[House Report 116-107]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
116th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session } { 116-107
======================================================================
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND
RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2020
_______
June 6, 2019.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Bishop, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
together with
MINORITY VIEWS
[To accompany H.R. 3164]
The Committee on Appropriations submits the following
report in explanation of the accompanying bill making
appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and
Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for fiscal year 2020.
CONTENTS
Page
Title I--Agricultural Programs................................... 3
Title II--Farm Production and Conservation Programs.............. 40
Title III--Rural Development Programs............................ 47
Title IV--Domestic Food Programs................................. 60
Title V--Foreign Assistance and Related Programs................. 67
Title VI--Related Agencies and Food and Drug Administration...... 70
Title VII--General Provisions.................................... 86
OVERVIEW
The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee has
jurisdiction over the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
except for the Forest Service, the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the
Farm Credit Administration (FCA).
The Subcommittee's responsibility covers a diverse group of
agencies responsible for such things as promoting the
production of a plentiful food supply; assisting farmers and
ranchers across the country with sound production practices;
improving the quality of life and vitality of communities in
rural America; assisting people in the U.S. and abroad with
nutritional needs; supporting research and development in
agriculture to improve productivity and stability; overseeing
commodity markets that provide confidence for businesses,
traders, investors, and the public; supporting a safe food
supply; and ensuring safe and effective drugs and medical
devices. The activities of these agencies impact Americans
every day of the year.
The fiscal year 2020 discretionary spending in this bill
totals $24,310,000,000, which is $1,000,000,000 above the
fiscal year 2019 enacted level and $5,111,351,000 above the
President's budget request for fiscal year 2020.
The funding levels provided in this appropriations bill
continue to demonstrate how seriously this Committee takes its
responsibility to fund the highest priority programs and
activities to serve the American people.
Oversight and Hearings
The Subcommittee held eight hearings related to the
responsibilities of the Subcommittee and key agriculture
issues. The hearings were:
1. Food and Drug Administration Status of
Operations--February 27, 2019
2. USDA Inspector General--March 12, 2019
3. Member Day--March 26, 2019
4. USDA's Proposed Relocation of the Economic
Research Service and the National Institute of Food and
Agriculture--March 27, 2019
5. The Rural Economy--April 2, 2019
6. Food and Drug Administration FY 2020 Budget
Request--April 3, 2019
7. USDA FY 2020 Budget Request--April 9, 2019
8. Economic Opportunities for Farmers through
Sustainable Agricultural Practices--April 10, 2019
Performance Measures.--The Committee directs USDA and FDA
to comply with title 31 of the United States Code, including
the development of their organizational priority goals and
outcomes such as performance outcome measures, output measures,
efficiency measures, and customer service measures. The
Committee directs them to brief the Committee on the
implementation plan for measures within 60 days of enactment of
the Act.
In this report, ``the Committees'' refers to the Committees
on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the
Senate.
TITLE I
AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS
Processing, Research and Marketing
Office of the Secretary
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
2019 appropriation.................................... $46,603,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 41,373,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 45,112,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ -1,491,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +3,739,000
The following table reflects the amount provided by the
Committee for each office and activity:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
FY 2019 FY 2020
enacted estimate provision
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Secretary................ $5,051 $4,850 $4,850
Assistant to the Secretary for Rural 800 800 0
Development...........................
Office of Homeland Security............ 1,496 1,448 1,448
Office of Partnerships and Public 4,711 1,672 6,211
Engagement............................
Office of the Assistant Secretary for 875 875 875
Administration........................
Departmental Administration............ 22,301 21,376 21,376
Office of the Assistant Secretary for 3,869 3,091 3,091
Congressional Relations and
Intergovernmental Affairs.............
Office of Communications............... 7,500 7,261 7,261
--------------------------------
Total, Office of the Secretary..... $46,603 $41,373 $45,112
------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of the Secretary, the Committee provides an
appropriation of $45,112,000.
The Committee accepts the President's proposed reductions
for the Immediate Office of the Secretary, the Office of
Homeland Security, Departmental Administration, the Office of
the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations and
Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Office of Communications.
The Committee adopts the President's proposed funding level
for the Assistant Secretary for Administration.
The Committee provides an increase of $1,500,000 over the
2019 enacted level for the Office of Partnerships and Public
Engagement (OPPE) and rejects the reductions proposed in the
budget request. The Committee strongly supports the Outreach
and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Veterans
program. This funding is in addition to the $15,000,000 in
mandatory funds available in 2020. In a separate provision in
Title VII, an additional $10,000,000 for the Farm Opportunities
Training and Outreach Program is provided. OPPE is directed to
use not more than five percent of this sum for administrative
costs.
Adapting to a changing climate.--The Committee directs USDA
to conduct a survey on current programs that aid farmers in
mitigating and adapting to the effects of the changing climate,
including programs that support carbon sequestration in the
soil, and identify opportunities to expand this work.
Advertising expenditures.--The Committee believes that, as
the largest advertiser in the United States, the federal
government should work to ensure fair access to its advertising
contracts for small disadvantaged businesses and businesses
owned by minorities and women. The Committee directs USDA to
include the following information in a report to the Committee
60 days after enactment of this Act: expenditures for fiscal
year 2019 and expected expenditures for fiscal year 2020 and
2021, respectively, for (1) all contracts for advertising
services; and (2) contracts for the advertising services of
socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns
(as defined in section 8(a)(4) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 637(a)(4)), and women- and minority-owned businesses.
Agroterrorism.--The United States enjoys a safe, plentiful,
and inexpensive food supply. The Committee views domestic food
production as a priority for national security. The Committee
directs the Secretary to explore USDA's laboratory and response
capacity to address the threat of agroterrorism, and how
national response plans can better incorporate agroterrorism.
The Committee encourages the Secretary to coordinate with the
Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS), the Department of the Interior, the
intelligence agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), and other agencies to improve response plans, conduct
vulnerability assessments, and expand monitoring and
surveillance for agroterrorism. The Committee also encourages
the Secretary to focus on bolstering tracking systems for
agricultural products, laboratory networks, and border
inspection training.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander
Farmers.--The Committee urges the Secretary to measure the
effectiveness of USDA's recruitment and outreach plans for the
increasing number of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and
Pacific Islander farmers. The Committee directs the Department
to make available required resources in additional Asian
American and Pacific Islander languages to reduce any cultural
or linguistic barriers for these farmers.
CCC Report.--The Committee directs the Secretary to provide
a report on November 15, 2019, and May 18, 2020, on planned
uses of funding under the authorities of Section 4 and Section
11 of the CCC Charter Act.
Census of Agriculture.--The Committee is aware that urban
agriculture is a rapidly growing sector of the U.S.
agricultural economy and that there is a need to understand
emerging agricultural production. The Committee directs the
Department to collect data on urban, indoor, and emerging
agricultural production, such as community gardens, rooftop
farms, greenhouses and indoor farms, in the 2022 Census of
Agriculture. The Committee expects the Department to provide
resources for this work in its annual budget request to
Congress when it begins planning for the 2022 census.
Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Obligations and
Commitments.--The Secretary is directed to notify the
Committees in writing 15 days prior to the obligation or
commitment of any emergency funds from the CCC.
Communication from USDA.--A collaborative working
relationship between the Committee and USDA is necessary to
ensure efficient and effective implementation of Congress'
funding decisions. USDA is directed to ensure that the
Committee is notified of major changes to existing policies and
any significant developments in its operations, before
providing non-governmental stakeholders such information,
before making the changes public and before implementing them.
Design-Build.--The Committee encourages the Department to
use the design-build method of project delivery when
appropriate.
Distribution of Farm Subsidies.--The Committee directs the
Department to provide to the Committees not later than 180 days
after the enactment of this Act a report on the distribution of
farm subsidies, low interest loans, and cost-share conservation
programs and its impact on minority-owned farms.
ERS/NIFA relocation.--On August 8, 2018, the Secretary sent
the Committees a letter notifying them that he was planning to
move the Economic Research Service (ERS), and the National
Institute of Food and Agriculture outside of the greater
Washington, D.C., area. Seven days later, without waiting the
statutorily-required 30 days after notification, in violation
of the reprogramming rules in P.L. 116-6, the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2019, the Secretary published a Federal
Register notice that the Department was seeking expressions of
interest from parties interested in housing the two agencies.
At no point in this process, however, has USDA solicited public
comment on this proposal. Since then, it has moved forward,
despite the clearly expressed opposition of many members of the
House and Senate. It failed to comply with the direction of the
conferees on the 2019 Act to submit all cost benefits for the
move and a detailed analysis of any research benefits of a
relocation. It has flatly refused numerous requests from this
Committee and other members of Congress to provide the initial
cost benefit analysis that preceded the decision to go ahead
with the proposal. These agencies' mission is to achieve the
best science through research that advances U.S. agriculture
and our understanding of the agricultural economy. The
Committee believes that the Department's proposal puts that
mission at risk and the Committee has therefore included bill
language to prevent it.
Flexibility in Loan and Loan Guarantee Levels.--The bill
includes language to exceed by up to 25 percent the limitation
on loan and loan guarantee levels without budget authority upon
written notification to the Committees on Appropriations.
GAO Report on Credit Service to Socially Disadvantaged
Farmers and Ranchers.--Section 5416 of the 2018 Farm Bill
mandated a GAO study of the access of socially disadvantaged
farmers and ranchers to credit. That report is expected to be
released this summer. The Committee looks forward to reviewing
the report and assessing the need for further work on this
issue.
Grain Export Inspection.--The Committee is aware of the
ongoing contract negotiations between West Coast grain terminal
operators and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union
and recognizes the importance of reaching an agreement that
works for both parties, as a failure to reach an agreement
could result in an interruption in grain terminal service that
would negatively impact the nation's grain exports. Therefore,
the Committee urges all parties to continue negotiating in good
faith to ensure an equitable outcome that protects worker
rights and benefits is expeditiously reached. The Committee
strongly discourages USDA from requiring its grain inspectors
to cross a picket line.
Health Care Access for Farmers.--The Department of
Agriculture shall conduct a study on access to affordable, ACA-
compliant, high-quality health care for individuals and their
families who are self-employed on small, locally-owned and
family-owned businesses in rural communities. The report should
include recommendations for increasing access to health
insurance options for those individuals. The Department should
submit the report to the Committee 270 days after enactment of
this Act.
International Food Security Technical Assistance.--The
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 recognized the challenge of
global hunger and the need to improve the delivery of
assistance to meet immediate food security requirements and to
improve nutritional standards for underserved populations.
Section 3308 of that Act authorized USDA agencies, including
the Food Nutrition and Consumer Services among other relevant
agencies, to provide technical assistance to international
entities and organizations that develop and improve food and
nutrition safety net systems. The Committee notes the trend of
worsening food insecurity and the growing instability that may
result and urges the Secretary to prioritize the implementation
of this provision. The Committee expects a report on the
progress of this effort within 90 days of enactment.
Loan and Grant Programs.--The Committee directs that if an
estimate of loan activity for any program funded in Titles II
and III of this bill indicates that a limitation on authority
to make commitments for a fiscal year will be reached before
the end of that fiscal year, or in any event when 75 percent of
the authority to make commitments has been utilized, the
Secretary shall promptly notify the Committees through OBPA.
The Committee directs the Department, through OBPA, to provide
quarterly reports to the Committees on the status of
obligations and funds availability for the loan and grant
programs provided in this bill.
Moving ERS to the Office of the Chief Economist.--On August
8, 2018, the Secretary notified the Committees that he planned
to move ERS from the Under Secretary for Research, Education
and Economics (REE) to the Office of the Chief Economist, which
is part of the Office of the Secretary. The Under Secretary of
REE also serves as USDA's chief scientist. By law, he or she is
charged with overseeing all issues involving scientific
integrity within the Department. In fact, the Chief Scientist
is actually empowered to oppose any efforts to politicize
science. The Chief Economist has no such role or power. Keeping
ERS within a mission area that is solely devoted to research
ensures it will continue to be seen as a first-class,
independent research entity. Putting it under the Office of the
Secretary puts that at jeopardy. The Committee opposes the
proposal and has included bill language to prevent it.
Native American Foods.--Native American tribes suffer among
the highest rates of diabetes in the United States. Traditional
Native American diets have been shown to be culturally relevant
and protective against metabolic diseases such as diabetes. The
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) has
increased the variety of traditional foods offered in the
program. The Committee directs USDA to develop programs in
conjunction with Indian Tribal Organizations to restore food
ecosystems and revive traditional foods based on dietary
preferences of Native American populations. USDA shall continue
to collaborate with FDPIR agencies on recommendations for food
package changes, with the goal of further increasing the amount
and variety of traditional and locally or regionally grown food
items offered through the program.
Native Plant Use Preference.--The Committee continues to
support the use of locally adapted native plant materials in
the undertaking of land management activity on Federal lands
under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture,
including in maintenance and in restoration in response to
degradation caused by human activity or natural events (such as
fire, flood, or infestation). The Committee directs that it be
the policy of the USDA that preference shall be made, to the
extent practicable, for the use of locally adapted native plant
materials in these cases.
Office for Civil Rights.--The Committee requests a report
from the Secretary on how the Office intends to manage and
avoid recurrent backlogs in cases, including both those
involving USDA programs and those involving USDA employees. The
report is due by December 31, 2019.
Pay Costs.--The Committee does not include funding for a
civilian pay increase across the Department. Should the
President provide a civilian pay increase for fiscal year 2020,
it is assumed that the cost of such a pay increase will be
absorbed within existing appropriations for fiscal year 2020.
Rural Broadband.--The Committee continues to support the
Re-Connect program to increase access to broadband connectivity
in unserved rural communities. The Committee continues to
direct the Department to target grants and loans issued to
areas of the country with the largest broadband coverage gaps.
These projects should utilize technology that will maximize
coverage of broadband with the most benefit to taxpayers and
the rural communities served. Technologies to consider should
include, but are not limited to, fiber, cable modem, fixed
wireless, and television white space. The bill includes funding
for broadband deployment through the Broadband Loan program,
Community Connect grant program, Distance Learning and
Telemedicine program and an additional $550,000,000 for the Re-
Connect program.
Rural Health Liaison.--The Committee directs the Department
to designate a Rural Health Liaison in the Office of the
Secretary no later than 90 days after the enactment of this
Act. The Office of the Secretary shall work in conjunction with
the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy under HHS to ensure
that the duties of the Rural Health Liaison enumerated in
Section 12409 of the Agriculture Improvement Act are carried
out effectively.
Rural Poverty.--In their fiscal year 2016 bills, both the
House and Senate Appropriations Committees directed USDA to
produce a detailed plan setting forth all USDA resources
available to combat rural poverty. The report was due on April
16, 2016, and more than three years later, it has not been
received. The Committee will consider penalizing the Department
if it has not received the report before the conference on this
bill begins.
Status of House and Senate Report Language.--The Department
is directed to include in its fiscal year 2021 Congressional
Justification, as a single exhibit, a table listing all
deliverables, with a column for due dates if applicable. The
Office of Budget and Program Analysis (OBPA) is directed to
provide updates on the status of House and Senate reports upon
request from the Committees.
USDA-owned Vehicles.--The Committee has included revised
bill language related to the number of vehicles the Department
owns, similar to that proposed by the administration. However,
the Committee was troubled to learn that USDA's concern about
the previous language was that it limited the Department to a
specific number of vehicles, which USDA was completely unable
to certify. The Committee requests a report from the Department
within 60 days after enactment of this Act that describes how
it plans to better manage its vehicle fleet.
Executive Operations
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ECONOMIST
2019 appropriation.................................... $21,286,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 18,513,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 21,013,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ -273,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +2,500,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of the Chief Economist, the Committee
provides the budget request of $21,013,000.
Drought.--The Committee provides $2,500,000 to support the
work of the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC). The
increase will provide 24/7 backup of NDMC weekly field data and
build capacity to respond to the increasing number of drought-
related research and operations requests to NDMC by U.S.
regional climate hubs.
OFFICE OF HEARINGS AND APPEALS
2019 appropriation.................................... $15,222,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 13,474,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 15,222,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. +1,748,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of Hearings and Appeals, the Committee
provides the fiscal year 2019 enacted level of $15,222,000.
OFFICE OF BUDGET AND PROGRAM ANALYSIS
2019 appropriation.................................... $9,525,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 8,199,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 9,525,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. +1,326,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of Budget and Program Analysis, the
Committee provides the fiscal year 2019 enacted level of
$9,525,000.
Office of the Chief Information Officer
2019 appropriation.................................... $55,630,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 101,400,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 101,400,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +45,770,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of the Chief Information Officer, the
Committee provides an appropriation of $101,400,000.
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
2019 appropriation.................................... $6,028,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 13,500,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 6,028,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. -7,472,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, the
Committee provides an appropriation of $6,028,000.
The Committee provides no funds for the New Pay Initiative.
The five sentences devoted to this in the budget justification
do not provide sufficient justification for the requested
increase of $7,500,000 for the Initiative.
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
2019 appropriation.................................... $901,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 800,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 901,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. +101,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights,
the Committee provides the fiscal year 2019 enacted level of
$901,000.
Office of Civil Rights
2019 appropriation.................................... $24,206,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 21,228,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 24,206,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. +2,978,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of Civil Rights, the Committee provides the
fiscal year 2019 enacted level of $24,206,000.
Agriculture Buildings and Facilities
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
2019 appropriation.................................... $59,967,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 331,114,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 331,114,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +271,147,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Agriculture Buildings and Facilities, the Committee
provides the requested level of $331,114,000. The Committee
provides the full request because it strongly supports USDA's
``One Neighborhood'' proposal to renovate USDA headquarters
buildings. Along with renovation of the George Washington
Carver facility in Beltsville, MD, USDA will have greatly
expanded capacity in the National Capital Region (NCR). This
will end what USDA itself says are its ``high vacancy rates''
in the NCR.
Hazardous Materials Management
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
2019 appropriation.................................... $3,503,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 3,290,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 5,288,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +1,785,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +1,998,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Hazardous Materials Management, the Committee provides
$5,288,000. The Committee rejects the reduction to the program
proposed in the budget and provides an increase of $1,988,000
for additional remediation work.
Office of Inspector General
2019 appropriation.................................... $98,208,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 98,208,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 98,208,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of Inspector General (OIG), the Committee
provides the fiscal year 2019 enacted level of $98,208,000.
Animal fighting.--The Committee is very concerned about
illegal animal fighting activity. The OIG is encouraged to
increase its efforts to enforce the laws under USDA's
jurisdiction against animal fighting and to investigate
promptly any evidence of such illegal activity. The Committee
also encourages the OIG to audit USDA enforcement of the Animal
Welfare Act, the Horse Protection Act, and the Humane Methods
of Slaughter Act to help improve compliance with these
important laws.
Office of the General Counsel
2019 appropriation.................................... $45,146,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 41,242,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 41,242,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ -3,904,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of the General Counsel, the Committee
provides the budget request of $41,242,000.
Office of Ethics
2019 appropriation.................................... $4,136,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 2,752,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 4,136,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. +1,384,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of Ethics, the Committee provides the 2019
enacted level of $4,136,000.
Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics
2019 appropriation.................................... $800,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 800,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 800,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of the Under Secretary for Research,
Education, and Economics, the Committee provides an
appropriation of $800,000.
Antimicrobial Resistance Research Strategy.--The Committee
has provided additional resources to ARS and NIFA that may be
used to strengthen USDA's ability to support an expanded focus
on animal science and antibiotic stewardship. The Committee
encourages USDA to build on the work of the Presidential
Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and
directs USDA to develop a strategic approach that coordinates
all antimicrobial resistance projects in the REE mission area.
The Department should explore coordinating with agencies and
offices in HHS. USDA should also consider establishing a
public-private partnership framework with HHS (including the
Centers for Disease Control), industry, and land-grant
universities with relevant expertise in states with significant
livestock production to support applied research, education,
and outreach to address antimicrobial-resistant animal and
human pathogens.
Enhancing Entrepreneurship at USDA.--While USDA deploys
significant investments to drive agricultural innovation and
enhance community vitality, the Committee believes that USDA
could more effectively support entrepreneurship in rural
communities by bolstering creative partnerships that connect
entrepreneurs in the agricultural ecosystem. The Committee
directs ARS and NIFA to work together and brief the Committee
on USDA efforts that enhance and encourage entrepreneurship
across rural America. The brief shall include a discussion of
how ongoing agricultural entrepreneurship, extension, and 4-H
and other youth agriculture programs at land-grant universities
help to increase visibility and viability of agricultural
entrepreneurship in rural America; an examination of barriers
to commercialization of USDA-funded research; and an evaluation
of USDA regulations that inhibit rural entrepreneurship.
Leveraging Plant Genome Information.--The Committee
recognizes the potential impact that variable weather,
environments, and production systems can have on the yield and
quantity of maize and the need for greater prediction of plant
performance under variable growing conditions. The Committee
encourages USDA to support research that leverages plant
genomic information with phenotypic and environmental data
through an interdisciplinary framework, resulting in an
understanding of plant processes that affect productivity and
the ability to predict plant performance.
National Data Repository for Intelligent Agricultural
Production, Health, and Security.--The food and agriculture
sector in the United States is entering a new era with a
proliferation of available data resulting in unprecedented
opportunities for modeling, forecasting, and analytics that are
already changing other sectors of the American economy. The
Committee encourages USDA to explore developing a national data
repository for intelligent agricultural production, health, and
security. The Committee directs USDA to provide to the
Committee a brief that explores how to develop a roadmap for
policies that enable large-scale aggregation of agricultural
production data while preserving competitive advantage for
individual farmers, ranchers, producers, and processors. As
part of the brief, USDA should identify leading land-grant
universities with capacity to lead this effort and identify a
consortium of universities to partner in defining potential
goals, resource needs, and expected outcomes and benefits of
this national repository.
Pollinators and Colony Health Research.--The Committee
recognizes that Colony Collapse Disorder and related colony
health issues are a significant concern to beekeepers, honey
producers, farmers, researchers, policymakers, and the public.
It directs the Department to continue to focus on the
challenges facing pollinators. The bill includes funding for a
pollinator research coordinator as authorized by the 2018 Farm
Bill.
Potato Research.--The Committee supports research efforts
to combat crop-threatening pest and disease pressures,
including the potato cyst nematode. The Committee also
recognizes the importance of research initiatives to identify
and improve desired traits for new potato varieties and directs
the Department to continue working with universities, industry
and potato growers on these projects.
Poultry Technology Research.--The Committee understands
that the U.S. poultry industry is the most efficient in the
world. However, with expected global growth in demand and
competition, technological advances in broiler production are
critical to increasing production and profitability. The
Committee supports cooperative research that contributes to
increased efficiencies in housing, equipment, energy and
environmental controls tailored to meet the long-term needs of
the industry.
Screening Technologies.--The Committee encourages the
development of technologies that will provide rapid, portable,
and facile screening of food fish species at port sites and
wholesale and retail centers.
Vector Control.--The Committee encourages USDA to support
research, including the work done through the Biotechnology
Risk Assessment Research Grants program, to develop innovative
vector control technologies targeted to combatting Zika-
carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitos. The Committee is aware that
vaccine development takes time, pesticide use has a variety of
limitations, and human health effects and treatment will be a
challenge for years to come. Therefore, the Committee urges
USDA to utilize pest management programs and partner
organizations to conduct research to develop and test effective
repellents, create new molecular pesticide technologies that
prevent mosquitoes from reproducing, and explore natural
product remedies to deter pests.
Economic Research Service
2019 appropriation.................................... $86,757,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 60,500,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 87,757,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +1,000,00
2020 budget estimate.............................. +27,257,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Economic Research Service (ERS), the Committee
provides an appropriation of $87,757,000. The Committee
strongly disagrees with USDA's proposal to relocate ERS and
provides no funding for relocation activities. In addition, the
Committee does not concur with the request to significantly
reduce ERS' research activities.
Recovering Value from Animal Waste.--The Committee is
interested in understanding the potential cost savings that may
arise from more efficiently processing and managing animal
waste. The Committee directs ERS to provide a report to the
Committee not later than 1 year after the enactment of this Act
on potential opportunities to recover greater value for farmers
from animal waste. The report shall include a discussion of the
following: 1) direct and indirect financial revenue
opportunities; 2) the potential value of i) on-farm reuse of
products such as fertilizer application to cropland; ii)
remanufactured products; iii) energy recovery; 3) potential tax
credits; 4) nutrient recovery; 5) grants and loan incentives;
and 6) other sources of revenue. An optimum value model should
be described. The Committee expects the report to address the
feasibility of recovering value from animal waste, the emerging
technologies and tools available, and physical and economic
factors to be considered, and identify potential federal
programs which could provide incentives and adoption. The
Committee provides ERS $1,000,000 to conduct the report.
National Agricultural Statistics Service
2019 appropriation.................................... $174,517,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 163,000,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 180,794,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +6,277,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +17,794,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS),
the Committee provides an appropriation of $180,794,000, of
which $45,300,000 is for the Census of Agriculture. The
Committee does not accept any proposed eliminations or
reductions of ongoing activities, including in-season forecasts
for non-citrus fruit and tree nut crops such as pecans. The
Committee provides $2,000,000 to expand the Farm Labor Survey.
Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Initiative.--The Committee
appreciates the continued focus on broadband access for rural
communities. The Committee provides the requested $2,000,000
for this initiative and directs NASS to coordinate their
collection efforts in partnership with USDA's Rural Development
Programs to ensure no duplication of efforts occurs.
Antibiotic Resistance Efforts.--The Committee includes an
additional $2,000,000 to strengthen NASS activities in support
of the National Animal Health Monitoring System commodity
studies and the Agricultural Resource Management Survey. This
additional funding will help expand USDA knowledge and
understanding of antibiotic use practices and the emergency of
resistance.
Chemical Use Data.--The Committee encourages NASS to
continue funding the collection and analysis of chemical use
data as well as practices such as integrated pest management.
In addition, the Committee directs NASS to continue collecting
Fruit Chemical Use data and Vegetable Chemical Use data in
alternating years.
Commercial Floriculture Crops Report.--USDA is directed to
complete the Commercial Floriculture Crops Report.
Commodity Survey Staffing.--The Committee directs NASS to
explore the feasibility of reestablishing a physical presence
in Puerto Rico and provide a briefing to the Committee not
later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act.
Organic Agriculture Survey.--The Committee includes the
requested funding to conduct the Organic Agriculture Survey.
The Committee notes that the Agricultural Marketing Service
(AMS), ERS, and NASS are each involved in data collection or
reporting on organics. The Department is directed to brief the
Committees on its data collection and reporting efforts on
organic agriculture, its plan for continuing these efforts in
the future, and how these efforts are coordinated across the
Department not later than 60 days after the enactment of this
Act.
Agricultural Research Service
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
2019 appropriation.................................... $1,303,266,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 1,203,491,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 1,347,516,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +44,250,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +144,025,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Salaries and Expenses of the Agricultural Research
Service (ARS), the Committee provides an appropriation of
$1,347,516,000.
The Committee recognizes that many research goals
constitute a moving target and research objectives may change
from year to year. The Committee is interested in understanding
what research programs ARS has determined are mature and what
research programs are the highest priority of the agency. The
Committee directs ARS to provide a brief to the Committee on
its ongoing efforts to assess and prioritize research across
all its ongoing programs. This will help the Committee direct
resources to the most impactful programs in the future. The
Committee does not accept the President's budget request
regarding the reduction or termination of extramural research
and expects that extramural research be funded at no less than
the fiscal year 2019 levels. In addition, the Committee does
not accept the proposed termination of research programs or
closure of research locations.
Agricultural Research Facilities.--The Committee directs
ARS to explore ways in which its labs could be better utilized,
in cooperation with non-profits, consortiums, and land grant
universities, to achieve new scientific goals that benefit the
nation's food and agriculture system. In addition, the
Committee encourages ARS to work with the entities listed above
to develop a smart agriculture industry technology roadmap.
This research strategy can help guide the future development of
technology in the agriculture industry and maintain U.S.
leadership.
Alfalfa Research.--The Committee supports an additional
$1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2019 level for research into
alfalfa seed and forage systems, which hold the potential to
maximize crop yields, increase milk production, and improve
genetics.
Animal Research.--The Committee continues to monitor
closely the compliance by ARS animal research facilities with
the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act. The Committee notes
that ARS has not yet submitted the single report discussing all
the violations found by APHIS to date that was mandated in the
2019 Act and that the first quarterly report since the 2019 Act
was enacted failed to include any discussion of violations
found by APHIS and specific actions taken. Thus, the Committee
directs ARS to revise the mandated report accordingly.
Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan.--The Committee
supports the research goals of USDA's Antimicrobial Resistance
Action Plan to examine the role of nutritional alternative/feed
additives containing bioactives and prebiotics as alternatives
to increase antibiotic use. This may lead to reduced antibiotic
use and boost immune responses in livestock. The Committee
directs ARS to provide an update on their role in this effort
in its fiscal year 2021 budget request.
Areawide Integrated Pest Management.--The Committee
supports ARS' efforts on areawide integrated pest management
and encourages continued efforts to design and implement
programs across the country.
Big Data.--The Committee supports ARS' ongoing efforts to
maximize knowledge extracted from large data sets. The
Committee is interested in the development of long-term,
durable solutions for the information challenges involving Big
Data.
Biological Collections.--The Committee supports the
biological collection activities of ARS and its importance to
the scientific mission of ARS.
Bovine Pleuropneumonia.--The Committee is concerned about
the potential harm to the cattle industry from contagious
bovine pleuropneumonia and provides $1,000,000 to partner with
academia to develop improved diagnostic tests and vaccines for
this harmful disease.
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).--The Committee
supports research aimed at defining BSE inheritance patterns,
environmental triggers for BSE susceptibility and/or
resistance, and development of preclinical disease testing
methods and strategies.
Cattle Fever Ticks.--The Committee provides not less than
$8,000,000 for cattle fever tick critical research needs. The
Committee directs ARS to coordinate development of its long-
term cattle fever tick research program with APHIS efforts
under the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program.
Cercospora Leaf Spot Disease.--The Committee is concerned
about the prevalence of the cercospora leaf spot, a destructive
disease that impacts sugar beet production and results in
significant losses in root yield and sugar content. The
Committee supports the work being done by ARS and its continued
efforts to develop management solutions to combat cercospora
leaf spot disease.
Citrus Greening Disease Research.--The Committee commends
ARS' research efforts on citrus greening disease and encourages
the agency to continue working to develop methods to reduce
transmission and enhance immunity in citrus trees and to work
with industry, universities, growers, and other partners to
develop effective control mechanisms. The Committee also
encourages ARS to coordinate its efforts with the Huanglongbing
Multi-Agency Coordination group (HLB MAC).
Coffee Plant Health Initiative.--The Committee supports the
research goals of the Coffee Plant Health Initiative.
Cranberry Research.--The Committee is supportive of the
multi-university cranberry and blueberry research programs
operated in partnership with the ARS, and provides an
additional $750,000 above the 2019 level for the purchase of
equipment and the hiring of additional scientists to meet
research needs in disease prevention, pesticide reduction, and
water conservation.
Energy-Water Nexus.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of the Energy-Water Nexus, and as part of that
effort, encourages USDA to work with the Department of Energy
(DOE) to identify research collaborations to develop safe,
affordable, deployable, energy- and water-efficient
technologies for food production platforms that support non-
traditional water use. The Committee directs ARS to work with
NIFA and DOE on this initiative and provide to the Committee
not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act a
report listing ongoing research collaborations between ARS and
DOE, including its National Laboratories.
Genetic Oat Research.--The Committee recognizes the
potential genetic oat research has to improve disease
resistance (especially rusts and viruses), genetics, increase
yields, and develop crop rotation systems that include oats,
which will enhance the value of oats and provide benefits to
producers and consumers. The Committee provides an additional
$500,000 above the 2019 level to research oat germplasm,
genomics, phonemics, disease resistance, and enhanced yield.
Germplasm Enhancement of Maize.--The Committee provides an
additional $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2019 level in
support of germplasm enhancement of maize projects and
encourages continued cooperation between ARS and industry.
Greenhouse Technology Research.--The Committee recognizes
the importance of advancing greenhouse technology and exploring
its capabilities to address the energy and water challenges
inherent in four-season production systems, beginning in food
insecure communities across the country. The Committee
encourages ARS to work with DOE on greenhouse technology
research that explores how to integrate ongoing research
projects at the various DOE National Labs to develop
affordable, deployable, and energy and water-efficient food
production platforms for undernourished regions of the country.
By working together, ARS and DOE can bring their respective
strengths and resources to designing the most desirable, low-
cost, and efficient production system. The Committee provides
an additional $500,000 above the fiscal year 2019 level in
continued support of this effort.
Healthy Soil-Healthy Food-Healthy People.--The Committee
supports efforts within ARS to encourage the study of enhanced
food nutritional quality through the Healthy Soil-Healthy Food-
Healthy People initiative.
Hops Research.--The Committee recognizes that the U.S. hops
industry has experienced unprecedented expansion due to the
brewing industry's economic growth over the past decade. To
sustain this growth, new varieties of hops are needed to
prevent disease and expand production throughout the country.
The Committee strongly supports ARS' ongoing research in hops
genomics and pathology, and maintains increases from previous
years.
Horticultural Research and Education.--The Committee
recognizes the U.S. National Arboretum as a prominent research
body staffed with highly skilled and dedicated scientists with
a history of scientific discovery in environmental
horticulture. The Committee encourages continued support of the
Arboretum as its research and academic programs not only work
towards developing new approaches in detecting and treating
plant disease, but also the ability to connect people with
plants in a unique and serene environment that enhances the
public understanding of agricultural plant sciences.
