[House Report 117-392]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


117th Congress    }                                       {     Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session       }                                       {    117-392

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



 
   AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND 
              RELATED AGENCIES APPRO- PRIATIONS BILL, 2023

                                _______
                                

  June 27, 2022.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

     Mr. Bishop of Georgia, from the Committee on Appropriations, 
                        submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                             together with

                             MINORITY VIEWS

                       [To accompany H. R. 8239]

    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 2023.

                                CONTENTS

                                                                   Page
Title I--Agricultural Programs...................................     3
Title II--Farm Production and Conservation Programs..............    46
Title III--Rural Development Programs............................    60
Title IV--Domestic Food Programs.................................    75
Title V--Foreign Assistance and Related Programs.................    83
Title VI--Related Agencies and Food and Drug Administration Title    85
Title VII--General Provisions....................................   102

                                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 matters of importance to Americans every 
day of the year.
    The fiscal year 2023 discretionary spending in this bill 
totals $27,200,000,000, which is $2,075,000,000 above the 
fiscal year 2022 enacted level and $350,312,000 below the 
President's budget request for fiscal year 2023.
    In this report, ``the Committees'' refers to the Committees 
on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the 
Senate.
    The Subcommittee held five hearings related to the agencies 
it funds. Those hearings were:
           USDA Inspector General--March 29, 2022
           The FY 2023 Budget Request for the 
        Department of Agriculture--April 28, 2022
           The FY 2023 Budget Request for the Food and 
        Drug Administration--May 19, 2022
           The Infant Formula Crisis--May 25, 2022
           Member Day--May 25, 2022
    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 each 
department and agency to include the following information in 
its fiscal year 2024 budget justification: expenditures for 
fiscal year 2022 and expected expenditures for fiscal years 
2023 and 2024 for (1) all contracts for advertising services; 
and (2) contracts for the advertising services of socially and 
economically disadvantaged small businesses 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.
    Conditions of Employment.--The Committee recognizes that 
harassment, including sexual harassment and assault, continues 
to be pervasive in the workplace, and that the use of pre-
dispute nondisclosure and non-disparagement clauses as 
conditions of employment can perpetuate illegal conduct by 
silencing survivors and shielding perpetrators. The Committee 
directs USDA, FDA and CFTC to assess the number of pre-dispute 
nondisclosure and non-disparagement clauses in employment 
contracts used by contractors receiving Federal funds from 
those agencies, the estimated dollar value of those contracts, 
and to include a report with their findings in their fiscal 
year 2024 budget request.
    Extreme weather events.--The Committee remains concerned 
about the impacts extreme weather events are having on farmers 
and producers in 2022, such as freeze losses for blueberry 
producers, and will continue to monitor these events, damage 
estimates, and other relevant information and take additional 
action as necessary.
    Federal Law Enforcement.--The explanatory statement that 
accompanied the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related 
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022 directed the Attorney General 
to ensure implementation of evidence-based training programs on 
de-escalation, the use-of force, and the protection of civil 
rights, that are broadly applicable and scalable to all Federal 
law enforcement agencies. Several agencies funded by this Act 
employ Federal law enforcement officers and are Federal Law 
Enforcement Training Centers partner organizations. These 
agencies are again directed to consult with the Attorney 
General regarding the implementation of these programs for 
their law enforcement officers. The Committee further directs 
such agencies to submit a report to the Committee on their 
efforts relating to such implementation not later than 90 days 
after consultation with the Attorney General. In addition, the 
Committee continues to direct such agencies to the extent that 
they are not already participating, to consult with the 
Attorney General and the Director of the FBI regarding 
participation in the National Use-of-Force Data Collection. The 
Committee further directs such agencies to submit a report to 
the Committee not later than 180 days after enactment of this 
Act on their efforts to so participate.

                                TITLE I


                         AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS


                   Processing, Research and Marketing


                        Office of the Secretary


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $54,710,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        79,010,000
Provided in the bill..................................        69,845,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       +15,135,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        -9,165,000
 

    The following table reflects the amount provided by the 
Committee for each office and activity:

                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        FY 2022     FY 2023    Committee
                                        enacted     estimate   provision
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Secretary..............      7,203       10,623      8,432
Office of Homeland Security..........      1,353        2,306      1,396
Office of Tribal Relations...........      2,215        6,450      5,190
Office of Partnerships and Public          7,044        8,525     11,287
 Engagement..........................
Office of the Assistant Secretary for      1,649        1,747      1,706
 Administration......................
Departmental Administration..........     23,282       33,300     27,116
Office of the Assistant Secretary for      4,480        4,671      4,609
 Congressional Relations and
 Intergovernmental Affairs...........
Office of Communications.............      7,484       11,388     10,109
                                      ----------------------------------
    Total, Office of the Secretary...     54,710       79,010     69,845
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of the Secretary, the Committee provides an 
appropriation of $69,849,000.
    Similar to prior years, the Committee does not include 
direct funding for activities that are currently funded through 
other resources such as the Working Capital Fund or that have 
historically been funded through other means.
    The Committee provides $11,287,000 for the Office of 
Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), including an 
increase of $4,007,000 for additional staff.
    Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Report.--The Committee 
directs the Secretary to provide a report on November 15, 2022, 
and May 15, 2023, on planned uses of funding under the 
authorities of Section 4 and Section 11 of the CCC Charter Act.
    CCC Obligations and Commitments.--The Secretary is directed 
to notify the Committees in writing 15 days prior to any 
announcement on the use of funds from the CCC or to the 
obligation or commitment of any emergency funds from the CCC.
    Communication from USDA.--A collaborative working relation- 
ship 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.
    Explanatory Notes.--The Committee appreciates the 
Department's work to restore the Explanatory Notes to the same 
format as they had been presented prior to fiscal year 2021 and 
directs that this format be maintained for fiscal year 2024 and 
beyond.
    FSA State Directors.--The Committee directs the Secretary 
to prioritize the appointment of State Executive Directors of 
the Farm Service Agency and work expeditiously with the White 
House to confirm each State Executive Director in an 
appropriate timeframe consistent with the duties and activities 
this leadership role provides. The Committee recognizes that 
State Executive Directors play an integral role in employee 
training, the delivery of critical farm support programs, and 
is essential in the overall operations of the state and local 
Farm Service Agency offices who serve at the forefront of the 
Department's customer-based services.
    Foods for Health.--The Committee recognizes USDA can do 
more to support local food producers and encourages efforts to 
increase local food purchases for hospitals, clinics, and 
health providers to support food prescription programs that 
provide medically tailored foods, including fresh fruits and 
vegetables, to patients for the prevention or management of 
diet-impacted health conditions and improvements in dietary 
health.
    Food Waste Consumer Education.--The Committee recommends 
that USDA enter into public-private partnership to provide 
consumer-facing outreach on food loss and waste and prevention 
strategies.
    Grain Terminals.--The Committee notes the ongoing contract 
negotiations between West Coast grain terminal operators and 
the union recognizes the importance of reaching an agreement 
that works for both parties. A failure to reach an agreement 
could result in an interruption in grain terminal service that 
would negatively impact the nation's grain exports. The 
Committee urges all parties to continue negotiating in good 
faith to ensure an equitable outcome for both grain terminal 
operators and their workers is expeditiously reached.
    Hemp Extract Regulation.--The Committee is concerned about 
the inconsistencies in the regulation of the production of hemp 
by USDA and DEA. Congress vested primary regulatory authority 
in USDA and expects other regulatory actions to align with it. 
Congress intentionally expanded the definition of hemp to 
include derivatives, extracts and cannabinoids in an effort to 
avoid the criminalization of hemp processing. Committee 
understands that in-process hemp extract may temporarily exceed 
the delta-9 THC concentration of 0.3% before being packaged and 
sold as a finished product for consumption. Therefore the 
Committee directs USDA to coordinate directly with the DEA to 
present the industry with guidance and information on in-
process extracted material.
    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 the 
Office of Budget and Program Analysis (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.
    National Finance Center.--The National Finance Center (NFC) 
is the largest designated Federal Government Payroll Shared 
Service Provider and it provides integrated payroll and 
personnel services for over 640,000 Federal employees. To 
ensure that thousands of Federal employees' pay and human 
resources services are not interrupted or adversely impacted by 
major organizational changes, the Committee has modified 
requirements under current law relating to NFC payroll and 
shared services operations, missions, personnel, and functions. 
The Committee also directs the USDA to provide quarterly 
reports on full-time equivalent (FTE) levels for each of the 
current NFC divisions, operations, and functions, as well as 
each of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) and 
Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) divisions, 
operations, and functions currently co-located with the NFC. 
The reports also are to include a detailed breakdown of the 
FTEs for each and any of these same divisions, functions, or 
operations for the NFC and the co-located OCFO and OCIO 
functions compared to those during FY 2017 and 2018.
    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 USDA, 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 continues to direct 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.
    New Initiatives.--The Committee requests USDA, no later 
than 120 days after enactment, to submit an execution plan for 
each new initiative funded in this Act. This strategy should 
include, but is not limited to, the steps necessary to make 
funding available, the timeline thereof, targeted 
beneficiaries, and expected results. The Committee requests 
quarterly reports on these initiatives until the initiative has 
been fully implemented.
    Notification Requirements.--The Committee reminds the 
Department that the Committee uses the definitions for 
transfer, reprogramming, and program, project, and activity as 
defined by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). As noted 
in the 2021 Joint Explanatory Statement, a program, project, or 
activity (PPA) is an element within a budget account. PPAs are 
identified by reference to include the most specific level of 
budget items identified in the Agriculture, Rural Development, 
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Act, 2021, 
accompanying Committee reports, explanatory statements, and 
budget justifications. The Committee notes that the most 
specific level of budget items in the USDA budget 
justifications is not limited to tables titled ``Project 
Statement''.
    Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers 
and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers.--The Committee 
recognizes the importance of the Outreach and Assistance for 
Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers 
and Ranchers program. The Committee requests the Secretary 
identify any barriers to access the program, make 
recommendations to improve the program and report to the 
Committees.
    Pay Costs.--The Committee provides the full pay and FERS 
costs for all offices and agencies of USDA funded in this bill 
and FDA. Similar to prior years, the Committee does not include 
direct funding for USDA activities currently funded through 
other resources such as the Working Capital Fund or have 
historically been funded through other means.
    Resilient Building Materials.--With increases in weather-
related and other natural disasters, there is a clear need to 
increase resilience of the nation's buildings and 
infrastructure. Mass timber and other innovative wood products, 
when appropriately used in the construction of buildings and 
other infrastructure, have been shown to withstand wind, 
seismic, and other natural forces with robust results and the 
Committee acknowledges the need to include these products in 
any categorization of products considered to be resilient by 
the USDA and other federal agencies. The Committee, therefore, 
encourages the USDA to support programs that include the use of 
wood products to improve the nation's ability to withstand and 
recover from weather-related and other natural events.
    Spending Plans.--The bill continues a provision in Title 
VII that requires USDA to submit spending plans to the 
Committee within 30 days of enactment. Previous versions of 
these plans have not included adequate details that would be 
useful for Committee oversight. The Committee requests that the 
USDA spending plans include for each program, project, or 
activity: (1) a comparison between the congressional budget 
justification funding levels, the most recent congressional 
directives or approved funding levels, and the funding levels 
proposed by the department or agency; and (2) a clear, concise, 
and informative description/justification. The Committee 
reminds USDA of notification requirements, also included in 
Title VII, for all applicable changes.
    Livestock Gene Editing Cooperation.--As the Secretary of 
Agriculture develops regulations pertaining to the movement of 
animals modified or developed by genetic engineering, the 
Secretary shall consult with the Commissioner of the Food and 
Drug Administration to ensure any resulting regulations are 
coordinated.
    Status of House and Senate Report Language.--The Department 
is directed to include in its fiscal year 2024 Congressional 
Justification, as a single exhibit, a table listing all 
deliverables, with a column for due dates if applicable. OBPA 
is directed to provide updates on the status of House and 
Senate reports upon request from the Committees.
    Strong working conditions for our farmworkers are critical 
to the resiliency of the food and agricultural supply chain. 
The Committee is supportive of USDA's efforts to improve 
working conditions for farmworkers, including for women 
farmworkers who are vulnerable to sexual assault and 
exploitation in the workplace. The Committee urges the 
Department to expand partnerships with appropriate entities to 
ensure the working conditions and challenges faced by women 
farmworkers are adequately investigated and incorporated into 
USDA's pilots and programs. The Committee requests the 
Department to conduct a study to 1) understand the work 
conditions and challenges, such as sexual assault, faced by 
women farmworkers; and 2) to develop recommendations on how the 
Department can promote improvements through its programs and 
pilots.

                          Executive Operations


                     OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ECONOMIST

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $27,199,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        32,012,000
Provided in the bill..................................        30,181,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................        +2,982,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        -1,831,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of the Chief Economist, the Committee 
provides $30,181,000, including $500,000 for the food loss 
coordinator position.

                     OFFICE OF HEARINGS AND APPEALS

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $16,173,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        16,743,000
Provided in the bill..................................        16,703,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................          +530,000
  2023 budget estimate................................           -40,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of Hearings and Appeals, the Committee 
provides $16,703,000.

                 OFFICE OF BUDGET AND PROGRAM ANALYSIS

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $11,337,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        20,738,000
Provided in the bill..................................        16,967,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................        +5,630,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        -3,771,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of Budget and Program Analysis, the 
Committee provides $16,967,000.

                Office of the Chief Information Officer


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $84,746,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        97,547,000
Provided in the bill..................................        93,284,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................        +8,538,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        -4,263,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of the Chief Information Officer, the 
Committee provides an appropriation of $93,284,000.

                 Office of the Chief Financial Officer


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $7,118,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         7,374,000
Provided in the bill..................................         9,559,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................        +2,441,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        +2,185,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, the 
Committee provides an appropriation of $9,559,000.

           Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $1,426,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         1,530,000
Provided in the bill..................................         1,466,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................           +40,000
  2023 budget estimate................................           -64,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 
the Committee provides an appropriation of $1,466,000.

                         Office of Civil Rights


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $35,328,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        31,696,000
Provided in the bill..................................        37,595,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................        +2,267,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        +5,899,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of Civil Rights, the Committee provides an 
appropriation of $37,595,000, which maintains the increase of 
$6,000,000 included in the 2022 bill.

               Office of Safety, Security, and Protection


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $23,306,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        25,528,000
Provided in the bill..................................        21,800,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................        -1,506,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        -3,728,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of Safety, Security, and Protection, the 
Committee provides an appropriation of $21,800,000. The 
Committee does not include direct funding for activities 
currently funded through other resources such as the Working 
Capital Fund or have historically been funded through other 
means.

                  Agriculture Buildings and Facilities


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................      $108,397,000
2023 budget estimate..................................       134,827,000
Provided in the bill..................................        68,858,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       -39,539,000
  2023 budget estimate................................       -65,969,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For Agriculture Buildings and Facilities, the Committee 
provides an appropriation of $68,858,000. The Committee 
requests an update on future space needs for the Headquarters 
Complex.

                     Hazardous Materials Management


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $7,540,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         6,586,000
Provided in the bill..................................         8,581,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................        +1,041,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        +1,995,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For Hazardous Materials Management, the Committee provides 
an appropriation of $8,581,000. The Committee directs the 
Hazardous Materials Management Program and the Hazardous Waste 
Management Program to coordinate their work to ensure there is 
no duplication.

                      Office of Inspector General


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................      $106,309,000
2023 budget estimate..................................       112,061,000
Provided in the bill..................................       111,061,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................        +4,752,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        -1,000,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of Inspector General, the Committee provides 
an appropriation of $111,061,000.
    Animal fighting.--The Committee is very concerned about 
illegal animal fighting activity. The OIG is encouraged to 
increase its efforts to combat this illegal activity and to 
investigate animal fighting as soon as it has any evidence of 
such illegal activity. The Committee also encourages the OIG to 
audit and investigate 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. The OIG is also directed to prioritize completion of the 
audit on the Horse Protection Act and the reopening of the 
audit on the Animal Care Program Oversight of Dog Breeders to 
allow completion of in-person visits.

                     Office of the General Counsel


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $57,268,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        57,645,000
Provided in the bill..................................        62,137,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................        +4,869,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        +4,492,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of the General Counsel, the Committee 
provides an appropriation of $62,137,000. This includes 
$500,000 for additional staff to handle Animal Welfare Act and 
Horse Protection Act matters and $2,600,000 for FOIA work 
requested in the Office of Information Affairs.

                            Office of Ethics


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $4,277,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         5,544,000
Provided in the bill..................................         5,556,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................        +1,279,000
  2023 budget estimate................................           +12,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of Ethics, the Committee provides an 
appropriation of $5,556,000.

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


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $3,327,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         6,376,000
Provided in the bill..................................         3,384,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................           +57,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        -2,992,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of the Under Secretary for Research, 
Education, and Economics, the Committee provides an 
appropriation of $3,384,000.
    1862, 1890, and 1994 Land Grant Institutions.--The 
Committee directs USDA to make every effort to strengthen 
partnerships and expand cooperation between 1862, 1890, and 
1994 Land Grant institutions, wherever regionally appropriate, 
to help close gaps in extension and leverage joint 
collaborative efforts.
    1890 Capacity Building.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of the 1890s in providing technical assistance and 
outreach to underserved farming populations and directs ARS and 
NIFA to collaborate with agencies in the Rural Development and 
Farm Production and Conservation Mission Areas to help increase 
awareness of USDA farm programs and rural development funding 
opportunities through 1890 extension programs.
    Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority 
(AGARDA).--The Committee notes that Section 7132 of the 2018 
Farm Bill directed the Office of the Chief Scientist to 
complete a strategic plan for AGARDA that demonstrates USDA's 
vision for AGARDA. As the Committee awaits this plan, the 
Committee provides $2,000,000 for the Office of Under Secretary 
for Research, Education, and Economics to further build out the 
planning and management structure of AGARDA and hire staff.
    Barriers for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers.--The Committee 
directs ERS and NIFA to work together to better understand 
financial barriers that beginning farmers face in operating 
successful farms and to identify research gaps that would help 
improve ongoing NIFA programs.
    Food Prescriptions.--The Committee encourages USDA to work 
with local farmers and hospitals/clinics to build or improve on 
food prescription programs to better facilitate a patient's 
ability to attain a food prescription and fill it with a local 
farmer.
    Regenerative Soil Agriculture Plan.--The Committee 
acknowledges the critical importance regenerative soil policies 
can have in helping agriculture rebuild the soil health of 
agricultural lands. Given the overlapping role of these 
entities in advancing a regenerative soils policy, the 
Committee encourages USDA to develop a strategic plan for 
leveraging the various USDA research entities for a unified R&D 
mission to enable regenerative agriculture strategies. Within 
180 days, the Agency shall submit a report which describes USDA 
efforts to unify a philosophy of soil health within the 
research mission of these agencies; describe the agencies 
efforts to coordinate among the R&D agenda of ARS, NIFA and 
NRCS; and describe USDA's efforts to coordinate with other 
partners such as the National Science Foundation and the 
Department of Energy on regenerative agriculture related 
research topics including microbiomes, soil chemistry, and edge 
of field dynamics and resilience to extreme weather events.
    Sensor Technologies.--The Committee encourages ARS and 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.

                       Economic Research Service


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $87,794,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        99,552,000
Provided in the bill..................................        90,612,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................        +2,818,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        -8,940,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Economic Research Service (ERS), the Committee 
provides an appropriation of $90,612,000. The Committee 
includes an increase of $1,518,000 for pay costs and $1,500,000 
for costs associated with the second round of USDA's National 
Household Food Purchase and Acquisition Survey.
    Agricultural Trade Imports.--The Committee directs ERS to 
study and report back within 120 days of the enactment of this 
Act findings on the top 15 nations, within the last five years, 
from which the United States imports agriculture products. The 
report shall also include the average wages for farmworkers of 
those countries and a discussion, if possible, of health 
benefits, safety regulations, and working conditions of their 
farm labor per commodity to those found in the U.S. The 
Committee looks forward to receiving the report requested in 
House Report 117-82.
    Benefits of Conservation and Soil Health Practices.--The 
Committee looks forward to receiving the study requested in the 
fiscal year 2021 House Report 116-446.
    Cover Cropping and Livestock Integration.--The Committee 
notes that the fiscal year 2021 House report directed ERS to 
produce a study detailing current best practices as well as the 
projected long-term economic impacts for farmers and the 
Committee looks forward to reviewing the results of the study. 
The Committee looks forward to receiving the study requested in 
the fiscal year 2021 House Report 116-446.
    Soil Health Experts.--The Committee appreciates ERS' recent 
efforts to hire staff with expertise in soil health, an area of 
continued importance to U.S. farmers and the food and 
agriculture industry.
    Supply Chain Resiliency.--The Committee is concerned about 
the rising cost of manufactured inputs to farms and the impact 
on farm profitability and the rest of the economy. The 
Committee encourages the USDA to review the performance of 
industries and markets for manufactured inputs which have seen 
significant increases in prices and assess options for 
improving input supply chain performance and resiliency in 
these domestic markets.

                National Agricultural Statistics Service


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................      $190,162,000
2023 budget estimate..................................       217,474,000
Provided in the bill..................................       211,023,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       +20,861,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        -6,451,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), 
the Committee provides an appropriation of $211,023,000, of 
which $66,361,000 is for the Census of Agriculture. The 
Committee includes a total of $4,787,000 for pay increases. In 
addition, the Committee maintains $2,000,000 to expand the 
existing geospatial program to provide more information on the 
impact of critical weather events. The Committee expects NASS 
to continue its ongoing activities at the frequency levels 
assumed in fiscal year 2022, including Barley acreage and 
production estimates; the Bee and Honey Program; the Chemical 
Use Data Series; the Floriculture Crops Report; and Fruit and 
Vegetable Reports, including in-season forecasts for non-citrus 
fruit and tree nut crops such as pecans.
    Agri-Tourism Study.--The Committee directs NASS to plan to 
conduct as a follow-on study to the census of agriculture 
conducted in the calendar year 2022 under section 2 of the 
Census of Agriculture Act of 1997 (7 U.S.C. 2204g) to collect 
additional information on the census related to agritourism, 
including information about educational experiences, outdoor 
recreation, entertainment and special events, direct sales, 
entertainment, accommodations, other as determined by the 
Secretary.
    Comprehensive Horse Census.--The Committee recognizes that 
the Census of Agriculture is limited in its reporting regarding 
the equine industry, and as a result the USDA's equine (horses, 
ponies, mules, burros, and donkeys) figures may underrepresent 
the industry. As a result, the Committee encourages NASS to 
work with equine stakeholders to address the gaps in horse 
census data collection.
    Data Collection on Urban, Indoor, and Emerging Agricultural 
Production.--The Committee directs NASS to continue its 
outreach to stakeholders to develop a better understanding of 
how to collect more accurate information on urban, indoor, and 
emerging agricultural production. The Committee recognizes that 
the current census of agriculture definition may not fully 
address the landscape and scope of urban agriculture across the 
Nation. The new information will be critical to the policy 
development and outreach carried out by the Office of Urban 
Agriculture and Innovative Production. The Committee requests 
NASS to brief the Committee on how this information can be 
better addressed in the ongoing Census of Agriculture.
    Interagency Assistance.--The Bureau of Land Management 
(BLM) relies on NASS data when calculating acreage rental fees 
charged to wind and solar energy projects. The Committee 
understands BLM is in the process of considering adjustments to 
fee calculations. NASS is encouraged to assist BLM with 
analysis on pasture land and non-irrigated land property values 
and rental values in areas with renewable energy development 
and operations.
    Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of Agricultural Land 
(TOTAL) Survey.--The Committee notes that the next TOTAL survey 
is part of planned NASS activities in the next Census of 
Agriculture. The Committee expects the next TOTAL survey to 
provide comprehensive data on land ownership, tenure, 
landowners' transition plans, and lease agreements available to 
beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers to understand the 
trends that lead to secure land tenure and thriving farm 
businesses. The Committee encourages the program to look at 
emerging trends in land acquisition connected to innovations in 
farming on small acreage. The Committee also encourages 
collaboration with ERS so that new data provided on the 
economics of the farm of the future can be better utilized.

