House Report 113-679 - REPORT ON ACTIVITIES DURING THE 113TH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION (DECEMBER 28, 2013 TO JANUARY 2, 2015)

[House Report 113-679]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

Union Calendar No. 510

113th Congress, 2d Session - - - - - - - - - - - House Report 113-679

REPORT ON ACTIVITIES

DURING THE 113TH CONGRESS

SECOND SESSION

(DECEMBER 28, 2013 TO JANUARY 2, 2015)

__________

R E P O R T

of the

COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

December 18, 2014.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
______

U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

49-006 WASHINGTON : 2014

COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

FRANK D. LUCAS, Oklahoma, Chairman
BOB GOODLATTE, Virginia, COLLIN C. PETERSON, Minnesota,
Vice Chairman Ranking Minority Member
STEVE KING, Iowa MIKE McINTYRE, North Carolina
RANDY NEUGEBAUER, Texas DAVID SCOTT, Georgia
MIKE ROGERS, Alabama JIM COSTA, California
K. MICHAEL CONAWAY, Texas TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota
GLENN THOMPSON, Pennsylvania KURT SCHRADER, Oregon
BOB GIBBS, Ohio MARCIA L. FUDGE, Ohio
AUSTIN SCOTT, Georgia JAMES P. McGOVERN, Massachusetts
SCOTT R. TIPTON, Colorado SUZAN K. DelBENE, Washington
ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD, Arkansas GLORIA NEGRETE McLEOD, California
SCOTT DesJARLAIS, Tennessee FILEMON VELA, Texas
CHRISTOPHER P. GIBSON, New York MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM, New Mexico
VICKY HARTZLER, Missouri ANN M. KUSTER, New Hampshire
REID J. RIBBLE, Wisconsin RICHARD M. NOLAN, Minnesota
KRISTI L. NOEM, South Dakota PETE P. GALLEGO, Texas
DAN BENISHEK, Michigan WILLIAM L. ENYART, Illinois
JEFF DENHAM, California JUAN VARGAS, California
STEPHEN LEE FINCHER, Tennessee CHERI BUSTOS, Illinois
DOUG LaMALFA, California SEAN PATRICK MALONEY, New York
RICHARD HUDSON, North Carolina JOE COURTNEY, Connecticut
RODNEY DAVIS, Illinois JOHN GARAMENDI, California
CHRIS COLLINS, New York
TED S. YOHO, Florida
VANCE M. McALLISTER, Louisiana
------
Nicole Scott, Staff Director
Kevin J. Kramp, Chief Counsel
Tamara Hinton, Communications Director
Robert L. Larew, Minority Staff Director

LETTER OF SUBMITTAL

----------

House of Representatives,
Committee on Agriculture,
Washington, D.C., December 18, 2014.

Hon. Karen L. Hass,
Clerk of the House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Ms. Hass: 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 first session of the 113th Congress.
With best wishes, I am
Sincerely,
Hon. Frank D. Lucas,
Chairman.

C O N T E N T S

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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 113th Congress............... 18
A. Main Legislative Activities............................... 18
B. Statistical Summary of Activities......................... 25
C. Digest of Bills Within the Jurisdiction of the Committee
on Which Action Has Been Taken............................. 25
1. Bills Enacted into Law................................ 25
2. Bills Acted on by the House But Not the Senate........ 53
3. House Resolutions Considered in the House............. 68
4. Bills Reported by the Committee on Agriculture But Not
Considered............................................. 68
5. Bills Reported by Other Committees Within the
Committee on Agriculture's Jurisdiction But Not
Considered............................................. 68
6. Bills Ordered Reported by the Committee on Agriculture 72
7. Bills Ordered Reported But Not Reported by Other
Committees Within the Committee on Agriculture's
Jurisdiction........................................... 73
8. Bills Defeated........................................ 73
9. Bills Acted on by the Committee Included in the Other
Laws Enacted........................................... 91
10. Bills Vetoed......................................... 91
11. Bills Acted on by Both Houses But Not Enacted........ 91
12. Concurrent Resolutions Approved...................... 92
D. Oversight................................................. 94
1. Oversight Hearings.................................... 95
2. Legislative Hearings.................................. 100
E. Printed Hearings.......................................... 101
F. Meetings Not Printed...................................... 102
G. Committee Prints.......................................... 103
H. Watersheds................................................ 103
III. Appendix.................................................... 103
A. Executive Communications.................................. 103
B. Statutory and Special Reports............................. 135
C. Memorials................................................. 153
D. Petitions................................................. 154

Union Calendar No. 510
113th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session } { 113-679

======================================================================

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE ON ACTIVITIES DURING THE 113TH
CONGRESS

_______

December 18, 2014.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

_______

Mr. Lucas, 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 113th 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
113th Congress at 46, with a party division of 25 Republicans
and 21 Democrats. Among the committee members were 14
Representatives who were serving their first terms (LaMalfa,
Hudson, Rodney Davis of IL, Collins of NY, Yoho, Negrete
McLeod, Vela, Lujan Grisham, Kuster, Gallego, Enyart, Vargas,
Bustos, and Maloney).
The Committee organized on January 23, 2013, 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.)
(Frank D. Lucas, Chairman, and Collin C. Peterson, Ranking
Minority Member, are ex officio Members of all Subcommittees.)
The Committee organized on January 25, 2011, into six
subcommittees, five of which were assigned jurisdiction over
major agricultural commodities and one that dealt with various
related agricultural operations. The six subcommittees were
constituted as follows:

Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry
(Ratio 10-8 (Total 18))

GLENN THOMPSON, Pennsylvania,
Chairman
TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota, Ranking Minority Memberlabama
GLORIA NEGRETE McLEOD, California BOB GIBBS, Ohio
ANN M. KUSTER, New Hampshire SCOTT R. TIPTON, Colorado
RICHARD M. NOLAN, Minnesota ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD,
MIKE McINTYRE, North Carolina Arkansas
KURT SCHRADER, Oregon MARTHA ROBY, AlabamaB
SUZAN K. DelBENE, Washington REID J. RIBBLE, Wisconsin
KRISTI L. NOEM, South Dakota
DAN BENISHEK, Michigan
VANCE M. McALLISTER, LouisianaJ

Jurisdiction: Soil, water, and resource conservation, small
watershed program, energy and biobased energy production, rural
electrification, forestry in general and forest reserves other
than those created from the public domain.

------

Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management
(Ratio 16-13 (Total 29))

K. MICHAEL CONAWAY, Texas,
Chairman
DAVID SCOTT, Georgia, Ranking Minority MemberUGEBAUER, Texas
FILEMON VELA, Texas MIKE ROGERS, Alabama
PETE P. GALLEGO, Texas BOB GIBBS, Ohio
WILLIAM L. ENYART, Illinois AUSTIN SCOTT, Georgia
JUAN VARGAS, California ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD,
CHERI BUSTOS, Illinois Arkansas
SEAN PATRICK MALONEY, New York MARTHA ROBY, AlabamaB
TIMOTHY J. WALZ, Minnesota CHRISTOPHER P. GIBSON, New York
GLORIA NEGRETE McLEOD, California VICKY HARTZLER, Missouri
JIM COSTA, California KRISTI L. NOEM, South Dakota
JOHN GARAMENDI, CaliforniaC DAN BENISHEK, Michigan
---- DOUG LaMALFA, California
RICHARD HUDSON, North Carolina
RODNEY DAVIS, Illinois
CHRIS COLLINS, New York
----

Jurisdiction: Program and markets related to cotton,
cottonseed, wheat, feed grains, soybeans, oilseeds, rice, dry
beans, peas, lentils, the Commodity Credit Corporation, risk
management, including crop insurance, commodity exchanges, and
specialty crops.

------

Subcommittee on Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology, and Foreign
Agriculture (Ratio 9-8 (Total 17))

AUSTIN SCOTT, Georgia, Chairman
KURT SCHRADER, Oregon, Ranking Minority MemberTHERLAND II, FloridaD
SUZAN K. DelBENE, Washington VICKY HARTZLER, Missouri
JIM COSTA, California JEFF DENHAM, California
MARCIA L. FUDGE, Ohio STEPHEN LEE FINCHER, TennesseeE
ANN M. KUSTER, New Hampshire DOUG LaMALFA, California
JUAN VARGAS, California RODNEY DAVIS, Illinois
SEAN PATRICK MALONEY, New York CHRIS COLLINS, New York
TED S. YOHO, Florida

Jurisdiction: Fruits and vegetables, honey and bees,
marketing and promotion orders, plant pesticides, quarantine,
adulteration of seeds and insect pests, and organic
agriculture, research, education and extension, biotechnology
and foreign agriculture assistance, and trade promotion
programs, generally.

------

Subcommittee on Livestock, Rural Development, and Credit (Ratio 14-12
(Total 26))

ERIC A. ``RICK'' CRAWFORD,
Arkansas, Chairman
JIM COSTA, California, Ranking Minority MemberTTE, Virginia
MIKE McINTYRE, North Carolina STEVE KING, Iowa
DAVID SCOTT, Georgia RANDY NEUGEBAUER, Texas
FILEMON VELA, Texas MIKE ROGERS, Alabama
MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM, New Mexico K. MICHAEL CONAWAY, Texas
PETE P. GALLEGO, Texas GLENN THOMPSON, Pennsylvania
WILLIAM L. ENYART, Illinois SCOTT DesJARLAIS, Tennessee
CHERI BUSTOS, Illinois CHRISTOPHER P. GIBSON, New York
KURT SCHRADER, Oregon REID J. RIBBLE, Wisconsin
RICHARD M. NOLAN, MinnesotaI JEFF DENHAM, California
JOE COURTNEY, ConnecticutI RICHARD HUDSON, North Carolina
TED S. YOHO, Florida

Jurisdiction: Livestock, dairy, poultry, meat, seafood and
seafood products, inspection, marketing, and promotion of such
commodities, aquaculture, animal welfare, and grazing, rural
development, farm security and family farming matters, and
agricultural credit.

------

Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, and Nutrition (Ratio
7-6 (Total 13))

STEVE KING, Iowa, Chairman
MARCIA L. FUDGE, Ohio, Ranking Minority MemberATTE, Virginia
JAMES P. McGOVERN, Massachusetts BOB GIBBS, OHIO
MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM, New Mexico AUSTIN SCOTT, Georgia
GLORIA NEGRETE McLEOD, California STEVE SOUTHERLAND II, FloridaD
---- MARTHA ROBY, AlabamaB
STEPHEN LEE FINCHER, TennesseeE
VANCE M. McALLISTER, LouisianaJ

Jurisdiction: Agency oversight, review and analysis,
special investigations, food stamps, nutrition and consumer
programs.

Section Endnotes

BDecember 11, 2013--Resigned from Committee and
Subcommittees.
CFebruary 26, 2013--Appointed to Subcommittee.
DFebruary 26, 2013--Resigned from Committee and
Subcommittees.
EFebruary 26, 2013--Appointed to Committee and
Subcommittees.
IJanuary 28, 2013--Appointed to Subcommittee.
JMarch 13, 2014--Appointed to Subcommittee.

b. committee jurisdiction

Under Rules adopted by the House of Representatives for the
113th 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 non-domestic 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. 47).
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), and in addition to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce, amending Horse
Protection Act to prevent the shipping, transporting,
moving, delivering, or receiving of horses to be
slaughtered for human consumption (July 13, 2006, p.
5270).
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). The Committee on Natural
Resources, and not this committee, has jurisdiction
over a bill to convey land that is part of a National
Forest created from the public domain (March 23, 2004,
p. 1344). 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 (Mar. 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 13, 2013 to
also 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 Oversight and
Government Reform and the Committee on House Administration on
February 13, 2013:

Oversight Plan House Committee on Agriculture 113TH Congress

The committee expects to exercise appropriate oversight
activity with regard to the following issues:

2008 Farm Bill and Current Agricultural Conditions

Review the current state of the U.S. farm economy;

Review the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA)
implementation of the Food, Conservation, and Energy
Act of 2008 (FCEA) as extended;

Review policy proposals regarding farm bill
development;

Review programs that may be inefficient,
duplicative, outdated or more appropriately
administered by State or local governments for possible
cuts or elimination;

Review programs for waste, fraud and abuse;

Review USDA's initial and subsequent implementation
of FCEA payment limit and adjusted gross income
provisions;

Review the state of credit conditions and
availability in rural America;

Review the impact of weather conditions on crop
production;

Review USDA's activities regarding implementation of
the U.S. Warehouse Act;

Review USDA's implementation of actively-engaged
rules;

Review of market situation, including impact of crop
reports and projections;

Review USDA's implementation of the U.S. Grain
Standards Act;

Review USDA's implementation of the Fair and
Equitable Tobacco Reform Act of 2004;

Review the impact of the potential sequestration
order on programs and activities authorized by the
Agriculture Committee;

Review how Administrative Pay-Go is affecting
Department actions; and

Review discretionary actions by USDA that are not
directly authorized by legislation.

Energy

Assess energy programs authorized by FCEA;

Review administration of the Biomass Crop Assistance
Program (BCAP);

Review activities funded by the Biomass Research and
Development Act (BRDA) and input from the external BRDA
Advisory Board;

Review availability of agriculture and forestry
feedstocks for renewable energy production;

Review current status of research on energy crops
and feedstocks;

Review RUS electric loan program;

Review electricity reliability in rural America;

Review current provisions in existing law that
support agriculture-based energy production and use;

Review the implementation of the Renewable Fuels
Standard (RFS);

Review programs that may be inefficient,
duplicative, outdated or more appropriately
administered by State or local governments for possible
cuts or elimination;

Review renewable fuel programs and their impact on
agriculture; and

Review USDA's energy infrastructure initiative.

Conservation and the Environment

Review the impact of regulatory activities by the
EPA and its effect on agriculture productivity;

Review the impact of regulatory activities carried
out pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA), or
any proposed legislative changes to such Act, on
agricultural producers;

Review the impact of the Administration's regulatory
activity relative to methyl bromide on production of
agriculture in the U.S.;

Review any proposed legislation to implement 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;

Review the International Treaty on Plant Genetic
Resources for Food and Agriculture;

Review budget and program activities of the NRCS;

Review implementation of all of USDA's conservation
programs;

Review NRCS's efforts to streamline program delivery
and field operations;

Review conservation streamlining initiatives to
eliminate duplicative and overlapping programs;

Review programs that may be inefficient,
duplicative, outdated or more appropriately
administered by State or local governments for possible
cuts or elimination;

Review EPA's jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act
(CWA) and its impact to U.S. agriculture;

Review of potential impacts of EPA's Clean Air Act
(CAA) regulatory program on U.S. agriculture;

Review ongoing discussions and potential
consequences for American agriculture under the United
Nations Climate Change Conference;

Review EPA's implementation of the Food Quality
Protection Act (FQPA), FIFRA and Pesticide Registration
Improvement Renewal Act (PRIA 3);

Review the impact of litigation and rulemaking
concerning FIFRA, ESA, CAA, CWA, the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
(CERCLA) and the Emergency Planning and Community Right
to Know Act (EPCRA) and for impacts agricultural
operations;

Review the EPA's regulatory actions in regard to
pesticide evaluations;

Review EPA's regulation of Animal Feeding
Operations;

Review the non-emergency haying and grazing
provisions of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP);
and

Review Total Maximum Daily Load strategies and
impacts on production agriculture.

Federal Crop Insurance and Risk Management

Review USDA's implementation of crop insurance
provisions of the FCEA;

Review the role and effectiveness of Federal Crop
Insurance;

Review USDA's and the Risk Management Agency's (RMA)
administration and oversight of Federal Crop Insurance;

Review the availability of crop insurance as a risk
management tool;

Review of the adequacy and availability of risk
management tools for the livestock and dairy
industries;

Review programs that may be inefficient,
duplicative, outdated or more appropriately
administered by State or local governments for possible
cuts or elimination;

Review USDA's activities designed to find and reduce
crop insurance waste, fraud, and abuse;

Review USDA's crop insurance rating methodology and
management of the Standard Reinsurance Agreement (SRA)
process;

Review RMA's combination of revenue protection crop
insurance products; and

Review RMA's progress in approving crop insurance
products for under-served commodities.

Implementation of Title VII of Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and
Consumer Protection Act

In its review of rulemakings required by Title VII
of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer
Protection Act (P.L. 111-203) (Dodd-Frank Act), the
Committee will continue to ensure--

(1) The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
rulemaking process is transparent and that
meaningful comment is allowed by the public;

(2) An adequate cost-benefit analysis is performed by the
CFTC for each proposed or finalized rule;

(3) The CFTC and SEC properly coordinate with both
domestic and international financial regulators;

(4) Past exemptive relief orders or no action letters
issued by the CFTC and SEC provide the proper
relief for market participants;

(5) Any final or proposed regulations have not harmed or
adversely impacted the U.S. economy or financial
markets, including the impact on jobs and
competitiveness; and

The Committee will examine how Title VII rulemakings
have impacted U.S. market structure;

The Committee will also examine the developing
impact of pending CFTC, SEC, and Prudential Regulator
regulations, such as the imposition of new margin and
capital requirements, and how they affect the ability
of many ``end-users'' to utilize swaps to hedge against
legitimate business risks;

The Committee will examine the level of coordination
between U.S. and international regulators for potential
impacts on U.S. financial institutions compared to
their foreign counterparts; and

The Committee will examine the feasibility of
timetables established by the Dodd-Frank Act in
building the data, technology and connectivity
necessary to meet regulatory objectives.

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Oversight of the
Derivatives Markets

Review the operations of the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission (CFTC);

Review the growing consolidation and
internationalization of futures exchange trading;

Review market machinations for exchange traded
energy and agricultural future products;

Review enforcement and oversight capabilities of the
CFTC both domestically and internationally;

The Committee will continue to examine how the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and futures
industry as a whole has addressed the MF Global and
PFGBest bankruptcies from both an enforcement and
regulatory reform standpoint to ensure that proper
remedial action is taken to prevent future losses to
segregated funds of customers;

In light of the Commodity Exchange Act statutory
authorization of the CFTC expiring at the end of FY
2013, the Committee will continue to examine all
sectors of the U.S. derivatives and futures markets,
including, but not limited to: exchange or swap
execution facility trading; the roles of dealers,
inter-dealer brokers, data repositories, and
clearinghouses; trade and price reporting; and
proposals aimed at protecting the segregated funds of
futures customers;

The Committee will continue to examine the ongoing
investigation and enforcement action by the CFTC and
other Federal regulators with respect to the
manipulation of the London Interbank Offer Rate
(LIBOR); and

The Committee will review all operations of the
CFTC, including: a continued examination whether the
cost-benefit analysis required by section 15a of the
CEA is adequate with respect to proposed and finalized
rules; the efficiency of internal Commission actions;
and the enforcement and oversight capabilities of the
CFTC both domestically and internationally.

Agriculture Trade and International Food Aid

Review domestic subsidies and protection currently
applied by agricultural product producing countries
around the world;

Review ongoing multilateral, regional, and bilateral
trade negotiations (including WTO accession agreements)
to assess their potential impact on U.S. agriculture;

Review implementation of existing trade agreements
and commitments as well as proposed new trade
agreements and commitments to determine--

(1) whether they are consistent with current U.S. law;

(2) whether they will promote economic development in
rural areas of the U.S.;

(3) their impact or potential impact on current
production of import sensitive agricultural
commodities, and on exports of U.S. agricultural
products;

(4) their impact or potential impact on the overall
competitiveness of the U.S. agricultural sector,
including the production, processing and
distribution of agricultural products; and

(5) whether they provide adequate, enforceable provisions
to minimize non-tariff barriers to U.S. exports.

Monitor existing trade agreements to ensure trading
partners are meeting obligations and enforcing trade
commitments;

Review farm export programs to determine how well
they are promoting the interests of U.S. agriculture
and examine proposals to improve, modify or expand such
programs;

Review U.S. food aid programs to determine their
impact or potential impact on the reduction of world
hunger. In particular, the committee will examine the
potential impact of multilateral trade negotiations on
the effectiveness of U.S. food aid programs;

Review monitoring and evaluation activities carried
out by USDA and USAID; and

Review sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) barriers and
other technical barriers to U.S. agricultural exports
and examine USDA efforts to eliminate such barriers.

Agricultural Research and Promotion

Review implementation of biosecurity protocols at
USDA Agricultural ResearchService (ARS) laboratories;

Review USDA's implementation of research, education
and extension programs authorized in FCEA;

Review the administration of the ARS research
stations and worksites;

Review USDA's continuing ability to conduct foreign
animal disease research, training and diagnostic
programs at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility
following the transfer of the center to the Department
of Homeland Security;

Assess Federal efforts to facilitate research and
development of aquacultural enterprises, specifically
focusing on the activities of the Joint Committee on
Aquaculture;

Review USDA's regulation on organic standards;

Review USDA's collection of organic production and
market data;

Review administration of National Institute of Food
and Agriculture (NIFA);

Review the administration of the Agricultural Food
Research Initiative;

Review efforts to leverage Federal research
investment with state, local, and private sources of
funding;

Review coordination between ARS, Economic Research
Service (ERS), NIFA and action agencies in USDA--such
as NRCS and FSA--in order to prevent duplicative
research;

Review operation of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory
Board;

Review USDA's efforts to expand research and
development of pathogen reduction technologies;

Review the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA)
findings regarding cloned animal products;

Evaluate the current mix of research funding
mechanisms to ensure maximum benefits from these
investments to producers, processors and consumers;

Review administration of USDA's agricultural
marketing and promotion programs;

Review coordination between USDA and DOE on energy
research programs;

Review Congressional appropriation process and
implications on research funding under ARS, ERS, NASS
and NIFA;

Review ARS, ERS, NASS and NIFA national program
priorities;

Oversight of research grant process to coordinate
and prevent overlapping research; and

Review the potential for research and technology
transfer to address the needs of both the biofuels and
livestock industries.

Biotechnology

Review current regulations and research regarding
animal and plant biotechnology;

Review the FDA's regulatory activities regarding
genetically engineered animals;

Assess USDA's efforts to develop and promote
benefits of biotechnology for increasing agricultural
productivity and combating hunger globally;

Review USDA's management and controls over
biotechnology-derived material; and

Review the impact of litigation on USDA's timeliness
in resolving petitions to deregulate products of
biotechnology.

U.S. Forest Service Administration

Review U.S. Forest Service (USFS) strategy for
dealing with wildfire for coming years, including the
impact of hazardous fuels management, forest health
efforts and fire preparedness;

Continue to monitor the effectiveness and efficiency
of the Forest Service fire management program;

Review the impact of fire expenses on other USFS
program delivery;

Assess the USFS strategy for timber harvesting on
Federal lands;

Review impacts of environmental regulations on
National Forest land management;

Review economic impacts of National Forest land
management on rural communities ; and

Review USFS efforts to promote utilization of
National Forest timber for renewable energy purposes.

Dairy

Review options to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of dairy programs; and

Review efficiency of Federal Milk Marketing Order
System.

Outreach and Civil Rights

Review implementation of Section 14012 of the FCEA;

Review the operations of the Office of Advocacy and
Outreach;

Monitor USDA's outreach efforts to beginning, small
and minority farmers/ranchers;

Review of the operations of the office of the
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights;

Review USDA's process for settling discrimination
claims and evaluating individual claims submitted
pursuant to such settlements;

Review the delivery of USDA services and outreach
efforts on Indian reservations and tribal lands;

Review implementation of Section 14003 of the FCEA;

Review current status of Agricultural Census and
efforts to reach undercounted farmers and ranchers; and

Review participation of minority farmers in FSA
County/Local Committees as well as outreach to increase
participation in County Committee elections.

USDA General Administration

Review confidentiality of information provided to
USDA by agricultural producers;

Review USDA's implementation of field office
consolidation for the purpose of effectively and
efficiently delivering commodity, conservation, energy
and rural development programs;

Review agency appeals process and granting of
equitable relief as well as operation of the National
Appeals Division;

Review USDA's efforts to modernize its Information
Technology (IT) systems; and

Review the administrative structure of USDA for
effectiveness and additional efficiencies.

Farm Credit, Rural Development, and the Rural Economy

Review Farm Credit Administration's (FCA) regulatory
program and activities regarding the Farm Credit System
(FCS) to assure the its safety and soundness;

Review Farmer Mac activities and programs;

Review FSA's direct and guaranteed loan programs and
graduation efforts;

Review the Rural Electrification Act (REA);

Review the farm economy and access to credit;

Review implementation of rural development policies
and authorities contained in FCEA and the Consolidated
Farm and Rural Development Act;

Review programs that may be inefficient,
duplicative, outdated or more appropriately
administered by State or local governments for possible
cuts or elimination;

Conduct oversight of the USDA's Rural Broadband
Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program;

Review USDA Rural Development application processes
and internal controls related to both the Farm Bill and
P.L. 111-5 (Recovery Act) Programs;

Review administration of the Rural Microentrepreneur
Assistance Program;

Conduct oversight of the implementation of the
USDA's Telecommunications Programs;

Review the status of the Rural Telephone Bank;

Assess state of rural water systems and
effectiveness of Federal funding to build and upgrade
those systems;

Assess effectiveness of USDA programs targeted
towards rural infrastructure;

Review agriculture lending practices;

Review public-private partnerships in lending
through guaranteed loans;

Review definition of ``rural'' under rural
development programs; and

Review rural development loan programs and default
rates.

USDA Food and Nutrition Programs

Review food and nutrition programs including the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), fruit
and vegetable initiatives, the Emergency Food
Assistance Program (TEFAP), the Food Distribution on
Indian Reservations (FDPIR) and other commodity
distribution programs;

Assess the level of participation by states in SNAP
and examine state options for administering SNAP;

Review participant eligibility criteria for SNAP;

Review the interaction between SNAP and other low-
income assistance programs such as the Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, the Low-
Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and
with provisions in the Affordable Care Act;

Review SNAP work requirements and the efficiency and
accountability of the SNAP Employment & Training
program;

Review efforts by USDA and the states to combat
waste, fraud and abuse within nutrition programs;

Review buying patterns of SNAP recipients and
methods for encouraging balanced lifestyles;

Review programs that may be inefficient,
duplicative, outdated or more appropriately
administered by State or local governments for possible
cuts or elimination;

Review efforts by state SNAP administrators to
modernize and streamline their programs;

Review the Community Food Project Program to ensure
cooperative grants are working;

Review the SNAP retailer approval process; and

Review the implementation of changes made to the
SNAP Nutrition Education Program.

Specialty Crops

Review implementation of the Specialty Crop
Competitiveness Act;

Assess operation of the Fruit and Vegetable (FAV)
planting prohibition pilot program;

Review the Specialty Crop Block Grant program to
ensure that the grants awarded are enhancing the
specialty crop industry;

Review farmers market programs;

Review implementation and effectiveness of
cooperative plant health programs, including Plant Pest
and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention and the
Clean Plant Network; and

Review the Specialty Crop Research Initiative.

Food Safety

Review implementation of the FDA Food Safety
Modernization Act;

Review implementation of the recent FDA Egg Safety
Rule;

Review USDA's administration of meat and poultry
inspection laws and the FDA's food inspection
activities to ensure the development of scientifically
sound systems for food safety assurance;

Review USDA's implementation of the catfish
inspection program;

Review USDA's efforts to educate consumers regarding
safe food handling practices and streamline the
assessment and approval of food safety technologies;

Review implementation of new protocols for meat,
poultry, eggs, or seafood safety inspection;

Review USDA's enforcement of the Humane Methods of
Slaughter Act and humane handling regulations; and

Review the mechanisms to establish scientifically
based international food safety standards.

Plant and Animal Health

Review enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act;

Assess Federal efforts to reduce threats to human,
animal, and plant health due to predatory and invasive
species;

Review efforts of the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS) to manage wildlife conflicts
in order to protect public health and safety;

Assess USDA's Animal Disease Traceability Plan; and

Review implementation of Sec. 10201--Plant pest and
disease management and disaster prevention.

Livestock Marketing

Assess the effectiveness of the Grain Inspection,
Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) in
determining market manipulation in the livestock
industry;

Review structural changes in agribusiness and the
potential cost and benefits for agricultural producers;
and

Review the USDA's mandatory livestock price
reporting system.

Homeland and Agricultural Security

Oversight of USDA's preparedness against terrorist
threats to agriculture production;

Review cooperative efforts between the Department of
Homeland Security and USDA to prevent against foreign
animal disease; and

Review agriculture inspection activities under the
Department of Homeland Security.

Miscellaneous

Review the implementation and impact of The American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) on USDA
programs;

Review the impact of transportation infrastructure
issues on agriculture and forestry; and

Review USDA's implementation and enforcement of the
country of origin labeling rule including actions taken
by USDA to implement measures necessary to comply with
the recommendations and rulings of the WTO Dispute
Settlement Body on Certain Country of Origin Labeling
Requirement.

Consultation With Other Committees To Reduce Duplication

With Natural Resources Committee on forestry issues,
ESA issues and other public land issues;

With Science, Space, and Technology Committee on
research;

With Ways and Means and Education and the Workforce
Committees on nutrition programs;

With Ways and Means Committee on trade issues;

With Homeland Security Committee on importation of
animal and plant material and on research related to
agroterrorism;

With the Judiciary Committee on immigrant
agricultural labor;

With Energy and Commerce Committee on food safety
and biomass energy programs both existing and new;

With Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on
CWA compliance issues;

With Financial Services Committee on Dodd-Frank Act
issues;

With Foreign Affairs Committee on food aid and trade
issues;

With Small Business Committee on addressing economic
opportunities for rural America; and

With any other committee as appropriate.

II. Committee Activities During the 113th Congress

a. main legislative activities

The Committee on Agriculture reported or otherwise
considered a variety of bills in the 113th Congress covering
many of the diverse areas within its jurisdictional interests.
Some of the major activities of the committee during the
113th Congress included the following:

Agenda for the House Agriculture Committee

The Agriculture Committee approached its business in
an open, transparent manner and maintained the strong
bipartisan tradition of the Committee. One of the main
priorities of the Committee during this Congress was to
provide oversight to the various Federal agencies
through the hearing process.

The Agriculture Committee held 5 full committee
hearings and 7 business meetings during the 113th
Congress. Various subcommittees held 17 hearings during
the 113th Congress

The Committee heard testimony from Administration
officials on 21 occasions, including 16 testimonies
from U.S. Department of Agriculture representatives; 1
from the Farm Credit Administration; 1 from the Federal
Reserve; and 3 from the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission. Additional testimony heard by the Committee
was offered by a state government official, university
researchers, nonprofit organizations, trade groups, and
farmers and ranchers from across the United States and
totaled 74 testimonies all together.

The House Agriculture Committee successfully drafted
and passed out of Committee a bipartisan farm bill that
was the product of nearly three years of deliberation
that was done in public with input from all
perspectives. The farm bill was signed into law and
became P.L. 113-79.

The House Agriculture Committee successfully passed
six bipartisan pieces of legislation aimed at reducing
the negative impacts of Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act
on market participants and end-users within various
sectors of the economy. In addition, the Committee
passed a bipartisan bill that would require the CFTC to
prospectively quantify the cost and benefits of all
regulations passed by the agency.

The House Agriculture Committee held four hearings
to examine the statutory reauthorization of the CFTC
within the Commodity Exchange Act. The hearings focused
on the CFTC's role and place in overseeing the futures
and swaps markets, current issues facing the
Commission, current issues facing end-users and market
participants, and recent regulatory proposals that were
designed to better protect futures customers from
unexpected market events.

The House Agriculture Committee successfully drafted
and passed out of Committee bipartisan legislation to
reauthorize and improve the operations of the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission, as well as address concerns
relating to protecting customers from another failure
such as MF Global and Peregrine Financial. This
legislation was the product of a multi-year process.

Agricultural Act of 2014

Repealed outdated policies while reforming,
streaming, and consolidating nearly 100 government
programs. These reforms contribute to deficit reduction
of nearly $23 billion dollars.

Eliminates direct payments and limits producers to
risk management tools that offer protection when they
suffer significant losses.

Strengthens crop insurance, a successful public/
private partnership that ensures farmers invest in
their own risk management.

Makes the first reforms to SNAP since the welfare
reforms of 1996.

Closes the ``heat and eat'' loophole that may
increase benefit levels when states provide nominal
LIHEAP assistance.

The Act eliminates the practice of advertising,
promoting, and recruiting for SNAP and restricts
lottery winners and traditional college students.

Establishes a 10 state pilot to empower states to
engage able-bodied adults in mandatory work programs.

The Act eliminates and consolidates 23 duplicative
and overlapping conservation programs into 13.

Authorize and strengthen livestock disaster
assistance during devastating droughts.

Invests in core specialty crop initiatives like the
Specialty Crop Block Grants and Plant Pest and Disease
Management and Prevention Programs.

Maintains our investment in agriculture research
that gives farmers and ranchers the ability to explore
new ways to provide our country with the safest, most
affordable, most reliable food supply in the world.

Customer Protection and End User Relief Act

The bill reauthorizes and improves the operations of
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, as well as
addresses concerns relating to protecting customers.

Protects farmers and ranchers who use the futures
markets to manage their risk by cementing several new
and existing protections into law.

Strives to enhance the efficiency of Commission
operations.

Provides much needed relief to end-users--those
market participants that account for only 10 percent of
the swaps market and had nothing to do with the 2008
financial crisis yet represent 94 percent of U.S. job
creators--including farmers, ranchers, manufacturers,
and energy firms and utilities.

Legislation Reducing Burdens Associated with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street
Reform and Consumer Protection Act

Business Risk Mitigation and Price Stabilization Act of 2013

The bill clarifies Congressional intent and provides
an explicit exemption from margin requirements for non-
financial end-users that qualify for the clearing
exception, including cooperatives that are provided a
clearing exemption by CFTC regulations.

Over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives enable businesses
across the country to manage the risks associated with
their day-to-day operations.

Consumers, in turn, benefit from companies' prudent
risk management activities through lower volatility in
the prices of day-to-day goods and services such as
food, electricity, and transportation.

For this reason, Congress provided an explicit
exemption from clearing and margin for end-users in
Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act. These exemptions are
aimed at ensuring end-users do not have to divert
precious working capital to margin requirements,
keeping those dollars at work in the economy.

While the CFTC has upheld Congressional intent in
its margin proposal by exempting non-financial end-
users, the banking regulators have proposed to require
non-financial end-users to post margin when they trade
with swap dealers that are banks, a problem that this
bill addresses.

The Swap Data Repository and Clearinghouse Indemnification Correction
Act of 2013

Swap data repositories serve as electronic
warehouses for data and information regarding swap
transactions. Historically, swap data repositories
(SDRs) have regularly shared information with foreign
regulators.

Under Sections 725, 728 and 763 of the Dodd-Frank
Act, when a foreign regulator requests information from
a U.S. registered SDR or derivatives clearing
organization (DCO), the SDR or DCO is required to
receive a written agreement from the foreign regulator
stating that it will abide by certain confidentiality
requirements and will ``indemnify'' the Commissions for
any expenses arising from litigation relating to the
request for information.

The concept of ``indemnification''--requiring
a party to contractually agree to pay for another
party's possible litigation expenses--is only well
established in U.S. tort law, and does not exist in
practice or in legal concept in foreign legal
jurisdictions.

These indemnification provisions--which were not
included in the financial reform bill passed by the
House of Representatives in December 2009--threaten to
make data sharing arrangements with foreign regulators
unworkable. Foreign regulators will most likely refuse
to indemnify U.S. regulators for litigation expenses in
exchange for access to data.

As a result, foreign regulators may establish
their own data repositories and clearing
organizations to ensure they have access to data
they need to perform their supervisory duties.

This legislation strikes the indemnification
requirements related to both swap data gathered by swap
data repositories (SDRs) and data collected by the
Commission from clearinghouses.

The bill does maintain, however, that before an SDR,
DCO, or the Commission can share information with other
regulators, they have to receive a written agreement
that the regulator will abide by certain
confidentiality agreements.

The Public Power Risk Management Act of 2013

This bipartisan legislation that would allow
producers, utility companies, and other non-financial
entities to continue entering into energy swaps with
government-owned utilities (aka: utility special
entities) without requiring them to register with the
CFTC as a ``swap dealers'' solely because of their
dealings with government-owned utilities.

With a utility special entity there are no
shareholders, so the costs imposed by this CFTC
regulatory decision, born from the Dodd-Frank Act, will
be paid for by everyday consumers and ratepayers of
electric power and natural gas.

As a group, public power utilities deliver
electricity to one in every seven electricity customers
in the United States--over 47 million people--serving
some of the nation's largest cities, such as Los
Angeles, San Antonio, Seattle and Orlando. However, the
vast majority of public power companies serve
communities with populations of 10,000 people or less.
There are over 2,000 municipal, state and locally-
owned, not-for-profit electric utilities throughout the
United States.

This bill maintains the ability of utility special
entities to specifically hedge risk associated with the
generation of electric energy or production of natural
gas, but does not include an exemption for interest
rate, credit, equities, currency asset classes, or
agriculture commodities, other than crude oil or
gasoline fuel commodities used for electric energy
generation.

More importantly, this bill would not provide an
exemption for utility special entities to enter into
financial swaps, such as interest rate swaps related to
the issuance of municipal bonds or public debt (such as
the type of interest rate swaps that contributed to
Jefferson County, Alabama, filing for bankruptcy in
2011, the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S.
history).

Further, to ensure transparency, the bill still
requires all special entity swap transactions to be
reported to the CFTC.

The bill will place utility special entities on a
level playing field with everyone else in the
marketplace, allowing many of them to keep the same
swap counterparties they have used to manage risk with
for years.

The ``Swaps Regulatory Improvement Act''

Section 716 of the Dodd-Frank Act was inserted
during the Dodd-Frank Conference Committee
deliberations in May and June of 2010 by former Senator
Blanche Lincoln, despite opposition from some Senate
Democrats and many Federal financial regulators. It is
important to note that Section 716 was not included in
the December 2009 House-passed version of the Dodd-
Frank Act.

Federal financial regulators who opposed Section
716's addition to the Dodd-Frank Act included: Current
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, former FDIC
Chairwoman Sheila Bair, former Treasury Secretary Tim
Geithner, and former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul
Volcker.

On its face, Section 716 prevents any financial
institution that trades certain types of swaps from
receiving any type of ``Federal assistance''--including
access to the Federal Reserve discount window, Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation coverage, or any future
Federal ``bailout'' similar to what Congress approved
in the fall of 2008 during the financial crisis.

Due to this prohibition, Section 716 has the
practical effect of forcing financial institutions from
trading in certain types of swaps, and forces banks to
``push out'' or ``spin off'' their swaps business into
new separately incorporated and capitalized trading
businesses. However, Section 716 does not cover all
swaps trading by a bank. Banks still would not be
required to ``push out'' swaps used for hedging risks
associated with their banking activities, including
interest rate swaps, foreign currency swaps, and credit
default swaps (CDS) on investment grade names that are
centrally cleared.

Since Dodd-Frank became law in July of 2010, no
equivalent provisions have been adopted in any foreign
jurisdictions that are working through their own
derivatives reforms, placing U.S. firms at a
competitive disadvantage with international banks.

Earlier in 2013, U.S. Federal financial regulators
effectively delayed implementation of Section 716 for
both domestic banks and foreign banks doing business in
the United States for up to two years (until July
2015).

This is substantially similar to an amended version
of H.R. 1838 from the 112th Congress that passed by
voice vote out of the House Financial Services
Committee in February of 2012. In March of 2013, the
House Agriculture Committee approved of the legislation
by a vote 31-14. In May of 2013, the House Financial
Services Committee approved of H.R. 992 by a vote of
53-6.

The legislation would prevent financial institutions
from forcing much of the remaining derivatives business
outside of the bank, which is a more heavily regulated
and more highly capitalized entity than a stand-alone
affiliate.

Likewise, forcing the banks to capitalize new
entities without equivalent risk mitigating benefits
will unnecessarily divert capital that could otherwise
be at work in the economy, and could increase risk to
the financial system.

Notably, the bill amends Section 716 to limit the
swap desk push-out requirement so that it does not
apply to equity or commodity swaps. However, it will
continue to apply to structured finance swaps that are
based on an asset-backed security.

Retaining coverage of structured finance swaps
based on asset backed securities is intended to
respond to concerns that the derivatives activities
of AIG (which were based upon mortgage backed
securities) were highly risky and contributed to
the financial crisis.

To Improve Consideration by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission of
the Costs and Benefits of Its Regulations and Orders

The legislation requires the CFTC to meet the same
analytical standards that President Obama mandated
every Executive Agency to meet under Executive Order
13565. The Commission is currently exempt from them
because it is an Independent Agency.

A proper, comprehensive, cost-benefit analysis will
foster more informed dialogue between regulators and
stakeholders, and in turn produce rules and regulations
that better meet the unique needs of derivative market
participants.

The bill provides for analysis and evaluation that
is specific to the derivatives market and the structure
of the CFTC. Further, it is consistent with and
complementary to previous House-passed cost-benefit
legislation.

Importantly, the bill is not retroactive, and would
not impact current rulemaking and regulatory processes
already underway.

The Swap Jurisdiction Certainty Act

The bill requires a joint rulemaking from the CFTC
and SEC on cross-border transactions, and would presume
that the top nine (9) foreign jurisdictions by notional
swap volume would be recognized as having sufficient
regulatory supervision over their own markets unless
the CFTC and SEC jointly determine otherwise.

The final amended version of the bill took into
consideration many technical comments provided since
the March 14, 2013, Agriculture Full Committee hearing,
including limiting the number of foreign jurisdictions
that are recognized as being sophisticated enough to
regulate their own markets (top nine globally) so that
the swaps markets do not move to jurisdictions that
have not implemented financial regulatory reforms.

Further, the bill requires the Commissions to report
to Congress any determination that a foreign
jurisdiction is not broadly equivalent to the
regulations of the United States.

The bill also requires that any rule jointly issued
by the two agencies must go through a joint rulemaking
process subject to the Administrative Procedures Act.
The CFTC and SEC have failed to do so since Dodd-Frank
was signed into law, leading to tremendous domestic and
international confusion and uncertainty.

More importantly, no ``guidance'' from either
Commission will have the force of law.

Moreover, coordination between U.S. and
international regulators limits regulatory arbitrage,
and the unintended concentration of risk to the
financial system.

The U.S. must not be put at a competitive
disadvantage because it was the first to act on
financial regulatory reform.

The legislation provides market participants
transparency and certainty that U.S. and foreign
regulators will finalize rules that effectively
prevents market fragmentation and destabilization.

The bill would require that the CFTC and SEC
coordinate their rules for the swaps markets--a basic
premise that should have started soon after Dodd-Frank
was signed into law. Without domestic regulator
coordination, getting the global rules right will be
next to impossible, a dangerous possibility during
times of economic uncertainty.

The Inter-Affiliate Swap Clarification Act

Inter-affiliate swaps are executed between entities
within a single corporation or corporate group to
allocate risk within the group. They allow for
centralized hedging, whereby a corporation uses inter-
affiliate swaps to combine its positions, executing
most or all of its market-facing swaps through a single
or small number of affiliates.

Proposed derivatives rules under Dodd-Frank could
require both inter-affiliate swaps and market-facing
swaps to meet the same regulatory requirements, even
though inter-affiliate swaps do not increase systemic
risk.