Human Nutrition Research.--The Committee directs ARS to
provide to the Committee not later than 180 days after the
enactment of this Act a report on the connection between how to
advance science, policy, and practice for how healthier food
enhances overall health, reduces obesity and related co-
morbidity, and could lower health care costs.
Livestock Protection.--The Committee recognizes the
challenges caused by infectious disease problems arising from
wildlife-domestic animal agriculture interactions, particularly
between domestic sheep and wild bighorn sheep. Researchers have
recently produced an experimental vaccine to protect bighorn
populations from disease, but much work is still required. The
Committee encourages ARS to pursue work to determine the role
of domestic sheep in causing die-offs of bighorn sheep from
respiratory disease and develop methods to reduce transmission
and enhance immunity in domestic and bighorn sheep.
Long-Term Agro-ecosystem Research.--The Committee provides
an additional $1,000,000 above fiscal year 2019 for the Long-
Term Agro-ecosystem Research (LTAR) network. The Committee
encourages ARS to fully utilize all the LTAR sites.
Lower Mississippi River Basin.--The Committee recognizes
the groundwater problems in the Lower Mississippi River Basin
and encourages ARS, in collaboration with university research,
extension scientists and local stakeholders, to identify gaps
in water management research and focus efforts on the
development of conservation and irrigation techniques to reduce
water usage in agriculture production while maintaining crop
quality and yield.
Macadamia Tree Health Initiative.--The Committee provides
an additional $500,000 above fiscal year 2019 to support
implementation of the Macadamia Tree Health Initiative.
Marine Aquaculture Seedstock.--The Committee is concerned
that vital seedstock to support the development of aquaculture
in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico will be sourced from
foreign aquaculture producers. Domestic on-land recirculating
aquaculture systems and offshore aquaculture are highly capable
of producing a steady supply of marine fish seedstock to
support new offshore and aquaculture industries. This includes
broodstock acquisition and care, spawning, larval culture
techniques, and juvenile rearing. The Committee provides an
additional $500,000 above the fiscal year 2019 level for the
development effort of aquaculture technology that will ensure a
steady supply of warm water marine fish seedstock for economic
growth of the U.S. aquaculture industry.
National Agricultural Library.--The Committee encourages
ARS to maintain a focus on agricultural-related legal issues
within the National Agricultural Library. The Committee notes
that as the agriculture sector faces increasing financial
stress, there is a necessity that agriculture-related legal
issues be addressed on an increasingly frequent basis. Further,
agriculture-related legal issues are increasingly complex, and
the impact of these legal issues continues to broaden in scope.
The Committee recommends that the National Agricultural Library
play an important role in assisting all stakeholders with
understanding these issues.
National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF).--The
Committee notes that NBAF is approaching construction
completion and that there are remaining transition and
operational capability actions necessary before full
operational capability can occur. While the Committee
understands the current research programs at APHIS and ARS that
will be moved into NBAF once the full transition from the Plum
Island Animal Disease Center is complete, the Committee is not
yet aware of how USDA will fill out the rest of NBAF with other
ongoing or new research activities and any associated outyear
costs. Therefore, USDA shall submit to the Committees a ten-
year strategic plan that describes the annual projected
research and operations costs associated with full utilization
of the NBAF facility. The plan should include a discussion of
how USDA will utilize all available lab space, what ongoing
research programs will grow, future research priorities that
will be housed in NBAF, and the associated annual costs of each
activity.
National Soil Dynamics Laboratory.--The Committee directs
the National Soil Dynamics Laboratory to conduct research and
development of technologies to recover phosphorous from manure,
transform manure into secondary byproducts and find
alternative, environmentally safe and economical usages of
manure. The research may also explore environmentally safe
methods and appropriate rates of manure application for growing
crops and vegetables and the development of alternative
feedstock for livestock by raising aquatic zooplankton on
manure wastewater.
New Cotton Virus.--The Committee encourages ARS to
coordinate with APHIS, academic partners, and industry to
conduct research to establish biomarkers, research resistant
seed varieties, and to develop virus taxonomy and extension
management strategies pertaining to aphid control and general
cotton management for cotton viruses transmitted by the cotton
aphid.
Pickled Vegetables.--The Committee supports ARS' ongoing
research efforts on pickled vegetables.
Regional Hubs.--The Committee supports the role of USDA's
Climate Hubs and how they supplement ongoing work at ARS. The
Committee directs ARS to provide a briefing on these ongoing
efforts and planned activities in future years.
Roseau Cane.--The Committee continues to direct ARS to work
with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and
stakeholders to develop an integrated management program for
control of the scale insect pest infestation that is destroying
Roseau cane in the Mississippi River's Delta region along the
Gulf of Mexico.
Sclerotinia Initiative.--The Committee is aware of the
importance of controlling Sclerotinia in sunflowers, soybeans,
canola, edible beans, peanuts, peas, lentils, and chickpeas and
encourages ARS to continue its support of this initiative.
Shellfish Research.--The Committee includes an additional
$500,000 above the fiscal year 2019 level to support additional
shellfish genetics research staff positions.
Small Fruits Research.--The Committee supports the tri-
state research efforts on the development of small fruits and
grapes in the Pacific Northwest. This research is critical to
ensuring continued economic and environmentally-sustainable
production for these crops.
Small Grain Genomics.--The Committee supports research on
small grain genomics to address national genomic and breeding
needs for U.S. crops to keep small grains and feed as viable
crops and continue their substantial contributions to the
agricultural economy. The Committee provides an additional
$1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2019 level for this research.
Soft Wheat Falling Numbers Test Research.--The Committee
recognizes the emerging crisis surrounding wheat starch
degradation, as detected by the Hagberg-Perten Falling Numbers
Test, and encourages ARS to continue researching the accuracy
of the test and the environmental, storage, and generic
conditions leading to this quality loss.
Spittle Bug.--The Committee encourages ARS to coordinate
research efforts with NIFA and APHIS to address the impact of
the spittle bug.
Sugarcane Research Program.--The Committee provides an
additional $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2019 level to the
Sugarcane Research Program to support breeding and pathology
research for the development of high-yielding, biotic and
abiotic stress resistant cultivars resistant to emerging pests
and diseases that threaten the sugarcane industry.
Tropical and Subtropical Research.--The Committee
encourages ARS to explore research aimed at supporting tropical
and subtropical crops and how this research would fit into
ongoing activities.
Turfgrass Research.--The Committee provides an additional
$3,000,000 above the fiscal year 2019 level to conduct research
on new grasses that require less water, fertilizer, and other
inputs; genomic sequencing of grasses to identify drought,
heat, and pest resistance; maximizing the amount of carbon
captured by turfgrass systems and reducing carbon output
through enhanced maintenance systems; and enhancing turfgrass
contributions as a foundation for landscape enhancements.
U.S. Sheep Experiment Station (USSES).--The Committee
recognizes the unique and valuable contributions the USSES
makes toward increasing the production efficiency of sheep and
improving sustainable rangeland ecosystems. The Committee also
recognizes a unique opportunity to expand other research
initiatives. The Committee encourages ARS to work with various
stakeholders regarding efforts to propose mission improvements
for the USSES.
U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab (USWBS).--The Committee
recognizes the importance of the research carried out through
the USWBS Initiative. Fusarium head blight is a major threat to
agriculture, inflicting substantial yield and quality losses
throughout the U.S. The Committee provides an additional
$2,000,000 above the fiscal year 2019 level in support of the
USWBS Initiative.
Vacant Positions.--The Committee notes that there are still
numerous vacant positions at ARS laboratories across the
nation. The Committee directs ARS to fill vacant positions in
order to optimize the utilization of ARS laboratory space and
ensure that research goals can be continually met. Further, the
Committee encourages ARS to fill these vacancies with permanent
employees.
Water Quality.--The Committee supports ARS's continued
efforts to research alternatives to land application of animal
manures in watersheds where over-application is harming fresh
water drinking supplies. The Committee also supports ARS
efforts to identify alternative collection and processing
options for manure to remove toxic elements and yield usable
material.
Whitefly.--The Committee recognizes that whiteflies are an
emerging pest as a result of developing resistance to many
pesticides making chemical control difficult and climate
variability resulting in warmer winters and lower seasonal die
off. The Committee remains concerned with the whitefly, Bemisia
tabaci, epidemic which is severely impacting vegetable and
cotton production in the Southeast United States.
Wildfire Smoke Taint Research on Winegrapes.--The Committee
supports research to identify the compounds responsible for
smoke taint, establish science-based threshold levels of smoke
compounds that cause smoke taint, develop mitigation methods to
reduce or eliminate smoke taint, and study compounds that can
act as a barrier between the grapes and smoke compounds. The
Committee provides $1,500,000 in support of these research
efforts.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
2019 appropriation.................................... $381,200,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 50,000,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 50,000,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ -331,200,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Agricultural Research Service, Buildings and
Facilities, the Committee provides an appropriation of
$50,000,000 for deferred maintenance priorities of existing
facilities.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
2019 appropriation.................................... $927,649,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 974,715,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 1,033,007,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +105,358,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +58,292,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Research and Education Activities, the Committee
provides an appropriation of $1,033,007,000. The Committee
strongly opposes USDA's proposal to relocate NIFA and provides
no funding for such relocation activities.
Agricultural Research Enhancement Awards.--The Committee
continues to direct that not less than 15 percent of the
competitive research grant funds be used for USDA's agriculture
research enhancement awards program, including USDA-EPSCoR, in
accordance with 7 U.S.C. 450i.
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).--The
Committee strongly supports the AFRI program. The Committee
notes that projects that characterize protein functionality
from crops to assess their sustainability for use as
alternatives to conventional animal products are eligible for
competitive awards in the AFRI program. In addition, the
Committee also notes that research into plant-based protein-
rich foods for human consumption is also eligible. The
Committee supports the continued research goals of the AFRI
program.
Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems.--The Committee
recognizes the potential that the fields of agroecology and
food systems have to increase food security, food self-
sufficiency, sustainable economic development, public health,
and weather resiliency. The Committee supports research focused
on agroecology and sustainable food systems and encourages NIFA
to explore strategic partnerships, interdisciplinary
educational programming, applied research, policy analysis,
outreach, and scholarships in these fields as part of its
ongoing research efforts.
Alfalfa Seed and Alfalfa Forage Systems.--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 supports this
research and its continued focus on enhancing existing breeding
programs that can improve yields, harvesting, water
conservation, and environmental benefits.
Blockchain Food Traceability.--The Committee notes the
potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize the
practice of food traceability, tracking food products from
origin through every point of contact on the journey to the
consumer. The Committee is interested in how blockchain
technology can be utilized to accurately trace food and
mitigate the risks associated with food contaminated outbreaks
and to develop effective strategies for controls. The Committee
encourages NIFA to coordinate research to reduce the risk of
foodborne illness through the application of blockchain
technology.
Childhood Obesity.--The Committee recognizes that NIFA has
supported important and effective programs that address
childhood obesity in remote areas and among native and
underserved populations. The Committee encourages NIFA to
continue funding these programs to address childhood obesity
prevention and community health promotion in remote areas and
among native and underserved populations.
Citrus Disease Research Program.--The 2014 Farm Bill
established the Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension
Program, which is intended to discover and develop tools for
early detection, control, and eradication of diseases and pests
that threaten domestic citrus production and processing. The
2018 Farm Bill reauthorized this program and established the
Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund to
provide $25,000,000 per year in mandatory funding for the
program. The Committee believes research projects funded under
this authority should be prioritized based on the critical
threat of citrus greening and encourages NIFA, to the maximum
extent practicable, to follow the recommendations of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education
Advisory Board's citrus disease subcommittee and to collaborate
with the HLB MAC group.
Crop Degradation.--The Committee is aware of crop
degradation issues harming agricultural producers. For example,
starch degradation in Pacific Northwest soft white wheat crops
led to significant value losses for producers in late 2016. The
Committee encourages NIFA to conduct research through AFRI into
soft white wheat crop quality loss to mitigate its impact on
producers.
Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.--The Committee
supports the goals of the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance
Network and includes an increase in funds for the program's
second year of operation.
Grants for Insular Areas.--The Committee recognizes NIFA
efforts to strengthen capacity at land-grant institutions in
the U.S. territories in the areas of instruction, distance
education, facilities and equipment, and research. The
Committee emphasizes the importance of continuing the support
for these institutions and provides an increase to help address
plant disease and invasive species priorities in the
territories.
Grants Promoting K-12 Agriculture Education.--The Committee
directs USDA to continue to prioritize projects that include a
component of connecting stakeholders and employers to students,
teachers, and schools to facilitate collaboration and
communication and to ensure stakeholders are connected to
students, especially in urban areas.
Livestock and Poultry Waste Research.--The Committee
recognizes the benefits of improved methods of managing animal
waste in livestock and poultry production and encourages NIFA
to support research and development of innovative technologies,
particularly those that are operationally and economically
feasible and have a high probability of widespread
implementation.
Multifaceted Tools for Controlling Harmful Algal Blooms and
Huanglongbing.--The Committee encourages NIFA to continue
research into the use of potent antimicrobials through the use
of environmentally-friendly integrated nano-delivery systems
for the purpose of controlling both harmful algal blooms and
Huanglongbing.
Research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
and Hispanic Serving Institutions.--The Committee encourages
NIFA to continue to support biotechnology by promoting research
at the land-grant colleges and universities, including the
Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic
Serving Institutions, and directs NIFA to encourage
partnerships among those universities and industry. The
Committee directs NIFA to brief the Committee not later than
180 days after the enactment of this Act on its efforts.
Sensor Technologies.--The Committee encourages NIFA to work
cooperatively with non-profit institutions, consortia, and
land-grant universities to conduct research on advanced sensor
manufacturing techniques to improve the agricultural industry.
Specialty Crop Research Initiative.--The Committee
recognizes the importance of the Specialty Crop Research
Initiative (SCRI) in addressing the needs of the specialty crop
industry through research and extension activities. The
Committee encourages NIFA to address winter production, season
extension, and high tunnel vegetable production as part of
ongoing SCRI activities.
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE).--The
Committee notes that energy efficiency is an integral part of
sustainable agriculture. The Committee encourages USDA to
explore how ongoing programs at land grant universities can
complement energy efficiency operations at farms. The SARE
program can serve as an important connection between land grant
universities and farmers and ranchers. The Committee directs
USDA to provide a briefing not later than 180 days after the
enactment of this Act on the potential for the SARE program to
assist agricultural producers in carbon neutral agricultural
practices.
Sustainable Agricultural Systems.--The Committee encourages
NIFA to continue the Sustainable Agricultural Systems program
and emphasize, among its priorities and goals, the reduction of
bacterial contamination and the increase of nutrition research
to inform agricultural systems from production to user.
Urban Agriculture.--The Committee notes that urban
agriculture can be a viable solution to support healthier
dietary options and improve the overall health of residents in
urban communities. The Committee encourages NIFA to create
partnerships and linkages to assist urban agricultural
production in food insecure and nutrient short communities
across the nation. In addition, the Committee also encourages
NIFA to continue to serve as a resource for urban and rural
farmers to enable collaborations on market production.
The following table reflects the amounts provided by the
Committee:
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE--RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
[Dollars in Thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019 2020 Committee
Program/Activity Authorization enacted estimate provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hatch Act................................... 7 U.S.C. 361a-i................ $259,000 $243,238 $265,000
McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act... 16 U.S.C. 582a through a-7..... 36,000 28,867 38,000
Research at 1890 Institutions (Evans-Allen 7 U.S.C. 3222.................. 58,000 53,817 67,000
Program).
Payments to the 1994 Institutions........... 7 U.S.C. 301 note.............. 3,439 3,416 4,000
Education Grants for 1890 Institutions...... 7 U.S.C. 3152(b)............... 19,336 18,710 23,009
Scholarships at 1890 Institutions........... 7 U.S.C. 3222a................. - - - - - - 10,000
Competitive Facility Modernization Grants... 7 U.S.C. 390-390d.............. - - - 50,000 - - -
Education Grants for Hispanic-Serving 7 U.S.C. 3241.................. 9,219 9,156 20,000
Institutions.
Education Grants for Alaska Native and 7 U.S.C. 3156.................. 3,194 - - - 4,000
Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions.
Research Grants for 1994 Institutions....... 7 U.S.C. 301 note.............. 3,801 1,789 3,801
Capacity Building for Non-Land-Grant 7 U.S.C. 3319i................. 5,000 - - - 5,000
Colleges of Agriculture.
Grants for Insular Areas.................... 7 U.S.C. 3222b-2, 3362 and 3363 2,000 - - - 2,700
Competitive Program for Native Alaskans, ............................. - - - 5,000 - - -
Native Hawaiians, and Insular Area
Institutions.
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.... 7 U.S.C. 450i(b)............... 415,000 500,000 460,000
Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment.......... 7 U.S.C. 3151a................. 8,000 4,991 9,000
Veterinary Services Grant Program........... 7 U.S.C. 3151b................. 3,000 - - - 3,000
Continuing Animal Health and Disease 7 U.S.C. 3195.................. 4,000 - - - 4,000
Research Program.
Supplemental and Alternative Crops.......... 7 U.S.C. 3319d................. 1,000 - - - 1,000
Multicultural Scholars, Graduate Fellowship 7 U.S.C. 3152(b)............... 9,000 - - - 9,000
and Institution Challenge Grants.
Secondary and 2-year Post-Secondary 7 U.S.C. 3152(j)............... 900 - - - 900
Education.
Aquaculture Centers......................... 7 U.S.C. 3322.................. 5,000 - - - 5,000
Sustainable Agriculture Research and 7 U.S.C. 5811, 5812, 5831, and 37,000 19,009 45,000
Education. 5832.
Farm Business Management.................... 7 U.S.C. 5925f................. 2,000 - - - 2,250
Sun Grant Program........................... 7 U.S.C. 8114.................. 3,000 - - - 3,000
Research Equipment Grants................... 7 U.S.C. 3310a................. - - - - - - 5,000
Alfalfa and Forage Research Program......... 7 U.S.C. 5925.................. 3,000 - - - 5,000
Minor Crop Pest Management (IR-4)........... 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)............... 11,913 - - - 12,000
Special Research Grants:.................... 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)...............
Global Change/UV Monitoring............. ............................. 1,405 - - - 1,405
Potato Research......................... 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)............... 2,750 - - - 3,250
Aquaculture Research.................... 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)............... 2,000 - - - 2,000
----------------------------------
Total, Special Research Grants...... ............................. 6,155 - - - 6,655
Necessary Expenses of Research and Education
Activities:
Grants Management Systems............... ............................. 7,830 7,424 7,830
Federal Administration--Other Necessary ............................. 11,862 29,298 11,862
Expenses.
----------------------------------
Total, Necessary Expenses........... ............................. 19,692 36,722 19,692
==================================
Total, Research and Education ............................. $927,649 $974,715 $1,033,007
Activities.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIVE AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS ENDOWMENT FUND
2019 appropriation.................................... ($11,880,000)
2020 budget estimate.................................. (11,857,000)
Provided in the bill.................................. (11,880,000)
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. +23,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Native American Institutions Endowment Fund, the
Committee provides $11,880,000.
EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
2019 appropriation.................................... $505,692,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 415,274,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 541,086,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +35,394,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +125,812,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Extension Activities, the Committee provides an
appropriation of $541,086,000.
Rural Health and Safety Education Programs.--The opioid
abuse epidemic is one of the greatest threats facing rural
America today, and the Committee supports all efforts to
address this problem through improved health and safety
education and outreach. The Committee provides an increase of
$500,000 for Rural Health and Safety Education Programs to
combat opioid abuse in rural communities.
The following table reflects the amounts provided by the
Committee:
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE--EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
[Dollars in Thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Program/Activity Authorization FY 2019 FY 2020
enacted estimate provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smith-Lever Act, Section 3(b) and (c) 7 U.S.C. 343(b) and (c) and $315,000 $299,430 $325,000
programs and Cooperative Extension. 208(c) of P.L. 93-471.
Extension Services at 1890 Institutions...... 7 U.S.C. 3221................... 48,620 47,310 57,000
Extension Services at 1994 Institutions...... 7 U.S.C. 343(b)(3).............. 6,446 4,416 8,000
Facility Improvements at 1890 Institutions... 7 U.S.C. 3222b.................. 19,730 - - - 23,529
Renewable Resources Extension Act............ 16 U.S.C. 1671 et. seq.......... 4,060 - - - 4,060
Rural Health and Safety Education Programs... 7 U.S.C. 2662(i)................ 3,000 2,000 3,500
Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database 7 U.S.C. 7642................... 2,500 - - - 2,500
Program.
Women and Minorities in STEM Fields.......... 7 U.S.C. 5925................... 400 - - - 400
Food Safety Outreach Program................. 7 U.S.C. 7625................... 8,000 4,000 10,000
Food and Ag Service Learning................. 7 U.S.C. 7633................... 1,000 - - - 2,000
Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network..... 7 U.S.C. 5936................... 2,000 - - - 10,000
Smith-Lever Act, Section 3(d):............... 7 U.S.C. 343(d).................
Food and Nutrition Education............. ................................ 69,000 55,100 69,000
Farm Safety and Youth Farm Safety ................................ 4,610 - - - 4,610
Education Programs.
New Technologies for Agricultural ................................ 1,550 - - - 1,550
Extension.
Children, Youth, and Families at Risk.... ................................ 8,395 - - - 8,395
Federally Recognized Tribes Extension ................................ 3,039 3,018 3,200
Program.
--------------------------------
Total, Section 3(d).................. ................................ 86,594 58,118 86,755
Necessary Expenses of Extension Activities:.. ................................ ......... ......... .........
Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom........ 7 U.S.C. 3152(j)................ 552 - - - 552
Federal Administration--Other Necessary ................................ 7,790 - - - 7,790
Expenses for Extension Activities.
--------------------------------
Total, Necessary Expenses............ ................................ 8,342 - - - 8,342
================================
Total, Extension Activities...... ................................ $505,692 $415,274 $541,086
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES
2019 appropriation.................................... $38,000,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 1,697,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 40,000,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +2,000,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +38,303,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Integrated Activities, the Committee provides an
appropriation of $40,000,000.
Crop Protection and Pest Management Program.--The Committee
supports the development and implementation of areawide
integrated pest management (AIPM) projects. The Committee
directs NIFA to establish within the Crop Protection and Pest
Management Program an organizational framework and funding plan
to implement AIPM projects that are to be planned in
coordination with ARS, APHIS, and other federal agencies and
implemented by cross-institutional teams, including farmers,
ranchers, and land managers, at the local level.
Food Safety Education.--The Committee supports NIFA's
ongoing efforts to provide research, education, and extension
activities to reduce the incidence of foodborne illness and
provide a safer food supply.
The following table reflects the amounts provided by the
Committee.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE--INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES
[Dollars in Thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Program/Activity Authorization FY 2019 FY 2020
enacted estimate provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Methyl Bromide Transition Program............ 7 U.S.C. 7626................... $2,000 $- - - $2,000
Organic Transition Program................... 7 U.S.C. 7626................... 6,000 - - - 8,000
Regional Rural Development Centers........... 7 U.S.C. 450i(c)................ 2,000 1,697 2,000
Food and Agriculture Defense Initiative...... 7 U.S.C. 3351................... 8,000 - - - 8,000
Crop Protection/Pest Management Program...... 7 U.S.C. 7626................... 20,000 - - - 20,000
--------------------------------
Total, Integrated Activities............. ................................ 38,000 1,697 40,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs
2019 appropriation.................................... $901,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 800,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 800,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ -101,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and
Regulatory Programs, the Committee provides an appropriation of
$800,000.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
2019 appropriation.................................... $1,011,136,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 981,893,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 1,034,011,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +22,875,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +52,118,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Salaries and Expenses, the Committee provides an appropriation
of $1,034,011,000.
The Committee provides increases for the following
programs: $8,500,000 for Cattle Health; $3,000,000 for Equine,
Cervid, and Small Ruminant Health; $2,000,000 for Veterinary
Biologics; $4,200,000 for Veterinary Diagnostics; $1,000,000
for Zoonotic Disease Management; $1,000,000 for Field Crop and
Rangeland Ecosystems Pests; $295,000 for Horse Protection;
$1,000,000 for Plant Protection Methods Development; $1,380,000
for Wildlife Damage Management; and $500,000 for Specialty Crop
Pests.
Within the amount included for Specialty Crop Pests, the
Committee includes $63,640,000 for fruit fly exclusion and
detection; $61,000,000 for citrus health, including $3,000,000
for the Huanglongbing Multi-Agency Coordination efforts;
$21,100,000 for the glassy-winged sharpshooter; $6,318,000 for
the pale cyst nematode; $6,500,000 for the light brown apple
moth; $6,600,000 for the European grapevine moth; and
$12,000,000 for spotted lanternfly.
The following table reflects the amounts provided by the
Committee:
(Dollars in Thousands)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2019 FY 2020 Committee
enacted estimate provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal Health Technical Services................................ $37,857 $44,857 $37,857
Aquatic Animal Health........................................... 2,253 2,253 2,253
Avian Health.................................................... 62,840 62,840 62,840
Cattle Health................................................... 96,500 96,500 105,000
Equine, Cervid, and Small Ruminant Health....................... 20,800 16,500 23,800
National Veterinary Stockpile................................... 5,725 5,725 5,725
Swine Health.................................................... 24,800 19,753 24,800
Veterinary Biologics............................................ 16,417 16,417 18,417
Veterinary Diagnostics.......................................... 50,140 49,230 54,340
Zoonotic Disease Management..................................... 16,523 15,744 17,523
-----------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Animal Health..................................... 333,855 329,819 352,555
Agricultural Quarantine Inspection (Appropriated)............... 32,330 31,330 32,330
Cotton Pests.................................................... 11,520 7,000 11,520
Field Crop & Rangeland Ecosystems Pests......................... 11,826 7,809 12,826
Pest Detection.................................................. 27,446 27,446 27,446
Plant Protection Methods Development............................ 20,686 20,686 21,686
Specialty Crop Pests............................................ 186,013 176,843 186,513
Tree & Wood Pests............................................... 60,000 56,000 60,000
-----------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Plant Health...................................... 349,821 327,114 352,321
Wildlife Damage Management...................................... 108,376 108,376 109,756
Wildlife Services Methods Development........................... 18,856 18,856 18,856
-----------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Wildlife Services................................. 127,232 127,232 128,612
Animal & Plant Health Regulatory Enforcement.................... 16,224 16,224 16,224
Biotechnology Regulatory Services............................... 18,875 18,875 18,875
-----------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Regulatory Services............................... 35,099 35,099 35,099
Contingency Fund................................................ 470 470 470
Emergency Preparedness & Response............................... 40,966 40,966 40,966
-----------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Emergency Management.............................. 41,436 41,436 41,436
Agriculture Import/Export....................................... 15,599 15,599 15,599
Overseas Technical & Trade Operations........................... 24,115 22,115 24,115
-----------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Safe Trade........................................ 39,714 37,714 39,714
Animal Welfare.................................................. 31,310 30,810 31,310
Horse Protection................................................ 705 705 1,000
-----------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Animal Welfare.................................... 32,015 31,515 32,310
APHIS Information Technology Infrastructure..................... 4,251 4,251 4,251
Physical/Operational Security................................... 5,146 5,146 5,146
Rent and DHS Payments........................................... 42,567 42,567 42,567
-----------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Agency Management................................. 51,964 51,964 51,964
===============================================
Total, APHIS S&E Direct Appropriation................... $1,011,136 $981,893 $1,034,011
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agriculture Quarantine Inspections.--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 $32,330,000 for the agricultural
quarantine inspections (AQI) function, including pre-departure
and interline inspections. The Committee does not adopt the
President's proposal to move to a user fee system.
Animal Care Program.--The Committee is deeply concerned by
how the Animal Care program is being managed. In particular, it
has employed mechanisms such as ``teachable moments'' to avoid
documenting violations of the laws it enforces. To address
these concerns, the Committee directs Animal Care to
immediately require all its inspectors to cite every observed
violation at any visit to a regulated entity.
Animal Surveillance.--The Committee supports efforts to
advance the development of improved animal surveillance
practices that may lead to reduced and tailored antibiotic use
and improved immune responses in livestock. The Committee
encourages USDA to partner with organizations to continue to
monitor animals, and collect and maintain information relevant
to public health and livestock-management practices.
Antimicrobial Resistance.--The Committee supports efforts
to address potential gaps in farm-specific antimicrobial
resistance data. At the same time, the agency is reminded that
any information collected on-farm should be done through the
National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), keeping
respondents anonymous and ensuring that all information
collected is protected from release or distribution in a manner
that could identify an individual respondent.
Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB).--Within the amount provided
for Tree and Wood Pests, the Committee maintains funding and
cost share rates for ALB at the 2019 level.
Biological Control Program.--The Committee provides an
increase of $1,000,000 for the Biological Control Program
within Plant Protection Methods Development to continue efforts
to suppress pest populations.
Cattle Health.--The Committee provides an increase of
$8,500,000 for Cattle Health to continue to fund related to
eradication of fever ticks for livestock and wildlife hosts
including but not limited to research, data management,
infrastructure, and treatment. The Committee is concerned that
the cattle fever tick quarantine area is expanding despite
efforts to constrain their spread. To prevent movement of
livestock and game animals outside of the quarantined or high-
risk premises, the Committee encourages APHIS to use available
funds for a cost-share program for the construction and repair
of livestock or game fencing on private lands. The Committee
directs USDA, in conjunction with State Animal Health
Commissions, to develop a strategy to exclude wildlife from
areas at highest risk of tick spread and identify areas that
qualify for funds within these areas. APHIS is requested to
submit a report to the Committee on its efforts within 60 days
of the date of enactment of this Act.
The Committee also notes that there are large dense stands
of non-native carrizo cane occupy the banks and floodplains of
the Rio Grande River, providing favorable habitat for
agriculturally-damaging cattle fever ticks and threatening
water supplies for agriculture due to its high evapo-
transpiration capacity. The Committee understands APHIS has
been working with ARS on biological controls and has received
funds from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for
mechanical controls. The Committee provides $5,000,000 for
APHIS to continue to coordinate with ARS, CBP, Department of
the Interior, the International Boundary and Water Commission,
the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, and other
stakeholders on control efforts. The Committee directs APHIS to
provide a report on the performance of this program within 60
days of the enactment of this Act.
Center for Plant Health Science and Technology
Laboratory.--The Committee is concerned about the major threat
to pistachios, almonds, and walnuts from the navel orangeworm.
The annual loss caused by this pest is in excess of
$500,000,000. The Committee directs APHIS to develop a cost
estimate for the creation of a pilot program involving the
navel orangeworm rearing and sterile insect technology. This
pilot program would mirror the work conducted by APHIS at this
facility which led to the eradication of the pink bollworm. The
Committee directs APHIS to provide the Committees with the
estimate no later than 90 days after enactment.
Center for Veterinary Biologics.--The Committee provides an
increase of $2,000,000 for facility improvements and additional
staff at the Center for Veterinary Biologics.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).--Funding is continued in
Equine, Cervid, and Small Ruminant Health for the national,
voluntary Herd Certification Program (HCP) and regulations for
the interstate movement of farmed or captive deer, elk, and
moose. The cervid industry continues to participate in the
agency's HCP, which supports the domestic and international
marketability of U.S. cervid herds. Funds are to be used for a
combination of surveillance, research, and indemnification for
culling herds where CWD infection has been found. Currently the
only reliable test is a brain biopsy. The agency is encouraged
to utilize resources to help speed up the development of a live
test for CWD that would greatly decrease the need for
indemnity. The Committee encourages APHIS to maintain its
commitment to the HCP and the cervid industry, and directs the
agency to spend no less than $7,000,000 for cervid health
activities. Within the funds provided, the agency should
consider indemnity payments if warranted.
The Committee is concerned about the impacts of chronic
wasting disease on free-ranging deer, and the potential threats
of the disease on the future of free-ranging deer populations,
hunting and rural economies. Of the amount for cervid health
activities, $3,000,000 is provided for appropriate assistance
to state wildlife agencies, including conducting CWD
surveillance and field programs, to assess and minimize the
impacts of CWD on free-ranging deer.
The Committee also supports continued efforts under
Wildlife Services Methods Development to research the
predominant pathways and mechanisms of the transmission of
chronic wasting disease in wild, captive, and farmed
populations of cervids in North America, including identifying
significant gaps in the current scientific knowledge regarding
transmission pathways. In carrying out this research APHIS may
consult, partner, or contract with the ARS, the U.S. Geological
Survey, the National Academy of Sciences, and other public and
private entities.
Citrus Health Response Program (CHRP).--CHRP is a national
effort to protect the U.S. industry from the ravages of
invasive pests and diseases. These funds are designed to
partner with state departments of agriculture and industry
groups to address the challenges of citrus pests and diseases.
In addition to the funds provided in this account, the
Committee encourages APHIS to utilize the funds available in
the Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention
Programs account to the greatest extent possible in an attempt
to sustain the economic viability of the citrus industry.
Cogongrass.--The Committee continues to provide $2,000,000
for APHIS to partner with state departments of agriculture and
forestry commissions in states considered to be the epicenter
of infestations, to assist with control and treatment of
cogongrass in order to slow the advancing front of this
invasive plant-pest species and its impact on forest
productivity, wildlife habitat, and private landowners.
