. Received September 22, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10278--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Revision of
Reporting Requirements for Fresh Nectarines and Peaches Docket
No. FV04-916
917-03 FR. Received September 13, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10279--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Fresh Prunes Grown in Designated Counties in Washington
and in Umatilla County, OR; Increased Assessment Rate Docket
No. FV04-924-1 FR. Received September 9, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10280--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Kiwifruit Grown in California; Relaxation of Pack and
Container Requirements Docket No. FV04-920-1 FR. Received
September 9, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10281--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Onions Grown in Certain Designated Counties in Idaho, and
Malheur County Oregon; Increased Assessment Rate Docket No.
FV04-958-02 FR. Received July 22, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
10282--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Revision of
Handling Requirements for Fresh Nectarines and Peaches Docket
No. FV04-916
917-02 FIR. Received July 30, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
10283--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Pistachios Grown in California; Delay of the Effective
Date for Aflatoxin, Size and Quality Requirements Docket No.
FV02-983-1 FR. Received July 30, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
10284--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in Lower Rio Grande Valley
in Texas; Decreased Assessment Rate Docket No. FV04-906-2 IFR.
Received July 30, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10285--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Livestock and Seed Program,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Fish and
Shellfish. No. LS-03-04. (RIN: 0581-AC26) Received October 6,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10286--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Livestock and Seed Program,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Livestock Mandatory Reporting; Amendment To Revise Lamb
Reporting Definitions Docket No. LS-01-08. (RIN: 0581-AB98)
Received September 9, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10287--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Poultry Programs, Department of
Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Regulations Governing the Inspection of Eggs Docket No. PY-04-
002. (RIN: 0581-AB74) Received October 6, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10288--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Director, Faith
Based and Community Initiatives, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Equal Opportunity for
Religious Organizations (RIN: 0503-AA27) Received July 22,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10289--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Acting
Administrator, FSIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting
the Department's final rule--Beef or Pork with Barbeque Sauce;
Revision of Standard Docket No. 96-006F. (RIN: 0583-AC09)
Received July 27, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10290--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Rural Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Broadband Grant
Program (RIN: 0572-AB94) Received August 17, 2004, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10291--October 8, 2004; Letter from the RMA, Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Commom Crop Insurance Regulations; Processing Tomato Crop
Insurance Provisions (RIN: 0563-AB90) Received August 17, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10292--October 8, 2004; Letter from the RMA, Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Blueberry Crop
Insurance Provisions (RIN: 0563-AB76) Received August 31, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10293--October 8, 2004; Letter from the RMA, Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Pecan Revenue Crop
Insurance Provisions (RIN: 0563-AB91) Received August 31, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10294--October 8, 2004; Letter from the RMA, Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Apple Crop Insurance
Provisions (RIN: 0563-AB92) Received August 31, 2004, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10295--October 8, 2004; Letter from the RMA, Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--General Administrative Regulations, Catastrophic Risk
Protection Endorsement; Group Risk Plan of Insurance
Regulations for the 2004 and Succeeding Crop Years; and the
Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Basic Provisions (RIN: 0563-
AB94) Received August 17, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
10296--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Dimethenamid; Pesticide Tolerance.
OPP-2004-0315; FRL-7680-1. Received September 22, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10297--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Penoxsulam, 2-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)-N-
(5, 8-dimethoxy.1,2,4. triazolo. 1,5-c. pyrimdin-2-yl) -6-
(trifluoromethyl) benzenesulfonamide; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2004-0286; FRL-7678-6. Received September 22, 2004, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10298--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Citrate Esters; Exemption from the
Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0300; FRL-7677-6. Received
September 22, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10299--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Carfentrazone-ethyl; Pesticide
Tolerance. OPP-2004-0256; FRL-7678-9. Received September 22,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10300--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Lactofen; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2004-0293; FRL-7680-2. Received September 22, 2004, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10301--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Tebufenozide; Pesticide Tolerance.
OPP-2004-0209; FRL-7680-9. Received September 22, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10302--October 8, 2004; Letter from the Chariman and Chief
Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration, transmitting the
administration's final rule--Eligibility and Scope of
Financing; Loan Policies and Operations; General Provisions;
Credit and Related Services (RIN: 3052-AC06) Received July 27,
2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10539--October 9, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and Vegetable Programs,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in
Florida; Limiting the Volume of Small Red Seedless Grapefruit
Docket No. FV04-905-3 IFR. Received August 17, 2004, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10827--November 17, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Hexythiazox; Pesticide Tolerance for
Emergency Exemptions. OPP-2004-0329; FRL-7684-2. Received
November 5, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10828--November 17, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Thifensulfuron-methyl; Tolerance
Actions. OPP-2004-0206; FRL-7683-2. Received October 28, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10829--November 17, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Pyraclostrobin; Pesticide Tolerances.
OPP-2004-0325; FRL-7681-9. Received October 28, 2004, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10830--November 17, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Deltamethrin; Pesticide Tolerance.
OPP-2004-0331; FRL-7683-5. Received October 28, 2004, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10831--November 17, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Bacillus pumilus strain QST 2808;
Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance. OPP-2004-0215;
FRL-7684-4. Received October 28, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
10904--November 18, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Glyphosate; Pesticide Tolerance. OPP-
2004-0323; FRL-7683-9. Received November 15, 2004, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10905--November 18, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Mepanipyrim; Pesticide Tolerances.
OPP-2004-0299; FRL-7681-8. Received October 18, 2004, pursuant
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
10906--November 18, 2004; Letter from the Deputy Associate
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting
the Agency's final rule--Cyprodinil; Pesticide Tolerances. OPP-
2004-0327; FRL-7682-1. Received October 18, 2004, pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
11006--November 18, 2004; Letter from the Acting Secretary
of the Army and Secretary of Agriculture, Departments of the
Army and Agricutlure, transmitting notice of intention of the
Departments of the Army and Agriculture to interchange
jurisdiction of Army and National Forest lands at the Joint
Readiness Training Center (JRTC) and Fort Polk, Louisiana and
the Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana, pursuant to 16 U.S.C.
505a (70 Stat. 656).