New regulations are meant to only apply to
transactions that might increase systemic risk, not on
inter-affiliate trading.

Inefficient changes to current business practices:
Currently companies use centralized hedging, where one
or a small number of affiliates act as the external-
facing party. This allows companies to concentrate
trade expertise, better evaluate counterparty credit
risk, and secure better pricing through economies of
scale.

Centralized hedging also eliminates
duplicative execution, accounting, settlement,
compliance, and reporting functions, and allows a
company to net positions held by its various
affiliates.

This bill requires inter-affiliate swaps and
security-based swaps be reported to a swap data
repository or the CFTC and SEC pursuant to reporting
rules.

Exempting inter-affiliate swaps would not lead to
abuse because Section 721(c) of Dodd-Frank gives
regulators explicit anti-evasion authority.

Explicitly preserves regulatory authority under
sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and as
well as authority to protect Federal and State
insurance and guarantee funds.

b. statistical summary of activities

(1) Statistics on bills referred to the Committee on
Agriculture

Number of bills referred:

House bills................................................ 259
Senate bills............................................... 0
House joint resolutions.................................... 0
House concurrent resolutions............................... 2
Senate joint resolutions................................... 0
Senate concurrent resolutions.............................. 0
House resolutions.......................................... 10
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Total.................................................... 271

(2) Disposition of Bills Containing Items Under the
Jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture

Bills enacted into law..................................... 3
Bills acted on by the Committee included in other bills 0
that became law...........................................
Bills vetoed............................................... 0
Bills acted on by both Houses, but not enacted............. 1
Bills acted on by the House but not the Senate............. 20
Concurrent Resolutions approved............................ 0
Bills reported to the House but not considered............. 1
Bills ordered reported, but not reported................... 4
Bills defeated in the House................................ 3

(3) Statistics on hearings and markups:

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Business
Meetings Hearings Total
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Full Committee.................................................. 7 5 0

Subcommittees:

Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology, and Foreign Agriculture 0 5 0
General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.................. 0 3 0
Conservation, Energy, and Forestry............................ 0 6 0
Department Operations, Oversight, and Nutrition............... 0 1 0
Livestock, Rural Development, and Credit...................... 0 3 0
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Total....................................................... 7 23 0
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c. digest of bills within the jurisdiction of the committee on which
action has been taken

1. Bills Enacted into Law

P.L. 113-79 (H.R. 2642) Agricultural Act of 2014
The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of
2013 was introduced by Chairman Frank Lucas on July 10, 2013
and referred to the Committee on Agriculture. On July 11, 2013
the bill passed the House, by a recorded vote of 216 yeas to
208 nays. On July 18, 2013 the Senate struck all after the
enacting clause and inserted the text of S. 954 as previously
passed by Senate and requested a conference. On September 28,
2013 the House agreed to the Senate amendment with an amendment
pursuant to H. Res. 361 which included the text of H.R. 3102 as
previously passed by the House on September 19, 2013. On
October 1, 2013 the Senate disagreed to House amendment to the
Senate amendment by a Unanimous Consent, requested a conference
and appointed conferees. On October 11, 2013 the House insisted
on its amendment and agreed to a conference with the
appointment of conferees occurring on October 12, 2013. On
October 30, 2013 a House-Senate Conference meeting was held to
resolve the differences.
The 2008 Farm Bill governed policy for farm commodity
support, horticulture, livestock, conservation, nutrition
assistance, trade and international food aid, agricultural
research, farm credit, rural development, bioenergy, and
forestry. It originally expired in 2012, but the 112th Congress
did not complete action and instead extended the law for one
year (P.L. 112-240), leaving consideration of a new farm bill
to the 113th Congress. After nearly three years of
deliberations, Congress completed action on a new omnibus farm
bill when conferees reported a conference agreement on January
27, 2014 (the Agricultural Act of 2014, H.R. 2642/H. Rept. 113-
333); the full House approved the conference agreement on
January 29 by a vote of 251 yeas and 166 nays. The Senate
approved the conference report on February 4 with a vote of 68
yeas and 32 nays. The President signed the measure on February
7, 2014 and it became Public Law No. 113-79.
Within the new 2014 Farm Bill are provisions that reshape
the structure of farm commodity support, expand crop insurance
coverage, consolidate conservation programs, reauthorize and
revise nutrition assistance, and extend authority to
appropriate funds for many U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) programs through FY 2018, among many other provisions.
Under the conference agreement, farm support for
traditional program crops is restructured by eliminating direct
payments, the counter-cyclical price (CCP) program, and the
Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program. Much of the
savings associated with the elimination of these farm programs
would be used to offset the cost of revising the remaining
programs, adding permanent disaster assistance, and enhancing
crop insurance.
The 2014 Farm Bill reauthorizes the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) through FY
2018. The new measure restricts how a household's receipt of
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits can
affect SNAP benefits, accounting for most of the nutrition
budget savings.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projected that if the
mandatory programs of the 2008 Farm Bill were to continue, they
would cost $973 billion over the next 10 years (FY 2014-FY
2023), which served as a baseline budget for deliberations on
the 2014 Farm Bill. The conference agreement on the 2014 Farm
Bill is projected to spend $956 billion over the next 10 years,
of which $756 billion is for nutrition assistance and $200
billion is for the agriculture portion. Compared to the
baseline, the 2014 Farm Bill conference agreement reduces
projected spending and the deficit by $16.6 billion (^1.7%)
over 10 years. This projected 10 year savings is closer to the
Senate-passed bill level of $17.8 billion than the projected
House-passed savings of $51.8 billion.

Title I--Commodities

Under the conference agreement, farm support for
traditional program crops is restructured by eliminating direct
payments, the counter-cyclical price (CCP) program, and the
Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program. Since 1996,
direct payments have been made to producers and landowners
based on historical production of corn, wheat, soybeans,
cotton, rice, peanuts, and other ``covered'' crops. Direct
payments lost political support in recent years because
recipients did not need to suffer a loss in order to receive a
payment.
Approximately \3/4\ of the 10 year, $47 billion in savings
associated with the elimination of current farm programs would
be used to offset the costs of revising farm programs in Title
I, adding permanent disaster assistance in Title I, and
enhancing crop insurance in Title XI. The agreement provides
farm programs (described below) for covered crops, except
cotton, which has a new crop insurance policy (see ``Farm Bill
Title XI, Crop Insurance''). Under the conference agreement,
authority is continued for marketing assistance loans, which
provide additional low price protection at ``loan rates''
specified in previous law (with an adjustment made to the
cotton loan rate). As in previous farm bills as well as in the
2013 Senate Farm Bill, the conference agreement suspends
permanent price support authority under the Agricultural
Adjustment Act of 1938 and Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1949
until program authority expires in 2018. In contrast, the House
bill would have repealed permanent law and made permanent the
commodity support programs authorized in H.R. 2642.
The conference agreement borrows conceptually from current
farm programs in order to enhance price or revenue protection
for producers. Producers may choose between the following two
programs linked to a decline in either price or revenue (price
times yield).

The conference agreement retains a counter-cyclical
price program, called Price Loss Coverage or PLC, which
makes a farm payment when farm price for a covered crop
declines below its ``reference price'' set in statute
(and the House bill). To better protect producers in a
market downturn, the reference prices are higher than
the parameters in the 2008 Farm Bill (called ``target
prices''). The Senate farm bill would have provided
slightly lower levels of fixed reference prices for
rice and peanuts, and significantly lower levels for
other crops by using a market-based reference price
calculated as 55% of a rolling five-year average
(excluding the high and low years). As a major point of
contention throughout the farm bill debate, the final
bill continues current policy by making payments on 85%
of historical plantings (or ``base acres''), a
provision designed to minimize the program's effect on
planting decisions. Base acres can be updated with
plantings from 2009-2012. In contrast, the House bill
would have made payments based on 85% of planted
acreage to better align payments with producer risk,
but critics contended that such a provision could lead
to production distortions and trade disputes.

The conference agreement retains a revenue-based
program, called Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), which
is designed to cover a portion of a farmer's out-of-
pocket loss (referred to as ``shallow loss'') when crop
revenues decline. Farmers may select ARC as an
alternative to PLC. Like the PLC program, ARC payments
are made on 85% of base acres. (This is in contrast to
both the House and Senate bills, which would have made
revenue program payments on planted acreage.) Payments
are triggered when actual crop revenue drops below 86%
of historical or ``benchmark'' revenue (compared with
88% in the Senate bill and 85% in the House bill).
Farmers can select coverage at either the county or
individual farm level.

These farm programs are separate from a producer's decision
to purchase crop insurance. However, farmers selecting the
Price Loss Coverage (but not ARC) are also eligible to purchase
an additional subsidized crop insurance policy to protect
against ``shallow losses'' called the Supplemental Coverage
Option (see Title XI, Crop Insurance below).
Five disaster programs were established in the 2008 Farm
Bill for weather-induced losses in FY 2008-FY 2011. The
conference agreement retroactively reauthorizes and funds four
programs covering livestock and tree assistance, beginning FY
2012 and continuing without an expiration date, as provided in
the House bill (the Senate bill had authorized the programs for
only FY 2012-FY 2018). The crop disaster program from the 2008
Farm Bill (i.e., Supplemental Revenue Assistance, or SURE) was
not reauthorized, but elements of it are folded into the new
ARC by allowing producers to protect against farm-level revenue
losses. In the Miscellaneous Title (XII), the conference
agreement adopted the Senate bill provision to provide disaster
benefits to tree fruit producers who suffered crop losses in
2012, and additional coverage levels are authorized under the
Noninsured Crop Assistance Program (NAP).
Farm commodity programs have certain limits that cap
payments (in the 2008 Farm Bill, $40,000 per person for direct
payments, plus $65,000 for counter-cyclical and ACRE payments;
limits may be doubled with a spouse). There is also an
eligibility requirement based on adjusted gross income (AGI, in
the 2008 Farm Bill a maximum of $500,000 per person for non-
farm income and $750,000 for farm income). The 2014 Farm Bill
sets a $125,000 per person cap on the total of PLC, ARC,
marketing loan gains and loan deficiency payments. This
approach differs from the House and Senate bills, which had
separate $50,000 and $75,000 limits for the new countercyclical
and marketing loan programs, respectively. Although the total
limit in the conference agreement is the same as in the two
bills, some argue that this may allow larger payments from an
individual program when payments from another program are
small. The conference agreement applies the $125,000 limit to
the total from all covered commodities except peanuts, with a
separate $125,000 limit for peanuts--similar to 2008 Farm Bill
law and the Senate proposal. Also regarding eligibility, the
conference agreement instructs USDA to write regulations that
define ``significant contribution of active personal
management'' to more clearly and objectively implement existing
law. This differs from both the Senate and House bills, which
would have deleted ``actively personal management'' and
effectively required personal labor in the farming operation.
For AGI limits, the conference agreement changes the AGI limit
to a single, total AGI limit of $900,000. The AGI limit was
$750,000 in the Senate bill and $950,000 in the House bill. The
conference agreement does not cap total farm program spending,
unlike the House bill's cap of $16.96 billion for FY 2014-FY
2020 for combined payments under Price Loss Coverage and
Revenue Loss Coverage.
For dairy policy, the conference agreement makes
significant changes, including as in both bills the elimination
of the dairy product price support program, the Milk Income
Loss Contract (MILC) program, and export subsidies. These are
replaced by a new program, which makes payments to
participating dairy producers when the national margin (average
farm price of milk minus an average feed cost ration) falls
below a producer-selected margin ranging from $4.00 per
hundredweight (cwt.) to $8.00/cwt. No premium is charged for
the minimum $4.00/cwt. Margin protection; however, premiums are
charged for coverage at higher margins--the premium schedule
differentiates for annual milk production of 4 million or fewer
pounds and for production greater than 4 million pounds. The
final bill removed a provision in S. 954 that would have
subjected participating producers to a separate program to
reduce incentives to produce milk when margins are low--the
House bill had specifically excluded this provision. In
addition, the final bill adopted a provision from the House
bill that requires USDA to adhere to standard rulemaking
procedures and to determine the market impacts of the new
program during the rulemaking process. Separately, Federal Milk
Marketing Orders have permanent statutory authority and
continue intact. However, the Senate bill only included two
additional provisions: one that would have required USDA to use
a specified pre-hearing procedure to consider alternative
formulas for Class III milk product pricing, and a second that
would have required USDA to analyze and report on the potential
effects of replacing end-product pricing with alternative
pricing procedures. The final bill was silent on this matter.
The objective and structure of the sugar program are left
unchanged from prior law in the conference agreement.

Title II--Conservation

The current agricultural conservation portfolio includes
over 20 conservation programs. The Conservation title of the
conference agreement reduces and consolidates the number of
conservation programs, while also reducing mandatory funding
over the 10 year baseline by close to $4 billion.
Many of the larger existing conservation programs, such as
the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the Environmental
Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and the Conservation
Stewardship Program (CSP), are reauthorized, while smaller and
similar conservation programs are ``rolled'' into them. In
response to reduced demand and as a budget saving measure, the
largest conservation program, CRP, is reauthorized with a
reduced acreage enrollment cap using a step down approach from
the current 32 million acres to 24 million by FY 2018. CRP also
is amended to include the enrollment of grassland acres similar
to the Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP), which is repealed.
EQIP, a program that assists producers applying conservation
measures on land in production, is reauthorized in the
conference agreement with a 5% funding carve-out for wildlife
habitat practices (similar to the Wildlife Habitat Incentives
Program, WHIP, which is repealed). Funding for EQIP is reduced
by a total of almost $500 million over 10 years, halfway
between the Senate's proposed reduction of $1 billion and the
House bill's proposal of none. CSP, another working lands
program, is reauthorized at a reduced enrollment level of 10
million acres annually, down from 12.769 million acres annually
under current law.
As in the House- and Senate-passed bills, the conference
agreement creates two new conservation programs--the
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and the
Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)--out of
several of the existing programs.
Conservation easement programs, including the Wetlands
Reserve Program (WRP), Farmland Protection Program (FPP), and
GRP, are repealed and consolidated to create ACEP. ACEP retains
most of the program provisions in the current easement programs
by establishing two types of easements: wetland reserve
easements (similar to WRP) that protect and restore wetlands,
and agricultural land easements (similar to FPP and GRP) that
prevent non-agricultural uses on productive farm or grasslands.
The Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), Chesapeake
Bay Watershed program, Cooperative Conservation Partnership
Initiative (CCPI), and Great Lakes Basin program are repealed
by both bills and consolidated into the new RCPP. RCPP uses
partnership agreements with state and local governments, Indian
tribes, farmer cooperatives, and other conservation
organizations to leverage Federal funding and further
conservation on a regional or watershed scale.
The most contentious provision in Title II was the Senate-
passed bill's inclusion of the federally funded portion of crop
insurance premiums to the list of program benefits that could
be lost if a producer is found to produce an agricultural
commodity on highly erodible land without implementing an
approved conservation plan or qualifying exemption, or converts
a wetland to crop production. This prerequisite, referred to as
conservation compliance, has existed since the 1985 Farm Bill
and currently affects most USDA farm program benefits, but has
excluded crop insurance since 1996. The House-passed bill
offered no comparable provision; however, the conference
agreement includes the majority of the Senate-passed provision,
with some changes.

Title III--Trade

Title III of the farm bill deals with statutes concerning
U.S. international food aid and agricultural export programs.
The farm bill conference agreement reauthorizes all of the
international food aid programs, including the largest, Food
for Peace Title II (emergency and nonemergency food aid). In
addition, the conference agreement amends current food aid law
to place greater emphasis on improving the quality of food aid
products (i.e., enhancing their nutritional quality) and
ensuring that sales of agricultural commodity donations do not
disrupt local markets. In this regard, an annual report to
Congress is required to address how funds are allocated to and
used by eligible organizations as well as the rate of return on
aid funds--defined as the sum of the proceeds from monetization
of aid commodities relative to the total cost of procuring and
shipping the commodities to the recipient country's local
market. Special attention is to be given when the rate of
return is below 70%.
The conference agreement repeals the specified, annual
dollar amounts for nonemergency food aid (i.e., the ``safe
box'') required in current law. Instead, the conference
agreement provides that not less than 20% nor more than 30% of
funds be made available to carry out nonemergency food aid
programs, subject to the requirement that a minimum of $350
million be provided for nonemergency food aid each fiscal year.
The conference agreement creates a new local and regional
purchase program in place of the expired local and regional
procurement (LRP) pilot program of the 2008 Farm Bill and
raises the authorized appropriations for LRP to $60 million
annually for FY 2014 through FY 2018.
The conference agreement reauthorizes funding for the
Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Export Credit Guarantee
program and three other agricultural export market promotion
programs through FY 2018. The value of U.S. agricultural
exports that can benefit from export credit guarantees will
remain at $5.5 billion annually. To address differences that
have arisen over how the United States might comply with the
WTO cotton case won by Brazil, conferees grant flexibility to
the Secretary of Agriculture to make changes to the credit
guarantee program to meet the terms agreed upon by both
countries. This program is also amended in three ways to
address in part Brazil's criticism of how it is administered.
The agreement also reauthorizes CCC funding of $200 million
annually for the Market Access Program (MAP), which finances
promotional activities for both generic and branded U.S.
agricultural products, and CCC funding of $34.5 million
annually for the Foreign Market Development Program (FMDP), a
generic commodity promotion program.
The conference agreement requires the Secretary, in
consultation with the House and Senate Agriculture Committees
and House and Senate Appropriations Committees, to propose a
plan to reorganize the international trade functions of USDA,
to report to the Congressional committees on the plan 180 days
after the farm bill's enactment, and to implement the
reorganization plan not later than one year after the report is
submitted. The agreement directs the Secretary to include in
the plan the establishment of the position of an Under
Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural
Affairs within USDA, who will be responsible for serving as a
multi coordinator of sanitary and phytosanitary matters and
addressing agricultural non-tariff trade barriers.

Title IV--Nutrition

The Nutrition title in the conference report reconciles the
House-passed bill (H.R. 2642, as combined with H.R. 3102,
Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act) and the Senate-
passed bill (S. 954). The conference report reauthorizes SNAP
and related programs for five years, and CBO estimates that the
Nutrition title in the conference agreement would reduce
spending by $8.0 billion over 10 years (FY 2014-FY 2023). The
SNAP provisions alone are estimated to reduce spending by
slightly more than $8.6 billion over 10 years. Certain other
Nutrition provisions are estimated to increase spending, which
together result in the total estimated reduction of $8.0
billion.
Farm bill conferees were faced with significant differences
in the SNAP provisions in the Senate and House-passed bills.
Over the 10 year budget window (FY 2014-FY 2023), CBO estimated
that the Senate's Nutrition title would have reduced spending
by approximately $4 billion and the 14 The Nutrition summary
and side-by-side were written by Randy Alison Aussenberg,
Analyst in Nutrition Assistance House's Nutrition title would
have reduced spending by approximately $39 billion. The House
bill would have reauthorized SNAP and related programs for
three years, while the Senate would have reauthorized the
programs for five years.
Although the Nutrition title of the conference report
contains a number of provisions that change aspects of SNAP and
related nutrition programs, conferees largely retained the
provisions in the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and other
nutrition program authorizing statutes. For example, most
eligibility and benefit calculation rules in SNAP will not
change under the conference agreement. While various changes in
the Nutrition title are estimated to reduce or increase
spending on the nutrition programs, most provisions are
estimated to have little or no budgetary impact.
The budgetary impact of the conference agreement's
Nutrition title (as compared to the Senate and House bills) is
largely the result of changes to SNAP eligibility and benefit
calculation rules. In particular, it is the result of the
conference agreement excluding two House SNAP provisions that
were estimated to make the bill's greatest reductions in SNAP
spending (ending broad-based categorical eligibility and ending
the availability of labor-market based waivers from the time
limit for certain able-bodied adults). Major issues that have
potential to impact households' eligibility and benefit amounts
include the following.

The conference agreement amends how Low-Income Home
Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) payments are treated
in the calculation of SNAP benefits. Both the Senate
and House had included such changes, with the House
version of this change estimated to affect a greater
share of participants. The conference agreement, for
the most part, includes the House version. According to
information from June 2012, this change to benefit
calculation is expected to reduce household benefit
amounts in approximately 17 states.

The House and Senate had both proposed to disqualify
certain ex-offenders from receiving SNAP benefits. The
conference agreement modifies that policy by requiring
the disqualification of only such offenders as are not
complying with the terms of their sentence.

The conference agreement includes policies related
to the SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program,
including a pilot project authority and related funding
($200 million over FY 2014 and FY 2015) for states to
implement and USDA to evaluate a variety of work
programs for SNAP participants. The agreement includes
the House bill's provisions that would expand reporting
measures for all E&T programs. The conference agreement
does not include the House's expansion of the time
limit for able-bodied adults without dependents or 15
the House's work-related policies that may incentivize
states to reduce their caseloads.

The conference agreement does not include any
changes to broad-based categorical eligibility. The
House bill would have eliminated broad-based
categorical eligibility, which would have impacted the
eligibility of SNAP participants in 43 states.

The conference agreement does not include the House
provision to give states the option to administer drug
testing as part of their eligibility determination
processes.

Since SNAP provides benefits redeemable for SNAP-eligible
foods at SNAP-eligible retailers, much of SNAP law pertains to
retailer authorization and benefit issuance and redemption. The
conference agreement includes the retailer and redemption
provisions that had been included in both the House and Senate
bills. This includes requiring stores to stock more fresh
foods, requiring retailers to pay for their electronic benefit
transfer (EBT) machines, and providing additional funding for
combating trafficking (the sale of SNAP benefits). The
conference agreement also includes $100 million in mandatory
funding (over 10 years) for Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive
grants, a program similar to that in the Senate bill, which
would support organizations that offer bonus incentives for
SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables.
The conference agreement increases funding for the
Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), the program that
provides USDA foods and Federal support to emergency feeding
organizations (e.g., food banks and food pantries). Taking into
account CBO's estimates of inflation, the conference agreement
is estimated to provide an additional $205 million over 10
years, $125 million of which is provided in the first 5 years.
(The Senate bill would have increased funding by $54 million
over 10 years, and the House would have increased funding by
$333 million over 10 years.)
The conference agreement includes many other changes to
SNAP and related program policy. These changes include
amendments to the nutrition programs operated by tribes and
territories, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP),
and the distribution of USDA foods to schools. The 2010 child
nutrition reauthorization (Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of
2010, P.L. 111-296) has already reauthorized WIC and the child
nutrition programs through FY 2015, but the 2013 Farm Bills do
include related policies, such as farm-to-school efforts.

Title V--Credit

The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (also known
as the ConAct) is the permanent statute that authorizes USDA
agricultural credit and rural development programs. USDA serves
as a lender of last resort by providing direct and guaranteed
loans to farmers and ranchers who are denied direct credit by
commercial lenders but have the wherewithal to repay the loan.
The conference agreement makes relatively small policy
changes to USDA's credit programs. It gives USDA discretion to
recognize alternative legal entities to qualify for farm loans
and allow alternatives to meet a three-year farming experience
requirement. It increases the maximum size of down-payment
loans, and eliminates term limits on guaranteed operating loans
(by removing a maximum number of years that an individual can
remain eligible). It increases the percentage of a conservation
loan that can be guaranteed, adds another lending priority for
beginning farmers, and facilitates loans for the purchase of
highly fractionated land in Indian reservations, among other
changes.
The Senate bill would have updated and modernized the
ConAct's statutory language and reorganized the various
programs into separate subtitles (Subtitle A for farm loans;
Subtitle B for rural development; Subtitle C for general
provisions). The House bill, like the conference agreement, did
not reorganize the ConAct.
For the Farm Credit Act, which governs the Farm Credit
System, the conference agreement adopts a Senate provision that
instructs the system's regulator (the Farm Credit
Administration) to improve the disclosure of compensation
packages for senior officers in the Farm Credit System.

Title VI--Rural Development

Like the Credit title discussed above, the Rural
Development title in the Senate-passed 2013 Farm Bill (S. 954)
proposed a restructuring of the ConAct, which provides
permanent authority for USDA to carry out many of the rural
loan and grant programs in its portfolio. The Senate provision
would have consolidated various programs, established criteria
for which rural communities receive priority in making loan and
grant awards, and modified the definitions of ``rural'' and
``rural area.'' This proposed reorganization of the ConAct was
not included in the conference agreement, although one aspect
of the proposed restructuring was retained: the consolidation
of two rural business programs into a single business
development platform, which was authorized for annual
appropriations of $65 million through FY 2018. The conference
agreement increases the mandatory spending authorization of the
Value-Added Agricultural Product Grants to $63 million and
retains the program's $40 million in annual discretionary
appropriations. The conference agreement also adopted the
Senate provision providing $150 million in mandatory spending
for pending rural development loans and grants and the Senate
provision to fund the Microentrepreneur Assistance Program at
$3 million annually in mandatory spending and $40 million in
discretionary appropriations.
The conference agreement adopted the House provision to
amend the water and waste water direct and guaranteed loan
program to encourage financing by private or cooperative
lenders to the maximum extent possible. The conferees also
adopted the House provision that provides up to 5% of the
Community Facilities appropriation for technical assistance to
help smaller communities develop their applications to the
program, and to use loan guarantees to the maximum extent
possible. The conference agreement also adopted the House
provisions directing the Secretary of Agriculture to begin
collecting data on the economic effects of the projects that
USDA Rural Development funds, and directing the Secretary to
develop simplified applications for funding.
The conference agreement retains the definition of
``rural'' and ``rural area'' under current law for purposes of
program eligibility. The Senate bill had proposed modifications
to the 2008 Farm Bill permitting communities that might
otherwise be ineligible for USDA Rural Development funding to
petition USDA to designate their communities as ``rural in
character,'' thereby making them eligible for program support.
While the provision under current law is retained, the
modifications to the provision were not adopted by the
conferees. The conference agreement does amend the definition
of rural area in the 1949 Housing Act so that areas deemed
rural between 2000 and 2010 would retain that designation until
USDA receives data from the 2020 decennial census. That
provision also raises the population threshold for eligibility
from 25,000 to 35,000.
The conference agreement adopted the Senate provision
authorizing USDA to prioritize otherwise eligible applications
that support multi-jurisdictional strategic economic and
community development. The provision reserves 20% of a fiscal
year's appropriation for community facilities, water and waste
water projects, and rural business development for such
strategic development projects. The conference agreement also
adopted the Senate provision authorizing a new Rural Energy
Savings Program, which would provide 0% interest rate loans to
eligible borrowers to implement energy efficiency measures.
Included in the conference agreement (as in both bills) is
reauthorization of funding for programs under the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936, including the Access to Broadband
Telecommunications Services in Rural Areas Program and the
Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program. The conference
agreement largely adopted the Senate provisions authorizing
access to broadband telecommunications service to rural areas,
including authorized appropriations of $10 million annually FY
2014-FY 2018 for a new Rural Gigabit Network Pilot program for
``ultra-high speed'' broadband connectivity. The conferees did
not adopt the Senate provision that would have authorized a new
grant program for rural broadband in addition to the existing
loan program.
The conference agreement adopted the Senate provision
reauthorizing the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority at
its current authorized appropriation of $30 million annually,
rather than the House measure that authorized $2 million in
appropriations. The conference agreement, as in both bills,
also reauthorized the three regional authorities established in
the 2008 Farm Bill.

Title VII--Research

USDA is authorized under various laws to conduct
agricultural research at the Federal level, and provides
support for cooperative research, extension, and post-secondary
agricultural education programs in the states. The conference
agreement reauthorizes funding for these activities through FY
2018, subject to annual appropriations, and amends authority so
that only competitive grants can be awarded under certain
programs.
Mandatory spending for the research title is increased by
$1.145 billion over 10 years compared with projected baseline
spending. Funding is increased for the Specialty Crop Research
Initiative ($745 million over 10 years) and the Organic
Agricultural Research and Extension Initiative ($100 million).
Also, mandatory funding is continued for the Beginning Farmer
and Rancher Development Program ($100 million).
As in the Senate bill, the conference agreement provides
mandatory funding of $200 million to establish the Foundation
for Food and Agriculture Research, a nonprofit corporation
designed to supplement USDA's basic and applied research
activities. It will solicit and accept private donations to
award grants for collaborative public/private partnerships with
scientists at USDA and in academia, nonprofits, and the private
sector.

Title VIII--Forestry

General forestry legislation is within the jurisdiction of
the Agriculture Committees, and past farm bills have included
provisions addressing forestry assistance, especially on
private lands. The 2014 Farm Bill conference agreement
generally repeals, reauthorizes, and modifies existing programs
and provisions under two main authorities: the Cooperative
Forestry Assistance Act (CFAA), as amended, and the Healthy
Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA), as amended.
Many Federal forestry assistance programs are permanently
authorized, and thus do not require reauthorization in the farm
bill. However, the conference agreement does reauthorize
several forestry assistance programs through FY 2018. The
conference agreement also repeals programs that have expired or
have never received appropriations. Both the House- and Senate-
passed bills included similar reauthorizations and repeals.
The conference agreement also includes provisions that
address the management of the National Forest System. For
example, it permanently reauthorizes stewardship contracting
and extends the good neighbor authority nationwide. Both the
House and the Senate bills included similar provisions,
although the House bill would have reauthorized stewardship
contracting only through FY 2018. The conference agreement also
adopts a Senate provision authorizing the designation of
treatment areas within the National Forest System that are of
deteriorating forest health due to insect or disease
infestation, and allowing for expedited project planning within
those designated areas. However, the conference agreement did
not include House provisions requiring the designation of
critical areas within the National Forest System and
authorizing expedited project planning for projects up to
10,000 acres. The conference agreement does include provisions
from the House bill to modify the existing public notice,
comment, and appeals process for land and resource management
plans.

Title IX--Energy

USDA renewable energy programs have been used to
incentivize research, development, and adoption of renewable
energy projects, including solar, wind, and anaerobic
digesters. However, the primary focus of USDA renewable energy
programs has been to promote U.S. biofuels production and use.
Cornstarch-based ethanol dominates the U.S. biofuels industry.
The 2008 Farm Bill attempted to refocus U.S. biofuels policy
initiatives in favor of non-corn feedstocks, especially the
development of the cellulosic biofuels industry. The most
critical programs to this end are the Bioenergy Program for
Advanced Biofuels, which pays producers for production of
eligible advanced biofuels; the Biorefinery Assistance Program,
which assists in the development of new and emerging
technologies for advanced biofuels; the Biomass Crop Assistance
Program (BCAP), which assists farmers in developing
nontraditional crops for use as feedstocks for the eventual
production of cellulosic biofuels; and the Renewable Energy for
America Program (REAP), which has funded a variety of biofuels-
related projects, including the installation of blender pumps
to help circumvent the emerging ``blend wall'' that could
potentially circumscribe domestic ethanol consumption near
current levels of about 13 billion gallons.
All of the major farm bill energy programs expired at the
end of FY 2013 and lacked baseline funding going forward. The
conference agreement extends most of the renewable energy
provisions of the farm bill, with the exception of the Rural
Energy Self-Sufficiency Initiative, the Forest Biomass for
Energy Program, the Biofuels Infrastructure Study, and the
Renewable Fertilizer Study, which are either omitted or
explicitly repealed. In addition, the conference agreement adds
a new reporting requirement on energy use and efficiency at
USDA facilities.
Over the five-year reauthorization period (FY 2014-FY
2018), the conference agreement contains a total of $694
million in new mandatory funding and authorizes $765 million to
be appropriated for the various farm bill renewable energy
programs. This contrasts with the House- and Senate passed farm
bills. The Senate bill (S. 954) contained a total of $880
million in new mandatory funding and authorized $1.140 billion
to be appropriated for the various farm bill renewable energy
programs. The House bill (H.R. 2642) contained no mandatory
funding for these programs and authorized $1.405 billion over
the five years, subject to annual appropriations. In addition,
the House bill eliminated all support for the collection,
harvest, storage, and transportation (CHST) component of BCAP,
severely limiting its potential effectiveness as an incentive
to produce cellulosic feedstocks. BCAP funding for CHST is
retained in the conference agreement.

Title X--Horticulture

The conference agreement adopts many of the horticulture
provisions in the Senate (S. 954) and House (H.R. 2642) farm
bills. The final bill reauthorizes many of the existing farm
bill provisions supporting farming operations in the specialty
crop and certified organic sectors. Many Title X provisions
fall into the categories of marketing and promotion; organic
certification; data and information collection; pest and
disease control; food safety and quality standards; and local
foods. CBO estimates a total increase in mandatory spending of
$338 million (FY 2014-FY 2018) for Title X in the conference
agreement. However, provisions affecting the specialty crop and
certified organic sectors are not limited to the Horticulture
title, but are contained within several other titles of the
farm bill. These include programs in the research, nutrition,
and trade titles, among others. CBO's cost estimate for
specialty crop provisions in Title X does not include cost
estimates for provisions in other titles. CBO estimates for
research programs benefitting specialty crop and organic
producers, for example, are estimated to contribute another
$418 million increase in mandatory spending (FY 2014-FY 2018).
The conference agreement adopted nearly all the programs
reauthorized in both the House and Senate bills, and in some
cases provides for increased funding for several key programs
benefitting specialty crop producers. These include the
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, plant pest and disease
programs, USDA's Market News for specialty crops, the Specialty
Crop Research Initiative (SCRI), and also the Fresh Fruit and
Vegetable Program (Snack Program) and Section 32 purchases for
fruits and vegetables under the Nutrition title. The final bill
also reauthorized most programs benefitting certified organic
agriculture producers, including continued support for USDA's
National Organic Program (NOP) and development of crop
insurance mechanisms for organic producers, Organic Production
and Market Data Initiatives (ODI), and research programs such
as the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative
(OREI) and the Organic Transitions Program (ORG) under the
Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive
Grants Program. Both bills would give USDA authority to
consider an application for a research and promotion order (or
``checkoff'' program) for the organic sector.
Reauthorization of each of these provisions was in both the
House and Senate bills. One exception is that the House bill
would have repealed the National Organic Certification Cost
Share Program (NOCCSP), which was not part of the Senate bill,
but was included in the final agreement.
Programs in other farm bill titles benefitting specialty
crop and certified organic producers include the Value-Added
Producer Grant Program, Technical Assistance for Specialty
Crops (TASC), the Market Access Program (MAP), and most
conservation programs (including assistance specifically for
organic producers), among other programs, within the crop
insurance, credit, and miscellaneous titles. Horticulture and
other titles in the conference agreement, which were for the
most part included in both the House- and Senate-passed bills,
also include provisions that would expand opportunities for
local food systems and also beginning farmers and ranchers.
Other provisions supporting local food producers are within the
research, nutrition, and rural development titles, among
others.
The House-passed bill included other provisions that were
not in the Senate bill. These provisions would have provided
exemptions from certain regulatory requirements under some
laws, such as the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered
Species Act. The conference agreement included aspects of some
of these provisions, albeit in modified form, but did not adopt
the provisions as proposed by the House bill.

Title XI--Crop Insurance

The crop insurance title enhances the existing Federal Crop
Insurance Program, which is permanently authorized by the
Federal Crop Insurance Act. Crop insurance is designed
generally to cover losses from natural disasters, while Title I
programs (``farm programs'') make payments to farmers of
program crops when prices fall below statutory minimums or when
crop revenue is low relative to recent levels.
The Federal Crop Insurance Program makes available
subsidized crop insurance to producers who purchase a policy to
protect against losses in yield, crop revenue, or whole farm
revenue. More than 100 crops are insurable. The conference
agreement increases funding for crop insurance relative to
baseline levels by an additional $5.7 billion over 10 years.
Most of the funding increase stems from two new insurance
products, one for cotton and one for other crops. With cotton
not covered by the counter-cyclical price or revenue programs
established in Title I, a new crop insurance policy called
Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX) is made available for
cotton producers. The STAX policy indemnifies losses in county
revenue of greater than 10% of expected revenue but not more
than the deductible level (e.g., 25%) selected by the producer
for the underlying individual policy (or not more than 30% if
used as stand-alone policy). Similarly, for other crops, the
conference agreement (as in both the House- and Senate-passed
bills) makes available an additional policy (i.e., not stand-
alone) called Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO), based on
expected county yields or revenue, to cover part of the
deductible under the producer's underlying policy (referred to
as a farmer's out-of-pocket loss or ``shallow loss''). The
farmer subsidy as a share of the policy premium is set at 80%
for STAX and 65% for SCO.
Additional crop insurance changes in both bills, and
adopted by the conferees, are designed to expand or improve
crop insurance for other commodities, including specialty
crops. Provisions revise the value of crop insurance for
organic crops to reflect prices of organic (not conventional)
crops. USDA is required to conduct more research on whole farm
revenue insurance with higher coverage levels than currently
available. Studies or policies are also required on insuring
(1) specialty crop producers for food safety and contamination-
related losses, (2) swine producers for a catastrophic disease
event, (3) producers of catfish against reduction in the margin
between the market prices and production costs, (4) commercial
poultry production against business disruptions caused by
integrator bankruptcy, (5) poultry producers for a catastrophic
event, (6) producers of biomass sorghum or sweet sorghum grown
as feedstock for renewable energy, and (7) alfalfa producers. A
peanut revenue insurance product and rice margin insurance also
are mandated. Another provision provides funding for private-
sector index weather insurance, which insures against specific
weather events and not actual loss.
For conservation purposes, a provision in Title XI reduces
crop insurance subsidies and noninsured crop disaster
assistance for the first four years of planting on native sod
acreage in Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota,
and South Dakota. In Title II, crop insurance premium subsidies
are available only if producers are in compliance with wetland
conservation requirements and conservation requirements for
highly erodible land, as originally adopted by the Senate.
A controversial item not included in the conference
agreement was the reduction of premium subsidies for high
income farmers, a provision that was included in the Senate
bill but not the House bill. In the 2012 Farm Bill passed by
the Senate in the 112th Congress, an amendment was adopted
during floor debate to reduce crop insurance premium subsidies
by 15 percentage points for producers with average adjusted
gross income greater than $750,000. In 2013, the Senate
Agriculture Committee-reported version of S. 954 did not
include the provision, but an amendment to S. 954 requiring the
subsidy reduction was adopted on the Senate floor in June 2013
by a vote of 59-33.

Title XII--Miscellaneous

The Miscellaneous title contains four sections: livestock;
socially disadvantaged and limited resource producers; other
miscellaneous, and a fourth section added by the conferees on
oil heat efficiency, research, and jobs training. Animal
health-related provisions in the livestock section of the
conference agreement include provisions that renew the
trichinae certification and aquatic animal health programs that
were established in the 2008 Farm Bill; establish an animal
health laboratory network; and require USDA to continue to
administer the avian influenza surveillance program through the
National Poultry Improvement Plan. The section also includes a
Sense of Congress statement on the priority of feral swine
eradication.
The conference agreement establishes a competitive
production and marketing grant program for the sheep industry
through the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center. Another
provision confirms the transfer of catfish inspection authority
to USDA from FDA (originally in the 2008 Farm Bill) and directs
USDA to finalize the rules on catfish inspection, and for USDA
and FDA to execute a memorandum of understanding to improve
interagency cooperation on inspection. Lastly, USDA is to
conduct an economic analysis of its country-of-origin labeling
(COOL) rule (78 Federal Register 31367, May 24, 2013) within 6
months of the enactment of the farm bill.
Some livestock industry groups pushed for a provision to
repeal or modify the COOL law, but such a provision was not
included in the conference agreement. The conference agreement
extends authority for outreach and technical assistance
programs for socially disadvantaged farmer and ranchers, and
adds military veteran farmers and ranchers as a qualifying
group. The agreement creates a research center to develop
policy recommendations for socially disadvantaged farmers and
ranchers, reauthorizes funding for the USDA Office of Advocacy
and Outreach for socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and
ranchers, and includes a provision to increase transparency by
automatically providing receipts for service or denial of
service.
Provisions in the other miscellaneous section of the
conference agreement preserve farm bill benefits for
participants in the High Plains Water Study, make available
higher coverage levels under the Noninsured Crop Assistance
Programs, prohibit attendance at animal-fighting events and
exempt small dealers and exhibitors from license requirements
under the Animal Welfare act. The agreement includes grants to
promote the U.S. maple syrup industry, and grants for
technological training for farm workers. It also creates a
military veterans agricultural liaison within USDA to advocate
for and to provide information to veterans, and establishes an
Office of Tribal Relations to coordinate USDA activities with
Native American tribes.
The Miscellaneous title contains two provisions related to
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The first
establishes a standing agriculture-related subcommittee under
the EPA's Science Advisory Board to provide advice on matters
of significant impact on agricultural entities. The second
provides National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit
exemptions for certain silviculture activities. A provision
amending the EPA's spill prevention, control, and
countermeasure rule was excluded; as well as a provision
prohibiting EPA from disclosing producer information.
The section also includes provisions to establish a Pima
Cotton Trust Fund and an Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers
Trust Fund for users of pima cotton and wool, and funding for
wool research and promotion. The Citrus Disease Research and
Development Trust Fund provision from the Senate bill was moved
to the research title.
The conference agreement added a provision not found in
either the House or Senate bill to provide mandatory funding in
2014 for Payments in Lieu of Taxes, which provides payments to
local governments based on the presence of non-taxable Federal
lands. Also, the fourth section of the miscellaneous title
includes new provisions on oilheat efficiency, renewable fuels
research, and jobs training.
Sixteen provisions that were in either the House or Senate
bill are not included in the conference agreement. One
particularly controversial issue that was deleted in conference
was the interstate commerce provision originally in the House
bill that would have prohibited states from imposing production
or manufacturing standards on agricultural products from other
states. Of interest to the livestock and poultry industry,
provisions repealing marketing and competition rules proposed
by USDA (the GIPSA rule) were excluded. Some of the other
provisions not included were flood protection for the Missouri
River basin and the Wallkill River and Black Dirt region;
prohibitions on closing Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices with
high workloads; a prohibition on FSA employees keeping GSA-
leased cars overnight; and provisions on the restoration of the
Chesapeake Bay also were excluded from the conference
agreement.