Cotton Pests.--The bill maintains funding for the joint
Cotton Pests Program at the 2019 level. Given the eradication
of the pink bollworm, all resources in the joint cotton pests
program can now be dedicated to the eradication of the boll
weevil, thus effectively increasing funding for this pest by
almost $4,000,000. The Committee encourages APHIS and the
cotton industry to make every effort to ensure the boll weevil
does not re-infest areas of the U.S. where it has been
successfully eradicated. The Boll Weevil Eradication Program,
an outstanding example of a public-private partnership, has
successfully eradicated the boll weevil from all U.S. cotton-
producing regions except for the extreme lower parts of Texas
in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) bordering Tamaulipas,
Mexico. Growers in the LRGV, with assistance from APHIS and the
support of the entire industry, continue to conduct an active
program to eradicate the boll weevil. The LRGV serves as the
barrier between boll weevil infested areas of Mexico and boll
weevil-free areas of the United States.
Disease Surveillance.--Recognizing the importance of
disease surveillance among APHIS-inspected animals, the
Committee encourages APHIS to continue to explore partnerships
with veterinary medicine programs to establish a formal disease
surveillance network.
Emergency Outbreaks.--The Committee continues to include
specific language relating to the availability of funds to
address emergencies related to the arrest and eradication of
contagious or infectious diseases or pests of animals, poultry
or plants. The Committee expects the Secretary to continue to
use the authority provided in this bill to transfer funds from
the CCC for the arrest and eradication of animal and plant
pests and diseases that threaten American agriculture. By
providing funds in this account, the Committee is enhancing,
not replacing, the use of CCC funding for emergency outbreaks.
Emergency Preparedness and Response.--The Committee
continues to provide funding for the Animal Care Program to
coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on the
National Response Plan and to support state and local
governments' efforts to plan for protection of people with
animals and incorporate lessons learned from previous
disasters.
Fresh Produce Pest Identification.--The Committee is aware
that when a local identifier cannot identify a plant pest or
pathogen found within produce at a Port of Entry, the specimen
is sent to a USDA national specialist in one of three offices
on the East Coast. This may cause fresh produce to wait up to
five days for an insect identification. The Committee directs
APHIS to use the appropriate resources to expedite
identifications and reduce the wait time for fresh produce. The
Committee directs the agency to submit a report to the
Committees on Appropriations on its efforts within 60 days of
enactment.
Fruit Fly Facility.--The Committee understands that APHIS
is undertaking a review of the facility needs of the
Mediterranean Fruit Fly Preventive Release Program located at
the Los Alamitos National Guard Air Force Base and requests a
report upon completion of the review.
Green Coffee Imports.--The Committee encourages APHIS to
complete a trial program for allowing the import of green
coffee beans into Puerto Rico by the end of fiscal year 2020
and move to a decision as expeditiously as possible on a
rulemaking regarding the import of green coffee beans into
Puerto Rico.
HLB MAC Group.--The Committee recognizes the significant
economic impact of this disease on the citrus industry, which
is especially acute in Florida and a growing concern in both
Texas and California. The Committee also understands that
growers are requesting the right to try treatments that have
begun to show success in early stages of testing. The Committee
encourages the HLB MAC group to explore and identify new
methods to expedite the delivery of promising treatments
directly to willing growers, regardless of the phase of
observation the treatment is at within the research pipeline.
Finally, the Committee expects any funds which are redirected
from existing HLB MAC projects be repurposed to other priority
HLB MAC projects that are showing promising results in order to
ensure these critical funds remain committed to help facilitate
the design and implementation of the rapid delivery pathway to
growers.
Huanglongbing Emergency Response.--The Committee maintains
the increased funding levels for HLB emergency response within
the Specialty Crop Pests line item. The Committee encourages
APHIS to allocate sufficient resources in order to continue
vital management, control, and associated activities to address
citrus greening. The disease, for which there is no cure, has
caused a reduction in citrus production by over 60 percent
since 2007 in Florida alone. All citrus producing counties in
Texas are under quarantine, and California has found the Asian
Citrus Psyllid, the vector of the disease, in some backyard
trees. The spread of this disease has called into question the
future of the domestic citrus industry, costing thousands of
jobs and millions of dollars in lost revenue. The agency is
encouraged to support priorities and strategies identified by
the HLB MAC group which will benefit the citrus industry. The
agency should appropriately allocate resources based on
critical need and maximum effect to the citrus industry.
The Committee maintains $3,000,000 from fiscal year 2019
for citrus health to support priorities and strategies
identified by the HLB MAC group. The HLB MAC is focused on
solutions to help the citrus industry, and the cooperative
nature of federal, state, and industry representatives in this
group is expected to result in the development of tools and
techniques to address this devastating disease. The MAC has
been an effective resource in helping growers explore new
possible solutions. The agency should appropriately allocate
resources based on critical need and maximum impact to the
citrus industry. These citrus health activities directly
protect citrus production on approximately 765,000 acres in the
United States worth more than $11 billion in total.
In and Out Bound Market Access Report.--The Committee
awaits the report from APHIS on U.S. out-bound and foreign in-
bound agricultural market access.
Inspection Reports.--The bill provides $31,310,000 for the
Animal Welfare program in order to ensure that minimum
standards of care and treatment are provided for certain
animals bred for commercial sale, used in research, transported
commercially, or exhibited to the public. The funding level
supports the agreement between APHIS and ARS, under which APHIS
conducts compliance inspections of ARS facilities to ensure
compliance with the regulations and standards of the Animal
Welfare Act (AWA). The Committee continues to direct APHIS to
transmit to the Committees all inspection reports involving ARS
facilities, including pre-compliance inspections. These
facilities involve federal funds over which this Committee has
oversight responsibilities. APHIS is directed to include every
violation its inspectors find and never to frustrate the
Committee's oversight activities by using so-called ``teachable
moments'' or other means of not reporting ARS facility
violations.
National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN).--The
laboratories within the NAHLN network are on the frontline for
detection of newly identified and reemerging animal diseases.
NAHLN laboratories provide a critical contribution to animal
and public health. The bill continues to provide funding for
NAHLN through both APHIS and NIFA at approximately $12,000,000
and $4,300,000, respectively, resulting in a total investment
of no less than $16,300,000 for fiscal year 2020. This amount
is in addition to mandatory funding provided through the 2018
Farm Bill for Animal Disease Prevention and Management. The
Committee encourages the Department to provide robust funding
from the 2018 Farm Bill for NAHLN. These laboratories were
invaluable during the 2015 outbreak of HPAI, which
significantly increased testing needs. At the same time, NAHLN
laboratories must also continue testing for other animal
diseases of concern.
National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF).--The bill
provides an increase of $4,200,000 for NBAF as requested. The
Committee includes additional guidance under ARS.
National Clean Plant Network (NCPN).--The Committee
continues to support robust funding for the National Clean
Plant Network (NCPN). The Committee understands APHIS is
working with the berries industry and other entities to
establish a berries clean plant laboratory. Of the funds made
available for NCPN, appropriate consideration shall be provided
for equipment purchases and technical support to ensure the
establishment of a redundant diagnostic and therapy center for
berries.
National Honey Bee Disease Survey Report.--The Committee
continues funding the survey at the 2019 level. Since 2009, a
national survey of honey bee pests and diseases has been funded
annually by APHIS along with other federal and non-federal
partners to document which bee diseases, parasites, or pests of
honey bees are present and/or likely absent in the U.S. This
information will help place current and future epidemiological
studies in context and thus may indirectly help investigations
of emerging conditions.
Pacific Ants.--Congress encourages APHIS, ARS, and the
Forest Service to lead the revision of the Pacific Ants
Prevention Plan, in collaboration with U.S. and international
partners. The plan should include (1) research; (2) the
development of technologies and methodologies for prevention,
eradication and control of invasive ants; and (3) the
collaborative implementation of projects to prevent, monitor
and control invasive ants in affected Pacific islands.
Pale Cyst Nematode Eradication.--The Committee includes
funding to maintain resources for the pale cyst nematode
eradication program at the 2019 level in order to continue with
successful efforts to eradicate this pest. If left untreated,
this pest could spread, affecting other crops.
Protecting Animals with Shelter Grants Program.--The
Committee provides $2,000,000 for the program. It also directs
the Secretary of Agriculture to immediately begin
consultations, and enter into any necessary agreements, to
establish during fiscal year 2020 the requirements for grant
application and grant awards, pursuant to section 12502 of the
2018 Farm Bill, to provide emergency and transitional shelter
options for domestic violence survivors with companion animals.
Roseau Cane.--The Committee remains concerned with the
invasive species-scale insect pest that is destroying Roseau
cane in the Mississippi River Delta region along the Gulf of
Mexico. The Committee directs APHIS to continue to work with
ARS and stakeholders and provide no less than $2,000,000 within
Field Crop and Rangeland Ecosystems Pests to further develop an
integrated management program for control of the Roseau cane
scale insect pest infestation.
Salmonid Pathogens.--The Committee recognizes that viral
pathogens pose a significant threat to the cultivation of
salmonids for hatchery and aquaculture production. The
Committee is aware that multiple state and federal agencies
collect information on fish pathogens, but there is currently
no strategic national approach to sharing, managing, and
utilizing the data such that it is both accessible and useful
to private, tribal, state or federal agencies. Therefore, the
Committee recommends that APHIS actively engage with federal,
state, tribal, and private stakeholders to establish a
strategic national approach to study, monitor, and track the
transmission of such pathogens in order to reduce the threat
posed to existing salmonid production operations.
Spotted Lanternfly.--The Committee continues to be
concerned about the recent Spotted Lanternfly outbreak and
maintains the increase of $7,000,000 provided for fiscal year
2019 to support efforts in combatting this pest.
Wildlife Services.--The Committee provides a total of
$128,612,000 for Wildlife Damage Management and Wildlife
Services Methods Development, including continued funding for
the National Scrapie Eradication Program and the Beaver
Management Assistance Program. In addition, the Committee
continues funding provided in prior years and provides APHIS
authority to obtain aviation assets, including rotary wing
assets, necessary for mission critical activities such as
conducting surveillance, controlling, or eradicating
destructive pests or wildlife.
The Committee is aware of the economic loss sunflower
growers can incur due to blackbird infestations, and encourages
Wildlife Services to do further research into the use of bird
repellents to minimize blackbird depredation.
The Committee is aware that Wildlife Services has worked
with landowners to deploy nonlethal strategies, e.g., fladry,
electric fencing, and livestock guardian dogs, to reduce
predator depredation on livestock. The bill provides an
increase of $1,380,000 for Wildlife Services to hire personnel
exclusively to: 1) promote and implement nonlethal livestock-
predator conflict deterrence techniques in selected states; and
2) assist in providing training in these techniques to
agricultural producers, landowners, and other agency personnel
in collaboration with the National Wildlife Research Center.
This would include research on monitoring methods for efficacy
of non-lethal control methods implemented to reduce predation.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
2019 appropriation.................................... $3,175,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 2,709,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 3,175,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. +466,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Buildings and Facilities of the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, the Committee provides $3,175,000.
Agricultural Marketing Service
MARKETING SERVICES
2019 appropriation.................................... $159,095,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 115,143,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 182,888,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +23,793,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +67,745,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Marketing Services of the Agricultural Marketing
Service (AMS), the Committee provides an appropriation of
$182,888,000. This amount includes increases of $500,000 to
continue the Organic Production and Market Data Initiative and
$3,906,000 to fund the National Organic Standards program at
the authorized level of $18,000,000. The bill also includes
$5,400,000 for the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion
Program authorized under the Local Agriculture Market Program
(LAMP) in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. This amount
is in addition to $50,000,000 of mandatory funds available for
LAMP in fiscal year 2020. The bill maintains the $1,000,000
increase provided in fiscal year 2019 for the Acer Access and
Development Program. The bill provides $16,496,000 for the Hemp
Production Program, as discussed further below. The bill does
not continue funding for rural infrastructure analyses or dairy
business innovation initiatives.
The following table reflects the amounts provided by the
Committee:
(Dollars in Thousands)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
FY 2019 FY2020
enacted Estimate provision
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Market News............................ $33,659 $28,927 $33,659
Shell Egg Surveillance................. 2,568 1,930 2,568
Standardization........................ 5,118 4,984 5,118
Federal Seed Act Program............... 2,325 2,068 2,325
Country of Origin Labeling............. 4,744 3,752 4,744
Pesticide Data Program................. 15,073 14,971 15,073
National Organic Standards............. 14,094 12,032 18,000
Organic Production & Market Data ......... ......... 500
Initiative........................
Transportation & Market Development.... 10,175 7,183 9,175
Farmers Market and Local Food ......... ......... 5,400
Promotion.........................
National Bioengineered Food Disclosure. 2,000 993 2,000
GSA Rent & DHS Security................ 1,277 1,268 1,268
Acer Access and Development............ 4,000 0 4,000
Packers & Stockyards................... 23,281 22,975 23,281
Grain Regulatory....................... 20,201 0 20,201
US Warehouse Activities................ 10,506 14,060 10,506
International Food Procurement......... 8,574 0 8,574
Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives.. 1,500 0 0
Hemp Production Program................ 0 0 16,496
--------------------------------
Total Marketing Services........... $159,095 $115,143 $182,888
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bioengineered Food Disclosure Regulations.--The Committee
is concerned that elements of the Bioengineered Food Disclosure
final rule may lead to uncertainty and confusion among the food
value chain and in consumer understanding of disclosures
provided under the final rule. The Committee directs AMS to
continue to work collaboratively, with the involvement of
industry stakeholders, to promptly address concerns raised so
that manufacturers may begin adhering to the rule.
Farmers Markets.--Farmers markets represent a valuable
connection between farmers and consumers by offering fresh,
healthy food while stimulating the local economy. The number of
farmers markets has increased dramatically over the last
decades; however, there is a recent disturbing trend in the
rising number of market closures, especially in rural
communities. The Committee directs AMS to provide a report
within 180 days of enactment on the status of the Nation's
farmers markets in rural areas and actions USDA can take to
help these markets remain economically viable.
Hemp Production Program.--The Committee understands that
USDA is working on implementing the Hemp Production Program as
authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill and encourages the Department
to use existing resources to issue regulations as soon as
possible. The bill includes $16,496,000 for implementation
costs in fiscal year 2020. The Department is directed to
provide the Committee with frequent status updates on the
progress of implementation.
National Organic Program (NOP).--There continues to be
concern about fraud in the organic program, especially among
imports. Therefore, the Committee provides an increase of
$3,906,000 to fund NOP at the authorized level of $18,000,000
to strengthen enforcement of organic labeling, including a
continued focus on fraud detection and oversight. AMS is
directed to continue providing the Committee with timely
updates on investigations of fraud in organic markets.
Origin of Livestock Regulations.--The Committee is
concerned by USDA's delay in issuing final guidance regarding
the origin of organic livestock. In 2015, USDA issued a
proposed rule to clarify regulations around the origin of
livestock while still allowing a one-time transition of a
conventional herd to organic. While there was widespread
support from the organic industry, USDA did not issue a final
rule. This has caused a lack of uniform enforcement by USDA and
direct economic harm for organic farmers. The bill requires
USDA to issue a final rule within 180 days of enactment of this
Act.
LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
2019 limitation....................................... ($61,227,000)
2020 budget limitation................................ (60,982,000)
Provided in the bill.................................. (61,227,000)
Comparison:
2019 limitation................................... - - -
2020 budget limitation............................ +245,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
The Committee provides a limitation of $61,227,000 on
Administrative Expenses of the Agricultural Marketing Service.
FUNDS FOR STRENGTHENING MARKETS, INCOME, AND SUPPLY (SECTION 32)
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
2019 appropriation.................................... ($20,705,000)
2020 budget estimate.................................. (20,705,000)
Provided in the bill.................................. (20,705,000)
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Marketing Agreements and Orders Program, the
Committee provides a transfer from Section 32 funds of
$20,705,000.
The following table reflects the status of this fund:
ESTIMATED TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE AND BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD FISCAL YEARS 2019-2020
(Dollars in Thousands)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2019 FY 2020 Committee
enacted estimate provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation (30% of Customs Receipts)......................... $10,624,198 $15,123,425 $15,123,425
Less Transfers:
Food and Nutrition Service.................................. -9,092,218 -13,561,425 -13,561,425
Commerce Department......................................... -157,980 -158,000 -158,000
-----------------------------------------------
Total Transfers......................................... -9,250,198 -13,719,425 -13,719,425
Budget Authority, Farm Bill..................................... 1,374,000 1,404,000 1,404,000
Appropriations Temporarily Reduced-Sequestration............ -74,400 0 -72,216
-----------------------------------------------
Budget Authority, Appropriations Act.................... 1,299,600 1,404,000 1,331,784
Less Obligations:
Child Nutrition Programs (Entitlement Commodities).......... 485,000 485,000 485,000
State Option Contract....................................... 5,000 5,000 5,000
Removal of Defective Commodities............................ 2,500 2,500 2,500
Disaster Relief............................................. 5,000 5,000 5,000
Additonal Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts Purchases............ 206,000 206,000 206,000
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program........................... 176,000 180,000 180,000
Estimated Future Needs...................................... 363,542 463,942 391,726
-----------------------------------------------
Total Commodity Procurement............................. 1,243,042 1,347,442 1,275,226
Administrative Funds:
Commodity Purchase Support.................................. 35,853 35,853 35,853
Marketing Agreements and Orders............................. 20,705 20,705 20,705
-----------------------------------------------
Total, Administrative Funds............................. 56,558 56,558 56,558
===============================================
Total Obligations........................................... $1,299,600 $1,404,000 $1,331,784
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cranberry Purchases.--The Committee remains concerned about
low cranberry commodity prices and associated farm losses that
US cranberry producers have incurred over the past three years.
Retaliatory tariffs in major export markets coupled with high
yields across major producing areas have negatively impacted
efforts by the industry and USDA to expand new markets and
address current pressures on farm income. The Committee
commends the recent actions taken by USDA in the approval of a
volume regulation implemented in 2018-19 as well as purchases
under USDA's trade mitigation program. The Committee expects
USDA to continue evaluating the cranberry industry's market
conditions to determine if Section 32 purchases are warranted.
PAYMENTS TO STATES AND POSSESSIONS
2019 appropriation.................................... $1,235,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 1,109,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 1,235,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. +126,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Payments to States and Possessions, the Committee
provides an appropriation of $1,235,000.
LIMITATION ON INSPECTION AND WEIGHING SERVICES EXPENSES
2019 limitation....................................... ($55,000,000)
2020 budget limitation................................ (80,000,000)
Provided in the bill.................................. (55,000,000)
Comparison:
2019 limitation................................... - - -
2020 budget limitation............................ -25,000,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
The Committee includes a limitation on inspection and
weighing services expenses of $55,000,000.
Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety
2019 appropriation.................................... $800,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 800,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 800,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, the
Committee provides an appropriation of $800,000.
Food Safety and Inspection Service
2019 appropriation.................................... $1,049,344,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 1,045,320,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 1,054,344,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +5,000,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +9,024,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the
Committee provides an appropriation of $1,054,344,000.
The following table reflects the Committee's
recommendations for fiscal year 2020:
FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE
[Dollars in Thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Inspection.................................... $936,324
Public Health Data Communication Infrastructure System 34,580
International Food Safety and Inspection.............. 16,758
State Food Safety and Inspection...................... 66,682
-----------------
Total, Food Safety and Inspection Service......... $1,054,344
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corrosive chemicals.--The Committee remains concerned over
reports that meat and poultry workers are being harmed by
corrosive chemicals, such as peroxyacetic acid. The Committee
urges the USDA, FDA, and EPA to enter into a memorandum of
understanding concerning plant worker and FSIS employee safety
and approval of antimicrobials in the meat and poultry
industry.
Humane Methods of Slaughter.--FSIS shall ensure that
inspectors hired with funding previously specified for
enforcement under the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act 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, and that all
inspectors receive robust national training, including on the
Regulatory Essentials, Humane Animal Tracking System, and
Public Health Information System. The Committee directs the
agency to conduct an annual program evaluation for its humane
handling inspections program that includes document review,
field staff surveys, and monitoring to assess the degree of
consistency and objectivity of implementation of the Humane
Methods of Slaughter Act by all levels of inspection staff.
Tribally-raised Buffalo and Bison.--The Committee urges
FSIS to enhance its efforts to work with tribes to set up
voluntary, fee-for-service programs for the slaughter of
tribally raised buffalo/bison. In doing so, FSIS should work
with the Tribal Council and make the Council aware of such
opportunities as mobile slaughter and any trade associations
that may be able to assist the tribe in qualifying for
inspection and starting its operations. In addition, the
Committee expects a report to the Committee within 90 days of
enactment on the projected impact to the agency if Congress
were to determine that buffalo/bison were an amenable species
under the Federal Meat Inspection Act.
TITLE II
FARM PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation
2019 appropriation.................................... $901,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 875,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 901,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. +26,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production
and Conservation (FPAC), the Committee provides an
appropriation of $901,000.
Information Technology Briefing.--The Committee directs the
Under Secretary to provide briefings during fiscal year 2020 on
the development and combination of information technology
systems, specifically farm program modernization and the latest
updates to the farmers.gov website.
Livestock Indemnity Payments for Adverse Weather.--The
Committee is aware that millions of farmed animals die each
year due to the effects of adverse weather. Extreme weather
events are occurring at increased frequency, putting additional
livestock at risk. The Committee recognizes the importance of
disaster planning and encourages the Department to work with
producers that want to voluntarily develop disaster plans to
prevent livestock deaths and injuries.
Farm Production and Conservation Business Center
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
2019 appropriation.................................... $216,350,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 206,530,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 206,530,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ -9,820,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center,
the Committee provides an appropriation of $206,530,000.
Farm Service Agency
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transfer from
Appropriation program accounts Total, FSA S&E
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019 appropriation..................................... $1,081,655,000 ($293,522,000) $1,375,177,000
2020 budget estimate................................... 1,012,008,000 (294,567,000) 1,306,575,000
Provided in the bill................................... 1,122,837,000 (293,522,000) 1,416,359,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................. +41,182,000 - - - +41,182,000
2020 budget estimate............................... +110,829,000 -1,045,000 +109,784,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Salaries and Expenses of the Farm Service Agency (FSA),
the Committee provides an appropriation of $1,122,837,000 and
transfers of $293,522,000 for a total program level of
$1,416,359,000. The Committee accepts the proposed information
technology savings and provides a net increase of $11,182,000
for IT improvements.
Access to Farming Data.--The Committee understands the
financial burden farmers, especially young, beginning and small
farmers, face when acquiring software, licenses, and data
platforms that provide farm-specific information that allows
them to better manage their land. The Committee encourages the
Department to help farmers and producers understand emerging
technologies and data platforms that may work best for them as
well as referring them to public data that can meet their needs
as well.
Farm Ownership Loans.--The Committee encourages the Farm
Service Agency to prioritize changing the eligibility
requirements for farm ownership loans in accordance with the
provisions of Section 5101 of the 2018 Farm Bill.
FSA Workload Study.--The Committee continues to wait for
FSA's workload study of FSA county offices as detailed in the
House Report 114-205. The Committee again includes statutory
language preventing the closure of these offices.
Hypoxia Zones.--The Committee recognizes the importance of
conservation practices that reduce sediment loadings, nutrient
loadings, and harmful algal blooms. In implementing the Clean
Lakes, Estuaries, and Rivers Initiative, the Secretary is
encouraged to assist landowners in mitigating hypoxia zones.
Lending Opportunities.--As the lender of the first
opportunity, FSA is reminded to continue informing small,
beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers on lending options
available to them.
National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP).--The
Committee recognizes the value of NAIP in providing enhanced
ground recognition of agricultural markers. The Committee
supports the requested information technology increase that
will improve the program and aid the aerial imagery of up to 20
states in 2020.
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)
Fairness.--The Committee supports finding a more transparent
process to calculate county transition yields (T yields) when
regional or contiguous county data is available. The Committee
also supports a process of review by the national FSA office
when a state FSA office decreases the expected yield for a
county by more than 50 percent in one year, including a review
of changes that meet the 50 percent threshold during fiscal
year 2019.
Small Farms.--The Committee is concerned that a majority of
financial and technical assistance goes to larger farmers. The
Department should make every effort to reach smaller farmers
and directs the Secretary to report to the Committee on
Appropriations no later than 120 days after enactment on its
outreach efforts to small farmers, specifically those that
operate on less than 25 acres, and how the Department meets the
unique needs of smaller farmers. The report should also include
resources provided to small farmers and what can be done to
ensure resources provided by Congress reach these small
farmers.
STATE MEDIATION GRANTS
2019 appropriation.................................... $3,904,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 3,067,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 5,000,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +1,096,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +1,933,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For State Mediation Grants, the Committee provides an
appropriation of $5,000,000.
Obligation of funds.--In recent years, the Department has
not issued any grants in this program until the end of
December. As a result, the mediation programs must operate for
the first quarter of the fiscal year without any funding. The
delay in funding requires some programs to take out loans
secured by personal assets, reduce or stop pay for staff, or
turn down new requests for mediation. To the extent possible,
the Committee strongly encourages USDA to obligate available
funds within 30 days of enactment.
GRASSROOTS SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM
2019 appropriation.................................... $6,500,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. - - -
Provided in the bill.................................. 6,500,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. +6,500,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Grassroots Source Water Protection Program, the
Committee provides an appropriation of $6,500,000.
DAIRY INDEMNITY PROGRAM
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
2019 appropriation.................................... \1\$500,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. \1\500,000
Provided in the bill.................................. \1\500,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
\1\Current indefinite appropriation.
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Dairy Indemnity Program, the Committee provides an
appropriation of such sums as may be necessary (estimated to be
$500,000 in the President's fiscal year 2020 budget request).
AGRICULTURAL CREDIT INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
ESTIMATED LOAN LEVELS
2019 loan level....................................... $7,987,668,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 7,674,267,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 7,997,801,000
Comparison:
2019 loan level................................... +10,133,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +323,534,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund program account,
the Committee provides a loan level of $7,997,801,000.
The Committee provides a transfer of $16,081,000 to the
FPAC Business Center account.
The following table reflects the loan levels for the
Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund program account:
AGRICULTURE CREDIT PROGRAMS--LOAN LEVELS
[Dollars in Thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
FY 2019 enacted FY 2020 estimate provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farm Loan Programs:
Farm Ownership:
Direct.......................................... $1,500,000 $1,500,000 $1,500,000
Unsubsidized Guaranteed......................... 2,750,000 2,750,000 2,750,000
Farm Operating:
Direct.......................................... 1,530,000 1,550,133 1,550,133
Unsubsidized Guaranteed......................... 1,960,000 1,614,953 1,960,000
Emergency Loans..................................... 37,668 29,181 37,668
Indian Tribe Land Acquisition Loans................. 20,000 20,000 20,000
Conservation Loans:
Unsubsidized Guaranteed......................... 150,000 150,000 150,000
Indian Highly Fractionated Land..................... 10,000 - - - 10,000
Boll Weevil Eradication............................. 30,000 60,000 20,000
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total....................................... $7,987,668 $7,674,267 $7,997,801
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESTIMATED LOAN SUBSIDY AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES LEVELS
[Dollars in Thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Direct loan Guaranteed loan Administrative
subsidy subsidy expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019 appropriation.................................. $59,670 $21,168 $317,068
2020 budget estimate................................ 58,440 17,280 319,762
Provided in the Bill................................ 58,440 20,972 317,068
Comparison:
2019 appropriation.............................. -1,230 -196 - - -
2020 budget estimate............................ - - - +3,692 -2,694
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following table reflects the costs of loan programs
under credit reform:
AGRICULTURE CREDIT PROGRAMS--SUBSIDIES AND GRANTS
[Dollars in Thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2019 FY 2020 Committee
enacted estimate provision
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farm Loan Subsidies
Farm Operating:
Direct.................... $59,670 $58,440 $58,440
Unsubsidized Guaranteed... 21,168 17,280 20,972
Emergency Loans............... 1,567 1,567 2,023
Indian Highly Fractionated 2,134 - - - 2,745
Land.........................
Boll Weevil Eradication....... - - - 60 20
-----------------------------------------
Total................. 84,539 77,347 84,200
ACIF Expenses:
FSA Salaries and Expenses. 290,917 294,114 290,917
Program Administrative 10,070 9,567 10,070
Expenses.................
FPAC Business Center 16,081 16,081 16,081
Salaries and Expenses....
-----------------------------------------
Total, ACIF Expenses.. $401,607 $397,109 $401,268
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk Management Agency
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
2019 appropriation.................................... $58,361,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 56,045,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 58,361,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. +2,316,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Risk Management Agency, the Committee provides an
appropriation of $58,361,000.
Natural Resources Conservation Service
CONSERVATION OPERATIONS
2019 appropriation.................................... $819,492,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 755,000,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 829,628,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +10,136,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +74,628,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Conservation Operations, the Committee provides an
appropriation of $829,628,000.
The Committee provides $9,400,000 for the Snow Survey and
Water Forecasting Program; $9,481,000 for the Plant Materials
Centers; and $74,987,000 for the Soil Surveys Program. The
Committee provides $725,926,000 for Conservation Technical
Assistance. The Committee provides $9,834,000 for the
farmers.gov Customer Experience Portal program.
Carbon Markets.--The Committee recognizes that carbon
markets could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide new
revenue streams for farmers. The Committee urges the Secretary
to explore carbon markets for agriculture and develop common,
science-based methodologies for carbon markets.
Drought Mitigation.--The Committee is concerned about
severe and prolonged droughts in the United States. The
Committee expects the Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) to utilize all available flexibility, discretion and
opportunities to assist producers, irrigators and irrigation
districts in implementing area-wide plans to address drought
resiliency and mitigation in a way that maintains strong rural
and agriculture communities and protects natural resources.
Priority should be given to supporting the implementation of
major drought response plans, agreements or programs designed
to result in conservation of surface water or groundwater.
Harmful Algal Blooms.--The Committee strongly supports and
directs funding to NRCS's ongoing work to reduce nutrient
loading from agricultural sources that can contribute to the
growth of harmful algal blooms. Funding shall be used for
targeting of watersheds where harmful algal blooms pose a
threat and implementing a variety of conservation systems to
address all transport pathways of phosphorus from agricultural
land uses. Conservation planning should prioritize fields with
the highest risk of elevated phosphorus and/or nitrogen losses.
Monarch Butterfly Populations.--The Committee is aware that
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering listing the
monarch butterfly under the Endangered Species Act. The
potential effect of monarchs being listed as threatened or
endangered would have significant impacts on agriculture in the
U.S. The Committee directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the
Secretary of the Interior to work together in coordination with
the states, and private and nonprofit organizations to develop
and implement strategies to help protect monarch butterfly
populations and preserve the natural habitats critical to their
survival. The Secretaries are directed to report back within
120 days of the passage of this Act on the status of this plan
and any other actions the Departments are taking to encourage
support of monarch conservation by the agricultural community.
Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production.--The
Committee provides $5,000,000 for this office. Of this amount,
$1,000,000 is for pilot programs under section 222(d)(2) of
Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act
of 1994, as amended by section 12302 of P.L. 115-334.
Outcomes-Verified Soil Health Program.--The Committee
understands the importance of soil health programs that promote
on-farm resilience while increasing farmer profitability. The
Committee urges the Secretary to establish a voluntary,
outcomes-verified soil health program within NRCS, allowing
farmers to enroll and demonstrate that recommended soil health
benchmarks are being met.
Resource Conservation and Development Councils (RC&Ds).--
The Committee recognizes RC&Ds have been valuable partners in
conservation and encourages NRCS to continue working with local
councils, as appropriate, to ensure conservation programs meet
local resource needs.
Sage Grouse Initiative.--The Committee supports NRCS's sage
grouse conservation efforts. Through the initiative, NRCS
provides technical and financial assistance to help landowners
conserve sage grouse habitat on their land. The initiative is
an integral part of efforts by federal agencies, several
western states, and private landowners to help preclude the
listing of the sage grouse as an endangered species.
State Partnerships.--NRCS appropriately partners with
States, Territories, and Indian Tribal Organizations to
implement activities within its charge and has historically
provided direct resources to states to assist with those
activities. The Committee understands that many programs
offered by NRCS are popular and demand is high. To the extent
possible, the Committee encourages NRCS to ensure the equitable
allocation of resources between the States, Territories and
Indian Tribal Organizations. The Committee directs NRCS to
continue providing data on resources provided to the states in
the annual budget submission to Congress.
Three-D Elevation Program (3DEP).--The U.S. Geological
Survey is leading the 3D Elevation Program, a collaborative
initiative to systematically collect accurate digital elevation
data nationwide. The Committee recognizes the positive impact
of combined resources, such as NRCS's ``Light Detection and
Ranging Enhanced Soil Survey'' model and similar derived
datasets, which can enhance conservation efforts, farmland
management, and mapping of floodplains. The Committee
encourages the Secretary, to the extent possible, to
participate in and support 3DEP.
WATERSHED AND FLOOD PREVENTION OPERATIONS
2019 appropriation.................................... $150,000,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. - - -
Provided in the bill.................................. 155,000,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +5,000,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +155,000,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations, the
Committee provides an appropriation of $155,000,000.
WATERSHED REHABILITATION PROGRAM
2019 appropriation.................................... $10,000,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. - - -
Provided in the bill.................................. 12,000,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +2,000,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +12,000,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Watershed Rehabilitation Program, the Committee
provides an appropriation of $12,000,000.