                     Agricultural Research Service


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................    $1,633,496,000
2023 budget estimate..................................     1,858,719,000
Provided in the bill..................................     1,737,629,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................      +104,133,000
  2023 budget estimate................................      -121,090,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For Salaries and Expenses of the Agricultural Research 
Service (ARS), the Committee provides an appropriation of 
$1,737,629,000, including a total increase of $31,221,000 for 
pay and retirement contributions.
    The Committee expects that extramural and intramural 
research will be funded at no less than the fiscal year 2022 
levels, unless otherwise specified.
    The Committee strongly supports the Administration's 
request for ARS to conduct additional research and development 
to enhance its capabilities to mitigate the impacts of climate 
change on the agricultural sector. Through its numerous 
laboratory locations around the country, ARS is uniquely 
positioned to develop agricultural solutions to climate change 
on a national, regional, and local scale. The Committee 
recommends funding for the Administration's clean energy and 
climate science goals in targeted areas, as noted below, to 
build upon ongoing research activities and lay the groundwork 
for innovative approaches in the future.
    1890s Partnerships.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of 1890s Land Grant Institutions and the 
collaborative relationships that have developed with ARS 
research facilities over the years. The Committee directs ARS 
to expand coordination of research efforts with 1890s, wherever 
ARS facilities and 1890s are in the same region, to the 
greatest extent possible. The Committee notes the longstanding 
partnerships that exist where 1862s and ARS facilities are in 
the same area and encourages ARS to strengthen similar efforts 
with the 1890s. In addition, the Committee recommends ARS hold 
research workshops, establish cross-institutional faculty 
mentorships, and invest in leadership and capacity-building 
efforts for 1890s.
    Aerial Application.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of aerial application to control crop pests and 
diseases and to fertilize and seed crops and forests. Aerial 
application is useful not only to ensure overall food safety 
and food security, but also to promote public health through 
improved mosquito control and public health application 
techniques. The Committee urges ARS to prioritize research 
focused on optimizing aerial spray technologies for on-target 
deposition and drift mitigation, and to work cooperatively with 
the Environmental Protection Agency to update their pesticide 
review methodology.
    Aflatoxin Research.--The Committee recognizes the 
increasing economic and food safety threat that aflatoxin poses 
to corn and other affected agricultural crops and products. 
Aflatoxin is currently spreading to other parts of the country 
due to more frequent extreme weather events. The Committee 
encourages ARS to expand research into methods of mitigating 
the risk of aflatoxin, particularly regarding responsive 
agriculture, human nutrition, and food safety. The Committee 
provides $1,500,000 to support these efforts.
    Alfalfa Research.--The Committee recommendation includes an 
increase of $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2022 level to 
support research focused on alfalfa improvement.
    Alternative Protein Research.--The Committee supports 
research focused on the characteristics of animal meat using 
plants, animal cell cultivation, or fermentation (together, 
``alternative proteins''). The Committee provides an increase 
of $1,000,000 to support alternative protein research 
encompassing all stages of the production process, including 
optimizing ingredient processing techniques and developing new 
manufacturing methods. The Committee encourages ARS to 
collaborate with other relevant programs, including but not 
limited to NIFA and the National Science Foundation.
    Animal Research.--The Committee directs ARS to ensure that 
each of its facilities housing animals is adhering to the 
Animal Welfare Act at all times and to submit quarterly reports 
that include both all violations found by APHIS during that 
quarter and the specific actions that will be taken to prevent 
their recurrence.
    Avocado Lace Bug.--The Committee encourages ARS to 
coordinate research efforts with NIFA and APHIS to address the 
impact of the avocado lace bug and the Queensland longhorn 
beetle.
    Axis Deer.--The Committee is concerned about the impact of 
axis deer and other ungulates on native forests and encourages 
ARS to coordinate NIFA and APHIS to develop strategies to 
mitigate their impact on native forests.
    Barley Pest Initiative.--The Committee provides an 
additional $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2022 level to 
strengthen the capacity of the barley research infrastructure 
to address major insect, viral, bacterial, and fungal threats 
to the production of high-quality barley.
    Binational Agricultural Research and Development (BARD).--
The Committee provides an increase of $1,000,000 to support 
BARD's historical grant-making functions and expand programming 
for food and nutrition, technology acceleration, and artificial 
intelligence.
    Biotechnology Innovation.--The Committee strongly supports 
ARS' mission to accelerate biotechnology innovation and 
development, product regulatory approval, and transfer to 
stakeholders and partners for agricultural products grown 
across the U.S., including areas historically left behind by 
technological innovations. The Committee provides $16,000,000 
as requested in the budget for ARS to leverage current 
resources to help find solutions to agricultural challenges 
through biotechnology innovation.
    Cattle Fever Ticks.--The Committee encourages ARS to focus 
on research projects designed for synergistic compatibility 
with eradication technologies inside and beyond the permanent 
fever tick quarantine zone as the first step to achieve 
eradication.
    Clean Energy Research.--The Committee includes $20,000,000 
in support of the Administration's clean energy proposals. The 
Committee provides $15,000,000 for the Biowaste-stream to 
Bioenergy activity proposed as part of the New Products/Product 
Quality/Value Added Program and $5,000,000 to develop 
feedstocks and new sustainable varieties of sugar and oil crops 
activities proposed as part of the Crop Production Program. The 
Committee believes these activities represent the most 
impactful agricultural research in support of the 
Administration's clean energy goals.
    Climate Science.--The Committee includes $20,000,000 in 
support of the Administration's agricultural climate science 
proposals. The Committee provides $5,000,000 to strengthen 
Regional Climate Hub research teams and $15,000,000 to enhance 
the LTAR network.
    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 (HLB MAC) group.
    Coffee Leaf Rust.--The Committee provides an additional 
$500,000 above the fiscal year 2022 level to support coffee 
plant health research.
    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 
to further research collaborations to improve water and soil 
quality in/around impaired water resources through advanced 
environmental imaging and agricultural waste management 
technologies.
    Fiber Rich Food and Health.--The Committee recommends ARS 
to include research on how an increase in fiber rich foods can 
improve health outcomes and save money in future five-year 
plans related to human nutrition.
    Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative (FNRI).--The 
Committee provides an increase of $1,000,000 to support the 
goals of the FNRI to secure a more efficient and productive 
floriculture and nursery industry. The Committee also 
encourages ARS to work collaboratively with NIFA on research 
that includes breeding programs to increase tolerance from 
insect pests, diseases, and other climate change impacts; 
testing of new organic and non-organic pesticides; implementing 
integrated pest management and biological control programs; and 
innovations in unmanned aerial systems.
    Food Safety and Food Defense Research.--The Committee 
supports research in food safety to enhance food defense and 
security, and encourages ARS to develop new technologies and 
capabilities in food safety that will reduce and eliminate 
threats to the food and agriculture supply chain.
    Food Preservation Research.--The Committee encourages ARS 
to coordinate with NIFA, universities, farm associations, non-
profits, and businesses to develop plans for research and 
development on food preservation and artificial intelligence 
harvesting technologies for specialty crops.
    Forest Products Research.--The Committee supports research 
on wood quality improvement and improvement in forest products 
evaluation standards and valuation techniques.
    Fumigant Alternatives Research.--The Committee encourages 
ARS to collaborate with NIFA and industry stakeholders to 
develop innovative soilborne pest control and eradication 
commercial-scale tools to replace fumigants, such as methyl 
bromide, metam sodium, metam potassium, and 1,3-
dichloropropene. The Committee provides an additional 
$2,000,000 above the fiscal year 2022 level to support these 
research goals.
    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 supports and encourages 
ARS to expand existing research focused on oat improvement.
    Germplasm Enhancement of Maize.--The Committee continues to 
support germplasm enhancement of maize projects and encourages 
continued cooperation between existing ARS maize germplasm 
programs, industry, and large-scale public sector efforts to 
investigate the interaction of maize genome variation and 
environments.
    Greenhouse Production Research Report.--The Committee 
appreciates the work of the Greenhouse Production Research 
Group (GPRG) to develop new technologies for controlled 
environment agriculture. The Committee looks forward to 
receiving the report requested in House Report 117-82.
    Hawaii and U.S. Territories.--The Committee finds that 
Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. 
Pacific Territories have unique challenges in establishing 
sustainable food production systems; controlling and managing 
invasive species; protecting its diverse and fragile tropical 
and subtropical ecosystems; and advancing molecular biology and 
bioengineering.
    The Committee requests ARS, in collaboration with NIFA and 
APHIS, to report to the Committee on their efforts to assist 
Hawaii and these territories in:
           breeding and crop improvement; variety 
        selection for pest and disease resistance; 
        identification and evaluation of new specialty crops; 
        nutrient and water management; livestock production; 
        protected agriculture; and aquaponics and hydroponics;
           the biology and control of priority invasive 
        insects, plant diseases, and weedy plant species, 
        including their impacts on farms, native biota, and 
        local ecosystems, and developing integrated pest 
        management strategies to control them;
           land and forest resource management, 
        agroforestry, wildland fire science and fire 
        management, nutrient management, soil erosion, soil 
        quality and bioremediation, biological diversity 
        conservation and restoration, rehabilitation of 
        degraded and/or idle lands, and water quality; and
           molecular biology and bioengineering 
        opportunities in tropical and subtropical areas.
    Hemp Whole-Genome Bioinformatics.--The Committee encourages 
ARS to conduct genomics and bioinformatics research in 
collaboration with capable institutions to elucidate the 
genetic control of key production and product quality traits of 
the hemp plant. In addition, the Committee also encourages ARS 
to partner with institutions already engaged in such research 
to conduct hemp genetic improvement research and breeding with 
new breeding and editing techniques.
    Herbicide Resistance Research.--The Committee provides an 
increase of $500,000 to identify and overcome herbicide 
resistant associated weed risks to the crop production pathway.
    Histomonas Research.--The Committee encourages ARS to 
coordinate development of a Histomonas research program with 
intent to develop new prevention and treatment options.
    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 directs ARS to continue to focus on these efforts 
to advance new disease-resistant public hop varieties.
    Human Nutrition Research.--The Committee notes that 
maintenance of health throughout the lifespan along with 
prevention of obesity and chronic diseases via food-based 
recommendations are the major emphases of human nutrition 
research. The Committee encourages ARS to expand research 
regarding life stage nutrition and metabolism and the growth, 
health promotion, microbiome, disease prevention, diet, and 
immune function of the developing child. The Committee 
recognizes the vital role that research at the intersection of 
human nutrition and aging plays in our understanding of public 
health. The Committee directs that no less than the fiscal year 
2022 funding level is provided to the existing human nutrition 
centers. In addition, the Committee provides an increase of 
$2,000,000 above the fiscal year 2022 level to support these 
research goals.
    Improved Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Imaging Research.--The 
Committee understands HABs are a detriment to human and animal 
health, aquatic ecosystems, and local economies. looks forward 
to receiving the report requested in House Report 117-82.
    Indo-Pacific Invasive Pests.--The Committee encourages ARS 
to continue its work with stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific 
region to assess options for combatting invasive pests and 
report its findings to the Committee.
    Little Cherry Disease.--The Committee continues to support 
research on little cherry disease.
    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.
    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 increase of $500,000 to support implementation of the 
Macadamia Tree Health Initiative.
    National Agricultural Library (NAL).--The Committee 
encourages ARS to maintain a focus on agriculture-related legal 
issues within NAL. The Committee notes that as the agriculture 
sector faces financial stress, there is a necessity that 
agriculture-related legal issues be addressed on an 
increasingly frequent basis. Further, agriculture-related legal 
issues are complex. The Committee recommends that NAL continue 
to play an important role in assisting all stakeholders with 
understanding these issues. Further, the Committee encourages 
ARS and NAL to engage in multi-year cooperative agreements to 
enhance NAL's ongoing work.
    National Arboretum Public Access.--The Committee is aware 
of ongoing efforts to develop a new strategic plan for the 
National Arboretum to carry out its missions of research, 
education, and public display gardens. The Committee expects 
that such plan will address necessary security and safety 
enhancements and improve public access to the National 
Arboretum. In addition, the Committee directs ARS to explore 
entering into agreements with the District of Columbia and 
private sector partners to fulfill these public access 
improvements.
    Navel Orangeworm (NOW).--The Committee encourages ARS to 
collaborate with APHIS and industry stakeholders on the APHIS 
NOW sterile moth pilot program to help reduce NOW moth 
populations.
    Organic Research.--The Committee looks forward to receiving 
the five year plan requested in House Report 117-82.
    Pacific Shellfish.--The Committee recognizes the economic 
importance of shellfish aquaculture for rural and coastal 
communities and Tribes on the Pacific coast and the need for 
resilient, healthy genetic stocks that can withstand the 
region's changing ocean and coastal conditions as well as new 
disease threats.
    Peanut Nutrition Research.--The Committee recognizes the 
need for more research to identify how peanut consumption 
contributes to overall health, wellness, and reduces chronic 
disease risk in various groups and across the lifespan. The 
Committee encourages research topics to include chronic 
diseases, nutrition and wellness across the lifespan, health 
disparities, dietary patterns for optimal health, and nutrition 
for the future. The Committee provides an increase of 
$1,000,000 to continue this peanut nutrition research.
    Peanut Research.--The Committee provides an additional 
$1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2022 level to support research 
activities to mitigate aflatoxin contamination in peanuts. The 
Committee directs ARS to enhance ongoing collaborations with 
land grant institutions to further advance research efforts.
    Pecan Genetic Research.--The Committee provides an 
additional $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2022 level to 
maintain pecan genetic resources, further characterize pecan 
genetic diversity and advance cultivar breeding through novel 
genomic approaches that tap into the unique pecan genetic 
resources held by ARS.
    Pecan Processing Research.--The Committee recognizes the 
need for new pecan processing technologies, in particular 
pasteurization and cracking/shelling technologies, and the 
importance of pasteurization processes for food safety and in 
continuing export growth. The Committee provides an additional 
$1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2022 level to support pecan 
processing research activities to address these issues.
    Pest Management Efforts.--The Committee recognizes the 
value of ARS in supporting the greenhouse industry with 
research on pest management and plant nutrients as well as the 
importance of reducing energy costs for greenhouse and 
controlled environment agriculture. The Committee again directs 
ARS to continue work on pest management and plant nutrients and 
also to develop plans for controlled environment demonstration 
projects aligned with existing ARS technical units focused on 
greenhouse agriculture to provide data on savings and 
productivity resulting from these projects.
    PFAS Research.--Though there is some evidence regarding 
which crops may be more or less prone to take up perfluoroalkyl 
and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from soil, there are 
still significant knowledge gaps related to PFAS and its 
impacts on agriculture. The Committee supports further 
investment in research investigating PFAS movement in soils and 
water, plant uptake, remediation options, and livestock feed 
amendments, and directs USDA to provide a report within 180 
days identifying knowledge gaps in this space.
    Post-Research Animal Placements.--The Committee continues 
to be very interested in the ARS framework, requested in the 
2022 report, to allow the retirement of dogs and cats, and 
other domesticated animals as appropriate, that are no longer 
used in intramural agency research to private homes, rescues or 
sanctuaries.
    Potato Research.--The Committee directs ARS to continue to 
support pest management programs in potato growing states. The 
Committee recognizes that these programs help scientists track 
potential pest outbreaks and provide growers and industry 
professionals with current information on specific and timely 
treatments. Additionally, the programs help identify serious 
diseases, such as late blight disease, in their early stages, 
allowing for preventive measures to be put into place quickly 
to avoid crop losses.
    Regenerative and Precision Agriculture for Orchards.--The 
Committee directs ARS to compile currently available research 
data on the effect of regenerative and precision agriculture on 
conserving water, sequestering carbon, increasing soil health, 
and minimizing or eliminating chemistries within the context of 
applicability to fruit and nut orchards, and to identify data 
gaps on the application of these research goals to fruit and 
nut orchards. The Committee includes an increase of $500,000 to 
eliminate any research gaps.
    Remote Sensing for Soil Organic Carbon Research.--The 
Committee supports research into best practices for measuring 
the soil carbon deficit on farm, agricultural, and prairie land 
though remote sensing including through satellite technology, 
drone deployment, and aircraft systems along with innovative 
remote sensing techniques. The Committee encourages ARS to 
coordinate research efforts with other relevant federal 
agencies involved in the remote sensing of soil organic carbon 
including, but not limited to, the United States Geological 
Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
    Small Fruits Research.--The Committee provides an 
additional $500,000 above the fiscal year 2022 level to improve 
the ability to forecast pest and disease spread, implement 
precision management strategies, mitigate invasive insects, and 
to improve the overall quality of fruit.
    Small Grain Genomics.--The Committee supports research on 
barley and wheat high throughput genomics and phenotyping and 
recognizes its importance in improving crop traits and 
developing new cultivars.
    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 genetic 
conditions leading to this quality loss.
    Sorghum.--The Committee recognizes the growing significance 
of sorghum due to water conservation traits and increased 
utilization and supports further research to mitigate 
adventitious gene flow and enhance pest resistance. The 
Committee encourages ARS to address increased drought pressure 
and erratic climate patterns through trait-based sorghum 
breeding, phenotyping, and associated genomic resources. This 
research will help develop varietals which respond to plant 
stress and deliver increased yield potential in these hard 
semi-arid conditions.
    Soybean Resiliency and Research.--The Committee recognizes 
the unique role that soybeans will play in sustainably meeting 
future global demand for protein. The Committee encourages ARS 
to support research related to drought and flood tolerance in 
soybeans, improving crop resiliency through improved genetic 
diversity and breeding efforts to increase levels of crude 
protein and essential amino acids.
    Spittle Bug.--The recent introduction of invasive insect 
species such as Prosapia bicincta has substantially impacted 
tropical grazing lands. The Committee encourages ARS to 
coordinate research efforts with NIFA and APHIS to address the 
impact of the spittle bug.
    Strawberry Production Research.--The Committee recognizes 
that the highly perishable, delicate, and labor-intensive 
nature of strawberry production makes this crop an ideal test 
bed for innovative automation technologies. The Committee 
provides $500,000 to research innovative automation 
technologies to enhance strawberry production.
    Sugarcane Research Program.--The Committee supports 
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.
    Sustainable Aquaculture.--The Committee supports rapid 
response research on sustainable marine aquaculture for 
coldwater and warmwater production coastal environments, with 
special emphasis on workforce education. The Committee requests 
a report on how the Agriculture Experiment Station model could 
be applied to support the U.S. aquaculture industry to develop 
and deploy sustainable production practices and better manage 
coastal aquaculture resources.
    Tropical and Subtropical Research.--The Committee 
encourages ARS to continue research on Tropical and Subtropical 
crops. The Committee notes this research is critical as the 
presence of and destruction by invasive pests such as fruit 
flies, coffee berry borer, felted macadamia nut coccid, and 
plant viruses and funguses increase and threaten crop security 
in the Pacific and insular areas.
    U.S. Sheep Experiment Station (USSES).--The Committee 
recognizes the unique and valuable contributions the USSES 
makes toward increasing production efficiency and improving 
sustainable rangeland ecosystems. The Committee is pleased by 
the collaboration of a diverse variety of stakeholders on the 
use of pastures, monitoring of wildlife interactions, and 
studies of mutual interest. The Committee encourages ARS to 
engage directly with stakeholders and state and federal 
agencies with biological expertise to expand research programs 
and urges ARS to continue engaging collaborators to ensure the 
station functions as an agricultural research facility while 
also evaluating opportunities through a domestic livestock/
wildlife collaboration.
    U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab (USWBS).--The Committee 
continues to recognize 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.
    Whitefly.--The Committee recognizes that whiteflies are an 
emerging pest as a result of both 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. The Committee 
provides an additional $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2022 
level in support of these research efforts.
    Wildfire Smoke Taint Research on Winegrapes.--The Committee 
supports research to identify the compounds responsible for 
smoke taint, establish a reliable database of background levels 
of smoke taint compounds occurring naturally in wine grapes, 
develop mitigation methods to reduce or eliminate smoke taint, 
and study compounds that can act as a barrier between the 
grapes and smoke compounds. In addition, the Committee supports 
research to establish standard methodologies for sampling and 
testing of smoke exposed grapes and smoke affected wines. The 
Committee provides an additional $500,000 above the fiscal year 
2022 level in support of these research efforts.

                        BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................      $127,805,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        45,405,000
Provided in the bill..................................        57,305,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       -70,500,000
  2023 budget estimate................................       +11,900,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    The Committee provides $57,305,000 for Buildings and 
Facilities. The Committee specifies the following projects and 
amounts to be funded in fiscal year 2023.


[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

               National Institute of Food and Agriculture


                   RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................    $1,046,244,000
2023 budget estimate..................................             - - -
Provided in the bill..................................     1,142,021,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       +95,777,000
  2023 budget estimate................................    +1,142,021,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For Research and Education Activities, the Committee 
provides an appropriation of $1,142,021,000.
    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. 3157.
    Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).--The 
Committee strongly supports AFRI. The Committee supports 
research focused on ``alternative proteins'' from plant 
proteins, animal cell cultivation, or fermentation. The 
Committee encourages NIFA to continue collaborating with the 
Agricultural Research Service and other relevant agencies to 
provide and promote collaboration opportunities among land-
grant and minority serving institutions.
    In addition, the Committee notes that projects that focus 
on researching enhanced rock weathering and biochar to quantify 
climate benefits, assess any environmental or health risks, and 
identify ways to minimize the environmental impact of silicate 
rock mining, grinding, and transport are also eligible for AFRI 
awards.
    The Committee commends NIFA and the National Institutes of 
Health (NIH) for developing the Dual Purpose with Dual Benefit 
Research Program in Bio-medicine and Agriculture Using 
Agriculturally Important Domestic Animal Species. The Committee 
strongly encourages a continued partnership between NIFA and 
NIH to develop a next generation inter-agency program to 
further strengthen ties between human medicine, veterinary 
medicine, and animal sciences, with the goal to improve animal 
and human health and provide enhanced applicability and return 
on investment in research.
    The Committee encourages AFRI to support a conference 
focused on nutrition science. The conference would convene 
representatives from relevant federal agencies, academia, 
private industry, and the public to examine and identify 
opportunities and challenges related to the use of healthy food 
and nutrition to prevent, manage, and treat disease, including 
but not limited to the impact of medically tailored meals, 
produce prescription programs, federal nutrition assistance 
programs on health, healthcare spending, and racial equity.
    The Committee requests NIFA submit a report summarizing the 
type and focus of research awarded through AFRI over the past 
five years within 180 days of the enactment of this Act. This 
report should also outline ways the agency can improve program 
outreach and the regional diversity of AFRI awardees.
    The Committee encourages NIFA to support Hispanic-serving 
agricultural colleges and universities agricultural worker 
training grants programs.
    Aquaculture Assistance Programs.--The Committee recognizes 
the important role the Aquaculture Assistance Programs and NIFA 
Regional Aquaculture Centers play in aquaculture research, 
education and extension. The Committee requests a summary of 
current Regional Aquaculture Center projects and identify gaps 
to make recommendations to increase efficiency and impact of 
individual regional aquaculture centers.
    Aquaculture 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.
    Blockchain Technology.--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 urges NIFA to coordinate research to reduce the risks 
of foodborne illness through the application of blockchain 
technology. The Committee commends the work that has already 
been completed by the Food and Drug Administration in this 
field and encourages the coordination between NIFA and the FDA.
    Childhood Obesity.--The Committee recognizes that USDA has 
supported important and effective programs that address 
childhood obesity in remote areas and among native and 
underserved populations. Remote areas, including geographically 
isolated states and U.S.-affiliated jurisdictions, have 
significant problems with childhood obesity but lack certain 
resources that the rest of the country has access to, including 
inclusion in the CDC's National Health and Nutrition 
Examination Survey (NHANES). Additionally, native and 
underserved populations often have high rates of childhood 
obesity, coupled with undernutrition, warranting further 
outreach and study, and a focus on reinforcing healthy food and 
activity opportunities in a healthy environment. The Committee 
encourages USDA to continue funding for programs to address 
childhood obesity prevention and community health promotion in 
remote areas and among native and underserved populations.
    Citrus Disease Research Program.--The Emergency Citrus 
Disease Research and Extension Program 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 program receives $25,000,000 per year in 
mandatory funding from the Specialty Crop Research Initiative. 
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 Quality Loss Research.--The Committee is aware of crop 
degradation issues harming agricultural production and leading 
to great losses for producers. The Committee encourages NIFA to 
support the conduct of research into soft white wheat crop 
quality loss and mitigation of its impact on producers.
    Cybersecurity.--The Committee remains concerned about the 
rising cybersecurity threats to our nation's agricultural 
systems. The Committee requests that the Secretary report to 
the Committee on the research needed to identify, assess, and 
mitigate cybersecurity gaps within the agricultural spectrum, 
from seed, crop, and livestock production to distribution 
supply chains, with the goal of creating a national research 
network of regional academic cybersecurity centers in 
collaboration with industry partners, cooperatives, government 
authorities, and other stakeholders to strengthen security, 
data privacy, and resiliency, bolster the interdependent 
networks, and develop a skilled workforce for this critical 
area.
    Deep Water Carbon Sequestration.--The Committee recognizes 
advances in deep water kelp sequestration and oyster farming 
play an important role in mitigating the impacts of a changing 
climate. The Committee encourages NIFA to support sustainable 
carbon sequestration demonstration projects in deep ocean 
water.
    Food Safety Research.--The Committee supports research in 
food safety to enhance food and agriculture defense and 
security. The Committee encourages NIFA to fund research on new 
technologies and capabilities, including predictive data 
analytics, to eliminate disruptions to the food and agriculture 
supply chain and for early detection of public health threats.
    Food Security and Climate Adaptation.--The Committee 
encourages NIFA to seek out and support suitable non-profit ag-
biotech research partners to engage in transgenic plant 
research that can deliver durable resistance to plant diseases, 
pests, and weeds, thus advancing USDA goals for food security 
and climate adaptation, and benefitting both producers and 
consumers of major crops. These approaches can deliver 
regenerative outcomes for agriculture, by reducing use of land, 
water, and chemicals per acre of production, and building soil 
health and sequestering carbon.
    Genome to Phenome.--The Committee continues to support the 
development of tools and datasets for the integration and 
analysis of phenotypic and genetic variation under different 
environmental conditions that can be used across multiple 
livestock and crop species to improve the output and efficiency 
of agriculture.
    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 to help address plant disease and 
invasive species priorities in the territories.
    Harvest Mechanization.--The Committee recognizes the 
economic importance of the fresh produce sector of agriculture 
and notes that harvesting these crops is labor intensive. 
Accordingly, the Committee encourages NIFA to prioritize 
development of innovative technologies and practices to support 
the acceleration of mechanical harvesting of specialty crops.
    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. The Committee looks forward to receiving a 
report from NIFA requested in H. Rpt. 117-82.
    Minor Crop Pest Management.--The IR-4 Project has been 
critical to securing registrations for new plant protection 
products for specialty crops and the primary avenue for new 
reduced-risk pesticides, while improving impacts on the 
environment, worker safety, and more sustainable production 
systems for holistic wellbeing. The Committee provides 
increased funding to continue the Project's mission of food 
security research infrastructure and meeting consumer demands 
for high-quality food.
    Multifaceted Tools for Controlling Harmful Algal Blooms 
(HABs) 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 HABs and 
Huanglongbing.
    Soil Health Experts.--The Committee appreciates NIFA's 
efforts to hire additional staff with expertise in soil health 
to better support expanded efforts in the soil health and 
sustainability area and to support more education and outreach 
efforts.
    Supply Chain Research.--The Committee encourages NIFA, in 
consultation with the Agricultural Marketing Service, to work 
with institutions of higher education to conduct research on 
best practices on strengthening, maintaining, and securing 
supply chains related to agricultural products produced in the 
United States, in order to lower input costs for farmers and 
producers and lower prices of agricultural products, including 
biofuels, for consumers, particularly for food insecure 
communities. The Committee encourages this research to include 
geographic and industry diversity. The Committee encourages the 
entities conducting research to work with extension agents 
through the Cooperative Extension System to provide information 
and technical assistance informed by the research to relevant 
agricultural groups and farmers and producers.
    Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE).--The 
Committee is strongly supportive of the SARE program and 
requests that USDA ensure that research, education, and 
extension activities carried out within SARE remain intact. The 
Committee encourages the Secretary to support professional 
development program activities such as training, grants, and 
resources for agricultural professionals to build their 
awareness, knowledge, and skills related to soil health and 
carbon sequestration.
    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 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.
    The following table reflects the amounts provided by the 
Committee:

                  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Committee
           Program/Activity                   Authorization        2022 Enacted    2023 Estimate     Provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hatch Act.............................  7 U.S.C. 361a-i.........        $260,000        $265,000        $265,000
McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry   16 U.S.C. 582a through a-         36,000          43,283          38,000
 Act.                                    7.
Research at 1890 Institutions (Evans-   7 U.S.C. 3222...........          80,000          92,837          92,837
 Allen Program).
Payments to the 1994 Institutions.....  7 U.S.C. 301 note.......           5,500          15,000          10,000
Education Grants for 1890 Institutions  7 U.S.C. 3152(b)........          28,500          26,000          30,000
Scholarships at 1890 Institutions.....  7 U.S.C. 3222a..........          10,000          10,000          10,000
Centers of Excellence at 1890           7 U.S.C. 5926(d)........          10,000          10,000          10,000
 Institutions.
Education Grants for Hispanic-Serving   7 U.S.C. 3241...........          14,000          14,000          20,000
 Institutions.
Education Grants for Alaska Native and  7 U.S.C. 3156...........           4,000           3,194           5,000
 Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions.
Research Grants for 1994 Institutions.  7 U.S.C. 301 note.......           4,500           4,500           5,000
New Beginnings for Tribal Students....  7 U.S.C. 3222e..........           5,000           5,000           5,000
Capacity Building for Non-Land-Grant    7 U.S.C. 3319i..........           5,000           5,000           5,000
 Colleges of Agriculture.
Grants for Insular Areas..............  7 U.S.C. 3222b-2, 3362             2,000           2,000           2,700
                                         and 3363.
Agriculture and Food Research           7 U.S.C. 450i(b)........         445,000         564,000         500,000
 Initiative.
Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment....  7 U.S.C. 3151a..........           9,500           8,500          10,000
Veterinary Services Grant Program.....  7 U.S.C. 3151b..........           3,500           3,000           4,000
Continuing Animal Health and Disease    7 U.S.C. 3195...........           4,000           4,000           4,000
 Research Program.
Supplemental and Alternative Crops....  7 U.S.C. 3319d..........           2,000             663             663
Multicultural Scholars, Graduate        7 U.S.C. 3152(b)........          10,000          10,000          10,000
 Fellowship and Institution Challenge
 Grants.
Secondary and 2-year Post-Secondary     7 U.S.C. 3152(j)........             900           1,000             900
 Education.
Aquaculture Centers...................  7 U.S.C. 3322...........           5,000           5,000           5,000
Sustainable Agriculture Research and    7 U.S.C. 5811, 5812,              45,000          60,000          50,000
 Education.                              5831, and 5832.
Farm Business Management..............  7 U.S.C. 5925f..........           2,000           2,000           2,500
Sun Grant Program.....................  7 U.S.C. 8114...........           3,500           3,000           3,000
Research Equipment Grants.............  7 U.S.C. 3310a..........           5,000           5,000           5,000
Alfalfa Seed and Alfalfa Forage         7 U.S.C. 5925...........           3,500           - - -           3,500
 Systems Research Program.
Minor Crop Pest Management (IR-4).....  7 U.S.C. 450i(c)........          14,500          20,000          15,000
Agricultural Genome to Phenome          7 U.S.C. 5924...........           2,000           - - -           2,000
 Initiative.
Laying Hen and Turkey Research Program  7 U.S.C. 5925...........           - - -           - - -           1,000
Special Research Grants:..............  7 U.S.C. 450i(c)........
    Global Change/UV Monitoring.......  ........................           1,400           1,925           1,400
    Potato Research...................  7 U.S.C. 450i(c)........           3,000           - - -           3,000
    Aquaculture Research..............  7 U.S.C. 450i(c)........           2,000           2,000           2,000
      Total, Special Research Grants..  ........................           6,400           3,925           6,400
Necessary Expenses of Research and
 Education Activities:
    Grants Management Systems.........  ........................           7,924           7,924           7,924
    Federal Administration--Other       ........................          12,020          13,489          12,597
     Necessary Expenses.
      Total, Necessary Expenses.......  ........................          19,944          21,413          20,521
      Total, Research and Education     ........................      $1,046,244      $1,213,315      $1,142,021
       Activities.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

              NATIVE AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS ENDOWMENT FUND

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................     ($11,880,000)
2023 budget estimate..................................      (11,880,000)
Provided in the bill..................................      (11,880,000)
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................             - - -
  2023 budget estimate................................             - - -
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Native American Institutions Endowment Fund, the 
Committee provides $11,880,000.

