[Senate Report 113-164]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


                                                       Calendar No. 390
113th Congress                                                   Report
                                 SENATE
 2d Session                                                     113-164

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



 
   AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2015
                                _______
                                

                  May 22, 2014.--Ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

           Mr. Pryor, from the Committee on Appropriations, 
                        submitted the following

                                 REPORT

                         [To accompany S. 2389]

    The Committee on Appropriations reports the bill (S. 2389) 
making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food 
and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the 
fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes, 
reports favorably thereon and recommends that the bill do pass.



New obligational authority

Total of bill as reported to the Senate.................$142,654,142,000
Amount of 2014 appropriations........................... 145,437,976,000
Amount of 2015 budget estimate.......................... 165,182,539,000
Bill as recommended to Senate compared to--
    2014 appropriations.................................  -2,783,834,000
    2015 budget estimate................................ -22,528,397,000


                                CONTENTS

                              ----------                              
                                                                   Page
Breakdown by Title...............................................     4
Overview and Summary of the Bill.................................     5
Reports to Congress..............................................     6
Title I:
    Agricultural Programs:
        Production, Processing, and Marketing:
            Office of the Secretary..............................     7
            Executive Operations.................................     9
            Office of the Chief Information Officer..............    10
            Office of the Chief Financial Officer................    11
            Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights...    11
            Office of Civil Rights...............................    12
            Agriculture Buildings and Facilities.................    12
            Hazardous Materials Management.......................    13
            Office of Inspector General..........................    13
            Office of the General Counsel........................    14
            Office of Ethics.....................................    14
            Office of the Under Secretary for Research, 
              Education, and Economics...........................    15
            Economic Research Service............................    15
            National Agricultural Statistics Service.............    16
            Agricultural Research Service........................    17
            National Institute of Food and Agriculture...........    20
            Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and 
              Regulatory Programs................................    28
            Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service...........    28
            Agricultural Marketing Service.......................    34
            Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 
              Administration.....................................    37
            Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety........    38
            Food Safety and Inspection Service...................    38
            Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign 
              Agricultural Services..............................    39
            Farm Service Agency..................................    40
            Risk Management Agency...............................    45
        Corporations:
            Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund..............    45
            Commodity Credit Corporation Fund....................    46
Title II:
    Conservation Programs:
        Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and 
          Environment............................................    48
        Natural Resources Conservation Service...................    48
Title III:
    Rural Development Programs:
        Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development......    51
        Rural Housing Service....................................    52
        Rural Community Facilities Program Account...............    57
        Rural Business--Cooperative Service......................    58
        Rural Utilities Service..................................    62
Title IV:
    Domestic Food Programs:
        Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and 
          Consumer Services......................................    66
        Food and Nutrition Service...............................    66
Title V: Foreign Assistance and Related Programs: Foreign 
  Agricultural Service...........................................    74
Title VI:
    Related Agency and Food and Drug Administration:
        Department of Health and Human Services: Food and Drug 
          Administration.........................................    78
        Independent Agency: Farm Credit Administration...........    87
Title VII: General Provisions....................................    89
Program, Project, and Activity...................................    92
Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI of the Standing Rules of 
  the 
  Senate.........................................................    92
Compliance With Paragraph 7(c), Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules 
  of the Senate..................................................    93
Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of 
  the 
  Senate.........................................................    93
Budgetary Impact of Bill.........................................    94
Comparative Statement of Budget Authority........................    95

                           BREAKDOWN BY TITLE

    The amounts of obligational authority for each of the seven 
titles are shown in the following table. A detailed tabulation, 
showing comparisons, appears at the end of this report. 
Recommendations for individual appropriation items, projects 
and activities are carried in this report under the appropriate 
item headings.


                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         2015 Committee
                                           2014          recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title I: Agricultural programs....         29,938,096         25,627,270
Title II: Conservation programs...            825,832            850,193
Title III: Rural economic and               2,397,709          2,448,923
 community development programs...
Title IV: Domestic food programs..        108,585,603        109,802,904
Title V: Foreign assistance and             1,838,472          1,830,199
 related programs.................
Title VI: Related agencies and              2,560,693          2,597,324
 Food and Drug Administration.....
Title VII: General provisions.....           -708,429           -502,671
                                   -------------------------------------
      Total, new budget                   145,437,976        142,654,142
       (obligational) authority...
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                    OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF THE BILL

    The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug 
Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill 
provides funding for a wide array of Federal programs, mostly 
in the U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA]. These programs 
include agricultural research, education, and extension 
activities; natural resources conservation programs; farm 
income and support programs; marketing and inspection 
activities; domestic food assistance programs; rural housing, 
economic and community development, and telecommunication and 
electrification assistance; and various export and 
international activities of the USDA.
    The bill also provides funding for the Food and Drug 
Administration [FDA] and allows the use of collected fees for 
administrative expenses of the Farm Credit Administration 
[FCA].
    The discretionary programs and activities of USDA and FDA 
that are supported by this bill include high priority 
responsibilities entrusted to the Federal Government and its 
partners to protect human health and safety, contribute to 
economic recovery, and achieve policy objectives strongly 
supported by the American people. The ability to provide for 
these measures is made difficult by growing pressure on 
available levels of discretionary spending as a consequence of 
the overall public debate on Federal spending, revenues, and 
size of the Federal debt.
    Too often, the USDA programs funded by this bill are 
confused with farm subsidies and other mandatory spending more 
properly associated with multi-year farm bills. In contrast, 
this bill provides annual funding for programs familiar to all 
Americans such as protecting food safety through the Food 
Safety and Inspection Service and the Food and Drug 
Administration, which also plays a vital role in maintaining 
the safety of the Nation's blood supply and availability of 
safe and effective medical products and other components of our 
health system. This bill also provides funding to fight against 
the introduction and spread of noxious or infectious and often 
invasive pests and disease that threaten our plant and animal 
health environments, as well as funding for many other missions 
of dire importance to the American people.
    In the context of overall pressures on spending and the 
competing priorities that the Committee faces, this bill as 
reported provides the proper amount of emphasis on 
agricultural, rural development, and other programs and 
activities funded by the bill. It is consistent with the 
subcommittee's allocation for fiscal year 2015.
    All accounts in the bill have been closely examined to 
ensure that an appropriate level of funding is provided to 
carry out the programs of USDA, FDA, and FCA. Details on each 
of the accounts, the funding level, and the Committee's 
justifications for the funding levels are included in the 
report.

                          REPORTS TO CONGRESS

    The Committee has, throughout this report, requested 
agencies to provide studies and reports on various issues. The 
Committee utilizes these reports to evaluate program 
performance and make decisions on future appropriations. The 
Committee directs that all studies and reports be provided to 
the Committee as electronic documents in an agreed upon format 
within 120 days after the date of enactment, unless an 
alternative submission schedule is specifically stated in the 
report request.

                                TITLE I

                         AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS

                 Production, Processing, and Marketing

                        Office of the Secretary

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $43,778,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      46,816,000
Committee recommendation................................      46,466,000

    The Secretary of Agriculture, assisted by the Deputy 
Secretary, Under Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries, Chief 
Information Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and members of 
their immediate staffs, directs and coordinates the work of the 
Department. This includes developing policy, maintaining 
relationships with agricultural organizations and others in the 
development of farm programs, and maintaining liaison with the 
Executive Office of the President and Members of Congress on 
all matters pertaining to agricultural policy.
    The general authority of the Secretary to supervise and 
control the work of the Department is contained in the Organic 
Act (7 U.S.C. 2201-2202). The delegation of regulatory 
functions to Department employees and authorization of 
appropriations to carry out these functions is contained in 7 
U.S.C. 450c-450g.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $46,466,000 
for the Office of the Secretary. The Committee recommendation 
includes the following accounts under the Office of the 
Secretary: Office of the Secretary; Office of Tribal Relations; 
Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Coordination; Office 
of Advocacy and Outreach; Office of the Assistant Secretary for 
Administration; Departmental Administration; Office of 
Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations; and Office of 
Communications. The following table reflects the amount 
provided by the Committee for each office and activity:

                                             OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  2015 budget       Committee
                                                                 2014 enacted       request       recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Secretary......................................            5,051            5,086            5,086
Office of Tribal Relations...................................              498              502              502
Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Coordination.......            1,496            1,507            1,507
Office of Advocacy and Outreach..............................            1,209            1,217            1,217
Office of Assistance Secretary for Administration............              804              809              809
Departmental Administration\1\...............................           22,786           25,661           25,311
Office of Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations....            3,869            3,897            3,897
Office of Communications.....................................            8,065            8,137            8,137
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total..................................................           43,778           46,816           46,466
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Included in the amount for the fiscal year 2015 budget request and Committee recommendation is $2,877,000 for
  payments to the General Services Administration for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland
  Security for building security activities, which was previously funded through the Agriculture Buildings and
  Facilities and Rental Payments account.

    Animal Fighting.--The Committee is very concerned about 
reports of illegal animal fighting activities and directs the 
Secretary to work with relevant agencies on the most effective 
and proper means for investigating and enforcing laws and 
regulations regarding these activities.
    Forest Products.--The Committee supports the inclusion of 
forest products in the Biobased Markets Program and encourages 
the Department to expeditiously promulgate new regulations 
pursuant to changes in the Agricultural Act of 2014.
    Loan Servicing Center of Excellence.--In order to leverage 
existing capacity and expertise within the Department, the 
Secretary is directed to explore the creation of a Center of 
Excellence for loan servicing support functions in order to 
provide consolidated customer service, field office support, 
and centralized loan services to USDA agencies and other 
Federal agencies. The Secretary shall consult with employee 
representatives and management in the Farm Service Agency Farm 
Loan Information Technology, Accounting, and Finance Office 
loan servicing support functions; the Rural Development Deputy 
Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Chief Information Officer 
functions; and the Rural Housing Centralized Servicing Center.
    Military Veteran's Liaison.--The Agricultural Act of 2014 
created a Military Veteran's Liaison to coordinate programs to 
assist veterans entering into agricultural occupations. USDA is 
encouraged to prioritize the creation of a full-time Military 
Veteran's Liaison in the Department staffing plan.
    Resource Conservation and Development Councils.--Since 
1964, the Resource Conservation and Development [RC&D] Councils 
have worked at the grassroots level with local leaders to plan, 
develop, and carry out programs for land and water conservation 
and management. The Committee encourages the Secretary to 
consider the maximum practical use of RC&D Councils, where such 
RC&D Councils meet agency performance requirements, in the 
delivery of USDA programs and services.
    Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign 
Agricultural Affairs.--The Agricultural Act of 2014 requires 
the Secretary of Agriculture to propose a reorganization of the 
international trade functions at the Department of Agriculture, 
including the establishment of an Under Secretary of 
Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, and 
issue a report to Congress not later than 180 days after 
enactment, or August 6, 2014. One year after the report is 
submitted, or no later than August 6, 2015, the Secretary is 
required to implement this reorganization. The Committee 
affirms the importance of meeting the deadlines included in the 
Agricultural Act of 2014.

                          Executive Operations

    Executive operations were established as a result of the 
reorganization of the Department to provide a support team for 
USDA policy officials and selected department-wide services. 
Activities under the executive operations include the Office of 
the Chief Economist, the National Appeals Division, and the 
Office of Budget and Program Analysis.

                     OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ECONOMIST

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $16,777,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      16,854,000
Committee recommendation................................      16,854,000

    The Office of the Chief Economist advises the Secretary of 
Agriculture on the economic implications of Department policies 
and programs. The Office serves as the single focal point for 
the Nation's economic intelligence and analysis, risk 
assessment, and cost-benefit analysis related to domestic and 
international food and agriculture issues, provides policy 
direction for renewable energy development, conducts analyses 
of climate change impacts on agriculture and forestry, and is 
responsible for coordination and review of all commodity and 
aggregate agricultural and food-related data used to develop 
outlook and situation material within the Department.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $16,854,000 
for the Office of the Chief Economist.
    Policy Research.--The Committee recommendation includes 
$4,000,000 for policy research under 7 U.S.C. 3155 for entities 
with existing institutional capacity to conduct complex 
economic and policy analysis and a lengthy and well-documented 
record of conducting policy analysis for the benefit of the 
Department of Agriculture, the Congressional Budget Office, or 
the Congress. To maximize resources, the Committee expects the 
Department to focus efforts on entities that have developed 
models, databases, and staff necessary to conduct in-depth 
analysis of impacts of agriculture or rural development policy 
proposals on rural communities, farmers, agribusiness, 
taxpayers, and consumers.

                       NATIONAL APPEALS DIVISION

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $12,841,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      13,430,000
Committee recommendation................................      13,430,000

    The National Appeals Division conducts administrative 
hearings and reviews of adverse program decisions made by the 
Rural Development mission area, the Farm Service Agency, the 
Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation 
Service.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $13,430,000 
for the National Appeals Division. Included in this amount is 
$528,000 for payments to the General Services Administration 
for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland 
Security for building security activities, which was previously 
funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and 
Rental Payments account.

                 OFFICE OF BUDGET AND PROGRAM ANALYSIS

Appropriations, 2014....................................      $9,064,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      10,292,000
Committee recommendation................................       9,305,000

    The Office of Budget and Program Analysis provides 
direction and administration of the Department's budgetary 
functions including development, presentation, and execution of 
the budget; reviews program and legislative proposals for 
program, budget, and related implications; analyzes program and 
resource issues and alternatives, and prepares summaries of 
pertinent data to aid the Secretary and departmental policy 
officials and agency program managers in the decisionmaking 
process; and provides departmentwide coordination for and 
participation in the presentation of budget-related matters to 
the committees of the Congress, the media, and interested 
public. The Office also provides department-wide coordination 
of the preparation and processing of regulations and 
legislative programs and reports.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $9,305,000 for 
the Office of Budget and Program Analysis. The Committee does 
not recommend an appropriation to establish the position of 
Chief Evaluation Officer.

                Office of the Chief Information Officer

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $44,031,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      45,199,000
Committee recommendation................................      45,199,000

    The Office of the Chief Information Officer was established 
in August 1996 (40 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.), pursuant to the 
Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996, which required the establishment of 
a Chief Information Officer for major Federal agencies. This 
Office provides policy guidance, leadership, coordination, and 
direction to the Department's information management and 
information technology investment activities in support of USDA 
program delivery, and is the lead office in USDA e-gov efforts. 
The Office provides long-range planning guidance, implements 
measures to ensure that technology investments are economical 
and effective, coordinates interagency information resources 
management projects, and implements standards to promote 
information exchange and technical interoperability. In 
addition, the Office of the Chief Information Officer is 
responsible for certain activities financed under the 
Department's Working Capital Fund (7 U.S.C. 2235). The Office 
also provides telecommunication and automated data processing 
[ADP] services to USDA agencies through the National 
Information Technology Center with locations in Fort Collins, 
Colorado, Kansas City, Missouri and Washington, DC. Direct ADP 
operational services are also provided to the Office of the 
Secretary, the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of 
Communications, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, and 
Departmental Management.
    On November 28, 2004, the information technology staffs of 
the Service Center Agencies [SCA] were converged into one IT 
organization within the office of the Chief Information 
Officer; this converged organization is named Information 
Technology Services and replaces a network of cross-agency 
teams used to coordinate IT infrastructure investment within 
the SCA and allows for unified management of the IT 
infrastructure.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $45,199,000 
for the Office of the Chief Information Officer. Included in 
this amount is $993,000 for payments to the General Services 
Administration for rent and for payments to the Department of 
Homeland Security for building security activities, which was 
previously funded through the Agriculture Buildings and 
Facilities and Rental Payments account. This amount also 
includes not less than $28,000,000 to support cybersecurity 
requirements of the Department.

                 Office of the Chief Financial Officer

Appropriations, 2014....................................      $6,213,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................       6,080,000
Committee recommendation................................       6,080,000

    The Office of the Chief Financial Officer is responsible 
for the dual roles of Chief Financial Management Policy Officer 
and Chief Financial Management Advisor to the Secretary and 
mission area heads. The Office provides leadership for all 
financial management, accounting, travel, Federal assistance, 
and strategic planning performance measurement activities 
within the Department. The Office is also responsible for the 
management and operation of the National Finance Center and the 
Departmental Working Capital Fund.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,080,000 for 
the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.

           Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

Appropriations, 2014....................................        $893,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................         898,000
Committee recommendation................................         898,000

    The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 
provides oversight of civil rights and related functions. This 
includes coordination of the administration of civil rights 
laws and regulations for employees of the Department of 
Agriculture and participants in programs of the Department, and 
ensuring compliance with civil rights laws.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $898,000 for 
the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.

                         Office of Civil Rights

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $21,400,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      24,236,000
Committee recommendation................................      24,236,000

    The Office of Civil Rights provides overall leadership 
responsibility for all department-wide civil rights activities. 
These activities include employment opportunity as well as 
program nondiscrimination policy development, analysis, 
coordination, and compliance. The Office is responsible for 
providing leadership in facilitating the fair and equitable 
treatment of USDA employees, and for monitoring program 
activities to ensure that all USDA programs are delivered in a 
nondiscriminatory manner. The Office's outreach functions 
provide leadership, coordination, facilitation, and expertise 
to internal and external partners to ensure equal and timely 
access to USDA programs for all constituents, with emphasis on 
the underserved, through information sharing, technical 
assistance, and training.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $24,236,000 
for the Office of Civil Rights. Included in this amount is 
$2,471,000 for payments to the General Services Administration 
for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland 
Security for building security activities, which was previously 
funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and 
Rental Payments account.

                  Agriculture Buildings and Facilities

Appropriations, 2014....................................    $233,000,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      64,825,000
Committee recommendation................................      64,844,000

    Department headquarters presently operates in a two-
building, Government-owned complex in downtown Washington, DC, 
the George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville, Maryland, 
and in leased buildings in the metropolitan Washington, DC, 
area. Under an arrangement with the General Services 
Administration, USDA operates, maintains, and repairs these 
facilities, in lieu of rental payments. For the last several 
years the Department has implemented a strategic space plan to 
locate staff more efficiently, renovate its buildings, and 
eliminate safety hazards, particularly in the Agriculture South 
Building.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $64,844,000 
for Agriculture Buildings and Facilities. The recommendation 
includes General Services Administration rental payments and 
Department of Homeland Security security payments within each 
respective agency, per the budget request.
    The following table reflects the Committee's specific 
recommendations for this account as compared to the fiscal year 
2014 and budget request levels:

                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    2015 budget      Committee
                                                                   2014 enacted       request     recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rental Payments.................................................         164,470  ..............  ..............
Building Operations.............................................          54,730          64,825          64,844
DHS Building Security...........................................          13,800  ..............  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                     Hazardous Materials Management

Appropriations, 2014....................................      $3,592,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................       3,600,000
Committee recommendation................................       3,600,000

    Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, 
Compensation, and Liability Act and the Resource Conservation 
and Recovery Act, the Department has the responsibility to meet 
the same standards regarding the storage and disposition of 
hazardous materials as private businesses. The Department is 
required to contain, cleanup, monitor, and inspect for 
hazardous materials in areas under the Department's 
jurisdiction.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,600,000 for 
Hazardous Materials Management.

                      Office of Inspector General

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $89,902,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      97,240,000
Committee recommendation................................      97,240,000

    The Office of Inspector General [OIG] was established 
October 12, 1978, by the Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public 
Law 95-452). This act expanded and provided specific 
authorities for the activities of OIG which had previously been 
carried out under the general authorities of the Secretary of 
Agriculture.
    The Office is administered by an inspector general who 
reports directly to the Secretary of Agriculture. Functions and 
responsibilities of this Office include direction and control 
of audit and investigative activities within the Department, 
formulation of audit and investigative policies and procedures 
regarding Department programs and operations, and analysis and 
coordination of program-related audit and investigation 
activities performed by other Department agencies.
    The activities of this Office are designed to assure 
compliance with existing laws, policies, regulations, and 
programs of the Department's agencies, and to provide 
appropriate officials with the means for prompt corrective 
action where deviations have occurred. The scope of audit and 
investigative activities is large and includes administrative, 
program, and criminal matters. These activities are 
coordinated, when appropriate, with various audit and 
investigative agencies of the executive and legislative 
branches of the Government.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $97,240,000 
for the Office of Inspector General. Included in this amount is 
$5,198,000 for payments to the General Services Administration 
for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland 
Security for building security activities, which was previously 
funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and 
Rental Payments account. In addition, the recommendation 
includes funding for OIG to address violations of section 26 of 
the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2156) and to coordinate with 
State and local law enforcement personnel in this effort.
    MIDAS.--The Committee is concerned that, despite having 
invested more funding than was originally envisioned for MIDAS, 
the system is not meeting the original goals and objectives of 
streamlining business processes and developing an effective 
long-term information technology system capable of seamless 
delivery of farm bill programs. Therefore, the Committee 
directs OIG to review the management oversight of MIDAS, 
including issues such as its current status, timeline, funding, 
performance, and security. The Committee requests regular 
updates on the status of this review.

                     Office of the General Counsel

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $41,202,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      47,567,000
Committee recommendation................................      47,567,000

    The Office of the General Counsel provides all legal 
advice, counsel, and services to the Secretary and to all 
agencies, offices, and corporations of the Department. The 
Office represents the Department in administrative proceedings; 
nonlitigation debt collection proceedings; State water rights 
adjudications; proceedings before the Environmental Protection 
Agency, Interstate Commerce Commission, Federal Maritime 
Administration, and International Trade Commission; and, in 
conjunction with the Department of Justice, in judicial 
proceedings and litigation.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $47,567,000 
for the Office of the General Counsel. Included in this amount 
is $2,191,000 for payments to the General Services 
Administration for rent and for payments to the Department of 
Homeland Security for building security activities, which was 
previously funded through the Agriculture Buildings and 
Facilities and Rental Payments account.

                            Office of Ethics

Appropriations, 2014....................................      $3,440,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................       3,867,000
Committee recommendation................................       3,867,000

    The Office of Ethics is the centralized and consolidated 
office implementing USDA's ethics program throughout the 
Department. The Office provides ethics services to all 
employees at the Department concerning advice, training, and 
guidance about compliance with conflict of interest and 
impartiality rules. This includes complying with the 
requirements of the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge 
Act, Public Law 112-105 (the STOCK Act), and the Office of 
Government Ethics regulatory requirements (5 CFR parts 2634 
through 2641).

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,867,000 for 
the Office of Ethics.

  Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics

Appropriations, 2014....................................        $893,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................         898,000
Committee recommendation................................         898,000

    The Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, 
and Economics provides direction and coordination in carrying 
out the laws enacted by the Congress for food and agricultural 
research, education, extension, and economic and statistical 
information. The Office has oversight and management 
responsibilities for the Agricultural Research Service; 
National Institute of Food and Agriculture; Economic Research 
Service; and National Agricultural Statistics Service.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $898,000 for 
the Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and 
Economics.
    Healthy Water Resources.--The Department is encouraged to 
explore technology that meets the requirements of the National 
Organic Program and that can control weeds and pests while 
maintaining healthy water resources.

                       Economic Research Service

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $78,058,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      83,446,000
Committee recommendation................................      85,373,000

    The Economic Research Service [ERS] provides economic and 
other social science research and analysis for public and 
private decisions on agriculture, food, the environment, and 
rural America. The information that ERS produces is for use by 
the general public and to help the executive and legislative 
branches develop, administer, and evaluate agricultural and 
rural policies and programs.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $85,373,000 
for the Economic Research Service. Included in this amount is 
$7,727,000 for payments to the General Services Administration 
for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland 
Security for building security activities, which was previously 
funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and 
Rental Payments account.
    Organic Data Analysis.--The Committee encourages ERS to 
continue all ongoing efforts relating to organic data analysis.

                National Agricultural Statistics Service

Appropriations, 2014....................................    $161,206,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................     178,999,000
Committee recommendation................................     178,154,000

    The National Agricultural Statistics Service [NASS] 
administers the Department's program of collecting and 
publishing current national, State, and county agricultural 
statistics. These statistics provide accurate and timely 
projections of current agricultural production and measures of 
the economic and environmental welfare of the agricultural 
sector which are essential for making effective policy, 
production, and marketing decisions. NASS also furnishes 
statistical services to other USDA and Federal agencies in 
support of their missions, and provides consulting, technical 
assistance, and training to developing countries.
    NASS is also responsible for administration of the Census 
of Agriculture, which is taken every 5 years and provides 
comprehensive data on the agricultural economy including: data 
on the number of farms, land use, production expenses, farm 
product values, value of land and buildings, farm size and 
characteristics of farm operators, market value of agricultural 
production sold, acreage of major crops, inventory of livestock 
and poultry, and farm irrigation practices.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $178,154,000 
for the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Included in 
this amount is $48,044,000 for the Census of Agriculture and 
$9,202,000 for payments to the General Services Administration 
for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland 
Security for building security activities, which was previously 
funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and 
Rental Payments account. The Committee recommendation includes 
requested funding for the pollinator health initiative, 
restoration of the fruit and vegetable in-season reports, 
restoration of the chemical use survey, and does not include 
the proposed suspension of reports proposed in the budget.
    Chemical Use Data Series.--The Committee believes that the 
Chemical Use Data Series provides timely, valuable information 
on fertilizer and chemical use data and major field crops and 
selected specialty crops. The Committee encourages the National 
Agricultural Statistics Service to continue funding the 
collection and analysis of chemical use data as well as 
practices such as integrated pest management. The Committee 
also provides funding, as requested in the budget, for National 
Agricultural Statistics Service to resume collecting Fruit 
Chemical Use data and Vegetable Chemical Use data in 
alternating years.