CORPORATIONS
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund
2019 appropriation............................. \1\$15,410,629,000
2020 budget estimate........................... \1\8,936,000,000
Provided in the bill........................... \1\8,936,000,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation......................... -6,474,629,000
2020 budget estimate....................... - - -
\1\Current indefinite appropriation
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund, the
Committee provides an appropriation of such sums as may be
necessary (estimated to be $8,936,000,000 in the President's
fiscal year 2020 budget request).
Commodity Credit Corporation Fund
REIMBURSEMENT FOR NET REALIZED LOSSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
2019 appropriation............................. \1\$15,410,000,000
2020 budget estimate........................... \1\25,553,096,000
Provided in the bill........................... \1\25,553,096,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation......................... +10,143,096,000
2020 budget estimate....................... - - -
\1\Current indefinite appropriation
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Reimbursement for Net Realized Losses to the Commodity
Credit Corporation, the Committee provides such sums as may be
necessary to reimburse for net realized losses sustained but
not previously reimbursed (estimated to be $25,553,096,000 in
the President's fiscal year 2020 budget request).
HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
(LIMITATION ON EXPENSES)
2019 limitation....................................... ($5,000,000)
2020 budget estimate.................................. (5,000,000)
Provided in the bill.................................. (5,000,000)
Comparison:
2019 limitation................................... - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Hazardous Waste Management, the Committee provides a
limitation of $5,000,000.
TITLE III
RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development
2019 appropriation.................................... \1\- - -
2020 budget estimate.................................. \1\- - -
Provided in the bill.................................. $800,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +800,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +800,000
\1\Funded and requested under the Office of the Secretary for the
Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of the Under Secretary for Rural
Development, the Committee provides an appropriation of
$800,000. The Committee reestablishes the Under Secretary of
Rural Development and does not fund the Assistant to the
Secretary previously funded under the Office of the Secretary.
Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA).--
The Committee continues to support ATTRA's work with military
veterans. The Committee directs the Secretary to submit a
report not later than 180 days after the date of enactment on
the number of trainings completed, number of participants and
pertinent data and performance measures used to measure program
outcomes for fiscal years 2017-2019.
Climate Adaptation.--The Committee recognizes that the
impacts of climate change--including sea level rise and more
frequent and severe coastal hazards--pose a significant threat
to infrastructure and economic development opportunities in
rural communities. Therefore, the Committee encourages Rural
Development to partner with USDA's Climate Hubs to better
leverage existing USDA programs to provide resources to
communities to invest in infrastructure improvements that will
enhance resilience to future impacts of climate change.
Community Development.--The Committee is interested in the
role that broadband connectivity can play in fostering
community and economic development. The Committee urges USDA
work collaboratively with communities to identify ways towards
addressing complex and long-term impediments towards economic
growth. This may include, but not be limited to, a holistic
review of how integrating programs, streamlining grant review
and increasing community participation may more effectively
address economic development challenges. The review should also
include the development of metrics that measure economic impact
across functions such as telehealth, telecommuting, precision
agriculture and the economic benefit to diverse populations.
Within 120 days after the date of enactment, the Committee
directs USDA to report to the Committee on its findings.
Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI).--HFFI, through
the National Fund Manager, invests in projects that will
increase the supply of and demand for healthy foods in
underserved communities, through loans, grants, and by
providing technical assistance. In order to improve access to
healthy food, particularly in rural areas and Tribal
communities, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 expands
eligible projects to include healthy food enterprises. These
food enterprises would include businesses or organizations
along the food supply chain such as food hubs; food producers,
distributors, processors, and manufacturers; commercial
kitchens and food business incubators; mobile markets; and
other direct to consumer markets.
High-Cost Universal Service Fund (USF) Recipients with
Minimum 25/3 Buildout Obligations.--ReConnect funding for
service areas where High-Cost USF recipients under the CAF-II
auction have buildout obligations of 25/3 Mbps or greater for
fixed terrestrial broadband can only be requested by the entity
that is receiving such USF support. Project sponsors that
receive USF support in those areas may only apply for funds
that serve those areas from the 100% loan funding category
under the ReConnect Program. For purposes of clarification,
this limitation on eligibility shall only apply to those areas
(e.g., study areas or census blocks) for which the USF CAF-II
recipient is subject to a buildout obligation of 25/3 Mbps or
greater for fixed terrestrial broadband.
Hub Communities.--The Committee encourages the Department
to consider the mission and scope of all program applicants,
including community colleges, hospitals and other regional
public service entities and their ability to effectively
address rural depopulation struggles. These entities are often
located in regional ``hub'' communities larger than the program
population limits, yet without these critical services many of
the surrounding smaller towns could not exist and prosper. The
Committee encourages the Secretary to make grants and loans
available to these institutions, located in rural areas as
defined by current law and serve rural areas.
Persistent Poverty Areas.--The Committee supports targeted
investments in impoverished areas, particularly in persistent
poverty counties. To understand how programs funded through the
Department are serving these areas, the Committee directs the
Department to submit a report to the Committees on
Appropriations of the House and Senate on the percentage of
funds allocated by each rural development program in fiscal
years 2017, 2018 and 2019 and estimates for fiscal year 2020
serving individuals living in persistent poverty counties. The
Department shall submit the report to the Committees within 180
days of enactment.
Placemaking Approach to Rural Development and Broadband.--
In order to maximize the efficacy of investment in rural
communities, the Committee is interested in learning what
factors determine the greatest level of success for broadband
resources. The Committee believes that the Department should
consider how communities can increase the social, cultural, and
quality of life benefits of broadband beyond the historical
functional benefits provided to schools, healthcare facilities
and services, and businesses. The USDA should issue a request
for proposals to identify a public-private partnership or
partnerships with expertise and experience working with rural
communities in ``place-making'' as a way to foster
simultaneously the adoption of broadband services and the
creation of greater social and cultural vitality. Selection
criteria must include geographic and ethnic diversity as well
as such factors as the revitalization and shaping of future
town centers, community and county wellbeing and economic
vitality, and the enhancement of full community participation
in creating growth strategies. An annual report shall be
provided to Congress on the accelerators of and impediments to
success of implementation of broadband, integration of all
rural development programs and drivers for making a place more
livable.
Qualified Opportunity Zones.--The Committee recognizes that
Qualified Opportunity Zones were created to incentivize greater
private-sector investments in rural and economically distressed
communities. Given the critical role that USDA Rural
Development programs play in supporting economic development
opportunities in these communities, the Committee encourages
the Under Secretary for Rural Development to develop strategies
to leverage existing RD resources to support greater investment
in communities located in or adjacent to a Qualified
Opportunity Zone.
ReConnect Program.--The Committee directs the Rural
Utilities Service (RUS), following the first round of
applications to the Rural e-Connectivity Pilot Program, to
convene interested stakeholders including, but not limited to,
telecommunication companies, rural electric cooperatives and
utilities, internet service providers and municipalities to
gather comments and recommendations for improving program
implementation. The Committee recognizes that this is the first
round of funding and commends the RUS for efforts to date in
establishing and administering the program. The Committee also
recognizes possible unintended consequences and unanticipated
obstacles may have arisen from the program design to program
implementation stages. Specifically, the Committee is concerned
about the lack of access to ReConnect funds for entities other
than the CAF-II auction recipient in a census block. Currently
there is no connectivity requirement, such as number of
households served, for these funds, and therefore many rural
Americans are still left without broadband access. The
Committee believes that all Americans should have access to
reliable and affordable broadband, and urges the USDA to amend
the ReConnect eligibility requirements in order to better
provide service to an accurate number of households, grant
recipients, and census block areas. Given the speed,
anticipated demand and importance of expanding broadband
infrastructure in rural areas, it is imperative to have all
interested stakeholders engaged to make best use of taxpayer
resources.
Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP).--The Committee
supports RESP and the opportunity it provides to launch or
expand energy efficiency financing programs. The Committee
urges the Department to conduct outreach to co-ops to build
awareness of the program.
Veterinary Care Facilities.--Due to recent decline of and
urgent need for veterinarians to serve in rural and underserved
areas, the Committee expects USDA to give high priority to
animal and veterinary care facilities for receipt of loans and
grants through Rural Development programs including Community
Facilities Loan and Grant Programs and the Rural Business
Service programs.
Rural Development
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
FY 2019 enacted FY 2020 estimate provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations......................................... $236,835,000 $192,343,000 $255,835,000
Transfers from:
Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account....... 412,254,000 244,249,000 412,254,000
Rural Community Facilities Program Account......... - - - 147,591,000 - - -
Rural Development Loan Fund Program Account........ 4,468,000 - - - 4,468,000
Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loan 33,270,000 38,027,000 33,270,000
Program Account...................................
Rural Business Programs............................ - - - 7,035,000 - - -
Rural Water and Waste Program...................... - - - 18,149,000 - - -
--------------------------------------------------------
Total, RD Salaries and Expenses................ $686,827,000 $647,394,000 $705,827,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Salaries and Expenses of the Rural Development mission
area, the Committee provides an appropriation of $255,835,000.
Rural Development Staffing.--The Committee is concerned by
the pace of operations at the Rural Development (RD) state
offices due to reported staffing shortages. With authority over
sizable financial resources, these programs are uniquely poised
to provide essential services to and increase the economic
competitiveness of underserved rural areas. However, the
Committee is aware that a lack of staff at program offices has
created a cyclical backlog of applications. Such delays and
uncertainty deter potential applicants and fundamentally
undercut the programs potential impact. The Committee includes
an additional $25,000,0000 for salaries and expenses to support
4,566 total staff years and directs the Department to increase
hiring at State offices to fulfill Rural Development's
commitment towards improving customer service.
Rural Hospitals.--Many rural hospitals have closed in
recent years, with many more vulnerable. Rural hospitals are an
essential pillar of their communities and are necessary to
create the economic growth that is direly needed in rural
communities. USDA has the experience and expertise to help
struggling rural hospitals negotiate, reorganize, and
revitalize. Providing assistance to strengthen their
sustainability will protect taxpayer investments and help
preserve the future of rural health care. Building on the 2018
Farm Bill Joint Explanatory Statement, the Committee provides
$1,000,000 to expand technical assistance to vulnerable
hospitals in the Community Facilities portfolio to protect the
government funds already expended and preserve access to health
care in rural communities. In addition, where appropriate, the
Committee directs the Department to provide technical
assistance to those hospitals that seek to refinance their debt
under the new provision for refinancing certain hospital debt
as authorized by Section 6103 of the 2018 Farm Bill, in order
to protect the investment of government funds expended for this
purpose.
Single Family Direct Home Loans.--The Committee continues
to provide the resources to meet demand to assist low and very
low income applicants obtain decent, safe and sanitary housing
in rural areas.
Rural Housing Service
RURAL HOUSING INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
[Dollars in Thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administrative
Loan level Subsidy level expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019 Appropriation..................................... $25,345,500 $88,063 $412,254
2020 Budget Estimate................................... 24,260,000 - - - 244,249
Provided in the Bill................................... 25,373,000 141,727 412,254
Comparison:
2019 Appropriation................................. +27,500 +53,664 - - -
2020 Budget Estimate............................... +$1,113,000 +$141,727 +$168,005
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Rural Housing Insurance Fund program account, the
Committee provides a loan level of $25,373,000,000.
The following table reflects the loan levels for the Rural
Housing Insurance Fund program account:
[Dollars in Thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2020 Committee
FY 2019 enacted estimate provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Housing Insurance Fund Loans
Single Family Housing (sec. 502):
Direct............................................ $1,000,000 - - - $1,000,000
Unsubsidized Guaranteed........................... 24,000,000 $24,000,000 24,000,000
Housing Repair (sec. 504)............................. 28,000 - - - 28,000
Rental Housing (sec. 515)............................. 40,000 - - - 45,000
Multi-family Guaranteed (sec. 538).................... 230,000 250,000 250,000
Site Development Loans................................ 5,000 - - - 5,000
Credit Sales of Acquired Property..................... 10,000 10,000 10,000
Self-help Housing Land Development Fund............... 5,000 - - - 5,000
Farm Labor Housing.................................... 27,500 - - - 30,000
-----------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan Authorization......................... $25,345,500 $24,260,000 $25,373,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following table reflects the costs of loan programs
under credit reform:
[Dollars in Thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2020 Committee
FY 2019 enacted estimate provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account (Loan
Subsidies and Grants):
Single Family Housing (sec. 502):
Direct............................................ $67,700 - - - $112,900
Housing Repair (sec. 504)......................... 3,419 - - - 4,679
Rental Housing (sec. 515)............................. 9,484 - - - 13,662
Farm Labor Housing.................................... 6,853 - - - 9,363
Site Development (sec. 524)........................... 176 - - - 546
Self-Help Land (sec. 523)............................. 431 - - - 577
-----------------------------------------------------
Total, Loan Subsidies............................. 88,063 - - - 141,727
Farm Labor Housing Grants............................. 10,000 - - - 10,000
RHIF Expenses:
Administrative Expenses........................... $412,254 $244,249 $412,254
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
2019 appropriation.................................... $1,331,400,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 1,407,000,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 1,375,000,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +43,600,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. -32,000,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Rental Assistance Program, the Committee provides a
program level of $1,375,000,000. This provides full funding for
the program and does not include rural vouchers as proposed in
the budget request.
MULTIFAMILY HOUSING REVITALIZATION PROGRAM ACCOUNT
2019 appropriation.................................... $51,500,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. - - -
Provided in the bill.................................. 75,000,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +23,500,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +75,000,000
For the Multifamily Housing Revitalization Program Account,
the Committee provides an appropriation of $75,000,000,
including $35,000,000 for the rural housing voucher program.
The Committee does not accept the proposal to move the
voucher and multifamily housing revitalization programs.
MUTUAL AND SELF-HELP HOUSING GRANTS
2019 appropriation.................................... $30,000,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. - - -
Provided in the bill.................................. 32,000,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +2,000,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +32,000,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Mutual and Self-Help Housing program, the Committee
provides an appropriation of $32,000,000.
RURAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANTS
2019 appropriation.................................... $45,000,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. - - -
Provided in the bill.................................. 45,000,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. +45,000,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Rural Housing Assistance Grants program, the
Committee provides an appropriation of $45,000,000, including
$15,000,000 for rural housing preservation grants.
The Committee encourages USDA to consider utilizing
resources to address families or individuals that have
straight-pipe septic systems or an individual sewage treatment
system that fail to meet state or federal requirements.
RURAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
2019 appropriation.................................... $50,063,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 60,000,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 71,000,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +20,937,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +11,000,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Rural Community Facilities Program Account, the
Committee provides an appropriation of $71,000,000.
The Committee continues to take the Rural Development
administrative expense transfer from the Rural Housing
Insurance Fund (RHIF) and does not accept the proposed transfer
from the Rural Community Facilities program account.
Community Facility Loans.--The Committee directs the
Department to report on the Community Facilities Direct Loan
and Grant and Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan programs
portfolio within 180 days of enactment of the bill. The report
shall include: the credit quality of selected significant loans
reported by facility type, including educational, and health
care; a list and description of measures USDA tracks to
evaluate the effect on communities of projects funded through
Community Facilities programs and for how long these measures
are tracked; the number of Community Facilities projects under
which funding is being used for refinancing and/or acquisition
in order to improve or prevent loss of service to communities.
The following table provides the Committee's
recommendations as compared to the budget request:
[Dollars in Thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
FY 2019 enacted FY 2020 estimate provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Levels:
Community Facility Direct Loans.................... ($2,800,000) ($2,500,000) ($2,800,000)
Community Facility Guaranteed Loans................ (148,287) (500,000) (250,000)
Subsidy and Grants:
Community Facility Guaranteed Loans................ 4,285 - - - - - -
Community Facility Grants.......................... 30,000 50,000 50,000
Rural Community Development Initiative............. 6,000 - - - 8,000
Economic Impact Initiative......................... 5,778 - - - 6,000
Tribal College Grants.............................. 4,000 10,000 7,000
--------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rural Community Facilities Program $50,063 $60,000 $71,000
Subsidy and Grants............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
RURAL BUSINESS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
2019 appropriation.................................... $65,040,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 20,500,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 67,600,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +2,560,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +47,100,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Rural Business Program Account, the Committee
provides an appropriation of $67,600,000.
The Committee provides resources to operate programs under
the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS). RBS programs
complement lending activities of the private sector by
promoting economic prosperity in rural communities through
improved access to capital and economic development on a
regional scale.
Arts in rural communities.--The Committee recognizes the
valuable role of the arts in the economic and community
development of rural communities across the country. In
providing grants and assistance under this title, Rural
Development shall continue to support individuals, nonprofits
and small businesses in the arts through these traditional
economic development tools, including business incubators, and
economic development planning and technical assistance.
The following table provides the Committee's
recommendations as compared to the budget request:
[Dollars in Thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
FY 2019 enacted FY 2020 estimate provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Level:
Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans............. ($950,000) (1,000,000) (1,200,000)
Subsidy and Grants:
Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans............. 22,040 20,500 24,600
Rural Business Development Grants.................. 35,000 - - - 35,000
Delta Regional Authority/Appalachian Regional 8,000 - - - 8,000
Commission/ Northern Border Regional Commission...
--------------------------------------------------------
Total, Rural Business Program Subsidy and $65,040 $20,500 $67,600
Grants........................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following programs are included in the bill for the
Rural Business Program account: $500,000 for rural
transportation technical assistance and $4,000,000 for
Federally Recognized Native American Tribes, of which $250,000
is for transportation technical assistance.
INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM FUND ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
[Dollars in Thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administrative
Loan level Subsidy level expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019 Appropriation..................................... $18,889 $4,157 $4,468
2020 Budget Estimate................................... - - - - - - - - -
Provided in the Bill................................... 18,889 5,219 4,468
Comparison:
2019 Appropriation................................. - - - +1,062 - - -
2020 Budget Estimate............................... +18,889 +5,219 +4,468
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Intermediary Relending Program Fund Account, the
Committee provides for a loan level of $18,889,000.
For the loan subsidy, the Committee provides an
appropriation of $5,219,000. In addition, the Committee
provides $4,468,000 for administrative expenses.
RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
2019 appropriation.................................... $50,000,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. - - -
Provided in the bill.................................. 50,000,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. +50,000,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Rural Economic Development Loans Program Account,
the Committee provides for a loan level of $50,000,000.
RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
2019 appropriation.................................... $29,100,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. - - -
Provided in the bill.................................. 29,800,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +700,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +29,800,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Rural Cooperative Development Grants, the Committee
provides an appropriation of $29,800,000. This total includes
$3,000,000 for a cooperative agreement for the Appropriate
Technology Transfer for Rural Areas program and $18,000,000 for
the Value-added Agricultural Product Market Development Grant
Program under the Local Agriculture Market Program in the 2018
Farm Bill.
Cooperatives.--The Committee recognizes the important role
that cooperatives play in the nation's rural economy and the
continued need to fund established and successful development
centers throughout the country.
RURAL MICRO-ENTREPRENEUR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
2019 appropriation.................................... $3,000,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. - - -
Provided in the bill.................................. 6,000,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +3,000,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +6,000,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP),
the Committee provides an appropriation of $6,000,000. RMAP
provides loans and grants to non-profit organizations,
community-based financial institutions, and local economic
development councils, which in turn provide technical
assistance services and microloans to rural owner-operated
small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. These funds
support the economic development needs of rural communities and
make up for the end of mandatory Farm Bill funding.
RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM
2019 appropriation.................................... $335,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. - - -
Provided in the bill.................................. 353,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +18,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +353,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Rural Energy for America Program, the Committee
provides a loan level of $10,000,000 and an appropriation of
$353,000 for the loan subsidy to make loans as authorized by
section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107).
Rural Utilities Service
RURAL WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
2019 appropriation.................................... $548,690,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 527,630,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 718,480,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +169,790,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +190,850,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account, the
Committee provides an appropriation of $718,480,000. Rural
areas continue to face immense needs and challenges in
attaining safe and clean water, and this program provides
targeted and coordinated support for these communities and is
essential for the delivery of safe, dependable and affordable
water and wastewater to rural America. The Committee believes
this program is complementary, not duplicative, of other
federal programs and critical in supporting quality of life,
economic development and health to rural communities.
Domestic Preference.--The bill includes language specifying
that RUS' Rural Water and Waste Disposal program account
projects utilizing iron and steel shall use iron and steel
products produced in the United States. RUS shall apply the
Environmental Protection Agency's definition of public water
systems while implementing the domestic preference provision.
Open Access Infrastructure.--The Committee is aware that
public entities have invested in open access fiber
infrastructure that is facilitating the delivery of high-speed
broadband services by licensed telecommunications providers,
including the model pioneered by public port authorities. The
Committee understands that while particular open access fiber
projects may be eligible for RUS grants and loans, more
generally, there exist significant barriers to government
backing for these types of open access investments. The
Committee believes RUS programs should support financially-
feasible open access infrastructure projects that meet program
goals. The Committee urges RUS to ensure the agency's criteria
and application processes provide for fair consideration of
open access projects by accounting for the unique structures
and opportunities such projects present in advancing broadband
deployment in unserved and underserved communities.
Sewage Management.--The Committee supports the development
of a multi-faceted solution to the problem of raw sewage
discharge in rural communities.
Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program.--The
Committee provides $30,000,000 for water and waste technical
assistance and training grants. Up to $5,000,000 of these
resources shall be used to support the national apprenticeship/
workforce development program to ensure a future pipeline of
workers to provide clean and safe water for the public.
Water Supplies for Very Small Communities.--The Committee
is aware of concerns that RUS grant programs do not adequately
help small, disadvantaged, and severely disadvantaged
communities access the funding and expertise necessary to
develop sustainable water supplies or otherwise improve their
wastewater systems, and it directs the agency to focus its
efforts to assist these communities with predevelopment
planning to help them address their water supply needs.
The following table provides the Committee's
recommendations as compared to the budget request:
[Dollars in Thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
FY 2019 enacted FY 2020 estimate provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Levels:
Water and Waste Direct Loans.................... ($1,400,000) ($1,200,000) ($1,400,000)
Water and Waste Guaranteed Loans................ (50,000) - - - (50,000)
Subsidy and Grants:
Direct Subsidy.................................. - - - 54,720 63,840
Guaranteed Subsidy.............................. 190 - - - 70
Water and Waste Revolving Fund.................. 1,000 1,000 1,000
Water Well System Grants........................ 1,500 993 15,000
Grants for the Colonias and AK/HI............... 68,000 68,000 70,000
Water and Waste Technical Assistance Grants..... 30,000 40,000 30,000
Circuit Rider Program........................... 19,000 19,000 19,570
Solid Waste Management Grants................... 4,000 4,000 4,000
High Energy Cost Grants......................... 10,000 - - - - - -
Water and Waste Disposal Grants................. 400,000 324,917 500,000
306A(i)(2) Grants............................... 15,000 15,000 15,000
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, Subsidies and Grants................. $548,690 $527,630 $718,480
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
[Dollars in Thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administrative
Loan Level Subsidy level expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019 Appropriation.................................. $6,940,000 $1,725 $33,270
2020 Budget Estimate................................ 6,190,000 1,933 38,027
Provided in the Bill................................ 6,940,000 3,795 33,270
Comparison:
2019 Appropriation.............................. - - - +2,070 - - -
2020 Budget Estimate............................ +750,000 +1,862 -4,757
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans
Program Account, the Committee provides a loan level of
$6,940,000,000. In addition, the Committee provides $33,270,000
for administrative expenses.
The following table reflects the loan levels for the Rural
Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Program Account:
[Dollars in Thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2019 FY 2020 Committee
enacted estimate provision
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Authorizations:
Electric:
Direct, FFB............... $5,500,000 $5,500,000 $5,500,000
Guaranteed Underwriting... 750,000 - - - 750,000
-----------------------------------------
Subtotal.............. 6,250,000 5,500,000 6,250,000
Telecommunications:
Direct, Treasury Rate..... 345,000 175,727 345,000
Direct, FFB............... 345,000 514,273 345,000
-----------------------------------------
Total, Loan $6,940,000 $6,190,000 $6,940,000
Authorizations.......
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BROADBAND PROGRAM
[Dollars in Thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2019 FY 2020 Committee
enacted estimate provision
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Broadband Program:
Loan Authorization........ $29,851 - - - $29,851
Loan Subsidy.............. 5,830 - - - 5,830
Grants.................... 30,000 30,000 50,000
Distance Learning and
Telemedicine:
Grants.................... 34,000 43,600 50,000
-----------------------------------------
Total, Loan Subsidy $69,830 $73,600 $105,830
and Grants...........
------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Broadband Program, the Committee provides an
appropriation of $5,830,000 for a loan authorization level of
$29,851,000.
Healthcare and Education Options.--The Committee continues
to support Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband
program grants that assist rural communities in connecting to
the rest of the world and overcoming health disparities that
effect that population, including addressing the opioid abuse
epidemic in rural communities. The Committee urges the Under
Secretary for Rural Development to continue awarding grants
that support technology upgrades that provide additional
healthcare access and education through the use of telemedicine
and expanded services in community health centers through
partnerships with hub medical centers.
Indian Country Broadband.--The Committee recognizes the
persistent digital divide in America and the acute impacts this
has on educational, health, public safety, and economic
opportunities in Indian country. The Committee urges the
Department to explore means to expand high-speed internet
deployment in Indian country utilizing current programs.
Specifically, the Committee encourages the USDA to work with
tribal communities to better understand the unique
infrastructure challenges they face to ensure that they are not
held at a competitive disadvantage when competing for these
resources.
TITLE IV
DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS
Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer
Services
2019 appropriation.................................... $800,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 800,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 800,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition,
and Consumer Services, the Committee provides an appropriation
of $800,000.
Cross-government Coordination on Nutrition. The committee
calls on USDA to lead a whole of government approach and create
a report on responsibilities of each agency and how they will
coordinate the biochemical, physiologic, nutritional and
population health effects of government recommendation for
nutrition and food consumption in America.
Innovative Technologies.--The Committee looks forward to
the results of the SNAP online purchasing pilot. The Committee
recognizes the need for enhanced efficiency in nutrition
programs and supports FNS as it continues to implement and
evaluate new technologies.
Nutrition Education Coordination.--USDA plays an important
role in offering nutrition education and training through
programs such as SNAP-Ed, EFNEP and WIC. However, the Committee
is concerned regarding the lack of communication and
coordination between the five main nutrition education programs
(SNAP-Ed, EFNEP, Team Nutrition, WIC and FINI/Gus Schumacher
Nutrition Incentive Program) at USDA. USDA is directed to
report to the Committees within 90 days of the enactment of
this Act on the steps it will take to better coordinate
nutrition education, utilize experts from CNPP in the Dietary
Guidelines development, and track program effectiveness across
each program.
Public Release of Information.--The Committee directs FNS
to continue making all policy documents related to the WIC
program (including, but not limited to, instructions,
memoranda, guidance, and questions and answers) available to
the public on the Internet within one week of their release to
WIC state administrators.
Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).--The
Committee recognizes the success of the SFMNP, with over
800,000 low-income seniors able to benefit from 19,449 farmers
at 3,641 farmers' markets as well as 2,541 roadside stands and
94 community supported agriculture programs in FY 2017. The
Committee encourages USDA to improve eligible participants'
awareness of the SFMNP through education and outreach efforts.
The Committee is critically aware of the need for SFMNP in low
income communities. The Committee directs FNS to research the
backlog of states requesting SFMNP funding and to deliver their
findings to the Committees within 180 days of enactment.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).--The
Committee is aware of the challenges people face when
transitioning out of incarceration, including finding
employment. Access to nutrition assistance is critical to
successfully reentering society as it offers temporary
assistance to ex-offenders as they search for stable
employment. The Committee directs the Department to research
and report ways states especially those who have lifted or
modified the SNAP drug felony ban--can best serve this
population, such as but not limited to: pre-release
applications for SNAP and employment and training programs for
this population. The Committee directs the Department to share
those findings in a report with the Appropriations Committees
and disseminate those best practices to state agencies no later
than 180 days after enactment of this act. Such findings should
also be made available online for the public to utilize.
WIC Realignment.--The Committee is concerned with the
proposed realignment of state WIC agencies within FNS regional
offices, which could have unintended consequences on resource
distribution and multi-state projects. The Committee urges FNS
to reach out to stakeholders and requests a briefing within 60
days of enactment on how the realignment is proceeding and how
state and Indian Tribal Organizations' concerns are being
addressed.
Food and Nutrition Service
CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
2019 appropriation.................................... $23,140,781,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 23,943,216,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 24,040,885,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +900,104,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +97,669,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Child Nutrition Programs, the Committee provides
$24,040,885,000 which includes $35,000,000 for school meals
equipment grants, $50,000,000 for the Summer Electronic
Benefits Transfer (EBT) for Children Demonstration, and
$1,000,000 for technical assistance related to sodium.
Cost of School Meals.--The Committee is interested in
understanding the cost of school meals in Guam, American Samoa,
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands. The Committee directs FNS to include
all territories, including those that receive block grants, in
any studies it does on the Child Nutrition Programs.
Food Waste.--Food waste also remains a concern in the
school meals program. Schools should have the ability to serve
leftover, compliant foods in a quick, timely manner in
accordance with food safety requirements. The Committee urges
USDA to consider implementing flexibilities in allowing schools
to utilize these foods in a more efficient manner.
Length of School Meals.--The Committee is aware that
providing adequate time to eat healthy school meals increases
the consumption of fruits and vegetables and minimizes food
waste. The Committee encourages the Department, in
collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education, to develop
best practices to ensure school schedules provide students
adequate time to eat healthy school meals.
School Breakfast Expansion Grants.--The Committee is
concerned that while participation in the School Breakfast
Program is increasing, many children who are eligible for the
School Breakfast Program are not participating. Therefore, the
Committee provides $10,000,000 for grants for expansion of the
School Breakfast Program, of which $1,000,000 is dedicated to
the U.S. territories.
School Nutrition Standards.--The Committee directs the
Department to publish on its website data on the compliance of
school food authorities with respect to the nutritional
requirements under section 9(f) of the Richard B. Russell
National School Lunch Act. The data reported should include the
total number of school food authorities in each state, the
number of school food authorities in compliance with the
requirements, and the percentage of school food authorities in
compliance with the requirements by state.
Sodium Reduction.-- The Committee recognizes the need for
additional support for schools to meet the sodium-reduction
targets and, of the funds made available for Team Nutrition,
provides $1,000,000 for technical assistance. Within one year
of enactment, the Committees requests a report on the use of
the funds to provide schools with technical assistance,
training resources, and mentoring to meet the sodium-reduction
targets. Further, the Committee requests information on USDA's
plans to update the sodium-reduction targets consistent with
the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations on
sodium. The Committee strongly encourages USDA to work with
industry and other stakeholders to ensure there that there are
a wide variety of lower-sodium options on the market from which
schools can procure.
Summer EBT.--The Committee recognizes the benefits the
Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program has had on
reducing childhood hunger. The Committee provides increased
funding to serve more children and directs the Department to
expand the Summer EBT program into new areas while also
continuing to serve areas that have received such funding in
prior years. Additionally, the Committee is aware that the
Summer EBT evaluation suggests greater barriers for
participation, redemption and exhaustion of benefits and higher
administrative costs in the Summer EBT WIC model than in the
Summer EBT SNAP model. Therefore, the Committee encourages the
Secretary to prioritize Summer EBT projects through the SNAP
model.
Training for School Food Service Personnel.--The Committee
recognizes the value of webinars, conference calls, and online
courses in expanding the reach of trainings for school food
service personnel. For any in-person trainings for school food
service personnel, all efforts should be made to ensure those
trainings are held during normal working hours. In the event
such training is scheduled outside working hours, all efforts
should be made to inform food service personnel of the
necessity of the training; the committee also encourages the
Department to work with states on compensation for personnel
participating in such training programs under such
circumstances.
Yogurt.--The Committee is aware that after soliciting
Requests for Information on the food crediting system for the
school lunch and breakfast programs, FNS decided to maintain
the current crediting standard for strained, high-protein
yogurt. The Committee encourages the Secretary to continue
evaluating how strained, high-protein yogurt is credited based
on the best available science. The Committee also requests a
briefing from the Department, within 180 days of enactment, to
better understand food crediting in the Child Nutrition
programs, particularly how decisions are made regarding
products containing high protein.
The following table reflects the Committee recommendations
for the child nutrition programs:
[Dollars in Thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Child Nutrition Programs:
School Lunch Program............................. $12,726,216
School Breakfast Program......................... 4,929,291
Child and Adult Care Food Program................ 3,839,675
Summer Food Service Program...................... 551,928
Special Milk Program............................. 7,185
State Administrative Expenses.................... 315,130
Commodity Procurement............................ 1,472,629
Food Safety Education............................ 2,929
Coordinated Review............................... 10,000
Computer Support and Processing.................. 12,124
Training and Technical Assistance................ 33,935
CNP Studies and Evaluations...................... 21,639
CN Payment Accuracy.............................. 11,203
Farm to School Team.............................. 3,997
Team Nutrition................................... 16,504
Healthier U.S. Schools Challenge................. 1,500
School Meals Equipment Grants.................... 35,000
Summer EBT Demonstration......................... 50,000
------------------
Total........................................ $24,040,885
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN
(WIC)
2019 appropriation.................................... $6,075,000,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 5,750,000,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 6,000,000,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ -75,000,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +250,000,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women,
Infants, and Children, the Committee provides an appropriation
of $6,000,000,000. The Committee provides $70,000,000 for the
breastfeeding peer counselor program and $14,000,000 for
infrastructure. The Committee encourages FNS to support
innovative technologies that can improve rural and urban
participants' access to lactation consultants particularly
outside of normal WIC clinic business hours.