                          EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................      $550,605,000
2023 budget estimate..................................              -- -
Provided in the bill..................................       586,502,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       +35,897,000
  2023 budget estimate................................      +586,502,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For Extension Activities, the Committee provides an 
appropriation of $586,502,000.
    1862 and 1890 Partnerships.--The Committee recognizes that 
the goal of cooperative agricultural extension is shared by all 
land-grant universities--to provide farmers with information 
from cutting-edge agricultural research, conduct demonstrations 
and assist rural communities in applying new technologies and 
farming methods to their operations, and improve the efficiency 
of our American farms and ranches. Therefore, the Committee 
directs NIFA to make every effort to strengthen partnership and 
expand cooperation between 1862 and 1890 Land Grant 
institutions, thereby closing the gap in extension between the 
two systems and leveraging joint collaborative efforts. 
Consider establishing partnership grants for joint educational 
and extension activities, in states where at least one 1862 
institution and at least one 1890 institution are located, to 
foster co-creation of new opportunities and new programming to 
better serve producers.
    Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN).--The 
Committee appreciates the updates provided in NIFA's fiscal 
year 2023 budget justification and requests additional 
information in the next budget. The report should include 
details about how the program has evolved since inception, 
including but not limited to how many people have utilized the 
services associated with FRSAN each year, what kinds of 
programming is being provided, and what each FRSAN center's 
strategy is for continuing to improve coordination with its 
partners and outreach to farmers, ranchers, farm workers, and 
others using its services. Lastly, this report should identify 
the impact additional funding could have on expanding 
programing and outreach for this program.
    The following table reflects the amounts provided by the 
Committee:

                         NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             FY 2022      FY 2023     Committee
             Program/Activity                       Authorization            Enacted      Estimate    Provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smith-Lever Act, Section 3(b) and (c)       7 U.S.C. 343(b) and (c) and       $320,000     $320,000     $330,000
 programs and Cooperative Extension.         208(c) of P.L. 93 471.
Extension Services at 1890 Institutions...  7 U.S.C. 3221................       65,000       65,000       76,000
Extension Services at 1994 Institutions...  7 U.S.C. 343(b)(3)...........        9,500       19,000       15,000
Facility Improvements at 1890 Institutions  7 U.S.C. 3222b...............       21,500       21,500       25,000
Renewable Resources Extension Act.........  16 U.S.C. 1671 et. seq.......        4,060        4,100        4,060
Rural Health and Safety Education Programs  7 U.S.C. 2662(i).............        5,000        4,000        5,000
Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database      7 U.S.C. 7642................        2,500        2,000        2,500
 Program.
Women and Minorities in STEM Fields.......  7 U.S.C. 5925................        1,000        2,305        2,305
Food Safety Outreach Program..............  7 U.S.C. 7625................       10,000       10,000       10,000
Food and Ag Service Learning..............  7 U.S.C. 7633................        2,500        2,000        2,000
Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network..  7 U.S.C. 5936................       10,000       10,000       10,000
Enhancing Ag Opportunities for Veterans     .............................        - - -        5,000        - - -
 (AgVets).
Smith-Lever Act, Section 3(d):............  7 U.S.C. 343(d)..............
    Food and Nutrition Education..........  .............................       70,000       70,000       70,000
    Farm Safety and Youth Farm Safety       .............................        5,000        5,000        5,000
     Education Programs.
    New Technologies for Agricultural       .............................        3,550        3,002        3,550
     Extension.
    Children, Youth, and Families at Risk.  .............................        8,395        8,860        8,395
    Federally Recognized Tribes Extension   .............................        3,500        7,700        7,700
     Program.
            Total, Section 3(d)             .............................       90,445       94,562       94,645
Necessary Expenses of Extension
 Activities:
    Agriculture in the K 12 Classroom.....  7 U.S.C. 3152(j).............        1,000        1,000        1,000
    Federal Administration--Other           .............................        8,100        8,100        8,992
     Necessary Expenses for Extension
     Activities.
        Total, Necessary Expenses.........  .............................        9,100        9,100        9,992
Total, Extension Activities...............  .............................     $550,605     $568,567     $586,502
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $40,000,000
2023 budget estimate..................................             - - -
Provided in the bill..................................        39,500,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................          -500,000
  2023 budget estimate................................       +39,500,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For Integrated Activities, the Committee provides an 
appropriation of $39,500,000.
    The following table reflects the amounts provided by the 
Committee:

                        NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES
                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    FY 2023         Committee
          Program/Activity                 Authorization       FY 2022 Enacted      Estimate        Provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Methyl Bromide Transition Program...  7 U.S.C. 7626..........           $2,000           $2,000           $2,000
Organic Transition Program..........  7 U.S.C. 7626..........            7,500            7,000            7,000
Regional Rural Development Centers..  7 U.S.C. 450i(c).......            2,500            2,000            2,500
Food and Agriculture Defense          7 U.S.C. 3351..........            8,000            8,000            8,000
 Initiative.
Crop Protection/Pest Management       7 U.S.C. 7626..........           20,000           20,000           20,000
 Program.
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
    Total, Integrated Activities....  .......................          $40,000          $39,000          $39,500
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $1,577,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         1,676,000
Provided in the bill..................................         1,617,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................           +40,000
  2023 budget estimate................................           -59,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and 
Regulatory Programs, the Committee provides an appropriation of 
$1,617,000.

               Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................    $1,110,218,000
2023 budget estimate..................................     1,149,286,000
Provided in the bill..................................     1,164,209,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       +53,991,000
  2023 budget estimate................................       +14,923,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), 
Salaries and Expenses, the Committee provides an appropriation 
of $1,164,209,000. This includes a total increase of 
$22,615,000 for pay as requested in the budget.
    In addition to those increases, the Committee provides 
increases for the following programs: $2,000,000 for Cattle 
Health; $1,500,000 for Equine, Cervid, and Small Ruminant 
Health; $750,000 for the National Veterinary Stockpile; 
$3,500,000 for Zoonotic Disease Management for the National 
Animal Health Monitoring System; $1,000,000 for Cotton Pests; 
$500,000 for Field Crop and Rangeland Ecosystems Pests; 
$750,000 for Pest Detection; $6,500,000 for Specialty Crop 
Pests; $1,250,000 for Wildlife Damage Management; $1,500,000 
for Animal and Plant Health Regulatory Enforcement; $1,200,000 
for Emergency Preparedness and Response; $2,000,000 for 
Agriculture Import/Export; $2,400,000 for Overseas Technical 
and Trade Operations; $1,000,000 for Horse Protection; and 
$6,000,000 for Animal Care.
    The Committee includes in this account $3,000,000 for 
cogongrass control previously funded elsewhere in the Act.
    Within the amount included for Specialty Crop Pests, the 
Committee includes $71,528,000 for fruit fly exclusion and 
detection; $71,359,000 for citrus health, including $11,514,000 
for HLB-MAC; $22,266,000 for the glassy-winged sharpshooter; 
$6,909,000 for the pale cyst nematode; $1,596,000 for the light 
brown apple moth; $5,043,000 for the European grapevine moth; 
$10,340,000 for the navel orangeworm; $3,022,000 for 
agricultural canine inspection teams; and $18,319,000 for 
spotted lanternfly.
    The following table reflects the amounts provided by the 
Committee:

[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

    Agricultural Imports.--The Committee recognizes that there 
is a need to update APHIS physical facilities and processes due 
to the increased volume of agricultural imports. The Committee 
requests a plan to address the needs of the programs, including 
steps to collaborate with stakeholders on supplemental 
inspection and pathogen identification services and to improve 
the transparency of the importation process.
    Agriculture Quarantine Inspections (AQI).--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 $35,541,000 for the AQI function, 
including pre-departure and interline inspections.
    The Committee acknowledges the critical role the AQI 
program plays in facilitating the safe trade of agricultural 
commodities while protecting U.S. agriculture and the 
environment from invasive plant and animal pests and diseases 
and the importance of associated AQI fees to accomplish this 
work. It has been more than seven years since USDA published an 
assessment and proposed changes to the AQI fee schedule. The 
Committee requests that USDA again go through the process to 
assess staffing levels necessary to accomplish the purpose of 
the AQI program and identify adjustments to the fee schedule, 
if necessary.
    Animal Care Program.--The Committee is concerned about 
APHIS's Animal Care program and the steep decline in 
enforcement related to violations of the Animal Welfare Act. 
The Committee has included some of the reforms below in bill 
language, along with a funding increase to ensure compliance 
with both the bill and report language. The Committee has also 
provided an increase for the Office of General Counsel to 
address its workload on animal issues. The Committee will 
continue to discuss the poor state of the program with USDA and 
may seek further changes in the final 2023 bill.
    The Committee directs the agency to reform its current 
licensing and enforcement scheme immediately. This includes, 
but is not limited to, the following:
           ensure consistent, thorough, unannounced 
        inspections on a regular basis;
           act swiftly when facilities fail to comply 
        with any of the Act's requirements;
           ensure each interference with, and/or 
        failure to allow access for inspection, as well as each 
        violation or failure to comply with animal welfare 
        standards, is documented on an inspection report, and 
        assess penalties as deemed appropriate in each such 
        case;
           ensure that there is no use of teachable 
        moments or any similar program that obscures findings 
        during inspections; and
           require that inspection reports that 
        identify violations or failures of compliance be shared 
        with relevant local, state, and federal agencies.
    The Committee is also concerned about the lack of 
enforcement of online dog dealers, which has allowed many 
online operations to continue selling puppies without the 
necessary USDA licensing under the Animal Welfare Act. The 
Secretary is directed to make a priority of the enforcement of 
the 2013 rule that requires that dealers who are selling 
animals sight-unseen to consumers must have the necessary 
license to do so.
    If necessary, the Secretary of Agriculture shall enter into 
a memorandum of understanding with the Attorney General to 
encourage greater collaboration on Animal Welfare Act 
enforcement and ensure that the Department of Justice has 
access to evidence needed to initiate cases.
    Antimicrobial Resistance.--The Committee provides an 
increase of $3,500,000 for the National Animal Health 
Monitoring System Program to expand the collection and analysis 
of antimicrobial use and resistance data, and the collection of 
national level prevalence data on zoonotic diseases. The 
Committee supports USDA's efforts in the ``One Health'' program 
which seeks to maintain or reduce health risks to animals, 
humans, the environment, and society, and is essential in 
combating current and future zoonotic pandemics.
    APHIS Inspections of ARS Facilities.--The funding provided 
for the Animal Welfare program includes funding to support 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. 
The Committee directs APHIS to conduct inspections of all such 
ARS facilities and to post the resulting inspection reports 
online in their entirety without redactions except signatures. 
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.
    Arundo Management and Control.--The Committee is concerned 
with the damage the invasive plant Arundo donax inflicts on 
groundwater levels in drought-prone western states. The 
Committee directs APHIS to work with federal, state, and local 
water managers in affected areas to establish a management and 
control regime to prevent further water shortages in drought 
stricken areas.
    Asian Giant Hornet.--The Committee recognizes the work that 
the Department is doing to conduct research, outreach, and 
eradicate the Asian Giant Hornet. As the Department further 
engages efforts for eradication, the Committee has provided 
additional resources for the continuation of the existing 
efforts with the inclusion of an expanded focus incorporating 
work on improved monitoring tools, optimizing lure evaluation, 
utilizing modeling to guide response efforts, and building 
rapid response platforms.
    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 2022 level.
    Asian Longhorned Tick (ALT).--The Committee is concerned 
about the ongoing spread of ALT, which has been identified in 
17 states and represents a growing threat to domestic livestock 
populations. In addition to monitoring the spread of ALT, APHIS 
should utilize the resources necessary to enhance collaboration 
with ARS, NIFA, state partners, and industry stakeholders to 
improve preparedness, surveillance, and response capabilities. 
Recognizing that public education and outreach will play an 
important role to reduce the spread of ALT, the Committee 
expects APHIS to enhance outreach and education efforts to that 
end.
    Avian Health.--The Committee maintains the 2022 funding 
level for the Avian Health Program which provides surveillance, 
prevention, and control of avian diseases to protect the U.S. 
poultry industry.
    Blackbird Predation.--APHIS is responsible for providing 
Federal leadership in managing problems caused by wildlife. The 
Committee is aware of the economic importance of controlling 
blackbird depredation, which affects sunflowers and other 
crops. The Committee encourages APHIS to take action to reduce 
blackbird depredation in the Northern Great Plains.
    Body-gripping traps.--The Committee maintains the 2022 
funding level for the Secretary to develop best management 
practices for body-gripping traps in circumstances where 
current use of body-gripping traps increase the risk of non-
target capture to unacceptable levels, such as in some urban 
environments.
    Canine Detection and Surveillance.--The Committee 
recognizes the important role APHIS' canines program plays in 
invasive species and disease detection and continues to provide 
$3,000,000 to support these efforts. The Committee requests 
that APHIS keep it apprised of program activities, including 
how the agency uses funding provided.
    Cattle Health.--The Committee provides $112,771,000 for 
Cattle Health to continue to fund initiatives 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 spread. To prevent movement of livestock 
and game animals outside of the quarantined or high risk 
premises, the Committee provides an increase of $2,000,000 and 
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.
    The Committee also notes that 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 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 
Department is requested to keep the Committee apprised of 
progress made in this regard.
    Cervid Health.--The Committee provides no less than 
$15,500,000 for cervid health activities, of which $11,500,000 
shall be for APHIS to allocate funds directly to State 
departments of wildlife, State departments of agriculture, 
Native American Tribes, and research institutions and 
universities to further develop and implement chronic wasting 
disease (CWD) surveillance, testing, management, and response 
activities. Within the remaining $4,000,000 provided, APHIS 
should, if warranted, give consideration to indemnity payments 
and associated costs to remove infected and exposed animals 
from the landscape as expeditiously as possible.
    In addition, the Committee maintains the 2022 funding level 
for Wildlife Services Methods Development for CWD work at the 
National Wildlife Research Center.
    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.
    Cotton Pests.--The bill provides $15,950,000 for the joint 
Cotton Pests Program. 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.
    Depopulation.--APHIS uses defined methods for depopulation 
as described in the 2019 American Veterinary Medical 
Association (AVMA) Guidelines for Depopulation of Animals, 
based on the species and to meet specific depopulation 
timelines and on-site conditions. The AVMA definition stresses 
the importance of considering animal welfare when determining 
the best approach to depopulation. Given the nationwide 
outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza and growing 
concerns over African swine fever, the Committee directs the 
USDA to ensure that the National Veterinary Stockpile has 
adequate supplies and equipment to assist producers in 
utilizing more rapid, humane, and effective depopulation 
methods when necessary, as laid forth in the AVMA guidelines.
    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. The Committee includes an increase of $1,450,000 to 
support hazard preparedness and response for zoos and 
aquariums, and implementation of emergency contingency plans 
for all facilities regulated under the Animal Welfare Act.
    Feral swine.--The Committee maintains the 2022 funding 
level for feral swine eradication efforts. The Committee 
encourages APHIS Wildlife Services to use all approved measures 
as a force multiplier and prioritize states with the highest 
population of feral swine.
    Fruit Fly Exclusion and Detection.--The Committee provides 
an increase of $4,000,000 for exotic fruit fly detection, 
response, and prevention. The Committee requests a report, in 
consultation with the Department of Defense, on plans for 
repairs, improvements, maintenance, and construction of the 
Sterile Insect Release Facility at Joint Forces Training Base, 
Los Alamitos, California.
    Genetically Engineered Microbes.--While APHIS published a 
final rule in May 2020 to update it biotechnology regulations 
under Part 340 for biotechnology plants, genetically engineered 
(GE) microbes were not provided similar, clear next steps for 
obtaining permits and moving towards commercialization. The 
Committee urges APHIS, to take measurable steps to establish a 
predictable and science-based regulatory pathway, including 
guidance on categories or characteristics of microbes within 
APHIS's Part 340 scope, and to establish an outreach strategy 
to engage impacted developers and other stakeholders in the 
process of scoping a Regulatory Status Review for GE microbes 
for future rulemaking.
    Glassy Winged Sharpshooter.--The Committee provides an 
increase of $1,000,000 and urges USDA to consider all 
appropriate funding resources to rapidly respond to areas where 
increasing numbers of the pest glassy winged sharpshooter are 
occurring in California.
    Horse Protection Act (HPA).--The Committee provides 
$4,096,000 for enforcement of the HPA and reminds the Secretary 
that Congress granted the agency primary responsibility to 
enforce this law, including the training of all inspectors. The 
Committee directs the Secretary to issue the new proposed HPA 
rule expeditiously and to finalize and publish the new final 
rule by as soon as possible.
    Huanglongbing Emergency Response.--The Committee encourages 
APHIS to allocate sufficient resources to continue the 
activities necessary to effectively prevent or manage HLB. The 
disease, for which there is no cure, has caused a significant 
decline in Florida's citrus production since 2007. All citrus 
producing counties in Texas are under quarantine; and in 
California, there have been over 3,000 confirmed cases of HLB 
in backyard citrus trees. HLB threatens the sustainability of 
the entire domestic citrus industry. If HLB continues to 
spread, it will cost thousands of additional jobs and millions 
in lost revenue. The agency is encouraged to support the 
priorities and strategies identified by the HLB-MAC group. The 
agency should appropriately allocate resources based on 
critical need and the maximum benefit to the citrus industry.
    Imported Dogs.--The Committee is aware that the USDA issued 
a report that showed that over one million dogs are imported 
into the United States each year. Of that number, however, less 
than one percent are subject to thorough health screenings to 
show that they are healthy, vaccinated and free of disease 
prior to entering the country. The limited health requirements 
and inspection has resulted in the importation of animals that, 
tragically, arrive in poor health or die during travel, as well 
as the importation of animals carrying various diseases from 
rabies to canine influenza to leptospirosis, among others. As 
the connection between human and animal health becomes clearer, 
it is imperative that imported animals, including dogs, are 
healthy, vaccinated, and of an appropriate age to travel. 
Therefore, the Committee maintains the 2022 increase of 
$1,000,000 for APHIS to strengthen its oversight of imported 
dogs, including stronger interagency coordination to better 
protect animal and public health.
    In and Out Bound Market Access Report.--The Committee 
requests APHIS to continue submitting the report on U.S. out-
bound and foreign in-bound agricultural market access. The 
report should provide data for the last three years, including 
the date access was granted and the in-bound and out-bound 
volumes shipped by country and commodity.
    Lacey Act Implementation.--To combat illegal imports of 
timber and timber products, protect natural resources, and 
promote fair trade, the Lacey Act, as amended, requires an 
import declaration for certain plants and plant products. Since 
2009, APHIS has been phasing in enforcement of the declaration 
requirement. The Committee is concerned with the pace of 
enforcement and provides $4,984,000, more than doubling the 
2021 level, for additional enforcement phases. The Committee 
urges APHIS to work with federal partners and stakeholders to 
enhance Lacey Act program analysis and compliance efforts, and 
looks forward to receiving the report requested in House Report 
117-82.
    Marine Mammals.--The Committee is concerned that USDA's 
handling, care, treatment, and transportation standards for 
marine mammals in captivity are seriously outdated. Current 
standards do not adequately protect the welfare of captive 
marine mammals. An effort to modernize these standards that 
began in 2002 ended in 2021 when a proposed rule published in 
2016 was withdrawn, recognizing it was now outdated. The 
Committee directs APHIS to prioritize the development and 
finalization of a humane and science-based rule to modernize 
its marine mammal regulations and to report back within six 
months on its progress in achieving that goal.
    Mink STAMP Program.--The Committee is concerned about the 
low level of state and industry participation in the new Mink 
SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Avoidance and Monitoring Plan (Mink 
STAMP) program, designed to monitor for SARS-CoV-2 infection on 
mink farms and minimize risk of transmission of the virus 
between mink, humans, and other animals on and around mink 
farms. The Committee requests a written report within 90 days 
delineating State agencies and mink farms that are currently 
participating and what proactive steps are being taken or 
should be taken to encourage greater state and industry 
participation in the Mink STAMP program. Additionally, the 
report shall explain what education, incentives, infrastructure 
support, surveillance activities, multimedia resources, and 
herd management recommendations are being provided to mink 
farmers as part of the Mink STAMP program. Finally, the report 
shall describe what steps the Department will take to ensure 
comprehensive SARS-CoV-2 monitoring at mink farms if only 
partial participation by states and farmers is achieved. The 
report should include any corresponding documentation 
indicating that the above steps and actions were taken. The 
report shall also provide farm owners with an outline of 
processes, procedures, and reimbursements in the event of farm 
closures.
    Mormon Cricket and Grasshopper.--In light of continued 
drought conditions over the past two years, the Committee is 
concerned about the significant increase in Mormon cricket and 
grasshopper populations. The Committee provides an increase of 
$500,000 to ensure that adequate funding remains available to 
mitigate the associated economic damages.
    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 human health, as demonstrated during the pandemic. 
Therefore, the Committee rejects the budget reduction and 
continues to provide funding for NAHLN through both APHIS and 
NIFA at no less than $18,500,000 for fiscal year 2023. 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.
    National Honeybee Disease Survey Report.--The Committee 
continues funding the survey at the 2022 level. Since 2009, a 
national survey of honeybee 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 
honeybees 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.
    Pale Cyst Nematode Eradication.--The Committee includes 
funding to maintain resources for the pale cyst nematode 
eradication program at the 2022 level in order to continue with 
successful efforts to eradicate this pest. If left untreated, 
this pest could spread, affecting other crops.
    Plant Biostimulants.--Within the funding available, APHIS 
is requested to work with other agencies and stakeholders to 
develop and implement the recommendations set forth in the 
report submitted pursuant to section 10111 of the Agricultural 
Improvement Act of 2018.
    Scrapie Eradication Program.--The Committee maintains 
funding at the 2022 level for the National Scrapie Eradication 
Program.
    Spotted Lanternfly.--The Committee continues to be 
concerned about the recent Spotted Lanternfly outbreak and 
provides an increase of $1,000,000 to support efforts in 
combatting this pest. The Committee requests that APHIS keeps 
it apprised of the program's strategy and progress.
    Swine Health Improvement Program.--The Committee notes that 
the Department announced in 2020 the establishment of a joint 
Federal, State, and industry project to develop a certification 
program for high-consequence swine diseases. Given the outbreak 
of African Swine Fever in the Hispaniola region, the Committee 
recognizes the importance of reassuring foreign trading 
partners of the status of the American swine herd's health and 
the measures the American swine industry has taken to prevent 
an introduction of African swine fever and classical swine 
fever. The Committee encourages the Department to continue 
advancing the work of the Swine Health Improvement Program.
    Tallow Tree.--The Committee urges APHIS to carefully 
consider the effects on pollinators and beekeepers that may be 
associated with the release of Bikasha collaris and Gadirtha 
fusca for biological control of Chinese Tallow. APHIS should 
only proceed with approval of such releases in the event it can 
determine they will not adversely affect pollinators and the 
beekeeping industry.
    Wildlife Services.--The Committee is aware that APHIS has 
worked with landowners to deploy nonlethal strategies. APHIS is 
directed to continue to implement and prioritize nonlethal 
strategies by: (1) promoting and, where appropriate, 
implementing nonlethal livestock-predator conflict reduction 
and mitigation techniques; husbandry practices, night 
corralling, shed lambing, attractant and carcass removal, 
livestock herding, and human presence; (2) providing training 
in selection, implementation, monitoring and adaptation of 
nonlethal techniques for agricultural producers, landowners, 
federal and state agency personnel, and others; and (3) 
collaborating with the National Wildlife Research Center to 
advance and improve nonlethal predator coexistence methods, 
research on monitoring methods for efficacy of nonlethal 
control methods implemented to reduce predation, and establish 
clear documentation protocols for nonlethal approaches 
implemented in advance of lethal control measures where 
applicable. The Committee provides no less than $4,550,000 for 
these activities in fiscal year 2023.
    Within these funds, APHIS should expand, develop, and 
implement nonlethal methods with a focus on reducing human-
wildlife conflicts related to predators and beavers in the 
Western Region and Great Lakes states.
    The Committee requests an annual report documenting all 
work on nonlethal strategies development and progress in this 
area, and detailing how funds were dispersed, including 
regional distribution, wild and domestic species impacted, 
number and size of livestock/agricultural operations impacted, 
and nonlethal tools and methods implemented and supported.
    Within the amount provided for Wildlife Services, the 
Committee requests that APHIS work with States and other 
partners to ensure an equitable cost sharing framework to allow 
Wildlife Services to manage human-wildlife conflicts more 
effectively.
    The Committee directs APHIS to spend no less than the 
fiscal year 2020 level for predator control in the protection 
of sheep and goats.

                        BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $3,175,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         3,175,000
Provided in the bill..................................         3,175,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................             - - -
  2023 budget estimate................................             - - -
 

                          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


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................      $226,657,000
2023 budget estimate..................................       232,960,000
Provided in the bill..................................       242,913,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       +16,256,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        +9,953,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For Marketing Services of the Agricultural Marketing 
Service (AMS), the Committee provides an appropriation of 
$242,913,000. This includes a total increase of $4,756,000 for 
pay as requested in the budget.
    In addition, the Committee provides increases for the 
following programs: $2,000,000 for the National Organic 
Standards program; $500,000 for the Acer Access and Development 
Program; and $5,000,000 for the Packers and Stockyards Act 
program. The Committee provides $10,000,000 for the Micro-
Grants for Food Security Program, an increase of $5,000,000 
over 2022.
    The bill also includes $7,400,000 for the Farmers Market 
and Local Food Promotion Program authorized under the Local 
Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) in the Agriculture 
Improvement Act of 2018. Together with the Value-Added Producer 
Grant Program, the bill provides a total of $20,400,000 for 
LAMP. This amount is in addition to $50,000,000 of mandatory 
funds available in fiscal year 2023. The Committee also notes 
that as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, $130,000,000 is 
available to augment the Local Food Promotion Program and the 
Regional Food Systems Partnership Grant Program in fiscal years 
2022 and 2023.
    The Committee continues funding for the Dairy Business 
Innovation Initiatives in this account at $25,000,000. The 
Committee encourages AMS to work with the established 
initiatives to enhance cooperation with land-grant and minority 
serving institutions and provide support to small, minority-
owned, socially-disadvantaged producers, processors, or 
distributors. AMS shall report back to the Committee on the 
status of these efforts within 60 days of enactment of the Act.
    Antitrust.--The Committee provides an increase of 
$5,000,000 for the Packers and Stockyards Program to fund 
authorized top priority needs. The Committee recognizes that 
consolidation in agribusiness can be detrimental to farmers, 
consumers, workers and the environment. The Committee considers 
enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act a top priority 
and directs the Department to continue enforcing the Act to the 
fullest extent of the law. Further, the Committee urges AMS and 
other agencies and mission areas to fully incorporate fair and 
competitive markets priorities across relevant programs and 
operations.
    National Organic Program (NOP).--Within the funding 
provided, AMS is urged to focus on standards development and 
addressing the backlog of National Organic Standards Board 
recommendations. The Committee requests that the budget request 
for NOP include details on key expenditures such as compliance 
and enforcement activities and standards development. The 
request should also include a breakdown of expenditures and 
status of the $5 million in mandatory funding provided by the 
2018 farm bill for NOP technology upgrades.
    To maximize the climate benefits of organic agriculture, 
the Committee urges the NOP to increase enforcement efforts to 
ensure full compliance with the soil health and pasture 
requirements of USDA organic standards.
    Product of the USA Labeling.--The Committee notes the 
importance of accurate labeling as to country of origin of meat 
products for consumers and strongly urges the Department to 
initiate the rulemaking process to revise current labeling to 
ensure products labeled as ``Made in the USA'' or ``Product of 
the USA'', in fact, meet consumer expectations.

