[Senate Report 118-44]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


                                                      Calendar No. 111
118th Congress       }                                  {       Report
                                 SENATE
 1st Session         }                                  {       118-44

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



 
   AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2024
                                _______
                                

                 June  22, 2023--Ordered to be printed

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

                                 REPORT

                         [To accompany S. 2131]

    The Committee on Appropriations reports the bill (S. 2131) 
making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food 
and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the 
fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes, 
reports favorably thereon and recommends that the bill do pass.  



New obligational authority

Total of bill as reported to the Senate.................$207,458,404,000
Amount of 2023 appropriations........................... 247,390,665,000
Amount of 2024 budget estimate.......................... 237,568,394,000
Bill as recommended to Senate compared to--
    2023 appropriations................................. -39,932,261,000
    2024 budget estimate................................ -30,109,990,000 
    




                                CONTENTS

                              ----------                              
                                                                   Page
Overview and Summary of the Bill.................................     4
Reports to Congress..............................................     4
Breakdown by Title...............................................     5
Title I:
    Agricultural Programs:
        Production, Processing, and Marketing:
            Office of the Secretary..............................     6
            Executive Operations.................................     9
            Office of the Chief Economist........................     9
            Office of Hearings and Appeals.......................     9
            Office of Budget and Program Analysis................    10
            Office of the Chief Information Officer..............    10
            Office of the Chief Financial Officer................    11
            Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights...    11
            Office of Civil Rights...............................    12
            Agriculture Buildings and Facilities.................    12
            Hazardous Materials Management.......................    13
            Office of Safety, Security, and Protection...........    13
            Office of Inspector General..........................    13
            Office of the General Counsel........................    14
            Office of Ethics.....................................    14
            Office of Information Affairs........................    14
            Office of the Under Secretary for Research, 
              Education, and Economics...........................    15
            Economic Research Service............................    15
            National Agricultural Statistics Service.............    16
            Agricultural Research Service........................    17
            National Institute of Food and Agriculture...........    34
            Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and 
              Regulatory Programs................................    45
            Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service...........    46
            Agricultural Marketing Service.......................    55
            Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety........    61
            Food Safety and Inspection Service...................    61
Title II:
    Farm Production and Conservation Programs:
        Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production and 
          Conservation...........................................    64
        Farm Production and Conservation Business Center.........    65
        Farm Service Agency......................................    65
        Risk Management Agency...................................    71
        Natural Resources Conservation Service...................    72
    Corporations:
        Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund..................    78
        Commodity Credit Corporation Fund........................    79
Title III:
    Rural Development Programs:
        Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development......    82
        Rural Development........................................    82
        Rural Housing Service....................................    83
        Rural Community Facilities Program Account...............    88
        Rural Business-Cooperative Service.......................    90
        Rural Utilities Service..................................    95
Title IV:
    Domestic Food Programs:
        Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and 
          Consumer Services......................................   100
        Food and Nutrition Service...............................   100
Title V:
    Foreign Assistance and Related Programs:
        Office of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign 
          Agricultural Affairs...................................   109
        Foreign Agricultural Service.............................   110
Title VI:
    Related Agency and Food and Drug Administration:
        Department of Health and Human Services: Food and Drug 
          Administration.........................................   114
        Independent Agency: Farm Credit Administration...........   134
Title VII:
    General Provisions...........................................   136
Program, Project, and Activity...................................   139
Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI of the Standing Rules of 
  the 
  Senate.........................................................   139
Compliance With Paragraph 7(c), Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules 
  of the Senate..................................................   140
Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of 
  the Senate.....................................................   141
Budgetary Impact of Bill.........................................   144
Disclosure of Congressionally Directed Spending Items............   145
Comparative Statement of Budget Authority........................   156

                    OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF THE BILL

    The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug 
Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill 
provides funding for a wide array of Federal programs, mostly 
in the U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA]. These programs 
include agricultural research, education, and extension 
activities; natural resources conservation programs; farm 
income and support programs; marketing and inspection 
activities; domestic food assistance programs; rural housing, 
economic and community development, and telecommunication and 
electrification assistance; and various export and 
international activities of the USDA.
    The bill also provides funding for the Food and Drug 
Administration [FDA] and allows the use of collected fees for 
administrative expenses of the Farm Credit Administration 
[FCA].
    The discretionary programs and activities of USDA and FDA 
that are supported by this bill include high priority 
responsibilities entrusted to the Federal Government and its 
partners to protect human health and safety, contribute to 
economic recovery, and achieve policy objectives strongly 
supported by the American people.
    All accounts in the bill have been closely examined to 
ensure that an appropriate level of funding is provided to 
carry out the programs of USDA, FDA, and FCA. Details on each 
of the accounts, the funding level, and the Committee's 
justifications for the funding levels are included in the 
report.
    Fiscal year 2023 levels cited in this report reflect 
amounts enacted in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 
(Public Law 116-260) and do not include fiscal year 2023 
supplemental appropriations. Accordingly, any comparisons to 
fiscal year 2023 do not reflect fiscal year 2023 supplemental 
appropriations. Fiscal year 2023 supplemental appropriations 
are included in the comparative statement of new budget 
authority at the end of this report under the heading ``Other 
Appropriations''.

                          REPORTS TO CONGRESS

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

                           BREAKDOWN BY TITLE

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

 
                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Fiscal Year 2023      Committee
                                           enacted       recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title I: Agricultural programs......         8,394,410         8,579,816
Title II: Farm Production and               35,185,732        28,270,107
 Conservation programs..............
Title III: Rural economic and                4,080,503         3,942,517
 community development programs.....
Title IV: Domestic food programs....       189,057,589       161,160,930
Title V: Foreign assistance and              2,242,578         2,297,578
 related programs...................
Title VI: Related agencies and Food          3,542,938         3,562,938
 and Drug Administration............
Title VII: General provisions.......          -536,800          -355,482
Other Appropriations................         5,421,715  ................
                                     -----------------------------------
      Total, new budget                    247,388,665       207,458,404
       (obligational) authority.....
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                TITLE I

                         AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS

                  Processing, Research, And Marketing

                        Office of the Secretary

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $65,607,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................     112,634,000
Committee recommendation................................      65,067,000

    The Secretary of Agriculture, assisted by the Deputy 
Secretary, Under Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries, Chief 
Information Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and members of 
their immediate staffs, directs and coordinates the work of the 
United States Department of Agriculture [USDA]. This includes 
developing policy, maintaining relationships with agricultural 
organizations and others in the development of farm programs, 
and maintaining liaison with the Executive Office of the 
President and Members of Congress on all matters pertaining to 
agricultural policy.
    The general authority of the Secretary to supervise and 
control the work of the Department is contained in the Organic 
Act (Public Law 101-624). The delegation of regulatory 
functions to Department employees and authorization of 
appropriations to carry out these functions is contained in 7 
U.S.C. 450c-450g.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $65,067,000 
for the Office of the Secretary.
    The following table reflects the amount provided by the 
Committee for each office and activity:

                                             OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Fiscal year 2023  Fiscal year 2024      Committee
                                                                 enacted       budget request    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of the Secretary...................................             7,432            34,713             7,432
Office of Homeland Security...............................             1,396             2,396             1,396
Office of Tribal Relations................................             5,190             6,533             5,190
Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement..............             9,280            10,357             9,280
Office of Assistant Secretary for Administration..........             1,706             1,742             1,706
Departmental Administration...............................            26,716            35,627            26,716
Office of Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations              4,609             4,727             4,609
 and Intergovernmental Affairs............................
Office of Communications..................................             8,738            16,539             8,738
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total...............................................            65,067           112,634            65,067
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Camelina.--As a nonfood crop that can be planted on land 
that would otherwise be idle or fallow and harvested to produce 
low-carbon feedstock for renewable biofuels and chemicals, 
camelina offers tremendous agronomic and economic benefits. The 
Committee is aware of the Department's efforts to expand crop 
insurance coverage for camelina under the existing pilot 
program and encourages USDA to further expand safety net 
offerings so that growers can introduce camelina into their 
existing crop rotations and gain important environmental and 
economic benefits, while further supporting American energy 
independence.
    Canadian Variety Registration.--The Committee is concerned 
about unfair wheat variety registration practices that 
negatively affect American wheat growers that export to Canada. 
Currently, the Canadian wheat varietal registration system is 
overly burdensome to many American-developed varieties, 
requiring multiple years of Canadian test plot data and 
considering agronomic factors that are not relevant to the end 
use attributes of the grain. This results in U.S. farmers 
growing very few acres of registered varieties and has limited 
the opportunity to increase export trade. While the relevant 
provisions of USMCA regarding wheat grading made important 
changes, additional work is needed to ensure American growers 
can benefit from those changes. Therefore, the Committee urges 
the Secretary to work with the Department of Commerce and the 
United States Trade Representative to prioritize conversations 
with the Canadian government to address trade inequities 
resulting from Canada's current wheat varietal registration 
practices.
    Commodity Credit Corporation [CCC] Obligations and 
Commitments.--The Secretary is directed to notify the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate in writing 
15 days prior to the obligation or commitment of any emergency 
funds from the CCC.
    Communications Services for Limited English Proficient 
Communities.--The Committee is supportive of efforts the 
department is taking to improve communications, which should 
include mediums such as television and radio, to reach limited 
English proficient [LEP] communities. However, to improve 
implementation, the Committee encourages the department to 
review the communication practices and create uniform 
applications across all USDA agencies to strengthen 
communication practices to include digital, television and 
radio advertising when working with limited English proficient 
communities. The Committee further directs each Department and 
agency funded by this Act with annual advertising budgets to 
include a report on expenditures related to local media 
advertising to include digital, television and radio no more 
than 30 days after the passage of this Act. The Committee also 
mandates that a portion of the advertising expenditures 
dedicated to LEP communities is dedicated to ethnic media 
outlets that work with hard-to-reach communities to ensure 
equity across all media outlets.
    Institute for Rural Partnerships.--The Committee recognized 
the unique challenges faced by rural communities when it 
provided funding in fiscal year 2023 to continue three 
Institutes for Rural Partnerships in geographically diverse 
locations to identify and support community, statewide and 
regional partnership to address these challenges. As rural 
challenges evolve, the continued need for these Institutes is 
clear. Therefore, the Committee provides $9,000,000--to be 
divided equally to continue the Institute for Rural 
Partnerships at established land-grant universities, which were 
originally funded in fiscal year 2022. Funding will support 
focused research and applied transitional needs locally and 
regionally.
    Office of Tribal Relations.--The Committee supports 
elevating the Office of Tribal Relations to an Assistant 
Secretary level and encourages the Secretary to evaluate the 
resources needed.
    Resource Conservation and Development Councils.--Since 
1964, the Resource Conservation and Development [RC&D] Councils 
have worked at the grassroots level with local leaders to plan, 
develop, and carry out programs for land and water conservation 
and management. The Committee encourages the Secretary to 
consider the maximum practical use of RC&D Councils, where such 
RC&D Councils meet agency performance requirements, in the 
delivery of USDA programs and services.
    Train Derailments.--The Committee is concerned with recent 
train derailments and specifically its impact on farmers and 
rural communities. Farmers in Ohio and Pennsylvania are unsure 
what long-term impacts the derailment and its chemical release 
will have on the safety and value of farm products, which could 
impact overall farm viability. As farmers are crucial to rural 
communities and the overall economy of the U.S., the Committee 
directs the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator 
of the Environmental Protection Agency, to support farmers 
through targeted outreach with information about the 
derailment, assistance with soil testing, mitigation for 
impacts to agricultural products, and resources to support 
farmers who can demonstrate they were affected by the 
derailment.
    USDA Customer and Producer Farm Delivery Systems 
Modernization.--The Committee directs the Secretary to submit a 
plan within 60 days of enactment of this act that accelerates 
the continued implementation and expansion of the Farmers.gov 
application and Enterprise Data Analytics Platform and Toolset 
[EDAPT]. Despite the continued direction and funding provided 
by Congress in previous fiscal years for these modernization 
applications, the Committee is aware that the Farm Service 
Agency, the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center, 
and the Office of the Chief Information Officer continue to 
maintain numerous legacy mission support systems that should be 
decommissioned and transitioned to applications and mission 
support services systems that are interoperable, facts-based, 
data driven, and are provided efficiently, effectively, and 
professionally with a commitment to excellent customer service 
for USDA customers, including farmers, ranchers, and forest 
landowners.
    Voting-related Activities.--The Committee directs the 
Secretary to provide to the Committee a briefing, no later than 
90 days after enactment of this act, regarding any strategic 
plans developed by the department since January 20, 2021 
outlining the ways the department has promoted voter 
registration and voter participation.

                          Executive Operations

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

                     Office of the Chief Economist

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $28,181,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      35,597,000
Committee recommendation................................      30,181,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $30,181,000 
for the Office of the Chief Economist.
    Pest Management.--The Committee recognizes the need for 
Federal pesticide policy to be science-based and keep in mind 
the needs of agricultural producers and encourages the Office 
of Pest Management Policy to evaluate the impact on industry.
    Policy Research.--The Committee provides $10,000,000 for 
policy research under 7 U.S.C. 3155 for entities with existing 
institutional capacity to conduct complex economic and policy 
analysis and which have a lengthy and well-documented record of 
conducting policy analysis for the benefit of USDA, the 
Congressional Budget Office, or the Congress. Of the amount 
provided for policy research activities, $2,000,000 shall be 
for a center based at an upper Midwest land grant university 
focused on agricultural policy relevant to the region, 
including crop insurance, livestock risk management, and 
disaster programs, and $3,000,000 shall be for the Department 
to focus efforts on entities that have information, analysis, 
research and staff necessary to provide objective, scientific 
information to support and enhance efficient, accurate 
implementation of Federal drought preparedness and drought 
response programs, including interagency thresholds used to 
determine eligibility for mitigation or emergency assistance.

                     Office of Hearings and Appeals

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $16,703,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      17,494,000
Committee recommendation................................      16,703,000

    The Office of Hearings and Appeals conducts administrative 
hearings and reviews of adverse program decisions made by the 
Rural Development mission area, the Farm Service Agency [FSA], 
the Risk Management Agency [RMA], and the Natural Resources 
Conservation Service [NRCS].

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $16,703,000 
for the Office of Hearings and Appeals.

                 Office of Budget and Program Analysis

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $14,967,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      21,135,000
Committee recommendation................................      14,967,000

    The Office of Budget and Program Analysis provides 
direction and administration of the Department's budgetary 
functions including developing, presenting, and executing of 
the budget; reviewing program and legislative proposals for 
program, budget, and related implications; analyzing program 
and resource issues and alternatives; preparing summaries of 
pertinent data to aid the Secretary, Departmental policy 
officials, and agency program managers in the decision-making 
process; and providing Department-wide coordination for and 
participation in the presentation of budget-related matters to 
the Committees of the Congress, the media, and interested 
public. The Office also provides Department-wide coordination 
of the preparation and processing of regulations and 
legislative programs and reports.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $14,967,000 
for the Office of Budget and Program Analysis.

                Office of the Chief Information Officer

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $92,284,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      95,061,000
Committee recommendation................................      92,284,000

    The Office of the Chief Information Officer was established 
in the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-106), which 
required the establishment of a Chief Information Officer for 
major Federal agencies. This Office provides policy guidance, 
leadership, coordination, and direction to the Department's 
information management and information technology [IT] 
investment activities in support of USDA program delivery, and 
is the lead office in USDA e-gov efforts. The Office provides 
long-range planning guidance, implements measures to ensure 
that technology investments are economical and effective, 
coordinates interagency information resources management 
projects, and implements standards to promote information 
exchange and technical interoperability. In addition, the 
Office of the Chief Information Officer is responsible for 
certain activities financed under the Department's Working 
Capital Fund (7 U.S.C. 2235). The Office also provides 
telecommunication and automated data processing [ADP] services 
to USDA agencies through the National Information Technology 
Center with locations in Fort Collins, Colorado; Kansas City, 
Missouri; and Washington, D.C. Direct ADP operational services 
are also provided to the Office of the Secretary, the Office of 
the General Counsel, the Office of Communications, the Office 
of the Chief Financial Officer, and Departmental Management.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $92,284,000 
for the Office of the Chief Information Officer.

                 Office of the Chief Financial Officer

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $7,367,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       9,108,000
Committee recommendation................................       7,367,000

    The Office of the Chief Financial Officer is responsible 
for the dual roles of Chief Financial Management Policy Officer 
and Chief Financial Management Advisor to the Secretary and 
mission area heads. The Office provides leadership for all 
financial management, accounting, travel, Federal assistance, 
and strategic planning performance measurement activities 
within the Department. The Office is also responsible for the 
management and operation of the National Finance Center and the 
Departmental Working Capital Fund.
    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 fiscal years 2017 and 2018.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $7,367,000 for 
the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.

           Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $1,466,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       1,486,000
Committee recommendation................................       1,466,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

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

                         Office of Civil Rights

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $37,595,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      38,617,000
Committee recommendation................................      37,595,000

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $37,595,000 
for the Office of Civil Rights.

                  Agriculture Buildings and Facilities


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $40,581,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................     124,628,000
Committee recommendation................................      40,581,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $40,581,000 
for Agriculture Buildings and Facilities.

                     Hazardous Materials Management


                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $7,581,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       7,630,000
Committee recommendation................................       6,586,000

    Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, 
Compensation, and Liability Act (Public Law 96-510) and the 
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (Public Law 94-580), the 
Department has the responsibility to meet the same standards 
regarding the storage and disposition of hazardous materials as 
private businesses. The Department is required to contain, 
cleanup, monitor, and inspect for hazardous materials in areas 
under the Department's jurisdiction.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,586,000 for 
Hazardous Materials Management.

               Office of Safety, Security, and Protection

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $21,800,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      22,020,000
Committee recommendation................................      21,800,000

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $21,800,000 
for the Office of Safety, Security, and Protection.

                      Office of Inspector General

Appropriations, 2023....................................    $111,561,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................     125,893,000
Committee recommendation................................     111,561,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $111,561,000 
for the Office of Inspector General.

                     Office of the General Counsel

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $60,537,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      65,646,000
Committee recommendation................................      60,537,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $60,537,000 
for the Office of the General Counsel.
    Organic Standard Integrity.--To keep pace with new research 
and changing consumer demands, organic standards should be 
updated expeditiously to maintain integrity. The Committee 
encourages the Office of the General Counsel to prioritize the 
hiring of staff with expertise in the Organic Foods Production 
Act to address the backlog of organic standards updates within 
the National Organic Program.

                            Office of Ethics

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $5,556,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       6,958,000
Committee recommendation................................       5,556,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $5,556,000 for 
the Office of Ethics.

                     Office of Information Affairs

Appropriations, 2023....................................................
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      $9,966,000
Committee recommendation................................................

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee does not recommend an appropriation for the 
Office of Information Affairs.

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

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $2,384,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       2,414,000
Committee recommendation................................       2,384,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,384,000 for 
the Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and 
Economics.

                       Economic Research Service

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $92,612,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      98,453,000
Committee recommendation................................      92,183,000

    The Economic Research Service provides economic and other 
social science research and analysis for public and private 
decisions on agriculture, food, the environment, and rural 
America. The information that ERS produces is available to the 
general public and helps the Executive and Legislative Branches 
develop, administer, and evaluate agricultural and rural 
policies and programs.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $92,183,000 
for the Economic Research Service.
    Agricultural Commodity Trade.--The Committee recognizes the 
economic importance of international trade for U.S. 
agricultural commodities and believes that producers and 
markets would benefit from having access to additional data on 
the country of destination or origin of those commodities. 
Therefore, the Committee directs ERS to report on a quarterly 
basis the top five agricultural commodity exports and imports 
by State and to identify the country of destination or origin 
of those commodities.
    Organic Data Analysis.--The organic industry has grown at a 
tremendous rate over the past several years and accurate data 
for the production, pricing, and marketing of organic products 
is essential. Therefore, the Committee encourages ERS to 
continue and expand the efforts relating to organic data 
analysis.
    Rural Tract Codes.--The Committee requests an update on the 
status and publication of the ``Difficult Terrain and Access to 
Urban Area'' project, as well as a copy of the report upon its 
completion. The Committee also requests an update on ERS' 
proposed plan to receive, review, and comment on the report.

                National Agricultural Statistics Service

Appropriations, 2023....................................    $211,076,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................     241,119,000
Committee recommendation................................     200,563,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $200,563,000 
for the National Agricultural Statistics Service, of which 
$55,900,000 is for the Census of Agriculture.
    Barley Estimates.--The Committee maintains funding for and 
expects NASS to continue providing barley acreage and 
production estimates for those States previously discontinued 
in 2016 and 2017.
    Chemical Use Data Series.--The Committee maintains funding 
for and expects NASS to continue the collection and analysis of 
chemical use data, as well as practices such as integrated pest 
management. The Committee supports the NASS effort to resume 
collecting Fruit Chemical Use data and Vegetable Chemical Use 
data in alternating years and directs the continuation of this 
practice to ensure equal access to Federal statistics.
    Cost of Pollination Survey.--The Committee maintains 
funding for NASS to continue the Cost of Pollination survey, 
which provides critical information to beekeepers and specialty 
crop growers.
    Cotton Estimates.--The Committee encourages NASS to 
reinstate the Agricultural Statistics District level estimates 
for cotton, including in-season and end-of-season reports.
    Floriculture Crops Report.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of the Floriculture Crops Report and maintains 
funding for NASS to complete the report. In compiling the 
report, the Committee continues to direct NASS to include data 
from Alaska.
    Organic Data Initiative.--The Committee maintains funding 
provided in fiscal year 2023 for NASS to coordinate with 
Agricultural Marketing Service for activities related to 
expanding organic price reporting and organic data collection.
    Vineyard and Orchard Acreage Survey.--The Committee 
encourages NASS to resume data collection and reporting so 
grape, wine, and juice producers can remain competitive and 
respond to challenges in the industry.

                     Agricultural Research Service


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2023....................................  $1,744,279,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................   1,938,303,000
Committee recommendation................................   1,792,879,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,791,879,000 
for salaries and expenses of the Agricultural Research Service.
    The Committee expects extramural research to be funded at 
no less than the fiscal year 2023 levels.
    6PPD.--The Committee notes that studies have suggested 
6PPD-Quinone may be contributing to Coho Salmon mortality in 
the Pacific Northwest. The Committee provides $2,000,000 to 
asses, analyze, and develop potential alternatives to 6PPD.
    Aflatoxin Mitigation Research.--The Committee recognizes 
the increasing economic and food safety threat that aflatoxin 
poses to corn and other affected agricultural crops and 
products. Aflatoxin has historically been a regional concern in 
the southeast but is currently spreading to other parts of the 
country due to more frequent extreme weather events. As such, 
the Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level 
for ARS to expand research into methods of mitigating the risk 
of aflatoxin, particularly regarding responsive agriculture, 
human nutrition, and food safety.
    Agricultural Data Security.--The Committee recognizes the 
critical need for agricultural data security advancements 
alongside increased use of autonomous systems and new 
technologies. To prepare for these needs, the Committee 
provides $2,000,000 for ARS to collaborate with a land-grand 
university to research these data security needs and solutions. 
The partnership should involve a university with expertise in 
both agricultural technology cybersecurity.
    Agricultural Genomics.--The Committee provides no less than 
the fiscal year 2023 level for agricultural genomic research to 
expand the knowledge of public and private sector entities and 
persons concerning genomes for species of importance to the 
food and agriculture sectors in order to maximize the return on 
the investment in genomics of agriculturally important species.
    Agrivoltaics.--In the report accompanying the Senate fiscal 
year 2022 Agriculture and Rural Development Appropriations Act, 
the Committee recognized the advancement in agrivoltaics and 
its potential in renewable energy and water efficiency. The 
Committee continues to encourage the Department to conduct a 
study on dual-use renewable energy systems that includes an 
assessment of the compatibility of different species of 
livestock and different crop types with different dual-use 
renewable energy system designs as well as a risk-benefit 
analysis of dual-use renewable energy systems in different 
regions. Further, the Committee directs USDA to conduct a 
demonstration program on dual-use renewable energy systems in 
multiple regions of the United States, including arid, semi-
arid, and wet agricultural zones. In picking locations for the 
demonstration programs, the Department shall prioritize 
cooperative agreements with land-grant universities and ARS 
climate hubs. The Committee also encourages USDA to enter into 
a multiyear cooperative agreement to provide education, 
outreach and technical assistance materials for producers. The 
Committee provides an additional $1,500,000 for this research.
    AgTech Cooperative Agreements.--The Committee provides an 
additional $1,500,000 for cooperative agreements to support the 
research, development and acceleration of agriculture 
technology.
    Alfalfa Research.--The Committee notes that research into 
alfalfa seed and alfalfa forage systems holds the potential to 
increase yields, increase milk production, and improve 
genetics, and the Committee provides no less than the fiscal 
year 2023 level to support research focused on alfalfa 
improvement. Research should focus on using tools to accelerate 
and enhance existing breeding programs focused on improving 
yield and quality parameters; developing innovative harvesting 
and utilization systems; developing new markets for co-
products; and quantifying environmental benefits from alfalfa-
based systems.
    Ancient Crop Genetics.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of plant genetics research in enhancing yields and 
reducing global food insecurity. The Committee provides no less 
than the fiscal year 2023 for utilizing ancient crop plant 
ancestors to meet consumer demands and protect the global food 
supply.
    Animal Health and Agro-/Bio-Defense Program.--The Committee 
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level to 
continue to support the Animal Health and Agro/Bio Defense 
Program.
    Appalachian Native Tree Crop.--The Committee provides 
$800,000 for the USDA Appalachian Fruit Research Station to 
study and expand native fruit tree breeding including the 
pawpaw, American persimmon, and hazelnut to expand new market 
opportunities for Appalachian farmers.
    Appalachian Natural Products Research.--The Committee 
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level to advance 
natural products research and applications with a focus on 
plant species in Appalachia.
    Aquaculture Seedstock.--The Committee remains concerned 
that vital seedstock to support the development of aquaculture 
in Federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico will be sourced from 
foreign aquaculture producers. Domestic on-land recirculating 
aquaculture systems are highly capable of producing seedstock 
to support significant domestic on-land and offshore 
aquaculture industry growth, including through broodstock 
acquisition and care, spawning, and larval culture techniques. 
Therefore, the Committee encourages USDA to continue working 
collaboratively with U.S. aquaculture producers and research 
institutions that specialize in the development of aquaculture 
technologies and provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 
level for the development of aquaculture technology that will 
ensure a steady supply of warm water marine fish seedstock for 
the economic growth of the U.S. aquaculture industry.
    Atlantic Salmon Breeding Program.--The Committee directs 
ARS to continue its Atlantic salmon breeding and domestication 
work. The Committee notes that domestic salmon farms are 
required to only use strains of salmon that are of North 
American origin and that these strains need substantial 
breeding improvement in order to be competitive with strains 
currently used by foreign producers. The Committee notes that 
the current ARS Atlantic salmon breeding program lacks a 
geneticist and supports efforts by the Department to address 
this need.
    Binational Agricultural Research and Development [BARD].--
The Committee is supportive of the activities carried out 
through BARD and provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 
level to support BARD's historical grant-making functions and 
expand BARD programming for food and nutrition as well as 
artificial intelligence.
    Barley Pest Initiative.--The Committee recognizes that 
insects and viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases inflict 
substantial yield and quality losses to the barley crop 
throughout the United States, resulting in significant economic 
losses to growers and end-users. The Committee supports 
research to be carried out through the Barley Pest Initiative 
to address these major threats to sustainable and profitable 
barley production and utilization. The Committee provides an 
additional $1,000,000 to support this initiative.
    Bee Genomic Sequencing.--The Committee is aware that the 
genome of the honeybee, Apis mellifera, has been sequenced, but 
there are more than 4,000 bee species in the United States, not 
all of which are affected by colony collapse or population 
declines in the same way. The Committee recognizes the critical 
importance of bee species to American agriculture, 
floriculture, and ecosystem biodiversity and the increasing 
challenges to bee colony health related to parasites, poor 
nutrition, pathogens, and pesticides. Although progress has 
been made in understanding these influences on pollinator 
health, additional research into a broader range of genetic 
information will assist in addressing the decline in bee 
pollinators. The Committee provides no less than the fiscal 
year 2023 level for ARS to sequence and study the genomes of 
all species of bees in the United States and directs that this 
research be conducted in conjunction with Midwestern land-grant 
universities with established expertise in bee genomic biology.
    Biosafety Level 2 Lab Space.--The Committee recognizes that 
the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility [NBAF] is an 
important component of the work that USDA does to protect the 
agricultural economy of the U.S. and to maintain our position 
as a global leader in animal health, biodefense, and 
biosecurity. The Committee is also aware that there exists a 
need for lab space, especially that meets Biosafety Level 2 
standards, to support additional research and scientific work 
including on adult swine or cattle. Within 120 days of 
enactment of this act, the Secretary is directed to brief the 
Committee on its plans to ensure that the country has access to 
sufficient space to conduct pharmaceutical and biologic safety 
studies as well as for acclimation of research animals prior to 
transition to higher containment work. Initial awards should be 
focused on research on controlled environment agriculture in 
northern climates, densely populated regions, and small farms.
    Center for Pollinator Health.--The Committee is aware that 
bees play a crucial role in U.S. agriculture as pollinators and 
that continued colony loss poses a serious threat to future 
food production. While the Committee commends the Department 
for the steps it has taken to better understand and address 
this problem, the Committee is concerned that the maximum 
benefits of multiagency efforts have yet to be achieved. The 
Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level for 
the Center for Pollinator Health in order to provide a central 
Federal voice on pollinator health. The Committee encourages 
ARS to collaborate with Federal and land-grant university 
partners to examine the impact of pesticides, varroa mites, and 
other potential contributors to bee colony declines.
    Central Crops Research.--The Committee provides no less 
than the fiscal year 2023 level for improvements to research 
capacity for ARS corn and soybean, and small grain genotyping 
work.
    Center for Soil Health Research.--The Committee provides no 
less than the fiscal year 2023 level to support comprehensive 
soil testing in additional to critical research on emerging 
contaminants and biological characteristics of soil.
    Chronic Wasting Disease [CWD].--The Committee recognizes 
the importance of a live test for cervids potentially affected 
with CWD and provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level 
for research dedicated to the development of such test and 
research on pathways of transmission.
    Citrus Breeding.--The Committee provides an additional 
$1,100,000 to continue a breeding research program focused on 
developing and evaluating citrus rootstock and scion materials 
in areas where citrus is grown.
    Citrus Greening Disease Research.--The Committee commends 
ARS on its 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.
    Climate Hubs.--The Committee understands the important role 
ARS has on addressing climate related issues. The Committee 
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level for ARS 
research teams to support regional Climate Hubs.
    Coffee Leaf Rust.--The recent discovery of coffee leaf rust 
in the U.S. insular pacific has substantially impacted U.S. 
coffee agriculture, and the Committee provides no less than the 
fiscal year 2023 level to develop science-based management 
strategies, provide extension services, and research CLR 
resistant varieties of coffee.
    Controlled Environment Agriculture.--The Committee provides 
$2,000,000 for research on nutrient and water management, best 
practices, logistics, the agriculture-energy nexus, and 
economic feasibility for controlled environment agriculture. 
Work should specifically include research on solutions to 
Tribal food sovereignty and access to traditional foods 
including viability for controlled environment cultivation of 
such crops and medicines.
    Cotton Blue Disease.--The Committee is aware that emerging 
exotic pathogens of cotton, such as the Cotton Blue Disease 
identified in Southeastern States, could have a devastating 
impact on the cotton industry if they continue to spread. The 
Committee no less than the fiscal year 2023 level and directs 
ARS to coordinate with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service [APHIS], academic partners, and industry to develop a 
multi-State sentinel program with the purpose of conducting 
research to establish biomarkers for these diseases and to 
determine whether there are viable extension management 
strategies pertaining to aphid control and general cotton 
management.
    Cotton Ginning.--The Committee recognizes the importance of 
pollution abatement, improving fiber quality, ginning 
efficiency, cotton seed, and other byproducts and provides no 
less than the fiscal year 2023 level to expand research in 
cotton ginning and innovation by existing laboratories.
    Cotton Genetics Management and Fiber Quality Traits.--The 
Committee recognizes the importance of the domestic cotton 
industry and provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level 
to expand research associated with cotton fiber quality and 
yield traits. No less than the fiscal year 2023 level is also 
provided for continued research on effective cotton genetics 
and management practices for improved cotton quality and 
production.
    Cover Crops and Cereal Grain Variety Selection.--The 
Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level to 
develop soil enhancement technologies and research cereal 
grains, cover crops, and invasive weeds as they related to the 
northern climates in regions dominated by permafrost.
    Cover Crops Research and Outreach.--The Committee 
recognizes the importance of developing profitable and 
practicable cover crop options for use in dairy, grain, and 
vegetable production systems, including for use in no-till 
organic systems and as forages. Therefore, the Committee 
provides an additional $250,000 to support research with the 
purposes of improving measures of soil health and resiliency; 
varietal development; optimal dairy forage species 
combinations; timing and strategies for cover crop seeding and 
termination; forage integration into organic dairy systems; and 
mitigation of environmental and extreme rainfall impacts on 
water quality and soil security for diverse cover crop systems.
    Cranberry Research.--The Committee recognizes the need for 
advancements in water conservation, pest control, disease 
reduction, and fruit quality improvements in cranberry 
production. The Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 
2023 level for the improvement of cranberry yields, pest and 
disease management, and water resource management by developing 
fields devoted to cranberry research and collection and storage 
of samples for analysis in appropriate existing laboratory 
facilities.
    Crop Production Systems and Crop Genetics.--The Committee 
recommends no less than the fiscal year 2023 level to support 
ARS activities in crop production systems and crop genetics in 
the mid-south region.
    Dairy Forage Research.--The Committee provides an increase 
of $800,000 for research and outreach on the attributes of 
alternative cropping cycles and forage systems for dairy 
production systems, including evaluation of the interactions 
between climate change, water quality, soil carbon, and cost-
of-production in the short and long term.
    East Coast Shellfish Breeding.--The Committee recognizes 
the dangers of parasites and bacterial and viral diseases to 
shellfish farmers and understands the importance of selective 
breeding to combat these infections. The Committee provides no 
less than the fiscal year 2023 level for shellfish breeding 
research focused on the East Coast.
    Federal Invasive Species Control Lab.--The Committee 
continues to be concerned about the threats invasive pests pose 
to the Pacific region, notably to agriculture, the economy, 
environment, human health, and national security. The Committee 
directs ARS to continue its work with stakeholders in the 
Pacific region to assess options for combatting invasive pests. 
Options may include invasive pest biocontrol research and 
development facilities, including appropriate containment, 
rearing facilities, greenhouse quarantine, and additional 
agricultural research laboratory space and administrative 
space.
    Fish Meal from Woody Biomass.--The Committee recognizes 
that the continued growth of the aquaculture industry in the 
U.S. and globally depends upon the development of sustainable 
fish meal. ARS is encouraged to accelerate work on fish meal 
from woody biomass, such as yeast from woody biomass that have 
the ability to convert low-grade wood into high-value (high-
quality protein source) fish meal with economic yields.
    Floriculture and Nursery Research.--The Committee 
recognizes the economic importance of the floriculture and 
nursery sector of agriculture and the industry's need for 
continued innovation. The Committee provides no less than the 
fiscal year 2023 level for ARS to support academic and Federal 
researchers to pursue efforts in crop protection, breeding, 
mechanization, and other areas through USDA's Floriculture and 
Nursery Research Initiative.
    Food Systems.--The Committee provides no less than the 
fiscal year 2023 level for ARS to continue a Food Systems 
Center that addresses how local, regional, and global food 
systems can provide nutritious and culturally appropriate food, 
regardless of individual life circumstances.
    Forest Products.--The Committee recognizes the important 
role of the forests products sector to the U.S. economy. The 
need to create new and improved value-added products and 
renewable energy from our Nation's wood supply is critical to 
the sustainability of the National economy. The Committee 
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level to support 
research on wood product quality improvement and improvement in 
forest products evaluation standards and valuation techniques. 
ARS shall conduct this research in consultation with the Forest 
Products Laboratory.
    Fusion of Machine Learning and Electromagnetic Sensors.--
The Committee provides an increase of $1,000,000 for research 
on fusing machine learning and enhanced multi-spectrum sensors 
for the purpose of collecting real-time environmental data at 
the site of food production.
    Genetic Oat Research.--The Committee recognizes the 
potential genetic oat research has to improve disease 
resistance (especially rusts and viruses), augment genetics, 
increase yields, and develop crop rotation systems that include 
oats, which will enhance the value of oats and provide benefits 
to producers and consumers. The Committee provides no less than 
the fiscal year 2023 level to expand existing research focused 
on oat improvement.
    Genomes to Fields.--The Committee provides no less than the 
fiscal year 2023 level to support the Germplasm Enhancement of 
Maize project to complement existing USDA maize germplasm 
programs and to support the emerging large-scale public sector 
effort to investigate the interaction of maize genome variation 
and environments, known as the Genomes to Fields project.
    Grape Genomics.--The Committee understands the importance 
of the National Grape Improvement Center that, when complete, 
will be the world's leading facility for grape genomics and 
gene expression research. The Committee provides an additional 
$1,000,000 for ARS to recruit and hire scientists necessary to 
operate the center.
    Healthy Soils Initiative.--The Committee provides no less 
than the fiscal year 2023 level to support the study of 
enhanced food nutritional quality through Healthy Soil-Healthy 
Food-Healthy People Initiatives.
    Healthy Soils in Semi-Arid Locations.--The Committee 
provides an additional $1,000,000 to conduct research on soil 
health in the semi-arid west within integrated cropland and 
rangeland ecosystems.
    Hemp Cultivar Development.--The Committee encourages ARS to 
conduct biotechnology and genomics research in collaboration 
with capable institutions to elucidate the genetic control of 
key production and product quality traits in hemp to facilitate 
cultivar development. In addition, the Committee provides no 
less than the fiscal year 2023 level for ARS to partner with 
institutions already engaged in such research to conduct hemp 
genetic improvement research and breeding with new breeding and 
editing techniques.
    Hemp Germplasm.--The Committee recognizes the increasing 
demand for hemp for a variety of uses and its growing 
importance as a crop for U.S. farmers. When the Nation's hemp 
germplasm was destroyed in the 1980s, researchers lost access 
to publicly available germplasm for plant breeding purposes. 
The Committee directs ARS to establish and maintain a hemp 
germplasm repository at the Plant Genetics Resources Research 
Unit and provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level for 
this purpose. The Committee also encourages ARS and the Plant 
Genetics Resources Research Unit to partner with 1890 
institutions that have existing institutional capacity on hemp 
germplasm research, education, and extension capabilities.
    Hemp Production Systems.--The Committee recognizes the 
emerging market potential for U.S. hemp and hemp-based products 
for a variety of uses. The Committee directs ARS to conduct 
regionally-driven research, development, and stakeholder 
engagement to improve agronomic and agro-economic understanding 
of effectively integrating hemp into existing agricultural 
cropping, processing, and marketing systems. The Committee 
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level for this 
purpose. Research, engagement, and technology transfer shall be 
conducted in strict accordance with all applicable Federal and 
State authorities and regulations.
    Herbicide Resistance Initiative.--The Committee supports 
the creation of a regionally focused Herbicide Resistance 
Initiative for the Pacific Northwest to identify and overcome 
herbicide resistance associated with the crop production 
pathway, reducing production losses and reducing or eliminating 
pressure on trade limits due to contamination. The Committee 
supports research to address weed management strongly affecting 
the long-term economic sustainability of food systems in 
collaboration with ARS, research institutions and stakeholder 
support. The Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 
2023 level to support the initiative.
    High Performance Computing Support.--The Committee provides 
no less than the fiscal year 2023 level to support high 
performance computing capability to address scientific needs 
and directs ARS to collaborate with appropriate partners with 
the technical capacity and scientific synergy to provide cost-
effective high performance computing support.
    Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research.--The 
Committee recognizes that critical research is needed to 
mitigate against threats posed by landscape use, pests, and 
pathogens to the beekeeping and specialty crop industries, and 
to the health of pollinators in general. ARS shall prioritize 
Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research to study 
breeding resistance in bees from mites, diseases, and various 
other threats.
    Hops Research.--The Committee provides no less than the 
fiscal year 2023 level to support hops research.
    Human Nutrition Research.--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. This research supports USDA's 
strategic goals of nutrition monitoring; the scientific basis 
for dietary recommendations; prevention of obesity and related 
diseases; and life stage nutrition and metabolism, in order to 
better define the role of nutrition in pregnancy and growth of 
children and for healthier aging. The Committee provides an 
increase of $1,000,000 to expand research regarding life stage 
nutrition and metabolism and the growth, health promotion, 
disease prevention, diet, and immune function of the developing 
child, especially the rural child. The Committee also provides 
no less than the fiscal year 2023 level to address the vital 
role that research has on human nutrition and an aging 
population.
    Impact of Harmful Algal Bloom [HAB] on Aquaculture.--The 
Committee recognizes the negative effects of algal blooms on 
aquaculture products. As such, the Committee provides no less 
than the fiscal year 2023 level and directs the ARS to 
coordinate with academic partners to understand the effects of 
chemical mixtures of algal blooms on aquaculture and to develop 
application control strategies to sustain growth in aquaculture 
production systems that are able to be extended to industry.
    Improvements in Broiler Production.--The Committee provides 
no less than the fiscal year 2023 level and directs ARS to 
coordinate with academic partners to understand the 
interactions between parasites and viruses in antibiotic free 
poultry production for improved vaccination strategies and 
products that are able to mitigate against coinfections in 
poultry products.
    Improving Health and Productivity of Agricultural Fields.--
The Committee recognizes the potential benefits that fast-
growing, biomass convertible cover crops, such as canola, could 
have on improving the profitability and sustainability of small 
to medium-sized farms. As such, the Committee directs ARS to 
provide no less than the fiscal year 2023 level for the 
National Soil Dynamics Laboratory to conduct research focused 
on identifying fast growing cover crops that have the ability 
to generate farmer profitability as a cash crop and as a 
biofuel source, while also improving the productivity and 
health of agricultural soils.
    Invasive Pests.--The Committee continues to be concerned 
about the threats invasive pests pose to the Pacific region, 
notably to agriculture, the economy, environment, human health, 
and national security. The Committee directs ARS to continue 
its work with stakeholders in the Pacific region to assess 
options for combatting invasive pests. Options may include 
invasive pest biocontrol research and development facilities, 
including appropriate containment, rearing facilities, 
greenhouse quarantine, and additional agricultural research 
laboratory space and administrative space.
    Laboratory Staffing.--The Committee directs ARS to fully 
staff laboratories even if the laboratory is proposed to be 
closed in the budget request.
    Little Cherry Disease.--The Committee is concerned by the 
growing prevalence of Little Cherry Disease in the Pacific 
Northwest and the significant threat that it poses to the 
region's stone fruit. The Committee includes an additional 
$750,000 for research on detection and mitigation of the 
disease and the vector insects involved.
    Macadamia Tree Health Initiative.--The Macadamia Tree 
Health Initiative was authorized for the purpose of developing 
and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat 
the macadamia felted coccid. The Committee provides no less 
than the fiscal year 2023 level for this purpose.
    Measurement and Monitoring Innovation Lab.--The Committee 
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level to continue to 
support the ARS Agricultural Measurement and Monitoring 
Innovation Lab.
    Meat Animal Research Center.--The Committee encourages ARS 
to prioritize research critical for the beef industry including 
climate adaptation and climate resiliency; optimized natural 
resource utilization; improved production efficiencies, meat 
safety, and meat quality in support of the vitality of rural 
communities; and the environmental sustainability of beef 
production, including reduced methane emissions.
    Methyl Bromide Alternatives.--Farmers throughout the 
country continue to face significant adverse economic and 
operational impacts associated with the phase-out of methyl 
bromide. Therefore, to meet ongoing needs for collaborative 
information sources on state-of-the-art fumigant alternatives 
for use by researchers, growers, food processors, legislators, 
government policy officials, and other interested parties, the 
Committee directs the Secretary to provide continued funding 
for education and outreach regarding methyl bromide 
alternatives to minimize the impacts of soil and post-harvest 
pests to agriculture and maintain critical domestic and 
international markets.
    Missouri River Basin Water Resource Management Research.--
The Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level 
for research on the benefits of improving flood control on the 
lower Missouri River, assessing the impact on commodity process 
of river navigability, evaluating the probabilities of levee 
failure and associated damage under different protection 
scenarios, and utilizing biophysical simulation models to 
evaluate agricultural production and minimize erosion and 
pollution runoff while supporting flood control, navigation, 
and drinking and cooling water supplies.
    Mitigation of Salmonella in Poultry.--The Committee 
recognizes that additional research may be necessary in order 
to reduce salmonella related illness and meet the Healthy 
People 2030 goal. The Committee encourages ARS to partner with 
a Hispanic Serving Institution, that has previous experience 
with the U.S National Poultry Research Center, in efforts to 
mitigate salmonella in poultry production and processing and 
improve public health.
    National Agricultural Library [NAL].--The Committee 
strongly encourages ARS to maintain its focus on agriculture-
related legal issues within the NAL. The Committee notes that 
as the agriculture sector faces increasing financial stress, 
there is a necessity that agriculture-related legal issues be 
addressed on an increasingly frequent basis. Further, 
agricultural-related legal issues are increasingly complex and 
the impact of these legal issues continues to broaden in scope. 
The Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level 
to support climate science research at the NAL. Further, the 
Committee provides funding at the fiscal year 2023 level to the 
Agricultural Law Information Partnership, including for the 
existing partner institutions, and recommends that the National 
Agricultural Library continue to play an important role in 
assisting all stakeholders with understanding these complex 
legal issues. The Committee encourages ARS and the National 
Agricultural Library to engage in multi-year cooperative 
agreements with the Agricultural Law Information Partnership's 
partner institutions.
    National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility.--The Committee an 
additional $9,000,000 to continue stand-up activities and other 
initial costs to operate and maintain the National Bio- and 
Agro-Defense Facility [NBAF].
    Nematodes.--The Committee recognizes that one of the 
biggest trade, quality, and condition irritants for potato 
research in the Pacific Northwest are nematodes. The Committee 
provides $1,300,000 to support research into sampling methods 
and suppression strategies for nematodes.
    Onion Breeding.--The Committee understands the challenges 
facing the onion industry including perishability, disease and 
pest management, and low yield. The Committee provides 
$1,000,000 for ARS to research onion breeding and genetics. The 
research should work to develop new onion varieties, resiliency 
against disease and pests, as well as adoption of automation 
and mechanization technology.
    Pacific Shellfish Genetics and Breeding.--The Committee 
recognizes the economic importance of shellfish aquaculture for 
rural and coastal communities 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. The Committee provides no less than the fiscal 
year 2023 level for a shellfish genetics and breeding program 
to develop genetically improved stock, promote enhanced disease 
resiliency, modernize production technologies, and transfer 
technology and improved stocks to shellfish farmers in Pacific 
States.
    PFAS Solutions Throughout Agricultural and Food Systems.--
The Committee provides $10,000,000 to establish a Center of 
Excellence for PFAS solutions throughout Agricultural and Food 
Systems in conjunction with a university partner. Funding shall 
be used on research to address PFAS issues in the agricultural 
landscape, animal uptake, adsorption, distributions, 
metabolism, and excretion, as well as the fate of PFAS residues 
in meat and dairy products as well as in animal urine and feces 
and subsequent distribution in the environment.
    Plant Associated Microbes.--The Committee recognizes that 
plant associated microbes can play a critical role in promoting 
plant health and growth. The Committee provides $1,500,000 for 
the National Soil Dynamics Laboratory for additional research 
and storage and plant associated microbes to characterize key 
attributes that benefit plant production.
    Poultry Processing Research and Innovation.--The Committee 
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level to support 
research focused on novel poultry processing approaches and 
methods that drive transformational innovation in intelligent 
systems, automation, robotics, data science, and artificial 
technologies that could enable greater efficiencies, better 
resilience, and viable poultry enterprises at various scales of 
production.
    Pollinator Recovery, Education, and Research.--The 
Committee is aware that bees play a crucial role in U.S. 
agriculture as pollinators and that colony loss poses a serious 
threat to future food production. The Committee provides no 
less than the fiscal year 2023 level to continue work at the 
Pollinator Recovery, Education, and Research Center.
    Postharvest Dairy Research.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of developing solutions to address agricultural 
postharvest inefficiencies to conserve limited resources and 
feed a growing population. The Committee provides no less than 
the fiscal year 2023 level for research to develop postharvest 
technologies that decrease waste and improve resource use of 
protein, fat, and sugar in dairy processing.
    Potato Research.--The Committee provides no less than the 
fiscal year 2023 level for the development of new management 
strategies for potato storage that will maintain potato 
quality, reduce grower and processor losses, and increase 
profits.
    Poultry Production and Product Safety.--The Committee 
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level to facilitate 
research in ionizing technology and its use to control various 
pathogens in vaccine development and other uses.
    Precision Aquaculture.--The Committee recognizes that land-
based, closed-containment aquaculture provides the capacity to 
raise freshwater or marine species in any locale with minimal 
environmental impacts. Implementing precision agriculture 
technologies in these systems will increase production 
efficiencies and profitability, ultimately increasing capacity 
for meeting the seafood demands of U.S. consumers through 
responsible and sustainable domestic aquaculture production. 
The Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level 
to continue the implementation of precision aquaculture in 
land-based, closed-containment aquaculture systems.
    Predictive Modeling Tools.--The Committee supports efforts 
to develop sustainable agricultural production systems for 
crops through the use of forecasting tools that incorporate 
post-harvest soil testing and in-season monitoring of plant 
pathogens to combat crop diseases. The Committee provides no 
less than the fiscal year 2023 level for ARS to work with 
Federal and land-grant university partners in order to develop 
predictive modeling tools that aid farm management decisions to 
improve agricultural production of row crops.
    Predictive Crop Performance.--The Committee is aware of the 
growing need for crop varieties whose performance minimizes 
risks associated with severe year-to-year fluctuations in 
weather patterns. As such, the Committee provides an additional 
$1,000,000 for additional research that integrates high-
throughput performance data collected with drone, robot, and 
on-tractor technologies with genome data to accurately predict 
which advanced lines have economic value and environmental 
stability.
    Pulse Crop Quality.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of ARS wheat quality laboratories in researching and 
advancing the quality and overall utilization of wheat and 
pulse crops. The Committee provides an additional $500,000 to 
further these efforts for pulse crops by establishing quality 
analysis standards, developing innovative production processes, 
and evaluating crop varieties for product functionality and 
market suitability.
    Pulse Health Initiative.--The Committee supports the 
expansion of pulse crop research and provides no less than the 
fiscal year 2023 level to enhance scientific research into the 
health and nutritional benefits of dry peas, lentils, 
chickpeas, and dry beans.
    Rangeland Precision Livestock Management.--The Committee 
recognizes the opportunity for precision livestock management 
strategies and tools to promote economically efficient and 
environmentally responsive livestock production systems for the 
Western rangeland. The Committee provides an additional 
$1,000,000 to develop precision nutrition strategies for 
rangeland-based livestock as well as technology-based rangeland 
and livestock management strategies to optimize the health and 
productivity of both Western rangeland-based livestock and the 
rangeland ecosystem. Further, the Committee recommends this 
funding to transfer new knowledge and technology strategies 
into data-informed tools and decision guidance for Western 
livestock and rangeland managers.
    Rangeland Research.--The Committee recognizes the 
demonstrated potential for cooperative partnerships to address 
complex sagebrush steppe ecosystem challenges in the Great 
Basin region. The Committee provides no less than the fiscal 
year 2023 level for ARS to support a regional, multi-
institutional cooperative partnership to advance collaborative 
science-based conservation research, extension, and education 
to address time-sensitive and shared rangeland challenges 
affecting sustainable agricultural productivity, rural 
communities, and ecosystem health.
    Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Research.--The Committee 
notes that aquaculture is the fastest growing food production 
industry in the world yet the U.S. faces a significant and 
growing trade deficit with nearly 90 percent of consumed 
seafood and aquacultured products imported from foreign 
countries. The Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 
2023 level to support research into Recirculating Aquaculture 
Systems, an emerging land-based technology to expand production 
and add resilience to domestic finfish aquaculture.
    Research Facilities.--The Committee understands the 
important collaboration between ARS and universities and the 
impact that aging facilities have on new research 
opportunities. The Committee directs ARS to submit a report 
that includes information on the current utilization of ARS 
facilities by universities and cooperators, as well as the 
extent to which ARS is housed in cooperator facilities.
    Resilient Dryland Farming.--The Committee recognizes the 
need for advancements in dryland production practices, 
cropping, and equipment to increase profitability, conserve the 
soil, enhance soil water storage, promote soil health, and 
decrease reliance on herbicides. The Committee provides no less 
than the fiscal year 2023 level to expand research focused on 
resilient dryland farming. Research should focus on improving 
yield and quality parameters; developing cropping systems 
capable of tolerating drought, heat, and diseases; and 
quantifying economic and environmental benefits from dryland 
crop production systems.
    Resilient Livestock Initiative.--The Committee recognizes 
the importance of livestock as a main source of sustainability 
of food production systems to remain globally competitive and 
nourish a growing global population. In the face of increasing 
severe weather events, exponentials expansion of the human 
population, and reductions in natural resources, livestock 
production needs to be more efficient and resilient to provide 
products for human consumption. The Committee support the ARS's 
Animal Disease Research Unit increasing its collaborative work 
to devise functional genomics strategies for developing traits 
in livestock to address disease resistance and improve 
resiliency in harsher weather conditions and provides 
$2,000,000 to establish the Resilient Livestock Initiative.
    Sclerotinia.--The Committee is aware of the economic 
importance of controlling sclerotinia, which affects 
sunflowers, soybeans, canola, edible beans, peas, and lentils 
and provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level for this 
purpose. The Committee encourages ARS to continue both core 
research and cooperative projects of the National Sclerotinia 
Initiative.
    Shrimp Production Research.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of increasing domestic shrimp production and 
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level for research 
and commercial development of production technologies that will 
improve shrimp health and streamline feed management regimes.
    Small Farm Orchard Production Current Research Information 
System [CRIS] Unit.--The Committee recognizes the critical need 
for development of low-cost technology and innovative 
production strategies for small farm fruit growers that enables 
profitable operations on a variety of lands, including 
reclaimed mines, increases overall fruit quality, reduces 
production costs, and increases economic and ecological 
sustainability. The Committee provides no less than the fiscal 
year 2023 level for the purpose of implementing a Small Farm 
Orchard Production CRIS Unit.
    Small Fruits.--The Committee recognizes the need to support 
research to promote sustainable and organic production of berry 
and grape crops with the goal of reducing pesticide use and 
improving quality and yield. The Committee provides an 
additional $500,000 to support research to improve the ability 
to forecast pest and disease spread, implement precision 
management strategies, and improve the overall quality of 
fruit.
    Small Grains Genomic Initiative.--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. The Committee provides no 
less than the fiscal year 2023 level to support the Small 
Grains Genomic Initiative.
    Smoke Exposure.--The Committee is concerned about the 
impacts of wildfire smoke on winegrape producers and supports 
research to help growers and processors establish science-based 
threshold levels of smoke compounds that cause smoke-tainted 
grapes, identify the compounds responsible for smoke taints, 
develop mitigation methods to reduce or eliminate smoke taint, 
and conduct research into compounds that can act as a barrier 
between the grapes and the smoke compounds. The Committee 
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level for this 
research.
    Soft White Wheat Falling Numbers Test.--The Committee 
recognizes the emerging crisis surrounding wheat starch 
degradation as detected by the Hagberg-Perten Falling Numbers 
[FN] Test. The quality loss was particularly devastating to 
Pacific Northwest soft white wheat producers in late 2016. The 
Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 funding 
level to research the accuracy of the FN test and better 
understand environmental, storage, and genetic conditions 
leading to this quality loss.
    Soil Carbon Research.--The Committee recognizes the need 
for research into current and future dryland production 
practices to increase profitability, conserve soil, enhance 
soil water storage, promote sequestration of carbon and soil 
health, and reduce reliance on herbicides. The Committee no 
less than the fiscal year 2023 level for research focused on 
improving yield; assessing the level of carbon sequestration 
through existing practices; developing new cropping systems 
capable of tolerating drought, heat, and diseases by improving 
soil health; improving sequestration of carbon; and identifying 
opportunities for increasing sustainability of dryland crop 
production.
    Sorghum Crop Improvement.--The Committee provides no less 
than the fiscal year 2023 level for sorghum research 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 harsh semi-arid conditions.
    Southern Regional Research Center [SRRC].--The Committee 
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level for the SRRC 
crop adaptive resilience food program to conduct collaborative 
research with research universities by exploring the value-
added enhancement of State-grown crops such as rice and other 
grains and pulses, to define the role for novel approaches in 
crop biological signaling and modification to yield 
environmentally sustainable, adaptive and stressor resistant 
varieties and interventions.
    Spray Drone Research.--The Committee provides $2,000,000 to 
support academic research on agricultural spray drones to 
safely and effectively improve productivity, sustainability, 
and precision application for growers.
    Strawberry Production.--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 an 
additional $500,000 to utilize innovativeautomatic technologies 
to enhance strawberry production.
    Sudden Oak Death.--The European strain 1 [EU1] and the 
North American strain 1 [NA1] of the sudden oak death pathogen 
are major threats to western Douglas-fir/tanoak forests, 
resulting in quarantine restrictions that threaten U.S. forests 
and export markets for log shipments and lily bulbs. The 
Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level for 
research to improve understanding of the EU1 and NA1 strains of 
the sudden oak death pathogen and treatment methods to inform 
control and management techniques in wildlands.
    Sugar Beet Research.--The Committee provides no less than 
the fiscal year 2023 level for plant disease research to 
improve the quality of sugar beet production.
    Sugarcane Variety Development.--The Committee provides no 
less than the fiscal year 2023 level to support research to 
shorten the conventional sugarcane breeding timeline, break 
through the current plateau in sugar content, and predict 
improvement in other traits such as cold tolerance, ratooning 
ability, and disease resistance.
    Sustainable Aquaculture.--The Committee notes that 
aquaculture is the fastest growing food production industry in 
the world. The Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 
2023 level for a pilot Aquaculture Experiment Station in 
partnership with universities to support rapid response 
research on sustainable aquaculture for coldwater and warmwater 
production environments, with special emphasis on workforce 
education.
    Sustainable Poultry Processing Research.--The Committee 
supports the utilization of food safety strategies to mitigate 
the increase in growth-related meat quality defects, such as 
myopathies, and food borne illnesses, particularly 
Campylobacter, that are associated with the increased supply of 
poultry production. As such, the Committee provides no less 
than the fiscal year 2023 level and directs the ARS to work 
with academic partners to develop further meat processing 
strategies to enhance the utilization and value of myopathic 
poultry meat and reduce foodborne, microbial pathogens 
throughout the poultry industry complex.
    Sustainable Specialty Crops.--The Committee supports 
research to advance sustainable and profitable specialty crop 
agriculture in the arid and semi-arid West. Maintaining 
productivity and profitability for specialty crops while 
adopting new sustainability practices is challenging. 
Decreasing the risk of adopting new sustainability practices is 
especially critical in water limited systems where options to 
control pests, pathogens, and weeds and increase productivity 
are constrained by the semi-arid and arid conditions. 
Additionally, opportunities for value-added products from post-
harvest processing operations are needed to increase 
profitability and sustainability for producers and processors. 
The Committee provides $1,000,000 for this research.
    Sustainable Water Use Research.--The alluvial plain within 
the Lower Mississippi River Basin is one of most productive 
agricultural regions in the United States. The Committee 
remains concerned with the unsustainable use of water in the 
Alluvial Aquifer as a result of increasing water withdrawals 
and stagnant recharging. The Committee provides no less than 
the fiscal year 2023 level for research to improve the recharge 
capabilities of the Alluvial Aquifer and to develop new 
conservation and irrigation techniques to reduce water usage in 
agriculture production.
    Tree Fruit Post-Harvest Research.--The Committee recognizes 
that tree fruit production, including pear and cherry, is a 
predominant supplier for domestic and international markets. 
The Committee further recognizes that the tree fruit industry 
faces significant economic vulnerability from variations in 
post-harvest quality control. The Committee provides no less 
than the fiscal year 2023 level for pear and cherry tree fruit 
research to optimize yield and post-harvest quality, extend 
storage life, and promote enhanced resiliency from endemic and 
emerging diseases.
    Tropical and Subtropical Research.--Research on Tropical 
and Subtropical crops is critical as the presence of and 
destruction by invasive pests such as fruit flies, coffee berry 
borer, felted macadamia nut coccid, plant viruses, and fungal 
diseases increasingly threaten crop security in the Pacific and 
Insular Areas. The Committee encourages ARS to support this 
research.
    Tropical Grazing Land Pest Management.--The recent 
introduction of invasive insect species such as Prosapia 
bicincta has substantially impacted tropical grazing lands. The 
Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level to 
develop science-based pest management strategies.
    Unmanned Aerial Systems [UAS] Precision Agriculture 
Applications.--The Committee provides no less than the fiscal 
year 2023 level to support efforts utilizing UAS in crop 
production operations and to address the challenges associated 
with data capture, transfer, and analysis.
    U.S. Sheep Experiment Station.--The Committee recognizes 
that the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station is a valuable asset for 
grazing lands and sheep industry genetic research, and the 
repository of over five decades of sage grouse research and 
data. The station is not only valuable for the domestic 
livestock industry, but also the Western region's wildlife 
interface. The Committee provides funding for rangeland 
research 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 Initiative [USWBSI].--The 
Committee recognizes that fusarium head blight is a major 
threat to agriculture, inflicting substantial yield and quality 
losses throughout the United States. The Committee supports 
research carried out through the USWBSI. The Committee provides 
no less than the fiscal year 2023 level to conduct further 
research on reducing the impact of fusarium head blight on 
wheat and barley.
    Warmwater Aquaculture.--The Committee provides no less than 
the fiscal year 2023 level to facilitate the advancement of 
technologies that improve the efficiency, profitability, and 
sustainability of warmwater aquaculture production.
    Water Quality Management Systems.--The Committee provides 
an additional $1,000,000 to asses, develop, and disseminate 
novel water resource monitoring systems that promote 
sustainability practices for watershed and rangeland management 
necessary for small communities to prepare for a changing 
climate.
    Wheat and Sorghum Research.--The Committee recognizes the 
potential impact heat and drought can have on the yield and 
quality of wheat and sorghum and the need for new cultivars to 
adapt to changing climatic conditions. In addition, sorghum 
crops have been hit particularly hard by the invasive sugarcane 
aphid and new resistant cultivars are needed. The Committee 
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level for research 
to improve the productivity and quality of wheat and sorghum 
during uncertain growing seasons resulting from extended 
droughts and increased temperatures. Within this increase, 
funding is included to initiate gene flow research to advance 
the durability and sustainability of fitness traits in sorghum.
    Wheat Resiliency Initiative.--The Committee provides 
$1,000,000 for a Wheat Resiliency Initiative that supports 
additional research into Wheat Stem Sawfly and Hessian Fly. 
This funding would allow researchers to build capacity to 
address underfunded and emerging challenges to wheat production 
throughout the United States.
    Whitefly.--The Committee remains concerned with the 
whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, epidemic, which is severely impacting 
pecan production in the Southeastern United States. The 
Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level to 
continue this research.
    Wind Erosion Research Network.--The Committee provides 
$1,000,000 to develop infrastructure to predict wind erosion 
effects and target erosion mitigation measures in response to 
fire and vegetation loss and a changing climate.
    Woody Biomass for Recyclable Packaging.--The Committee 
recognizes the potential for biobased thermoplastics made from 
woody biomass as more recyclable packaging material and 
encourages ARS to accelerate research and technology deployment 
in this space.