USDA data shows that WIC participation rates have decreased
steadily since fiscal year 2010. The President's budget request
includes a projection of an average monthly participation rate
of 6.6 million women, infants, and children for fiscal year
2020.
USDA is estimating recovery and carryover funds to be
higher than average. Furthermore, the Secretary has a WIC
contingency reserve fund as a safety net to meet unexpected
demand. With lower participation rates, higher carryover funds,
and an ample reserve fund, the Committee provides funding that
will ensure all eligible participants will be served.
The Committee will continue to monitor WIC participation,
carryover funds, and food costs and take additional action as
necessary to ensure that funding provided in fiscal year 2020
remains sufficient to serve all eligible applicants.
Breastfeeding Rates.--The Committee is interested in
understanding how to improve breastfeeding rates, especially as
higher rates have been linked to lower childhood obesity. The
Committee also recognizes that there are many barriers to
breastfeeding as detailed in CDC's 2018 Breastfeeding Report
Card. Each year, FNS awards some state agencies bonus awards
for their successful efforts in promoting and supporting
breastfeeding among WIC participants. The Committee directs FNS
to review the work of awardees from previous years to look for
commonalities and trends. FNS should develop a report, within
180 days of enactment, that summarizes these best practices.
This report should include a summary of the factors that
prevent or impede breastfeeding and recommendations on how they
can be addressed.
Zika Outreach and Education.--The Committee encourages the
Department to continue its education and outreach efforts
through the WIC program to provide pregnant women with the
information they need to prevent Zika.
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
2019 appropriation.................................... $73,476,921,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 69,069,910,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 71,093,908,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ -2,383,013,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +2,023,998,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the
Committee provides $71,093,908,000. The total amount includes
$5,000,000,000 for a contingency reserve to be used only in the
amount necessary.
College Hunger.--The Committee is concerned that SNAP-
eligible students who are food-insecure lack proper clarity and
information about resources available to them. Therefore, the
Committee directs the Food and Nutrition Service to make
information available on its website regarding student SNAP
eligibility requirements easier to understand and more
accessible. The Committee further directs FNS regional offices
to collect and review information about existing SNAP
flexibilities and examples of approaches state SNAP agencies
are taking to assist eligible college students to access SNAP
benefits and share such information with state SNAP agencies.
It also encourages the Secretary to work with the Department of
Education to share these best practices with higher education
institutions. The Committee directs FNS to provide a briefing
to the Committee on Appropriations on its plan for executing
these items no later than 90 days after enactment.
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Demonstration Project for Tribal Organizations.--The Committee
supports FDPIR and the ability of tribal organizations to enter
into 638 self-determination contracts for the procurement of
FDPIR foods, which would promote tribal sovereignty and allow
tailoring of this vital program to meet specific tribal
cultural and local needs. The Committee provides $3,000,000 for
the 638 Tribal Self Governance Demonstration Program for Tribal
Organizations as described in Section 4003 of P.L. 115-334.
Additionally, the Committee encourages the Secretary to review
Department-wide nutrition programs, with the full participation
of Indian tribes and tribal organizations, to consider ways in
which more Native foods can be incorporated into these programs
where possible and the possibility of allowing tribes to
provide input into federal nutritional guidance that reflects
unique Indian tribal needs.
Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) Study.--The Committee
supports ongoing efforts by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to
shift NAP to SNAP. The Committee recognizes this will require
Puerto Rico to build additional capacity to operate SNAP
according to federal rules. The Committee provides $5 million
(of which no less than $1 million shall be made available to
Puerto Rico to support the process) to develop a report to
Congress that updates the administrative, operational, and
program integrity parts of chapter IV of the 2010 report
``Implementing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in
Puerto Rico: A Feasibility Study'' and includes a detailed plan
with specific steps and timelines for USDA and the Commonwealth
to address and remedy identified gaps. The Secretary is to
report the results to the Committees no later than September
30, 2020. In addition, the Committee provides $2 million for
the Commonwealth to fund a preliminary planning process
regarding technology requirements and costs to operate SNAP and
requests the Commonwealth to provide a report to the Committees
on its efforts no later than September 30, 2020.
Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) Transparency.--The
Committee recognizes the importance of transparency and data
availability for Puerto Rico's Nutrition Assistance Program
(NAP). The Committee directs the Secretary to publish
information regarding monthly enrollment, issuance data and the
Commonwealth's State Plan of Operations for NAP on the
Department's web site. The Committee further directs the
Secretary, acting through the Center for Nutrition Policy and
Promotion, to measure the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan in
Puerto Rico. The Department is directed to report to the
Committee no later than 90 days after enactment of this Act on
the status of the Department's efforts to achieve greater
transparency to Puerto Rico's Nutrition Assistance Program.
The following table reflects the Committee recommendations
for SNAP:
[Dollars in Thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Account:
Benefits......................................... $57,496,374
Contingency Reserve.............................. 5,000,000
Administrative Costs:
State Administrative Costs....................... 4,965,651
Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant 441,000
Program.........................................
Employment and Training.......................... 513,694
Mandatory Other Program Costs.................... 213,289
Discretionary Other Program Costs................ 998
------------------
Administrative Subtotal...................... 6,134,632
Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico (NAP)....... 1,959,136
American Samoa................................... 7,868
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. 153,000
TEFAP Commodities................................ 320,750
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands..... 12,148
Community Food Project........................... 5,000
Program Access................................... 5,000
------------------
Subtotal..................................... 2,442,954
------------------
Total.................................... $71,093,908
------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMODITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
2019 appropriation.................................... $322,139,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 55,471,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 344,248,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +22,109,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +288,777,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
The Committee provides an appropriation of $344,248,000 for
the Commodity Assistance Program. The recommended funding level
for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program is $245,000,000.
The Committee recognizes the importance of the CSFP, which
improves the health of low-income elderly persons at least 60
years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious
foods. The amount provided fully funds expected caseload.
The Committee recommendation maintains the 2019 levels of
$18,548,000 for the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program,
$79,630,000 for administrative funding for The Emergency Food
Assistance Program (TEFAP) and $1,070,000 for the Food
Donations Programs for Pacific Island Assistance.
TEFAP Handling and Distribution Costs.--In addition to
grant funds supporting commodity handling and distribution
costs, the bill permits states to use up to 15 percent of the
funds provided for purchasing TEFAP commodities to help with
the costs of storing, transporting, and distributing
commodities. The Committee expects state agencies to consult
with their emergency feeding organizations on the need for the
conversion of such funds.
NUTRITION PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION
2019 appropriation.................................... $164,688,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 152,041,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 154,041,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ -10,647,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +2,000,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Nutrition Programs Administration, the Committee
provides $154,041,000, including $2,000,000 to continue the
Congressional Hunger Center Fellows Program.
TITLE V
FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS
Office of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural
Affairs
2019 appropriation.................................... $875,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 875,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 875,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign
Agricultural Affairs, the Committee provides an appropriation
of $875,000.
The Committee supports expanding the utilization of various
modalities, including vouchers, monetary transfers, and locally
and regionally procured assistance, in addition to in-kind
contributions from the United States, in order to address
hunger and assist those in emergency situations around the
globe with the most appropriate, efficient, and timely means
available.
Office of Codex Alimentarius
2019 appropriation.................................... $3,976,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 4,775,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 4,775,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +799,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Office of Codex Alimentarius, the Committee
provides an appropriation of $4,775,000.
Foreign Agricultural Service
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transfer from
Appropriation export loan Total
account
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019 appropriation..................................... $213,890,000 $6,382,000 $220,272,000
2020 budget estimate................................... 192,824,000 6,063,000 198,887,000
Provided in the bill................................... 215,513,000 6,382,000 221,895,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................. +1,623,000 - - - +1,623,000
2020 budget estimate............................... +22,689,000 +319,000 +23,008,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Foreign Agricultural Service, the Committee
provides an appropriation of $215,513,000 and a transfer of
$6,382,000, for a total appropriation of $221,895,000.
The Committee provides increases in funding for
International Cooperative Administrative Support Services,
Capital Security Cost Sharing, locally employed staff, and
biotech programs. The Committee does not maintain the 2019
increase for the Country Strategy Support Fund.
Farmer-to-Farmer.--The Committee is interested in improving
the efficacy of dollars that serve to improve local food
production around the world through the Global Food Security
Act and the Feed the Future Initiative. International food
security is beneficial for reducing poverty and risk of
conflict and can also serve to increase the buying power of
American goods and services. The John Ogonowski and Doug
Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer program (Farmer-to-Farmer) is a
program that brings American ingenuity to our investment in
local food production. The Committee is interested in a
stronger coordination between USAID and USDA for Farmer-to-
Farmer. The Committee is interested in USAID ensuring that
recommendations from USDA are considered in identifying the
Country Coordinators for Feed the Future priority countries.
Coordinators should develop a clear strategy for determining
what expertise is needed to accelerate success and overcome
obstacles that impede more effective local food production.
This should also include a pull strategy for Farmer-to-Farmer
volunteers, which is defined as requiring the country/program
to locally define what expertise is needed based on insights
from the field rather than from the central office. The efforts
of the partnership with USAID should be strengthened by a
stronger relationship with USDA, by incorporating working
groups in Washington. In addition, USAID should seek the
expertise of USDA in developing streamlined metrics for
assessment of program effectiveness, including measures in
addition to child stunting such as geocentric yield analysis.
The Committee is interested in USAID seeking recommendations
from USDA for maximizing the efficacy of Farmer-to-Farmer and
for developing a demonstration in a select few Feed the Future
countries. The Committee notes that last year's House Report
directed USDA to enhance its participation in the Farmer-to-
Farmer program by expanding the role of the agricultural
officer in Target Countries, which are determined in accordance
with the Global Food Security Act. The Committee notes that the
agricultural officer can help improve the Farmer-to-Farmer
program by determining what expertise is needed to overcome
obstacles that impede local food production and incorporating
insights from the field. The Committee directs that the USDA
agricultural officer continue to work with USAID staff to
achieve the food security goals of Farmer-to-Farmer. The
Committee directs USDA to provide a briefing to the Committee
on these efforts and how USDA can help maximize the efficacy of
Farmer-to-Farmer. In addition, the Committee directs USAID to
coordinate with USDA on incorporating the role of the
agricultural officer to maximize the efficacy of the Farmer-to-
Farmer program.
International Agricultural Education Fellowship.--The
Committee provides $1,000,000 for this program as authorized in
the 2018 Farm Bill. The Committee is interested in exploring
how this program can supplement ongoing efforts at the Foreign
Agricultural Service. Prior to issuing any funding awards, the
Committee directs USDA to brief the Committees on how the
International Agricultural Education Fellowship program will
work in collaboration with other ongoing Foreign Agricultural
Service programs to achieve USDA's goals.
U.S.-Central America, Mexico Cooperation.--The Committee
directs FAS to work with its counterparts in Central America
and Mexico to develop agricultural working groups focused on
improving the efficiency of the agricultural inspection process
and agricultural trade facilitation issues. In addition, FAS
shall use existing programs for academic exchanges in
agriculture-related fields of study in this region. The
Committee directs FAS to brief the Committees on its efforts
not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act.
FOOD FOR PEACE TITLE I DIRECT CREDIT AND FOOD FOR PROGRESS PROGRAM
ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
2019 appropriation.................................... $142,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 135,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 142,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. +7,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For administrative expenses to carry out the credit program
of Food for Peace Title I, Food for Peace Act, and the Food for
Progress Act, the Committee provides an appropriation of
$142,000.
Food for Peace Title II Grants
2019 appropriation.................................... $1,500,000,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. - - -
Provided in the bill.................................. 1,850,000,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +350,000,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +1,850,000,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Food for Peace Title II grants, the Committee provides
$1,850,000,000, of which $365,000,000 is for non-emergency
assistance.
MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD NUTRITION
PROGRAM GRANTS
2019 appropriation.................................... $210,255,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. - - -
Provided in the bill.................................. 235,000,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +24,745,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. +235,000,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and
Child Nutrition Program Grants, the Committee provides an
appropriation of $235,000,000.
COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION EXPORT (LOANS)
CREDIT GUARANTEE PROGRAM ACCOUNT
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
2019 appropriation.................................... $8,845,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 6,381,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 8,845,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. +2,464,000
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For administrative expenses of the Commodity Credit
Corporation Export Loans Credit Guarantee Program Account, the
Committee provides an appropriation of $8,845,000.
TITLE VI
RELATED AGENCIES AND FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
[Dollars in Thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, FDA
Appropriation User fees S&E
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019 Appropriation........... $3,068,678 $2,516,287 $5,584,965
2020 Budget Estimate......... 3,239,524 2,594,418 5,833,942
Provided in the bill......... 3,253,939 2,594,418 5,848,357
Comparison:
2019 Appropriation....... +185,261 +78,131 +263,392
2020 Budget Estimate..... +14,415 - - - +14,415
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee provides an appropriation of $3,253,939,000
in new budget authority for the FDA. In addition, the Committee
recommends the following user fee amounts: $1,062,367,000--
prescription drugs; $219,527,000--medical devices;
$511,682,000--human generic drugs; $39,618,000--biosimilar
biologicals; $30,524,000--animal drugs; $18,700,000--animal
generic drugs; and $712,000,000--tobacco products. The
combination of new budget authority and definite user fees
provides the FDA with a total discretionary salaries and
expenses level of $5,848,357,000. This total does not include
permanent, indefinite user fees for: the Mammography Quality
Standards Act; Export Certification; Priority Review Vouchers
for Pediatric Disease; Food and Feed Recall; Food Reinspection;
Voluntary Qualified Importer Program; the Third Party Auditor
Program; and Outsourcing Facilities.
The Committee recommendation includes a net increase of
$185,261,000, including the full requested level for the
following programs or initiatives: Medical Countermeasures
Initiatives, Integrated Pathogen Reduction of the Blood Supply,
Office of Laboratory Safety, Compounding, and Promoting
Innovation and Emerging Technology While Maintaining Product
Safety. In addition, the Transform Medical Device Safety,
Cybersecurity, Review, and Innovation initiative is funded at
the fiscal year 2019 level.
The Committee does not accept proposed funding reductions
for: foreign high-risk Inspections; the produce safety
cooperative agreement funds with states; the Critical Path
Initiative; and compounding bulk drug substances.
The Committee recommendation does not include proposed user
fees that are not authorized. It includes an appropriation for
Over-the-Counter Monograph fees, contingent upon authorization.
The Committee does not include funding for a civilian pay
increase across the agency. Should the President provide a
civilian pay increase for fiscal year 2020, it is assumed that
the cost of such a pay increase will be absorbed within
existing appropriations for fiscal year 2020.
Animal Food Ingredients.--Animal food ingredients are
reviewed and approved by the Center for Veterinary Medicine and
is responsible for ensuring the safety of ingredients as they
enter the marketplace for either food animal production or for
pets. The Committee is concerned about the time associated with
the ingredient review and approval process. To address this
concern, the Committee includes an additional $2,000,000 to
address reviews to enable innovation and address challenges and
opportunities in the animal industry.
Antimicrobial Drug Use.--In recent years, FDA has expanded
antimicrobial drug sales and distribution reporting under
Section 105 of the Animal Drug User Fee Amendments of 2008 in
an effort to further enhance FDA's understanding of
antimicrobial drug use in food-producing animals. The Committee
firmly believes that efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance
must take into consideration animal health and welfare, which
in turn affect human health and food safety. The Committee
supports the collection and reporting of accurate and validated
data of antimicrobial drug use for food-producing animals, but
is concerned that this reporting of antimicrobial sales and
distribution data is being inappropriately equated to actual
antimicrobial use data. The Committee acknowledges that the FDA
sales and distribution summary report notes this same concern
and cautions against using sales data as a proxy for actual
drug use. The Committee also acknowledges the efforts of the
FDA to collect actual antimicrobial use information through the
establishment of cooperative agreements to collect use
information for feedlot and dairy cattle, swine, chickens and
turkeys. Therefore, the Committee encourages FDA to continue to
seek alternative methods to better identify and reduce
inappropriate antimicrobial drug uses. The Committee recognizes
that not all antimicrobial drugs used in animal agriculture are
involved in the potential for developing resistance mechanisms
relevant to animal or human health. The Committee acknowledges
FDA's recent revisions of the sales and distribution summary
report to more clearly differentiate medically important
antimicrobials from those that are not medically important.
However, the Committee encourages the Agency to continue to
consider additional updates to the format of the annual summary
report, based on stakeholder input, that will help to further
differentiate medically important antimicrobial drugs from
those that are not considered medically important and that are
not relevant to the development of antimicrobial resistance
mechanisms.
Automated Compounding.--The Committee encourages FDA to
review policies, regulations, and guidance to incorporate and
incentivize the use of automation technology to enhance safety,
improve accuracy, and facilitate compliance in drug
compounding.
Bacterial Risk Control Strategies for Blood Collection.--
The Committee notes that FDA revised its draft guidance
document on Bacterial Risk Control Strategies for Blood
Collection Establishments and Transfusion Services in December
2018. The Committee appreciates FDA's continued efforts to
expeditiously publish a final guidance document.
Blood Donor Procedures.--The Committee requests FDA
continue to evaluate the current blood donation deferral policy
and consider alternative procedures that would maintain the
current level of safety and reduce the risk of HIV transmission
through blood and blood components. The Committee is aware that
in 2019 the inter-agency Transfusion Transmissible Infections
Monitoring System (TTIMS) will assess prevalence, incidence,
and risk factors for HIV infection among both first-time and
repeat donors and assess time trends that may be associated
with policy changes such as the current 12-month deferral. The
Committee encourages FDA to work with the National Heart, Lung
and Blood Institute to analyze the TTIMS data to fully
understand the risk factors that might expose a potential donor
to blood-borne illness and adjust deferment questions if
warranted.
Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Trials.--The Committee is
aware of the remarkable promise of cancer immunotherapy and
encouraged by the FDA's recent approval of new treatments that
harness this approach to fighting cancer. More than 1,500
immuno-oncology clinical trials are in some stage of
development. As more patients turn to immune-based treatments,
and more clinical trials are conducted to evaluate them,
understanding how to recognize and manage the side effects of
cancer immunotherapies will become increasingly important.
Currently, however, standard parameters for reporting cancer
immunotherapy-related adverse events in clinical trials are
lacking, and this makes comparisons and management across
studies challenging. The Committee, therefore, urges the FDA to
work with the research community and the pharmaceutical
industry to develop standardized templates for reporting
toxicities in cancer immunotherapy clinical trials.
Cannabidiol Regulatory Pathway.--The Committee is concerned
about the proliferation of foods and dietary supplements
marketed in violation of the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act
(FFDCA), including products containing cannabis and cannabis-
derived ingredients. Non-FFDCA-compliant products pose
potential health and safety risks to consumers through
unsubstantiated and misleading claims such as treating a wide-
range of life-threatening diseases and conditions; excessive
cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations that can result in harmful
drug-drug interactions, somnolence, and elevated transaminases
or liver toxicity; and the presence of significant levels of
intoxicating compounds such as tetrahydrocannabinols (THC). The
2018 Farm Bill expressly preserves FDA's public health
authority to take appropriate actions regarding cannabis,
including hemp and its derivatives. The Committee recognizes
the FDA is considering a public regulatory process to evaluate
the appropriateness, and possible parameters, of a regulatory
pathway that would permit CBD in certain foods and dietary
supplements. The Committee expects the FDA to assert its
commitment to identifying lawful federal regulatory pathways
for CBD foods and dietary supplements if such pathways are
consistent with protection of the public health. Such pathways
may include necessary public health and safety parameters that
will protect the public health, such as labeling requirements
and limits on CBD or other cannibis-derived ingredients in
products, based upon anticipated total exposure levels. The
Committee also expects the FDA to preserve the integrity of its
drug development and approval processes, which ensures that
products marketed for drug uses have undergone a rigorous
scientific validation process demonstrating quality, safety and
efficacy. It is also imperative that any FDA regulation of
foods and dietary supplements containing CBD or other cannibis-
derived ingredients preserve incentives to invest in robust
clinical study of cannabis, so its therapeutic value can be
more fully understood.
Canned Tuna.--The Committee is concerned that FDA has not
revised the standard of identity for canned tuna to adopt the
drained weight fill of container standard despite having
received two citizens petitions, as far back as 1994. FDA is
directed to provide an update on the status of its review of
the citizen petitions related to the standard of identity for
canned tuna within 90 days.
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Centers of
Excellence.--The Committee is aware of the important
contribution of the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied
Nutrition's Centers of Excellence (COEs) program in supporting
critical basic research as well as facilitating the
implementation of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. The
Committee encourages the Agency to continue to fully utilize
the COEs to accomplish these goals, and instructs that it
embrace its level of support for FDA Food Safety Modernization
Act activities.
Center for Veterinary Medicine Guidance Documents.--The FDA
Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) recently updated its list
of guidance topics to include possible new topics for
consideration as well as revisions to existing CVM guidance
documents. Additionally, the CVM 5-year Strategic Plan for
Antimicrobial Stewardship in Veterinary Settings, released in
September 2018, will require FDA guidance documents to direct
the implementation of the stated goals. The Committee
encourages FDA to seek input from relevant industry
stakeholders and appropriate scientific experts who can assist
FDA in the development of and any revision to guidance
documents as well as for FDA to seek advice with these industry
stakeholders on the best course for future guidance
implementation.
Chronic Pain.--Management of chronic pain often requires
both non-pharmacological treatment as well as medicines.
However, the current pharmacological options do not meet the
needs of all patients, and additional treatments are needed.
The Committee directs FDA to provide a brief on the progress of
the development and advancement of non-opioid chronic pain
therapies.
Compounding Center of Excellence.--The Committee supports
the development of the Compounding Center of Excellence, which
expands engagement with outsourcing facilities regarding good
manufacturing practices, thereby helping these facilities
adhere to the quality standards needed to protect patient
health and support sector growth in small, underserved
communities. The Committee encourages FDA to make concerted
efforts to advise small compounders on how best to navigate
regulations concerning distributing and dispensing practices,
so these businesses may continue to adequately service local
communities and individual patient needs.
Continuous Manufacturing Initiative.--The Committee
encourages FDA to explore partnering with existing non-profit
entities with demonstrated capacity and experience on advanced
manufacturing technologies to lower pharmaceutical costs.
Corneal Crosslinking.--The Committee is aware that medical
devices for the treatment of keratoconus are still being sold
to U.S. physicians by multiple manufacturers for use in human
patients without proper FDA authorization. The Committee is
concerned that as many as 25% of all patients receiving corneal
crosslinking procedures are put at risk by these non-approved
devices. The Committee encourages FDA to investigate the
manufacturers of these non-FDA approved devices, with specific
regard to their marketing practices and medical claims, and to
prohibit the utilization of non-FDA approved devices being used
for corneal crosslinking procedures.
Cosmetics Funding.--The Committee is concerned that FDA's
current authority and resources to oversee cosmetics and
personal care products are inadequate to properly ensure the
safety of cosmetics products. The Committee directs FDA to
brief the Committee within 90 days of enactment of this Act on
the staffing and budget resources it would need to improve its
oversight of cosmetics, including whether the agency believes
user fees would help to improve such oversight. The Committee
provides an additional $4,000,000 for the Office of Cosmetics
and Colors, within the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied
Nutrition, to increase staffing and improve cosmetics safety
oversight.
Cosmetics Public Education.--The Committee is concerned
about the dangers of known carcinogens that may be found in
cosmetic products. The Committee urges the FDA to use a variety
of communications tools to educate the public on the dangers of
products for which a company fails to comply with a recall
requested by the FDA.
Cosmetic Safety.--The Committee strongly encourages FDA to
continue taking steps towards ensuring the safety of cosmetics
and continue to work with stakeholders and Congress to
modernize the regulatory framework for cosmetics. The Committee
requests a report within 180 days after enactment of this Act
on what it would take for FDA to establish Good Manufacturing
Practices for cosmetics, as a way to further ensure cosmetic
safety.
Critical Path Initiative.--Innovation in the development of
new medicines and other therapies can be enhanced by enabling
FDA to focus on specific program areas such as those outlined
in FDA's Critical Path Initiative and its Regulatory Science
objectives. These types of programs, which FDA often
accomplishes through public-private partnerships, expand the
knowledge base for those developing medical products and those
conducting regulatory review.
Dairy Standard of Identity.--The Committee is pleased that
the FDA has begun a deliberative process to review how it will
enforce the standards of identity for dairy products. The
Committee continues to hear concerns with the labeling of
certain foods and beverages as dairy products when the products
are plant-based rather than derived from an animal. As such,
the Committee urges the FDA to continue its work toward
ultimately enforcing standards of identity for dairy products.
Dairy Standard of Identity for Certain Products.--The
Committee understands that, as part of FDA's Nutrition
Innovation Strategy and its review of the standards of identity
for dairy products, the agency is considering modifications to
its standards of identity based on changes in food technology
and nutritional science. To promote this objective, the
Committee directs the FDA to consult and meet with members of
the dairy industry to discuss the need for a standard of
identity for dairy products that do not contain the A1 beta
casein protein.
Dietary Supplements.--Within the increases provided for the
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, the Committee
provides an additional $3,000,000 for the Office of Dietary
Supplement Programs (ODSP). More than half of Americans take at
least one dietary supplement each day, with use particularly
prevalent among older persons and in children. The Committee
applauds FDA's inspection of and enforcement actions against
manufacturers of dietary supplement products that contain
ingredients that are potentially harmful or otherwise
noncompliant with the law, but recognizes more resources are
needed to regulate products that are contaminated either
intentionally or unintentionally with inherently unsafe
ingredients, including active pharmaceutical ingredients. The
Committee has been pleased with the interagency collaborations
and urges FDA to continue working with the Department of
Justice to remove illegal dietary supplements from the market.
The Committee directs these increased resources toward
enforcement of DSHEA, including inspection and enforcement
activities.
Drug Compounding and Revised Draft MOU.--The Committee
appreciates the revisions made to the new draft MOU for human
compounding, released in September 2018 by the FDA. The
Committee encourages FDA, before the revised draft is
finalized, FDA to work with stakeholders, including state
boards of pharmacy, with the goal of having most, if not all,
states supporting the MOU.
Drug Compounding Pharmacist on Pharmacy Compounding
Advisory Committee.--The Committee recognizes that the Pharmacy
Compounding Advisory Committee established under the Drug
Quality and Security Act (DQSA) needs to adequately represent
the interests and needs of providers and patients who use and
depend on compounded medications. Compounding is often
practiced in community settings. It is therefore vital that
voting members of PCAC have a thorough understanding of
compounding in a community setting in order to appropriately
advise FDA. The Committee encourages FDA to appoint qualified
voting members with recent, actual, and diverse experience in
the preparation, prescribing, and use of compounded
medications.
DQSA Implementation.--The Committee is aware of concerns
about FDA's implementation of the DQSA as it relates to USP
dietary supplement monographs. The Committee directs FDA to
provide a briefing the Committee on this issue.
Drug Supply Chain Security Act.--The Committee is aware
that the FDA is more than three years late in meeting its
statutory obligation to establish a Federal licensing standard
for third-party logistics providers and wholesale distributors.
Congress mandated FDA complete this effort by 2015 under the
Drug Supply Chain Security Act. This provision was intended to
set federal standards to govern licensing for all third-party
logistics providers and wholesale distributors, helping to
strengthen FDA's and states' ability to ensure the security of
the drug supply chain. The Committee directs the FDA to issue
its proposed rule-making to fulfill this requirement without
delay.
Epinephrine Auto Injector Shortage.--The Committee is
concerned by the national shortage of epinephrine auto
injectors, which pose a serious threat to those at risk of
allergic reactions. The Committee is encouraged by FDA's
actions to address availability of these drugs, both by
approving a new generic and safely extending the expiration
dates for existing medications. The Committee urges FDA to
aggressively combat this drug shortage to ensure epinephrine
auto injectors are readily available to meet the growing number
of prescriptions.
Electrical Stimulation Devices.--The Committee is concerned
about the delay in issuing a final rule prohibiting the use of
electrical stimulation devices on persons with intellectual and
developmental disabilities, especially in light of the agency's
statement that ``these products present an unreasonable and
substantial risk to public health.'' Given this risk, the
Committee directs the agency to issue the final rule no later
than December 31, 2019, consistent with the Spring 2019 Unified
Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions.
FDA Partnerships under FSMA.--The purpose of FSMA is to
reform the nation's food safety laws to ensure a safe public
food supply. As FDA continues implementation of FSMA, the
Committee encourages FDA to work in partnership with existing
government food safety programs through MOUs to verify
compliance with FSMA rules once they are finalized as a way to
eliminate duplication of activities under the law.
FDARA Section 902 Reports.--The Committee appreciates FDA's
adherence to Section 902 of the FDA Reauthorization Act which
requires an annual report on inspections. The Committee
requests that FDA provide it with a separate report on the
median time, following a request from staff of the FDA
reviewing an application to the beginning of the inspection,
that lists the median time for generic drugs and new drugs
separately.
Food Additives.--There are more than 10,000 additives to
preserve or modify the taste, appearance and nutrients in food.
The Committee is concerned about potential effects of food
additives on children and requests a report on the effects of
direct and indirect food additives currently listed as
generally recognized as safe on the behavioral health of
children.
Food Contact Notification User Fees.--The funds made
available by this Act include sufficient monies to fund the
Food and Drug Administration's Food Contact Notification
Program and shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of 21
U.S.C. 348(h)(5)(A).
Food Facility Inspections.--The Committee is aware of the
September 2017 Office of Inspector General (OIG) report that
outlined deficiencies in FDA's inspections of domestic food
facilities. The Committee is concerned that the overall number
of domestic food facilities that FDA inspected since the
passage of FSMA has decreased from a high of about 19,000
facilities in 2011 to 16,000 facilities in 2015, the most
recent year for which data is available. The Committee notes
that FDA has failed to provide Congress with mandated Food
Safety Modernization Act annual reports with data on foreign
and domestic food facility inspections, inspections of food
imports, and the status of FDA foreign offices for the last six
consecutive fiscal years. The FDA is urged to finalize these
delayed reports and submit them to Congress within 180 days.
Food Safety and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
Funding.--The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a
report in January 2019 entitled ``Food Safety and Nutrition:
FDA Can Build on Existing Efforts to Measure Progress and
Implement Key Activities.'' The report documents spending and
shows a steady increase in spending for food safety. A majority
of this spending relates to activities surrounding FSMA
development and implementation activities. FSMA implementation
places additional requirements on state governments and private
stakeholders, and therefore urges the FDA to provide sufficient
resources to state and non-profit education and inspection
programs to address these needs.
Foodborne Illness.--Reducing incidents of foodborne illness
is an important public health goal. The Committee believes that
coordinated and targeted resources are required to
appropriately assess and combat the public health risks of
foodborne pathogens. The Committee is aware that FDA is in the
process of finalizing guidance regarding Listeria monocytogenes
(Lm) in foods under its jurisdiction. Reducing the incidence of
listeriosis is an important public health goal and the
Committee supports efforts to accomplish this objective. The
Committee urges FDA to define not ready-to-eat foods in
guidance in a manner that aligns with the approach of USDA's
FSIS and is protective of public health and is science-based,
practical, and achievable. The Committee also urges FDA to
consider all available information relevant to the risk of
listeriosis, including available exposure models, outbreak
data, dose-response models, and existing risk assessments, in
finalizing compliance policy guidance that would establish any
final action level of Lm in ready-to-eat foods, and to make
sure that the guidance is protective of public health, science-
based, practical, and achievable. Additionally, the Committee
continues its direction that FDA, in consultation with NIFA,
work to coordinate ongoing and future research grant programs
addressing foodborne pathogens to ensure that NIFA grant
programs address FDA research priorities, and directs USDA to
report back to the Committee within 90 days of enactment of
this Act on its progress toward this goal.
Foreign High-Risk Inspection.--The Committee maintains
funding for foreign high-risk inspections to allow FDA to
continue efforts to develop and utilize a targeted, risk-based,
and efficient inspection model that incorporates commercially
available information, including onsite facility verification,
about all foreign establishments for the purpose of regulatory
compliance and surveillance of manufacturing quality management
practices. FDA is directed to provide the Committees with an
update on these efforts, including estimated efficiencies and
concerns and plans to continue or expand this effort in the
future.
Generic Competition.--The Committee recognizes the
important role generic drug competition plays in the U.S.
healthcare marketplace. The Committee supports ongoing efforts
at FDA facilitating the approval of safe and effective generic
drugs, including the agency's efforts in approving competitive
generic therapies, and providing product-specific guidance to
facilitate the approval of generic drugs, including complex
generic drugs. The Committee recognizes the record-breaking
number of generic approvals in 2018 and encourages FDA to
continue its efforts to ensure appropriate generic drug
competition in the marketplace.
Generic Harmonization.--The Committee supports FDA's
efforts to harmonize scientific and technical standards for
generic applications with other nations to reduce regulatory
burden and incentivize competition. The Committee also supports
efforts to facilitate the international harmonization of drug
manufacturing facility standards and mutual recognition of
international inspections, which can help improve standards for
the pharmaceutical supply chain worldwide. The Committee
requests FDA brief the Committee within 90 days of the
enactment of this Act on the steps the agency has taken on
these efforts, which foreign regulators are being consulted,
and approximate timelines by which the agency expects to
implement changes.