                 LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

 
 
 
2022 limitation.......................................     ($61,786,000)
2023 budget limitation................................      (62,596,000)
Provided in the bill..................................      (62,596,000)
Comparison:
  2022 limitation.....................................        (+810,000)
  2023 budget limitation..............................             - - -
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    The Committee provides a limitation of $62,596,000 on 
Administrative Expenses of the Agricultural Marketing Service.
    Cotton Classing.--The Committee provides $4,000,000 and 
acknowledges the challenges presented during the 2021 cotton 
season such as extensive delays in quality designation, 
contract delivery, and loan repayments. The Committee 
encourages AMS to continue working with producers to secure 
stability and dependability of the cotton classification 
program to timely and accurately process numerous samples of 
cotton bales with less reliance on seasonal staff and less 
disruption of market opportunities.

    FUNDS FOR STRENGTHENING MARKETS, INCOME, AND SUPPLY (SECTION 32)

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................     ($20,817,000)
2023 budget estimate..................................      (21,501,000)
Provided in the bill..................................      (21,501,000)
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................        (+684,000)
  2023 budget estimate................................             - - -
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Marketing Agreements and Orders Program, the 
Committee provides a transfer from Section 32 funds of 
$21,501,000.
    The following table reflects the status of this fund:

              ESTIMATED TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE AND BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD--FISCAL YEARS P2022-2023
                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      FY 2022         FY 2023        Committee
                                                                      enacted        estimate        provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation (30% of Customs Receipts).........................     $21,685,752     $27,123,378     $27,123,378
Less Transfers:
    Food and Nutrition Service..................................     -19,968,083     -25,199,767     -25,199,767
    Commerce Department.........................................        -253,669        -362,611        -362,611
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
        Total, Transfers........................................     -20,221,752     -25,562,378     -25,562,378
Budget Authority, Farm Bill.....................................       1,464,000       1,561,000       1,561,000
    Appropriations Temporarily Reduce--Sequestration............          72,789         -77,691         -77,691
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
        Budget Authority, Appropriations Act....................       1,391,211       1,483,309       1,483,309
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
    Additional Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts Purchases...........         206,000         206,000         206,000
    Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program...........................         187,000         198,000         198,000
    Estimated Future Needs......................................         443,084         523,130         523,130
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
        Total, Commodity Procurement............................       1,333,584       1,424,630       1,424,630
Administrative Funds:
    Commodity Purchase Support..................................          36,810          37,178          37,178
    Marketing Agreements and Orders.............................          20,817          21,501          21,501
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
        Total, Administrative Funds.............................          57,627          58,679          58,679
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
    Total Obligations...........................................      $1,391,211      $1,483,309      $1,483,309
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                   PAYMENTS TO STATES AND POSSESSIONS

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $1,235,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         1,235,000
Provided in the bill..................................         1,235,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................             - - -
  2023 budget estimate................................             - - -
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For Payments to States and Possessions, the Committee 
provides an appropriation of $1,235,000.

        LIMITATION ON INSPECTION AND WEIGHING SERVICES EXPENSES

 
 
 
2022 limitation.......................................     ($55,000,000)
2023 budget limitation................................      (55,000,000)
Provided in the bill..................................      (55,000,000)
Comparison:
  2022 limitation.....................................             - - -
  2023 budget limitation..............................             - - -
 

                          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

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $1,077,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         1,176,000
Provided in the bill..................................         1,117,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................           +40,000
  2023 budget estimate................................           -59,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, the 
Committee provides an appropriation of $1,177,000.

                   FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................    $1,108,664,000
2023 budget estimate..................................     1,226,148,000
Provided in the bill..................................     1,180,364,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       +71,700,000
  2023 budget estimate................................       -45,784,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the 
Committee provides an appropriation of $1,180,364,000. This 
amount includes $25,000,000 for reducing User Fees for Small 
and Very Small establishments; $5,000,000 for Information 
Technology modernization investments; $2,800,000 for 
recruitment and retention of Public Health Veterinarians; and 
$1,000,000 for the inspection of wild caught invasive species 
in the order siluriformes and family Ictaluridae. In addition, 
$29,700,000 is provided in Title VII of the bill for the final 
costs of the Goodfellow move.
    The following table reflects the Committee's 
recommendations for fiscal year 2023:

                   FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Inspection....................................        $1,057,778
Public Health Data Communication Infrastructure System            35,272
International Food Safety and Inspection..............            18,997
State Food Safety and Inspection......................            68,317
                                                       -----------------
    Total, Food Safety and Inspection Service.........        $1,180,364
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Good Commercial Practices.--The Committee recognizes that 
the handling of birds at slaughter according to Good Commercial 
Practices (GCP) improves quality and reduces the occurrence of 
adulterated poultry products in the marketplace. The Committee 
directs the Department to brief the Committees on documented 
instances where establishments lost control of their processes 
for handling birds, and consequently were not operating in 
accordance with GCPs, no later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act.
    Humane Methods of Slaughter.--FSIS shall ensure that all 
inspection personnel conducting humane handling verification 
procedures receive robust initial training and periodic 
refresher training on the FSIS humane handling and slaughter 
regulations and directives. This includes handling of non-
ambulatory disabled animals, as well as proper use of the 
Humane Activities Tracking System to ensure humane handling of 
animals as they arrive and are offloaded and handled in ante-
mortem holding pens, suspect pens, chutes, stunning areas, and 
on the slaughter line. The Committee directs the agency to 
continue preparation and online publication of the Humane 
Handling Quarterly Reports, to include: (1) the number of 
humane handling verification procedures performed, (2) the 
number of administrative enforcement actions taken, (3) the 
time spent on Humane Handling Activities Tracking System 
activities, and (4) comparisons of these measurements by plant 
size and FSIS district.
    Inspection Processes.--The Committee includes $500,000 for 
FSIS to provide a report within 90 days of enactment of this 
Act on how the agency may establish a process for seafood 
facilities that process multiple species, including wild-
caught, invasive blue catfish, to seek a waiver from FSIS 
inspection requirements to process seafood according to their 
seafood HACCP plan as required by the FDA. The report should 
include any barriers and challenges these processors encounter 
under the FSIS program.
    Invasive Species.--The Committee encourages the FSIS to 
work with other agencies, and stakeholders to better market 
food offered for sale that is the product of a wild caught, 
invasive species such as Northern Snakehead or Blue Catfish.
    Labeling Claims.--The Committee is concerned that the 
agency's process for verifying and approving animal raising and 
sustainability claims on meat and poultry product labels has 
led to consumer confusion and allowed unfair practices to 
proliferate. As a result, there can potentially be wide gaps 
between actual on-farm practices and consumer expectations for 
what the animal-raising claims convey. FSIS is responsible for 
ensuring that meat and poultry products are accurately labeled, 
and pre-approves these claims. FSIS most recently updated its 
guidance document on animal raising and sustainability claims 
in 2019, and the Committee encourage the agency to reevaluate 
these guideline--in particular for the most widely used animal 
raising and sustainability claim--with the goal of 
strengthening the verification methods. The agency is 
encouraged to work closely with the AMS to make sure that label 
claims submitted as part as AMS's ``Process Verified Program'' 
align closely with the FSIS guidance document. The Committee 
encourages the agency to make reforms to the approval system 
that will ensure that such claims are meaningful and reflect 
consumer expectations. This will reduce consumer confusion and 
promote fairness and competition amongst producers of meat, 
poultry, and egg products.
    Salmonella.--The Committee recognizes the Department's 
commitment to reduce illnesses attributable to Salmonella in 
poultry and urges FSIS to adopt enforceable, science-based 
product standards aimed at reducing illness by focusing on the 
Salmonella most likely to cause illness and addressing 
Salmonella contamination before birds enter the slaughter 
facility. Not later than 180 days after enactment FSIS shall 
report to the Committees on reforms under its Salmonella 
initiative.
    Workplace Hazards.--The Committee is concerned about the 
implementation and renegotiation of the 1994 Memorandum of 
Understanding (MOU) between the U.S. Department of Labor's 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and FSIS 
towards establishing a process for FSIS inspection personnel to 
be trained to recognize and report serious workplace hazards. 
The Committee requests a status update on implementation status 
of this renegotiated MOU 90 days following enactment of the 
bill.

                                TITLE II


               FARM PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS


   Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $1,687,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         1,792,000
Provided in the bill..................................         1,727,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................           +40,000
  2023 budget estimate................................           -65,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production 
and Conservation (FPAC), the Committee provides an 
appropriation of $1,727,000.
    Agritourism.--The Committee notes the growth of the 
agritourism industry and the importance of agritourism in 
supporting local economies, diversifying revenue sources for 
farmers, providing educational opportunities to kids and 
families, and maintaining the rural character of agricultural 
communities. The Committee looks forward to the Department's 
updated agritourism resource manual and Agriculture Census 
follow-on study regarding agritourism as directed in House 
Report 117-82.
    Cage-Free Housing Conversion.--The committee recognizes 
that the cage-free and gestation crate-free market is rapidly 
expanding due to demand by consumers and food corporations. In 
addition, a growing number of state laws are requiring farmers 
to convert to cage-free facilities. The Committee strongly 
encourages the Secretary to review this information and 
consider helping producers meet these economic opportunities by 
providing financial assistance for the conversion to cage-free 
and gestation crate-free housing.
    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 directs the Department to work with 
producers that want to voluntarily develop disaster plans to 
prevent livestock deaths and injuries.
    Small Meatpackers.--The Committee recognizes small and 
rural meat processors need capital availability to establish or 
expand services to meet local needs. The Committee looks 
forward to reviewing USDA's evaluation of small and rural meat 
processor needs and recommendations for providing capital to 
support small meat processors, as requested in House Report 
117-82.

            Farm Production And Conservation Business Center


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................      $238,177,000
2023 budget estimate..................................       261,783,000
Provided in the bill..................................       257,684,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       +19,507,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        -4,099,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center, 
the Committee provides an appropriation of $257,684,000.

                          Farm Service Agency


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Transfer from
                                                           Appropriation     program accounts    Total, FSA S&E
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2022 appropriation.....................................      1,173,070,000      (294,114,000)      1,467,184,000
2023 budget estimate...................................      1,231,697,000      (305,803,000)      1,537,500,000
Provided in the bill...................................      1,229,396,000      (305,803,000)      1,535,199,000
Comparison:
    2022 appropriation.................................        +56,326,000            +11,689        +68,015,000
    2023 budget estimate...............................         -2,301,000              - - -         -2,301,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For Salaries and Expenses of the Farm Service Agency (FSA), 
the Committee provides an appropriation of $1,229,396,000 and 
transfers of $305,803,000 for a total program level of 
$1,535,199,000.
    Farmers.gov.--The Committee directs USDA to continue to 
drive implementation and expansion of the Farmers.gov 
application, a single portal built around the needs of farmers, 
to enable USDA employees and USDA customers and producers to 
view their information, complete transactions and quickly 
review the status, submit applications for FPAC programs, and 
receive program payments for all USDA farm programs including, 
but not limited to, loans, conservation, disaster, dairy, or 
other programs. All farm programs which require direct 
application from the farmer, rancher, or producer should be 
considered for expansion of the Farmers.gov application and 
functions.
    PFAS-contaminated farmland.--The Committee encourages FSA 
and NRCS to explore using the Conservation Reserve Program to 
enroll PFAS-contaminated farmland that may not be suitable for 
further agricultural production. Additionally, the Committee is 
aware that PFAS contamination can cause significant financial 
distress for farmers and encourages FSA to explore 
flexibilities for impacted borrowers to defer, restructure, or 
forgive their debt as appropriate. The Committee requests that 
FSA work to avoid PFAS indemnity payments being diverted to 
repay FSA liens instead of helping to replace a farmer's lost 
income.
    Small Farmer Specialists.--The Committee recognizes COVID-
19, climate change, and trade wars/agreements have impeded 
small farmer growth. The Committee remains concerned that a 
majority of financial and technical assistance goes to larger 
farmers and encourages USDA to hire dedicated regionally 
focused small farmer specialists that can enhance outreach and 
assistance to small farmers on federal programs, conservation 
practices, contract opportunities, and other valuable issues to 
help our small farmers regain their economic footing.
    Staffing.--The Committee is concerned about FSA's ability 
to attract and retain field staff to do FSA's critical work in 
rural communities. The Committee is also concerned that local 
FSA offices are often tasked with implementing new programs 
with little notice. The Committee directs the Secretary to 
report on a plan to address retention and communication between 
FSA offices and the national office. Additionally, the 
committee encourages FSA to factor in administration of 
disaster assistance programming when contemplating additional 
staffing resources needed to successfully carry out its 
mission.

                         STATE MEDIATION GRANTS

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $7,000,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         6,914,000
Provided in the bill..................................         7,000,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................             - - -
  2023 budget estimate................................           +86,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For State Mediation Grants, the Committee provides an 
appropriation of $7,000,000.

               GRASSROOTS SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $6,500,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         6,500,000
Provided in the bill..................................         6,500,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................             - - -
  2023 budget estimate................................             - - -
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Grassroots Source Water Protection Program, the 
Committee provides an appropriation of $6,500,000.

                  GEOGRPAHICALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $3,000,000
2023 budget estimate..................................             - - -
Provided in the bill..................................         3,000,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................             - - -
  2023 budget estimate................................        +3,000,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    The Committee provides $3,000,000 for the Reimbursement 
Transportation Cost Payment Program for Geographically 
Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers.

                        DAIRY INDEMNITY PROGRAM

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................          $500,000
2023 budget estimate..................................           500,000
Provided in the bill..................................           500,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................             - - -
  2023 budget estimate................................             - - -
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Dairy Indemnity Program (DIPP), the Committee 
provides an appropriation of such sums as may be necessary 
(estimated to be $500,000 in the President's fiscal year 2023 
budget request).
    PFAS chemicals.--The Committee is aware that some dairy 
farms are unable to sell their milk as a result of 
contamination from a family of synthetic chemicals, 
collectively known as ``PFAS'' chemicals. The Committee notes 
USDA updated the DIPP to provide additional options to dairy 
producers impacted by PFAS contamination, and looks forward to 
continuing to work with USDA, other state and Federal partners, 
and producers to mitigate the impacts of PFAS.

           AGRICULTURAL CREDIT INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

                         ESTIMATED LOAN LEVELS

 
 
 
2022 loan level.......................................   $10,385,908,000
2023 budget estimate..................................    10,652,312,000
Provided in the bill..................................    10,652,312,000
Comparison:
  2022 loan level.....................................      +266,404,000
  2023 budget estimate................................             - - -
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund program account, 
the Committee provides a loan level of $10,652,312,000.
    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 2022 enacted  FY 2023 estimate      provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farm Loan Programs:
Farm Ownership:
    Direct................................................        $2,800,000        $3,100,000        $3,100,000
    Unsubsidized Guaranteed...............................         3,500,000         3,500,000         3,500,000
Farm Operating:
    Direct................................................         1,633,333         1,633,333         1,633,333
    Unsubsidized Guaranteed...............................         2,118,482         2,118,491         2,118,491
Emergency Loans...........................................            37,668             4,062             4,062
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...........................             5,000             5,000             5,000
Boll Weevil Eradication...................................            60,000            60,000            60,000
Relending Program.........................................            61,425            61,426            61,426
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
        Total.............................................        10,385,908        10,652,312        10,652,312
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            ESTIMATED LOAN SUBSIDY AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES LEVELS
                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Direct Loan     Guaranteed Loan   Administrative
                                                                 Subsidy           Subsidy          expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2022 appropriation........................................           $40,017           $16,524          $314,772
2023 budget estimate......................................            23,520            11,228           326,461
Provided in the bill......................................            23,520            11,228           326,461
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation......................................           -16,497            -5,296           +11,689
  2023 budget estimate....................................             - - -             - - -             - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The following table reflects the costs of loan programs 
under credit reform:

                                AGRICULTURE CREDIT PROGRAMS--SUBSIDIES AND GRANTS
                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Committee
                                                             FY 2022 enacted  FY 2023 estimate      provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farm Loan Subsidies:
Farm Operating:
    Direct................................................           $40,017           $23,520           $23,520
    Unsubsidized Guaranteed...............................            16,524            11,228            11,228
Emergency Loans...........................................               267               249               249
Indian Highly Fractionated Land...........................               407               894               894
Relending Program.........................................             5,000            10,983            10,983
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
        Total.............................................            62,215            46,874            46,874
ACIF Expenses:
    FSA Salaries and Expenses.............................           294,114           305,803           305,803
    Program Administrative Expenses.......................            20,658            20,658            20,658
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
        Total, ACIF Expenses..............................          $376,987          $373,335          $373,335
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         Risk Management Agency


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $62,707,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        75,443,000
Provided in the bill..................................        75,443,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       +12,736,000
  2023 budget estimate................................             - - -
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Risk Management Agency, the Committee provides an 
appropriation of $75,443,000.
    The Committee fully funds the Administration's request, 
which includes $2,000,000 for additional resources to address 
climate change, $2,548,000 to enhance staffing to support RMA 
initiatives, and $7,000,000 for product development and 
outreach and for the Compliance Data Warehouse.
    Administrative and Operating Expenses.--The Committee is 
aware that due to current historically higher prices for some 
commodities, the Administrative and Operating expense subsidy 
for specialty crop policies has been factored lower for the 
2021 reinsurance year and is also expected for the 2022 
reinsurance year. The Committee encourages RMA to continue 
engagement with the crop insurance industry on this issue. The 
Committee further directs RMA to jointly brief the Committees 
on Appropriations and the Committees on Agriculture of both 
Houses of Congress on this issue.
    Alfalfa.--The Committee recognizes alfalfa to be an 
important domestic forage crop valued for nitrogen fixation, 
soil conservation, crop rotation, and as a natural habitat. 
From 2002 through 2021, alfalfa acreage has declined 33.4 
percent. The Committee encourages RMA to explore the creation 
of a revenue and/or quality alfalfa crop insurance policy to 
ensure producers have a safety net that they need to produce 
this important crop.
    Crop Insurance.--The committee recognizes RMA recently 
issued ``UPDATED Coarse Grains Crop Provisions FAD-294'' to 
further explain and clarify agency rules related to the 
insurability of corn.
    Pandemic Cover Crop Program.--The Committee recognizes the 
Pandemic Cover Crop Program helps producers maintain their 
cover crop systems amid a financially challenging time because 
of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that it encourages an important 
conservation practice. The Committee directs the Department to 
continue supporting producers through the Pandemic Cover Crop 
Program, in conjunction with other pandemic assistance 
programs, using available resources as producers continue to 
manage pandemic and supply chain disruptions.
    Rainfall Index Program.--The Committee recognizes the 
unique geographic, geological, and atmospheric characteristics 
of U.S. non-contiguous states and territories when developing 
insurance products for pasture, rangeland, and forage (PRF) 
areas. The Committee further recognizes that NOAA's Climate 
Prediction Center provides the data for the Rainfall Index 
Program, but has limited data for Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. 
Territories. The Committee encourages RMA to continue to look 
for potential alternative data sources for these regions and to 
examine the feasibility of a rainfall index program for U.S. 
non-contiguous states and Territories that protects against 
yield losses caused by low precipitation for PRF areas.

                 Natural Resources Conservation Service


                        CONSERVATION OPERATIONS

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................      $904,396,000
2023 budget estimate..................................     1,001,101,000
Provided in the bill..................................     1,023,777,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................      +119,381,000
  2023 budget estimate................................       +22,676,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For Conservation Operations, the Committee provides an 
appropriation of $1,023,777,000. The Committee provides 
$16,751,000 for the Snow Survey and Water Forecasting Program; 
$10,747,000 for the Plant Materials Centers, of which 
$1,000,000 is for climate smart agriculture; and $86,560,000 
for the Soil Surveys Program. The Committee provides 
$883,746,000 for Conservation Technical Assistance, which 
includes $50,000,000 for equity conservation cooperative 
agreement and $25,000,000 for climate smart agriculture, and 
$1,000,000 is for Phragmite control. The Committee provides 
$3,000,000 for a cost-share program for the construction and 
repair of perimeter fencing.
    The Committee specifies the following projects and amounts 
to be funded in fiscal year 2023.

[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

    Alfalfa Conservation Utilization.--The Committee recognizes 
alfalfa as a climate smart commodity with an exceptional 
capacity for carbon sequestration and decreased reliance on 
synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. The Committee urges the 
Secretary to incentivize the use and integration of alfalfa in 
NRCS programs to capitalize on the unique environmental and 
conservation benefits it brings to the agricultural landscape.
    Chesapeake Bay States' Partnership Initiative.--The 
committee recognizes the important role of voluntary 
conservation practices in protecting and restoring waterways, 
especially when deployed at scale. To enhance the resiliency of 
farmland and reduce nutrient and sediment pollution in line 
with the most recent Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, the 
Department created the Chesapeake Bay States' Partnership 
Initiative. The Committee supports the Department's creation of 
this Initiative and directs the Department to leverage 
additional conservation resources for agricultural producers in 
the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Committee additionally urges 
the Department to target additional Conservation Technical 
Assistance funds in the most effective basin areas of the 
watershed.
    Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction Projects.--The 
Committee strongly supports and directs funding toward the 
Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction Projects.
    Conservation Programs timeline.--The Committee recognizes 
the importance of NRCS's conservation programs and their 
positive impact on water and soil quality. The Committee also 
recognizes these programs must consist of realistic timelines 
and outcomes as identified by the farmers using them. The 
Committee encourages NRCS to review all conservation programs 
to ensure their timelines related to conservation planning and 
program delivery meet legislatively mandated timelines to 
support farmers to develop their practices and fulfill the 
mission of the programs and report back on its findings and 
efforts to improve program funding timelines.
    Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Bundles.--The 
Committee recognizes the important role the agriculture sector 
can play in the effort to mitigate the impacts of global 
climate change and understands CSP is well-positioned to 
enhance support for agricultural practices and systems with the 
greatest climate change adaptation and mitigation potential. 
The Committee encourages NRCS to create climate change 
mitigation bundles within CSP, as recommended in the Select 
Committee on the Climate Crisis June 2020 report. Climate 
change mitigation bundles should include practices that reduce 
agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, such as improved 
nutrient management, and practices that increase carbon 
sequestration and improve soil health, such as using cover 
crops, conservation tillage, diverse and resource conserving 
crop rotations, and advanced grazing management. Given the wide 
geographic variations in climate, rainfall, soil, and 
topography, the bundles should be region specific and provide 
flexibility, allowing bundles to be tailored to the needs and 
conditions of each operation.
    Critical Conservation Areas (CCAs).--The Committee supports 
CCAs and the collaborative regional approach to address common 
natural resources goals while maintaining or improving 
agricultural productivity. The Committee encourages NRCS to 
provide Conservation Technical Assistance additional funds to 
CCAs to address conservation planning backlogs.
    Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative.--The 
Committee recognizes the environmental and economic benefits of 
the Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative, which 
expired in 2017. The Committee supports the revitalization of 
this program to educate landowners and operators on the 
benefits of climate-smart agriculture, soil health, and 
holistic grazing, with a focus on equity.
    Environment-based Flood Mitigation Measures.--The Committee 
recognizes that environment-based mitigation measures such as 
the creation of wetlands, conservation easements, and natural 
flood plains to slow the flow rate of rivers, creeks, and 
streams, are innovative tools to mitigate the severity of 
future floods in the Great Lakes Bay Region. These measures 
also support a variety of environmental and conservation 
benefits including erosion control, species habitat, and 
improved air and water quality. The Committee urges the 
Department to participate and coordinate as an essential 
federal stakeholder with EPA, FEMA, NOAA, and U.S. Army Corps 
of Engineers, as well as state, local, and tribal governments, 
and business and non-profit stakeholders, on developing and 
supporting conservation and environment-based flood mitigation 
measures to reduce the impact of floods on communities, lives, 
and livelihoods within the Tittabawassee River Watershed in the 
Great Lakes Bay Region.
    Farmer Mentorship Program for Watershed.--The Committee is 
concerned about soil and water quality near watersheds such as 
the Great Lakes Basin, Salton Sea, Lake Okeechobee, and the 
Chesapeake Bay. The Committee recognizes that farmers may be 
unaware of possible or necessary conservations efforts that 
currently exist to improve the soil and water quality. The 
Committee encourages NRCS to leverage its recently created CAMP 
mentoring effort to enhance outreach efforts with dedicated 
farmers in watersheds with conservation expertise to work with 
interested farmers who would like to learn how to implement 
improved conservation practices for water and soil in their 
operations.
    Feral Hogs.--The Committee is concerned that the feral hog 
population is rapidly expanding despite efforts to constrain 
their spread. To help prevent further damages to agriculture 
and urban lands, the Committee provides NRCS $3,000,000 for a 
cost-share program for the construction and repair of perimeter 
fencing. The Committee encourages NRCS, in conjunction with 
state soil and water conservation agencies, to develop a 
strategy to exclude feral hogs from agricultural and urban 
areas at risk of damage from localized feral hog populations 
with lessons learned from the existing Feral Hog Eradication 
Pilot Program.
    Firebreaks and Fuel Breaks.--The Committee recognizes that 
firebreaks and fuel breaks are efficient conservation measures 
that can be implemented by landowners to reduce the risk or 
intensity of wildfires and help firefighters by creating 
defensible areas. The Committee encourages NRCS to promote and 
provide assistance to design and construct firebreaks and fuel 
breaks in areas and communities under heightened risk of 
woodland fires.
    Grazing Lands Conservation.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of collaborative technical assistance to help 
producers effectively manage grazing lands to protect water 
quality, improve soil health, sequester carbon in the soil, and 
increase resilience and producer profitability. The Committee 
directs NRCS to continuing supporting partnerships that provide 
grazing lands conservation technical services such as grazing 
planning, workshops and demonstrations, peer-to-peer education, 
workforce training, and producer outreach, including support 
for partnerships that address unique needs at the local, state, 
and regional level.
    Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).--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 and nitrogen from 
agricultural land uses. Conservation planning should prioritize 
fields or riparian areas with the highest risk of elevated 
phosphorus and/or nitrogen losses. The Committee encourages 
NRCS to use interagency agreements and cooperative agreements 
focused on innovative phosphorus or nitrogen removal strategies 
where agricultural runoff has contributed nutrients to a 
waterbody. Such work shall be conducted in consultation with 
the National Institute for Food and Agriculture and the 
Agricultural Research Service.
    Lake Erie Basin.--The Committee is aware the Western Lake 
Erie Basin Initiative (WLEB) is vital to researching and 
conserving one of our country's precious freshwater sources, 
Lake Erie. Increased levels of harmful algal blooms continue to 
plague the Lake due to shallow depths, increased phosphorus 
levels, and other contributing factors. The Committee 
encourages NRCS to work with locally engaged academic 
institutions that have worked on WLEB concerns and to review 
the work done by these academic institutions along with the 
Federal and State agencies that have responsibility for 
tracking lake water quality.
    Mississippi River Basin (MRB).--The Committee directs the 
Secretary to maintain the priority status of the MRB as a 
Critical Conservation Area (CCA) under the Department's 
Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) and continue 
its emphasis on reducing nutrient loss and runoff reduction as 
a Priority Resource Concern for this CCA. The Committee further 
affirms the congruence of these priorities for the RCPP with 
the goals and outcomes of the Action Plan for Reducing Hypoxia 
in the Gulf of Mexico, and recognizes that the RCPP MRB CCA 
includes the Ohio River Basin States in proximity to the 
confluence of that river with the Mississippi River, which also 
reflects their participation in the Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan, 
and that these States are priority areas for the RCPP under the 
program's funding pools for the CCA, States, and Multi-States 
in these basins.
    PFAS Soil Testing.--The Committee understands that soil 
testing for PFAS can be prohibitively expensive, and encourages 
NRCS to utilize existing conservation practice standards for 
soil testing to assist producers in managing these costs.
    Phragmites.--The Committee is concerned about the damage 
caused by phragmites in the Chesapeake Bay and provides $1 
million from within the funds provided and directs NRCS to work 
with relevant state agencies to provide funding and technical 
assistance to control phragmites in the Chesapeake Bay 
Watershed.
    Pollinator Seed Mixes.--The Committee encourages NRCS to 
provide support to producers through the development of 
affordable, regionally appropriate pollinator seed mixes that 
avoid attracting crop pests.
    Regenerative Agriculture.--Regenerative agriculture 
practices stand to help farmers while addressing the multiple 
challenges our nation faces in climate change, land degradation 
and risk, biodiversity, water security, and food access. The 
Committee recognizes the role of programs like the 
Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation 
Innovation Grants in providing financial assistance to farms 
interested in improving soil health. NRCS is encouraged to 
continue supporting farmers that embrace regenerative 
agriculture practices, including continued investments in soil 
health demonstration projects.
    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.