11010--November 19, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Importation of Fruits
and Vegetables Docket No. 02-106-2. Received November 15, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
11011--November 19, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Pine Shoot Beetle
Host Material From Canada Docket No. 00-073-2. (RIN: 0579-AB76)
October 22, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
11012--November 19, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Bees and Related
Articles Docket No. 98-109-2. (RIN: 0579-AB20) Received October
22, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
11013--November 19, 2004; Letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, APHIS, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Oriental Fruit Fly;
Designation of Quarantined Area Docket No. 04-106-1. Received
November 17, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
11014--November 19, 2004; Letter from the Acting
Administrator, FSIS, Department of Agriculture, transmitting
the Department's final rule--Nutrition Labeling; Nutrient
Content Claims on Multi-Serve, Meal-Type Meat and Poultry
Products Docket No. 00-046F. (RIN: 0583-AD07) Received November
5, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
11015--November 19, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agriculture Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Walnuts Grown in
California; Decreased Assessment Rate Docket No. FV04-984-2
IFR. Received November 15, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1)(A).
11016--November 19, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agriculture Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Marketing Order
Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far
West; Revision of the Salable Quantity and Allotment Percentage
for Class 3 (Native) Spearmint Oil for the 2004-2005 Marketing
Year Docket No. FV04-985-2 IFR. Received November 15, 2004,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
11017--November 19, 2004; Letter from the Administrator,
Agriculture Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Domestic Dates
Produced or Packed in Riverside County, CA; Increased
Assessment Rate Docket No. FV04-987-2 IFR. Received November
15, 2004, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
B. PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGES
11--February 13, 2003; Communication from the President of
the United States, transmitting the administration's 2003
National Drug Control Strategy, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1504
61--March 2, 2004; Communication from the President of the
United States, transmitting the administration's 2004 National
Drug Control Strategy, pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 1504, 21 U.S.C.
1705.
C. PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMTIONS AND OTHE ITEMS OF INTEREST
Message to the Congress transmitting notification of
intention to enter into a Free Trade Agreement with Chile.
Transmitted January 29, 2003.
Message to the Congress transmitting notification of
intention to enter into a Free Trade Agreement with Singapore.
Transmitted January 29, 2003.
Economic Report of the President. H. Doc. 108-2.
Transmitted to Congress, February, 2003.
Budget of the United States Government. Fiscal year 2004.
Submitted February 3, 2003.
Memorandum on Implementation of section 3017 of the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, Relating to Food for
Education and Child Nutrition. Submitted March 11, 2003.
Statement on House of Representatives Passage of
Comprehensive Energy Legislation. Submitted April 11, 2003.
Statement on Earth Day. Submitted April 22, 2003.
Remarks at a signing ceremony for the United States-
SingaporeFree Trade Agreement. Submitted May 6, 2003.
Message to Congress transmitting a Report on Trade and
Investment Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa and implementation of
the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Submitted May 19, 2003.
Remarks on the Healthy Forests Initiative. Submitted May
20, 2003.
Memorandum on Determination under subsection 402(d)(1) of
the Trade Act of 1974, as amended--Continuation of Waiver
Authority for the Republic of Belarus. Submitted May 29, 2003.
Memorandum on Determination under Subsection 402(d)(1) of
the Trade Act of 1974, as amended--Continuation of Waiver
Authority for the Republic of Vietnam. Submitted May 29, 2003.
Letter to Congressional Leaders transmitting Documentation
on the Extension of Normal Trade Relations Status for Belarus.
Submitted May 29, 2003.
Letter to Congressional Leaders transmitting Documentation
on the Extension of Normal Trade Relations Status for Vietnam.
Submitted May 29, 2003.
Letter to Congressional Leaders transmitting proposed
legislative changes to implement the United States-Chile Free
Trade Agreement. Submitted July 3, 2003.
Letter to Congressional Leaders transmitting proposed
legislative changes to implement the United States-Singapore
Free Trade Agreement. Submitted July 3, 2003.
Executive Order No. 13314. Waiver Under the Trade Act of
1974 with respect to Turkmenistan. Submitted August 8, 2003.
Remarks on the Healthy Forests Initiative in Summerhaven,
AZ. Submitted August 11, 2003.
Remarks at a Signing Ceremony for the Chile and Singapore
Free Trade Agreements. Submitted September 3, 2003.
Remarks following a meeting with the Congressional
Conference Committee on energy legislation and an exchange with
reporters. Submitted September 17, 2003.
Presidential Proclamation. National Farm Safety and Health
Week, 2003. Proclamation No. 7708. Submitted September 25,
2003.
Statement on Signing the Legislative Branch Appropriations
Act, 2004. Submitted September 30, 2003.
Presidential Proclamation. National Forest Products Week,
2003. Proclamation No. 7723. Submitted October 17, 2003.
Statement on Senate Passage of the ``Healthy Forests
Restoration Act.'' Submitted October 30, 2003.
Remarks on Signing the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of
2003. Submitted December 3, 2003.
Presidential Proclamation. To implement the United States-
Chile Free Trade Agreement. Proclamation No. 7746. Submitted
December 30, 2003.
Presidential Proclamation. To implement the United States-
Singapore Free Trade Agreement. Proclamation No. 7747.
Submitted December 30, 2003.
Statement on Signing the Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2004. Submitted January 23, 2004.
Directive on Defense of United States Agriculture and Food.
SubmittedJanuary 30, 2004.
Budget of the United States Government. Fiscal year 2005.
Submitted February 2, 2004.
Notice of Intention to Enter into a Free Trade Agreement
withAustralia. Submitted February 13, 2004.
Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting a Notice of
Intentionto Enter into a Free Trade Agreement with Australia.
SubmittedFebruary 13, 2004.
Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting a Notice of
Intention to Enter into a Free Trade Agreement with Costa Rica,
El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Submitted
February 20, 2004.
Notice of intention to enter into a Free Trade Agreement
with Morocco. Submitted March 8, 2004.
Message to the Congress transmitting a notice of intention
to enter into a Free Trade Agreement with Morocco. Submitted
March 8, 2004.
Notice of intention to enter into a Free Trade Agreement
with the Dominican Republic. Submitted March 24, 2004.
Message to the Congress transmitting a notice of intention
to enter into a Free Trade Agreement with the Dominican
Republic. Submitted March 24, 2004.
Determination under subsection 402(d) of the Trade Act of
1974, asamended--Continuation of Waiver Authority for
Turkmenistan. Presidential Determination No. 2004-32. Submitted
June 3, 2004.
Message to the Congress transmitting a notice of intention
to enter into a Free Trade Agreement with Turkmenistan.
Submitted June 3, 2004.
Determination under subsection 402(d) of the Trade Act of
1974, asamended--Continuation of Waiver Authority for the
Republic of Belarus. Presidential Determination No. 2004-33.
Submitted June 3, 2004.