Glass Packaging.--The Committee urges FDA to continue to
work with glass packaging suppliers and pharmaceutical
manufacturers to evaluate and promote streamlined approval
requirements designed to expedite the adoption and use of
innovative glass packaging technologies with the capacity to
improve product quality, reduce product recalls, reduce drug
shortages, and protect public health. Such streamlined approval
requirements should address stability testing and other
relevant types of data to be submitted in support of product
approval.
Homeopathic Draft Guidance.--The Committee urges FDA to
consider the views of patients in finalizing its draft
guidance.
Imported seafood safety.--As FDA noted in its February 2019
report, ``FDA Strategy for the Safety of Imported Food,'' 94
percent of seafood consumed in the U.S. is now imported. One of
FDA's major responsibilities is to protect consumers from the
risks of imports, which have been increasing by 5 to 10 percent
per year for the last decade. It is also FDA's policy to ensure
that all products regulated by the agency must meet the same
requirements, whether imported or domestic. While it is
encouraging that FDA uses various regulatory methods to ensure
the safety of imported seafood, such as the Foreign Supplier
Verification Program, the Import Certification Program, and new
FSMA regulations and tools, the best source of knowledge is the
physical examination of the product itself. Due to the dramatic
increase in imported seafood, the Committee provides a one-time
increase of $5,000,000 to conduct a pilot using Machine
Learning to develop a screening model for imported seafood
shipments. This would include physical examination of imported
seafood covering both chemical and microbiological samples and
representative of product and import regions. FDA is directed
to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriation
on the results of the pilot as well as recommendations on how
the Agency may improve upon the safety of such imports, if
warranted.
Local Port Cooperation.--The Committee directs the FDA to
work with local governments at high volume ports of entry to
explore activities which reduce the risk of food borne
illnesses and enhance the capacity of local officials in
dealing with food borne threats. FDA is requested to report
back to the Committee within 90 days of enactment of this Act
on its efforts.
Lower-Cost Insulin Products and Transition to the Biologics
Price Competition and Innovation Act Approval Pathway.--To
ensure patient access to lower-cost insulin, the Committee
urges FDA to undertake the following measures: (1) ensure any
pending application for a proposed insulin product with a goal
date prior to March 23, 2020 is reviewed in accordance with the
``Program for Enhanced Review Transparency and Communication
for NME NDAs and Original BLAs'' (``the Program''), (2) work to
identify and promote efficiencies in the review of any
application submitted under the Public Health Service Act for a
proposed insulin product that previously was submitted under
the FFDCA with a goal date prior to March 23, 2020, and that
failed to meet the requirements for final approval under the
FFDCA by March 23, 2020, and (3) act quickly to evaluate
stakeholder feedback and recommendations from its May 13, 2019
public meeting on the future of insulin biosimilars.
Mammography Exam Reports.--In November 2011, the National
Mammography Quality Assurance Advisory Committee approved a
change to the mammogram patient report and physician report to
include information regarding an individual's breast density,
yet this process has not been completed. The Committee
continues to urge the FDA to implement this change in an
expedited manner and to brief the Committees on the status of
this change.
Menu Labeling Education Campaign.--The Committee supports
the goals of the Nutrition Innovation Strategy for an
educational campaign for consumers surrounding both menu
labeling and the updated Nutrition Facts panel and includes
$2,000,000 to support this activity.
Naloxone to Treat Over-usage of Opioids.--United States
public health agencies have appropriately highlighted the risk
of overdose from doses of opioids greater than 90 morphine
milligram equivalents (MME) per day. Also concerning are the
hundreds of millions of prescriptions each year of immediate
release (IR) lower MME opioids such as hydrocodone and
oxycodone. These opioids are commonly associated with abuse and
are a common pathway to addiction and also present a risk of
overdose. Some states have begun to limit the prescribing of
these IR opioids. An additional consideration might be to
assess the benefit of co-prescribing naloxone with IR and
extended release (ER) opioids. Prescribers including dentists
and other primary care providers have an opportunity to become
more attuned to the risks of all opioids through the
consideration of co-prescribing naloxone with each opioid
prescription. The Committee encourages FDA to develop a
strategy to test this hypothesis and assess the benefit for
enacting such a policy as a national strategy.
National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System
(NARMS).--The Committee provides an additional $2,000,000 for
NARMS, a national public health surveillance system that tracks
changes in the antimicrobial susceptibility of enteric bacteria
found in people, meats, and food animals in the United States.
Non-Human Primates.--The Committee commends the FDA for its
work to reduce research on non-human primates and relocate non-
human primates no longer needed in research to sanctuary. The
Committee directs the FDA to deliver a report within 12 months
of enactment of this Act that outlines a strategy, including a
detailed timeline, for the reduction and replacement of non-
human primates in FDA intramural testing and research with
suitable alternative models. The report should also detail
plans for the relocation of non-human primates no longer needed
in FDA research to appropriate sanctuaries.
Nutrient Value of Fish During Pregnancy.--In light of the
directive included in section 773 of Division B of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (P.L. 116-6), the Agency
shall continue coordinating with the Environmental Protection
Agency to reissue the final fish consumption advice for
pregnant women provided in the notice of availability entitled
``Advice About Eating Fish, From the Environmental Protection
Agency and Food and Drug Administration; Revised Fish Advice;
Availability'' (82 Fed. Reg. 6571 (January 19, 2017)). The
reissuance of this advice will assist pregnant women in making
informed decisions on fish consumption during pregnancy,
especially as it relates to the positive cognitive development
of the child.
Office Use Compounding.--The Committee continues to hear
concerns that FDA has implemented and enforced the DQSA through
guidance for industry documents rather than through the notice
and comment rulemaking procedure called for by the underlying
statute and the Administrative Procedures Act. The Committee
requests a briefing from FDA on this issue.
Olive Oil Standards of Identity.--Because of the
substantial interest in and consumption of olive oil throughout
the United States, driven in part by the significant
scientifically-confirmed health benefits of these oils, and the
fact that the United States has become a globally-important
producer of olive oils, especially extra virgin olive oil, the
Committee directs FDA to establish a separate U.S. Standard of
Identity for different grades of olive oil (e.g. extra virgin,
virgin, and refined) and olive-pomace oils. As the Committee is
particularly concerned with the number of different oil state
standards for olive oils in the U.S., it is important to
determine if establishing a uniform set of the standards would
better inform and protect consumers. FDA is directed to consult
and meet with domestic producers and importers of olive oil to
develop a science-based Standard of Identity for extra virgin
olive oil and olive oil to ensure the integrity of these
products for U.S. consumers.
Opioid Abuse.--The abuse, misuse, and diversion of opioid
painkillers continue to drive an epidemic in the United States.
The CDC indicates that one American loses his or her battle
with addiction every twelve and a half minutes. The Committee
continues to be pleased that, with the Opioids Action Plan,
Opioid Policy Steering Committee, and several significant
regulatory actions, FDA is doing its part to help stem the tide
of abuse. The use of opioids as first-line therapies for any
form of pain has led to over-prescribing, and the CDC has made
clear that clinicians should consider opioid therapy only if
expected benefits for both pain and function are anticipated to
outweigh the risks to the patient. The Committee hopes that FDA
will continue to support the development of alternative and
non-addictive alternatives to opioid analgesics and, when
opioids are medically necessary, will continue to incentivize
development and use of abuse-deterrent formulations. The
Committee notes that every patient's treatment regimen should
be tailored by his or her doctor to his or her unique needs.
The federal government, therefore, should promote the full
suite of available treatment options, including abstinence-
based models and non-opioid medications. Finally, the Committee
continues to be supportive of naloxone distribution among
trained, licensed healthcare professionals and emergency
responders. When considering the appropriateness of providing
naloxone over-the-counter, the Committee urges the FDA to
ensure that the administration of naloxone serves as a point of
intervention to spur an honest conversation between the patient
and his doctor about addiction and treatment.
OTC Acetaminophen Dosing Information for Children.--The
Committee is concerned that the lack of dosing information for
children ages six months to two years may lead to dosing
errors, adverse events, and inadequate treatment of fever and
pain. The FDA is urged to update the monograph label for
acetaminophen to include weight-based dosing instructions for
children ages six months to two years and provide to the
Committee not later than 180 days after the enactment of this
Act a report on why action has not been taken based on the
recommendation of two of its advisory committees.
Patient Experience in Drug Reviews.--The Committee is aware
the FDA is implementing policies to promote public access to
information about how patient experience information factored
into the review of approved products. The Committee supports
this step forward and encourages FDA to continue refining the
instrument and ways to improve its visibility. The Committee
also requests that FDA consider ways to include patient-
experience information in relevant labeling and accompanying
documentation to inform patient/provider decision making and
payer determinations.
Patient-Focused Drug Development Initiative.--The Committee
supports the goals of the Patient-Focused Drug Development
Initiative. The Committee notes that alopecia areata is
included in this initiative.
Pediatric Devices.--The Committee is aware of the success
of the FDA's Pediatric Device Consortia (PDC) and the Center
for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH) interest in
developing a collaborative community related to pediatric
devices. However, the Committee is concerned the CDRH does not
have the necessary resources to properly leverage the benefits
of the PDC program and a collaborative community. Therefore,
the Committee provides an increase of $1,000,000 for the PDC
program to improve infrastructure for conducting pediatric
device trials and the planning of a related Pediatric Device
collaborative community.
Pediatric IBD.--The Committee commends FDA for convening a
workshop in November 2018 to examine barriers to drug
development for pediatric IBD, including clinical trials, and
recognizes the work done so far to identify the variables that
impede trial participation. To advance this work, the Committee
strongly encourages FDA to partner with stakeholders including
patient advocates, healthcare professionals, researchers, and
industry to establish a working group to develop a plan for
reducing barriers to pediatric IBD clinical trial participation
and drug development.
Pentobarbital in Pet Food.--The Committee is aware that pet
food containing any level of pentobarbital is a violation of
the FFDCA. Still, pet food products containing pentobarbital
managed to reach consumer shelves and affect the lives of pets
before being recalled. Lethargy, seizure, and death are only a
few of the side effects pet owners grapple with should their
pet become ill due to pet food pentobarbital contamination. FDA
is directed to report to the Committees on their findings of
any current FDA studies of pet food pentobarbital
contaminations and what FDA is doing to reduce contamination
risks.
Pesticide Residues in Imported Human Food.--The Committee
is concerned that imported human food continues to have higher
pesticide violation rates than domestically produced food. The
Committee recognizes that identifying a high violation rate for
an imported commodity attests to FDA's sampling design.
However, such differences between domestic and import violation
rates are concerning. The Committee directs FDA to analyze data
in preparation of its next annual report to assess whether
giving special attention to certain imported products with
significantly higher rates of violations compared to domestic
products would change the planning of the pesticide sampling
plan for future years.
Pet Food Imports.--The Committee appreciates the
significant investigational effort over the past several years
into reported pet illnesses associated with jerky pet treats.
The Committee awaits the final summary paper detailing FDA work
on jerky pet treats.
Rare Cancer Therapeutics.--FDA's Oncology Center of
Excellence was formed to streamline the development of cancer
therapies. It creates a unified and collaborative scientific
environment to advance the development and regulation of
oncology products for cancer patients. However, there continues
to be a significant development gap for rare cancer therapies.
Therefore, the Committee includes an additional $5,000,000 to
address gaps in the system, streamline resources, accelerate
the development of rare cancer therapies and advance the field
of cancer research overall, mirroring the efforts of the
National Cancer Institute's Developmental Therapeutics Program.
FDA is directed to build lines of communications and processes
between these two agencies in order to expedite review of rare
cancer therapies.
Real World Evidence.--In the 21st Century Cures Act,
Congress expressed support for the use of real-world evidence
and directed FDA to create a comprehensive plan for how to
advance efforts for its use in regulatory decision making.
Congress commends FDA on the progress it has made on this
initiative thus far and urges continued focus on expansion of
the use of real-world evidence. Real-world evidence has many
uses, including identifying real-time opioid prescribing
patterns across the country, creating proactive drug safety
monitoring and patient safety regimes, helping to interpret and
complement the clinical trial process, and allowing for less
costly and quicker drug development. Congress hopes to see
continued advances at FDA in this important area and
appropriate use of real-world Evidence, particularly in
regulatory decision making.
Sesame.--The Committee is concerned with the growing
prevalence and severity of sesame allergies and commends the
FDA for issuing a request for information on adding sesame to
the list of major allergens. The Committee requests a report
within 90 days of enactment on the status of the review of the
data received under the request for information. The report
shall include a timeline of when comments will be fully
reviewed, recommendations and conclusions based on this review,
and a detailed plan of action on proposed rulemaking.
Standard of Identity Activities for Foods.--Of the amount
provided for the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition,
the Committee provides an increase of $3,000,000 for the Office
of Nutrition and Food Labeling to prioritize efforts regarding
standards of identity and related product labeling.
Sunscreen Ingredients.--The Committee continues to track
the actions of the FDA related to sunscreen ingredients. The
Committee recognizes the agency's efforts in generating and
posting consumer and public health resources regarding health
benefits of sunscreen use. The Committee urges FDA to clarify
its messaging concerning currently marketed sunscreen
ingredients to ensure the continued use of sunscreens. In
addition, the Committee encourages FDA to work with
stakeholders.
Systems for Investigations, Recalls, Compliance and
Enforcement (SIRCE) Investment.--The Committee understands that
the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) is undergoing an effort
to replace aging and segmented data systems through the SIRCE
contract. The Committee directs ORA to report back on the
status of SIRCE investments and, whenever practicable, to
ensure that funding for technology systems support the
establishment of an interoperable, comprehensive program.
The Real Cost.--The Committee supports FDA's ``The Real
Cost'' youth e-cigarette prevention campaign which to date has
been directed at youth ages 12-17, and directs the FDA to
explore expanding the advertising to the general public.
Traceability of food.--The Committee is aware that FDA has
not put forward a comprehensive food-traceability system. The
Committee directs FDA to work with stakeholders on a wide-scale
traceability system that could help companies and government
agencies more rapidly access data crucial to tracking foods
implicated in disease outbreaks and subject to recalls.
Track and Trace.--Public Law 111-31 required FDA to
implement a national track and trace system on the manufacture
and flow of tobacco products to ensure compliance with tobacco
product standards and disrupt illicit trade and counterfeiting.
FDA has yet to fully meet this requirement. The Committee
directs FDA to provide not later than 180 days after the
enactment of this Act a report on the status of track and trace
rulemaking as it applies to tobacco products, including ENDS
and nicotine components.
Unapproved Stem Cell Products.--The Committee appreciates
the enforcement actions against clinics for marketing
unapproved stem cell products. The Committee encourages the FDA
to continue prioritizing enforcement actions against businesses
that illicitly market unapproved products to patients and to
continue to coordinate with the Federal Trade Commission to
optimize its enforcement and consumer education activities.
Youth E-cigarette Use.--The Committee is troubled by the
dramatic increase in youth e-cigarette use and notes that
flavors are the most common reason youth use e-cigarettes. The
Committee urges FDA to expedite the pre-market review of e-
cigarettes and other newly deemed tobacco products that were on
the market as of August 8, 2016 and to remove from the market
any deemed tobacco product introduced after August 8, 2016 that
has not undergone a pre-market review.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
2019 appropriation.................................... $11,788,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 11,788,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 11,788,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ - - -
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For Buildings and Facilities of the Food and Drug
Administration, the Committee provides $11,788,000.
FDA INNOVATION ACCOUNT, CURES ACT
2019 appropriation.................................... $70,000,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 75,000,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 75,000,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +5,000,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the FDA Innovation Account as authorized in the 21st
Century Cures Act, the Committee provides an appropriation of
$75,000,000.
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
2019 appropriation.................................... $268,000,000
2020 budget estimate.................................. 315,000,000
Provided in the bill.................................. 315,000,000
Comparison:
2019 appropriation................................ +47,000,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the
Committee provides an appropriation of $315,000,000, of which
$57,000,000 is for the purchase of IT and $3,386,000 is for the
Inspector General.
Aluminum.--The Committee is aware of concerns about pricing
by aluminum end users. It is the CFTC's mission to protect
market users and the public from fraud, manipulation, and
abusive practices related to the sale of commodity and
financial futures and options, and to foster open, competitive,
and financially sound futures and options markets. The
Committee therefore requests that the CFTC report back no later
than 90 days after enactment of the bill on the state of the
aluminum futures markets.
Cross-Border Harmonization.--The Committee strongly
encourages the CFTC to work with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) to harmonize the definition of a ``U.S.
person.'' Currently, the definition of a ``U.S. person''
differs between the two agencies, which can result in
operational challenges and potentially different regulatory
treatment of entities transacting in otherwise similar
instruments. Global firms face significant costs and burdens if
the CFTC's and SEC's regulatory approaches produce different
outcomes regarding whether an entity or transaction would be
subject to the Dodd-Frank Act. Derivatives transactions for
swaps and security-based swaps that are traded typically by the
same trading desk or desks should not be analyzed differently.
The Committee urges these agencies to work together in an
expeditious manner toward a consistent definition of a U.S.
person.
Virtual Currency Monitoring.--The advent of virtual
currency markets has presented several new challenges for the
Commission in its efforts to carry out its mission. Each
virtual currency derivatives contract currently ties its price
in some way, through various settlement processes, to prices of
virtual currency on certain cash market platforms. This
underlying virtual currency cash market is relatively nascent,
and the platforms operating in the cash market remain largely
unregulated, with the Commission having only limited
enforcement authority over the cash market. Those features of
the underlying cash market platforms have led the Commission to
note multiple risks to the markets. Therefore, the Committee
encourages the Commission's ongoing efforts, in coordination
with other financial regulators such as the Securities and
Exchange Commission, to continue monitoring virtual currencies,
including Bitcoin futures contracts, and to detect,
investigate, and prosecute fraud and manipulation in these
markets. The Commission is directed to prepare a report on how
to better protect virtual currency investors and promote
American competitiveness in this evolving global marketplace.
This report should include, but is not limited to, a discussion
of how to protect investors against fraud and manipulation
involving virtual currency. This report is to be made available
on the Commission website within 270 days of the date of
enactment of this Act.
Farm Credit Administration
LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
2019 limitation....................................... ($74,600,000)
2020 budget estimate.................................. (76,000,000)
Provided in the bill.................................. (76,000,000)
Comparison:
2019 limitation................................... +1,400,000
2020 budget estimate.............................. - - -
COMMITTEE PROVISIONS
For the limitation on the expenses of the Farm Credit
Administration (FCA), the Committee provides $76,000,000.
Public/private partnerships.--The Committee recognizes the
value of public/private partnerships in financing rural
community facilities and other similar projects, as well as the
role the Farm Credit System (FCS) can play in expanding these
partnerships. The Committee also recognizes that the Farm
Credit Act of 1971, as amended, provides authority for FCS
institutions to make investments in vital rural community
facilities and supports improving the Farm Credit
Administration's current process of approving these
investments. To help the Committee consider ways it can
encourage these partnerships, the Farm Credit Administration is
directed to report back to the Committee within 120 days of the
date of enactment of this Act on the current ways in which the
FCS participates in these partnerships and on options to
enhance and expand FCS's lending and investment opportunities
to increase these partnerships and investment projects in rural
America.
TITLE VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
(INCLUDING RESCISSIONS AND TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
The following general provisions are included in the bill:
Section 701.--The bill includes language regarding motor
vehicles.
Section 702.--The bill includes language regarding the
Working Capital Fund of the Department of Agriculture.
Section 703.--The bill includes language limiting funding
provided in the bill to one year unless otherwise specified.
Section 704.--The bill includes language regarding
nonprofit institutions.
Section 705.--The bill includes language regarding Rural
Development programs.
Section 706.--The bill includes language regarding
information technology systems.
Section 707.--The bill includes language regarding fund
availability.
Section 708.--The bill includes language regarding Rural
Utilities Service program eligibility.
Section 709.--The bill includes language regarding funds
for information technology expenses.
Section 710.--The bill includes language prohibiting first-
class airline travel.
Section 711.--The bill includes language regarding the
availability of certain funds of the Commodity Credit
Corporation.
Section 712.--The bill includes language regarding funding
for advisory committees.
Section 713.--The bill includes language regarding IT
system regulations.
Section 714.--The bill includes language regarding Section
32 activities.
Section 715.--The bill includes language regarding user fee
proposals without offsets.
Section 716.--The bill includes language regarding the
reprogramming of funds for USDA.
Section 717.--The bill includes language regarding the
reprogramming of funds and notification requirements for FDA
and CFTC.
Section 718.--The bill includes language regarding fees for
the guaranteed business and industry loan program.
Section 719.--The bill includes language regarding the
appropriations hearing process.
Section 720.--The bill includes language regarding
government-sponsored news stories.
Section 721.--The bill includes language regarding details
and assignments of Department of Agriculture employees.
Section 722.--The bill includes language regarding
eligibility for Rural Development programs.
Section 723.--The bill includes language requiring spend
plans.
Section 724.--The bill includes language regarding certain
USDA balances.
Section 725.--The bill includes language regarding rural
housing loans.
Section 726.--The bill includes language regarding USDA
loan programs.
Section 727.--The bill includes language regarding the
Working Capital Fund.
Section 728.--The bill includes language regarding SNAP
variety.
Section 729.--The bill includes language regarding housing
loan programs.
Section 730.--The bill includes language regarding consumer
information.
Section 731.--The bill includes language regarding FDA
regulations.
Section 732.--The bill includes language regarding Food for
Peace.
Section 733.--The bill includes language regarding Rural
Development energy program.
Section 734.--The bill includes language regarding USDA
regulations.
Section 735.--The bill includes language regarding FDA
regulations.
Section 736.--The bill includes language regarding animal
welfare.
Section 737.--The bill includes language regarding United
States iron and steel products.
Section 738.--The bill includes language regarding
lobbying.
Section 739.--The bill includes language regarding poultry
products.
Section 740.--The bill includes language regarding certain
inspection activities.
Section 741.--The bill includes language regarding Rural
Development programs.
Section 742.--The bill includes language regarding poultry
products.
Section 743.--The bill includes language regarding child
nutrition programs.
Section 744.--The bill includes language regarding low-
income communities.
Section 745.--The bill includes language regarding citrus
greening.
Section 746.--The bill includes language regarding grape
varietals.
Section 747.--The bill includes language regarding school
lunch programs.
Section 748.--The bill includes language regarding rural
broadband.
Section 749.--The bill includes language regarding the
National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Section 750.--The bill includes language regarding school
breakfast programs.
Section 751.--The bill includes language regarding FDA
regulations.
Section 752.--The bill includes language regarding Centers
of Excellence.
Section 753.--The bill includes language regarding
assistance to rural hospitals.
Section 754.--The bill includes language regarding disaster
assistance.
Section 755.--The bill includes language regarding certain
USDA balances.
Section 756.--The bill includes language regarding the
organic program.
Section 757.--The bill includes language regarding
demonstration projects for Tribes.
Section 758.--The bill includes language regarding USDA
agencies.
Section 759.--The bill includes language regarding USDA
agencies.
Section 760.--The bill includes language regarding animal
welfare.
Section 761.--The bill includes language regarding
fellowships.
Section 762.--The bill includes language regarding certain
research programs.
Section 763.--The bill includes language regarding the
school breakfast programs.
Section 764.--The bill includes language regarding farm
ownership.
Section 765.--The bill includes language regarding Rural
Development loans.
Section 766.--The bill includes language regarding research
facilities.
Section 767.--The bill includes language regarding research
programs.
Section 768.--The bill includes language regarding urban
agriculture.
Section 769.--The bill includes language regarding food
loss.
Section 770.--The bill includes language regarding
nutrition programs.
Section 771.--The bill includes language regarding
pollinator research.
Section 772.--The bill includes language regarding training
and outreach.
Section 773.--The bill includes language regarding
assistance to Tribal students.
Section 774.--The bill includes language regarding research
programs.
Section 775.--The bill includes language regarding farm
loans.
Section 776.--The bill includes language regarding a
Nutrition Assistance Program study.
Section 777.--The bill includes language regarding micro-
grants for food security.
Section 778.--The bill includes language regarding gene
editing.
Section 779.--The bill includes language regarding swine
inspections.
Section 780.--The bill includes language regarding Job
Corps Civilian Conservation Centers.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORT REQUIREMENTS
Full Committee Votes
Pursuant to the provisions of clause 3(b) of rule XIII of
the House of Representatives, the results of each roll call
vote on an amendment or on the motion to report, together with
the names of those voting for and those against, are printed
below:
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following is a statement of
general performance goals and objectives for which this measure
authorizes funding:
The Committee on Appropriations considers program
performance, including a program's success in developing and
attaining outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing
funding recommendations.
Program Duplication
No provision of this bill establishes or reauthorizes a
program of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of
another Federal program, a program that was included in any
report from the Government Accountability Office to Congress
pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program
related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance.
Transfers of Funds
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following list includes the
transfers of unexpended balances included in the accompanying
bill:
1. Office of the Secretary.--The bill allows funds within
the account to be transferred among the offices included in the
account.
2. Departmental Administration.--The bill requires
reimbursement for expenses related to certain hearings.
3. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional
Relations and Intergovernmental Affairs.--The bill allows a
portion of the funds appropriated to the Office of the
Assistant Secretary to be transferred to agencies.
4. Hazardous Materials Management.--The bill allows the
funds appropriated to the Department for hazardous materials
management to be transferred to agencies of the Department as
required.
5. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.--Authority
is included to enable the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer
from other appropriations or funds of the Department such sums
as may be necessary to combat emergency outbreaks of certain
diseases of animals, plants, and poultry.
6. Funds for Strengthening Markets, Income, and Supply.--
The bill limits the transfer of section 32 funds to purposes
specified in the bill.
7. Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Business
Center.--The bill allows certain funds to be merged with the
salaries and expenses account for the FPAC Business Center.
8. Farm Service Agency Salaries and Expenses.--The bill
provides that funds provided to other accounts in the agency
may be advanced to and merged with the salaries and expenses
account of the Farm Service Agency.
9. Dairy Indemnity Program.--The bill authorizes the
transfer of funds to the Commodity Credit Corporation, by
reference.
10. Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account.--
The bill provides funds to be transferred to the Farm Service
Agency and to the FPAC Business Center and for certain funds to
be transferred within the account.
11. Commodity Credit Corporation.--The bill includes
language allowing certain funds to be transferred to the
Foreign Agricultural Service for information resource
management activities.
12. Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account,
Intermediary Relending Program Fund Account, and Rural
Electrification and Telecommunications Program Account.--The
bill provides funds in this account shall be transferred to the
Rural Development Salaries and Expenses account.
13. Child Nutrition Programs.--The bill includes authority
to transfer section 32 funds to these programs.
14. Foreign Agricultural Service, Salaries and Expenses.--
The bill allows for the transfer of funds from the Commodity
Credit Corporation Export Loan Program Account.
15. Food for Peace Title I Direct Credit and Food for
Progress Program Account.--The bill allows funds to be
transferred to the Farm Service Agency, Salaries and Expenses
account.
16. Commodity Credit Corporation Export Loans Program.--The
bill provides for transfer of funds to the Foreign Agricultural
Service and to the Farm Service Agency for overhead expenses
associated with credit reform.
17. Food and Drug Administration, Salaries and Expenses.--
The bill allows funds to be transferred among certain
activities.
18. Food and Drug Administration, FDA Innovation Account,
Cures Act.--The bill allows funds to be transferred from the
21st Century Cures Act to the Food and Drug Administration,
Salaries and Expenses account.
19. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.--The bill allows
certain funds to be transferred to a no-year account in the
Treasury.
20. General Provisions.--Section 702 of the bill allows
unobligated balances of discretionary funds to be transferred
to the Working Capital Fund. Section 767 of the bill allows
funding transfers to USDA for certain research programs.
Rescissions
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the following lists the rescissions
of unexpended balances included in the accompanying bill:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program or activity Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
USDA FNS (prior year balances)....................... $800,000,000
USDA NIFA (prior year balances)...................... 5,830,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disclosure of Earmarks and Congressionally Directed Spending Items
Neither the bill nor this report contain any congressional
earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as
defined in clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of
Representatives.
Compliance With Rule XIII, Cl. 3(e) (Ramseyer Rule)
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italics, existing law in which no change
is proposed is shown in roman):
RICHARD B. RUSSELL NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH ACT
* * * * * * *
NUTRITIONAL AND OTHER PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 9. (a)(1)(A) Lunches served by schools participating in
the school lunch program under this Act shall meet minimum
nutritional requirements prescribed by the Secretary on the
basis of tested nutritional research, except that the minimum
nutritional requirements--
(i) shall not be construed to prohibit the
substitution of foods to accommodate the medical or
other special dietary needs of individual students; and
(ii) shall, at a minimum, be based on the weekly
average of the nutrient content of school lunches.
(B) The Secretary shall provide technical assistance and
training, including technical assistance and training in the
preparation of lower-fat versions of foods commonly used in the
school lunch program under this Act, to schools participating
in the school lunch program to assist the schools in complying
with the nutritional requirements prescribed by the Secretary
pursuant to subparagraph (A) and in providing appropriate meals
to children with medically certified special dietary needs. The
Secretary shall provide additional technical assistance to
schools that are having difficulty maintaining compliance with
the requirements.
(2) Fluid milk.--
(A) In general.--Lunches served by schools
participating in the school lunch program under
this Act--
(i) shall offer students a variety of
fluid milk. Such milk shall be
consistent with the most recent Dietary
Guidelines for Americans published
under section 301 of the National
Nutrition Monitoring and Related
Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341);
(ii) may offer students flavored and
unflavored fluid milk and lactose-free
fluid milk; and
(iii) shall provide a substitute for
fluid milk for students whose
disability restricts their diet, on
receipt of a written statement from a
licensed physician that identifies the
disability that restricts the student's
diet and that specifies the substitute
for fluid milk.
(B) Substitutes.--
(i) Standards for substitution.--A
school may substitute for the fluid
milk provided under subparagraph (A), a
nondairy beverage that is nutritionally
equivalent to fluid milk and meets
nutritional standards established by
the Secretary (which shall, among other
requirements to be determined by the
Secretary, include fortification of
calcium, protein, vitamin A, and
vitamin D to levels found in cow's
milk) for students who cannot consume
fluid milk because of a medical or
other special dietary need other than a
disability described in subparagraph
(A)(iii).
(ii) Notice.--The substitutions may
be made if the school notifies the
State agency that the school is
implementing a variation allowed under
this subparagraph, and if the
substitution is requested by written
statement of a medical authority or by
a student's parent or legal guardian
that identifies the medical or other
special dietary need that restricts the
student's diet, except that the school
shall not be required to provide
beverages other than beverages the
school has identified as acceptable
substitutes.
(iii) Excess expenses borne by school
food authority.--Expenses incurred in
providing substitutions under this
subparagraph that are in excess of
expenses covered by reimbursements
under this Act shall be paid by the
school food authority.
(C) Restrictions on sale of milk
prohibited.--A school that participates in the
school lunch program under this Act shall not
directly or indirectly restrict the sale or
marketing of fluid milk products by the school
(or by a person approved by the school) at any
time or any place--
(i) on the school premises; or
(ii) at any school-sponsored event.
(3) Students in senior high schools that participate in the
school lunch program under this Act (and, when approved by the
local school district or nonprofit private schools, students in
any other grade level) shall not be required to accept offered
foods they do not intend to consume, and any such failure to
accept offered foods shall not affect the full charge to the
student for a lunch meeting the requirements of this subsection
or the amount of payments made under this Act to any such
school for such lunch.
(4) Provision of information.--
(A) Guidance.--Prior to the beginning of the
school year beginning July 2004, the Secretary
shall issue guidance to States and school food
authorities to increase the consumption of
foods and food ingredients that are recommended
for increased serving consumption in the most
recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans
published under section 301 of the National
Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341).
(B) Rules.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this paragraph, the
Secretary shall promulgate rules, based on the
most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans,
that reflect specific recommendations,
expressed in serving recommendations, for
increased consumption of foods and food
ingredients offered in school nutrition
programs under this Act and the Child Nutrition
Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.).
(C) Procurement and processing of food
service products and commodities.--The
Secretary shall--
(i) identify, develop, and
disseminate to State departments of
agriculture and education, school food
authorities, local educational
agencies, and local processing
entities, model product specifications
and practices for foods offered in
school nutrition programs under this
Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966
(42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.) to ensure that
the foods reflect the most recent
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
published under section 301 of the
National Nutrition Monitoring and
Related Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
5341);
(ii) not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this
subparagraph--
(I) carry out a study to
analyze the quantity and
quality of nutritional
information available to school
food authorities about food
service products and
commodities; and
(II) submit to Congress a
report on the results of the
study that contains such
legislative recommendations as
the Secretary considers
necessary to ensure that school
food authorities have access to
the nutritional information
needed for menu planning and
compliance assessments; and
(iii) to the maximum extent
practicable, in purchasing and
processing commodities for use in
school nutrition programs under this
Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966
(42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.), purchase the
widest variety of healthful foods that
reflect the most recent Dietary
Guidelines for Americans.
(5) Water.--Schools participating in the school lunch
program under this Act shall make available to children
free of charge, as nutritionally appropriate, potable
water for consumption in the place where meals are
served during meal service.