Other Laws; Legislative Matters

Appropriations
P.L. 113-2, (H.R. 152)
Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013
H.R. 152 was introduced on January 4, 2013 by
Representative Harold Rogers and referred to the Committee on
Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget,
for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in
each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within
the committee concerned. On January 15, 2013, the bill passed
the House under suspension of the rules by a recorded vote of
241 yeas to 180 nays. On January 28, 2013, the bill passed the
Senate, under the order of 1/24/13, having achieved 60 votes in
the affirmative, without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 62 to 36.
On January 29, 2013, the bill was presented to and signed by
the President into Public Law 113-2.
Division A of the Act makes supplemental appropriations for
FY 2013 to specified Federal agencies and programs for the
expenses related to the consequences of Hurricane Sandy. Title
I makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of
Agriculture (USDA) for the Commodity Assistance Program, for
the emergency food assistance program. Title IX requires each
Federal agency to submit to the Office of the Management and
Budget, the General Accountability Office, the respective
Inspector General, and the House and Senate Appropriations
Committees by March 31, 2013, internal control plans for funds
provided by this Division. The Act also requires the GAO to
review the design of such plans. Title X makes supplemental
appropriations to USDA for the Emergency Conservation Program
and directs USDA's Office of Inspector General to use
unobligated disaster assistance oversight funds provided under
the Disaster Relief and Recovery Supplemental Appropriations
Act, 2008 for continued oversight of USDA disaster- and
emergency-related activities.
Division B of the Act amends the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the
President, acting through the FEMA Administrator, to approve
public assistance projects for major disasters or emergencies
under alternative procedures with goals of (1) reducing the
costs to the Federal Government of providing such assistance;
(2) increasing flexibility in the administration of assistance;
(3) expediting the provision of assistance to a state, tribal
or local government, or owner or operator of a private
nonprofit facility; and (4) providing financial incentives and
disincentives for the timely and cost-effective completion of
projects. Requires such alternative procedures, with respect to
grants for facility repair, restoration, or replacement, to
allow: (1) such grants to be made on the basis of fixed
estimates if the state, tribal, or local government or the
owner or operator of the private nonprofit facility agrees to
be responsible for any actual costs that exceed the estimate;
(2) a grantee to elect to receive an in-lieu contribution,
without reduction, on the basis of estimates of the cost to
repair, restore, reconstruct, or replace a facility and
management expenses; (3) consolidating state, local, or tribal
facilities as a single project; and (4) the Administrator to
permit a grantee, when completed project costs are less than
the estimated costs, to use excess funds for activities that
reduce the risk of future damage, hardship, or suffering from a
major disaster and for other activities to improve future
public assistance operations or planning. Additionally, the Act
requires such alternative procedures, with respect to grants
for debris removal, to allow: (1) such grants to be made on the
basis of fixed estimates to provide financial incentives and
disincentives for the timely or cost-effective completion if
the grantee agrees to be responsible for any actual costs that
exceed the estimate; (2) use of a sliding scale for determining
the Federal share for removal of debris and wreckage based on
the time it takes to complete; (3) use of program income from
recycled debris without offset to the grant amount; (4)
reimbursement of wages for grantee employees and extra hires
performing or administering debris and wreckage removal; (5)
incentives to a state, local, or tribal government to have a
debris management plan approved by the Administrator and to
have pre-qualified contractors before the date of declaration
of the major disaster; and (6) the Administrator to permit a
grantee, when actual project costs are less than estimated
costs, to use the excess funds for debris management planning,
acquisition of debris management equipment for current or
future use, and other activities to improve future debris
removal operations.
P.L. 113-6, (H.R. 933)
Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act,
2013
H.R. 933 was introduced on March 4, 2013 by Representative
Harold Rogers and referred to the Committee on Appropriations,
in addition to the Committee on Budget. On March 6, 2013, the
bill passed the House by a recorded vote of 267 yeas to 151
nays. On March 20, 2013, the bill passed the Senate with an
amendment to the Title by a yea to nay vote of 73 to 26. On
March 21, 2013, the House agreed to the Senate amendments with
a vote of 318 yeas to 109 nays. On March 22, 2013, the bill was
presented to and signed by the President into Public Law 113-6.
H.R. 933 appropriates FY 2013 funds for the following
Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and services: Office
of the Secretary of Agriculture; Office of the Chief Economist;
National Appeals Division; Office of the Budget and Program
Analysis; Office of the Chief Information Officer; Officer of
the Chief Financial Officer; Office of the Assistant Secretary
for Civil Rights; Office of Civil Rights; agriculture buildings
and facilities and rental payments; hazardous materials
management; Office of the Inspector General; Office of the
General Counsel; Office of the Under Secretary for Research,
Education, and Economics; Economic Research Station; National
Agricultural Statistics Service; Agricultural Research Service;
National Institute of Food and Agriculture; Native American
Institutions Endowment Fund; extension and integrated
activities; Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and
Regulatory Programs; Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service; Agricultural Marketing Service; Grain Inspection,
Packers and Stockyards Administration; Office of the Under
Secretary for Food Safety; Food Safety and Inspection Service;
Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural
Services; Farm Service Agency; Risk Management Agency; Federal
Crop Insurance Corporation Fund; and Commodity Credit
Corporation Fund.
Title II: Conservation Programs--Appropriates funds for the
following: (1) Office of the Under Secretary for Natural
Resources and Environment, and (2) Natural Resources
Conservation Service. Title III: Rural Development Programs--
Appropriates funds for the following: (1) Office of the Under
Secretary for Rural Development, (2) rural development salaries
and expenses, (3) Rural Housing Service, (4) Rural Business--
Cooperative Service, (5) Rural Economic Development Loans
Program Account, and (6) Rural Utilities Service. Title IV:
Domestic Food Programs--Appropriates funds for the following:
(1) Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and
Consumer Services; and (2) Food and Nutrition Service. Title V:
Foreign Assistance and Related Programs--Appropriates funds for
the following: (1) Foreign Agricultural Service, (2) Food for
Peace Act (P.L. 480) program title I and title II grants, (3)
McGovern-Dole international food for education and child
nutrition program grants, and (4) Commodity Credit Corporation
(CCC) export loans. Title VI: Related Agency and Food and Drug
Administration--Appropriates funds for the following: (1) Food
and Drug Administration (FDA), and (2) Farm Credit
Administration.
The Act excludes from such rescission: amounts designated
by Congress for OCO/GWOT or for disaster relief; or the amount
made available by division F of this Act for a specified
limitation on administrative expenses of the Social Security
Administration for continuing disability reviews under titles
II and XVI of the Social Security Act and for the cost
associated with conducting eligibility redeterminations. Also
requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) to report to the Congressional appropriations committees
within 30 days after enactment of this Act on the account and
amount of each such rescission.
P.L. 113-46, (H.R. 2775)
Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014
H.R. 2775 was introduced by Representative Diane Black on
July 22, 2013 and referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means. On
September 12, 2013 the bill passed the House by a recorded vote
of 235 yeas to 191 nays. On October 16, 2013 a complete
substitute amendment converting the measure into the Continuing
Appropriations Act was adopted by the Senate by a recorded vote
of 81 yeas to 18 nays. On that same date the House agreed to
the Senate amendments by a recorded vote of 285 yeas to 144
nays. On October 17, 2013 the President signed the bill into
Public Law 113-46.
The Act makes continuing appropriations for FY 2014
including the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013.
The Act also includes the same prohibition from the FY 2012
(P.L. 112-55) and FY 2013 (P.L. 113-6) appropriations acts that
prevents USDA from using appropriated funds to finalize or
implement certain provisions of a Grain Inspection and Packers
and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) rule.
Continues funding through January 15, 2014, at the FY 2013
level for entitlements and other mandatory payments whose
budget authority was provided in FY 2013 appropriations Acts,
as well as for activities under the Food and Nutrition Act of
2008.
Amends the Food for Peace Act to extend through January 15,
2014, authority for agreements to finance sales or to provide
other assistance.
Continues through January 15, 2014, the authority of the
Forest Service to enter into up to 28 contracts with private
persons (of which Region One of the Forest Service shall have
authority to enter into nine) to perform services to achieve
land management goals for National Forests that meet local and
rural community needs; and to apply the value of timber or
other forest products removed as an offset against the cost of
services received under a contract.
P.L. 113-67 (H.J. Res. 59)
Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014
H.J. Res. 59 was introduced by Representatives Harold
Rogers on September 10, 2014 and referred to the Committee on
Appropriations and the Budget. It became the vehicle for the
budget agreement negotiated by the chairs of the House and
Senate Budget Committees and includes the Bipartisan Budget Act
and the Pathway for the SGR Reform Act of 2013. The Act was
signed into Public Law 113-67 on December 26, 2013.
Included in the Act is a provision that amended the Soil
Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act to allow the Natural
Resources Conservation Service of the Department of Agriculture
to collect user fees for conservation planning technical
assistance. Limits such fees to $150 for each conservation plan
for which technical assistance is provided. Authorizes the
Secretary of Agriculture to waive such fees in certain
instances, including for beginning farmers and ranchers who
have limited resources or who are socially disadvantaged.
P.L. 113-76 (H.R. 3547)
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014
H.R. 3547 was introduced by Representative Lamar Smith and
referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on
November 20, 2013. It became the vehicle for Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2014. The House suspended the rules and
passed H.R. 3547 with 376 yeas and 5 nays on December 2, 2013.
The Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent on December 12,
2013. The House agreed to the Senate amendment to the title and
text with 359 yeas and 67 nays on January 15, 2014. The Senate
concurred in the House amendment to the Senate amendment on
January 16, 2014 with 72 yeas and 26 nays. It was signed into
Public Law 113-76 on January 17, 2014.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 makes
appropriations for FY 2014. It combines the Agriculture, Rural
Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2014; Commerce, Justice, Science, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014; Department of
Defense Appropriations Act, 2014; Energy and Water Development
and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014; Financial
Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2014;
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2014;
Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2014; Departments of Labor, Health and
Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2014; Legislative Branch Appropriations
Act, 2014; Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014; Department of State,
Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act,
2014; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014.
The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014
includes funding for the following programs and services:
Office of the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary); Office of
the Chief Economist; National Appeals Division; Office of
Budget and Program Analysis; Office of the Chief Information
Officer; Office of the Chief Financial Officer; Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights; Office of Civil Rights;
agriculture buildings and facilities and rental payments;
hazardous materials management; Office of Inspector General;
Office of the General Counsel; Office of Ethics; Office of the
Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics;
Economic Research Service; National Agricultural Statistics
Service; Agricultural Research Service; National Institute of
Food and Agriculture; Native American Institutions Endowment
Fund; extension and integrated activities; Office of the Under
Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs; Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service; Agricultural Marketing
Service; Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards
Administration; Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety;
Food Safety and Inspection Service; Office of the Under
Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services; Farm
Service Agency; Risk Management Agency; Federal Crop Insurance
Corporation Fund; Commodity Credit Corporation Fund; Office of
the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment;
Natural Resources Conservation Service, including the watershed
rehabilitation program; Office of the Under Secretary for Rural
Development; rural development salaries and expenses; Rural
Housing Service; Rural Business-Cooperative Service; Rural
Utilities Service; Office of the Under Secretary for Food,
Nutrition and Consumer Services; Food and Nutrition Service;
the Foreign Agricultural Service; Food for Peace Act (P.L. 480)
program title I and title II grants; Commodity Credit
Corporation (CCC) export loans; McGovern-Dole international
food for education and child nutrition program grants; Food and
Drug Administration (FDA); Farm Credit Administration; and
Commodities Futures Trading Commission.
Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions
against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.
Authorizes the Secretary to transfer unobligated balances
to the Working Capital Fund for plant and capital equipment
acquisition, which shall remain available until expended.
Prohibits appropriations under this Act from remaining
available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year unless
expressly provided for.
Limits negotiated indirect costs on cooperative agreements
between USDA and nonprofit organizations to 10%.
Makes USDA appropriations for direct and guaranteed loans
available for: (1) the Rural Development Loan Fund program
account, (2) the Rural Electrification and Telecommunication
Loans program account, and (3) the Rural Housing Insurance Fund
program account.
Prohibits funds made available to USDA under this Act from
being used to acquire new information technology systems or
significant upgrades.
Makes funds available in the current fiscal year for
agricultural management assistance under the Federal Crop
Insurance Act and for specified conservation programs under the
Food Security Act of 1985 until expended for current fiscal
year obligations.
Makes eligible for economic development and job creation
assistance under the Rural Electrification Act in the same
manner as a borrower under such Act any former Rural Utilities
Service borrower that has repaid or prepaid an insured, direct,
or guaranteed loan under such Act, or any not-for-profit
utility that is eligible to receive an insured or direct loan
under such Act.
Prohibits, regarding the specialty crop research
initiative, funds from being used to prohibit the provision of
certain in-kind support from non-Federal sources.
Makes unobligated balances for salaries and expenses for
the Farm Service Agency and the Rural Development mission area
under this Act available for information technology expenses
through September 30, 2015.
Authorizes the Secretary to permit a state agency to use
funds provided in this Act to exceed a specified maximum amount
of liquid infant formula when issuing liquid infant formula to
participants.
Prohibits first-class travel by employees of agencies
funded under this Act.
States that with regard to certain programs established or
amended by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to be
carried out using CCC funds: (1) such funds shall be available
for salaries and administrative expenses without regard to
certain allotment and fund transfer limits, and (2) the use of
such funds shall not be considered to be a fund transfer or
allotment for purposes of applying such limits.
Limits funds made available in FY 2014 or preceding fiscal
years under P.L. 480 to reimburse the CCC for the release of
certain commodities under the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust
Act.
Limits funds available for USDA advisory committees,
panels, commissions, and task forces.
Prohibits funds under this Act from being used to pay
indirect costs charged against any agricultural research,
education, or extension grant awards issued by the National
Institute of Food and Agriculture that exceed 30% of total
Federal funds provided under each award.
Extends the FY 2013 funding level for supplemental
nutrition assistance (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp
program) employment and training programs to FY 2014.
Prohibits the use of any Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC)
funds for the watershed rehabilitation program, or more than
$70 million for the environmental quality incentives program.
Limits funds for the following domestic food assistance
categories under the Act of August 24, 1935: (1) child
nutrition program entitlement commodities, (2) state option
contracts, and (3) defective commodity removal. Limits funds
for the fresh fruit and vegetable program until October 1,
2014. Rescinds specified unobligated balances available in FY
2014 for domestic food assistance.
Prohibits the use of funds for user fee proposals that fail
to provide certain budget impact information.
Prohibits, without Congressional notification, funds
available under this Act or under previous appropriations Acts
from being used through a reprogramming of funds to: (1)
eliminate or create a new program, (2) relocate or reorganize
an office or employees, (3) privatize Federal employee
functions, or (4) increase funds or personnel for any project
for which funds have been denied or restricted.
Prohibits, without Congressional notification, funds
available under this Act or under previous appropriations Acts
from being used through a reprogramming of funds in excess of
$500,000 or 10%, whichever is less: (1) to augment an existing
program, (2) to reduce by 10% funding or personnel for any
existing program, or (3) that results from a reduction in
personnel which would result in a change in existing programs.
Authorizes the Secretary to assess a one-time fee for any
guaranteed business and industry loan that does not exceed 3%
of the guaranteed principal portion of the loan.
Prohibits the use of USDA, FDA, Commodity Futures Trading
Commission (CFTC), or Farm Credit Administration (FCA) funds
from being used to transmit to any non-USDA, non-Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS), non-CFTC, or non-FCA employee
questions or responses to questions that are a result of
information requested for the appropriations hearing process.
Prohibits the use of funds under this Act by any executive
branch entity to produce a prepackaged news story for U.S.
broadcast or distribution unless it contains audio or text
notice that it was produced or funded by such executive entity.
Requires USDA agencies to reimburse each other for
employees detailed for longer than 30 days.
Prohibits specified nonrecourse marketing assistance loans
for mohair.
Cancels a specified amount of unobligated balances in the
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Resource Conservation
and Development Account. (States that no amounts may be
cancelled from those designated by Congress as an emergency
requirement pursuant to the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget
or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of
1985 [Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act], as amended.)
Appropriates funds for direct reimbursement payments for
geographically disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
Appropriates funds for a pilot program to demonstrate the
use of new technologies that increase the rate of growth of re-
forested hardwood trees on private nonindustrial forests lands,
enrolling lands on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico that were
damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Directs the Secretary, the FDA Commissioner, and the FCA
Chairman to submit to Congress a spending plan by program,
project, and activity for the funds made available under this
Act.
Rescinds specified funds from unobligated balances
available to USDA under the ``Agriculture Buildings and
Facilities and Rental Payments'' account.
States that no amount may be rescinded from funds to the
General Services Administration (GSA) for rent and funds for
payments to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for
building security activities.
Makes specified funds available for agricultural commodity
assistance to recipient nations only if adequate controls are
in place to ensure that emergency food aid is received by the
intended beneficiaries and not otherwise diverted.
Rescinds specified funds from unobligated funds available
to USDA for single family rural housing guaranteed loans for FY
2007-FY 2010.
Rescinds specified CCC funds from unobligated balances for
the bioenergy program for advanced biofuels.
Directs the Secretary to expand the pilot program for
packaging direct loans for single family rural housing to
states and communities not served by such pilot program.
Limits funds available for administration of the plan for
repair or replacement of bulk fuel storage tanks in Alaska that
are not in compliance with applicable Federal or state law.
Prohibits the use of funds made available by this Act to
reclassify any area eligible for rural housing programs on
September 30, 2013, as ineligible for such programs.
Authorizes funds received by the Secretary in the global
settlement of any Federal litigation concerning Federal
mortgage loans during FY 2012 to be obligated and expended by
the Rural Housing Service for costs associated with servicing
single family housing loans guaranteed by the Service.
Appropriates funds to implement non-renewable agreements on
eligible lands, including flooded agricultural lands.
Designates the Federal building located at 64 Nowelo
Street, Hilo, Hawaii, as the Daniel K. Inouye United States
Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center.
Rescinds specified CCC funds from unobligated balances for
biorefinery assistance.
Authorizes the Secretary to increase the program level by
up to 25% for certain loans and loan guarantees that do not
require budget authority. Requires Congressional notification
prior to implementing any such increase.
Obligates specified funds for an assessment of the existing
and prospective scope of domestic hunger and food insecurity.
Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with a
tax-exempt private-sector organization that has recognized
expertise in domestic hunger affairs to conduct this
assessment.
Establishes the National Commission on Hunger which shall:
(1) provide policy recommendations to Congress and the
Secretary regarding programs and funds to combat domestic
hunger and food insecurity; and (2) develop recommendations to
encourage public-private partnerships, faith-based sector
engagement, and community initiatives to reduce the need for
government nutrition assistance programs, while protecting the
safety net for the most vulnerable members of society.
Limits the amount of funds that may be used to write,
prepare, or publish a final or an interim rule to implement
``Implementation of Regulations Required Under Title XI, of the
Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008; Conduct in Violation
of the Act.''
Prohibits funds under this Act from being used to inspect
horses for slaughter purposes.
Directs the Secretary to set aside specified additional
funds for Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP) Zones.
Makes certain sequestered fees for FDA available until
expended for the same purpose for which such funds were
originally appropriated.
Makes additional Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
funds available until September 30, 2015, for one-time control
and management and activities related to citrus greening.
Declares that certain credit card refunds or rebates
transferred to the Working Capital Fund: (1) shall not be made
available for obligation without Congressional notification and
approval; but (2) shall be available for obligation only for
the acquisition of plant and capital equipment necessary for
the delivery of financial, administrative, and information
technology services of primary benefit to USDA agencies.
Extends specified CCC conservation programs through FY 2015.
P.L. 113-164 (H.J. Res. 124)
Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015
H.J. Res. 124 was introduced by Representative Harold
Rogers and referred to the Committee on Appropriations and the
Budget. On September 17th, the resolution passed by the House
by a recorded vote with 319 yeas to 108 nays. The resolution
passed by the Senate without amendments with 78 yeas to 22
nays. On September 19, 2014, the President signed the
resolution to become Public Law 113-164.
The Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015 provides
continuing FY 2015 appropriations to Federal agencies until
December 11, 2014, or enactment of specified appropriations
legislation. The joint resolution also authorizes the Secretary
of Defense (DOD) to provide assistance in Syria. It also
extends the operating authority of the Export-Import Bank,
provides funding to respond to the outbreak of the Ebola virus
in Africa, provides U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement with funding flexibility,
and extends the Internet Tax Freedom Act.
More specifically, Section 101 appropriates funds to
Federal agencies for continuing projects and activities at the
rate and under the authority and conditions provided in the
applicable divisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2014:

the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Act, 2014;

the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2014;

the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2014;

the Energy and Water Development and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014;

the Financial Services and General Government
Appropriations Act, 2014;

the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations
Act, 2014;

the Department of the Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014;

the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act,
2014;

the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2014;

the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014;

the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and
Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2014; and

the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development,
and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014.

The bill reduces the rate of operations provided in this
section by 0.0554%.
Also of note, Section 216 provides funding for the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Commodity Assistance
Program.
P.L. 113-202 (H.J. Res. 130)
Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year
2015, and for other purposes.
H.J. Res. 130 was introduced by Representative Harold
Rogers on December 10, 2014 and referred to the Committee on
Appropriations. On December 11, 2014 the bill passed the House
under Unanimous Consent. On December 11, 2014 the Senate agreed
to the joint resolution by a voice vote. On December 12, 2014
the President signed the bill into law.
P.L. 113-203 (H.J. Res. 131)
Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year
2015, and for other purposes.
H.J. Res. 131 was introduced by Representative Harold
Rogers on December 12, 2014 and referred to the Committee on
Appropriations. On December 12, 2014 the bill passed the House
under Unanimous Consent. On December 13, 2014 the Senate agreed
to the joint resolution by a voice vote. On December 13, 2014
the President signed the bill into law.
P.L. 113-_ (H.R. 83)
Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act,
2015
H.R. 83 was introduced by Representative Donna Christensen
on January 3, 2013 and referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce. On September 15th, 2014 the bill passed the House
under suspension of the rules by a voice vote. On December 11,
2014 a complete substitute amendment converting the measure
into the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act
of 2015 was adopted by the House by a vote of 219 yeas to 206
nays and 10 not voting. On December 13, 2014 the Senate agreed
to the bill by a recorded vote of 56 yeas to 40 nays and 4 not
voting. On December 16, 2014 the President signed the bill into
law.
The Agriculture Appropriations bill included in the Omnibus
provides $20.6 billion in discretionary funding--$305 million
below the Fiscal Year 2014 enacted level--while cutting back
lower-priority programs and rescinding unused funds.
The bill provides $2.7 billion for agriculture research
programs, including the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and
the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Funding is
targeted to help stop and mitigate devastating crop diseases,
improve food safety and water quality, and help address issues
related to drought, invasive species, and herbicide resistance.
Within this amount, the bill includes $325 million for the
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative for competitive
agricultural research grants, $45 million to begin to
rehabilitate the high-priority ARS facilities, and funding to
maintain important investments in the nation's land-grant
colleges and universities.
The legislation includes $871.3 million--a $49.5 million
increase above the Fiscal Year 2014 enacted level--for the
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This
funding will support programs to control or eradicate plant and
animal pests and diseases that can cripple U.S. producers and
entire agricultural industries. This also includes increases to
fight citrus greening and an epidemic porcine virus.
The legislation provides $1.5 billion for FSA, which is $22
million above the Fiscal Year 2014 enacted level and $66
million above the President's request. This funding will
support more than $6 billion in loan authorizations for farm,
conservation, and emergency loan programs for American farmers
and ranchers.
The bill provides a total of $2.4 billion for rural
development programs, which is $173 million above the
President's request. These development programs help create an
environment for economic growth by investing in basic
infrastructure, providing loans for rural businesses and
industries, and helping to balance the playing field for buyers
in rural housing markets.
The legislation includes more than $1 billion for the Food
Safety and Inspection Service, $5.8 million above the Fiscal
Year 2014 enacted level. These mandatory inspection activities
help ensure the safety and productivity of the country's $186
billion meat and poultry industry, and keep safe food on
American tables. The funding provided will maintain more than
7,800 frontline inspection personnel for meat, poultry, and egg
products at more than 6,400 facilities across the country.
The legislation also restricts the Grain Inspection,
Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) from implementing
certain regulations that would allow harmful government
interference in the private market for the livestock and
poultry industry.
The FDA receives a total of almost $2.6 billion in
discretionary funding in the bill, an increase of $37 million
over the Fiscal Year 2014 enacted level. Total funding for the
FDA, including revenue from user fees, is $4.5 billion. Within
this total, food safety activities are increased by $27.5
million, and various drug safety activities--including
additional funds for foreign drug inspections, pharmacy
compounding, and counterfeit drugs--are increased by over $20
million.
CFTC is funded at $250 million, which is $30 million below
the President's budget request. The legislation also promotes
transparency, with a directive requiring a vote by the full
Commission--instead of just staff--on financial regulations
that greatly increase regulatory burdens for ranchers, farmers,
and job creators.
The bill provides $859 million for the Natural Resources
Conservation Service to help farmers, ranchers, and private
forest landowners conserve and protect their land. This
includes $12 million for dam rehabilitation to help rural
communities ensure their small watershed projects meet current
safety standards.
The legislation contains discretionary funding, as well as
mandatory funding required by law, for food and nutrition
programs within the Department of Agriculture. This includes
the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants,
and Children (WIC), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP), and Child Nutrition programs.
The legislation contains $1.5 billion for the Food for
Peace program, which provides emergency food aid to those in
need, and bolsters U.S security interests abroad--including in
Iraq and Ebola-affected West-Africa. This is $66 million above
the President's request. In addition, the bill provides $192
million, $7 million above the President's request, for the
McGovern-Dole International Food for Education Program to
support food security overseas.

2. Bills Acted on by the House But Not the Senate

H.R. 634, Business Risk Mitigation and Price Stabilization
Act of 2013
H.R. 634 was introduced on February 13, 2013 by
Representative Michael G. Grimm, and referred to the Committee
on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Financial
Services. On March 20, 2013, the Committee on Agriculture
ordered reported the bill by a voice vote. On May 7, 2013, the
Committee on Financial Services ordered reported the bill by a
recorded vote of 59 yeas to 0 nays. Both Committees reported
the bill on June 12, 2013, H. Rept. 113-105, Part 1 and 2. On
that same date, the bill passed the House, as amended, under
suspension of the rules by a recorded vote of 411 yeas to 12
nays. On June 13, 2013, the measure was received by the Senate
and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs.
The Business Risk Mitigation and Price Stabilization Act of
2013 amends section 4s(e) of the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA)
as added by Section 731 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform
and Consumer Protection Act (P.L. 111-203) (the Dodd-Frank Act)
to provide an explicit exemption from margin requirements for
swap transactions involving end-users that qualify for the
clearing exception under 2(h)(7)(A). The bill includes
mirroring provisions to Section 15F(e) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 with respect to security-based swap
transactions. (Note: See also the discussion of the March 14th,
2013: Hearing to examine legislative improvements to Title VII
of the Dodd-Frank Act under ``D. Oversight.'')
H.R. 742, Swap Data Repository and Clearinghouse
Indemnification Correction Act of 2013
H.R. 742 was introduced by Representative Eric A. ``Rick''
Crawford on February 15, 2013 and referred to the Committee on
Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Financial
Services. On June 12, 2013, the Committee on Agriculture
reported 113-106, Part 1, which was followed by the Committee
on Financial Service's Part 2. On June 12, 2013, the House
agreed to pass the bill on a motion to suspend the rules with a
vote of 420 yeas and 2 nays. On June 13, 2013, the bill was
received in the Senate and referred to and read twice and
referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry.
The Swap Data Repository and Clearinghouse Indemnification
Correction Act of 2013 strikes the indemnification requirements
found in Sections 725, 728, and 763 of the Dodd-Frank Wall
Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (P.L. 111-203) (the
Dodd-Frank Act) related to swap data gathered by swap data
repositories (SDRs) and derivatives clearing organizations
(DCOs). The bill does maintain, however, that before an SDR,
DCO, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), or
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) shares
information with domestic or international regulators, they
have to receive a written agreement stating that the regulator
will abide by certain confidentiality agreements. (Note: See
also the discussion of the March 14th, 2013: Hearing to examine
legislative improvements to Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act
under ``D. Oversight.'')
H.R. 803, Supporting Knowledge and Investing in Lifelong
Skills Act (SKILLS Act)
H.R. 803 was introduced by Representative Virginia Foxx on
February 25, 2013 and referred to the House Committee on
Agriculture, and in addition to the House Committees on
Education and the Workforce; Judiciary, Veterans' Affairs,
Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure. On
March 12, 2013, the House Committee on Agriculture discharged
the bill. On March 15, 2013, the House voted on H.R. 803 with a
passage of 215 yeas and 202 nays. On March 18, 2013, the
measure was received by the Senate and read twice and referred
to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
The Supporting Knowledge and Investing in Lifelong Skills
Act or SKILLS Act amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998
(WIA) to revise requirements and reauthorize appropriations
for: (1) WIA title I, workforce investment systems for job
training and employment services; and (2) WIA title II, adult
education and family literacy education programs.
H.R. 935, Reducing Regulatory Burden Act of 2013
The Reducing Regulatory Burden Act was introduced by
Representative Bob Gibbs on March 4, 2013 and referred to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition
to the Committee on Agriculture. On March 13, 2013, the
Committee on Agriculture ordered the bill to be reported by a
voice vote. On October 29, 2013, the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure ordered the bill to be
reported by a voice vote. On June 2, 2014, it was reported by
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in H. Rept.
113-467, Part 1; reported by the Committee on Agriculture in H.
Rept. 113-467, Part 2; and placed on the Union Calendar,
Calendar No. 346. On July 31, 2014 the House passed the bill by
a recorded vote of 267 yeas and 161 nays. On August 1, the bill
was received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the
Committee on Environment and Public Works.
The measure amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act (known as the Clean Water Act [CWA]) to prohibit the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a
state from requiring a permit under the CWA for a discharge
from a point source into navigable waters of a pesticide
authorized for sale, distribution, or use under FIFRA, or the
residue of such a pesticide, resulting from the application of
such pesticide.
Exempts from such prohibition the following discharges
containing a pesticide or pesticide residue: (1) a discharge
resulting from the application of a pesticide in violation of
FIFRA that is relevant to protecting water quality, if the
discharge would not have occurred but for the violation or the
amount of pesticide or pesticide residue contained in the
discharge is greater than would have occurred without the
violation; (2) storm water discharges regulated under the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES); and
(3) discharges regulated under NPDES of manufacturing or
industrial effluent or treatment works effluent and discharges
incidental to the normal operation of a vessel, including a
discharge resulting from ballasting operations or vessel
biofouling prevention. (Note: See also the discussion of H.R.
1947 under ``8. Bills Defeated'', and H.R. 2642 under ``1.
Bills Enacted into Law.'')
H.R. 992, Swaps Regulatory Improvement Act
H.R. 992 was introduced by Representative Randy Hultgren on
March 6, 2013 and referred to the House Committee on
Agriculture, and in addition to the House Committee on
Financial Services on September 25, 2013. On October 30, 3013,
the House voted on H.R. 992 with a passage of 292 yeas and 122
nays. On October 31, 2013, the measure was received by the
Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Banking,
Housing, and Urban Affairs.
The Swaps Regulatory Improvement Act amends the Dodd-Frank
Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act limits the
application of Section 716 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform
and Consumer Protection Act (P.L. 111-203) (Dodd-Frank Act) so
that it does not apply to equity or commodity swaps traded by a
financial institution. However, the section would continue to
apply to certain structured finance swaps that are based on an
asset-backed security and force those particular swaps to be
traded in a separately capitalized entity outside of the
banking entity. (Note: See also the discussion of the March
14th, 2013: Hearing to examine legislative improvements to
Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act under ``D. Oversight.'')
H.R. 1038, Public Power Risk Management Act of 2013
H.R. 1038 was introduced by Representative Doug LaMalfa on
March 11, 2013 and referred to the Committee on Agriculture. On
March 14, 2013, Committee hearings were held and on March 20,
2013, a mark-up session was held with a report to record the
voice vote of passage. On June 12, 2013, H.R. 1038 was placed
on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 76 and on that same date,
Mr. LaMalfa moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. It
was passed in the House with a unanimous vote of 423 yeas to 0
nays. On June 13, 2013, the bill was received and read in the
Senate and then referred to the Committee on Agriculture,
Nutrition, and Forestry. The Public Power Risk Management Act
of 2013 would preserve the ability of government-owned
utilities, classified in the bill as ``utility special
entities,'' to have uninterrupted and cost-effective access to
the customized, non-financial commodity swaps that utility
special entities have used for years. In effect, the
counterparties of utility special entities would now be subject
to the much higher $8 billion de minimis swap dealer
registration threshold. Importantly, the bill does not include
an exemption for interest rate, credit, equities, currency
asset classes, or agriculture commodities, other than
commodities used for electric energy or natural gas production
or generation. Instead, the legislation creates a new category
of swap known as the ``utility operations-related swap'' and
provides relief to counterparties of utility special entities
only when those specific types of swaps are used. To ensure
transparency, the bill still requires all special entity swap
transactions to be reported to the U.S. Commodity Futures
Trading Commission (CFTC). (Note: See also the discussion of
the March 14th, 2013: Hearing to examine legislative
improvements to Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act under ``D.
Oversight.'')
H.R. 1256, Swap Jurisdiction Certainty Act
H.R. 1256 was introduced by Representative Scott Garrett on
March 19, 2013 and referred to the Committee on Agriculture and
the Committee on Financial Services. On June 10, 2013, the
Committee on Financial Services filed Part 1 of H. Rept. 113-
103, and the Committee on Agriculture reported Part 2 of H.
Rept. 113-103. On June 12, 2013, the House voted on H.R. 1256
with a passage of 301 yeas to 124 nays. On June 13, 2013, the
bill was received and read in the Senate then referred to the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
The Swap Jurisdiction Certainty would require a joint
rulemaking from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on cross-
border swaps regulation pursuant to Section 722(d) of Title VII
of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection
Act (P.L. 111-203) (the Dodd-Frank Act), and would presume that
all G20 nations would be granted substituted compliance to
regulate institutions operating within their borders unless the
CFTC and SEC jointly determine otherwise. (Note: See also the
discussion of the March 14th, 2013: Hearing to examine
legislative improvements to Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act
under ``D. Oversight.'')
H.R. 1341, Financial Competitive Act of 2013
H.R. 1341 was introduced by Representative Stephen Lee
Fincher on March 21, 2013 and referred to the House Committee
on Agriculture and also the Committee on Financial Services. On
June 28, 2013, the Committee on Financial Services reported
Part 1 of H. Rept. 113-134. On the same date, the House
Committee on Agriculture discharged H.R. 1341. On July 8, 2013,
the House voted on a motion to suspend the rules and pass the
bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays. The motion
passed with a passage of 353 yeas and 24 nays. On July 9, 2013,
the bill was received and read in the Senate, then referred to
the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Financial Competitive Act of 2013 directs the Financial
Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) to study and report to
Congress on the likely effects that differences between the
United States and other jurisdictions in implementing the
derivatives credit valuation adjustment capital requirement
would have upon: (1) U.S. financial institutions that conduct
derivatives transactions and participate in derivatives
markets, (2) end users of derivatives, and (3) international
derivatives markets.
Additionally, it requires the study to recommend steps
Congress and the constituent agencies of the FSOC should take
to: (1) minimize any expected negative effects on U.S.
financial institutions, derivatives markets, and end users; (2)
encourage greater international consistency in implementation
of internationally agreed capital, liquidity, and other
prudential standards; and (3) ensure that the FSOC fulfills its
statutory mandate to identify risks and respond to emerging
threats to financial stability.
H.R. 1526, Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy
Communities Act
H.R. 1526 was introduced by Representative Doc Hastings on
April 12, 2013 and referred to the House Committee on Natural
Resources and also the House Committee on Agriculture. On
September 17, 2013, the Committee on Natural Resources reported
Part 1 of H. Rept. 113-213. On September 20, 2013, the House
voted on H.R. 1526 with a passage of 244 yeas to 173 nays. On
September 23, 2013, the bill was referred to, received in, and
read twice in the Senate and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources.
The Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act
directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to establish at
least one Forest Reserve Revenue Area (Area) within each unit
of the National Forest System (NFS) designated for sustainable
forest management for the production of National Forest
materials (the sale of trees, portions of trees, or forest
products from NFS lands) and forest reserve revenues (to be
derived from the sale of such materials in such an Area).
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to
NFS land, and the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to
public lands, to implement a hazardous fuel reduction project
or forest health project in at-risk forests in a manner that
focuses on surface, ladder, and canopy fuels reduction
activities.
Bars the Secretary of Agriculture from conducting any
prescribed fire (except as part of wildfire suppression
activities) in the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri under
the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Project until
the following report is submitted to Congress.
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct land
exchanges involving the transferred lands, other than those
excluded from the O&C Trust, in order to create larger
contiguous blocks of land under the Secretary's management.
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to appoint an Old
Growth Review Panel to define old growth as it applies to the
ecologically, geographically, and climatologically unique
Oregon and California Railroad Grant lands and O&C Region
Public Domain lands managed by the O&C Trust or the Forest
Service only (but not to tribal lands).
Provides for a three-year transition period which shall
commence after the appointment of the Board.
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer
administrative jurisdiction over the Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant
lands excluded from the transfer under this subtitle to the
Secretary of Agriculture for inclusion in the NFS.
Permits Coos County to recommend land exchanges to the
Secretary of Agriculture and carry them out.
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary
of Agriculture from acquiring by condemnation any land or
interest within the boundaries of the river segments or
wilderness designated by this subtitle.
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the
community forest demonstration area of a state, consisting of
National Forest System (NFS) land, at the request of an
advisory committee appointed by a governor to manage such land
in that state. Conditions establishment of an area upon: (1)
inclusion of at least 200,000 acres of NFS land; (2) a state
forest practices law applicable to state or privately owned
forest land, or established silvicultural best management
practices or other regulations for forest management practices
related to clean water, soil quality, wildlife, or forest
health; and (3) a revenue-sharing agreement between a county
and the state governor requiring the county, in using certain
revenues received from the area, to continue to meet
obligations for the use of such revenues for the benefit of
public schools and roads.
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, during February 2015,
to distribute to each beneficiary county a payment equal to the
amount distributed to the county for FY 2010 under the Secure
Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000.
H.R. 2166, Good Samaritan Search and Recovery Act of 2013
The Good Samaritan Search and Recovery Act of 2013 was
introduced by Representative Joseph Heck on May 23, 2013 and
referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition
to the Committee on Agriculture. On June 12, 2013 the Committee
on Natural Resources ordered reported the bill by unanimous
consent. The Committee on Agriculture discharged the bill. On
January 27, 2014, the House voted on a motion to suspend the
rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and
Nays. The motion passed with a passage of 394 yeas and 0 nays.
On January 28, 2014 the bill was received and read in the
Senate, then referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources.
The measure directs the Secretary of the Interior and the
Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to implement a process to
provide eligible organizations and individuals expedited access
to Federal lands to conduct good Samaritan search-and-recovery
missions.
Sets forth procedures for the approval or denial of
requests made by eligible organizations or individuals to carry
out a good Samaritan search-and-recovery mission.
Requires the Secretaries to develop search-and-recovery
focused partnerships with search-and-recovery organizations to:
(1) coordinate good Samaritan search-and-recovery missions on
such lands, and (2) expedite and accelerate mission efforts for
missing individuals on such lands.
H.R. 2954, The Public Access and Lands Improvement Act
H.R. 2954, The Public Access and Lands Improvement Act, was
introduced by Representative Jeff Miller on August 1, 2013 and
referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. On December 16,
2013, the Committee on Natural Resources reported H. Rept. 113-
296. On February 6, 2014, the House passed H.R. 2954 by
recorded vote with 220 yeas and 194 nays. On February 10, 2014,
the bill was received in the Senate, read twice, and referred
to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
The Public Access and Lands Improvement Act is a package of
ten bills that promote access to public lands, encourage
transparent land management, and foster local economic
development projects. Title IX of the bill, the Rim Fire
Emergency Salvage Act, falls within the Committee on
Agriculture's jurisdiction. This section directs the Secretary
of Agriculture to develop a timber salvage plan for National
Forest Service lands burned in the 2013 Rim Fire in California.
It further provides that the project is not subject to
administrative or judicial review, or temporary restraining
orders or preliminary injunctions based on environmental
impacts in cases where there has not been a final decision.
Furthermore, the pilot program is deemed to be in compliance
with the NEPA, the National Forest Management Act of 1976, the
Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974,
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, and the
Endangered Species act of 1973. (Note: See also the discussion
of H.R. 3188 under ``5. Bills Reported by Other Committees
within the Committee on Agriculture's jurisdiction but not
considered.'')
H.R. 3102, Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act of
2013
H.R. 3102 was introduced by Chairman Lucas on September 16,
2013. On September 19, 2013, the House voted on H.R. 3102 with
a passage of 217 yeas and 210 nays. On September 23, 2013, the
bill was received in the Senate.
The Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act of 2013,
encourages and enables work participation, makes common-sense
reforms, closes program loopholes and cracks down on waste,
fraud and abuse in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP) saving the American taxpayer nearly $40 billion.
This bill strengthens program integrity and accountability
while better targeting the Federal nutrition programs to serve
those in need of assistance.
Prevents States from Waiving Work Requirements on Able-
Bodied Adults Without Dependents: The bill removes the ability
of states to get a waiver for the work requirement for able-
bodied adults without dependents. Currently, 40 states plus the
District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands have waivers from
the work requirement in effect. Eliminating these waivers will
ensure that the nearly 4 million able-bodied adults with
dependents who receive food stamps are required to engage in
work activities. This population of food stamp recipients has
grown dramatically in recent years from 6.6% of the recipient
population in 2007 to 9.7% in 2010. This provision saves almost
$20 billion over ten years.
Allows States the Option to Impose TANF-Type Work
Requirements on Able-Bodied Parents: Empowers states, through a
pilot program, to engage all able-bodied individuals (except
those responsible for the care of a child under the age of one,
or under the age of six if no child care is available) in TANF-
type work and job training as part of receiving food stamps.
The bill allows only those states that adopt these work
requirements to access the 50% Federal match for state
employment and training expenses.
Eliminates Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility: Ensures all
households meet the asset and income tests stated in SNAP law
before they can receive benefits by restricting categorical
eligibility to only those households receiving cash assistance
from Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance
for Needy Families (TANF), or other state general assistance
programs. Receiving a TANF-funded brochure or referral to an
``800'' number hotline would no longer automatically make a
household eligible for SNAP.
Closes the ``Heat and Eat'' Loophole: Some states are
sending $1 and $5 LIHEAP payments to low-income households,
triggering a SNAP income deduction that results in higher SNAP
benefits for those individuals. This legislation stops states
from sending nominal LIHEAP payments below $20 for the sole
purpose of increasing their SNAP benefits. (Saves $8.7 billion).
Eliminates State Performance Bonuses: Ends the bonuses USDA
awards to states for administering SNAP, and saves taxpayers
nearly half a billion dollars without affecting SNAP recipients
benefits.
Prohibits Government-Sponsored Recruitments Activities: The
USDA has been engaged in recruitment efforts to encourage
participation in SNAP. This bill prevents the Department from
advertising and promoting SNAP through television, radio, and
billboard advertisements and prohibits USDA from entering into
agreements with foreign governments designed to promote SNAP
benefits.
Ends Eligibility For Traditional College Students, Lottery
Winners, and Illegal Immigrants: SNAP recipients with
substantial lottery or gambling winnings will lose benefits
immediately after receiving winnings. College students are
restricted to those participating in technical and vocational
education programs, trade studies, remedial course work, or
basic adult literacy. States will be required to use an
immigration status verification system to verify an applicant's
immigration status.
Denies Benefits for Illegal Drug Abusers: Allows states to
conduct drug testing on SNAP applicants at state expense as a
condition for receiving benefits.
Permanently Denies Benefits for Violent Criminals: Ends
eligibility for SNAP benefits for convicted murderers,
pedophiles and rapists after enacted into law.
Strengthen Program Integrity and Accountability: Requires
participating retailers to stock more staple foods like fruits
and vegetables. Includes provisions, and increases funding, to
further monitor and prevent fraud in retail stores. Discourages
fraudulent use of electronic benefit cards by requiring states
to expunge EBT balances that are more than 60 days old. Permits
state law enforcement officials to investigate retailer fraud
in addition to recipient fraud.
Three-Year Reauthorization: The Nutrition Reform and Work
Opportunity Act is a three year bill. This will ensure that
nutrition programs are on a different authorization schedule
from farm programs and allow Congress to evaluate and
potentially further reform the nutrition programs in 2017.
Increases Assistance for Food Banks: Food banks have been
successful in effectively utilizing government dollars and
securing private sector donations in order to feed hungry
Americans. Funding for TEFAP is increased by $20 million per
year with an additional $50 million increase in FY 2014 and FY
2015. (Increases funding for food banks by $333 million).
Supports the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, ensures
seniors and low-income families have access to farmers markets
through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, continues
current funding for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program and
allows schools to utilize all forms including fresh, frozen,
canned and dried produce for students, maintains current
funding for the DOD Fresh Program, reauthorizes the Food
Distribution Program on Indian Reservations and supports grants
for Community Food Projects. (Note: See also the discussion of
H.R. 2642 under ``1. Bills Enacted into Law.'')
H.R. 3189, Water Rights Protection Act
The Water Rights Protection Act was introduced by
Representative Scott Tipton on September 26, 2013 and referred
to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the
Committee on Agriculture. On November 14, 2013 the Committee on
Natural Resources ordered reported the bill, amended, by a
recorded vote of 19 yeas to 14 nays. On March 13, 2014, the
bill passed the House under a rule with 238 yeas to 174 nays.
On March 24, 2014 the bill was received in the Senate and Read
twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources.
The measure prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the
Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) from: (1) conditioning the
issuance, renewal, amendment, or extension of any permit,
approval, license, lease, allotment, easement, right-of-way, or
other land use or occupancy agreement on the transfer or
relinquishment of any water right directly to the United
States, in whole or in part, granted under state law, by
Federal or state adjudication, decree, or other judgment, or
pursuant to any interstate water compact and such Secretaries;
and (2) requiring any water user to apply for a water right in
the name of the United States under state law as a condition of
such a land use or occupancy agreement.
H.R. 3590, Sportsmen's Heritage And Recreational
Enhancement Act (SHARE Act)
The SHARE Act was introduced by Representative Robert E.
Latta on November 21, 2013 and referred to the House Natural
Resources Committee and in addition to the House Agriculture,
House Judiciary, House Transportation and Infrastructure, and
House Energy and Commerce Committees. On February 5, 2014, the
House voted under a rule and passed the bill, as amended. The
bill was agreed to by the Yeas and Nays. The motion passed with
a passage of 268 yeas and 154 nays. On February 5, 2014 the
bill was received and read in the Senate. Placed on the Senate
Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time. On February 10,
2014 it was read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative
Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 305.
The Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act,
or the SHARE Act, requires the Secretary of the Interior to
report to Congress, not later than 12 months after enactment of
this Act, an assessment of its expected economic impacts,
including a review of expected increases in recreational
hunting, fishing, shooting, and conservation activities.
The SHARE Act includes the following provisions: Hunting,
Fishing and Recreational Shooting Protection Act; Target
Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act; Public Lands
Filming; Polar Bear Conservation and Fairness Act; Permanent
Electronic Duck Stamp Act; Access to Water Resources
Development Projects Act; Wildlife and Hunting Heritage
Conservation Council Advisory Committee; Recreational Fishing
and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act; and the Hunter and
Farmer Protection Act.
The provision relevant to the Committee on Agriculture is
the Hunter and Farmer Protection Act. It permits the taking of
migratory game birds on or over land that is not otherwise a
baited area or contains a standing crop that is the result of a
normal agricultural practice.
H.R. 3695, To provide a temporary extension of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 and amendments
made by that Act, as previously extended and
amended and with certain additional modifications
and exceptions, to suspend permanent price support
authorities, and for other purposes.
H.R. 3695 was introduced by Chairman Frank D. Lucas on
December 11, 2013. On December 12, 2013 the bill passed the
House under suspension of the rules by a voice vote.
H.R. 3695 extends the authorities of the 2008 Farm Bill
from September 30, 2013 until January 31, 2014. (Note: See also
the discussion of H.R. 2642 under ``1. Bills Enacted into
Law.'')
H.R. 4360, To designate the facility of the United States
Forest Service for the Grandfather Ranger District
located at 109 Lawing Drive in Nebo, North
Carolina, as the ``Jason Crisp Forest Service
Building''.
H.R. 4360 was introduced by Representative Mark Meadows on
April 1, 2014. On June 18, 2014 the bill passed the House under
suspension of the rules by a voice vote.
H.R. 4413, Customer Protection and End User Relief Act
The Customer Protection and End User Relief Act was
introduced by Representative Frank Lucas and referred to the
Committee on Agriculture on April 7, 2014. The bill was ordered
to be reported by voice vote by the Committee on Agriculture on
April 9, 2014. On June 5, 2014, it was reported by the
Committee on Agriculture, H. Rept. 113-469 and was placed on
the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 348. On June 24, the bill was
considered under a rule and passed the House with 265 yeas and
144 nays. On June 25, it was received in the Senate and Read
twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition,
and Forestry.
H.R. 4413 reauthorizes and improves the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission (CFTC). In doing so, the bill seeks to
protect consumers by preventing failure of financial
institutions and making the CFTC more efficient. The bill also
reduces the regulatory burden on farmers because many of them
hedge on the market and are subject to the CFTC consumer
protection rule.
H.R. 5471, To amend the Commodity Exchange Act and the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to specify how
clearing requirements apply to certain affiliate
transactions, and for other purposes.
H.R. 5471 was introduced by Representative Gwen Moore on
September 9, 2014 and was referred to the Committee on
Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on
Agriculture. On December 2, 2014 the House considered the bill
under suspension of the rules and passed by the bill by a voice
vote.
H.R. 5714, Pest Management Records Modernization Act
H.R. 5714 was introduced by Representative Kurt Schrader on
November 14, 2014 and was referred to the Committee on
Agriculture. On December 2, 2014 the bill was considered under
suspension of the rules and passed the House by a voice vote.
H.R. 5810, To amend the United States Cotton Futures Act to
exclude certain cotton futures contracts from
coverage under such Act.
H.R. 5810 was introduced by Representative Lynn
Westmoreland on December 8, 2014 and was referred to the
Committee on Agriculture. The bill was on considered under
suspension of the rules on December 10, 2014 and passed the
House by a voice vote.
The Cotton Futures Act of 1916 does not permit a cotton
futures contract to be traded on a U.S.-based futures exchange
unless it is classed by a USDA inspector. H.R. 5810 amends
current law to remove this requirement for contracts that are
tendered in a foreign jurisdiction with foreign produced
cotton. It makes no changes to the delivery, classing, or any
other aspect of the benchmark U.S. No. 2 Cotton Contract. All
domestically produced cotton will still be classed by USDA
inspectors. This legislation will allow for the creation of a
new global cotton contract and will enable cotton merchants and
others to hedge the risks associated with the global cotton
trade.