Message to the Congress transmitting a notice of intention
to enter into a Free Trade Agreement with the Republic of
Belarus. Submitted June 3, 2004.
Determination under Subsection 402(d) of the Trade Act of
1974, as amended--Continuation of Waiver Authority for Vietnam.
Presidential Determination No. 2004-34. Submitted June 3, 2004.
Message to the Congress transmitting a notice of intention
to enter into a Free Trade Agreement with Vietnam. Submitted
June 3, 2004.
Notice of intention to enter into a Free Trade Agreement
with Bahrain. Submitted June 15, 2004.
Message to the Congress transmitting a notice of intention
to enter into a Free Trade Agreement with Bahrain. Submitted
June 15, 2004.
Letter to Congressional Leaders submitting proposed
legislative changes to implement the United States-Australia
Free Trade Agreement. Submitted July 2, 2004.
Message to the Congress transmitting legislation to
implement the United States-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
Submitted July 6, 2004.
Message to the Congress transmitting legislation to
implement the United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement.
Submitted July 15, 2004.
Remarks on signing the United States-Australia Free Trade
Agreement Implementation Act. Submitted August 3, 2004.
Remarks at the Farm Progress Show in Alleman, Iowa.
Submitted August 31, 2004.
Memorandum on Determination and Waiver of Application of
section 908(a)(1) of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export
Enhancement Act of 2000 with Respect to Libya. Submitted
September 20, 2004.
Presidential Proclamation. National Farm Safety and Health
Week, 2004. Proclamation No. 7818. Submitted September 20,
2004.
Presidential Proclamation. To implement the 2004 United
States-Israel Agreement on Trade in Agricultural Products.
Proclamation No. 7826. Submitted October 4, 2004.
Statement on Signing the Military Construction
Appropriations and Emergency Hurricane Supplemental
Appropriations Act. Submitted October 13, 2004.
Statement on Signing the Department of Homeland Security
Appropriations Act, 2005. Submitted October 18, 2004.
Presidential Proclamation. National Forest Products Week,
2004. Proclamation No. 7836. Submitted October 20, 2004.
Statement on the resignation of Ann M. Veneman as Secretary
of Agriculture. Submitted November 15, 2004.
Presidential Proclamation. National Farm-City Week, 2004.
Proclamation No. 7847. Submitted November 19, 2004.
Remarks on the Nomination of Governor Mike Johanns to be
Secretary of Agriculture. Submitted December 2, 2004.
D. STATUTORY REPORTS
USDA: Letter from A. Ellen Terpstra, Administrator, Foreign
Agriculture Service, expressing USDA's interest in using the
Dairy Export Initiative Program (DEIP) for 2002-03 to help
develop overseas markets for dairy products in a manner
consistent with World Trade Organization standards. Submitted
by USDA, January 24, 2003.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Wayne National Forest,
Ohio, and Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia, required by
section 17(b) of the National Forest Management Act of 1976,
P.L. 94-588, as amended. Submitted by USDA, January 27, 2003.
Charter: Renewal of the Advisory Committee on Agriculture
Statistics, required by P.L. 92-463, the Federal Advisory
Committee Act. Submitted by USDA, January 27, 2003.
EPA: Fiscal Year 2002 Annual Report, required by the
Government Performance and Results Act. Submitted by EPA,
January 31, 2003.
USDA: Pesticide Data Program, Annual Summary, Calendar Year
2001, required by the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act.
Submitted by USDA, February, 2003.
USDA: Budget Summary 2004. Submitted by USDA, February 3,
2003.
USDA: Proposed land purchases in Chequamegon National
Forest, Wisconsin, and Hoosier National Forest, Indiana,
required by section 17(b) of the National Forest Management Act
of 1076, P.L. 94-588, as amended. Submitted by USDA, February
3, 2003.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Chequamegon National
Forest, Wisconsin, required by section 17(b) of the National
Forest Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended.
Submitted by USDA, February 6, 2003.
GAO: Food Assistance, pursuant to request. Submitted by
GAO, February 12, 2003.
USDA: Final Report on Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Bovine
Spongiform Encephalopathy, required by the Animal Disease Risk
Assessment, Prevention, and Control Act of 2001, P.L. 107-9.
Submitted by USDA, February 13, 2003.
USDA: Requests for equitable relief, pursuant to sections
1613(b) and (e) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002. Submitted by USDA, February 13, 2003.
USDA: Notification of change in the Milk Price Support
Program purchase prices of butter and nonfat dry milk, required
by section 1501(d)(1) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002. Submitted by USDA, February 13, 2003.
USDA: The Global Food for Education Pilot Program: A Review
of Project Implementation and Impact. Submitted by USDA,
February 13, 2003.
GAO: Report on a major rule issued by the Agricultural
Marketing Service entitled, ``Milk in the Northeast and other
Marketing Areas: Order Amending the Orders,'' pursuant to
section 801(a)(2)(A) of title 5 of the United States Code.
Submitted by GAO, February 25, 2003.
Agricultural Marketing Service: Intention to release a list
of citrus growers covered by a Federal marketing order, as
required under section 1663 of the Food Security Act of 1985,
amending the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, and
pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 608d(2). Submitted by USDA, March 3, 2003.
USDA: Organizational chart. Submitted by USDA, March 7,
2003.
USDA: Grain: World Markets and Trade. Submitted by USDA,
April, 2003.
USDA: Amber Waves. Submitted by USDA, April, 2003.
EPA: Fiscal Year 2002 Annual Report, required by the
Government Performance and Results Act. Submitted by EPA, April
2, 2003.
GAO: Wildland Fires, pursuant to request. Submitted by GAO,
April 4, 2003.
USDA: Letter from Under Secretary Bill Hawks, Marketing and
Regulatory Programs, regarding implementation of the Ralstonia
Action Plan. Submitted by USDA, April 28, 2003.
USDA: Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program,
pursuant to section 702(c) of the Agricultural Trade Act of
1978, as amended by section 3105(a)(2) of the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002. Submitted by USDA, April 30,
2003.
Department of Commerce: Quarterly Report to Congress on
Activities undertaken by the Department of Commerce, pursuant
to section 906(a)(1) of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export
Enhancement Act of 2000. Submitted by the United States
Department of Commerce, May 8, 2003.
GAO: Fiscal Year 2004 International Affairs Issue Papers.
Submitted by GAO, June 3, 2003.
USDA: Vegetables and Melons, Situation and Outlook
Yearbook. Submitted by USDA, July, 2003.