                        BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $74,297,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      41,405,000
Committee recommendation................................      88,869,000

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $88,869,000 
for Agricultural Research Service, Buildings and Facilities.

               National Institute of Food and Agriculture

    Section 7511(f)(2) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy 
Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-234) amends the Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6971) by 
establishing an agency to be known as the National Institute of 
Food and Agriculture. The Secretary transferred to the Director 
of NIFA, effective October 1, 2009, all authorities 
administered by the Administrator of the Cooperative State, 
Research, Education, and Extension Service. The mission is to 
work with university partners and customers to advance 
research, extension, and higher education in the food and 
agricultural sciences and related environmental and human 
sciences to benefit people, communities, and the Nation.

                   RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

Appropriations, 2023....................................  $1,094,121,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................   1,215,099,000
Committee recommendation................................   1,084,600,000

    Research and Education programs administered by NIFA are 
USDA's principal entree to the U.S. university system for the 
purpose of conducting agricultural research and education 
programs as authorized by the Hatch Act of 1887, as amended (7 
U.S.C. 361a-361i); the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry 
Act of 1962, as amended (Public Law 87-788); the Competitive, 
Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act, as amended (Public 
Law 89-106); the National Agricultural, Research, Extension, 
and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended (Public Law 95-
113); the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 
(7 U.S.C. 301 note); the Agricultural Research, Extension and 
Education Reform Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-185), as amended; 
the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 
(Public Law 101-624); the Farm Security and Rural Investment 
Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-171); and the Food, Conservation 
and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246). Through these 
authorities, USDA participates with States and other 
cooperators to encourage and assist State institutions in 
conducting agricultural research and education through the 
State Agricultural Experiment Stations of the 50 States and the 
territories; approved Schools of Forestry; the 1890 Land-Grant 
Institutions, Tuskegee University, and West Virginia State 
University; 1994 Land-Grant Institutions; Colleges of 
Veterinary Medicine; and other eligible institutions. The 
appropriated funds provide Federal support for research and 
education programs at these institutions.
    The research and education programs participate in a 
nationwide system of agricultural research program planning and 
coordination among the State institutions, USDA, and the 
agricultural industry of America.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,084,600,000 
for research and education activities of the National Institute 
of Food and Agriculture.
    The following table summarizes the Committee's 
recommendations for research and education activities:

                  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE--RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Committee
               Program/Activity                                  Authorization                    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hatch Act.....................................  7 U.S.C. 361a-i................................          265,000
McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act.....  16 U.S.C. 582a through a-7.....................           38,000
Research at 1890 Institutions (Evans-Allen      7 U.S.C. 3222..................................           89,000
 Program).
Payments to the 1994 Institutions.............  534(a)(1) of Public Law 103-382................            7,000
Education Grants for 1890 Institutions........  7 U.S.C. 3152(b)...............................           30,000
Scholarships at 1890 Institutions.............  7 U.S.C. 3222a.................................           10,000
Centers of Excellence at 1890's Institutions..  7 U.S.C. 5926(d)...............................           10,000
Education Grants for Hispanic-Serving           7 U.S.C. 3241..................................           16,000
 Institutions.
Education Grants for Alaska Native and Native   7 U.S.C. 3156..................................            5,000
 Hawaiian-Serving Institutions.
Research Grants for 1994 Institutions.........  536 of Public Law 103-382......................            5,000
New Beginning for Tribal Students.............  7 U.S.C. 3222e.................................            5,000
Capacity Building for Non Land-Grant Colleges   7 U.S.C. 3319i.................................            6,000
 of Agriculture.
Resident Instruction and Distance Education     7 U.S.C. 3362 and 3363.........................            2,500
 Grants for Insular Areas.
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative......  7 U.S.C. 450i(b)...............................          455,000
Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment............  7 U.S.C. 3151a.................................           10,000
Veterinary Services Grant Program.............  7 U.S.C. 3151b.................................            4,000
Continuing Animal Health and Disease Research   7 U.S.C. 3195..................................            4,000
 Program.
Supplemental and Alternative Crops............  7 U.S.C. 3319d.................................            2,000
Multicultural Scholars, Graduate Fellowship     7 U.S.C. 3152(b)...............................           10,000
 and Institutions Challenge Grants.
Secondary and 2-year Post-Secondary Education.  7 U.S.C. 3152(j)...............................            1,000
Aquaculture Centers...........................  7 U.S.C. 3322..................................            5,000
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education  7 U.S.C. 5811, 5812, 5831, and 5832............           50,000
Farm Business Management......................  7 U.S.C. 5925f.................................            2,500
Sun Grant Program.............................  7 U.S.C. 8114..................................            3,500
Research Equipment Grants.....................  7 U.S.C. 3310..................................            5,000
Minor Crop Pest Management (IR-4).............  7 U.S.C. 450i(c)...............................           15,000
Alfalfa Forage and Research Program...........  7 U.S.C. 5925..................................            4,000
Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative.....  7 U.S.C. 5924..................................            2,500
Laying Hen and Turkey Research Program........  7 U.S.C. 5925..................................            1,000
Open Data Standards for Neutral Data            ...............................................            1,000
 Repository.
Special Research Grants:
    Global Change/UV Monitoring...............  7 U.S.C. 450i(c)...............................            1,400
    Potato Research...........................  7 U.S.C. 450i(c)...............................            4,000
    Aquaculture Research......................  7 U.S.C. 450i(c)...............................            2,200
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Special Research Grants..........  ...............................................            7,600
                                               =================================================================
Necessary Expenses of Research and Education
 Activities:
    Grants Management System..................  ...............................................            5,000
    Federal Administration--Other Necessary     ...............................................            8,000
     Expenses for Research and Education
     Activities.
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Necessary Expenses...............  ...............................................           13,000
                                               =================================================================
      Total, Research and Education Activities  ...............................................        1,084,600
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Agricultural Research Enhancement Awards.--The Committee 
remains determined to see that quality research and enhanced 
human resources development in the agricultural and related 
sciences be a nationwide commitment. Therefore, the Committee 
continues its direction that not less than 15 percent of the 
competitive research grant funds be used for USDA's 
agricultural research enhancement awards program, including 
USDA Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research 
[EPSCOR].
    Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.--The Committee 
provides $455,000,000 for the Agriculture and Food Research 
Initiative [AFRI].
    Section 7406 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
2008 (Public Law 110-234) specifies priority areas within AFRI, 
including an emphasis on conventional (classical) plant and 
animal breeding. The Committee strongly supports providing 
farmers nationwide with greater access to cultivars that are 
locally and regionally adapted to their soils, climates, and 
farming systems. The Committee is concerned that insufficient 
progress is being made in prioritizing this effort. As such, 
the Committee directs the agency to make regionally adapted, 
publicly held cultivar development a distinct funding priority 
within AFRI for fiscal year 2024 and directs the agency to take 
steps to improve its tracking of public cultivar projects 
within AFRI and report its progress in meeting this goal.
    Agriculture Technology.--The Committee encourages USDA to 
support research and development of agricultural robotics, 
particularly to increase yields in vertically stacked farming 
production.
    Agroacoustics.--The Committee recognizes the growing field 
of acoustics and the many positive impacts it may have in 
agriculture, particularly with respect to pest management. The 
Committee encourages AFRI to prioritize funding for 
agroacoustics in its basic and applied research program, as 
well as through the Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement 
grants.
    Alfalfa Seed and Alfalfa Forage Systems Research.--The 
Committee notes that research into alfalfa and forage has the 
potential to increase alfalfa and forage yields, increase milk 
production, and improve genetics. The Committee provides 
funding to support research into the improvement of yields, 
water conservation, creation of new uses, and other research 
areas holding the potential to advance the alfalfa seed and 
alfalfa forage industry.
    Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes.--The Committee 
supports collaboration between USDA and the National Science 
Foundation to pursue advances in precision agriculture and food 
supply security. NIFA is encouraged to continue supporting the 
work of the Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes as part 
of its mission to provide opportunity through innovation.
    Algae Applications in Agriculture Research.--The Committee 
encourages NIFA to support research on algae and algae 
application in agriculture, including new technologies and 
commercial markets for renewable and sustainable products 
derived from algae.
    Aquaculture Disease Research.--The Committee encourages 
USDA to support aquaculture disease and vaccine research, 
including research on coldwater aquaculture vaccines. There is 
currently no national facility for pathogen testing. Research 
into finfish vaccines and pathogens has the potential to 
accelerate the growth of sustainable U.S. aquaculture, reduce 
the trade deficit attributable to imported seafood, and reduce 
the pressure on overfished species.
    Aquaculture Research.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of the domestic aquaculture industry to the U.S. 
economy. The Committee provides funding for aquaculture 
research to address issues related to genetics, disease, 
systems, and economics.
    Brucellosis Research.--Federal and State animal health 
officials have made eradicating livestock disease with 
significant reservoirs a national animal health priority. This 
need was reflected in the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 
113-79), which made the research and development of 
surveillance methods, vaccines, vaccination delivery systems, 
and diagnostics tests a priority research area under the 
Competitive, Special, and Facilities Research Grant Act (Public 
Law 89-106), particularly for bovine brucellosis and bovine 
tuberculosis. The Committee recognizes the need for this 
research and encourages the agency to make competitive grants 
available to study improved management tools for zoonotic 
livestock diseases with significant wildlife reservoirs.
    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 and is provided $25,000,000 per year in 
mandatory funding through the Emergency Citrus Disease Research 
and Extension Trust Fund, as authorized in the Agriculture 
Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334). 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.
    Countering Seafood Fraud.--The Committee remains concerned 
about countering economic fraud and improving the safety of the 
U.S. food supply. The Committee is concerned that adequate 
technology is not yet available to provide for appropriate 
sampling of the food supply. The Committee believes NIFA should 
conduct research to develop technologies that will provide 
rapid, portable, and facile screening of fish species at port 
sites, as well as wholesale and retail centers.
    Diversification in Agriculture.--The Committee recognizes 
the rapid evolution of U.S. agriculture, including the 
diversification of practices, markets, and technologies as 
farms transition from one generation to another. The Committee 
encourages NIFA to prioritize investments that deliver hands-on 
technical education in diversified agriculture and food systems 
and to support technical colleges seeking to establish 
beginning farmer programs serving diversified agriculture and 
supporting farm viability.
    Dual Use/Dual Benefit.--The Dual Purpose with Dual Benefit: 
Research in Biomedicine and Agriculture Using Agriculturally 
Important Domestic Species program is an interagency 
partnership grants program funded by the National Institute of 
Child Health and Human Development [NICHD] and USDA. The 
Committee strongly urges continuation of this partnership 
because it sponsors use of farm animals as dual purpose models 
to better understand developmental origins of disease, fat 
regulation and obesity, stem cell biology, assisted 
reproductive technologies, and infectious disease, which 
directly benefits both agriculture and biomedicine. This 
program also strengthens ties between human medicine, 
veterinary medicine, and animal sciences, which is key to 
success of the One Health Initiative.
    Education Grants for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-
Serving Institutions.--The Committee continues to strongly 
support and maintains funding for the Alaska Native-Serving and 
Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Program.
    Enteric Methane Innovation.--The Committee recognizes the 
value of public research in supporting innovation. AFRI is 
encouraged to prioritize applications that focus on the 
advancement of enteric fermentation solutions, such as cattle 
feed additives, methane-inhibiting vaccines, and breeding for 
low-methane cattle.
    Food Safety.--The Committee continues its recommendation 
that NIFA prioritize research on technologies to rapidly and 
effectively detect pathogens or contaminants in order to 
address foodborne illnesses and improve the safety of our 
Nation's supply, including research of novel biodetection 
technologies.
    Function and Efficacy of Nutrients to Treat Obesity.--The 
Committee supports research partnerships with academic entities 
to research how bioactive substances help reduce obesity. Given 
the persistent obesity problem in the U.S. and the associated 
and growing costs to Federal healthcare programs, the Committee 
strongly supports increased investment in this area, as it 
holds great promise to develop new methods to tackle obesity in 
our communities.
    Genome to Phenome.--The Committee is supportive of the 
multi-university crop research initiative known as Genome to 
Phenome and encourages NIFA to support the development of tools 
and datasets that can be used across multiple crop species to 
improve the output and efficiency of agriculture. The Committee 
recognizes that investment in this area will help with 
developing advanced genome engineering tools for integrated 
optimization of crop yield and livestock feed for improved 
animal reproduction and nutrition and mitigation of 
environmental impacts from crop and livestock production.
    Laying Hen and Turkey Research Program.--The Committee 
notes that research into laying hens and turkeys holds the 
potential to improve the efficiency and sustainability of 
laying hen and turkey production through integrated, 
collaborative research and technology transfer. The Committee 
recommendation funding to support research into laying hen and 
turkey disease prevention, antimicrobial resistance, nutrition, 
gut health, and alternative housing systems under extreme 
weather conditions, all which hold the potential to advance the 
laying hen and turkey industry.
    Lowbush Blueberries.--The Committee directs NIFA to work 
with research institutions to develop and refine predictive 
models and monitoring technologies for native and invasive 
pests for incorporation into integrated pest management 
programs for naturally seeded, native berry crops to increase 
the margin of food safety and product quality.
    Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Research.--Nearly half the 
seafood consumed across the world is the result of aquaculture, 
and the aquaculture industry is a critical and growing part of 
the U.S. economy. However, less than 1 percent of worldwide 
production comes from U.S. producers. The Committee is 
concerned that inefficient production technologies hinder the 
ability of the domestic aquaculture industry to compete on a 
global scale. The Committee supports development and 
demonstration of an integrated aquaculture system that would 
contain at one site a highly competitive and sustainable system 
with a low environmental footprint and primary self-containment 
capability. The Committee supports the development of a 
``Beta'' model that would focus on developing, building, 
operating, demonstrating, and teaching around this intensified, 
integrated, bio-secure production technology for feed, fish-
plant, and energy products.
    Organic Research.--USDA's National Organic Standards Board 
[NOSB] has identified key organic research priorities, many of 
which would help to address challenges that have limited the 
growth in organic production in this country. The Committee 
encourages NIFA to give strong consideration to the NOSB 
organic research priorities when crafting the fiscal year 2024 
Request for Applications for AFRI and the Organic Transition 
Program. Given the growing demand for organic products, the 
Committee also encourages USDA to increase the number of 
organic research projects funded under AFRI and the Specialty 
Crop Research Initiative.
    Protein Functionality.--The Committee encourages USDA to 
support research projects that characterize protein from crop 
plants such as chickpeas, sorghum, lentils, fava beans, lupin, 
rice, oats, mushrooms, and water lentils to assess their 
suitability for use in food products. The Committee is 
particularly interested in research projects involving plants 
that can be easily cultivated in the U.S. and that are 
sustainably grown and produced.
    Risk Management Education.--In light of the increase in 
mandatory funding provided for the Risk Management Education 
Program by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 
115-334), the Committee encourages NIFA to raise the maximum 
grant size in order to accommodate a wider range of project 
types and scopes, including regional and national projects, 
which would require a separate larger maximum grant size.
    Seafood.--The Committee encourages USDA, in partnership 
with universities with established domestic shrimp farming 
programs, to support the development of a domestic industry 
that will help ensure the safety and quality of the Nation's 
seafood supply, promote environmentally sustainable 
aquaculture, create new opportunities for U.S. agriculture, and 
forge new markets for U.S. grain and oilseed products and 
technology services.
    Small Fruits Research.--The Committee encourages USDA to 
support research to promote sustainable production of berry and 
grape crops with the goal of reducing pesticide use and 
improving quality and yield. The Committee is concerned about 
invasive insects, such as the spotted winged drosophila and 
brown marmorated stink bug, and the negative impact they have 
on small fruit production and integrated pest management. The 
Committee strongly encourages USDA to support research to 
improve the ability to forecast pest and disease spread and 
implement precision management strategies.
    Soil Health.--The Committee recognizes SARE's 
accomplishments to improve soil health through cutting-edge 
research, education, and extension on cover crops, diversified 
rotations, and managed grazing. SARE is encouraged to focus on 
increasing agricultural resilience in the context of a changing 
climate and the related economic, social, and environmental 
challenges, including through interdisciplinary systems 
research and education, farmer and rancher research and 
demonstration grants, and graduate student research grants.
    Specialty Crop Research Initiative.--The Committee 
emphasizes the important role of the Specialty Crop Research 
Initiative in addressing the critical needs of the specialty 
crop industry through research and extension activities. The 
Committee encourages NIFA to prioritize proposals for, and 
enhance its overall commitment to the ability of farmers to 
extend their growing season through the use of winter growing 
techniques, including but not limited to high tunnel vegetable 
production.
    Supplemental and Alternative Crops.--The Committee 
recognizes the importance of nationally coordinated, regionally 
managed canola research and extension programs. The Committee 
encourages the Secretary to continue to seek input from 
stakeholders and to give priority consideration to proposals in 
the peer review process that address research needs in 
production areas with the greatest potential to expand, as well 
as those where canola production is established and needs to be 
maintained.
    Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education [SARE].--The 
Committee is strongly supportive of the SARE program and 
directs USDA to ensure that research, education, and extension 
activities carried out within SARE remain intact. The Committee 
encourages consideration of expanding the focus on soil health, 
including soil carbon dynamics and increasing agricultural 
resilience in a changing climate.
    Tribal Seed Banks.--The Committee directs NIFA, in 
consultation with Tribal governments, to conduct a study to 
identify Tribal seeds cultivars and assess current availability 
production, storage, and harvesting processes to protect Tribal 
seed banks; evaluate methods to preserve and ensure the 
availability for future generations; and advises on the role of 
USDA in protecting Tribal seeds. NIFA is further directed to 
ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information of Tribal 
Nations, including traditional cultural knowledge and 
information about locations that are considered sacred.
    U.S. Dairy Education and Training.--The Committee 
encourages NIFA to support cooperative work with State-run 
universities in the Southwest with experience in bringing 
together students and young dairy professionals from multiple 
States in summer programs designed to provide practical dairy 
teaching with the goal of facilitating research into workforce 
safety and antimicrobial stewardship.
    Veterinary Corps.--Veterinarians fulfilling the terms of a 
contract under USDA's Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment 
Program, authorized by the National Veterinary Medical Services 
Act (Public Law 108-161), shall be members of the National 
Veterinary Medical Services Corps and members who have 
fulfilled the terms of their contract shall be alumni of the 
Corps.
    Veterinary Shortages.--The Committee is concerned by the 
critical shortage of veterinarians in the public, private, 
industrial, and academic sectors, which serve on the front 
lines of upholding our Nation's food safety, public health, 
animal health, and homeland security. The Committee also notes 
that large portions of rural America have inadequate access to 
livestock and public health veterinarians. As such, the 
Committee provides an increase in program funding for both the 
Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program and the Veterinary 
Services Grant Program.
    Workforce Development.--Within the AFRI Education and 
Workforce Development initiative, the Committee directs the 
Secretary to prioritize applications that establish or expand 
career and technical training opportunities for meat 
processing.

              NATIVE AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS ENDOWMENT FUND

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $11,880,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      11,880,000
Committee recommendation................................      11,880,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

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

                          EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

Appropriations, 2023....................................    $565,410,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................     611,862,000
Committee recommendation................................     567,410,000

    Cooperative extension work was established by the Smith-
Lever Act of May 8, 1914, as amended (Public Law 63-95). USDA 
is authorized to provide, through the land-grant colleges, 
cooperative extension work that consists of the development of 
practical applications of research knowledge and the giving of 
instruction and practical demonstrations of existing or 
improved practices or technologies in agriculture and related 
subjects, and to encourage the application of such information 
by demonstrations, publications, through 4-H clubs, and other 
means to persons not in attendance or resident at the colleges.
    To fulfill the requirements of the Smith-Lever Act (Public 
Law 63-95), State and county extension offices in each State, 
the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, 
Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas, and Micronesia 
conduct educational programs to improve American agriculture 
and strengthen the Nation's families and communities.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $567,410,000 
for extension activities of the National Institute of Food and 
Agriculture.
    The following table summarizes the Committee's 
recommendations for extension activities:

                        NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE--EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Committee
               Program/Activity                                  Authorization                    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smith-Lever Act, Section 3(b) and 3(c) and      7 U.S.C. 343(b) and (c) and 208(c) of Public             325,000
 Cooperative Extension.                          Law 93-471.
Extension Services at 1890 Institutions.......  7 U.S.C. 3221..................................           72,000
Extension Services at 1994 Institutions.......  7 U.S.C. 343(b)(3).............................           11,000
Facility Improvements at 1890 Institutions....  7 U.S.C. 3222b.................................           21,500
Renewable Resources Extension Act.............  16 U.S.C. 1671 et seq..........................            4,060
Rural Health and Safety Education Programs....  7 U.S.C. 2662(i)...............................            5,000
Food and Animal Residue Avoidance Database      7 U.S.C. 7642..................................            2,500
 Program.
Women and Minorities in STEM Fields...........  7 U.S.C. 5925..................................            2,000
Food Safety Outreach Program..................  7 U.S.C. 7625..................................           10,000
Food and Agriculture Service Learning.........  7 U.S.C. 7633..................................            2,000
Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network......  7 U.S.C. 5936..................................           12,000
Smith-Lever Act, Section 3(d):
    Food and Nutrition Education..............  7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................           70,000
    Farm Safety and Youth Farm Safety           7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................            5,000
     Education Programs.
    New Technologies for Agricultural           7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................            3,550
     Extension.
    Children, Youth, and Families at Risk.....  7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................            8,395
    Federally Recognized Tribes Extension       7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................            4,305
     Program.
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Section 3(d).....................  ...............................................           91,250
                                               =================================================================
Necessary Expenses of Extension Activities:
    Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom.........  ...............................................            1,000
    Federal Administration--Other Necessary     ...............................................            8,100
     Expenses for Extension Activities.
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Necessary Expenses...............  ...............................................            9,100
                                               =================================================================
      Total, Extension Activities.............  ...............................................          567,410
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Cooperative Extension System.--The Committee recognizes the 
essential function that extension plays in ensuring that 
farmers, ranchers, and communities of all sizes are empowered 
to meet the challenges they face, adapt to changing technology 
and a changing climate, improve nutrition and food safety, 
prepare for and respond to emergencies, and protect our 
environment. The Committee is concerned that the Federal 
investment in this critical Federal, State, and local 
partnership has lagged in recent years, just as extraordinary 
stresses have been placed on farmers, ranchers, rural 
businesses, and communities.
    Extension Design Initiative.--The Committee recognizes that 
for decades, the foundation of traditional farm extension 
programs had researchers and educators working on the farms and 
fields alongside crop and livestock producers, but that changes 
are needed to develop a 21st century extension to meet the 
needs of today's farmers. The Committee notes that new efforts 
require USDA to use high-performance computing to develop, 
test, and deploy new digital infrastructure and platforms that 
can translate research into real-time interactive feedback, 
online modeling, demonstration, and simulations. The Committee 
directs NIFA to conduct meetings with producers, stakeholders, 
and policymakers to begin developing a framework for the next 
generation of farm extension programs.
    Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.--The Committee 
recognizes the farmers, ranchers, and individuals working in 
agriculture who face highly stressful working conditions. NIFA 
is encouraged to coordinate with the Department of Health and 
Human Services, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health 
Services Administration to assess the feasibility of a national 
farmer and farm worker crisis line. Within 180 days of 
enactment of this act, NIFA is directed to provide a report 
detailing the program?s evolution since inception, types of 
programming provided, and FRSAN's strategy for continuing 
outreach and services.
    Minority Outreach.--The Committee is concerned that 
extension service resources do not reach minority, socially 
disadvantaged, and Tribal communities in proportion to their 
participation in the agricultural sector. All institutions that 
receive extension funding should seek to ensure that an 
equitable percentage of their overall extension work reaches 
minority, socially disadvantaged, and Tribal communities. The 
Committee directs NIFA to evaluate distribution of extension 
resources to these three populations and report to the 
Committee no later than 90 days after enactment of this act.
    Rural Opioid Addiction Training.--The Committee provides 
$5,000,000 for Rural Health and Safety Education Programs 
[RHSE] for the sole purpose of combatting opioid abuse in rural 
communities. The Committee reminds USDA of the statuatory 
requirement in the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (Public 
Law 115-334) for fiscal years 2019 through 2025 that the 
Secretary give priority to applications addressing substance 
use disorder education and treatment and the prevention of 
substance use disorder. The Committee is still waiting for NIFA 
to provide a report to the Committee detailing RHSE funding 
awarded to projects addressing opioid abuse, projects 
combatting other types of substance abuse, and projects 
unrelated to substance abuse for the past three fiscal years.

                         INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $41,500,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      41,500,000
Committee recommendation................................      41,500,000

    Section 406, as amended, of the Agricultural Research, 
Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-85) 
authorizes an integrated research, education, and extension 
competitive grants program.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $41,500,000 
for integrated activities of the National Institute of Food and 
Agriculture.
    The following table summarizes the Committee's 
recommendations for integrated activities:

                        NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE--INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES
                                             [Dollars in thousands]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Committee
               Program/Activity                                  Authorization                    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Methyl Bromide Transition Program.............  7 U.S.C. 7626..................................            2,000
Organic Transition Program....................  7 U.S.C. 7626..................................            7,500
Regional Rural Development Centers............  7 U.S.C. 450i(c)...............................            3,000
Food and Agriculture Defense Initiative.......  7 U.S.C. 3351..................................            8,000
Crop Protection/Pest Management...............  7 U.S.C. 343(d)................................           21,000
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Integrated Activities............  ...............................................           41,500
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Food and Agriculture Defense Initiative.--The Committee 
supports the important work being done through the publicly 
funded diagnostic laboratory network and encourages NIFA to 
prioritize funding to strengthen animal health diagnostic 
laboratories, taking into consideration the following: the 
degree to which the capacity for surveillance, monitoring, 
response, and capacity is enhanced; the concentration of human 
and animal populations that are directly at risk; trade, 
tourism, and cultural considerations; geography, ecology, and 
climate; evidence of active collaboration with and support of 
the State animal health officials; those States with highest 
risk for the introduction of foreign and emerging pests and 
diseases; and evidence of stakeholder support and engagement.
    Organic Transition.--The Committee maintains funding for 
the Organic Transition Program and directs the agency to use 
this increase to focus specifically on research topics related 
to the role of organic agriculture with regard to climate 
change.
    Potato Research.--To minimize the application of pesticides 
and to maximize the yield and quality of harvested potatoes, 
the Committee directs the Secretary to support pest management 
programs in potato growing States. Such programs help 
scientists track potential pest outbreaks and provide growers 
and industry professionals with current information on specific 
and timely treatments. Additionally, the programs help identify 
serious diseases, such as late blight disease, in their early 
stages, allowing for preventive measures to be put into place 
quickly to avoid crop losses.

  Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $1,617,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       1,657,000
Committee recommendation................................       1,617,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

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

               Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2023....................................  $1,171,071,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................   1,188,788,000
Committee recommendation................................   1,185,967,000

    The Secretary of Agriculture established the Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service on April 2, 1972, under the 
authority of reorganization plan No. 2 of 1953, and other 
authorities. The major objectives of APHIS are to protect the 
animal and plant resources of the Nation from diseases and 
pests. These objectives are carried out under the major areas 
of activity, as follows:
    Safeguarding and Emergency Preparedness/Response.--The 
agency monitors plant and animal health worldwide and sets 
import polices to prevent the introduction of foreign plant and 
animal pests and diseases. Domestically, the agency works 
cooperatively to conduct plant and animal health monitoring 
programs, pursue eradication, or limit the spread of the 
threat. The agency also conducts diagnostic laboratory 
activities that support disease prevention, detection, control, 
and eradication programs. In addition, the agency protects 
agriculture from detrimental animal predators and through its 
regulatory structure helps advance genetic research while 
protecting against the release of harmful organisms.
    Safe Trade and International Technical Assistance.--The 
agency helps resolve technical trade issues to ensure the 
smooth and safe movement of agricultural commodities into and 
out of the United States. The agency negotiates animal and 
plant health certification requirements and assists U.S. 
exporters in meeting foreign regulatory demands. In addition, 
the agency assists developing countries in improving their 
safeguarding systems to protect the United States from emerging 
plant and animal pests and diseases.
    Animal Care.--The agency conducts regulatory activities 
that ensure the humane care and treatment of animals and horses 
as required by the Animal Welfare Act (Public Law 89-544) and 
Horse Protection Acts (Public Law 91-540). These activities 
include inspection of certain establishments that handle 
animals intended for research, exhibition, and as pets, and 
monitoring certain horse shows.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,185,967,000 
for salaries and expenses of the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service.
    The following table reflects the Committee's specific 
recommendations for APHIS:

                                   ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Fiscal year
                                                                 Fiscal year      2024 budget       Committee
                                                                 2023 enacted       request       recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Safeguarding and International Technical Assistance:
    Animal Health Technical Services.........................          $39,183          $40,067          $39,183
    Aquatic Animal Health....................................            5,000            6,461            6,385
    Avian Health.............................................           64,930           66,324           64,930
    Cattle Health............................................          111,771          103,658          111,771
    Equine, Cervid and Small Ruminant Health.................           35,319           32,498           35,819
    National Veterinary Stockpile............................            6,500            5,813            6,500
    Swine Health.............................................           26,044           31,624           30,294
    Veterinary Biologics.....................................           21,479           22,217           21,479
    Veterinary Diagnostics...................................           63,777           63,425           63,777
    Zoonotic Disease Management..............................           21,567           24,430           21,567
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Animal Health................................          395,570          396,517          401,705
                                                              ==================================================
    Agricultural Quarantine Inspection (Appropriated)........           35,541           37,690           35,541
    Cotton Pests.............................................           15,450           15,737           15,450
    Field Crop & Rangeland Ecosystems Pests..................           14,986           15,425           13,986
    Pest Detection...........................................           29,075           30,164           29,075
    Plant Protection Methods Development.....................           22,557           22,556           21,807
    Specialty Crop Pests.....................................          216,117          222,037          217,904
    Tree & Wood Pests........................................           62,562           64,272           62,562
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Plant Health.................................          396,288          407,881          396,325
                                                              ==================================================
    Wildlife Damage Management...............................          121,957          122,897          121,957
    Wildlife Services Methods Development....................           26,244           25,658           26,244
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Wildlife Services............................          148,201          148,555          148,201
                                                              ==================================================
    Animal & Plant Health Regulatory Enforcement.............           18,722           19,390           18,722
    Biotechnology Regulatory Services........................           19,691           23,916           19,691
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Regulatory Services..........................           38,413           43,306           38,413
                                                              ==================================================
Civilian Climate Corps.......................................  ...............            6,016  ...............
    Contingency Fund.........................................              514              543              514
    Emergency Preparedness & Response........................           44,067           45,198           48,067
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Emergency Management.........................           44,581           51,757           48,581
                                                              ==================================================
      Subtotal, Safeguarding and Emergency Preparedness/             1,023,053        1,048,016        1,033,225
       Response..............................................
                                                              ==================================================
Safe Trade and International Technical Assistance:
    Agriculture Import/Export................................           19,292           17,766           19,292
    Overseas Technical & Trade Operations....................           25,572           28,976           25,572
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Safe Trade...................................           44,864           46,742           44,864
                                                              ==================================================
Animal Welfare:
    Animal Welfare...........................................           37,506           35,641           37,506
    Horse Protection.........................................            4,096            3,166            4,096
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Animal Welfare...............................           41,602           38,807           41,602
                                                              ==================================================
Agency Management:
    APHIS Information Technology Infrastructure..............            4,251            7,451            4,251
    Physical/Operational Security............................            5,182            5,205            5,182
    Rent and DHS Security Payments...........................           42,567           42,567           42,567
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Agency Management............................           52,000           55,223           52,000
                                                              ==================================================
Congressionally Directed Spending............................            9,552  ...............           14,276
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, Direct Appropriation............................        1,171,071        1,188,788        1,185,967
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Agricultural Quarantine Inspection.--The Committee 
recognizes that the prevention of infestations of pests and 
diseases is significantly more cost effective than subsequent 
control or eradication. This is an important Federal 
responsibility, and the Committee provides $35,541,000 for the 
agricultural quarantine inspections [AQI] function, including 
pre-departure and interline inspections, and canine detection 
and surveillance activities.
    The Committee notes that assessing AQI treatment monitoring 
fees on a per-enclosure basis imposes disproportionate impacts 
on industry and user groups at certain key ports of entry, 
including ports along the Southeastern United States. USDA is 
encouraged to continue evaluating alternative and equitable 
funding mechanisms in consultation with relevant stakeholder 
groups.
    Agricultural Quarantine Inspection Fees.--The Committee 
directs the Secretary to issue a final rule to update the AQI 
user fee schedule in fiscal year 2024, if a final rule is 
warranted based on the comments received on the proposed rules.
    Animal Disease Traceability.--The Committee recognizes that 
improving animal disease traceability may help better protect 
domestic livestock health. The Committee is concerned the 
Department may place a financial burden on producers and 
livestock auction markets as they seek to comply with potential 
new traceability regulations. The Committee urges the 
Department to mitigate the financial impact on producers and 
auction markets and address concerns raised by industry, 
especially those related to data privacy and confidentiality.
    Animal Welfare.--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 
urges the agency to reform its current licensing and 
enforcement scheme. While the agency took steps towards this 
goal over the last year, the Committee believes more progress 
can be made. This includes, but is not limited to: ensuring 
consistent, thorough, unannounced inspections on a regular 
basis; ensuring each failure to allow access for inspection and 
each violation or failure to comply with animal welfare 
standards is documented on an inspection report; and, requiring 
that inspection reports which identify violations or failures 
of compliance be shared with relevant local, State, and Federal 
agencies.
    Avian Influenza.--The Committee remains concerned with the 
spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza and appreciates the 
Department's ongoing efforts to contain spread of the virus. 
The Committee encourages the Department to continue 
coordination with State animal health officials in order to 
proactively mitigate spread of the virus. The Committee also 
urges the Department to increase outreach and engagement with 
poultry producers to educate on proactive measures individuals 
can take to further mitigate the spread of highly pathogenic 
avian influenza. The Committee encourages the Department to 
utilize existing supplemental funding to continue these 
efforts.
    Additionally, the Committee recognizes the extreme economic 
hardship posed to gamebird and egg farmers when flocks are 
determined to be infected by high and low pathogenic avian 
influenza and acknowledges the severe limitations on controlled 
marketing available to producers of live game birds, as well as 
the income loss from egg production. The Committee encourages 
APHIS to provide full indemnity coverage for gamebird and egg 
operations and cease attempts to limit coverage.
    Cattle Fever Ticks.--The Committee provides no less than 
the fiscal year 2023 level for cattle fever tick research needs 
and directs APHIS to coordinate with ARS on the development of 
its long-term cattle fever tick research program. The Committee 
directs 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 to manage non-
native Carrizo cane, which is a favorable habitat for the 
cattle fever tick. The Committee still awaits a report on the 
progress of this effort.
    Chronic Wasting Disease [CWD].--The Committee is concerned 
about the growing threat of CWD and its impact on wild and 
farmed deer populations. As such, the Committee provides 
$18,000,000 to implement Section 603 of Public Law 117-392, the 
Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act. 
Specifically, of the amount provided for cervid health 
activities, $13,000,000 shall be for APHIS to allocate funds 
directly to State departments of wildlife and State departments 
of agriculture to further develop and implement chronic wasting 
disease surveillance, testing, management, and response 
activities. Of the amount provided for Wildlife Service Methods 
Development, $5,000,000 shall be for CWD work at the National 
Wildlife Research Center, and the Committee directs APHIS to 
continue working with university collaborators to provide 
research support to the overall effort to detect, combat, and 
control CWD.
    Citrus Health Response Program [CHRP].--CHRP is a national 
effort to maintain a viable citrus industry within the United 
States, maintain producers' continued access to export markets, 
and safeguard citrus producing States against a variety 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 to sustain the 
economic viability of the citrus industry.
    Congressionally Directed Spending [CDS].--The Committee has 
provided CDS for certain activities and locations under APHIS. 
While the Committee has provided the funding, recipients of CDS 
are still required to apply for the funding. The Committee 
expects the agency to review the applications and fund projects 
in the same manner as in previous years.
    Eastern Equine Encephalitis.--The Committee remains 
concerned about the capacity of States to conduct surveillance, 
testing, prevention, and research relating to Eastern Equine 
Encephalitis. The Committee continues to provide $1,000,000 to 
support ongoing cooperative agreements with impacted States.
    Feral Cattle in the Gila National Forest Wilderness Area.--
The continued presence of feral cattle in the Gila National 
Forest Wilderness Area in New Mexico is negatively impacting 
both the ecosystem and recreational use of the area. The 
Committee directs the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service Wildlife Services and the United States Forest Service 
to address this issue as expeditiously as feasible. The 
Services shall provide reports to the Senate Committee on 
Appropriations and House Committee on Appropriations on their 
progress in the first and third quarters of the year.
    Foreign Trading Partners.--The Committee encourages APHIS 
and the Foreign Agricultural Service to engage with foreign 
trading partners, international organizations and others to 
create a global environment that's conducive to agricultural 
trade in forest products by addressing trade barriers related 
to fumigation, and establishing transparent and predictable 
rules and standards.
    Horse Protection Rule.--The Committee urges the Secretary 
to issue the new proposed Horse Protection Act rule 
expeditiously, consistent with the agency's announced 
intentions in December 2021, and to finalize and publish the 
new final rule as soon as possible if warranted by public 
comments received. The Committee further urges the Secretary to 
ensure that the new rule considers at a minimum all the key 
elements of the final rule, ``Horse Protection; Licensing of 
Designated Qualified Persons and Other Amendments''.
    Huanglongbing Emergency Response.--The Committee maintains 
the increased funding levels for Huanglongbing Emergency 
Response within the Specialty Crop Pests line item included in 
fiscal year 2023. The Committee encourages APHIS to allocate 
sufficient resources in order to continue vital management, 
control, and associated activities to address citrus greening. 
The disease, for which there is no cure, has caused a reduction 
in citrus production by over 60 percent since 2007 in Florida 
alone. All citrus producing counties in Texas are under 
quarantine, and California has detected the disease in some 
backyard trees in the Los Angeles basin. The spread of this 
disease has called the domestic citrus industry's future into 
question, costing thousands of jobs and millions in lost 
revenue and increased production costs per acre. In addition, 
the agency is encouraged to support priorities and strategies 
identified by the HLB-MAC group which will benefit the citrus 
industry. The agency should appropriately allocate resources 
based on critical need and maximum effect to the citrus 
industry. The Committee maintains the fiscal year 2023 funding 
level for citrus health to support priorities and strategies 
identified by the HLB-MAC group. The MAC is focused on short-
term solutions to help the citrus industry, and the cooperative 
nature of Federal, State, and industry representatives in this 
group is expected to result in the development of tools and 
techniques to address this devastating disease. Helping growers 
explore new possible solutions, the MAC has been an effective 
resource. These citrus health activities directly protect 
citrus production on approximately 765,000 acres in the United 
States worth more than $11,000,000,000 in total.
    Huanglongbing Multi-Agency Coordination Group.--The 
Committee recognizes the significant economic impact of this 
disease on the citrus industry, which is especially acute in 
Florida and is a growing concern in both Texas and California. 
The Committee also understands that growers are requesting the 
right to try treatments that have begun to show success in 
early stages of testing. The Committee encourages the HLB-MAC 
group to explore and identify new methods to expedite the 
delivery of promising treatments directly to growers. Finally, 
the Committee expects that any funds which are redirected from 
existing HLB-MAC projects be repurposed to other priority HLB-
MAC projects that are showing promising results to ensure these 
critical funds remain committed to facilitating the design and 
implementation of the rapid delivery pathway to growers.
    Invasive Blue Catfish.--The Committee directs APHIS to 
continue strong collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service and State partners to control the spread of invasive 
blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay region.
    Lacey Act Implementation.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of the Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. 3371-3378) in addressing 
trafficking of illegally taken wildlife, fish, and plants, 
including illegal deforestation activities. The Committee 
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level to support the 
implementation of the Lacey Act within the Safe Trade and 
International Technical Assistance program. Additionally, APHIS 
is directed to complete a report within 90 days detailing the 
status of efforts to expand the Lacey Act declaration 
requirement to additional commodities.
    Los Alamitos Sterile Insect Release Facility.--The 
Committee urges APHIS, the Department of Defense, and local and 
State cooperators to develop a comprehensive plan for much 
needed facility enhancements at the Sterile Insect Release 
Facility in Los Alamitos, California.
    Marine Mammals in Captivity.--The Committee is concerned 
that USDA's handling, care, treatment, and transportation 
standards for marine mammals in captivity are outdated. Marine 
mammal science has progressed significantly in the almost 40 
years since the most important of these regulations were last 
updated, and the current standards do not adequately protect 
the welfare of captive marine mammals. The Committee directs 
APHIS to prioritize the development and finalization of a 
humane and science-based rule to modernize its marine mammal 
regulations and directs the agency to report back within 90 
days on its progress in achieving that goal.
    National Animal Health Laboratory Network.--The Committee 
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level for the 
National Animal Health Laboratory Network.
    National Aquatic Animal Health Plan.--The Committee 
provides $4,020,000 to support the continued implementation of 
the 2023-2025 National Aquaculture Health Plan and the 
Comprehensive Aquaculture Health Program Standards, an increase 
of $1,385,000, to protect aquatic animal health, enhance 
individual biosecurity, and facilitate domestic and 
international commerce in fish and shellfish.
    National Bio- and Agro-Defense Human Capital Development.--
The Committee provides $3,000,000 for APHIS to ensure necessary 
steps are taken to develop a qualified workforce comprised of 
subject matter experts in foreign, emerging, and zoonotic 
diseases and capable of developing, validating, and conducting 
needed diagnostics, performing epidemiologic studies, and 
completing bioinformatics analyses. The Committee encourages 
APHIS to establish cooperative agreements with academic 
research institutions, particularly non-land grant Hispanic-
Serving Institutions, to support the next generation of the 
NBAF workforce, including facilities and equipment.
    National Detector Dog Training Center.--The Committee 
supports the work of the National Detector Dog Training Center 
in protecting the domestic agriculture sector from invasive 
pests and diseases. The Committee requests USDA, within 1 year 
after enactment, to submit a report to Congress regarding the 
Center's role in protecting the domestic agriculture sector 
from pests and diseases. The Committee requests that the report 
include a description of domestic pest and disease programs 
that use canine detector teams, coordination between APHIS and 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection on use of canine teams for 
agricultural quarantine inspections, and the Center's current 
capacity level.
    Navel Orangeworm.--The Committee acknowledges and 
encourages continued collaboration among ARS, APHIS, and State 
cooperators to address threats posed to tree nut production by 
the navel orangeworm.
    Non-Lethal Strategies.--The Committee is aware that 
Wildlife Services has worked with landowners to deploy non-
lethal strategies, such as fladry, electric fencing, and 
livestock guardian dogs, to reduce predator depredation on 
livestock. The Committee provides $4,500,000 for Wildlife 
Services to hire personnel exclusively to promote and implement 
non-lethal human-predator conflict deterrence techniques in 
interested States, with a focus on reducing human-wildlife 
conflicts related to predators and beavers in the Western 
Region and Great Lakes States and to assist in providing 
training in these techniques to agricultural producers, 
landowners, and other agency personnel in collaboration with 
the National Wildlife Research Center.
    Additionally, APHIS is directed to provide an annual report 
within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year, detailing how 
these additional 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.
    National Veterinary Stockpile.--Foot and Mouth Disease 
[FMD] remains a grave threat to the animal agriculture industry 
in the United States. The U.S. agriculture industry must remain 
vigilant and be prepared in the event of an FMD outbreak. The 
Committee provides $6,500,000 for the National Veterinary 
Stockpile to protect the Nation's food supply by maintaining 
enough countermeasures capable of deployment against the most 
damaging animal diseases.
    Pale or Potato Cyst Nematode Eradication.--The Committee 
supports the work of the Pale Cyst Nematode eradication program 
and recognizes that if left untreated, this pest could spread, 
affecting crops other than potatoes. The Committee provides no 
less than the fiscal year 2023 level in order to continue with 
successful efforts to eradicate this pest.
    Poultry Indemnity Payments.--The Committee directs USDA to 
coordinate amongst all relevant agencies under its authority to 
update, and where applicable, develop consistent, easily 
replicated formulas on an annual basis to estimate market 
values of livestock and poultry categories for indemnity 
purposes. In developing and updating these annual values, USDA 
should ensure that they reflect applicable modern production 
practices, and relevant livestock and poultry markets so that 
payments by USDA represent average fair market values for the 
category of animal that the compensation payment is intended to 
cover.
    Roseau Cane.--The Committee remains concerned with the 
invasive species scale insect pest that is destroying Roseau 
cane in the Mississippi River's Delta region along the Gulf of 
Mexico. An estimated 225,000 acres of wetlands in the Delta 
have been affected with the die-off, and Roseau cane is 
important in maintaining a healthy marsh and preventing 
erosion. The Committee directs APHIS to work with ARS and 
stakeholders and provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 
level to develop an integrated management program for control 
of the Roseau cane scale insect pest infestation.
    Soring.--The Committee has consistently recognized the need 
for the equine industry and APHIS to cooperate in order to 
eliminate the soring of horses. In 2021, the National Academy 
of Sciences recognized the importance of developing an 
objective science-based inspection to ensure accuracy and 
fairness. The Committee directs APHIS to augment its existing 
procedures and protocols by implementing swabbing and other 
proven objective science-based inspection tools for its horse 
soring inspection protocol and to address the findings of the 
NAS report as the agency deems warranted.
    Sudden Oak Death.--The European strain 1 [EU1] and the 
North American strain 1 [NA1] of the sudden oak death pathogen 
are major threats to western Douglas-fir/tanoak forests, 
resulting in quarantine restrictions that threaten U.S. forests 
and export markets for log shipments and lily bulbs. The 
Committee recommendation includes no less than the fiscal year 
2023 funding level to improve understanding of EU1 and NA1 
strains of the sudden oak death pathogen and treatment methods 
to inform control and management techniques in wildlands.
    Twenty-Eight Hour Law.--The Committee is concerned that the 
regular feeding, watering, and rest required, by 49 U.S.C. 
80502, to be provided by animal carriers is not being 
effectively enforced. The Committee directs APHIS to provide a 
report within 90 days of enactment of this Act on barriers to 
successful implementation of this law.
    Veterinary Countermeasures.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of APHIS incorporating new vaccines, when warranted, 
as veterinary countermeasures are procured by the National 
Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank.
    West Nile Virus.--The Committee remains concerned with the 
threats to human and animal health posed by West Nile virus and 
recognizes that a critical strategy for addressing these 
threats is necessary to prevent the infection and transmission 
by known vectors, including farm-raised alligators. The 
Committee encourages APHIS to further investigate West Nile 
virus and other infectious diseases affecting farm-raised 
alligators and develop methods to prevent infection and 
transmission.
    Wildlife Damage Management.--APHIS is responsible for 
providing Federal leadership in managing problems caused by 
wildlife. The Committee provides $121,957,000 for wildlife 
damage control to maintain priority initiatives, including 
preventing the transport of invasive snakes and other harmful 
species. The Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 
2023 funding level for the agency to reduce blackbird 
depredation in the Northern Great Plains.
    The Committee maintains support for assistance to catfish 
producers to help mitigate wildlife depredation, particularly 
as it pertains to fish-eating and disease-carrying birds. The 
Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level for 
damage management efforts and the development of methods to 
assist producers in combatting the persistent threat and 
economic hardship caused by cormorants, pelicans, and other 
birds.
    The Committee recognizes the importance of the National 
Feral Swine Damage Management Program in reducing adverse 
ecological and economic impacts caused by feral swine across 
the country. The Committee provides no less than the fiscal 
year 2023 level in support of APHIS' efforts to decrease these 
invasive pests' damage and risk to agriculture, natural 
resources, and property. The Committee also encourages the use 
of all approved measures as a force multiplier and to 
prioritize areas with the most populous swine population.
    The Committee provides $28,000,000 for the National Rabies 
Management Program to fortify existing barriers and advance 
prevention and eradication efforts.
    Wildlife Services Education and Training.--The Committee is 
aware of the wide range of hazardous procedures and materials 
utilized by APHIS personnel in the conduct of daily duties. In 
addition, a recent comprehensive study noted the critical need 
to provide standardized safety training, certification, and 
database management for tracking to ensure the safest working 
environment possible. As such, the Committee provides 
$2,000,000 within Wildlife Damage Management to maintain a 
National Training Academy focused on those areas of greatest 
concern such as pyrotechnics, firearms, hazardous materials, 
immobilization and euthanasia drugs, pesticides, animal care 
and handling, land vehicles, watercraft, and zoonotic diseases.

                        BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $3,175,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       3,175,000
Committee recommendation................................       3,175,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

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

                     Agricultural Marketing Service


                           MARKETING SERVICES

Appropriations, 2023....................................    $237,695,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................     254,605,000
Committee recommendation................................     229,891,000

    The Agricultural Marketing Service was established by the 
Secretary of Agriculture on April 2, 1972. AMS carries out 
programs authorized by more than 50 different statutory 
authorities, the primary ones being the Agricultural Marketing 
Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627, 1635-1638); the U.S. Cotton 
Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 51-65); the Cotton Statistics and 
Estimates Act (7 U.S.C. 471-476); the Tobacco Inspection Act (7 
U.S.C. 511-511q); the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act 
(7 U.S.C. 499a-499t); the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 
U.S.C. 1031-1056); and section 32 of the act of 1935 (Public 
Law 74-320, 7 U.S.C. 612c).
    Programs administered by this agency include the market 
news services, standardization, grading, classing, shell egg 
surveillance services, transportation services, wholesale 
farmers and alternative market development, grant payments to 
States for marketing activities, the Federal administration of 
marketing agreements and orders, commodity purchases, the 
Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (7 U.S.C. 499a-499t), 
the Plant Variety Protection Act (Public Law 71-325), and 
market protection and promotion activities.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $229,891,000 
for Marketing Services of the Agricultural Marketing Service. 
The Committee provides the following amounts: $7,504,000 for 
the Acer Access and Development Program; $1,000,000 for the 
Cattle Contract Library; and $32,700,000 for oversight and 
enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act.
    The Committee includes in this account $15,000,000 for the 
Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives and $8,000,000 for the 
Micro-grants for Food Security Program.
    Acer Access and Development.--The Committee provides 
$7,504,000 for the Acer Access and Development Program. The 
Secretary shall use this funding for competitive grants that 
support the promotion of research and education, natural 
resource sustainability, and market development and promotion.
    Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives.--The Committee 
includes $15,000,000 for the Dairy Business Innovation 
Initiatives, which promotes innovation in dairy and supports 
dairy farm businesses. The Committee encourages the Secretary 
to expend unobligated balances previously appropriated for this 
program, including by allocating funding to centers that have 
already expended funding under Public Law 117-2.
    Dairy Sanitary Export Certificate Software.--The Committee 
is concerned with the USDA dairy sanitary export certificate 
program software ATLAS has caused US dairy exporters 
significant export delays and detentions in foreign ports. USDA 
is directed to report to the Committee on the status of its 
improvements to the ATLAS program including reporting on the 
quantity errors in certificates issued by the end of this 
fiscal year and to include in such report, status of Department 
and AMS funding from existing and relevant funds, such as CCC 
funds, and if necessary, inclusion within the Department's 
fiscal year 2025 budget request.
    Grain Terminals.--The Committee notes the ongoing contract 
negotiations between West Coast grain terminal operators and 
the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and recognizes 
the importance of reaching an agreement that works for both 
parties. 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.
    Honey.--The Committee directs the department to provide a 
report on the necessary resources and authorities needed to 
ensure a fairer market for domestic honey producers and more 
transparent market for American consumers. The Department is 
encouraged to collaborate with Customs and Border Protection, 
the Food and Drug Administration, and domestic commercial honey 
producer stakeholders.
    Meat Pricing Concerns.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of ensuring that meat pricing mechanisms are 
transparent and provide reliable price discovery for cattle 
producers and the rest of the supply chain nationwide. The 
Committee notes that the Nation's food supply chain is an issue 
of national security, and emphasizes that our farmers, 
ranchers, processors, and consumers must have a fair and 
competitive marketplace. The Committee directs the Secretary, 
working with the Attorney General as appropriate, to act 
expeditiously to analyze these issues and to consider extending 
the ongoing investigation to include economic disruptions 
associated with public health emergencies.
    Micro-Grants for Food Security.--The Committee urges AMS to 
administer the Micro-Grants for Food Security program in a 
manner that will ensure that low-income, disadvantaged, and 
minority individuals are able to submit applications and 
receive funding for projects such as animal processing and 
slaughter facilities, including reindeer herders, greenhouses, 
and hydroponic growing facilities that would increase the 
amount and quality of locally produced foods. When practicable, 
the Committee directs AMS to waive or amend how it applies the 
regulatory requirements of 2 CFR 200.206, 200.313, 200.328, and 
200.329 to ensure that this program addresses food insecurity 
challenges.
    National Organic Program.--The Committee recognizes that 
organic regulations are a valuable market development tool for 
U.S. agriculture and provides $22,759,000 for the National 
Organic Program [NOP]. A healthy market for organic products 
requires a clear product distinction backed by a trusted, 
verified, and consistently enforced label. The Committee also 
recognizes that regular updates to the regulations are crucial. 
The Committee directs USDA to provide all resources needed for 
the NOP to deliver the strongest possible oversight before 
allowing the USDA organic seal to be granted to domestic and 
international operations and products, including a continued 
focus on proactive risk-based investigations and oversight, 
enhanced training for certifiers, and practice standards 
development. In addition, within 60 days of enactment of this 
act, AMS is directed to provide a full report outlining the 
breakdown of the National Organic Program's key expenditures 
such as compliance and enforcement activities, practice 
standards development, and technology upgrades.
    Native American Foods and Tourism.--The Committee 
recognizes that enhanced Native American tourism creates 
important job opportunities in Native American communities 
while showcasing their heritage, food, traditions, history, and 
continuing vitality. The Committee encourages USDA to support 
the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience 
Act (Public Law 114-221) by prioritizing projects that market, 
promote, or expand Native American foods, markets, and 
enterprises.
    Organic Dairy.--The Committee recognizes the importance of 
consumer confidence in the integrity of the USDA Organic Seal 
and notes the work that USDA has done to increase training and 
certifier consistency with respect to dairy operations. The 
Committee directs AMS to seek strong enforcement of organic 
dairy production standards and resolve significant variations 
in standard interpretation that exists among organic 
certifiers, as well as among organic dairy producers. AMS shall 
continue to conduct critical risk-based oversight, particularly 
for large, complex dairy operations, as it has in the past four 
fiscal years.
    Organic Data Initiative.--The Committee recognizes that 
accurate data for the production, pricing, and marketing of 
organic products is essential to maintaining stable markets, 
identifying fraud, creating risk management tools, tracking 
production trends, and increasing exports. Therefore, the 
Committee directs the Secretary to require mandatory reporting 
on an annual basis by accredited certifying agents on aggregate 
production areas certified by crop and location in order to 
accurately calculate organic acreage and yield estimates on a 
country-by-country basis. The Committee provides $1,000,000 for 
AMS to coordinate with NASS for activities related to expanding 
organic price reporting and organic data collection.
    Soil Health.--The National organic standards require 
farmers that voluntarily chose to certify their operation as 
meeting organic practices to use farming practices that improve 
soil health, such as crop rotations, cover cropping, and 
pasture-based livestock practices. By improving soil health, 
these farming practices also increase the carbon sequestration 
potential of the soil, and improve the farm's resilience to 
extreme weather events and patterns. To maximize the climate 
benefits of organic agriculture, the Committee urges the 
National Organic Program to increase enforcement efforts to 
ensure full compliance with the soil health and pasture 
requirements of USDA organic standards.

                 LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Limitation, 2023........................................     $62,596,000
Budget limitation, 2024.................................      62,596,000
Committee recommendation................................      62,596,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $62,596,000 on 
administrative expenses of the Agricultural Marketing Service.

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

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $21,501,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      21,501,000
Committee recommendation................................      21,501,000

    Under section 32 of the act of August 24, 1935, (Public Law 
74-320), an amount equal to 30 percent of customs receipts 
collected during each preceding calendar year and unused 
balances are available for encouraging the domestic consumption 
and exportation of agricultural commodities. An amount equal to 
30 percent of receipts collected on fishery products is 
transferred to the Department of Commerce. Additional transfers 
to the child nutrition programs of the Food and Nutrition 
Service have been provided in recent appropriations acts.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends a transfer from section 32 funds 
of $21,501,000 for the formulation and administration of 
marketing agreements and orders.
    The following table reflects the status of this fund for 
fiscal years 2023-2024:

              ESTIMATED TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE AND BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD-- FISCAL YEARS 2023-2024
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Fiscal year 2023    Fiscal year 2024        Committee
                                                            enacted         budget request      recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation--30% of Customs Receipts..............      21,679,259,652      27,123,377,552      30,801,280,267
Prior Year Appropriation, Available.................           6,491,590          15,546,365             381,930
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Appropriation:.........................      21,685,751,242      27,138,923,917      30,801,662,197
                                                     ===========================================================
 
Less Transfers:
    Food and Nutrition Service--Current Year........     -19,968,082,397     -25,199,766,588    -228,545,432,000
    Food and Nutrition Service--Prior Year..........          -6,491,590         -15,546,365            -381,930
    Commerce Department--Current Year...............        -253,668,845        -362,610,964        -377,363,204
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Transfers..............................     -20,228,242,832     -25,577,923,917     -28,923,177,134
                                                     ===========================================================
      Total Available Funds.........................       1,457,508,410       1,561,000,000       1,878,485,063
                                                     ===========================================================
    Budget Authority, Farm Bill (w/CPI adjustment)..       1,448,000,000       1,547,000,000       1,657,000,000
    Sequestration...................................         -71,877,000         -77,292,000         -83,334,000
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
      Total Funding Availability....................       1,376,123,000       1,469,708,000       1,573,666,000
                                                     ===========================================================
 
Unavailable for Obligations under Enacted Budget      ..................  ..................  ..................
 level..............................................
Budget Authority, Appropriations Act................       1,376,123,000       1,469,708,000       1,573,666,000
Unobligated Balance Brought Forward.................         381,956,523         430,948,281           5,686,215
Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Program (FFVP) transfer...        -187,000,000        -191,000,000        -195,000,000
Hemp Production Program transfer....................  ..................  ..................  ..................
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
      Total Spending Authority--After Transfers:....       1,571,079,523       1,709,656,281       1,384,352,215
                                                     ===========================================================
 
Less Obligations:
    Child Nutrition Programs (Entitlement                    483,322,237         485,000,000         485,000,000
     Commodities)...................................
    12% Commodity Floor Requirement (CNP)...........  ..................  ..................  ..................
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, CNP (Entitlement Commodities).......         483,322,237         485,000,000         485,000,000
                                                     ===========================================================
Farm Bill Specialty Crop Purchases (Remaining Funds)  ..................  ..................         206,000,000
State Option Contract...............................  ..................           5,000,000           5,000,000
Removal Defective Commodities.......................  ..................           2,500,000           2,500,000
Disaster Relief.....................................          77,494,704           5,000,000           5,000,000
Direct Payments.....................................  ..................  ..................  ..................
Emergency Surplus Removal Prior Year Adjustments....  ..................  ..................  ..................
Emergency Surplus Removal:
    Fruit and Vegetables............................         364,665,729         288,000,000  ..................
    Meat and Fish...................................         153,758,925          75,000,000  ..................
    Poultry.........................................          29,993,219  ..................  ..................
    Dairy...........................................  ..................  ..................  ..................
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
      Total Purchases...............................         548,417,873         363,000,000  ..................
                                                     ===========================================================
Future Needs Remaining Funds........................  ..................         120,029,000         622,173,215
Carryin Balance.....................................  ..................         157,031,424           3,807,306
Remaining Funds.....................................  ..................         277,060,424         625,980,521
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
      Subtotal, Commodity Purchases.................       1,109,234,814       1,137,560,424       1,329,480,521
                                                     ===========================================================
Accounting Adjustment...............................           5,050,181  ..................  ..................
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Commodity Purchases....................       1,114,284,995       1,137,560,424       1,329,480,521
                                                     ===========================================================
Commodity Purchase Service..........................          36,810,000          37,178,000          37,178,000
Marketing Agreements and Orders.....................          20,817,000          21,501,000          21,501,000
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Administrative Funds...................          57,627,000          58,679,000          58,679,000
                                                     ===========================================================
      Total Direct Obligations......................       1,171,911,995       1,196,239,424       1,388,159,521
                                                     ===========================================================
Unavailable Prior Year Recoveries--Unavailable......          16,677,338             381,930  ..................
Prior Year Recoveries--Available....................          19,126,554           5,686,215  ..................
Current Year--Unavailable...........................  ..................  ..................  ..................
Current Year--Unobligated within spending limitation         399,167,528  ..................  ..................
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
      Total, Unavailable Resources..................          16,677,338             381,930  ..................
                                                     ===========================================================
Unobligated Balance Carrying Forward................         430,948,281           5,686,215  ..................
Reimbursements......................................           6,240,315           1,148,723           1,148,723
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

                   PAYMENTS TO STATES AND POSSESSIONS

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $1,235,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       1,235,000
Committee recommendation................................       1,235,000

    The Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program is 
authorized by section 204(b) of the Agricultural Marketing Act 
of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627, 1635-1638) and is also funded from 
appropriations. Matching grants are awarded on a competitive 
basis to State marketing agencies to identify and test market 
alternative farm commodities, determine methods of providing 
more reliable market information, and develop better commodity 
grading standards. This program has made many types of projects 
possible, such as electronic marketing and agricultural product 
diversification. Current projects are focused on the 
improvement of marketing efficiency and effectiveness and 
seeking new outlets for existing farm produced commodities. The 
legislation grants USDA authority to establish cooperative 
agreements with State departments of agriculture or similar 
State agencies to improve the efficiency of the agricultural 
marketing chain. The States perform the work or contract it to 
others and must contribute at least one-half of the cost of the 
projects.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,235,000 for 
Payments to States and Possessions for Federal-State marketing 
projects and activities.

        LIMITATION ON INSPECTION AND WEIGHING SERVICES EXPENSES

Limitation, 2023........................................     $55,000,000
Budget limitation, 2024.................................      55,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      55,000,000

    The agency provides an official grain inspection and 
weighing system under the U.S. Grain Standards Act [USGSA] 
(Public Law 64-190, and official inspection of rice and grain-
related products under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 
(7 U.S.C. 1621-1627, 1635-1638). The USGSA was amended in 1981 
to require the collection of user fees to fund the costs 
associated with the operation, supervision, and administration 
of Federal grain inspection and weighing activities.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $55,000,000 on 
inspection and weighing services expenses.

             Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $1,117,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       1,146,000
Committee recommendation................................       1,117,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,117,000 for 
the Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety.

                   Food Safety and Inspection Service

Appropriations, 2023....................................  $1,158,266,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................   1,290,419,000
Committee recommendation................................   1,205,009,000


    The major objectives of the FSIS are to ensure that meat 
and poultry products are wholesome, unadulterated, and properly 
labeled and packaged, as required by the Federal Meat 
Inspection Act (Public Law 59-242) and the Poultry Products 
Inspection Act (Public Law 85-172), as amended; and to provide 
continuous in-plant inspection to egg processing plants under 
the Egg Products Inspection Act (Public Law 91-597).
    The Food Safety and Inspection Service was established on 
June 17, 1981, by Secretary's Memorandum No. 1000-1, issued 
pursuant to Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953.
    The inspection program of the Food Safety and Inspection 
Service provides in-plant inspection of all domestic plants 
preparing meat, poultry, or egg products for sale or 
distribution; reviews foreign inspection systems and 
establishments that prepare meat or poultry products for export 
to the United States; and provides technical and financial 
assistance to States which maintain meat and poultry inspection 
programs.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,205,009,000 
for the Food Safety and Inspection Service.
    The following table represents the Committee's specific 
recommendations for the FSIS as compared to the fiscal year 
2023 and budget request levels:

                            FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE SALARIES AND EXPENSES
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Fiscal year
                                                                    Fiscal year     2024 budget      Committee
                                                                   2023 enacted       request     recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food safety inspection:
    Federal.....................................................       1,036,888       1,159,572       1,081,390
    State.......................................................          67,131          73,530          67,462
    International...............................................          18,975          20,987          20,885
    PHDCIS......................................................          35,272          36,330          35,272
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
      Total.....................................................       1,158,266       1,290,419       1,205,009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Brazilian Beef.--The Committee urges FSIS to maintain 
current rates of reinspection tasks for raw beef imports from 
Brazil and to adjust rates of import inspection as necessary 
and consistent with import compliance history. The Committee 
also requests FSIS to continue conducting routine onsite 
verification audits of the Brazilian inspection system.
    Humane Slaughter.--The Committee directs FSIS to continue 
to provide annual reports to the Committee on the 
implementation of objective scoring methods undertaken by FSIS 
to enforce the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (Public Law 85-
765).
    The Committee also directs FSIS to ensure that personnel 
hired with funding previously provided specifically for Humane 
Methods of Slaughter Act (Public Law 85-765) enforcement focus 
their attention on overseeing compliance with humane handling 
rules for live animals as they arrive and are offloaded and 
handled in pens, chutes, and stunning areas and that all 
inspectors receive robust training.
    Invasive Blue Catfish.--The Committee continues to provide 
$1,000,000 to cover overtime fees for inspectors at 
Siluriformes facilities and directs the Department to expand 
the eligible use of these funds to include equipment and 
infrastructure to support Siluriformes processing, with a 
priority for plants that process invasive species.
    Reduced User Fees.--The Committee provides no less than the 
fiscal year 2023 level to continue the reduced user fees for 
small and very small establishments as established by the 
American Rescue Plan act of 2023.
    Salmonella.--The Committee is concerned about the 
Salmonella illness rate in the United States, which has not 
decreased in 25 years, and is supportive of the Department's 
efforts to reform the Salmonella food safety regulation for 
poultry. Within 90 days of enactment of this Act, the Committee 
requests a report by FSIS that details the actions the agency 
has initiated for reducing Salmonella illnesses caused by 
poultry. The Committee directs FSIS to provide a description in 
the report of any actions under development as well as any 
completed actions, including proposed and final regulations or 
policy.
    Siluriformes Fish.--The Committee is aware that Blue 
Catfish were first introduced in the Chesapeake Bay region to 
develop a recreational fishery, but are now considered invasive 
and can have harmful effects on native species in the region. 
While the Committee recognizes the use of the commercial market 
as a population control measure, the Committee reaffirms the 
need for these fish to go through the required inspection 
process under the Federal Meat Inspection Act to ensure wild-
caught catfish are safe for consumption. Notably, the March 
2022 FSIS Data Summary of Siluriformes Fish Testing found that 
a number of positive residue tests for pesticides and heavy 
metals came from wild-caught Siluriformes. Therefore, of the 
funds provided for FSIS, funding may be used for additional 
residue testing of wild-caught catfish harvested from the 
Chesapeake Bay region. All wild-caught and farm-raised fish of 
the order Siluriformes are subject to mandatory FSIS inspection 
and any exclusion of a particular species of catfish or nature-
of-harvest would put the United States in violation of its 
World Trade Organization commitments with respect to sanitary 
and phytosanitary measures and international equivalence. The 
Committee also notes that FSIS has already issued a directive 
informing processors that FSIS will not bill establishments 
that process wild-caught catfish that occurs outside of 
scheduled hours. The Committee directs FSIS to submit a report 
to the Committees on Appropriations in the House and Senate 
within 180 days of enactment of this Act detailing any barriers 
and challenges wild caught processors encounter under the FSIS 
program.

                                TITLE II

               FARM PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

   Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $1,727,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       1,780,000
Committee recommendation................................       1,727,000

    The Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production and 
Conservation [FPAC] provides direction and coordination in 
carrying out the laws enacted by the Congress with respect to 
the Department's commodity programs, farm loans, disaster 
assistance, crop insurance, natural resources conservation and 
environment programs, and certain energy programs. The Office 
has oversight and management responsibilities for the Farm 
Service Agency [FSA] (including the Commodity Credit 
Corporation), Risk Management Agency [RMA], and the Natural 
Resources Conservation Service [NRCS].

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,727,000 for 
the Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production and 
Conservation.
    Communication.--The Committee is committed to supporting 
the mission and values of the Natural Resources Conservation 
Service, including through critical investments to protect our 
land, water, and soil. The Committee recognizes that consistent 
coordination is essential to this end, and is frustrated by the 
current lack of communication between NRCS and the Committee. 
Within 60 days of enactment of this act, and every 30 days 
thereafter, NRCS is directed to brief the Committee on ongoing 
and upcoming initiatives, as well as resources necessary for 
continued success of the Service.
    USDA--Customer and Producer Farm Delivery Systems 
Modernization.--The Committee directs the Secretary to submit a 
plan within 60 days of enactment of this act that accelerates 
the continued implementation and expansion of the Farmers.gov 
application and Enterprise Data Analytics Platform and Toolset 
[EDAPT]. Despite the continued direction and funding provided 
by Congress in previous fiscal years for these modernization 
applications, the Committee is aware that the Farm Service 
Agency, the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center, 
and the Office of the Chief Information Officer continue to 
maintain numerous legacy mission support systems that should be 
decommissioned and transitioned to applications and mission 
support services systems that are interoperable, facts-based, 
data driven, and are provided efficiently, effectively, and 
professionally with a commitment to excellent customer service 
for USDA customers, including farmers, ranchers, and forest 
landowners.
    Farmers.gov.--The Committee directs USDA to continue 
implementation and expansion of the Farmers.gov application. 
The expansion should consider all farm programs which require 
direct application from farmers, ranchers, and producers and 
provide a comprehensive application system within USDA.

            Farm Production and Conservation Business Center


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2023....................................    $248,684,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................     265,825,000
Committee recommendation................................     249,684,000

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $249,684,000 
for the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center.