(b)(1)(A) Not later than June 1 of each fiscal year, the
Secretary shall prescribe income guidelines for determining
eligibility for free and reduced price lunches during the 12-
month period beginning July 1 of such fiscal year and ending
June 30 of the following fiscal year. The income guidelines for
determining eligibility for free lunches shall be 130 percent
of the applicable family size income levels contained in the
nonfarm income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of
Management and Budget, as adjusted annually in accordance with
subparagraph (B). The income guidelines for determining
eligibility for reduced price lunches for any school year shall
be 185 percent of the applicable family size income levels
contained in the nonfarm income poverty guidelines prescribed
by the Office of Management and Budget, as adjusted annually in
accordance with subparagraph (B). The Office of Management and
Budget guidelines shall be revised at annual intervals, or at
any shorter interval deemed feasible and desirable.
(B) The revision required by subparagraph (A) of this
paragraph shall be made by multiplying--
(i) the official poverty line (as defined by the
Office of Management and Budget); by
(ii) the percentage change in the Consumer Price
Index during the annual or other interval immediately
preceding the time at which the adjustment is made.
Revisions under this subparagraph shall be made not more than
30 days after the date on which the consumer price index data
required to compute the adjustment becomes available.
(2)(A) Following the determination by the Secretary under
paragraph (1) of this subsection of the income eligibility
guidelines for each school year, each State educational agency
shall announce the income eligibility guidelines, by family
size, to be used by schools in the State in making
determinations of eligibility for free and reduced price
lunches. Local school authorities shall, each year, publicly
announce the income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced
price lunches on or before the opening of school.
(B) Applications and descriptive material.--
(i) In general.--Applications for free and
reduced price lunches, in such form as the
Secretary may prescribe or approve, and any
descriptive material, shall be distributed to
the parents or guardians of children in
attendance at the school, and shall contain
only the family size income levels for reduced
price meal eligibility with the explanation
that households with incomes less than or equal
to these values would be eligible for free or
reduced price lunches.
(ii) Income eligibility guidelines.--Forms
and descriptive material distributed in
accordance with clause (i) may not contain the
income eligibility guidelines for free lunches.
(iii) Contents of descriptive material.--
(I) In general.--Descriptive material
distributed in accordance with clause
(i) shall contain a notification that--
(aa) participants in the
programs listed in subclause
(II) may be eligible for free
or reduced price meals; and
(bb) documentation may be
requested for verification of
eligibility for free or reduced
price meals.
(II) Programs.--The programs referred
to in subclause (I)(aa) are--
(aa) the special supplemental
nutrition program for women,
infants, and children
established by section 17 of
the Child Nutrition Act of 1966
(42 U.S.C. 1786);
(bb) the supplemental
nutrition assistance program
established under the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2011 et seq.);
(cc) the food distribution
program on Indian reservations
established under section 4(b)
of the Food and Nutrition Act
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b)); and
(dd) a State program funded
under the program of block
grants to States for temporary
assistance for needy families
established under part A of
title IV of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
(3) Household applications.--
(A) Definition of household application.--In
this paragraph, the term ``household
application'' means an application for a child
of a household to receive free or reduced price
school lunches under this Act, or free or
reduced price school breakfasts under the Child
Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.),
for which an eligibility determination is made
other than under paragraph (4) or (5).
(B) Eligibility determination.--
(i) In general.--An eligibility
determination shall be made on the
basis of a complete household
application executed by an adult member
of the household or in accordance with
guidance issued by the Secretary.
(ii) Electronic signatures and
applications.--A household application
may be executed using an electronic
signature if--
(I) the application is
submitted electronically; and
(II) the electronic
application filing system meets
confidentiality standards
established by the Secretary.
(C) Children in household.--
(i) In general.--The household
application shall identify the names of
each child in the household for whom
meal benefits are requested.
(ii) Separate applications.--A State
educational agency or local educational
agency may not request a separate
application for each child in the
household that attends schools under
the same local educational agency.
(D) Verification of sample.--
(i) Definitions.--In this
subparagraph:
(I) Error prone
application.--The term ``error
prone application'' means an
approved household application
that--
(aa) indicates
monthly income that is
within $100, or an
annual income that is
within $1,200, of the
income eligibility
limitation for free or
reduced price meals; or
(bb) in lieu of the
criteria established
under item (aa), meets
criteria established by
the Secretary.
(II) Non-response rate.--The
term ``non-response rate''
means (in accordance with
guidelines established by the
Secretary) the percentage of
approved household applications
for which verification
information has not been
obtained by a local educational
agency after attempted
verification under
subparagraphs (F) and (G).
(ii) Verification of sample.--Each
school year, a local educational agency
shall verify eligibility of the
children in a sample of household
applications approved for the school
year by the local educational agency,
as determined by the Secretary in
accordance with this subsection.
(iii) Sample size.--Except as
otherwise provided in this paragraph,
the sample for a local educational
agency for a school year shall equal
the lesser of--
(I) 3 percent of all
applications approved by the
local educational agency for
the school year, as of October
1 of the school year, selected
from error prone applications;
or
(II) 3,000 error prone
applications approved by the
local educational agency for
the school year, as of October
1 of the school year.
(iv) Alternative sample size.--
(I) In general.--If the
conditions described in
subclause (IV) are met, the
verification sample size for a
local educational agency shall
be the sample size described in
subclause (II) or (III), as
determined by the local
educational agency.
(II) 3,000/3 percent
option.--The sample size
described in this subclause
shall be the lesser of 3,000,
or 3 percent of, applications
selected at random from
applications approved by the
local educational agency for
the school year, as of October
1 of the school year.
(III) 1,000/1 percent plus
option.--
(aa) In general.--The
sample size described
in this subclause shall
be the sum of--
(AA) the
lesser of
1,000, or 1
percent of, all
applications
approved by the
local
educational
agency for the
school year, as
of October 1 of
the school
year, selected
from error
prone
applications;
and
(BB) the
lesser of 500,
or \1/2\ of 1
percent of,
applications
approved by the
local
educational
agency for the
school year, as
of October 1 of
the school
year, that
provide a case
number (in lieu
of income
information)
showing
participation
in a program
described in
item (bb)
selected from
those approved
applications
that provide a
case number (in
lieu of income
information)
verifying the
participation.
(bb) Programs.--The
programs described in
this item are--
(AA) the
supplemental
nutrition
assistance
program
established
under the Food
and Nutrition
Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2011 et
seq.);
(BB) the food
distribution
program on
Indian
reservations
established
under section
4(b) of the
Food and
Nutrition Act
of 2008 (7
U.S.C.
2013(b)); and
(CC) a State
program funded
under the
program of
block grants to
States for
temporary
assistance for
needy families
established
under part A of
title IV of the
Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C.
601 et seq.)
that the
Secretary
determines
complies with
standards
established by
the Secretary
that ensure
that the
standards under
the State
program are
comparable to
or more
restrictive
than those in
effect on June
1, 1995.
(IV) Conditions.--The
conditions referred to in
subclause (I) shall be met for
a local educational agency for
a school year if--
(aa) the nonresponse
rate for the local
educational agency for
the preceding school
year is less than 20
percent; or
(bb) the local
educational agency has
more than 20,000
children approved by
application by the
local educational
agency as eligible for
free or reduced price
meals for the school
year, as of October 1
of the school year,
and--
(AA) the
nonresponse
rate for the
preceding
school year is
at least 10
percent below
the nonresponse
rate for the
second
preceding
school year; or
(BB) in the
case of the
school year
beginning July
2005, the local
educational
agency attempts
to verify all
approved
household
applications
selected for
verification
through use of
public agency
records from at
least 2 of the
programs or
sources of
information
described in
subparagraph
(F)(i).
(v) Additional selected
applications.--A sample for a local
educational agency for a school year
under clauses (iii) and (iv)(III)(AA)
shall include the number of additional
randomly selected approved household
applications that are required to
comply with the sample size
requirements in those clauses.
(E) Preliminary review.--
(i) Review for accuracy.--
(I) In general.--Prior to
conducting any other
verification activity for
approved household applications
selected for verification, the
local educational agency shall
ensure that the initial
eligibility determination for
each approved household
application is reviewed for
accuracy by an individual other
than the individual making the
initial eligibility
determination, unless otherwise
determined by the Secretary.
(II) Waiver.--The
requirements of subclause (I)
shall be waived for a local
educational agency if the local
educational agency is using a
technology-based solution that
demonstrates a high level of
accuracy, to the satisfaction
of the Secretary, in processing
an initial eligibility
determination in accordance
with the income eligibility
guidelines of the school lunch
program.
(ii) Correct eligibility
determination.--If the review indicates
that the initial eligibility
determination is correct, the local
educational agency shall verify the
approved household application.
(iii) Incorrect eligibility
determination.--If the review indicates
that the initial eligibility
determination is incorrect, the local
educational agency shall (as determined
by the Secretary)--
(I) correct the eligibility
status of the household;
(II) notify the household of
the change;
(III) in any case in which
the review indicates that the
household is not eligible for
free or reduced-price meals,
notify the household of the
reason for the ineligibility
and that the household may
reapply with income
documentation for free or
reduced-price meals; and
(IV) in any case in which the
review indicates that the
household is eligible for free
or reduced-price meals, verify
the approved household
application.
(F) Direct verification.--
(i) In general.--Subject to clauses
(ii) and (iii), to verify eligibility
for free or reduced price meals for
approved household applications
selected for verification, the local
educational agency may (in accordance
with criteria established by the
Secretary) first obtain and use income
and program participation information
from a public agency administering--
(I) the supplemental
nutrition assistance program
established under the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2011 et seq.);
(II) the food distribution
program on Indian reservations
established under section 4(b)
of the Food and Nutrition Act
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2013(b));
(III) the temporary
assistance for needy families
program funded under part A of
title IV of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);
(IV) the State medicaid
program under title XIX of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1396 et seq.); or
(V) a similar income-tested
program or other source of
information, as determined by
the Secretary.
(ii) Free meals.--Public agency
records that may be obtained and used
under clause (i) to verify eligibility
for free meals for approved household
applications selected for verification
shall include the most recent available
information (other than information
reflecting program participation or
income before the 180-day period ending
on the date of application for free
meals) that is relied on to
administer--
(I) a program or source of
information described in clause
(i) (other than clause
(i)(IV)); or
(II) the State plan for
medical assistance under title
XIX of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) in--
(aa) a State in which
the income eligibility
limit applied under
section 1902(l)(2)(C)
of that Act (42 U.S.C.
1396a(l)(2)(C)) is not
more than 133 percent
of the official poverty
line described in
section 1902(l)(2)(A)
of that Act (42 U.S.C.
1396a(l)(2)(A)); or
(bb) a State that
otherwise identifies
households that have
income that is not more
than 133 percent of the
official poverty line
described in section
1902(l)(2)(A) of that
Act (42 U.S.C.
1396a(l)(2)(A)).
(iii) Reduced price meals.--Public
agency records that may be obtained and
used under clause (i) to verify
eligibility for reduced price meals for
approved household applications
selected for verification shall include
the most recent available information
(other than information reflecting
program participation or income before
the 180-day period ending on the date
of application for reduced price meals)
that is relied on to administer--
(I) a program or source of
information described in clause
(i) (other than clause
(i)(IV)); or
(II) the State plan for
medical assistance under title
XIX of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) in--
(aa) a State in which
the income eligibility
limit applied under
section 1902(l)(2)(C)
of that Act (42 U.S.C.
1396a(l)(2)(C)) is not
more than 185 percent
of the official poverty
line described in
section 1902(l)(2)(A)
of that Act (42 U.S.C.
1396a(l)(2)(A)); or
(bb) a State that
otherwise identifies
households that have
income that is not more
than 185 percent of the
official poverty line
described in section
1902(l)(2)(A) of that
Act (42 U.S.C.
1396a(l)(2)(A)).
(iv) Evaluation.--Not later than 3
years after the date of enactment of
this subparagraph, the Secretary shall
complete an evaluation of--
(I) the effectiveness of
direct verification carried out
under this subparagraph in
decreasing the portion of the
verification sample that must
be verified under subparagraph
(G) while ensuring that
adequate verification
information is obtained; and
(II) the feasibility of
direct verification by State
agencies and local educational
agencies.
(v) Expanded use of direct
verification.--If the Secretary
determines that direct verification
significantly decreases the portion of
the verification sample that must be
verified under subparagraph (G), while
ensuring that adequate verification
information is obtained, and can be
conducted by most State agencies and
local educational agencies, the
Secretary may require a State agency or
local educational agency to implement
direct verification through 1 or more
of the programs described in clause
(i), as determined by the Secretary,
unless the State agency or local
educational agency demonstrates (under
criteria established by the Secretary)
that the State agency or local
educational agency lacks the capacity
to conduct, or is unable to implement,
direct verification.
(G) Household verification.--
(i) In general.--If an approved
household application is not verified
through the use of public agency
records, a local educational agency
shall provide to the household written
notice that--
(I) the approved household
application has been selected
for verification; and
(II) the household is
required to submit verification
information to confirm
eligibility for free or reduced
price meals.
(ii) Phone number.--The written
notice in clause (i) shall include a
toll-free phone number that parents and
legal guardians in households selected
for verification can call for
assistance with the verification
process.
(iii) Followup activities.--If a
household does not respond to a
verification request, a local
educational agency shall make at least
1 attempt to obtain the necessary
verification from the household in
accordance with guidelines and
regulations promulgated by the
Secretary.
(iv) Contract authority for school
food authorities.--A local educational
agency may contract (under standards
established by the Secretary) with a
third party to assist the local
educational agency in carrying out
clause (iii).
(H) Verification deadline.--
(i) General deadline.--
(I) In general.--Subject to
subclause (II), not later than
November 15 of each school
year, a local educational
agency shall complete the
verification activities
required for the school year
(including followup
activities).
(II) Extension.--Under
criteria established by the
Secretary, a State may extend
the deadline established under
subclause (I) for a school year
for a local educational agency
to December 15 of the school
year.
(ii) Eligibility changes.--Based on
the verification activities, the local
educational agency shall make
appropriate modifications to the
eligibility determinations made for
household applications in accordance
with criteria established by the
Secretary.
(I) Local conditions.--In the case of a
natural disaster, civil disorder, strike, or
other local condition (as determined by the
Secretary), the Secretary may substitute
alternatives for--
(i) the sample size and sample
selection criteria established under
subparagraph (D); and
(ii) the verification deadline
established under subparagraph (H).
(J) Individual review.--In accordance with
criteria established by the Secretary, the
local educational agency may, on individual
review--
(i) decline to verify no more than 5
percent of approved household
applications selected under
subparagraph (D); and
(ii) replace the approved household
applications with other approved
household applications to be verified.
(K) Feasibility study.--
(i) In general.--The Secretary shall
conduct a study of the feasibility of
using computer technology (including
data mining) to reduce--
(I) overcertification errors
in the school lunch program
under this Act;
(II) waste, fraud, and abuse
in connection with this
paragraph; and
(III) errors, waste, fraud,
and abuse in other nutrition
programs, as determined to be
appropriate by the Secretary.
(ii) Report.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of this
paragraph, the Secretary shall submit
to the Committee on Education and the
Workforce of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of
the Senate a report describing--
(I) the results of the
feasibility study conducted
under this subsection;
(II) how a computer system
using technology described in
clause (i) could be
implemented;
(III) a plan for
implementation; and
(IV) proposed legislation, if
necessary, to implement the
system.
(4) Direct certification for children in supplemental
nutrition assistance program households.--
(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (D),
each State agency shall enter into an agreement
with the State agency conducting eligibility
determinations for the supplemental nutrition
assistance program established under the Food
and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et
seq.).
(B) Procedures.--Subject to paragraph (6),
the agreement shall establish procedures under
which a child who is a member of a household
receiving assistance under the supplemental
nutrition assistance program shall be certified
as eligible for free lunches under this Act and
free breakfasts under the Child Nutrition Act
of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.), without
further application.
(C) Certification.--Subject to paragraph (6),
under the agreement, the local educational
agency conducting eligibility determinations
for a school lunch program under this Act and a
school breakfast program under the Child
Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.)
shall certify a child who is a member of a
household receiving assistance under the
supplemental nutrition assistance program as
eligible for free lunches under this Act and
free breakfasts under the Child Nutrition Act
of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.), without
further application.
(D) Applicability.--This paragraph applies
to--
(i) in the case of the school year
beginning July 2006, a school district
that had an enrollment of 25,000
students or more in the preceding
school year;
(ii) in the case of the school year
beginning July 2007, a school district
that had an enrollment of 10,000
students or more in the preceding
school year; and
(iii) in the case of the school year
beginning July 2008 and each subsequent
school year, each local educational
agency.
(E) Performance awards.--
(i) In general.--Effective for each
of the school years beginning July 1,
2011, July 1, 2012, and July 1, 2013,
the Secretary shall offer performance
awards to States to encourage the
States to ensure that all children
eligible for direct certification under
this paragraph are certified in
accordance with this paragraph.
(ii) Requirements.--For each school
year described in clause (i), the
Secretary shall--
(I) consider State data from
the prior school year,
including estimates contained
in the report required under
section 4301 of the Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of
2008 (42 U.S.C. 1758a); and
(II) make performance awards
to not more than 15 States that
demonstrate, as determined by
the Secretary--
(aa) outstanding
performance; and
(bb) substantial
improvement.
(iii) Use of funds.--A State agency
that receives a performance award under
clause (i)--
(I) shall treat the funds as
program income; and
(II) may transfer the funds
to school food authorities for
use in carrying out the
program.
(iv) Funding.--
(I) In general.--On October
1, 2011, and each subsequent
October 1 through October 1,
2013, out of any funds in the
Treasury not otherwise
appropriated, the Secretary of
the Treasury shall transfer to
the Secretary--
(aa) $2,000,000 to
carry out clause
(ii)(II)(aa); and
(bb) $2,000,000 to
carry out clause
(ii)(II)(bb).
(II) Receipt and
acceptance.--The Secretary
shall be entitled to receive,
shall accept, and shall use to
carry out this clause the funds
transferred under subclause
(I), without further
appropriation.
(v) Payments not subject to judicial
review.--A determination by the
Secretary whether, and in what amount,
to make a performance award under this
subparagraph shall not be subject to
administrative or judicial review.
(F) Continuous improvement plans.--
(i) Definition of required
percentage.--In this subparagraph, the
term ``required percentage'' means--
(I) for the school year
beginning July 1, 2011, 80
percent;
(II) for the school year
beginning July 1, 2012, 90
percent; and
(III) for the school year
beginning July 1, 2013, and
each school year thereafter, 95
percent.
(ii) Requirements.--Each school year,
the Secretary shall--
(I) identify, using data from
the prior year, including
estimates contained in the
report required under section
4301 of the Food, Conservation,
and Energy Act of 2008 (42
U.S.C. 1758a), States that
directly certify less than the
required percentage of the
total number of children in the
State who are eligible for
direct certification under this
paragraph;
(II) require the States
identified under subclause (I)
to implement a continuous
improvement plan to fully meet
the requirements of this
paragraph, which shall include
a plan to improve direct
certification for the following
school year; and
(III) assist the States
identified under subclause (I)
to develop and implement a
continuous improvement plan in
accordance with subclause (II).
(iii) Failure to meet performance
standard.--
(I) In general.--A State that
is required to develop and
implement a continuous
improvement plan under clause
(ii)(II) shall be required to
submit the continuous
improvement plan to the
Secretary, for the approval of
the Secretary.
(II) Requirements.--At a
minimum, a continuous
improvement plan under
subclause (I) shall include--
(aa) specific
measures that the State
will use to identify
more children who are
eligible for direct
certification,
including improvements
or modifications to
technology, information
systems, or databases;
(bb) a timeline for
the State to implement
those measures; and
(cc) goals for the
State to improve direct
certification results.
(G) Without further application.--
(i) In general.--In this paragraph,
the term ``without further
application'' means that no action is
required by the household of the child.
(ii) Clarification.--A requirement
that a household return a letter
notifying the household of eligibility
for direct certification or eligibility
for free school meals does not meet the
requirements of clause (i).
(5) Discretionary certification.--Subject to
paragraph (6), any local educational agency may certify
any child as eligible for free lunches or breakfasts,
without further application, by directly communicating
with the appropriate State or local agency to obtain
documentation of the status of the child as--
(A) a member of a family that is receiving
assistance under the temporary assistance for
needy families program funded under part A of
title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
601 et seq.) that the Secretary determines
complies with standards established by the
Secretary that ensure that the standards under
the State program are comparable to or more
restrictive than those in effect on June 1,
1995;
(B) a homeless child or youth (defined as 1
of the individuals described in section 725(2)
of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 11434a(2));
(C) served by the runaway and homeless youth
grant program established under the Runaway and
Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.);
(D) a migratory child (as defined in section
1309 of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6399)); or
(E)(i) a foster child whose care and
placement is the responsibility of an agency
that administers a State plan under part B or E
of title IV of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 621 et seq.); or
(ii) a foster child who a court has placed
with a caretaker household.
(6) Use or disclosure of information.--
(A) In general.--The use or disclosure of any
information obtained from an application for
free or reduced price meals, or from a State or
local agency referred to in paragraph (3)(F),
(4), or (5), shall be limited to--
(i) a person directly connected with
the administration or enforcement of
this Act or the Child Nutrition Act of
1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.)
(including a regulation promulgated
under either Act);
(ii) a person directly connected with
the administration or enforcement of--
(I) a Federal education
program;
(II) a State health or
education program administered
by the State or local
educational agency (other than
a program carried out under
title XIX or XXI of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et
seq.; 42 U.S.C. 1397aa et
seq.)); or
(III) a Federal, State, or
local means-tested nutrition
program with eligibility
standards comparable to the
school lunch program under this
Act;
(iii)(I) the Comptroller General of
the United States for audit and
examination authorized by any other
provision of law; and
(II) notwithstanding any other
provision of law, a Federal, State, or
local law enforcement official for the
purpose of investigating an alleged
violation of any program covered by
this paragraph or paragraph (3)(F),
(4), or (5);
(iv) a person directly connected with
the administration of the State
medicaid program under title XIX of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et
seq.) or the State children's health
insurance program under title XXI of
that Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.)
solely for the purposes of--
(I) identifying children
eligible for benefits under,
and enrolling children in,
those programs, except that
this subclause shall apply only
to the extent that the State
and the local educational
agency or school food authority
so elect; and
(II) verifying the
eligibility of children for
programs under this Act or the
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42
U.S.C. 1771 et seq.); and
(v) a third party contractor
described in paragraph (3)(G)(iv).
(B) Limitation on information provided.--
Information provided under clause (ii) or (v)
of subparagraph (A) shall be limited to the
income eligibility status of the child for whom
application for free or reduced price meal
benefits is made or for whom eligibility
information is provided under paragraph (3)(F),
(4), or (5), unless the consent of the parent
or guardian of the child for whom application
for benefits was made is obtained.
(C) Criminal penalty.--A person described in
subparagraph (A) who publishes, divulges,
discloses, or makes known in any manner, or to
any extent not authorized by Federal law
(including a regulation), any information
obtained under this subsection shall be fined
not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more
than 1 year, or both.
(D) Requirements for waiver of
confidentiality.--A State that elects to
exercise the option described in subparagraph
(A)(iv)(I) shall ensure that any local
educational agency or school food authority
acting in accordance with that option--
(i) has a written agreement with 1 or
more State or local agencies
administering health programs for
children under titles XIX and XXI of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396
et seq. and 1397aa et seq.) that
requires the health agencies to use the
information obtained under subparagraph
(A) to seek to enroll children in those
health programs; and
(ii)(I) notifies each household, the
information of which shall be disclosed
under subparagraph (A), that the
information disclosed will be used only
to enroll children in health programs
referred to in subparagraph (A)(iv);
and
(II) provides each parent or guardian
of a child in the household with an
opportunity to elect not to have the
information disclosed.
(E) Use of disclosed information.--A person
to which information is disclosed under
subparagraph (A)(iv)(I) shall use or disclose
the information only as necessary for the
purpose of enrolling children in health
programs referred to in subparagraph (A)(iv).
(7) Free and reduced price policy statement.--
(A) In general.--After the initial
submission, a local educational agency shall
not be required to submit a free and reduced
price policy statement to a State educational
agency under this Act unless there is a
substantive change in the free and reduced
price policy of the local educational agency.
(B) Routine change.--A routine change in the
policy of a local educational agency (such as
an annual adjustment of the income eligibility
guidelines for free and reduced price meals)
shall not be sufficient cause for requiring the
local educational agency to submit a policy
statement.
(8) Communications.--
(A) In general.--Any communication with a
household under this subsection or subsection
(d) shall be in an understandable and uniform
format and, to the maximum extent practicable,
in a language that parents and legal guardians
can understand.
(B) Electronic availability.--In addition to
the distribution of applications and
descriptive material in paper form as provided
for in this paragraph, the applications and
material may be made available electronically
via the Internet.
(9) Eligibility for free and reduced price lunches.--
(A) Free lunches.--Any child who is a member
of a household whose income, at the time the
application is submitted, is at an annual rate
which does not exceed the applicable family
size income level of the income eligibility
guidelines for free lunches, as determined
under paragraph (1), shall be served a free
lunch.
(B) Reduced price lunches.--
(i) In general.--Any child who is a
member of a household whose income, at
the time the application is submitted,
is at an annual rate greater than the
applicable family size income level of
the income eligibility guidelines for
free lunches, as determined under
paragraph (1), but less than or equal
to the applicable family size income
level of the income eligibility
guidelines for reduced price lunches,
as determined under paragraph (1),
shall be served a reduced price lunch.
(ii) Maximum price.--The price
charged for a reduced price lunch shall
not exceed 40 cents.
(C) Duration.--Except as otherwise specified
in paragraph (3)(E), (3)(H)(ii), and section
11(a), eligibility for free or reduced price
meals for any school year shall remain in
effect--
(i) beginning on the date of
eligibility approval for the current
school year; and
(ii) ending on a date during the
subsequent school year determined by
the Secretary.
(10) No physical segregation of or other discrimination
against any child eligible for a free lunch or a reduced price
lunch under this subsection shall be made by the school nor
shall there be any overt identification of any child by special
tokens or tickets, announced or published list of names, or by
other means.
(11) Any child who has a parent or guardian who (A) is
responsible for the principal support of such child and (B) is
unemployed shall be served a free or reduced price lunch,
respectively, during any period (i) in which such child's
parent or guardian continues to be unemployed and (ii) the
income of the child's parents or guardians during such period
of unemployment falls within the income eligibility criteria
for free lunches or reduced price lunches, respectively, based
on the current rate of income of such parents or guardians.
Local educational agencies shall publicly announce that such
children are eligible for free or reduced price lunch, and
shall make determinations with respect to the status of any
parent or guardian of any child under clauses (A) and (B) of
the preceding sentence on the basis of a statement executed in
such form as the Secretary may prescribe by such parent or
guardian. No physical segregation of, or other discrimination
against, any child eligible for a free or reduced price lunch
under this paragraph shall be made by the school nor shall
there be any overt identification of any such child by special
tokens or tickets, announced or published lists of names, or by
any other means.
(12)(A) A child shall be considered automatically eligible
for a free lunch and breakfast under this Act and the Child
Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.), respectively,
without further application or eligibility determination, if
the child is--
(i) a member of a household receiving assistance
under the supplemental nutrition assistance program
authorized under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2011 et seq.);
(ii) a member of a family (under the State program
funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)) that the Secretary
determines complies with standards established by the
Secretary that ensure that the standards under the
State program are comparable to or more restrictive
than those in effect on June 1, 1995;
(iii) enrolled as a participant in a Head Start
program authorized under the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C.
9831 et seq.), on the basis of a determination that the
child meets the eligibility criteria prescribed under
section 645(a)(1)(B) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C.
9840(a)(1)(B));
(iv) a homeless child or youth (defined as 1
of the individuals described in section 725(2)
of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 11434a(2)));
(v) served by the runaway and homeless youth
grant program established under the Runaway and
Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.);
(vi) a migratory child (as defined in section
1309 of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6399)); or
(vii)(I) a foster child whose care and
placement is the responsibility of an agency
that administers a State plan under part B or E
of title IV of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 621 et seq.); or
(II) a foster child who a court has
placed with a caretaker household.
(B) Proof of receipt of supplemental nutrition assistance
program benefits or assistance under the State program funded
under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
601 et seq.) that the Secretary determines complies with
standards established by the Secretary that ensure that the
standards under the State program are comparable to or more
restrictive than those in effect on June 1, 1995, or of
enrollment or participation in a Head Start program on the
basis described in subparagraph (A)(iii), shall be sufficient
to satisfy any verification requirement imposed under this
subsection.
(13) Exclusion of certain military housing
allowances.--The amount of a basic allowance provided
under section 403 of title 37, United States Code, on
behalf of a member of a uniformed service for housing
that is acquired or constructed under subchapter IV of
chapter 169 of title 10, United States Code, or any
related provision of law, shall not be considered to be
income for the purpose of determining the eligibility
of a child who is a member of the household of the
member of a uniformed service for free or reduced price
lunches under this Act.
(14) Combat pay.--
(A) Definition of combat pay.--In this
paragraph, the term ``combat pay'' means any
additional payment under chapter 5 of title 37,
United States Code, or otherwise designated by
the Secretary to be appropriate for exclusion
under this paragraph, that is received by or
from a member of the United States Armed Forces
deployed to a designated combat zone, if the
additional pay--
(i) is the result of deployment to or
service in a combat zone; and
(ii) was not received immediately
prior to serving in a combat zone.
(B) Exclusion.--Combat pay shall not be
considered to be income for the purpose of
determining the eligibility for free or reduced
price meals of a child who is a member of the
household of a member of the United States
Armed Forces.
(15) Direct certification for children receiving
medicaid benefits.--
(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
(i) Eligible child.--The term
``eligible child'' means a child--
(I)(aa) who is eligible for
and receiving medical
assistance under the Medicaid
program; and
(bb) who is a member of a
family with an income as
measured by the Medicaid
program before the application
of any expense, block, or other
income disregard, that does not
exceed 133 percent of the
poverty line (as defined in
section 673(2) of the Community
Services Block Grant Act (42
U.S.C. 9902(2), including any
revision required by such
section)) applicable to a
family of the size used for
purposes of determining
eligibility for the Medicaid
program; or
(II) who is a member of a
household (as that term is
defined in section 245.2 of
title 7, Code of Federal
Regulations (or successor
regulations) with a child
described in subclause (I).
(ii) Medicaid program.--The term
``Medicaid program'' means the program
of medical assistance established under
title XIX of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).
(B) Demonstration project.--
(i) In general.--The Secretary,
acting through the Administrator of the
Food and Nutrition Service and in
cooperation with selected State
agencies, shall conduct a demonstration
project in selected local educational
agencies to determine whether direct
certification of eligible children is
an effective method of certifying
children for free lunches and
breakfasts under section 9(b)(1)(A) of
this Act and section 4(e)(1)(A) of the
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C.
1773(e)(1)(A)).
(ii) Scope of project.--The Secretary
shall carry out the demonstration
project under this subparagraph--
(I) for the school year
beginning July 1, 2012, in
selected local educational
agencies that collectively
serve 2.5 percent of students
certified for free and reduced
price meals nationwide, based
on the most recent available
data;
(II) for the school year
beginning July 1, 2013, in
selected local educational
agencies that collectively
serve 5 percent of students
certified for free and reduced
price meals nationwide, based
on the most recent available
data; and
(III) for the school year
beginning July 1, 2014, and
each subsequent school year, in
selected local educational
agencies that collectively
serve 10 percent of students
certified for free and reduced
price meals nationwide, based
on the most recent available
data.
(iii) Purposes of the project.--At a
minimum, the purposes of the
demonstration project shall be--
(I) to determine the
potential of direct
certification with the Medicaid
program to reach children who
are eligible for free meals but
not certified to receive the
meals;
(II) to determine the
potential of direct
certification with the Medicaid
program to directly certify
children who are enrolled for
free meals based on a household
application; and
(III) to provide an estimate
of the effect on Federal costs
and on participation in the
school lunch program under this
Act and the school breakfast
program established by section
4 of the Child Nutrition Act of
1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773) of direct
certification with the Medicaid
program.
(iv) Cost estimate.--For each of 2
school years of the demonstration
project, the Secretary shall estimate
the cost of the direct certification of
eligible children for free school meals
through data derived from--
(I) the school meal programs
authorized under this Act and
the Child Nutrition Act of 1966
(42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.);
(II) the Medicaid program;
and
(III) interviews with a
statistically representative
sample of households.
(C) Agreement.--
(i) In general.--Not later than July
1 of the first school year during which
a State agency will participate in the
demonstration project, the State agency
shall enter into an agreement with the
1 or more State agencies conducting
eligibility determinations for the
Medicaid program.
(ii) Without further application.--
Subject to paragraph (6), the agreement
described in subparagraph (D) shall
establish procedures under which an
eligible child shall be certified for
free lunches under this Act and free
breakfasts under section 4 of the Child
Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773),
without further application (as defined
in paragraph (4)(G)).
(D) Certification.--For the school year
beginning on July 1, 2012, and each subsequent
school year, subject to paragraph (6), the
local educational agencies participating in the
demonstration project shall certify an eligible
child as eligible for free lunches under this
Act and free breakfasts under the Child
Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.),
without further application (as defined in
paragraph (4)(G)).
(E) Site selection.--
(i) In general.--To be eligible to
participate in the demonstration
project under this subsection, a State
agency shall submit to the Secretary an
application at such time, in such
manner, and containing such information
as the Secretary may require.