                     Agricultural Research Service


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2014....................................  $1,122,482,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................   1,104,403,000
Committee recommendation................................   1,139,673,000

    The Agricultural Research Service [ARS] is responsible for 
conducting basic, applied, and developmental research through 
its major program areas of New Products/Product Quality/Value 
Added; Livestock/Crop Production; Food Safety; Livestock/Crop 
Protection; Human Nutrition; and Environmental Stewardship. The 
research applies to a wide range of goals; commodities; natural 
resources; fields of science; and geographic, climatic, and 
environmental conditions.
    ARS is also responsible for the Abraham Lincoln National 
Agricultural Library which provides agricultural information 
and library services through traditional library functions and 
modern electronic dissemination to agencies of the USDA, public 
and private organizations, and individuals.
    As the USDA's in-house agricultural research unit, ARS has 
major responsibilities for conducting and leading the national 
agricultural research effort. It provides initiative and 
leadership in five areas: research on broad regional and 
national problems, research to support Federal action and 
regulatory agencies, expertise to meet national emergencies, 
research support for international programs, and scientific 
resources to the executive branch and Congress.
    The mission of ARS research is to develop and transfer 
solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority 
and provide information access and dissemination to ensure 
high-quality, safe food and other agricultural products; assess 
the nutritional needs of Americans; sustain a competitive 
agricultural economy; enhance the natural resource base and the 
environment; and provide economic opportunities for rural 
citizens, communities, and society as a whole.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,139,673,000 
for salaries and expenses of the Agricultural Research Service. 
Included in this amount is $4,671,000 for payments to the 
General Services Administration for rent and for payments to 
the Department of Homeland Security for building security 
activities, which was previously funded through the Agriculture 
Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account. The 
Committee does not concur with the President's budget request 
regarding the termination of research programs or closure of 
six research locations. The Committee expects extramural 
research to be funded at no less than the fiscal year 2014 
levels.
    Aerial Application Research.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of ARS Aerial Application Technology Program. The 
program conducts innovative research making aerial applications 
more efficient, effective and precise. Research for aerial 
application serves the public good as a vital tool for the 
future, as agriculture strives to meet the food, fiber, and 
bio-energy demands of a growing population.
    Agroforestry.--Agroforestry can provide on-farm financial 
and environmental benefits while also addressing the regional 
and national-scale issues of clean water, wildlife habitat, and 
hypoxia. Agroforesters manage trees with crops, livestock, and 
pasture to combine the best of both agriculture and forestry. 
Recognizing the importance of agroforestry to farm practices 
and the environment, the Committee recommendation includes no 
less than the fiscal year 2014 level to develop integrated 
strategies to manage multifunctional agricultural landscapes 
that combine trees with agricultural and horticultural crops, 
forages and grazing livestock for optimal economic, 
environmental, and natural resources benefits.
    Classical Plant Breeding.--The Committee is aware of the 
need to enhance classical plant breeding, and encourages ARS to 
invest in research to improve genetic resources and cultivars 
for the benefit of U.S. producers, seed companies, processors 
and consumers. This research should focus on breeding improved 
germplasm and varieties with higher yields, improved disease 
and pest resistance and resilience to weather extremes. 
Additionally, methods and tools should be developed to enable 
classical breeders to choose better breeding parents and speed 
up variety development.
    Coffee Berry Borer.--The Committee is aware of the threat 
that the coffee berry borer poses to the existence of the 
coffee industry, and believes that ARS should focus research 
into methods to control and eradicate the pest.
    Emerging Cereal Rust Diseases.--The Committee is aware that 
emerging cereal rust diseases are a threat to domestic and 
world food supplies. Therefore, the Department should continue 
to dedicate funding to speed efforts to combat cereal rust 
disease, including development of Ug99-resistant wheat 
varieties.
    Forage Production Systems.--The Committee recommendation 
includes no less than the fiscal year 2014 level to develop 
management practices that improve the production efficiency of 
grazing operations in temperate pastures.
    Forest Products.--The Committee recognizes the important 
role of the forests products sector to the U.S. economy. The 
need to create new and improved value-added products and 
renewable energy from our Nation's wood supply is critical to 
the sustainability of the national economy. The Committee 
recommendation includes $3,050,000 to support research on wood 
quality improvement and improvement in forest products 
evaluation standards and valuation techniques. ARS shall 
conduct this research in consultation with the Forest Products 
Laboratory.
    Human Nutrition Research.--The Committee remains concerned 
about the high rates of obesity in this country, and believes 
that research into human nutrition is important to help prevent 
childhood obesity and the medical issues obesity brings. The 
Committee recommendation includes no less than the fiscal year 
2014 level to expand research regarding the growth, health 
promotion, and disease prevention of the developing child.
    Nutrition Research and Aging.--The Committee is aware that 
research into nutrition can benefit aging Americans by keeping 
them active longer, delaying or reducing the effects of chronic 
illnesses and obesity, and reducing healthcare costs for such 
diseases. The Committee supports the investment in human 
nutrition research, especially as it affects the aging 
population, and encourages ARS to continue support for 
nutrition research and existing centers.
    Organic Production Survey.--In 2008, NASS conducted the 
first ever comprehensive Organic Production Survey as a follow-
on survey to the 2007 Census of Agriculture. Published in 
February 2010, the survey has provided information vital to the 
organic sector's growth. The Committee believes the Organic 
Production Survey should be conducted on a regular basis to 
properly assess the characteristics, trends, and changes in the 
sector. The Committee provided $2,250,000 in fiscal year 2014 
for this purpose and expects USDA to conduct the Organic 
Production Survey as a comprehensive follow-on survey to the 
2012 Census of Agriculture.
    Plant Science.--The Committee supports infrastructure 
investments in support of high priority research in plant 
science, particularly programs that would develop small grain 
varieties, such as wheat and barley, that have improved end use 
quality, higher disease and insect resistance, and increased 
abiotic stress tolerance.
    Pollinator Research.--The Committee is aware that 
pollinators are responsible for the production of one-third of 
the Nation's food supply, but the number of managed honeybee 
colonies in the United States has dropped in half since 1940. 
Because of the importance of pollinators in the production of 
the Nation's food supply and their impact on the stability of 
our agricultural economy, the Committee recommendation includes 
an increase of $4,000,000 for pollinator health, as requested 
in the budget.
    Pulse Health Initiative.--The Committee continues to 
recognize the need to investigate the ability of pulse crops--
dry beans, dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas--to provide 
solutions to critical health issues including but not limited 
to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer; and 
to increase the consumption of pulse crops by improving their 
functionality in baked goods and end use as a food and food 
ingredient through the study of milling, extrusion, extraction, 
and cooking properties. The Committee also recognizes the 
potential to improve the sustainability of agricultural 
rotations and reduce green house gas emissions by improving the 
nitrogen fixing abilities of pulse crops. The Committee 
recommends ARS provide adequate funding to establish the Pulse 
Health Initiative.
    Research Facilities.--The Committee encourages ARS to work 
cooperatively with universities to better utilize available 
state-of-the-art laboratory space to effectively address 
important agricultural research issues. The Committee directs 
ARS to study ways in which the Federal labs could be better 
utilized, in cooperation with universities, to explore new 
scientific opportunities that benefit the Nation's food and 
agriculture system, and to submit a report with recommendations 
to the Committee by January 30, 2015. The report should include 
information on the current utilization of ARS facilities by 
universities and other cooperators, as well as the extent in 
which ARS is housed in cooperator facilities.
    Research Priorities and Objectives.--The Committee believes 
that ARS university partners play a major role in achieving ARS 
research priorities and objectives. The Committee further 
believes that ARS must ensure limited research dollars are 
maximized and administrative costs are reduced to the fullest 
extent possible, and expects ARS to operate within historical 
administrative cost parameters.
    Sclerotinia.--The Committee is aware of the economic 
importance of controlling sclerotinia, which affects 
sunflowers, soybeans, canola, edible beans, peas, and lentils 
and encourages ARS to continue both core research and 
cooperative projects of the National Sclerotinia Initiative.
    Shellfish Research.--The Committee directs the Agricultural 
Research Service to continue to partner with research 
institutions on research to improve shellfish survival and 
growth rates and to classify and preserve natural genetic 
variation.
    Sustainable Water Use Research.--The Committee recognizes 
the ongoing regional groundwater problems in the Lower 
Mississippi River Basin. The Committee recommendation includes 
no less than the fiscal year 2014 level for ARS to continue 
research on conservation practices and the incorporation of 
technology in farm management in order to quantify management 
impacts on water quality and quantity.
    Technology Transfer and Innovation.--The Committee 
encourages the Agricultural Research Service to utilize 
existing Agricultural Technology Innovation Partnerships to 
establish a pilot program to provide regional collaborations, 
technology transfer and commercialization, and innovative 
venture development training.

               National Institute of Food and Agriculture

    Section 7511(f)(2) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy 
Act of 2008 amends the Department of Agriculture Reorganization 
Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971) by establishing an agency to be 
known as the National Institute of Food and Agriculture [NIFA]. 
The Secretary transferred to the Director of NIFA, effective 
October 1, 2009, all authorities administered by the 
Administrator of the Cooperative State, Research, Education and 
Extension Service. The mission is to work with university 
partners and customers to advance research, extension, and 
higher education in the food and agricultural sciences and 
related environmental and human sciences to benefit people, 
communities, and the Nation.

                   RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

Appropriations, 2014....................................    $772,559,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................     837,747,000
Committee recommendation................................     787,545,000

    Research and Education programs administered by NIFA are 
USDA's principal entree to the university system of the United 
States for the purpose of conducting agricultural research and 
education programs as authorized by the Hatch Act of 1887, as 
amended (7 U.S.C. 361a-361i); the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative 
Forestry Act of 1962, as amended (16 U.S.C. 582a et seq.); the 
Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act, as 
amended (7 U.S.C. 450i); the National Agricultural, Research, 
Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended (7 
U.S.C. 3101 et seq.); the Equity in Educational Land-Grant 
Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note); the Agricultural 
Research, Extension and Education Reform Act of 1998 (Public 
Law 105-185), as amended; the Food, Agriculture, Conservation 
and Trade Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-624); the Farm Security 
and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-171); and the 
Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246). 
Through these authorities, USDA participates with State and 
other cooperators to encourage and assist the State 
institutions in the conduct of agricultural research and 
education through the State Agricultural Experiment Stations of 
the 50 States and the territories; by approved Schools of 
Forestry; the 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and Tuskegee 
University and West Virginia State University; 1994 Land-Grant 
Institutions; by Colleges of Veterinary Medicine; and other 
eligible institutions. The appropriated funds provide Federal 
support for research and education programs at these 
institutions.
    The research and education programs participate in a 
nationwide system of agricultural research program planning and 
coordination among the State institutions, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, and the agricultural industry of America.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $787,545,000 
for research and education activities of the National Institute 
of Food and Agriculture. Included in this amount is $5,960,000 
for payments to the General Services Administration for rent 
and for payments to the Department of Homeland Security for 
building security activities, which was previously funded 
through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental 
Payments account.
    The following table summarizes the Committee's 
recommendations for research and education activities:

                  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE--RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Committee
               Program/Activity                                  Authorization                    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hatch Act.....................................  7 U.S.C. 361a-i................................         $243,701
McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act.....  16 U.S.C. 582a through a-7.....................           33,961
Research at 1890 Institutions (Evans-Allen      7 U.S.C. 3222..................................           52,485
 Program).
Payments to the 1994 Institutions.............  534(a)(1) of Public Law 103-382................            3,439
Education Grants for 1890 Institutions........  7 U.S.C. 3152(b)...............................           19,336
Education Grants for Hispanic-Serving           7 U.S.C. 3241..................................            9,219
 Institutions.
Education Grants for Alaska Native and Native   7 U.S.C. 3156..................................            3,194
 Hawaiian-Serving Institutions.
Research Grants for 1994 Institutions.........  7 U.S.C. 301 note..............................            1,801
Capacity Building for Non Land-Grant Colleges   7 U.S.C. 3319i.................................            4,500
 of Agriculture.
Resident Instruction and Distance Education     7 U.S.C. 3222b-2, 3362, and 3363...............            1,800
 Grants for Insular Areas.
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative......  7 U.S.C. 450i(b)...............................          325,000
Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment............  7 U.S.C. 3151a.................................            4,790
Continuing Animal Health and Disease Research   7 U.S.C. 3195..................................            4,000
 Program.
Supplemental and Alternative Crops............  7 U.S.C. 3319d.................................              825
Critical Agricultural Materials Act...........  7 U.S.C. 178 et seq............................            1,081
Multicultural Scholars, Graduate Fellowship     7 U.S.C. 3152(b)...............................            9,000
 and Institutions Challenge Grants.
Secondary and 2-year Post-Secondary Education.  7 U.S.C. 3152(j)...............................              900
Aquaculture Centers...........................  7 U.S.C. 3322..................................            4,000
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education  7 U.S.C. 5811, 5812, 5831, and 5832............           22,667
Farm Business Management......................  7 U.S.C. 5925f.................................            1,450
Sun Grant Program.............................  7 U.S.C. 8114..................................            2,500
Improved Pest Control:
    Minor Crop Pest Management (IR-4).........  7 U.S.C. 450i(c)...............................           11,913
    Alfalfa Forage and Research Program.......  7 U.S.C. 5925..................................            1,350
Special Research Grants:                        7 U.S.C. 450i(c)...............................
    Global Change/UV Monitoring...............  ...............................................            1,405
    Potato Research...........................  ...............................................            1,350
    Aquaculture Research......................  ...............................................            1,350
                                                                                                ----------------
        Total, Special Research Grants........  ...............................................            4,105
                                                                                                ================
Necessary Expenses of Research and Education
 Activities:
    Grants Management System..................  ...............................................            7,830
    Federal Administration--Other Necessary     ...............................................           12,698
     Expenses for Research and Education
     Activities.
                                                                                                ----------------
        Total, Necessary Expenses.............  ...............................................           20,528
                                                                                                ================
        Total, Research and Education           ...............................................          787,545
         Activities.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.--The Committee 
recommendation includes $325,000,000 for the Agriculture and 
Food Research Initiative [AFRI].
    Section 7406 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
2008 specifies priority areas within the Agriculture and Food 
Research Initiative [AFRI], including an emphasis on 
conventional (classical) plant and animal breeding. The 
Committee strongly concurs with the intent of this section, and 
requests a report from the agency as to its plans for 
implementing this important conventional/classical plant and 
animal breeding requirement. The Committee also encourages the 
agency to specifically focus on the development of public 
cultivars and breeds as part of the general classical breeding 
research program.
    Agricultural Research Enhancement Awards.--The Committee 
remains determined to see that quality research and enhanced 
human resources development in the agricultural and related 
sciences be a nationwide commitment. Therefore, the Committee 
directs that not less than 15 percent of the competitive 
research grant funds be used for USDA's agricultural research 
enhancement awards program, including USDA-EPSCoR. The 
Committee recognizes that funding for EPSCoR has increased as a 
result of the growth in AFRI funding over the past several 
years.
    Agricultural Research Priorities.--The Committee recognizes 
that there are many research priorities that competitive 
funding may be used to address, including addressing challenges 
related to the commercialization of biological conversion of 
biomass to fish and animal feed; improving the digestibility, 
nutritional value, and efficiency of the use of corn, soybean 
meal, cereal grains and grain byproducts for the poultry and 
food animal production industries; addressing pollinator health 
and colony collapse disorder research; and, controlling the 
Macadamia Felted Coccid. The Committee encourages NIFA to 
support research into these priorities.
    Alfalfa and Forage Research.--The Committee notes that 
research into alfalfa seed and alfalfa forage systems holds the 
potential to increase yields, increase milk production, and 
improve genetics. The Committee recommendation includes 
$1,350,000 to support research into the improvement of yields, 
water conservation, creation of new uses, and the development 
of new storage and harvest systems.
    Aquaculture Disease Research.--The Committee encourages 
USDA to support aquaculture disease and vaccine research, 
including research on coldwater aquaculture vaccines. There is 
currently no national facility for pathogen testing. Research 
into finfish vaccines and pathogens has the potential to 
accelerate the growth of sustainable U.S. aquaculture, reduce 
the trade deficit attributable to imported seafood, and reduce 
the pressure on overfished species.
    Aquaculture Research.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of the domestic aquaculture industry to the U.S. 
economy. The Committee recommendation includes $1,350,000 for 
aquaculture research to address issues related to genetics, 
disease, systems, and economics.
    Cereal Crop Research.--Research on cereal crops has 
historically been conducted by USDA and public universities, 
and the Committee recognizes the importance of continuing 
investment in cereal crop research. The Committee strongly 
encourages USDA to provide funding for cereal crop research in 
the areas of genetic and genomic research, plant pest research, 
and improved production systems.
    Cranberry and Blueberry Research.--The Committee encourages 
the NIFA to continue working with research institutions to 
develop resilient cranberry and blueberry breeds and establish 
effective and environmentally sound pest management 
technologies.
    Food and Agriculture Service Learning Program.--The 
Committee recognizes the importance of programs that will teach 
students about basic nutrition while providing them with a 
variety of experiences and learning opportunities through 
working in school gardens. The Committee encourages NIFA to 
work with FNS and build on the efforts of the farm to school 
programs and the Committee supports expanded national service 
opportunities.
    Herbicide Resistance.--Herbicide resistant weeds are a 
major threat to food, feed, and fiber production in the United 
States and the problem is expected to continue to increase in 
size and scope. Current funding for research and extension is 
woefully inadequate. The Committee is concerned that the lack 
of research based information significantly delays developing 
effective management strategies to address the herbicide 
resistance problem. The Committee encourages NIFA, in 
conjunction with ARS and land-grant institutions, to conduct 
research that will more comprehensively address herbicide 
resistance. Research may include: identification of herbicide 
resistant weed populations or those most likely to develop 
resistance, characterization of mechanisms of resistance, and 
development of innovative weed management strategies to 
overcome current resistance problems and delay or prevent 
future ones. In addition, effective and widespread 
dissemination of results to farmers, foresters, and rights of 
way land managers through extension and outreach will be 
critical to the success of this endeavor.
    Lowbush Blueberries.--The Committee directs NIFA to work 
with research institutions to develop and refine predictive 
models and monitoring technologies for native and invasive 
pests for incorporation into integrated pest management 
programs for naturally seeded, native berry crops to increase 
the margin of food safety and product quality.
    Nanotechnology in Plants for Drought Resistance.--The 
Committee believes that research in developing drought 
resistance crops is an essential safeguard against wide-spread 
droughts domestically and internationally. The Committee 
encourages the Department to partner with organizations and 
academic institutions, particularly using nanotechnology, to 
develop research options and studies that will help foster 
drought resistance discoveries.
    Regional Research Priorities.--The Committee encourages 
NIFA to consider providing funding within AFRI to assist with 
State and regional research priorities, with USDA oversight and 
review.
    Seafood.--The Committee encourages USDA, in partnership 
with universities with established domestic shrimp farming 
programs, to support the development of a domestic industry 
that will help ensure the safety and quality of the Nation's 
seafood supply, promote environmentally sustainable 
aquaculture, create new opportunities for U.S. agriculture, and 
forge new markets for U.S. grain and oilseed products and 
technology services.
    Specialty Crop Research Initiative.--The Committee 
emphasizes the important role of the Specialty Crop Research 
Initiative in addressing the critical needs of the specialty 
crop industry through research and extension activities, and 
encourages NIFA to prioritize proposals for and enhance its 
overall commitment to identifying and addressing threats to 
pollinators from pests and diseases.
    Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education.--As 
proposed in the budget request, the Committee recommendation 
includes the consolidation of research, education and extension 
activities in the Sustainable Agriculture Research and 
Education [SARE] program. All three activities authorized in 
Subtitle B of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act 
of 1990 are vital to the success of the SARE program, and the 
Committee directs the Department to ensure that each activity 
remain intact in the future.
    Zoonotic Disease Research.--Federal and State animal health 
officials have made eradicating livestock diseases with 
significant wildlife reservoirs a national animal health 
priority. This need is reflected in the Agricultural Act of 
2014 which made the research and development of surveillance 
methods, vaccines, vaccination delivery systems or diagnostic 
tests a priority research area under the Competitive, Special, 
and Facilities Research Grant Act particularly for bovine 
brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis. The Committee recognizes 
the need for this research and encourages the agency to make 
competitive grants available to study improved management tools 
for zoonotic livestock diseases with significant wildlife 
reservoirs.

 HISPANIC-SERVING AGRICULTURAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ENDOWMENT FUND

Appropriations, 2014....................................................
Budget estimate, 2015...................................     $10,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      10,000,000

    Section 7129 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
2008, provides for the establishment of an endowment fund for 
the Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities 
[HSACU]. The Hispanic/Latino community is the fastest-growing 
sector of the American population. This investment in the 
Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities is 
needed to ensure institutions can effectively compete for NIFA 
competitive grants.
    On the termination of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall 
withdraw the income from the endowment fund for the fiscal 
year, and after making adjustments for the cost of 
administering the endowment fund, shall distribute the adjusted 
income as follows: 60 percent of the adjusted income shall be 
distributed among the Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges 
and Universities on a pro rata basis based on the Hispanic 
enrollment count of each institution; and 40 percent shall be 
distributed in equal shares to the Hispanic-Serving 
Agricultural Colleges and Universities.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $10,000,000 
for the Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities 
Endowment Fund.

              NATIVE AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS ENDOWMENT FUND

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $11,880,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      11,880,000
Committee recommendation................................      11,880,000

    The Native American Institutions Endowment Fund authorized 
by Public Law 103-382, the Equity in Educational Land-Grant 
Status Act, provides an endowment for the 1994 land-grant 
institutions (34 tribally controlled colleges). This program 
will enhance educational opportunity for Native Americans by 
building educational capacity at these institutions in the 
areas of student recruitment and retention, curricula 
development, faculty preparation, instruction delivery systems, 
and scientific instrumentation for teaching. Income funds are 
also available for facility renovation, repair, construction, 
and maintenance. On the termination of each fiscal year, the 
Secretary shall withdraw the income from the endowment fund for 
the fiscal year, and after making adjustments for the cost of 
administering the endowment fund, distribute the adjusted 
income as follows: 60 percent of the adjusted income from these 
funds shall be distributed among the 1994 land-grant 
institutions on a pro rata basis, the proportionate share being 
based on the Indian student count; and 40 percent of the 
adjusted income shall be distributed in equal shares to the 
1994 land-grant institutions.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $11,880,000 
for the Native American Institutions Endowment Fund.

                          EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

Appropriations, 2014....................................    $469,191,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................     468,968,000
Committee recommendation................................     472,686,000

    Cooperative extension work was established by the Smith-
Lever Act of May 8, 1914, as amended. The Department of 
Agriculture is authorized to provide, through the land-grant 
colleges, cooperative extension work that consists of the 
development of practical applications of research knowledge and 
the giving of instruction and practical demonstrations of 
existing or improved practices or technologies in agriculture 
and related subjects, and to encourage the application of such 
information by demonstrations, publications, through 4-H clubs, 
and other means to persons not in attendance or resident at the 
colleges.
    To fulfill the requirements of the Smith-Lever Act, State 
and county extension offices in each State, the District of 
Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American 
Samoa, the Northern Marianas, and Micronesia conduct 
educational programs to improve American agriculture and 
strengthen the Nation's families and communities.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $472,686,000 
for extension activities of the National Institute of Food and 
Agriculture.
    The following table summarizes the Committee's 
recommendations for extension activities:

                        NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE--EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Committee
               Program/Activity                                  Authorization                    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smith-Lever Act, Section 3(b) and (c) and       7 U.S.C. 343(b) and (c) and 208(c) of Public            $300,000
 Cooperative Extension.                          Law 93-471.
Extension Services at 1890 Institutions.......  7 U.S.C. 3221..................................           43,920
Extension Services at 1994 Institutions.......  7 U.S.C. 343(b)(3).............................            4,446
Facility Improvements at 1890 Institutions....  7 U.S.C. 3222b.................................           19,730
Renewable Resources Extension Act.............  16 U.S.C. 1671 et seq..........................            4,060
Rural Health and Safety Education Programs....  7 U.S.C. 2662(i)...............................            1,500
Food and Animal Residue Avoidance Database      7 U.S.C. 7642..................................            1,250
 Program.
Women and Minorities in STEM Fields...........  7 U.S.C. 5925..................................              400
Food Safety Outreach Program..................  7 U.S.C. 7625..................................            2,500
Smith-LeverAct, Section 3(d):
    Food and Nutrition Education..............  7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................           67,934
    Farm Safety and Youth Farm Safety           7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................            4,610
     Education Programs.
    New Technologies for Agricultural           7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................            1,550
     Extension.
    Children, Youth, and Families at Risk.....  7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................            8,395
    Federally Recognized Tribes Extension       7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................            3,039
     Program.
                                                                                                ----------------
      Total, Section 3(d).....................  ...............................................           85,528
                                                                                                ================
Necessary Expenses of Research and Education
 Activities:
    Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom.........  ...............................................              552
    Federal Administration--Other Necessary     ...............................................            8,800
     Expenses for Research and Education
     Activities.
                                                                                                ----------------
        Total, Necessary Expenses.............  ...............................................            9,352
                                                                                                ================
        Total, Extension Activities...........  ...............................................          472,686
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $35,317,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      28,821,000
Committee recommendation................................      32,217,000

    Section 406, as amended, of the Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 authorizes an 
integrated research, education, and extension competitive 
grants program.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $32,217,000 
for integrated activities of the National Institute of Food and 
Agriculture.
    The following table summarizes the Committee's 
recommendations for integrated activities:

                        NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE--INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES
                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Committee
                Program/Activity                                  Authorization                   recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water Quality Program...........................  7 U.S.C. 7626................................           $4,500
Methyl Bromide Transition Program...............  7 U.S.C. 7626................................            1,996
Organic Transition Program......................  7 U.S.C. 7626................................            4,000
Regional Rural Development Centers..............  7 U.S.C. 450i(c).............................              998
Food and Agriculture Defense Initiative\1\......  7 U.S.C. 3351................................            3,580
Crop Protection/Pest Management.................  7 U.S.C. 7626, 7 U.S.C. 450i(c), and 7 U.S.C.           17,143
                                                   343(d).
                                                                                                ----------------
      Total, Integrated Activities..............  .............................................           32,217
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Funding for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network within this line item is transferred to APHIS.

    Potato Research.--To minimize the application of pesticides 
and to maximize the yield and quality of harvested potatoes, 
the Committee directs the Secretary to support pest management 
programs in potato growing States. Such programs help 
scientists track potential pest outbreaks and provide growers 
and industry professionals with current information on specific 
and timely treatments. Additionally, the programs help identify 
serious diseases, such as late blight disease, in their early 
stages, allowing for preventive measure to be put into place 
quickly to avoid crop losses.

  Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Appropriations, 2014....................................        $893,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................         898,000
Committee recommendation................................         898,000

    The Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and 
Regulatory Programs provides direction and coordination in 
carrying out laws with respect to the Department's marketing, 
grading, and standardization activities related to grain; 
competitive marketing practices of livestock, marketing orders, 
and various programs; veterinary services; and plant protection 
and quarantine. The Office has oversight and management 
responsibilities for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service; Agricultural Marketing Service; and Grain Inspection, 
Packers and Stockyards Administration.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $898,000 for 
the Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory 
Programs.

               Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2014....................................    $821,721,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................     834,341,000
Committee recommendation................................     872,414,000

    The Secretary of Agriculture established the Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service [APHIS] on April 2, 1972, under 
the authority of reorganization plan No. 2 of 1953, and other 
authorities. The major objectives of APHIS are to protect the 
animal and plant resources of the Nation from diseases and 
pests. These objectives are carried out under the major areas 
of activity, as follows:
    Safeguarding and Emergency Preparedness/Response.--The 
agency monitors plant and animal health worldwide, and sets 
import polices to prevent the introduction of foreign plant and 
animal pests and diseases. Domestically, the agency works 
cooperatively to conduct plant and animal health monitoring 
programs, pursue eradication, or limit the spread of the 
threat. The agency also conducts diagnostic laboratory 
activities that support disease prevention, detection, control, 
and eradication programs. In addition, the agency protects 
agriculture from detrimental animal predators, and through its 
regulatory structure helps advance genetic research while 
protecting against the release of harmful organisms.
    Safe Trade and International Technical Assistance.--The 
agency helps resolve technical trade issues to ensure the 
smooth and safe movement of agricultural commodities into and 
out of the United States. The agency negotiates animal and 
plant health certification requirements and assists U.S. 
exporters meet foreign regulatory demands. In addition, the 
agency assists developing countries in improving their 
safeguarding systems, to protect the United States from 
emerging plant and animal pests and diseases.
    Animal Care.--The agency conducts regulatory activities 
that ensure the humane care and treatment of animals and horses 
as the Animal Welfare and Horse Protection Acts require. These 
activities include inspection of certain establishments that 
handle animals intended for research, exhibition, and as pets, 
and monitoring certain horse shows.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $872,414,000 
for salaries and expenses of the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service. Included in this amount is $42,567,000 for 
payments to the General Services Administration for rent and 
for payments to the Department of Homeland Security for 
building security activities, which was previously funded 
through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental 
Payments account.
    The following table reflects the Committee's specific 
recommendations for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service:

                                   ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Fiscal year
                                                                 Fiscal year      2015 budget       Committee
                                                                 2014 enacted       request       recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Safeguarding and International Technical Assistance:
    Animal Health Technical Services.........................           35,339           37,889           35,401
    Aquatic Animal Health....................................            2,253            2,253            2,274
    Avian Health.............................................           52,340           50,223           52,529
    Cattle Health............................................           92,500           92,500           93,032
    Equine, Cervid and Small Ruminant Health.................           19,500           19,500           19,617
    National Veterinary Stockpile............................            3,722            3,722            3,723
    Swine Health.............................................           22,250           22,250           24,353
    Veterinary Biologics.....................................           16,417           16,417           16,523
    Veterinary Diagnostics...................................           31,540           31,540           25,025
    National Animal Health Laboratory Network\1\.............  ...............  ...............           10,000
    Zoonotic Disease Management..............................            9,523            9,523            9,567
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Animal Health................................          285,384          285,817          292,044
                                                              ==================================================
    Agricultural Quarantine Inspection (Appropriated)........           26,900           26,900           27,234
    Cotton Pests.............................................           12,720            9,055           11,575
    Field Crop & Rangeland Ecosystems Pests..................            8,826            8,826            8,883
    Pest Detection...........................................           27,446           27,446           27,587
    Plant Protection Methods Development.....................           24,549           20,549           20,686
    Specialty Crop Pests.....................................          151,500          137,393          152,667
    Tree & Wood Pests........................................           54,000           45,392           54,304
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Plant Health.................................          305,941          275,561          302,936
                                                              ==================================================
    Wildlife Damage Management...............................           87,428           87,428           90,027
    Wildlife Services Methods Development....................           18,856           18,856           19,014
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Wildlife Services............................          106,284          106,284          109,041
                                                              ==================================================
    Animal & Plant Health Regulatory Enforcement.............           16,224           16,224           16,362
    Biotechnology Regulatory Services........................           18,135           18,135           19,223
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Regulatory Services..........................           34,359           34,359           35,585
                                                              ==================================================
    Contingency Fund.........................................              470              470              485
    Emergency Preparedness & Response........................           16,966           16,966           17,055
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Emergency Management.........................           17,436           17,436           17,540
                                                              ==================================================
      Subtotal, Safeguarding and Emergency Preparedness/               749,404          719,457          757,146
       Response..............................................
                                                              ==================================================
Safe Trade and International Technical Assistance:
    Agriculture Import/Export................................           14,099           14,099           14,189
    Overseas Technical & Trade Operations....................           20,114           20,114           20,188
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Safe Trade...................................           34,213           34,213           34,377
                                                              ==================================================
Animal Welfare:
    Animal Welfare...........................................           28,010           28,010           28,222
    Horse Protection.........................................              697              697              705
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Animal Welfare...............................           28,707           28,707           28,927
                                                              ==================================================
Agency Management:
    APHIS Information Technology Infrastructure..............            4,251            4,251            4,251
    Physical/Operational Security............................            5,146            5,146            5,146
    GSA rent and DHS security payments.......................  ...............           42,567           42,567
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Agency Management............................            9,397           51,964           51,964
                                                              ==================================================
      Total, Direct Appropriation............................          821,721          834,341          872,414
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\This incorporates funding previously provided separately to NIFA and APHIS.