USDA: Report in response to section 7201 of the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (PL 107-171).
Submitted by USDA, July 1, 2003.
USAID: Final Report, Streamlining the P.L. 480 title II
Program, pursuant to the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002. Submitted by USAID, July 13, 2003.
USDA: Report of the Commission on the Application of
Payment Limitations for Agriculture. Submitted by USDA, August
30, 2003.
Charter: Resource Advisory Committees for the Pacific
Southwest, required by P.L. 92-463, the Federal Advisory
Committee Act.Submitted by USDA, September 26, 2003.
Charter: Resource Advisory Committees for the State of
Montana, required by P.L. 92-463, the Federal Advisory
Committee Act. Submitted by USDA, September 26, 2003.
Agricultural Marketing Service: Notice of request under the
Freedom of Information Act for a list of almond growers covered
by a Federal Marketing Order, required by section 1663 of the
Food Security Act of 1985, amending the Agricultural Marketing
Agreement Act of 1937, and pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 608d(2).
Submitted by USDA, September 29, 2003.
USDA: Food Safety and Inspection Service oversight of
production process and recall at Conagra Plant, requested by
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Submitted by USDA, September 30, 2003.
USDA: Household Food Security in the United States, 2002.
Submitted by USDA, October, 2003.
USDA: Office of the Inspector General, Management
Challenges, pursuant to the Reports Consolidation Act of 2000.
Submitted by USDA, October 2, 2003.
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency's Fiscal Year 2003-08
Strategic Plan, as requited by the Government Performance and
Results Act of 1993. Submitted by EPA, October 27, 2003.
USDA: Grain: World Markets and Trade. Submitted by USDA,
November, 2003.
USDA: Draft bill to amend the Commodity Promotion,
Research, and Information Act of 1996. Submitted by USDA,
November 6, 2003.
USDA: Draft legislation amending section 111(1) and section
130(12) of the Dairy Promotion Stabilization Act of 1983.
Submitted by USDA, November 7, 2003.
USDA: Report entitled ``Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust and
the Future of United States Food Aid'', pursuant to Senate
section 102 of the Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the
Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 (P.L.
108-11). Submitted by USDA, November 7, 2003.
Charter: Two-year renewal of the Opal Creek Scenic
Recreation Area Advisory Council. Submitted by USDA November 8,
2003.
USDA: Report on Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and
Ranchers, required by section 10906 of the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171). Submitted by USDA,
November 18, 2003.
EPA: Fiscal Year 2003 Annual Report, required by the
Government Performance and Results Act. Submitted by EPA,
November 21, 2003.
USDA: Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies in Cervids
and Livestock, required by the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002. Submitted by USDA, November 25, 2003.
USDA: Characteristics of Food Stamp Households: Fiscal Year
2002. Submitted by USDA, November 28, 2003.
CFTC: Semiannual Report of the Office of the Inspector
General, for the period ending September 30, 2003, required by
section 5 of the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended.
Submitted by CFTC, November 30, 2003.
USDA: Estimating Eligibility and Participation in the WIC
Program, pursuant to request. Submitted by USDA, December 3,
2003.
USDA: Proposed land purchase for Daniel Boone National
Forest, Kentucky, required by section 17(b) of the National
Forest Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended.
Submitted by USDA, December 3, 2003.
USDA: Report to Congress on the National Dairy Promotion
and Research Program, pursuant to the Dairy Production
Stabilization Act of 1983 and the Fluid Milk Promotion Act of
1990. Submitted by USDA, December 5, 2003.
USDA: Foreign Ownership of U.S. Agricultural Land Through
February 28, 2003, pursuant to the Agricultural Foreign
Investment Disclosure Act of 1978. Submitted by USDA, December
8, 2003.
USDA: Farmland Protection Policy Act Annual Report 2002,
required by section 1546 of the Farmland Protection Policy Act.
Submitted by USDA, December 12, 2003.
USDA: Proposed land purchase for Monongahela National
Forest, West Virginia, required by section 17(b) of the
National Forest Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as
amended. Submitted by USDA, December 18,2003.
EPA: Letter to Chairman Goodlatte from Michael O. Leavitt
regarding the EPA's proposed meat and poultry products effluent
guidelines rulemaking. Submitted by EPA, December 31, 2003.
USDA: National Survey of Conservation Reserve Program
Participants on Environmental Effects, Wildlife Issues, and
Vegetation Management on Program Lands. Submitted by USDA,
January 16, 2004.
USDA: Report on production, trade, inspections, and prices
of fresh fruits and vegetables, processed citrus, and cut
flowers. Required by section 321(e) of the North American Free-
Trade Agreement Implementation Act of 1993. Submitted by USDA,
January 8, 2004.
Charter: Renewal of the Local Government Advisory
Committee. Submitted by EPA, January 9, 2004.
EPA: Letter from Michael O. Leavitt, Administrator, to
Chairman Bob Goodlatte, Committee on Agriculture, regarding
EPA's proposed Meat and Poultry Products effluent guidelines
rulemaking. Submitted by EPA, January 12, 2004.
USDA: Letter from Thomas C. Door, Senior Advisor to the
Secretary, to Chairman Bob Goodlatte, Committee on Agriculture,
regarding Rural Development's accountability to its programs.
Submitted by USDA, January 13, 2004.
USTR: Letter from Robert B. Zoellick, United States Trade
Representative, to Chairman Bob Goodlatte, Committee on
Agriculture, regarding the European Union's demands in World
Trade Organization negotiations for enhanced geographical
indication protection. Submitted by USTR, January 22, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchases in Green Mountain National
Forest, Vermont, and White Mountain National Forest, New
Hampshire, required by section 17(b) of the National Forest
Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended. Submitted by
USDA, January 27, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchases in Daniel Boone National
Forest, Kentucky, and Chequamegon National Forest, Wisconsin,
required by section 17(b) of the National Forest Management Act
of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended. Submitted by USDA, January
27, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Chequamegon National
Forest, Wisconsin, required by section 17(b) of the National
Forest Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended.
Submitted by USDA, January 28, 2004.
USDA: Report on requests for equitable relief, required by
section 1613 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002. Submitted by USDA, February 5, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Chequamegon National
Forest, Wisconsin, and land exchange in Ouachita National
Forest, Arkansas, as required by section 17(b) of the National
Forest Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended.
Submitted by USDA, February 6, 2004.
USDA: Report on Access to Broadband Telecommunications
Services in Rural Areas, pursuant to the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002, title VI, Sec. 601(i). Submitted
by USDA, February 10, 2004.