                          Farm Service Agency

    The Farm Service Agency was established October 13, 1994, 
pursuant to the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-354). 
The FSA administers a variety of activities, such as the 
commodity price support and production adjustment programs 
financed by the Commodity Credit Corporation [CCC]; the 
Conservation Reserve Program [CRP]; the Emergency Conservation 
Program [ECP]; the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey 
Bees, and Farm-raised Fish Program [ELAP]; the Commodity 
Operation Programs, including the warehouse examination 
function; farm ownership, farm operating, emergency disaster, 
and other loan programs; and the Noninsured Crop Disaster 
Assistance Program [NAP], which provides crop loss protection 
for growers of many crops for which crop insurance is not 
available. In addition, FSA currently provides certain 
administrative support services to the Foreign Agricultural 
Service [FAS] and RMA.

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Transfers from    Total, FSA,
                                                                Appropriations      program        salaries and
                                                                                    accounts         expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2023.........................................        1,215,307          305,803        1,521,110
Budget estimate, 2024........................................        1,262,353          321,621        1,583,974
Committee recommendation.....................................        1,215,307          321,621        1,536,928
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,536,928,000 
for salaries and expenses of the Farm Service Agency, including 
a direct appropriation of $1,215,307,000.
    Acequia Irrigated Land.--The Committee recognizes that 
acequias serve as the primary method of irrigation in many 
rural and underserved communities in New Mexico and that 
acequias remain an integral aspect of New Mexican cultural 
identity. Recent changes administered by FSA changed 
eligibility of drought on farms and ranches irrigated by 
acequias for the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program 
[NAP]. Given the Farm Service Agency has historically 
considered drought on acequia-irrigated land eligible for Non-
insured Crop Disaster Assistance and the ongoing severe drought 
conditions in New Mexico and throughout the west, the Committee 
urges the Department to maintain their position that drought on 
acequia-irrigated land is an eligible cause of loss for NAP.
    Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act.--USDA is 
responsible for monitoring foreign purchases of agricultural 
land under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act 
[AFIDA] and for assessing penalties on entities that have 
failed to make disclosures as required. The Committee is 
concerned that USDA failed to assess penalties for a failure to 
disclose foreign investments in American agricultural land. The 
Committee directs the Secretary to report to the Committee 
within 90 days of enactment of this act on USDA's efforts to 
ensure that foreign investments are being accurately disclosed, 
including an analysis of any barriers USDA faces in conducting 
oversight of these purchases and planned steps for overcoming 
these challenges.
    Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program [CREP].--The 
Committee recognizes that drought is now the single largest 
cause of U.S. farm production losses and strongly supports the 
development of creative solutions to conserve water while 
maintaining the productive use of farmland. The Committee is 
concerned that the Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment 
[PEA] for CRP published in the Federal Register on October 3, 
2019 (84 FR 52868) ignores the intent of Congress and the 
urgent threat of drought by immediately dismissing without 
meaningful consideration the new authorization for CREP drought 
and water conservation agreements to permit dryland 
agricultural uses with the adoption of best management 
practices. The Committee directs the Secretary to revise the 
PEA to allow dryland agriculture uses on land enrolled in CREP 
in accordance with section 1231A(e)(2) of the Food Security Act 
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831a(e)(2)). The Committee reminds USDA 
that the joint explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 
116-260 directed the Secretary to submit a report to the 
Committee detailing a full analysis of the new CREP dryland 
agricultural uses authority and what dryland farming best 
management practices could make advancements to protect ground 
water and surface water quality and control soil erosion while 
enhancing wildlife habitat.
    Disaster Preparedness.--The Committee recognizes that 
millions of farm animals die each year due to the effects of 
adverse weather. The Committee is also aware that veterinary 
and agricultural trade associations recognize the importance of 
disaster planning in preventing the extent of livestock deaths. 
Therefore, the Committee encourages USDA to educate producers 
on the benefits of written disaster preparedness plans.
    Honey Bee Losses.--For purposes of administering the 
Emergency Livestock Assistance Program for honeybees, the 
Secretary is directed to expand eligibility under the program 
to include climate change and drought related losses, including 
additional transportation and feed costs, among other things, 
as determined by the Secretary. Additionally, or in lieu of 
ELAP expansion, the Secretary may choose to include managed 
honeybees under other appropriate disaster assistance programs. 
Disaster assistance is essential to protecting a fragile 
beekeeping industry that is responsible for pollinating 
billions of dollars in U.S. agricultural input.
    Information Technology.--The Committee remains dedicated to 
ensuring FSA has reliable and functioning IT systems because it 
is critical that farmers and ranchers have access to the tools 
they need to succeed. The Committee has invested significant 
taxpayer dollars to modernize outdated systems and continues to 
provide resources above the budget request. The Committee 
continues statutory language that allows funds for IT to be 
obligated only after the Secretary meets certain reporting 
requirements. The Committee has reviewed the third-party IT 
analysis and expects the agency to follow the recommendations 
where applicable. FSA is directed to provide timely updates for 
future IT needs.
    Panther Depredation.--The Committee is aware that livestock 
producers in Florida have suffered from panther depredation. To 
support the ongoing conservation and recovery of endangered 
Florida panthers while minimizing conflicts with ranchers, the 
Committee encourages FSA to work with ranchers to tailor the 
Livestock Indemnity Program to address unique circumstances 
currently preventing producers from receiving compensation for 
losses stemming from Florida panther depredation events.

                         STATE MEDIATION GRANTS

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $7,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       7,000,000
Committee recommendation................................       7,000,000

    This program is authorized under title V of the 
Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-233). 
Originally designed to address agricultural credit disputes, 
the program was expanded by the Federal Crop Insurance Reform 
and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 
(Public Law 103-354) to include other agricultural issues such 
as wetland determinations, conservation compliance, rural water 
loan programs, grazing on National Forest System lands, and 
pesticides. Grants are made to States whose mediation programs 
have been certified by the FSA. Grants will be solely for 
operation and administration of the State's agricultural 
mediation program.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $7,000,000 for 
State Mediation Grants.

               GRASSROOTS SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $7,500,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       7,000,000
Committee recommendation................................       7,500,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $7,500,000 for 
Grassroots Source Water Protection.

                        DAIRY INDEMNITY PROGRAM

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2023....................................        $500,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................         500,000
Committee recommendation................................         500,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of such sums as 
may be necessary, estimated in fiscal year 2024 to be $500,000, 
for indemnity payments to dairy farmers.

           GEOGRAPHICALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND RANCHERS

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $4,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       4,000,000
Committee recommendation................................       4,000,000

    This program is authorized under Title I of the Food, 
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8792). Under the 
Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program for 
Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers, the 
Department offsets a portion of the costs of transporting 
agricultural inputs and products over long distances for 
farmers and ranchers outside the contiguous United States that 
face tremendously high costs for transporting agriculture 
products and inputs.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,000,000 for 
the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program for 
Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers.

           AGRICULTURAL CREDIT INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

    The Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program Account 
[ACIF] is used to provide direct and guaranteed farm ownership, 
farm operating, conservation, Indian highly fractioned land, 
and emergency loans to individuals, as well as the following 
types of loans to associations: irrigation and drainage, 
grazing, Indian Tribe land acquisition, and boll weevil 
eradication.
    FSA is also authorized to provide financial assistance to 
borrowers by guaranteeing loans made by private lenders having 
a contract of guarantee from FSA as approved by the Secretary 
of Agriculture and to establish Beginning Farmer and Rancher 
Individual Development grant accounts.
    The following programs are financed through this fund:
    Boll Weevil Eradication Loans.--Made to assist foundations 
in financing the operations of the boll weevil eradication 
programs provided to farmers.
    Credit Sales of Acquired Property.--Property is sold out of 
inventory and is made available to an eligible buyer by 
providing FSA loans.
    Emergency Loans.--Made to producers to aid recovery from 
production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other 
natural disasters, or quarantine. The loans may be used to 
restore or replace essential property; pay all or part of 
production costs associated with the disaster year; pay 
essential family living expenses; reorganize the farming 
operation; and refinance certain debts.
    Farm Operating Loans.--Provide short-to-intermediate term 
production or chattel credit to farmers who cannot obtain 
credit elsewhere, to improve their farm and home operations, 
and to develop or maintain a reasonable standard of living. The 
term of the loan varies from one to 7 years.
    Farm Ownership Loans.--Made to borrowers who cannot obtain 
credit elsewhere to restructure their debts, improve or 
purchase farms, refinance nonfarm enterprises which supplement 
but do not supplant farm income, or make additions to farms. 
Loans are made for 40 years or less.
    Heirs' Property Relending Program.--Provide revolving loan 
funds to eligible intermediary lenders to resolve ownership and 
complete a succession plan on farmland that has multiple 
owners. The lenders will provide loans to qualified individuals 
to resolve these ownership issues and ensure fair access to 
land for farmers, ranchers, and future generations.
    Indian Tribe Land Acquisition Loans.--Made to any Indian 
Tribe recognized by the Secretary of the Interior or Tribal 
corporation established pursuant to the Indian Reorganization 
Act (Public Law 93-638) which does not have adequate 
uncommitted funds to acquire lands or interest in lands within 
the Tribe's reservation or Alaskan Indian community, as 
determined by the Secretary of the Interior, for use of the 
Tribe or the corporation or the members thereof.
    Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans.--Made to Indian 
Tribal members to purchase highly fractionated lands, as 
authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 
(Public Law 110-234).

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends a total loan level of 
$10,685,585,000 for programs within the Agricultural Credit 
Insurance Fund Program Account.
    The following table reflects the program levels for farm 
credit programs administered by the Farm Service Agency 
recommended by the Committee, as compared to the fiscal year 
2023 and the budget request levels:

                                    AGRICULTURAL CREDIT PROGRAMS--LOAN LEVELS
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Fiscal year 2023  Fiscal year 2024      Committee
                                                                 enacted       budget request    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farm Ownership:
    Direct................................................         3,100,000         3,100,000         3,100,000
    Guaranteed............................................         3,500,000         3,500,000         3,500,000
Farm Operating:
    Direct................................................         1,633,333         1,633,000         1,633,000
    Guaranteed unsubsidized...............................         2,118,491         2,118,491         2,118,491
Emergency Loans...........................................             4,062            37,668            37,668
Indian Tribe Land Acquisition.............................            20,000            20,000            20,000
Conservation Loans:.......................................
    Guaranteed............................................           150,000           150,000           150,000
Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans.....................             5,000             5,000             5,000
Boll Weevil Eradication...................................            60,000            60,000            60,000
Relending Program.........................................            61,426            61,426            61,426
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total, Loan Authorizations..........................        10,652,312        10,685,585        10,685,585
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-508) 
established the program account. Appropriations to this account 
are used to cover the lifetime subsidy costs associated with 
the direct loans obligated and loan guarantees committed, as 
well as for administrative expenses.
    The following table reflects the cost of programs under 
credit reform:

                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Fiscal year
                                                                 Fiscal year      2024 budget       Committee
                                                                 2023 enacted       request       recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farm Operating:
    Direct...................................................           23,520           27,598           27,598
    Guaranteed unsubsidized..................................           11,228            1,483            1,483
Emergency Loans..............................................              249            3,507            3,507
Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans........................              894            1,577            1,577
Relending Program............................................           10,983           19,368           19,368
Boll Weevil..................................................  ...............              258              258
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, Loan Subsidies..................................           46,874           53,791           53,791
                                                              ==================================================
ACIF Expenses:
    Salaries and Expenses....................................          305,803          321,621          321,621
    Administrative Expenses..................................           20,658           20,250           20,250
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, ACIF Expenses...................................          326,461          341,871          341,871
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         Risk Management Agency


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $66,870,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      77,897,000
Committee recommendation................................      66,870,000

    The Risk Management Agency performs administrative 
functions relative to the Federal Crop Insurance program that 
is authorized by the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 
1508), as amended by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 
2000 [ARPA] (Public Law 106-224), the Agricultural Act of 2014 
(Public Law 113-79), and the Agriculture Improvement Act of 
2018 (Public Law 115-334).
    ARPA authorized significant changes in the crop insurance 
program. This act provides higher government subsidies for 
producer premiums to make coverage more affordable; expands 
research and development for new insurance products and under-
served areas through contracts with the private sector; and 
strengthens compliance. Functional areas of risk management 
are: research and development; insurance services; and 
compliance, the functions of which include policy formulation 
and procedures and regulations development.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $66,870,000 
for Risk Management Agency, Salaries and Expenses.
    The Committee recognizes that there are many research 
priorities that competitive funding may be used to address, 
including the feasibility of insurance programs to cover 
business interruption due to integrator bankruptcy and 
catastrophic loss in the poultry industry. The Committee 
encourages RMA to support research into these priorities.
    Administrative and Operating Expenses.--The Committee 
encourages the RMA to provide an annual inflation adjustment to 
administrative and operating [A&O] reimbursements and to 
provide equitable relief for specialty crop policies in a 
manner similar to a previous adjustment that was initiated 
without renegotiation of the Standard Reinsurance Agreement.
    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.
    Aquaculture.--The Committee notes that the Agriculture 
Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334) directed the Board 
of Directors of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to 
consider treating the different growth stages of aquaculture 
species as separate crops for the Whole Farm Diversified Risk 
Management Insurance Plan. RMA is directed to report to the 
Committee no later than 90 days after enactment of this act 
regarding the steps taken by the Board to consider the 
feasibility of this proposed change to recognize the difference 
in perils at different phases of growth for aquaculture 
species.
    Haying and Grazing of Cover Crops.--The Committee 
recognizes and applauds the Department's recent efforts to 
provide flexibility to producers wishing to hay or graze cover 
crops on prevented planting acreage before November 1. This is 
an important step forward to ensure that producers planting 
decisions are based on sound agriculture practices, while also 
promoting smart agricultural practices that build soil health 
and resilience in our working lands.
    Improved Producer Education.--The Committee recognizes that 
crop insurance is a vital public-private partnership and is the 
first line of defense for effectively managing risk for many 
farmers. However, the Committee believes that additional 
education is needed through the use of clear, comparative, and 
easy to understand information on the costs of selected crop 
insurance policies, the producer premium, and the Federal 
premium subsidy. Therefore, the Committee directs the Secretary 
to work with crop insurance providers and agents to ensure that 
all farmers have access to that cost information on their 
policies in a transparent and easy to understand manner.

                 Natural Resources Conservation Service

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

                        CONSERVATION OPERATIONS

Appropriations, 2023....................................    $941,124,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................   1,022,566,000
Committee recommendation................................     922,151,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $922,151,000 
for NRCS Conservation Operations. The Committee provides 
$86,757,000 for Soil Surveys; $16,751,000 for Snow Survey and 
Water Forecasting; $10,751,000 for Plant Materials Centers; and 
$800,892,000 for Conservation Technical Assistance, including 
$10,000,000 for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (16 
U.S.C. 3839bb).
    Acre-for-Acre Wetlands Mitigation.--The Secretary is 
encouraged to use mitigation with the conversion of a natural 
wetland and equivalent wetlands functions at a ratio which does 
not exceed 1-to-1 acreage.
    Agricultural Land Easements.--The Committee encourages NRCS 
to allow transaction costs to be covered under the NRCS 
Agricultural Land Easement program.
    Alfalfa Utilization.--The Committee recognizes alfalfa as 
one of the most environmentally friendly crops which can be 
grown on the landscape. Alfalfa is valued for its ability to 
fix atmospheric nitrogen, protect, and conserve soil, protect 
water quality, provide a habitat for pollinators, and generate 
a multitude of ecosystem benefits. The Committee recognizes 
alfalfa as a 'climate-smart' commodity with an exceptional 
capacity for carbon sequestration and decreased reliance on 
synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. However, alfalfa is not well-
utilized in conservation programs at USDA's NRCS. 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' Partnerships Initiative.--The 
Committee recognizes the important role of voluntary 
conservation practices in protecting and restoring waterways , 
especially when deployed at scale. The Committee supports the 
Department's continuation of the Chesapeake Bay States' 
Partnership Initiative, and encourages continued leveraging of 
conservation resources for agricultural producers in the 
Chesapeake Bay watershed. Additionally, NRCS is encouraged to 
target additional Conservation Technical Assistance funds in 
the most effective basin areas of the watershed.
    Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry.--NRCS received 
nearly $19,000,000,000 in additional funding to RCPP, EQIP, CSP 
and ACEP prior to fiscal year 2024. Within 180 days of 
enactment of this act, NRCS is directed to submit to the 
Committee a report outlining how the agency allocated funding 
to ensure that programmatic goals were met in a timely, 
optimized, and efficient manner. This report should include 
consideration of whether priority practice eligibility choices 
included Western practices to secure water and forestry co-
benefits, as well as information on staff hiring, technology 
systems utilized, contracting strategies, practice eligibility 
lists, and departmental directives to NRCS.
    Conservation Operations.--In carrying out projects on 
public lands that would directly or indirectly prevent, prepare 
for, or respond to economic, environmental, or public health 
consequences resulting from climate change, the Secretary 
shall, to the maximum extent practicable, seek out ways to 
utilize qualified youth or conservation corps, as defined in 
section 203(11) of the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 
U.S.C. 1722(11), non-profit wilderness and trails stewardship 
organizations, and consult with public lands stewardship 
organizations for the purpose of identifying appropriate 
projects, activities, and workforce development outcomes.
    Critical Conservation Areas [CCA].--The Committee supports 
CCAs and the collaborative regional approach to address common 
natural resources goals while maintaining or improving 
agricultural productivity. The Committee urges NRCS to provide 
sufficient Conservation Technical Assistance funds to CCAs to 
address conservation planning backlogs. The Committee also 
encourages NRCS to leverage all possible resources to identify 
nutrient loss and reduce runoff to achieve the goals of the 
2015 Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan.
    Drought Resilience.--The Committee applauds the passage of 
the Colorado River Basin Drought Contingency Plans, appreciates 
efforts to increase efficiencies, and expects NRCS to utilize 
all available opportunities to assist producers, irrigators, 
and irrigation districts in addressing drought resiliency and 
mitigation while maintaining strong rural and agriculture 
communities and protecting natural resources. NRCS is expected 
to prioritize implementation of Drought Contingency Plans, 
agreements, or programs that conserve surface or ground water, 
improve drought resiliency, and address current and anticipated 
conservation needs and drought-related resource concerns.
    Energy Efficiency Opportunities.--The Environmental Quality 
Incentive Program [EQIP] is an important tool to help farmers 
conserve energy, conduct energy audits, and develop 
conservation plans through locally based technical service 
providers. The Committee is concerned that very few farmers who 
complete energy audits are able to actually utilize EQIP or 
other Federal programs to help them adopt much-needed energy 
efficiency measures to reduce their high energy expenses. The 
Secretary is urged to seek out and implement opportunities to 
encourage and support farmers to implement energy efficiency 
projects.
    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 encourages NRCS to use available 
funds for a cost-share program for the construction and repair 
of perimeter fencing. The Committee directs NRCS, in 
conjunction with State soil and water conservation boards and 
agencies, to develop a strategy to exclude feral hogs from 
agricultural and urban areas at risk of damage from localized 
feral hog populations.
    Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative.--The Committee 
provides $10,000,000 for the Grazing Lands Conservation 
Initiative (16 U.S.C. 3839bb), of which at least $8,000,000 
shall be provided through State allocations as competitive 
grants to diverse partnerships, including socially 
disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and their organizations, to 
provide technical assistance to producers for grazing planning 
and implementation, conferences and other education, 
demonstrations, producer networks, workforce training, 
research, and outreach projects to improve agricultural 
resilience. NRCS is directed to provide at least $2,000,000 
through a cooperative agreement with a national grazing lands 
conservation coalition to establish diverse State-based 
coalitions and to undertake grazing education.
    Innovative Water Conservation.--The Committee recognizes 
the devastating impacts wrought by severe and prolonged drought 
across many regions of the country. The Committee notes that 
the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334) 
made several updates to address water conservation and drought 
mitigation, including eligibility changes for water 
conservation and irrigation efficiency practices. NRCS is 
encouraged to work with eligible entities, including but not 
limited to producers, States, irrigation districts, and 
acequias, to help implement critical innovative drought 
resiliency and mitigation efforts, which maintain strong rural 
and agriculture communities while protecting natural resources.
    Land Grants and Acequias.--The Committee recognizes that 
Section 2304(e) of Public Law 115-334 allows acequias and land 
grant mercedes to apply directly to the Environmental Quality 
Incentives Program [EQIP], which provides Federal funding and 
technical assistance to farmers throughout the Nation. The 
Committee appreciates that there are hundreds of acequias and 
dozens of land grants in New Mexico that can now gain direct 
access to this important conservation program. The Committee 
urges USDA to develop EQIP guidance that ensures timely input 
from local communities, including listening sessions with land 
grants and acequias.
    National Resources Inventory.--In reinstating the National 
Resources Inventory in Alaska, the Committee expects NRCS to 
take into account sample design, data collection software, and 
data processing capability in order to collect and produce 
scientifically credible information on the status, condition, 
and trends of Alaska's lands, soils, waters, and related 
resources.
    Private Land Conservation.--The Committee recognizes the 
importance of providing private land owners with ready access 
to the many Federal, State, and local government and private 
resources available to support conservation efforts on private 
lands. The Committee directs NRCS to implement a multi-year 
cooperative agreement with appropriate funding support to an 
organization that can make conservation solutions and best 
practices accessible daily to private land owners. This 
organization should also support efforts to conserve the 
lesser-prairie chicken and implement carbon sequestration 
conservation programs nationwide.
    Soil Health.--The Committee recognizes that improving soil 
health on agricultural lands is key to achieving both 
meaningful conservation and economic benefits for producers. 
The Committee is pleased to see strong stakeholder interest in 
the new on-farm conservation innovation trials to test new or 
innovative conservation approaches and the soil health 
demonstration trial, which provides incentives to producers to 
implement practices that improve soil health and increase 
carbon levels in the soil. The Committee encourages the 
Secretary to dedicate more technical assistance funds to 
establish standard protocols for measuring and testing carbon 
levels to evaluate gains in soil health that will help 
producers to create positive economic, environmental, and 
social outcomes through ecosystem service markets. The 
Committee believes the Secretary should provide additional 
technical assistance related to healthy soil planning, soil 
carbon sequestration, and conservation activity planning. NRCS 
is urged to support the expansion of existing State soil health 
programs and to assist interested States in establishing new 
State soil health programs.
    SNOTEL.--The Committee continues to be concerned by 
documented changes in winter weather across the country, and 
the impact of those changes on local ecologies and economies. 
The Committee continues to fund the NRCS Snow Telemetry Network 
and looks forward to the forthcoming report on feasibility of 
expansion to the Northeast.
    Streamlined Conservation Planning.--The Committee direct 
NRCS to develop a streamlined conservation planning and 
application process for small acreage operations to reduce the 
time and effort required by both the applicant and local NRCS 
staff to process conservation program applications.
    Technical Assistance.--The Committee directs NRCS to 
maintain a record of total technical assistance dollars for the 
past 3 years and annually in the future and to provide the data 
to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and the 
Committee on Agriculture Nutrition and Forestry. This report 
should differentiate between mandatory and discretionary 
allocations.
    Technical Service Providers.--The Committee urges NRCS to 
reevaluate the current matching requirements for the Technical 
Service Provider program supporting State and Tribal soil 
health programs.
    Western States Conservation Partnership Initiative.--The 
Committee recognizes the value of collaborative, locally-led 
conservation practices and remains concerned about the ongoing 
extreme drought and related water issues in the American West. 
NRCS is encouraged to explore the creation of a partnership 
initiative, similar to the recently created Chesapeake Bay 
States' Partnership Initiative, to allow Western States and 
partners to leverage financial and technical assistance to 
address regional water issues and help build resilience to 
drought. Within 90 days of enactment of this act, NRCS is 
directed to brief the Committee on the feasibility of such an 
initiative, as well as efforts undertaken to this end.
    Western Water and Working Lands.--The Committee welcomes 
the recently announced Western Water and Working Lands 
Framework for Conservation Action, and encourages NRCS to 
dedicate financial and technical assistance resources to 
support the framework, with a priority on projects with 
multiple benefits. The Secretary is directed to keep the 
Committee apprised of progress toward this end, beginning with 
a briefing 90 days after enactment of this act.
    Wildlife Habitat on Private Lands.--The Committee 
recognizes that conservation of wildlife habitat on private 
lands is essential for the recovery of many threatened and 
endangered species. While Federal programs that provide direct 
conservation assistance can be important contributors to 
species recovery efforts, such programs might not be available 
to, or appropriate for, all private landowners. Private 
landowners interested in habitat conservation must be empowered 
with access to the full range of conservation resources that 
exist across the Federal government, state and local 
governments, non-profit organizations, and private entities. 
The Committee encourages NRCS to provide grants to, or enter 
into cooperative agreements with, non-profit organizations with 
expertise and experience in amalgamating and providing public 
access to information and resources pertaining to the 
conservation of wildlife habitat on private lands.
    Working Lands for Wildlife.--The Committee recognizes the 
role of the Working Lands for Wildlife model in conservation 
efforts to enhance both wildlife habitat and productivity on 
working landscapes. In addition, the Committee is worried about 
the concerning population figures for the lesser prairie-
chicken and the need to protect its habitat, particularly in 
times of drought. NRCS is directed to make every effort to 
strengthen and expand the work of the Working Lands for 
Wildlife model and the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative.

               WATERSHED AND FLOOD PREVENTION OPERATIONS

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $75,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................     175,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      90,405,000

    The Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (Public 
Law 83-566) (16 U.S.C. 1000-1005, 1007-1009) provides for 
cooperation between the Federal Government and the States and 
their political subdivisions in a program to prevent erosion, 
floodwater, and sediment damages in the watersheds or rivers 
and streams and to further the conservation, development, 
utilization, and disposal of water and the conservation and 
proper utilization of land in authorized watersheds.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $90,405,000 
for the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program 
[WFPO], of which the Committee provides $20,405,000 for 
congressionally directed projects, as specified in the table at 
the end of the report, for new and ongoing watershed and flood 
prevention activities.
    The Committee recognizes the critical challenges facing 
rural water resource management and protection and supports 
needed investments in watershed operations. These Federal-
State-local partnerships are uniquely positioned to identify 
critical watershed protection and flood prevention needs in 
rural communities and implement projects that deliver multiple 
streams of benefits for homes, businesses, transportation 
infrastructure, and natural resources. In selecting projects 
for funding, the Committee expects the agency to balance the 
needs of addressing the project backlog, remediation of 
existing structures, and new projects.
    Congressionally Directed Spending [CDS].--The Committee has 
provided CDS for certain activities and locations under 
Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations. While the Committee 
has provided the funding, recipients of CDS are still required 
to apply for the funding and must meet all statutory and 
regulatory requirements. The Committee expects the agency to 
review the applications and fund projects in the same manner as 
in previous years.
    Multiple Benefit Projects.--The Committee continues to 
support funding for projects that provide multiple benefits, 
including reduction of drought impact, improvement of water 
quality, and increased fish or wildlife habitat. NRCS is 
directed to keep the Committee apprised of streamlining and 
modernization efforts, and of efforts to coordinate with 
stakeholders to ensure that this program is utilized in a 
manner to maximize its effect.
    Technical Assistance Flexibility.--The Committee directs 
the Secretary to provide greater flexibility to State 
Conservationists to be able to utilize technical assistance 
dedicated for certain WFPO funds for administration and 
planning Statewide for all WFPO projects.

                    WATERSHED REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $2,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      10,009,000
Committee recommendation................................       2,000,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $2,000,000 for 
the Watershed Rehabilitation Program.
    The Committee recognizes the large backlog of community 
infrastructure projects eligible for financial and technical 
assistance from the Watershed Rehabilitation Program to address 
safety concerns, public health, and environmental impacts of 
aging dams. NRCS is urged to prioritize the rehabilitation of 
dams that pose the greatest risk to public safety.

                              CORPORATIONS


                Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund

Appropriations, 2023.................................... $15,395,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................  14,695,301,000
Committee recommendation................................  14,695,301,000

    The Federal Crop Insurance Act, as amended by the Federal 
Crop Insurance Reform Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-354), 
authorizes the payment of expenses, which may include indemnity 
payments; loss adjustment; delivery expenses; program-related 
research and development; startup costs for implementing this 
legislation, such as studies, pilot projects, data processing 
improvements, and public outreach; and related tasks and 
functions.
    All program costs, except for Federal salaries and 
expenses, are mandatory expenditures subject to appropriation.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of such sums as 
may be necessary, estimated to be $14,695,301,000 in fiscal 
year 2024, for the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund.

                   Commodity Credit Corporation Fund

    The Commodity Credit Corporation is a wholly owned 
Government corporation created in 1933 to stabilize, support, 
and protect farm income and prices; to help maintain balanced 
and adequate supplies of agricultural commodities, including 
products, foods, feeds, and fibers; and to help in the orderly 
distribution of these commodities. CCC was originally 
incorporated under a Delaware charter and was reincorporated 
June 30, 1948, as a Federal corporation within USDA by the 
Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (Public Law 80-806), 
approved June 29, 1948.
    The Commodity Credit Corporation engages in buying, 
selling, lending, and other activities with respect to 
agricultural commodities, their products, food, feed, and 
fibers. Its purposes include stabilizing, supporting, and 
protecting farm income and prices; maintaining the balance and 
adequate supplies of selected commodities; and facilitating the 
orderly distribution of such commodities. In addition, the 
Corporation makes available materials and facilities required 
in connection with the storage and distribution of such 
commodities. The Corporation also disburses funds for sharing 
of costs with producers for the establishment of approved 
conservation practices on environmentally sensitive land and 
subsequent rental payments for such land for the duration of 
CRP contracts.
    Corporation activities are primarily governed by the 
following statutes: the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter 
Act (Public Law 80-806), as amended; the Agricultural Act of 
1949 (Public Law 81-439), as amended (1949 Act); the 
Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (Public Law 75-430), as 
amended (the 1938 Act); the Food Security Act of 1985 (Public 
Law 99-198), as amended (1985 Act); the Food, Conservation, and 
Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246); the Agricultural Act 
of 2014 (Public Law 113-79); and the Agriculture Improvement 
Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334).
    Management of the Corporation is vested in a board of 
directors, subject to the general supervision and direction of 
the Secretary of Agriculture, who is an ex officio director and 
chairman of the board. The board consists of seven members, in 
addition to the Secretary, who are appointed by the President 
of the United States with the advice and consent of the Senate. 
Officers of the Corporation are designated according to their 
positions in USDA.
    The activities of the Corporation are carried out mainly by 
the personnel and through FSA facilities and FSA State and 
county committees. The Foreign Agricultural Service, the 
General Sales Manager, other agencies and offices of the 
Department, and commercial agents are also used to carry out 
certain aspects of the Corporation's activities.
    Under Public Law 87-155 (15 U.S.C. 713a-11, 713a-12), 
annual appropriations are authorized for each fiscal year, 
commencing with fiscal year 1961. These appropriations are to 
reimburse the Corporation for net realized losses.

                 REIMBURSEMENT FOR NET REALIZED LOSSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2023.................................... $16,832,185,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................  10,612,000,000
Committee recommendation................................  10,612,000,000

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of such sums as 
may be necessary, estimated in fiscal year 2024 to be 
$10,612,000,000, for the payment to reimburse the Commodity 
Credit Corporation for reimbursement for net realized losses.
    CRP Wetland Restoration and Wildlife Enhancement.--The 
Committee notes that agricultural commodity crops, if left 
unharvested, may help reduce degradation of wetlands and 
improve sediment trapping, surface and ground water supply, 
erosion control, and wildlife habitat while providing winter 
food for waterfowl and other wildlife. The Committee directs 
CCC, within 60 days of enactment of this act, to amend its 
program policies and guidelines for CRP conservation practices 
CP23 and CP23A, to provide that current and future participants 
are permitted to plant, but not harvest, agricultural commodity 
crops as wildlife food plots on up to 10 percent of the 
enrolled land to enhance waterfowl and upland bird food and 
habitat.

                       HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT

                        (LIMITATION ON EXPENSES)

Limitation, 2023........................................     $15,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      15,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      15,000,000

    The CCC's hazardous waste management program is intended to 
ensure compliance with the Comprehensive Environmental 
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Public Law 96-510) 
and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (Public Law 94-
580). The CCC funds operations and maintenance costs as well as 
site investigation and cleanup expenses. Investigative and 
cleanup costs associated with the management of CCC hazardous 
waste are also paid from USDA's hazardous waste management 
appropriation.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $15,000,000 for 
the Commodity Credit Corporation's hazardous waste management 
program.

                               TITLE III

                       RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

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

          Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $1,620,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       1,653,000
Committee recommendation................................       1,620,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,620,000 for 
the Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development.
    Persistent Poverty Areas.--The Committee supports targeted 
investments in impoverished areas, particularly in persistent 
poverty counties, and directs the Department to complete the 
report requested on this matter, which is now several years 
overdue. The report shall include both the historic data 
requested in the original directive as well as data for fiscal 
years 2023 and 2024.

                           Rural Development


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Fiscal year
                                                                 Fiscal year      2024 budget       Committee
                                                                 2023 enacted       request       recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriation................................................          351,087          527,182          351,087
Transfer from:
    Rural Housing Insurance Fund Loan Program Account........          412,254          412,254          412,254
    Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Program                33,270           33,270           33,270
     Account.................................................
    Rural Development Loan Program Account...................            4,468            4,468            4,468
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, Rural Development salaries and expenses.........          801,079          977,174          801,079
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These funds are used to administer the loan and grant 
programs of RHS, RBS, and RUS, including reviewing 
applications, making and collecting loans, providing technical 
assistance and guidance to borrowers, and assisting in 
extending other Federal programs to people in rural areas.
    Under the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (Public Law 
101-508), administrative costs associated with loan programs 
are appropriated to the program accounts. Appropriations to the 
salaries and expenses account will be for costs associated with 
grant programs.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends $801,079,000 for salaries and 
expenses of Rural Development, including a direct appropriation 
of $351,087,000.
    Cloud use.--The Committee remains interested in Rural 
Development's efforts to modernize the agency's information 
technology systems in an effort to provide better assistance to 
the communities it serves. In compliance with the Federal 
Government's Cloud Smart strategy, RD is directed to provide a 
report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations no 
later than 180 days after enactment of this act with an 
assessment of the time, effort and cost of moving off on-prem 
and transitioning and modernizing in the cloud.
    Information Technology.--The Committee remains concerned 
about IT systems within Rural Development and directs the 
Department to continue to update or retire legacy systems. 
Furthermore, the Committee still awaits the report listing the 
programs that still require paper applications and the 
estimated cost to develop online portals, and continues to 
direct the Department to submit monthly updates on making 
improvements to the systems listed above and any other IT 
development.
    Staffing.--The Committee continues to direct the Department 
to provide a report that breaks out staffing by program, 
including current levels and end of year goals within 30 days 
of enactment of this act and monthly reports to the Committee 
with hiring updates thereafter.
    Rural Partners Network.--The Committee provides $3,000,000 
for the Rural Partners Network.

                         Rural Housing Service

    The Rural Housing Service was established under the Federal 
Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture 
Reorganization Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-354).

              RURAL HOUSING INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2023 (budget authority).................    $527,357,000
Budget estimate, 2024 (budget authority)................     813,849,000
Committee recommendation (budget authority).............     558,986,000

    This fund was established in 1965 (Public Law 89-117) 
pursuant to section 517 of title V of the Housing Act of 1949 
(Public Law 87-171). This fund may be used to insure or 
guarantee rural housing loans for single-family homes, rental 
and cooperative housing, farm labor housing, and rural housing 
sites. Rural housing loans are made to construct, improve, 
alter, repair, or replace dwellings and essential farm service 
buildings that are modest in size, design, and cost. Rental 
housing insured loans are made to individuals, corporations, 
associations, trusts, or partnerships to provide low-cost 
rental housing and related facilities in rural areas. These 
loans are repayable in terms up to 30 years. The Multi-family 
Housing Preservation and Revitalization Program [MPR] includes 
revitalization tools for maintenance of existing units. The 
Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-508) 
established the Rural Housing Insurance Fund [RHIF] program 
account. Appropriations to this account will be used to cover 
the lifetime subsidy costs associated with the direct loans 
obligated and loan guarantees committed in fiscal year 2024, as 
well as for administrative expenses.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $146,732,000, 
excluding the transfer of funds, for the Rural Housing 
Insurance Fund Program Account.
    The following table presents the loan subsidy levels as 
compared to the 2023 levels and the 2024 budget request:

                                  RURAL HOUSING INSURANCE FUND PROGRAM ACCOUNT
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Fiscal year
                                                                 Fiscal year      2024 budget       Committee
                                                                 2023 enacted       request       recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Levels:
    Single-Family Housing (sec. 502):
        Direct...............................................        1,250,000        1,500,000          850,000
        Direct Tribal Relending Pilot........................            7,500           12,000            7,500
        Guaranteed...........................................       30,000,000       30,000,000       30,000,000
    Housing repair (sec. 504)................................           28,000           50,000           28,000
    Direct rental housing (sec. 515).........................           70,000          200,000           60,000
    Guaranteed rental housing (sec. 538).....................          400,000          400,000          400,000
    Site development loans (sec. 524)........................            5,000            5,000            5,000
    Credit sales of acquired property........................           10,000           10,000           10,000
    Self help land development loans (sec. 523)..............            5,000            5,000            5,000
    Farm labor housing loans (sec. 514)......................           20,000           50,000           25,000
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, loan levels.....................................       31,795,500       32,232,000       31,390,500
                                                              ==================================================
Loan Subsidies and Grants:
    Single-Family Housing (sec. 502):
        Direct...............................................           46,375          205,950           62,637
        Direct Tribal Relending Pilot........................            2,468            5,491            3,432
    Housing repair (sec. 504)................................            2,324            8,675            4,858
    Direct rental housing (sec. 515).........................           13,377           69,960           20,988
    Site development loans (sec. 524)........................              208              477              477
    Self help land development loans (sec. 523)..............              267              637              637
    Farm labor housing loans (sec. 514)......................            4,084           17,405            8,703
    Farm labor housing grants (sec. 516).....................           10,000           18,000           10,000
    Multi-Family housing revitalization demonstration........           36,000           75,000           35,000
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, loan subsidies and grants.......................          115,103          401,595          146,732
                                                              ==================================================
Administrative Expenses......................................          412,254          412,254          412,254
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, loan subsidies and administrative expenses......          527,357          813,849          558,986
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Fair Housing Protections.--The Committee supports efforts 
to strengthen the protections of the Fair Housing Act, but 
understand that more action is needed to ensure these 
protections reach every community. The Committee requests 
information on what resources are needed to ensure Rural 
Development has the resources to collaborate with the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development in order to conduct 
outreach and raise awareness of the rights and protections 
under the Fair Housing Act for all protected classes.
    Multifamily Housing Inspections.--The Committee directs the 
Department to better collaborate with HUD on Multifamily 
housing inspections, especially for properties financed by both 
USDA and HUD, and to provide clarifying guidance on the 
acceptability of either a USDA or HUD inspection to avoid 
duplication.
    Relending Program.--The Committee provides $7,500,000 for 
the Section 502 Direct Tribal Relending Pilot, and to the 
extent practicable, encourages the Rural Housing Service to 
expand the current pilot to the Southwest and to Native CDFIs 
that are partnered with Regional Housing Authorities which 
receive block grant funds under Public Law 104-330. The 
Committee recognizes that there is a tremendous need for safe 
and affordable housing in American Indian and Alaska Native 
communities, and Native American CDFIs have deep ties to the 
local communities they serve, and are better equipped to more 
effectively reach potential homebuyers.
    Single Family Housing Efficiency Concerns.--The Committee 
is concerned that there are unnecessary impediments facing 
individuals who utilize Single Family Housing Direct Loans and 
the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program to purchase 
homes or property in rural areas. The Committee awaits the 
report on the current appraisal requirements for these homes 
and whether these requirements are adopted from requirements 
used by the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the 
Department of Veterans Affairs.

                       RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2023....................................  $1,487,926,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................   1,688,109,000
Committee recommendation................................   1,608,000,000

    Rental assistance is authorized under section 521(a)(2) of 
the Housing Act of 1949 (Public Law 87-171). The objective of 
the program is to reduce rents paid by low-income families 
living in RHS-financed rental projects and farm labor housing 
projects. Under this program, low-income tenants will 
contribute the higher of: (1) 30 percent of monthly adjusted 
income; (2) 10 percent of monthly income; or (3) designated 
housing payments from a welfare agency.
    Payments from the fund are made to the project owner for 
the difference between the tenant's payment and the approved 
rental rate established for the unit.
    The program is administered in tandem with RHS section 515 
rural rental housing program and the farm labor loan and grant 
programs. Priority is given to existing projects for rental 
units occupied by over-burdened low-income families and 
projects experiencing financial difficulties beyond the control 
of the owner.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,608,000,000 
for the Rental Assistance Program.
    Housing vouchers continue to be addressed in the Rural 
Housing Voucher Account.
    Applicant Rental Experience.--The Committee understands 
that the Rural Development Civil Rights Office previously 
administered a testing program to examine the rental experience 
of applicants in rural housing services. The Committee requests 
information on why the testing program ended, what resources 
would be needed to restart the program, and how the program 
should be updated to ensure it captures the needs of 
communities protected by the Fair Housing Act, who are 
particularly at-risk of housing instability.
    Decoupling of Rental Assistance.--The Committee accepts the 
Department's proposal to decouple the rental assistance program 
from Section 515 direct loans. This strategy should only be 
used when all other methods of preservation are exhausted. In 
implementing this policy, the Committee directs the Department 
to have strong stakeholder engagement and to provide the 
Committee with monthly updates on the implementation of this 
policy.
    Rental Assistance Priority.--The Secretary is encouraged to 
prioritize multi-family housing properties acquired by means of 
a section 515 loan within the current fiscal year when 
determining current rental assistance needs.

                     RURAL HOUSING VOUCHER ACCOUNT

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $48,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................................
Committee recommendation................................      48,000,000

    The Rural Housing Voucher Program was authorized under the 
Housing Act of 1949 (Public Law 81-171) to assist very low-
income families and individuals who reside in rental housing in 
rural areas. Housing vouchers may be provided to residents of 
rental housing projects financed by section 515 loans that have 
been prepaid or paid off after September 30, 2005. Voucher 
amounts reflect the difference between comparable market rents 
and tenant-paid rent prior to loan pre-payment. Vouchers allow 
tenants to remain in existing projects or move to other rental 
housing.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $48,000,000 
for the Rural Housing Voucher Program.

                  MUTUAL AND SELF-HELP HOUSING GRANTS

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $32,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      40,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      32,000,000

    The Mutual and Self-Help Housing Grants Program is 
authorized by title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (Public Law 
81-171). Grants are made to local organizations to promote the 
development of mutual or self-help programs under which groups 
of usually six to 10 families build their own homes by mutually 
exchanging labor. Funds may be used to pay the cost of 
construction supervisors who work with families in the 
construction of their homes and for administrative expenses of 
the organizations providing the self-help assistance.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $32,000,000 
for Mutual and Self-Help Housing Grants.