    Agricultural Quarantine Inspection.--The Committee 
recognizes that prevention of infestations of pests and 
diseases is much more cost effective than subsequent control or 
eradication. This is an important Federal responsibility and 
the Committee provides $27,234,000 for the agricultural 
quarantine inspections (AQI) function, including pre-departure 
and interline inspections.
    In April 2014, the Department proposed new user fee 
regulations and overtime reimbursements for certain AQI 
services provided at U.S. ports. The current fee structure has 
been in place since fiscal year 2010 and does not fully reflect 
the cost of providing AQI services. The Committee supports the 
Department's intent to update user fees to comply with the 
requirements set forth in the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, 
and Trade Act of 1990. Furthermore, the Committee notes that 
imported fruits and vegetables comprise a growing percentage of 
the produce available to consumers. Timely inspection at U.S. 
Ports is critical given the highly perishable nature of these 
commodities. Upon implementation of the new fee structure, the 
Committee encourages the Department to work closely with U.S. 
Customs and Border Protection to ensure that resources are made 
available to facilitate the timely processing of fruits and 
vegetable shipments.
    Animal Disease Traceability.--The Committee provides 
$13,000,000 to continue support for implementation of the new 
animal disease traceability system.
    APHIS Cargo Release.--The Committee recommends that APHIS 
continue to work with the Department of Homeland Security's 
Customs and Border Protection [CBP] in order to facilitate the 
release of cargo at commercial import facilities by ensuring 
that CBP officials earn Cargo Release Authority certification 
for those species and groups of organisms listed in the Cargo 
Release Authority Plan. Such coordination will allow CBP 
officials to release cargo authorized by the Cargo Release 
Authority Plan while allowing APHIS entomologists, plant 
pathologists, and botanists to make release decisions upon 
discovery of those reportable organisms that may pose a threat 
to the Nation's agricultural security. APHIS is directed to 
report to the Committee regarding ongoing interagency 
coordination efforts, as well as specific steps planned for the 
fiscal year to improve release decisionmaking processes for 
import agriculture cargo.
    Asian Long-Horned Beetle.--The Committee recognizes that 
the forest products industry and family forest owners are under 
great threat from a variety of invasive forest pests. It is 
essential that APHIS carry out a comprehensive program to 
counter the spread of invasive species and completely eradicate 
the Asian long-horned beetle, which was detected in a new 
location in Long Island, New York, in 2013. The Secretary is 
directed to report to the Committee on Appropriations regarding 
the steps being taken to eradicate Asian long-horned beetles in 
northeast forests.
    Chronic Wasting Disease.--The national deer farming 
industry is adapting to a 2012 interim final rule that 
established a national, voluntary herd certification program 
[HCP] that provides uniform herd certification standards and 
will support the domestic and international marketability of 
U.S. cervid herds. The Committee believes the industry requires 
funding support to ensure that the newly implemented chronic 
wasting disease HCP is successful. Therefore, APHIS should 
spend no less than $3,000,000 for cervid health activities. 
Within the funds provided, APHIS should give consideration to 
indemnity payments if warranted.
    Committee Directives.--In complying with the Committee's 
directives, the Committee expects APHIS not to redirect support 
for programs and activities without prior notification to and 
approval by the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations 
in accordance with the reprogramming procedures specified in 
the act. Unless otherwise directed, the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service shall implement appropriations by programs, 
projects, and activities as specified by the Appropriations 
Committees of both Houses of Congress. Unspecified reductions 
necessary to carry out the provisions of this act are to be 
implemented in accordance with the definitions contained in the 
program, project, and activity section of this report.
    Eradication of Invasive Pests.--The Committee expects 
APHIS, through its Tree and Wood Pests, Specialty Crop Pests, 
Animal Health, and Wildlife Services programs to continue to 
work to support solutions to control and eradicate destructive 
invasive species affecting U.S. agriculture and the 
environment.
    Honey Bee Pests.--The Committee remains concerned with 
declining bee populations and the tragic implications for 
pollination of U.S. agriculture. The Committee directs the 
agency to continue priority work with other Federal and State 
agencies and the public to manage, suppress, and eradicate 
varroa mites, small hive beetles, and other pests and diseases 
contributing to colony collapse disorder.
    Invasive Annual Grasses.--The Secretary is encouraged to 
consider targeted herbicide treatments of invasive annual 
grasses and restoration efforts to compliment juniper control 
efforts on greater sage-grouse habitat on private rangelands.
    National Animal Health Laboratory Network [NAHLN].--Funding 
for the NAHLN shall be administered through APHIS in 
consultation with the NAHLN Coordinating Council. NAHLN funding 
was previously administered through the Veterinary Diagnostics 
program.
    PED Virus.--Since the first positive test case in April 
2013, farms in 30 States have tested positive for the porcine 
epidemic diarrhea [PED] virus and millions of small pigs have 
died as a result. The Committee provides additional funding for 
the Swine Health program in support of increased biosecurity 
and herd management efforts and encourages the Department to 
continue development of a coordinated response strategy with 
industry stakeholders. The Committee also encourages the 
Secretary to utilize contingency funding from the Commodity 
Credit Corporation for surveillance of the PED virus.
    Peer-Reviewed Accreditation.--The Committee recognizes the 
diversity of individuals and establishments regulated under 
APHIS' animal welfare programs and the commensurate diversity 
of violations of the animal protection statutes which APHIS is 
charged with enforcing. The Committee expects APHIS to continue 
to prioritize its inspection resources and frequency of 
inspections to better address higher risk individuals and 
institutions. The Committee also encourages APHIS to recognize 
the merits of zoos and aquariums receiving peer-reviewed 
accreditation from a commissioned organization that heeds 
rigorous publicly available standards, utilizes notable experts 
in the field to conduct comprehensive inspection and review, 
and provides opportunity for public input. The Committee 
encourages APHIS to continue its collaborations with these 
peer-reviewed accredited zoos and aquariums on critical 
initiatives such as: foreign animal disease surveillance; all-
hazards preparedness and response; and animal welfare symposia.
    Sudden Oak Death Syndrome.--The Committee remains 
interested in efforts to manage P. ramorum while minimizing 
regulatory burden on nurseries and at the same time preventing 
disruption to the interstate movement of plant materials and 
commercial trade. The Committee expects APHIS to use an 
appropriate portion of the funding for specialty crop pests to 
expeditiously implement the revised Federal order governing the 
de-regulation of lower risk nurseries and the shipment of plant 
materials from quarantined and regulated counties and also 
minimize the number of nurseries required to pre-notify 
officials in States receiving shipments of higher-risk nursery 
stock. The Committee further expects APHIS to continue efforts 
to partner with the regulated states and the nursery industry 
to develop and implement Best Management Practices [BMPs] for 
mitigating P. ramorum during the effective period of the order.
    Wildlife Damage Management.--APHIS is responsible for 
providing Federal leadership in managing problems caused by 
wildlife. The Committee provides $90,027,000 for wildlife 
damage control to maintain priority initiatives, including 
preventing the transport of invasive snakes and other harmful 
species.
    The Committee maintains support for assistance to 
aquaculture producers to help mitigate wildlife depredation, 
particularly as it pertains to fish-eating birds. The Committee 
encourages USDA to continue providing tools and resources to 
cooperators and assisting aquaculture producers in the removal 
of cormorant roosts if applicable.
    The Committee is concerned with the persistent rabies 
threat to humans, livestock, and domesticated animals. 
Approximately 6,000 to 8,000 rabid animals are reported to the 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention annually, with more 
than 90 percent of cases occurring in wildlife. Oral rabies 
vaccinations have helped establish barriers to isolate impacted 
areas, increase rabies immunity in wildlife, and prevent 
spreading to new areas of the United States. The Committee 
provides $26,000,000 for the National Rabies Management Program 
to fortify existing barriers and advance prevention and 
eradication efforts.
    Wildlife Services Education and Training.--The Committee is 
aware of the wide range of hazardous procedures and materials 
utilized by APHIS personnel in the conduct of daily duties. In 
addition, a recent comprehensive study noted the critical need 
to provide standardized safety training, certification, and 
database management for tracking, to ensure the safest working 
environment possible. As such, the Committee directs APHIS to 
deliver a training program focused on those areas of greatest 
concern such as pyrotechnics, firearms, hazardous materials, 
immobilization and euthanasia drugs, pesticides, animal care 
and handling, land vehicles, watercraft, and zoonotic diseases.
    Wildlife Services Methods Development.--The Committee 
appreciates the important work done by the National Wildlife 
Research Center and its affiliated field locations to resolve 
problems caused by the interaction of wild animals and society. 
The Committee provides $19,014,000 to ensure continued 
development of technical and scientific information on wildlife 
damage management.

                        BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

Appropriations, 2014....................................      $3,175,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................       3,175,000
Committee recommendation................................       3,175,000

    The APHIS appropriation for ``Buildings and Facilities'' 
funds major nonrecurring construction projects in support of 
specific program activities and recurring construction, 
alterations, preventive maintenance, and repairs of existing 
APHIS facilities.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommendation includes an appropriation of 
$3,175,000 for buildings and facilities of the Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service. This funding is necessary to allow 
APHIS to maintain existing facilities, and perform critically 
needed repairs to and replacements of building components, such 
as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning on a prioritized 
basis at APHIS facilities. The Committee notes that due to the 
environmentally sensitive nature of many APHIS facilities, 
closure of a facility could result if APHIS is unable to 
complete the required repairs.

                     Agricultural Marketing Service


                           MARKETING SERVICES

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $79,914,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      82,963,000
Committee recommendation................................      81,634,000

    The Agricultural Marketing Service [AMS] was established by 
the Secretary of Agriculture on April 2, 1972. AMS carries out 
programs authorized by more than 50 different statutory 
authorities, the primary ones being the Agricultural Marketing 
Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627, 1635-1638); the U.S. Cotton 
Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 51-65); the Cotton Statistics and 
Estimates Act (7 U.S.C. 471-476); the Tobacco Inspection Act (7 
U.S.C. 511-511q); the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act 
(7 U.S.C. 499a-499t); the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 
U.S.C. 1031-1056); and section 32 of the Act of 1935 (Public 
Law 74-320, 7 U.S.C. 612c).
    Programs administered by this agency include the market 
news services, standardization, grading, classing, shell egg 
surveillance services, transportation services, wholesale 
farmers and alternative market development, grant payments to 
States for marketing activities, the Federal administration of 
marketing agreements and orders, commodity purchases, 
Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, the Plant Variety 
Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321 et seq.), and market protection 
and promotion activities.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $81,634,000 
for Marketing Services of the Agricultural Marketing Service. 
Included in this amount is $1,277,000 for payments to the 
General Services Administration for rent and for payments to 
the Department of Homeland Security for building security 
activities, which was previously funded through the Agriculture 
Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments account.
    Organic Data Collection.--The Committee encourages the 
Department to collect price data on organic commodities and 
other data relevant to the marketing of organic agricultural 
products.

                 LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Limitation, 2014........................................     $60,435,000
Budget limitation, 2015.................................      60,709,000
Committee recommendation................................      60,709,000

    The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (Public Law 
97-35) initiated a system of user fees for the cost of grading 
and classing cotton, and tobacco. These activities, authorized 
under the U.S. Cotton Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 51 et seq.), the 
Tobacco Inspection Act (7 U.S.C. 511 et seq.), and other 
provisions of law are designed to facilitate commerce and 
protect participants in the industry.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $60,709,000 on 
administrative expenses of the Agricultural Marketing Service.

          FUNDS FOR STRENGTHENING MARKETS, INCOME, AND SUPPLY

                              (SECTION 32)

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $20,056,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      20,317,000
Committee recommendation................................      20,317,000

    Under section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935, (7 U.S.C. 
612c), an amount equal to 30 percent of customs receipts 
collected during each preceding calendar year and unused 
balances are available for encouraging the domestic consumption 
and exportation of agricultural commodities. An amount equal to 
30 percent of receipts collected on fishery products is 
transferred to the Department of Commerce. Additional transfers 
to the child nutrition programs of the Food and Nutrition 
Service have been provided in recent appropriations Acts.
    The following table reflects the status of this fund for 
fiscal years 2014-2015:

               ESTIMATED TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE AND BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD--FISCAL YEARS 2014-2015
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Fiscal year 2014  Fiscal year 2015  Fiscal year 2015
                                                                 enacted            budget           estimate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation (30 percent of Customs Receipts)............    $9,211,182,712    $9,714,922,892    $9,714,922,892
Less Transfers:
    Food and Nutrition Service............................    -8,011,568,806    -8,299,922,892    -8,299,922,892
    Commerce Department...................................      -130,144,436      -131,000,000      -131,000,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total, Transfers....................................    -8,141,713,242    -8,430,922,892    -8,430,922,892
                                                           =====================================================
Prior Year Appropriation Available, Start of Year.........       313,530,530       119,000,000       119,000,000
Prior Year Collections and Recoveries.....................  ................  ................  ................
Unavailable for Obligations (recoveries and offsetting      ................  ................  ................
 collections).............................................
Transfer of Prior Year Funds to FNS (F&V).................      -117,000,000      -119,000,000      -119,000,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
    Budget Authority, Farm Bill...........................     1,266,000,000     1,284,000,000     1,284,000,000
    Rescission of Current Year Funds......................      -189,000,000      -203,000,000      -121,000,000
    Appropriations Temporarily Reduced--Sequestration\1\..       -79,703,000  ................       -81,906,000
    Unavailable for Obligations (Fruit and Veg transfer to      -119,000,000      -122,000,000      -122,000,000
     FNS).................................................
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
        Budget Authority, Appropriations Act..............       878,297,000       959,000,000       959,000,000
Less Obligations:
    Child Nutrition Programs (Entitlement Commodities)....       465,000,000       465,000,000       465,000,000
    State Option Contract.................................         5,000,000         5,000,000         5,000,000
    Removal of Defective Commodities......................         2,500,000         2,500,000         2,500,000
    Emergency Surplus Removal.............................       196,900,000  ................  ................
    Small Business Support................................  ................           500,000           500,000
    Disaster Relief.......................................         5,000,000         5,000,000         5,000,000
    Additional Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts Purchases.....        29,100,000       206,000,000       206,000,000
    Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.....................        41,000,000        40,000,000        40,000,000
    Estimated Future Needs................................        79,119,000       179,973,000       179,973,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total, Commodity Procurement........................       823,619,000       903,973,000       903,973,000
                                                           =====================================================
Administrative Funds:
    Commodity Purchase Support............................        34,622,000        34,710,000        34,710,000
    Marketing Agreements and Orders.......................        20,056,000        20,317,000        20,317,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total, Administrative Funds.........................        54,678,000        55,027,000        55,027,000
                                                           =====================================================
      Total Obligations...................................       878,297,000       959,000,000       959,000,000
                                                           =====================================================
Unobligated Balance, End of Year..........................  ................  ................  ................
Unavailable for Obligations (Fruit and Veg transfer to           119,000,000       122,000,000       122,000,000
 FNS).....................................................
Balances, Collections and Recoveries Not Available........  ................  ................  ................
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total End of Year Balances..........................       119,000,000       122,000,000       122,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The Budget Control Act of 2011 as amended by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 reduced all non-
  defense mandatory accounts by 7.2 percent in 2014 and 7.3 percent in 2015.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends a transfer from section 32 funds 
of $20,317,000 for the formulation and administration of 
marketing agreements and orders.
    Section 32 Authorities.--Under the authority described in 
clause 3 of 7 U.S.C. 612c, the Secretary is able to direct 
funds from the section 32 account to increase the purchasing 
power of producers. This practice has been used on various 
occasions to provide direct assistance to producers when market 
forces or natural conditions adversely affect the financial 
condition of farmers and ranchers. The Committee notes the 
importance of the ability of the Secretary to utilize this 
authority, but believes that communication between the 
Department and the Congress should be improved when this 
practice is used. Therefore, the Committee directs the 
Secretary to provide notification to the Appropriations 
Committee in advance of any public announcement or release of 
section 32 funds under the specific authorities cited above.

                   PAYMENTS TO STATES AND POSSESSIONS

Appropriations, 2014....................................      $1,363,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................       1,235,000
Committee recommendation................................       1,363,000

    The Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program [FSMIP] is 
authorized by section 204(b) of the Agricultural Marketing Act 
of 1946 and is also funded from appropriations. Matching grants 
are awarded on a competitive basis to State marketing agencies 
to identify and test market alternative farm commodities, 
determine methods of providing more reliable market 
information, and develop better commodity grading standards. 
This program has made possible many types of projects, such as 
electronic marketing and agricultural product diversification. 
Current projects are focused on the improvement of marketing 
efficiency and effectiveness, and seeking new outlets for 
existing farm produced commodities. The legislation grants the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture authority to establish 
cooperative agreements with State departments of agriculture or 
similar State agencies to improve the efficiency of the 
agricultural marketing chain. The States perform the work or 
contract it to others, and must contribute at least one-half of 
the cost of the projects.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,363,000 for 
Payments to States and Possessions for Federal-State marketing 
projects and activities.

        Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $40,261,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      44,017,000
Committee recommendation................................      44,017,000

    The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration 
[GIPSA] was established pursuant to the Secretary's 1994 
reorganization. Grain inspection and weighing programs are 
carried out under the U.S. Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 71 et 
seq.) and other programs under the authority of the 
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, including the inspection 
and grading of rice and grain-related products; conducting 
official weighing and grain inspection activities; and grading 
dry beans and peas, and processed grain products. Under the 
Packers and Stockyards Act (7 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), assurance of 
the financial integrity of the livestock, meat, and poultry 
markets is provided. The Administration monitors competition in 
order to protect producers, consumers, and industry from 
deceptive and fraudulent practices which affect meat and 
poultry prices.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $44,017,000 
for salaries and expenses of the Grain Inspection, Packers and 
Stockyards Administration. Included in this amount is 
$2,787,000 for payments to the General Services Administration 
for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland 
Security for building security activities, which was previously 
funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and 
Rental Payments account.

        LIMITATION ON INSPECTION AND WEIGHING SERVICES EXPENSES

Limitation, 2014........................................     $50,000,000
Budget limitation, 2015.................................      50,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      50,000,000

    The agency provides an official grain inspection and 
weighing system under the U.S. Grain Standards Act [USGSA], and 
official inspection of rice and grain-related products under 
the Agricultural Marketing Act [AMA] of 1946. The USGSA was 
amended in 1981 to require the collection of user fees to fund 
the costs associated with the operation, supervision, and 
administration of Federal grain inspection and weighing 
activities.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $50,000,000 on 
inspection and weighing services expenses.

             Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety

Appropriations, 2014....................................        $811,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................         816,000
Committee recommendation................................         816,000

    The Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety provides 
direction and coordination in carrying out the laws enacted by 
the Congress with respect to the Department's inspection of 
meat, poultry, and processed egg products. The Office has 
oversight and management responsibilities for the Food Safety 
and Inspection Service.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $816,000 for 
the Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety.

                   Food Safety and Inspection Service

Appropriations, 2014....................................  $1,010,689,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................   1,001,402,000
Committee recommendation................................   1,022,770,000

    The major objectives of the Food Safety and Inspection 
Service are to assure that meat and poultry products are 
wholesome, unadulterated, and properly labeled and packaged, as 
required by the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 451 et 
seq.); and to provide continuous in-plant inspection to egg 
processing plants under the Egg Products Inspection Act.
    The Food Safety and Inspection Service was established on 
June 17, 1981, by Secretary's Memorandum No. 1000-1, issued 
pursuant to Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953.
    The inspection program of the Food Safety and Inspection 
Service provides in-plant inspection of all domestic plants 
preparing meat, poultry or egg products for sale or 
distribution; reviews foreign inspection systems and 
establishments that prepare meat or poultry products for export 
to the United States; and provides technical and financial 
assistance to States which maintain meat and poultry inspection 
programs.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,022,770,000 
for the Food Safety and Inspection Service [FSIS]. Included in 
this amount is $10,913,000 for payments to the General Services 
Administration for rent and for payments to the Department of 
Homeland Security for building security activities, which was 
previously funded through the Agriculture Buildings and 
Facilities and Rental Payments account. The Committee finds the 
implementation schedule set forth by FSIS for revised 
inspections processes unrealistically rapid and provides 
additional funds to accomplish this transition in a more 
feasible manner.
    Humane Slaughter.--The Committee directs FSIS to continue 
to provide annual reports to the Committee on the 
implementation of objective scoring methods undertaken by FSIS 
to enforce the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act.
    The Committee also directs FSIS to ensure that personnel 
hired with funding previously provided specifically for Humane 
Methods of Slaughter Act enforcement focus their attention on 
overseeing compliance with humane handling rules for live 
animals as they arrive and are offloaded and handled in pens, 
chutes, and stunning areas.
    Inspections.--The Committee is disappointed in the 
Department's failure to issue a final rule within the timeframe 
set forth in section 12106 of Public Law 113-79. The Committee 
directs the Department to meet its statutory obligation by 
promulgating final regulations expeditiously and meeting the 
implementation deadline for all domestic and imported 
inspection no later than 1 year after the enactment of the 
Agricultural Act of 2014.
    Water Conservation.--The Committee supports the Agency's 
efforts to encourage innovation by poultry slaughter 
establishments, particularly with regard to hand rinsing 
facilities. Allowing wash stations the capability of being 
immediately activated and deactivated in a hands-free manner 
substantially reduces a facility's water consumption. In order 
to encourage water conservation, energy savings and a reduction 
in cross-contamination, the Committee directs the Agency to 
pursue implementation of this innovation.
    The following table represents the Committee's specific 
recommendations for the Food Safety and Inspection Service as 
compared to the fiscal year 2014 and budget request levels:

                            FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE SALARIES AND EXPENSES
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Fiscal year
                                                                    Fiscal year     2015 budget      Committee
                                                                   2014 enacted       request     recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food safety inspection:
    Federal.....................................................         893,740         885,569         905,037
    State.......................................................          62,734          60,905          62,805
    International...............................................          15,883          16,589          16,589
    Codex Alimentarius..........................................           3,752           3,759           3,759
    PHDCIS......................................................          34,580          34,580          34,580
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
      Total.....................................................       1,010,689       1,001,402       1,022,770
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural 
                                Services

Appropriations, 2014....................................        $893,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................         898,000
Committee recommendation................................         898,000

    The Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign 
Agricultural Services provides direction and coordination in 
carrying out the laws enacted by the Congress with respect to 
the Department's international affairs (except for foreign 
economic development), commodity programs, farm loans, disaster 
assistance, crop insurance, and some conservation and energy 
programs. The Office has oversight and management 
responsibilities for the Farm Service Agency (including the 
Commodity Credit Corporation), Risk Management Agency, and the 
Foreign Agricultural Service.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $898,000 for 
the Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign 
Agricultural Services.

                          Farm Service Agency

    The Farm Service Agency [FSA] was established October 3, 
1994, pursuant to the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and 
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, Public 
Law 103-354. The FSA administers a variety of activities, such 
as the commodity price support and production adjustment 
programs financed by the Commodity Credit Corporation; the 
Conservation Reserve Program [CRP]; the Emergency Conservation 
Program; the Commodity Operation Programs including the 
warehouse examination function; farm ownership, farm operating, 
emergency disaster, and other loan programs; and the Noninsured 
Crop Disaster Assistance Program [NAP], which provides crop 
loss protection for growers of many crops for which crop 
insurance is not available. In addition, FSA currently provides 
certain administrative support services to the Foreign 
Agricultural Service [FAS] and to the Risk Management Agency 
[RMA].

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Transfers from    Total, FSA,
                                                                Appropriations      program        salaries and
                                                                                    accounts         expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2014.........................................        1,777,926          310,087        1,488,013
Budget estimate, 2015........................................        1,139,323          309,880        1,449,203
Committee recommendation.....................................        1,182,544          309,880        1,492,424
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The account Salaries and Expenses, Farm Service Agency, 
funds the administrative expenses of program administration and 
other functions assigned to FSA. The funds consist of 
appropriations and transfers from the CCC export credit 
guarantees, Food for Peace loans, and Agricultural Credit 
Insurance Fund program accounts, and miscellaneous advances 
from other sources. All administrative funds used by FSA are 
consolidated into one account. The consolidation provides 
clarity and better management and control of funds, and 
facilitates accounting, fiscal, and budgetary work by 
eliminating the necessity for making individual allocations and 
allotments and maintaining and recording obligations and 
expenditures under numerous separate accounts.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,492,424,000 
for salaries and expenses of the Farm Service Agency, including 
a direct appropriation of $1,182,544,000. Included in this 
amount is $27,142,000 for payments to the General Services 
Administration for rent and for payments to the Department of 
Homeland Security for building security activities, which was 
previously funded through the Agriculture Buildings and 
Facilities and Rental Payments account.
    Continuous Conservation Reserve Program.--The Secretary is 
strongly encouraged to, within the total acreage made available 
for enrollment in the conservation reserve program and without 
reducing the periodic availability of general signup, enroll, 
to the maximum extent practicable, acreage for activities 
included in the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement practice 
or other similar administratively established wetland and 
habitat practices that benefit priority fish and wildlife 
species identified in State, regional, and national 
conservation initiatives with a priority for initiatives that 
provide large blocks of cover ideal for wildlife nesting.
    County Staff.--The Committee does not agree with the budget 
proposal to reduce 815 non-Federal staff and provides 
sufficient funding to maintain acceptable staffing levels.
    Emergency Forestry Conservation Reserve Program.--The 
Committee directs the Department to expeditiously carry out its 
contractual obligations on all contracts and agreements entered 
into by the Secretary of Agriculture under section 1231A of the 
Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831a). The Committee 
expects the authorized review process for outstanding 2013 
EFCRP payments to remain consistent with the review process for 
2012 and prior year CRP payments.
    Farm to Fleet.--The Committee is concerned that the 
Department has given inconsistent indications of whether algae-
derived fuel qualifies for Commodity Credit Corporation support 
under the Farm to Fleet initiative. The Committee is aware that 
USDA is in the process of clarifying algae's eligibility for 
this program and believes defining algae as an eligible 
commodity would be consistent with the Department's treatment 
of algae under other programs. The Committee encourages the 
Department to make this determination expeditiously and apply 
it consistently across each agency that has a role in 
implementing the Farm to Fleet initiative.
    MIDAS.--The Committee recommendation includes $32,500,000 
for Modernize and Innovate the Delivery of Agricultural Systems 
[MIDAS]. Since fiscal year 2009, the Committee has provided 
over $360,000,000 for MIDAS and has supported the overall goal 
of stabilizing and updating the agency's outdated information 
technology [IT] systems. The Committee is concerned that 
despite this investment, MIDAS is not meeting the original 
goals and objectives of streamlining business processes and 
developing an effective long-term IT system that will ensure 
seamless delivery of new farm bill programs. The Committee is 
also concerned that implementation of the new farm bill will 
not be done through MIDAS but through outdated systems that 
have proven unreliable. In addition, in 2008, 2011, and 2013 
GAO raised major concerns about the viability of MIDAS citing 
unrealistic schedules as well as poor management practices.
    While the Committee remains dedicated to ensuring FSA has 
reliable and functioning IT systems, without a clear path 
forward, the Committee cannot justify providing the full budget 
request for this project.
    The Committee understands that USDA is currently engaged in 
a comprehensive assessment of MIDAS and plans to rebase funding 
requirements, scope, and schedule. The Committee finds an 
overall lack of communication unacceptable and directs the 
Secretary, by June 20, 2014, to provide detailed information on 
future funding requirements and a schedule for full 
implementation of a system capable of implementing all farm 
programs.
    National Agriculture Imagery Program.--The Committee 
recommends that funding shall be allocated to purchase imagery 
products to meet programmatic requirements.
    Office Closures.--The Committee does not agree with the 
budget proposal to close 250 Farm Service Agency county 
offices. The Committee cannot be expected to agree to close 
offices when the location of those offices are unknown. The 
Committee is concerned that in light of the recently passed 
farm bill, the Department does not have a clear understanding 
of where or how the county office workload will be impacted. 
The Department is directed to conduct a thorough workload 
analysis to assess how new farm bill programs will impact 
current and future work in county offices. The Department is 
further directed to work with a third-party entity, such as the 
National Academy of Public Administration, to determine a clear 
path forward to ensure the agency continues to provide the 
highest level of customer service. The Committee directs the 
Department to provide quarterly reports on the status of the 
workload analysis.