USDA: Report on imports of sugar and sugar-containing
products for indications of circumvention of the U.S. sugar
tariff-quota, required by section 5203 of the Trade Act of
2002. Submitted by USDA, February 23, 2004.
EPA: Proposal to amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Submitted by EPA, February 25,
2004.
Wheat Situation Outlook and Yearbook. Submitted by USDA,
March, 2004.
EPA: Fiscal Year 2003 Annual Report, required by the
Government Performance and Results Act and the Reports
Consolidation Act. Submitted by EPA, March 2, 2004.
USDA: Statistical summaries of the end user identification
program for imported flue-cured and burley tobacco, required by
section 1166 of the Food Security Act of 1985. Submitted by
USDA, March 9, 2004.
USDA: Summary of recommended Food for Progress proposals--
2004, pursuant to section 3106 of the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002. Submitted by USDA, March 10, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Chequamegon/Nicolet
National Forest in Wisconsin, required by section 17(b) of the
National Forest Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as
amended. Submitted by USDA, March 11, 2004.
Charter: Renewal of the Land Between the Lakes Advisory
Board, in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act,
P.L. 92-463. Submitted by USDA, March 12, 2004.
EPA: Letter from Michael O. Leavitt, Administrator, EPA, to
Chairman Bob Goodlatte, Committee on Agriculture, regarding
actions on triazines. Submitted by EPA, March 15, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Chequamegon/Nicolet
National Forest, Wisconsin, required by section 17(b) of the
National Forest Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as
amended. Submitted by USDA, March 18, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Talladega National Forest,
Alabama, required by section 17(b) of the National Forest
Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended. Submitted by
USDA, March 18, 2004.
Charter: Renewal of the Environmental Financial Advisory
Board, pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency, March 19,
2004.
USTR: Letter from Robert B. Zoellick, United States Trade
Representative, to Chairman Bob Goodlatte, Committee on
Agriculture, regarding dispute with Mexico concerning high
fructose corn syrup. Submitted by USTR, March 22, 2004.
EPA: Draft copy of proposed rule, pursuant to section 25(a)
of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
Submitted by EPA, March 23, 2004.
Charter: Establishment of the Resource Advisory Committees
for the Alaska Region, required by P.L. 92-463, the Federal
Advisory Committee Act. Submitted by USDA, March 25, 2004.
Agricultural Marketing Service: Notice of request under the
Freedom of Information Act for a list of tart cherry growers
covered by a Federal Marketing Order, required by section 1663
of the Food Security Act of 1985, amending the Agricultural
Marketing Act of 1937. Submitted by USDA, March 25, 2004.
Feed Situation and Outlook Yearbook. Submitted by USDA,
April, 2004.
Department of the Treasury: Quarterly Report, January 1-
March 31, 2004, pursuant to the Trade Sanctions Reform and
Export Enhancement Act of 2000. Submitted by the Department of
the Treasury, April 1, 2004.
USDA: Administrative Expenses on Programs Established under
Commodity Promotion Laws, required by The Federal Agriculture
Improvement and Reform Act of 1996. Submitted by USDA, April 7,
2004.
USDA: Letter from Mark Rey, Under Secretary, Natural
Resources and Environment, to Chairman Goodlatte, Committee on
Agriculture, regarding accountability of the Natural Resources
Conservation Service. Submitted by USDA, April 8, 2004.
USDA: Pesticide Data Program Summary of 2002 and the March
2004 Progress Report. Submitted by USDA, April 9, 2004.
Charter: Establishment of Resource Advisory Committees for
the Southwest Region, pursuant to the Federal Advisory
Committee Act. Submitted by the USDA, April 14, 2004.
USDC: Quarterly report to the Congress relating to exports
of agricultural commodities to Cuba for January-March, 2004,
pursuant to section 906(b) of the Trade Sanctions Reform and
Export Enhancement Act of 2000. Submitted by the United States
Department of Commerce, April 15, 2004.
GAO: School Meal Programs, pursuant to request. Submitted
by GAO April 23, 2004.
USTR: Letter from Ambassador Robert B. Zoellick, USTR, to
Chairman Bob Goodlatte, Committee on Agriculture, regarding the
importance of U.S. agriculture in multilateral and bilateral
trade negotiations. Submitted by USTR, April 26, 2004.
Charter: Renewal of the Invasive Species Advisory
Committee, pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Submitted by the Department of the Interior, April 27, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Daniel Boone National
Forest, Kentucky, required by section 17(b) of the National
Forest Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended.
Submitted by USDA, April 28, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Mark Twain National Forest,
Missouri, required by section 17(b) of the National Forest
Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended. Submitted by
USDA, April 30, 2004.
Charter: Establishment of the Endocrine Disrupter Methods
Validation Advisory Committee, pursuant to the Federal Advisory
Committee Act. Submitted by EPA, May 6, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Nicolet National Forest,
Wisconsin, and and Manistee National Forest, Michigan, required
by section 17(b) of the National Forest Management Act of 1976,
P.L. 94-588, as amended. Submitted by USDA, May 11, 2004.
USDA: GIPSA Fiscal Year 2003 Annual Report, required by the
United States Grain Standards Act. Submitted by USDA, May 12,
2004.
USDA: Case study of National School Lunch Program
Verification Outcomes in Large Metropolitan School Districts.
Submitted by USDA, May 13, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Chequamegon National
Forest, Wisconsin, required by section 17(b) of the National
Forest Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended.
Submitted by USDA, May 17, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Chattahoochee National
Forest, Georgia, required by section 17(b) of the National
Forest Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended.
Submitted by USDA, May 18, 2004.
USAID: Report regarding the reason's for USAID's waiver of
the subminimum tonnage requirement, required by section
204(a)(3) of the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance
Act of 1954, as amended, P.L. 480. Submitted by USAID, May 18,
2004.
FCA: Final rule adopted by the Farm Credit Administration
Board under the provisions of the Farm Credit Act of 1971, as
amended. The rule amends title 12, Chapter VI of the Code of
Federal Regulations. Submitted by FCA, May 20, 2004. USDA:
Report to Congress on Fiscal Year 2003 Competitive Sourcing
Activities, required by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of
2004, P.L. 108-199. Submitted by USDA, May 25, 2004.
USDA: Report to Congress on Fiscal Year 2004 Competitive
Sourcing Activities, required by the Consolidated
Appropriations Act of 2004, P.L. 108-199. Submitted by USDA,
May 25, 2004.