               WATERSHED AND FLOOD PREVENTION OPERATIONS

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................      $100,000,000
2023 budget estimate..................................       125,000,000
Provided in the bill..................................        95,000,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................        -5,000,000
  2023 budget estimate................................       -30,000,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO), 
the Committee provides an appropriation of $95,000,000.
    Project Delays.--The Committee is concerned about delays 
with some WFPO projects and the impact such delays have on 
local communities. NRCS is urged to balance the needs of 
addressing the project backlog, remediation of existing 
structure, and new projects by prioritizing those projects that 
mitigate the greatest flood risks to public safety.

                    WATERSHED REHABILITATION PROGRAM

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $1,000,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        10,000,000
Provided in the bill..................................         5,000,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................        +4,000,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        -5,000,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Watershed Rehabilitation Program, the Committee 
provides an appropriation of $5,000,000.

                     HEALTHY FOREST RESERVE PROGRAM

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................             - - -
2023 budget estimate..................................       $20,000,000
Provided in the bill..................................        10,000,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       +10,000,000
  2023 budget estimate................................       -10,000,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Healthy Forests Reserve Program under the Healthy 
Forests Restoration Act, the Committee provides $10,000,000.

              URBAN AGRICULTURE AND INNOVATIVE PRODUCTION

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................             - - -
2023 budget estimate..................................       $13,469,000
Provided in the bill..................................        13,500,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       +13,500,000
  2023 budget estimate................................           +31,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production 
program, the Committee provides $13,500,000.
    Farmers' Markets.--The Committee recognizes the importance 
of Farmers' Markets in urban and rural food deserts. Farmers' 
Markets are vehicles that allow local farmers to provide 
healthy foods to low-income communities and can serve as a 
centerpiece for planning and local economies. The Committee 
encourages the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative 
Production to collaborate with AMS to create funding 
opportunities through the Farmers Market and Local Food 
Promotion Program and the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to 
develop or improve farmers' markets and their ability to access 
local community markets.
    Outreach and Innovation.--The Committee acknowledges the 
need for expanded research in support of urban agriculture in 
food insecure communities. The Committee believes urban farming 
and food production closer to the home is a viable solution to 
these challenges and encourages the Department to create 
partnerships and, with its extension programs, to assist urban 
agricultural production. The Committee directs NRCS to maintain 
grants to support urban agriculture outreach and innovation.
    Vertical Farming.--The Committee is aware of the growing 
vertical farming industry and other emerging technologies that 
could help increase food production and expand agricultural 
operations. The Committee encourages the Office of Urban 
Agriculture to engage with appropriate USDA agencies to explore 
opportunities to support and scale vertical farming.

                              CORPORATIONS


                Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................   $12,281,000,000
2023 budget estimate..................................    13,243,000,000
Provided in the bill..................................    13,243,000,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................      +962,000,000
  2023 budget estimate................................             - - -
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund, the 
Committee provides an appropriation of such sums as may be 
necessary (estimated to be $13,243,000,000 in the President's 
fiscal year 2023 budget request).

                   Commodity Credit Corporation Fund


                 REIMBURSEMENT FOR NET REALIZED LOSSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................   $14,401,896,000
2023 budget estimate..................................    13,571,261,000
Provided in the bill..................................    13,571,261,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................      -830,635,000
  2023 budget estimate................................             - - -
 

                          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 $13,571,261,000 in 
the President's fiscal year 2023 budget request).

                       HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT

                        (LIMITATION ON EXPENSES)

 
 
 
2023 limitation.......................................     ($15,000,000)
2023 budget estimate..................................      (15,000,000)
Provided in the bill..................................      (15,000,000)
Comparison:
  2022 limitation.....................................             - - -
  2023 budget estimate................................             - - -
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For Hazardous Waste Management, the Committee provides a 
limitation of $15,000,000. The Committee directs the Hazardous 
Materials Management Program and the Hazardous Waste Management 
Program to coordinate their work to ensure there is no 
duplication.

                               TITLE III


                       RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS


          Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $1,580,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         1,679,000
Provided in the bill..................................         1,620,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................           +40,000
  2023 budget estimate................................           -59,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of the Under Secretary for Rural 
Development, the Committee provides an appropriation of 
$1,620,000.
    Cellular Service.--The Committee acknowledges certain rural 
areas lack access to strong or reliable cellular service and 
notes that robust rural cellular coverage is necessary for 
individuals to contact emergency services, engage in precision 
agriculture and participate in a wide range of day-to-day 
activities. The Committee encourages the Department to examine 
potential pathways to expand cellular coverage to unserved 
rural areas through existing programs and provide the Committee 
with an update on whether such pathways exist.
    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.
    Climate Resilience.--The Committee encourages Rural 
Development to work with USDA's Climate Hubs to optimize 
opportunities to provide technical and financial assistance to 
distressed rural and tribal communities to support climate 
resilience activities and protect rural economies from 
increased risk and vulnerabilities from climate change.
    Colonias Definition.--The Committee urges the Department to 
reconsider the definition of colonias, so that colonias 
communities with higher population density but low incomes and 
substandard living conditions may be eligible for certain USDA 
programs that require a rural designation.
    Colonias and Farmworker Communities.--The Committee 
recognizes the challenges facing colonias and farmworker 
communities and urges the Department to work with other Federal 
agencies to identify best practices and other ways to futher 
assist colonias communities and farmworkers. The Committee 
encourages USDA to explore strategies to adopt and address the 
unique participation challenges faced by rural communities in 
the border region colonias communities. Further, the Committee 
encourages the Secretary to support these communities with 
funds appropriated for the Rural Partnership Network. The 
Committee requests a briefing on these efforts within 90 days 
following enactment.
    Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI).--The Committee 
continues to support HFFI, which improves access to healthy 
food in underserved areas, creates and preserves quality jobs, 
and revitalizes low-income communities. Resources provided 
enable continued investments in grants and loans, establish 
funding coalitions and partnerships, and support a variety of 
food enterprises that target solutions to the needs of rural, 
urban, and tribal communities.
    Loan Processing.--The Committee understands Rural 
Development loans are a critical source of financing for rural 
communities. The Committee appreciates the sometimes-needed 
complementary coordination between National and State offices 
for certain loans, but urges USDA to process loans in a timely 
manner.
    Opportunity Zones.--The Committee directs Rural Development 
to identify opportunities to support projects within designated 
Opportunity Zones to better leverage existing resources and 
incentivize greater investment in distressed rural communities.
    Persistent Poverty Areas.--The Committee supports targeted 
investments in impoverished areas. The Committee urges the 
Department to implement measures to increase the share of 
investments in persistent poverty counties, distressed 
communities, and any other impoverished areas. The Committee 
directs the Department to define performance measures, increase 
capacity to collect and analyze data, evaluate data sets, and 
develop a report to the Committee on how investments in 
persistently poor communities have improved economic outcomes.
    Pets and Women Safety Act (PAWS) program.--The Committee 
provides $3,000,000 to build upon grant awards made since 2020 
for this program. The Committees directs the Secretary of 
Agriculture to continue coordinating with the Departments of 
Justice, Housing and Urban Development, and Health and Human 
Services to implement the grant program for providing emergency 
and transitional shelter options for domestic violence 
survivors with companion animals.
    Rural Health.--The Committee encourages USDA to support 
development of infectious disease prevention infrastructure in 
rural communities, including by investing in infectious disease 
training and supplies for rural medical providers, syringe 
services programs, supplies for rural community-based 
organizations, and mobile health care delivery.

                           Rural Development


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Committee
                                                             FY 2022 enacted  FY 2023 estimate      provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations............................................      $300,285,000      $504,066,000      $401,976,000
Transfers from:
    Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account..........       412,254,000       412,254,000       412,254,000
    Rural Development Loan Fund Program Account...........         4,468,000         4,468,000         4,468,000
    Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loan             33,270,000        33,270,000        33,270,000
     Program Account......................................
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
        Total, RD Salaries and Expenses...................      $750,277,000      $954,058,000      $851,968,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For Salaries and Expenses of the Rural Development mission 
area, the Committee provides an appropriation of $401,976,000. 
Of the amount provided, $34,000,000 is for information 
technologies investments to modernize systems and software, 
$24,000,000 to increase Rural Development staffing, and up to 
$5,000,000 is for the Rural Partnership Network.
    Rural Development Staffing.--The Committee provides an 
additional $24,000,000 for increased Rural Development staff 
towards continued efforts in improving customer service and 
expedited program delivery. The Committee expects these 
resources will support improved program delivery, particularly 
through hiring at the Field level.
    Rural Hospitals.--Rural hospitals are an essential pillar 
of their communities and are necessary to create the economic 
growth that is direly needed in rural communities. 
Unfortunately, many rural hospitals continue to struggle. The 
Committee includes $2,000,000 for technical assistance to 
vulnerable hospitals in the Community Facilities portfolio to 
help struggling rural hospitals negotiate, reorganize, and 
revitalize.

                         Rural Housing Service


              RURAL HOUSING INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Administrative
                                                               Loan level       Subsidy level       expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2022 Appropriation........................................       $31,626,000           $65,296          $412,254
2023 Budget Estimate......................................        32,240,842           190,562           412,254
Provided in the Bill......................................        32,040,000           137,188           412,254
Comparison:
  2022 Appropriation......................................          +414,000           +71,892             - - -
  2023 Budget Estimate....................................          -200,842           -53,374             - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Rural Housing Insurance Fund program account, the 
Committee provides a loan level of $32,040,000,000.
    Farm Labor Housing.--The Committee encourages USDA to 
explore opportunities to leverage its resources including its 
Food and Nutrition Programs, Community Facilities Programs, 
Housing Preservation Grants, and other programs, and to create 
partnerships with the Department of Labor's Farmworker Housing 
outreach and technical assistance program, Health Resources and 
Services Administration's Health Center Program, and the 
Administration for Children and Families Migrant and Seasonal 
Head Start Program, to coordinate and align resources to 
address the housing, nutrition and healthcare needs of this 
vulnerable population of essential workers who play a critical 
role in America's food security. The Committee further 
encourages USDA to explore including service coordinators as an 
allowable expenditure for farm labor housing projects.
    Rural Housing Preservation.--The Committee understands the 
importance of preserving existing rural rental housing. The 
Committee expects the Department to consider all options in 
their preservation efforts, including considering the 
utilization of nonprofit organizations to acquire, repair and 
preserve properties in order to continue their use as 
affordable housing.
    The following table reflects the loan levels for the Rural 
Housing Insurance Fund program account:

                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Committee
                                                             FY 2022 enacted  FY 2023 estimate      provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Housing Insurance Fund Loans
        Direct............................................        $1,250,000        $1,500,000        $1,500,000
        Native American Re-Lending Demonstration Program..             - - -            20,842            12,000
        Unsubsidized Guaranteed...........................        30,000,000        30,000,000        30,000,000
    Housing Repair (sec. 504).............................            28,000            50,000            28,000
    Rental Housing (sec. 515).............................            50,000           200,000           150,000
    Multi-family Guaranteed (sec. 538)....................           250,000           400,000           300,000
    Site Development Loans................................             5,000             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             5,000
    Farm Labor Housing....................................            28,000            50,000            30,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
        Total, Loan Authorization.........................       $31,626,000       $32,240,842       $32,040,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The following table reflects the costs of loan programs 
under credit reform:

       ESTIMATED LOAN SUBSIDY AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES LEVELS

                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Committee
                                                             FY 2022 enacted  FY 2023 estimate      provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program
    Account (Loan Subsidies and Grants):
    Single Family Housing (sec. 502):
        Direct............................................           $23,250           $55,650           $55,650
        Native American Re-Lending Demonstration Program..             - - -             6,857             3,948
        Housing Repair (sec. 504).........................               484             4,150             2,324
    Rental Housing (sec. 515).............................             4,470            38,220            28,665
    Multifamily Housing Revitalization....................            34,000            75,000            40,000
    Farm Labor Housing....................................             2,831            10,210             6,126
    Site Development (sec. 524)...........................               206               208               208
    Self-Help Land (sec. 523).............................                55               267               267
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
        Total, Loan Subsidies.............................            65,296           190,562           137,188
    Farm Labor Housing Grants.............................            10,000            18,000            12,000
RHIF Expenses:
        Administrative Expenses...........................          $412,254          $412,054          $412,254
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................    $1,450,000,000
2023 budget estimate..................................     1,601,926,000
Provided in the bill..................................     1,493,926,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       +43,926,000
  2023 budget estimate................................      -108,000,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Rental Assistance Program, the Committee provides a 
program level of $1,493,926,000. This provides the estimated 
amount to fully fund the program.

                     RURAL HOUSING VOUCHER ACCOUNT

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $45,000,000
2023 budget estimate..................................             - - -
Provided in the bill..................................        38,000,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................        -7,000,000
  2023 budget estimate................................       +38,000,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Rural Housing Voucher Account, the Committee 
provides an appropriation of $38,000,000.

                  MUTUAL AND SELF-HELP HOUSING GRANTS

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $32,000,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        40,000,000
Provided in the bill..................................        33,000,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................        +1,000,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        -7,000,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Mutual and Self-Help Housing program, the Committee 
provides an appropriation of $33,000,000.

                    RURAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANTS

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $48,000,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        75,000,000
Provided in the bill..................................        48,000,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................             - - -
  2023 budget estimate................................       -27,000,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Rural Housing Assistance Grants program, the 
Committee provides an appropriation of $48,000,000, including 
$16,000,000 for rural housing preservation grants.

               RURAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................      $239,449,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        74,000,000
Provided in the bill..................................       194,865,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       -44,584,000
  2023 budget estimate................................      +120,865,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Rural Community Facilities Program Account, the 
Committee provides an appropriation of $194,865,000. The 
Committee specifies the following projects and amounts to be 
funded in fiscal year 2023.

[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

    Community Facility Projects.--The Committee notes that the 
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 established a selection 
priority under Community Facilities loans and grants for 
projects that combat substance use disorder in rural America. 
The statutory priority emphasizes prevention, treatment, and 
recovery, and the Committee urges the Department to fund 
community-based facilities and resources.
    The following table provides the Committee's 
recommendations as compared to the budget request:

                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Committee
                                                          FY 2022 enacted    FY 2023 estimate      provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Levels:
    Community Facility Direct Loans....................       ($2,800,000)       ($2,800,000)       ($2,800,000)
    Community Facility Guaranteed Loans................          (650,000)          (500,000)          (650,000)
Subsidy and Grants:
    Community Facility Grants..........................            223,449             52,000            176,865
    Rural Community Development Initiative.............              6,000             12,000              8,000
    Tribal College Grants..............................             10,000             10,000             10,000
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------
        Total, Rural Community Facilities Program                 $239,449            $74,000           $194,865
         Subsidy and Grants............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                   Rural Business Cooperative Service


                     RURAL BUSINESS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $73,125,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        83,100,000
Provided in the bill..................................        88,800,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       +15,675,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        +5,700,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Rural Business Program Account, the Committee 
provides an appropriation of $88,800,000.
    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 eco- nomic 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.
    Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans.--The Committee 
recognizes the expanded growth and interest in the Business and 
Industry Loan program and encourages the Department to better 
forecast the needs of the program in fiscal year 2023 and 
future fiscal years to ensure continued lending activities 
throughout the year.
    The following table provides the Committee's 
recommendations as compared to the budget request:

                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Committee
                                                          FY 2022 enacted    FY 2023 estimate      provision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Level:
    Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans.............       ($1,250,000)       ($1,500,000)       ($2,000,000)
Subsidy and Grants:
    Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans.............             25,125             32,100             42,800
    Rural Business Development Grants..................             37,000             37,000             37,000
    Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grants...........              2,000              5,000              - - -
    Delta Regional Authority/Appalachian Regional Com-               9,000              9,000              9,000
     mission/Northern Border Regional Commission.......
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------
        Total, Rural Business Program Subsidy and                  $73,125            $83,100            $88,800
         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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2022 Appropriation.....................................            $18,889             $1,524             $4,468
2023 Budget Estimate...................................             18,889              3,313              4,468
Provided in the Bill...................................             18,889              3,313              4,468
Comparison:
  2022 Appropriation...................................              - - -             +1,789              - - -
  2023 Budget Estimate.................................              - - -              - - -               -- -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          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 $3,313,000. In addition, the Committee 
provides $4,468,000 for administrative expenses.

            RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $50,000,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        75,000,000
Provided in the bill..................................        50,000,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................             - - -
  2023 budget estimate................................       -25,000,000
 

                          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

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $27,600,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        30,700,000
Provided in the bill..................................        27,600,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................             - - -
  2023 budget estimate................................        -3,100,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For Rural Cooperative Development Grants, the Committee 
pro- vides an appropriation of $27,600,000.
    This total includes $2,800,000 for a cooperative agreement 
for the Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas program 
and $13,000,000 for the Value-added Agricultural Product Market 
Development Grant Program under the Local Agriculture Market 
Program in the 2018 Farm Bill.
    Agriculture Innovation Centers.--The Committee continues to 
support Agriculture Innovation Centers. The Committee 
encourages consideration for the creation an Agricultural 
Innovation Center to develop a smart agriculture industry 
technology roadmap. The smart agriculture industry roadmap 
center would help guide the future development of technology in 
the agriculture industry and help align the United States 
agriculture industry to increase efforts of the United States 
to become a global leader in smart farming and agricultural 
technologies.

               RURAL MICROENTREPRENEUR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $6,500,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         6,000,000
Provided in the bill..................................         6,000,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................          -500,000
  2023 budget estimate................................             - - -
 

                          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.

                    RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $12,920,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        30,018,000
Provided in the bill..................................        10,045,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................        -2,875,000
  2023 budget estimate................................       -19,973,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Rural Energy for America Program, the Committee 
pro- vides $10,045,000 to make loans and grants as authorized 
by section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act 
of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107) to farmers, ranchers, and rural small 
businesses to assist with purchasing renewable energy systems 
and making energy efficiency improvements.

                   HEALTHY FOOD FINANCING INITIATIVE

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $5,000,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         5,000,000
Provided in the bill..................................         5,000,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................             - - -
  2023 budget estimate................................             - - -
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, the Committee 
pro- vides $5,000,000 to increase the availability of 
affordable, healthy foods in underserved rural communities to 
create and preserve quality jobs and revitalize low-income 
communities.

                        Rural Utilities Service


             RURAL WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................      $653,307,000
2023 budget estimate..................................       726,557,000
Provided in the bill..................................       685,072,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       +31,765,000
  2023 budget estimate................................       -41,485,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account, the 
Committee provides an appropriation of $685,072,000. 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.
    Border Communities.--The Committee is concerned that the 
water and wastewater needs of colonias communities that suffer 
from high rates of poverty along the southern border are not 
being adequately addressed. The Committee encourages USDA to 
support qualified non-profit organizations to provide technical 
assistance and/or construction projects to help colonias 
communities with accessing USDA's water and wastewater programs 
and services.
    Circuit Rider Program.--The Committee encourages the 
Department to ensure critically needed assistance under the 
Circuit Rider Program is appropriately targeted to communities 
in persistent poverty counties, including persistent poverty 
communities in border colonias regions.
    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.
    Lead Service Lines.--The Committee recognizes the health 
hazards posed by lead service lines and urges the Department to 
prioritize the replacement of lead service lines in rural 
areas. The Committee includes additional resources over fiscal 
year 2022 to assist in mitigating lead hazards.
    PFAS Pollution.--The Committee encourages the Department to 
make better use of the authority provided by the 2018 Farm Bill 
to utilize its Water and Wastewater Loan and Grant Program to 
help address the needs of rural communities impacted by PFAS 
pollution.
    Water and Waste Projects.--The Committee continues to 
invest in water and waste projects in rural communities and has 
included budget authority to support a cohort of loans with a 
one percent borrower interest rate. These resources shall be 
targeted to distressed communities to assist projects in 
becoming financially viable for distressed communities.
    The following table provides the Committee's 
recommendations as compared to the budget request:

                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Levels:
    Water and Waste Direct Loans.......................       ($1,400,000)       ($1,540,000)       ($1,450,000)
    Water and Waste Guaranteed Loans...................           (50,000)           (50,000)           (50,000)
Subsidy and Grants:
    Direct Subsidy.....................................              - - -             26,499              6,810
    Guaranteed Subsidy.................................                 45              - - -              - - -
    Water and Waste Revolving Fund.....................              1,000              1,000              1,000
    Water Well System Grants...........................              5,000              5,000              5,000
    Grants for the Colonias and AK/HI..................             70,000             93,000             70,000
    Water and Waste Technical Assistance Grants........             37,500             40,000             37,500
    Circuit Rider Program..............................             20,762             20,157             20,762
    Solid Waste Management Grants......................              4,000              4,000              4,000
    High Energy Cost Grants............................             10,000             10,000             10,000
    Water and Waste Disposal Grants....................            490,000            511,901            515,000
    306A(i)(2) Grants..................................             15,000             15,000             15,000
                                                        --------------------------------------------------------
        Total, Subsidies and Grants....................           $653,307           $726,557           $685,072
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

              RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

                         LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Administrative
                                                          Loan level         Subsidy level         expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2022 Appropriation..................................          $7,940,000             $46,840             $33,270
2023 Budget Estimate................................           7,190,000             403,336              33,270
Provided in the Bill................................           7,990,000              48,496              33,270
Comparison:
  2022 Appropriation................................             +50,000              +1,656               - - -
  2023 Budget Estimate..............................            +800,000            -354,840               - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans 
Program Account, the Committee provides a loan level of 
$7,990,000,000. 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]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Authorizations
Electric:
    Direct, FFB...............         - - -    $2,167,000    $2,167,000
    Direct, Treasury..........   $ 6,500,000     4,333,000     4,333,000
    Guaranteed Underwriting...       750,000         - - -       800,000
                               -----------------------------------------
        Subtotal..............     7,300,000     6,500,000     7,300,000
Telecommunications:
    Direct, Treasury Rate.....       690,000       690,000       690,000
    Direct, FFB...............         - - -         - - -         - - -
                               -----------------------------------------
        Total, Loan               $7,940,000    $7,190,000    $7,990,000
         Authorizations.......
------------------------------------------------------------------------

       ESTIMATED LOAN SUBSIDY AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES LEVELS

                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   FY 2022       FY 2023      Committee
                                   enacted      estimate      provision
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Electrification and
 Telecommunication Loans
    Rural Electric                     - - -      $300,000         - - -
     Modifications............
    Rural Energy Savings             $11,500        26,340        11,500
     Program..................
    Telecommunications Direct,         2,070         3,726         3,726
     Treasury.................
    Treasury Modifications....         - - -        25,000         - - -
    Rural Clean Energy                 - - -        15,000         - - -
     Initiative...............
    Administrative Expenses...        33,270        33,270        33,270
                               -----------------------------------------
        Total, Rural                  46,840       403,336        48,496
         Electrification and
         Telecommunications...
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                           BROADBAND PROGRAM

                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   FY 2022       FY 2023      Committee
                                   enacted      estimate      provision
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Broadband Program:
    Loan Authorization........       $15,220       $14,674       $14,674
    Loan Subsidy..............         2,272         2,000         2,000
    Community Connect Grants..        35,000        35,000        35,000
    Broadband ReConnect Loans        436,605       600,000       465,513
     and Grants...............
Distance Learning and
 Telemedicine:
    Grants....................        62,510        60,000        60,000
                               -----------------------------------------
        Total, Loan Subsidy         $536,387      $697,000      $562,513
         and Grants...........
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Broadband Program, the Committee provides an 
appropriation of $2,000,000 for a loan authorization level of 
$14,674,000. The Committee specifies the following projects and 
amounts to be funded in fiscal year 2023.

[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

    Broadband and Tribal Colleges and Universities.--The 
Committee encourages the Secretary of Agriculture to explore 
opportunities to expand broadband for 1994 Institutions (as 
defined in Sec. 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant 
Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note) under the Rural 
Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.). Stronger 
efforts are needed to support expansion and maintenance of 
broadband connectivity, including, but not limited to, 
equipment costs, maintenance of broadband systems, broadband 
infrastructure expansion, and ongoing broadband operations 
expenses directly related to 1994 Institutions broadband 
systems.
    Community Connect.--The Committee encourages USDA to 
collaborate with qualified nonprofit organizations, including 
community colleges, to provide technical assistance to 
communities in persistent poverty counties, including 
persistent poverty communities in border colonias region, to 
facilitate access to broadband services including Distance 
Learning and Telemedicine opportunities.
    Indian Country Broadband.--The Committee urges the USDA to 
responsibly and efficiently take action to address broadband 
deficiencies through increased access and investments for 
broadband on rural Tribal lands.
    Open Access.--The Committee recognizes the value of open 
access broadband fiber infrastructure projects as well as the 
challenges these projects face in qualifying for federal 
funding and directs the USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to 
support financially-feasible open access infrastructure 
projects that meet its program goals.
    ReConnect.--The Committee provides an additional 
$450,000,000 for the ReConnect program to increase access to 
broadband connectivity in unserved and underserved rural 
communities, targeting areas of the country with the largest 
broadband coverage gaps, including those with mountainous 
terrain.
    ReConnect Application.--The Committee recognizes 
difficulties caused by supply chain disruptions can make 
administration of broadband projects more difficult, but 
encourages USDA to work to expeditiously disburse ReConnect 
funds once grants and loans are awarded. Additionally, the 
Committee encourages the Department to examine, and 
appropriately adjust collateral requirements in within 
ReConnect Loan Agreements, Grant Agreements, or Loan/Grant 
Agreements to ensure greater Program access.
    ReConnect Coordination.--The Committee recognizes the 
certain burdens facing small telecommunication providers in 
rural America that seek financial assistance through the 
ReConnect program. Rural broadband providers are community 
institutions that are leading the way to close the digital 
divide. Government assistance programs should not further 
complicate these small companies with costly applications and 
confusing regulatory compliance requirements. The Committee 
urges the continued partnerships with other Federal agencies to 
review various Federal broadband program requirements in 
efforts to better understand program nuances and promote 
harmonization of Federal broadband application processes.
    ReConnect Scoring Criteria.--The ReConnect program shall 
establish a scoring criterion that prioritizes serving the 
hardest to reach, unserved and underserved rural communities.
    ReConnect Service Areas.--RUS Telecommunications Program 
funds should not be awarded in any areas, study areas or census 
blocks where a recipient of FCC High-Cost USF support is 
already subject to a buildout obligation of 25/3 Mbps or 
greater for fixed terrestrial broadband, except that RUS 
Telecommunication Program funds may be awarded in such areas to 
help finance construction of the network. This shall not apply 
in cases where the FCC has not provided for final approval of 
an award of such funds.
    ReConnect Technical Assistance.--The committee recognizes 
that there is a greater need for technical assistance for 
small, rural communities applying for USDA loans and grants. 
The committee directs USDA to establish and implement a 
broadband technical assistance strategy to better support rural 
communities. This effort will assist applicants, including a 
cohort of applicants, with initial planning and development of 
applications for USDA broadband loans and grants. This may 
include, but is not limited to, the review of program 
eligibility, review of program processes, and one-on-one 
assistance with application development, and implementation of 
broadband in the area of the applying entity. This effort must 
provide program analysts within the USDA to provide one-on-one 
technical assistance to applying entities throughout the 
ReConnect application process.
    Rural Telehealth.--The Committee supports the Memorandum of 
Understanding entered into on August 31, 2020, establishing a 
Rural Telehealth Initiative among the Department of Health and 
Human Services, the Federal Communications Commission, and the 
Department of Agriculture. Together, this important initiative 
can leverage expertise of each respective agency and improve 
collaboration amongst entities tasked with addressing rural 
telehealth access. Agencies involved in this initiative should 
prioritize opportunities to continue the expansion of 
telehealth services and close the digital divide.