                         STATE MEDIATION GRANTS

Appropriations, 2014....................................      $3,782,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................       3,404,000
Committee recommendation................................       3,404,000

    This program is authorized under title V of the 
Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (7 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.). 
Originally designed to address agricultural credit disputes, 
the program was expanded by the Federal Crop Insurance Reform 
and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 
(Public Law 103-354) to include other agricultural issues such 
as wetland determinations, conservation compliance, rural water 
loan programs, grazing on National Forest System lands, and 
pesticides. Grants are made to States whose mediation programs 
have been certified by the FSA. Grants will be solely for 
operation and administration of the State's agricultural 
mediation program.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,404,000 for 
State Mediation Grants.

               GRASSROOTS SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2014....................................      $5,526,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................................
Committee recommendation................................       6,500,000

    This program is intended to assist in the protection of 
groundwater through State rural water associations.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,500,000 for 
Grassroots Source Water Protection.

                        DAIRY INDEMNITY PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2014....................................        $500,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................         500,000
Committee recommendation................................         500,000

    Under the program, the Department makes indemnification 
payments to dairy farmers and manufacturers of dairy products 
who, through no fault of their own, suffer income losses 
because they are directed to remove their milk from commercial 
markets due to contamination of their products by registered 
pesticides. The program also authorizes indemnity payments to 
dairy farmers for losses resulting from the removal of cows or 
dairy products from the market due to nuclear radiation or 
fallout.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of such sums as 
may be necessary, estimated in fiscal year 2015 to be $500,000, 
for indemnity payments to dairy farmers.

           AGRICULTURAL CREDIT INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

    The Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account is 
used to provide direct and guaranteed farm ownership, farm 
operating, conservation, Indian highly fractioned land, and 
emergency loans to individuals, as well as the following types 
of loans to associations: irrigation and drainage, grazing, 
Indian tribe land acquisition, and boll weevil eradication.
    FSA is also authorized to provide financial assistance to 
borrowers by guaranteeing loans made by private lenders having 
a contract of guarantee from FSA as approved by the Secretary 
of Agriculture and to establish Beginning Farmer and Rancher 
Individual Development grant accounts.
    The following programs are financed through this fund:
    Boll Weevil Eradication Loans.--Made to assist foundations 
in financing the operations of the boll weevil eradication 
programs provided to farmers.
    Credit Sales of Acquired Property.--Property is sold out of 
inventory and is made available to an eligible buyer by 
providing FSA loans.
    Emergency Loans.--Made to producers to aid recovery from 
production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other 
natural disasters, or quarantine. The loans may be used to: 
restore or replace essential property; pay all or part of 
production costs associated with the disaster year; pay 
essential family living expenses; reorganize the farming 
operation; and refinance certain debts.
    Farm Operating Loans.--Provide short-to-intermediate term 
production or chattel credit to farmers who cannot obtain 
credit elsewhere, to improve their farm and home operations, 
and to develop or maintain a reasonable standard of living. The 
term of the loan varies from 1 to 7 years.
    Farm Ownership Loans.--Made to borrowers who cannot obtain 
credit elsewhere to restructure their debts, improve or 
purchase farms, refinance nonfarm enterprises which supplement 
but do not supplant farm income, or make additions to farms. 
Loans are made for 40 years or less.
    Indian Tribe Land Acquisition Loans.--Made to any Indian 
tribe recognized by the Secretary of the Interior or tribal 
corporation established pursuant to the Indian Reorganization 
Act (Public Law 93-638) which does not have adequate 
uncommitted funds to acquire lands or interest in lands within 
the tribe's reservation or Alaskan Indian community, as 
determined by the Secretary of the Interior, for use of the 
tribe or the corporation or the members thereof.
    Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans.--Made to Indian 
tribal members to purchase highly fractionated lands, as 
authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends a total loan level of 
$6,402,114,000 for programs within the Agricultural Credit 
Insurance Fund Program Account.
    The following table reflects the program levels for farm 
credit programs administered by the Farm Service Agency 
recommended by the Committee, as compared to the fiscal year 
2014 and the budget request levels:

                                    AGRICULTURAL CREDIT PROGRAMS--LOAN LEVELS
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Fiscal year      Fiscal year       Committee
                                                                 2014 enacted     2015 budget     recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farm ownership:
    Direct...................................................          575,000        1,500,000        1,500,000
    Guaranteed...............................................        2,000,000        2,000,000        2,000,000
Farm Operating:
    Direct...................................................        1,195,620        1,252,004        1,252,004
    Guaranteed unsubsidized..................................        1,500,000        1,393,443        1,393,443
Emergency Loans..............................................           34,658           34,667           34,667
Indian Tribe Land Acquisition................................            2,000            2,000            2,000
Conservation Loans:
    Guaranteed...............................................          150,000          150,000          150,000
Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans........................           10,000           10,000           10,000
Boll Weevil Eradication......................................           60,000           60,000           60,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 established the 
program account. Appropriations to this account are used to 
cover the lifetime subsidy costs associated with the direct 
loans obligated and loan guarantees committed, as well as for 
administrative expenses.
    The following table reflects the cost of programs under 
credit reform:

                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Committee
                                                                 2014 enacted     2015 budget     recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farm Ownership:
    Direct...................................................            4,428  ...............  ...............
Farm Operating:
    Direct...................................................           65,520           63,101           63,101
    Guaranteed unsubsidized..................................           18,300           14,770           14,770
Emergency Loans..............................................            1,698              856              856
Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans........................               68  ...............  ...............
Individual Development Account Grants........................  ...............            2,500            2,500
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         Risk Management Agency

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $71,496,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      76,779,000
Committee recommendation................................      76,779,000

    The Risk Management Agency performs administrative 
functions relative to the Federal crop insurance program that 
is authorized by the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
1508), as amended by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 
2000 [ARPA], Public Law 106-224, and the Agricultural Act of 
2014 (Public Law 113-79).
    ARPA authorized significant changes in the crop insurance 
program. This act provides higher government subsidies for 
producer premiums to make coverage more affordable; expands 
research and development for new insurance products and under-
served areas through contracts with the private sector; and 
tightens compliance. Functional areas of risk management are: 
research and development; insurance services; and compliance, 
whose functions include policy formulation and procedures and 
regulations development.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $76,779,000 
for the Risk Management Agency. Included in this amount is 
$3,333,000 for payments to the General Services Administration 
for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland 
Security for building security activities, which was previously 
funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and 
Rental Payments account.
    The Committee recognizes that there are many research 
priorities that competitive funding may be used to address, 
including the feasibility of insurance programs to cover 
business interruption due to integrator bankruptcy and 
catastrophic loss in the poultry industry. The Committee 
encourages RMA to support research into these priorities.
    Price Elections.--The Committee encourages RMA to pool data 
from as many sources as possible, including guaranteed 
contracts as well as data from industry and extension agents, 
to demonstrate compliance with the Agriculture Act of 2014. In 
addition, RMA is encouraged to make use of the data from the 
NASS 2014 Organic Production and Price Survey to publish 
remaining organic price elections as quickly as possible.

                              CORPORATIONS


                Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund

Appropriations, 2014....................................  $9,502,944,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................   8,668,000,000
Committee recommendation................................   8,668,000,000

    The Federal Crop Insurance Act, as amended by the Federal 
Crop Insurance Reform Act of 1994, authorizes the payment of 
expenses which may include indemnity payments, loss adjustment, 
delivery expenses, program-related research and development, 
startup costs for implementing this legislation such as 
studies, pilot projects, data processing improvements, public 
outreach, and related tasks and functions.
    All program costs, except for Federal salaries and 
expenses, are mandatory expenditures subject to appropriation.
    Producers of insurable crops are eligible to receive a 
basic level of protection against catastrophic losses, which 
cover 50 percent of the normal yield at 55 percent of the 
expected price. The only cost to the producer is an 
administrative fee of $300 per crop per county.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of such sums as 
may be necessary, estimated to be $8,668,000,000 in fiscal year 
2015 for the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund.

                   Commodity Credit Corporation Fund

    The Commodity Credit Corporation [CCC] is a wholly owned 
Government corporation created in 1933 to stabilize, support, 
and protect farm income and prices; to help maintain balanced 
and adequate supplies of agricultural commodities, including 
products, foods, feeds, and fibers; and to help in the orderly 
distribution of these commodities. CCC was originally 
incorporated under a Delaware charter and was reincorporated 
June 30, 1948, as a Federal corporation within the Department 
of Agriculture by the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act, 
approved June 29, 1948 (15 U.S.C. 714).
    The Commodity Credit Corporation engages in buying, 
selling, lending, and other activities with respect to 
agricultural commodities, their products, food, feed, and 
fibers. Its purposes include stabilizing, supporting, and 
protecting farm income and prices; maintaining the balance and 
adequate supplies of selected commodities; and facilitating the 
orderly distribution of such commodities. In addition, the 
Corporation makes available materials and facilities required 
in connection with the storage and distribution of such 
commodities. The Corporation also disburses funds for sharing 
of costs with producers for the establishment of approved 
conservation practices on environmentally sensitive land and 
subsequent rental payments for such land for the duration of 
Conservation Reserve Program contracts.
    Corporation activities are primarily governed by the 
following statutes: the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter 
Act (Public Law 80-806), as amended; the Agricultural Act of 
1949 (Public Law 81-439), as amended (1949 Act); the 
Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (Public Law 75-430), as 
amended (the 1938 Act); the Food Security Act of 1985 (Public 
Law 99-198), as amended (1985 Act); the Food, Conservation, and 
Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246); and the Agricultural 
Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79).
    Management of the Corporation is vested in a board of 
directors, subject to the general supervision and direction of 
the Secretary of Agriculture, who is an ex officio director and 
chairman of the board. The board consists of seven members, in 
addition to the Secretary, who are appointed by the President 
of the United States with the advice and consent of the Senate. 
Officers of the Corporation are designated according to their 
positions in the Department of Agriculture.
    The activities of the Corporation are carried out mainly by 
the personnel and through the facilities of the Farm Service 
Agency [FSA] and the Farm Service Agency State and county 
committees. The Foreign Agricultural Service, the General Sales 
Manager, other agencies and offices of the Department, and 
commercial agents are also used to carry out certain aspects of 
the Corporation's activities.
    Under Public Law 87-155 (15 U.S.C. 713a-11, 713a-12), 
annual appropriations are authorized for each fiscal year, 
commencing with fiscal year 1961. These appropriations are to 
reimburse the Corporation for net realized losses.

                 REIMBURSEMENT FOR NET REALIZED LOSSES

Appropriations, 2014.................................... $12,538,880,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................   9,067,281,000
Committee recommendation................................   9,067,281,000

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of such sums as 
may be necessary, estimated in fiscal year 2015 to be 
$9,067,281,000, for the payment to reimburse the Commodity 
Credit Corporation for net realized losses.

                       HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT

Limitation, 2014........................................      $5,000,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................       5,000,000
Committee recommendation................................       5,000,000

    The Commodity Credit Corporation's [CCC] hazardous waste 
management program is intended to ensure compliance with the 
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 
Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) and the Resource 
Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.). The CCC 
funds operations and maintenance costs as well as site 
investigation and cleanup expenses. Investigative and cleanup 
costs associated with the management of CCC hazardous waste are 
also paid from USDA's hazardous waste management appropriation.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $5,000,000 for the 
Commodity Credit Corporation's hazardous waste management 
program.

                                TITLE II

                         CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

  Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment

Appropriations, 2014....................................        $893,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................         898,000
Committee recommendation................................         898,000

    The Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and 
Environment provides direction and coordination in carrying out 
the laws enacted by the Congress with respect to natural 
resources and the environment. The Office has oversight and 
management responsibilities for the Natural Resources 
Conservation Service and the Forest Service.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $898,000 for 
the Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and 
Environment.

                 Natural Resources Conservation Service

    The Natural Resources Conservation Service [NRCS] was 
established pursuant to Public Law 103-354, the Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6962). The 
NRCS works with conservation districts, watershed groups, and 
Federal and State agencies to bring about physical adjustments 
in land use that will conserve soil and water resources, 
provide for agricultural production on a sustained basis, and 
reduce flood damage and sedimentation.

                        CONSERVATION OPERATIONS

Appropriations, 2014....................................    $812,939,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................     814,772,000
Committee recommendation................................     849,295,000

    Conservation operations are authorized by Public Law 74-46 
(16 U.S.C. 590a-590f). Activities include:
    Conservation Technical Assistance provides assistance to 
district cooperators and other land users in the planning and 
application of conservation treatments to control erosion and 
improve the quantity and quality of soil resources, improve and 
conserve water, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, conserve 
energy, improve woodland, pasture and range conditions, and 
reduce upstream flooding; all to protect and enhance the 
natural resource base.
    Resource appraisal and program development ensures that 
programs administered by the Secretary of Agriculture for the 
conservation of soil, water, and related resources shall 
respond to the Nation's long-term needs.
    Plant Materials Centers assemble, test, and encourage 
increased use of plant species which show promise for use in 
the treatment of conservation problem areas.
    Snow Survey and Water Forecasting provides estimates of 
annual water availability from high mountain snow packs and 
relates to summer stream flow in the Western States and Alaska. 
Information is used by agriculture, industry, and cities in 
estimating future water supplies.
    Soil Surveys inventory the Nation's basic soil resources 
and determine land capabilities and conservation treatment 
needs. Soil survey publications include interpretations useful 
to cooperators, other Federal agencies, State, and local 
organizations.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $849,295,000 
for Conservation Operations. Included in this amount is 
$28,614,000 for payments to the General Services Administration 
for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland 
Security for building security activities, which was previously 
funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and 
Rental Payments account.
    Acre-for-acre Wetlands Mitigation.--The Secretary is 
encouraged to use mitigation with the conversion of a natural 
wetland and equivalent wetlands functions at a ratio not to 
exceed a ratio of 1-to-1 acreage.
    Cover Crops.--The Committee recognizes the importance of 
conservation technical assistance and encourages NRCS to 
maximize the staff available to provide land users direct 
assistance in planning and implantation techniques to promote 
soil health including the adoption of cover crops.
    Herbicide Resistance.--The Committee is concerned that 
pigweed has seriously endangered conservation tillage and has 
increased herbicide costs by more than 70 percent for some 
crops. In an effort to address herbicide-resistant weeds and 
associated environmental concerns, agricultural advisors and 
producers have become increasingly more aggressive with 
conservation planning and practice implementation to solve this 
issue. The Committee directs NRCS to ensure agency staff, 
partners, and producers are aware of new and interim 
conservation practice standards and conservation activity plans 
to address herbicide-resistant weeds, such as pigweed, and that 
financial assistance through certain conservation programs is 
available to assist producers in their efforts to control these 
weeds.
    Honey Bee Health.--The Committee understands that NRCS 
through the EQIP, provided $3,000,000 in technical and 
financial assistance for farmers and ranchers to help improve 
honey bee health through better conservation practices. Access 
to good forage is an ongoing challenge for commercial 
beekeepers, and the Committee supports continuing and expanding 
this technical and financial assistance program, and recommends 
that a significant portion of the funds should be devoted to 
facilitating training by expert researchers and beekeepers of 
NRCS officials and agents in pollinator conservation practices.
    Invasive Species.--The Committee reiterates its concern for 
the need to address threats posed by invasive plant species and 
the need to protect, restore and enhance native plants, 
including those that are endangered or threatened. The 
Committee encourages the Secretary to increase support for 
native plant conservation efforts throughout the Department and 
urges the Secretary to work closely with the Department of the 
Interior to better integrate and coordinate the plant 
conservation efforts of both Departments.

                    WATERSHED REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $12,000,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................................
Committee recommendation................................................

    The watershed rehabilitation program account provides for 
technical and financial assistance to carry out rehabilitation 
of structural measures, in accordance with section 14 of the 
Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, approved August 
4, 1954 (16 U.S.C. 1012, U.S.C. 1001, et seq.), as amended by 
section 313 of Public Law 106-472, November 9, 2000, and by 
section 2803 of Public Law 110-246.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee does not recommend an appropriation for the 
Watershed Rehabilitation Program.

                               TITLE III

                       RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

    The Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-354) 
abolished the Farmers Home Administration, Rural Development 
Administration, and Rural Electrification Administration and 
replaced those agencies with the Rural Housing and Community 
Development Service, (currently, the Rural Housing Service), 
Rural Business and Cooperative Development Service (currently, 
the Rural Business--Cooperative Service), and Rural Utilities 
Service and placed them under the oversight of the Under 
Secretary for Rural Economic and Community Development, 
(currently, Rural Development). These agencies deliver a 
variety of programs through a network of State and field 
offices.

          Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development

Appropriations, 2014....................................        $893,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................         898,000
Committee recommendation................................         898,000

    The Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development 
provides direction and coordination in carrying out laws with 
respect to the Department's rural economic and community 
development activities. The Office has oversight and management 
responsibilities for the Rural Housing Service, Rural 
Business--Cooperative Service, and the Rural Utilities Service.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $898,000 for 
the Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development.
    Broadband.--High speed broadband and high-bandwidth 
telecommunications capabilities are essential for economic 
competitiveness and quality of life for rural America. The 
Secretary is encouraged to promote development and demonstrate 
innovative connectivity solutions such as providing high-speed 
Internet via optical laser beams in free space, which help 
connect rural America without broadband infrastructure costs 
and where wireless coverage does not exist.

                                     RURAL DEVELOPMENT SALARIES AND EXPENSES
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Fiscal year--
                                                              ----------------------------------    Committee
                                                                     2014         2015 budget     recommendation
                                                                appropriation       request
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation................................................          203,424          225,101          228,898
Transfer from:
    Rural Housing Insurance Fund Loan Program Account........          415,100          397,296          415,100
    Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Program                34,478           33,000           34,478
     Account.................................................
    Rural Development Loan Program Account...................            4,439            4,249            4,439
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, Rural Development salaries and expenses.........          662,441          659,646          682,915
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These funds are used to administer the loan and grant 
programs of the Rural Utilities Service, the Rural Housing 
Service, and the Rural Business--Cooperative Service, including 
reviewing applications, making and collecting loans and 
providing technical assistance and guidance to borrowers; and 
to assist in extending other Federal programs to people in 
rural areas.
    Under credit reform, administrative costs associated with 
loan programs are appropriated to the program accounts. 
Appropriations to the salaries and expenses account will be for 
costs associated with grant programs.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends $682,915,000 for salaries and 
expenses of Rural Development. Included in this amount is 
$20,777,000 for payments to the General Services Administration 
for rent and for payments to the Department of Homeland 
Security for building security activities, which was previously 
funded through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and 
Rental Payments account.
    New Hires.--The Committee notes the abundance of staffing 
vacancies at Rural Development and remains concerned about its 
impacts on program delivery and the integrity of the Agency's 
portfolio. The Secretary is directed to focus any new hiring 
efforts on staffing to support portfolio management and to 
redress imbalances that might have developed among States' 
workforce needs. The Committee does not include funding for the 
Rural Corps pilot.

                         Rural Housing Service

    The Rural Housing Service [RHS] was established under the 
Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture 
Reorganization Act of 1994, dated October 13, 1994.

              RURAL HOUSING INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Appropriations, 2014 (budget authority).................    $462,404,000
Budget estimate, 2015 (budget authority)................     453,380,000
Committee recommendation (budget authority).............     511,036,000

    This fund was established in 1965 (Public Law 89-117) 
pursuant to section 517 of title V of the Housing Act of 1949 
(42 U.S.C. 517(d)), as amended. This fund may be used to insure 
or guarantee rural housing loans for single-family homes, 
rental and cooperative housing, farm labor housing, and rural 
housing sites. Rural housing loans are made to construct, 
improve, alter, repair, or replace dwellings and essential farm 
service buildings that are modest in size, design, and cost. 
Rental housing insured loans are made to individuals, 
corporations, associations, trusts, or partnerships to provide 
low-cost rental housing and related facilities in rural areas. 
These loans are repayable in terms up to 30 years. Loan 
programs are limited to rural areas, which include towns, 
villages, and other places of not more than 10,000 population, 
which are not part of an urban area. Loans may also be made in 
areas with a population in excess of 10,000, but less than 
20,000, if the area is not included in a standard metropolitan 
statistical area and has a serious lack of mortgage credit for 
low- and moderate-income borrowers.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $511,036,000 
for the Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account [RHIF].
    The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-508) 
established the RHIF program account. Appropriations to this 
account will be used to cover the lifetime subsidy costs 
associated with the direct loans obligated and loan guarantees 
committed in 2014, as well as for administrative expenses. The 
following table presents the loan subsidy levels as compared to 
the 2014 levels and the 2015 budget request:

                                  RURAL HOUSING INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Fiscal year
                                                                     2014         2015 budget       Committee
                                                                appropriation       request       recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Levels:
    Single-Family Housing (sec. 502):
        Direct...............................................          900,000          360,000          900,000
        Guaranteed...........................................       24,000,000       24,000,000       24,000,000
    Housing repair (sec. 504)................................           26,280           26,279           26,279
    Direct rental housing (sec. 515).........................           28,432           28,432           28,432
    Guaranteed rental housing (sec. 538).....................          150,000          150,000          150,000
    Site development loans (sec. 524)........................            5,000            5,000            5,000
    Credit sales of acquired property........................           10,000           10,000           10,000
    Self help land development loans (sec. 523)..............            5,000  ...............            5,000
    Farm labor housing loans (sec. 514)......................           23,855           23,854           23,854
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, loan levels.....................................       25,156,903       24,611,902       25,148,565
                                                              ==================================================
Loan Subsidies and Grants:
    Single-Family Housing (sec. 502):
        Direct...............................................           24,480           26,568           66,420
    Housing repair (sec. 504)................................            2,176            3,687            3,687
    Direct rental housing (sec. 515).........................            6,656            9,812            9,812
    Farm labor housing loans (sec. 514)......................            5,656            7,681            7,681
    Farm labor housing grants (sec. 516).....................            8,336            8,336            8,336
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, loan subsidies and grants.......................           47,304           56,084           95,936
                                                              ==================================================
Administrative expenses......................................          415,100          397,296          415,100
                                                              ==================================================
      Total, loan subsidies and administrative expenses......          462,404          453,380          511,036
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Coordinated Environmental Reviews in Indian Country.--
Tribes face challenges with differing environmental review 
requirements when resources are leveraged from a variety of 
Federal housing and infrastructure programs. The Committee 
believes substantial efficiencies and cost-savings could be 
achieved by creating a coordinated project environmental review 
process. The Committee directs the Secretary to work with HUD, 
who is leading the initiative, and other agencies to 
investigate opportunities to design a coordinated environmental 
review process for tribal housing and related infrastructure 
development.

                       RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2014....................................  $1,110,000,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................   1,088,500,000
Committee recommendation................................   1,093,500,000

    Rental assistance is authorized under section 521(a)(2) of 
the Housing Act of 1949, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1490a). The 
objective of the program is to reduce rents paid by low-income 
families living in Rural Housing Service financed rental 
projects and farm labor housing projects. Under this program, 
low-income tenants will contribute the higher of: (1) 30 
percent of monthly adjusted income; (2) 10 percent of monthly 
income; or (3) designated housing payments from a welfare 
agency.
    Payments from the fund are made to the project owner for 
the difference between the tenant's payment and the approved 
rental rate established for the unit.
    The program is administered in tandem with the Rural 
Housing Service section 515 rural rental housing program and 
the farm labor loan and grant programs. Priority is given to 
existing projects for units occupied by rent over-burdened low-
income families and projects experiencing financial 
difficulties beyond the control of the owner.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,093,500,000 
for the Rental Assistance Program.
    Rental Assistance.--The Committee includes statutory 
language requiring rental assistance to be held in 514/516 
projects for a minimum period of time. Rental assistance 
contracts are funded for 1-year durations and shall not be 
renewed within a 12-month period. The Committee is concerned 
with the potential impacts on very low-income tenants with the 
proposed minimum rent requirement, particularly as it pertains 
to the absence of criteria for hardship exemptions as noted in 
the budget request. Furthermore, proposals for selective 
renewal authority and partial year funding lack sufficient 
justification in meeting the goal of setting the rental 
assistance program on a more fiscally sustainable path. While 
the Committee is encouraged by the Department's efforts to 
reform the rental assistance program, the Secretary shall 
continue to pursue options that increase program efficiency 
while maintaining protection for very low-income rural 
households.

          MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING REVITALIZATION PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $32,575,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      28,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      28,000,000

    The Rural Housing Voucher Program was authorized under the 
Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1940r) to assist very low income 
families and individuals who reside in rental housing in rural 
areas. Housing vouchers may be provided to residents of rental 
housing projects financed by section 515 loans that have been 
prepaid after September 30, 2005. Voucher amounts reflect the 
difference between comparable market rents and tenant-paid rent 
prior to loan prepayment. Vouchers allow tenants to remain in 
existing projects or move to other rental housing.
    The Multi-family Housing Revitalization Program includes 
funding for housing vouchers and a demonstration program for 
the preservation and revitalization of affordable multi-family 
housing projects. Rural Development's multi-family housing 
portfolio faces dual pressures for loan prepayments and repair/
rehabilitation stemming from inadequate reserves resulting in 
deferred property maintenance.
    Provision of affordable rental housing can be accomplished 
more economically by revitalizing existing housing stock rather 
than funding new construction. The Multi-family Housing 
Revitalization Program includes revitalization tools for 
maintenance of existing units and vouchers to protect tenants 
in those projects that prepay. Flexibility is provided to allow 
Rural Development to utilize funding to meet the most urgent 
local needs for tenant protection and project revitalization.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $28,000,000 
for the Multi-family Housing Revitalization Program, including 
$8,000,000 for vouchers and $20,000,000 for a housing 
preservation demonstration program.

                  MUTUAL AND SELF-HELP HOUSING GRANTS

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $25,000,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      10,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      25,000,000

    The Mutual and Self-Help Housing Grants Program is 
authorized by title V of the Housing Act of 1949. Grants are 
made to local organizations to promote the development of 
mutual or self-help programs under which groups of usually 6 to 
10 families build their own homes by mutually exchanging labor. 
Funds may be used to pay the cost of construction supervisors 
who work with families in the construction of their homes and 
for administrative expenses of the organizations providing the 
self-help assistance.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $25,000,000 
for Mutual and Self-Help Housing Grants.