GAO: Fragmentation and Overlap in the Federal Food Safety
System, pursuant to request. Submitted by GAO, May 26, 2004.
GAO: Report entitled ``2002 Farm Bill--Conservation Reserve
Program Long Term Policy,'' pursuant to section 801 (a)(2)(A)
of title V, United States Code. Submitted by GAO, May 27, 2004.
Homeland Security: Semiannual Report to Congress, October
1-March 31, 2004, pursuant to section 5 of the Inspector
General Act of 1978, P.L. 95-452. Submitted by Homeland
Security, May 28, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Pisgah National Forest,
North Carolina, required by section 17(b) of the National
Forest Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended.
Submitted by USDA, June 3, 2004.
Charter: Renewal of the Lake Tahoe Basin Federal Advisory
Committee, pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Submitted by the Department of Agriculture, June 7, 2004.
Charter: Renewal of the Advisory Committee on Emerging
Markets, pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Submitted by the Department of Agriculture, June 7, 2004.
Charter: Renewal of the Forest Research Advisory Committee,
pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Submitted by
the Department of Agriculture, June 7, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Sumter National Forest,
South Carolina, required by section 17(b) of the National
Forest Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended.
Submitted by USDA, June 9, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Monongahela National
Forest, West Virginia, required by section 17(b) of the
National Forest Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as
amended. Submitted by USDA, June 14, 2004.
Charter: Renewal of the EPA-USDA Committee to Advise on
Reassessment and Transition, pursuant to the Federal Advisory
Committee Act. Submitted by EPA, June 17, 2004.
Charter: Renewal of the National Advisory Council for
Environmental Policy and Technology, pursuant to the Federal
Advisory Committee Act. Submitted by EPA, June 18, 2004.
EPA: Draft copy of a final rule under the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Submitted
by EPA, June 23, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchases in Ottawa National Forest,
Michigan, and Francis Marion National Forest, South Carolina,
required by section 17(b) of the National Forest Management Act
of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended. Submitted by USDA, June 28,
2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchases in Mark Twain National
Forest, Missouri, and Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont,
required by section 17(b) of the National Forest Management Act
of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended. Submitted by USDA, June 29,
2004.
USDA: Status of OIG Investigation into the Cramer Fire in
the Salmon-Challis National Forest, required by P.L. 107-203.
Submitted by USDA, June 30, 2004.
USDA: Vegetables and Melons, Situation Outlook and
Yearbook. Submitted by USDA, July, 2004.
USDA: National Dairy Promotion and Research Program.
Submitted by USDA, July 1, 2004.
Department of the Treasury: Quarterly Report of Licensing
Activities, pursuant to the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export
Enhancement Act of 2000. Submitted by the Department of the
Treasury, July 2, 2004.
Charter: Establishment of the Crook County Resource
Advisory Committee, pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee
Act. Submitted by USDA, July 6, 2004.
Agricultural Marketing Service: Intention to release a list
of raisin growers covered by a Federal marketing order, as
required under section 1663 of the Food Security Act of 1985,
amending the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, and
pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 608d(2). Submitted by USDA, July 8, 2004.
USDC: Quarterly Report to Congress on Agricultural
Commodities to Cuba: April-June, 2004, pursuant to the Trade
Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. Submitted
by the USDC, July 12, 2004.
Agricultural Marketing Service: Intention to release a list
of prune growers covered by a Federal marketing order, as
required under section 1663 of the Food Security Act of 1985,
amending the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, and
pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 608d(2). Submitted by USDA, July 15, 2004.
Department of the Army: Report to Congress regarding
activities carried out under title I of the Estuaries and Clean
Waters Act of 2000, pursuant to the Estuaries and Clean Waters
Act of 2000. Submitted by the Department of the Army, July 26,
2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in San Bernardino Forest,
California, required by section 17(b) of the National Forest
Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended. Submitted by
USDA, July 27, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Chattahoochee National
Forest, Georgia, required by section 17(b) of the National
Forest Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended.
Submitted by USDA, July 28, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Mark Twain National Forest,
Missouri, and Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont, required
by section 17(b) of the National Forest Management Act of 1976,
P.L. 94-588, as amended. Submitted by USDA, July 29, 2004.
Supreme Court of the United States: Brief of Amici Curiae
Thad Cochran, Bob Goodlatte, and Charles W. Stenholm regarding
the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985. Nos. 03-1164, 03-
1165. Submitted to Supreme Court, August, 2004.
Charter: Renewal of the Environmental Laboratory Board,
pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Submitted by
EPA, August 5, 2004.
GAO: Report on a major rule promulgated by the USDA, Food
and Nutrition Service, entitled ``Food Stamp Program: Vehicle
and Maximum Excess Shelter Expense Deduction Provisions of
Public Law 106-387,'' pursuant to section 801(a)(2)(A) of title
5, U.S.C. Submitted by GAO, August 11, 2004.
Charter: Renewal of the Advisory Committee on Universal
Cotton Standards, pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee
Act. Submitted by USDA, August 11, 2004.
Charter: Renewal of the National Organic Standards Board,
pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Submitted by
the USDA, August 26, 2004.
Charter: Renewal of the National Advisory Committee for
Tobacco Inspection Services, pursuant to the Federal Advisory
Committee Act. Submitted by the USDA, August 26, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Cherokee National Forest,
Tennessee, required by section 17(b) of the National Forest
Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended. Submitted by
USDA, August 30, 2004.
USDA: The Role of Economics in Eating Choices and Weight
Outcomes. Submitted by USDA, September, 2004.
USDA: Economic Effects of U.S. Dairy Policy and Alternative
Approaches to Milk Pricing, pursuant to the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002. Submitted by USDA, September 7,
2004.
GAO: Embassy Management, pursuant to request. Submitted by
GAO, September 7, 2004.
USDA: Management Challenges, Office of the Inspector
General, pursuant to the Reports Consolidation Act of 2000.
Submitted by USDA, September 7, 2004.
USDA: Report on Imports of Sugar and Sugar-Containing
Products, pursuant to the Trade Act of 2002. Submitted by USDA,
September 8, 2004.
GAO: Maritime Security Fleet. Submitted by GAO, September
13, 2004.
USDA: Proposed Criteria for Selecting the WIC Food
Packages. Submitted by USDA, September 14, 2004.
GAO: Food Stamp Program. Submitted by GAO, September 16,
2004.