                                TITLE IV


                         DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS


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


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $1,327,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         1,426,000
Provided in the bill..................................         1,376,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................           +49,000
  2023 budget estimate................................           -50,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, 
and Consumer Services, the Committee provides an appropriation 
of $1,376,000.
    Accessibility of Federal nutrition programs.--The Committee 
maintains its interest in increasing accessibility of Federal 
nutrition programs for those with culturally or religiously 
sensitive diets, including Kosher and Halal. The Committee 
recognizes efforts underway at the Department to gain a deeper 
understanding of existing barriers to offering more Kosher and 
Halal foods through these programs. The Committee embraces 
these efforts and urges the Department to accelerate, to the 
extent practicable, its exploration and implementation of 
strategies to overcome these barriers. The Committee directs 
the Secretary to provide a briefing within 60 days of enactment 
of this Act on these efforts, to include identification of any 
additional resources that may be necessary to implement 
strategies, overcome barriers, and close existing gaps in this 
area. Recognizing that cost to school food authorities in 
providing culturally and religiously sensitive meals to 
children participating in the Federal school meal programs is a 
barrier, the Committee welcomes information from the Department 
about potential adjustments to the school meal reimbursement 
rate to better account for costs of providing such meals.
    Local Food.--The Committee recognizes the growing demand 
for locally and regionally produced food. The Committee 
encourages all nutrition programs, to the extent feasible, to 
engage local agriculture producers to enhance small farmers and 
regional producers. The Committee again directs FNS to review 
its Child Nutrition Programs and other food distribution 
programs to determine how many of their commodity purchases are 
locally sourced and how to improve procurement from local and 
small farmers.
    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.

                       Food and Nutrition Service


                        CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................   $26,883,922,000
2023 budget estimate..................................    28,587,957,000
Provided in the bill..................................    28,619,957,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................    +1,736,035,000
  2023 budget estimate................................       +32,000,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Child Nutrition Programs, the Committee provides 
$28,619,957,000, which includes $40,000,000 for school meals 
equipment grants, $50,000,000 for the Summer Electronic 
Benefits Transfer (EBT) for Children Demonstration, $12,000,000 
for Farm to School grants, $10,000,000 for school Breakfast 
Expansion grants, and $20,162,000 for Team Nutrition.
    Alternate Protein Meal Options.--The Committee directs FNS 
to collect, analyze, and publish research relating to the 
availability of plant-based and alternate protein meal options 
under USDA programs in schools and other congregate settings, 
and the impact of plant-based and alternate protein meal 
options on population health outcomes. The committee further 
directs the Department to provide guidance on the 
implementation of daily plant-based and alternate protein meal 
options under the NSLP and SBP for consideration by state 
agencies and local program operators.
    Child Nutrition Waivers.--The Committee is concerned over 
reports of decreasing student participation in school breakfast 
and lunch programs despite the on-going COVID-19 public health 
crisis. The Committee is supportive of the child nutrition 
waivers, authorized under Section 2202 of the Families First 
Coronavirus Response Act, and the flexibility they provided for 
state child nutrition programs to meet the ongoing challenges 
brought on by the pandemic. The Committee looks forward to 
reviewing the results of the School Meal Operations Study 
series and to working with FNS to combat childhood hunger.
    Food Waste Education.--USDA's nutrition programs reach 
nearly one in four Americans every day, including approximately 
30 million children through school feeding programs. This reach 
provides a significant opportunity to increase public awareness 
of food loss and waste and ways to prevent it. The Committee 
encourages the USDA to include food waste education and 
prevention information as a priority for each of these programs 
and incorporate food waste prevention and reduction information 
into all nutrition education materials geared toward teachers, 
students, and other program recipients.
    Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.--The Committee 
appreciates the collaboration between USDA and the Department 
of Defense on its Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, which is 
available in over 48 states/territories and serves more than 
22,000 schools. The Committee encourages DOD and USDA FNS to 
review current practices to identify opportunities to increase 
food purchases from small, medium, women and minority farmers 
within their respective states.
    Local Food in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).--
The Committee is aware that school meals are a vital source of 
food and nutrition for elementary and secondary students. The 
Committee recognizes the NSLP could do more to support local 
economies and businesses through increased participation with 
local producers and encourages efforts to increase local food 
purchases for the NSLP sourced from in-state or geographically 
local growers and producers.
    Non-dairy Milk Alternatives.--The Committee is supportive 
of the National School Breakfast Program and the National 
School Lunch Program remaining accessible to all students while 
maintaining its nutritional standards. As allergies may prevent 
children from consuming dairy-based milk, non-dairy milk 
alternatives may be the best option for children in school 
meals that achieve the intended nutrition goal. The Committee 
requests a briefing, not later than 90 days after the enactment 
of this Act, from FNS on the availability of non-dairy milk 
alternatives in school meal programs.
    Summer Food Service Program.--The Committee supports FNS 
allowing State Agencies to enable Summer Food Service Program 
service institutions that serve such areas where eligible 
children and youth have barriers to access or limited access to 
a congregate feeding site to use their customary reimbursement 
payments to develop and implement innovative methods to deliver 
or otherwise make available foods to eligible children and 
youth by non-congregate means or in non-congregate settings.
    Team Nutrition.--The Committee supports the promotion of 
nutritional health of school children and recognizes the need 
for additional support for schools to meet certain nutrition 
standards for school meals, particularly for sodium and whole 
grains. The committee encourages FNS to help schools meet whole 
grains and sodium-reduction targets.
    The agreement provides the following for Child Nutrition 
Programs:

                      TOTAL OBLIGATIONAL AUTHORITY

                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
School lunch program.................................        $15,043,315
School breakfast program.............................          6,044,892
Child and adult care food program....................          4,531,212
Summer food service program..........................            604,987
Special milk program.................................              7,817
State administrative expenses........................            339,000
Commodity procurement................................          1,788,389
Team Nutrition.......................................             20,162
Food safety education................................              4,196
Coordinated review...................................             10,000
Computer support and processing......................             28,238
CACFP training and technical assistance..............             45,996
Child Nutrition Program studies and evaluations......             21,005
Child Nutrition payment accuracy.....................             12,315
Farm to school tactical team.........................              6,433
School meals equipment grants........................             40,000
Summer EBT demonstration.............................             50,000
School breakfast expansion grants....................             10,000
Farm to School grants................................             12,000
                                                      ------------------
    Total............................................        $28,619,957
------------------------------------------------------------------------

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN 
                                 (WIC)

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................    $6,000,000,000
2023 budget estimate..................................     6,000,000,000
Provided in the bill..................................     6,000,000,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................             - - -
  2023 budget estimate................................             - - -
 

                          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 $90,000,000 for the 
breastfeeding peer counselor program and $14,000,000 for 
infrastructure.
    The President's budget request includes a projection of an 
average monthly participation rate of 6.2 million women, 
infants, and children for fiscal year 2023. The Committee 
provides funding that will ensure all eligible participants 
will be served and to maintain the amounts of fruits and 
vegetables in the WIC Food Package.
    The Committee will continue to monitor WIC participation 
trends, carryover funds, and food costs and take additional 
action as necessary.
    Improving Breastfeeding Rates.--The Committee remains 
interested in how to improve breastfeeding rates and eliminate 
barriers to breastfeeding for low-income and minority women. To 
meet their breastfeeding goals, according to the CDC, mothers 
need continuity of care which is achieved by consistent, 
collaborative, and high-quality breastfeeding services and 
supplies. Reports that some WIC agencies only make breast pumps 
and related supplies available to WIC participants who meet 
certain difficult criteria are concerning and seem to be in 
opposition to the goals of encouraging breastfeeding. Food and 
Nutrition Service is directed to collect information from all 
WIC agencies and prepare a report to the committee, within 180 
days of enactment of this bill, detailing any conditions WIC 
agencies consider, or requirements they impose, when 
determining whether a WIC participant who intends to fully 
breastfeed her infant may access breastfeeding supplies and 
services.
    Maternal Mortality Data.--The Committee remains concerned 
about maternal mortality and awaits the report detailed in 
House Report 116-446.
    WIC Food Package.--The Committee understands FNS is 
currently considering changes to the WIC food packages based on 
recommendations from the National Academies of Science, 
Engineering and Medicine's (NASEM) 2017 report in conjunction 
with the recently released Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 
2020-2025 and looks forward to reviewing those changes. The 
committee notes repeated DGAs have identified dairy products as 
nutrient-dense, while also identifying a high percentage of the 
U.S. population, including WIC's at-risk population, as not 
consuming the recommended level of dairy.
    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

 
 
 
2022 appropriation..................................    $140,440,868,000
2023 budget estimate................................     138,977,369,000
Provided in the bill................................     111,180,895,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation................................     -29,259,973,000
  2023 budget estimate..............................     -27,796,474,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the 
Committee provides $111,180,895,000. The total amount includes 
$3,000,000,000 for a contingency reserve to be used only in the 
event and in the amount necessary. The Committee also includes 
a such sums appropriation in the fourth quarter of the fiscal 
year, as requested by the Administration, in case participation 
exceeds expected levels or there is a disaster that cannot be 
managed through use of the contingency funds.
    Barriers to Accessing SNAP.--The Committee recognizes the 
Families First Coronavirus Response Act directed the Secretary 
of Agriculture to submit a report to Congress 18 months after 
the public health emergency ends on the measures taken to 
address the food security needs of affected populations during 
the emergency and recommendations for changes to the 
Secretary's authority under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 
to assist the Secretary and States and localities in 
preparations for any future health emergencies. The Committee 
is eager to learn about the impact of temporary SNAP related 
improvements during the COVID-19 pandemic, lessons learned. and 
recommendations on promoting food security during COVID-19 and 
beyond.
    The Committee encourages FNS to include in this report the 
impacts on SNAP benefits of the expiration of the PHE and 
related SNAP measures, and ways to promote equitable customer 
service, including through language access, and alternative 
eligibility system access options such as in person, online, 
and call center availability.
    College Hunger.--The Committee remains concerned that SNAP 
eligible students who are food-insecure lack proper information 
about resources available to them. Under regular SNAP 
eligibility requirements, students enrolled at least half time 
in an institution of higher education are typically ineligible 
for SNAP benefits unless they meet certain specific exemptions. 
Public Law 116-260 included provisions to temporarily expand 
SNAP eligibility to students. The Committee continues to direct 
FNS to make information available on its website regarding 
student SNAP eligibility requirements easier to understand and 
more accessible. The Committee directs FNS to report back on 
the number of students who enrolled in SNAP due to this 
increased flexibility and provide any lessons learned.
    Military Food Insecurity.--The Committee recognizes that 
COVID-19 exacerbated food insecurity for millions of people, 
including members of the military. The Committee is also aware 
that the Basic Allowance for Housing that members of the 
military receive is not excluded as income when calculating 
eligibility for SNAP. The Committee supports a reevaluation and 
revision of this policy to reduce the number of military 
members relying on food banks and to ensure all members of the 
military have access to healthy, nutritious food.
    Retailer Language Access.--The Committee supports cultural 
retailers participating in SNAP for their role ensuring 
immigrant communities have affordable access to cultural foods. 
Such retailers may be led by individuals with Limited English 
Proficiency. The Committee directs FNS to submit a plan within 
180 days for ensuring meaningful language access when serving 
retailers. The plan shall include the implementation of 
language translation and interpretation services.
    SNAP Application Reporting.--The Committee is interested in 
the number of approved applications, and nonapproved 
applications due to a drug felony conviction, a condition 
related to a drug felony conviction, or a time limit related to 
a drug felony ban for each state. The Committee is also 
interested in the number of total applications and incomplete 
or abandoned applications due, whether in whole or in part, to 
a drug felony conviction, a condition related to a drug felony 
conviction, or a time limit related to a drug felony ban for 
each state. The Committee recognizes FNS does not have complete 
information on denials related to drug felonies at the state-
level, and requests a briefing, within 90 of enactment of this 
Act, to better understand the various aspects and limitations 
to this data collection, and the costs and timeframe for such 
as study.
    SNAP-Ed.--When administering SNAP-Ed, the Committee 
encourages FNS and NIFA to prioritize evidence-based 
interventions that include hands-on cooking paired with 
nutrition education. The Committee believes that SNAP-Ed grants 
should include cooking programs that deliver community-based 
nutrition education to SNAP-eligible families with the 
intention of helping households maximize their food budgets and 
prepare healthier meals.
    SNAP Integrity.--The Committee recognizes the importance of 
program integrity in the Department's administration of SNAP, 
including the distribution of benefits. While the pandemic 
temporarily compromised these integrity measures, including the 
inability for the Department to issue error rates for both FY 
2020 and FY 2021, SNAP Quality Control returned to normal modes 
of data collection as of July 1, 2021. With the FY 2022 data, 
FNS will also return to normal modes of analysis and 
distribution of information.
    SNAP Online Pilot Program.--The Committee supports 
increased flexibility for SNAP beneficiaries to use their 
benefits for online purchases. The Committee is concerned that 
barriers for entry to the program are higher for independent 
retailers. The committee urges USDA to continue to pursue the 
SNAP EBT Modernization Technical Assistance Center to assist 
small, independent retailers in overcoming barriers to 
participation in the online purchasing pilot, and to report to 
the committee on ways to facilitate independent retailers' 
participation in the pilot.
    Study and Evaluation Plan.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of nutritious food to the wellbeing of individuals 
participating in SNAP. The Committee encourages FNS to explore 
measuring the impact of restricting SNAP purchases to measure 
the impact of limiting certain SNAP purchases on healthy food 
choices by people participating in SNAP.
    TEFAP Local Purchase.--The Committee is aware that TEFAP 
distributors such as foodbanks, soup kitchens, and food 
pantries have a natural bond with their local farmers. The 
Committee encourages FNS to explore innovative ways to procure 
food directly from small and local farmers.
    Territories.--The Committee recognizes the inadequacy and 
inefficacy of the current Nutrition Assistance Program block 
grant funding for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa, which has had to be 
repeatedly supplemented in response to natural disasters and 
the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee encourages FNS to continue 
engaging the appropriate stakeholders and directs FNS to 
provide the Committee with updates on the separate plans and 
discussions to includes these territories in SNAP.
    The agreement provides the following for SNAP:

                      TOTAL OBLIGATIONAL AUTHORITY
                         [Dollars in thousands]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Benefits.............................................         97,694,225
Contingency reserve..................................          3,000,000
Administrative costs:
    State administrative costs.......................          5,707,550
    Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant             486,000
     Program.........................................
    Employment and Training..........................            649,835
    Mandatory other program costs....................            390,752
    Discretionary other program costs................              3,998
                                                      ------------------
      Administrative subtotal........................          7,238,135
Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico (NAP)...........          2,633,252
American Samoa.......................................             10,575
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.....            145,005
TEFAP commodities....................................            419,003
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.........             30,700
Community Food Projects..............................              5,000
Program access.......................................              5,000
                                                      ------------------
    Subtotal.........................................          3,248,535
      Total..........................................        111,180,895
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      COMMODITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................      $440,070,000
2023 budget estimate..................................       464,210,000
Provided in the bill..................................       469,710,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       +29,640,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        +5,500,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    The Committee provides an appropriation of $469,710,000 for 
the Commodity Assistance Program. This includes $338,640,000 
for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, $30,000,000 for 
the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, $100,000,000 for 
administrative funding for The Emergency Food Assistance 
Program (TEFAP), and $1,070,000 for the Food Donations Programs 
for Pacific Island Assistance.
    Food Bank Donations.--The Committee applauds the work that 
food banks and pantries have accomplished during the pandemic, 
including providing over 60 million people with much-needed 
sustenance and nutrition in 2020. The Committee recognizes 
demand at food banks is still high, due to the pandemic and 
rising food costs, but food banks are no longer receiving the 
amount of food donations they once were from food producers. 
The Committee supports all efforts to assist and alleviate the 
burden that food banks are facing.
    Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.--The Committee 
recognizes the importance and success of the Senior Farmers' 
Market Nutrition program in helping to provide support to over 
725,000 low-income seniors in purchasing healthy and nutritious 
food options from local farmers. The Committee notes USDA 
invested $50 million in SFMNP as part of its framework to shore 
up the food supply chain and transform the food system. The 
Committee directs FNS to brief the Committee within 180 days of 
enactment on any remaining backlogs and how to improve the 
program and serve more eligible low-income seniors.
    TEFAP Handling and Distribution Costs.--In addition to 
grant funds supporting commodity handling and distribution 
costs, the bill permits states to use up to 20 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.
    Training for Handling Kosher and Halal Foods in TEFAP.--The 
Committee supports the inclusion of food that meets cultural 
and religious requirements within TEFAP. As such, the Committee 
encourages the Department to collaborate with Jewish and Muslim 
community leaders with nuanced understanding of religious 
practices and food safety procedures to develop training 
materials for participating TEFAP State agencies and/or 
eligible recipient agencies on the best practices for 
identifying, storing, transporting, and distributing certified 
kosher and halal food products. Not later than 90 days after 
enactment of this Act, FNS will submit a report to the 
Committee on their plans to develop training materials around 
the storage, transportation, and distribution of kosher and 
halal products in TEFAP.

                   NUTRITION PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................      $170,133,000
2023 budget estimate..................................       238,670,000
Provided in the bill..................................       231,378,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       +61,245,000
  2023 budget estimate................................        -7,292,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For Nutrition Programs Administration, the Committee 
provides $231,378,000. This includes $10,200,000 for ensuring 
the scientific integrity of the Dietary Guidelines, $23,000,000 
to improve nutrition security and health outcomes, $2,000,000 
for cross program technical support for tribal communities, and 
$10,630,000 for enhanced staffing for critical policy and 
cross-program support processes, the Office of Management, and 
the Civil Rights Division.

                                TITLE V


                FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS


   Office of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural 
                                Affairs


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................          $908,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         1,018,000
Provided in the bill..................................           932,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................           +24,000
  2023 budget estimate................................           -86,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign 
Agricultural Affairs, the Committee provides an appropriation 
of $932,000.

                      Office of Codex Alimentarius


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $4,841,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         4,978,000
Provided in the bill..................................         4,922,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................           +81,000
  2023 budget estimate................................           -56,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Office of Codex Alimentarius, the Committee 
provides an appropriation of $4,922,000.

                      Foreign Agricultural Service


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUND)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Transfer from
                                                           Appropriation       export loan           Total
                                                                                 account
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2022 Appropriation.....................................       $228,664,000         $6,063,000       $234,707,000
2023 Budget Estimate...................................        240,663,000          6,063,000        246,726,000
Provided in the bill...................................        234,913,000          6,063,000        240,976,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation...................................         +6,269,000              - - -         +6,269,000
  2023 budget estimate.................................         -5,750,000              - - -         -5,750,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the Committee 
provides an appropriation of $234,913,000 and a transfer of 
$6,063,000 for a total appropriation of $240,976,000.
    The Committee provides an increase in funding of $6,269,000 
for pay and retirement contributions.
    International Agricultural Education Fellowship.--The 
Committee includes $1,000,000 for this program. The Committee 
encourages FAS to conduct active outreach to stakeholders, 
including minority serving institutions, to raise awareness of 
the program. In addition, the Committee encourages FAS to 
explore how the International Agricultural Education Fellowship 
program can strengthen ongoing efforts at FAS and lead to 
program consistency.
    U.S., Central America, and Mexico Cooperation.--The 
Committee continues to direct FAS to work with its counterparts 
in Central America and Mexico to improve the efficiency of the 
agricultural inspection process and agricultural trade 
facilitation issues.

                     Food for Peace Title II Grants


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................    $1,740,000,000
2023 budget estimate..................................     1,740,000,000
Provided in the bill..................................     1,800,000,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       +60,000,000
  2023 budget estimate................................       +60,000,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For Food for Peace Title II grants, the Committee provides 
$1,800,000,000.

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

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................      $237,000,000
2023 budget estimate..................................       230,112,000
Provided in the bill..................................       265,000,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       +28,000,000
  2023 budget estimate................................       +34,888,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and 
Child Nutrition Program Grants, the Committee provides an 
appropriation of $265,000,000.

              COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION EXPORT (LOANS)

                    CREDIT GUARANTEE PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................        $6,063,000
2023 budget estimate..................................         6,063,000
Provided in the bill..................................         6,063,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................             - - -
  2023 budget estimate................................             - - -
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For administrative expenses of the Commodity Credit 
Corporation Export Loans Credit Guarantee Program Account, the 
Committee provides an appropriation of $6,063,000.