                    RURAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANTS

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $32,239,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      25,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      32,239,000

    The Rural Housing Assistance Grants Program consolidates 
funding for rural housing grant programs. This consolidation of 
housing grant funding provides greater flexibility to tailor 
financial assistance to applicant needs.
    Very Low-Income Housing Repair Grants.--The Very Low-Income 
Housing Repair Grants Program is authorized under section 504 
of title V of the Housing Act of 1949. The rural housing repair 
grant program is carried out by making grants to very low-
income families to make necessary repairs to their homes in 
order to make such dwellings safe and sanitary, and remove 
hazards to the health of the occupants, their families, or the 
community.
    These grants may be made to cover the cost of improvements 
or additions, such as repairing roofs, providing toilet 
facilities, providing a convenient and sanitary water supply, 
supplying screens, repairing or providing structural supports 
or making similar repairs, additions, or improvements, 
including all preliminary and installation costs in obtaining 
central water and sewer service. A grant can be made in 
combination with a section 504 very low-income housing repair 
loan.
    No assistance can be extended to any one individual in the 
form of a loan, grant, or combined loans and grants in excess 
of $27,500, and grant assistance is limited to persons, or 
families headed by persons who are 62 years of age or older.
    Supervisory and Technical Assistance Grants.--Supervisory 
and technical assistance grants are made to public and private 
nonprofit organizations for packaging loan applications for 
housing assistance under sections 502, 504, 514/516, 515, and 
533 of the Housing Act of 1949. The assistance is directed to 
very low-income families in underserved areas where at least 20 
percent of the population is below the poverty level and at 
least 10 percent or more of the population resides in 
substandard housing. In fiscal year 1994 a Homebuyer Education 
Program was implemented under this authority. This program 
provides low-income individuals and families education and 
counseling on obtaining and/or maintaining occupancy of 
adequate housing and supervised credit assistance to become 
successful homeowners.
    Compensation for Construction Defects.--Compensation for 
construction defects provides funds for grants to eligible 
section 502 borrowers to correct structural defects, or to pay 
claims of owners arising from such defects on a newly 
constructed dwelling purchased with RHS financial assistance. 
Claims are not paid until provisions under the builder's 
warranty have been fully pursued. Requests for compensation for 
construction defects must be made by the owner of the property 
within 18 months after the date financial assistance was 
granted.
    Rural Housing Preservation Grants.--Rural housing 
preservation grants (section 533) of the Housing and Urban-
Rural Recovery Act of 1983 (42 U.S.C. 1490m) authorizes the 
Rural Housing Service to administer a program of home repair 
directed at low- and very low-income people.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $32,239,000 
for the Rural Housing Assistance Grants Program.
    The following table compares the grant program levels 
recommended by the Committee to the fiscal year 2014 levels and 
the budget request:

                                         RURAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANTS
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Fiscal year--
                                                              ----------------------------------    Committee
                                                                  2014 level      2015 request    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very low-income housing repair grants........................           28,701           25,000           28,701
Housing preservation grants..................................            3,538  ...............            3,538
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total..................................................           32,239           25,000           32,239
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Committee recommends that the Rural Housing Service 
prioritize funding for communities with unique weather patterns 
in need of replacing antiquated heating systems with more 
efficient technologies.

               Rural Community Facilities Program Account

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $32,520,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      21,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      32,330,000

    Community facility loans were created by the Rural 
Development Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 1926 et seq.) to finance a 
variety of rural community facilities. Loans are made to 
organizations, including certain Indian tribes and corporations 
not operated for profit and public and quasi-public agencies, 
to construct, enlarge, extend, or otherwise improve community 
facilities providing essential services to rural residents. 
Such facilities include those providing or supporting overall 
community development, such as fire and rescue services, 
healthcare, transportation, traffic control, and community, 
social, cultural, and recreational benefits. Loans are made for 
facilities which primarily serve rural residents of open 
country and rural towns and villages of not more than 20,000 
people. Healthcare and fire and rescue facilities are the 
priorities of the program and receive the majority of available 
funds.
    The Community Facility Grant Program authorized in the 
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (Public 
Law 104-127), is used in conjunction with the existing direct 
and guaranteed loan programs for the development of community 
facilities, such as hospitals, fire stations, and community 
centers. Grants are targeted to the lowest income communities. 
Communities that have lower population and income levels 
receive a higher cost-share contribution through these grants, 
to a maximum contribution of 75 percent of the cost of 
developing the facility.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $32,330,000 
for the Rural Community Facilities Program Account.
    The following table provides the Committee's 
recommendations, as compared to the fiscal year 2014 and budget 
request levels:

                                   RURAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES PROGRAM ACCOUNT
                           [Loan levels and budget authority in thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Fiscal year
                                                                     2014         2015 budget       Committee
                                                                appropriation       request      recommendations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan levels:
    Community facilities direct loans........................        2,200,000        2,200,000        2,200,000
    Community facilities guaranteed loans....................           59,543  ...............           75,000
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total loan levels......................................        2,259,543        2,200,000        2,275,000
                                                              ==================================================
Budget authority:
    Community facilities guaranteed loans....................            3,775  ...............            3,585
    Community facilities grants..............................           13,000           17,000           13,000
    Economic initiative grants...............................            5,778  ...............            5,778
    Rural community development initiative...................            5,967  ...............            5,967
    Tribal college grants....................................            4,000            4,000            4,000
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total budget authority.................................           32,520           21,000           32,330
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Day Care Facilities.--The Committee directs the Secretary 
to increase efforts to provide assistance for day care 
facilities through the Community Facilities program. 
Availability of proper day care facilities is limited in rural 
areas, making it difficult for many parents to work and 
sometimes resulting in children receiving substandard care.

                  Rural Business--Cooperative Service

    The Rural Business--Cooperative Service [RBS] was 
established by Public Law 103-354, Federal Crop Insurance 
Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 
1994, dated October 13, 1994. Its programs were previously 
administered by the Rural Development Administration, the Rural 
Electrification Administration, and the Agricultural 
Cooperative Service.

                     RURAL BUSINESS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $96,539,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      30,190,000
Committee recommendation................................      78,527,000

    The Rural Business and Industry Loan Program was created by 
the Rural Development Act of 1972, and finances a variety of 
rural industrial development loans. Loans are made for rural 
industrialization and rural community facilities under Rural 
Development Act amendments to the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932 et seq.) authorities. Business 
and industrial loans are made to public, private, or 
cooperative organizations organized for profit, to certain 
Indian tribes, or to individuals for the purpose of improving, 
developing or financing business, industry, and employment or 
improving the economic and environmental climate in rural 
areas. Such purposes include financing business and industrial 
acquisition, construction, enlargement, repair or 
modernization, financing the purchase and development of land, 
easements, rights-of-way, buildings, payment of startup costs, 
and supplying working capital.
    Rural business development grants were authorized by the 
Agricultural Act of 2014 and can be made to governmental and 
nonprofit entities, and Indian tribes. Up to 10 percent of 
appropriated funds may be used to: identify and analyze 
business opportunities; identify, train, and provide technical 
assistance to existing or prospective rural entrepreneurs and 
managers; assist in the establishment of new rural businesses 
and the maintenance of existing businesses; conduct economic 
development planning, coordination and leadership development; 
and establish centers for training, technology, and trade. The 
balance of appropriated funding may be used for projects that 
support the development of business enterprises that finance or 
facilitate: the development of small and emerging private 
business enterprise; the establishment, expansion, and 
operation of rural distance learning networks; the development 
of rural learning programs; and the provision of technical 
assistance and training to rural communities for the purpose of 
improving passenger transportation.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $78,527,000 
for the Rural Business Program Account.
    The following table provides the Committee's 
recommendations, as compared to the fiscal year 2014 and budget 
request levels:

                                         RURAL BUSINESS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
                           [Loan levels and budget authority in thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Fiscal year
                                                                     2014         2015 budget       Committee
                                                                appropriation       request      recommendations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan levels:
    Business and industry guaranteed loans loan levels.......          958,097          590,802          958,102
Budget authority:
    Business and industry guaranteed loans...................           66,971           30,190           48,959
    Business enterprise grants...............................           24,318  ...............  ...............
    Business opportunity grants..............................            2,250  ...............  ...............
    Rural business development grants........................  ...............  ...............           26,568
    Delta Regional Authority grants..........................            3,000  ...............            3,000
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total budget authority.................................           96,539           30,190           78,527
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Rural Business Program Account.--The Committee recommends 
$500,000 for transportation technical assistance.
    The Committee directs that of the $4,000,000 recommended 
for grants to benefit Federally Recognized Native American 
Tribes, $250,000 shall be used to implement an American Indian 
and Alaska Native passenger transportation development and 
assistance initiative.

                  INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM FUND

                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Fiscal year--
                                                              ----------------------------------    Committee
                                                                  2014 level      2015 request    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated loan level.........................................           18,889           10,013           18,889
Direct loan subsidy..........................................            4,082            3,084            5,818
Administrative expenses......................................            4,439            4,249            4,439
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, loan subsidies and administrative expenses......            8,521            7,333           10,257
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The rural development (intermediary relending) loan program 
was originally authorized by the Economic Opportunity Act of 
1964 (Public Law 88-452). The making of rural development loans 
by the Department of Agriculture was reauthorized by Public Law 
113-79, the Agricultural Act of 2014.
    Loans are made to intermediary borrowers (small investment 
groups) who in turn will reloan the funds to rural businesses, 
community development corporations, private nonprofit 
organizations, public agencies, et cetera, for the purpose of 
improving business, industry, community facilities, and 
employment opportunities and diversification of the economy in 
rural areas.
    The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 established the 
program account. Appropriations to this account will be used to 
cover the lifetime subsidy costs associated with the direct 
loans obligated in 2015, as well as for administrative 
expenses.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $10,257,000 
for the Intermediary Relending Program Fund.

            RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Estimated loan
                                                              level
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal year 2014 level.................................           33,077
Fiscal year 2015 request...............................           59,456
Committee recommendation...............................           33,077
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Rural Economic Development Loans program was 
established by the Reconciliation Act of December 1987 (Public 
Law 100-203), which amended the Rural Electrification Act of 
1936 (Act of May 20, 1936), by establishing a new section 313. 
This section of the Rural Electrification Act (7 U.S.C. 901) 
established a cushion of credits payment program and created 
the rural economic development subaccount. The Administrator of 
RUS is authorized under the act to utilize funds in this 
program to provide zero interest loans to electric and 
telecommunications borrowers for the purpose of promoting rural 
economic development and job creation projects, including 
funding for feasibility studies, startup costs, and other 
reasonable expenses for the purpose of fostering rural economic 
development.

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a loan program level of 
$33,077,000, to be funded from earnings on the Cushion of 
Credit and fees on guaranteed underwriting loans made pursuant 
to section 313A of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.

                  RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $26,050,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      16,087,000
Committee recommendation................................      26,050,000

    Rural cooperative development grants are authorized under 
section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act, as amended. Grants are made to fund the establishment and 
operation of centers for rural cooperative development with 
their primary purpose being the improvement of economic 
conditions in rural areas. Grants may be made to nonprofit 
institutions or institutions of higher education. Grants may be 
used to pay up to 75 percent of the cost of the project and 
associated administrative costs. The applicant must contribute 
at least 25 percent from non-Federal sources, except 1994 
institutions, which only need to provide 5 percent. Grants are 
competitive and are awarded based on specific selection 
criteria.
    Cooperative research agreements are authorized by 7 U.S.C. 
2204b. The funds are used for cooperative research agreements, 
primarily with colleges and universities, on critical 
operational, organizational, and structural issues facing 
cooperatives.
    Cooperative agreements are authorized under 7 U.S.C. 2201 
to any qualified State departments of agriculture, university, 
and other State entity to conduct research that will strengthen 
and enhance the operations of agricultural marketing 
cooperatives in rural areas.
    The Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas [ATTRA] 
program was first authorized by the Food Security Act of 1985. 
The program provides information and technical assistance to 
agricultural producers to adopt sustainable agricultural 
practices that are environmentally friendly and lower 
production costs.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $26,050,000 
for Rural Cooperative Development Grants.
    Of the funds recommended, $2,250,000 is for the Appropriate 
Technology Transfer for Rural Areas program.
    The Committee has included language in the bill that not 
more than $3,000,000 shall be made available to cooperatives or 
associations of cooperatives whose primary focus is to provide 
assistance to small, minority producers.
    Value Added.--The Committee recommends $15,000,000 for 
value-added agricultural product market development grants.

                RURAL MICROENTERPRISE INVESTMENT PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2014....................................................
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      $3,290,000
Committee recommendation................................................

    This program, authorized by section 379E of the 
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1981 et 
seq.), provides loans and grants to intermediaries that assist 
micro-entrepreneurs.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommendation does not include funding for 
the Rural Microenterprise Investment Program.

                    RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2014....................................      $3,500,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      10,000,000
Committee recommendation................................       1,350,000

    The Rural Energy for America Program is authorized under 
section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107). This program may fund energy audits, 
direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants to farmers, ranchers, 
and small rural businesses for the purchase of renewable energy 
systems and for energy efficiency improvements.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,350,000 for 
the Rural Energy for America Program.
    The following table provides the Committee's recommendation 
as compared to the fiscal year 2014 and budget request levels:

                                        RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Fiscal year                      Committee
                                                                    2014 level     2015 request   recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated loan level............................................          12,760          47,259          12,760
Guaranteed loan subsidy.........................................           3,500           5,000           1,350
Grants..........................................................  ..............           5,000  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Biogas System Deployment.--The Committee encourages Rural 
Development to support biogas system deployment with financial 
and technical assistance from existing energy programs, 
including the Rural Energy for America Program [REAP], the 
Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels, and the Biorefinery 
Assistance Program.
    REAP.--The Committee recognizes the opportunity for 
agricultural operations to conserve energy and pioneer the next 
generation of American energy. To the greatest extent possible, 
the Department shall prioritize projects proposed by 
agricultural producers.

                        Rural Utilities Service

    The Rural Utilities Service [RUS] was established under the 
Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture 
Reorganization Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-354), October 13, 
1994. RUS administers the electric and telephone programs of 
the former Rural Electrification Administration and the water 
and waste programs of the former Rural Development 
Administration.

             RURAL WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Appropriations, 2014....................................    $462,371,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................     304,000,000
Committee recommendation................................     463,230,000

    The water and waste disposal program is authorized by 
sections 306, 306A, 309A, 306C, 306D, 306E, and 310B of the 
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et 
seq., as amended). This program makes loans for water and waste 
development costs. Development loans are made to associations, 
including corporations operating on a nonprofit basis, 
municipalities and similar organizations, generally designated 
as public or quasi-public agencies, that propose projects for 
the development, storage, treatment, purification, and 
distribution of domestic water or the collection, treatment, or 
disposal of waste in rural areas. Such grants may not exceed 75 
percent of the development cost of the projects and can 
supplement other funds borrowed or furnished by applicants to 
pay development costs.
    The solid waste grant program is authorized under section 
310B(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. 
Grants are made to public bodies and private nonprofit 
organizations to provide technical assistance to local and 
regional governments for the purpose of reducing or eliminating 
pollution of water resources and for improving the planning and 
management of solid waste disposal facilities.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $463,230,000 
for the Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account.
    The Committee recommends $66,500,000 for water and waste 
disposal systems grants for Native Americans, including Native 
Alaskans, the Colonias, and residents of Hawaiian Home Lands. 
The Committee recognizes the special needs and problems for 
delivery of basic services to these populations. In addition, 
the Committee makes up to $15,919,000 available for the circuit 
rider program.
    The following table provides the Committee's 
recommendations, as compared to the fiscal year 2014 and budget 
request levels:

                                 RURAL WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM ACCOUNT
                           [Loan levels and budget authority in thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Fiscal year 2014     2015 budget        Committee
                                                              appropriation        request       recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan levels:
    Water and waste disposal direct loans.................         1,200,000         1,200,000         1,200,000
    Direct loans authorized by Public Law 83-566..........            40,000  ................  ................
    Water and waste disposal guaranteed loans.............            50,000  ................            50,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total loan levels...................................         1,290,000         1,200,000         1,250,000
                                                           =====================================================
Budget authority:
    Water and waste disposal guaranteed loans.............               355  ................               295
    Water and waste disposal grants.......................           345,523           246,800           345,523
    Solid waste management grants.........................             4,000             4,000             4,000
    Water well systems grants.............................               993  ................               993
    Colonias and AK/HI/Native American grants.............            66,500            36,480            66,500
    Water and waste water revolving funds.................             1,000  ................             1,000
    High energy cost grants...............................            10,000  ................            10,000
    Circuit rider.........................................            15,000             7,600            15,919
    Technical assistance grants...........................            19,000             9,120            19,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total, budget authority.............................           462,371           304,000           463,230
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

    The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et 
seq.) provides the statutory authority for the electric and 
telecommunications programs.
    The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-508) 
established the program account. An appropriation to this 
account will be used to cover the lifetime subsidy costs 
associated with the direct loans obligated and loan guarantees 
committed in fiscal year 2015, as well as for administrative 
expenses.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee is very concerned about the potential impacts 
of a proposed rule issued by Rural Development on February 4, 
2014. The stated goal of the rule is to consolidate 
environmental procedures of the Rural Utilities Service, Rural 
Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural Housing Service. 
However, in its present form the rule would dramatically 
increase USDA workload, and place undue burdens on RUS and its 
electric borrowers without commensurate benefit. Before issuing 
a final rule, the Committee directs Rural Development to report 
to the Committee on additional personnel requirements, 
obstacles to RUS program delivery and impacts on borrowers. 
Furthermore, additional loan processing fees proposed in the 
President's Budget are not appropriate at this time.
    The following table reflects the Committee's recommendation 
for the Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans 
Program Account, the loan subsidy and administrative expenses, 
as compared to the fiscal year 2014 and budget request levels:

                       RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Fiscal year--
                                                              ----------------------------------    Committee
                                                                  2014 level      2015 request    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan authorizations:
    Electric:
        Direct FFB...........................................        5,000,000        5,000,000        5,000,000
        Guaranteed underwriting..............................          500,000  ...............          500,000
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
          Subtotal...........................................        5,500,000        5,000,000        5,500,000
                                                              ==================================================
    Telecommunications.......................................          690,000          690,000          690,000
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total loan authorization...............................        6,190,000        5,690,000        6,190,000
                                                              ==================================================
Administrative expenses......................................           34,478           33,000           34,478
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                    DISTANCE LEARNING, TELEMEDICINE, AND BROADBAND PROGRAM  LOANS AND GRANTS
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Fiscal year--
                                                              ----------------------------------    Committee
                                                                  2014 level      2015 request    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan and grant levels:
    Distance learning and Telemedicine Program:
        Grants...............................................           24,323           24,950           24,323
Broadband program:
    Treasury rate loans......................................           34,430           44,238           34,430
    Treasury rate loans budget authority.....................            4,500            8,268            6,435
    Grants...................................................           10,372           20,372           10,372
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total DLT and Broadband Program level..................           69,125           89,560           69,125
                                                              ==================================================
      Total DLT and Broadband Budget authority...............           39,195           53,590           41,130
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program 
is authorized by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade 
Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa et seq.), as amended by the 
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (Public 
Law 104-127). This program provides incentives to improve the 
quality of phone services, to provide access to advanced 
telecommunications services and computer networks, and to 
improve rural opportunities.
    This program provides the facilities and equipment to link 
rural education and medical facilities with more urban centers 
and other facilities providing rural residents access to better 
healthcare through technology and increasing educational 
opportunities for rural students. These funds are available for 
loans and grants.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $41,130,000 
for the Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program. 
Funds recommended for the RUS broadband program are intended to 
promote broadband availability in those areas where there is 
not otherwise a business case for private investment in a 
broadband network. The Committee encourages RUS to focus 
expenditures on projects that bring broadband service to 
currently unserved households.
    The Committee is concerned about the longstanding, unmet 
health needs in the Mississippi River Delta. The Committee 
recommendation includes $3,000,000 to address critical 
healthcare needs in the region, as authorized by section 379G 
of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.
    Broadband Grants.--Of the funds recommended, $10,372,000 in 
grants shall be made available to support broadband 
transmission and local dial-up Internet services for rural 
areas.

                                TITLE IV

                         DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS

Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services

Appropriations, 2014....................................        $811,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................         816,000
Committee recommendation................................         816,000

    The Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and 
Consumer Services provides direction and coordination in 
carrying out the laws enacted by the Congress with respect to 
the Department's nutrition assistance activities. The Office 
has oversight and management responsibilities for the Food and 
Nutrition Service.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $816,000 for 
the Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and 
Consumer Services.

                       Food and Nutrition Service

    The Food and Nutrition Service represents an organizational 
effort to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in this country. 
Nutrition assistance programs provide access to a nutritionally 
adequate diet for families and persons with low incomes and 
encourage better eating patterns among the Nation's children. 
These programs include:
    Child Nutrition Programs.--The National School Lunch and 
School Breakfast, Summer Food Service, and Child and Adult Care 
Food programs provide funding to the States, Puerto Rico, the 
Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam for use in serving 
nutritious lunches and breakfasts to children attending schools 
of high school grades and under, to children of preschool age 
in child care centers, and to children in other institutions in 
order to improve the health and well-being of the Nation's 
children, and broaden the markets for agricultural food 
commodities. Through the Special Milk Program, assistance is 
provided to the States for making reimbursement payments to 
eligible schools and child care institutions which institute or 
expand milk service in order to increase the consumption of 
fluid milk by children. Funds for this program are provided by 
direct appropriation and transfer from section 32.
    Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, 
and Children [WIC].--This program safeguards the health of 
pregnant, postpartum, and breast-feeding women, infants, and 
children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk because of 
inadequate nutrition and income by providing supplemental 
foods. The delivery of supplemental foods may be done through 
health clinics, vouchers redeemable at retail food stores, or 
other approved methods which a cooperating State health agency 
may select. Funds for this program are provided by direct 
appropriation.
    Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.--This program 
seeks to improve nutritional standards of needy persons and 
families. Assistance is provided to eligible households to 
enable them to obtain a better diet by increasing their food 
purchasing capability, usually by furnishing benefits in the 
form of electronic access to funds. The program also includes 
Nutrition Assistance to Puerto Rico.
    The program also includes the Food Distribution Program on 
Indian Reservations, which provides nutritious agricultural 
commodities to low-income persons living on or near Indian 
reservations who choose not to participate in the Supplemental 
Nutrition Assistance Program.
    Commodity Assistance Program [CAP].--This program provides 
funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program [CSFP], the 
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, Disaster Assistance, Pacific 
Island Assistance, and administrative expenses for TEFAP.
    CSFP provides supplemental foods to infants and children up 
to age 6, and to pregnant, postpartum, and breast-feeding women 
with low incomes, and who reside in approved project areas. In 
addition, this program operates commodity distribution projects 
directed at low-income elderly persons.
    TEFAP provides commodities and grant funds to State 
agencies to assist in the cost of storage and distribution of 
donated commodities.
    Nutritious agricultural commodities are provided to 
residents of the Federated States of Micronesia and the 
Marshall Islands. Cash assistance is provided to distributing 
agencies to assist them in meeting administrative expenses 
incurred. It also provides funding for use in non-
presidentially declared disasters, and for FNS' administrative 
costs in connection with relief for all disasters. Funds for 
this program are provided by direct appropriation.
    Nutrition Programs Administration.--Most salaries and 
Federal operating expenses of the Food and Nutrition Service 
are funded from this account. Also included is the Center for 
Nutrition Policy and Promotion [CNPP] which oversees 
improvements in and revisions to the food guidance systems, and 
serves as the focal point for advancing and coordinating 
nutrition promotion and education policy to improve the health 
of all Americans.

                        child nutrition programs

Appropriations, 2014.................................... $19,287,957,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................  20,537,000,000
Committee recommendation................................  20,497,000,000

    The Child Nutrition Programs, authorized by the Richard B. 
Russell National School Lunch Act (Public Law 79-396) and the 
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-642), provide 
Federal assistance to State agencies in the form of cash and 
commodities for use in preparing and serving nutritious meals 
to children while they are attending school, residing in 
service institutions, or participating in other organized 
activities away from home. The purpose of these programs is to 
help maintain the health and proper physical development of 
America's children. Milk is provided to children either free or 
at a low cost, depending on their family income level. FNS 
provides cash subsidies to States for administering the 
programs and directly administers the program in the States 
which choose not to do so. Grants are also made for nutritional 
training and surveys and for State administrative expenses. 
Under current law, most of these payments are made on the basis 
of reimbursement rates established by law and applied to 
lunches and breakfasts actually served by the States. The 
reimbursement rates are adjusted annually to reflect changes in 
the Consumer Price Index for food away from home.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends $20,497,000,000 for the Child 
Nutrition Programs.
    The Committee's recommendation provides for the following 
annual rates for the child nutrition programs.

                      TOTAL OBLIGATIONAL AUTHORITY
                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Committee
       Child nutrition programs           2015 budget     recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
School Lunch Program..................       11,369,079       11,369,079
School Breakfast Program..............        3,904,967        3,904,967
Child and Adult Care Food Program.....        3,149,700        3,149,700
Summer Food Service Program...........          492,738          492,738
Special Milk Program..................           10,350           10,350
State Administrative Expenses.........          264,016          264,016
Commodity Procurement.................        1,199,797        1,199,797
Team Nutrition/HUSSC/CMS..............           17,004           17,004
Food Safety Education.................            2,718            2,718
Coordinated Review....................           10,000           10,000
Computer Support......................           11,250           11,250
CACFP Training and Technical                      8,137            8,137
 Assistance...........................
CNP Studies and Evaluation............           20,079           20,079
Farm to School Team...................            2,261            2,261
Payment Accuracy......................            9,904            9,904
School Meal Equipment Grants..........           35,000           25,000
Summer EBT Demonstration..............           30,000  ...............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Committee expects FNS to utilize the National Food 
Service Management Institute to carry out the food safety 
education program.
    School Meals.--The Committee recognizes that some schools 
anticipate difficulties in complying with the 100 percent whole 
grain requirement that is set to go in effect in July 2014. The 
Committee directs the Department to consult with individual 
school districts that express concern and to work with both 
schools and relevant industry stakeholders.
    Summer Food Service Program [SFSP].--The Committee 
recognizes the importance of SFSP to promote year-round child 
nutrition. The Committee encourages FNS to work with nonprofit 
national youth mentoring organizations in administering this 
program. When working with these organizations, FNS should 
consider organizations with national headquarters that already 
provide services to the community and have well defined 
management practices.

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN 
                                 [WIC]

Appropriations, 2014....................................  $6,715,841,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................   6,823,000,000
Committee recommendation................................   6,623,000,000

    The special supplemental nutrition program for women, 
infants, and children [WIC] is authorized by section 17 of the 
Child Nutrition Act of 1966. Its purpose is to safeguard the 
health of pregnant, breast-feeding and postpartum women and 
infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk 
because of inadequate nutrition and inadequate income.
    The WIC program food packages are designed to provide foods 
which studies have demonstrated are lacking in the diets of the 
WIC program target population. The authorized supplemental 
foods are iron-fortified breakfast cereal, fruit or vegetable 
juice which contains vitamin C, dry beans, peas, and peanut 
butter.
    There are three general types of delivery systems for WIC 
foods: (1) retail purchase in which participants obtain 
supplemental foods through retail stores; (2) home delivery 
systems in which food is delivered to the participant's home; 
and (3) direct distribution systems in which participants pick 
up food from a distribution outlet. The food is free of charge 
to all participants.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,623,000,000 
for the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, 
and Children [WIC].
    The Committee recommendation fully funds estimated WIC 
participation in fiscal year 2015. The Committee recommendation 
includes $60,000,000 for breastfeeding support initiatives, 
$14,000,000 for infrastructure, and $30,000,000 for management 
information systems.
    Income Eligibility.--The Food and Nutrition Service is to 
submit, within 30 days, a report to the subcommittee on the 
policies, procedures, training and technical assistance it has 
provided to State WIC programs on income eligibility 
determination and verification since the release of the 
February 2013 Government Accountability Office report ``WIC 
Program: Improved Oversight of Income Eligibility Determination 
Needed.'' The report is to include data from the USDA's 
regional offices on the extent to which all State WIC programs 
have complied with the use of a standard set of income 
eligibility and verification criteria.
    WIC Food Package.--The Committee understands the Department 
is working with the Institute of Medicine to make 
recommendations for the fish species to include in the WIC food 
packages that scientific evidence shows to be low in mercury 
and in other respects nutritious, including wild salmon, for 
pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women. The Committee 
requests a report, within 120 days of enactment of this act, on 
this effort.

               SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2014.................................... $82,169,945,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................  84,256,387,000
Committee recommendation................................  82,251,387,000

    The Food Stamp Program was reauthorized through fiscal year 
2012 and renamed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 
[SNAP] in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. The 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program attempts to alleviate 
hunger and malnutrition among low-income persons by increasing 
their food purchasing power. Eligible households receive SNAP 
benefits with which they can purchase food through regular 
retail stores.
    Other programs funded through SNAP include Nutrition 
Assistance to Puerto Rico and American Samoa, the Food 
Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, the Emergency Food 
Assistance Program, and the Community Food Projects program.
    The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is currently 
in operation in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, the 
Virgin Islands, and Guam. Participating households receive food 
benefits, the value of which is determined by household size 
and income. The cost of the benefits is paid by the Federal 
Government. As required by law, the Food and Nutrition Service 
annually revises household benefit allotments to reflect 
changes in the cost of the thrifty food plan.
    Administrative Costs.--All direct and indirect 
administrative costs incurred for certification of households, 
issuance of benefits, quality control, outreach, and fair 
hearing efforts are shared by the Federal Government and the 
States on a 50-50 basis.
    State Antifraud Activities.--Under the provisions of the 
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, States are eligible to be 
reimbursed for 50 percent of the costs of their fraud 
investigations and prosecutions.
    States are required to implement an employment and training 
program for the purpose of assisting members of households 
participating in SNAP in gaining skills, training, or 
experience that will increase their ability to obtain regular 
employment. The Department of Agriculture has implemented a 
grant program to States to assist them in providing employment 
and training services.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of 
$82,251,387,000 for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance 
Program. Of the amount recommended, $3,000,000,000 is made 
available as a contingency reserve.
    Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.--The 
Committee encourages the Secretary to continue the purchase of 
bison from producer-owned and Native American owned 
cooperatives for the Food Distribution Program on Indian 
Reservations. Although funding is not provided specifically for 
bison purchase, historically these purchases have been 
important for the Native American population both economically 
and nutritionally.

                      commodity assistance program

Appropriations, 2014....................................    $269,701,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................     275,701,000
Committee recommendation................................     275,701,000

    The Commodity Assistance Program includes funding for the 
Commodity Supplemental Food Program and funding to pay expenses 
associated with the storage and distribution of commodities 
through The Emergency Food Assistance Program.
    The Commodity Supplemental Food Program [CSFP].--Authorized 
by section 4(a) of the Agricultural and Consumer Protection Act 
of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note), as amended in 1981 by Public Law 
97-98, this program provides supplemental food to infants and 
children up to age 6, and to pregnant, post partum, and breast-
feeding women who have low incomes, and reside in approved 
project areas. In addition, the program operates commodity 
distribution projects directed at low-income elderly persons 60 
years of age or older.
    The foods for CSFP are provided by the Department of 
Agriculture for distribution through State agencies. The 
authorized commodities include: iron-fortified infant formula, 
rice cereal, cheese, canned juice, evaporated milk and/or 
nonfat dry milk, canned vegetables or fruits, canned meat or 
poultry, egg mix, dehydrated potatoes, farina, and peanut 
butter and dry beans. Elderly participants may receive all 
commodities except iron-fortified infant formula and rice 
cereal.
    The Emergency Food Assistance Program [TEFAP].--Authorized 
by the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7501 et 
seq.), as amended, the program provides nutrition assistance to 
low-income people through prepared meals served on site and 
through the distribution of commodities to low-income 
households for home consumption. The commodities are provided 
by USDA to State agencies for distribution through State-
established networks. State agencies make the commodities 
available to local organizations, such as soup kitchens, food 
pantries, food banks, and community action agencies, for their 
use in providing nutrition assistance to those in need.
    Funds are administered by FNS through grants to State 
agencies which operate commodity distribution programs. 
Allocation of the funds to States is based on a formula which 
considers the States' unemployment rate and the number of 
persons with income below the poverty level.
    Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.--The Farmers' Market 
Nutrition Program [FMNP] provides WIC or WIC-eligible 
participants with coupons to purchase fresh, nutritious, 
unprepared foods, such as fruits and vegetables, from farmers' 
markets. This benefits both participants and local farmers by 
increasing the awareness and use of farmers' markets by low-
income households.
    Pacific Island and Disaster Assistance.--This program 
provides funding for assistance to the nuclear-affected islands 
in the form of commodities and administrative funds. It also 
provides funding for use in non-presidentially declared 
disasters and for FNS' administrative costs in connection with 
relief for all disasters.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $275,701,000 
for the Commodity Assistance Program. The Committee continues 
to encourage the Department to distribute Commodity Assistance 
Program funds equitably among the States, based on an 
assessment of the needs and priorities of each State and the 
State's preference to receive commodity allocations through 
each of the programs funded under this account.
    Commodity Supplemental Food Program.--The Committee 
recommends $208,682,000 for the Commodity Supplemental Food 
Program. This amount fully funds participation in fiscal year 
2015. The Committee is aware that there are additional States 
that have approved applications to participate in the Commodity 
Supplemental Food Program, and encourages USDA to work to 
provide sufficient funding for these States in future budget 
requests.
    Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.--The Committee is aware 
that the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program provides fresh 
fruits and vegetables to low-income mothers and children, 
benefiting not only WIC participants, but local farmers as 
well. Therefore, the Committee recommends $16,548,000 for the 
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and directs the Secretary to 
obligate these funds within 45 days.
    The Emergency Food Assistance Program.--The Agricultural 
Act of 2014 provides $324,000,000 for TEFAP commodities to be 
purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds. 
The Committee recommendation includes $49,401,000 for TEFAP 
transportation, storage, and program integrity. In addition, 
the Committee recommendation grants the Secretary authority to 
transfer up to an additional 10 percent from TEFAP commodities 
for this purpose.
    The Committee encourages the Secretary to identify 
opportunities for increasing the supply of TEFAP commodities in 
the coming fiscal year through bonus and specialty crop 
purchases. The Department shall make available to the States 
domestically produced catfish fillets for distribution to local 
agencies.

                   nutrition programs administration

Appropriations, 2014....................................    $141,348,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................     155,000,000
Committee recommendation................................     155,000,000

    The Nutrition Programs Administration appropriation 
provides for most of the Federal operating expenses of the Food 
and Nutrition Service, which includes the Child Nutrition 
Programs; Special Milk Program; Special Supplemental Nutrition 
Program for Women, Infants, and Children [WIC]; Supplemental 
Nutrition Assistance Program; Nutrition Assistance for Puerto 
Rico; the Commodity Assistance Program, including the Commodity 
Supplemental Food Program and the Emergency Food Assistance 
Program; and Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and Pacific 
Island and Disaster Assistance.
    The major objective of Nutrition Programs Administration is 
to efficiently and effectively carry out the nutrition 
assistance programs mandated by law. This is to be accomplished 
by the following: (1) giving clear and consistent guidance and 
supervision to State agencies and other cooperators; (2) 
assisting the States and other cooperators by providing 
program, managerial, financial, and other advice and expertise; 
(3) measuring, reviewing, and analyzing the progress being made 
toward achieving program objectives; and (4) carrying out 
regular staff support functions.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $155,000,000 
for Nutrition Programs Administration. Included in this amount 
is $12,999,000 for payments to the General Services 
Administration for rent and for payments to the Department of 
Homeland Security for building security activities, which was 
previously funded through the Agriculture Buildings and 
Facilities and Rental Payments account.

                                TITLE V

                FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS

                      Foreign Agricultural Service

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Transfers from
                                                                Appropriations   loan accounts        Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2014.........................................          177,863            6,394          184,257
Budget estimate, 2015........................................          182,563            6,394          188,957
Committee recommendation.....................................          182,797            6,394          189,191
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Foreign Agricultural Service [FAS] was established 
March 10, 1953, by Secretary's Memorandum No. 1320, supplement 
1. Public Law 83-690, approved August 28, 1954, transferred the 
agricultural attaches from the Department of State to the 
Foreign Agricultural Service.
    The mission of FAS overseas is to represent U.S. 
agricultural interests, to promote export of domestic farm 
products, improve world trade conditions, and report on 
agricultural production and trade in foreign countries. FAS 
staff are stationed at 98 offices around the world where they 
provide expertise in agricultural economics and marketing, as 
well as provide attache services.
    FAS carries out several export assistance programs to 
counter the adverse effects of unfair trade practices by 
competitors on U.S. agricultural trade. The Export Enhancement 
Program uses CCC-owned commodities as export bonuses to provide 
export enhancements to U.S. producers. The Market Access 
Program [MAP] conducts both generic and brand-identified 
promotional programs in conjunction with nonprofit agricultural 
associations and private firms financed through reimbursable 
CCC payments.
    The General Sales Manager was established pursuant to 
section 5(f) of the charter of the Commodity Credit Corporation 
and 15 U.S.C. 714-714p. The funds allocated to the General 
Sales Manager are used for conducting the following programs: 
(1) CCC Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102), including 
facilities financing guarantees; (2) Food for Peace; (3) 
section 416b Overseas Donations Program; (4) Market Access 
Program; and (5) programs authorized by the Commodity Credit 
Corporation Charter Act including barter, export sales of most 
CCC-owned commodities, export payments, and other programs as 
assigned to encourage and enhance the export of U.S. 
agricultural commodities.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends $189,191,000 for the Foreign 
Agricultural Service, including a direct appropriation of 
$182,797,000. Included in this amount is $1,140,000 for 
payments to the General Services Administration for rent and 
for payments to the Department of Homeland Security for 
building security activities, which was previously funded 
through the Agriculture Buildings and Facilities and Rental 
Payments account. While the Committee has a history of 
supporting USDA reconstruction and stabilization activities, 
the Committee expects appropriated funds to be used for 
established FAS trade promotion, trade policy, trade capacity 
building, and food security efforts.
    Borlaug Fellows Program.--The Committee recommendation 
includes $1,500,000 for the Borlaug International Agricultural 
Science and Technology Fellows Program. This program provides 
training for international scientists and policymakers from 
selected developing countries. The fellows work closely with 
U.S. specialists in their fields of expertise and apply that 
knowledge in their home countries. The Committee recognizes the 
importance of this program in helping developing countries 
strengthen their agricultural practices and food security.
    Cochran Fellowship Program.--The Committee recommendation 
includes $5,300,000 for the Cochran Fellowship Program. The 
Committee encourages the Secretary to continue to provide 
additional support for the program through the Commodity Credit 
Corporation Emerging Markets Program.
    Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program.--The 
Committee expects the FAS to fund the Foreign Market 
Development Cooperator Program.
    Market Access Program.--The Committee continues the full 
mandatory funding for the Market Access Program and expects the 
Department to administer the program as authorized in 7 U.S.C. 
5623, without changing the eligibility requirements for 
participation of cooperative organizations, small businesses, 
trade associations, and other entities.

  FOOD FOR PEACE TITLE I DIRECT CREDIT AND FOOD FOR PROGRESS PROGRAM 
                                ACCOUNT

Appropriations, 2014....................................      $2,735,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................       2,528,000
Committee recommendation................................       2,528,000

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,528,000 for 
administrative expenses to continue servicing existing Food for 
Peace title I agreements.

                     FOOD FOR PEACE TITLE II GRANTS

Appropriations, 2014....................................  $1,466,000,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................   1,400,000,000
Committee recommendation................................   1,466,000,000

    Commodities Supplied in Connection With Dispositions Abroad 
(Title II) (7 U.S.C. 1721-1726).--Commodities are supplied 
without cost through foreign governments to combat malnutrition 
and to meet famine and other emergency requirements. 
Commodities are also supplied for nonemergencies through public 
and private agencies, including intergovernmental 
organizations. The Commodity Credit Corporation pays ocean 
freight on shipments under this title, and may also pay 
overland transportation costs to a landlocked country, as well 
as internal distribution costs in emergency situations. The 
funds appropriated for title II are made available to private 
voluntary organizations and cooperatives to assist these 
organizations in meeting administrative and related costs.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,466,000,000 
for Food for Peace title II grants.

  MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD NUTRITION 
                             PROGRAM GRANTS

Appropriations, 2014....................................    $185,126,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................     185,126,000
Committee recommendation................................     185,126,000

    The McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and 
Child Nutrition Program helps support education, child 
development, and food security for some of the world's poorest 
children. The program provides for donations of U.S. 
agricultural products, as well as financial and technical 
assistance, for school feeding and maternal and child nutrition 
projects in low-income, food-deficit countries that are 
committed to universal education. Commodities made available 
for donation through agreements with private voluntary 
organizations, cooperatives, intergovernmental organizations, 
and foreign governments may be donated for direct feeding or 
for local sale to generate proceeds to support school feeding 
and nutrition projects.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $185,126,000 
for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and 
Child Nutrition Program.

COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION EXPORT LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT (EXPORT CREDIT
                          PROGRAMS AND GSM-102)
                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Guaranteed loan   Administrative
                                             levels          expenses
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2014..................        5,500,000            6,748
Budget estimate, 2015.................        5,500,000            6,748
Committee recommendation..............        5,500,000            6,748
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In 1980, the Commodity Credit Corporation [CCC] instituted 
the Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102) under its charter 
authority. With this program, CCC guarantees, for a fee, 
payments due U.S. exporters under deferred payment sales 
contracts (up to 36 months) for defaults due to commercial as 
well as noncommercial risks. The risk to CCC extends from the 
date of export to the end of the deferred payment period 
covered in the export sales contract and covers only that 
portion of the payments agreed to in the assurance agreement. 
Operation of this program is based on criteria which will 
assure that it is used only where it is determined that it will 
develop new market opportunities and maintain and expand 
existing world markets for U.S. agricultural commodities. The 
program encourages U.S. financial institutions to provide 
financing to those areas where the institutions would be 
unwilling to provide financing in the absence of the CCC 
guarantees. CCC also provides facilities financing guarantees.
    The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 establishes the 
program account. The subsidy costs of the CCC export guarantee 
programs are exempt from the requirement of advance 
appropriations of budget authority according to section 
504(c)(2) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, Public Law 
101-508. Appropriations to this account will be used for 
administrative expenses.

                                TITLE VI

            RELATED AGENCY AND FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

                Department of Health and Human Services

                      FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

    The Food and Drug Administration [FDA] is a scientific 
regulatory agency whose mission is to promote and protect the 
public health and safety of Americans. FDA's work is a blend of 
science and law. The Food and Drug Administration Amendments 
Act of 2007 [FDAAA] (Public Law 110-85) reaffirmed the 
responsibilities of the FDA: to ensure safe and effective 
products reach the market in a timely way, and to monitor 
products for continued safety while they are in use. In 
addition, FDA is entrusted with two critical functions in the 
Nation's war on terrorism: preventing willful contamination of 
all regulated products, including food, and improving the 
availability of medications to prevent or treat injuries caused 
by biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear agents.
    The FDA Foods program has the primary responsibility for 
assuring that the food supply, quality of foods, food 
ingredients and dietary supplements are safe, sanitary, 
nutritious, wholesome, and honestly labeled, and that cosmetic 
products are safe and properly labeled. The variety and 
complexity of the food supply has grown dramatically while new 
and more complex safety issues, such as emerging microbial 
pathogens, natural toxins, and technological innovations in 
production and processing, have developed. This program plays a 
major role in keeping the United States food supply among the 
safest in the world.
    In January 2011, the Food Safety Modernization Act was 
signed into law. This law enables FDA to better protect public 
health by strengthening the food safety system. It enables FDA 
to focus more on preventing food safety and feed problems 
rather than relying primarily on reacting to problems after 
they occur. The law also provides FDA with new enforcement 
authorities designed to achieve higher rates of compliance with 
prevention- and risk-based food and feed safety standards and 
to better respond to and contain problems when they do occur. 
The law also gives FDA important new tools to hold imported 
food and feed to the same standards as domestic food and feed 
and directs FDA to build an integrated national food safety 
system in partnership with State and local authorities.
    The FDA Drugs programs are comprised of four separate 
areas, Human Drugs, Animal Drugs, Medical Devices and 
Biologics. FDA is responsible for the lifecycle of products, 
including premarket review and postmarket surveillance of human 
and animal drugs, medical devices and biological products to 
ensure their safety and effectiveness. For Human Drugs this 
includes assuring that all drug products used for the 
prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease are safe and 
effective. Additional procedures include the review of 
investigational new drug applications; evaluation of market 
applications for new and generic drugs, labeling and 
composition of prescription and over-the-counter drugs; 
monitoring the quality and safety of products manufactured in, 
or imported into, the United States; and, regulating the 
advertising and promotion of prescription drugs. The Animal 
Drugs and Feeds Program ensures only safe and effective 
veterinary drugs, intended for the treatment and/or prevention 
of diseases in animals and the improved production of food-
producing animals, are approved for marketing.
    The FDA Biologics program assures that blood and blood 
products, blood test kits, vaccines, and therapeutics are pure, 
potent, safe, effective, and properly labeled. The program 
inspects blood banks and blood processors, licenses and 
inspects firms collecting human source plasma, evaluates and 
licenses biologics manufacturing firms and products; lot 
releases licensed products; and monitors adverse events 
associated with vaccine immunization, blood products, and other 
biologics.
    The FDA Devices and Radiological program ensures the safety 
and effectiveness of medical devices and eliminates unnecessary 
human exposure to manmade radiation from medical, occupational, 
and consumer products. In addition, the program enforces 
quality standards under the Mammography Quality Standards Act 
(Public Law 108-365). Medical devices include thousands of 
products from thermometers and contact lenses to heart 
pacemakers, hearing aids, and MRIs. Radiological products 
include items such as microwave ovens and video display 
terminals.
    FDA's National Center for Toxicological Research in 
Jefferson, Arkansas, serves as a specialized resource, 
conducting peer-review scientific research that provides the 
basis for FDA to make sound science-based regulatory decisions 
through its premarket review and postmarket surveillance. The 
research is designed to define and understand the biological 
mechanisms of action underlying the toxicity of products and 
lead to developing methods to improve assessment of human 
exposure, susceptibility and risk of those products regulated 
by FDA.
    In 2009, Congress granted FDA new authority to regulate the 
manufacture, distribution, and marketing of tobacco products. 
FDA exercises this responsibility by protecting the public 
health from the health effects of tobacco, setting scientific 
standards and standards for tobacco product review, conducting 
compliance activities to enforce its authority over tobacco, 
and conducting public education and outreach about the health 
effects of tobacco products.

                         salaries and expenses

                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Appropriation    User fees       Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2014.........      2,551,905     1,825,965     4,377,870
Budget estimate, 2015........      2,575,383     2,161,827     4,737,210
Committee recommendation.....      2,588,536     1,902,324     4,490,860
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       committee recommendations

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,588,536,000 
for FDA salaries and expenses. The Committee also recommends 
$798,000,000 in Prescription Drug User Fee Act user fee 
collections; $128,282,000 in Medical Device User Fee and 
Modernization Act user fee collections; $22,464,000 in Animal 
Drug User Fee Act user fee collections; $6,944,000 in Animal 
Generic Drug User Fee Act user fee collections; $566,000,000 in 
Tobacco Product user fee collections; $312,116,000 in Generic 
Drug User Fee Act user fee collections; $21,014,000 in 
Biosimilar User Fee Act user fee collections; $5,300,000 in 
Voluntary Qualified Importer Program collections; $1,434,000 in 
food and feed recall collections; $6,414,000 in food 
reinspection collections; $19,705,000 in Mammography Quality 
Standards Act fee collections; and $13,651,000 in export and 
certification fees, as assumed in the President's budget. The 
Committee recommendation includes bill language which prohibits 
FDA from developing, establishing, or operating any program of 
user fees authorized by 31 U.S.C. 9701.
    The Committee recommendation does not include proposed user 
fees for food facility registration and inspection, food 
import, food contact substance notification, cosmetics, and 
international courier imports. None of these user fee proposals 
have been authorized by Congress. The Committee will continue 
to monitor any action by the appropriate authorizing Committees 
regarding these proposed user fees.
    For direct appropriations, the Committee recommendation is 
consistent with the budget request, including fully funding the 
amount requested for implementation of the Food Safety 
Modernization Act. In addition, the Committee recommendation 
includes a $4,000,000 increase for the National Antimicrobial 
Resistance Monitoring System.
    The Committee expects FDA to continue all projects, 
activities, laboratories, and programs as included in fiscal 
year 2014 unless otherwise specified.
    The following table reflects the Committee's 
recommendations, as compared to the fiscal year 2014 and budget 
request levels:

                               FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION SALARIES AND EXPENSES
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Fiscal year--
                                                              ----------------------------------    Committee
                                                                 2014 enacted     2015 request    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Centers and related field activities:
    Foods....................................................          882,817          903,403          903,403
        Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition [CFSAN].          266,408          279,994          279,994
        Field Activities.....................................          616,409          623,409          623,409
    Human Drugs..............................................          466,374          479,678          484,223
        Center for Drug Evaluation and Research [CDER].......          339,838          347,513          347,873
        Field Activities.....................................          126,536          132,165          136,350
    Biologics................................................          210,928          209,754          209,754
        Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research [CBER]..          170,744          169,890          169,890
        Field Activities.....................................           40,184           39,864           39,864
    Animal Drugs.............................................          141,566          144,577          148,577
        Center for Veterinary Medicine [CVM].................           87,846           90,505           94,505
        Field Activities.....................................           53,720           54,072           54,072
    Medical and radiological devices.........................          320,825          317,937          317,937
        Center for Devices and Radiological Health...........          240,345          238,308          238,308
        Field Activities.....................................           80,480           79,629           79,629
    National Center for Toxicological Research...............           62,494           58,998           63,331
Other Activities.............................................          172,107          175,360          175,635
Rent and related activities..................................          132,718          116,340          116,340
Rental Payments to GSA.......................................          162,076          169,336          169,336
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, FDA salaries and expenses, new budget authority.        2,551,905        2,575,383        2,588,536
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Abuse Deterrent Drug Development.--The Committee urges FDA 
to make faster progress on setting and applying appropriate 
regulatory incentives and expectations regarding abuse-
deterrent opioids. This includes finalizing the January 2013 
draft guidance on evaluation and labeling of abuse-deterrent 
opioids and publishing draft guidance on the assessment of 
generic versions of such products. The draft guidance on 
generics should include a discussion of whether and in what 
circumstances human abuse liability studies will be needed, and 
if so, how applicants can ensure that such studies are 
acceptable for review by FDA. The Committee further urges FDA 
to include, where appropriate, descriptions of studies of a 
product's abuse-deterrent properties when a sponsor has not yet 
established a claim of abuse deterrence.
    Antibiotics.--The Commissioner is urged to devise a 
strategy to help ensure the use of medically important 
antibiotics in food animals for disease prevention, as defined 
in guidance for Industry No. 213, that is judicious and 
appropriate. Additionally, the Commissioner is directed to 
finalize a Veterinary Feed Directive rule prior to April 1, 
2015, and is encouraged to include provisions that provide 
adequate assurance that licensed veterinarians will be familiar 
with the animals and premises where they are kept when 
prescribing medically important antibiotics for use in food 
animals.
    Artificial Pancreas.--The Committee commends the FDA for 
taking critical steps in advancing artificial pancreas systems, 
including its recent approval of the threshold suspend system. 
The Committee encourages the FDA to continue collaboration with 
key stakeholders to ensure that artificial pancreas systems are 
further developed, tested and approved, ensuring timely access 
to safe and effective systems for patients with type I 
diabetes.
    Compounding Guidance Documents.--The Committee notes that 
the Food and Drug Administration has begun implementing the 
Compounding Quality Act by releasing guidances and working to 
appoint members to the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee. 
The Committee is concerned that the Food and Drug 
Administration is not meeting with any stakeholders before 
publicly releasing further guidance for public comment. The 
Committee directs the Food and Drug Administration to meet with 
stakeholders to help inform the implementation of the 
Compounding Quality Act to ensure continued access to safe 
compounded drugs for which there is a clinical need.
    Comprehensive Device Review Assessment.--FDA is directed to 
participate in a comprehensive assessment of the process for 
the review of device applications conducted by an independent 
entity capable of performing technical analysis, management 
assessment, and program evaluation for the device review 
program. In consultation with FDA and industry, the assessment 
should include, but is not limited to, an identification of 
process improvements and best practices for conducting 
predictable, efficient, and consistent premarket reviews that 
meet regulatory review standards; analysis of elements of the 
review process to facilitate a more efficient process; 
assessment of FDA methods and controls for collecting and 
reporting information on premarket review process resource use 
and performance; assessment of the effectiveness of FDA's 
Reviewer Training Program implementation; and recommendations 
for ongoing periodic assessments and any additional, more 
detailed or focused program assessments. Following this 
assessment, FDA is directed to report to the Committee, within 
120 days of the enactment of this act, on the findings of the 
assessment and the agency's plan to incorporate those findings 
and recommendations, as appropriate, into its management of the 
premarket review program.
    Counterfeit Products.--The Committee recommendation 
includes an increase of $4,820,000 to provide FDA with 
additional resources to investigate counterfeit drugs both 
within the United States and internationally. These funds will 
be used to complete undercover purchases of suspected 
counterfeit products for testing; to remove counterfeit 
products from the market; and to prosecute criminal actors. The 
Committee believes that the growing marketplace for counterfeit 
drugs available on the Internet is particularly concerning, and 
these funds will allow FDA to enhance its cybercrime program, 
which will ultimately allow FDA to seek appropriate criminal 
fines and forfeitures, and to protect the public health.
    Fixed Dose Combination Drugs.--The Committee applauds the 
agency's issuance of draft guidance to promote the development 
of fixed combination drug products for critical diseases like 
cancer, HIV, global diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, and 
against health threats like drug-resistant infections. The 
Committee encourages the FDA to finalize the guidance by the 
end of this calendar year to facilitate development of new 
treatments against serious and life-threatening diseases.
    Food Safety Modernization Act.--The Committee notes that 
FDA has stated its intent to re-propose certain sections of the 
Food Safety Modernization Act proposed rules for produce safety 
and preventive controls for human food and animal food because 
significant changes are warranted. The Committee is concerned 
that the agency only intends to address discrete portions of 
these proposed rules. FDA is reminded that the activities 
covered by the proposed rules are complex and interrelated and 
that the concerns raised by the rules are broader than the 
handful of items FDA has announced that it will address. The 
agency shall ensure that all Food Safety Modernization Act 
regulations are science-based, risk-based, and flexible, taking 
into account the different risks posed by different 
commodities. For example, the secondary market for spent grains 
and byproduct from human food manufacturing and agricultural 
practices is an important part of the supply chain for 
agricultural producers that reduces waste and produces safe, 
cost effective animal feed. FDA should reconsider how its 
proposed preventive controls for animal food rule will affect 
this relationship and the environment. Additionally, FDA should 
take into account the diversity of many integrated livestock 
and poultry feeding arrangements, and aquaculture feeding 
arrangements, when promulgating the final rule.
    Further, FDA is directed to ensure that the public has an 
opportunity to review and comment on all preventive controls 
for human food requirements, accompanied by an economic 
analysis, including such elements as supplier verification, 
environmental monitoring, and verification testing of products 
in the form of a proposed rule, not an interim final or final 
rule. FDA should allow flexibility in the location and 
frequency of verification testing. The Committee strongly 
encourages the agency to re-propose the produce safety and 
preventive controls for human and animal food rules in their 
entirety so stakeholders may comment on the agency's proposals 
as a whole.
    Food Safety Outreach and Technical Assistance.--As FDA 
implements the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization 
Act [FSMA], it is critical that the agency work with USDA to 
perform outreach and technical assistance to farmers and small 
businesses to help them understand FSMA requirements and 
resources available to help with FSMA compliance as rules are 
developed and implemented. The Committee recommendation 
includes $2,500,000 for the National Institute of Food and 
Agriculture to conduct extension activities related to FSMA, as 
requested in the budget.
    Global Drug Supply Chain.--FDA is directed to ensure that 
adequate resources are dedicated to the Office Global 
Regulatory Operations and Policy and the Center for Drug 
Evaluation and Research to advance the agency's strategic 
priority of strengthening the safety and integrity of the 
global drug supply chain. In order to advance this initiative, 
resources should be dedicated to FDA's international leadership 
to combat threats to global health and the global drug supply 
chain from counterfeit medicines; promote regulatory 
convergence and the harmonization of international standards 
that will strengthen global drug supply chain security; and 
build upon and achieve key goals as articulated in FDA's 
reports on Global Engagement and the Pathway to Global Product 
Safety and Quality. As part of this effort, funding and 
personnel should be dedicated to advance the success of key 
efforts, including the FDA-championed Global Road Map on 
Medical Product Quality and Supply Chain Integrity under the 
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Regulatory Harmonization 
Steering Committee which will require FDA's continued 
leadership to ensure its success and tangible outcomes. In 
addition, adequate resources should be dedicated to FDA's work 
to improve policy, international cooperation, and enforcement 
collaboration related to the Internet and the unprecedented 
growth in illegal drug sales via the Internet, including the 
online trade of counterfeit, adulterated, misbranded, and 
unapproved drugs.
    Import Shipments.--The Commissioner is encouraged to ensure 
that sufficient FDA personnel are available to clear shipments 
expeditiously at the time of their arrival at the port of 
entry, including outside normal working hours and on holidays. 
The Commissioner is further encouraged to work to develop a 
process by which shipments from highly compliant importers may 
be released with minimal administrative disruption. Recognizing 
that FDA has a responsibility to ensure legitimate trade is 
cleared rapidly and that compliant shipments are not unduly 
detained, FDA is directed to provide two reports to the 
Committees on Appropriations, the first 6 months after the 
enactment of this act, and the second in 6 additional months. 
These reports shall provide information on the number of 
shipments being identified for FDA examination as a percentage 
of all shipments subject to FDA regulatory review and the 
number of violative products detained as a percentage of those 
being held.
    Inclusion in Clinical Trials.--Research has shown that 
gender differences, as well as differences based on age, race, 
or other factors, may contribute to differences in the safety 
and efficacy of drugs, biologics, and devices. The Committee 
directs FDA to encourages diverse participation, including 
women, racial and ethnic minorities, and the elderly, to help 
assure that clinical trials are representative of those 
individuals who ultimately will use these medical products, and 
that the products will be safe and effective for people in 
these demographic subgroups. The Committee urges the FDA to 
issue the Action Plan required by section 907 of the Food and 
Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act and provide a 
timeline for implementation of the actions FDA will take, in 
cooperation with industry stakeholders, to ensure that women, 
minorities, and others are appropriately represented in 
clinical research, that meaningful subgroup analyses of 
clinical trials are conducted, and that subgroup specific 
clinical trial results are made publically available in an 
accessible and timely manner.
    Mammography Quality Standards Act.--The Committee 
recommendation includes full funding as requested for 
implementation of the Mammography Quality Standards Act. This 
program sets national quality standards for mammography 
facilities, equipment, personnel and operating procedures, and 
has improved the quality of mammography and made mammograms a 
more reliable tool to detect breast cancers.
    Nanotechnology.--The Committee recognizes the increased 
capabilities that FDA has developed to study environment, 
health, and safety of nanomaterials within FDA's Jefferson 
Laboratory Campus, including the National Center for 
Toxicological Research, and its consolidated headquarters at 
White Oak, Maryland. The Committee expects FDA to continue to 
support collaborative research with universities and industry 
on the toxicology of nanotechnology products and processes in 
accordance with the National Nanotechnology Initiative 
Environment, Health, and Safety Research Strategy as updated in 
October 2011.
    Office of Cosmetics and Colors.--The Committee 
recommendation includes not less than $11,700,000 for cosmetics 
activities, including not less than $7,200,000 for the Office 
of Colors and Cosmetics [OCAC]. Funding provided for OCAC is 
for direct support of the operation, staffing, compliance, 
research and international activities performed by this office. 
The Committee notes that every year since fiscal year 2012, it 
has requested that OCAC respond to a citizen petition setting 
safety levels for trace amount of lead in cosmetics. The 
Committee is disappointed that OCAC has not responded to these 
requests and urges OCAC to make this a priority. Therefore, the 
Committee directs the Office of Colors and Cosmetics to respond 
to the petition by March 15, 2015. Additionally, in light of 
China's importance to U.S.-based manufacturers and consumers, 
the Committee directs FDA establish a bilateral technical 
dialogue with Chinese regulators. The Committee directs FDA to 
promote international regulatory harmonization and trade in 
cosmetic products by supporting international trade 
negotiations on cosmetics in bilateral and multilateral trade 
agreements.
    Oversight Activities.--The Committee notes that over the 
past 5 years FDA's responsibilities have grown significantly 
and resources available to the agency have increased more than 
60 percent. The Committee is concerned that oversight of FDA 
has not kept pace with the growth in the agency's regulatory 
authority or funding. Therefore, the Committee recommendation 
includes $1,500,000 for the HHS Office of Inspector General 
specifically for oversight of FDA activities. The funding 
provided under this appropriation is in addition to FDA 
oversight activities supported within the Inspector General's 
regular appropriation. The Committee instructs the Inspector 
General to submit a plan, within 60 days of the enactment of 
this act, on the additional oversight activities planned with 
this funding.
    Pediatric Device Consortia Grants.--The Committee is 
pleased that the nine FDA-funded Pediatric Device Consortia 
have assisted in advancing the development of 324 proposed 
pediatric medical devices since its inception in 2009, as well 
as promoting job-growth in the healthcare sector, and as such, 
continues to support this critical effort. The program funds 
consortia to assist innovators in developing medical and 
surgical devices designed for the unique needs of children, 
needs that often go unmet by devices currently available on the 
market. However, the Committee remains concerned that 
children's medical devices continue to lag behind those 
manufactured for adults and directs the FDA to fund the program 
at the levels authorized by the Food and Drug Safety and 
Innovation Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-144).
    Prescription Drug Inserts.--The Committee is aware that FDA 
is considering regulatory changes that could eliminate printed 
professional inserts for prescription drugs. A July 2013 GAO 
report on the topic concluded that while there were potential 
public health benefits associated with electronic drug 
labeling, relying exclusively on electronic labeling could 
disadvantage physicians, pharmacists, other healthcare 
providers, and ultimately patients, potentially adversely 
impacting public health. Therefore, the Committee directs FDA 
to ensure that any proposed regulation regarding electronic 
inserts of drug labeling does not come in lieu of paper 
inserts.
    Seafood Advisory.--The Committee is concerned that after 
many years, the FDA has not published an updated advice on 
seafood consumption for pregnant women, mothers and children. 
The Committee directs the FDA to publish final advice to 
pregnant women on seafood consumption in conjunction with all 
applicable parties as directed in House Report 112-101 and 
Senate Report 112-73 by June 30, 2014.
    Seafood Economic Integrity.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of seafood to a healthy diet, but is concerned that 
the FDA does not focus sufficient attention on economic 
integrity issues, particularly with respect to mislabeling of 
species, weights, and treatment. The Committee encourages the 
FDA to work with States and the Department of Commerce to more 
aggressively combat fraud in parts of the seafood industry.
    Shellfish Embargo.--As a result of a dispute over 
sanitation protocols, the European Union imposed a retaliatory 
ban on U.S. shellfish in July 2010, depriving U.S. shellfish 
growers of a lucrative market. The Committee is concerned that, 
in nearly 4 years, a resolution has not been achieved. The 
Committee recommends that the FDA continue its ongoing 
consultation with the U.S. Trade Representative [USTR] to 
address the issue as expeditiously as possible. The FDA is also 
directed to provide a report to the Committee on this issue 
within 100 days.
    Special Protocol Assessment.--The Committee is aware that 
questions have arisen in connection with the rescission of a 
Special Protocol Assessment [SPA] Agreement. While FDA can 
rescind a SPA agreement reached under section 505(b)(5)(C) of 
the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act if certain requirements are 
met, the Committee expects that FDA should be accountable for 
continued diligence in in identifying issues that bear on a SPA 
agreement and in notifying the sponsor of such issues within a 
reasonable period of time after FDA becomes aware. To ensure 
clarity over the standard to rescind a SPA agreement, the 
Committee encourages FDA to revise and re-issue, after public 
comment, its existing guidance regarding SPA agreements, 
including the statutory standards associated with the 
rescission of such agreements.
    Sunscreen Labeling Regulations.--The Committee is pleased 
that FDA finalized regulations establishing significant new 
labeling and testing requirements for products marketed under 
FDA's monograph for over-the-counter sunscreen drug products. 
The Committee directs the FDA to finalize its proposed rule 
limiting the maximum Sun Protection Factor [SPF] to ``50'' or 
``50+'' and issue a proposed rule to establish testing and 
labeling standards for sunscreen sprays.
    User Fees.--The Committee notes that the restoration in 
fiscal year 2014 of user fees sequestered in fiscal year 2013 
was to be used by FDA to mitigate the impact of the sequester 
on the user fee programs. This includes the hiring of new 
staff, and FDA initiatives supported by PDUFA user fees, 
including the regulatory science activities as outlined in 
sections IX, X, and XI of the PDUFA Reauthorization Performance 
Goals and Procedures Fiscal Years 2013 Through 2017. The 
Committee requests that FDA provide a detailed financial 
summary for the restored fiscal year 2013 PDUFA user fees; 
identify funding spent to date; and a detailed plan for the 
allocation of the remaining funds. Specifically, the Committee 
requests that FDA identify and report to the Committee an 
itemized accounting of any and all funds expended for each of 
the regulatory science activities as outlined in sections IX, 
X, and XI of the PDUFA V Performance Goals and provide a plan 
for how the PDUFA user fees will be allocated for each such 
activity through fiscal year 2017.
    White Oak Consolidation.--The Commissioner is directed to 
identify in FDA's fiscal year 2016 budget justification the 
funding level that is necessary to complete Phase II and Phase 
III of the White Oak Consolidation. Additionally, the Committee 
expects FDA to provide a justification and spending plan in 
subsequent budget requests for completion of both Phase II and 
Phase III of the White Oak Consolidation.

                        buildings and facilities

Appropriations, 2014....................................      $8,788,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................       8,788,000
Committee recommendation................................       8,788,000

    FDA maintains offices and staff in 49 States and in the 
District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, including field 
laboratories and specialized facilities, as well as the 
National Center for Toxicological Research complex. Repairs, 
modifications, improvements, and construction to FDA 
headquarters and field facilities must be made to preserve the 
properties, ensure employee safety, meet changing program 
requirements, and permit the agency to keep its laboratory 
methods up to date.

                       committee recommendations

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $8,788,000 for 
FDA buildings and facilities. This funding shall be used to 
upgrade FDA facilities and laboratories which are currently 
below public safety standards and incapable of performing 
agency requirements.

                           INDEPENDENT AGENCY


                       Farm Credit Administration


                 limitation on administrative expenses

Appropriations, 2014....................................     $62,600,000
Budget estimate, 2015...................................      65,100,000
Committee recommendation................................      65,100,000

    The Farm Credit Administration [FCA] is the independent 
agency in the executive branch of the Government responsible 
for the examination and regulation of the banks, associations, 
and other institutions of the Farm Credit System.
    Activities of the Farm Credit Administration include the 
planning and execution of examinations of Farm Credit System 
institutions and the preparation of examination reports. FCA 
also promulgates regulations, establishes standards, enforces 
rules and regulations, and approves certain actions of the 
institutions.
    The administration and the institutions under its 
jurisdiction now operate under authorities contained in the 
Farm Credit Act of 1971, Public Law 92-181, effective December 
10, 1971. Public Law 99-205, effective December 23, 1985, 
restructured FCA and gave the agency regulatory authorities and 
enforcement powers.
    The act provides for the farmer-owned cooperative system to 
make sound, adequate, and constructive credit available to 
farmers and ranchers and their cooperatives, rural residences, 
and associations and other entities upon which farming 
operations are dependent, and to modernize existing farm credit 
law to meet current and future rural credit needs.
    The Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 authorized the 
formation of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation 
[FAMC] to operate a secondary market for agricultural and rural 
housing mortgages. The Farm Credit Administration, under 
section 8.11 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971, as amended, is 
assigned the responsibility of regulating this entity and 
assuring its safe and sound operation.
    Expenses of the Farm Credit Administration are paid by 
assessments collected from the Farm Credit System institutions 
and by assessments to the Federal Agricultural Mortgage 
Corporation.

                       committee recommendations

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $65,100,000 on 
administrative expenses of the Farm Credit Administration.
    Annual Report.--The Committee recognizes the importance of 
the Farm Credit System in agricultural finance, including 
lending to beginning farmers and ranchers and to farmers and 
ranchers utilizing local and regional food markets. The 
Committee encourages the Farm Credit Administration to provide 
to the Committee an annual report with data and analysis of the 
operations and achievements of the Farm Credit System in 
providing financial and other forms of support for farms and 
ranches serving emerging local and regional food markets, 
including but not limited to beginning farmers and ranchers.

                               TITLE VII

                           GENERAL PROVISIONS

    The Committee recommends the following provisions:
    Section 701. This section makes funds available for the 
purchase, replacement, and hire of passenger motor vehicles.
    Section 702. This section gives the Secretary of 
Agriculture authority to transfer unobligated balances to the 
Working Capital Fund and clarifies longstanding practices 
associated with the Fund.
    Section 703. This section limits the funding provided in 
the bill to 1 year, unless otherwise specified.
    Section 704. This section limits negotiated indirect costs 
on cooperative agreements between the Department of Agriculture 
and nonprofit organizations to 10 percent.
    Section 705. This section makes appropriations to the 
Department of Agriculture for the cost of direct guaranteed 
loans available until expended to disburse obligations for 
certain Rural Development programs.
    Section 706. This section prohibits the purchase of new 
information technology equipment in excess of $25,000 without 
the prior approval of the Chief Information Officer.
    Section 707. This section makes funds for certain 
conservation programs available until expended to disburse 
certain obligations made in the current fiscal year.
    Section 708. This section makes certain former Rural 
Utilities Service borrowers eligible for the Rural Economic 
Development loan and grant program.
    Section 709. This section includes language regarding a 
limitation of funds.
    Section 710. This section provides funds for Rural 
Development and the Farm Service Agency information technology 
expenses.
    Section 711. This section includes language regarding 
reconstituted infant formula.
    Section 712. This section includes language regarding 
first-class travel.
    Section 713. This section includes language regarding the 
Commodity Credit Corporation.
    Section 714. This section limits the amount of funding 
available to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for the 
release of commodities under the Bill Emerson Humanitarian 
Trust.
    Section 715. This section makes funds available for the 
expenses and activities of certain advisory committees, panels, 
commissions, and task forces at the Department of Agriculture.
    Section 716. This section includes language regarding the 
limitation on direct costs for grants awarded by the National 
Institute of Food and Agriculture.
    Section 717. This section includes language regarding loan 
levels.
    Section 718. This section includes language regarding the 
availability of funds for certain Department of Agriculture 
programs.
    Section 719. This section includes language regarding the 
availability of funds for certain Department of Agriculture 
programs.
    Section 720. This section prohibits the use of funds for 
user fee proposals that fail to provide sufficient budget 
impact information.
    Section 721. This section prohibits the reprogramming of 
funds for programs, projects, or activities in excess of 
$500,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less without the prior 
notification of the Committee on Appropriations.
    Section 722. This section includes language for the 
establishment of a fee under the business and industry loan 
program.
    Section 723. This section prohibits the Department of 
Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services 
from transmitting questions or responses as a result of the 
appropriations hearing process to non-Department employees.
    Section 724. This section includes language regarding 
prepackaged news.
    Section 725. This section requires Department of 
Agriculture agencies to provide reimbursement to other 
Department of Agriculture agencies for employees detailed for 
longer than 30 days.
    Section 726. This section provides funding for the 
Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers Program.
    Section 727. This section provides funding to carry out a 
program for hardwood trees.
    Section 728. This section includes language regarding 
spending plans.
    Section 729. This section includes language regarding the 
guaranteed single family housing program.
    Section 730. This section includes language regarding the 
Water Bank Program.
    Section 731. This section includes language regarding 
conferences.
    Section 732. This section includes language regarding the 
Department of Health and Human Services.
    Section 733. This section includes language regarding Rural 
Economic Area Partnership Zones.
    Section 734. This section includes language regarding the 
Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant Program.
    Section 735. This section includes language regarding the 
Food Safety and Inspection Service.
    Section 736. This section includes language regarding 
housing programs.
    Section 737. This section includes language regarding 
nonrecurring expenses.
    Section 738. This section includes language regarding 
emergency spending.
    Section 739. This section includes language regarding milk 
marketing orders.
    Section 740. This section includes language regarding 
official portraits.
    Section 741. This section includes language regarding rural 
housing loans.
    Section 742. This section includes language regarding 
travel.
    Section 743. This section includes a rescission of funds.

                     PROGRAM, PROJECT, AND ACTIVITY

    During fiscal year 2015, for purposes of the Balanced 
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Public Law 
99-177) or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control 
Reaffirmation Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-119), the following 
information provides the definition of the term ``program, 
project, and activity'' for departments and agencies under the 
jurisdiction of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and 
Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. The 
term ``program, project, and activity'' shall include the most 
specific level of budget items identified in the Agriculture, 
Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related 
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015, and the accompanying Senate 
Report.
    If a sequestration order is necessary, in implementing the 
Presidential order, departments and agencies shall apply any 
percentage reduction required for fiscal year 2015 pursuant to 
the provisions of Public Law 99-177 or Public Law 100-119 to 
all items specified in the explanatory notes submitted to the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate in support 
of the fiscal year 2015 budget estimates, as amended, for such 
departments and agencies, as modified by congressional action, 
and in addition:
    For the Agricultural Research Service the definition shall 
include specific research locations as identified in the 
explanatory notes.
    For the Natural Resources Conservation Service the 
definition shall include individual flood prevention projects 
as identified in the explanatory notes and individual 
operational watershed projects as summarized in the notes.
    For the Farm Service Agency the definition shall include 
individual, regional, State, district, and county offices.

  COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7, RULE XVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE 
                                 SENATE

    Paragraph 7 of rule XVI requires that Committee reports 
accompanying general appropriations bills identify each 
recommended amendment which proposes an item of appropriation 
which is not made to carry out the provisions of an existing 
law, a treaty stipulation, or an act or resolution previously 
passed by the Senate during that session.
    The Committee is filing an original bill, which is not 
covered under this rule, but reports this information in the 
spirit of full disclosure.
    The Committee recommends funding for the following programs 
or activities which currently lack authorization for fiscal 
year 2015:
      Multi-family Housing Revitalization Program

COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7(c), RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE 
                                 SENATE

    Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on May 22, 2014, 
the Committee ordered favorably reported en bloc a bill (H.R. 
4486) making appropriations for military construction, the 
Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the 
fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes, 
with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an original 
bill making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, 
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for 
the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other 
purposes, provided, that the bills be subject to amendment (or 
further amendment) and that the bills be consistent with the 
subcommittee allocations, by a recorded vote of 30-0, a quorum 
being present. The vote was as follows:
        Yeas                          Nays
Chairwoman Mikulski
Mr. Leahy
Mr. Harkin
Mrs. Murray
Mrs. Feinstein
Mr. Durbin
Mr. Johnson
Ms. Landrieu
Mr. Reed
Mr. Pryor
Mr. Tester
Mr. Udall
Mrs. Shaheen
Mr. Merkley
Mr. Begich
Mr. Coons
Mr. Shelby
Mr. Cochran
Mr. McConnell
Mr. Alexander
Ms. Collins
Ms. Murkowski
Mr. Graham
Mr. Kirk
Mr. Coats
Mr. Blunt
Mr. Moran
Mr. Hoeven
Mr. Johanns
Mr. Boozman

 COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 12, RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE 
                                 SENATE

    Paragraph 12 of rule XXVI requires that Committee reports 
on a bill or joint resolution repealing or amending any statute 
or part of any statute include ``(a) the text of the statute or 
part thereof which is proposed to be repealed; and (b) a 
comparative print of that part of the bill or joint resolution 
making the amendment and of the statute or part thereof 
proposed to be amended, showing by stricken-through type and 
italics, parallel columns, or other appropriate typographical 
devices the omissions and insertions which would be made by the 
bill or joint resolution if enacted in the form recommended by 
the committee.''
    The Committee bill as recommended contains no such 
provisions.

                        BUDGETARY IMPACT OF BILL


  PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SEC. 308(a), PUBLIC LAW 93-344, AS
                                                     AMENDED
                                            [In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Budget authority                 Outlays
                                                         -------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Committee    Amount  in     Committee    Amount  in
                                                           allocation       bill       allocation       bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the bill with the subcommittee
 allocation for 2015: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural
 Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related
 Agencies:
    Mandatory...........................................      114,937       114,937       107,310    \1\107,310
    Discretionary.......................................       20,575        20,675        21,833     \1\21,649
        Security........................................  ............  ............  ............           NA
        Nonsecurity.....................................       20,575        20,675   ............           NA
Projections of outlays associated with the
 recommendation:
    2015................................................  ............  ............  ............   \2\114,734
    2016................................................  ............  ............  ............        4,627
    2017................................................  ............  ............  ............        1,048
    2018................................................  ............  ............  ............          403
    2019 and future years...............................  ............  ............  ............          349
Financial assistance to State and local governments for            NA        38,923            NA        32,858
 2015...................................................

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
\2\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

NA: Not applicable.

Consistent with the funding recommended in the bill for disaster funding and in accordance with section
  251(b)(2)(D) of the BBEDCA, the Committee anticipates that the Budget Committee will file a revised section
  302(a) allocation for the Committee on Appropriations reflecting an upward adjustment of $100,000,000 in
  budget authority plus associated outlays.


  COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL FOR FISCAL
                                                                        YEAR 2015
                                                                [In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         Senate Committee recommendation
                                                                                                                             compared with (+ or -)
                                Item                                       2014       Budget estimate     Committee    ---------------------------------
                                                                      appropriation                     recommendation        2014
                                                                                                                         appropriation   Budget estimate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   TITLE I--AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS

               Production, Processing, and Marketing

                      Office of the Secretary

Office of the Secretary............................................           5,051            5,086            5,086              +35   ...............
Office of Tribal Relations.........................................             498              502              502               +4   ...............
Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Coordination.............           1,496            1,507            1,507              +11   ...............
Office of Advocacy and Outreach....................................           1,209            1,217            1,217               +8   ...............
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration...............             804              809              809               +5   ...............
Departmental Administration........................................          22,786           25,661           25,311           +2,525             -350
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations......           3,869            3,897            3,897              +28   ...............
Office of Communications...........................................           8,065            8,137            8,137              +72   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Office of the Secretary...............................          43,778           46,816           46,466           +2,688             -350
                                                                    ====================================================================================

Executive Operations:
    Office of the Chief Economist..................................          16,777           16,854           16,854              +77   ...............
    National Appeals Division......................................          12,841           13,430           13,430             +589   ...............
    Office of Budget and Program Analysis..........................           9,064           10,292            9,305             +241             -987
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Executive Operations...............................          38,682           40,576           39,589             +907             -987

Office of the Chief Information Officer............................          44,031           45,199           45,199           +1,168   ...............
Office of the Chief Financial Officer..............................           6,213            6,080            6,080             -133   ...............
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.................             893              898              898               +5   ...............
Office of Civil Rights.............................................          21,400           24,236           24,236           +2,836   ...............
Agriculture buildings and facilities and rental payments...........        (233,000)         (64,825)         (64,844)       (-168,156)            (+19)
    Payments to GSA................................................         164,470   ...............  ...............        -164,470   ...............
    Department of Homeland Security................................          13,800   ...............  ...............         -13,800   ...............
    Building operations and maintenance............................          54,730           64,825           64,844          +10,114              +19
Hazardous materials management.....................................           3,592            3,600            3,600               +8   ...............
Office of Inspector General........................................          89,902           97,240           97,240           +7,338   ...............
Office of the General Counsel......................................          41,202           47,567           47,567           +6,365   ...............
Office of Ethics...................................................           3,440            3,867            3,867             +427   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Departmental Administration...........................         526,133          380,904          379,586         -146,547           -1,318
                                                                    ====================================================================================
Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and                      893              898              898               +5   ...............
 Economics.........................................................

Economic Research Service..........................................          78,058           83,446           85,373           +7,315           +1,927
                                                                    ====================================================================================
National Agricultural Statistics Service...........................         161,206          178,999          178,154          +16,948             -845
    Census of Agriculture..........................................         (44,545)         (48,044)         (48,044)         (+3,499)  ...............

Agricultural Research Service:
    Salaries and expenses..........................................       1,122,482        1,104,403        1,139,673          +17,191          +35,270

National Institute of Food and Agriculture:
    Research and education activities..............................         772,559          837,747          787,545          +14,986          -50,202
    Native American Institutions Endowment Fund....................         (11,880)         (11,880)         (11,880)  ...............  ...............
    Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities          ...............         (10,000)         (10,000)        (+10,000)  ...............
     Endowment Fund................................................
    Extension activities...........................................         469,191          468,968          472,686           +3,495           +3,718
    Integrated activities..........................................          35,317           28,821           32,217           -3,100           +3,396
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, National Institute of Food and Agriculture............       1,277,067        1,335,536        1,292,448          +15,381          -43,088
                                                                    ====================================================================================
Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs             893              898              898               +5   ...............

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service:
    Salaries and expenses..........................................         821,721          834,341          872,414          +50,693          +38,073
    Buildings and facilities.......................................           3,175            3,175            3,175   ...............  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service............         824,896          837,516          875,589          +50,693          +38,073
                                                                    ====================================================================================

Agricultural Marketing Service:
    Marketing Services.............................................          79,914           82,963           81,634           +1,720           -1,329
        Standardization activities (user fees) NA..................         (64,000)         (64,000)  ...............        (-64,000)        (-64,000)
    (Limitation on administrative expenses, from fees collected)...         (60,435)         (60,709)         (60,709)           (+274)  ...............
    Funds for strengthening markets, income, and supply (Section
     32):
        Permanent, Section 32......................................       1,107,000        1,122,000        1,122,000          +15,000   ...............
            Marketing agreements and orders (transfer from section          (20,056)         (20,317)         (20,317)           (+261)  ...............
             32)...................................................
    Payments to States and Possessions.............................           1,363            1,235            1,363   ...............            +128
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Agricultural Marketing Service program................       1,248,712        1,266,907        1,265,706          +16,994           -1,201
                                                                    ====================================================================================

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration:
    Salaries and expenses..........................................          40,261           44,017           44,017           +3,756   ...............
    Limitation on inspection and weighing services.................         (50,000)         (50,000)         (50,000)  ...............  ...............

Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety......................             811              816              816               +5   ...............
Food Safety and Inspection Service.................................       1,010,689        1,001,402        1,022,770          +12,081          +21,368
    Lab accreditation fees.........................................          (1,000)          (1,000)          (1,000)  ...............  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Production, Processing, and Marketing.................       6,231,666        6,175,033        6,225,219           -6,447          +50,186
                                                                    ====================================================================================
                      Farm Assistance Programs

Office of the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural                 893              898              898               +5   ...............
 Services..........................................................

Farm Service Agency:
    Salaries and expenses..........................................       1,177,926        1,139,323        1,182,544           +4,618          +43,221
    (Transfer from Food for Peace (Public Law 480))................          (2,735)          (2,528)          (2,528)           (-207)  ...............
    (Transfer from export loans)...................................            (354)            (354)            (354)  ...............  ...............
    (Transfer from ACIF)...........................................        (306,998)        (306,998)        (306,998)  ...............  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, transfers from program accounts....................        (310,087)        (309,880)        (309,880)           (-207)  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Salaries and expenses.................................      (1,488,013)      (1,449,203)      (1,492,424)         (+4,411)        (+43,221)
                                                                    ====================================================================================
    State mediation grants.........................................           3,782            3,404            3,404             -378   ...............
    Grassroots source water protection program.....................           5,526   ...............           6,500             +974           +6,500
    Dairy indemnity program........................................             250   ...............             500             +250             +500
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Farm Service Agency................................       1,187,484        1,142,727        1,192,948           +5,464          +50,221
                                                                    ====================================================================================
    Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund [ACIF] Program Account:
        Loan authorizations:
            Farm ownership loans:
                Direct.............................................        (575,000)      (1,500,000)      (1,500,000)       (+925,000)  ...............
                Guaranteed.........................................      (2,000,000)      (2,000,000)      (2,000,000)  ...............  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Subtotal.........................................      (2,575,000)      (3,500,000)      (3,500,000)       (+925,000)  ...............

            Farm operating loans:
                Direct.............................................      (1,195,620)      (1,252,004)      (1,252,004)        (+56,384)  ...............
                Unsubsidized guaranteed............................      (1,500,000)      (1,393,443)      (1,393,443)       (-106,557)  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Subtotal.........................................      (2,695,620)      (2,645,447)      (2,645,447)        (-50,173)  ...............