GAO: Best Practices. Submitted by GAO, September 16, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Sumter National Forest,
South Carolina, required by section 17(b) of the National
Forest Management Act of 1976, P.L. 94-588, as amended.
Submitted by USDA, September 21, 2004.
Agricultural Marketing Service: Intention to release a list
of almond growers covered by a Federal marketing order, as
required under section 1663 of the Food Security Act of 1985,
amending the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, and
pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 608d(2). Submitted by USDA, September 21,
2004.
Charter: Renewal of the Gulf of Mexico Program Policy
Review Board, pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Submitted by the USDA, September 24, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Sumter National Forest and
Francis Marion National Forest, South Carolina, required by
section 17(b) of the National Forest Management Act of 1976,
P.L. 94-588, as amended. Submitted by USDA, September 28, 2004.
Charter: Renewal of the National Advisory Committee on
Microbiological Criteria for Foods, pursuant to the Federal
Advisory Committee Act. Submitted by the USDA, September 28,
2004.
Charter: Renewal of the General Conference Committee of the
National Poultry Improvement Plan, pursuant to the Federal
Advisory Committee Act. Submitted by the USDA, September 28,
2004.
USDA: Household Food Security in the United States, 2003.
Submitted by the USDA, October, 2004.
Department of the Treasury: Quarterly Report of Licensing
Activities for July 1-September 30, 2004, pursuant to the Trade
Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. Submitted
by the Department of the Treasury, October 1, 2004.
Department of the Treasury: Biennial Report of Licensing
Activities for October 1, 2002-September 30, 2004, pursuant to
the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000.
Submitted by theDepartment of the Treasury, October 1, 2004.
USDA: Forest Insect and Disease Conditions in the United
States, 2003, pursuant to the Cooperative Forestry Assistance
Act of 1978, as amended. Submitted by USDA, October 4, 2004.
GAO: Food Safety, pursuant to request. Submitted by GAO,
October 6, 2004.
FCA: Proposed amendments to title 12, Chapter VI of the
Code of Federal Regulations. Submitted by FCA, October 15,
2004.
GAO: Report on a major rule promulgated by the Department
of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service, entitled,
``Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Fish and Shellfish,''
pursuant to section 801(a)(2)(A) of title 5, United States
Code. Submitted by GAO, October 15, 2004.
Charter: Renewal of the Resource Advisory Committee for the
States of Oregon and Washington, pursuant to the Federal
Advisory Committee Act. Submitted by the USDA, October 18,
2004.
USDA: Information Systems Security Program Review, required
by the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002.
Submitted by USDA, November 1, 2004. USDA: Proposed land
purchase in Cleveland National Forest, California, required by
section 17(b) of the National Forest Management Act of 1976,
P.L. 94-588, as amended. Submitted by USDA, November 3, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Cleveland National Forest,
California, required by section 17(b) of the National Forest
Management Act of 1976,P.L. 94-588, as amended. Submitted by
USDA, November 3, 2004.
USDC: Quarterly Report to Congress on Activities undertaken
by the Department of Commerce, pursuant to Sec. 906(a)(1) of
the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000.
Submitted by USDC, November 5, 2004.
USDA: Proposed land purchase in Mark Twain National Forest,
Oregon, and Shawnee National Forest, Illinois, required by
secion 17(b) of the National Forest Management Act of 1976,
P.L. 94-588, as amended. Submitted by USDA, November 12, 2004.
USDC: Department of Commerce Report on Actions Taken by the
Bureau of Industry and Security, pursuant to section 906(a)(1)
of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of
2000. Submitted by USDC, November 17, 2004.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Semiannual Report to
Congress, April 1-September 30, 2004, pursuant to section 5 of
the Inspector General Act of 1978, Public Law 95-452. Submitted
by U.S. Department of Homeland Security, November 30, 2004.
USDA: Report on Specialty Crop Insurance, required by
section 10006 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002. Submitted by USDA, December, 2004.
Office of Management and Budget. Program Assessment
Summary. Submitted by Office of Management and Budget,
December, 2004.
E. MEMORIALS
45--May 13, 2003; Memorial of the Senate of the State of
Michigan, relative to Senate Resolution No. 49 memorializing
the United States Congress and the Department of Agriculture to
provide assistance, including financial assistance, in the
effort to deal with the infestation of the emerald ash borer.
61--June 2, 2003; Memorial of the Legislature of the State
of Hawaii, relative to House Concurrent Resolution No. 208
memorializing the United States Congress that the Bush
administration and the United States Congress are requested to
appropriate financial impact assistance for health, education,
and other social services for Hawaii's Freely Associated States
Citizens.
62--June 2, 2003; Memorial of the legislature of the State
of Hawaii, relative to House Resolution No. 176 memorializing
the United States Congress to take specific actions to help the
airlines serving the State in the event of a war.
63--June 4, 2003; Memorial of the Legislature of the State
of Washington, relative to Senate Joint Memorial No. 8015
memorializing the United States Congress to pray that new
Federal procedures be established to assure that future sales
of wheat stocks from federally held grain reserves be conducted
in a manner that such sales will not unduly disrupt the market
while also fulfilling the original intent.
64--June 4, 2003; Memorial of the House of Representatives
of the State of Michigan, relative to House Resolution No. 58
memorializing the United States Congress to continue providing
assistance to Michigan to help eradicate bovine tuberculosis.
70--June 4, 2003; Memorial of the Legislature of the State
of Washington, relative to Senate Joint Memorial No. 8002
memorializing the United States Congress to provide adequate
funding levels for the United States Forest Service and
continually assess the progress towards a healthy forest
environment.
81--June 11, 2003; Memorial of the House of Representatives
of the State of Michigan, relative to House Resolution No. 36
memorializing the United States Congress to establish a
quarantine for the emerald ash borer and provide assistance to
help Michigan combat the infestation.
82--June 11, 2003; Memorial of the Legislature of the State
of Louisiana, relative to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 18
memorializing the United States Congress to take immediate and
focused efforts to improve the enforcement of food import
restrictions of seafood imports that contain the use of banned
antibiotics, especially in foreign imported shrimp.
83--June 11, 2003; Memorial of the Legislature of the State
of Louisiana, relative to House Concurrent Resolution No. 90
memorializing the United States Congress to urge the Secretary
of Agriculture to expeditiously implement and expand cost of
production insurance for cotton that is based on a producer's
actual production cost history and to implement a cost of
production insurance pilot program.