Other Bills of Interest: Several bills acted on by other
committees, but not acted on by the Committee on Agriculture
contain provisions relating to matters within the Committee's
jurisdiction. The following are abbreviated summaries of these
bills, including some of the relevant provisions.
H.R. 4, Jobs for America Act
H.R. 4 was introduced by Representative Dave Camp on
September 15, 2014 and was referred to the House Ways and Means
Committee, House Budget Committee, House Oversight and
Government Reform Committee, House Rules Committee, House
Judiciary Committee, House Financial Services Committee, House
Agriculture Committee, House Natural Resources Committee, and
House Small Business Committee.
H.R. 1960, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2014
H.R. 1960 was introduced by Representative Howard P.
``Buck'' McKeon on May 14, 2013 and referred to the Committee
on Armed Services. On June 7, 2013, the Committee on Armed
Services reported on H. Rept. 113-2 as amended. On June 11,
2013, the Committee on Armed Services filed Part 2 of H. Rept.
113-102 as a supplement report. On June 14, 2013, the House
voted on H.R. 1960 with a passage of 315 yeas to 108 nays. On
July 8, 2013, the bill was received and read in the Senate,
then placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General
Order--Calendar No. 126.
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014--
Authorizes appropriations for FY 2014 for the Department of
Defense (DOD) for procurement for the Army, Navy and Marine
Corps, Air Force, and defense-wide activities.
The bill provides an alternative deadline for required
annual DOD reports on proposed budgets for activities relating
to operational energy strategy and permits recipients of funds
under interagency conservation cooperation agreements or under
the Sikes Act (conservation programs on Federal lands) to use
such funds for matching funds or cost-sharing requirements of
conservation programs of the Departments of Agriculture or the
Interior. Terminates the cooperative agreement authority on
October 1, 2019, while allowing agreements entered into before
such date to continue through their full term.
Reauthorizes the Sikes Act through FY 2019.
Amends the Sikes Act to authorize lump-sum payments under
cooperative agreements for land management related to DOD
military readiness activities. Allows such agreements to be
used to acquire property and services for the direct benefit or
use of the government. Provides limitations on funds used for
conservation or rehabilitation of natural resources in an area
that is not on a military installation. Requires the DOD
Inspector General to annually audit each such project.
Terminates this section on October 1, 2019, while allowing
agreements entered into before such date to continue through
their full term.
Prohibits the Secretary from contracting for the planning,
design, refurbishing, or construction of a biofuels refinery
unless such activity is specifically authorized by law.
Prohibits DOD funds from being used to purchase or produce
biofuels until the earlier of the date on which: (1) the cost
of the biofuels is equal to the cost of conventional fuels
purchased by DOD, or (2) the Budget Control Act of 2011 and its
sequestration are no longer in effect.
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to: (1) acquire
certain real property at Naval Base Ventura County, California,
for the leasing of military family housing; (2) convey to such
County the former Oxnard Air Force Base, to be used for public
purposes; and (3) convey to the Philadelphia Regional Port
Authority a portion of real property at the Philadelphia Naval
Shipyard.
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the
state of Utah all U.S. rights and interests to certain lands
within Camp Williams, Utah, to be used for Utah National Guard
training purposes.
Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to convey to the
state of Utah the Air National Guard radar site on Francis
Peak, Utah, to be used to support emergency public safety
communications for northern Utah.
Expresses the sense of Congress regarding the need for the
conveyance of certain portions of the former Fort Monroe in
Hampton, Virginia. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to
convey to the commonwealth of Virginia certain real property at
the Fort.
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey to Derry
Township, Pennsylvania, all U.S. rights and interests to the
Mifflin County Army Reserve Center in Lewistown, Pennsylvania,
to be used for a regional police headquarters or other public
purposes.
H.R. 4435, Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015
H.R. 4435 was introduced by Representative Howard P.
``Buck'' McKeon on April 9, 2014. The Committee on Armed
Services reported H. Rept. 113-446 on May 13, 2014. The
Committee on Armed Services filed a supplemental report, H.
Rept. 113-446, Part 2 on May 19, 2014. The House passed the
bill by recorded vote on May 22, 2014 with 326 yeas and 98
nays.
H.R. 4435 authorizes appropriations for the Department of
Defense for Fiscal Year 2015. It includes funding for
procurement, the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund,
research, operation, active and reserve military personnel,
Working Capital Funds, the Joint Urgent Operational Needs Fund,
chemical agents and munitions destruction, counter-drug
activities, the Defense Inspector General, the Defense Health
Program, the Armed Forces Retirement Home, chemical
demilitarization, the NATO Security Investment Program, guard
and reserve forces, and base closure and realignment
activities.
H.R. 4800, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Act, 2015
H.R. 4800 was introduced by Representative Robert Aderholt
on June 4, 2014. The House Committee on Appropriations reported
an original measure, H. Rept. 113-468. The bill was debated on
June 11th. On the same day, the Committee of the Whole House on
the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 4800 as unfinished
business.
H.R. 4800 funds important agricultural and food programs
and services, including food safety, animal and plant health
programs, rural development and farm services, marketplace
oversight, and nutrition programs.
The bill totals $19.5 billion in discretionary funding,
which is $1.3 billion below the Fiscal Year 2013 enacted level
and approximately equal to the current level caused by
automatic sequestration spending cuts. This total is $516
million below the President's request for these programs. The
agencies and programs in this bill will receive a total of
$139.4 billion in both discretionary and mandatory funding--
$2.6 billion below the President's request and $52 million
below the Fiscal Year 2013 enacted level.
The bill provides $2.5 billion for agriculture research
programs, including the Agricultural Research Service and the
National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This is
approximately equal to the Fiscal Year 2013 enacted funding
level. This funding will support research to help stop and
mitigate devastating crop diseases and improve food safety and
water quality. The bill also maintains responsible investments
in the nation's land-grant colleges and universities.
The legislation includes $803.5 million--approximately
equal to the Fiscal Year 2013 enacted level--for the Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service. This funding will provide
support for programs to help control or eradicate plant and
animal pests and diseases that can be crippling to U.S.
producers and entire agricultural industries.
The bill provides $823 million--$2.3 million below the
Fiscal Year 2013 enacted level--for the Natural Resources
Conservation Service to help farmers, ranchers, and private
forest landowners conserve and protect their land. This
includes $12 million in conservation funding for dam
rehabilitation to help small communities ensure their small
watershed projects meet current safety standards.
The legislation provides $1.5 billion for FSA, which is
equal to the Fiscal Year 2013 enacted level. This funding will
support the various farm, conservation, loan, and emergency
programs for American farmers and ranchers.
The bill provides a total of $2.2 billion for rural
development programs, which is equal to the Fiscal Year 2013
enacted level. These programs help create an environment for
economic growth by supporting basic rural infrastructure,
providing loans to increase opportunities for rural businesses
and industries, and helping balance the playing field in local
rural housing markets.
The legislation includes $52 million--$3.1 million below
the Fiscal Year 2013 enacted level--for the rural business and
industry loan program. This funding will support $741 million
in loans to help small businesses in rural areas, many of which
face unique challenges due to local economic conditions.
The legislation includes responsible investments in basic
rural infrastructure needs. This includes $1.2 billion for
rural water and waste program loans and $448 million for
grants, $5.2 billion for rural electric and telephone
infrastructure loans, and $24 million for Distance Learning and
Telemedicine grants, which address educational and health needs
in rural communities.
The bill provides a total of $24 billion in loan authority
for the Single Family Housing guaranteed loan program (equal to
the Fiscal Year 2013 enacted level and the President's
request), and $820 million in direct loans ($80 million below
the Fiscal Year 2013 enacted level). These loans provide low-
income rural families--many of whom would have few loan options
for purchasing a home because of their geographical location--
with home loan assistance. In addition, $1 billion--$128
million above last year's level--is provided for rental
assistance to provide affordable rental housing for low-income
families and the elderly in rural communities.
The legislation includes $999 million for food safety and
inspection programs--which is $31 million below the Fiscal Year
2013 enacted level. These mandatory inspection activities help
ensure the safety and productivity of the country's $832
billion meat and poultry industry, and keep safe, healthy food
on American tables. The funding provided will maintain more
than 8,000 frontline inspection personnel for meat, poultry,
and egg products at more than 6,200 facilities across the
country.
The FDA receives a total of almost $2.5 billion in
discretionary funding in the bill, an increase of $24 million
above the Fiscal Year 2013 enacted level. Total funding for the
FDA, including revenue from user fees, is $4.3 billion. Within
this total, food safety activities are increased by $27
million, and drug safety activities are increased by $2.5
million.
Included in the bill is $195 million for the CFTC, the
agency's current operating level, which is a cut of $10 million
below the Fiscal Year 2013 enacted level and $120 million below
the President's budget request.
The legislation contains discretionary funding, as well as
mandatory funding required by law, for food and nutrition
programs within the Department of Agriculture. This includes
funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Child Nutrition programs.
The legislation contains $1.15 billion for ``Food for
Peace'' grants, also known as the P.L. 480--Title II program.
This is $284 million below the Fiscal Year 2013 enacted level.
The bill does not reflect the President's budget request to
move this program to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Agency for
International Development (USAID).
H.R. 5405, Promoting Job Creation and Reducing Small
Business Burdens Act
H.R. 5405 was introduced by Representative Michael
Fitzpatrick on September 8, 2014 and referred to the Financial
Services Committee and in addition to the Agriculture
Committee. On September 16, 2014, the bill was considered under
suspension of the rules and passed the House by a vote of 320
yeas to 102 nays.
Title I of H.R. 5405 amends section 4s(e) of the Commodity
Exchange Act (CEA) as added by Section 731 of the Dodd-Frank
Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (P.L. 111-203)
(the Dodd-Frank Act) to provide an explicit exemption from
margin requirements for swap transactions involving end-users
that qualify for the clearing exception under 2(h)(7)(A). The
bill includes mirroring provisions to Section 15F(e) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with respect to security-based
swap transactions. (Note: See also the discussion of the March
14, 2013: Hearing to Examine Legislative Improvements to Title
VII of the Dodd-Frank Act under ``D. Oversight; as well as the
discussion about H.R. 634, Business Risk Mitigation and Price
Stabilization Act of 2013.'')
H.R. 5461, To clarify the application of certain leverage
and risk-based requirements under the Dodd-Frank
Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, to
improve upon the definitions provided for points
and fees in connection with a mortgage transaction,
and for other purposes
H.R. 5461 was introduced by Representative Andy Barr on
September 15, 2014 and was referred to the Financial Services
Committee, and in addition to the Agriculture Committee. The
bill was considered under the suspension of rules on September
15, 2014 and passed the House by a vote of 327 yeas to 97 nays.
The bill would amend the Dodd-Frank Act to give the Federal
Reserve flexibility to set capital standards for insurance
companies.
This title clarifies Congressional intent and provides an
explicit exemption from margin requirements for non-financial
end-users that qualify for the clearing exception, including
cooperatives that are provided a clearing exemption by CFTC
regulations. Over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives enable
businesses across the country to manage the risks associated
with their day-to-day operations. Consumers, in turn, benefit
from companies' prudent risk management activities through
lower volatility in the prices of day-to-day goods and services
such as food, electricity, and transportation. For this reason,
Congress provided an explicit exemption from clearing and
margin for end-users in Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act. These
exemptions are aimed at ensuring end-users do not have to
divert precious working capital to margin requirements, keeping
those dollars at work in the economy. While the CFTC has upheld
Congressional intent in its margin proposal by exempting non-
financial end-users, the banking regulators have proposed to
require non-financial end-users to post margin when they trade
with swap dealers that are banks, a problem that this bill
addresses.

3. House Resolutions Considered in the House

H. Res. 379, Expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives regarding certain provisions of the
Senate amendment to H.R. 2642 relating to crop
insurance.
H. Res. 379 was introduced by Representative Paul Ryan on
October 11, 2013 and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
On that same date, the resolution was considered and passed by
the House by a voice vote.
The resolution expresses the sense of the House of
Representatives that the House managers of the conference on
the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the House amendment
to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2642, the Federal Agriculture
Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 should: (1) agree to
provisions regarding a premium subsidy limitation based on
average adjusted gross income in excess of $750,000, (2) agree
to provisions for a crop insurance study and the impacts of an
adjusted gross income limitation, and (3) not agree to
provisions regarding a delayed effective date.

4. Bills Reported by the Committee on Agriculture But Not Considered

None.

5. Bills Reported by Other Committees Within the Committee on
Agriculture's Jurisdiction But Not Considered

H.R. 657, Grazing Improvement Act
The Grazing Improvement Act was introduced by
Representative Rauul R. Labrador on February 13, 2013 and
referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition
to the Committee on Agriculture. On June 12, 2013 the Committee
on Natural Resources ordered reported H.R. 657, amended, by a
recorded vote of 27 yeas to 15 nays. On July 9, 2013 the bill
was reported, amended, to the House by the Committee on Natural
Resources, H. Rept. 113-145, Part 1. On that same date the
Committee on Agriculture was discharged from further
consideration.
The measure amends the Federal Land Policy and Management
Act of 1976 to double from 10 to 20 years the period of a term
for grazing permits and leases for domestic livestock grazing
on public lands or lands within National Forests in 16
contiguous western states. Permits the issuance of permits and
leases for a period shorter than 20 years (under current law,
shorter than 10 years), including where the Secretary concerned
determines that the initial environmental analysis under the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) regarding a
grazing allotment, permit, or lease has not been completed.
Permits only applicants, permittees, and lessees whose
interest in grazing livestock is directly affected by a final
grazing decision to appeal such decision to an administrative
law judge.
Directs that grazing permits or leases issued by the
Secretary of the Interior respecting lands under the
jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior and grazing
permits issued by the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA)
respecting National Forest System lands that expire, are
transferred, or are waived after this Act's enactment be
renewed or reissued, as appropriate, under the Act, the
Granger-Thye Act, the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act, or the
California Desert Protection Act of 1994.
Excludes the renewal, reissuance, or transfer of a grazing
permit or lease by the Secretary concerned from the NEPA
requirement to prepare an environmental analysis if: (1) such
decision continues to renew, reissue, or transfer current
grazing management of the allotment; (2) monitoring indicates
that such management meets objectives contained in the land use
and resource management plan of the allotment; or (3) the
decision is consistent with the policy of the Department of the
Interior or USDA regarding extraordinary circumstances.
Gives the Secretary concerned the sole discretion to
determine the priority and timing for completing each required
environmental analysis regarding any grazing allotment, permit,
or lease based on the environmental significance of such
authorization and available funding.
Makes NEPA inapplicable to domestic livestock crossing and
trailing authorizations, transfers of grazing preference, and
range improvements.
H.R. 1825, Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and
Opportunities Act
The Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and
Opportunities Act was introduced by Representative Dan Benishek
on May 3, 2013 and referred to the Committee on Natural
Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture. On
June 12, 2013 the Committee on Natural Resources ordered
reported the bill, amended, by a recorded vote of 28 yeas to 15
nays. On January 31, 2014, the bill was reported by the
Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 113-337, Part 1. On
January 31, 2014, the Committee on Agriculture discharged the
bill, and it was placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No.
250.
The bill requires Federal public land management officials
to facilitate the use of, and access to, Federal public lands,
including National Monuments, Wilderness Areas, Wilderness
Study Areas, or lands administratively classified as wilderness
eligible or suitable and primitive or semi-primitive areas, for
fishing, sport hunting, and recreational shooting, except as
limited by: (1) statutory authority that authorizes or
withholds action for reasons of national security, public
safety, or resource conservation; (2) any other Federal statute
that specifically precludes recreational fishing, hunting, or
shooting on specific Federal public lands or waters; and (3)
discretionary limitations on recreational fishing, hunting, and
shooting determined to be necessary and reasonable.
Requires Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service
lands, excluding lands on the Outer Continental Shelf, to be
open to recreational fishing, hunting, and shooting unless the
managing agency acts to close such lands to such activity for
purposes of resource conservation, public safety, energy
production, water supply facilities, or national security.
Requires the heads of Federal agencies to use their
authorities to: (1) lease their lands or permit use of their
lands for shooting ranges, and (2) designate specific lands for
recreational shooting activities.
Sets forth requirements for a permanent or temporary
withdrawal, change of classification, or change of management
status that effectively closes or significantly restricts 640
or more contiguous acres of Federal public lands for fishing or
hunting or related activities.
H.R. 2278, Strengthen and Fortify Enforcement Act (SAFE
Act)
The Strengthen and Fortify Enforcement Act was introduced
by Representative Trey Gowdy on June 6, 2013 and referred to
the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the
Committees on Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Natural
Resources. On June 18, 2013 the Committee on Judiciary ordered
reported by bill, amended, by a recorded vote of 20 yeas to 15
nays. On December 16, 2014 the bill was reported, amended, by
the House by the Committee on the Judiciary, H. Rept. 113-678,
Part 1. On that same date the Committees on Homeland Security,
Agriculture, and Natural Resources were discharged from further
consideration.
The measure prohibits the Secretary of the Interior or the
Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) from prohibiting or restricting
U.S. Customs and Border Protection efforts, on land under their
respective jurisdictions located within 100 miles of an
international land border, to: (1) execute search and rescue
operations, and (2) prevent unlawful entries into the United
States through the international land borders.
The bill also grants the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
access to such lands to conduct: (1) road and barrier
construction and maintenance, (2) vehicular patrols, (3)
surveillance equipment activities, and (4) deployment of
temporary tactical infrastructure.
H.R. 2798, Require annual fees for commercial filming on
Federal lands for film crews
H.R. 2798 was introduced by Representative Robert Latta on
July 23, 2013 and referred to the Committee on Natural
Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture. On
November 14, 2013 the Committee on Natural Resources ordered
the bill reported by a recorded vote of 19 yeas to 15 nays. On
January 29, 2014, the bill was reported by the Committee on
Natural Resources. H. Rept. 113-335, Part 1. Also, on January
29, 2014 the Committee on Agriculture discharged the bill and
it was placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 248.
The measure directs the Secretary of the Interior and the
Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) with respect to lands under the
respective jurisdiction, for any film crew of five persons or
fewer, to require a permit and assess an annual fee of $200 for
commercial filming activities or similar projects on Federal
lands and waterways administered by the Secretary. Makes such a
permit valid for such activities or projects that occur in
areas designated for public use during public hours on all
Federal lands and waterways administered by the Secretary for a
12 month period.
Prohibits the Secretary, for persons holding such a permit,
from assessing any additional fee for commercial filming
activities and similar projects that occur in those areas
during those hours.
Bars the Secretary from prohibiting, as a motorized vehicle
or under any other purposes, the use of cameras or related
equipment used for commercial filming activities or similar
projects in accordance with this Act on Federal lands and
waterways administered by the Secretary.
Requires the Secretary to recover (under current law,
collect) costs incurred as a result of filming activities or
similar projects, including but not limited to, administrative
and personnel costs.
H.R. 2799, Sportsmen's Heritage And Recreational
Enhancement Act (SHARE Act)
The Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement
(SHARE) Act was introduced by Representative Robert Latta on
July 23, 2013 and referred to the Committee on Natural
Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture. On
October 30, 2013 the Committee on Natural Resources ordered
reported the bill, amended, by a voice vote. On January 29,
2014 the bill was reported by the Committee on Natural
Resources, H. Rept. 113-336, Part 1. On January 29, 2014 the
House Agriculture Committee discharged the bill and it was
placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 249.
The measure amends the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
to establish the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation
Council Advisory Committee to advise the Secretaries of the
Interior and Agriculture (USDA) on wildlife and habitat
conservation, hunting, and recreational shooting.
H.R. 3188, Yosemite Rim Fire Emergency Salvage
The Yosemite Rim Fire Emergency Salvage Act was introduced
by Representative Tom McClintock on September 26, 2013 and
referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to
the Committee on Natural Resources. On November 14, 2013 the
Committee on Natural Resources ordered reported the bill,
amended, by a recorded vote of 16 yeas to 15 nays. On April 1,
2014 the bill was reported by the Committee on Natural
Resources, H. Rept. 113-394, Part 1. On April 1, 2014, the bill
was discharged by the Committee on Agriculture and placed on
the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 293.
The measure directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA),
with respect to affected Stanislaus National Forest lands, and
the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to affected
Yosemite National Park and Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
lands, as part of the restoration and rehabilitation activities
undertaken on the lands within the Forest, Park, and the BLM
lands adversely impacted by the 2013 Rim Fire in California, to
promptly plan and implement salvage timber sales of dead,
damaged, or downed timber resulting from the wildfire.
Requires such salvage timber sales to proceed immediately
and to completion.
Declares that such sales shall not be subject to
administrative or judicial review in any U.S. court. (Note: See
also the discussion of H.R. 2954 under ``2. Bills Acted on by
the House But Not the Senate.'')
H.R. 4466, Financial Regulatory Clarity Act of 2014
The Financial Regulatory Clarity Act of 2014 was introduced
by Representative Shelley Moore Capito and referred to the
Committee on Financial Services and Committee on Agriculture on
April 10, 2014. On May 22, 2014, it was ordered to be reported
by the Committee on Financial Services with 34 yeas and 25
nays.
This Act requires financial regulators to determine whether
new regulations or orders are inconsistent with existing
Federal regulations. The bill includes provisions regarding the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of
Comptroller of the Currency, Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection,
National Credit Union Administration, the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission.

6. Bills Ordered Reported by the Committee on Agriculture

H. Con. Res 86, Celebrating the 100th anniversary enactment
of the Smith-Lever Act, which established the
nationwide Cooperative Extension System
H. Con. Res 86 was introduced by Representative Austin
Scott on February 25, 2014 and referred to the Committee on
Agriculture. On March 13, 2014 the Committee on Agriculture
ordered the bill reported by a voice vote.
The resolution recognizes the significance of the Smith-
Lever Act, which established the Cooperative Extension System.
It honors the university faculty and local educators who
provide educational programs to help people, families, youth,
businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and
build a better future. It also thanks the volunteers who
promote excellence for 4-H Clubs, the Master Gardeners program,
the Family and Consumer Sciences program, and other Cooperative
Extension System programs. Finally, the resolution encourages
continued collaboration and cooperation among Federal, state,
and local governments to assure the sustainability of the
Cooperative Extension System.
H.R. 677, Inter-Affiliate Swap Clarification Act
The Inter-Affiliate Swap Clarification Act was introduced
by Representative Steve Stivers on February 13, 2013 and
referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in
addition to the Committee on Agriculture. On March 20, 2013 the
Committee on Agriculture ordered the bill reported, amended, by
a voice vote. On May 7, 2013 the Committee on Financial
Services ordered the bill reported by a recorded vote of 50
yeas to 10 nays.
Inter-affiliate swaps are swaps that are executed between
entities that are under common corporate ownership. H.R. 677
amends the Commodity Exchange Act to provide an exemption for
inter-affiliate swaps from the clearing and execution
requirements, margin and capital requirements, real time
reporting requirements and from consideration with regard to
whether entities are swap dealers or major swap participants
under Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and
Consumer Protection Act (P.L. 111-203) (the Dodd-Frank Act).
H.R. 677 does provide, however, that inter-affiliate swaps must
be reported to a swap data repository, and therefore be
transparent to regulators. The bill provides mirroring
exemptions for inter-affiliate security-based swaps under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. (Note: See also the discussion
of the March 14th, 2013: Hearing to examine legislative
improvements to Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act under ``D.
Oversight.'')
H.R. 1003, To improve consideration by the CFTC of the
costs and benefits of its regulations and orders.
H.R. 1003 was introduced by Representative K. Michael
Conaway on March 14, 2013 and referred to the Committee on
Agriculture. On March 20, 2013 the Committee on Agriculture
ordered reported the bill by a voice vote.
Using Executive Order 13563 as a guide, H.R. 1003 would
raise the legal standard for cost-benefit analysis the U.S.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is required to
perform by amending Section 15(a) of the Commodity Exchange Act
to require the Commission to: (1) ``assess'' the costs and
benefits, both qualitative and quantitative of Commission
actions; (2) work through the Office of the Chief Economist in
performing the analyses; (3) evaluate the impact on liquidity
in the futures and swaps markets; (4) evaluate alternatives to
direct regulation; (5) evaluate the degree and nature of the
risks posed by various activities within the scope of its
jurisdiction; (6) evaluate whether the regulation, consistent
with its objectives, is tailored to impose the least burden on
society and market participants; (7) evaluate whether the
regulation is inconsistent, incompatible or duplicative of
other Federal regulations; and (8) evaluate whether, in
choosing among alternative regulatory approaches, those
approaches maximize the net benefits (including potential
economic, environmental, distributive impacts and equity).
(Note: See also the discussion of the March 14th, 2013: Hearing
to examine legislative improvements to Title VII of the Dodd-
Frank Act under ``D. Oversight.'')

7. Bills Ordered Reported But Not Reported by Other Committees Within
the Committee on Agriculture's Jurisdiction

None.

8. Bills Defeated

H.R. 1947, Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management
Act
H.R. 1947 was introduced by Chairman Lucas on May 13, 2013
and referred to the Committee on Agriculture. On May 15, 2013
the bill was ordered reported, amended, by a recorded vote of
36 yeas to 10 nays. On May 29, 2013, the Committee on
Agriculture reported the bill, H. Rept. 113-92, Part 1 to the
House and the bill was sequentially referred to the Committee
on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary until
June 10, 2013. On June 10, 2013 the Committee on Foreign
Affairs was discharged. On that same date, the Committee on the
Judiciary reported the bill to the House, H. Rept. 113-92, Part
2. The Committee on Agriculture filed a supplement report on
June 12, 2013, H. Rept. 113-92, Part 3. On June 20, 2013, the
bill failed passage by a recorded vote of 195 yeas to 234 nays.
The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act
(FARRM) is the product of nearly three years of deliberations,
including 46 House hearings and audits, a joint deficit
reduction proposal developed between leaders of the House and
Senate Committees on Agriculture, and, ultimately, Committee
consideration and passage on an overwhelming and bipartisan
basis. As measured by the length of the Committee's
consideration and by the depth of its evaluation, having fully
examined the purpose and effectiveness of each and every
authority under the jurisdiction of the Committee, FARRM is the
product of extensive analysis and research.
If enacted into law, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
estimates that FARRM will yield taxpayers nearly $40 billion in
deficit reduction. FARRM proposes to achieve these substantial
budget savings through significant reform. FARRM repeals or
consolidates more than 100 programs, saves $20.5 billion from
SNAP by curbing abuse, eliminates Direct Payments and reforms
commodity policy at a savings of more than $14 billion, saves
another $6.9 billion by consolidating 23 conservation programs
into 13, and brings about long overdue regulatory relief for
farmers and ranchers. The Committee believes that if all
committees of Congress and all functions of government
underwent the review, reform, and reductions that this
Committee has imposed upon policies under its jurisdiction, the
United States would be well on its way to a smaller government
and a balanced budget.
Highlights include:

Nearly $40 billion in mandatory funds are cut from
farm bill spending, including the immediate ten year
sequestration of $6 billion.

After a series of 11 audit hearings, the Committee
found the need to eliminate or consolidate over 100
programs.

Billions of dollars in authorization of
appropriations are reduced.

Direct payments that went to farmers regardless of
market conditions are eliminated.

A new Title I safety net is designed to offer
producers a choice in how best to manage risk while
also reforming the outdated notion of paying farmers
even if they no longer farm.

Conservation programs are consolidated from 23
programs to 13 programs in an effort to streamline
these very valuable conservation tools.

The first reforms to SNAP since the welfare reforms
of 1996, saving more than $20 billion.

Several regulatory relief measures are included to
help mitigate some of the most onerous regulatory
pressures plaguing our nation's farmers, ranchers, and
rural communities.

Title I--Commodities

Repeals Four Current Commodity Programs

Direct Payments, Counter-Cyclical Payments (CCPs), the
Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program, and the
Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) are repealed.

Streamlines and Reforms Commodity Policy

U.S. agriculture is diverse and dynamic with unique perils
and risk management needs that differ by crop and region. A
Washington-style command-and-control, commodity policy does not
respect the diversity of American agriculture.
FARRM respects the private sector and offers producers a
choice in risk management tools. It allows a one-time election
for producers to choose between two options on a crop-by-crop
and farm-by-farm basis. Under either option, the risk
management tool provided is only there for producers when they
suffer a significant loss.
Price Loss Coverage (PLC) is a risk management tool that
addresses deep, multiple-year price declines:

PLC will complement Federal crop insurance, which is
not designed to cover multiple-year price declines.

PLC uses modern yields and an index of below cost-
of-production prices to establish a market-oriented,
price-based risk management tool for producers.

PLC limits budget exposure by only addressing deep,
multiple-year price losses, and prevents the need for
costly and unbudgeted bailouts when markets collapse.

Revenue Loss Coverage (RLC) is a risk management tool that
addresses revenue losses:

RLC requires a producer to experience at least a 15
percent loss, helping ensure that all risk is not
removed from farming and that no growers are guaranteed
profits.

RLC offers coverage based on county-wide losses to
ensure that a government program is not set up to
duplicate, for free, what farmers should pay for under
crop insurance.

RLC uses yield plugs and an index of below cost-of-
production prices as a benchmark in establishing this
revenue-based risk management tool for producers.

FARRM provides full planting flexibility to ensure that
producers plant for market and agronomic conditions. FARRM's
PLC and RLC apply to planted acres up to total base acres on a
farm.
Cotton producers are ineligible for PLC or RLC, but may
purchase an area-wide, group-risk crop insurance policy, known
generally as STAX. A transition is provided for producers while
STAX is being implemented.

Marketing Loans

Producers remain eligible for marketing loans under the
same repayment terms except in the case of cotton. For cotton,
loan rates may be reduced from current levels.

Sugar

Sugar policy is reauthorized to operate at no cost to the
taxpayer.

Dairy

FARRM repeals outdated, ineffective dairy programs,
including the Dairy Product Price Support Program, the Milk
Income Loss Contract Program, the Dairy Export Incentive
Program, and the Federal Milk Marketing Order Review
Commission.
FARRM offers producers new, voluntary, basic-level margin
coverage along with the opportunity to buy supplemental
coverage, if they choose. By participating in the Dairy
Producer Margin Protection Program, producers agree to manage
supply of dairy products through participation in a Dairy
Market Stabilization Program. Revenue generated from the market
stabilization program will be used by USDA to fund purchases of
surplus dairy products for donation to food banks and schools
meals.
FARRM reauthorizes the Dairy Forward Pricing, the Dairy
Indemnity Program, and Dairy Promotion and Research.

Livestock

Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance is
reauthorized for livestock producers. Livestock Indemnity
Program (LIP), Livestock Forage Program (LFP),
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-
raised Fish (ELAP), and the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) are
all generally reauthorized.
An additional month of support is provided in the Livestock
Forage Program for those who qualify. In addition, enhanced
support is provided for livestock producers who have been in
exceptional drought--the highest level--for a prolonged period.

Title II--Conservation

FARRM streamlines and consolidates 23 programs into 13.
This not only saves the American taxpayer over $6 billion, but
also improves conservation delivery by simplifying the numerous
programs available to producers.
In the past, Congress has taken a piecemeal approach to
creating our conservation policies. Since 1985, Congress has
addressed natural resource concerns by creating more than 20
farm bill conservation programs; some with regional goals and
many of them have overlapping functions. FARRM reverses this
trend by looking at conservation programs in a more
comprehensive way.
The Conservation Title still provides farmers, ranchers,
foresters, and landowners with voluntary, incentive-based
financial and technical assistance for conservation practices.
Through these programs, producers protect and restore water
quality and quantity, air quality, wildlife habitat, and meet
regulatory requirements while providing a safe, secure, and
affordable food supply.

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

Improves and Focuses the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

Maximum enrollment of CRP is gradually reduced to 24
million acres allowing enrollment to focus on the most
environmentally sensitive lands.
Landowners will be able to better manage their enrolled
acres with added flexibility for haying and grazing.
Additionally, two million acres are reserved for working
grassland contracts.
To ensure that environmental benefits are maintained,
expiring acres will receive priority consideration for working
grassland contracts and Conservation Stewardship Program
contracts, and producers will be given the ability to enter
into contracts of working land programs before their CRP
contracts expire.
Beginning farmers or ranchers will be afforded greater
access to productive land with the continuation of the
Transition Incentives Program (TIP).

Working Lands

Supports the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

FARRM prioritizes the Environmental Quality Incentives
Program (EQIP) by maintaining current funding. With the
regulatory pressures farmers and ranchers face, it is important
to continue this cost share program. EQIP provides cost share
incentives to producers to meet or avoid the need for national,
state, or local regulation. EQIP will provide additional
incentives for wildlife by absorbing the functions of the
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). The program
maintains the Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) subprogram to
promote new and innovative conservation practices.
Additionally, EQIP will maintain priorities for beginning
farmers or ranchers and socially disadvantaged producers while
including for the first time a priority for veteran farmers.
Producers under these priorities would also be eligible to
cover up to 50 percent of up-front project costs.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

CSP encourages producers to adopt new conservation
measures, while maintaining current practices to protect
natural resources. Changes allow more flexibility for local
identification of natural resource concerns. Enrollment is
limited to 8.695 million acres per year.

Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program

Owners and operators of private land are able to realize a
benefit by creating wildlife habitats and opening their land to
hunting and fishing activities. This is program is reauthorized
for the life of the bill.

Easements

Agriculture Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)

ACEP consolidates existing easement programs into one
program for streamlined and flexible administration. Under
ACEP, land can be enrolled into an Agriculture Lands Easement
to protect working grassland or farmland, or can be enrolled
into a Wetlands Easement to protect and enhance water quality
and wildlife habitat.

Regional

Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)

RCPP consolidates four programs into one targeted
initiative that leverages USDA funding and resources by
partnering with private organizations or working directly with
producers to address natural resource concerns. Targeted
conservation initiatives are developed on the local level and
selected by USDA through a competitive, merit based application
process. Additionally, USDA may designate Critical Conservation
Areas to target conservation programs in regions under
significant regulatory pressure.

Other

Small Watershed Rehabilitation Program

The Small Watershed Rehabilitation Program provides
technical and financial assistance for planning, design, and
implementation of projects for the purposes of rehabilitate
aging watershed dam projects (including upgrading or removing
dams) in communities to address flood prevention as well as
flood-related health and safety concerns.

Grassroots Source Water Protection Program

This program encourages each state to use technical
assistance for the purpose of allowing State rural water
associations to address regulatory requirements and promote
conservation practices with the intent of protecting and
improving the quality of the nation's drinking water.

Title III--Trade

The U.S. agricultural industry is highly dependent on
exports, with nearly a third of all cash receipts generated
from international markets. FARRM ensures that our producers
are able to capitalize on these opportunities by making
strategic investments in programs designed to address foreign
barriers to U.S. exports and ensuring USDA places a renewed
focus on solving trade issues through the Foreign Agricultural
Service. Increased margins for U.S. farm output translates to
greater capital flows back to rural America, supporting farms
and their rural communities. The bill also reauthorizes food
aid programs with specific changes to administrative provisions
to ensure greater transparency and accountability.

Trade Programs

Market Access Program (MAP)

MAP is reauthorized to provide assistance on a cost-share
basis, targeting small businesses, farmer cooperatives, and
nonprofit trade organizations. Private contributions are
estimated at 60% of total annual spending on trade promotion
and market development.

Foreign Market Development Program (FMD)

The reauthorized FMD program partially reimburses
participants for approved overseas trade promotion activities
which address long-term foreign market import constraints, and
identifying new markets or uses for U.S. commodities.
Preference is given to nonprofit U.S. agricultural and trade
groups that represent an entire industry.

Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC)

Specialty crop exports face a variety of non-tariff trade
barriers which can close access to key markets without notice.
The TASC program is reauthorized, and additional authority is
provided to ensure that USDA can respond to technical barriers
to trade with resources made available through the program.

Export Credits (GSM-102)

The GSM-102 program is reauthorized and preserves USDA's
authority to adjust the length of tenor and the fees required
to cover the costs of the program. Export guarantees made
available under GSM-102 assist in financing exports of U.S.
agricultural commodities in markets where credit might not
otherwise be available.

Additional Provisions

Authority is extended for the Emerging Markets Program
(EMP) which promotes U.S. exports establish in emerging markets
and is limited to generic rather than branded products. Also
extended is the Global Crop Diversity Trust which supports the
storage of germplasm in seed banks around the world.