(ii) Considerations.--In selecting
States and local educational agencies
for participation in the demonstration
project, the Secretary may take into
consideration such factors as the
Secretary considers to be appropriate,
which may include--
(I) the rate of direct
certification;
(II) the share of individuals
who are eligible for benefits
under the supplemental
nutrition assistance program
established under the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2011 et seq.) who participate
in the program, as determined
by the Secretary;
(III) the income eligibility
limit for the Medicaid program;
(IV) the feasibility of
matching data between local
educational agencies and the
Medicaid program;
(V) the socioeconomic profile
of the State or local
educational agencies; and
(VI) the willingness of the
State and local educational
agencies to comply with the
requirements of the
demonstration project.
(F) Access to data.--For purposes of
conducting the demonstration project under this
paragraph, the Secretary shall have access to--
(i) educational and other records of
State and local educational and other
agencies and institutions receiving
funding or providing benefits for 1 or
more programs authorized under this Act
or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42
U.S.C. 1771 et seq.); and
(ii) income and program participation
information from public agencies
administering the Medicaid program.
(G) Report to congress.--
(i) In general.--Not later than
October 1, 2014, the Secretary shall
submit to the Committee on Education
and Labor of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of
the Senate, an interim report that
describes the results of the
demonstration project required under
this paragraph.
(ii) Final report.--Not later than
October 1, 2015, the Secretary shall
submit a final report to the committees
described in clause (i).
(H) Funding.--
(i) In general.--On October 1, 2010,
out of any funds in the Treasury not
otherwise appropriated, the Secretary
of the Treasury shall transfer to the
Secretary to carry out subparagraph (G)
$5,000,000, to remain available until
expended.
(ii) Receipt and acceptance.--The
Secretary shall be entitled to receive,
shall accept, and shall use to carry
out subparagraph (G) the funds
transferred under clause (i), without
further appropriation.
(c) School lunch programs under this Act shall be operated on
a nonprofit basis. Commodities purchased under the authority of
section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935, may be donated by the
Secretary to schools, in accordance with the needs as
determined by local school authorities, for utilization in the
school lunch program under this Act as well as to other schools
carrying out nonprofit school lunch programs and institutions
authorized to receive such commodities. The requirements of
this section relating to the service of meals without cost or
at a reduced cost shall apply to the lunch program of any
school utilizing commodities donated under any provision of
law.
(d)(1) The Secretary shall require as a condition of
eligibility for receipt of free or reduced price lunches that
the member of the household who executes the application
furnish the last 4 digits of the social security account number
of the parent or guardian who is the primary wage earner
responsible for the care of the child for whom the application
is made, or that of another appropriate adult member of the
child's household, as determined by the Secretary.
(2) No member of a household may be provided a free or
reduced price lunch under this Act unless--
(A) appropriate documentation relating to the income
of such household (as prescribed by the Secretary) has
been provided to the appropriate local educational
agency so that the local educational agency may
calculate the total income of such household;
(B) documentation showing that the household is
participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance
program under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 has
been provided to the appropriate local educational
agency;
(C) documentation has been provided to the
appropriate local educational agency showing that the
family is receiving assistance under the State program
funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security
Act that the Secretary determines complies with
standards established by the Secretary that ensure that
the standards under the State program are comparable to
or more restrictive than those in effect on June 1,
1995;
(D) documentation has been provided to the
appropriate local educational agency showing that the
child meets the criteria specified in clauses (iv) or
(v) of subsection (b)(12)(A);
(E) documentation has been provided to the
appropriate local educational agency showing the status
of the child as a migratory child (as defined in
section 1309 of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6399));
(F)(i) documentation has been provided to the
appropriate local educational agency showing the status
of the child as a foster child whose care and placement
is the responsibility of an agency that administers a
State plan under part B or E of title IV of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 621 et seq.); or
(ii) documentation has been provided to the
appropriate local educational agency showing
the status of the child as a foster child who a
court has placed with a caretaker household; or
(G) documentation has been provided to the
appropriate local educational agency showing the status
of the child as an eligible child (as defined in
subsection (b)(15)(A)).
(e) A school or school food authority participating in a
program under this Act may not contract with a food service
company to provide a la carte food service unless the company
agrees to offer free, reduced price, and full-price
reimbursable meals to all eligible children.
(f) Nutritional Requirements.--
(1) In general.--Schools that are participating in
the school lunch program or school breakfast program
shall serve lunches and breakfasts that--
(A) are consistent with the goals of the most
recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans
published under section 301 of the National
Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act
of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341); and
(B) consider the nutrient needs of children
who may be at risk for inadequate food intake
and food insecurity.
(2) To assist schools in meeting the requirements of this
subsection, the Secretary--
(A) shall--
(i) develop, and provide to schools,
standardized recipes, menu cycles, and food
product specification and preparation
techniques; and
(ii) provide to schools information regarding
nutrient standard menu planning, assisted
nutrient standard menu planning, and food-based
menu systems; and
(B) may provide to schools information regarding
other approaches, as determined by the Secretary.
(3) Use of any reasonable approach.--
(A) In general.--A school food service authority may
use any reasonable approach, within guidelines
established by the Secretary in a timely manner, to
meet the requirements of this subsection, including--
(i) using the school nutrition meal pattern
in effect for the 1994-1995 school year; and
(ii) using any of the approaches described in
paragraph (3).
(B) Nutrient analysis.--The Secretary may not require
a school to conduct or use a nutrient analysis to meet
the requirements of this subsection.
(4) Waiver of requirement for weighted averages for
nutrient analysis.--During the period ending on
September 30, 2010, the Secretary shall not require the
use of weighted averages for nutrient analysis of menu
items and foods offered or served as part of a meal
offered or served under the school lunch program under
this Act or the school breakfast program under section
4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773).
(g) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
subsection, the Secretary shall provide a notification to
Congress that justifies the need for production records
required under section 210.10(b) of title 7, Code of Federal
Regulations, and describes how the Secretary has reduced
paperwork relating to the school lunch and school breakfast
programs.
(h) Food Safety.--
(1) In general.--A school participating in the school
lunch program under this Act or the school breakfast
program under section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of
1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773) shall--
(A) at least twice during each school year,
obtain a food safety inspection conducted by a
State or local governmental agency responsible
for food safety inspections;
(B) post in a publicly visible location a
report on the most recent inspection conducted
under subparagraph (A); and
(C) on request, provide a copy of the report
to a member of the public.
(2) State and local government inspections.--Nothing
in paragraph (1) prevents any State or local government
from adopting or enforcing any requirement for more
frequent food safety inspections of schools.
(3) Audits and reports by states.--[For fiscal year
2019] For fiscal years 2020 and 2021, each State shall
annually--
(A) audit food safety inspections of schools
conducted under paragraphs (1) and (2); and
(B) submit to the Secretary a report of the
results of the audit.
(4) Audit by the secretary.--[For fiscal year 2019]
For fiscal years 2020 and 2021, the Secretary shall
annually audit State reports of food safety inspections
of schools submitted under paragraph (3).
(5) School food safety program.--
(A) In general.--Each school food authority
shall implement a school food safety program,
in the preparation and service of each meal
served to children, that complies with any
hazard analysis and critical control point
system established by the Secretary.
(B) Applicability.--Subparagraph (A) shall
apply to any facility or part of a facility in
which food is stored, prepared, or served for
the purposes of the school nutrition programs
under this Act or section 4 of the Child
Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773).
(i) Single Permanent Agreement Between State Agency and
School Food Authority; Common Claims Form.--
(1) In general.--If a single State agency administers
any combination of the school lunch program under this
Act, the school breakfast program under section 4 of
the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773), the
summer food service program for children under section
13 of this Act, or the child and adult care food
program under section 17 of this Act, the agency
shall--
(A) require each school food authority to
submit to the State agency a single agreement
with respect to the operation by the authority
of the programs administered by the State
agency; and
(B) use a common claims form with respect to
meals and supplements served under the programs
administered by the State agency.
(2) Additional requirement.--The agreement described
in paragraph (1)(A) shall be a permanent agreement that
may be amended as necessary.
(j) Purchases of Locally Produced Foods.--The Secretary
shall--
(1) encourage institutions receiving funds under this
Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771
et seq.) to purchase unprocessed agricultural products,
both locally grown and locally raised, to the maximum
extent practicable and appropriate;
(2) advise institutions participating in a program
described in paragraph (1) of the policy described in
that paragraph and paragraph (3) and post information
concerning the policy on the website maintained by the
Secretary; and
(3) allow institutions receiving funds under this Act
and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et
seq.), including the Department of Defense Fresh Fruit
and Vegetable Program, to use a geographic preference
for the procurement of unprocessed agricultural
products, both locally grown and locally raised.
(k) Information on the School Nutrition Environment.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
(A) establish requirements for local
educational agencies participating in the
school lunch program under this Act and the
school breakfast program established by section
4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C.
1773) to report information about the school
nutrition environment, for all schools under
the jurisdiction of the local educational
agencies, to the Secretary and to the public in
the State on a periodic basis; and
(B) provide training and technical assistance
to States and local educational agencies on the
assessment and reporting of the school
nutrition environment, including the use of any
assessment materials developed by the
Secretary.
(2) Requirements.--In establishing the requirements
for reporting on the school nutrition environment under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
(A) include information pertaining to food
safety inspections, local wellness policies,
meal program participation, the nutritional
quality of program meals, and other information
as determined by the Secretary; and
(B) ensure that information is made available
to the public by local educational agencies in
an accessible, easily understood manner in
accordance with guidelines established by the
Secretary.
(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
subsection such sums as are necessary for each of
fiscal years 2011 through 2015.
(l) Food Donation Program.--
(1) In general.--Each school and local educational
agency participating in the school lunch program under
this Act may donate any food not consumed under such
program to eligible local food banks or charitable
organizations.
(2) Guidance.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of the enactment of this
subsection, the Secretary shall develop and
publish guidance to schools and local
educational agencies participating in the
school lunch program under this Act to assist
such schools and local educational agencies in
donating food under this subsection.
(B) Updates.--The Secretary shall update such
guidance as necessary.
(3) Liability.--Any school or local educational
agency making donations pursuant to this subsection
shall be exempt from civil and criminal liability to
the extent provided under the Bill Emerson Good
Samaritan Food Donation Act (42 U.S.C. 1791).
(4) Definition.--In this subsection, the term
``eligible local food banks or charitable
organizations'' means any food bank or charitable
organization which is exempt from tax under section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26
U.S.C. 501(c)(3)).
* * * * * * *
SEC. 26. INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall enter into a contract
with a nongovernmental organization described in subsection (b)
to establish and maintain a clearinghouse to provide
information to nongovernmental groups located throughout the
United States that assist low-income individuals or communities
regarding food assistance, self-help activities to aid
individuals in becoming self-reliant, and other activities that
empower low-income individuals or communities to improve the
lives of low-income individuals and reduce reliance on Federal,
State, or local governmental agencies for food or other
assistance.
(b) Nongovernmental Organization.--The nongovernmental
organization referred to in subsection (a) shall be selected on
a competitive basis and shall--
(1) be experienced in the gathering of first-hand
information in all the States through onsite visits to
grassroots organizations in each State that fight
hunger and poverty or that assist individuals in
becoming self-reliant;
(2) be experienced in the establishment of a
clearinghouse similar to the clearinghouse described in
subsection (a);
(3) agree to contribute in-kind resources towards the
establishment and maintenance of the clearinghouse and
agree to provide clearinghouse information, free of
charge, to the Secretary, States, counties, cities,
antihunger groups, and grassroots organizations that
assist individuals in becoming self-sufficient and
self-reliant;
(4) be sponsored by an organization, or be an
organization, that--
(A) has helped combat hunger for at least 10
years;
(B) is committed to reinvesting in the United
States; and
(C) is knowledgeable regarding Federal
nutrition programs;
(5) be experienced in communicating the purpose of
the clearinghouse through the media, including the
radio and print media, and be able to provide access to
the clearinghouse information through computer or
telecommunications technology, as well as through the
mails; and
(6) be able to provide examples, advice, and guidance
to States, counties, cities, communities, antihunger
groups, and local organizations regarding means of
assisting individuals and communities to reduce
reliance on government programs, reduce hunger, improve
nutrition, and otherwise assist low-income individuals
and communities become more self-sufficient.
(c) Audits.--The Secretary shall establish fair and
reasonable auditing procedures regarding the expenditures of
funds to carry out this section.
(d) Funding.--Out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise
appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall pay to the
Secretary to provide to the organization selected under this
section, to establish and maintain the information
clearinghouse, $200,000 for each of fiscal years 1995 and 1996,
$150,000 for fiscal year 1997, $100,000 for fiscal year 1998,
$166,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2004, and
$250,000 for each of fiscal years [2010 through 2019] 2010
through 2021. The Secretary shall be entitled to receive the
funds and shall accept the funds, without further
appropriation.
* * * * * * *
----------
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION ACT OF 1936
TITLE I
* * * * * * *
SEC. 2. GENERAL AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.
(a) Loans.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this
Act as the ``Secretary'') is authorized and empowered to make
loans, or refinance loans [made by the Secretary] made or
guaranteed by the Secretary under this Act, in the several
States and Territories of the United States for rural
electrification and for the purpose of furnishing and improving
electric and telephone service in rural areas, as provided in
this Act, and for the purpose of assisting electric borrowers
to implement demand side management, energy efficiency and
conservation programs, and on-grid and off-grid renewable
energy systems.
(b) Investigations and Reports.--The Secretary may make, or
cause to be made, studies, investigations, and reports
regarding matters, including financial, technological, and
regulatory matters, affecting the condition and progress of
electric, telecommunications, and economic development in rural
areas, and publish and disseminate information with respect to
the matters.
(c) Technical Assistance.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall enter
into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Energy
under which the Secretary of Energy shall provide technical
assistance to the Rural Utilities Service on loans to be made
under subsection (a) of this section and section 4(a).
* * * * * * *
Changes in the Application of Existing Law
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the following statements are
submitted describing the effect of provisions in the
accompanying bill that directly or indirectly change the
application of existing law.
The bill includes a number of provisions which place
limitations on the use of funds in the bill or change existing
limitations and that might, under some circumstances, be
construed as changing the application of existing law:
1. Office of the Secretary.--Language is included to limit
the amount of funds for official reception and representation
expenses, as determined by the Secretary.
2. Departmental Administration.--Language is included to
reimburse the agency for travel expenses incident to the
holding of hearings.
3. Economic Research Service.--Language is included to
prohibit the use of funds to relocate the Economic Research
Service outside the National Capital Region.
4. Agricultural Research Service.--Language is included
that allows the Agricultural Research Service to grant
easements at the Beltsville, MD, agricultural research center
and to grant easements at any facility for the construction of
a research facility for use by the agency.
5. Agricultural Research Service.--Language is included to
limit the amount of funds that may be obligated to support the
National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility.
6. National Institute of Food and Agriculture.--Language is
included to prohibit the use of funds to relocate the National
Institute of Food and Agriculture outside the National Capital
Region.
7. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.--The bill
includes language regarding state matching funds and the
brucellosis control program through state cost sharing.
Language is included to allow APHIS to recoup expenses
incurred from providing technical assistance goods, or services
to non-APHIS personnel, and to allow transfers of funds for
agricultural emergencies.
Language is included to limit the amount of funds for
representational allowances.
Language is included to limit the amount of funds that may
be obligated to support the National Bio and Agro-Defense
Facility.
8. Agricultural Marketing Service, Limitation on
Administrative Expenses.--The bill includes language to allow
AMS to exceed the limitation on administrative expenses by 10
percent with notification to the Appropriations Committees.
9. Agricultural Marketing Service, Inspection and Weighing
Services.--The bill includes authority to exceed the limitation
on inspection and weighing services by 10 percent with
notification to the Appropriations Committees.
10. Food Safety and Inspection Service.--Language is
included to limit the amount of funds for representational
allowances.
11. Dairy Indemnity Program.--Language is included by
reference that allows the Secretary to utilize the services of
the Commodity Credit Corporation for the purpose of making
dairy indemnity payments.
12. Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account.--
Language is included that deems the pink bollworm a boll weevil
for the purposes of administering the boll weevil loan program.
13. Risk Management Agency.--Language is included to limit
the amount of funds for official reception and representation
expenses.
14. Commodity Credit Corporation Fund.--Language is
included to provide for the reimbursement appropriation.
Language is also included to allow certain funds transferred
from the Commodity Credit Corporation to be used for
information resource management. In addition, language is
included which limits the amount of funds that can be spent on
operation and maintenance costs of CCC hazardous waste sites.
15. Rural Development Salaries and Expenses.--Language is
included to allow funds to be used for advertising and
promotional activities.
16. Rental Assistance Program.--Language is included that
provides that agreements entered into during the current fiscal
year be funded for a one-year period. Language also is included
to renew contracts once during any 12-month period.
17. Office of Codex Alimentarius.--Language is included to
limit the amount of funds for official reception and
representation expenses.
18. Foreign Agricultural Service.--Language is included to
enable the agency to use funds received by an advance or by
reimbursement to carry out its activities.
19. McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and
Child Nutrition Program Grants.--Language is included to
specify the amount of funds available to purchase commodities
described by subsection 3107(a)(2) of the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002.
20. Food and Drug Administration, Salaries and Expenses.--
Language is included to limit the amount of funds for official
reception and representation expenses and to limit the usage of
certain user fees.
21. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.--Language is
included to limit the amount of funds for official reception
and representation expenses. Language is also included to allow
the Commission to record prior year lease obligations.
22. Farm Credit Administration.--The bill includes
authority to exceed the limitation on assessments by 10 percent
with notification to the Appropriations Committees.
23. General Provisions.--
Section 701.--The bill includes language regarding limits
on motor vehicles.
Section 702.--The bill includes language regarding changes
to the Working Capital Fund of the Department of Agriculture
and the National Finance Center.
Section 703.--The bill includes language limiting funding
provided in the bill to one year unless otherwise specified.
Section 704.--This provision provides that none of the
funds in this Act may be made available to pay indirect costs
charged against competitive agricultural research, education,
or extension grants awarded by the National Institute of Food
and Agriculture in excess of 10 percent of total direct costs.
Section 705.--This provision allows funds made available in
the current fiscal year for the Rural Development Loan Fund
program account; the Rural Electrification and
Telecommunications Loans program account; and the Rural Housing
Insurance Fund program account to remain available until
expended to disburse obligations.
Section 706.--Language is included that requires approval
of the Chief Information Officer and the concurrence of the
Executive Information Technology Investment Review Board for
acquisition of new information technology systems or
significant upgrades, and that prohibits the transfer of funds
to the Office of the Chief Information Officer without the
notification and prior approval of the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.
Section 707.--Language is included regarding the
availability of funds for certain conservation programs.
Section 708.--Language is included regarding certain Rural
Utilities Service Programs.
Section 709.--Language is included that allows unobligated
balances of the Farm Service Agency and Rural Development
mission areas to be used for information technology purposes.
Section 710.--Language is included regarding the
prohibition of first-class travel by the employees of agencies
funded in this Act.
Section 711.--Language is included regarding the funds of
the Commodity Credit Corporation.
Section 712.--Language is included that limits the amount
of spending for USDA advisory committees.
Section 713.--The bill includes language regarding computer
networks.
Section 714.--The bill includes language regarding Section
32 activities.
Section 715.--Language is included that prohibits funds
from being used to prepare a budget submission to Congress that
assumes reductions from the previous year's budget due to user
fee proposals unless the submission also identifies spending
reductions which should occur if the user fees are not enacted.
Section 716.--The bill includes language regarding the
reprogramming of funds by USDA.
Section 717.--The bill includes language regarding the
reprogramming of funds and notification requirements for FDA
and CFTC.
Section 718.--The bill includes language regarding fees for
the guaranteed business and industry loan program.
Section 719.--This provision prohibits the Department of
Agriculture or the Food and Drug Administration from
transmitting or making available to any non-Department of
Agriculture or non-Department of Health and Human Services
employee questions or responses to questions that are a result
of information requested for the appropriations hearing
process.
Section 720.--The bill includes language regarding
government-sponsored news stories.
Section 721.--This provision includes language regarding
the detailing of any employee of the Department of Agriculture
within that department.
Section 722.--The bill includes language regarding
eligibility for Rural Development programs.
Section 723.--The bill includes language requiring spend
plans.
Section 724.--The bill includes a rescission of unobligated
balances.
Section 725.--The bill includes language regarding rural
housing loans.
Section 726.--The bill includes language regarding USDA
loan programs.
Section 727.--The bill includes language regarding the
Working Capital Fund.
Section 728.--The bill includes language regarding SNAP
variety requirements.
Section 729.--The bill includes language regarding housing
loan programs.
Section 730.--The bill includes language regarding consumer
information.
Section 731.--The bill includes language regarding FDA
regulations.
Section 732.--The bill includes language regarding Food for
Peace.
Section 733.--The bill includes language regarding a Rural
Development energy program.
Section 734.--The bill includes language regarding USDA
regulations.
Section 735.--The bill includes language regarding FDA
regulations.
Section 736.--The bill includes language regarding animal
welfare.
Section 737.--The bill includes language regarding United
States iron and steel products.
Section 738.--The bill includes language regarding
lobbying.
Section 739.--The bill includes language regarding poultry
products.
Section 740.--The bill includes language regarding certain
inspection activities.
Section 741.--The bill includes language regarding Rural
Development programs.
Section 742.--The bill includes language regarding poultry
products.
Section 743.--The bill includes language regarding child
nutrition programs.
Section 744.--The bill includes language regarding the
Healthy Food Financing Initiative.
Section 745.--The bill includes language regarding citrus
greening.
Section 746.--The bill includes language regarding grape
varietals.
Section 747.--The bill includes language regarding school
lunch programs.
Section 748.--The bill includes language regarding rural
broadband.
Section 749.--The bill includes language regarding the
National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Section 750.--The bill includes language regarding school
breakfast programs.
Section 751.--The bill includes language regarding FDA
regulations.
Section 752.--The bill includes language regarding Centers
of Excellence.
Section 753.--The bill includes language regarding
assistance to rural hospitals.
Section 754.--The bill provides funding for grants under
section 12502 of P.L. 115-334.
Section 755.--The bill rescinds certain USDA balances.
Section 756.--The bill includes language regarding the
organic program.
Section 757.--The bill includes language regarding
demonstration projects for tribal organizations.
Section 758.--The bill includes language regarding USDA
agencies.
Section 759.--The bill includes language regarding USDA
agencies.
Section 760.--The bill includes language regarding animal
welfare.
Section 762.--The bill includes language regarding matching
funds for certain research programs.
Section 763.--The bill includes language regarding the
school breakfast programs.
Section 765.--The bill includes language regarding Rural
Development loans.
Section 766.--The bill includes language regarding research
facilities.
Section 767.--The bill includes language regarding research
programs.
Section 769.--The bill includes language regarding food
loss.
Section 770.--The bill includes language regarding
nutrition programs.
Section 771.--The bill includes language regarding
pollinator research.
Section 778.--The bill includes language regarding gene
editing.
Section 779.--The bill includes language regarding swine
inspections.
Section 780.--The bill includes language regarding Job
Corps Civilian Conservation Centers.
Appropriations Not Authorized By Law
Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(B) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the following table lists the
appropriations in the accompanying bill which are not
authorized by law for the period concerned:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation in
Agency/Program Last year of Authorization last year of Appropriations in
authorization level authorization this bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFTC................................ 2013 Such sums $205,000,000 $315,000,000
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program... 2015 Such sums 16,548,000 18,548,000
State Administrative Expenses....... 2015 Such sums 263,686,000 315,130,000
Summer Food Service Program......... 2015 Such sums 495,521,000 551,928,000
WIC................................. 2015 Such sums 6,623,000,000 6,000,000,000
Multi-Family Revitalization Program. 2016 Such sums 41,400,000 75,000,000
Broadband Telecommunications Grants. 2016 Such sums 34,500,000 50,000,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison With the Budget Resolution
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives and section 308(a)(1)(A) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the following table compares
the levels of new budget authority provided in the bill with
the appropriate allocation under section 302(b) of the Budget
Act:
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
302 (b) Allocation This Bill
---------------------------------------------------------------
Budget Budget
Authority Outlays Authority Outlays
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee
allocations to its subcommittees: Subcommittee
on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and
Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
Discretionary............................... 24,310 22,900 24,310\1\ 22,787
Mandatory................................... 104,784 97,151 104,784\1\ 97,151
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from pnor-year budget authority.
NOTE--The amounts in this report do not include $75,000,000 in discretionary budget authority and $64,000,000 in
associated outlays provided for the purposes specified in the 21st Century Cures Act (Public Law 114-255)
Pursuant to title I of that act, such funding does not count for the purposes of the Congressional Budget Act
of 1974 or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985,
1AIn addition, the amounts in this report do not include $8,000,000 in discretionary budget authority, and
$1,848,000,000 in discretionary outlays from funding provided by the Additional Supplemental Appropnations for
Disaster Relief Act, 2019, that was designated as being for emergency requirements pursuant to section 251 of
the Balanced Budget Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 Consistent with the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, in the House of Representatives such amounts do not count against the
Committee's allocation
Five-Year Outlay Projections
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives and section 308(a)(1)(B) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the following table contains
five-year projections associated with the budget authority
provided in the accompanying bill as provided to the Committee
by the Congressional Budget Office:
[In millions of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outlays Projection of outlays associated with the
recommendation:
2020\1\.......................................... 102,992
2021............................................. 6,986
2022............................................. 1,661
2023............................................. 866
2024 and future years............................ 582
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
Assistance to State and Local Governments
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives and section 308(a)(1)(C) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Congressional Budget
Office has provided the following estimates of the amounts of
financial assistance to State and local governments is as
follows:
[In millions of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget Authority Outlays
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial assistance to State and 40,171/1/ 24,463
local governments for 2020.......
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
Committee Hearings
For the purposes of section 103(i) of H. Res. 6 of the
116th Congress--
The following hearings were used to develop or consider the
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration,
and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020:
The Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food
and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies (Subcommittee)
held an oversight hearing on February 27, 2019, entitled ``Food
and Drug Administration--Status of Operations''. The
Subcommittee received testimony from:
Scott Gottlieb, MD, Commissioner, Food and
Drug Administration
The Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on March 12,
2019, entitled ``USDA Office of Inspector General.'' The
Subcommittee received testimony from:
Phyllis Fong, Inspector General, USDA
Gil Harden, Assistant Inspector General,
USDA
Ann Coffey, Assistant Inspector General,
USDA
The Subcommittee held a hearing on March 26, 2019, entitled
``Member Day.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from:
The Honorable Neal P. Dunn, Member of
Congress
The Honorable Jennifer Gonzalez-Colon,
Member of Congress
The Honorable Shelia Jackson Lee, Member of
Congress
The Honorable James P. McGovern, Member of
Congress
The Honorable Bill Posey, Member of Congress
The Honorable Glenn Thompson, Member of
Congress
The Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on March 27,
2019, entitled ``USDA's Proposed Relocation of the Economic
Research Service and the National Institute of Food and
Agriculture.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from:
Kristi J. Boswell, Senior Advisor to the
Secretary of Agriculture, USDA
Gale A. Buchanan, Ph.D., former Under
Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, USDA
Katherine Smith Evans, Ph.D., for
Administrator for the Economic Research Service, USDA
John E. Lee, Jr., Ph.D., for Administrator
for the Economic Research Service, USDA
Catherine E. Woteki, Ph.D., former Under
Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, USDA
The Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on April 2,
2019, entitled ``The Rural Economy''. The Subcommittee received
testimony from:
Jeffery S. Hall, Board Chairman, Farm Credit
System Insurance Corporation
Rod Hebrink, President and CEO, Compeer Farm
Credit, Sun Prairie, WI
Mark Jensen, President and CEO, FCS of
America/Frontier Farm Credit, Omaha, NE
Paxton Poitevint, President and CEO,
Southwest Georgia Farm Credit, Bainbridge, GA
Dallas P. Tonsager, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration
The Subcommittee held a budget hearing on April 3, 2019,
entitled ``Food and Drug Administration Budget Request for FY
2020''. The Subcommittee received testimony from:
Scott Gottlieb, M.D., Commissioner, Food and
Drug Administration
The Subcommittee held a budget hearing on April 9, 2019,
entitled ``Department of Agriculture Budget Request for Fiscal
Year 2020''. The Subcommittee received testimony from:
The Honorable Sonny Perdue, Secretary, U.S.
Department of Agriculture
Ms. Erica Navarro, Budget Officer, U.S.
Department of Agriculture
The Subcommittee held a hearing on April 10, 2019, entitled
``Economic Opportunities for Farmers through Sustainable
Agricultural Practices''. The Subcommittee received testimony
from:
Kevin Norton, Acting Associate Chief,
Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA
Nate Powell-Palm, Certified Organic Farmer,
Montana
Jason Weller, Senior Director of
Sustainability, Land O' Lakes SUSTAIN, Minnesota
Comparative Statement of Budgetary Resources
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
MINORITY VIEWS
We appreciate the collegial and collaborative efforts of
Subcommittee Chair, Sanford Bishop, and the Full Committee
Chair, Nita Lowey, in producing an Agriculture, Rural
Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
Appropriations bill that addresses priorities of Members on
both sides of the aisle. We have policy differences with the
Majority in a limited number of circumstances, and a divergence
in views over the level of funding necessary to address the
critical needs of this bill, but we can and will continue to
work together in a bipartisan, collaborative manner as the
process moves forward.
We are most pleased by the continuation of the Republicans'
previous commitment to work with the private sector in
rebuilding or building the economic vitality of rural America
through a $3,400,000,000 investment in critical infrastructure
and business programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA). The Majority includes report language to encourage the
USDA to consider the broader social benefits when the
Department seeks applications for the $680,000,000 of broadband
resources in this bill. It is very important that we measure
the impact of broadband in how it affects the ecosystem of
livability. Not just more wires, but livability from enhanced
telehealth, telecommuting, and precision agriculture, and other
applications to make broadband an effective infrastructure
investment.
We are also pleased to see an increase of $185,000,000 for
the Food and Drug Administration. Between investments in fiscal
year 2019 and investments in this bill, the agency will receive
an increase of $27,000,000 to help expedite the approval of
safe and effective generic drugs, increase competition, lower
drug prices, and lessen the financial burden on the American
consumer. The Majority also provided other agreed upon
increases for the safety of new, innovative medical devices
that will improve public health and allow U.S. businesses to
remain competitive in this field. Lastly, we agree with
investments in food safety by lessening the burden on our state
health departments. These resources support our states who are
the ones who often apply the FDA's high standard for production
of foods across the country.
We are deeply concerned that the Majority party passed ten
of twelve appropriations bills out of Committee without first
reaching a bipartisan, bicameral agreement with the Senate and
the Administration. This bill is $1,000,000,000 above the
fiscal year 2019 enacted level. No doubt there are critical
programs in this bill deserving of strong Congressional
support, but that sentiment in no way negates the need for an
over-arching plan for fiscal responsibility. The House
Democrats' budget framework would raise the discretionary
spending caps and put the Federal government on track to add to
the national debt, which is already above $22,000,000,000,000
and rising. We fear this is setting us up for a scenario that
could end in a year-long continuing resolution at best--or
another protracted government shutdown at worst.
In addition to overall funding concerns, Republican Members
of the Committee were disappointed by several policy
provisions. Some of the provisions encourage violation of
federal law or Congressional intent, at a minimum. For example,
the Majority included language under the heading of the Office
of the Secretary relating to Grain Export Inspection. The
language ``strongly discourages USDA from requiring its grain
inspectors to cross a picket line''. Such language is
irresponsible when the Grain Inspections Act clearly obligates
inspectors to conduct inspections unless the Secretary were to
waive the requirement for safety reasons. Using USDA inspectors
in a labor dispute and interfering with the export sales of
U.S. product during an already turbulent international trade
environment is completely unnecessary.
We are also disappointed to see language inserted
throughout the bill that ties the hands of the Administration
in many ways. The bill restricts the abilities of a Cabinet
Secretary to reorganize agencies and transfer and reprogram
funds. These changes will hinder the administration's ability
to improve operational efficiencies and respond quickly to
changing resource needs. Such constraints are unreasonable, and
we believe are being done purely to limit the ability of an
Administration from an opposing political party to fulfill its
responsibilities.
Starting with the fiscal year 2016 Omnibus appropriation
act, the Committee acted to prevent any emerging science that
would allow for the clinical germline gene editing. As of
today, this prohibition is accepted by nearly every nation in
the world due to known and unknown risks. Recognizing the
bipartisan concern about the absence of this provision, the
Committee wisely accepted the amendment by Republican
Representative Robert Aderholt to restore this prohibition
until the broader international community of public health
experts can understand the science, ethics, and reason
associated with this research and determine ways to reduce
risks to the lives of future individuals and society. The
agreement on this amendment represented a shining moment for
the Committee as we came together for the good of all humanity.
Despite our disagreements over the issues discussed above,
we appreciate the Majority's willingness to address Member
priorities in the bill and report and to include Minority
Committee Members in the development of the bill. The
Subcommittee has a long-standing tradition of bipartisanship,
and we will continue to work in good faith with our colleagues
as we proceed through the appropriations process. By working
together, we can best address the needs of our rural
communities, the safety of our food supply and medical
products, the soundness of our commodity markets, and the
strength of our Nation's farmers, ranchers, and producers who
serve as the foundation of America's prosperity, stability, and
economic vitality. We are fortunate to have such a diverse and
plentiful food supply that is made possible through hard work
and the programs in this bill that assist farmers and ranchers
across the country and the world.
Kay Granger.
[all]