94--June 11, 2003; Memorial of the Legislature of the State
of Idaho, relative to House Joint Resolution No. 12
memorializing the United States Congress that the Idaho
Legislature supports the Healthy Forests Initiative and its
individual proposals and that we respectfully request the
entire Congress to fully support the Healthy Forests Initiative
and its individual proposals.
96--June 11, 2003; Memorial of the Legislature of the State
of Idaho, relative to House Joint Resolution No. 10
memorializing the United States Congress to preserve access to
backcountry airstrips by introducing into the current 108th
Congress Senate Bill No. 681, the Backcountry Landing Strip
Access Act from the 107th Congress and its companion
legislation House Resolution No. 1363.
134--June 26, 2003; Memorial of the Senate of the State of
Hawaii, relative to Senate Resolution No. 36 memorializing the
United States Congress to appropriate adequate financial impact
assistance for health, education, and other social services for
Hawaii's Freely Associated States citizens.
135--July 7, 2003; Memorial of the Senate of the State of
Louisiana, relative to Senate Resolution No. 57 memorializing
the Congress of the United States that the Senate of the
Legislature of Louisiana desires to clarify Senate Concurrent
Resolution No. 18 of the 2003 Regular Session, enrolled on May
8, 2003, that the Louisiana Legislature only supports the
testing of imported seafood by the Federal Food and Drug
Administration within the boundaries of the United States.
145--July 16, 2003; Memorial of the Senate of the State of
Michigan, relative to Senate Resolution No. 87 memorializing
the United States Congress to continue providing assistance to
Michigan to help eradicate bovine tuberculosis.
149--July 22, 2003; Memorial of the House of
Representatives of the State of Michigan, relative to House
Concurrent Resolution No. 11 memorializing the United States
Congress to enact legislation that will address the issue of
the improper labeling and classification of dairy products.
202--September 9, 2003; Memorial of General Assembly of the
State of New Jersey, relative to Assembly Resolution No. 207
memorializing the President and the Congress of the United
States to adopt a more effective approach to handling domestic
security and terrorism preparedness issues through better
national coordination, resource support, and political
leadership, and to take into considerartion certain
recommendations based upon the report issued by the Independent
Task Force.
224--November 19, 2003; Memorial of the Legislature of the
State of Florida, relative to House Memorial No. 1669
memorializing the Congress of the United States to provide for
the conveyance of the National Forest System lands underlying
the George Kilpatrick Dam on the Oklawaha River near Palatka,
Florida, and the National Forest System lands lying below the
21 feet National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) underlying the
Rodman Reservoir formed by such dam and National Forest Service
Tract #C-615 to the State of Florida.
240--January 20, 2004; Memorial of the Legislature of the
State of Texas, relative to House Concurrent Resolution No. 103
memorializing the United States Congress to improve the
enforcement of food import restrictions on seafood imports.
268--April 1, 2004; Memorial of the Legislature of the
State of Wyoming, relative to a Joint Resolution memorializing
the United States Government to work with the State of Wyoming
to eliminate brucellosis from wildlife in the Greater
Yellowstone Area.
297--Apr. 22, 2004; Memorial of the Legislature of the
State of Washington, relative to Engrossed Senate Joint
Memorial No. 8050 memorializing the U.S. Congress and the Dept.
of Agriculture by fully aware of the current expertise that
exists as the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory &
College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University
and the head start this institution has to fulfill needs on
projects related to TSEs including an ability to develop a BSE
test for live cattle; conduct an itemized list of enhanced TSE
research projects; or administer a quick surveillance BSE
testing program for the state or the region.
315--April 22, 2004; Memorial of the Legislature of the
State of Idaho, relative to Senate Joint Memorial No. 110
memorializing the congressional delegation representing the
state of Idaho to work toward enactment of the Clearwater Basin
Project Act.
316--April 22, 2004; Memorial of the Legislature of the
State of Idaho, relative to Senate Joint Memorial No. 107
memorializing the United States Congress to preserve access to,
and the historic use of, backcountry airstrips by introducing
into Congress legislation which will preserve backcountry
landing strips on currently-owned Federal lands and any future
Federal acquisition of lands.
381--June 25, 2004/ Memorial of the Legislature of the
State of Louisiana, relative to House Concurrent Resolution No.
5 memorializing the United States Congress to study and
consider revising the income guidelines for senior citizens and
reduce them by ten percent so that they may participate in or
receive more assistance through the Federal food stamp program.
392--July 19, 2004; Memorial of the Legislature of the
State of Louisiana, relative to Senate Concurrent Resolution
No. 75 memorializing the Congress of the United States to
authorize and fund the establishment of the Coastal Forest
Reserve Program, and to memorialize the United States
Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the Louisiana
Department of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Louisiana State
University School of Renewable Natural Resources, with the
assistance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and
other Louisiana universites, to provide an inventory and
assessment of coastal forests.
406--July 19, 2004; Memorial of the Senate of the State of
Michigan, relative to Senate Resolution No. 171 memorialzing
the Congress of the United States and the Federal Government to
work with Michigan officials to align the ownership of mineral
rights and surface rights on state and Federal lands in
Michigan.
426--September. 24, 2004; Memorial of the House of
Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, relative
to House Resolution No. 770 memorializing the United States
Department of Agriculture to reconsider its recent policy
change relating to Pennsylvania'a Nutrition Education Program
(PA NEP).
459--November 18, 2004/
Memorial of the Senate of the State of Michigan, relative
to Senate Resolution No. 279 memorializing the Congress of the
United States to enact the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act.
468--November 19, 2004; Memorial of the Legislature of the
State of California, relative to Assembly Joint Resolution No.
69 memorializing the Congress of the United States to support
the passage of H.R. 3242, the Speciality Crop Competitiveness
Act of 2003.
F. PETITIONS
58--March 1, 2004; Petition of the Common Council of the
city of Buffalo, NY, relative to Resolution No. 218, supporting
the filibuster and defeat of the Energy Policy Act of 2003.
104--September 9, 2004; Petition of the Kentucky Interim
Joint Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, relative
to a resolution petitioning the President and Congress of the
United States to support and enact legislation establishing a
tobacco buyout program.
115--September 29, 2004; Petition of the Tobacco Task Force
and the Committee on Agriculture and Small Business of the
General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, relative to a
resolution expressing full support for the implementation of a
fair and equitable tobacco buyout program to compensate tobacco
growers and quota owners for their loss; petitioning for the
provision of an economic stimulus for the Commonwealth of
Kentucky; and petitioning the President and Congress of the
United States to support and enact legislation to establish
such a buyout program for the tobacco industry.