Food Aid Programs

The U.S. contributes nearly half of all in-kind food aid in
the world and is the single largest donor of food aid. The bill
reauthorizes food aid and development programs, and strengthens
monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure transparency
and accountability. The bill also provides resources to build
resilience in recipient communities to mitigate and prevent
food crises and reduce the future need for emergency aid. FARRM
reflects the current budget environment and in support of
efforts to reduce the Federal deficit $144 million in mandatory
spending is not reauthorized.

Food for Peace

The Food for Peace Act is reauthorized to continue
providing critical humanitarian and development assistance in
developing countries. FARRM ensures the timely delivery of food
aid through funding for the pre-positioning of commodities. To
eliminate price disruptions for local farmers and markets in
developing economies through monetization, further
clarification on market value and price is given to USDA and
USAID.
In recognition of the need to balance the dual roles of
food aid, the minimum level of development funding is
reauthorized at $400 million. Cash assistance to support
development programs is reduced in recognition of budget
constraints. Funding is included for the development and
testing of new, fortified food aid products and to ensure the
highest standards of food aid quality.
Specific funding for oversight, monitoring and evaluation
of Food for Peace programs is continued at $10 million per
fiscal year to ensure proper management of food aid and
development programs, including $8 million for the Famine Early
Warning System network.
A detailed report describing all efforts taken by the
Administrator of USAID for monitoring and evaluation is
required for a precise accounting of these funds.
The bill also reauthorizes the Food for Progress program,
the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust, and the McGovern-Dole
International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program.

Title IV--Nutrition

FARRM makes common-sense reforms, closes program loopholes,
and cracks down on waste, fraud, and abuse saving the American
taxpayer over $20 billion. The legislation strengthens program
integrity and accountability while better targeting the Federal
nutrition programs to serve those in need of assistance.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Makes Common-Sense Reforms to Program Eligibility

Ensures all households meet the asset and income tests
stated in SNAP law before they can receive benefits. Updates
financial resource limits to more accurately reflect low-income
households, and restricts categorical eligibility to only those
households receiving cash assistance from Supplemental Security
Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF),
or other state general assistance programs. Receiving a TANF-
funded brochure or referral to an ``800'' number hotline would
no longer automatically make a household eligible for SNAP.

Closes Program Loopholes

Closes a loophole in SNAP related to how Low Income Home
Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) payments interact with SNAP
benefit calculation. Some states are sending $1 or $5 LIHEAP
payments to low-income households, triggering a SNAP income
deduction that results in higher SNAP benefits for those
households. This legislation stops states from sending nominal
LIHEAP payments below $20 for the sole purpose of increasing
their SNAP benefits. This provision will not affect any
households receiving traditional LIHEAP assistance or any
household that can demonstrate a utility cost.

Eliminates State Performance Bonuses

Ends the bonuses USDA awards to states for administering
SNAP, and saves taxpayers nearly half a billion dollars without
affecting SNAP recipient benefits.

Cracks Down on Waste, Fraud and Abuse

Ends SNAP Benefits for Lottery Winners

SNAP recipients with substantial lottery or gambling
winnings will lose benefits immediately after receiving
winnings. Winners will be prevented from receiving any benefits
if they do not meet the financial requirements of SNAP.

Prevents Traditional College Students from Receiving SNAP

Restricts SNAP eligibility for traditional college students
to those participating in technical and vocational education
programs, trade studies, remedial course work, or basic adult
literacy.

Prevents Fraudulent Benefit Payments

Requires states to verify benefits are not being paid to
deceased individuals and that beneficiaries are not receiving
payments in more than one state.

Stops Fraudulent ``Dumping'' for Cash

Prevents SNAP benefits from being used to pay for
substantial bottle deposits. This prevents beneficiaries from
purchasing items which require a substantial bottle deposit,
such as $5 specialty milk bottles, dumping the milk, and
returning the bottle for a cash refund of the deposit.

Prohibits Medical Marijuana as an Income Deduction

Prohibits states from allowing medical marijuana to be
treated as a medical expense for purposes of income deductions
when calculating SNAP benefits.

Prohibits Government-Sponsored Recruitment Activities

Prevents USDA from advertising the SNAP program. Stops
promotion of the program through television, radio and
billboard advertisements and prohibits USDA from entering into
agreements with foreign governments designed to promote SNAP
benefits.

Strengthens Program Integrity and Accountability

Demands Outcomes from the SNAP Employment and Training Program

Requires states to report outcomes on their respective E&T
program to provide more accountability of how SNAP participants
are gaining skills, training, work or experience that leads to
employment.

Improves the Quality of Participating Retail Stores

Requires participating retailers to stock more staple foods
like fruits and vegetables. Includes provisions to further
monitor and prevent fraud at retail stores. Allows more service
options for homebound elderly or disabled SNAP recipients.

Ensures Illegal Immigrants Do Not Receive SNAP Benefits

Requires states to use an immigration status verification
system to verify an applicant's immigration status.

Increases Oversight of the Restaurant Meals Program

Requires states to submit a plan to USDA if they are
choosing to implement a Restaurant Meals Program to serve
homeless, elderly and disabled populations. The plan must
demonstrate a need for such a program along with effective
control measures.

Additional Nutrition Programs

Increases Assistance for Food Banks

Food banks have been successful in effectively utilizing
government dollars and securing private sector donations in
order to feed hungry Americans. However, local food banks have
been struggling to provide enough food to needy families in the
current economic climate. Increasing funding for The Emergency
Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) will help food banks supplement
the diets of low-income individuals.

Supports the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

Continues support for CSFP, and transitions the program to
serve only senior citizen populations while allowing the small
percentage of women and children currently enrolled in CSFP to
continue to receive services until they have exceeded the age
of eligibility. This better targets the program to seniors who
utilize CSFP the most. Women and children will all continue to
be served by the WIC program, which is more suited to their
dietary needs.

Ensures Seniors and Low-Income Families Have Access to Farmers
Markets

Expands the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program to not
only benefit senior citizen populations, but also provides low-
income families access to fruits and vegetables through coupons
that can be exchanged for eligible foods at farmers' markets
and community-supported agriculture programs.

Promotes Fruits and Vegetables to School Children

Continues current funding for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable
Program and helps the dollars go further by allowing elementary
schools with a high proportion of low-income students to
purchase fresh, frozen, canned, and dried produce to be made
available to students throughout the day. Maintains current
funding for the DOD Fresh Program that distributes fresh fruits
and vegetables to schools and service institutions, and creates
a pilot program to allow up to five states to use their
allocation to source local produce.

Continues Food Distribution on Indian Reservations

Reauthorizes funding for the Food Distribution Program on
Indian Reservations (FDPIR), which provides food assistance to
Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs).

Supports Community Food Projects

Supports grants for eligible nonprofit organizations
seeking and developing innovative ways to improve community
access to healthy foods.

Title V--Credit

FARRM reauthorizes credit programs ensuring adequate credit
in rural America, updating farm ownership loans, promoting
enhanced conservation practices, and better meeting the lending
needs of beginning farmers, ranchers, and Native Americans.

Promotes Family Farms

FARRM recognizes the need to provide flexibility for farm
operating loans in response to modern legal entities created
for estate succession planning. This flexibility allows the
Secretary to permit farmers to obtain farm ownership loans
through these modern legal entities.

Improves Credit Availability for Conservation Loan and Loan
Guarantee Program

In response to establishing enhanced conservation
practices, FARRM provides additional access to borrowers by
increasing the Loan Guarantee Amount from 75 percent to 90
percent.

Maintains Producer Competitiveness for Land Purchases

FARRM updates the maximum loan value from $500,000 to
$667,000 ensuring farmers and ranchers can continue to be
competitive for land purchases in areas with high real estate
values.

Enhances Beginning Farmer and Rancher Provisions

In addition to those provisions outlined above, to support
beginning farmers and ranchers, reauthorizations along with
enhancements to current programs include:

Reauthorizes the Beginning Farmer and Rancher
Individual Development Accounts Pilot Program which
authorizes matching-funds for savings accounts to meet
farming-related expenses.

Reserves Loan Fund Set-Asides, which is a portion of
the guaranteed farm ownership loan and direct operating
loan funds, for beginning farmers and ranchers.

Provides priority for joint financing participation
loans and down payment loans within direct farm
ownership loans. By providing priority to applicants
USDA can maximize the number of borrowers served for a
given level of appropriations.

Removes median farm size limitation by replacing
``median'' with ``average''. This clarification, allows
more qualified applicants to receive beginning farmer
ownership loans, while excluding those who already own
a substantial piece of land.

Provides the Secretary with discretion in defining
the experience necessary to qualify a beginning farmer
or rancher for a farm ownership loan. This modification
ensures that qualified farmers can adequately address
their lending needs.

Title VI--Rural Development

FARRM reauthorizes the initiatives while eliminating
duplicative or wasteful authorities. Thirteen programs are
eliminated and funding levels are reduced by more than $1.5
billion over five years, a 50 percent reduction in
authorizations. This authorized level of funding ensures that
available appropriations can be focused on the programs that
have the greatest impact on rural communities. In addition,
$100 million in mandatory money is not reauthorized.
Provisions are included to ensure USDA tracks the success
of these investments for further streamlining and reform. FARRM
requires USDA to develop simplified application forms for rural
development programs to reduce administrative burdens and make
the programs more accessible to small, rural communities.
Rural development programs are intended to assist
communities through loans and grants to build critical
infrastructure and provide access to credit. Through these
programs small, rural communities can access funds to build or
update water systems, build broadband infrastructure, and
finance other critical community facilities. Small businesses
are able to access credit through loans, grants, and loan
guarantees to finance new enterprises or expand their current
business.

Water and Wastewater Programs

Programs which assist rural communities in addressing
critical water and wastewater needs are reauthorized, including
assistance through loans and grants for municipal systems and
household wells. Resources for technical assistance are
provided to help communities focus on core needs and plan the
appropriate remedies. Programs include the Water, Waste
Disposal and Wastewater Facility Grants, the Circuit Rider
Program, Imminent Community Water Assistance Grants, and grants
to finance individual wells. The bill also requires USDA to
maximize the use of loan guarantees in water and wastewater
projects.

Business Loans and Grants

Several key programs are reauthorized which provide either
grants, loans, or a combination of both to small businesses.
Two distinct relending programs are reauthorized to assist
small businesses start or expand their operations. The
Intermediary Relending Program provides access to credit for
loans up to $250,000 in medium or small towns. The Rural
Microentrepreneur Assistance Program provides small loans of
$50,000 or less to relending organizations to assist small and
very small businesses with fewer than 10 employees.
Rural Cooperative Development Grants are extended to assist
in the development of new cooperatives and improve the
operations of existing cooperatives. Value-Added Producer
grants are reauthorized with $50 million in mandatory funding.
These grants benefit producers and cooperatives that process
agricultural commodities to capture increased margins directly.
Priority is given to beginning farmers and ranchers under this
program.
Funding set aside for locally and regionally produced
agricultural food products is capped at 7% of the program,
ensuring that other viable business ventures can compete for
scarce funding under the Business and Industry Loan Program,
and assistance is provided for main street businesses to allow
certain types of collateral for USDA loans.

Broadband Infrastructure

The Broadband Loan Program is reauthorized to provide
access to broadband service in rural America. Specific
provisions are added to increase transparency in the program to
ensure investments focus on areas without broadband service.
Additional emphasis is placed on projects which will serve both
businesses and homes to maximize the economic impact of each
project.
The Distance Learning and Telemedicine program is also
reauthorized to provide funding for schools and hospitals.
These projects allow small communities to access education and
health services which would otherwise not be available.

Community Facilities

The bill reauthorizes several essential community
facilities loans and grants which provide direct assistance to
small, rural communities. These funds are made available to
develop essential public facilities such as hospitals, fire
stations, public safety services, and specific infrastructure
projects.

Regional Authorities

The Northern Great Plains and the Delta Regional
Authorities are both reauthorized. These regional commissions
are intended to coordinate investments across several states
including business, infrastructure, and education ventures.

Rural Transportation

The bill requires USDA to update a previous study on rural
transportation issues to provide policy makers with current
data on the state of transportation systems which move
commodities and processed goods throughout rural America.

Title VII--Research, Extension and Related Programs

FARRM continues and enhances critical research ideas while
leveraging public and private dollars. The legislation
acknowledges the economic hardship facing our nation.
Highlights include:

Repeals authority for non-competitive grants under
numerous grant programs;

Extends the authorization of appropriations for 47
research, extension, and education programs;

Repeals 76 research and extension programs and
reports;

Lets expire 5 additional research and extension
programs;

Reduces or eliminates authorized funding levels by
$500 Million; and

Replaces 12 ``such sums as necessary'' authorization
limits and includes levels consistent with actual
appropriations.

Past support for agricultural research and education has
resulted in Americans enjoying the most abundant, safest, and
most affordable food supply in the world.
Although agricultural research and extension have been
highly successful, many food and agricultural challenges
continue to face our nation's producers, processors, and
consumers. As the United States becomes more dependent on the
global economy, it is imperative to address issues of
productivity to meet increasing world demands and
competitiveness to assure a higher percentage of market share.
Domestically other critical social, economic and natural
resource issues must also be solved.

Intramural Research Programs

FARRM extends authority for intramural research programs
carried out by the Agricultural Research Service; Economic
Research Service, National Agricultural Statistics Service and
the Forest Service.

Extramural Research Programs

Authority for extramural research grants and formula funds
programs administered by the National Institute of Food and
Agriculture are extended.

Land-Grant Universities

University research for agricultural activities is
reauthorized for 1862, 1890 and 1994 Land-Grant colleges and
universities.

Capacity Grants for Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture
(NLGCA)

Competitive grants to NLGCA institutions are reauthorized
in order to maintain and expand research and outreach in
regards to agriculture, renewable resources and production
practices.

National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and
Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board

The NAREEE advisory board is reauthorized while enhancing
the involvement and consultation of other agricultural industry
interests on agricultural priorities.

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative

AFRI continues critical agriculture research by providing
competitive grants through integrated research and extension
activities.

Increased Transparency for Budget Submission

Enhances accountability and transparency of USDA
administered research, extension and education funding by
mandating that the annual Presidential Budget Submission
include sufficient information for the Congress to thoroughly
evaluate and approve future spending plans. With regard to
extramural competitive grants programs, USDA will be barred
from obligating appropriated funds unless a comprehensive
spending plan is submitted with the President's budget and
approved by Congress.

Addresses the Shortage of Veterinarians

FARRM includes the Veterinarian Services Investment Act.
Several similar pieces of legislation have been introduced in
the House and Senate. This act requires an entity to develop
programs to relieve shortages, support private practices, and
support those practices that successfully complete a specified
service requirement. This bill has previously passed the House
of Representatives.

Specified Initiatives

FARRM would reauthorize commodity specific research
programs such as Specialty Crop Research Initiative, Organic
Research and Extension Initiative, Sustainable Agriculture
Research and Extension, the Beginning Farmer and Rancher
Development Program, and Competitive Grants Program for
Hispanic Agricultural Workers and Youth.

Title VIII--Forestry

FARRM promotes the health of America's national, state, and
private forests while eliminating five expired programs. The
forestry title also places caps on the authorization levels of
several existing programs.

Continuing Forest Conservation Programs

The Forest Legacy Program and the Community Open Space
Program, which help preserve forested lands facing conversion
to other uses, are continued with reduced authorization levels.
The Healthy Forest Reserve Program, which helps landowners
promote habitat for wildlife, is reauthorized.

Combating Invasive Species and Natural Disasters

FARRM provides authority for the Forest Service to
accelerate its treatment of National Forests affected by pine
bark beetle infestation and natural disasters. This authority
streamlines the approval process for the Forest Service in
selecting afflicted areas that need treatment within our
National Forests.

Protecting Forest Jobs

FARRM reauthorizes the Office of International Forestry,
which is designed to help facilitate the development of foreign
markets for domestically produced wood products. The strategic
plan for the Forest Inventory is updated to reflect the needs
of rural communities across America. The Rural Revitalization
Technologies program is reauthorized in order to provide grants
and technical assistance to forested rural communities.

Improving Forest Health

The Forest Stewardship Contracting program is extended for
an additional five years, allowing the Forest Service to engage
in needed restoration work on our National Forests.

Title IX--Energy

FARRM helps diversify our nation's energy supply and
creates new economic opportunities in rural America by
promoting the development of advanced biofuels and renewable
energy.
FARRM eliminates mandatory funding and reauthorizes
programs at reduced discretionary funding levels that will save
taxpayers more than $500 million. FARRM streamlines current
programs, enhances program integrity, and eliminates four
programs that have outlived their usefulness.

Rural Energy for America (REAP)

REAP provides financial assistance to farmers and ranchers
or small rural businesses for renewable energy systems such as
anaerobic digesters, solar or wind projects, and energy
efficiency measures; as well as grants for energy audits.
The title creates a tiered, streamlined, and efficient
application process for farmers and rural businesses applying
for smaller or less costly projects to install renewable or
energy efficient systems. In an effort to target funding, the
authority for feasibility studies is eliminated and a new
definition for renewable energy systems is created to clarify
Congressional intent by eliminating funding for ethanol blender
pumps.

Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP)

BCAP was created to assist landowners in the establishment
of dedicated energy crops. The title prioritizes funding for
the establishment of dedicated energy crops by eliminating
controversial Collection, Harvest, Storage, and Transportation
(CHST) payments.

Biorefinery Assistance Program (BAP)

BAP provides loan guarantees for the construction or
retrofitting of biorefineries that will enable the commercial-
scale production of advanced biofuels. The provision eliminates
grant authority for demonstration facilities.

Biobased Markets Program

Amends the definition of ``biobased product'' to include a
definition of ``forest product'' for USDA's BioPreferred
program. This definition allows certain domestic forest
products with mature markets to be eligible under Federal
procurement guidelines for renewable products. Materials
eligible under this amended definition would include items such
as pulp, paper, and wood pellets.

Biodiesel Fuel Education Program

The Biodiesel Fuel Education Program provides competitive
grants to nonprofit entities to provide information and
outreach on the benefits of biodiesel fuel use.
FARRM reauthorizes the Bioenergy Program for Advanced
Biofuels, the Repowering Assistance Program, the Biomass
Research and Development Program, the Feedstock Flexibility
Program, and the Community Wood Energy Program.
FARRM repeals or ends authorizations of the Biofuels
Infrastructure Study, and the Renewable Fertilizer Study, the
Rural Energy Self-sufficiency Initiative, and the Forest
Biomass for Energy Programs.

Title X--Horticulture

FARRM continues and improves popular and successful
programs that recognize the diversity of U.S. specialty crops
and organic agriculture, including fruits, vegetables, nuts,
horticulture, and nursery crops.

Supports Farmers Markets and Local Economies

The Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program
continues the authorization of competitive grants to improve
direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities, including the
development of local food system infrastructure.

Continues the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

FARRM reauthorizes the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program,
which has been successful in enhancing the competitiveness of
specialty crops through grants awarded to states to support
research, product quality enhancement, food safety, and other
projects important to the specialty crop industry.

Combats Pest and Disease By Focusing on Early Detections

FARRM reauthorizes and consolidates two very effective
programs, the Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster
Prevention Program and the National Clean Plant Network.
Detecting and responding to a plant pest or disease in the
early stages of an introduction is a significant cost savings
for taxpayers, and can help minimize the potentially
devastating impact on agriculture.

Supports Organic Agriculture

FARRM reauthorizes two important programs supporting the
organic industry, the Organic Production and Market Data
Initiatives Program and the National Organic Program, as well
as enhances investigation and enforcement tools. The National
Organic Program maintains its authorization to better support
its regulatory functions in ensuring consumers are presented
with consistent, uniform standards.

Regulatory Relief

Provides Regulatory Relief

FARRM includes two provisions that seek to mitigate some of
the most onerous regulatory pressures plaguing our nation's
farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Both of these
measures provide no additional cost to taxpayers, but provide
significant benefits in job creation and regulatory relief.

H.R. 935, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act

FARRM includes H.R. 935, which eliminates a costly and
duplicative permitting requirement for pesticide applications.
Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a
comprehensive regulatory program in place under the authority
of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
(FIFRA), a misguided judicial decision has resulted in the EPA
requiring additional permits under the Clean Water Act (CWA).
This duplicative mandate imposes significant public health
risks and provides no quantifiable environmental benefit.
H.R. 935 was introduced as H.R. 872 during the 112th
Congress and passed the House of Representatives with an
overwhelming vote of 292-130 on March 31, 2011.

Biological Opinions

FARRM would impose a temporary stay on the EPA from
initiating a modification or cancellation of a pesticide
registration based on the Biological Opinions of the National
Marine Fisheries Service or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(hereinafter referred to as the Services) until an unbiased,
external scientific peer review of these Biological Opinions
can be conducted and the scientific questions challenging the
validity of these consultations can be resolved.

Title XI--Crop Insurance

Crop Insurance is the cornerstone of risk management for
most farmers. FARRM recognizes the $12 billion in cuts that
crop insurance has already contributed toward deficit reduction
over the past five years and the increased importance of crop
insurance given the large reductions in the commodity title.
FARRM makes improvements to crop insurance to better serve all
producers of all crops in all regions.

Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO)

FARRM authorizes producers to purchase the Supplemental
Coverage Option (SCO), an area-wide group-risk policy, designed
to address a portion of losses not covered by individual crop
insurance policies.

Enhanced Risk Management for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

For the initial five years of production, beginning farmers
and ranchers will benefit from a 10 percentage point crop
insurance premium reduction and will see improved production
histories where natural disasters have depressed current Actual
Production History (APH) yields.

Expands Risk Management for Specialty Crops and under-served
Commodities

FARRM provides authority for the development of improved
risk management tools for under-served crops and regions.

Improved Actual Production History in the Event of Multiple
Year Disasters

FARRM addresses problems with declining APH yields due to
multiple year disasters by providing a transitional yield that
reflects a producer's production capability on that land.

Increased Flexibility

FARRM authorizes continuation of insuring by Enterprise
Units as provided under the 2008 Farm Bill, with improvements.

Program Integrity

FARRM requires that the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the
Risk Management Agency (RMA) share information and encourages
correction of errors in order to ensure accuracy of reported
information.

Title XII--Miscellaneous

Animal Health and Livestock Industry Promotion

FARRM reauthorizes several initiatives to help promote the
livestock industry, as well as improve animal health.

National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC)

FARRM reauthorizes the NSIIC through 2018. The Center was
created to assist our sheep and goat producers by strengthening
and enhancing the production and marketing of sheep and goat
products.

Trichinae Certification Program

FARRM reauthorizes the Trichinae Certification Program
though 2018. The initiative is a pre-harvest pork safety
program that uses management practices to minimize the risk of
exposure of swine to the parasite Trichinella spiralis.

National Aquatic Animal Health Plan

FARRM reauthorizes the National Aquatic Animal Health Plan
through 2018. The authority allows the Secretary to enter into
cooperative agreements for the purposes of detecting,
controlling, or eradicating diseases in aquaculture species.
(Note: See also the discussion of H.R. 935 under ``7. Bill
Ordered Reported but Not Reported by other Committees within
the Committee on Agriculture jurisdiction'' and for further
action, see also the discussion of H.R. 2642 under ``1. Bills
Enacted into Law.'')
H. Res. 378, Expressing the sense of the House of
Representatives regarding certain provisions of the
Senate amendment to H.R. 2642 relating to the
Secretary of Agriculture's administration of
tariff-rate quotas for raw and refined sugar.
H. Res. 378 was introduced by Representative Joseph R.
Pitts on October 11, 2013 and referred to the Committee on
Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and
Means. On October 11, 2013 the measure was considered in the
House as unfinished business. On October 12, 2013 the measure
failed passage by a recorded vote of 192 yeas to 212 yeas with
1 present.
H. Res. 378 expresses the sense of the House of
Representatives that the House managers of the conference on
the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the House amendment
to the Senate amendment to the bill H.R. 2642 (Federal
Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013) should
advance provisions to repeal the Administration of Tariff Rate
Quotas language as added by the Food, Conservation, and Energy
Act of 2008, and thus restore the authority of the Secretary of
Agriculture (USDA) to manage sugar supplies to meet domestic
demand at reasonable prices.

9. Bills Acted on by the Committee Included in the Other Laws Enacted

None.

10. Bills Vetoed

None.

11. Bills Acted on by Both Houses But Not Enacted

None.

12. Concurrent Resolutions Approved

H. Con. Res. 96, Establishing the budget for the United
States Government for Fiscal Year 2015 and setting
forth appropriate budgetary levels for Fiscal Years
2016 through 2024.
H. Con. Res. 96 was introduced By Representative Paul Ryan
on April 4, 2014. The House Committee on the Budget reported
the bill on April 4, 2014, in H. Rept. 113-403. On April 10,
2014, it was passed by a recorded vote with 219 yeas and 205
nays. It was received by the Senate Committee on the Budget and
discharged pursuant to Section 300 of the Congressional Budget
Act on April 11, 2014. It was placed on the Senate Legislative
Calendar under General Orders, Calendar No. 365.
Sets forth the Congressional budget for the Federal
Government for FY 2015, including the appropriate budgetary
levels for FY 2016-FY 2024.
Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts for FY 2015-
FY 2024 with respect to: Federal revenues, new budget
authority, budget outlays, deficits (on-budget), debt subject
to limit, and debt held by the public.
Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and
outlays for specified major functional categories for FY 2015-
FY 2024.
Lists recommended revenue, spending, and deficit levels and
amounts for FY 2030, FY 2035, and FY 2040 as a percent of the
Federal gross domestic product (GDP) with respect to: Federal
revenues, budget outlays, deficits, and debt.
Authorizes a certain reserve fund to repeal the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act and the health care-related
provisions of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act
of 2010 (2010 health care laws).
Authorizes certain deficit-neutral reserve funds: to reform
the 2010 health care laws, to repeal all or part of the
decreases in Medicare spending included in them, for the
sustainable growth rate of the Medicare program, to reform the
tax code, to implement a trade agreement, for revenue measures
that would not increase the deficit for FY 2015-FY 2024, for
rural counties and schools for transportation by maintaining
the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund, and to reform policies
and programs to reduce poverty and increase opportunity and
upward mobility.
Establishes means-tested direct spending: at 6.8% for the
average rate of growth in the total level of outlays during the
10 year period preceding FY 2015, and at 5.4% under current law
for the estimated average rate of growth in the total level of
outlays during the 10 year period beginning with FY 2015.
Proposes the following reforms for means-tested directed
spending: assuming the conversion of the Federal share of
Medicaid spending into a flexible state allotment tailored to
meet each state's needs, indexed for inflation and population
growth; assuming the conversion of the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP) into such a state allotment; and
increasing the allotment based on the Department of Agriculture
Thrifty Food Plan index and beneficiary growth.
Establishes at 5.7% for non-means-tested direct spending
for such average rate of growth and at 5.4% under current law
for such estimated average rate growth.
Proposes reforms for non-means-tested direct spending: (1)
with respect to Medicare, by advancing specified policies to
put seniors, not the Federal Government, in control of their
health care decisions; and (2) by calling for Federal
employees, including Members of Congress and Congressional
staff, to make greater contributions toward their own
retirement.
Prohibits House legislation that would require advance
appropriations, except certain FY 2016 programs, projects,
activities, or accounts.
Declares that, if a committee other than the Committee on
Appropriations reports legislation that decreases direct
spending (budget authority and outlays) for any fiscal year and
also authorizes appropriations for the same purpose, upon the
enactment of that measure, the chair of the Committee on the
Budget may decrease the allocation to such committee and
increase the allocation of discretionary spending to the
Committee on Appropriations for FY 2015 by the amount of the
new budget authority and outlays provided for in legislation
making appropriations for the same purpose.
Authorizes the chair to adjust the allocations, aggregates,
and other appropriate budgetary levels for veterans programs,
Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism (OCO/
GWOT), or committee allocation to the Committee on
Appropriations specified in the report of this budget
resolution to conform with the Balanced Budget and Emergency
Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) (as
adjusted by the Budget Control Act of 2011).
Makes it out of order in the House to consider legislation
reported out of committee (other than the Committee on
Appropriations) if it has the net effect of increasing direct
spending in excess of $5 billion for any of the four
consecutive 10 fiscal year periods beginning with FY 2025.
Requires the report or the joint explanatory statement
accompanying the conference report on this budget resolution to
include in its allocation to the House Committee on
Appropriations amounts for the discretionary administrative
expenses of the Social Security Administration (SSA) and of the
Postal Service.
Authorizes the chair to adjust allocations and aggregates
for legislation reported by the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform that reforms the Federal retirement system,
but does not cause a net increase in the deficit for FY 2015-FY
2024.
Requires any estimate prepared by the Director of the
Congressional Budget Office (CBO) for a measure under the
Federal Credit Reform Act (FCRA) to also provide, as a
supplement, and to the extent practicable, upon the request of
the chair or ranking member of the Committee on the Budget, an
estimate of the current actual or estimated market values
representing the ``fair value'' of assets and liabilities
affected by such measure.
Requires, whenever the Director prepares an estimate of the
costs which would be incurred in carrying out any bill or joint
resolution and determines that such legislation has a cost
related to a housing or residential mortgage program under the
FCRA, the Director to also provide an estimate of the current
actual or estimated market values representing the ``fair
value'' of assets and liabilities affected by the provisions of
the measure that result in such cost.
Authorizes the chair to use such estimate to determine
compliance with the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and other
budgetary enforcement controls.
Counts legislation that transfers funds from the general
fund of the Treasury to the Highway Trust Fund as new budget
authority and outlays equal to the amount of the transfer in
the fiscal year in which the transfer occurs.
Provides a separate allocation in the House to the
Committee on Appropriations for OCO/GWOT for FY 2015.

d. oversight

The Committee on Agriculture and its Subcommittees were
active in their oversight functions, holding a number of
oversight hearings and activities during the 113th 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 result in recommendations for improvements in
the administration of the laws, regulations and policies in
effect in the Executive Branch as they relate 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 Oversight and Government Reform
and House Administration, and Rule XI, clause 2 of the House of
Representatives, the Committee and its subcommittees conducted
the following chronological oversight hearings during the first
session of the 113th 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.''):

1. Oversight Hearings

March 5, 2013: Hearing To Review the State of the Rural
Economy. Full Committee. Hearing Serial No. 113-1.
The purpose of this public hearing was to review the state
of the rural economy with the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Secretary (USDA) Thomas J. Vilsack. In light of the March 1
effective date for the sequester, the primary topic of
discussion was how USDA planned to implement the across-the-
board spending cuts and what impact they would have on the
agriculture sector. Members of the Committee asked the
Secretary about his recent remarks that the sequester would
cause meat inspector furloughs. Chairman Lucas also questioned
if USDA, in preparation for the impact on food production and
inspections, had made any requests to the House Appropriations
Committee for flexibility or additional funds as it develops a
Continuing Resolution for the remainder of FY 2013.
March 13, 2013: Hearing to Examine the National Forest
Management and its Impacts on Rural Economies and Communities.
Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry. Hearing
Serial No. 113-2.
The purpose of this hearing, held by the Subcommittee on
Conservation, Energy, and Forestry, was to examine how the U.S.
Forest Service is managing the National Forest System (NFS) and
how this management impacts rural communities. The NFS spans
193 million acres in 712 counties across 41 states. One issue
discussed was the harvest timber decline in recent years. The
harvests reached an all time low of 1.7 billion board feet in
2002. It was noted that a recent USDA report highlighted
increasing annual timber harvests and other restoration
activities as one of the agency's goals. Members asked Tom
Tidwell, the Forest Service Chief, how the agency's efforts
were faring and how sequestration could affect those goals.
Members also examined other issues that impact the NFS such as
fire threats, invasive species, and the possible closure of
recreation sites as a result of sequestration. Witnesses on the
second panel highlighted that more aggressive management
practices are necessary to improve forest management and rural
job creation.
April 24, 2013: Hearing to Review Horticulture Priorities
for the 2013 Farm Bill. Subcommittee on Horticulture, Research,
Biotechnology, and Foreign Agriculture. Hearing Serial No. 113-
4.
The purpose of this hearing was to examine specialty crop
priorities for the 2013 Farm Bill. The Subcommittee heard from
growers and representatives of the specialty crop community on
the effectiveness of the current programs within the
Subcommittee's jurisdiction.
May 21, 2013: The Future of the CFTC: Market Perspectives.
Full Committee. Hearing Serial No. 113-5.
This hearing was the first in a series of hearings being
held in advance of writing legislation to reauthorize the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The agency's
statutory authorization expires at the end of the fiscal year.
Members of the Committee heard perspectives from the futures
and swaps market, including the two largest derivatives
exchanges, a futures commission merchant whose customers are
farmers and ranchers, and industry trade associations who
represent hundreds of companies. The purpose of the hearing was
to begin to allow members to develop a greater understanding of
the regulatory challenges faced by individuals involved in the
derivative marketplace.
July 23, 2013: The Future of the CFTC: Commission
Perspectives. Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management. Hearing Serial No. 113-6.
The purpose of this hearing was to continue the process of
gathering information and perspectives on the future of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission in advance of writing
legislation to reauthorize the regulatory agency. The statutory
authorization expires at the end of Fiscal Year 2013. This was
the second hearing on the future of the CFTC.
July 24, 2013: The Future of the CFTC: End-User
Perspectives. Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management. Hearing Serial No. 113-7.
The purpose of this hearing was to examine the impact of
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's actions on end-
users. These are businesses that provide our daily goods and
services, and rely upon derivatives contracts to manage the
risks associated with their operations. Since the passage of
the Dodd-Frank Act, some end-users have shared concerns that
the CFTC's rulemaking would ultimately lead to higher costs for
consumers. This is the third hearing in a series of hearings on
the CFTC.
October 2, 2013: The Future of the CFTC: Perspectives on
Customer Protections. Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities
and Risk Management. Hearing Serial No. 113-8.
The purpose of this hearing was to explore ways to improve
customer protections and understand how best to avoid or
prevent the collapse of another futures commission merchant
that disproportionately impacts farmers and ranchers in light
of the failures at MF Global and PFGBest in advance to writing
legislation that would reauthorize the CFTC. This was the final
hearing in the series on the future of the CFTC.
March 4, 2014: Hearing to review the Smith-Lever Act on its
100th Anniversary. Subcommittee on Horticulture, Research,
Biotechnology, and Foreign Agriculture. Hearing Serial No. 113-
9.
In 1914, the Smith-Lever Act established the nationwide
cooperative extension service, a partnership between land-grant
colleges and universities and the USDA. The purpose of this
hearing was to review the role of the extension service in
providing research, education, and assistance to farmers and
rural communities. The panel of witnesses spoke about the role
of land-grant institutions, the benefits and successes of
extension education and research, the opportunities that
extension service provides to youth, and resources that
extension provides to farmers.
March 26, 2014: Hearing to review the impact of the
Endangered Species Act and related litigation on the National
Forest System management. Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy,
and Forestry. Hearing Serial No. 113-10.
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was first enacted in 1973
to preserve and protect certain domestic species. While it has
been successful, a recent Congressional Working Group reviewed
the law and uncovered some weaknesses. The purpose of this
hearing was to review one of those weaknesses--the cost of
litigation under the Act--in order to strengthen and reform the
law. Because the Forest Service must comply with the ESA in all
of its forest management activities, it is often sued under the
citizen enforcement provision of the ESA. The panel of
witnesses discussed the cost to the Forest Service of defending
claims brought under the Endangered Species Act as well as the
impact of threatened litigation and ESA compliance for private
landowners.
April 3, 2014: Hearing to review the state of the rural
economy. Full Committee. Hearing Serial No. 113-11.
The purpose of this hearing was to examine the state of the
rural economy. The sole witness, Secretary of Agriculture Tim
Vilsack, discussed farm income, exports, conservation
activities, and agricultural labor. Members of the Committee
asked Secretary Vilsack questions regarding the implementation
of the Agricultural Act of 2014. Secretary Vilsack noted that
the USDA identified 450 steps that are necessary to implement
the Farm Bill, and the USDA is in the process of implementing
those steps, prioritizing programs like the livestock disaster
relief program.
April 29, 2014: Hearing to review current research and
application of management strategies to control pests and
diseases of pollinators. Subcommittee on Horticulture,
Research, Biotechnology, and Foreign Agriculture. Hearing
Serial No. 113-12.
The purpose of this hearing was to review the health of
America's bee population, which are crucial to production of
approximately 30% of the crops in the country. Both the 2008
and 2014 Farm Bills included funding to research and better
understand issues affecting pollinators. The Committee heard
from witnesses who spoke about factors affecting the recent
loss of pollinators, including Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD),
habitat loss, misuse of pesticides, genetics, pests, diseases,
and beekeeping management practices. Honeybee health is complex
and researchers are continuing to examine this problem because
pollinator loss can significantly affect food production and
prices for consumers.
April 30, 2014: Hearing to review the state of the
livestock industry. Subcommittee on Livestock, Rural
Development, and Credit. Hearing Serial No. 113-13.
The purpose of this hearing was to examine factors
affecting the U.S. livestock industry and create a framework
for improving policy. Members and witnesses discussed a number
of issues the industry faces, including mandatory country-of-
origin labeling (COOL) for meat products, Grain Inspection,
Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) rules, affects of
RFS on livestock feed costs, and other regulatory actions.
Additionally, the Committee discussed drought, trade, and
animal diseases.
June 19, 2014: Hearing to review the Interpretive Rule
regarding the applicability of Clean Water Act agricultural
exemptions. Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry.
Hearing Serial No. 113-14.
The Subcommittee received testimony from Under Secretary of
Natural Resources Robert Bonnie and agricultural stakeholders
about potential effects of the Interpretive Rule signed by
USDA, EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in March 2014.
The stated purpose of the rule is to clarify what
responsibilities each of the three agencies have in monitoring
water health under the Clean Water Act.
June 25, 2014: Hearing to review credit availability in
rural America. Subcommittee on Livestock, Rural Development,
and Credit. Hearing Serial No. 113-15.
The purpose of this hearing was to discuss the availability
of credit in rural America and review trends and potential
risks. The Farm Credit Administration discussed the current
conditions and continued oversight of the Farm Credit System
(FCS) and Farmer Mac; USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA)
discussed the current condition of their lending programs; and
the Feral Reserve discussed current and future credit
conditions in rural America. Additionally, Members heard from
representatives of FCS, Farmer Mac, and the banking community
to discuss current trends and risks, and the strengths of their
lending portfolios to meet the needs of rural America.
July 9, 2014: Hearing to consider the societal benefits of
biotechnology. Subcommittee on Horticulture, Research,
Biotechnology, and Foreign Agriculture. Hearing Serial No. 113-
16.
In the agricultural community, we have all heard the
agronomic and environmental benefits of agricultural
biotechnology. Unfortunately many observers have criticized the
industry for their lack of effectiveness in relaying how the
technology directly benefits the consumer. Witnesses stressed
the consumer impact associated with agriculture biotechnology
and the role this industry will play in the future.
Agricultural biotechnology has played a critical role in
meeting a number of consumer and societal needs in the past.
Over the past 25 years, research in agricultural biotechnology
has made great advancements in addressing consumer and
environmental needs such as requiring less water, land, and
fewer chemical applications than conventional crops, and they
are better able to survive drought, weeds, and insects while
keeping food affordable for the consumer. While cautioning
against unreasonable and unscientific regulation of this
technology, witnesses argued that looking forward with the use
of this technology, we can fight diseases, increase available
food sources, and reduce overall environmental impact.
July 10, 2014: Hearing regarding the implementation of the
Agricultural Act of 2014: Commodity Policy and Crop Insurance.
Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.
Hearing Serial No. 113-17.
The purpose of this public hearing was to evaluate
implementation of Title I, the Commodity Title, and Title XI,
the Crop Insurance Title, of the Agricultural Act of 2014, also
known as the farm bill. The sole witness, USDA Farm and Foreign
Agricultural Service (FFAS) Under Secretary Michael Scuse
provided an update on the farm bill implementation progress
made by the three agencies under the FFAS mission area--the
Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Risk Management Agency (RMA),
and the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Members of the
Committee questioned the Under Secretary on the timing and
availability of Title I and Title XI provisions.
July 24, 2014: Hearing to examine the role of the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in relation to other
Federal assistance programs. Subcommittee on Department
Operations, Oversight, and Nutrition. Hearing Serial No. 113-
18.
The purpose of the hearing was to examine the role of the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in relation to
other Federal assistance programs, such as the Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program and School Meals.
SNAP is a program that has seen considerable growth in recent
years. Since 2008, the cost of the program has more than
doubled. Members and witnesses discussed factors leading to the
growth of SNAP.
July 29, 2014: Hearing to review coordinating future
investment in broadband. Subcommittee on Livestock, Rural
Development, and Credit. Hearing Serial No. 113-19.
The purpose of this hearing was to examine the various
challenges faced by rural telecommunications companies' efforts
to deploy broadband service to rural communities. Witnesses
from the USDA Rural Utilities Service and the communications
sector offered perspectives on the costs and barriers to
broadband deployment. Members and witnesses reviewed the need
for coordination among the various agencies responsible for
oversight and funding of rural broadband networks.
July 30, 2014: Hearing to review the impact of enforcement
activities by the Department of Labor on specialty crop
growers. Subcommittee on Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology,
and Foreign Agriculture. Hearing Serial No. 113-20.
The Focus of the Subcommittee on Horticulture, Research,
Biotechnology, and Foreign Agriculture was the growing concern
of the Department of Labor's (DOL) use of the so-called ``Hot
Goods'' Provision under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938
(FLSA). The original purpose of this provision was to protect
workers from poor working conditions and negligent employers.
Yet, this law was not intended for use with regards to fresh
fruits and vegetables, which perish more easily than a
manufactured good. The issue discussed by the Subcommittee was
the Department of Labor's use of their authority to protect
laborers from poor working conditions and negligent employers
when applying the hot goods provision to perishable
agricultural commodities. In these cases, producers are liable,
not only for civil fines and back wages to workers, but the
fines and penalties pale in comparison to the economic damages
brought about by the Department of Labor destroying their
crops. The Department does not set fire to these crops, but
they create a scenario where the crops naturally perish or lose
substantial economic value in the marketplace, potentially
making them unmarketable. By examining the Department's
actions, the Subcommittee intended to gain a greater
understanding of the use of this authority, and the avenues for
remedy, as well as educating the Department as to the impact of
their actions in the case of perishable agricultural
commodities.
September 10, 2014: Hearing to review the U.S. Forest
Service's proposed groundwater directive. Subcommittee on
Conservation, Energy, and Forestry. Hearing Serial No. 113-21.
The Subcommittee held a hearing in response to the U.S.
Forest Service's proposal to manage groundwater resources on
National Forest System land. The agency issued the proposal in
May 2014. The Subcommittee heard from the Forest Service Chief
about the agency's reasoning behind the proposal as well as
concerns from stakeholder groups about the legal justification
for putting forth the proposal.
September 17, 2014: Hearing to review the implementation of
Section 4022 of the Agricultural Act of 2014: Pilot projects to
reduce dependency and increase work requirements and work
efforts under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Full Committee. Hearing Serial No. 113-22.
The purpose of this hearing was to review the
implementation status of Section 4022 of the Agricultural Act
of 2014. On August 25, 2014, USDA announced $200 million for up
to 10 pilots projects focused on reducing dependency and work
effort under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP). The Committee heard from the Secretary of Agriculture,
Tom Vilsack, on the status and timeline of the implementation
USDA has done thus far, as well as additional information on
how these pilots will be implemented over the next three years.
The Members and Secretary discussed various components of the
Request for Applications (RFA) to states and Request for
Proposals (RFP) for evaluators and the variety of methods they
hope to see tested in the pilot projects. Additionally, several
Members discussed the implementation of various provisions
contained within the Agricultural Act of 2014.
September 18, 2014: Hearing to review the benefits of
promoting soil health in agriculture and rural America.
Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry. Hearing
Serial No. 113-23.
Members of the Subcommittee heard from NRCS and a panel of
agriculture producers about the importance of soil health. The
topic is of importance as farmers and ranchers must feed a
growing population while utilizing fewer acres of land across
the country.