                    RURAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANTS

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $48,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      70,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      48,000,000

    The Rural Housing Assistance Grants Program consolidates 
funding for rural housing grant programs. This consolidation of 
housing grant funding provides greater flexibility to tailor 
financial assistance to applicant needs.
    Very Low-Income Housing Repair Grants.--The Very Low-Income 
Housing Repair Grants Program is authorized under section 504 
of title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (Public Law 81-171). The 
rural housing repair grant program is carried out by making 
grants to very low-income families to conduct necessary repairs 
to their homes in order to make such dwellings safe and 
sanitary and to remove hazards to the health of the occupants, 
their families, or the community.
    These grants may be made to cover the cost of improvements 
or additions, such as repairing roofs, providing toilet 
facilities, providing a convenient and sanitary water supply, 
supplying screens, repairing or providing structural supports, 
or making similar repairs, additions, or improvements, 
including all preliminary and installation costs in obtaining 
central water and sewer service. A grant can be made in 
combination with a section 504 very low-income housing repair 
loan.
    No assistance can be extended to any one individual in the 
form of a loan, grant, or combined loans and grants in excess 
of $7,500,000, and grant assistance is limited to persons or 
families headed by persons who are 62 years of age or older.
    Supervisory and Technical Assistance Grants.--Supervisory 
and technical assistance grants are made to public and private 
nonprofit organizations for packaging loan applications for 
housing assistance under sections 502, 504, 514/516, 515, and 
533 of the Housing Act of 1949 (Public Law 81-171). The 
assistance is directed to very low-income families in 
underserved areas where at least 20 percent of the population 
is below the poverty level and at least 10 percent or more of 
the population resides in substandard housing. In fiscal year 
1994, a Homebuyer Education Program was implemented under this 
authority. This program provides low-income individuals and 
families with education and counseling on obtaining and/or 
maintaining occupancy of adequate housing and supervised credit 
assistance to become successful homeowners.
    Compensation for Construction Defects.--Compensation for 
construction defects provides funds for grants to eligible 
section 502 borrowers to correct structural defects or to pay 
claims of owners arising from such defects on a newly 
constructed dwelling purchased with RHS financial assistance. 
Claims are not paid until provisions under the builder's 
warranty have been fully pursued. Requests for compensation for 
construction defects must be made by the owner of the property 
within 18 months after the date financial assistance was 
granted.
    Rural Housing Preservation Grants.--Rural housing 
preservation grants (section 533) of the Housing and Urban-
Rural Recovery Act of 1983 (Public Law 98-181) authorizes the 
Rural Housing Service to administer a program of home repair 
directed at low- and very low-income people.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $48,000,000 
for the Rural Housing Assistance Grants Program.
    The following table compares the grant program levels 
recommended by the Committee to the fiscal year 2023 levels and 
the budget request:

                                         RURAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANTS
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Fiscal year
                                                                 Fiscal year      2024 budget       Committee
                                                                 2023 enacted       request       recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Very low-income housing repair grants........................           32,000           40,000           32,000
Housing preservation grants..................................           16,000           30,000           16,000
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total..................................................           48,000           70,000           48,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Rural Community Facilities Program Account

Appropriations, 2023....................................    $341,490,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      86,745,000
Committee recommendation................................     253,134,000

    Community facility loans were created by the Rural 
Development Act of 1972 (Public Law 92-419) to finance a 
variety of rural community facilities. Loans are made to 
organizations, including certain Indian Tribes and corporations 
not operated for profit and public and quasi-public agencies, 
to construct, enlarge, extend, or otherwise improve community 
facilities providing essential services to rural residents. 
Such facilities include those providing or supporting overall 
community development, such as fire and rescue services, 
healthcare, transportation, traffic control, and community, 
social, cultural, and recreational benefits. Loans are made for 
facilities which primarily serve rural residents of open 
country and rural towns and villages of not more than 20,000 
people. Healthcare, fire and rescue facilities, and educational 
facilities are the priorities of the program and receive the 
majority of available funds.
    The Community Facility Grant Program authorized in the 
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (Public 
Law 104-127) is used in conjunction with the existing direct 
and guaranteed loan programs for the development of community 
facilities such as hospitals, fire stations, and community 
centers. Grants are targeted to the lowest income communities. 
Communities that have lower population and income levels 
receive a higher cost-share contribution through these grants 
with a maximum contribution of 75 percent of the cost of 
developing the facility.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $253,134,000 
for the Rural Community Facilities Program Account.
    The following table provides the Committee's 
recommendations, as compared to the fiscal year 2023 and budget 
request levels:

                                   RURAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES PROGRAM ACCOUNT
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Fiscal year
                                                                 Fiscal year      2024 budget       Committee
                                                                 2023 enacted       request       recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Levels:
    Community facilities direct loans........................        2,800,000        2,800,000        2,800,000
    Community facilities guaranteed loans....................          650,000          650,000          650,000
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, loan levels.....................................        3,450,000        3,450,000        3,450,000
                                                              ==================================================
Budget Authority:
    Community facilities grants..............................  ...............           52,000           32,000
    Congressionally directed spending........................          325,490  ...............          205,134
    Rural community development initiative...................            6,000           22,745            6,000
    Tribal college grants....................................           10,000           10,000           10,000
    Rural Hospitals Pilot Program............................  ...............            2,000  ...............
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, budget authority................................          341,490           86,745          253,134
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Congressionally Directed Spending [CDS].--The Committee has 
provided CDS for certain activities and locations under Rural 
Community Facilities Program. While the Committee has provided 
the funding, recipients of CDS are still required to apply for 
the funding. The Committee expects the agency to review the 
applications and fund projects in the same manner as in 
previous years.
    Income-based Matches.--The Committee is concerned that the 
methodology used to calculate income-based matches for the 
Community Facilities Grant program and the Water and Wastewater 
Disposal Grant program inequitably considers State needs. The 
Committee directs the Department to conduct an analysis of this 
methodology and develop three alternative methodologies, and to 
brief the Committees no later than 60 days after enactment of 
the Act. If warranted, the Department is directed to make 
changes to its methodology based on this analysis.
    Rural Community Development Initiative Grants.--The 
Committee encourages the Department to increase the maximum 
grant amount for this program from $250,000 to $500,000 and to 
allow an advance of 25 percent of grant funds prior to a match 
being supplied.

                   Rural Business-Cooperative Service

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

                     RURAL BUSINESS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $86,520,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................     103,600,000
Committee recommendation................................      77,728,000

    The Rural Business and Industry Loan Program was created by 
the Rural Development Act of 1972 (Public Law 92-419), and 
finances a variety of rural industrial development loans. Loans 
are made for rural industrialization and rural community 
facilities under Rural Development Act amendments to the 
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932 et 
seq.) authorities. Business and industrial loans are made to 
public, private, or cooperative organizations organized for 
profit; to certain Indian tribes; or to individuals for the 
purpose of improving, developing, or financing business, 
industry, and employment or improving the economic and 
environmental climate in rural areas. Such purposes include 
financing business and industrial acquisition, construction, 
enlargement, repair or modernization; financing the purchase 
and development of land, easements, rights-of-way, buildings, 
and payment of startup costs; and supplying working capital.
    Rural business development grants were authorized by the 
Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79) and can be made to 
governmental and nonprofit entities and Indian Tribes. Up to 10 
percent of appropriated funds may be used to identify and 
analyze business opportunities; identify, train, and provide 
technical assistance to existing or prospective rural 
entrepreneurs and managers; assist in the establishment of new 
rural businesses and the maintenance of existing businesses; 
conduct economic development planning, coordination, and 
leadership development; and establish centers for training, 
technology, and trade. The balance of appropriated funding may 
be used for projects that support the development of business 
enterprises that finance or facilitate the development of small 
and emerging private business enterprise; the establishment, 
expansion, and operation of rural distance learning networks; 
the development of rural learning programs; and the provision 
of technical assistance and training to rural communities for 
the purpose of improving passenger transportation.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $77,728,000 
for the Rural Business Program Account.
    The following table provides the Committee's 
recommendations, as compared to the fiscal year 2023 and budget 
request levels:

                                         RURAL BUSINESS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Fiscal year
                                                                 Fiscal year      2024 budget       Committee
                                                                 2023 enacted       request       recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan levels:
    Business and industry guaranteed loans loan levels.......        1,800,000        2,000,000        1,800,000
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, loan levels.....................................        1,800,000        2,000,000        1,800,000
                                                              ==================================================
Budget Authority:
    Business and industry guaranteed loans...................           38,520           47,600           28,728
    Rural business development grants........................           37,000           40,000           37,000
    DRA, NBRC, ARC, and SWBRC................................            9,000            9,000           12,000
    Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grants..........            2,000            7,000  ...............
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, budget authority................................           86,520          103,600           77,728
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Federal Regional Commissions and Authorities.--The 
Committee recognizes that strong partnerships exist between RD 
and Federal Regional Commissions and Authorities. The Committee 
encourages RD to coordinate with the Regional Commissions to 
promote efficiency during the grant planning and review 
process. Additionally, the Committee encourages RD to ensure 
flexible processes are available for each Regional Commission 
as appropriate.
    Infant Formula Manufacturing.--The Committee directs the 
Secretary to ensure that small infant formula manufacturing 
facilities located in rural areas are aware of their 
eligibility for the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan 
Program.
    Rural Business Program Account.--The Committee recommends 
$500,000 for transportation technical assistance.
    The Committee directs that of the $400,000 recommended for 
grants to benefit federally Recognized Native American Tribes, 
$250,000 shall be used to implement an American Indian and 
Alaska Native passenger transportation development and 
assistance initiative. Additionally, the Committee encourages 
the Department to improve information sharing about Rural 
Development's business support programs with local small 
business advisory organizations.

              INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM FUND ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Fiscal year 2023  Fiscal year 2024      Committee
                                                                 enacted       budget request    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated loan level......................................            18,889            18,889            18,889
Direct loan subsidy.......................................             3,313             5,733             5,733
Administrative expenses...................................             4,468             4,468             4,468
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total, loan subsidies and administrative expenses...             7,781            10,201            10,201
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Rural Development Intermediary Relending Loan program 
was originally authorized by the Economic Opportunity Act of 
1964 (Public Law 88-452). The making of rural development loans 
by USDA was reauthorized by the Agricultural Act of 2014 
(Public Law 113-79).
    Loans are made to intermediary borrowers (small investment 
groups) who in turn will reloan the funds to rural businesses, 
community development corporations, private nonprofit 
organizations, public agencies, et cetera, for the purpose of 
improving business, industry, community facilities, employment 
opportunities, and diversification of the economy in rural 
areas.
    The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (Public Law 74-605) 
established the program account. Appropriations to this account 
will be used to cover the lifetime subsidy costs associated 
with the direct loans obligated in 2024, as well as 
administrative expenses.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $10,201,000 
for the Intermediary Relending Program Fund.

            RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

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

                        COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

    The Committee recommends a loan program level of 
$75,000,000 and $15,000,000 in grants to be funded from 
earnings on the Cushion of Credit and fees on guaranteed 
underwriting loans made pursuant to section 313A of the Rural 
Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901).

                                RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Fiscal year 2023  Fiscal year 2024      Committee
                                                                  level            request       recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated loan level......................................            75,000            75,000            75,000
Estimated grants..........................................            15,000            15,000            15,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $28,300,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      29,800,000
Committee recommendation................................      28,300,000

    Rural cooperative development grants are authorized under 
section 310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development 
Act (Public Law 113-79), as amended. Grants are made to fund 
the establishment and operation of centers for rural 
cooperative development with the primary purpose of improving 
economic conditions in rural areas. Grants may be made to 
nonprofit institutions or institutions of higher education. 
Grants may be used to pay up to 75 percent of the cost of the 
project and associated administrative costs. The applicant must 
contribute at least 25 percent from non-Federal sources, except 
1994 institutions, which only need to provide five percent. 
Grants are competitive and are awarded based on specific 
selection criteria.
    Cooperative research agreements are authorized by 7 U.S.C. 
2204b. The funds are used for cooperative research agreements, 
primarily with colleges and universities, on critical 
operational, organizational, and structural issues facing 
cooperatives.
    Cooperative agreements are authorized under 7 U.S.C. 2201 
to any qualified State departments of agriculture, 
universities, and other State entities to conduct research that 
will strengthen and enhance the operations of agricultural 
marketing cooperatives in rural areas.
    The Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas [ATTRA] 
program was first authorized by the Food Security Act of 1985 
(Public Law 99-198). The program provides information and 
technical assistance to agricultural producers to adopt 
sustainable agricultural practices that are environmentally 
friendly and lower production costs.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The following table provides the Committee's recommendation 
as compared to the fiscal year 2023 and budget request levels:

                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Fiscal year 2023  Fiscal year 2024      Committee
                                                                  level            request       recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Cooperative Development Grants......................             5,800             7,000             5,800
Appropriate Technology Transfer...........................             3,500             2,800             3,500
Grants to Assist Minority Producers.......................             3,000             4,000             3,000
Value-Added Producer Grants...............................            13,000            13,000            13,000
Agriculture Innovation Center Demonstration Grants........             3,000             3,000             3,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total Rural Cooperative Development Grants..........            28,300            29,800            28,300
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $28,300,000 
for Rural Cooperative Development Grants.
    Of the funds recommended, $3,500,000 is for the Appropriate 
Technology Transfer for Rural Areas program.
    The Committee includes bill language directing that not 
more than $3,000,000 be made available to cooperatives or 
associations of cooperatives whose primary focus is to provide 
assistance to small, minority producers.
    Agriculture Innovation Centers.--The Committee recommends 
$3,000,000 for Agriculture Innovation Center funding, as 
authorized in section 6402 of Public Law 107-171, to be 
available as grants to States authorized to host, and that have 
previously hosted, a USDA Agriculture Innovation Center and 
where the State continues to demonstrate support and provide 
non-Federal grant funding to producers developing, producing, 
and marketing value-added agricultural and food products. Prior 
year or current grant awardees shall be eligible for these 
funds.
    Value-Added Producer Grants.--The Committee directs that 
Value-Added Producer Grants be prioritized to support the 
production of value-added agricultural products, including 
dairy, with significant potential to expand production and 
processing in the United States.

               RURAL MICROENTREPRENEUR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $6,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       8,250,000
Committee recommendation................................       6,000,000

    The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program is 
authorized under section 379E(d) of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008s). This program provides 
direct loans and grants to microentreprenuer development 
organizations with the skills necessary to establish new rural 
microenterprises and provide technical assistance to maintain 
the successful operation of rural microenterprises.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,000,000 for 
the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program.

                    RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2023....................................         $18,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      30,000,000
Committee recommendation................................................

    The Rural Energy for America Program is authorized under 
section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
2002 (Public Law 107-171). This program may fund energy audits, 
direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants to farmers, ranchers, 
and small rural businesses for the purchase of renewable energy 
systems and for energy efficiency improvements.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee does not recommend a discretionary 
appropriation for the Rural Energy for America Program.
    The following table provides the Committee's recommendation 
as compared to the fiscal year 2023 and budget request levels:

                                        RURAL ENERGY FOR AMERICA PROGRAM
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Fiscal year
                                                                    Fiscal year     2024 budget      Committee
                                                                   2023 enacted       request     recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated loan level............................................          20,000          50,000          50,000
Guaranteed loan subsidy.........................................              18  ..............  ..............
Grants..........................................................  ..............          30,000  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Rural Energy for America Program [REAP].--The Committee 
encourages the Department to focus a portion of funding on 
underserved renewable technologies.
    The Committee also acknowledges the potential of the Rural 
Energy for America Program in helping rural agricultural 
producers and small businesses diversify on-farm income and 
promote energy efficiency through renewable energy production. 
However, the Committee recognizes financial barriers to program 
utilization by small agricultural producers and small 
businesses due to matching fund requirements and reimbursement-
based grant funding. As such, the Committee encourages the 
Department to make REAP grants more accessible to socially 
disadvantaged groups and low income applicants to ensure the 
program's feasibility and accessibility for applicants of all 
demographics.

                   HEALTHY FOOD FINANCING INITIATIVE

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $3,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       5,000,000
Committee recommendation................................       1,000,000

    The Healthy Food Financing Initiative is authorized under 
section 4206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014. This program 
provides financial and technical assistance to regional, State 
and local partnerships, and helps fund projects to improve 
access to fresh, healthy foods in underserved rural areas.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,000,000 for 
the Healthy Food Financing Initiative and notes the funding 
provided through the American Rescue Plan Act.

                        Rural Utilities Service

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

             RURAL WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2023....................................    $596,404,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................     882,295,000
Committee recommendation................................     671,560,000

    The water and waste disposal program is authorized by 
sections 306, 306A, 309A, 306C, 306D, 306E, and 310B of the 
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (Public Law 87-
128). This program makes loans for water and waste development 
costs. Development loans are made to associations, including 
corporations operating on a nonprofit basis, municipalities, 
and similar organizations generally designated as public or 
quasi-public agencies, that propose projects for the 
development, storage, treatment, purification, and distribution 
of domestic water or the collection, treatment, or disposal of 
waste in rural areas. Such grants may not exceed 75 percent of 
the development cost of the projects and can supplement other 
funds borrowed or furnished by applicants to pay development 
costs.
    The solid waste grant program is authorized under section 
310B(b) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act 
(Public Law 87-128). Grants are made to public entities and 
private nonprofit organizations to provide technical assistance 
to local and regional governments for the purpose of reducing 
or eliminating pollution of water resources and for improving 
the planning and management of solid waste disposal facilities.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $671,560,000 
for the Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account.
    The Committee recommends $70,000,000 for water and waste 
disposal systems grants for Native Americans, including Native 
Alaskans, Hawaiian Homelands, and the Colonias. The Committee 
recognizes the special needs and problems for delivery of basic 
services to these populations and encourages the Secretary to 
distribute these funds in line with the fiscal year 2014 
distribution to the degree practicable. In addition, the 
Committee makes up to $25,000,000 available for the circuit 
rider program.
    The following table provides the Committee's 
recommendations, as compared to the fiscal year 2023 and budget 
request levels:

                                 RURAL WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL PROGRAM ACCOUNT
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Fiscal year 2023  Fiscal year 2024      Committee
                                                                 enacted       budget request    recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan levels:
    Water and waste disposal direct loans.................         1,400,000         1,500,000           850,000
    Water and waste disposal direct zero percent loans....  ................  ................  ................
    Water and waste disposal direct one percent loans.....            20,000           110,000            30,000
    Water and waste disposal guaranteed loans.............            50,000            50,000            50,000
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total, loan levels..................................         1,470,000         1,660,000           930,000
                                                           =====================================================
Budget authority:
    Water and waste disposal direct loans.................  ................           125,250            70,975
    Water and waste disposal direct zero percent loans....  ................  ................  ................
    Water and waste disposal direct one percent loans.....             2,724            29,645             8,085
    Water and waste disposal grants.......................           430,000           538,400           430,000
    Solid waste management grants.........................             4,000             4,000             4,000
    Water well systems grants.............................             5,000             5,000             5,000
    Colonias, AK, HI and Native American grants...........            70,000            87,000            70,000
    Water and waste water revolving funds.................             1,000             1,000             1,000
    High energy cost grants...............................            10,000            10,000            10,000
    Circuit rider.........................................            21,180            25,000            25,000
    Emergency community water assistance grants...........            15,000            15,000            10,000
    Technical assistance grants...........................            37,500            42,000            37,500
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------
      Total, budget authority.............................           596,404           882,295           671,560
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Technical Assistance.--The Committee provides $37,500,000 
for technical assistance and directs no less than $1,000,000 to 
be used to support manufactured homes.

   RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

    The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (Public Law 74-605) 
provides the statutory authority for the electric and 
telecommunications programs.
    The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-508) 
established the program account. An appropriation to this 
account will be used to cover the lifetime subsidy costs 
associated with the direct loans obligated and loan guarantees 
committed in fiscal year 2024, as well as administrative 
expenses.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The following table reflects the Committee's recommendation 
for the Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans 
Program Account, the loan subsidy and administrative expenses, 
as compared to the fiscal year 2023 and budget request levels:

                       RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Fiscal year
                                                                 Fiscal year      2024 budget       Committee
                                                                 2023 enacted       request       recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan authorization:
Electric:
    Direct FFB...............................................        2,167,000        2,167,000        2,167,000
    Electric Direct, Treasury Rate...........................        4,333,000        4,333,000        4,333,000
    Guaranteed underwriting..................................          900,000  ...............          900,000
Telecommunications:
    Direct, Treasury Rate....................................          690,000          690,000          690,000
    Rural Energy Savings Program.............................          110,898          192,845           60,000
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, Loan authorization..............................        8,200,897        7,382,845        8,150,000
                                                              ==================================================
    Direct, Treasury Rate Telecomm Subsidy...................            3,726            7,176            7,176
    Rural Energy Savings Program.............................           11,500           34,500           10,734
    Clean Energy Technical Assistance........................  ...............           15,000  ...............
    Administrative Expenses..................................           33,270           33,270           33,270
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total budget authority.................................           48,496           89,946           51,180
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         DISTANCE LEARNING, TELEMEDICINE AND BROADBAND PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2023....................................    $466,504,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................     476,337,000
Committee recommendation................................     195,721,000

    The Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program 
is authorized by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade 
Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-624), as amended by the Federal 
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-
127). This program provides incentives to improve the quality 
of phone services, provide access to advanced 
telecommunications services and computer networks, and improve 
rural opportunities.
    This program provides the facilities and equipment to link 
rural education and medical facilities with more urban centers 
and other facilities, providing rural residents access to 
better healthcare through technology and increasing educational 
opportunities for rural students. These funds are available for 
loans and grants.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $195,721,000 
for the Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program.
    The following table reflects the Committee's recommendation 
for the Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program, 
as compared to fiscal year 2023 and the budget request levels:

                             DISTANCE LEARNING, TELEMEDICINE, AND BROADBAND PROGRAM
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Fiscal year
                                                                 Fiscal year      2024 budget       Committee
                                                                 2023 enacted       request       recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan and grant levels:
Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program:
    Grants...................................................           60,000           65,000           60,000
    Congressionally Directed Spending........................            4,991  ...............            2,721
Broadband Program:
    Treasury rate loans......................................           14,674           14,674  ...............
    Treasury rate loans budget authority.....................            2,000            2,037  ...............
    Middle mile loans........................................           15,873  ...............  ...............
    Middle mile loans budget authority.......................            1,000  ...............  ...............
    Grants...................................................           35,000           35,000           35,000
    Re-Connect...............................................          348,000          374,300           98,000
        Congressionally Directed Spending....................           15,513  ...............  ...............
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, DLT and Broadband Program level.................           30,547           14,674  ...............
                                                              ==================================================
      Total, DLT and Broadband budget authority..............          466,504          476,337          195,721
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Committee provides $3,000,000 to address critical 
healthcare needs, as authorized by section 379G of the 
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (Public Law 115-
334).
    Broadband Interagency Agreement.--The Committee directs the 
Department to continue the interagency agreement between the 
Federal Communications Commission, the National 
Telecommunications and Information Administration, and USDA.
    Congressionally Directed Spending [CDS].--The Committee has 
provided CDS for certain activities and locations under 
Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program. While 
the Committee has provided the funding, recipients of CDS are 
still required to apply for the funding. The Committee expects 
the agency to review the applications and fund projects in the 
same manner as in previous years.
    ReConnect.--The Committee provides $98,000,000 for the 
ReConnect pilot, which was established in the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115-141), and again 
reminds USDA that funding should not be used in areas that are 
already largely served and should be focused in areas where at 
least 90% of households lack access. In doing so, the Committee 
intends that USDA should avoid efforts that could duplicate 
existing or planned broadband networks, including avoiding 
granting funding in areas where another provider already has 
received funding from another Federal, State or local funding 
program to build, has otherwise committed to a government 
entity to build, or has invested private risk capital to build 
in an area and has obtained necessary permits to do so, even if 
construction is not yet complete. To achieve these goals, we 
urge USDA to continue coordinating closely with the National 
Telecommunications Information Administration and the Federal 
Communications Commission in a transparent manner to ensure 
that there is a common agreement about which areas are 
currently unserved, to utilize a common map to reach those 
conclusions that is updated each time a new funding decision is 
announced, and to have a clear and understandable challenge 
process.
    To avoid waste, funding should be given only to applicants 
that can and will follow through with their commitments by 
prioritizing applications from applicants that have 
demonstrated the technical and financial experience required to 
construct and operate broadband networks. To incentivize 
participation, applications should be as streamlined as 
possible, including allowing all providers to offer proof of 
financial capability through bond ratings instead of submitting 
financial documentation, and to offer collateral for loans as 
well as security for performance under grants using alternate 
forms of security instead of providing a first lien on assets. 
Applications should only require the data strictly necessary to 
evaluate the application and post-award burdens should be 
minimized.
    In addition, while the pilot is intended to be technology 
neutral, it is critical that federal broadband investments 
support projects that are both scalable and adequate for both 
current and future technological requirement and consumer 
needs. In carrying out the Reconnect program, the Committee 
directs USDA to support qualified projects that will provide 
the highest upload and download speeds possible to ensure rural 
America is receiving the same quality broadband services as 
their non-rural counterparts.
    The Committee also remains concerned that States and 
territories outside the contiguous United States are having 
difficulty utilizing this program and directs the agency to 
report back to the Committee with recommendations to address 
these concerns.
    Satellite Service.--The Committee still awaits the report 
on the feasibility and cost of utilizing satellite Internet 
service under its existing programs. The report must cover a 
cost comparison of fiber versus satellite costs with a focus on 
reaching rural areas. Additionally, USDA should report on any 
statutory barriers that prevent program dollars to go toward 
satellite Internet access.

                                TITLE IV

                         DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS

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

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $1,376,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       1,416,000
Committee recommendation................................       1,376,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,376,000 for 
the Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and 
Consumer Services.
    Application Process.--The Committee is concerned that the 
application process for organizations which participate in both 
the Summer Food Service Program and the Child and Adult Care 
Food Program diverts resources away from serving vulnerable 
populations. The Committee directs USDA to determine ways to 
streamline the application process to reduce the administrative 
burden to providers. USDA is specifically directed to consider 
allowing organizations in good standing for 3 years 
participating in both programs to file only one application to 
administer both programs each year.
    Meals-to-You.--The Committee recognizes the benefits the 
Meals-to-You [MTY] demonstration program has had in reducing 
food insecurity, particularly for children and youth in rural 
and frontier areas who are unable to access congregate feeding 
sites. The Committee encourages FNS to continue providing meal 
delivery services through the MTY demonstration project through 
a grant or cooperative agreement to a non-profit provider that 
works with local service institutions to enroll eligible low-
income children.

                       Food and Nutrition Service

    The Food and Nutrition Service represents an organizational 
effort to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in this country. 
Nutrition assistance programs provide access to a nutritionally 
adequate diet for low-income individuals and families and 
encourage better eating patterns among the Nation's children. 
These programs include:
    Child Nutrition Programs [CNP].--The National School Lunch 
and School Breakfast, Summer Food Service, and Child and Adult 
Care Food programs provide funding to the States, Puerto Rico, 
the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam for use in serving 
nutritious lunches and breakfasts to children attending schools 
of high school grades and under, to children of preschool age 
in child care centers, and to children in other institutions in 
order to improve the health and well-being of the Nation's 
children and broaden the markets for agricultural food 
commodities. Through the Special Milk Program, assistance is 
provided to the States for making reimbursement payments to 
eligible schools and child care institutions which institute or 
expand milk service in order to increase the consumption of 
fluid milk by children. Funds for this program are provided by 
direct appropriation and transfer from section 32.
    Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, 
and Children [WIC].--This program safeguards the health of 
pregnant, postpartum, and breast-feeding women, and infants and 
children up to age five who are at nutritional risk because of 
inadequate nutrition and income by providing supplemental 
foods. The delivery of supplemental foods may be done through 
health clinics, vouchers redeemable at retail food stores, or 
other approved methods which a cooperating State health agency 
may select. Funds for this program are provided by direct 
appropriation.
    Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP].--This 
program seeks to improve nutritional standards of needy persons 
and families. Assistance is provided to eligible households to 
enable them to obtain a better diet by increasing their food 
purchasing capability, usually by furnishing benefits in the 
form of electronic access to funds. The program includes 
Nutrition Assistance to Puerto Rico [NAP]. The program also 
includes the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations 
[FDPIR], which provides nutritious agricultural commodities to 
low-income persons living on or near Indian reservations who 
choose not to participate in SNAP.
    Commodity Assistance Program [CAP].--This program provides 
funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program [CSFP], the 
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program [FMNP], Disaster Assistance, 
Pacific Island Assistance, and administrative expenses for the 
Emergency Food Assistance Program [TEFAP]. CSFP provides 
supplemental foods to low-income elderly persons age 60 and 
over. TEFAP provides commodities and grant funds to State 
agencies to assist in the cost of storage and distribution of 
donated commodities. Nutritious agricultural commodities are 
provided to residents of the Federated States of Micronesia and 
the Marshall Islands. Cash assistance is provided to 
distributing agencies to assist them in meeting administrative 
expenses incurred. CAP also provides funding for use in non-
presidentially declared disasters and for FNS's administrative 
costs in connection with relief for all disasters. Funds for 
this program are provided by direct appropriation.
    Nutrition Programs Administration.--Most salaries and 
Federal operating expenses of FNS are funded from this account. 
Also included is the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, 
which oversees improvements in and revisions to the food 
guidance systems and serves as the focal point for advancing 
and coordinating nutrition promotion and education policy to 
improve the health of all Americans.

                        CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2023.................................... $28,545,432,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................  32,030,897,000
Committee recommendation................................  32,032,897,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends $32,032,897,000 for the Child 
Nutrition Programs.
    The Committee's recommendation provides for the following 
annual rates for the child nutrition programs.

                      TOTAL OBLIGATIONAL AUTHORITY
                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Committee
                Child nutrition programs                  recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Milk Program...................................            6,651
State Administrative Expenses..........................          491,591
Commodity Procurement..................................        1,948,518
Team Nutrition.........................................           20,162
Food Safety Education..................................            4,378
Coordinated Review.....................................           10,000
Computer Support.......................................           34,912
Training and Technical Assistance......................           61,291
CNP Studies and Evaluation.............................           21,876
Farm to School Team....................................            9,533
Payment Accuracy.......................................           17,069
School Meal Equipment Grants...........................           20,000
Child Nutrition Training...............................            2,000
Farm to School Grants..................................           10,000
                                                        ----------------
      Total............................................       32,032,897
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Committee expects FNS to utilize the National Food 
Service Management Institute to carry out the food safety 
education program.
    Child and Adult Care Food Program [CACFP].--The Committee 
encourages FNS to explore utilizing third-party services to 
deliver meals and snacks through CACFP in a non-congregate 
setting, particularly in school districts in which the poverty 
rate is higher than the National average. The Committee directs 
FNS to provide a report within 90 days of enactment of this act 
detailing steps taken and potential cost savings to school 
districts, States, and the Federal Government.
    Child Nutrition Meal Patterns.--The Committee is pleased 
that, consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the 
Secretary included low-fat, flavored milk and reasonable sodium 
reduction standards for School Years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 in 
USDA Final Rule: Child Nutrition Programs: Transitional 
Standards for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium. The Committee 
urges the Department in forthcoming rulemaking on child 
nutrition program meal pattern requirements to retain low-fat, 
flavored milk as a nutrient-rich option for the milk component 
and to consider the food safety and functional uses of sodium 
in cheese.
    Costs of Producing School Meals in Outlying Areas.--The 
Committee is concerned that the per-meal reimbursement rates 
for schools meals in the outlying areas do not accurately 
reflect the high cost of producing and supplying school lunches 
and breakfasts, and that lower than needed reimbursements may 
result in a cost burden for school meals programs and lower 
child nutrition program participation. The Committee notes that 
USDA's calculation for the National average payment rate for 
the outlying areas has not be appropriately adjusted for 
increased costs since its original 1979 analysis based on data 
from the 1976 Thrifty Food Plan and the 1976 County Business 
Patterns. The Committee directs USDA to provide a temporary 
increase in the National average payment rate for the outlying 
areas at a rate at least equal to the National average payment 
rate for Alaska until the School Nutrition Cost Study II is 
completed and updated adjustments for school meal 
reimbursements for these areas are subsequently made, pursuant 
to 42 U.S.C. Section 1760(f). The Committee further directs 
USDA to provide necessary technical assistance and flexibility 
to school food authorities and school staff in the outlying 
areas to ensure the collection of complete and accurate data 
for the School Nutrition Cost Study II.
    Crediting System.--The Committee recognizes that the 
current crediting system used by FNS in administering the 
School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program has not 
been updated to keep pace with products in the marketplace. 
Specifically, Greek yogurt receives the same protein crediting 
as other products with less protein. The Committee directs the 
Secretary to update the system of crediting high-protein yogurt 
to accurately reflect scientifically demonstrated higher 
protein content in strained yogurt.
    Farm to School Program.--Successful implementation of Farm 
to School programs requires broad-based knowledge of best 
practices regarding coordination among farmers, processors, 
distributors, students, teachers, dietary and food preparation 
staff, and USDA professionals. Since the scope of some Farm to 
School projects has expanded in recent years, the Committee has 
included language to allow maximum grant amounts to increase to 
$500,000. Of the grant funds provided, the Committee directs 
the Secretary to use $500,000 to form at least one cooperative 
agreement with an established entity, such as regional a Farm 
to School institute, for the creation and dissemination of 
information on farm to school program development and to 
provide practitioner education, training, ongoing school year 
coaching, and technical assistance.
    Pulse Crops.--The Committee recognizes the nutritional 
value of pulse crops for children and encourages FNS to support 
school food authorities in sourcing and serving pulse crops.
    Seafood Consumption in the National School Lunch Program.--
USDA is directed to submit to the Committee, within 120 days of 
enactment of this Act, a plan developed in coordination with 
the NOAA, to address factors limiting seafood consumption in 
school as recommended in GAO report ``National School Lunch 
Program: USDA Could Enhance Assistance to States and Schools in 
Providing Seafood to Students'' [GAO-23-105179].
    Summer Food Service Program.--The Fiscal Year 2021 
Consolidated Appropriations Act Explanatory Statement directed 
USDA to submit a report to the Committee ``within 1 year of 
enactment of this Act describing the number of Summer Food 
Service Program grantees, the States in which they operate, the 
innovative methods of food delivery by non-congregate means and 
in non-congregate settings, and the number of additional youth 
served as a result.'' The USDA Food and Nutrition Service has 
not yet completed this report. The Committee directs USDA to 
submit this report within 30 days of enactment.

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

Appropriations, 2023....................................  $6,000,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................   6,300,000,000
Committee recommendation................................   6,300,000,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $6,300,000,000 
for the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, 
and Children.
    The Committee recommendation fully funds estimated WIC 
participation in fiscal year 2024. The Committee provides 
$90,000,000 for breastfeeding support initiatives and 
$14,000,000 for infrastructure.
    Allergenic Foods.--The Committee encourages the Secretary 
to issue regulations to address the early introduction of 
potentially allergenic foods within the Special Supplemental 
Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children to align 
with the most recent edition of the Dietary Guidelines for 
Americans.
    Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Recommendations.--WIC 
designated Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome [NAS] as a nutrition 
risk factor in 2017, and WIC agencies across the country 
actively screen for symptoms of substance use, referring 
mothers who may be struggling with substance use disorder to 
appropriate services. The Committee encourages USDA to 
collaborate with the Department of Health and Human Services on 
the development of uniform, evidence-based nutrition education 
materials in order to best serve WIC-eligible pregnant women 
and caregivers to infants impacted by NAS. Uniform materials 
will enhance WIC's ongoing efforts to screen and support 
infants exhibiting symptoms of NAS.
    WIC Food Package.--The Committee is pleased that the 
Department issued regulations for public comment to update the 
WIC food package. The Committee encourages FNS to pay 
particular attention to comments received regarding the 
inclusion of low-mercury fish.

               SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2023

                                                        $153,867,723,000

Budget estimate, 2024

                                                         122,133,239,000

Committee recommendation

                                                         122,141,239,000

    SNAP attempts to alleviate hunger and malnutrition among 
low-income persons by increasing their food purchasing power. 
Eligible households receive SNAP benefits with which they can 
purchase food through regular retail stores.
    Other programs funded through SNAP include Nutrition 
Assistance to Puerto Rico and American Samoa, the Food 
Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, the Emergency Food 
Assistance Program, and the Community Food Projects program.
    SNAP is currently in operation in all 50 States, the 
District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. 
Participating households receive food benefits, the value of 
which is determined by household size and income. The cost of 
the benefits is paid by the Federal Government. As required by 
law, FNS annually revises household benefit allotments to 
reflect changes in the cost of the thrifty food plan.
    Administrative Costs.--All direct and indirect 
administrative costs incurred for certification of households, 
issuance of benefits, quality control, outreach, and fair 
hearing efforts are shared by the Federal Government and the 
States on a 50-50 basis.
    State Antifraud Activities.--Under the provisions of the 
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246), States are 
eligible to be reimbursed for 50 percent of the costs of their 
fraud investigations and prosecutions.
    States are required to implement an employment and training 
program for the purpose of assisting members of households 
participating in SNAP in gaining skills, training, or 
experience that will increase their ability to obtain regular 
employment. USDA has implemented a grant program to States to 
assist them in providing employment and training services.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends $122,141,239,000 for the 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Of the amount 
recommended, $3,000,000,000 is made available as a contingency 
reserve.
    FDPIR Pilot Program.--The Committee is concerned that FNS 
has prohibited tribes and Tribal organizations that participate 
in the FDPIR pilot program from including traditional food 
items unless such items replace a USDA-provided item, and 
prohibited such substitutions unless the producer of the 
traditional food is able to provide sufficient quantities for 
all FDPIR participants nationwide. Allowing tribes 
participating in the pilot to source new traditional foods from 
small, indigenous producers without requiring a substitution 
will result in the inclusion of more traditional foods and help 
small, indigenous producers to expand. The Committee therefore 
directs FNS to allow tribes participating in the pilot program 
to include traditional foods without substitutions and to allow 
participating tribes to purchase traditional foods from 
producers that may not be able to provide sufficient quantities 
to serve all participating tribes across the Nation.
    National Accuracy Clearinghouse.--The Committee supports 
the full implementation of the National Accuracy Clearinghouse 
[NAC] that uses a third-party electronic data matching system, 
data analytics, and public data to determine the correct state 
to issue SNAP benefits. The Committee encourages FNS to expand 
NAC to all SNAP agencies. In addition, the Committee reiterates 
that States must administer a robust appeals process to ensure 
individuals are not automatically removed from receiving 
benefits.
    SNAP Fraud.--The Committee remains concerned about data 
discrepancies that allowed retailers to provide benefits to 
individuals using fraudulent credentials, as outlined in a 
January 2017 OIG report. The Committee encourages FNS, as part 
of their work to implement controls to address these problems, 
to consider how advanced analytics is used to improve analysis 
across multiple systems mentioned in the report. This could 
include integrating data mining and machine learning into 
source systems such as STARS and ALERT, applying computer 
vision to enhance FNS investigations, and deploying new 
predictive analytics to help detect emerging fraud schemes. The 
Committee requests USDA to continue to update Congress on its 
progress in addressing the issues outlined in the report.

                      COMMODITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Appropriations, 2023....................................    $457,710,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................     517,070,000
Committee recommendation................................     501,070,000

    The Commodity Assistance Program includes funding for the 
Commodity Supplemental Food Program and funding to pay expenses 
associated with the storage and distribution of commodities 
through The Emergency Food Assistance Program.
    The Commodity Supplemental Food Program.--Authorized by 
section 4(a) of the Agricultural and Consumer Protection Act of 
1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note), as amended in 1981 by Public Law 97-
98 and in 2014 by Public Law 113-79, this program provides 
supplemental food to low-income senior citizens and, in some 
cases, low-income infants and children up to age six and low-
income pregnant and postpartum women. The Agricultural Act of 
2014 (Public Law 113-79) discontinued the admission of new 
pregnant and postpartum women and children into the program. 
Those already in the program can continue to receive assistance 
until they are no longer eligible.
    The foods for CSFP are provided by USDA for distribution 
through State agencies. The authorized commodities include 
iron-fortified infant formula, rice cereal, cheese, canned 
juice, evaporated milk and/or nonfat dry milk, canned 
vegetables or fruits, canned meat or poultry, egg mix, 
dehydrated potatoes, farina, peanut butter, and dry beans. 
Elderly participants may receive all commodities except iron-
fortified infant formula and rice cereal.
    The Emergency Food Assistance Program.--Authorized by the 
Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 (7 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.), 
as amended, the program provides nutrition assistance to low-
income people through prepared meals served on site and through 
the distribution of commodities to low-income households for 
home consumption. The commodities are provided by USDA to State 
agencies for distribution through State-established networks. 
State agencies make the commodities available to local 
organizations, such as soup kitchens, food pantries, food 
banks, and community action agencies, for their use in 
providing nutrition assistance to those in need.
    Funds are administered by FNS through grants to State 
agencies which operate commodity distribution programs. 
Allocation of the funds to States is based on a formula which 
considers the States' unemployment rate and the number of 
persons with income below the poverty level.
    Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.--The Farmers' Market 
Nutrition Program provides WIC or WIC-eligible participants 
with coupons to purchase fresh, nutritious, unprepared foods, 
such as fruits and vegetables, from farmers' markets. This 
benefits both participants and local farmers by increasing the 
awareness and use of farmers' markets by low-income households.
    Pacific Island and Disaster Assistance.--This program 
provides funding for assistance to the nuclear-affected islands 
in the form of commodities and administrative funds. It also 
provides funding for use in non-presidentially declared 
disasters and for FNS's administrative costs in connection with 
relief for all disasters.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $501,070,000 
for the Commodity Assistance Program. The Committee continues 
to encourage the Department to distribute Commodity Assistance 
Program funds equitably among the States, based on an 
assessment of the needs and priorities of each State and the 
State's preference to receive commodity allocations through 
each of the programs funded under this account.
    Commodity Supplemental Food Program.--The Committee 
recommends $390,000,000 for CSFP.
    Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.--The Committee is aware 
that FMNP provides fresh fruits and vegetables to low-income 
mothers and children, benefiting not only WIC participants, but 
local farmers as well. Therefore, the Committee recommends 20.0 
million for FMNP and directs the Secretary to obligate these 
funds within 45 days of enactment of this act.
    The Emergency Food Assistance Program.--The Committee 
provides $90,000,000 in discretionary funding for TEFAP 
transportation, storage, and program integrity. In addition, 
the Committee recommendation grants the Secretary authority to 
transfer up to an additional 20 percent from TEFAP commodities 
for this purpose and urges the Secretary to use this authority.
    The Committee encourages the Secretary to identify 
opportunities for increasing the supply of TEFAP commodities in 
the coming fiscal year through bonus and specialty crop 
purchases. The Department shall make available to the States 
domestically produced catfish fillets for distribution to local 
agencies.

                   NUTRITION PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION

Appropriations, 2023....................................    $189,348,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................     221,193,000
Committee recommendation................................     184,348,000

    The Nutrition Programs Administration appropriation 
provides for most of the Federal operating expenses of FNS, 
which includes CNP, the Special Milk Program, WIC, SNAP, NAP, 
and CAP.
    The major objective of Nutrition Programs Administration is 
to efficiently and effectively carry out the nutrition 
assistance programs mandated by law. This is to be accomplished 
by the following: (1) giving clear and consistent guidance and 
supervision to State agencies and other cooperators; (2) 
assisting the States and other cooperators by providing 
program, managerial, financial, and other advice and expertise; 
(3) measuring, reviewing, and analyzing the progress being made 
toward achieving program objectives; and (4) carrying out 
regular staff support functions.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $184,348,000 
for Nutrition Programs Administration.

                                TITLE V

                FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS

   Office of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural 
                                Affairs

Appropriations, 2023....................................        $932,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       1,035,000
Committee recommendation................................         932,000

    The Office of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign 
Agricultural Affairs provides direction and coordination in 
carrying out the laws enacted by the Congress with respect to 
the Department's international affairs (except for foreign 
economic development). The Office has oversight and management 
responsibilities for the Foreign Agricultural Service [FAS].

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $932,000 for 
the Office of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign 
Agricultural Affairs.
    Food Chain Systems.--The Committee is aware that the lack 
of comprehensive cold food chain systems is one of the main 
causes of food loss and results in a significant percentage of 
food spoilage from farm-to-market. Preventing food loss and 
implementing a robust cold food chain results in substantial 
benefits such as increased nutrition, a safer food supply, 
greater economic opportunity, and increased resilience. In 
order to maximize the benefit investment in the agricultural 
productivity of the developing world, the Committee encourages 
the Department to give strong consideration to the use of cold 
chain technologies and include the development of appropriate 
cooling technologies in programs, policies, and strategic plans 
aimed at hunger prevention and food security in developing 
agricultural markets.
    International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program 
[IAEFP].--The Committee urges USDA to prioritize IAEFP grants 
to multi-year programs or to continue existing programs, 
including programs previously awarded IAEFP funds. Further, the 
Committee is concerned about regional limitations on eligible 
programs in previous funding opportunities and encourages USDA 
to avoid limiting eligibility of applicants to specific 
countries or regions.
    Market Access Program [MAP] and Foreign Market Development 
Program [FMD] Reporting.--The Committee directs the Department 
to publish an annual report describing the recipients of funds, 
including the quantity and specific uses of such funding 
awards, granted through MAP and FMD for the purpose of 
promoting agricultural sales in Cuba, to ensure compliance with 
Sec. 3201 of Public Law 115-334.
    Peanut Exports.--The Committee remains concerned with 
persistent non-tariff trade barriers faced by the domestic 
peanut industry when attempting to export peanuts to the 
European Union. The Committee encourages the Department to 
prioritize interagency coordination with the Office of the 
United States Trade Representative and industry engagement in 
order to develop effective and lasting solutions that will 
allow increased market access for domestic peanuts into the 
European Union.
    Pecan Exports.--The Committee directs the Department to 
prioritize interagency coordination and industry engagement to 
develop effective strategies to allow for increased market 
access of domestic pecans into India.
    Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Foods [RUTF].--The Committee notes 
that there has been a global spike in cases of child wasting as 
a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and persisting and emerging 
humanitarian crises. There is also a significant global deficit 
in the availability of therapeutic food treatments. RUTF is a 
proven intervention to address global hunger and childhood 
malnutrition, and up to 90 percent of children treated with 
RUTF recover. The Committee directs USDA to work with USAID to 
support the scale up of U.S. production and procurement of 
RUTF, and to develop a multi-year strategy to support this 
effort. The Committee further directs USDA to report on this 
strategy within 90 days of enactment of this act.