            Emergency loans........................................         (34,658)         (34,667)         (34,667)             (+9)  ...............
            Indian tribe land acquisition loans....................          (2,000)          (2,000)          (2,000)  ...............  ...............
            Conservation loans:
                Guaranteed.........................................        (150,000)        (150,000)        (150,000)  ...............  ...............
            Indian highly fractionated land loans..................         (10,000)         (10,000)         (10,000)  ...............  ...............
            Boll weevil eradication loans..........................         (60,000)         (60,000)         (60,000)  ...............  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Total, Loan authorizations...........................      (5,527,278)      (6,402,114)      (6,402,114)       (+874,836)  ...............
                                                                    ====================================================================================
        Loan subsidies:
            Farm ownership loans:
                Direct.............................................           4,428   ...............  ...............          -4,428   ...............
            Farm operating loans:
                Direct.............................................          65,520           63,101           63,101           -2,419   ...............
                Unsubsidized guaranteed............................          18,300           14,770           14,770           -3,530   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Subtotal.........................................          83,820           77,871           77,871           -5,949   ...............

            Emergency Loans........................................           1,698              856              856             -842   ...............
            Indian highly fractionated land loans..................              68   ...............  ...............             -68   ...............
            Individual development account grants..................  ...............           2,500            2,500           +2,500   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Total, Loan subsidies................................          90,014           81,227           81,227           -8,787   ...............
                                                                    ====================================================================================
        ACIF administrative expenses:
            Salaries and expense (transfer to FSA).................         306,998          306,998          306,998   ...............  ...............
            Administrative expenses................................           7,721            7,920            7,920             +199   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Total, ACIF expenses.................................         314,719          314,918          314,918             +199   ...............
                                                                    ====================================================================================
              Total, Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund............         404,733          396,145          396,145           -8,588   ...............
                  (Loan authorization).............................      (5,527,278)      (6,402,114)      (6,402,114)       (+874,836)  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Total, Farm Service Agency...........................       1,592,217        1,538,872        1,589,093           -3,124          +50,221
                                                                    ====================================================================================
Risk Management Agency; Administrative and operating expenses......          71,496           76,779           76,779           +5,283   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Farm Assistance Programs..............................       1,664,606        1,616,549        1,666,770           +2,164          +50,221
                                                                    ====================================================================================
                            Corporations

Federal Crop Insurance Corporation:
    Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund........................       9,502,944        8,668,000        8,668,000         -834,944   ...............
Commodity Credit Corporation Fund:
    Reimbursement for net realized losses..........................      12,538,880        9,067,281        9,067,281       -3,471,599   ...............
    Hazardous waste management (limitation on expenses)............          (5,000)          (5,000)          (5,000)  ...............  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Corporations..........................................      22,041,824       17,735,281       17,735,281       -4,306,543   ...............
                                                                    ====================================================================================
      Total, Title I, Agricultural Programs........................      29,938,096       25,526,863       25,627,270       -4,310,826         +100,407
          (By transfer)............................................        (330,143)        (330,197)        (330,197)            (+54)  ...............
          (Loan authorization).....................................      (5,527,278)      (6,402,114)      (6,402,114)       (+874,836)  ...............
          (Limitation on administrative expenses)..................        (115,435)        (115,709)        (115,709)           (+274)  ...............
                                                                    ====================================================================================
                  TITLE II--CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment             893              898              898               +5   ...............

Natural Resources Conservation Service:
    Conservation operations........................................         812,939          814,772          849,295          +36,356          +34,523
        Farm Security and Rural Investment program (transfer         ...............        (732,819)  ...............  ...............       (-732,819)
         authority)................................................
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total, Public Lands Conservation operations..............         812,939        1,547,591          849,295          +36,356         -698,296
                                                                    ====================================================================================
    Watershed rehabilitation program...............................          12,000   ...............  ...............         -12,000   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Natural Resources Conservation Service................         824,939          814,772          849,295          +24,356          +34,523
                                                                    ====================================================================================
      Total, Title II, Conservation Programs.......................         825,832          815,670          850,193          +24,361          +34,523
                                                                    ====================================================================================
                    TITLE III--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development................             893              898              898               +5   ...............

Rural Development:
    Rural development expenses:
        Salaries and expenses......................................         203,424          225,101          228,898          +25,474           +3,797
        (Transfer from RHIF).......................................        (415,100)        (397,296)        (415,100)  ...............        (+17,804)
        (Transfer from RDLFP)......................................          (4,439)          (4,249)          (4,439)  ...............           (+190)
        (Transfer from Healthy Foods, HNI).........................  ...............            (750)  ...............  ...............           (-750)
        (Transfer from RETLP)......................................         (34,478)         (33,000)         (34,478)  ...............         (+1,478)
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Subtotal, Transfers from program accounts................        (454,017)        (435,295)        (454,017)  ...............        (+18,722)
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total, Rural development expenses........................        (657,441)        (660,396)        (682,915)        (+25,474)        (+22,519)
                                                                    ====================================================================================

Rural Housing Service:
    Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account:
        Loan authorizations:
            Single family direct (Sec. 502)........................        (900,000)        (360,000)        (900,000)  ...............       (+540,000)
                Unsubsidized guaranteed............................     (24,000,000)     (24,000,000)     (24,000,000)  ...............  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Subtotal, Single family..........................     (24,900,000)     (24,360,000)     (24,900,000)  ...............       (+540,000)

            Housing repair (Sec. 504)..............................         (26,280)         (26,279)         (26,279)             (-1)  ...............
            Rental housing (Sec. 515)..............................         (28,432)         (28,432)         (28,432)  ...............  ...............
            Multifamily housing guarantees (Sec. 538)..............        (150,000)        (150,000)        (150,000)  ...............  ...............
            Site development loans (Sec. 524)......................          (5,000)          (5,000)          (5,000)  ...............  ...............
            Single family housing credit sales.....................         (10,000)         (10,000)         (10,000)  ...............  ...............
            Self-help housing land develop. (Sec. 523).............          (5,000)  ...............          (5,000)  ...............         (+5,000)
            Farm Labor Housing (Sec. 514)..........................         (23,855)         (23,854)         (23,854)             (-1)  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Total, Loan authorizations...........................     (25,148,567)     (24,603,565)     (25,148,565)             (-2)       (+545,000)
                                                                    ====================================================================================
        Loan subsidies:
            Single family direct (Sec. 502)........................          24,480           26,568           66,420          +41,940          +39,852
            Housing repair (Sec. 504)..............................           2,176            3,687            3,687           +1,511   ...............
            Rental housing (Sec. 515)..............................           6,656            9,812            9,812           +3,156   ...............
            Farm labor housing (Sec. 514)..........................           5,656            7,681            7,681           +2,025   ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Total, Loan subsidies................................          38,968           47,748           87,600          +48,632          +39,852
                                                                    ====================================================================================
        Farm labor housing grants..................................           8,336            8,336            8,336   ...............  ...............
        RHIF administrative expenses (transfer to RD)..............         415,100          397,296          415,100   ...............         +17,804
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total, Rural Housing Insurance Fund program..............         462,404          453,380          511,036          +48,632          +57,656
              (Loan authorization).................................     (25,148,567)     (24,603,565)     (25,148,565)             (-2)       (+545,000)
                                                                    ====================================================================================
    Rental assistance program:
        Rental assistance (Sec. 521)...............................       1,110,000        1,088,500        1,093,500          -16,500           +5,000

Multi-Family Housing Revitalization Program Account:
    Rural housing voucher program..................................          12,575            8,000            8,000           -4,575   ...............
    Multi-family housing revitalization program....................          20,000           20,000           20,000   ...............  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Multi-family housing revitalization...................          32,575           28,000           28,000           -4,575   ...............
                                                                    ====================================================================================
    Mutual and self-help housing grants............................          25,000           10,000           25,000   ...............         +15,000
    Rural housing assistance grants................................          32,239           25,000           32,239   ...............          +7,239

    Rural community facilities program account:
        Loan authorizations:
            Community facility:
                Direct.............................................      (2,200,000)      (2,200,000)      (2,200,000)  ...............  ...............
                Guaranteed.........................................         (59,543)  ...............         (75,000)        (+15,457)        (+75,000)
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Total, Loan authorizations.......................      (2,259,543)      (2,200,000)      (2,275,000)        (+15,457)        (+75,000)
                                                                    ====================================================================================
        Loan subsidies and grants:
            Community facility:
                Guaranteed.........................................           3,775   ...............           3,585             -190           +3,585
                Grants.............................................          13,000           17,000           13,000   ...............          -4,000
            Rural community development initiative.................           5,967   ...............           5,967   ...............          +5,967
            Economic impact initiative grants......................           5,778   ...............           5,778   ...............          +5,778
            Tribal college grants..................................           4,000            4,000            4,000   ...............  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Total, RCFP Loan subsidies and grants................          32,520           21,000           32,330             -190          +11,330
                                                                    ====================================================================================
              Subtotal, grants and payments........................          89,759           56,000           89,569             -190          +33,569
                                                                    ====================================================================================
              Total, Rural Housing Service.........................       1,694,738        1,625,880        1,722,105          +27,367          +96,225
                  (Loan authorization).............................     (27,408,110)     (26,803,565)     (27,423,565)        (+15,455)       (+620,000)
                                                                    ====================================================================================

Rural Business--Cooperative Service:
    Rural Business Program Account:
        (Guaranteed business and industry loans)...................        (958,097)        (590,802)        (958,102)             (+5)       (+367,300)
        Loan subsidies and grants:
            Guaranteed business and industry subsidy...............          66,971           30,190           48,959          -18,012          +18,769
                Rural business enterprise..........................          24,318   ...............  ...............         -24,318   ...............
                Rural business opportunity.........................           2,250   ...............  ...............          -2,250   ...............
                Rural business development.........................  ...............  ...............          26,568          +26,568          +26,568
                Delta regional authority...........................           3,000   ...............           3,000   ...............          +3,000
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Total, RBP loan subsidies and grants.............          96,539           30,190           78,527          -18,012          +48,337
                                                                    ====================================================================================
    Rural Business and Cooperative Grants..........................  ...............          57,500   ...............  ...............         -57,500
    Intermediary Relending Program Fund:
        (Loan authorization).......................................         (18,889)         (10,013)         (18,889)  ...............         (+8,876)
        Loan subsidy...............................................           4,082            3,084            5,818           +1,736           +2,734
        Administrative expenses (transfer to RD)...................           4,439            4,249            4,439   ...............            +190
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total, Rural Development Loan Fund.......................           8,521           64,833           10,257           +1,736          -54,576
                                                                    ====================================================================================
    Rural Economic Development Loans Program Account:
        (Loan authorization).......................................         (33,077)         (59,456)         (33,077)  ...............        (-26,379)
        Limit cushion of credit interest spending..................        (172,000)        (155,000)        (158,000)        (-14,000)         (+3,000)
            (Rescission)...........................................        -172,000         -155,000         -158,000          +14,000           -3,000
    Rural Cooperative Development Grants:
        Cooperative development....................................           5,800   ...............           5,800   ...............          +5,800
        Appropriate technology transfer for rural areas............           2,250            2,087            2,250   ...............            +163
        Grants to assist minority producers........................           3,000            3,000            3,000   ...............  ...............
        Value-added agricultural product market development........          15,000           11,000           15,000   ...............          +4,000
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total, Rural Cooperative development grants..............          26,050           16,087           26,050   ...............          +9,963
                                                                    ====================================================================================
    Rural Microenterprise Investment Program Account:
        (Loan authorization).......................................  ...............         (25,683)  ...............  ...............        (-25,683)
        Loan subsidies and grants..................................  ...............           3,290   ...............  ...............          -3,290
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total, Rural Microenterprise Investment..................  ...............           3,290   ...............  ...............          -3,290
                                                                    ====================================================================================
    Rural Business Investment Program Account:
        (Loan authorization).......................................  ...............         (39,254)  ...............  ...............        (-39,254)
        Loan subsidy...............................................  ...............           4,000   ...............  ...............          -4,000
        Grants.....................................................  ...............           2,000   ...............  ...............          -2,000
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total, Rural Business Investment Program.................  ...............           6,000   ...............  ...............          -6,000
                                                                    ====================================================================================
    Rural Energy for America Program:
        (Loan authorization).......................................         (12,760)         (47,259)         (12,760)  ...............        (-34,499)
        Loan subsidy...............................................           3,500            5,000            1,350           -2,150           -3,650
        Grants.....................................................  ...............           5,000   ...............  ...............          -5,000
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total, Rural Energy for America Program..................           3,500           10,000            1,350           -2,150           -8,650
                                                                    ====================================================================================
    Healthy Foods, Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative:
        Grants.....................................................  ...............          12,250   ...............  ...............         -12,250
        Administrative expenses (transfer to RD)...................  ...............             750   ...............  ...............            -750
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total, Healthy Foods, Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative...  ...............          13,000   ...............  ...............         -13,000
                                                                    ====================================================================================
          Total, Rural Business--Cooperative Service...............         -37,390          -11,600          -41,816           -4,426          -30,216
              (Loan authorization).................................      (1,022,823)        (772,467)      (1,022,828)             (+5)       (+250,361)
                                                                    ====================================================================================

Rural Utilities Service:
    Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account:
        Loan authorizations:
            Direct.................................................      (1,200,000)      (1,200,000)      (1,200,000)  ...............  ...............
            Guaranteed.............................................         (50,000)  ...............         (50,000)  ...............        (+50,000)
            Direct loans authorized by Public Law 83-566...........         (40,000)  ...............  ...............        (-40,000)  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Total, Loan authorization............................       1,290,000        1,200,000        1,250,000          -40,000          +50,000
                                                                    ====================================================================================
        Loan subsidies and grants:
            Guaranteed subsidy.....................................             355   ...............             295              -60             +295
            Water and Waste Revolving Fund.........................           1,000   ...............           1,000   ...............          +1,000
            Water well system grants...............................             993   ...............             993   ...............            +993
            Colonias and AK/HI grants..............................          66,500           36,480           66,500   ...............         +30,020
            Water and waste technical assistance...................          19,000            9,120           19,000   ...............          +9,880
            Circuit rider program..................................          15,000            7,600           15,919             +919           +8,319
            Solid waste management grants..........................           4,000            4,000            4,000   ...............  ...............
            High energy cost grants................................          10,000   ...............          10,000   ...............         +10,000
            Water and waste disposal grants........................         345,523          246,800          345,523   ...............         +98,723
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Total, Loan subsidies and grants.....................         462,371          304,000          463,230             +859         +159,230
                                                                    ====================================================================================
    Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Program
     Account:
        Loan authorizations:
            Electric:
                Direct, 5 percent..................................  ...............  ...............  ...............  ...............  ...............
                Direct, FFB........................................      (5,000,000)      (5,000,000)      (5,000,000)  ...............  ...............
                Guaranteed underwriting............................        (500,000)  ...............        (500,000)  ...............       (+500,000)
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Subtotal, Electric...............................      (5,500,000)      (5,000,000)      (5,500,000)  ...............       (+500,000)

            Telecommunications:
                Direct, Treasury rate..............................        (690,000)        (345,000)        (690,000)  ...............       (+345,000)
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Total, Loan authorizations.......................      (6,190,000)      (5,345,000)      (6,190,000)  ...............       (+845,000)
                                                                    ====================================================================================
        RETLP administrative expenses (transfer to RD).............          34,478           33,000           34,478   ...............          +1,478
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total, Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans          34,478           33,000           34,478   ...............          +1,478
           Program Account.........................................
              (Loan authorization).................................      (6,190,000)      (5,345,000)      (6,190,000)  ...............       (+845,000)
                                                                    ====================================================================================
    Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program:
        Loan authorizations:
            Broadband telecommunications...........................         (34,483)         (44,238)         (34,430)            (-53)         (-9,808)
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Total, Loan authorizations...........................         (34,483)         (44,238)         (34,430)            (-53)         (-9,808)
                                                                    ====================================================================================
        Loan subsidies and grants:
            Distance learning and telemedicine:
                Grants.............................................          24,323           24,950           24,323   ...............            -627
            Broadband telecommunications:
                Direct.............................................           4,500            8,268            6,435           +1,935           -1,833
                Grants.............................................          10,372           20,372           10,372   ...............         -10,000
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Total, Loan subsidies and grants.................          39,195           53,590           41,130           +1,935          -12,460
                                                                    ====================================================================================
                  Total, Rural Utilities Service...................         536,044          390,590          538,838           +2,794         +148,248
                      (Loan authorization).........................      (7,514,483)      (6,589,238)      (7,474,430)        (-40,053)       (+885,192)
                                                                    ====================================================================================
                  Total, Title III, Rural Development Programs.....       2,397,709        2,230,869        2,448,923          +51,214         +218,054
                      (By transfer)................................        (454,017)        (435,295)        (454,017)  ...............        (+18,722)
                      (Loan authorization).........................     (35,945,416)     (34,165,270)     (35,920,823)        (-24,593)     (+1,755,553)
                                                                    ====================================================================================
                  TITLE IV--DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS

Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer                  811              816              816               +5   ...............
 Services..........................................................

Food and Nutrition Service:
    Child nutrition programs.......................................      19,262,957       20,472,000       20,472,000       +1,209,043   ...............
        School breakfast program equipment grants..................          25,000           35,000           25,000   ...............         -10,000
        Demonstration projects.....................................  ...............          30,000   ...............  ...............         -30,000
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total, Child nutrition programs..........................      19,287,957       20,537,000       20,497,000       +1,209,043          -40,000
                                                                    ====================================================================================
    Special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and        6,715,841        6,823,000        6,623,000          -92,841         -200,000
     children (WIC)................................................
    Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program:
        (Food stamp program).......................................      79,168,947       79,250,389       79,250,389          +81,442   ...............
            Reserve................................................       3,000,000        5,000,000        3,000,000   ...............      -2,000,000
            FDPIR nutrition education services.....................             998              998              998   ...............  ...............
            National food consumption survey.......................  ...............           5,000   ...............  ...............          -5,000
            Fiscal year 2016 (first quarter).......................  ...............      21,064,097   ...............  ...............     -21,064,097
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Total, Food stamp program............................      82,169,945      105,320,484       82,251,387          +81,442      -23,069,097
                                                                    ====================================================================================
                  Fiscal year 2015.................................     (82,169,945)     (84,256,387)     (82,251,387)        (+81,442)     (-2,005,000)
                                                                    ====================================================================================
    Commodity Assistance Program:
        Commodity supplemental food program........................         202,682          208,682          208,682           +6,000   ...............
            (By transfer)..........................................  ...............  ...............          (2,800)         (+2,800)         (+2,800)
        Farmers market nutrition program...........................          16,548           16,548           16,548   ...............  ...............
        Emergency food assistance program..........................          49,401           49,401           49,401   ...............  ...............
        Pacific island and disaster assistance.....................           1,070            1,070            1,070   ...............  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total, Commodity assistance program......................         269,701          275,701          275,701           +6,000   ...............

    Nutrition programs administration..............................         141,348          155,000          155,000          +13,652   ...............
        (Transfer out).............................................  ...............  ...............         (-2,800)         (-2,800)         (-2,800)
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total, Food and Nutrition Service........................     108,584,792      133,111,185      109,802,088       +1,217,296      -23,309,097

              Fiscal year 2015.....................................    (108,584,792)    (112,047,088)    (109,802,088)     (+1,217,296)     (-2,245,000)
                                                                    ====================================================================================
          Total, Title IV, Domestic Food Programs..................     108,585,603      133,112,001      109,802,904       +1,217,301      -23,309,097

              Fiscal year 2015.....................................    (108,584,792)    (112,047,088)    (109,802,088)     (+1,217,296)     (-2,245,000)
                                                                    ====================================================================================
                  TITLE V--FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND

                          RELATED PROGRAMS

                    Foreign Agricultural Service

Salaries and expenses..............................................         177,863          182,563          182,797           +4,934             +234
    (Transfer from export loans)...................................          (6,394)          (6,394)          (6,394)  ...............  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Salaries and expenses.................................         184,257          188,957          189,191           +4,934             +234
                                                                    ====================================================================================
Food for Peace Title I Direct Credit and Food for Progress Program
 Account, administrative expenses:
    Farm Service Agency, Salaries and expenses (transfer to FSA)...           2,735            2,528            2,528             -207   ...............
    Unobligated balances (rescission)..............................  ...............         -13,000          -13,000          -13,000   ...............

Food for Peace Title II Grants:
    Expenses.......................................................       1,466,000        1,400,000        1,466,000   ...............         +66,000

Commodity Credit Corporation Export Loans Program Account
 (administrative expenses):
    Salaries and expenses (Export Loans):
        General Sales Manager (transfer to FAS)....................           6,394            6,394            6,394   ...............  ...............
        Farm Service Agency S&E (transfer to FSA)..................             354              354              354   ...............  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total, CCC Export Loans Program Account..................           6,748            6,748            6,748   ...............  ...............
                                                                    ====================================================================================
McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition          185,126          185,126          185,126   ...............  ...............
 program grants....................................................
                                                                    ====================================================================================
      Total, Title V, Foreign Assistance and Related Programs......       1,838,472        1,763,965        1,830,199           -8,273          +66,234
          (By transfer)............................................          (6,394)          (6,394)          (6,394)  ...............  ...............
                                                                    ====================================================================================
                   TITLE VI--RELATED AGENCIES AND

                    FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

              DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

                    Food and Drug Administration

Salaries and expenses, direct appropriation........................       2,551,905        2,575,383        2,588,536          +36,631          +13,153
    Prescription drug user fees....................................        (760,000)        (798,000)        (798,000)        (+38,000)  ...............
    Medical device user fees.......................................        (114,833)        (128,282)        (128,282)        (+13,449)  ...............
    Human generic drug user fees...................................        (305,996)        (312,116)        (312,116)         (+6,120)  ...............
    Biosimilar biological products user fees.......................         (20,716)         (21,014)         (21,014)           (+298)  ...............
    Animal drug user fees..........................................         (23,600)         (22,464)         (22,464)         (-1,136)  ...............
    Animal generic drug user fees..................................          (7,328)          (6,944)          (6,944)           (-384)  ...............
    Tobacco product user fees......................................        (534,000)        (566,000)        (566,000)        (+32,000)  ...............
    Food and feed recall user fees.................................         (12,925)  ...............  ...............        (-12,925)  ...............
    Food Reinspection fees.........................................         (15,367)  ...............  ...............        (-15,367)  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal (including user fees)...............................      (4,346,670)      (4,430,203)      (4,443,356)        (+96,686)        (+13,153)

    Mammography user fees..........................................         (19,318)         (19,705)         (19,705)           (+387)  ...............
    Export and color certification user fees.......................         (12,447)         (13,651)         (13,651)         (+1,204)  ...............
    Food and feed recall user fees.................................  ...............          (1,434)          (1,434)         (+1,434)  ...............
    Food reinspection fees.........................................  ...............          (6,414)          (6,414)         (+6,414)  ...............
    Voluntary qualified importer program fees......................  ...............          (5,300)          (5,300)         (+5,300)  ...............
    Pharmacy compounding fees (CBO estimate).......................  ...............          (1,000)          (1,000)         (+1,000)  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, FDA (with user fees)...............................      (4,378,435)      (4,477,707)      (4,490,860)       (+112,425)        (+13,153)

    FDA new user fees (Leg. proposals):
        Food facility registration and inspection user fees........  ...............         (60,120)  ...............  ...............        (-60,120)
        Food import user fees......................................  ...............        (169,021)  ...............  ...............       (-169,021)
        International courier user fees............................  ...............          (5,807)  ...............  ...............         (-5,807)
        Cosmetic user fees.........................................  ...............         (19,457)  ...............  ...............        (-19,457)
        Food contact substance notification user fees..............  ...............          (5,098)  ...............  ...............         (-5,098)
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Subtotal, FDA new user fees (Leg Proposals)..............  ...............        (259,503)  ...............  ...............       (-259,503)

Buildings and facilities...........................................           8,788            8,788            8,788   ...............  ...............
                                                                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, FDA (w/user fees, including proposals)................      (4,387,223)      (4,745,998)      (4,499,648)       (+112,425)       (-246,350)
      Total, FDA (w/enacted user fees only)........................      (4,387,223)      (4,486,495)      (4,499,648)       (+112,425)        (+13,153)
      Total, FDA (excluding user fees).............................       2,560,693        2,584,171        2,597,324          +36,631          +13,153
                                                                    ====================================================================================
                        INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

Farm Credit Administration (limitation on administrative expenses).         (62,600)         (65,100)         (65,100)         (+2,500)  ...............
                                                                    ====================================================================================
      Total, Title VI, Related Agencies and Food and Drug                 2,560,693        2,584,171        2,597,324          +36,631          +13,153
       Administration..............................................
                                                                    ====================================================================================
                   TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS

Limit dam rehab (Sec. 718(1))......................................        -153,000   ...............  ...............        +153,000   ...............
    (rescission)...................................................  ...............        -153,000         -142,000         -142,000          +11,000
Limit environmental quality incentives program (Sec. 718(2)).......        -272,000         -250,000         -136,000         +136,000         +114,000
Limit fruit and vegetable program (Sec. 719).......................        -119,000         -122,000         -122,000           -3,000   ...............
Section 32 (rescission) (Sec. 719).................................        -189,000         -203,000         -121,000          +68,000          +82,000
Resource conservation and development (rescission) (Sec. 727)......          -2,017   ...............  ...............          +2,017   ...............
Geographic disadvantaged farmers (Sec. 728)........................           1,996   ...............           1,996   ...............          +1,996
Hardwood trees (Reforestation Pilot Program) (Sec. 729)............             600   ...............             600   ...............            +600
Agriculture buildings and facilities and rental payments                    -30,000   ...............  ...............         +30,000   ...............
 (rescission) (Sec. 731)...........................................
Rural Housing Service (rescission) (Sec. 733)......................          -1,314   ...............  ...............          +1,314   ...............
Section 9005 Bioenergy program (rescission) (Sec. 734).............          -8,000   ...............  ...............          +8,000   ...............
Water Bank program (Sec. 739)......................................           4,000   ...............           4,000   ...............          +4,000
Section 9003 Biorefinery program (rescission) (Sec. 741)...........         -40,694   ...............  ...............         +40,694   ...............
Hunger Commission (Sec. 743).......................................           1,000   ...............  ...............          -1,000   ...............
FDA user fees (Sec. 747)...........................................          79,000   ...............  ...............         -79,000   ...............
Citrus greening [APHIS] (Sec. 748).................................          20,000   ...............  ...............         -20,000   ...............
Southwest Border Regional Commission...............................  ...............           2,000   ...............  ...............          -2,000
Emergency livestock assistance program (rescission)................  ...............        -125,000         -125,000         -125,000   ...............
Emergency watershed protection program (disaster relief category)..  ...............  ...............          85,000          +85,000          +85,000
Emergency forestry restoration program (disaster relief category)..  ...............  ...............          15,000          +15,000          +15,000
Emergency watershed protection program.............................  ...............  ...............          24,978          +24,978          +24,978
Emergency conservation program.....................................  ...............  ...............          11,755          +11,755          +11,755
                                                                    ====================================================================================
      Total, Title VII, General provisions.........................        -708,429         -851,000         -502,671         +205,758         +348,329
                                                                    ====================================================================================
      Grand total..................................................     145,437,976      165,182,539      142,654,142       -2,783,834      -22,528,397
          Appropriations fiscal year 2015..........................    (145,881,001)    (144,767,442)    (143,113,142)     (-2,767,859)     (-1,654,300)
          Disaster relief category.................................  ...............  ...............        (100,000)       (+100,000)       (+100,000)
          Rescissions..............................................       (-443,025)       (-649,000)       (-559,000)       (-115,975)        (+90,000)
          Advance appropriations, fiscal year 2016.................  ...............     (21,064,097)  ...............  ...............    (-21,064,097)
      (By transfer)................................................        (790,554)        (771,886)        (793,408)         (+2,854)        (+21,522)
      (Loan authorization).........................................     (41,472,694)     (40,567,384)     (42,322,937)       (+850,243)     (+1,755,553)
      (Limitation on administrative expenses)......................        (178,035)        (180,809)        (180,809)         (+2,774)  ...............
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