2. Legislative Hearings

March 14, 2013: Examining Legislative Improvements to Title
VII of the Dodd-Frank Act. Full Committee. Hearing Serial No.
112-03.
The purpose of this hearing was to review seven legislative
proposals amending Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street
Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The proposals are the
culmination of the committee's oversight efforts of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as it writes rules
for Dodd-Frank, and the committee examined these proposals to
ensure that Dodd-Frank is implemented in a way that does not
disrupt markets or harm the economy.
All of the following are bills reviewed during the hearing:
(1) H.R. 634, the Business Risk Mitigation and Price
Stabilization Act, ensures that end-users can continue to use
derivatives to manage business risks without being subject to
costly margin requirements; (2) H.R. 677, the Inter-Affiliate
Swap Clarification Act, ensures that transactions between
affiliates within a single corporate group are not regulated as
swaps; (3) H.R. 742, the Swap Data Repository and Clearinghouse
Indemnification Correction Act of 2013, would allow data
sharing between U.S. and international regulators and swap data
repositories without adding an unnecessary layer of legal
bureaucracy; (4) H.R. 992, the Swaps Regulatory Improvement
Act, amends Section 716 of the Dodd-Frank Act to limit the swap
desk push-out requirement so that it does not apply to equity
or commodity swaps; (5) H.R. 1003 would require the CFTC to
assess the costs and benefits of its actions; and (6) H.R.
1038, the Public Power Risk Management Act, would allow
producers, utility companies, and other non-financial entities
to continue entering into energy swaps with government-owned
utilities without danger of being required to register with the
CFTC as a swap dealer.
Additionally, the Committee also examined one draft
proposal, the Swap Jurisdiction Certainty Act, which would
direct the CFTC and the Securities and Exchange Commission to
adopt a joint rule on how they will regulate cross-border swaps
transactions as part of the new requirements created in the
Dodd-Frank Act. (Note: See also the discussion of H.R. 634,
H.R. 742, H.R. 992, H.R. 1038 and H.R. 1256 under ``2. Bills
Acted on by the House but not the Senate''; and the discussion
of H.R. 677 and H.R. 1003 under ``6. Bills Ordered Reported by
the Committee on Agriculture.'')

e. printed hearings

113-1 Hearing To Review the State of the Rural Economy--Full
Committee, March 5, 2013.
113-2 National Forest Management and its Impacts on Rural
Economies and Communities--Subcommittee on Conservation,
Energy, and Forestry, March 13, 2013.
113-3 Examining Legislative Improvements to Title VII of the Dodd-
Frank Act--Full Committee, March 14, 2013.
113-4 Hearing To Review Horticulture Priorities for the 2013 Farm
Bill--Subcommittee on Horticulture, Research,
Biotechnology, and Foreign Agriculture, April 24, 2013.
113-5 The Future of the CFTC: Market Perspectives--Full
Committee, May 21, 2013.
113-6 The Future of the CFTC: Commission Perspectives--
Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management, July 23, 2013.
113-7 The Future of the CFTC: End-User Perspectives--Subcommittee
on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, July 24,
2013.
113-8 The Future of the CFTC: Perspectives on Customer
Protections--Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and
Risk Management, October 2, 2013.
113-9 Hearing To Review the Smith-Lever Act on its 100th
Anniversary--Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology, and
Foreign Agriculture, March 4, 2014.
113-10 Hearing To Review the Impact of the Endangered Species Act
and Related Litigation on the National Forest System
Management--Conservation, Energy, and Forestry, March 26,
2014.
113-11 Hearing To Review the State of the Rural Economy--Full
Committee, April 3, 2014.
113-12 Hearing To Review Current Research and Application of
Management Strategies To Control Pests and Diseases of
Pollinators--Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology, and
Foreign Agriculture, April 29, 2014.
113-13 Hearing To Review the State of the Livestock Industry--
Livestock, Rural Development, and Credit, April 30, 2014.
113-14 A Review of the Interpretive Rule Regarding the
Applicability of Clean Water Act Agricultural Exemptions--
Conservation, Energy, and Forestry, June 19, 2014.
113-15 A Review of Credit Availability in Rural America--
Livestock, Rural Development, and Credit, June 25, 2014.
113-16 Hearing To Consider the Societal Benefits of Biotechnology--
Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology, and Foreign
Agriculture, July 9, 2014.
113-17 Implementing the Agricultural Act of 2014: Commodity Policy
and Crop Insurance--General Farm Commodities and Risk
Management, July 10, 2014.
113-18 Hearing To Examine the Role of the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program in Relation to Other Federal Assistance
Programs--Department Operations, Oversight, and Nutrition,
July 24, 2014.
113-19 Coordinating Future Investments in Broadband--Livestock,
Rural Development, and Credit, July 29, 2014.
113-20 Hearing To Review the Impact of Enforcement Activities by
the Department of Labor on Specialty Crop Growers--
Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology, and Foreign
Agriculture, July 30, 2014.
113-21 Hearing To Review the U.S. Forest Service's Proposed
Groundwater Directive--Conservation, Energy, and Forestry,
September 10, 2014.
113-22 Hearing To Review the Implementation of Section 4022 of the
Agricultural Act of 2014: Pilot Projects To Reduce
Dependency and Increase Work Requirements and Work Efforts
Under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program--Full
Committee, September 17, 2014.
113-23 The Benefits of Promoting Soil Health in Agriculture and
Rural America--Conservation, Energy, and Forestry,
September 18, 2014.

f. meetings not printed

January 23, 2013--Full Committee open business meeting.
Organizational meeting for the 113th Congress. Approval by
voice vote of the Committee Rules.
February 13, 2013--Full Committee open business meeting.
Approval by voice vote of the Oversight Plan for the 113th
Congress and other organizational matters.
February 26, 2013--Full Committee open business meeting.
Approval by voice vote of the Budget Views and Estimates Letter
for FY 2014, offering budget recommendations of the Committee
on Agriculture for the agencies and programs under its
jurisdiction.
March 20, 2013--Full Committee open business meeting. To
consider H.R. 634, H.R. 677, H.R. 742, H.R. 992, H.R. 1003,
H.R. 1038, and H.R. 1256.
May 15, 2013--Full Committee open business meeting.
Approval of H.R. 1947, the Federal Agricultural Reform and Risk
Management Act, by a recorded vote of 35 yeas to 10 nays.
October 30, 2013--House-Senate Conference Meeting on H.R.
2642, Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of
2013. Open conference committee meeting to resolve the
differences.
March 13, 2014--Full Committee open business meeting.
Approval by voice vote of the Budget Views and Estimates Letter
for FY 2015, offering budget recommendations of the Committee
on Agriculture for the agencies and programs under its
jurisdiction. Approval by voice vote of H.R. 935, Reducing
Regulatory Burdens Act of 2014. Approval by voice vote of H.
Con. Res. 86, Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the
enactment of the Smith-Lever Act, which established the
nationwide Cooperative Extension System.
April 9, 2014--Full Committee open business meeting to
consider H.R. 4413, the Customer Protection and End User Relief
Act. Approval by voice vote of H.R. 4413.

g. committee prints

Committee on Agriculture Rules. Print. No. 113-1.

h. watersheds

None.

III. Appendix

a. executive communications

Note: In April 2013 the Parliamentarian's office altered
its procedures concerning the referral of Executive
Communications. In prior Congresses the Communications
concerning pesticide tolerances submitted from the
Environmental Protection Agency were referred to the Committee
on Agriculture; however, beginning in August 2013 this type of
Communication was referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce. The Parliamentarian's office was notified of this
discrepancy on November 24, 2014. The following is a list of
the Executive Communication's numbers along with the date of
publication in the Congressional Record ((entries marked with
an asterisk (*) are for Communications concerning an exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance (when in reference to a
pesticide) which were also historically referred to the
Committee on Agriculture):

August 2, 2013: 2572, 2573, 2583, 2585, 2588, 2598,
2606, 2607, 2609, 2610, 2619, 2621, 2640, 2645, 2650,
2654, 2659, 2660, 2666, 2668, 2673, 2685, 2687, 2692,
2695.
September 10, 2013: 2776, 2777.
September 11, 2013: 2814.
September 16, 2013: 2895.
September 19, 2013: 3030.
September 20, 2013: 3039, 3041.
September 27, 2013: 3128.
September 28, 2013: 3139.
October 30, 2013: 3473, 3474, 3475.
November 14, 2013: 3654, 3655.
November 18, 2013: 3698, 3700.
November 19, 2013: 3746.
November 22, 2013: 3885.
December 4, 2013: 3982, 3986, 3989.
December 16, 2013: 4179.
December 19, 2013: 4205.
December 23, 2013: 4318, 4319, 4320, 4321.
January 10, 2014: 4437.
January 23, 2014: 4539.
February 6, 2014: 4704.
February 11, 2014: 4758.
February 26, 2014: 4817, 4823, 4824.
February 28, 2014: 4860.
March 5, 2014: 4893, 4894, 4895, 4898.
March 6, 2014: 4919.
March 11, 2014: 4951.
March 14, 2014: 4999, 5000, 5001.
April 1, 2014: 5139.
April 7, 2014: 5223,* 5224, 5237, 5238, 5240, 5243.
April 9, 2014: 5337, 5338, 5340, 5341,* 5342, 5348.
April 10, 2014: 5382.
May 7, 2014: 5581.
May 21, 2014: 5730, 5733.
June 25, 2014: 6153.
July 11, 2014: 6354.
July 14, 2014: 6386, 6387, 6388,* 6389.
July 31, 2014: 6734, 6740.
September 15, 2014: 7068.
September 17, 2014: 7205, 7206, 7210.
September 18, 2014: 7273, 7277, 7287.
November 12, 2014: 7465, 7470, 7484.
November 19, 2014: 7776, 7777, 7783.
November 20, 2014: 7891, 7898.
December 12, 2014: 8307, 8317.

Further note: The entries marked with a double asterisk
(**) are for Communications concerning fisheries submitted by
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In prior
Congresses Communications concerning fisheries (non-
aquaculture) submitted from the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration were referred to the Committee on
Natural Resources. However, beginning June 2014 six (6)
Communications of this type were referred to the Committee on
Agriculture.

E.C. 6--Jan. 14, 2013: A letter from the Board Chair and
Chief Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration,
transmitting the Administration's final rule--Federal
Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Funding and Fiscal Affairs;
Farmer Mac Capital Planning (RIN: 3052-AC80) received January
3, 2013.
E.C. 74--Jan. 22, 2013: A letter from the Senior Counsel
for Regulatory Affairs, Department of the Treasury,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Determination of
Foreign Exchange Swaps and Foreign Exchange Forwards Under the
Commodity Exchange Act received January 9, 2013.
E.C. 75--Jan. 22, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Fluroxypyr;
Pesticide Tolerances [EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0962; FRL-9371-1]
received January 9, 2013.
E.C. 97--Jan. 23, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Spiromesifen;
Pesticide Tolerances [EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0038; FRL-9374-3]
received January 10, 2013.
E.C. 179--Feb. 4, 2013: A letter from the Director, Policy
Issuances Division, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Uniform Compliance Date for Food
Labeling Regulations [Doc. No.: FSIS-2012-0039] (RIN: 0583-
AD05) received January 22, 2013.
E.C. 180--Feb. 4, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Approved Tests for Bovine Tuberculosis
in Cervids [Doc. No.: APHIS-2012-0087] received January 22,
2013.
E.C. 181--Feb. 4, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Golden Nematode; Removal of Regulated
Areas in Livingston and Steuben Counties, NY [Doc. No.: APHIS-
2012-0079] received January 22, 2013.
E.C. 182--Feb. 4, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Traceability for Livestock Moving
Interstate [Doc. No.: APHIS-2009-0091] (RIN: 0579-AD24) (RIN:
0579-AD24) received January 22, 2013.
E.C. 197--Feb. 5, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Epoxy Polymer;
Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance [EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-
0615; FRL-9369-7] received January 18, 2013.
E.C. 198--Feb. 5, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Labeling of
Pesticide Products and Devices for Export; Clarification of
Requirements [EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0607; FRL-9360-8] (RIN: 2070-
AJ59) received January 18, 2013.
E.C. 199--Feb. 5, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Approval and
Promulgation of Implementation Plans; State of Missouri;
Control of Sulfur Emissions from Stationary Boilers [EPA-R07-
OAR-2012-0763; FRL-9772-6] received January 18, 2013.
E.C. 267--Feb. 14, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Alpha-
Cypermethrin; Pesticide Tolerances [EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0234; FRL-
9376-1A] received January 30, 2013.
E.C. 268--Feb. 14, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Styrene-2-
Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer; Tolerance Exemption [EPA-HQ-OPP-
2012-0456; FRL-9367-2] received January 30, 2013.
E.C. 301--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Fresh Bananas From the
Philippines into the Continental United States [Doc. No.:
APHIS-2011-0028] (RIN: 0579-AD61) received February 7, 2013.
E.C. 302--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Texas (Splenetic) Fever in Cattle
[Doc. No.: APHIS-2012-0069] received February 7, 2013.
E.C. 303--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Horses From Contagious
Equine Metritis-Affected Countries [Doc. No.: APHIS-2008-0112]
(RIN: 0579-AD31) received February 12, 2013.
E.C. 304--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Soybean Promotion and Research: Amend the Order To Adjust
Representation on the United Soybean Board [Doc. No.: AMS-LS-
12-0022] received February 14, 2013.
E.C. 305--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Modification of the
Handling Regulation for Area No. 2 [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0043;
FV12-948-1 IR] received February 14, 2013.
E.C. 306--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington; Assessment Rate
Decrease for Processed Pears [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0031; FV12-
927-2 IR] received February 14, 2013.
E.C. 307--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Apricots Grown in Designated Counties in Washington;
Decreased Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0027; FV12-922-1
IR] received February 14, 2013.
E.C. 308--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Grapes Grown in Designated Area of Southeastern
California; Increased Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-11-
0090; FV12-925-1 FR] received February 14, 2013.
E.C. 309--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Avocados Grown in South Florida; Decreased Assessment
Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-11-0094; FV12-915-1 FIR] received
February 14, 2013.
E.C. 310--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Sweet Cherries Grown in Designated Countries in
Washington; Decreased Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-
0026; FV12-923-1 IR] received February 14, 2013.
E.C. 311--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
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 1 (Scotch) and Class 3 (Native)
Spearmint Oil for the 2012-2013 Marketing Year [Doc. No.: AMS-
FV-11-0088; FV12-985-1A IR] received February 14, 2013.
E.C. 312--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--National Organic Program; Periodic Residue Testing [Doc.
No.: AMS-NOP-10-0102; NOP-10-10FR] (RIN: 0581-AD10) received
February 14, 2013.
E.C. 313--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in Riverside County,
CA; Decreased Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0035; FV12-
987-1 IR] received February 14, 2013.
E.C. 314--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Apricots Grown in Designated Counties in Washington;
Temporary Suspension of Handling Regulations [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-
12-0028; FV12-922-2 IR] received February 14, 2013.
E.C. 315--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Program Analyst,
Department of Transportation, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees
(RIN: 0572-AC06) received February 12, 2013.
E.C. 316--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Glycine max
Herbicide-resistant Acetolactate Synthase; Exemption from the
Requirement of a Tolerance [EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0795; FRL-9376-4]
received February 5, 2013.
E.C. 317--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Hexythiazox;
Pesticide Tolerances [EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0916; FRL-9376-9]
received February 5, 2013.
E.C. 318--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Thiacloprid;
Pesticide Tolerances [EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0311; FRL-9374-9]
received February 5, 2013.
E.C. 319--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Protections for
Subjects in Human Research Involving Pesticides [EPA-HQ-OPP-
2010-0785; FRL-9353-4] (RIN: 2070-AJ76) received February 12,
2013.
E.C. 320--Feb. 15, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--3-decen-2-one;
Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance [EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-
0065; FRL-9378-1] received February 14, 2013.
E.C. 558--Feb. 28, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Tomatoes Grown in Florida; Decreased Assessment Rate
[Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0051; FV12-966-1 IR] received February 22,
2013.
E.C. 606--Mar. 6, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Marketing Order Regulating the Handling of Spearmint Oil
Produced in the Far West; Change to Administrative Rules
Regarding the Transfer and Storage of Excess Spearmint Oil
[Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0014; FV12-985-2 FR] received February 22,
2013.
E.C. 771--Mar. 20, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Declaration of
Prion as a Pest Under FIFRA; Related Amendments; and
Availability of Final Test Guidelines [EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0427;
FRL-9372-7] (RIN: 2070-AJ26) received February 27, 2013.
E.C. 772--Mar. 20, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Acetochlor;
Pesticide Tolerances [EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0302; FRL-9377-6]
received February 27, 2013.
E.C. 773--Mar. 20, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Fenpyrazamine;
Pesticide Tolerances [EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0357; FRL-9373-9]
received February 27, 2013.
E.C. 774--Mar. 20, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Pyraflufen-ethyl;
Pesticide Tolerances [EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-1002; FRL-9379-6]
received February 27, 2013.
E.C. 775--Mar. 20, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Pyroxasulfone;
Pesticide Tolerances [EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0308; FRL-9379-9]
received February 27, 2013.
E.C. 776--Mar. 20, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--
Tetrachlorvinphos; Extension of Time-Limited Interim Pesticide
Tolerances [EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0360; FRL-9380-9] (RIN: 2070-AZ16)
received March 13, 2013.
E.C. 862--Mar. 23, 2013: A letter from the PRAB Branch
Chief, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):
Updated Trafficking Definition and Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program--Food Distribution Program on Indian
Reservations Duel Participation [FNS-2009-0019] (RIN: 0584-
AD97) received March 18, 2013.
E.C. 863--Mar. 23, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Maximum Interest
Rates on Guaranteed Farm Loans (RIN: 0560-AH66) received March
18, 2013.
E.C. 864--Mar. 23, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Selection and
Functions of Farm Service Agency State and Country Committees
(RIN: 0560-AG90) received March 18, 2013.
E.C. 865--Mar. 23, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Amitraz;
Pesticide Tolerances [EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0051; FRL-9381-1]
received March 19, 2013.
E.C. 866--Mar. 23, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Administration's final rule--Banda de
Lupinus albus doce (BLAD); Exemption from the Requirement of a
Tolerance [EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-1026; FRL-9380-6] received March 22,
2013.
E.C. 867--Mar. 23, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Administration's final rule--Emamectin
Benzoate; Pesticide Tolerance [EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0665; FRL-9381-
4] received March 22, 2013.
E.C. 868--Mar. 23, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Administration's final rule--
Abamectin; Pesticide Tolerances [EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0418; FRL-
9379-1] received March 22, 2013.
E.C. 869--Mar. 23, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Administration's final rule--
Thiamethoxam; Pesticide Tolerances [EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0488; FRL-
9377-3] received March 22, 2013.
E.C. 999--Apr. 10, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Castor Oil,
Polymer with Adipic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid and
Ricinoleic Acid Tolerance Exemption [EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0057; FRL-
9381-2] received April 2, 2013.
E.C. 1029--Apr. 11, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Clothianidin;
Pesticide Tolerances [EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0860; FRL-9378-6]
received March 26, 2013.
E.C. 1099--Apr. 15, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Live Birds and Poultry,
Poultry Meat, and Poultry Products From a Region in the
European Union [Doc. No.: APHIS-2009-0094] (RIN: 0579-AD45)
received April 2, 2013.
E.C. 1100--Apr. 15, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Styrene-Ethylene-
Propylene Block Copolymer; Tolerance Exemption [EPA-HQ-OPP-
2013-0043; FRL-9380-5] received April 5, 2013.
E.C. 1222--Apr. 24, 2013: A letter from the Management
Analyst, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Fees for Official Inspection and
Official Weighing Services Under the United States Grain
Standards Act (USGSA) (RIN: 0580-AB13) received April 16, 2013.
E.C. 1223--Apr. 24, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Noninsured Crop
Disaster Assistance Program (RIN: 0560-AI06) received April 15,
2013.
E.C. 1262--Apr. 25, 2013: A letter from the Management and
Program Analyst, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Project-Level Predecisional
Administrative Review Process (RIN: 0596-AD07) received April
8, 2013.
E.C. 1263--Apr. 25, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Policy Issuances Division, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Food Ingredients and
Sources of Radiation Listed and Approved for Use in the
Production of Meat and Poultry Products [Doc. No.: FSIS-2011-
0018] (RIN: 0583-AD47) received April 8, 2013.
E.C. 1264--Apr. 25, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Flumioxazin;
Pesticide Tolerances [EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0139; FRL-9381-7]
received April 5, 2013.
E.C. 1310--Apr. 26, 2013: A letter from the Board Chair and
CEO, Farm Credit Administration, transmitting the
Administration's final rule--Funding and Fiscal Affairs, Loan
Policies and Operations, and Funding Operations; Accounting and
Reporting Requirements; Federal Agricultural Mortgage
Corporation Funding and Fiscal Affairs; GAAP References and
other Conforming Amendments (RIN: 3052-AC75) received April 17,
2013.
E.C. 1356--Apr. 30, 2013: A letter from the Secretary,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Identity Theft Red Flags Rules
[Release Nos.: 34-69359, IA-3582, IC-30456; File No. S7-02-12]
(RIN: 3235-AL26) received April 25, 2013.
E.C. 1391--May 7, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Controlled Import Permits [Doc. No.:
APHIS-2008-0055] (RIN: 0579-AD53) received May 2, 2013.
E.C. 1465--May 14, 2013: A letter from the Management
Analyst, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--United States Standards for Wheat
(RIN: 0580-AB12] received May 1, 2013.
E.C. 1466--May 14, 2013: A letter from the Acting
Congressional Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Updates to the List
of Plant Inspection Stations [Doc. No.: APHIS-2012-0099]
received April 29, 2013.
E.C. 1467--May 14, 2013: A letter from the Acting
Congressional Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Gypsy Moth Generally
Infested Areas; Additions in Wisconsin [Doc. No.: APHIS-2012-
0075] received April 29, 2013.
E.C. 1468--May 14, 2013: A letter from the Administrator
Rural Housing Service, Department of Agriculture, transmitting
the Department's final rule--Community Programs Guaranteed
Loans (RIN: 0575-AC92) received May 7, 2013.
E.C. 1469--May 14, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Recordkeeping for Approved Livestock
Facilities and Slaughtering and Rendering Establishments [Doc.
No.: APHIS-2007-0039] (RIN: 0579-AC61) received May 9, 2013.
E.C. 1470--May 14, 2013: A 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; Liquidity and Funding (RIN: 3052-AC54) received May
1, 2013.
E.C. 1534--May 20, 2013: A letter from the PRAB Branch
Chief, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program:
Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program (RIN:
0584-AE07) received April 24, 2013.
E.C. 1596--May 23, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Horse Protection Act; Requiring Horse
Industry Organizations to Assess and Enforce Minimum Penalties
for Violations; Correction [Doc. No.: APHIS-2011-0030] (RIN:
0579-AD43) received May 9, 2013.
E.C. 1691--Jun. 4, 2013: A letter from the Secretary,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's ``Major'' final rule--Core Principles and Other
Requirements for Swap Execution Facilities (RIN Number: 3038-
AD18) received June 3, 2013.
E.C. 1692--Jun. 4, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington; Committee
Membership Reapportionment for Processed Pears [Doc. No.: AMS-
FV-12-0032; FV12-927-3 FR] received May 8, 2013.
E.C. 1693--Jun. 4, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Milk in the Northeast and Other Marketing Areas; Order
Amending the Orders [Doc. No.: AMS-DA-07-0026; AO-14-A77, et
al.; DA-07-02] received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1694--Jun. 4, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order;
Amendment to the Order To Raise the Assessment Rate [No.: AMS-
LS-11-0038] received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1695--Jun. 4, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Reestablishment of
Membership on the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee,
Area No. 2 [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0044; FV12-948-2 FR] received
May 8, 2013.
E.C. 1701--Jun. 5, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in
Florida; Relaxing Size and Grade Requirements on Valencia and
Other Late Type Oranges [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0009; FV13-905-2
IR] received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1702--Jun. 5, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Sweet Cherries Grown in Designated Counties in
Washington; Decreased Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-
0026; FV12-923-1 FIR] received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1703--Jun. 5, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Tomatoes Grown in Florida; Decreased Assessment Rate
[Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0051; FV12-966-1 FIR] received May 28,
2013.
E.C. 1704--Jun. 5, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Apricots Grown in Designated Counties in Washington;
Decreases Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0027; FV12-922-1
FIR] received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1705--Jun. 5, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in
Florida; Increased Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0045;
FV12-905-1 FR] received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1711--Jun. 6, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Vidalia Onions Grown in Georgia; Change in Reporting and
Assessment Requirements [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0071; FV13-955-1
IR] received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1712--Jun. 6, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Pork Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information
Program; Section 610 Review [Doc. No.: AMS-LS-07-0143] received
May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1713--Jun. 6, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
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 1 (Scotch) and Class 3 (Native)
Spearmint Oil for the 2012-2013 Marketing Year [Doc. Nos.: AMS-
FV-11-0088; FV12-958-1A FIR] received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1714--Jun. 6, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Apricots Grown in Designated Counties in Washington;
Temporary Suspension of Handling Regulations [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-
12-0028; FV12-922-2 FIR] received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1715--Jun. 6, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's
``Major'' final rule--Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of
Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken, Goat Meat, Wild and Farm-Raised Fish
and Shellfish, Perishable Agricultural Commodities, Peanuts,
Pecans, Ginseng, and Macadamia Nuts [Doc. No.: AMS-LS-13-0004]
(RIN: 0581-AD29) received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1718--Jun. 10, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Olives Grown in California; Decreased Assessment Rate
[Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0076; FV13-932-1 IR] received May 28,
2013.
E.C. 1803--Jun. 12, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Milk in the Northeast and Other Marketing Areas;
Termination of Proceeding on Proposed Amendments to Tentative
Marketing Agreements and Orders [Doc. No.: AMS-DA-13-0016; AO-
14-A74, et al.; DA-06-01] received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1804--Jun. 12, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Cranberries Grown in States of Massachusetts, Rhode
Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan,
Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of
New York; Changing Reporting Requirements [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-
0002; FV12-929-1 FIR] received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1805--Jun. 12, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--United States Standards for Grades of Almonds in the
Shell [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-11-0046] received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1806--Jun. 12, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and Tangelos Grown in
Florida; Redistricting and Reapportionment of Grower Members,
and Changing the Qualifications for Grower Membership on the
Citrus Administrative Committee [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-11-0076;
FV11-905-1 FR] received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1807--Jun. 12, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington; Assessment Rate
Decrease for Processed Pears [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0031; FV12-
927-2 FIR] received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1808--Jun. 12, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Revision of Regulations Defining Bona Fide Cotton Spot
Markets [Doc. No.: AMS-CN-12-0024] (RIN: 0581-AD26) received
May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1809--Jun. 12, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Onions Grown in South Texas; Increased Assessment Rate
[Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0039; FV12-959-1 FR] received May 28,
2013.
E.C. 1810--Jun. 12, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington; Modification of the
Assessment Rate for Fresh Pears [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0030;
FV12-927-1 FR] received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1811--Jun. 12, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in Riverside County,
California; Decreased Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-
0035; FV12-987-1 FIR] received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1812--Jun. 12, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Washington; Decreased Assessment
Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0010; FV13-946-1 IR] received May 28,
2013.
E.C. 1813--Jun. 12, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado; Modification of the
Handling Regulation for Area No. 2 [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0043;
FV12-948-1 FIR] received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1814--Jun. 12, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in Lower Rio Grande Valley
in Texas; Increased Assessments Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0038;
FV12-906-1 FR] received May 28, 2013.
E.C. 1864--Jun. 14, 2013: A letter from the Secretary,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Procedures to Establish Appropriate
Minimum Block Sizes for Large Notional Off-Facility Swaps and
Block Trades (RIN: 3038-AD08) received June 3, 2013.
E.C. 1865--Jun. 14, 2013: A letter from the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration,
transmitting the Administration's final rule--Unincorporated
Business Entities (RIN: 3052-AC65) received June 7, 2013.
E.C. 1876--Jun. 17, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Rural Development
Utilities Programs, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Community Connect Broadband Grant
Program (RIN: 0572-AC30) received June 4, 2013.
E.C. 1893--Jun. 18, 2013: A letter from the Secretary,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Dual and Multiple Associations of
Persons Associated With Swap Dealers, Major Swap Participants
and Other Commission Registrants (RIN: 3038-AD66) received June
3, 2013.
E.C. 1894--Jun. 18, 2013: A letter from the Secretary,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Process for a Designated Contract
Market or Swap Execution Facility to Make a Swap Available to
Trade under Section 2(h)(8) of the Commodity Exchange Act; Swap
Transaction Compliance and Implementation Schedule; Trade
Execution Requirement under Section 2(h) of the CEA (RIN: 3038-
AD18) received June 12, 2013.
E.C. 1895--Jun. 18, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--National Organic Program (NOP);
Amendments to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited
Substances (Crops and Processing) [Doc. No.: AMS-NOP-12-0016;
NOP-12-07FR] (RIN: 0581-AD27) received June 10, 2013.
E.C. 1896--Jun. 18, 2013: A letter from the Management
Analyst, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Postdecisional Administrative Review
Process for Occupancy or Use of National Forest System Lands
and Resources (RIN: 0596-AB45) received June 7, 2013.
E.C. 2035--Jun. 28, 2013: A letter from the Manager,
BioPreferred Program, Department of Agriculture, transmitting
the Department's final rule--Designation of Product Categories
for Federal Procurement (RIN: 0599-AA16) received June 24,
2013.
E.C. 2186--Jun. 28, 2013: A letter from the Assistant
Secretary, Department of Defense, transmitting proposed
legislation, titled ``National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2014''; jointly to the Committees on Armed
Services, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, and Natural Resources.
E.C. 2235--Jul. 15, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Lacey Act Implementation Plan:
Definitions for Exempt and Regulated Articles [Doc. No.: APHIS-
2009-0018] (RIN: 0579-AD11) received July 9, 2013
E.C. 2362--Jul. 26, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Fresh Citrus Fruit From
Uruguay, Including Citrus Hybrids and Fortunella spp., Into the
Continental United States [Doc. No.: APHIS-2011-0060] (RIN:
0579-AD59) received July 11, 2013.
E.C. 2450--Aug. 1, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Handling of Animals; Contingency
Plans; Stay of Regulations [Doc. No.: APHIS-2006-0159] (RIN:
0579-AC69) received July 31, 2013.
E.C. 2451--Aug. 1, 2013: A letter from the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration,
transmitting the Administration's final rule--Releasing
Information; General Provisions; Accounting and Reporting
Requirements; Reports of Accounts and Exposures (RIN: 3052-
AC76) received July 30, 2013.
E.C. 2551--Aug. 2, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Regulation Revision:
Removal of the Pesticide Discharge Permitting Exemption in
Response to Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Decision [EPA-HQ-OW-
2003-0063; FRL-9829-2] received June 26, 2013.
E.C. 2552--Aug. 2, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Streptomycin;
Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions [EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-
0852; FRL-9385-3] received May 15, 2013.
E.C. 2553--Aug. 2, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Dinotefuran;
Pesticide Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions; Technical
Amendment [EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0755; FRL-9384-9] received August 2,
2013.
E.C. 2554--Aug. 2, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Data Requirements
for Antimicrobial Pesticides [EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0110; FRL-8886-5]
(RIN: 2070-AD30) received May 1, 2013.
E.C. 2555--Aug. 2, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Imidacloprid;
Pesticide Tolerances [EPA-HQ-QPP-2012-0204; FRL-9387-9]
received June 4, 2013.
E.C. 2831--Sep. 12, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Grapes Grown in Designated Area of
Southeastern California; Increased Assessment Rate [Doc. No.:
AMS-FV-13-0005; FV13-925-1 FR] received August 5, 2013.
E.C. 2832--Sep. 12, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Increase in Fees for Voluntary Federal
Dairy Grading and Inspection Services [Doc. No.: AMS-DA-10-
0002] (RIN: 0581-AD25) received August 5, 2013.
E.C. 2833--Sep. 12, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Kiwifruit Grown in California and
Imported Kiwifruit; Relaxation of Minimum Grade Requirement
[Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0032; FV13-920-1 IR] received August 5,
2013.
E.C. 2834--Sep. 12, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Olives Grown in California; Decreased
Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0076; FV13-932-1 FIR]
received August 5, 2013.
E.C. 2835--Sep. 12, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Mango Promotion, Research, and
Information Order; Nominations of Foreign Producers and
Election of Officers [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0041] received August
5, 2013.
E.C. 2836--Sep. 12, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and
Tangelos Grown in Florida; Revising Reporting Requirements and
New Information Collection [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0052; FV12-905-
2 FR] received August 5, 2013.
E.C. 2837--Sep. 12, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, 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 2013-2014
Marketing Year [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0064; FV13-985-1 FR]
received August 5, 2013.
E.C. 2838--Sep. 12, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado;
Modification of the General Cull and Handling Regulation for
Area No. 2 [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0001; FV13-948-1 FR] received
August 5, 2013.
E.C. 2839--Sep. 12, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--User Fees for 2013 Crop Cotton
Classification Services to Growers [AMS-CN-12-0074] (RIN: 0581-
AD30) received August 5, 2013.
E.C. 2840--Sep. 12, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Cranberries Grown in States of Massachusetts, Rhode
Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan,
Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of
New York; Changing Reporting Requirements [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-
0002; FV12-929-1 FIR] received August 5, 2013.
E.C. 2841--Sep. 12, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Cotton Board Rules and Regulations:
Adjusting Supplemental Assessment on Imports (2013 Amendment)
[Doc. No.: AMS-CN-12-0065] received August 5, 2013.
E.C. 2861--Sep. 16, 2013: A letter from the Secretary,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Enhanced Risk Management Standards for
Systemically Important Derivatives Clearing Organizations (RIN:
3038-AC98) received August 22, 2013.
E.C. 2862--Sep. 16, 2013: A letter from the Management
Analyst, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Inspection and Weighing of Grain in
Combined and Single Lots (RIN: 580-AB15) received August 29,
2013.
E.C. 2863--Sep. 16, 2013: A letter from the Management
Analyst, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Weighing, Feed, and Swine Contractors
(RIN: 0580-AA99) received August 29, 2013.
E.C. 2864--Sep. 16, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Sugar Program;
Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers (RIN:
0560-AH86) received August 22, 2013.
E.C. 2865--Sep. 16, 2013: A letter from the Management
Analyst, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Definition of a Ski Area (RIN: 0596-
AD12) received August 9, 2013.
E.C. 2965--Sep. 17, 2013: A letter from the Secretary,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Harmonization of Compliance
Obligations for Registered Investment Companies Required to
Register as Commodity Pool Operators (RIN: 3038-AD75) received
September 3, 2013.
E.C. 2966--Sep. 17, 2013: A letter from the Secretary,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Clearing Exemption for Certain Swaps
Entered into by Cooperatives (RIN: 3038-AD47) received
September 3, 2013.
E.C. 3060--Sep. 23, 2013: A letter from the Chief, Planning
& Regulatory Affairs Office, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program: Trafficking Controls and Fraud
Investigations (RIN: 0584-AE26) received September 5, 2013.
E.C. 3143--Sep. 30, 2013: A letter from the PRAO Branch
Chief, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Privacy
Protections of Information From Applicant Households [FNS-2009-
0024] (RIN: 0584-AD91) received September 11, 2013.
E.C. 3144--Sep. 30, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Interstate Movement of Sharwil
Avocados From Hawaii [Docket No.: APHIS-2012-0008] (RIN: 0579-
AD70) received September 17, 2013.
E.C. 3236--Oct. 5, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Litchi Fruit From
Australia [Doc. No.: APHIS-2009-0084] (RIN: 0579-AD56) received
September 25, 2013.
E.C. 3352--Oct. 23, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Animal Welfare; Retail Pet Stores and
Licensing Exemptions [Doc. No.: APHIS-2011-0003] (RIN: 0579-
AD57) received September 19, 2013.
E.C. 3353--Oct. 23, 2013: A letter from the Management
Analyst, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--National Environmental Policy Act:
Categorical Exclusions for Soil and Water Restoration
Activities (RIN: 0596-AD01) received September 19, 2013.
E.C. 3354--Oct. 23, 2013: A letter from the Chief, Planning
and Regulatory Affairs Branch, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Food Distribution
Program on Indian Reservations; Income Deductions and Resource
Eligibility [FNS-2011-0036] (RIN: 0584-AE05) received September
24, 2013.
E.C. 3399--Oct. 28, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Methyl Parathion;
Removal of Expired Tolerances [EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0332; FRL-9401-