                      OFFICE OF CODEX ALIMENTARIUS

Appropriations, 2023....................................      $4,922,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................       5,009,000
Committee recommendation................................       4,922,000

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $4,922,000 for 
the Office of Codex Alimentarius.

                      Foreign Agricultural Service


                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 Transfers from
                                                                Appropriations   loan accounts        Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2023.........................................          237,330            6,063          243,393
Budget estimate, 2024........................................          256,149            6,063          262,212
Committee recommendation.....................................          237,330            6,063          243,393
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Foreign Agricultural Service was established March 10, 
1953, by Secretary's Memorandum No. 1320, supplement 1. Public 
Law 83-690, approved August 28, 1954, transferred the 
agricultural attaches from the Department of State to FAS.
    The mission of FAS overseas is to represent U.S. 
agricultural interests, promote export of domestic farm 
products, improve world trade conditions, and report on 
agricultural production and trade in foreign countries. FAS 
staff are stationed at 98 offices around the world, where they 
provide expertise in agricultural economics and marketing, as 
well as attache services.
    FAS carries out several export assistance programs to 
counter the adverse effects of unfair trade practices by 
competitors on U.S. agricultural trade. The Market Access 
Program [MAP] conducts both generic and brand-identified 
promotional programs in conjunction with nonprofit agricultural 
associations and private firms financed through reimbursable 
CCC payments.
    The General Sales Manager was established pursuant to 
section 5(f) of the charter of the Commodity Credit Corporation 
and 15 U.S.C. 714-714p. The funds allocated to the General 
Sales Manager are used for conducting the following programs: 
(1) CCC Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102), including 
facilities financing guarantees; (2) Food for Peace; (3) 
section 416b Overseas Donations Program; (4) Market Access 
Program; and (5) programs authorized by the Commodity Credit 
Corporation Charter Act (Public Law 87-155) including barter, 
export sales of most CCC-owned commodities, export payments, 
and other programs as assigned to encourage and enhance the 
export of U.S. agricultural commodities.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends $243,393,000 for the Foreign 
Agricultural Service, including a direct appropriation of 
$237,330,000.
    Borlaug Fellows Program.--The Committee provides no less 
than the fiscal year 2023 level for the Borlaug International 
Agricultural Science and Technology Fellows Program. This 
program provides training for international scientists and 
policymakers from selected developing countries. The fellows 
work closely with U.S. specialists in their fields of expertise 
and apply that knowledge in their home countries. The Committee 
recognizes the importance of this program in helping developing 
countries strengthen their agricultural practices and food 
security.
    Cochran Fellowship Program.--The Committee provides no less 
than the fiscal year 2023 level for the Cochran Fellowship 
Program. The Committee encourages the Secretary to continue to 
provide additional support for the program through the CCC 
Emerging Markets Program.

                     FOOD FOR PEACE TITLE II GRANTS

Appropriations, 2023....................................  $1,750,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................   1,800,000,000
Committee recommendation................................   1,800,000,000

    Commodities Supplied in Connection with Dispositions Abroad 
(Title II) (7 U.S.C. 1721-1726).--Commodities are supplied 
without cost through foreign governments to combat malnutrition 
and to meet famine and other emergency requirements. 
Commodities are also supplied for non-emergencies through 
public and private agencies, including intergovernmental 
organizations. The CCC pays ocean freight on shipments under 
this title and may also pay overland transportation costs to a 
landlocked country, as well as internal distribution costs in 
emergency situations. The funds appropriated for title II are 
made available to private voluntary organizations and 
cooperatives to assist these organizations in meeting 
administrative and related costs.
    Quarterly Reports.--The Secretary is directed, in 
consultation with the Administrator of USAID, to provide to the 
Committee a quarterly report on obligations and current 
balances of Food for Peace Title II grants. This report should 
also include any supplemental funding.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $1,800,000,000 
for Food for Peace title II grants.

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

Appropriations, 2023....................................    $243,331,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................     243,331,000
Committee recommendation................................     248,331,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $248,331,000 
for the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and 
Child Nutrition Program.
    Local and Regional Procurement.--The Committee provides an 
appropriation of $24,800,000 for efforts to build long-term 
agriculture sustainability and establish a local investment in 
school feeding programs. With direct U.S. commodity 
contributions, projects supported by the McGovern-Dole Food for 
Education and Child Nutrition Program have significantly 
improved the attendance, nourishment, and learning capacity of 
school-aged children in low-income countries throughout the 
impoverished world. New funding authorities would enable school 
feeding programs to proactively transition from direct 
commodity assistance to locally sourced agriculture products. 
The Committee directs the Secretary to conduct the Local and 
Regional Food Aid Procurement Project Program in accordance 
with the priorities of the McGovern-Dole International Food for 
Education and Child Nutrition Program.
    McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child 
Nutrition Program.--The Committee notes that nearly one billion 
people experienced food insecurity in food deficit nations 
around the globe. The Committee encourages the Department to 
work with voluntary organizations, cooperatives, and 
intergovernmental organizations in supporting and utilizing all 
tools of the program.

              COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION EXPORT [LOANS]

                    CREDIT GUARANTEE PROGRAM ACCOUNT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Guaranteed loan
                                                              levels
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2023...................................            6,063
Budget estimate, 2024..................................            6,063
Committee precommendation..............................            6,063
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

                                TITLE VI

            RELATED AGENCY AND FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

                Department of Health and Human Services

                      FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION

    The Food and Drug Administration [FDA] is a scientific 
regulatory agency whose mission is to promote and protect the 
public health and safety of Americans. FDA's work is a blend of 
science and law. The Food and Drug Administration Amendments 
Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-85) reaffirmed the responsibilities 
of the FDA: to ensure safe and effective products reach the 
market in a timely way and to monitor products for continued 
safety while they are in use. In addition, the FDA is entrusted 
with two critical functions in the Nation's war on terrorism: 
preventing willful contamination of all regulated products, 
including food; and improving the availability of medications 
to prevent or treat injuries caused by biological, chemical, 
radiological, or nuclear agents.
    The FDA Foods program has the primary responsibility for 
assuring that the food supply, quality of foods, food 
ingredients, and dietary supplements are safe, sanitary, 
nutritious, wholesome, and honestly labeled and that cosmetic 
products are safe and properly labeled. The variety and 
complexity of the food supply has grown dramatically while new 
and more complex safety issues, such as emerging microbial 
pathogens, natural toxins, and technological innovations in 
production and processing, have developed. This program plays a 
major role in keeping the U.S. food supply among the safest in 
the world.
    In January 2011, the Food Safety Modernization Act [FSMA] 
(Public Law 111-353) was signed into law. This law enables the 
FDA to better protect public health by strengthening the food 
safety system. It enables the FDA to focus more on preventing 
food safety and feed problems rather than relying primarily on 
reacting to problems after they occur. The law also provides 
the FDA with new enforcement authorities designed to achieve 
higher rates of compliance with prevention- and risk-based food 
and feed safety standards and to better respond to and contain 
problems when they do occur. The law also gives the FDA 
important new tools to hold imported food and feed to the same 
standards as domestic food and feed and directs the FDA to 
build an integrated national food safety system in partnership 
with State and local authorities.
    The FDA Drugs programs are comprised of four separate 
areas: Human Drugs, Animal Drugs, Medical Devices, and 
Biologics. The FDA is responsible for the lifecycle of 
products, including premarket review and post-market 
surveillance of human and animal drugs, medical devices, and 
biological products to ensure their safety and effectiveness. 
For Human Drugs, this includes assuring that all drug products 
used for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease 
are safe and effective. Additional procedures include reviewing 
and evaluating investigational new drug applications; 
evaluation of market applications for new and generic drugs and 
labeling and composition of prescription and over-the-counter 
drugs; monitoring the quality and safety of products 
manufactured in, or imported into, the United States; and 
regulating the advertising and promotion of prescription drugs. 
The Animal Drugs and Feeds program ensures only safe and 
effective veterinary drugs, intended for the treatment and/or 
prevention of diseases in animals and the improved production 
of food-producing animals, are approved for marketing.
    The FDA Biologics program assures that blood and blood 
products, blood test kits, vaccines, and therapeutics are pure, 
potent, safe, effective, and properly labeled. The program 
inspects blood banks and blood processors; licenses and 
inspects firms collecting human source plasma; evaluates and 
licenses biologics manufacturing firms and products; lot 
releases licensed products; and monitors adverse events 
associated with vaccine immunization, blood products, and other 
biologics.
    The FDA Devices and Radiological program ensures the safety 
and effectiveness of medical devices and eliminates unnecessary 
human exposure to man-made radiation from medical, 
occupational, and consumer products. In addition, the program 
enforces quality standards under the Mammography Quality 
Standards Act (Public Law 108-365). Medical devices include 
thousands of products from thermometers and contact lenses to 
heart pacemakers, hearing aids, and MRIs. Radiological products 
include items such as microwave ovens and video display 
terminals.
    The FDA's National Center for Toxicological Research [NCTR] 
in Jefferson, Arkansas, serves as a specialized resource, 
conducting peer-review scientific research that provides the 
basis for the FDA to make sound, science-based regulatory 
decisions through its premarket review and post-market 
surveillance. The research is designed to define and understand 
the biological mechanisms of action underlying the toxicity of 
products and lead to developing methods to improve assessment 
of human exposure, susceptibility, and risk of those products 
regulated by the FDA.
    In 2009, Congress granted the FDA new authority to regulate 
the manufacture, distribution, and marketing of tobacco 
products. The FDA exercises this responsibility by protecting 
the public health from the health effects of tobacco, setting 
scientific standards and standards for tobacco product review, 
conducting compliance activities to enforce its authority over 
tobacco, and conducting public education and outreach about the 
health effects of tobacco products.

                         SALARIES AND EXPENSES

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

                        [In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Appropriation    User fees       Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appropriations, 2023.........      3,530,150     3,032,643     6,562,793
Budget estimate, 2024........      3,896,028     3,074,880     6,970,908
Committee recommendation.....      3,550,150     3,074,880     6,625,030
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,550,150,000 
for salaries and expenses of the Food and Drug Administration.
    The Committee also recommends $3,074,880,000 in definite 
user fees, including: $1,336,525,000 in Prescription Drug user 
fee collections; $331,273,000 in Medical Device user fee 
collections; $33,500,000 in Animal Drug user fee collections; 
$25,000,000 in Animal Generic Drug user fee collections; 
$712,000,000 in Tobacco Product user fee collections; 
$594,150,000 in Generic Drug user fee collections; and 
$42,432,000 in Biosimilar user fee collections. The Committee 
recommendation does not include permanent, indefinite user fees 
for the Mammography Quality Standards Act; Color Certification; 
Export Certification; Priority Review Vouchers Pediatric 
Disease; Food and Feed Recall; Food Reinspection; Voluntary 
Qualified Importer Program; the Third Party Auditor Program; 
Outsourcing Facility; or Over-the-Counter Monograph. The 
Committee includes bill language that prohibits the FDA from 
developing, establishing, or operating any program of user fees 
authorized by 31 U.S.C. 9701. The Committee recommendation does 
not include proposed user fees requested in the President's 
budget for food facility registration and inspection, food 
import, food contact substance notification, cosmetics, and 
international courier imports. None of these user fee proposals 
have been authorized by Congress. The Committee will continue 
to monitor any action by the appropriate authorizing Committees 
regarding these proposed user fees.
    The Committee expects the FDA to continue all projects, 
activities, laboratories, and programs as included in fiscal 
year 2023 unless otherwise specified. The Committee provides a 
net increase of $7,000,000 for Cosmetics, $3,750,000 for Food 
Safety activities, $3,750,000 for Drug Device Shortages and 
Supply Chain, $3,000,000 for Neuroscience, and $2,500,000 for 
ALS.
    The following table reflects the Committee's 
recommendations, as compared to the fiscal year 2023 and budget 
request levels:

                               FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION SALARIES AND EXPENSES
                                            [In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Fiscal year
                                                                 Fiscal year      2024 budget       Committee
                                                                 2023 enacted       request       recommendation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Centers and related field activities:........................
    Foods....................................................        1,196,097        1,348,852        1,198,263
        Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition [CFSAN].          401,867          508,623          416,242
        Field Activities.....................................          794,230          840,229          782,021
    Human Drugs..............................................          760,494          775,446          720,963
        Center for Drug Evaluation and Research [CDER].......          551,493          560,040          515,745
        Field Activities.....................................          209,001          215,406          205,218
    Biologics................................................          271,515          277,570          266,015
        Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research [CBER]..          223,465          228,128          218,886
        Field Activities.....................................           48,050           49,442           47,129
    Animal Drugs.............................................          230,093          257,689          231,378
        Center for Veterinary Medicine [CVM].................          148,141          172,423          150,532
        Field Activities.....................................           81,952           85,266           80,846
    Medical and Radiological Devices.........................          449,297          477,990          447,604
        Center for Devices and Radiological Health...........          356,062          380,952          355,738
        Field Activities.....................................           93,235           97,038           91,866
    National Center for Toxicological Research...............           76,919           80,154           77,388
Other Activities.............................................          224,940          301,264          237,126
Rent and related activities..................................          154,509          220,377          207,377
Rental payments to GSA.......................................          166,286          156,686          166,286
                                                              --------------------------------------------------
      Total, FDA salaries and expenses, new budget authority.        3,530,150        3,896,028        3,550,150
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Acetaminophen.--The Committee continues to be concerned 
that labeling for over-the-counter [OTC] single-ingredient 
acetaminophen does not contain weight-based dosing instructions 
for children ages 6 months to 2 years despite the 
recommendations of the FDA Nonprescription Drugs Advisory 
Committee [NDAC] and Pediatric Advisory Committee in 2011 that 
data supported this information being added to the label. The 
Committee is concerned that the lack of dosing information for 
this vulnerable population may lead to dosing errors, adverse 
events, and inadequate treatment of fever and pain. While the 
Committee is encouraged that FDA has included this important 
issue among its annual forecast of planned monograph 
activities, this list is nonbinding and the issue remains 
pending after multiple decades despite its importance for 
public health. As such, the Committee directs FDA to provide to 
the Committee an update no later than 30 days after the 
enactment of this act on the timing of amending the monograph 
label for acetaminophen to include weight-based dosing 
instructions for children ages 6 months to 2 years.
    Alzheimer's Disease.--There are more than 6 million 
Americans aged 65 and over living with dementia due to 
Alzheimer's disease, and that number is predicted to double by 
2050. FDA has approved Alzheimer's therapies through the 
accelerated approval pathway that could benefit a subset of 
these patients living with early Alzheimer's disease, adhering 
to the same standards for establishing safety and efficacy as 
medicines receiving a traditional FDA approval. The 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103) 
explanatory statement noted the contributions of the 
accelerated approval pathway in expediting access to critical 
therapies for patients with cancer and certain rare diseases 
and encouraged FDA to clarify the use of the pathway to ensure 
it remains available for these patients and also encourage its 
use for other serious conditions that are unmet medical needs. 
Further, Congress gave FDA the authority to ensure that the 
accelerated approval pathway continues to ensure early access 
to safe and effective new therapies for individuals with 
serious or life-threatening illnesses. The Committee supports 
FDA's authority to approve therapies under the accelerated 
approval pathway based on surrogate endpoints or intermediate 
clinical endpoints and remains concerned about other HHS 
agencies discouraging the use of the pathway and thus patient 
access, particularly related to Alzheimer's disease therapies.
    ALS.--The Committee recognizes the FDA's Orphan Drug 
Program is one of the few agencies in the Federal Government 
that funds phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials for new ALS 
therapies. In addition, FDA-sponsored research can expedite ALS 
drug development through innovative trial designs that can 
speed the FDA regulatory processes for new ALS treatments. The 
Committee provides an increase of $2,500,000 to implement the 
Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act (Public 
Law 117-79), including implementation of the act for ALS Action 
Plan, operation of the Public Private Partnership, and 
supporting the FDA Rare Neurodegenerative Disease Grant Program 
which is authorized to provide grants for clinical trials for 
ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. Funding for this 
program will further scientific knowledge to inform product 
development to allow more ALS patients to participate in the 
clinical testing process and have access to experimental 
therapies.
    Animal Biotechnology.--The Committee encourages the FDA to 
expand upon its flexibility in regulation of the DNA of animals 
containing gene edits that could have occurred naturally or 
resulted from conventional breeding as animal drugs. The 
Committee directs FDA to consider how it can use its 
authorities in a flexible manner to these innovations and to 
continue consulting with the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure 
FDA's regulation is coordinated with USDA's approach to these 
technologies.
    Animal Food Ingredients.--Animal food ingredients are 
subject to review and approval by the Center for Veterinary 
Medicine before they can enter the interstate marketplace to be 
sold for consumption by either livestock or pets. The Committee 
is concerned about the time associated with the ingredient 
review and approval process. To address these concerns, the 
Committee directs the Center for Veterinary Medicine to improve 
animal food ingredient reviews to enable innovation and address 
challenges and opportunities in the animal food industry.
    Animal Product Terminology.--The Committee is concerned 
about the increase of products, which do not include meat or 
egg products, that are labeled and marketed using animal food 
product terminology and related iconography. The Committee 
directs the FDA to conduct a study to better understand 
consumers' attitudes, beliefs, motivations, and perceptions 
relative to product composition, health attributes, and 
labeling. The FDA shall assess consumer perceptions of 
different terms used on labeling of plant-based alternative 
products. No later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this act, FDA shall submit to the Committee, and make publicly 
available online, a report on the findings of this study.
    Animal Testing for Cosmetics.--The Committee acknowledges 
the FDA's increased authority to regulate the safety 
substantiation of cosmetic products under Public Law 117-328 in 
the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022. The 
Committee reiterates the sense of Congress that animal testing 
should not be used for the purposes of safety testing on 
cosmetic products and should be phased out. The Committee is 
encouraged by progress made to replace cosmetic animal testing 
with modern nonanimal approaches, and understand that many 
companies already substantiate cosmetic safety without the use 
of animals. The Committee urges the FDA to continue supporting 
the development and testing of cosmetic products without the 
use of animal testing.
    Antimicrobial Research.--The Committee maintains fiscal 
year 2023 levels for biofilms and the regulatory science of 
biofilms associated with FDA work on medical devices, drug 
delivery, and public health. The funding increase will help the 
FDA meet its objectives to reduce healthcare associated 
infections as described in the FDA CDRH Regulatory Science 
Priorities report, and support the domestic manufacture and use 
of medical devices, drugs, and biological products.
    Autoantibody Qualification.--The appearance of certain 
islet autoantibodies in the serum of individuals increases the 
chance of developing type 1 diabetes at some point in the 
future. Therefore, the Committee encourages the FDA to continue 
working with the Type 1 diabetes community on the assessment of 
potential diabetes biomarkers related to islet autoimmunity, 
which might help inform the design of clinical studies.
    Botanical Dietary Supplements.--The Committee encourages 
the FDA to further invest in the science base for regulatory 
decisions on botanical dietary supplements. Expanding outreach 
and broadening safety evaluations of botanical supplements will 
help further that work. Studies of the interactions between 
botanical supplements and prescription drugs would help further 
patient safety and help inform the FDA's scientific review of 
botanical dietary supplements.
    Botanical Drugs and Drug Interactions.--The Committee 
encourages FDA to further invest in research to identify 
potential drug interactions with botanical drugs.
    Cell Cultured Products.--The Committee is aware that FDA 
has completed its first pre-market consultation for a human 
food made from cultured animal cells, the first such action 
completed under the Formal Agreement Between the U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug 
Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of 
Food Safety (the ``Formal Agreement'') announced on March 7, 
2019. The Committee is interested in the internal FDA protocols 
related to pre-market consultations for cell-cultured protein 
products, and specifically whether or not there are special or 
unique considerations made for these products in pre-market 
consultation processes under the Formal Agreement. The 
Commissioner is therefore directed to submit a report no later 
than 60 days following the enactment of this act to the 
Committee outlining the pre-market consultation process for 
cell-cultured protein products, noting any special 
accommodations made to comply with the Formal Agreement, and 
any Agency plans to coordinate with its counterparts at the 
Department of Agriculture on further action regarding the same 
products.
    Cellular Immunity.--The Committee encourages FDA to better 
understand how the cellular components of the immune response 
contribute to the effectiveness, and duration of effectiveness, 
of vaccines, boosters, and therapeutics for COVID-19 and other 
diseases. FDA is encouraged to support collaborative research 
with NIH, universities, and industry comprehensively evaluate 
the immune response of clinical trial participants. FDA is 
further encouraged, 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 
collaborative research within 1 year of the enactment of this 
act.
    Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Centers of 
Excellence.--The Committee is aware of the important 
contribution of the FDA CFSAN Centers of Excellence [COEs] 
program in supporting critical basic research as well as 
facilitating FSMA implementation. The Committee encourages the 
agency to continue to fully utilize the COEs to accomplish 
these goals and instructs that it enhance its level of support 
for FDA FSMA activities.
    Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition [CFSAN] 
Petitions.--The Committee is concerned about CFSAN's 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 Committee directs 
the FDA to report to the Committee no later than 30 days after 
enactment of this act on the number of pending exemption 
petitions before the FDA and the length of time these petitions 
have been pending. The Committee further directs the Agency to 
update the Committee on FDA's efforts to explore strategies to 
improve the preemption exemption petition process.
    Clinical Trial Operations.--The Committee recognizes that 
the COVID-19 pandemic further increased the staffing shortages 
already present at clinical research sites, exacerbating 
longstanding challenges to the timely collection and efficient 
reporting of clinical trial data in cancer research. The burden 
of data collection, entry, and verification is high and rests 
primarily with site staff, who most often input data manually. 
Meanwhile, the data fields requested for developing a given 
drug class have become increasingly numerous and may be 
complex. The Committee urges the FDA to provide guidance to 
cancer trial sites, sponsors, and contractors that both defines 
necessary data elements and streamlines data entry and 
verification processes. Such guidance will be foundational in 
maximizing clinical trial efficiency through a targeted 
reduction of the administrative burden currently placed upon 
research staff.
    Cloud.--The Committee notes the increased adoption of 
cloud-based technologies by FDA-regulated companies, and 
appreciates FDA's interest in accelerating use of modern 
systems to facilitate innovation and improve patient care. To 
further cloud adoption, the Committee encourages FDA to 
finalize guidance to medical product sponsors, including drug 
and medical device sponsors, on the use of cloud to meet and 
exceed regulatory requirements. The Committee further 
encourages FDA to continue to explore mechanisms to support 
cloud adoption, including looking at critical areas such as 
record-keeping, data integrity, and other regulatory 
requirements. The agency should ensure the collection of robust 
public input, including from regulated companies and cloud 
technology vendors.
    Data Systems.--The Committee is aware of a recent review of 
FDA's Human Foods Program that found, among other issues, a 
significant need to modernize data systems at FDA. 
Specifically, the report recommended that ``FDA should consider 
the feasibility, resource requirements, and potential benefits 
of connecting existing IT systems or developing a single system 
to receive, track and process information and ensure timely 
notification of appropriate personnel of potential signals of 
significant public health threats.'' This ability is critical 
to address safety and supply chain issues associated with 
regulated high-risk products. Currently, tracebacks are time 
and labor intensive and frequently limited by inadequate and 
disparate records and comingling of product in distribution.
    The Committee notes the increased adoption of cloud-based 
technologies by FDA-regulated companies, and appreciates FDA's 
interest in accelerating use of modern systems to facilitate 
innovation and improve patient care. To further cloud adoption, 
The Committee encourages the Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition to implement an end-to-end system of data management 
and analytics designed to work in any cloud environment. This 
system should provide food safety regulators across the human 
foods program the analytical tools to more proactively identify 
or prevent threats to regulated product safety and quality; 
provide capability for FDA to receive information via a digital 
chain of trust systems for high-risk products; and support 
public health response activities.
    Developing Products to Treat Rare Diseases.--The Committee 
is aware of the increasing number of therapeutics in 
development for rare disease patients, but there still remain 
significant gaps with 95 percent of rare diseases not having a 
FDA-approved treatment. As such, the Committee recognizes the 
importance of the Orphan Products Grant Program which supports 
development of products to treat orphan or rare diseases 
including the programs to support clinical trials, natural 
history studies, and the new authority to fund grants 
addressing regulatory science challenges. The Committee 
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level to reflect the 
critical need to support this program and the documented 
economic burden of all rare diseases.
    Device Remanufacturing Safety and Awareness.--The Committee 
recognizes that FDA has authority over remanufacturing of 
devices but is concerned that the agency needs to increase 
public awareness of the requirements applicable to device 
remanufacturing, consistent with the agency's mission to 
protect and promote public health. The Committee recognizes 
that the agency plans to publish a final guidance document on 
the remanufacturing of devices in fiscal year 2023. Within 30 
of the issuance of the final guidance document, the Committee 
directs the agency to provide a briefing to the Committee on 
the guidance and the agency's plans to promote public awareness 
of the applicable requirements and related compliance.
    Drug Approvals.--The Committee asserts that FDA's authority 
to approve medications should be based on sound science and 
devoid of political or economic considerations.
    Drug and Device Shortages.--The Committee remains concerned 
about continued reports of supply shortages for critical 
medications and devices, especially cancer drug shortages, 
which continue to pose a significant challenge, affecting 
patient access to vital treatments. The Committee provides an 
additional $3,750,000 and directs the FDA to leverage all 
available authorities to proactively address this crisis and 
ensure a consistent supply of essential medications and devices 
for patients in need.
    Enforcement of Nicotine Vapor Products.--The Committee is 
concerned that vapor use amongst youth is largely being driven 
by products that are not authorized or under review by the FDA 
in accordance with FDA's 2020 guidance. While the Committee is 
aware of recent enforcement action, the Committee strongly 
encourages the FDA to prioritize enforcement, including 
providing a public listing of vapor products that have been 
under review since 2020 so that distributors and retailers are 
aware of products that may be sold until FDA renders a decision 
on those applications; updating FDA's guidance to align 
disposal vapor products with pod-based vapor products; steps to 
improve the FDA's ability to identify unauthorized products on 
the market; and pursue all legally authorized remedies to 
ensure that all products being sold unlawfully are removed from 
the marketplace. The Committee directs the FDA to report back 
to the Committee in writing on a quarterly basis the 
enforcement actions the Agency has undertaken; the status of 
its review of vapor pre-market applications; and other steps 
the Agency has taken to ensure compliance with products that 
have not applied for pre-market review.
    Essential Medicines.--The Committee is concerned about 
Americans' access to essential medicines, as defined by the 
FDA's October 2020 essential medicines and medical 
countermeasures list. As the agency in charge of approving 
prescription drugs, reporting drug shortages, and protecting 
public health, the Committee directs the FDA to coordinate with 
the Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] and report on 
current domestic manufacturing of drugs on HHS's Critical Drug 
List and dependence on international supply chains. The review 
may account for non-viability of certain components 
domestically.
    FDA Advisory Committee Conflicts of Interest.--The 
Committee remains concerned with the Food and Drug 
Administration's conflict of interest rules as it pertains to 
advisory committees. The 2023 External Review of FDA Regulation 
of Opioid Analgesics Final Report noted the need for the FDA to 
address ``concerns about inappropriate industry influence on 
agency decision-making''. Current conflict of interest guidance 
is intended to show FDA's policies behind financial interests 
held by advisory committee membership and Government employees 
participating in advisory committee meetings. They do not 
specifically address industry influence, impact of this 
guidance on participation in meetings, or enforcement ability 
of conflict of interest guidance.
    For this reason, the Committee directs the Government 
Accountability Office, to issue a report within 90 days of 
enactment of this Act detailing: how the FDA reviews and 
enforces conflicts of interest among invited speakers and 
advisory committee members; how the FDA discloses conflicts of 
interest to advisory committees, including but not limited to 
participation in the Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and 
Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials [IMMPACT] meetings; current 
FDA conflict of interest rules and transparency associated with 
communicating these rules to meeting participants and the 
general public; how the FDA choses invited speakers to advisory 
committee meetings, including their decisions on expertise on 
the issues being considered; impact of conflict of interest 
rules on the FDA's ability to invite subject matter experts to 
advisory committee meetings; the FDA's ability to enforce 
conflict of interest rules and guidance and adherence to these 
policies.
    FDA Study on Opioid Prescribing.--The Committee remains 
concerned with the ongoing opioid abuse epidemic, and effort to 
provide treatment for those impacted. As such, the Committee 
directs the FDA to review current opioid prescribing practices, 
including the total number of opioids prescribed in a calendar 
year. The purpose of the study is to show the number of opioids 
prescribed, excluding opioids prescribed for treatment of pain 
related to cancer or cancer treatment, patients participating 
in hospice, or a patient with respect to whom the prescriber of 
the applicable opioid determines that other non-opioid pain 
management treatments are inadequate or inappropriate.
    Food Labeling Accuracy.--The Committee supports evaluating 
whether artificial intelligence [AI] driven audit tools can 
effectively assess food labeling accuracy and facilitate 
greater Federal labeling compliance. CFSAN is responsible for 
assuring that foods sold in the United States are safe and 
properly labeled. The Committee believes that AI-driven tools 
will accelerate CFSAN's goal of ensuring the accuracy of food 
labeling consistent with the Agency's obligation under the 
Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the Fair Packaging and 
Labeling Act to monitor and ensure that food labels are 
truthful and not misleading. The Committee directs CFSAN to 
report to the Committee by on the status of its evaluation.
    Food Safety Modernization Act Outreach to Small Farmers.--
The Committee expects FDA to adequately fund its programs to 
provide outreach, training, and technical assistance to educate 
small farmers on compliance with the FSMA Produce Safety Rule 
and rules for agricultural water. The Committee expects CFSAN 
to continue support for the cooperative agreement established 
for this purpose. The Committee encourages FDA to support 
critical outreach and training services to small farmers until 
the Produce Safety Rule is fully implemented, including 
enforcement and compliance of Subpart E (agricultural water) 
and Subpart F (biological soil amendments of animal origin) for 
farms and businesses of all sizes.
    Field Based Prevention Strategies.--The Committee directs 
the FDA Center for Excellence to continue to dedicate funds as 
necessary to develop field-based prevention strategies for the 
fresh produce industry.
    Foreign Approved Drugs.--The Committee supports efforts to 
increase the tools available to FDA to ensure the timely 
approval of lifesaving drugs and encourages FDA to examine 
opportunities to facilitate submission of marketing 
applications by manufacturers of drugs with marketing 
authorization in countries listed in 21 USC 382, Federal, Food, 
Drug, and Cosmetic Act section 802(b), but which are not 
approved in the United States.
    FSMA Clarification for Small Farms.--The Committee directs 
FDA to continue working with small farms to clarify 
requirements for compliance with the Food Safety Modernization 
Act, including information on the qualified exemptions 
available to small and very small farms and the actions 
required to achieve compliance under these exemptions. The 
Committee urges FDA to communicate (including through 
appropriate guidance), offer technical assistance, and provide 
other resources to assist small farms with complicance.
    Healthy Rule.--The Committee directs FDA to consider all 
data and information submitted during the open public comment 
period before publishing rules or regulations for updating the 
implied nutrient content claim healthy.
    Heavy Metals in Baby Food.--The Committee is concerned that 
lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury are often present in dangers 
quantities in foods intended for consumption by infants and 
toddlers and encourages the FDA to coordinate with the 
Department of Agriculture to ensure that a wide variety of 
healthy nutritious foods remain available to participants of 
Federal nutrition programs.
    Homeopathy.--The Committee understands the importance of 
homeopathic medicines for millions of users. Consumers access 
and safety to these products are best ensured by implementing a 
legal pathway that includes homeopathic specific standards for 
the regulation of these medicines. The Committee understands 
FDA is limited to enforcing pharmaceutical specific standards 
when taking enforcement action against products labeled as 
homeopathic. The FDA's interpretation of the law that all 
homeopathic medicines are unapproved new drugs that are 
illegally marketed has created confusion both for the 
homeopathic community and enforcement officials. The Committee 
directs the FDA to work with the homeopathic community with 
regards to the regulation of these medicines.
    Imported Shrimp Safety and Inspection Pilot Program.--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. The 
Committee maintains the fiscal year 2023 funding levels to 
implement the program. FDA's report to Congress emphasized the 
importance of increased sampling of import shipments, 
investment in laboratory capabilities, data analytics, and the 
establishment of regulatory partnership arrangements with the 
top three countries exporting shrimp to the U.S. The Committee 
encourages FDA to continue the full development and 
implementation of the shrimp pilot program including finalizing 
the establishment of regulatory partnership arrangements.
    Infant Formula.--The 2023 CAA provided the FDA with 
additional authorities and requirements to protect infants and 
improve the U.S. formula supply, including the development of a 
national strategy on infant formula; annual inspections of each 
infant formula manufacturer; monitoring of supply disruptions; 
and a study from the National Academies on challenges in 
supply, market competition, and regulation of infant formula in 
the U.S. The Committee directs the FDA to work expeditiously to 
implement the infant formula provisions of the 2023 CAA, and 
directs the FDA to brief the Committee on such efforts on a 
semi-annual basis.
    Innovative Glass Packaging.--The Committee directs the FDA 
to work with glass packaging suppliers and pharmaceutical 
manufacturers to evaluate and promote streamlined approval 
requirements designed to expedite the adoption and use of 
innovative glass packaging technologies with the capacity to 
improve product quality, reduce product recalls, reduce drug 
shortages, and protect public health. Such streamlined approval 
requirements should address stability testing and other 
relevant types of data to be submitted in support of product 
approval.
    International Mail Facilities.--The Committee remains 
concerned about the opioid epidemic that has taken the lives of 
thousands of Americans and support the FDA's continued 
investments in International Mail Facilities and Ports of Entry 
to prevent illicit drugs, including unapproved and counterfeit 
pharmaceuticals, from entering the United States.
    Islet Therapies.--The agreement encourages FDA to engage 
with the diabetes community on potential cures for Type 1 and 
Type 2 diabetes, including islet therapies. The Committee 
remains concerned about ongoing delays in research and 
development to potential cures for diabetes, including islet 
therapies, and encourages FDA to engage with stakeholders, 
including advocates, researchers and manufacturers, on 
advancing transformative diabetes treatments and cures.
    Listeria.--The Committee recognizes that developing the 
Compliance Policy Guide [CPG] for Listeria monocytogenes in 
ready-to-eat foods is a complex process, and directs the FDA to 
work with stakeholders to ensure that the CPG outlines a policy 
that is reflective of the current scientific evidence and is 
practical to implement.
    Lupus.--The Committee is aware of barriers that have long 
affected the development of therapeutics for lupus, a disease 
that primarily targets women. A chronic and complex autoimmune 
disease, lupus can affect the joints, skin, brain, lungs, 
kidneys, and blood vessels, causing widespread inflammation and 
tissue damage in the affected organ. 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.
    Medical Foods.--The Committee recognizes the unique role 
medical foods play in the nutritional management of inborn 
errors of metabolism and encourages a flexible regulatory 
process that would enhance access to safe medical foods for 
individuals with serious or life-threatening inborn errors of 
metabolism. The Committees encourages the FDA to continue 
focusing on this issue.
    Medical Gas.--The Committee is concerned that healthcare 
providers, consumers, and medical gas manufacturers have been 
waiting for 45 years for the FDA to follow through on its 
commitment to issue separate regulations for medical gases 
since it first committed to doing so in the 1978 final 
rulemaking on current good manufacturing practices. The 
Committee is encouraged that FDA recently issued proposed 
regulations in response to the statutory deadlines for medical 
gas rulemaking required in section 1112 of Food and Drug 
Administration Safety and Innovation Act (Public Law 112-144) 
and section 756 of the Fiscal Year 2017 Consolidated 
Appropriations Act (Public Law 115-31). However, the Committee 
is significantly concerned that despite its directive in the 
Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the 2023 Consolidated 
Appropriations Act (Public Law 117-328) that final regulations 
on medical gases be issued by March 31, 2023 the agency has 
indicated a projected delay of 19 months for publication to 
October 2024. The Committee directs the FDA to issue the final 
separate regulations required by the Fiscal Year 2017 
Consolidated Appropriations Act (Public Law 115-31) as soon as 
possible. Should the FDA not issue final regulations by 
September 30, 2023, the agency shall submit a written report to 
Committee every 30 days thereafter with an accompanying in-
person briefing, including explaining the status of the 
rulemaking and reasons for delay.
    Menthol Cigarettes.--The Committee commends the FDA for 
issuing proposed rules to set product standards prohibiting the 
use of characterizing menthol flavors in cigarettes and all 
non-tobacco characterizing flavors in cigars. These actions 
hold the potential to dramatically reduce smoking rates, 
mortality, and healthcare spending in current and future 
generations. The Committee notes that despite the clear science 
and recommendations from its own Advisory Committees, the FDA 
has failed to finalize such regulations to date despite several 
opportunities. The Committee directs FDA to expeditiously 
complete the rulemaking processes regarding product standards 
that ban characterizing menthol flavors in cigarettes and all 
non-tobacco characterizing flavors in cigars in order to 
protect public health.
    Metastatic Cancer.--The Committee recognizes FDA for 
ongoing efforts to gather input and patient-focused feedback 
from the metastatic cancer community. The Committee notes the 
ongoing challenge identified by patients of needing access to 
multiple therapeutic option and various sites of care due to 
the fact that patients with metastatic cancer often progress 
through multiple therapies, and encourages FDA to continue 
working to ensure multiple safe and effective therapeutic 
options with varying delivery mechanisms are available.
    Minimal (or Measurable) Residual Disease.--To expedite the 
development and safe patient access to new therapeutics, FDA is 
encouraged to support collaborative research with the National 
Institutes of Health, universities, and industry, regarding the 
utilization of Minimal (or Measurable) Residual Disease [MRD] 
testing to assess response to therapy and predict patient 
outcomes in its evaluation of therapeutic products. The 
Committee directs FDA to report within 1 year of the enactment 
of this act on advances in the science and development of 
products directed to the determination of MRD, that might soon 
enable the utilization of MRD to serve as an exploratory 
endpoint for clinical trial evaluations.
    Neuroscience.--The Committee is encouraged by the Agency's 
plants to hire additional staff with neurological expertise to 
the expand the Agency's efforts to address regulatory 
challenges in neurodegenerative drug development. As previously 
mentioned, the Committee provides an additional $3,000,000 for 
the Agency's Medical Product Centers to build on current 
efforts to advance our scientific knowledge of neurological 
diseases.
    New Alternative Methods Program.--The Committee directs FDA 
to efficiently and expeditiously utilize existing funds to 
reduce animal testing and advance alternative methods in a 
measurable and impactful way. The Committee requests a report 
within 90 days of enactment that provides details on the status 
of forming the New Alternative Methods Program in the 
Commissioner's office, including but not limited to a 
description of program goals and staffing levels by position 
classification; FDA's priority areas for reducing animal use 
and advancing alternatives, including goals, timelines and 
funding associated with each of these identified priorities; 
the metrics the agency will use to measure impact; and how the 
agency will communicate information regarding acceptance of 
alternative methods to the regulated community.
    New Era of Smarter Food Safety.--The Committee supports the 
FDA's efforts to bring together data from several agencies to 
identify and predict vulnerabilities in the Nation's food 
supply chain and enable the FDA to take a proactive approach to 
ensure food safety and supply chain continuity to prevent and 
respond to crises, such as the recent infant formula shortage. 
The Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level 
to continue this initiative.
    New Prior Knowledge.--The Committee is aware of certain 
issues with domestic drug manufacturing supply chains, and that 
the FDA has been previously encouraged to improve generic drug 
development, manufacturing, and quality of generic drugs 
domestically. The Committee urges FDA to establish a pilot 
program that will apply new tools to improve generic drug 
development, manufacturing, and quality. The program must be in 
collaboration with academic institutions that offer strengths 
in assessing and improving the generic drug supply chain to 
ensure the utilization of evidence-based best practices.
    Niemann-Pick Type C [NPC].--The Committee encourages FDA to 
increase its understanding and focus on NPC, a rare progressive 
and universally fatal disease that impact children and young 
adults. The Committee encourages FDA to use its existing 
authorities and pathways to meet the urgent unmet medical need 
of the current generation of NPC patients, including preserving 
access to existing experimental therapies already in use. The 
Committee further encourages FDA to maximize the use of 
existing natural history data and real world evidence 
contributed by this small patient population through existing 
and past clinical studies and to continue to work with 
patients, scientists, and industry partners to bring to full 
fruition the work that is being accomplished through patient 
organizations, scientists, researchers, and other to fully 
benefit this generation of NPC patients.
    Office of Therapeutic Products.--The Committee recognizes 
the FDA's efforts with regard to rare disease and oncology 
pilot programs and other positive initiatives, as well as 
recent increases to support staffing, especially within the 
Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research and the Office of 
Therapeutic Products [OTP]. However, the Committee is concerned 
about the ability to consistently achieve the desired level of 
review timeliness and quality, and encourages the FDA to 
implement and apply modern approaches to keep pace with the 
science. Specifically, the Committee encourages OTP to 
facilitate reviewers' understanding of the current scientific 
consensus and disease-specific considerations for current and 
future programs through consultation with subject matter 
experts, both internal and external to FDA. The Committee is 
also concerned about insufficient patient and expert input when 
weighing benefits and risks of potentially life changing or 
lifesaving new treatments. Further, the Committee is concerned 
that despite Congress recently reinforcing FDA's flexibilities 
and toolkit related to rare disease and unmet need, OTP is not 
fully utilizing these flexibilities and tools as Congress 
intended. The Committee notes the importance of use of these 
flexibilities and tools, as appropriate, and expects a report 
to the Committee on interim measures of progress within 1 year 
of enactment.
    Opioids.--The Committee remains concerned with the FDA use 
of enriched enrollment, randomized, withdrawal [EERW] clinical 
trial designs. Whereas the FDA Anesthetic and Analgesic Drug 
Products Advisory Committee [AADPAC] held a meeting reviewing 
EERW on extended release/long acting [ER/LA] opioids on the 
efficacy of EERW on showing efficacy, while no vote was held, 
the AADPAC noted perceived flaws in the clinical trial design. 
As such the Committee directs the FDA to immediately conduct 
its study on the EERW methodology for its use on new 
prescription opioid approvals, and review EERWs use in 
approving opioids currently on the market. The study should be 
completed within 90 days of the enactment of this Act. In 
addition, the FDA should carefully consider the broader public 
health effect of opioid analgesic drugs in making its approval 
decisions and in monitoring/considering new information about 
approved drugs, including the risks related to misuse, abuse, 
opioid use disorder, accidental exposure, and overdose, for 
both patients and others, as well as any properties of a drug 
expected to mitigate these risks.
    The Committee applauds FDA for its ongoing efforts to 
combat opioid abuse and for prioritizing Agency actions to 
expand access to non-addictive treatments and encourages FDA to 
collaborate with DEA in situations where descheduling could be 
helpful to improving access to such non-addictive treatments, 
particularly for populations that have a high prevalence of 
insomnia and other high risk conditions that impact veterans, 
military service members and front line workers. Within 180 
days, the Committee requests that FDA brief the committee on 
the status of any scientific and medical evaluation that may be 
in progress under the provisions of 21 U.S.C. 811.
    Opioid Packaging.--The Substance Use-Disorder Prevention 
that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and 
Communities Act granted FDA new authority to require special 
packaging for opioids and other drugs that pose a risk of abuse 
or overdose. The Committee is pleased FDA issued a request for 
information on requiring fixed-quantity blister packaging for 
certain opioids and strongly urges the agency to finalize this 
requirement to promote safe opioid handling and reduce the risk 
of unintentional ingestion. Additionally, the Committee 
encourages FDA to consider expanding the scope of this 
requirement beyond immediate-release, commonly-prescribed 
opioid analgesics to cover all solid, oral dosage form opioids.
    Oversight Activities.--The Committee provides $1,500,000 
for the HHS Office of Inspector General specifically for 
oversight of FDA activities.
    Pasteurized 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 strongly 
encourages both USDA and FDA to expedite work with Florida's 
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.
    Pathogen Reduction.--The Committee supports FDA's efforts 
to recommend an individual risk assessment for blood donor 
eligibility. The Committee encourages FDA to continue studying 
how to improve existing blood donation policies to advance a 
safe and adequate supply of blood and reduce stigma. Further, 
FDA must prioritize further investments in pathogen reduction 
technologies to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted 
infections and safeguard the blood supply.
    Patient Experience Data.--The Committee supports the 
development of patient experience data to inform clinical 
research design and regulatory reviews under the patient-
focused drug development process. Critical patient perspective 
insights have been generated by the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 
and other patient communities to ensure FDA has the benefit of 
this information for critical decisions including on potential 
gene therapies for this serious condition. The Committee 
encourages FDA to make every effort to incorporate all relevant 
patient experience data, including from patient advocacy 
organizations, across its regulatory obligations.
    Pediatric Device Consortia Grants.--Pediatric Device 
Consortia grants provide funding to assist innovators in 
developing medical and surgical devices designed for the unique 
needs of children, needs that often go unmet by devices 
currently available on the market. The Committee is pleased 
that the FDA-funded Pediatric Device Consortia have assisted in 
advancing the development of more than 2,500 proposed pediatric 
medical device projects since 2009. The Committee encourages 
FDA to fund Pediatric Device Consortia grants at the authorized 
level in fiscal year 2024.
    PFAS in Cosmetics.--The Committee is concerned about the 
presence of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl [PFAS] substances 
in cosmetics. The Committee directs the FDA to develop a plan 
outlining research needed to inform regulatory decisionmaking, 
including potential development of a proposed rule to ban 
intentionally added PFAS substances in cosmetics. Not later 
than 90 days after enactment, FDA will brief the committee on 
the research plan, potential regulatory options, and discuss 
considerations and anticipated challenges with issuing such a 
proposed rule.
    Pharmaceutical Marketing.--The Committee is aware of 
promotional activities by pharmaceutical companies to 
physicians and acknowledges this practice can help inform 
providers of new treatments. The Committee notes that this can 
also lead to an increase in prescribing rates of newer, and 
potentially more expensive brand-name medications. The 
Committee urges FDA to clarify the obligation of prescription 
drug and biological product sponsors with respect to 
promotional activities.
    Plant Based Alternatives.--The Committee is concerned that 
the current labeling practices of some plant-based alternatives 
to animal-derived foods have the potential to cause consumer 
confusion. The Committee directs FDA to conduct a study to 1) 
better understand consumers' perceptions and motivations 
relative to product composition, health attributes, and other 
confusing labeling and marketing practices, and 2) assess 
consumer perceptions of different terms used on labeling of 
plant-based alternative products. No later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this act, FDA shall submit to 
Congress, and make publicly available online, a report on the 
findings of this study.
    Plant Based 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. The Committee urges FDA to 
apply this same approach to labeling in pending guidance on 
plant-based foods.
    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome [PCOS].--The Committee recognizes 
that there have been no FDA-approved treatments specific to 
PCOS and commends the FDA for supporting the Externally-Led 
Patient-Focused Drug Development (EL-PFDD] meeting on PCOS. The 
Committee further encourages the FDA, based on the findings of 
the EL-PFDD meeting, to work with investigators, industry, 
patients, practitioners, and researchers to advance the 
development of safe new evidence-based therapies, diagnostics, 
devices, and that address the identified needs and treatment 
priorities of PCOS patients.
    Predictive Toxicology Roadmap Guideline Studies.--The 
Committee supports activities to implement goals set in the 
Predictive Toxicology Roadmap. However, the Committee is 
concerned that funding intended to advance New Approach 
Methodologies [NAMs] and reduce animal testing for product 
development will be used to conduct new animal tests for 
comparative guideline studies. While it is important to ensure 
that novel methods can be relied upon for product development 
and regulatory decision-making, the Committee encourages FDA to 
first consider the use of human data or existing animal study 
data in this comparative assessment, when feasible, to remain 
aligned with the intentions of the Roadmap and animal testing 
reduction, refinement, and replacement goals. The Committee 
directs NCTR to prioritize use of existing human data, or 
existing data from animal tests conducted prior to enactment of 
this act when scientifically appropriate, when collaborating 
with other FDA Centers and the National Toxicology Program data 
if appropriate.
    Promoting Domestic Manufacturing.--The Committee supports 
the Agency's work to promote the domestic manufacturing of 
drugs and biological products to help bolster supply chain 
resiliency, including consistent with Executive Order 13944. 
The Committee encourages the FDA to increase its efforts to 
encourage the pharmaceutical industry to expand and relocate 
drug manufacturing to the United States. The Committee 
encourages FDA continue programs and policies that would 
encourage the pharmaceutical industry to adopt advanced 
manufacturing technologies, which could help prompt industry to 
relocated foreign manufacturing to the United States or expand 
current domestic manufacturing. The Committee encourages the 
FDA to use any additional resources to collaborate with 
academic institutions to support the advancement, development, 
and implementation of advanced and continuous pharmaceutical 
manufacturing.
    Seafood Product Labeling.--The Committee continues to hear 
concerns with 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, 
and the labeling of these products are misleading, deceptive, 
and confusing to consumers. The Committee is concerned the 
terms ``plant-based'' and ``vegan'' exempt the producer from 
describing the actual plant source as part of the product name, 
in opposition to other FDA guidance. 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, and aligns with the structure it has applied to the 
draft guidance for the labeling of plant-based milk 
alternatives.
    Sodium.--As the agency considers next steps in finalizing 
short-term sodium reduction guidance, the Committee urges FDA 
to monitor progress towards the short-term targets and engage 
with industry stakeholders on implementation of the guidance. 
The Committee acknowledges the investment and technology 
challenges that exist for food manufacturers in reaching the 
proposed long-term reduction targets, including those that 
jeopardize food safety and integrity of food products, and 
believes it is critical that FDA demonstrate the feasibility 
and effectiveness of the long-term targets before moving 
forward.
    Sponsor Communication.--The Committee is concerned with 
FDA's reliance on ``Written Response Only'' communication, in 
lieu of live interactions when responding to meeting requests 
from sponsors. While written response can be a useful tool, 
there are times where meaningful scientific exchanges between 
sponsors and FDA is required. The Committee urges FDA to offer 
face to face or teleconference meetings when the topic of the 
meeting requires face to face or teleconference interface, as 
discussed in FDA guidance documents.
    Sunscreen.--The Committee is aware that FDA has issued a 
proposed sunscreen order in accordance with the procedures set 
forth by the Sunscreen Innovation Act and the CARES Act. The 
Committee encourages FDA to work with stakeholders to issue a 
final order that clarifies the status of currently marketed 
sunscreen ingredients, recognizing the benefit of currently 
marketed sunscreens as a proven preventative tool against skin 
cancer, the most common cancer in the United States. The 
Committee urges FDA to utilize its authorities provided under 
the CARES Act to evaluate new sunscreen ingredients already 
approved for use around the world and to educate stakeholders 
about the administrative order process to encourage research 
and development of new sunscreen technology.
    Synthetic Nicotine Products.--The Committee is concerned 
that thousands of unauthorized non-tobacco nicotine products 
remain on the market despite provisions in the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103) that require 
these products to undergo premarket review by the FDA. 
Enforcement of this requirement is critical to address 
unauthorized nicotine products that appeal to youth, including 
flavored e-cigarettes. The Committee urges FDA to clearly 
communicate to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers which 
products can be lawfully sold; improve its ability to identify 
unauthorized products on the market; and pursue all legally 
authorized remedies to ensure that all products being sold 
unlawfully are removed from the marketplace. The Committee 
directs the FDA to report back on the status of its review of 
premarket applications for non-tobacco nicotine products, the 
enforcement actions it has taken against unauthorized non-
tobacco nicotine products, and other steps the agency has taken 
to ensure compliance with the premarket review requirement.
    Tart Cherries.--The FDA published a proposed rule, titled 
Food Labeling: Nutrient Content Claims; Definition of Term 
``Healthy'' (Docket No. FDA-2016-D-2335), that, if implemented 
as proposed, would prevent tart cherries from utilizing the 
term ``healthy'' due to restrictive added sugar content limits. 
These limits fail to recognize that tart cherries require added 
sugars to meet consumer expectations for palatability and would 
place tart cherries at a competitive disadvantage to similarly 
situated fruit products that qualify as ``healthy'' despite 
those products containing higher levels of natural sugars. 
Therefore, the agency shall carefully consider all comments 
received on the proposed rule related to tart fruits, including 
tart cherries, and continue to engage with the tart fruit 
industry about their concerns with the proposed added sugar 
limits for the ``healthy'' nutrient content claim.
    Temporomandibular Disorder.--The Committee encourages FDA 
to support the development and implementation of a Patient-
Centered Coordinated Registry Network [CRN] for 
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder [TMD]. This Registry will be a 
critical component in the transformation of temporomandibular 
disorder research across other Government Agencies. The 
Committee supports collaborations among medical product centers 
related to the development of treatments for TMD and urges FDA 
to support implementing of a Temporomandibular Joint [TMJ] CRN, 
continuing the developmental work of the TMJ Patient-led 
RoundTable and its partners in successfully developing the 
Registry as an important tool in ongoing efforts to improve the 
treatment and management of TMD patients.
    Tobacco Issues.--The Committee remains deeply concerned 
about data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey showing that 
more than two 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 and to deny 
authorization for any product that does not meet the statutory 
standard for ``appropriate for the protection of the public 
health''. The Committee also urges FDA to take enforcement 
action against all products that failed to file a premarket 
tobacco product application or received a negative action on a 
submitted application, including marketing denial order.
    Traceability Rule.--The Committee notes the expanded scope 
and complexity for implementation of FDA's final rule entitled 
``Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain 
Foods'' (21 CFR Part 1, Subpart S). The Committee recognizes 
that the FDA needs to develop a list of each commodity grouping 
subject to the rule; to make available educational materials 
for providers thatare interested in developing cost-effective 
technology for purposes of rule implementation; and to publish 
a protocol detailing consistent investigation practices the 
agency will use to respond to foodborne illness and outbreak 
investigations.
    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 associatedwith tracing these products consistently 
from the end-consumer through the supply chain continue to 
persist. To achieve this, the Committee recognizes the need to 
modernize data systems to receive, track, and process 
information and ensure timely notification of significant 
public health threats. This ability is critical to address 
safety and supply chain issues associated with regulated high-
risk products to more proactively identify or prevent threats 
to regulated product safety and quality.
    Usher Syndrome.--The Committee requests that the FDA 
immediately consider new technology and innovative measurements 
to determine effective treatments for rare ophthalmic diseases. 
Acceptable endpoint measurements must better reflect the slow 
progression and rare nature of Usher syndrome if potential 
treatments are ever going to be available to patients.
    Valley Fever.--The Committee is encouraged by progress made 
toward producing a Valley Fever vaccine and recommends that FDA 
consult with the public and obtain input on the state of the 
science related to vaccines to prevent Valley Fever. The 
Committee further recommends that FDA draft and issue industry 
guidance for entities seeking approval under the Federal Food, 
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) or licensure 
under section 351 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 
262) of antifungal therapies to treat Valley Fever.
    Vibrio.--The Committee is aware of the public health 
challenge related to the naturally occurring bacteria called 
Vibrio parahaemolyticus that can accumulate in shellfish and 
believes that more scientific research is necessary to develop 
proper controls that will reduce the risk to consumers and 
sustain a healthy domestic shellfish industry. The Committee 
encourages the FDA to increase funding for research into Vibrio 
illnesses associated with the consumption of raw molluscan 
shellfish, improve risk assessment models, and develop improved 
rapid detection methods for virulent Vibrio strains.
    Women in Clinical Research.--Following recommendations by 
the Task Force on Research Specific to Pregnant Women and 
Lactating Women, the Committee urges the agency to issue final 
regulations relating to the protection of human subjects, 
including parts 50 and 56 of title 21, Code of Federal 
Regulations, with the latest regulations of the Department of 
Health and Human Services relating to the inclusion of pregnant 
women as subjects in clinical research. The agency should 
consider further guidance about ethical issues to be considered 
and strategies for designing ethical studies, to inform the 
inclusion of pregnant women and lactating women in a clinical 
trial and facilitate their participation.