                                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]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Appropriation        User fees        Total, FDA S&E
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2022 Appropriation.....................................         $3,304,145         $2,791,737         $6,095,882
2023 Budget Estimate...................................          3,642,328          2,837,461          6,479,789
Provided in the bill...................................          3,646,710          2,837,461          6,483,171
Comparison:
  2022 Appropriation...................................           +342,565            +45,724           +388,289
  2023 Budget Estimate.................................             +4,382              - - -             +4,382
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Committee recommendation includes the full level for 
pay costs.
    The Committee recommendation does not include proposed user 
fees that are not authorized.
    This bill was developed during the infant formula shortage 
in the spring of 2022. That crisis revealed the FDA had only 
nine people in the office that regulates infant formula. This 
raises a concern about how many other key offices at the agency 
are also severely understaffed. The Committee will be in 
dialogue with the agency throughout the year about critical 
staffing needs.
    503A Pharmacy and 503B Outsourcing Facility Inspections.--
The Committee is concerned about reports of growing delays 
between FDA inspections of human drug compounders and timely 
agency follow up. The Committee understands that some of these 
delays may be related to insufficient staffing and resource 
issues at the FDA. The Committee directs that, within 120 days 
of enactment of this Act, FDA will submit to the Committee a 
report on inspections of human drug compounders. This report 
will include an analysis of the average time that it takes from 
the inspection to regulatory action or closure letter. Further, 
this report will also provide analysis regarding the challenges 
the agency faces in conducting inspections, closing out 
observation and warning letters, and identifying any additional 
resources the agency needs to improve the current system.
    510(k) Guidance.--The Committee expresses concern that the 
510(k) guidance for menstrual products has not been updated 
since 2005. The Committee directs the FDA to update its 
guidance, and, if necessary, to publish new guidance inclusive 
of additional categories of menstrual products. This guidance 
should include recommendations that intentionally-added 
ingredients, including fragrances, for menstrual products 
covered under the guidance be disclosed on the label; that 
products be tested for common contaminants, and that steps be 
taken to eliminate sources of contamination when found; and to 
implement testing to assess the impact of product use on the 
vulvar microbiome, including through testing methods recognized 
or recommended by the agency. The Committee also directs FDA, 
no later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, to 
brief the Committee on its plans to update the 510(k) guidance 
for menstrual products.
    2019 ALS Clinical Trial Guidance.--The Committee 
understands that FDA recognizes the critical unmet medical need 
for new, effective treatments for ALS. The burden of ALS for 
patients, their families and caregivers is devastating and the 
Committee urges FDA to reaffirm its commitment to its 2019 ALS 
Clinical Trial Guidance. Further, the Committee requests that 
FDA report to Congress within 90 days of the passage of this 
Act detailing the actions that FDA has taken to implement the 
2019 ALS Clinical Trial Guidance.
    Access to Compounded Hormones.--As the FDA reviews 
recommendations from the National Academies of Sciences, 
Engineering, and Medicine's report on the Clinical Utility of 
Compounded Hormones, the Committee urges FDA to engage with 
compounders and other stakeholders to help ensure access to 
compounded drugs for patients who need them.
    Actions on Menthol Flavors.--The Committee notes FDA's 
recent announcements on its plan to issue product standards 
related to menthol in cigarettes and characterizing flavors in 
cigars. The Committee will be closely monitoring FDA's 
rulemaking efforts and expects to be kept apprised of updates.
    Adulterated Pet Food.--The Committee is aware there is no 
requirement that animal food, including pet food, have pre-
market approval by the FDA, leaving the Comprehensive Animal 
Food Compliance Program as the ultimate line of defense between 
beloved pets, food-producing animals and the food they consume. 
The continuing number of animal illnesses due to adulterated 
animal food calls for urgent and immediate action by 
implementing the Comprehensive Animal Food Compliance Program.
    Adverse Drug Events.--The Committee commends the FDA for 
its recent guidance supporting increasing the number of women 
and minorities in clinical trials to represent their unique 
health needs, gather safety and efficacy information to inform 
proper product labeling, and mitigate risks of adverse drug 
events (ADEs). The Committee urges FDA to continue examination 
of past drug approvals with identified pharmacogenomic safety 
issues and develop strategies that may mitigate risks of ADEs 
and reduce health disparities. The Committee also requests a 
briefing on progress made within 120 days of enactment.
    Alzheimer's Clinical Trials.--The Committee recognizes the 
need to advance innovative clinical trials designs to increase 
diversity in clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease. The 
Committee encourages FDA to increase efforts to make 
Alzheimer's clinical trials more inclusive, innovative, and 
conduct necessary outreach to underrepresented populations.
    Animal Drug Compounding.--The Committee directs the FDA to 
ensure an expedited review of animal drugs nominated for 
compounding of office stock under GFI #256 that is consistent 
with statutory authority and ensures that needed office stock 
animal drugs are available for veterinarians, animal shelters, 
zoos, and other stakeholders.
    Antibiotics In Animals.--The Committee supports continued 
efforts to combat antibiotic resistant bacteria, in part by 
ensuring that medically important antibiotics for use in food-
producing animals have limited durations of use informed by 
public health and veterinary evidence. The Committee expects 
the agency to promulgate its draft guidance by the end of 
fiscal year 2023 and include clear timelines and goals for 
establishing duration limits on all marketed products. The 
Committee urges the agency to focus attention on medically 
important antibiotics that may be routinely administered to 
food-producing animals for an undefined period and to be 
consistent with the Agency's own judicious use standards. The 
Agency should ensure that it prioritizes avoiding or mitigating 
the risk of antibiotic resistance in human medicine.
    Blood Donor Procedures.--The Committee continues to 
recognize the need for scientifically sound, evidence-based 
policy relative to FDA blood donor recommendations. The 
Committee expects the FDA to complete review of the evidence 
obtained from the ADVANCE study and encourages FDA to issue 
updated evidence-based blood donor recommendations. The 
Committee directs FDA to report to Congress no later than 180 
days after enactment of this Act, including on the status of 
its ongoing review, on the data it is using or has used to 
update guidelines, and its outreach and education to blood 
donation centers relating to its updated recommendations.
    Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Trials and Combination 
Treatments.--The Committee commends FDA for its continued 
efforts to accelerate the review and approval of cell and gene 
therapies for cancer, which have provided hope for many 
patients when more traditional treatments have failed. Research 
suggests that therapies that combine cellular products and 
other cancer drugs may prove more effective for some patients, 
including those who do not benefit from single-drug treatments. 
These combination treatments increase the complexity of trial 
design, especially regarding treatment sequencing and the 
number of treatment arms per trial. Therefore, the Committee 
urges FDA to work with and provide guidance to industry and the 
broader research community on how to standardize potency 
testing requirements for cellular therapies.
    Cannabidiol Oil.--The Committee is concerned about the 
proliferation of foods and dietary supplements marketed in 
violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), 
including products containing derivatives of the cannabis 
plant. The Committee is aware that non-FFDCA-compliant products 
pose potential health and safety risks to consumers through 
misleading, unsubstantiated, and false claims that cannabis and 
cannabis derivatives can treat serious and life-threatening 
diseases and conditions, including COVID-19. Such products may 
also be contaminated with harmful substances. The Committee 
recognizes FDA's efforts undertaken thus far, including 
research, requests for data, consumer education, issuance of 
guidance and policy around cannabis-based drug product 
development, and some enforcement against wrongdoers. The 
Committee also recognizes that FDA is considering a public 
rulemaking process or enforcement discretion policy that could 
permit one compound in cannabis, cannabidiol (``CBD''), in 
foods and/or dietary supplements. The Committee expects the FDA 
to proceed in a manner that preserves the public health, which 
may include limits in finished products on CBD and THC in total 
concentration levels and in recommended daily servings. The 
Committee also expects the FDA to preserve the integrity of its 
drug development and approval processes, which ensures that 
products marketed as drugs have undergone a rigorous scientific 
evaluation to assure that they are safe, effective, pure and 
potent.
    Canned Tuna.--The Committee remains 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 promulgate proposed regulations revising the 
standard of identity for canned tuna consistent with the 
drained weight standard adopted for canned tuna by the Codex 
Alimentarius Commission and the Association of Official 
Analytical Chemists. FDA shall, to the extent consistent with 
applicable regulations, continue to approve in a timely manner 
temporary marketing permits that adopt the drained weight 
method consistent with international standards and to approve 
in a timely manner updates to product labeling under existing 
temporary marketing permits.
    Carbohydrates.--The Committee encourages the FDA to respond 
to a request from industry to use an alternative methodology 
related to carbohydrates in certain food and beverage products.
    Chemicals in Foods.--The Commissioner shall provide, after 
consulting with the National Cancer Institute and the National 
Toxicology Program, a report no later than 180 days from 
enactment describing how it assesses the carcinogenicity of 
chemicals added to or found in food or food contact materials 
that do not cause mutations or damage DNA. The report should 
include: (1) whether it proactively reviews reports by the 
National Toxicology Program, including its biennial Report on 
Carcinogens, and other organizations to identify additives that 
warrant reassessment for use in food; and (2) whether companies 
or other organizations can properly determine a substance's use 
is Generally Recognized as Safe if it is a carcinogen.
    Closer to Zero.--The Committee directs the Agency to brief 
the Committee on the status of its ``Closer to Zero Action 
Plan'' to reduce toxic elements such as lead, arsenic, cadmium 
and mercury in children's food. The update shall include, but 
not be limited to, how it defines children's food, how it will 
consider the cumulative effect of lead, arsenic, cadmium, and 
mercury when setting action levels, how it determines if a 
limit is feasible, explanation for any deadlines it set in the 
plan, and how it plans to ensure compliance with the action 
levels and timeline for finalizing the action levels for lead, 
arsenic, and cadmium. The briefing shall occur within 120 days 
of enactment. Furthermore, The Committee provides an additional 
$7,000,000 for the FDA's Closer to Zero program to continue 
expeditious development of action levels and provide guidance 
on best practices for reducing and eliminating toxic heavy 
metals in infant and toddler foods.
    Cloud.--The Committee notes the increased adoption of 
cloud-based technologies by FDA-regulated companies, the 
innovations facilitated via cloud for improved product 
development, and the value of additional FDA guidance on the 
use of cloud throughout the product lifecycle. The Committee 
instructs FDA to continue to explore mechanisms to support this 
shift and to ensure robust public input, including from 
regulated companies and cloud technology vendors.
    Conflicts of Interest Determinations.--Not later than 60 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Committee 
requests a briefing on how the FDA determines conflicts of 
interest for third party contractors hired to assist in the 
development of regulatory frameworks.
    Contraceptives.--The Committee recognizes FDAs ongoing 
efforts towards updating its Birth Control Chart and website 
and awaits its completion.
    Cosmetic Fragrance.--The Committee remains concerned about 
the negative impacts on human health of certain chemicals used 
to impart fragrance and flavor in cosmetics. The Committee 
requests FDA provide a report to Congress, not later than two 
years after the enactment of this Act, on the resources FDA 
would need to develop a database of publicly available safety 
data for fragrance and flavor allergens currently in used in 
cosmetics.
    COVID-19 Vaccines.--To better understand the role of the 
immune response on the effectiveness and duration of vaccines 
for COVID-19 and other diseases, FDA is encouraged to support 
collaborative research with the National Institutes of Health, 
universities, and industry, and when relevant, the collection 
of cellular immunity data, in addition to serology data, in its 
evaluation of such medical products. FDA is directed to report 
on the status of this collaborative research within one year of 
the enactment of this Act.
    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 in the 
Code of Federal Regulations. 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.
    Drug Compounding and Final MOU.--The Committee recognizes 
the FDA recently finalized the MOU for pharmacy compounding. 
The Committee requests that FDA engage further with 
stakeholders to address concerns and to ensure that all or 
nearly all states can sign this important document.
    Drug Compounding Pharmacist on Pharmacy Compounding 
Advisory Committee (PCAC).--The Committee recognizes that the 
PCAC 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.
    Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.--In order to increase study 
power and minimize time on placebo in clinical trials longer 
than one year for potential Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 
therapies, the Committee urges FDA to convene a multi-
stakeholder meeting to evaluate the use of external controls. 
The Committee also encourages FDA to explore the use of 
external control arms in novel trial designs. In addition, the 
Committee is aware of the 2018 Guidance on developing therapies 
for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and related dystrophinopathies. 
Given the potential that gene therapies may hold to treat these 
devastating diseases, the Committee urges FDA to consider 
whether the 2018 Guidance should be modified to reflect these 
developments. Any such effort should involve the relevant 
experts at both CBER and CDER.
    Ensuring Access to Self-Care Options.--The Committee urges 
the FDA to consider ways in which the Rx-to-OTC switch pathway 
could be modernized to increase its effectiveness for 
consumers, including by fostering a least burdensome approach 
to regulations and supporting flexible and pragmatic risk-
benefit assessments, while maintaining the Agency's high 
standards for safety and efficiency. The Committee directs FDA 
to provide greater transparency into the timeliness of its 
review of products under this pathway, and provide a report on 
the Agency's performance in meeting Prescription Drug User Fee 
Act goals for relevant over-the-counter applications for the 
previous five fiscal years, inclusive of the Agency's time 
requirements to grant meetings from when the sponsor originates 
a request, and provide data by fiscal year on the number and 
type of medications that have been transitioned, and under 
which pathway, from prescription to over-the-counter status.
    Ethylene Oxide.--The Committee is aware that FDA has worked 
with stakeholders to create master files to facilitate 
reduction or elimination of the use of ethylene oxide to 
sterilize medical devices. The Committee urges the agency to 
increase efforts to make stakeholders aware of the existence 
and benefits of these master files and alternative 
sterilization methods.
    FDA Budget Document.--The FDA budget document has become 
unwieldy, running around 400 pages and providing a lot of 
information that is not directly relevant to the budget request 
itself. The 2023 budget for Foods, for example, contains 24 
pages of ``accomplishments'' before the budget presentation. 
The budget presentation must always be the first item under 
each budget topic. The Committee directs FDA to radically 
revise its budget presentation so that it follows the same 
format as USDA agency budgets. The Committee will work with FDA 
on this during the year.
    Food Labeling Accuracy.--The Committee requests the Center 
for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) to evaluate 
whether artificial intelligence (AI) driven audit tools can 
effectively assess food labeling accuracy and facilitate 
greater federal labeling compliance. The Committee believes 
that AI-driven tools will accelerate CFSAN's goal of ensuring 
the accuracy of food labeling and that food labels are truthful 
and not misleading. The Committee directs CFSAN to brief the 
Committee within 180 days of enactment on the status of its 
evaluation.
    Food Labeling Enforcement.--The Committee is concerned that 
in the spring of 2020 the FDA issued emergency guidance to 
industry suspending enforcement of menu labeling and Nutrition 
Facts and allowing food manufacturers to make formulation 
changes to packaged foods without notice to consumers. These 
guidance documents were issued in final form without public 
comment, and create uncertainty for consumers, particularly 
consumers with food allergies, who have no way of knowing when 
substitutions of ingredients may have occurred. The Committee 
directs the FDA to resume enforcement of food labeling rules 
suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Foreign Unannounced Inspections Pilots.--The Committee 
provides an additional $1,500,000 to continue implementing 
these pilots. The Committee reminds FDA of direction included 
in the fiscal year 2022 bill on the Committee's intent for the 
use of these funds. The Committee directs FDA to provide 
monthly briefings on its efforts to implement these funds in 
accordance with the Committee's intent.
    Front of Package Labeling.--The Committee is concerned with 
elevated rates of diet-related disease and urges the FDA to 
explore issuing regulations requiring mandatory labeling to 
appear on the front of package for food products, allowing 
consumers to quickly assess the healthfulness of foods.
    Gluten.--The Committee is aware that celiac disease is a 
serious, genetic autoimmune disorder, affecting nearly 3 
million Americans, in which ingesting gluten causes damage to 
the villi of the small intestine. The only treatment is the 
total elimination of gluten containing products. In 2017, FDA 
issued Draft Guidance encouraging drug manufacturers to 
disclose the presence of gluten. While some manufacturers have 
taken this step, it has not been implemented consistently. This 
may lead consumers to face continued uncertainty about whether 
their medicine will do more harm than good. The Committee 
continues to encourage FDA to consider docket comments received 
from stakeholders, including consumers, and to work 
expeditiously to publish a final guidance document.
    Hand Sanitizer Safety.--The Committee appreciates FDA's 
ongoing efforts to remove unsafe hand sanitizer products from 
the market and recognizes FDA's website provides information 
and guidance to stakeholders on the risks of open refillable 
hand sanitizer dispensers.
    Heparin.--The Committee is concerned about the over-
reliance on foreign sourcing and manufacturing of 
pharmaceutical drugs that cause supply chain problems that can 
harm patients, including Heparin. The Committee encourages the 
FDA to work with stakeholders on sourcing heparin domestically 
and manufacturing biosynthetically.
    Homeopathic Draft Guidance.--The Committee urges FDA to 
consider the views of commenters, including patients, 
proponents of homeopathy, and other stakeholders, in its 
approach to finalizing its revised draft guidance entitled 
``Drug Products Labeled as Homeopathic Guidance for FDA Staff 
and Industry.''
    Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Clinical Trials.--The 
Committee commends the FDA's efforts to improve diversity and 
patient-centricity in clinical trials and encourages the agency 
to pursue this work in the area of IBD. The Committee 
encourages FDA to continue dialogue with the IBD community to 
address this and other barriers to trial participation, 
including challenges around overall cost and compensation to 
support patients who volunteer for trials.
    Inspections at Land Ports of Entry.--A record volume of 
FDA-regulated commodities are being introduced for import 
inspection at the U.S.-Mexico border. The Committee is 
concerned that this is outpacing the Administration's 
processing operations resources at Land Ports of Entry, and has 
resulted in increased cargo backlogs or otherwise compromised 
the Administration's ability to detect and seize violative 
products. In order to improve and streamline the inspection 
process and expedite the release of compliant products, the 
Committee directs FDA to support increased import operations at 
Land Ports of Entry, near the U.S.-Mexico border.
    Invasive Species.--The Committee encourages the FDA to work 
with other agencies, and stakeholders to better market food 
offered for sale that is the product of a wild caught, invasive 
species such as Northern Snakehead or Blue Catfish.
    Listeria.--The Committee emphasizes reducing incidence of 
foodborne illness as an important public health goal and 
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 industry guidance regarding Listeria 
monocytogenes (Lm) in foods under their jurisdiction. The 
Committee urges FDA to apply a risk-based approach and direct 
its regulatory efforts toward high risk ready-to eat (RTE) 
foods, those that support the growth of Lm. Additionally, the 
Committee urges FDA to incorporate current scientific knowledge 
regarding the public health impact of foods that do not support 
growth of Lm. Recently published scientific research from food 
safety and public health experts recommends a regulatory action 
level of Lm for these low-risk foods. This regulatory approach 
will encourage industry to adopt quantitative Lm testing 
schemes and facilitate robust environmental monitoring 
programs, and ultimately result in reductions in disease 
incidence. The Committee encourages FDA to work with industry 
stakeholders to gather supporting information and data to 
assist with implementation of this Lm approach. Policies 
reflecting these regulatory approaches align with other 
international regulatory standards and restore a level playing 
field for U.S. food processors in the global marketplace.
    Local Petitions.--The Committee is concerned about CFSAN's 
extreme delays in evaluating state and local petitions for 
exemption from preemption by the Federal Food, Drug, and 
Cosmetic Act's nutrition and menu labeling standards. The 
agreement directs the FDA to report to the Committees not later 
than 30 days after enactment of this Act the number of pending 
exemption petitions before the FDA and the length of time these 
petitions have been pending. The agreement further directs that 
not later than 180 days the Agency shall update the Committee 
on FDA's efforts to explore strategies to improve the 
preemption exemption petition process.
    Lupus.--The Committee is aware of barriers that have long 
affected the development of therapeutics for lupus, a disease 
that primarily targets women and disproportionately impacts 
African Americans, Latinas, Native Americans, and Asian 
Americans. The Committee is pleased that FDA participated in an 
externally-led, patient-focused drug development meeting with 
the lupus community and identified some of these barriers and 
that potential treatments are now in clinical trials. The 
Committee urges FDA to expedite its ongoing work with the lupus 
community to develop solutions to identified barriers that will 
accelerate development of new therapies.
    Machine Learning.--The Committee encourages CDER to utilize 
artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the 
review process for drug repurposing candidates by leveraging 
automated data collection, integration, and advanced 
statistical methods. The Committee urges this work to be used 
to ensure the regulatory process enables labeling or 
supplements to currently authorized uses of previously approved 
products.
    Maple Syrup.--The Committee is aware of a petition 
submitted to FDA and its counterpart in Canada proposing a 
modern and uniform definition of maple syrup in the United 
States and Canada. The Committee is concerned that the FDA has 
yet taken action to address this petition, and urges the agency 
to act on rulemaking.
    Maternal Substance Use Disorders.--The Committee remains 
concerned about increasing numbers of overdose deaths of 
pregnant and postpartum individuals. The Committee encourages 
FDA to collaborate with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health 
Services Administration and relevant stakeholders on efforts to 
address maternal substance use disorder.
    Menstrual Products.--The Committee is concerned over the 
potential danger of fragrance ingredients used in menstrual 
products that are medical devices, such as menstrual pad and 
tampon products, as these products are used frequently by 
consumers without knowledge of the presence of these 
ingredients, or an understanding of their potential harms. As 
FDA does not currently hold a list of the potentially harmful 
fragrance ingredients used in menstrual products, the Committee 
directs the FDA to evaluate and, if necessary, list fragrance 
allergens and other potentially harmful ingredients, through an 
analysis of ingredients from relevant sources (e.g., in 
existing lists and compendia). The Committee also directs FDA 
to determine the concentrations of these fragrance ingredients 
in menstrual products for which FDA recommends that 
manufacturers disclose the presence of these fragrance 
ingredients in menstrual product labeling.
    Menu Labeling.--The Committee recognizes the substantial 
increase in use of third-party platforms to order from 
restaurants online, but notes that many chain restaurants do 
not provide calorie information when posting their menus on 
these platforms. The FDA has not updated its menu labeling 
rules to conform with changes to the Nutrition Facts panel, 
including adding information for added sugars in additional 
nutrition information available on-site. The Committee strongly 
urges the FDA to issue guidance for industry clarifying that 
restaurants are required to post calorie information at the 
online point of sale when using third-party platforms to post 
menus online, and to issue regulations updating its menu 
labeling rules to disclose added sugars in additional nutrition 
information.
    Naloxone Expanded Access.--The Committee supports FDA's 
efforts to expand naloxone access for individuals with opioid 
use disorder. The Committee is concerned about increasing 
numbers of opioid overdose deaths for pregnant and postpartum 
individuals. As FDA continues to carry out initiatives to 
expand access to naloxone, the Committee encourages FDA to 
consider opportunities to focus specifically on naloxone 
availability and accessibility for pregnant and postpartum 
individuals with opioid use disorder. The Committee encourages 
FDA to collaborate with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health 
Services Administration and relevant stakeholders on outreach 
and education initiatives to address maternal opioid use 
disorder.
    Net Weights.--The Committee encourages FDA to continue 
devoting appropriate efforts to address suspected economic 
integrity issues, particularly with respect to net weights, and 
treatment of seafood. The Committee believes short-weighted 
labeled products are in violation of the law and that, despite 
industry reporting such examples, FDA has not prioritized 
enforcement. The Committee requests an update on its efforts to 
enforce its net weight requirements with respect to seafood 
products.
    Neurological Conditions.--The Committee recognizes the 
important work to bring innovative treatments to people living 
with neurological conditions such as Guillain-Barre Syndrome 
(GBS), Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) 
and Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN) through strategic 
partnerships. The Committee notes the recent externally-led 
patient focused drug development meeting on CIDP and encourages 
FDA to continue their collaboration with relevant stakeholders 
and key regulators.
    Niemann-Pick Type C.--The Committee encourages FDA to 
continue to better understand Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC), a rare 
progressive and universally fatal disease that impacts children 
and young adults, by improving collaboration with NPC patients 
and caregivers. The committee also encourages the FDA to work 
in partnership with NPC experts, industry stakeholders, and the 
patient community to ensure the viability of trials and 
clinical development and to apply patient and caregiver 
perspective when evaluating risk benefit of experimental 
therapies that are already in use in the NPC community.
    Non-Human Primates.--The Committee continues to encourage 
the FDA to reduce primate testing, prioritize alternative 
research methods to relocate primates to sanctuaries and 
requests that a progress report continue to be included in the 
FDA's annual budget justification.
    Olive Oil Standards of Identity.--The Committee is aware 
that the United States continues to be an important producer of 
olive oils and one of the largest olive oil markets globally. 
The Committee believes that the establishment of a uniform set 
of standards would better protect and inform consumers, and 
directs the FDA to continue to explore a Standard of Identity 
for different grades of olive oil as required in H. Rpt. 116-
446 and provide an updated report to the Committees no later 
than December 31, 2022.
    Opioid Abuse.--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 health care 
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.
    Orange Juice.--The Committee is concerned that pests, 
disease and hurricanes are having a devastating impact on 
Florida's citrus growers and processors. These circumstances 
have resulted in a natural decline in the Brix level for 
Florida's mature oranges, with no known adverse health 
consequences for consumers. The Committee believes it is 
necessary to provide for analytical deviation in the minimum 
Brix level for pasteurized orange juice to account for these 
naturally occurring growing conditions. The Committee 
encourages USDA and FDA to expedite work with Florida citrus 
growers and processors, and other stakeholders as necessary, to 
consider additional flexibility by modernizing requirements for 
pasteurized orange juice that better account for naturally-
occurring Brix variation.
    Organ Preservation Solution Shortages and Transplant.--The 
Committee is aware that certain solutions utilized within organ 
perfusion and preservation devices, also known as preservation 
solutions, are critical to ensure the viability of 
transplantable organs through the process of transport and 
storage. The Committee is aware of a significant shortage in 
the availability of such solutions that arose during 2021 and 
that continues to present challenges to obtaining necessary 
supplies of such solutions in order to maximize the successful 
transportation of organs for transplantation. These solution 
shortages also have significant repercussions for organ 
research activities. The Committee commends CDRH's activities 
to increase the supply of these solutions through various 
interventions and requests that the Center provide an update 
within 90 days of enactment of this Act on the status of 
preservation solution supply in the U.S. and additional 
authorities, if any, that may be required to ensure their 
continued supply.
    Orphan Products Grants Program (OPGP).--The Committee 
includes an additional $5,000,000 for the Orphan Products 
Grants Program at FDA. The Committee notes that this increase 
brings the total funding level within CDER for OPGP to 
$24,000,000. In addition, the Committee notes that funding can 
be used for ALS clinical trials and investments in regulatory 
science to speed the approval of ALS treatments. The Committee 
encourages FDA to increase the number of ALS clinical trials to 
help expedite treatment developments, foster innovative trial 
designs that complement and speed the FDA regulatory processes, 
and enable natural history studies to understand ALS 
progression and pathology more quickly. In addition, the 
Committee directs FDA to increase engagement between government 
agencies, such as FDA and NIH, and other entities such as 
academic institutions and industry with respect to ALS and 
other neurodegenerative diseases.
    OTC Acetaminophen Dosing Information for Children.--The 
Committee continues to be 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 provide to the Committee 
not later than 30 days after the enactment of this Act an 
update on the timing of amending the monograph label for 
acetaminophen to include weight-based dosing instructions for 
children ages six months to two years.
    OTC Hearing Aids.--The Committee is encouraged by the FDA's 
release of a proposed rulemaking to establish an over-the-
counter hearing aid category, which includes setting an 
evidence-based maximum output level that ensures consumer 
safety and that will allow consumers to access these products. 
The Committee urges the FDA to maintain these essential 
components of its proposed rule and finalize it as 
expeditiously as possible to address this unmet need.
    Outreach to Small Farmers.--The Committee expects CFSAN to 
provide funding for critical outreach and training services at 
not less than the level specified in the Fiscal Year 2022 
agreement.
    Patient Engagement.--The Committee supports the FDA's 
efforts to implement policies to promote public access to 
information about how patient experience information is 
factored into the review of approved products. The Committee 
encourages FDA to solicit information to identify patient 
experience data standards that include specific tools for 
screening, identification, reporting, consideration, and 
labeling of patient experience data in clinical trials of a 
drug or biologic.
    Pediatric Cancer International Collaboration.--The 
Committee encourages the FDA to engage more formally and 
extensively with international entities to promote greater 
collaboration between the U.S. and international partners 
around pediatric cancer drug development.
    Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).--The Committee 
is aware of and encourages FDA to participate in ongoing 
efforts within the IBD community to streamline the development 
and approval of new pediatric IBD therapies and expand the 
indications for therapies approved to treat IBD in adults to 
children, particularly through innovative trial designs that 
minimize the burden to pediatric patients and their caregivers 
and through the use of real-world evidence to support 
regulatory decision-making.
    PFAS in Cosmetics.--The Committee remains concerned over 
the effects of toxic chemicals used in cosmetics, including 
per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have been 
linked to serious health problems. To promote safety, the 
Committee encourages FDA to examine the health effects of PFAS 
chemicals and evaluate efforts to phase out their use in 
cosmetic and personal care products.
    PFAS in Food.--FDA should continue its work to investigate 
PFAS in our national diet and in food packaging that contacts 
food.
    PFAS Testing.--FDA should upgrade its laboratory analytical 
method for PFAS substances in food by expanding testing 
capabilities to include additional PFAS analytes and expanding 
the method to include additional foods. FDA should brief the 
Committee on its plans and progress within 180 days of 
enactment.
    Plant Based Product Labeling.--The Committee is concerned 
that the current labeling and marketing practices of some 
plant-based alternatives to animal-derived foods have the 
potential to cause consumer confusion. The Committee directs 
the FDA to conduct a study to 1) better understand consumers' 
attitudes, beliefs, perceptions, feelings, and motivations 
relative to product composition, health attributes, and 
labeling and 2) assess consumer perceptions of different terms 
used on labeling of plant-based alternative products.
    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).--The Committee is 
concerned that there are no FDA-approved treatments specific to 
polycystic ovary syndrome, one of the most common human 
disorders, and the most common endocrine disorder in women. The 
Committee recognizes the significant health burden of PCOS and 
requests the FDA support an externally-led Patient-Focused Drug 
Development meeting to hear perspectives from patients with 
PCOS, its impact on patients' daily lives and their need for 
specific therapeutic treatments. The Committee encourages an 
FDA approval process that helps ensure patients' experiences, 
perspectives, needs, and priorities are captured and 
meaningfully incorporated into drug development and evaluation. 
The Committee also encourages the FDA to engage practitioners 
and scientists addressing the disorder, to gain a fuller 
perspective on the needs and state of the field of PCOS.
    Predictive Toxicology Roadmap.--The Committee is aware that 
FDA published both the Predictive Toxicology Roadmap and the 
2021 Advancing Regulatory Science at FDA: Focus Areas of 
Regulatory Science reports. These documents note the importance 
of transparency and new alternative methods. The Committee 
directs FDA to report on its progress related to reliability, 
reproducibility, and development related to new alternative 
methods and the evaluation of the methods with which FDA is, or 
has been, involved.
    Pregnancy and Lactation Registries.--The Committee directs 
FDA to provide a brief on its efforts to develop consensus 
standards for pregnancy and lactation registries, including 
common data elements, so that registry data can be 
interoperable within and between such registries.
    Prion Disease.--The Committee is concerned with the lack of 
an FDA approved and validated test for prion diseases including 
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease and Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob 
Disease, in human blood, cell, and tissue products. The 
Committee understands that a test has been recently developed 
to test for prion disease, but it has yet to be validated and 
urges the FDA to work with the CDC to advance the development 
of a validated test for prion disease.
    RACE Implementation.--The Committee encourages FDA to hire 
additional staff to fully implement the Research to Accelerate 
Cures and Equity for Children (RACE) Act.
    Rare Cancer Therapeutics.--The Committee urges FDA to 
address gaps in the system, streamline resources, hire rare 
cancer experts, help drug sponsors improve recruitment of rare 
cancer patients through clinical trials that reduce barriers to 
participation uniquely faced by rare cancer patients, low-
income patients, those living in rural communities, and people 
of color, 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 continue to build 
lines of communications and processes between these two 
agencies in order to expedite review of rare cancer therapies.
    Rare Disease Cures Accelerator (RDCA).--The Committee 
supports the goal of the RDCA to provide a more centralized 
infrastructure and approach for understanding rare diseases, 
developing ways to measure patient success in clinical trials 
that are specifically relevant to rare conditions, and support 
conducting clinical trials in rare disease populations. The 
Committee encourages FDA to ensure the RDCA has robust funding.
    Recruitment of Investigators.--The Committee directs FDA to 
develop a strategy to broaden talent pipelines to recruit and 
hire a wider array of multi-lingual STEM talent and identify 
barriers to language training for current FDA investigators and 
viable options to address these barriers, including by 
prioritizing Minority Serving Institutions in talent 
recruitment. This strategy should be shared with the 
Appropriations Committee.
    Saline Shortage.--The FDA recognizes the importance of 
saline solution, which is delivered to patients through 
intravenous (IV) pumps and is a critical input of the national 
and global healthcare system. The Committee encourages the FDA 
to expedite efforts related to new classes of resuscitation 
fluids to help close the critical drug shortage gap related to 
sodium chloride.
    Seafood Product Labeling.--Concerns have been raised about 
the labeling of certain foods as a fish or seafood product when 
the products are highly-processed, plant-based foods rather 
than derived from actual fish or seafood. The Committee directs 
the FDA to provide clarity around the labeling of these foods 
using seafood terminology to ensure they are held to the same 
standards as actual seafood products to avoid consumer 
confusion.
    Shellfish.--The Committee is concerned about the European 
Union's delay in removing the ban on processed molluscan 
shellfish. These sterilized and shelf-stable products do not 
have the same food safety concerns as live molluscan shellfish 
and should never have been part of the EU ban. The Committee 
directs the FDA to work with the European Commission on an 
equivalence determination on processed molluscan shellfish 
that, if positive, would remove the ban.
    Shrimp Products.--The Committee commends and supports FDA's 
ongoing efforts to implement and increase its oversight and the 
regulation of the safety of shrimp products imported into the 
United States as directed by Congress, which emphasized the 
importance of increased sampling of import shipments, 
investments in laboratory capabilities, data analytics, and the 
establishment of regulatory partnership arrangements with the 
top three countries exporting shrimp to the US. The Committee 
urges FDA to continue the full development and implementation 
of the shrimp pilot program including finalizing the 
establishment of regulatory partnership arrangements. The 
Committee provides an additional $1,000,000 for this activity.
    Skin Lightening Products.--The Committee continues to be 
concerned about the dangers of mercury and hydroquinone in skin 
lightening products, particularly those that are 
disproportionately targeted towards and used by minority men, 
women and girls of color. The Committee continues to provide 
resources to FDA's Office of Minority Health and Health Equity 
to educate the public on the dangers of skin lightening 
products containing mercury, hydroquinone and other toxic 
chemicals, including partnering with community-based 
organizations that have historically provided services to 
ethnic communities on the issue of skin-lightening and chemical 
exposures in the past. The FDA is directed to report back to 
the Committee within 180 days of enactment of this Act 
detailing how the funds provided for this work in fiscal year 
2022 were spent, including the community-based organizations 
they partnered with and vulnerable communities that were 
reached out to and how those determinations were made, the 
specific actions taken to educate the public about these 
products, how they are evaluating the impact and success of 
this public education, and any lessons learned that should be 
given to the Committee.
    Sodium.--The Committee recognizes the importance of 
reducing sodium in the food supply to lower levels. The 
Committee encourages FDA to develop an overall sodium 
monitoring and evaluation plan detailing how industry 
compliance with the short-term voluntary targets will be 
monitored and evaluated including how FDA will identify data 
sources, collect and analyze data, create a timeline for 
assessments, and work with industry on voluntary compliance. As 
part of this plan, the Committee encourages FDA to coordinate 
with other government agencies, such as USDA and the Centers 
for Disease Control and Prevention on these monitoring efforts 
and instructs the FDA to set a timeline for the establishment 
of interim and long-term voluntary targets that would aim to 
fully bring sodium in the food supply to align with the Dietary 
Guidelines for Americans recommendations. The Committee 
provides $1,000,000 for this monitoring and evaluation plan.
    Standard of Identity.--The Committee directs the FDA to 
continue its work to modernize its standards of identity 
regulations and ensure consumers are not being deceived or 
misled by product labeling. The Committee supports FDA's case-
by-case approach to evaluating product labels considering terms 
and representations used within the context of the entire 
label, including qualification of any statements or names with 
additional terms or information.
    Sunscreen Regulation.--The Committee is aware that the FDA 
has issued a proposed sunscreen order. The Committee encourages 
FDA to educate stakeholders about its administrative order 
process and ensure that any final order related to sunscreen 
ingredients balances the value of currently marketed sunscreens 
as a proven skin cancer prevention tool.
    Traceback.--The Committee recognizes that the ability to 
prevent, identify, and trace back contaminated products is 
critical to containing food safety outbreaks, but that 
challenges associated with tracing these products consistently 
from the end-consumer through the supply chain continue to 
persist. The Committee directs FDA to emphasize in final 
rulemaking the importance of including consistent details 
including critical tracking events and key data elements, 
instead of prescribing the mechanism or technology by which the 
information is shared through the supply chain. The Committee 
also directs FDA to ensure these details are maintained from 
the point of origination, creation, or transformation 
throughout the supply chain. To avoid duplication, the FDA 
shall clearly define traceability data requirements to 
coordinate with existing trace back programs including the 
range of recordkeeping systems utilized by industry, where 
possible.
    Tobacco Emissions Testing.--The Committee encourages FDA to 
support research to improve evaluations of the chemical 
composition of e-cigarette emissions.
    Tobacco Report.--The Committee requests that FDA, within 90 
days, provide a report that identifies the status of each 
statutory requirement in the Tobacco Control Act which FDA was 
supposed to implement. For those statutory requirements that 
have not been implemented, the Committee requests that FDA 
provide a detailed response explaining the delay and when the 
requirements will be implemented.
    Unapproved Cellular Therapies.--The Committee commends the 
FDA for its recent enforcement actions against businesses 
marketing unapproved cellular therapies. Despite these 
enforcement actions, the number of businesses marketing 
unapproved therapies continues to grow. The Committee requests 
a report from the FDA on the outcomes of its enforcement 
activities. The Committee encourages FDA to continue 
prioritizing enforcement actions against businesses that 
illicitly market unapproved products to patients and to 
coordinate such actions with the Federal Trade Commission to 
optimize its enforcement and consumer education activities.
    Valley Fever.--The Committee notes that FDA decided in July 
2020 not to add coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever, 
to the list of tropical diseases under section 524 of the 
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for purposes of PRV 
eligibility. The Committee directs the FDA to consider any 
additional data and information provided by subject matter 
experts and other stakeholders to its public docket, and make a 
new determination based on this additional information if 
appropriate.
    Vulnerabilities in Medical Device Supply Chain.--The 
Committee is concerned by vulnerabilities in our medical device 
supply chain that have been brought to light by the spread of 
COVID-19. The Committee encourages the FDA to continue to work 
with Congress to ensure it has the necessary tools and 
resources to prevent shortages and maintain ample supply of 
critical devices.
    Wearable Products.--The Committee notes that advances in 
the consumer wearable landscape hold great promise for 
consumers seeking more control over their health and wellness, 
but additional clarity is required from FDA regarding the 
agency's regulatory approach to these products. The Committee 
urges FDA to issue guidance and hold a public meeting to 
address consumer wearable products that have the ability to 
provide notifications and other information that may have 
clinical relevance. The Committee further requests that FDA 
brief the Committee within a year of enactment on the agency's 
efforts to address this issue.
    Youth E-cigarette Use.--The Committee remains deeply 
concerned about data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey 
showing more than 2 million youth use e-cigarettes and urges 
FDA to use its full authority to address this serious public 
health problem. The Committee urges FDA to promptly complete 
its required premarket review of e-cigarettes and other deemed 
tobacco products that remain on the market The Committee also 
urges FDA to take enforcement action against all companies that 
failed to file a premarket tobacco product application or 
received a marketing denial order.