3] received September 25, 2013.
E.C. 3438--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Gypsy Moth Generally Infested Areas;
Additions in Wisconsin [Doc. No.: APHIS-2012-0075] received
October 23, 2013.
E.C. 3439--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Cold Treatment for Fresh Fruits and
Vegetables; MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, Mascoutah, IL [Doc.
No.: APHIS-2012-0089] received October 23, 2013.
E.C. 3440--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Avocados Grown in South Florida;
Change in Minimum Grade Requirements [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0067;
FV13-915-1 FR] received October 23, 2013.
E.C. 3441--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Washington;
Temporary Change to the Handling Regulations and Reporting
Requirements for Yellow Fleshed and White Types of Potatoes
[Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0067; FV13-946-2 IR] received October 23,
2013.
E.C. 3442--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Apricots Grown in Designated Counties
in Washington; Increased Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-
0041; FV13-922-2 FR] received October 23, 2013.
E.C. 3443--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Kiwifruit Grown in California;
Decreased Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0071; FV13-920-2
IR] received October 23, 2013.
E.C. 3444--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Apricots Grown in Designated Counties
in Washington; Suspension of Handling Regulations [Doc. No.:
AMS-FV-13-0040; FV13-922-1 IR] received October 23, 2013.
E.C. 3445--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Sweet Cherries Grown in Designated
Counties in Washington; Decreased Assessment Rate [Doc. No.:
AMS-FV-13-0055; FV13-932-1 IR] received October 23, 2013.
E.C. 3446--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Tart Cherries Grown in the States of
Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and
Wisconsin; Revising Handler Reporting and Grower Diversion
Requirements [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0030; FV13-930-2 IR] received
October 23, 2013.
E.C. 3447--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--National Organic Program (NOP); Sunset
Review (2013) [Doc. No.: AMS-NOP-11-0003; NOP-10-13FR] (RIN:
0581-AD13) received October 23, 2013.
E.C. 3448--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--United States Standards for Condition
of Food Containers [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-08-0027; FV-05-332] (RIN:
0581-AC52) received October 23, 2013.
E.C. 3449--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Paper and Paper-Based Packaging
Promotion, Research and Information Order; Referendum
Procedures [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-11-0069; FR-B] received October
23, 2013.
E.C. 3450--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and
Tangelos Grown in Florida; Relaxing Size and Grade Requirements
on Valencia and Other Late Type Oranges [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-
0009; FV13-905-2 FIR] received October 23, 2013.
E.C. 3451--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Potato Research and Promotion Plan;
Amend the Administrative Committee Structure and Delete the
Board's Mailing Address [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0027] received
October 23, 2013.
E.C. 3452--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in
Riverside County, California; Decreased Assessment Rate [Doc.
No.: AMS-FV-13-0053; FV13-987-1 IR] received October 23, 2013.
E.C. 3453--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Vidalia Onions Grown in Georgia;
Change in Reporting and Assessment [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0071;
FV13-955-1 FIR] received October 23, 2013.
E.C. 3454--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Blueberry Promotion, Research and
Information Order: Assessment Rate Increase [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-
12-0062] received October 23, 2013.
E.C. 3455--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Cranberries Grown in States of
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey,
Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long
Island in the State of New York; Revising Determination of
Sales History [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0042; FV12-929-2 FR]
received October 23, 2013.
E.C. 3456--Oct. 30, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Citrus Canker, Citrus Greening, and
Asian Citrus Psyllid; Interstate Movement of Regulated Nursery
Stock [Doc. No.: APHIS-2010-0048] (RIN: 0579-AD29) received
October 23, 2013.
E.C. 3727--Nov. 19, 2013: A letter from the Secretary,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's ``Major'' final rule--Enhancing Protections
Afforded Customers and Customer Funds Held by Futures
Commission Merchants and Derivatives Clearing Organizations
(RIN: 3038-AD88) received November 18, 2013.
E.C. 3728--Nov. 19, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Farm Loan Programs;
Clarification and Improvement (RIN: 0560-AI14) received
November 12, 2013.
E.C. 3729--Nov. 19, 2013: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Washington;
Decreased Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0010; FV13-946-1
FIR] received November 14, 2013.
E.C. 3730--Nov. 19, 2013: A letter from the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration,
transmitting the Administration's final rule--Federal
Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Funding and Fiscal Affairs;
Farmer Mac Capital Planning (RIN: 3052-AC80) received November
12, 2013.
E.C. 3767--Nov. 19, 2013: A letter from the Fiscal
Assistant Secretary, Department of the Treasury, transmitting
the annual reports that appear on pages 119-146 of the June
2013 ``Treasury Bulletin'', pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 9602(a);
jointly to the Committees on Ways and Means, Transportation and
Infrastructure, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Education and
the Workforce, and Energy and Commerce.
E.C. 3783--Nov. 21, 2013: A letter from the Deputy
Secretary, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting
the Commission's final rule--Swap Dealers and Major Swap
Participants; Clerical or Ministerial Employees (RIN: 3038-
AE00) received November 15, 2013.
E.C. 3784--Nov. 21, 2013: A letter from the Secretary,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Protection of Collateral of
Counterparties to Uncleared Swaps; Treatment of Securities in a
Portfolio Margining Account in a Commodity Broker Bankruptcy
(RIN: 3038-AD28) received November 15, 2013.
E.C. 3785--Nov. 21, 2013: A letter from the Secretary,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Ownership and Control Reports, Forms
102/102S, and 71 (RIN: 3038-AD31) received November 19, 2013.
E.C. 3786--Nov. 21, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Ovine Meat From Uruguay
[Doc. No.: APHIS-2008-0085] (RIN: 0579-AD17) received November
18, 2013.
E.C. 3787--Nov. 21, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Fresh Beans, Shelled or
in Pods, From Jordan Into the Continental United States [Doc.
No.: APHIS-2012-0042] (RIN: 0579-AD69) received November 19,
2013.
E.C. 3994--Dec. 5, 2013: A letter from the Ambassador,
Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, transmitting a letter
regarding the Farm Bill of 2013, received December 2, 2013.
E.C. 4020--Dec. 9, 2013: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy;
Importation of Bovines and Bovine Products [Doc. No.: APHIS-
2008-0010] (RIN: 0579-AC68) received December 4, 2013.
E.C. 4038--Dec. 10, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Regulations Policy and Management Staff, Department of Health
and Human Services, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Food Additive Regulations; Incorporation by Reference of the
Food chemicals Codex, 7th Edition [Doc. No.: FDA-2010-F-0320]
received December 3, 2013.
E.C. 4062--Dec. 11, 2013: A letter from the Secretary,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Derivatives Clearing Organizations and
International Standards (RIN: 3038-AE06) received November 22,
2013.
E.C. 4134--Dec. 12, 2013: A letter from the Administrator,
Rural Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule)--Energy Efficiency
and Conservation Loan Program (RIN: 0572-AC19) received
December 9, 2013.
E.C. 4338--Dec. 26, 2013: A letter from the Director,
Issuances Staff, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Prior Label Approval System: Generic
Label Approval [Doc. No.: 99-021F; FDMS Doc. No.: FSIS-2005-
0016] (RIN: 0583-AC59) received December 20, 2013.
E.C. 4430--Jan. 10, 2014: A letter from the Secretary,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's ``Major'' final rule--Prohibitions and
Restrictions on Proprietary Trading and Certain Interests in,
and Relationships with, Hedge Funds and Private Equity Funds
(RIN: 3038-AD05) received January 7, 2014.
E.C. 4431--Jan. 10, 2014: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Extension of
Tolerances for Emergency Exemptions (Multiple Chemicals) [EPA-
HQ-OPP-2013-0777; FRL-9904-15] received December 30, 2013.
E.C. 4469--Jan. 14, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Fresh Apricots From
Continental Spain [Doc. No.: APHIS-2011-0132] (RIN: 0579-AD62)
received January 7, 2014.
E.C. 4470--Jan. 14, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Avocados From
Continental Spain [Doc. No.: APHIS-2012-0002] (RIN: 0579-AD63)
received January 7, 2014.
E.C. 4471--Jan. 14, 2014: A letter from the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Releasing
Information; General Provisions; Accounting and Reporting
Requirements; Reports of Accounts and Exposures (RIN: 3052-
AC76) January 7, 2014.
E.C. 4670--Feb. 5, 2014: A letter from the Chief, Planning
& Regulatory Affairs Office, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Automated Data
Processing and Information Retrieval System Requirements:
System Testing (RIN: 0584-AD99) received January 27, 2014.
E.C. 4797--Feb. 25, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Live Birds and Poultry,
Poultry Meat, and Poultry Products From a Region in the
European Union; Technical Amendment [Doc. No. APHIS-2009-0094]
(RIN: 0579-AD45) received February 10, 2014
E.C. 4832--Feb. 27, 2014: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Pesticides;
Satisfaction of Data Requirements; Procedures to Ensure
Protection of Data Submitters' Rights [EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0456;
FRL-9904-32] (RIN: 2070-AJ58) received January 30, 2014.
E.C. 4850--Feb. 28, 2014: A letter from the Deputy
Secretary, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting
the Commission's ``Major'' final rule--Treatment of Certain
Collateralized Debt Obligations Backed Primarily by Trust
Preferred Securities With Regard to Prohibitions and
Restrictions on Certain Interests in, and Relationships With,
Hedge Funds and Private Equity Funds (RIN: 3038-AE13) received
February 14, 2014.
E.C. 4940--Mar. 11, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and
Tangelos Grown in Florida; Increased Assessment Rate [Doc. No.:
AMS-FV-13-0074; FV13-905-3 FR] received February 26, 2014.
E.C. 4941--Mar. 11, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado;
Decreased Assessment Rate for Area No. 2 [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-
0072; FV13-948-2 FR] received February 26, 2014.
E.C. 4942--Mar. 11, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion,
Consumer Education and Industry Information Order; Changes to
the Membership of the Softwood Lumber Board [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-
13-0038] received February 26, 2014.
E.C. 4943--Mar. 11, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Cotton Futures Classification:
Optional Classification Procedure [AMS-CN-12-0043] (RIN: 0581-
AD33) received February 24, 2014.
E.C. 4944--Mar. 11, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Paper and Paper-Based Packaging
Promotion, Research and Information Order [Doc. No.: [AMS-FV-
11-0069 FR] (RIN: 0581-AD21) received February 24, 2014.
E.C. 4960--Mar. 12, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Modoc and
Siskiyou Counties, California, and in All Counties in Oregon,
Except Malheur County; Termination of Marketing Order No. 947
[Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0036; FV13-947-1 FR] received February 26,
2014.
E.C. 4961--Mar. 12, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Tomatoes Grown in Florida; Increased
Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0076; FV13-966-1 FR]
received February 26, 2014.
E.C. 4962--Mar. 12, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Colorado;
Decreased Assessment Rate for Area No. 2 [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-
0072; FV13-948-2 FIR] received February 26, 2014.
E.C. 4963--Mar. 12, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Washington and
Imported Potatoes; Modification of the Handling Regulations,
Reporting Requirements, and Import Regulations for Red Types of
Potatoes [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0068; FV13-946-3 IR] received
February 26, 2014.
E.C. 5209--Apr. 4, 2014: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Farm Storage Facility
Loan Program, Security Requirements (RIN: 0560-AI19) received
March 19, 2014.
E.C. 5210--Apr. 4, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Jackfruit, Pineapple,
and Starfruit from Malaysia Into the Continental United States
[Doc. No.: APHIS-2011-0019] (RIN: 0579-AD46) received March 19,
2014.
E.C. 5265--Apr. 8, 2014: A letter from the Deputy
Secretary, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting
the Commission's final rule-Swap Data Repositories--Access to
SDR Data by Market Participants (RIN: 3038-AE14) received March
21, 2014.
E.C. 5266--Apr. 8, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in Lower
Rio Grande Valley in Texas; Change in Size and Grade
Requirements for Grapefruit [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-14-0015; FV14-
906-2 IR] received March 21, 2014.
E.C. 5267--Apr. 8, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Potatoes From Mexico
[Doc. No.: APHIS-2013-0037] (RIN: 0579-AD78) received April 2,
2014.
E.C. 5268--Apr. 8, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Olives Grown in California; Decreased
Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-14-0002; FV14-932-1 FR]
received April 1, 2014.
E.C. 5269--Apr. 8, 2014: A letter from the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration,
transmitting the Administration's final rule--Organization;
Disclosure to Shareholders; Disclosure to Investors in System-
wide and Consolidated Bank Debt Obligations of the Farm Credit
System; Advisory Vote (RIN: 3052-AD00) received April 3, 2014.
E.C. 5366--Apr. 10, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Peanut Promotion, Research, and
Information Order; Amendment to Primary Peanut-Producing States
and Adjustment of Membership [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0042]
received April 7, 2014.
E.C. 5438--Apr. 28, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Consolidation of Permit Procedures;
Denial and Revocation of Permits [Doc. No.: APHIS-2011-0085]
(RIN: 0579-DA76) received April 11, 2014.
E.C. 5459--Apr. 29, 2014: A letter from the FSA Regulatory
Review Group Director, Department of Agriculture, transmitting
the Department's ``Major'' final rule--Supplemental
Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs, Payment Limitations,
and Payment Eligibility (RIN: 0560-AI21) received April 21,
2014.
E.C. 5484--Apr. 30, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Pine Shoot Beetle; Addition of
Quarantined Areas and Regulated Articles [Doc. No.: APHIS-2010-
0031] received April 17, 2014.
E.C. 5485--Apr. 30, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Asian Longhorned Beetle; Quarantined
Areas in Ohio [Doc. No.: APHIS-2013-0004] received April 17,
2014.
E.C. 5486--Apr. 30, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Regulations Issued Under the Export
Apple Act; Exempting Bulk Shipments to Canada From Minimum
Requirements and Inspection [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-14-0022; FV14-33-
1 IR] received April 17, 2014.
E.C. 5594--May 8, 2014: A letter from the Director,
Issuances Staff, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Eligibility of the Republic of Korea
To Export Poultry Products to the United States [Doc. No.:
FSIS-2012-0019] (RIN: 0583-AD49) received April 28, 2014.
E.C. 5595--May 8, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Director, National Institute of Food and Agriculture,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities
(RIN: 0524-AA39) received April 23, 2014.
E.C. 5654--May 13, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Watermelon Research and Promotion
Plan; Importer Membership Requirements [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-11-
0031] received April 16, 2014.
E.C. 5655. A letter from the FSA Regulatory Review Group
Director, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Tobacco Transition Program
Assessments; Final Appeals and Revisions Procedures (RIN: 0560-
AH30) received April 28, 2014.
E.C. 5710--May 20, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Chronic Wasting Disease Herd
Certification Program and Interstate Movement of Farmed or
Captive Deer, Elk, and Moose [Doc. No.: 00-108-11] (RIN: 0579-
AB35) received April 30, 2013.
E.C. 5727--May 21, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Certain
Designated Counties in Idaho, and Malheur County, Oregon;
Decreased Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0093; FV14-945-1
FR] received May 5, 2014.
E.C. 5728. A letter from the Congressional Review
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Cape Gooseberry From
Colombia Into the United States [Doc. No.: APHIS-2012-0038]
(RIN: 0579-AD79) received May 5, 2014.
E.C. 5871--Jun. 9, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Soybean Promotion, Research, and
Consumer Information Program: Amendment of Procedures and
Notification of Request for Referendum [Doc. No.: AMS-LPS-13-
0066] received May 15, 2014.
E.C. 5872--Jun. 9, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Milk in the Appalachian and Southeast
Marketing Areas; Order Amending the Orders [Doc. No.: AMS-DA-
09-0001; AO-388-A17 and AO-366-A46; DA-05-06-A] received May
15, 2014.
E.C. 5942--Jun. 12, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Milk in the Appalachian, Florida, and
Southeast Marketing Areas; Order Amending the Orders [Doc. No.:
AMS-DA-07-0059; AO-388-A22, AO-356-A43 and AO-366-A51; DA-07-
03] received May 15, 2014.
E.C. 5943--Jun. 12, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Kiwifruit Grown in California;
Decreased Assessment Rate [Doc. No. AMS-FV-13-0071; FV13-920-2
FIR] received May 15, 2014.
E.C. 5944--Jun. 12, 2014: A letter from the PRAO Branch
Chief, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's
final rule--Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program:
Trafficking Controls and Fraud Investigations [FNS-2012-0028]
(RIN: 0584-AE26) received May 15, 2014.
E.C. 5945--Jun. 12, 2014: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Labeling of
Pesticide Products and Devices for Export [EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-
0607; FRL-9909-82] (RIN: 2070-AJ53) received April 29, 2014.
E.C. 5971--Jun. 13, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Washington;
Modification of the Handling Regulations for Yellow Fleshed and
White Types of Potatoes [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-14-0026; FV14-946-1
IR] received May 20, 2014.
E.C. 5972**--Jun. 32, 2014: A letter from the Deputy
Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, NMFS, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, transmitting the
Administration's final rule--Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf
of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Revisions to Dealer Permitting
and Reporting Requirements for Species Managed by the Gulf of
Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Council [Doc. No.:
120405260-4258-02] (RIN: 0648-BC12) received May 13, 2014.
E.C. 5982--Jun. 17, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection
Act of 2002; Biennial Review and Republication of the Select
Agent and Toxin List; Amendments to the Select Agent and Toxin
Regulations; Technical Amendment [Doc. No.: APHIS-2009-0070]
received May 13, 2014.
E.C. 6013--Jun. 18, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, 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 2014-2015
Marketing Year [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0087; FV14-985-1 FR]
received May 23, 2014.
E.C. 6014--Jun. 18, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of
Southeastern California; Increased Assessment Rate [Doc. No.:
AMS-FV-14-0010; FV14-925-1 FR] received May 28, 2014.
E.C. 6015--Jun. 18, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--User Fees for 2014 Crop Cotton
Classification Services to Growers [AMS-CN-13-0085] (RIN: 0581-
AD35) received May 28, 2014.
E.C. 6143--Jun. 25, 2014: A letter from the Secretary,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's report
entitled, ``2013 Packers and Stockyards Program Annual
Report''; to the Committee on Agriculture.
E.C. 6170--Jun. 26, 2014: A letter from the USDA/FSA
Regulatory Review Group Director, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Continuation of
Certain Benefit and Loan Programs, Acreage Reporting, Average
Adjusted Gross Income, and Payment Limit received June 11,
2014.
E.C. 6171--Jun. 26, 2014: A letter from the Management
Analyst, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Scales; Accurate Weights, Repairs,
Adjustments or Replacements After Inspection received June 11,
2014.
E.C. 6172--Jun. 26, 2014: A letter from the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration,
transmitting the Administration's final rule--Regulatory
Capital Rules: Regulatory Capital, Implementation of Tier 1/
Tier 2 Framework (RIN: 3052-AC81) received June 4, 2014.
E.C. 6236--Jul. 7, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Kiwifruit Grown in California; Order
Amending Marketing Order No. 920 [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0008;
FV12-920-1 FR] received June 11, 2014.
E.C. 6237--Jul. 7, 2014: A letter from the Administrator,
Rural Business--Cooperative Service, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Intermediary
Relending Program (RIN: 0570-AA86) received May 28, 2014.
E.C. 6281--Jul. 9, 2014: A letter from the Management and
Program Analyst, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Idaho Roadless Rule received June 17,
2014.
E.C. 6282--Jul. 9, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Female Squash Flowers
From Israel Into the Continental United States [Doc. No.:
APHIS-2012-0078] (RIN: 0579-AD72) received June 6, 2014.
E.C. 6283--Jul. 9, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, and
Tangelos Grown in Florida; Relaxing Grade Requirements on
Valencia and Other Late Type Oranges [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-14-0041;
FV14-905-2 IR] received June 16, 2014.
E.C. 6312--Jul. 10, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--National Sheep Industry Improvement
Center [Doc. No.: AMS-LPS-14-0028] received June 18, 2014.
E.C. 6379--Jul. 14, 2014: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Continuation of
Conservation Reserve Program, Including Transition Incentives
Program received June 18, 2014.
E.C. 6476--Jul. 17, 2014: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Withdrawal of
Labeling of Pesticide Products and Devices for Export [EPA-HQ-
OPP-2009-0607; FRL-9913-18] (RIN: 2070-AJ53) received July 9,
2014.
E.C. 6535--Jul. 23, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--National Poultry Improvement Plan and
Auxiliary Provisions [Doc. No.: APHIS-2011-0101] (RIN: 0579-
AD83) received July 9, 2014.
E.C. 6575--Jul. 24, 2014: A letter from the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration,
transmitting the Administration's final rule--Organization;
Disclosure to Shareholders; Disclosure to Investors in System-
wide and Consolidated Bank Debt Obligations of the Farm Credit
System; Advisory Vote (RIN: 3052-AD00) received June 26, 2014.
E.C. 6604--Jul. 25, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Asian Longhorned Beetle; Quarantined
Areas in New Jersey [Doc. No.: APHIS-2013-0078] received July
18, 2014.
E.C. 6605--Jul. 25, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Cotton Board Rules and Regulations:
Adjusting Supplemental Assessment of Imports (2014 Amendment)
[Doc. No.: AMS-CN-13-0100] received July 8, 2014.
E.C. 6662--Jul. 29, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Pistachios Grown in California,
Arizona, and New Mexico; Modification of Aflatoxin Regulations
[Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0068; FV13-983-1 FR] received July 22,
2014.
E.C. 6678--Jul. 30, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in Lower
Rio Grande Valley in Texas; Change in Size and Grade
Requirements for Grapefruit [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-14-0015; FV14-
906-2 FIR] received July 22, 2014.
E.C. 6679--Jul. 30, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Marketing Order Regulating the
Handling of Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Revision of
Administrative Rules and Regulations Governing Issuance of
Additional Allotment Base [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0088; FV14-985-2
FR] received July 22, 2014.
E.C. 6707--Jul. 31, 2014: A letter from the Planning and
Regulatory Affairs Office, OPS, Food and Nutrition Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP):
Implementation of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (RIN: 0584-AE31)
July 23, 2014.
E.C. 6708--Jul. 31, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in
Riverside County, California; Revision of Assessment
Requirements [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0090; FV14-987-2 FR] received
July 29, 2014.
E.C. 6709--Jul. 31, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Dried Prunes Produced in California;
Increased Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0065; FV13-993-1
FR] received July 29, 2014.
E.C. 6710--Jul. 31, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Washington and
Imported Potatoes; Modification of the Handling Regulations,
Reporting Requirements, and Import Regulations for Red Types of
Potatoes [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0068; FV13-946-3 FIR] received
July 29, 2014.
E.C. 6711--Jul. 31, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Olives Grown in California; Decreased
Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-14-0002; FV14-932-1 FR]
received June 26, 2014.
E.C. 6712**--Jul. 31, 2014: A letter from the Acting
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, transmitting the
Administration's final rule--Fisheries of the Exclusive
Economic Zone Off Alaska; Dusky Rocketfish in the Western
Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska [Doc. No.: 130925836-
4174-02] (RIN: 0648-XD360) received July 29, 2014.
E.C. 6713--Jul. 31, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Administration's final rule--Oranges and Grapefruit Grown in
Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas and Imported Oranges; Change
in Size Requirements For Oranges [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-14-0009;
FV14-906-1 FIR] received July 29, 2014.
E.C. 6865--Sep. 8, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Approved Tests for Bovine Tuberculosis
in Cervids [Doc. No.: APHIS-2014-0027] received August 8, 2014.
E.C. 6866--Sep. 8, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Fresh Blueberries From
Morocco Into the Continental United States [Doc. No.: APHIS-
2013-0016] (RIN: 0579-AD81) received August 8, 2014.
E.C. 6867--Sep. 8, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far
West; Decreased Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-14-0027;
FV14-985-3 FIR] received August 8, 2014.
E.C. 6868--Sep. 8, 2014: A letter from the FSA Regulatory
Review Group Director, Department of Agriculture, transmitting
the Department's ``Major'' final rule--Cotton Transition
Assistance Program and General Provisions for Agriculture Risk
Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs (RIN: 0560-AI22)
received August 22, 2014.
E.C. 6869--Sep. 8, 2014: A letter from the Program Manager,
BioPreferred Program, Department of Agriculture, transmitting
the Department's ``Major'' final rule--Guidelines for
Designating Biobased Products for Federal Procurement (RIN:
0599-AA18) received August 22, 2014.
E.C. 6870**--Sep. 8, 2014: A letter from the Assistant
Administrator for Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, transmitting the Administration's
final rule--Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; 2014 Atlantic
Bluefin Tuna Quota Specifications [Doc. No.: 140115049-4528-02]
(RIN: 0648-XD092) received August 8, 2014.
E.C. 6922--Sep. 8, 2014: A letter from the Management and
Program Analyst, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Notice, Comment, and Appeal Procedures
for National Forest System Projects and Activities and Project-
Level Predecisional Administrative Review Process (RIN: 0596-
AD18) received August 8, 2014; jointly to the Committees on
Natural Resources and Agriculture.
E.C. 7065--Sep. 15, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Certain
Designated Counties in Idaho, and Malheur County, Oregon;
Modification of Container Requirements [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-14-
0046; FV14-945-2 IR] received August 22, 2014.
E.C. 7126--Sep. 16, 2014: A letter from the FSA Regulatory
Review Group Director, Department of Agriculture, transmitting
the Department's ``Major'' final rule--Margin Protection
Program for Dairy and Dairy Product Donation Program (RIN:
0560-AI23) received September 5, 2014.
E.C. 7127--Sep. 16, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Animal Welfare; Importation of Live
Dogs [Doc. No.: APHIS-2009-0053] (RIN: 0579-AD23) received
August 19, 2014.
E.C. 7128--Sep. 16, 2014: A letter from the Assistant
Secretary for Civil Rights, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Nondiscrimination in
Programs or Activities Conducted by the United States
Department of Agriculture (RIN: 0503-AA52) received August 15,
2015.
E.C. 7185--Sep. 17, 2014: A letter from the Program
Manager, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Guidelines for Designating Biobased
Products for Federal Procurement (RIN: 0599-AA18) received
August 22, 2014.
E.C. 7186--Sep. 17, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Beef Promotion and Research;
Reapportionment [Doc. No.: AMS-LPS-13-0079] received September
2, 2014.
E.C. 7241--Sep. 17, 2014: A letter from the Acting
Assistant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Department of State,
transmitting the 2013 annual report on the operation of the
Enterprise for the Americas Initiative and the Tropical Forest
Conservation Act; jointly to the Committees on Foreign Affairs
and Agriculture.
E.C. 7245--Sep. 18, 2014: A letter from the Director,
Issuance Staff, Office of Policy and Program Development,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Modernization of Poultry Slaughter Inspection [Doc. No.:
FSIS-2011-0012] (RIN: 0583-AD23) received September 5, 2014.
E.C. 7246--Sep. 18, 2014: A letter from the Acting
Congressional Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Importation of Litchi
and Logan Fruit From Vietnam Into the Continental United States
[Doc. No.: APHIS-2010-0116] (RIN: 0579-AD51) received September
8, 2014.
E.C. 7247--Sep. 18, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Washington;
Modification of the Handling Regulations for Yellow Fleshed and
White Types of Potatoes [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-14-0026; FV14-946-1
FIR] received September 15, 2014.
E.C. 7248--Sep. 18, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Regulations Issued Under the Export
Apple Act; Exempting Bulk Shipments to Canada From Minimum
Requirements and Inspection [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-14-0022; FV14-33-
1 FIR] received September 15, 2014.
E.C. 7249--Sep. 18, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in
Riverside County, California; Decreased Assessment Rate [Doc.
No.: AMS-FV-14-0057; FV14-987-3 IR] received September 15,
2014.
E.C. 7250--Sep. 18, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far
West; Decreased Assessment Rate [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-14-0027;
FV14-985-3 FIR] received September 8, 2014.
E.C. 7251**--Sep. 18, 2014: A letter from the Director,
Office of Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, transmitting the Administration's
final rule--Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Commercial
Blacknose Sharks and Non-Blacknose Small Coastal Sharks (SCS)
in the Atlantic Region [Doc. No.: 120706221-2705-02] (RIN:
0648-XD369) received September 18, 2014.
E.C. 7252--Sep. 18, 2014: A letter from the Chief of Staff,
Natural Resources Conservation Service, transmitting the
Service's final rule--Changes to Existing Conservation Program
Regulations [Doc. No.: NRCS-2014-0006] (RIN: 0578-AA60)
received August 14, 2014.
E.C. 7343--Sep. 18, 2014: A letter from the Management and
Program Analyst, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Law Enforcement Support Activities
(RIN: 0596-AB61) received September 17, 2014, jointly to the
Committees on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
E.C. 7347--Sep. 18, 2014: A letter from the Acting
Director, Office of the National Drug Control Policy,
transmitting 2014 National Drug Control Strategy, pursuant to
21 U.S.C. 1504; jointly to the Committees on the Judiciary,
Agriculture, Armed Services, Energy and Commerce, Financial
Services, Oversight and Government Reform, Foreign Affairs,
Transportation and Infrastructure, Ways and Means, Veterans'
Affairs, Homeland Security, Natural Resources, Intelligence
(Permanent Select), and Education and the Workforce.
E.C. 7348--Sep. 19, 2014: A letter from the Under Secretary
for Rural Development, Department of Agriculture, transmitting
the Department's final rule--Eliminate the 6-Day Reservation
Period Requirement for Rural Development Obligations (RIN:
0575-ZA01) received September 18, 2014.
E.C. 7349--Sep. 19, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Bovine Tuberculosis Status of
Michigan; Advance Counties From Modified Accredited Advanced to
Accredited-Free [Doc. No.: APHIS-2014-0058] received September
18, 2014.
E.C. 7424--Nov. 12, 2014: A letter from the Secretary,
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, transmitting the
Commission's final rule--Exclusion of Utility Operations-
Related Swaps with Utility Special Entities from De Minimis
Threshold for Swaps with Special Entities (RIN: 3038-AE19)
received October 2, 2014.
E.C. 7425--Nov. 12, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Soybean Promotion, Research, and
Consumer Information Program: Amendment of Procedures and
Notification of Request for Referendum [Doc. No.: AMS-LPS-13-
0066] received September 23, 2014.
E.C. 7426--Nov. 12, 2014: A letter from the Acting
Congressional Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Viruses, Serums,
Toxins, and Analogous Products; Standard Requirements; Addition
of Terminology to Define Veterinary Biologics Test Results
[Doc. No.: APHIS-2013-0034] (RIN: 0579-AD86) received September
22, 2014.
E.C. 7427--Nov. 12, 2014: A letter from the Acting
Congressional Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture,
transmitting the Department's final rule--Importation of
Mangoes From Jamaica Into the Continental United States [Doc.
No.: APHIS-2013-0018] (RIN: 0579-AD80) received September 22,
2014.
E.C. 7428--Nov. 12, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Expansion of Areas in the Philippines
Considered Free of Mango Seed Weevil and Mango Pulp Weevil and
Establishment of a Lower Irradiation Dose as Treatment for
Mango Pulp Weevil [Doc. No.: APHIS-2013-0057] (RIN: 0579-AD84)
received October 1, 2014.
E.C. 7429--Nov. 12, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--National Sheep Industry Improvement
Center [Doc. No.: AMS-LPS-14-0028] received October 7, 2014.
E.C. 7430--Nov. 12, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Avocados Grown in South Florida and
Imported Avocados; Change in Maturity Requirements [Doc. No.:
AMS-FV-14-0051; FV14-915-1 IR] received October 1, 2014.
E.C. 7431--Nov. 12, 2014: A 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 September 29, 2014.
E.C. 7432--Nov. 12, 2014: A letter from the FSA Regulatory
Review Group Director, Department of Agriculture, transmitting
the Department's ``Major'' final rule--Agriculture Risk
Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs (RIN: 0560-AI24)
received October 6, 2014.
E.C. 7433--Nov. 12, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Fresh Bananas From the
Philippines Into Hawaii and U.S. Territories [Doc. No.: APHIS-
2013-0045] (RIN: 0579-AD82) received October 6, 2014.
E.C. 7434--Nov. 12, 2014: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Change in Accredited Laboratory Fees [Doc. No.: FSIS-
2014-0026] (RIN: 0583-AD) received October 14, 2014.
E.C. 7435--Nov. 12, 2014: A letter from the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration,
transmitting the Administration's final rule--Organization;
Institution Stockholder Voting Procedures (RIN: 3052-AC85)
received September 24, 2014.
E.C. 7436--Nov. 12, 2014: A letter from the Board Chair and
Chief Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration,
transmitting the Administration's 2014 compensation program
adjustments, including the Agency's current salary range
structure and the performance-based merit pay matrix, in
accordance with section 1206 of the Financial Institutions,
Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989.
E.C. 7753--Nov. 19, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Importation of Fresh Unshu Oranges
From Japan Into the United States [Doc. No.: APHIS-2013-0059]
(RIN: 0579-AD85) received October 29, 2014.
E.C. 7754--Nov. 19, 2014: A letter from the Director,
Issuances Staff, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Electronic Import Inspection
Application and Certification of Imported Products and Foreign
Establishments; Amendments to Facilitate the Public Health
Information System (PHIS) and Other Changes to Import
Inspection Regulations [Doc. No.: FSIS-2009-0022] (RIN: 0583-
AD39) received October 9, 2014.
E.C. 7817--Nov. 20, 2014: A letter from the FSA Regulatory
Review Group Director, Department of Agriculture, transmitting
the Department's final rule--Farm Loan Programs; Entity
Eligibility (RIN: 0560-AI25) received October 20, 2014.
E.C. 7818--Nov. 20, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Pine Shoot Beetle; Addition of
Quarantined Areas and Regulated Articles [Doc. No.: APHIS-2010-
0031] received October 15, 2014.
E.C. 7819--Nov. 20, 2014: A letter from the Acting
Director, Legislative Affairs Division, Department of
Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final rule--
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Interim Rule [Doc. No.:
NRCS-2014-0008] (RIN: 0578-AA63) received November 7, 2014.
E.C. 7820--Nov. 20, 2014: A letter from the Administrator,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Onions Other Than Bermuda-Granex-Grano/Creole; Bermuda-
Granex-Grano [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-12-0013] received November 6,
2014.
E.C. 7821--Nov. 20, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, 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 Quality and Allotment Percentage for Class 1
(Scotch) Spearmint Oil for the 2014-2015 Marketing Year [Doc.
No.: AMS-FV-13-0087; FV14-985-1A IR] received November 12,
2014.
E.C. 7822--Nov. 20, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Softwood Lumber Research, Promotion,
Consumer Education and Industry Information Order; Late Payment
and Interest Charges on Past Due Assessments [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-
12-0023] received November 12, 2014.
E.C. 7823--Nov. 20, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Brucellosis Class Free States and
Certified Brucellosis-Free Herds; Revisions to Testing and
Certification Requirements [Doc. No.: APHIS-2009-0083] (RIN:
0579-AD22) received November 12, 2014.
E.C. 7824--Nov. 20, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule)--Importation of Cape Gooseberry From
Colombia into the United States; Technical Amendment [Doc. No.:
APHIS-2012-0038] (RIN: 0579-AD79) received October 1, 2014.
E.C. 7825--Nov. 20, 2014: A letter from the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration,
transmitting the Administration's final rule--Loans in Areas
Having Special Flood Hazards (RIN: 3052-AC93) received November
6, 2014.
E.C. 7826--Nov. 20, 2014: A letter from the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration,
transmitting the Administration's final rule--Organization;
Funding and Fiscal Affairs, Loan Policies and Operations, and
Funding Operations; Investment Eligibility (RIN: 3052-AC84)
received November 12, 2014.
E.C. 7827**--Nov. 20, 2014: A letter from the Deputy
Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Affairs, NMFS, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, transmitting the
Administration's final rule--Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the
Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog
Fishery [Doc. No.: 140529461-4795-02] (RIN: 0648-BE26) received
November 6, 2014.
E.C. 7828**--Nov. 20, 2014: A letter from the Acting
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, transmitting the Administration's
final rule--Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off
Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska
[Doc. No.: 130925836-4174-02] (RIN: 0648-0648-XD519) received
November 6, 2014.
E.C. 8203--Dec. 10, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit and
Vegetable Program, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Irish Potatoes Grown in Certain
Designated Counties in Idaho, and Malheur County, Oregon;
Modification of Container Requirements [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-14-
0046; FV14-945-2 FIR] received December 3, 2014.
E.C. 8204--Dec. 10, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Process for Establishing Rates Charged
for AMS Services [Doc. No.: AMS-LPS-13-0050] (RIN: 0581-AD36)
received December 3, 2014.
E.C. 8205--Dec. 10, 2014: A letter from the Congressional
Review Coordinator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Department of Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final
rule--Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza [Doc. No.: APHIS-2006-
0074] (RIN: 0579-AC36) received December 1, 2014.
E.C. 8206--Dec. 10, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of
Agriculture, transmitting the Department's final rule--Avocados
Grown in South Florida and Imported Avocados; Clarification of
the Avocado Grade Requirements [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-13-0069; FV13-
915-3 FR] received December 3, 2014.
E.C. 8233--Dec. 11, 2014: A letter from the Associate
Administrator, Fruit and Vegetable Program Promotion and
Economics Division, Department of Agriculture, transmitting the
Department's final rule--Mango Promotion, Research, and
Information Order; Section 610 Review [Doc. No.: AMS-FV-14-
0047] received December 3, 2014.
E.C. 8234--Dec. 11, 2014: A 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 and Auxiliary
Provisions; Technical Amendment [Doc. No.: APHIS-2011-0101]
(RIN: 0579-AD83) received December 4, 2014.
E.C. 8302--Dec. 12, 2014: A letter from the Director,
Regulatory Management Division, Environmental Protection
Agency, transmitting the Agency's final rule--Hexythiazox;
Pesticide Tolerance for Emergency Exemptions [EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-
0774; FRL-9919-69] received December 9, 2014.
E.C. 8337--Dec. 16, 2014: A letter from the Chief of Staff,
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of
Agriculture, transmitting the Department's ``Major'' interim
rule--Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) [Doc.
No.: NRCS-2014-0007] (RIN: 0578-AA62) received December 16,
2014.