                        BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $12,788,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      18,788,000
Committee recommendation................................      12,788,000

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

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends an appropriation of $12,788,000 
for FDA buildings and facilities.
    This funding shall be used to upgrade FDA facilities and 
laboratories which are currently below public safety standards 
and incapable of performing agency requirements. The Committee 
is aware that several FDA-owned facilities need significant 
renovations and repairs. The Committee understands that high-
quality, reliable buildings are a necessity to support the 
FDA's mission-critical work.

                   FDA INNOVATION ACCOUNT, CURES ACT

                     (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2023....................................     $50,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      50,000,000
Committee recommendation................................      50,000,000

    The Committee recommends $50,000,000 for the FDA as 
authorized in the 21st Century Cures Act (Public Law 114-255).

                           INDEPENDENT AGENCY


                       Farm Credit Administration


                 LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Limitation, 2023........................................     $88,500,000
Budget estimate, 2024...................................      94,300,000
Committee recommendation................................      94,300,000

    The Farm Credit Administration [FCA] is the independent 
agency in the executive branch of the Government responsible 
for the examination and regulation of the banks, associations, 
and other institutions of the Farm Credit System.
    Activities of FCA include the planning and execution of 
examinations of Farm Credit System institutions and the 
preparation of examination reports. FCA also promulgates 
regulations, establishes standards, enforces rules and 
regulations, and approves certain actions of the institutions.
    The administration and the institutions under its 
jurisdiction now operate under authorities contained in the 
Farm Credit Act of 1971 (Public Law 92-181), effective December 
10, 1971. Public Law 99-205, effective December 23, 1985, 
restructured FCA and gave the agency regulatory authorities and 
enforcement powers.
    The act provides for the farmer-owned cooperative system to 
make sound, adequate, and constructive credit available to 
farmers and ranchers and their cooperatives, rural residences, 
and associations and other entities upon which farming 
operations are dependent, and to modernize existing farm credit 
law to meet current and future rural credit needs.
    The Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-233) 
authorized the formation of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage 
Corporation [FAMC] to operate a secondary market for 
agricultural and rural housing mortgages. FCA, under section 
8.11 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 (Public Law 92-181), as 
amended, is assigned the responsibility of regulating this 
entity and assuring its safe and sound operation.
    Expenses of FCA are paid by assessments collected from the 
Farm Credit System institutions and by assessments to the FAMC.

                       COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Committee recommends a limitation of $94,300,000 on 
administrative expenses of the Farm Credit Administration.
    Hemp-Based Products.--The Committee recognizes the growing 
interest for U.S. hemp and hemp-based products for a variety of 
uses and directs FCA to work with the institutions under its 
jurisdiction to provide access to guaranteed loans for hemp 
producers and businesses.

                               TITLE VII

                           GENERAL PROVISIONS

             (INCLUDING RESCISSIONS AND TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

    The Committee recommends the following provisions:
    Section 701. This section includes language regarding 
passenger motor vehicles.
    Section 702. This section includes language regarding the 
Working Capital Fund.
    Section 703. This section limits the funding provided in 
the bill to 1 year, unless otherwise specified.
    Section 704. This section includes language regarding 
indirect costs.
    Section 705. This section includes language regarding Rural 
Development programs.
    Section 706. This section includes language regarding new 
information technology.
    Section 707. This section includes language regarding 
conservation programs.
    Section 708. This section includes language regarding Rural 
Utilities Service program eligibility.
    Section 709. This section includes language regarding 
information technology expenses.
    Section 710. This section includes language regarding 
first-class travel.
    Section 711. This section includes language regarding the 
Commodity Credit Corporation.
    Section 712. This section includes language regarding 
advisory committees.
    Section 713. This section includes language regarding 
information technology systems.
    Section 714. This section includes language regarding 
section 32 activities.
    Section 715. This section includes language regarding user 
fee proposals without offsets.
    Section 716. This section includes language regarding the 
reprogramming of funds and notification requirements.
    Section 717. This section includes language regarding fees 
for the guaranteed business and industry loan program.
    Section 718. This section includes language regarding the 
appropriations hearing process.
    Section 719. This section includes language regarding 
prepackaged news.
    Section 720. This section includes language regarding 
details and assignments of Department of Agriculture employees.
    Section 721. This section includes language regarding 
spending plans.
    Section 722. This section includes language regarding the 
Food and Drug Administration.
    Section 723. This section includes language regarding Rural 
Development programs.
    Section 724. This section includes language regarding loans 
and loan guarantees.
    Section 725. This section includes language regarding 
credit card refunds.
    Section 726. This section includes language regarding SNAP.
    Section 727. This section includes language regarding 
housing loan programs.
    Section 728. This section includes language regarding new 
user fees.
    Section 729. This section includes language regarding a 
rescission.
    Section 730. This section includes language regarding FSIS.
    Section 731. This section includes language regarding APHIS 
inspections.
    Section 732. This section includes language regarding a 
rescission.
    Section 733. This section includes language regarding a 
rescission.
    Section 734. This section includes language regarding 
domestic preference.
    Section 735. This section includes language regarding 
lobbying.
    Section 736. This section includes language regarding Rural 
Development programs.
    Section 737. This section includes language regarding the 
Food and Drug Administration.
    Section 738. This section includes language regarding the 
Food and Drug Administration.
    Section 739. This section includes language regarding a 
NIFA pilot program.
    Section 740. This section includes language regarding 
school meals program.
    Section 741. This section includes language regarding hemp.
    Section 742. This section includes language regarding 
matching funds.
    Section 743. This section includes language regarding a 
pilot program.
    Section 744. This section includes language regarding a 
rescission.
    Section 745. This section includes language regarding a 
rescission.
    Section 746. This section includes language regarding the 
Food for Peace program.
    Section 747. This section includes language regarding 
school meals program.
    Section 748. This section includes language regarding 
school meals program.
    Section 749. This section includes language regarding 
biotechnology risk assessment.
    Section 750. This section includes language regarding 
agency relocation.
    Section 751. This section includes language regarding 
watershed programs.
    Section 752. This section includes language regarding Rural 
Development.
    Section 753. This section includes language regarding the 
Water Bank program.
    Section 754. This section includes language regarding the 
Food and Drug Administration.
    Section 755. This section includes language regarding 
mitigation banking.
    Section 756. This section includes language regarding 
labeling requirements.
    Section 757. This section includes language regarding REAP 
Zones.
    Section 758. This section includes language regarding a 
working group.
    Section 759. This section includes language regarding the 
Institute for Rural Partnership.
    Section 760. This section includes language regarding Rural 
Development.
    Section 761. This section includes language regarding 
housing.
    Section 762. This section includes language regarding 
housing.
    Section 763. This section includes language regarding 
housing.
    Section 764. This section includes language regarding 
housing.
    Section 765. This section includes language regarding 
bison.
    Section 766. This section includes language regarding the 
Food Safety and Inspection Service.
    Section 767. This section includes language regarding a 
rescission.
    Section 768. This section includes language regarding 
APHIS.
    Section 769. This section includes language regarding the 
Food Safety and Inspection Service.
    Section 770. This section includes language regarding 
toxicants.
    Section 771. This section includes language regarding 
housing.
    Section 772. This section includes language regarding Child 
Nutrition Programs.
    Section 773. This section includes language regarding 
sodium in cheese.
    Section 774. This section includes language regarding 
Single Family Housing.
    Section 775. This section includes language regarding 
Housing Vouchers.
    Section 776. This section includes language regarding horse 
slaughter.

                     PROGRAM, PROJECT, AND ACTIVITY

    During fiscal year 2024, for purposes of the Balanced 
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Public Law 
99-177) or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control 
Reaffirmation Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-119), the following 
information provides the definition of the term ``program, 
project, and activity'' for departments and agencies under the 
jurisdiction of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and 
Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. The 
term ``program, project, and activity'' shall include the most 
specific level of budget items identified in the Agriculture, 
Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related 
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024, and the report.
    If a sequestration order is necessary, in implementing the 
Presidential order, departments and agencies shall apply any 
percentage reduction required for fiscal year 2024 pursuant to 
the provisions of Public Law 99-177 or Public Law 100-119 to 
all items specified in the explanatory notes submitted to the 
Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate in support 
of the fiscal year 2024 budget estimates, as amended, for such 
departments and agencies, as modified by congressional action, 
and in addition:
    For the Agricultural Research Service the definition shall 
include specific research locations as identified in the 
explanatory notes.
    For the Natural Resources Conservation Service the 
definition shall include individual flood prevention projects 
as identified in the explanatory notes and individual 
operational watershed projects as summarized in the notes.
    For the Farm Service Agency the definition shall include 
individual, regional, State, district, and county offices.

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

    Paragraph 7 of rule XVI requires that Committee reports 
accompanying general appropriations bills identify each 
recommended amendment which proposes an item of appropriation 
which is not made to carry out the provisions of an existing 
law, a treaty stipulation, or an act or resolution previously 
passed by the Senate during that session.
    The Committee is filing an original bill, which is not 
covered under this rule, but reports this information in the 
spirit of full disclosure.
    The Committee recommends funding for the following programs 
or activities which currently lack authorization for fiscal 
year 2024:
    --Multi-Family Housing Revitalization Program
    --Broadband Telecommunications Grants
    --Child Nutrition Programs
    --Summer Food Service Program
    --National School Lunch Act--Information Clearinghouse
    --School Meals Program--Compliance and Accountability
    --Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants 
and Children
    --Farmers Market Nutrition Program
    --Livestock Mandatory Reporting

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

    Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on June 22, 2023, 
the Committee ordered favorably reported an original bill (S. 
2131) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, 
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for 
the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other 
purposes, provided, that the bill be subject to amendment and 
that any amendment increasing budget authority be offset by a 
reduction of equal or greater budget authority, by a recorded 
vote of 28-0, a quorum being present. The vote was as follows:
        Yeas                          Nays
Chair Murray
Mrs. Feinstein
Mr. Durbin
Mr. Reed
Mr. Tester
Mrs. Shaheen
Mr. Merkley
Mr. Coons
Mr. Schatz
Ms. Baldwin
Mr. Murphy
Mr. Manchin
Mr. Van Hollen
Mr. Heinrich
Mr. Peters
Ms. Collins
Mr. McConnell
Ms. Murkowski
Mr. Graham
Mr. Moran
Mr. Hoeven
Mr. Boozman
Mrs. Capito
Mr. Kennedy
Mrs. Hyde-Smith
Mr. Hagerty
Mrs. Britt
Mrs. Fischer

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

    Paragraph 12 of rule XXVI requires that Committee reports 
on a bill or joint resolution repealing or amending any statute 
or part of any statute include ``(a) the text of the statute or 
part thereof which is proposed to be repealed; and (b) a 
comparative print of that part of the bill or joint resolution 
making the amendment and of the statute or part thereof 
proposed to be amended, showing by stricken-through type and 
italics, parallel columns, or other appropriate typographical 
devices the omissions and insertions which would be made by the 
bill or joint resolution if enacted in the form recommended by 
the Committee.''
    In compliance with this rule, changes in existing law 
proposed to be made by the bill are shown as follows: existing 
law to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets; new matter is 
printed in italic; and existing law in which no change is 
proposed is shown in roman.

                      TITLE 12--BANKS AND BANKING


              Chapter 38--Multifamily Mortgage Foreclosure


Sec. Definitions

    As used in this chapter--

    (1)  . . . 

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

    (10) ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Housing and Urban 
Development and the Secretary of Agriculture.
                                ------                                


                TITLE 42--THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE


      Chapter 8A--Slum Clearance, Urban Renewal, and Farm Housing


                      Subchapter III--Farm Housing


Sec. 1490c. Mutual and self-help housing

(a) Purpose

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


(b) Contract authority; establishment of Self-Help Housing Land 
            Development Fund; authorization to make loans; 
            conditions of loan

    In order to carry out the purposes of this section, the 
Secretary of Agriculture (in this section referred to as the 
``Secretary'') is authorized--

            (1)(A)  . . . 

            (B) to establish the Self-Help Housing Land 
        Development Fund, referred to herein as the Self-Help 
        Fund, to be used by the Secretary as a revolving fund 
        for making loans, on such terms and conditions and in 
        such amounts as he deems necessary, to public or 
        private nonprofit organizations and to Indian tribes 
        for the acquisition and development of land as building 
        sites to be subdivided and sold to families, nonprofit 
        organizations, and cooperatives eligible for assistance 
        under section 1715z or 1715z-1 of title 12 or section 
        1490a of this title. Such a loan, with interest at a 
        rate not to exceed 3 percent per annum, shall be repaid 
        within a period not to exceed [two years] five years 
        from the making of the loan, or within such additional 
        period as may be authorized by the Secretary in any 
        case as being necessary to carry out the purposes 
        hereof: Provided, That the Secretary may advance funds 
        under this paragraph to organizations receiving 
        assistance under clause (A) to enable them to establish 
        revolving accounts for the purchase of land options and 
        any such advances may bear interest at a rate 
        determined by the Secretary and shall be repaid to the 
        Secretary at the expiration of the period for which the 
        grant to the organization involved was made;

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 1490d. Loans to nonprofit organizations to provide building sites 
                    for eligible families, nonprofit organizations, 
                    public agencies, and cooperatives; interest rates; 
                    factors determinative in making loan

    (a)(1) In general.--The Secretary may make loans, on such 
terms and conditions and in such amounts he deems necessary, to 
public or private nonprofit organizations and to Indian tribes 
for the acquisition and development of land as building sites 
to be subdivided and sold to families, nonprofit organizations, 
public agencies, and cooperatives eligible for assistance under 
any section of this subchapter or under any other law which 
provides financial assistance for housing low- and moderate-
income families. Such a loan shall bear interest at a rate 
prescribed by the Secretary taking into consideration a rate 
determined annually by the Secretary of the Treasury as the 
current average market yield on outstanding marketable 
obligations of the United States with remaining periods to 
maturity comparable to the average maturities of such loans, 
adjusted to the nearest one-eighth of 1 per centum, and shall 
be repaid within a period not to exceed [two years] five years 
from the making of the loan or within such additional period as 
may be authorized by the Secretary in any case as being 
necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 1490r. Rural housing voucher program

(a) In general

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

(b) Coordination and limitation

    In carrying out the rural housing voucher program under 
this section, the Secretary shall--
            (1) coordinate activities under this section with 
        activities assisted under sections 1485 and 1490m of 
        this title; and
            (2) enter into contracts for assistance for not 
        more than [5000] 10,000 units in any fiscal year.
                                ------                                


                   Chapter 13--School Lunch Programs


Sec. 1758. Program requirements

(a) Nutritional requirements

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

(h) Food safety

  (1) In general

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (3) Audits and reports by States

    [For fiscal year 2023] For fiscal year 2024, each State 
shall annually--

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

  (4) Audit by the Secretary

    [For fiscal year 2023] For fiscal year 2024, the Secretary 
shall annually audit State reports of food safety inspections 
of schools submitted under paragraph (3).

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Sec. 1769g. Information clearinghouse

(a) In general

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

(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 2024] 2010 
through 2025. The Secretary shall be entitled to receive the 
funds and shall accept the funds, without further 
appropriation.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                    Chapter 119--Homeless Assistance


                   Subchapter IV--Housing Assistance


           PART D--RURAL HOUSING STABILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Sec. 11408a. Use of [FMHA] USDA inventory for transitional housing for 
                    homeless persons and for turnkey housing

(a) In general

    The Secretary of Agriculture (in this section referred to 
as the ``Secretary'') shall, on a priority basis, lease or sell 
[program and nonprogram] inventory properties held by the 
Secretary under title V of the Housing Act of 1949 [42 U.S.C. 
1471 et seq.]--

            (1) to provide transitional housing; and

            (2) to provide turnkey housing for tenants of such 
        transitional housing and for eligible families.

[(b) Priority

    The priority uses of inventory property under this section 
shall not have a higher priority than--

            (1) the disposition of such property by sale to 
        eligible families; or

            (2) the disposition of such property by transfer 
        for use as rental housing by eligible families.]

    (b) Priority.--The priority uses of inventory property 
under this section shall be given priority equal to or higher 
than the disposition of such property in accordance with 
priorities determined by the Secretary as necessary to protect 
the best interests of the Federal Government.
                                ------                                


                        BUDGETARY IMPACT OF BILL


  PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO  SEC. 308(a), PUBLIC LAW 93-344, AS
                                                     AMENDED
                                            [In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Budget authority               Outlays
                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                               Committee    Amount  in   Committee    Amount  in
                                                               allocation      bill      allocation      bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the bill with the subcommittee
 allocation for 2024: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural
 Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related
 Agencies:
    Mandatory...............................................      174,241      174,241      169,505   \1\169,505
    Discretionary...........................................       25,993       25,993       27,894    \1\27,894
        Defense.............................................  ...........  ...........  ...........  ...........
        Non-defense.........................................       25,993       25,993       27,894       27,894
Projection of outlays associated with the recommendation:
    2024....................................................  ...........  ...........  ...........   \2\178,126
    2025....................................................  ...........  ...........  ...........        7,072
    2026....................................................  ...........  ...........  ...........        1,918
    2027....................................................  ...........  ...........  ...........          974
    2028 and future years...................................  ...........  ...........  ...........          694
Financial assistance to State and local governments for                NA       56,226           NA    \2\46,950
 2024.......................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
\2\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
 
NA: Not applicable.
 
NOTE.--Pursuant to section 1002(b)(3)(B) of the 21st Century Cures Act (Public Law 114-255), $50,000,000 in
  budget authority and the resulting outlays do not count for the purposes of estimates under the Congressional
  Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
  Pursuant to section 4112(b) of H. Con. Res. 71 (115th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for
  fiscal year 2018, $7,045,000,000 in budget authority and the resulting outlays do not count for the purposes
  of section 302 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.

         DISCLOSURE OF CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING ITEMS

    The Constitution vests in the Congress the power of the 
purse.  The Committee believes strongly that Congress should 
make the decisions on how to allocate the people's money. As 
defined in Rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the 
term ``congressionally directed spending item'' means a 
provision or report language included primarily at the request 
of a Senator, providing, authorizing, or recommending a 
specific amount of discretionary budget authority, credit 
authority, or other spending authority for a contract, loan, 
loan guarantee, grant, loan authority, or other expenditure 
with or to an entity, or targeted to a specific State, locality 
or congressional district, other than through a statutory or 
administrative, formula-driven, or competitive award process. 
For each item, a Member is required to provide a certification 
that neither the Member nor the Member's immediate family has a 
pecuniary interest in such congressionally directed spending 
item. Such certifications are available to the public on the 
website of the Senate Committee on Appropriations (https://
www.appropriations.senate.
gov/congressionally-directed-spending-requests). Following is a 
list of congressionally directed spending items included in the 
Senate recommendation discussed in this report, along with the 
name of each Senator who submitted a request to the Committee 
of jurisdiction for each item so identified. Neither the 
Committee recommendation nor this report contains any limited 
tax benefits or limited tariff benefits as defined in rule 
XLIV.