                        BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $12,788,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        30,788,000
Provided in the bill..................................        16,000,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................        +3,212,000
  2023 budget estimate................................       -14,788,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For Buildings and Facilities of the Food and Drug 
Administration, the Committee provides $16,000,000.

                   FDA INNOVATION ACCOUNT, CURES ACT

 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................       $50,000,000
2023 budget estimate..................................        50,000,000
Provided in the bill..................................        50,000,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................             - - -
  2023 budget estimate................................             - - -
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the FDA Innovation Account as authorized in the 21st 
Century Cures Act, the Committee provides an appropriation of 
$50,000,000.

                          INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

                  COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION


 
 
 
2022 appropriation....................................      $382,000,000
2023 budget estimate..................................       249,000,000
Provided in the bill..................................       365,000,000
Comparison:
  2022 appropriation..................................       -17,000,000
  2023 budget estimate................................      +116,000,000
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Committee 
provides an appropriation of $365,000,000.

                       FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION


                 LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

 
 
 
2022 limitation.......................................     ($84,200,000)
2023 budget estimate..................................      (88,500,000)
Provided in the bill..................................      (88,500,000)
Comparison:
  2022 limitation.....................................        +4,300,000
  2023 budget estimate................................             - - -
 

                          COMMITTEE PROVISIONS

    For the limitation on the expenses of the Farm Credit 
Administration, the Committee provides $88,500,000.
    Public/private partnerships.--The Committee recognizes the 
value of public/private partnerships in financing rural 
communities and facilities and also recognizes that the Farm 
Credit Act of 1971, as amended, provides authority for Farm 
Credit System institutions to make investments in vital rural 
community facilities. The Committee recognizes that the Farm 
Credit Administration's current approach to approving these 
types of Farm Credit System investments on an individual basis 
does not meet the needs of rural communities. The Farm Credit 
Administration is encouraged to change its current process to 
create a clear, programmatic approval process which enables 
timely, comprehensive and cost effective rural community 
facilities financing packages by allowing and expediting Farm 
Credit System institutions' partnerships with community banks, 
other financial institutions, and USDA.

                               TITLE VII


                           GENERAL PROVISIONS


             (INCLUDING RESCISSIONS AND TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

    Section 701.--The bill includes language regarding 
passenger 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 indirect 
cost share.
    Section 705.--The bill includes language regarding the 
availability of loans funds in Rural Development programs.
    Section 706.--The bill includes language regarding new 
information technology systems.
    Section 707.--The bill includes language regarding fund 
availability in the Agriculture Management Assistance program.
    Section 708.--The bill includes language regarding Rural 
Utilities Service program eligibility.
    Section 709.--The bill includes language regarding funds 
for information technology expenses for the Farm Service Agency 
and the Rural Development mission area.
    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 graphics.
    Section 716.--The bill includes language regarding the 
reprogramming of funds and notification requirements.
    Section 717.--The bill includes language regarding fees for 
the guaranteed business and industry loan program.
    Section 718.--The bill includes language regarding the 
appropriations hearing process.
    Section 719.--The bill includes language regarding 
government-sponsored news stories.
    Section 720.--The bill includes language regarding details 
and assignments of Department of Agriculture employees.
    Section 721.--The bill includes language requiring spend 
plans.
    Section 722.--The bill includes language regarding 
electronically available information for prescribing healthcare 
professionals.
    Section 723.--The bill includes language regarding Rural 
Development programs.
    Section 724.--The bill includes language regarding USDA 
loan program levels.
    Section 725.--The bill includes language regarding credit 
card refunds and rebates.
    Section 726.--The bill includes language regarding the 
definition of the term ``variety'' in SNAP.
    Section 727.--The bill includes language regarding the 
Secretary's authority with respect to the 502 guaranteed loan 
programs.
    Section 728.--The bill includes language regarding new user 
fees.
    Section 729.--The bill includes language relating to blue 
catfish.
    Section 730.--The bill includes language relating to 
overtime and holiday pay for FSIS inspectors.
    Section 731.--The bill includes language regarding country 
or regional audits.
    Section 732.--The bill includes language related to Rural 
Development Programs.
    Section 733.--The bill includes language related to the 
Animal Welfare Act.
    Section 734.--The bill includes language regarding U.S. 
iron and steel products in public water or wastewater systems.
    Section 735.--The bill includes language regarding 
lobbying.
    Section 736.--The bill includes language related to 
persistent poverty counties.
    Section 737.--The bill includes language related to 
investigational use of drugs or biological products.
    Section 738.--The bill includes language related to the 
growing, harvesting, packing and holding of certain produce.
    Section 739.--The bill provides funding for grants to 
enhance farming and ranching opportunities for military 
veterans.
    Section 740.--The bill includes language related to the 
school breakfast program.
    Section 741.--The bill includes language regarding hemp.
    Section 742.--The bill provides funding for grants under 
the section 12502 of Public Law 115-334.
    Section 743.--The bill provides funding to carry out 
section 3307 of Public Law 115-334.
    Section 744.--The bill includes language related to 
matching fund requirements.
    Section 745.--The bill provides funding for a pilot program 
related to multi-family housing borrowers.
    Section 746.--The bill provides funding to carry out 
section 4208 of Public Law 115-334.
    Section 747.--The bill provides funding to carry out 
section 12301 of Public Law 115-334.
    Section 748.--The bill includes language related to potable 
water.
    Section 749.--The bill includes language regarding Food for 
Peace.
    Section 750.--The bill includes language regarding 
facilities inspections.
    Section 751.--The bill includes language relating to the 
use of raw or processed poultry products from the People's 
Republic of China in various domestic nutrition programs.
    Section 752.--The bill includes language related to certain 
school food lunch prices.
    Section 753.--The bill provides funding for rural hospital 
technical assistance.
    Section 754.--The bill includes language related to 
biotechnology risk assessment research.
    Section 755.--The bill includes language related to 
enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act.
    Section 756.-- The bill provides funding to carry out 
section 7209 of Public Law 115-334.
    Section 757.--The bill includes language related to cotton 
classing activities.
    Section 758.--The bill includes language related to certain 
reorganizations within the Department of Agriculture.
    Section 759.--The bill includes language related to the 
Agriculture Conservation Experiences Services Program.
    Section 760.--The bill includes language related to the 
ReConnect program.
    Section 761.--The bill includes language related to the 
Goodfellow Federal facility.
    Section 762.--The bill includes language related to the 
Federal Meat Inspection Act.
    Section 763.--The bill includes language related to PFAS.
    Sec. 764.--The bill includes language related to yogurt.
    Sec. 765.--The bill includes language related to 
administrative and operating expenses available for crop 
insurance contracts.
    Sec. 766.--The bill includes funding for agricultural 
disasters in calendar year 2022.
    Sec. 767.--The bill includes language related to frontline 
grocery workers.
    Sec. 768.--The bill includes language related to sponsors 
located in Russia.
    Sec. 769.--The bill includes language related to purchase 
of U.S. agricultural land by certain foreign companies.

              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 included in the accompanying bill:
     Office of the Secretary.--The bill allows funds 
within the ac- count to be transferred among the offices 
included in the account, as well as reimbursements for certain 
expenses and transfers out- side the account for certain 
activities.
     Hazardous Materials Management.--The bill allows 
the funds within the account to be transferred to any agency of 
the Department.
     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 and plants.
     Funds for Strengthening Markets, Income, and 
Supply.--The bill limits the transfer of section 32 funds to 
purposes specified in the bill.
     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. The 
bill also provides that funds provided to other accounts in the 
agency shall transferred to and merged with the salaries and 
expenses account of the Farm Service Agency.
     Dairy Indemnity Program.--The bill authorizes the 
transfer of funds to the Commodity Credit Corporation, by 
reference.
     Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program 
Account.--The bill provides funds to be transferred to the Farm 
Service Agency and for certain funds to be transferred within 
the account.
     Commodity Credit Corporation.--The bill includes 
language al- lowing certain funds to be transferred to the 
Foreign Agricultural Service Salaries and Expenses account for 
information resource management activities.
     Rural Development, Salaries and Expenses.--The 
bill allows funds for the Rural Partners Network to be 
transferred to other agencies of the Department.
     Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account.--The 
bill includes language allowing funds to be transferred from 
the Multi-Family Housing Revitalization Program Account to this 
account and for funds to be transferred from this account to 
the Rural Development Salaries and Expenses account.
     Rental Assistance Program.--The bill includes 
language allowing funds to be transferred from the Multi-Family 
Housing Revitalization Program Account to this account.
     Intermediary Relending Program Fund Account.--The 
bill provides funds in this account to be transferred to the 
Rural Development Salaries and Expenses account.
     Rural Electrification and Telecommunications 
Program Account.--The bill provides funds in this account to be 
transferred to the Rural Development Salaries and Expenses 
account.
     Child Nutrition Programs.--The bill includes 
authority to transfer section 32 funds to these programs.
     Foreign Agricultural Service, Salaries and 
Expenses.--The bill allows for the transfer of funds from the 
Commodity Credit Corporation Export Loan Program Account.
     Commodity Credit Corporation Export Loans 
Program.--The bill provides for transfer of funds to the 
Foreign Agricultural Service and to the Farm Production and 
Conservation Business Center, Salaries and Expenses account.
     Food and Drug Administration, Salaries and 
Expenses.--The bill allows funds to be transferred among 
certain activities.
     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.
     Commodity Futures Trading Commission.--The bill 
allows certain funds to be transferred to a no-year account in 
the Treasury.
     General Provisions.--Section 702 of the bill 
allows unobligated balances of discretionary funds to be 
transferred to the Working Capital Fund. Section 761 of the 
bill allows transfers to FSIS for certain expenses.

                              Rescissions

    Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the following lists the rescissions 
included in the accompanying bill:
    There are no rescissions in the bill.

   Disclosure of Earmarks and Congressionally Directed Spending Items

    The following table is submitted in compliance with clause 
9 of rule XXI, and lists the congressional earmarks (as defined 
in paragraph (e) of clause 9) contained in the bill or in this 
report. Neither the bill nor the report contain any limited tax 
benefits or limited tariff benefits as defined in paragraphs 
(f) or (g) of clause 9 of rule XXI.

[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

               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:
    Office of the Secretary.--Language is included to limit the 
amount of funds for official reception and representation 
expenses, as determined by the Secretary and to reimburse 
Departmental Administration for travel expenses incident to the 
holding of hearings.
    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.
    National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Integrated 
Activities.--The bill includes language limiting indirect 
costs.
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.--Language is 
included to limit the amount of funds for representational 
allowances.
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.--The bill 
includes language regarding state matching funds and the 
brucellosis control program.
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.--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.
    Agricultural Marketing Service, Limitation on 
Administrative Expenses.--The bill includes language to allow 
AMS to exceed the limitation on administrative expenses by up 
to 10 percent with notification to the Appropriations 
Committees.
    Agricultural Marketing Service, Inspection and Weighing 
Services.--The bill includes authority to exceed the limitation 
on inspection and weighing services by up to 10 percent with 
notification to the Appropriations Committees.
    Food Safety and Inspection Service.--Language is included 
to limit the amount of funds for representational allowances.
    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.
    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.
    Risk Management Agency.--Language is included to limit the 
amount of funds for official reception and representation 
expenses.
    Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations.--Language is in- 
cluded that limits the application of certain activities in 
watersheds of a certain size.
    Commodity Credit Corporation Fund.--Language is included to 
allow certain funds transferred from the Commodity Credit 
Corporation to be used for information resource management.
    Hazardous Waste Management.--Language is included which 
limits the amount of funds that can be spent on operation and 
maintenance costs of CCC hazardous waste sites.
    Rural Development Salaries and Expenses.--Language is 
included to allow funds to be used for advertising and 
promotional activities.
    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.
    Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Program 
Account.--The bill includes language related to loan rates on 
renewable energy loans.
    The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, 
Infants, and Children (WIC).--Language notwithstands section 
17(h)(10)(B)(ii) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 
17 1786), as it relates to management information systems. 
Language is included to purchase infant formula except in 
accordance with law and pay for activities that are not fully 
reimbursed by other departments or agencies unless authorized 
by law.
    Office of Codex Alimentarius.--Language is included to 
limit the amount of funds for official reception and 
representation expenses.
    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. The bill also limits 
the amount of funds for representation expenses.
    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.
    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.
    FDA Innovation Account.--The bill provides additional 
transfer authority.
    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 and to 
liquidate certain obligations.
    Farm Credit Administration.--The bill includes authority to 
ex- ceed the limitation on assessments by 10 percent with 
notification to the Appropriations Committees and to allow 
certain banks to ex- ceed the statutory cap on export 
financing.
    General Provisions.--
    Section 701.--The bill includes language regarding 
passenger 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 indirect 
cost share.
    Section 705.--The bill includes language regarding the 
availability of loan funds in Rural Development programs.
    Section 706.--The bill includes language regarding new 
information technology systems.
    Section 707.--The bill includes language regarding fund 
availability in the Agriculture Management Assistance program.
    Section 708.--The bill includes language regarding Rural 
Utilities Service program eligibility.
    Section 709.--The bill includes language regarding funds 
for information technology expenses for the Farm Service Agency 
and the Rural Development mission area.
    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 graphics.
    Section 716.--The bill includes language regarding the 
reprogramming of funds and notification requirements.
    Section 717.--The bill includes language regarding fees for 
the guaranteed business and industry loan program.
    Section 718.--The bill includes language regarding the 
appropriations hearing process.
    Section 719.--The bill includes language regarding 
government-sponsored news stories.
    Section 720.--The bill includes language regarding details 
and assignments of Department of Agriculture employees.
    Section 721.--The bill includes language regarding spend 
plans.
    Section 722.--The bill includes language regardng 
electronically available information for prescribing healthcare 
professionals.
    Section 723.--The bill includes language regarding Rural 
Development programs.
    Section 724.--The bill includes language regarding USDA 
loan program levels.
    Section 725.--The bill includes language regarding credit 
card refunds and rebates.
    Section 726.--The bill includes language regarding the 
definition of the term ``variety'' in SNAP.
    Section 727.--The bill includes language regarding the 
Secretary's authority with respect to the 502 guaranteed loan 
programs.
    Section 728.--The bill includes language new user fees.
    Section 729.--The bill includes language regarding to blue 
catfish.
    Section 730.--The bill includes language relating to 
overtime and holiday pay for FSIS inspectors.
    Section 731.--The bill includes language regarding country 
or regional audits.
    Section 732.--The bill includes language related to Rural 
Development Programs.
    Section 733.--The bill includes language related to the 
Animal Welfare Act.
    Section 734.--The bill includes language regarding U.S. 
iron and steel products in public water or wastewater systems.
    Section 735.--The bill includes language regarding 
lobbying.
    Section 736.--The bill includes language related to 
persistent poverty counties.
    Section 737.--The bill includes language related to 
investigational use of drugs or biological products.
    Section 738.--The bill includes language related to the 
growing, harvesting, packing and holding of certain produce.
    Section 740.--The bill includes language related to the 
school breakfast program.
    Section 741.--The bill includes language regarding hemp.
    Section 744.--The bill includes language related to 
matching fund requirements.
    Section 748.--The bill includes language related to potable 
water.
    Section 749.--The bill includes language regarding Food for 
Peace.
    Section 750.--The bill includes language regarding 
facilities inspections.
    Section 751.--The bill includes language relating to the 
use of raw or processed poultry products from the People's 
Republic of China in various domestic nutrition programs.
    Section 752.--The bill includes language related to certain 
school food lunch prices.
    Section 754.--The bill includes language related to 
biotechnology risk assessment research.
    Section 755.--The bill includes language related to 
enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act.
    Section 758.--The bill includes language related to certain 
reorganizations within the Department of Agriculture.
    Section 759.--The bill includes language related to the 
Agriculture Conservation Experiences Services Program.
    Sec. 760.--The bill includes language related to the 
ReConnect program.
    Sec. 762.--The bill includes language related to the 
Federal Meat Inspection Act.
    Sec. 764.--The bill includes language related to yogurt.
    Sec. 765.--The bill includes language related to 
administrative and operating expenses available for crop 
insurance contracts.

                  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:

[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                        S6602Committee Hearings

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(6) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the following hearings were used to 
develop or consider the bill:
    The Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on March 29, 
2022, entitled ``Oversight: Office of Inspector General, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture.'' The Subcommittee received 
testimony from:
           Ms. Phyllis K. Fong, Inspector General, USDA 
        Office of Inspector General
           Ms. Ann Coffey, Deputy Inspector General, 
        USDA Office of Inspector General
           Mr. Gil H. Harden, Assistant Inspector 
        General for Audit, USDA Office of Inspector General
           Ms. Jenny Rone, Assistant Inspector General 
        for Analytics and Innovation.
           Mr. Kevin Tyrrell, Assistant Inspector 
        General for Investigations
    The Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on April 28, 
2022, entitled: ``Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Request for the 
Department of Agriculture.'' The Subcommittee received 
testimony from:
           The Honorable Thomas J. Vilsack, Secretary, 
        the Department of Agriculture
           Mr. John Rapp, Director of the Office of 
        Budget and Program Analysis, Department of Agriculture
    The Subcommittee held a hearing on May 19, 2022, entitled 
``Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Request for the Food and Drug 
Administration.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from:
           Mr. Robert M. Califf M.D., MACC, 
        Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration
    The Subcommittee held a hearing on May 25, 2022, entitled 
``The Infant Formula Crisis.'' The Subcommittee received 
testimony from:
           Ms. Sarah Chamberlin, Executive Director, 
        National PKU News
           Ms. Ginger Carney, Director, Clinical 
        Nutrition at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
           Mr. Michael Gay, Owner and Manager, Food 
        Fresh
           Mr. Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy, 
        Consumer Reports
    The Subcommittee held a hearing on May 25, 2022, entitled 
``Member Day.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from:
           The Honorable James R. Baird
           The Honorable Shontel M. Brown
           The Honorable Kim Schrier

          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 
        2022] For fiscal year 2023, 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 2022] 
        For fiscal year 2023, 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 2023] 2010 
through 2024. The Secretary shall be entitled to receive the 
funds and shall accept the funds, without further 
appropriation.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


 BUDGETARY IMPACT OF THE FY 2023 AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD 
AND DRUG PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE 
   PURSUANT TO SECTION 308(A) OF THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET ACT OF 1974

                        [In millions of dollars]


                   COMPARISON WITH 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...............................          27,200          30,800          27,200       \1\30,751
    Mandatory...................................         189,364         179,563         189,364      \1\179,563
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

    NOTE.-The amounts in this report do not include $5 million 
in discretionary budget authority and $2 million in associated 
outlays from amounts becoming available in fiscal year 2023 
that were previously designated as being for an emergency 
requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget. 
Consistent with the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, in the 
House of Representatives such amounts do not count against the 
Committee's allocation.
    In addition, the amounts in this report do not include $50 
million in discretionary budget authority and $64 million 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.

                      FIVE-YEAR OUTLAY PROJECTIONS

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII 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:
    2023...................................................   \1\173,463
    2024...................................................        7,275
    2025...................................................        1,749
    2026...................................................          896
    2027 and future years..................................          924
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

          FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII and section 
308(a)(1)(C) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the 
Congressional Budget Office has provided the following 
estimates of new budget authority and outlays provided by the 
accompanying bill for financial assistance to State and local 
governments.

                        [In millions of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Budget Authority       Outlays
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial assistance to State and              51,330             43,581
 local governments for 2023.......
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.

[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]


                             MINORITY VIEWS

    We appreciate the collegial and collaborative efforts of 
Subcommittee Chairman Bishop and Full Committee Chairwoman 
DeLauro in producing the Fiscal Year 2023 Agriculture 
appropriations bill. It addresses critical priorities of 
Members on both sides of the aisle, including several 
bipartisan priorities that support investments in rural high-
speed internet, water and wastewater infrastructure in rural 
communities, and critical agricultural research. We generally 
agree with the Majority on these and a number of other programs 
and initiatives in the bill.
    Unfortunately, due to concerns about current inflation 
rates, unsustainable government-wide spending levels, and some 
controversial policy provisions, we are unable to support the 
bill as written at this time. The bill provides $27,200,000,000 
in new discretionary budget authority for fiscal year 2023. 
This record-high spending level for the bill is $2,075,000,000, 
or 8 percent, above the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.
    There are several controversial policy changes in the bill, 
such as new and unauthorized bill language granting unlimited 
spending in the fourth quarter of the year for the Supplemental 
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps). This 
type of major policy change in a mandatory spending program 
under the jurisdiction of the Agriculture Committee should wait 
for the next Farm Bill deliberations.
    The bill also continues the increased benefit level for WIC 
participants to purchase fruits and vegetables, a policy that 
began as a one-time increase in the American Rescue Plan. While 
we support the WIC program and ensuring that participants have 
access to fruits and vegetables, this particular policy and 
funding increase has not been discussed and agreed to by both 
parties.
    Unfortunately, the Majority rejected several Republican 
amendments offered in Committee, which would have improved the 
bill. One amendment would have held the Food and Drug 
Administration accountable for admitting and correcting its 
mistakes in the infant formula crisis. It would have withheld 
30 percent of funding for the Office of the FDA Commissioner 
until Congress received a report detailing the organizational 
failures leading to the infant formula crisis and a plan on how 
FDA will correct these deficiencies to prevent such a crisis in 
the future. The Subcommittee held hearings on the infant 
formula recall and shortages where Members on both sides of the 
aisle expressed concern about the lack of leadership and 
answers to this crisis. Instead of joining with Republicans to 
support this amendment, the Majority's bill provides the FDA 
with a 10 percent funding increase without any accountability 
measures in place.
    While we have several concerns with the bill at this stage 
in the process, we are hopeful that we will be able to reach a 
bipartisan and bicameral agreement on spending levels and 
eliminate controversial policy changes.
    We are confident that as this process moves forward, we can 
continue working together to find bipartisan agreement on the 
items that matter most.
                                   Kay Granger.
                                   Andy Harris, M.D.

                                  [all]