b. statutory and special reports

USDA: Report on Healthy Incentives Pilot (HIP) 2012 Summary
Report as required by Section 4141 of the Food, Energy, and
Conservation, Act of 2008 (FECA). Submitted by USDA, December
20, 2012.
USDA: Risk Management Agency National Appeals Division
Determinations Implementation Report as required by Section
14009(b) of the Food, Energy, and Conservation Act of 2008.
Submitted by USDA, January 3, 2013.
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Letter from
Chairman Darrell E. Issa, Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform regarding Congressionally-mandated plans and reports
considered outdated or duplicative as required to publish by
the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of
2010 (P.L. 111-352). Submitted January 15, 2013.
DOT: Quarterly report for the period July 1 thru September
30, 2012, as required by section 906(b) of the Trade Sanctions
Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. Submitted by the
U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 22, 2013.
USDC: Report on the export licensing actions taken by the
Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
relating to exports of agricultural commodities to Cuba from
October through December 2012 as required by section 906(b) of
the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000.
Submitted by the Department of Commerce, January 25, 2013.
USDA: Department of Agriculture 2012 Equitable Relief
Report as required by section 1613 of the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act. Submitted by USDA, February 4, 2013.
Farm Credit Administration: Report on Fiscal Year 2014
Proposed Budget and Performance Plan. Submitted by the Farm
Credit Administration, February 7, 2013.
USDA: Annual Report on USDA's Federal Grain Inspection
Service (FGIS) pursuant to section 87 of the U.S. Grain
Standards Act. Submitted by USDA, February 6, 2013.
USDA: Copies of recently approved Federal Advisory
Committee Charters as required by the Federal Advisory
Committee Act: Grain Inspection Advisory Committee; National
Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods;
Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century
Agriculture; Land Variety Protection Advisory Board; Advisory
Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. Submitted by USDA,
February 14, 2013.
USDA: Report on the status and disposition of cases
returned to the agency by the National Appeals Division (NAD)
as required by section 14009 of the Food, Conservation, and
Energy Act of 2008. Submitted by USDA, February 13, 2013.
USDA: Proposed Bye Real Estate and Development land
exchange referred to as Submission No. 02/01-13 located on the
Hoosier National Forest within Crawford and Orange counties,
State of Indiana. Submitted by USDA, February 21, 2013.
USDA: Report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm
Service Agency: Biomass Crop Assistance Program, Energy
Feedstocks From Farmers and Foresters. Submitted by USDA,
February 2013.
USDA: Proposed Simplot-Dairy Syncline Land Exchange
referred to as Submission No. 03/02-25, located on the Caribou-
Targhee National Forest within Caribou County, State of Idaho.
Submitted by USDA, March 5, 2013.
USDI: Submission of the Federal Land Assistance, Management
and Enhancement (FLAME) Act Suppression Expenditures for
Interior and Agriculture Agencies: March 2013 Forecasts for
Fiscal Year 2013. Submitted by the U.S. Department of the
Interior, March 6, 2013.
USDA: Report on the Global Effort to Reduce Child Hunger
and Increase School Attendance as required by section 3107 of
the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Submitted
by USDA, March 13, 2013.
USDA: Proposed Backbone Ridge purchase located in the
Grandfather District of the Pisgah National Forest. Submitted
by USDA, March 18, 2013.
USDA: In compliance with P.L. 92-463, the Federal Advisory
Committee Act, enclosed is a copy of a recently approved
Federal Advisory Committee Charter: Secure Rural Schools Act
Resource Advisory Committee. Submitted by USDA, March 19, 2013.
USDA: Letter from the Secretary of Agriculture notifying
the Committee of the Secretary's intent to utilize the
interchange authority under 7 U.S.C. 2257 to transfer $155,584
million from the direct payment program administered by the
Farm Service Agency to several FSA administered programs.
Submitted by USDA, March 19, 2013.
FCA: 2012 Annual Report as required under the Notification
and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of
2002 (No FEAR Act). Submitted by FCA, March 27, 2013.
FCSIC: Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation 2012 Annual
Report as required under the Notification and Federal Employee
Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act).
Submitted by FCSIC, March 27, 2013.
USDHHS: Twelfth Report to Congress on Indicators of Welfare
Dependence as required by the Welfare Indicators Act of 1994.
Submitted by the Department of Health and Human Services, March
29, 2013.
FCA: Final Rule adopted by the Farm Credit Administration
Board under provisions of the Farm Credit Act of 1971, as
amended, as required under 5. U.S.C. 801(a)(1). Submitted by
Farm Credit Administration, April 3, 2013.
USDA: 2012 Annual Report on the Packers and Stockyards
Program as required by the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921.
Submitted by USDA, April 3, 2013.
USDA: 2012 Annual Report of the Farmland Protection Policy
Act pursuant to section 1546 of FPPA, 7 U.S.C. 4207. Submitted
by USDA, April 3, 2013
EPA: 2012 Annual Report pursuant to the Notification and
Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of
2002. Submitted by EPA, April 8, 2013.
USDA: Letter from U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food
Safety and Inspection Service's outlining its' intention to
implement a reorganization that would enable the Agency to
enhance its efficiency, effectiveness, and economy. Submitted
by USDA, April 12, 2012.
GAO: Report on major rule promulgated by USDA, Food and
Nutrition Service, entitled ``Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program: Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant
Program'' (RIN: 0585-AE07).
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs: Investigative Report ``JPMorgan Chase Whale Trades: A
Case History of Derivatives Risks and Abuses''. Submitted by
the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental
Affairs, April 15, 2013.
USTR: Report on proposed modification to current U.S.
country of origin labeling (COOL) regulations to implement
recommendations and rulings of the World Trade Organization
(WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB). Submitted by the Office of
the U.S. Trade Representative, April 18, 2013.
USDA: Letter from the Secretary of Agriculture notifying
the Committee of intent to use the interchange authority under
7 U.S.C. 2257 to transfer $5.4 million in Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) funding from the Farm and Ranch
Lands Protection Program to the Conservation Security Program.
Submitted by the USDA, April 23, 2013.
USDA: Letter from the Secretary of Agriculture notifying
the Committee of intent to use the interchange authority under
7 U.S.C. 2257 to transfer $15 million in Rural Development
funding from various RD program accounts into Salaries and
Expenses. Submitted by the USDA, April 23, 2013.
FCA: Final Rule adopted by the Farm Credit Administration
Board under the provisions of the Farm Credit Act of 1971, as
amended. The purpose of the final rule is to strengthen
liquidity risk management at Farm Credit Systems banks.
Submitted by the Farm Credit Administration, April 8, 2013.
USDA: Federal Advisory Committee Charter: Agricultural Air
Quality Task Force as required by P.L. 92-463, The Federal
Advisory Committee Charter. Submitted by USDA, April 15, 2013.
USDC: Quarterly Report to Congress on Activities Undertaken
by the Department of Commerce pursuant to section 906(b) of the
Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000.
Submitted by U.S. Department of Commerce, April 16, 2013.
EPA: Annual Report to Congress pursuant to the Notification
and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of
2002. Submitted by EPA, April 23, 2013.
State of North Dakota: The 63rd Legislative Assembly for
the State of North Dakota Concurrent Resolution No 3017 urging
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USDA's Natural Resources
Conservation to fairly administer water management laws and
regulations. Submitted by Secretary of State, State of North
Dakota, April 24, 2013.
FCA: The final rule adopted by the Farm Credit
Administration Board under the provisions of the Farm Credit
Act of 1971 which amends Title 12, Chapter VI of the Code of
Federal Regulations. Submitted by the Farm Credit
Administration, April 19, 2013.
USDA: Letter from David R. Shipman, Administrator, USDA,
informing the Committee and Chairman that the Agricultural
Marketing Service (AMS) intends to release a copy of the
current list of all individual growers, farmers and processors
eligible to vote on the current Federal pistachio marketing
order. Submitted by USDA, April 26, 2013.
USDA: The annual Administrative Expenses of Research and
Promotion Boards Supervised by Agriculture Marketing Service
report. Submitted by Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, USDA, May 2,
2013.
USDA: The Federal Advisory Committee Charters: Forestry
Research Advisory Council and the Recreation Resource Advisory
Committees. Submitted by USDA, May 3, 2013.
GAO: Report on the major rule promulgated by the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission, entitled ``Clearing Exemption for
Swaps Between Certain Affiliated Entities.'' Pursuant to
section 801(a)(2)(A) of title 5, United States Code. Submitted
by the United States Government Accountability Office on May 6,
2013.
EPA: Letter from the Arthur A. Elkins, Jr., EPA, requesting
input in an effort to achieve its mission of preventing and
detecting fraud, waste and abuse in EPA programs and
operations. Submitted by the United States Environmental
Protection Agency, May 8, 2013.
DOT: Quarterly report discussing the activities taken by
the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control
in the administration of the licensing regime set forth with
respect to the exportation of agricultural commodities,
medicine, and medical devices to Iran and Sudan. Submitted by
the United States Department of the Treasury, May 9, 2013.
USDA: The annual USDA AMS National Organic Cost-Share
Programs Report to Congress. Submitted by Secretary Thomas J.
Vilsack, USDA, May 10, 2013.
DOE: The Charter establishing the Biomass R&D Technical
Advisory Committee. Submitted by the United States Department
of Energy, May 13, 2013.
USDA: Letter from the Secretary of Agriculture expressing
the USDA's views on H.R. 818, the Healthy Forest Management and
Wildlife Prevention Act. Submitted by USDA, May 14, 2013.
USDA: The U.S. International Food Assistance Report 2011 as
required by section 407 of the Food for Peace Act. Submitted by
USDA and USAID, May 17, 2013.
USDA: The report on the implementation of the 2008
amendments to the Lacey Act, as required by Congress by the
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. Submitted by Thomas
J. Vilsack, USDA, May 21, 2013.
CBO: The prepared cost estimate for H.R. 1947, the
Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, as ordered
reported by the House Committee on Agriculture on May 15, 2013.
Submitted by the Congressional Budget Office on May 23, 2013.
DOJ: A response to the issue of dispensing controlled
substances by veterinarians at a location other than the
registered location. Submitted by Eric J. Akers, Deputy Chief,
Congressional and Public Affairs, May 9, 2013.
FCA: Final rule adopted by the Farm Credit Administration
Board under the provisions of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 as
amended. Amends Title 12, Chapter VI of the Code of Federal
Regulations. Submitted by Jill Long Thompson, Chairman and CEO,
Farm Credit Administration, May 21, 2013.
USDA: The annual report on the No FEAR Act of 2002 for
Fiscal Year 2012. Submitted by Joe Leonard, Jr., Assistant
Secretary for Civil Rights, USDA, May 22, 2013.
DOI: Estimate of anticipated wildfire suppression costs for
Fiscal Year 2013. Submitted by Sally Jewell, DOI, May 23, 2013.
USDA: Semiannual Report to Congress published by the Office
of Inspector General at the USDA highlighting the
accomplishments from October 1, 2012 through March 20, 2013.
Submitted by Phyllis K. Fong, Inspector General, USDA, May 31,
2013.
USTelecom: Letter of thanks for supporting the industry
with the Federal Communications Commission's finalization of
its rules. Submitted by Walter B. McCormick, Jr., USTELECOM,
May 31, 2013.
GAO: Accepting the request to work within the scope of its
authority to review the Federal Communications Commission
reforms. Submitted by Katherine Siggerud, Managing Director,
Government Accountability Office, June 6, 2013.
GAO: Report on the major rule promulgated by the Department
of Agriculture, Agriculture Marketing Service, entitled
``Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb,
Chicken, Goat Meat, Wild and Farm-Raised Fish and Shellfish,
Perishable Agricultural Commodities, Peanuts, Pecans, Ginseng,
and Macadamia Nuts''. Submitted by Robert J. Cramer, GAO, June
10, 2013.
USDA: Informing the Committee on Agriculture of the
Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation
Service Soil Science Division Realignment and Regionalization
Plan. Submitted by Thomas J. Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture,
USDA, June 13, 2013.
GAO: Report on a major rule promulgated by the CFTC
entitled ``Core Principles and Other Requirements for Swap
Execution Facilities''. Submitted by Robert J. Cramer, GAO,
June 17, 2013.
Natural Energy Resources Company: Enclosed PowerPoint
presentation providing a summary of how Central Colorado's
Project innovative high altitude, multi-basin, pumped water and
energy productivity multiplier concept could quickly serve as
Colorado's primary State Water Plan. Submitted by Dave Miller,
President, NERC, June 24, 2013.
USDA: Copies of two recently approved Federal Advisory
Committee Charters: Forest Resource Coordinating Committee and
Lake Tahoe Basin Federal Advisory Committee. Submitted by
Ashlee N. Johnson, USDA, June 24, 2013.
DOI: Public Review and Comment on the Draft Environmental
Impact Statement for Shasta Lake Water Resources Investigation.
Submitted by David G. Murillo, Regional Director, DOI, June 25,
2013.
USDA: Report on the implementation of concluded appeals to
the National Appeals Division from the Risk Management Agency.
Submitted by Brandon Willis, USDA, July 1, 2013.
USDA: Letter recommending to move forward with the proposed
TNC A960 purchase, a 1,190 parcel of land located in Florida.
Submitted by Robert Bonnie, USDA, June 14, 2013.
Farm Credit Administration: Proposed amendments to title
12, chapter VI of the Code of Federal Regulations as
promulgated by the Farm Credit Administration (FCA). Submitted
by Jill Long Thompson, FCA, July 9, 2013.
USDA: Letter recommending to move forward with the proposed
Kimball phase II purchase, a tract of land located in Orange
County, Indiana. Submitted by Gregory Smith, USDA, July 11,
2013.
USDA: Letter recommending to move forward with the proposed
TNC Carter tract purchase, a 90.35 acre piece of land located
in Brown County, Indiana. Submitted by Gregory Smith, USDA,
July 11, 2013.
USDA: Letter recommending to move forward with the proposed
Ozarks purchase, a 120 acre piece of land located in Oregon
County, Missouri. Submitted by Gregory Smith, USDA, July 11,
2013.
CFTC: Letter regarding the upcoming reauthorization of the
CFTC. Submitted by Bart Chilton, U.S. CFTC, July 19, 2013.
EPA: Draft proposed rule revising and updating the
agricultural Worker Protection Standard, as outlined in Section
25(a)(3) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act requiring the EPA to send such report. Submitted by James
J. Jones, EPA, July 24, 2013.
USDA: Copy of the Federal Advisory Committee Charter
regarding Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, in
compliance with P.L. 92-463. Submitted by Ashlee N. Johnson,
USDA, July 29, 2013.
Secretary of the Interior: Official notification that only
60 days worth of funds remain in the FLAME Fund administered by
the secretary, under Title V of Division A of P.L. 111-88.
Submitted by Sally Jewell, DOI, July 31, 2013.
Embassy of Brazil: Letter regarding the farm bill and its
impacts on the Brazil-U.S. Cotton dispute in the World Trade
Organization. Submitted by Mauro Vieira, Ambassador, Embassy of
Brazil, August 9, 2013.
Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association: Letter
opposing veterinary strong opposition to the King Amendment No.
71 regarding the blocking of state laws prohibiting health and
welfare of farm animals. Submitted by Barry Kellogg, HSVMA,
August 7, 2013.
Promedica: Letter expressing concerns regarding SNAP and
supporting the funding the SNAP in the 2013 Farm Bill.
Submitted by Randy Oostra, Promedica, August 12, 2013.
Farm Credit Administration: Interim rule under the
provisions of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 amending Title 12,
chapter VI of the Code of Federal Regulations. Submitted by
Jill Long Thompson, FCA, August 14, 2013.
USAID: U.S. Agency for International Development's report
to Congress titled Multilateral Development Banks' Assistance
Proposals Likely to Have Adverse Impacts on the Environment,
Natural Resources, Public Health and Indigenous Peoples
covering August 2012 to march 2013. Submitted by Charles
Cooper, USAID, August 19, 2013.
USDA: Office of Inspector General's management challenges
report for 2013 as required by the Reports Consolidation Act of
2000. Submitted by Phyllis K. Fong, USDA, August 19, 2013.
USDA: Federal Information Security Management Act Report
for Fiscal Year 2012. Submitted by Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack,
USDA, September 3, 2013.
USDA: Foreign Holdings of U.S. Agricultural Land through
December 31, 2011 Report reflecting data and according to the
Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978.
Submitted by Juan M. Garcia, USDA, September 4, 2013.
CFTC: Letter supporting the language related to targeted
transaction fees being imposed upon traders of futures and
swaps. Submitted by Bart Chilton, U.S. CFTC, September 12,
2012.
USDA: Report that outlines the USDA Forest Service estimate
of anticipated wildland fire suppression costs for Fiscal Year
2013 as required by the FLAME Act of 2009. Submitted by
Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, USDA, September 12, 2013.
EPA: Draft rules pursuant to Section 25(a)(3) of the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. Submitted
by James J. Jones, U.S. EPA, September 13, 2013.
EPA: Letter in support of the charter renewal of the
Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee in accordance
with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5
U.S.C. App 2. Submitted by Gina McCarthy, U.S. EPA, September
13, 2013.
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico: Letter urging against Section
4024 of H.R. 1947 and Nutrition Assistance Programs. Submitted
by Juan E. Hernaandez, Executive Director, September 16, 2013.
USDA: Report responding to the requirement of section 4405
of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. Submitted by
Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, USDA, September 23, 2013.
CFTC: Letter urging the consideration of innovative
legislation permitting continued full funding of the CFTC
through a potential government shutdown and or continuing
resolution. Submitted by Bart Chilton, U.S. CFTC, September 24,
2013.
Congress: Letter to CFTC Chairman Gensler and Commissioners
Chilton, O'Malia, and Wetjen regarding concerns of the November
14, 2012 proposed rule to improve protections for futures
customers. Submitted by Hon. Frank D. Lucas, Hon. Debbie
Stabenow, Hon. Collin C. Peterson, Hon. Thad Cochran, September
25, 2013.
Farm Credit Administration: Proposed amendments to title
12, chapter VI of the Code of Federal Regulations as
promulgated by the Farm Credit Administration. Submitted by
Jill Long Thompson, FCA, October 15, 2013.
USDA: Request for a copy of the 2012/2013 Independent
Raisin Grower List from the Raisin Administrative Committee as
requested by the Agricultural Marketing Service under the
Freedom of Information Act. Submitted by Rex A. Barnes, USDA,
October 22, 2013.
Farm Credit Administration: Final rule adopted by the Farm
Credit Administration Board amending Title 12, Chapter VI of
the Code of Federal Regulations. Submitted by Jill Long
Thompson, FCA, October 25, 2013.
DOI: Forecast of fire suppression expenditures for Fiscal
Year 2014 pursuant to the Federal Land Assistance Management
Act of 2009. Submitted by Sally Jewell, DOI, October 28, 2013.
USDA: Annual FLAME Report for Fiscal Year 2012 pursuant to
the requirements outlined in Title V--FLAME Act of 2009.
Submitted by Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, USDA, October 28,
2013.
EPA: Letter expressing support for the charter renewal of
the EPA Science Advisory Board in accordance with the
provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Submitted by
Gina McCarthy, EPA, November 1, 2013.
DOC: Export Licensing Actions Report taken by the
Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security
relating to exports of agricultural commodities to Cuba from
July 1 through September 30, 2013. Submitted by Eric L.
Hirschhorn, United States Department of Commerce, Under
Secretary for Industry and Security, November 6, 2013.
USDA: Recommendation to move forward with the proposed
North Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy Purchase regarding
77.988 acres located in Henderson County, North Carolina.
Submitted by Robert Bonnie, USDA, November 7, 2013.
USDA: Letter notifying the Agriculture Committee of their
intention to terminate Federal Marketing Order No. 947 which
regulates the handling of Irish potatoes grown in Modoc and
Siskiyou Counties, California, and in all counties in Oregon
except for Malheur County. Submitted by Annie L. Alonzo, USDA,
November 12, 2013.
USDA: Special Nutrition Programs Report No. CN-13-DC
pursuant to section 4301 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy
Act of 2008. Submitted by Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, USDA,
November 14, 2013.
USDA: Activities of the Foreign Market Development
Cooperator Program Report as required by Section 702 of the
Agricultural Trade Act of 1978, as amended. Submitted by
Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, USDA, November 21, 2013.
Farm Credit Administration: Semiannual report prepared by
the Inspector General of the Farm Credit Administration for the
period of April 1, 2013 through September 30, 2013, pursuant to
the Inspector General Act of 1978. Submitted by Jill Long
Thompson, FCA, November 22, 2013.
EPA: Initial evaluation of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's classified information program as required
by the Reducing Over-Classification Act. Submitted by Arthur A.
Elkins, Jr., EPA, November 22, 2013.
GAO: Enhancing Protections Afforded Customers and Customer
Funds Held by Futures Commission Merchants and Derivatives
Clearing Organizations report promulgated by the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission. Submitted by Robert J. Cramer, GAO,
November 27, 2013.
EPA: Notification of the availability of the draft of the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) FY 2014-2018
Strategic Plan, which is supports the four-year update required
by the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA)
Modernization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-352). Submitted by EPA,
December 2, 2013.
FCSIC: Report of the Farm Credit System Insurance
Corporation's consolidated report the President addressing the
requirements of the Federal Manager's Financial Integrity Act
and the Inspector General Act of 1978. Submitted by FCSIC,
December 12, 2013.
USDA: Letter outlining the Department of Agriculture's
Forest Service estimate of anticipated wildland fire
suppression costs for FY 2014, as required by P.L. 111-88.
Submitted by USDA, December 16, 2013.
FCA: Report of Farm Credit Administration titled
``Performance and Accountability Report for FY 2013.''
Submitted by FCA, December 16, 2013.
USDA: Semiannual Report to Congress published by the Office
of the General (OGI) at the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Submitted by USDA, December 17, 2013.
GAO: Report on a major rule promulgated by the CFTC
entitled ``Derivatives Clearing Organizations and International
Standards'' (RIN: 3038-AE06). Submitted by GAO, December 17,
2013.
USDA: Office of Inspector General notification to postpone
an audit of FSIC CIS program in Fiscal Year 2014. Submitted by
USDA, December 18, 2013.
FCA: Final rule adopted by the Farm Credit Administration
Board under the provisions of the Farm Credit Act 1971, as
amended. The rule amends Title 12, Chapter VI of the Code of
Federal Regulations. Submitted by FCA, December 18, 2013.
GAO: Report on a major rule promulgated by the Department
of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service (RUS) entitled ``Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program'' (RIN: 0572-AC19).
Submitted by GAO, December 20, 2013.
EPA: Charter renewal of the Local Government Advisory
Committee in accordance with the provisions of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2. Submitted by EPA,
December 20, 2013.
NRCS: Report on the final determination of all cases to the
agency of the National Appeal Division, as required by section
209 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of
1994. Submitted by NRCS, January 2, 2014.
FCA: Proposed amendments to title 12, chapter VI of the
Code of Federal Regulations as promulgated by the Farm Credit
Administration. Submitted by FCA, January 13, 2014.
FCA: Proposed amendments to title 12, chapter VI of the
Code of Federal Regulations as promulgated by the Farm Credit
Administration to The Honorable Rick Crawford, Chairman of the
Subcommittee on Livestock, Rural Development, and Credit.
Submitted by FCA, January 13, 2014.
NRCS: Report presenting payment statistics related to
enrollments in the Wetlands Reserve Program, the Farm and Ranch
Lands Protection Program, the Grassland Reserve Program, the
Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and the Agricultural
Water Enhancement Program. Submitted by Jason A. Weller,
National Resources Conservation Service, January 15, 2014.
DOC: Report on the export licensing actions taken by the
Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security
relating to exports of agricultural commodities to Cuba from
October 1 through December 31, 2013. Submitted by Eric L.
Hirschhorn, U.S. Department of Commerce, January 16, 2014.
DOT: Quarterly Report (January 1-March 31, 2013) discussing
activities undertaken by the Department of the Treasury's
Office of Foreign Assets Control in the administration of one-
year licensing regime. Submitted by Adam J. Szubin, Department
of the Treasury, January 17, 2014.
DOT: Quarterly Report (April 1-June 30, 2013) discussing
activities undertaken by the Department of the Treasury's
Office of Foreign Assets Control in the administration of one-
year licensing regime. Submitted by Adam J. Szubin, Department
of the Treasury, January 17, 2014.
USDA: Report, as directed by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids
Act of 2010, to the Committee on Agriculture and Committee on
Education and the Workforce describing the status of each
demonstration project and the results of any evaluations of the
demonstration projects completed during the previous fiscal
year. Submitted by USDA, January 23, 2014.
USDA: Cop of a recently approved committee charted
amendment for the Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory
Committees in compliance with P.L. 92-463. Submitted by Ashlee
Nicole Johnson, USDA, January 27, 2014.
USDA: Copy of the grower list from the Cherry Industry
Administrative Board from December 1, 2011 through January 16,
2014, per the request of the Agricultural Marketing Service.
Submitted by USDA, January 27, 2014.
Iowa House of Representatives: Copy of House Resolution 102
requesting the United States Congress regularly establishes
agricultural and food policy in an omnibus farm bill in a
bipartisan spirit of cooperation. Submitted by Carmine Boal,
Chief Clerk of the Iowa House of Statehood, January 27, 2014.
Yavapai County Board of Supervisors: Letter expressing the
unanimous support for the Yavapai County Resolution #1856 which
requests full funding for the Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes Program.
Submitted by Rowle P. Simmons, Chairman of the Board of
Supervisors for the Yavapai County, January 28, 2014.
USDA: Copy of the recently approved Federal Advisory
Committee Charter for the National Advisory Committee for
Implementation of the National Forest System Land Management
Planning Rule. Submitted by Ashlee N. Johnson, USDA, February
3, 2014.
EPA: Notice of the renewal of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural
Communities Advisory Committee. Submitted by EPA, February 14,
2014.
USDA: Copy of the recently approved Federal Advisory
Committee Charter for the Tongrass Advisory Committee.
Submitted by Ashlee N. Johnson, Acting Committee Management
Officer, USDA, February 6, 2014.
USDA: Report on the implementation of concluded appeals to
the National Appeals Division from the Risk Management Agency.
Submitted by Brandon Willis, Administrator, USDA, February 7,
2014.
GAO: Commodity Futures Trading Commission: Prohibitions and
Restrictions on Proprietary Trading and Certain Interests in,
and Relationships with, Hedge Funds and Private Equity Funds.
Submitted by: GAO, February 18, 2014.
FCA: Advanced notice of proposed rulemaking on ways to
address Federal Agricultural Mortgage Board governance and
standards of conduct. Submitted by Jill Long Thompson, Chairman
and CEO, FCA, February 19, 2014.
USDA: Fifth annual report to Congress on the Healthy
Initiatives Pilot. Submitted by Kevin Concannon, Under
Secretary, Food, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, February 21,
2014.
ASHS: Letter to encourage farm bill passage. Submitted by
Dr. Mary Hockenberry Meyer, ASHS President, February 24, 2014.
USDA: 2013 Equitable Relief Report. Submitted by Thomas J.
Vilsack, Sectary of Agriculture, February 24, 2014.
FCA: FCA's proposed Fiscal Year 2015 budget. Submitted by
Jill Long Thompson, Chairman and CEO, FCA, March 4, 2014.
USDA: 2013 Annual Report describing the 2012 activities of
the Dairy Promotion Programs. Submitted by Thomas J. Vilsack,
Secretary of Agriculture, March 5, 2014.
USDA: 2013 Fiscal Year report to Congress on factors that
affect the export of specialty crops. Submitted by Thomas J.
Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture, March 5, 2014.
FCA: 2013 Annual Report required under the No FEAR Act.
Submitted by Thais Burlew, Director, Equal Employment
Opportunity and Inclusion, March 6, 2014.
FCSIC: 2013 Annual Report required under the No FEAR Act.
Submitted by Thais Burlew, Director, Equal Employment
Opportunity and Inclusion, March 6, 2014.
Treasury Department: Quarterly report from July 1-September
30, 2013 submitted under section 906(b) of the Trade Sanctions
Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. Submitted by Adam
Szubin, Director, Office of Foreign Assets Control, Treasury
Department, March 12, 2014.
NGSA & NCGA: Providing input to the Committee as it reviews
the Commodity Exchange Act. Submitted by NGSA & NCGA, March 19,
2014.
State Department: Report on Actions Taken to Ensure that
the Water Deficits Owed by Mexico to the United States Do Not
Increase and that Allocations Comply with the Treaty for the
Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of
the Rio Grande of 1944. Submitted by Julia Frifield, Assistant
Secretary, Legislative Affairs, March 19, 2014.
USDA: Forest Service has completed the Evergreen Land
Exchange referred to as submission 02/03-05. Submitted by
Gregory C. Smith, Director of Lands and Realty Management,
March 20, 2014.
FCA: Interim final rule adopted by the FCA Board under the
provisions of the Farm Credit Act of 1971. Submitted by Jill
Long Thompson, Chairman and CEO, FCA, March 21, 2014.
USDA: Federal Advisory Charters for the Collaborative
Forest Restoration Program Technical Advisory Panel and the
Arizona National Scenic Trail Advisory Council. Submitted by
Ashlee N. Johnson, Acting Committee Management Officer, USDA,
March 24, 2014.
Department of the Interior: Estimate of anticipated
wildlife suppression costs for Fiscal Year 2014. Submitted by
Sally Jewell, Secretary, Department of the Interior, March 25,
2014.
Minnesota Holstein Association: 2014 Resolutions of the
Minnesota Holstein Association. Submitted by the Minnesota
Holstein Association Board of Directors, March 26, 2014.
USDA: AMS releasing a list of all cranberry growers in
Oregon under a FOIA request. Submitted by Rex A. Barnes,
Associate Administrator, USDA, March 27, 2014.
EPA: Charter renewal of the Human Studies Review Board.
Submitted by Gina McCarthy, EPA, March 28, 2014.
Iowa House of Representatives: House Resolution 123.
Submitted by Carmine Boal, Chief Clerk, Iowa House of
Representatives, April 3, 2014.
USDA and Department of the Interior: National Cohesive
Wildlife Fire Management Strategy. Submitted by Sally Jewell,
Secretary, Department of the Interior, and Thomas J. Vilsack,
Secretary of Agriculture, April 7, 2014.
USDA: Progress report on implementation of the provisions
on certain types of fish in the 2014 Farm Bill. Submitted by
Thomas J. Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture, April 10, 2014.
HHS: Thirteenth Report to Congress on Welfare Indicators
and Risk Factors. Submitted by Kathleen Sebelius, April 11,
2014.
USDA: Federal Advisory Committee Charter for the Council of
Native American Farming and Ranching. Submitted by Cikena Reid,
Committee Management Officer, USDA, April 14, 2014.
USDA: U.S. International Food Assistance Report FY 2012.
Submitted by Thomas J. Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture, and
Dr. Rajiv Shah, Administrator, USAID, April 17, 2014.
USDA: Recommendation to move forward with the proposed TL
Wright purchase in Ripley County, Missouri. Submitted by
Gregory Smith, Director of Lands and Realty Management, USDA,
April 17, 2014.
USAID: Multilateral Development Banks' Assistance Proposals
Likely to Have Adverse Impacts on the Environment, Natural
Resources, Public Health, and Indigenous Peoples. Submitted by
T. Charles Cooper, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for
Legislative and Public Affairs, April 17, 2014.
EPA: Draft final rule and notice of proposed rulemaking:
Pesticides; Labeling of Pesticide Products and Devices for
Export. Submitted James Jones, Assistant Administrator, EPA,
April 21, 2014.
USDA: Response to the Chairman's January 27, 2014 letter
regarding USDA conversation assistance to farmers and ranchers
in the southwest United States. Submitted by Thomas J. Vilsack,
Secretary of Agriculture, April 21, 2014.
Concerned Employees of Rural Development Civil Rights
Staff: Discrimination against employee of RD Civil Rights
Staff. Submitted by Concerned Employees of Rural Development
Civil Rights Staff, no date.
USDA: Copy of the recently approved Federal Advisory
Committee Charter for the National Wildlife Services Advisory
Committee. Submitted by Cikena Reid, USDA, April 23, 2014.
USDA: FLAME Act Annual Report for FY 2013. Submitted by
Thomas J. Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture, April 23, 2014.
Coalition of U.S. Feed Processing Equipment Manufacturers
for Fair Trade: Threat that U.S. feed product manufacturers are
facing from China. Submitted by Paul Gill, Kevin Kacere, Phil
Hall, Ted Waitman, Lafe Bailey, April 24, 2014.
Business Council for Sustainable Energy: Support for
provisions in H.R. 4413. Submitted by Lisa Jacobson, President,
Business Council for Sustainable Energy, April 29, 2014.
GAO: Department of Agriculture, Commodity Credit
Corporation: Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance
Programs, Payment Limitations, and Payment Eligibility.
Submitted by Robert J. Cramer, Managing Associate General
Counsel, GAO, April 29, 2014.
USDA: Federal Advisory Committee Charter for the Black
Hills National Forest Advisory Board. Submitted by Cikena Reid,
Committee Management Officer, USDA, April 30, 2014.
Department of the Interior: May forecast for FY 2014 fire
suppression costs. Submitted by Sally Jewell, Department of the
Interior, May 1, 2014.
EPA: EPA's FY 2014-2018 Strategic Plan. Submitted by
Maryann Froehlich, Acting CFO, May 2, 2014.
USDA: Report on the State expenditures under the National
Organic Certification Cost-Share Program. Submitted by Thomas
J. Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture. May 5, 2014.
FCA: Office of the Inspector General Report semiannual
report for October 1, 2013-March 31, 2014. Submitted by Jill
Long Thompson, Board Chair and CEO, FCA, May 5, 2014.
USDA: Office of the Secretary forwarding the proposed Crane
Lake land exchange referred to as Submission No. 03/03-20 for
thirty day oversight, May 2014.
USDA: AMS copy of the Pesticide Data Program, May 2014.
USDA: Office of the Secretary forwarding Federal Advisory
Committee Charter for the National Organic Standards Board, May
1, 2014.
USDA: AMS correspondence regarding FOIA request for
kiwifruit growers, May 13, 2014.
HHS: Response letter regarding Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program (LIHEAP), May 13, 2014.
USDA: Office of the Secretary presenting the third progress
report on implementation of the provisions on certain types of
fish in the Agricultural Act of 2014, May 16, 2014.
USDA: OIG letter regarding Semiannual Report to Congress
for October 1, 2013 through March 13, 2014, May 21, 2014.
USDA: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights No
FEAR Act report, May 19, 2014.
USDA: Office of the Secretary sent copy of U.S. Atlantic
Spiny Dogfish, May 22, 2014.
USDA: Office of the Secretary sent copy of the approved
committee charter amendment for the Pacific Northwest National
Scenic Trail Advisory Council, May 22, 2014.
USDA: Forest Service letter recommending moving forward
with the proposed Prickett Lake Phase III purchase, May 28,
2014.
EPA: Sent copy of the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's FY 2013 annual report prepared in accordance of the No
FEAR Act, May 29, 2014.
USDA: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
annual report of civil rights, complaints, resolutions, and
actions for FY 2013, June 2, 2014.
CFTC: Charter for the newly established U.S. Commodity
Futures Trading Commission's Market Risk Advisory Committee,
June 2, 2014.
USDA: AMS intends to release copy of the list of names and
addresses of all growers who were eligible to vote in the
continuance referendum for the Federal Marketing Order 916 for
fresh California nectarines under FOIA, June 3, 2014.
USDA: Office of the Secretary submitted an annual
assessment of the cattle and hog industries as required under
the Packers and Stockyards Act, June 4, 2014.
USDA: Office of the Secretary letter recommending moving
forward with the proposed Leotis Kirby purchase, June 4, 2014.
FCA: Proposed amendments to title 12, chapter VI of the
Code of Federal Regulations as promulgated by the FCA, June 4,
2014.
USDA: Office of the Secretary presenting the fourth
progress report on implementation of the provisions on certain
types of fish in the Agricultural Act of 2014, June 6, 2014.
EPA: Letter to support the charter National Advisory
Council for Environmental Policy and Technology in accordance
with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5
U.S.C. App. 2, June 6, 2014.
USDA: Office of the Secretary letter to submit USDA's 2013
Conference Transparency Report, June 9, 2014.
USDA: Office of the Secretary sent copy of a recently
approved Committee Charter for the Secure Rural Schools
Resource Advisory Committee, June 10, 2014.
FCA: Final rule adopted by FCA 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, June
12, 2014.
EPA: Letter to support the charter of the Great Lakes
Advisory Board, June 13, 2014.
FCA: Proposed amendments to title 12, chapter VI of the
Code of Federal Regulations as promulgated by the Farm Credit
Administration. To Congressman Peterson. June 24, 2014.
FCA: Proposed amendments to title 12, chapter VI of the
Code of Federal Regulations as promulgated by the Farm Credit
Administration. To Congressman Lucas. June 24, 2014.
Treasury: Office of foreign assets control biennial report
for the period of October 1, 2010-September 30, 2012, submitted
under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of
2000, June 25, 2014.
Interior: As required by the Federal Land Assistance
Management and Enhancement Act of 2009, an estimate of
anticipated wildfire suppression costs for FY 2014, June 27,
2014.
USDA: Forest Service's estimate of anticipated wildland
fire suppression costs for FY 2014, July 1, 2014.
Hong Kong: Office of the Commissioner of U.S. Economic and
Trade Affairs. Informing that Hong Kong relaxed restrictions on
the importing of U.S. beef, and that they are interested in
increased effort of importation, July 7, 2014.
USDA: Letter presenting the fifth progress report on
implementation of the provisions on certain types of fish in
the 2014 Farm Bill, July 8, 2014.
USDA: Letter presenting reports on implementation of
concluded appeals to the National Appeals Division, July 14,
2014.
Farm Credit: Letter from the Farm Credit Council addressing
the inaccuracies of the testimony of the commercial banks in
the hearing on rural farm credit, July 14, 2014.
Fisherman's Association: Letter requesting that the
committee change the name of dogfish to chipfish for marketing
purposes, July 16, 2014.
CFTC: Transmittal of the semiannual report of the inspector
general of the CFTC for the period ending 3/31/2014, July 10,
2014.
USDA: Letter providing a report on the Plant Pest and
Disease Management and Disaster Prevention program, July 18,
2014.
Loggers: Letter from the American Loggers Council
supporting the 2014 Farm Bill, July 29, 2014.
USDA: 2013 Farmland Protection Policy Act annual report,
February 2014
NRCS: Nationwide Survey of land trusts that protect farm
and ranch land, June 2013
University of Nebraska: Impacts of the Federal Farm and
Ranch Lands Protection Program, June 2013.
CFTC: Transmittal of the semiannual report of the Inspector
General of the commodity futures trading commission for the
period ending 3/31/14, July 10, 2014
USDA: Office of the Secretary sent a copy of administrative
expense reports on programs established under commodity
promotion laws, August 5, 2014.
USDA: Letter from Office of the Secretary to Chairman
approving Federal Advisory Committee Charter for the
Secretary's Advisory Committee on Animal Health, August 7,
2014.
USDA: Letter from Office of the Secretary to Chairman
approving Committee Charter for the National Advisory Committee
on Meat and Poultry Inspection, August 11, 2014.
USDA: Letter from Office of the Secretary to Chairman
approving Federal Advisory Committee Charter for the National
Advisory Council on Maternal, Infant, and Fetal Nutrition,
August 11, 2014
USDA: Letter from Office of the Secretary to Chairman
presenting the sixth progress report on implementation of
provisions on certain types of fish in the 2014 Farm Bill,
August 11, 2014.
FCA: Letter from Farm Credit Administration to Chairman
addressing Dodd-Frank Act, August 19, 2014.
Department of Education: Letter of thanks from Office of
Postsecondary Education to Chairman for addressing program
integrity and regulations of Federal Student Aid programs,
August 21, 2014.
The Secretary of the Interior Washington: Letter from the
Secretary of the Interior Washington to Chairman informing that
only 60 days remain until FLAME funds are depleted. Submitted
by Sally Jewell, August 15, 2014.
USDA: Copies of Management Challenges within the United
States Department of Agriculture provided to USDA Agency Heads.
Submitted by USDA, August 2014.
USDA: Letter of thanks from Secretary Vilsack to Chairman
Lucas for cosigning the expansion of markets for U.S. dairy
products as part of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment
Partnership. Submitted by Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, August
18, 2014.
USDA: Letter from Office of Secretary to Chairman on the
acquisition of the purposed Cassidy purchase. Submitted by
Robert Bonnie, August 19, 2014.
Brazos River Bottom Alliance: Letter from chair of BRBA to
Chairman regarding the loss of farmland in the State of Texas.
Submitted by Kathleen Hubbard and Mary B. Conner, August 21,
2014.
The National Humane Education Society: Letter from Humane
Education & Advocacy Department to Chairman requesting support
for The Pets and Women's Safety (PAWS) Act, Submitted by Megan
L. Flinn, August 22, 2014.
USDA: Letter from Secretary Vilsack to Chairman informing
that the Forest Service is within 30 days of depleting all
available FLAME funds under Title V of the FLAME Act 2009.
Submitted by Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, August 22, 2014.
EPA: Letter from Office of Congressional and
Intergovernmental Relations to Chairman supporting the charter
of the National Advisory Committee, August 22, 2014.
GAO: Department of Agriculture, Commodity Credit
Corporation: Cotton Transition Assistance Program and General
Provisions for Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss
Coverage Programs. Submitted by Robert J. Cramer, August 25,
2014.
USDA: Letter from Office of the Secretary to Chairman
providing a copy of recently amended Federal Committee Charter
for the National Organic Standards Board. Submitted by Cikena
Reid, August 28, 2014.
The Secretary of the Interior Washington: Letter from the
Secretary of the Interior Washington to Chairman estimating the
approximate cost for the first FLAME forecast of the Fiscal
Year 2015. Submitted by Sally Jewell, September 5, 2014.
EPA: Letter from Office of Congressional and
Intergovernmental Relations to Chairman acknowledging support
of the charter Goon Neighbor Environmental Board. Submitted by
Gina McCarthy, September 5, 2014.
USDA: Letter from Secretary Vilsack to Chairman Lucas
presenting the seventh progress report on implementation of the
provisions on certain types of fish in the Agricultural Act of
2014. Submitted by Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, September 9,
2014.
GAO: Department of Agriculture, Commodity Credit
Corporation: Margin Protection Program for Dairy Production
Donation Program. Submitted by Robert J. Cramer, September 12,
2014.
USDA: In compliance with P.L. 92-463, the Federal Advisory
Committee Act, enclosed is a copy of a recently approved
Committee Charter for the: Advisory Committee on Agricultural
Statistics. Submitted by Cikena Reid, September 11, 2014.
FCA: Proposed amendments to title 12, chapter VI of the
Code of Federal Regulations as promulgated by the FCA.
Submitted by Jill Long Thompson, September 12, 2014.
FCA: Proposed amendments to title 12, chapter VI of the
Code of Federal Regulations as promulgated by the FCA.
Submitted by Jill Long Thompson, September 12, 2014.
USDI: Copy of the Invasive Species Advisory Committee
charter for filing with the Committee on Agriculture. Submitted
by Lori C. Williams, September 15, 2014.
USDA: Notification of USDA's FSA substantial progress in
implementing the provisions of section 1614(b)(1) of the Act.
Submitted by Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, September 18, 2014.
USDA: Provide Congress with a report that describes the
cropland acreage in each applicable county and State, and the
change in cropland acreage from the preceding year beginning
with the year 2000 through 2013. Submitted by Secretary Thomas
J. Vilsack, September 19, 2014.
The Conference for Food Protection: To express its concerns
about attempts in Congress to prohibit the FDA from fulfilling
its food safety enforcement mission by restricting its ability
to address public health issues linked to the sale of raw milk.
Submitted by Chairman John M. Luker, September 22, 2014.
USDA: Follow-up to thank letter submitted 7/30/2014 to U.S.
Trade Representative Michael Froman and Secretary Vilsack,
expressing views regarding the country-of-origin labeling
dispute, which is being litigated in the WTO. Submitted by
Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, September 24, 2014.
CFTC: Charter for the U.S. CFTC's reestablishment of the
Agricultural Advisory Committee. Submitted by Heather C.
Gottry, September 24, 2014.
CFTC: Charter for the U.S. CFTC's reestablishment of the
Global Markets Advisory Committee. Submitted by Heather C.
Gottry, September 24, 2014.
USDA: Notification of the review and recommendation of
moving forward with the proposed Edwards purchase. Submitted by
NRE Under Secretary Robert Bonnie, September 26, 2014.
Office of the Clerk: Reminder to file on a quarterly basis,
with the Clerk of the House, a consolidated report of funds
expended relating to travel outside the U.S. by employees or
members of that committee. Submitted by Clerk Karen L. Haas,
October 1, 2014.
USDA: Copy of the recently approved Federal Advisory
Committee Charter for the General Conference Committee of the
National Poultry Improvement Plan. Submitted by Cikena Reid,
Committee Management Officer, White House Liaison, Office of
the Secretary, October 1, 2014
GPO: Requisitions for printing and binding work submitted
by your Congressional organization that have been completed by
the Government Printing Office (GPO) through August 2014.
Submitted by Lyle L. Green, Director of Official Journal of
Government, October 2, 2014.
USDA: Report on energy use and energy efficiency projects
at the Washington, District of Columbia, headquarters and the
major regional facilities of the USDA. Submitted by Secretary
Thomas J. Vilsack, October 8, 2014.
USDA: Eighth progress report on implementation of the
provisions on certain types of fish in the Agricultural Act of
2014 (P.L. 113-79). Submitted by Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack,
October 9, 2014.
Office of the Clerk: Offer the committee assistance in
complying with its archival obligations under the Rules of the
House of Representatives. Submitted by Karen L. Haas, October
10, 2014.
Department of the Treasury: Quarterly report for the period
October 1-December 31, 2013 submitted under 906(b) of the Trade
Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. Submitted
by Adam J. Szubin, Director of Office of Foreign Assets
Control, October 10, 2014.
USDA: Response to letter submitted July 17, 2014 regarding
the report called for under Section 2610 of the Agricultural
Act of 2014 related to activities that pertain to the
conversation of the lesser prairie chicken. Submitted by
Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, October 14, 2014.
GAO: Report on a major rule promulgated by the Department
of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, and Commodity Credit
Corporation entitled ``Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss
Coverage Programs.'' Submitted by Robert J. Cramer, Managing
Associate General Counsel, October 14, 2014.
FCA: Proposed amendment for loans and special flood
hazards. Submitted by Charles R. Rawls, General Counsel,
October 16, 2014.
FCA: Propose an amendment to the agencies' regulations
regarding loans in areas having special flood hazards.
Submitted by Charles R. Rawls, General Counsel, October 16,
2014.
CFTC: The charter for the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading
Commission's reestablishment of the Technology Advisory
Committee (TAC). Descriptions of the TAC's purposes and the
subjects it is intended to address are included in the enclosed
charter. Submitted by Heather C. Gottry, Deputy General Counsel
for General Law and CFTC Committee Management Officer, October
16, 2014.
FCA: Proposed Amendments to title 12, chapter VI of the
Code of Federal Regulations as promulgated by the Farm Credit
Administration. Submitted by Jill Long Thompson, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, October 17, 2014.
USDA: A report titled Foreign Holdings of U.S. Agricultural
Land Through December 31, 2012 complied by the FSA to reflect
the data collected annually according to the requirements of
the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978.
Submitted by Administrator Val Dolcini, October 20, 2014.
FCA: Proposed Amendments to title 12, chapter VI of the
Code of Federal Regulations as promulgated by the Farm Credit
Administration. Submitted by Jill Long Thompson, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, October 29, 2014.
USDA: Response to a request that the Agricultural Research
Service provide information on the fungus Fusarum oxysporum.
Submitted by Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, October 30, 2014.
USHR: A letter to Chairman Frank D. Lucas to acknowledge
the receipt of the Committee on Agriculture's third Quarter
report for official foreign travel filed with the Clerk of the
House. Submitted by Karen L. Haas, Clerk U.S. House of
Representatives, November 3, 2014.
EPA: A draft of rules from the EPA on Section 25(a)(3) of
the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.
Submitted by Assistant Administrator James J. Jones, November
3, 2014.
USDA: A copy of the 2014 West Virginia Annual Bulletin
containing the 2012 Census of Agriculture. Submitted by the
West Virginia Field Office, October 16, 2014.
USDA: A letter of thanks to Chairman Frank D. Lucas for the
letter received by the chairman and his colleagues regarding
the regulation of importation of fresh and frozen beef from
Brazil. Submitted by Administrator Kevin Shea, October 22,
2014.
USDA-NASS: Copy of recently obtained 2014 Agricultural
Statistics from Montana. Submitted by Administrator Joseph T.
Reilly, October 2014.
USDC: A report to Congress regarding the export licensing
actions taken by the Department of Commerce's Bureau of
Industry and Security relating to exports of agricultural
commodities to Cuba. Submitted by Eric L. Hirschhorn, November
3, 2014.
USDC: A report to Congress on the exporting licensing
actions taken by the Department of Commerce's Bureau of
Industry and Security relating to exports of agricultural
commodities to Cuba during the preceding two-year period of
October 1, 2012-September 30, 2014. Submitted by Eric L.
Hirschhorn, November 4, 2014.
USDA: A progress report on implementation of the provisions
on certain types of fish in the Agricultural Act of 2014.
Submitted by Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack, November 6, 2014.
Representative Ralph M. Hall: A letter to the Chairman
urging support for H.R. 5603. H.R. 5603 pertains to the
preservation of Lake Fannin located in Fannin County, Texas
where is it being neglected and subsequently has led to
deterioration of the property. Submitted by Ralph M. Hall,
November 14, 2014.
FCA: A Performance and Accountability Report for Fiscal
Year 2014 from the Farm Credit Administration. Submitted by
Jill Long Thompson, November 17, 2014.
FCSIC: A copy of the Farm Credit System Insurance
Corporation's consolidated report to the President addressing
the requirements of the Federal Manager's Financial Integrity
Act and the Inspector General Act of 1978. Submitted by Kenneth
A. Spearman, November 17, 2014.
USDA: A copy of the recently approved Committee Charter for
the Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers. Submitted by
Committee Management Officer Cikena Reid, November 19, 2014.
SRI Foundation: A thank you letter to Mr. Tidwell for the
Forest Service many years of support of the Passport-in-Time.
Submitted by Terry H. Klein, November 20, 2014.
USDA: The most recent Semiannual Report to Congress
published by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) at the
Department of Agriculture (USDA). Highlights accomplishments
between April 1, 2014 to September 30, 2014. Submitted by
Phyllis K. Fong, November 25, 2014.

c. memorials

Memorial No. 31 of the House of Representatives of the
State of Hawaii, relative to House Resolution No. 149 requiring
the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug
Administration to come up with a nation-wide system for
monitoring, labeling, and enforcing the labeling of all whole
and processed genetically engineered foods. Submitted May 22,
2013.
Memorial No. 140 of the Legislature of the Territory of
Virgin Islands, relative to Resolution No. 1794 urging the
Congress adopt H.R. 92. Submitted October 10, 2013.
Memorial No. 168 of the House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, relative to House Resolution No.
223 memorializing the Congress to support Congressman Glenn
Thompson's efforts to add to the farm bill or his efforts to
introduce new legislation known as the Forest Products Fairness
Act of 2013. Submitted January 13, 2014.
Memorial No. 183 of the House of Representatives of the
State of Iowa, relative to House Resolution No. 102 requesting
that the Congress enact a new food, farm, and jobs bill.
Submitted April 9, 2014.
Memorial No. 220 of the Senate of the State of Idaho,
relative to Senate Joint Memorial No. 105 asking the President,
the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Congress to give Idaho
the flexibility to have control over the foods authorized for
purchase with the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Programs
(SNAP) benefits. Submitted June 20, 2014.
Memorial No. 221 of the Senate of the State of Idaho,
relative to Senate Joint Resolution No. 103 recommending that
the Idaho Delegation to Congress work with representatives of
other seafood and fish-producing states to acquire sufficient
funding for effectual and maintained domestic marketing of
American seafood. Submitted June 20, 2014.
Memorial No. 241 of the House of Representatives of the
State of Rhode Island, relative to House Resolution No. 7706
requesting that the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation pursue
certification as a Federal Urban Promise Zone and Manufacturing
Hub; jointly to the Committees on Financial Services and
Agriculture. Submitted July 11, 2014.
Memorial No. 307 of the House of Representatives of the
State of Rhode Island, relative to House Resolution No. 96
requesting the Rhode Island Commerce Commission pursue
certification as a Federal Promise Zone and Manufacturing Hub;
jointly to the Committees on Financial Services and
Agriculture. Submitted August 4, 2014.
Memorial No. 308 of the General Assembly of the State of
Rhode Island, relative to Joint Resolution No. 412 requesting
the state's Congressional Delegation to initiate and pursue all
efforts to have Rhode Island declared a ``Promise Zone'';
jointly to the Committees on Financial Services and
Agriculture. Submitted August 4, 2014.
Memorial No. 317 of the General Assembly of the State of
Rhode Island, relative to Joint Resolution 412 urging the
state's delegation to pursue all efforts to have Rhode Island
declared a ``Promise Zone''; jointly to the Committees on
Financial Services and Agriculture. Submitted September 11,
2014.

d. petitions

Petition No. 21 of the Legislature of Rockland County, New
York relative to Resolution No. 186 urging the House of
Representatives to pass H.R. 712. Submitted May 23, 2013.
Petition No. 65 of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact
Commission, Oklahoma, relative to Resolution 13.077 supporting
the Congress to pass legislation recognizing state jurisdiction
for the regulation of hydraulic fracturing; jointly to the
Committees on Energy and Commerce, Agriculture, Transportation
and Infrastructure, and Natural Resources. Submitted December
19, 2013.
Petition No. 66 of Interstate Oil and Gas Compact
Commission, Oklahoma, relative to Resolution 13.078 urging that
FracFocus shall provide for the reporting of all chemicals that
were intentionally added and used for the purpose of creating a
hydraulic fracturing treatment; jointly to the Committees on
Natural Resources, Energy and Commerce, Transportation and
Infrastructure, and Agriculture. Submitted December 19, 2013.

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