                                                         CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING ITEMS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                     Recommendation
             Account                       State                    Project                      Recipient                 ($)           Requestor(s)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agricultural Research Service      IL..................  Capital Improvements,         ARS, Peoria.................       1,269,000  Durbin
 Buildings and Facilities.                                Peoria, IL.
Agricultural Research Service      IL..................  Capital Improvements,         ARS, Urbana.................       1,220,000  Durbin
 Buildings and Facilities.                                Urbana, IL.
Agricultural Research Service      LA..................  USDA Sugarcane Research Unit  American Sugar Cane League..       5,000,000  Cassidy
 Buildings and Facilities.
Agricultural Research Service      ME..................  New England Plant, Soil, and  USDA-ARS New England Plant,       10,000,000  Collins
 Buildings and Facilities.                                Water Research Laboratory     Soil, and Water Laboratory.
                                                          Expansion.
Agricultural Research Service      NC..................  Central Crops Research        North Carolina State               1,475,000  Tillis
 Buildings and Facilities.                                Station.                      University.
Agricultural Research Service      NE..................  ARS National Center for       SDA Agricultural Research         25,000,000  Fischer
 Buildings and Facilities.                                Resilient and Regenerative    Service co-located facility
                                                          Precision Agriculture.        with University of Nebraska-
                                                                                        Lincoln.
Agricultural Research Service      SC..................  Vegetable Research            Clemson University Coastal           500,000  Graham
 Buildings and Facilities.                                Capabilities at Coastal       Research and Education
                                                          Research and Education        Center.
                                                          Center.
Agricultural Research Service      WA..................  ARS Upgrades in Prosser, WA.  USDA-ARS....................       3,000,000  Murray
 Buildings and Facilities.
APHIS Salaries and Expenses......  CT..................  Connecticut Agricultural      The Connecticut Agricultural         239,000  Blumenthal, Murphy
                                                          Experiment Station for        Experiment Station.
                                                          Monitoring Ticks and Tick-
                                                          borne Pathogens.
APHIS Salaries and Expenses......  CT..................  The Connecticut Agricultural  The Connecticut Agricultural         300,000  Blumenthal, Murphy
                                                          Experiment Station for        Experiment Station.
                                                          Beech Leaf Disease
                                                          Surveillance.
APHIS Salaries and Expenses......  HI..................  Kukuau Forest Wildlife        Hawaii Land Trust...........       1,097,000  Hirono, Schatz
                                                          Damage Management.
APHIS Salaries and Expenses......  LA..................  West Nile Virus Wildlife      LA Department of Wildlife            500,000  Cassidy
                                                          Conservation Research.        and Fisheries.
APHIS Salaries and Expenses......  MS..................  Wildlife Damage Management--  APHIS-MS....................       1,000,000  Hyde-Smith
                                                          Mississippi Fish-Eating
                                                          Bird Control Program.
APHIS Salaries and Expenses......  MS..................  Wildlife Services Methods     APHIS-MS....................          40,000  Hyde-Smith
                                                          Development--Rabies
                                                          Surveillance in Mississippi.
APHIS Salaries and Expenses......  MS..................  Wildlife Damage Management--  Mississippi Department of            500,000  Hyde-Smith
                                                          Mississippi WHCP.             Agriculture and Commerce.
APHIS Salaries and Expenses......  NM..................  New Mexico Department of      New Mexico Department of             200,000  Heinrich, Lujan
                                                          Agriculture for AgPrep        Agriculture.
                                                          Agriculture Disaster
                                                          Preparedness and Response.
APHIS Salaries and Expenses......  NM..................  New Mexico Department of      New Mexico Department of             100,000  Heinrich, Lujan
                                                          Agriculture for Invasive      Agriculture.
                                                          Toxic Plant Detection and
                                                          Eradication.
APHIS Salaries and Expenses......  NM..................  New Mexico Department of      New Mexico Department of             150,000  Heinrich, Lujan
                                                          Agriculture for Veterinary    Agriculture.
                                                          Diagnostic Services
                                                          Equipment.
APHIS Salaries and Expenses......  RI..................  Aquatic Diagnostics           Roger Williams University...       1,950,000  Reed
                                                          Laboratories.
APHIS Salaries and Expenses......  SC..................  Containment Field Facility    Clemson University..........       1,200,000  Graham
                                                          for Guava Root-knot
                                                          Nematode.
APHIS Salaries and Expenses......  SC..................  Veterinary Diagnostic Center  Clemson University Livestock       7,000,000  Graham
                                                                                        Poultry Health.
Distance Learning and              AR..................  Arkansas Digital              Arkansas Secretary of              1,000,000  Boozman
 Telemedicine Program.                                    Interventions for Care.       Agriculture.
Distance Learning and              IL..................  Rural Telemedicine            OSF HealthCare..............         750,000  Durbin
 Telemedicine Program.                                    Initiative, Eastern
                                                          Illinois.
Distance Learning and              MS..................  Mississippi Rural Health      Mississippi Rural Health             731,000  Hyde-Smith
 Telemedicine Program.                                    Workforce and Grant           Association.
                                                          Development Program.
Distance Learning and              NJ..................  Abilities Incredible People.  Abilities of Northwest               127,000  Booker
 Telemedicine Program.                                                                  Jersey Inc..
Distance Learning and              OR..................  Grant County CyberMill        Grant County CyberMill......         113,000  Merkley, Wyden
 Telemedicine Program.                                    Expansion.
Rural Community Facilities         AK..................  Heavy Equipment to Support    Alaska Municipal League.....       4,023,000  Murkowski
 Program.                                                 Rural Maintenance Needs.
Rural Community Facilities         AK..................  Craig Firehall/ EMS Building  City of Craig, Alaska.......       4,125,000  Murkowski
 Program.                                                 Construction.
Rural Community Facilities         AK..................  Haines Community Safety and   Haines Borough..............       5,000,000  Murkowski
 Program.                                                 Training Center.
Rural Community Facilities         AK..................  Northwest Arctic Borough      Northwest Arctic Borough....       2,629,000  Murkowski
 Program.                                                 Public Safety, Fire, and
                                                          Rescue Facilities.
Rural Community Facilities         AL..................  Good Hope Community Center    City of Good Hope...........       1,313,000  Tuberville
 Program.                                                 and Storm Shelter.
Rural Community Facilities         AL..................  Heflin Police Department      City of Heflin..............       2,325,000  Tuberville
 Program.                                                 Headquarters.
Rural Community Facilities         AL..................  Ashland Courthouse ADA        Clay County Commission......       1,200,000  Tuberville
 Program.                                                 Compliance Upgrades and
                                                          Repairs.
Rural Community Facilities         AR..................  City of Wilson Fire and       City of Wilson..............       1,500,000  Boozman
 Program.                                                 Public Safety Building.
Rural Community Facilities         AZ..................  Pleasant Valley Veterans      Gila County.................         333,000  Kelly, Sinema
 Program.                                                 Retreat.
Rural Community Facilities         AZ..................  Pinetop Wildland Fire         Pinetop Fire District.......       3,274,000  Kelly, Sinema
 Program.                                                 Response Station.
Rural Community Facilities         AZ..................  Huachuca City Fire            Town of Huachuca City.......         336,000  Kelly, Sinema
 Program.                                                 Protection.
Rural Community Facilities         CA..................  Snow Removal and Natural      San Bernardino County Fire         1,680,000  Feinstein
 Program.                                                 Disaster Heavy Equipment.     Protection District.
Rural Community Facilities         CA..................  Las Casitas de Lola Domestic  City of Huron...............          53,000  Feinstein, Padilla
 Program.                                                 Violence Shelter.
Rural Community Facilities         CA..................  Southern Inyo Fire            County of Inyo..............       1,500,000  Feinstein, Padilla
 Program.                                                 Protection District Fire
                                                          Stations.
Rural Community Facilities         CA..................  Wawona Ambulance Bay........  County of Mariposa..........         375,000  Feinstein, Padilla
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         CA..................  El Nido Fire Station          County of Merced............         781,000  Feinstein, Padilla
 Program.                                                 Rehabilitation.
Rural Community Facilities         CO..................  Regional Workforce Center     Build Pagosa................       1,000,000  Bennet,
 Program.                                                 for Career and Technical                                                    Hickenlooper
                                                          Training.
Rural Community Facilities         CO..................  Holyoke Community Childcare   Holyoke Community Childcare        1,000,000  Bennet,
 Program.                                                 Initiative.                   Initiative.                                   Hickenlooper
Rural Community Facilities         CO..................  Kiowa County Hospital         Kiowa County Hospital              1,917,000  Bennet,
 Program.                                                 Replacement Facility: Phase   District.                                     Hickenlooper
                                                          1.
Rural Community Facilities         CT..................  Adelbrook Behavioral and      Adelbrook Behavioral and             380,000  Blumenthal, Murphy
 Program.                                                 Developmental Services for    Developmental Services.
                                                          Facility Improvements.
Rural Community Facilities         CT..................  Town of Madison for Academy   Town of Madison.............       3,625,000  Blumenthal, Murphy
 Program.                                                 Community Center.
Rural Community Facilities         CT..................  Town of Winchester for Fire   Town of Winchester, CT......       1,980,000  Blumenthal, Murphy
 Program.                                                 House Addition.
Rural Community Facilities         DE..................  CHEER, Inc. administrative    CHEER Inc...................       1,000,000  Carper, Coons
 Program.                                                 service facility.
Rural Community Facilities         DE..................  City of Harrington for        City of Harrington..........       3,345,000  Carper, Coons
 Program.                                                 roadway and water access
                                                          expansion.
Rural Community Facilities         DE..................  Nanticoke Indian Association  The Nanticoke Indian                 600,000  Carper, Coons
 Program.                                                 community center.             Association Inc.
Rural Community Facilities         DE..................  Town of Milton public works   Town of Milton..............       2,048,000  Coons
 Program.                                                 facility.
Rural Community Facilities         GA..................  Reopening Cuthbert's          Randolph County Hospital           4,000,000  Ossoff
 Program.                                                 Hospital--Randolph County     Authority.
                                                          Hospital.
Rural Community Facilities         GA..................  Dawson Farmers Market and     City of Dawson..............         100,000  Warnock
 Program.                                                 Community Center.
Rural Community Facilities         GA..................  South Georgia Food Bank.....  Second Harvest of South            2,000,000  Warnock
 Program.                                                                               Georgia, Inc..
Rural Community Facilities         GA..................  The Villages' Tiny Home       Shane's Crib................         440,000  Warnock
 Program.                                                 Project for Women and
                                                          Children in Recovery.
Rural Community Facilities         HI..................  Education and Cultural        Hawaii Land Trust...........       1,500,000  Hirono, Schatz
 Program.                                                 Learning Center Waihee
                                                          Refuge.
Rural Community Facilities         HI..................  Hoa Aina O Makaha Capital     Hoa Aina O Makaha...........          96,000  Hirono, Schatz
 Program.                                                 Improvement Project.
Rural Community Facilities         HI..................  Palikea Agroforestry          Waianae Community Re-                567,000  Hirono, Schatz
 Program.                                                 Training Baseyard.            Development Corp. DBA MA?O
                                                                                        Organic Farms.
Rural Community Facilities         HI..................  Camp Maluhia Dining Hall....  Boy Scouts of America Maui         1,000,000  Schatz
 Program.                                                                               Nui District.
Rural Community Facilities         HI..................  West Hawaii Community         KUA O Kanaueue..............         488,000  Schatz
 Program.                                                 Kitchen.
Rural Community Facilities         IL..................  Dixon Family YMCA- Early      Dixon Family YMCA...........       1,000,000  Duckworth
 Program.                                                 Childhood Education and
                                                          Childcare Center.
Rural Community Facilities         IL..................  Event Center................  Board of Trustees of the             900,000  Durbin
 Program.                                                                               University of Illinois.
Rural Community Facilities         IL..................  Medical Clinic..............  Clay County Hospital and             800,000  Durbin
 Program.                                                                               Medical Clinics.
Rural Community Facilities         IL..................  Fire Station................  Village of Carrier Mills....         375,000  Durbin
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         KS..................  Republic County Courthouse..  Republic County.............         250,000  Moran
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         LA..................  Livingston Parish Courthouse  Town of Livingston..........         800,000  Cassidy
 Program.                                                 Renovations.
Rural Community Facilities         MA..................  Camp Apex Capital             Community YMCA of Greenfield         427,000  Markey, Warren
 Program.                                                 Improvements.
Rural Community Facilities         MA..................  Chiller Replacement.........  Quabbin Regional School              223,000  Markey, Warren
 Program.                                                                               District.
Rural Community Facilities         MA..................  Deerfield 1888 Building Town  Town of Deerfield,                 4,000,000  Markey, Warren
 Program.                                                 Administrative Office         Massachusetts.
                                                          Project.
Rural Community Facilities         MD..................  Adkins Arboretum Site         Adkins Arboretum............         260,000  Cardin, Van Hollen
 Program.                                                 Amenities.
Rural Community Facilities         MD..................  Bloomington Fire Company      Bloomington Fire Co.........         150,000  Cardin, Van Hollen
 Program.                                                 Building Expansion.
Rural Community Facilities         MD..................  Garrett County Utilities      Board of County                      525,000  Cardin, Van Hollen
 Program.                                                 Infrastructure Equipment.     Commissioners of Garrett
                                                                                        County.
Rural Community Facilities         MD..................  Building African American     Building African American            525,000  Cardin, Van Hollen
 Program.                                                 Minds (BAAM) Academic         Minds, Inc.
                                                          Center.
Rural Community Facilities         MD..................  HOPE Center.................  Foundation of HOPE, Inc.....         630,000  Cardin, Van Hollen
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         MD..................  Hampstead Fire Station and    Hampstead Volunteer Fire           2,000,000  Cardin, Van Hollen
 Program.                                                 Emergency Shelter.            Engine & Hose Company No. 1.
Rural Community Facilities         MD..................  Tri-Towns Emergency Medical   Tri-Towns Emergency Medical          150,000  Cardin, Van Hollen
 Program.                                                 Services Building             Services.
                                                          Restoration.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Brownfield Public Safety      Town of Brownfield..........       2,898,000  Collins
 Program.                                                 Building.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Franklin County Emergency     Franklin County                    2,035,000  Collins
 Program.                                                 Operations Center.            Commissioner's Office.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Hartland Irving Tanning       Irving Tanning Community             238,000  Collins
 Program.                                                 Community Center.             Center.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Kennebec Valley Community     Kennebec Valley Community            803,000  Collins
 Program.                                                 College Plumbing Training     College.
                                                          Facility.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Little Saplings Childcare     Little Saplings Childcare            641,000  Collins
 Program.                                                 Center.                       Center.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Sinclair Fire Station.......  North Lakes Fire & Rescue...       2,250,000  Collins
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Patten Lumbermen's Museum     Patten Lumbermen's Museum...         107,000  Collins
 Program.                                                 Building Replacement.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Carmel Municipal Facility     Town of Carmel..............         937,000  Collins
 Program.                                                 Renovation and Expansion.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Union Hall Restoration......  Town of Columbia Falls......          17,000  Collins
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Hancock Fire Station........  Town of Hancock.............       1,567,000  Collins
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Howland Road Salt/Sand        Town of Howland.............       1,200,000  Collins
 Program.                                                 Facility Relocation.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Southwest Harbor Public       Town of Southwest Harbor....       2,415,000  Collins, King
 Program.                                                 Works Facility.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Springfield Fire Station and  Town of Springfield.........         750,000  Collins
 Program.                                                 Municipal Facility.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  University of Maine Presque   University of Maine System..       4,000,000  Collins
 Program.                                                 Isle Auditorium Renovation.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Rangeley Region Childcare     Beth Brunswick Memorial Fund         750,000  Collins, King
 Program.                                                 Facility.                     for Children.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Bath Fire and EMS Station...  City of Bath................       1,750,000  Collins, King
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Addison Community Center      Friends of the Church on the         750,000  Collins, King
 Program.                                                 Renovation.                   Hill.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Stonington Wharf Renovation.  Isle au Haut Boat Services..       1,835,000  Collins, King
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Maine Public Emergency        Maine Public Broadcasting          3,421,000  Collins, King
 Program.                                                 Signal Expansion.             Corporation.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Millinocket Library ADA       Millinocket Memorial Library         115,000  Collins, King
 Program.                                                 Access.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Orono Public Library          Orono Public Library               3,600,000  Collins, King
 Program.                                                 Expansion.                    Foundation.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Porter Memorial Library ADA   Porter Memorial Library              820,000  Collins, King
 Program.                                                 Accessibility Upgrades.       Association.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Hollis Municipal Facility...  Town of Hollis..............       2,000,000  Collins, King
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Randolph Fire Station.......  Town of Randolph............       2,600,000  Collins, King
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  St. Agatha Municipal          Town of St. Agatha..........         450,000  Collins, King
 Program.                                                 Building.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Waldo Community Action        Waldo Community Action             2,000,000  Collins, King
 Program.                                                 Partners Facility             Partners.
                                                          Construction.
Rural Community Facilities         ME..................  Hand in Hand--Rayitos de Sol  Mano en Mano / Hand in Hand.         831,000  King
 Program.                                                 Bilingual Childcare
                                                          Expansion.
Rural Community Facilities         MI..................  Alpena Community College      Alpena Community College....       1,750,000  Peters
 Program.                                                 Student Housing Community
                                                          Facility.
Rural Community Facilities         MI..................  Briggs District Library.....  City of Saint Johns.........         598,000  Peters, Stabenow
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         MI..................  Proposal for a New Ionia      Ionia Community Library.....       2,100,000  Peters
 Program.                                                 Community Library.
Rural Community Facilities         MI..................  Increasing Access to Care     Cherry Health...............       2,575,000  Stabenow
 Program.                                                 Through a Health-Focused
                                                          Community Hub in
                                                          Greenville, Michigan.
Rural Community Facilities         MN..................  City of Raymond Community     City of Raymond.............       1,186,000  Klobuchar, Smith
 Program.                                                 Facilities.
Rural Community Facilities         MN..................  Early Childhood Hub in Pope   Lakes Area Enrichment Center       1,875,000  Klobuchar, Smith
 Program.                                                 County.
Rural Community Facilities         MN..................  Lil' Chomper's Chomper's      Lil' Chomper's Child Care...       1,000,000  Klobuchar, Smith
 Program.                                                 Child Care project.
Rural Community Facilities         MS..................  Kemper County Library.......  East Central Planning and            600,000  Wicker
 Program.                                                                               Development District.
Rural Community Facilities         NC..................  Mount Airy Downtown Franklin  City of Mount Airy..........         522,000  Tillis
 Program.                                                 Street Lot Revitalization
                                                          Project.
Rural Community Facilities         NC..................  Expansion of the Marianna     Marianna Black Library......       1,000,000  Tillis
 Program.                                                 Black Library.
Rural Community Facilities         NH..................  Ashland Elementary School     Ashland Elementary School...       1,353,000  Shaheen
 Program.                                                 Net Zero Project.
Rural Community Facilities         NH..................  Carroll County Annex Project  Carroll County..............       2,000,000  Shaheen
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         NH..................  Warren Village School Net     School Administrative Unit         1,147,000  Shaheen
 Program.                                                 Zero Project.                 23.
Rural Community Facilities         NJ..................  Creating a Center for Food,   Foodshed Alliance A NJ               260,000  Booker
 Program.                                                 Farming and the Environment   Nonprofit Corporation.
                                                          to Foster a Resilient,
                                                          Robust, Equitable and
                                                          Climate-Smart Local Food
                                                          System in NJ.
Rural Community Facilities         NJ..................  Hunterdon County Emergency    Hunterdon County............       3,192,000  Booker
 Program.                                                 Services Training Center
                                                          Phase 2 and 3.
Rural Community Facilities         NJ..................  Acquisition of a New Pumper   Township of Quinton.........         746,000  Booker, Menendez
 Program.                                                 Truck.
Rural Community Facilities         NJ..................  Rural Transportation Relief.  Project Self-Sufficiency of          291,000  Booker, Menendez
 Program.                                                                               Sussex County.
Rural Community Facilities         NM..................  Aztec Public Library Roof     Aztec Public Library........          81,000  Heinrich
 Program.                                                 Replacement.
Rural Community Facilities         NM..................  City of Anthony Public        City of Anthony.............         825,000  Heinrich
 Program.                                                 Safety Building.
Rural Community Facilities         NM..................  Rescue Engine for Portales    City of Portales Fire                495,000  Heinrich
 Program.                                                 Fire Department.              Department.
Rural Community Facilities         NM..................  New Fire Station for          Costilla Volunteer Fire            1,500,000  Heinrich
 Program.                                                 Costilla Volunteer Fire       District Taos County Fire
                                                          Department.                   and EMS.
Rural Community Facilities         NM..................  Expansion of EMS Building in  Hidalgo County..............         300,000  Heinrich
 Program.                                                 Hidalgo County.
Rural Community Facilities         NM..................  Hozho Voices of Healing       Hozho Voices of Healing               49,000  Heinrich
 Program.                                                 Center Native Seed Bank.      Center.
Rural Community Facilities         NM..................  New Ambulance for Logan       Logan Ambulance Service.....         289,000  Heinrich
 Program.                                                 Ambulance Service.
Rural Community Facilities         NM..................  Garage for Pueblo of Santa    Pueblo of Santa Ana.........         375,000  Heinrich
 Program.                                                 Ana Emergency Vehicles.
Rural Community Facilities         NM..................  Pueblo of Tesuque Community   Pueblo of Tesuque...........         749,000  Heinrich
 Program.                                                 Farm Building and Equipment.
Rural Community Facilities         NM..................  Roosevelt County Detention    Roosevelt County............         275,000  Heinrich
 Program.                                                 Center Electrical and
                                                          Plumbing Upgrades.
Rural Community Facilities         NM..................  San Juan County Fire and      San Juan County.............         605,000  Heinrich
 Program.                                                 Rescue Department--Self-
                                                          Contained Breathing
                                                          Apparatuses.
Rural Community Facilities         NM..................  Sunrise Clinics--Property     Sunrise Clinics.............         151,000  Heinrich
 Program.                                                 Purchase to Expand Mental
                                                          Health Care in Frontier
                                                          Burn Communities.
Rural Community Facilities         NM..................  Taos County Fire and EMS--    Taos County Fire and EMS....         234,000  Heinrich
 Program.                                                 Wildland Fire Engine.
Rural Community Facilities         NM..................  Town of Red River Public      Town of Red River...........       2,171,000  Heinrich
 Program.                                                 Works and Transit
                                                          Operations and Maintenance
                                                          Facility.
Rural Community Facilities         NM..................  Town of Springer Fire         Town of Springer............       1,575,000  Heinrich
 Program.                                                 Department Sub Station.
Rural Community Facilities         NM..................  Village of Reserve--Village   Village of Reserve..........         750,000  Lujan
 Program.                                                 Hall, Library & Community
                                                          Center Renovation.
Rural Community Facilities         NV..................  Amargosa Valley Library--     Amargosa Valley.............         750,000  Cortez Masto, Rosen
 Program.                                                 Library Extension.
Rural Community Facilities         NV..................  Duckwater Shoshone Tribe--    Duckwater Shoshone Tribe....         512,000  Cortez Masto, Rosen
 Program.                                                 Community Building.
Rural Community Facilities         NV..................  Elko Band of the Te-Moak      Elko Band of the Te-Moak             940,000  Cortez Masto, Rosen
 Program.                                                 Tribe of Western Shoshone--   Tribe of Western Shoshone.
                                                          Indian View Heights Road
                                                          Reconstruction.
Rural Community Facilities         NV..................  Storey County--McCarran       Storey County...............         450,000  Cortez Masto, Rosen
 Program.                                                 Sheriff's Office Substation.
Rural Community Facilities         NY..................  SUNY Morrisville Robotic      Morrisville College                1,360,000  Gillibrand, Schumer
 Program.                                                 Dairy Milker.                 Foundation.
Rural Community Facilities         NY..................  Nelliston School Daycare....  Village of Nelliston........         300,000  Gillibrand, Schumer
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         NY..................  Finger Lakes Community        Finger Lakes Community             1,000,000  Schumer
 Program.                                                 College Horticulture          College.
                                                          Education Complex Project.
Rural Community Facilities         NY..................  Finger Lakes Museum Capital   Finger Lakes Cultural and          2,000,000  Gillibrand, Schumer
 Program.                                                 Project.                      Natural History Museum.
Rural Community Facilities         NY..................  Rural Community Outpatient    Keuka College...............       1,600,000  Gillibrand, Schumer
 Program.                                                 Clinic.
Rural Community Facilities         OH..................  Big Walnut Joint Fire         Big Walnut Joint Fire              1,320,000  Brown
 Program.                                                 District Fire Station.        District.
Rural Community Facilities         OH..................  Canfield Township Public      Canfield Township...........         263,000  Brown
 Program.                                                 Work Garage Expansion
                                                          Project.
Rural Community Facilities         OH..................  Marietta College Planetarium  Marietta College............         181,000  Brown
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         OH..................  Cooper Community Resource     Oberlin Community Services         1,286,000  Brown
 Program.                                                 Center.                       Council.
Rural Community Facilities         OH..................  Shawnee Fire Department New   Village of Shawnee..........         375,000  Brown
 Program.                                                 Truck.
Rural Community Facilities         OH..................  Wells Township Police         Wells Township Police                159,000  Brown
 Program.                                                 Department Cruiser Garage.    Department.
Rural Community Facilities         OR..................  Condon Library Theatre        Condon Arts Council.........         250,000  Merkley, Wyden
 Program.                                                 Restoration.
Rural Community Facilities         OR..................  Community Mental Health       South Lane Mental Health              76,000  Merkley, Wyden
 Program.                                                 Facility Repairs in Lane      Services, Inc..
                                                          County.
Rural Community Facilities         PA..................  Armstrong Conservation        Armstrong Conservation               594,000  Casey
 Program.                                                 District--Education Center    District.
                                                          at Armsdale.
Rural Community Facilities         PA..................  Child Hunger Outreach         Child Hunger Outreach                750,000  Casey
 Program.                                                 Partners--Building            Partners.
                                                          Expansion & Improvements.
Rural Community Facilities         PA..................  Lock Haven Police Building..  City of Lock Haven..........       1,000,000  Casey
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         PA..................  Perry County Literacy         Perry County Literacy                900,000  Casey
 Program.                                                 Council Education Expansion   Council.
                                                          Project.
Rural Community Facilities         PA..................  The Greater Renovo Area       The Greater Renovo Area              138,000  Casey
 Program.                                                 Heritage Park--Maxwell        Heritage Park.
                                                          Distance Learning Center.
Rural Community Facilities         PA..................  City of Clairton Public       City of Clairton............         564,000  Casey, Fetterman
 Program.                                                 Library.
Rural Community Facilities         PA..................  Creating a Safer and More     Clarion County Commissioners       1,898,000  Fetterman
 Program.                                                 Efficient Clarion County
                                                          Courthouse.
Rural Community Facilities         PA..................  Oil City Library Theater      Oil Region Library                   494,000  Fetterman
 Program.                                                 Restoration.                  Association.
Rural Community Facilities         RI..................  Public Safety Complex.......  Town of New Shoreham........       3,500,000  Reed
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         RI..................  Richmond Radio Tower........  Town of Richmond............         165,000  Reed
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         RI..................  Senior Center Elevator......  Town of Richmond............          55,000  Reed
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         SC..................  Orangeburg County Law         County of Orangeburg........         886,000  Graham
 Program.                                                 Complex.
Rural Community Facilities         SC..................  Robert Davidson Community     Dorchester County...........         250,000  Graham
 Program.                                                 Center.
Rural Community Facilities         SC..................  Irmo Town Hall Project......  Town of Irmo................       1,980,000  Graham
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         VA..................  Appalachian Highlands         Ballad Health Foundation....         522,000  Kaine, Warner
 Program.                                                 Community Dental Center
                                                          Expansion.
Rural Community Facilities         VA..................  Blue Ridge Discovery Center   Blue Ridge Discovery Center.         366,000  Kaine, Warner
 Program.                                                 Visitor Center.
Rural Community Facilities         VA..................  Boys & Girls Club of the      Boys & Girls Club of the           1,000,000  Kaine, Warner
 Program.                                                 Northern Neck.                Northern Neck.
Rural Community Facilities         VA..................  Historic Masonic Theatre      Masonic Theatre Preservation          94,000  Kaine, Warner
 Program.                                                 Preservation Foundation       Foundation.
                                                          Door Replacement Project.
Rural Community Facilities         VA..................  Nelson County Child           The Millennium Group........         575,000  Kaine, Warner
 Program.                                                 Development Center and
                                                          Community Health Worker
                                                          Training Program Facility.
Rural Community Facilities         VA..................  Town of Cedar Bluff Dump      Town of Cedar Bluff,                  90,000  Kaine, Warner
 Program.                                                 Truck Replacement.            Virginia.
Rural Community Facilities         VA..................  Town of Tazewell Emergency    Town of Tazewell............         354,000  Kaine, Warner
 Program.                                                 Medical Services (EMS)
                                                          Building Renovation and
                                                          Expansion.
Rural Community Facilities         VT..................  Northfield Senior Center      Greater Northfield Seniors..         151,000  Sanders
 Program.                                                 Expansion.
Rural Community Facilities         VT..................  Canaan Cooperative Child      Northeast Kingdom Community           75,000  Sanders
 Program.                                                 Development Center.           Action.
Rural Community Facilities         VT..................  Rochester High School         Town of Rochester...........       2,329,000  Sanders
 Program.                                                 Repurposing Project.
Rural Community Facilities         VT..................  Woodbury Volunteer Fire       Woodbury Volunteer Fire            1,125,000  Sanders
 Program.                                                 Department Emergency          Department.
                                                          Services Building.
Rural Community Facilities         VT..................  Brandon Public Library        Brandon Public Library......       1,000,000  Welch
 Program.                                                 Safety and Accessibility
                                                          Improvements.
Rural Community Facilities         VT..................  New Town Garage.............  Town of Vershire............         750,000  Welch
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         VT..................  Village of Johnson Utility    Village of Johnson..........         824,000  Welch
 Program.                                                 Maintenance Garage.
Rural Community Facilities         WA..................  City of Elma Community        City of Elma................       1,288,000  Cantwell
 Program.                                                 Policing and Emergency
                                                          Operations Center.
Rural Community Facilities         WA..................  Darrington Food Bank          Darrington Food Bank                 425,000  Cantwell
 Program.                                                 Expansion.                    Foundation.
Rural Community Facilities         WA..................  Quinault Boom Truck.........  Quinault Indian Nation......         135,000  Cantwell
 Program.
Rural Community Facilities         WA..................  Roslyn Old City Hall          City of Roslyn..............       1,400,000  Murray
 Program.                                                 Renovation.
Rural Community Facilities         WA..................  Public Safety Answering       Kittitas County.............       1,050,000  Murray
 Program.                                                 Point--First Responder
                                                          Interoperable
                                                          Communications Project.
Rural Community Facilities         WA..................  Public Safety Radio Network   Okanogan County.............       3,000,000  Murray
 Program.                                                 Improvement.
Rural Community Facilities         WI..................  Waadookodaading Ojibwe        Waadookodaading Ojibwe             5,000,000  Baldwin
 Program.                                                 Language Institute            Language Institute.
                                                          Revitalization Center.
Rural Community Facilities         WI..................  Western Wisconsin Health      Western Wisconsin Health....       1,000,000  Baldwin
 Program.                                                 Expansion.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Belmont Water Treatment       City of Belmont.............          75,000  Capito, Manchin
 Program.                                                 Plant Roof Replacement.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Meadow River Valley Local     God's Way Home, Inc.........         100,000  Capito, Manchin
 Program.                                                 Foodway.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Clendenin Municipal Complex   Town of Clendenin...........         563,000  Capito
 Program.                                                 Upgrade.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Princeton City Hall Complex   City of Princeton...........         657,000  Capito, Manchin
 Program.                                                 Phase III.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Tucker County New Visitors    Tucker County...............       1,260,000  Capito, Manchin
 Program.                                                 Center.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Arnettsville Community        Arnettsville Community               150,000  Capito, Manchin
 Program.                                                 Center Roof Replacement.      Association.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Elkins Library Renovation &   Elkins-Randolph County             2,200,000  Capito, Manchin
 Program.                                                 Expansion.                    Public Library.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Gilmer County Courthouse      Gilmer County Commission....         191,000  Capito, Manchin
 Program.                                                 Annex Elevator.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Fayetteville Historic         Historic Fayette Theater....         372,000  Capito, Manchin
 Program.                                                 Fayette Theater Renovations
                                                          Project.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Summersville New Beginnings   New Beginnings Resource               51,000  Capito, Manchin
 Program.                                                 Resource Center               Center.
                                                          Refrigerated Truck.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Randolph County Conference    Randolph County Development        1,250,000  Capito, Manchin
 Program.                                                 and Event Center.             Authority.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Morgan County Senior Life     Senior Life Services of              487,000  Capito, Manchin
 Program.                                                 Services HVAC System          Morgan County, Inc..
                                                          Replacement.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Southern West Virginia        Southern West Virginia             1,275,000  Capito, Manchin
 Program.                                                 Community & Technical         Community & Technical
                                                          College Community Learning    College.
                                                          Commons.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Bethany Community Center      Town of Bethany.............          23,000  Capito, Manchin
 Program.                                                 Roof Replacement.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Reedsville Historic Town      Town of Reedsville..........         234,000  Capito, Manchin
 Program.                                                 Hall Restoration &
                                                          Expansion Project.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Ridgeley Town Hall and        Town of Ridgeley............       1,200,000  Capito, Manchin
 Program.                                                 Police Department.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Wardensville Community        Town of Wardensville........       1,121,000  Capito, Manchin
 Program.                                                 Center Stabilization and
                                                          Renovation Project.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Weston Historic Landmark      Weston Historic Landmark             750,000  Capito, Manchin
 Program.                                                 Commission for Cultural       Commission.
                                                          Center Restoration Project.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  African American Community    African American Community            67,000  Manchin
 Program.                                                 Association Fishermen's       Association of Jefferson
                                                          Hall Amphitheater Project.    County.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Blackwater Ministries Food    Blackwater Ministerial               132,000  Capito, Manchin
 Program.                                                 Pantry Building.              Association, Inc..
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Charles Town Opera House      Old Opera House Theatre,             209,000  Manchin
 Program.                                                 Roof & HVAC Replacement.      Inc..
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Wirt County Committee on      Wirt County Committee on              57,000  Manchin
 Program.                                                 Aging Disability and          Aging.
                                                          Improvement & Senior
                                                          Accessibility Project.
Rural Community Facilities         WV..................  Worthington Volunteer Fire    Worthington Volunteer Fire           214,000  Manchin
 Program.                                                 Department Tanker Project.    Department.
Watershed and Flood Prevention     AZ..................  Colorado City Flood Control   Town of Colorado City.......          55,000  Kelly, Sinema
 Operations.                                              Project.
Watershed and Flood Prevention     MS..................  Mississippi Watershed and     NRCS Mississippi............       9,050,000  Hyde-Smith
 Operations.                                              Flood Prevention Operations.
Watershed and Flood Prevention     MS..................  Choctaw County Lake.........  Choctaw County Board of            2,000,000  Wicker
 Operations.                                                                            Supervisors.
Watershed and Flood Prevention     MS..................  Big and Little Cedar Creeks   George County...............          55,000  Wicker
 Operations.                                              Flood Prevention.
Watershed and Flood Prevention     MS..................  Jones County Flood            Pat Harrison Waterway              2,000,000  Wicker
 Operations.                                              Prevention Project.           District.
Watershed and Flood Prevention     NV..................  Douglas County--Hot Springs-  Douglas County..............          55,000  Cortez Masto, Rosen
 Operations.                                              Buckbrush Flood Control.
Watershed and Flood Prevention     NV..................  Douglas County--Smelter       Douglas County..............          55,000  Cortez Masto, Rosen
 Operations.                                              Creek Tributary Flood
                                                          Control.
Watershed and Flood Prevention     OH..................  McConnel Run Streambank       Village of McConnelsville...          55,000  Brown
 Operations.                                              Restoration.
Watershed and Flood Prevention     OR..................  Arnold Irrigation District    Arnold Irrigation District..       3,000,000  Merkley, Wyden
 Operations.                                              Infrastructure Resiliency
                                                          and Modernization Project.
Watershed and Flood Prevention     OR..................  North Unit Irrigation         North Unit Irrigation              2,000,000  Merkley, Wyden
 Operations.                                              District Infrastructure       District.
                                                          Modernization Project.
Watershed and Flood Prevention     RI..................  Pocasset River Watershed      RI Association of                  2,025,000  Reed
 Operations.                                              Flood Mitigation Project.     Conservation Districts.
Watershed and Flood Prevention     SC..................  Clemson Experiment Station..  Clemson University                    55,000  Graham
 Operations.                                                                            Experiment Station.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


  COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL FOR FISCAL
                                                                        YEAR 2024
                                                                [In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                        Senate Committee recommendation
                                                                                                                            compared with (+ or -)
                             Item                                     2023         Budget estimate      Committee    -----------------------------------
                                                                  appropriation                      recommendation         2023
                                                                                                                        appropriation    Budget estimate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                TITLE I--AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS
 
              Processing, Research, and Marketing
 
                    Office of the Secretary
 
Office of the Secretary.......................................            7,432            34,713             7,432   ................          -27,281
Office of Homeland Security...................................            1,396             2,396             1,396   ................           -1,000
Office of Tribal Relations....................................            5,190             6,533             5,190   ................           -1,343
Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement..................            9,280            10,357             9,280   ................           -1,077
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration..........            1,706             1,742             1,706   ................              -36
Departmental Administration...................................           26,716            35,627            26,716   ................           -8,911
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations             4,609             4,727             4,609   ................             -118
 and Intergovernmental Affairs................................
Office of Communications......................................            8,738            16,539             8,738   ................           -7,801
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, Office of the Secretary............................           65,067           112,634            65,067   ................          -47,567
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
                     Executive Operations
 
Office of the Chief Economist.................................           28,181            35,597            30,181            +2,000            -5,416
Office of Hearings and Appeals................................           16,703            17,494            16,703   ................             -791
Office of Budget and Program Analysis.........................           14,967            21,135            14,967   ................           -6,168
Office of the Chief Information Officer.......................           92,284            95,061            92,284   ................           -2,777
Office of the Chief Financial Officer.........................            7,367             9,108             7,367   ................           -1,741
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights............            1,466             1,486             1,466   ................              -20
Office of Civil Rights........................................           37,595            38,617            37,595   ................           -1,022
Agriculture Buildings and Facilities..........................           40,581           124,628            36,081            -4,500           -88,547
Hazardous materials management................................            7,581             7,630             6,586              -995            -1,044
Office of Safety, Security, and Protection....................           21,800            22,020            21,800   ................             -220
Office of Inspector General...................................          111,561           125,893           111,561   ................          -14,332
Office of the General Counsel.................................           60,537            65,646            60,537   ................           -5,109
Office of Ethics..............................................            5,556             6,958             5,556   ................           -1,402
Office of Information Affairs.................................  ................            9,966   ................  ................           -9,966
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, Executive Operations...............................          446,179           581,239           442,684            -3,495          -138,555
                                                               =========================================================================================
Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and                1,384             2,414             1,384   ................           -1,030
 Economics....................................................
    Office of the Chief Scientist.............................            1,000             5,510             1,000   ................           -4,510
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Subtotal..............................................            2,384             7,924             2,384   ................           -5,540
 
Economic Research Service.....................................           92,612            98,453            92,183              -429            -6,270
National Agricultural Statistics Service......................          211,076           241,119           200,563           -10,513           -40,556
    Census of Agriculture.....................................          (66,413)          (80,883)          (55,900)         (-10,513)         (-24,983)
 
                 Agricultural Research Service
 
Salaries and expenses.........................................        1,744,279         1,938,303         1,792,879           +48,600          -145,424
Buildings and facilities......................................           17,600            41,405            41,405           +23,805   ................
    Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed                   56,697   ................           47,464            -9,233           +47,464
     Spending.................................................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total, Agricultural Research Service..................        1,818,576         1,979,708         1,881,748           +63,172           -97,960
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
          National Institute of Food and Agriculture
 
National Institute of Food and Agriculture....................  ................        1,868,461   ................  ................       -1,868,461
Research and education activities.............................        1,094,121   ................        1,084,600            -9,521        +1,084,600
Native American Institutions Endowment Fund...................          (11,880)          (11,880)          (11,880)  ................  ................
Extension activities..........................................          565,410   ................          567,410            +2,000          +567,410
Integrated activities.........................................           41,500   ................           41,500   ................          +41,500
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, National Institute of Food and Agriculture.........        1,701,031         1,868,461         1,693,510            -7,521          -174,951
                                                               =========================================================================================
Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory                1,617             1,657             1,617   ................              -40
 Programs.....................................................
 
          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
 
Salaries and expenses.........................................        1,161,519         1,188,788         1,171,691           +10,172           -17,097
    Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed                    9,552   ................           14,276            +4,724           +14,276
     Spending.................................................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Subtotal..............................................        1,171,071         1,188,788         1,185,967           +14,896            -2,821
 
Buildings and facilities......................................            3,175             3,175             3,175   ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.........        1,174,246         1,191,963         1,189,142           +14,896            -2,821
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
                Agricultural Marketing Service
 
Marketing Services............................................          237,695           254,605           229,891            -7,804           -24,714
(Limitation on administrative expenses, from fees collected)..          (62,596)          (62,596)          (62,596)  ................  ................
 
Funds for strengthening markets, income, and supply (Section
 32):
    Permanent, (Section 32)...................................        1,483,309         1,573,666         1,573,666           +90,357   ................
        Marketing agreements and orders (transfer from Section          (21,501)          (21,501)          (21,501)  ................  ................
         32)..................................................
    Payments to States and Possessions........................            1,235             1,235             1,235   ................  ................
    Limitation on inspection and weighing services expenses...          (55,000)          (55,000)          (55,000)  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total, Agricultural Marketing Service.................        1,839,835         1,947,102         1,922,388           +82,553           -24,714
                                                               =========================================================================================
Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety.................            1,117             1,146             1,117   ................              -29
Food Safety and Inspection Service............................        1,158,266         1,290,419         1,205,009           +46,743           -85,410
    Lab accreditation fees....................................           (1,000)           (1,000)           (1,000)  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total, title I, Agricultural Programs.................        8,394,410         9,204,229         8,579,816          +185,406          -624,413
                                                               =========================================================================================
        (By transfer).........................................          (21,501)          (21,501)          (21,501)  ................  ................
        (Limitation on administrative expenses)...............         (117,596)         (117,596)         (117,596)  ................  ................
 
      TITLE II--Farm Production and Conservation Programs
 
                   Farm Production Programs
 
Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production and                     1,727             1,780             1,727   ................              -53
 Conservation.................................................
Farm Production and Conservation Business Center..............          248,684           265,825           249,684            +1,000           -16,141
    (by transfer from CCC)....................................          (60,228)          (60,228)          (60,228)  ................  ................
 
                      Farm Service Agency
 
Salaries and expenses.........................................        1,215,307         1,262,353         1,215,307   ................          -47,046
    (by transfer from ACIF)...................................         (305,803)         (321,621)         (321,621)         (+15,818)  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total, Salaries and expenses (including transfers)....        1,521,110         1,583,974         1,536,928           +15,818           -47,046
                                                               =========================================================================================
State mediation grants........................................            7,000             7,000             7,000   ................  ................
Grassroots source water protection program....................            7,500             7,000             7,500   ................             +500
Dairy indemnity program.......................................              500               500               500   ................  ................
Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers.............            4,000             4,000             4,000   ................  ................
 
Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund [ACIF] Program Account:
    Loan authorizations:
        Farm ownership loans:
            Guaranteed........................................       (3,500,000)       (3,500,000)       (3,500,000)  ................  ................
            Direct............................................       (3,100,000)       (3,100,000)       (3,100,000)  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Subtotal......................................       (6,600,000)       (6,600,000)       (6,600,000)  ................  ................
 
        Farm operating loans:
            Unsubsidized guaranteed...........................       (2,118,491)       (2,118,491)       (2,118,491)  ................  ................
            Direct............................................       (1,633,333)       (1,633,000)       (1,633,000)            (-333)  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Subtotal......................................       (3,751,824)       (3,751,491)       (3,751,491)            (-333)  ................
 
        Emergency loans.......................................           (4,062)          (37,667)          (37,667)         (+33,605)  ................
        Indian tribe land acquisition loans...................          (20,000)          (20,000)          (20,000)  ................  ................
 
        Conservation loans:
            Guaranteed........................................         (150,000)         (150,000)         (150,000)  ................  ................
        Relending program loans...............................          (61,426)          (61,426)          (61,426)  ................  ................
        Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans.................           (5,000)           (5,000)           (5,000)  ................  ................
        Boll weevil eradication loans.........................          (60,000)          (60,000)          (60,000)  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Total, Loan authorizations........................      (10,652,312)      (10,685,584)      (10,685,584)         (+33,272)  ................
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
    Loan subsidies:
        Emergency Loans.......................................              249             3,507             3,507            +3,258   ................
 
        Farm operating loans:
            Direct............................................           23,520            27,598            27,598            +4,078   ................
            Unsubsidized guaranteed...........................           11,228             1,483             1,483            -9,745   ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Subtotal......................................           34,997            32,588            32,588            -2,409   ................
 
        Relending program loans...............................           10,983            19,368            19,368            +8,385   ................
        Indian Highly Fractionated Land Loans.................              894             1,577             1,577              +683   ................
        Boll weevil eradication loans.........................  ................              258               258              +258   ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Total, Loan subsidies and grants..................           46,874            53,791            53,791            +6,917   ................
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
    ACIF administrative expenses:
        Administrative Expenses...............................          326,461           341,871           341,871           +15,410   ................
            (Program Loan Cost Expenses)......................          (20,658)          (20,250)          (20,250)            (-408)  ................
            (Transfer out to FSA Salaries and expenses).......        (-305,803)        (-321,621)        (-321,621)         (-15,818)  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total, Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund Program               373,335           395,662           395,662           +22,327   ................
         Account..............................................
                                                               =========================================================================================
        (Loan authorizations).................................      (10,652,312)      (10,685,584)      (10,685,584)         (+33,272)  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total, Farm Service Agency............................        1,607,642         1,676,515         1,629,969           +22,327           -46,546
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
                    Risk Management Agency
 
RMA Salaries and Expenses.....................................           66,870            77,897            66,870   ................          -11,027
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, Farm Production Programs...........................        1,924,923         2,022,017         1,948,250           +23,327           -73,767
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
Natural Resources Conservation Service:
    Conservation Operations 1/................................          918,151         1,008,266           922,151            +4,000           -86,115
        Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed               22,973   ................  ................          -22,973   ................
         Spending.............................................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Subtotal..........................................          941,124         1,008,266           922,151           -18,973           -86,115
 
    Farm Security and Rural Investment Program:
        Administrative expenses-FPAC Business Center (transfer         (-60,228)         (-60,228)         (-60,228)  ................  ................
         out).................................................
    Watershed flood and prevention operations.................           54,409           175,000            70,000           +15,591          -105,000
        Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed               20,591   ................           20,405              -186           +20,405
         Spending.............................................
    Watershed rehabilitation program..........................            2,000            10,009             2,000   ................           -8,009
    Healthy forests reserve program...........................            7,000            20,011   ................           -7,000           -20,011
    Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production...............            8,500            13,534   ................           -8,500           -13,534
    Water Bank Program........................................  ................            4,000   ................  ................           -4,000
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total, Natural Resources Conservation Service.........        1,033,624         1,230,820         1,014,556           -19,068          -216,264
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
                         Corporations
 
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation:
    Federal crop insurance corporation fund...................       15,395,000        14,695,301        14,695,301          -699,699   ................
 
Commodity Credit Corporation Fund:
    Reimbursement for net realized losses.....................       16,832,185        10,612,000        10,612,000        -6,220,185   ................
    Hazardous waste management (limitation on expenses).......          (15,000)          (15,000)          (15,000)  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total, Corporations...................................       32,227,185        25,307,301        25,307,301        -6,919,884   ................
                                                               =========================================================================================
    Total, title II, Farm Production and Conservation Programs       35,185,732        28,560,138        28,270,107        -6,915,625          -290,031
                                                               =========================================================================================
    (By transfer).............................................         (366,031)         (381,849)         (381,849)         (+15,818)  ................
    (Transfer out)............................................        (-366,031)        (-381,849)        (-381,849)         (-15,818)  ................
 
                 TITLE III--RURAL DEVELOPMENT
 
Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development...........            1,620             1,653             1,620   ................              -33
 
                       Rural Development
 
Rural development expenses:
    Salaries and expenses.....................................          351,087           527,182           351,087   ................         -176,095
    (by transfer from RHIF)...................................         (412,254)         (412,254)         (412,254)  ................  ................
    (by transfer from RDLFP)..................................           (4,468)           (4,468)           (4,468)  ................  ................
    (by transfer from RETLP)..................................          (33,270)          (33,270)          (33,270)  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Subtotal, transfers from program accounts.............          449,992           449,992           449,992   ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, Rural development expenses (including transfers)...          801,079           977,174           801,079   ................         -176,095
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
                     Rural Housing Service
 
Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account:
    Loan authorizations:
        Single family direct (Sec 502)........................       (1,250,000)       (1,500,000)         (850,000)        (-400,000)        (-650,000)
        Relending demonstration program for Native American              (7,500)          (12,000)           (7,500)  ................          (-4,500)
         Tribes...............................................
        Unsubsidized guaranteed...............................      (30,000,000)      (30,000,000)      (30,000,000)  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Subtotal, Single family...........................       31,257,500        31,512,000        30,857,500          -400,000          -654,500
 
        Housing repair (Sec 504)..............................          (28,000)          (50,000)          (28,000)  ................         (-22,000)
        Rental housing (Sec 515)..............................          (70,000)         (200,000)          (60,000)         (-10,000)        (-140,000)
        Multi-family housing guarantees (Sec 538).............         (400,000)         (400,000)         (400,000)  ................  ................
        Single family housing credit sales....................          (10,000)          (10,000)          (10,000)  ................  ................
        Self-help housing land development housing loans (Sec            (5,000)           (5,000)           (5,000)  ................  ................
         523).................................................
        Site development loans (Sec 524)......................           (5,000)           (5,000)           (5,000)  ................  ................
        Farm Labor Housing (Sec514)...........................          (20,000)          (50,000)          (25,000)          (+5,000)         (-25,000)
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Total, Loan authorizations........................       31,795,500        32,232,000        31,390,500          -405,000          -841,500
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
    Loan subsidies:
        Single family direct (Sec 502)........................           46,375           205,950            62,637           +16,262          -143,313
        Relending demonstration program for Native American               2,468             5,491             3,432              +964            -2,059
         Tribes...............................................
        Housing repair (Sec 504)..............................            2,324             8,675             4,858            +2,534            -3,817
        Self-Help Land Development Housing Loans (Sec523).....              267               637               637              +370   ................
        Site Development Loans (Sec524).......................              208               477               477              +269   ................
        Rental housing (Sec 515)..............................           13,377            69,960            20,988            +7,611           -48,972
        Multi-family housing revitalization program...........           36,000            75,000            35,000            -1,000           -40,000
        Farm labor housing (Sec514)...........................            4,084            17,405             8,703            +4,619            -8,702
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Total, Loan subsidies.............................          105,103           383,595           136,732           +31,629          -246,863
                                                               =========================================================================================
    Farm labor housing grants.................................           10,000            18,000            10,000   ................           -8,000
    RHIF administrative expenses..............................          412,254           412,254           412,254   ................  ................
    (transfer out to Rural Development).......................        (-412,254)        (-412,254)        (-412,254)  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total, Rural Housing Insurance Fund program...........          527,357           813,849           558,986           +31,629          -254,863
                                                               =========================================================================================
        (Loan authorization)..................................      (31,795,500)      (32,232,000)      (31,390,500)        (-405,000)        (-841,500)
 
    Rental assistance program:
        Rental assistance (Sec 521)...........................        1,487,926         1,688,109         1,608,000          +120,074           -80,109
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Subtotal, Rental Assistance Program...............        1,487,926         1,688,109         1,608,000          +120,074           -80,109
 
        Rural Housing Vouchers................................           48,000   ................           48,000   ................          +48,000
        Mutual and self-help housing grants...................           32,000            40,000            32,000   ................           -8,000
        Rural housing assistance grants.......................           48,000            70,000            48,000   ................          -22,000
 
        Rural community facilities program account:
            Loan authorizations:
                Community facility:
                    Direct....................................       (2,800,000)       (2,800,000)       (2,800,000)  ................  ................
                    Guaranteed................................         (650,000)         (650,000)         (650,000)  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Total, Loan authorizations............        3,450,000         3,450,000         3,450,000   ................  ................
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
            Loan subsidies and grants:
                Community facility:
                    Grants....................................  ................           52,000            32,000           +32,000           -20,000
                Community Project Funding/Congressionally               325,490   ................          205,134          -120,356          +205,134
                 Directed Spending............................
                Rural community development initiative........            6,000            22,745             6,000   ................          -16,745
                Tribal college grants.........................           10,000            10,000            10,000   ................  ................
                Rural Hospitals Pilot Program.................  ................            2,000   ................  ................           -2,000
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Subtotal, Loan subsidies and grants.......          341,490            86,745           253,134           -88,356          +166,389
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Total, grants and payments........................          421,490           196,745           333,134           -88,356          +136,389
                                                               =========================================================================================
        Total, Rural Housing Service..........................        2,484,773         2,698,703         2,548,120           +63,347          -150,583
                                                               =========================================================================================
        (Loan authorization)..................................      (35,245,500)      (35,682,000)      (34,840,500)        (-405,000)        (-841,500)
 
Rural Business-Cooperative Service:
    Rural Business Program Account:
        (Guaranteed business and industry loan authorization).       (1,800,000)  ................       (1,800,000)  ................      (+1,800,000)
 
        Loan subsidies and grants:
            Guaranteed business and industry subsidy..........           38,520            47,600            28,728            -9,792           -18,872
                Rural business development grants.............           37,000            40,000            37,000   ................           -3,000
                Delta Regional Authority , Appalachian                    9,000             9,000            12,000            +3,000            +3,000
                 Regional Commission, Northern Border Regional
                 Commission, and Southwest Border Regional
                 Commission...................................
                Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant                   2,000             7,000   ................           -2,000            -7,000
                 Program......................................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Total, RBP loan subsidies and grants......           86,520           103,600            77,728            -8,792           -25,872
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
    Intermediary Relending Program Fund Account:
        (Loan authorization)..................................          (18,889)          (18,890)          (18,889)  ................              (-1)
        Loan subsidy..........................................            3,313             5,733             5,733            +2,420   ................
        Administrative expenses...............................            4,468             4,468             4,468   ................  ................
            (transfer out to Rural Development)...............          (-4,468)          (-4,468)          (-4,468)  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Total, Intermediary Relending Program Account.            7,781            10,201            10,201            +2,420   ................
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
    Rural Economic Development Loans Program Account:
        (Loan authorization)..................................          (75,000)          (75,000)          (75,000)  ................  ................
        Limit cushion of credit interest spending.............          (75,000)  ................          (75,000)  ................         (+75,000)
 
    Rural Cooperative Development Grants:
        Cooperative development...............................            5,800             7,000             5,800   ................           -1,200
        Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas.......            3,500             2,800             3,500   ................             +700
        Grants to assist minority producers...................            3,000             4,000             3,000   ................           -1,000
        Value-added agricultural product market development...           13,000            13,000            13,000   ................  ................
        Agriculture innovation centers........................            3,000             3,000             3,000   ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Total, Rural Cooperative development grants.......           28,300            29,800            28,300   ................           -1,500
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
    Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program:
        (Loan authorization)..................................          (25,000)           (4,777)          (20,000)          (-5,000)         (+15,223)
        Loan subsidy and grants...............................            6,000             8,250             6,000   ................           -2,250
 
    Rural Energy for America Program:
        (Loan authorization)..................................          (20,000)          (50,000)          (50,000)         (+30,000)  ................
        Loan subsidy and grants...............................               18            30,000   ................              -18           -30,000
    Healthy Food Financing Initiative.........................            3,000             5,000             1,000            -2,000            -4,000
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.............          131,619           186,851           123,229            -8,390           -63,622
                                                               =========================================================================================
        (Loan authorizations).................................       (1,938,889)         (148,667)       (1,963,889)         (+25,000)      (+1,815,222)
 
Rural Utilities Service:
    Rural water and waste disposal program account:
        Loan authorizations:
            Direct............................................       (1,420,000)       (1,610,000)         (880,000)        (-540,000)        (-730,000)
            Guaranteed........................................          (50,000)          (50,000)          (50,000)  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Total, Loan authorizations....................        1,470,000         1,660,000           930,000          -540,000          -730,000
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
        Loan subsidies and grants:
            Water and waste revolving fund....................            1,000             1,000             1,000   ................  ................
            Water well system grants..........................            5,000             5,000             5,000   ................  ................
            306A(i)(2) grants.................................           15,000            15,000            10,000            -5,000            -5,000
            Colonias and AK/HI grants.........................           70,000            87,000            70,000   ................          -17,000
            Water and waste technical assistance..............           37,500            42,000            37,500   ................           -4,500
            Circuit rider program.............................           21,180            25,000            25,000            +3,820   ................
            Solid waste management grants.....................            4,000             4,000             4,000   ................  ................
            Direct subsidy....................................            2,724           154,895            79,060           +76,336           -75,835
            High energy cost grants...........................           10,000            10,000            10,000   ................  ................
            Water and waste disposal grants...................          430,000           538,400           430,000   ................         -108,400
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Total, Loan subsidies and grants..............          596,404           882,295           671,560           +75,156          -210,735
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
    Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans Program
     Account:
        Loan authorizations:
            Electric:
                Direct, FFB...................................       (2,167,000)       (2,167,000)       (2,167,000)  ................  ................
                Electric Direct, Treasury Rate................       (4,333,000)       (4,333,000)       (4,333,000)  ................  ................
                Guaranteed underwriting.......................         (900,000)  ................         (900,000)  ................        (+900,000)
                Rural Energy Savings Program..................         (110,898)         (192,845)          (60,000)         (-50,898)        (-132,845)
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Subtotal, Electric........................        7,510,898         6,692,845         7,460,000           -50,898          +767,155
 
            Telecommunications:
                Telecomm Direct, Treasury.....................         (690,000)         (690,000)         (690,000)  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Total, Loan authorizations........................        8,200,898         7,382,845         8,150,000           -50,898          +767,155
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
        Loan Subsidy:
            Telecommunications Direct, Treasury Rate..........            3,726             7,176             7,176            +3,450   ................
            Rural Energy Savings Program......................           11,500            34,500            10,734              -766           -23,766
        Rural clean energy initiative technical assistance      ................           15,000   ................  ................          -15,000
         grants...............................................
        RETLP administrative expenses.........................           33,270            33,270            33,270   ................  ................
            (transfer out to Rural Development)...............         (-33,270)         (-33,270)         (-33,270)  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Total, Rural Electrification and                             48,496            89,946            51,180            +2,684           -38,766
             Telecommunications Loans Program Account.........
                                                               =========================================================================================
            (Loan authorization)..............................       (8,200,898)       (7,382,845)       (8,150,000)         (-50,898)        (+767,155)
 
    Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program:
        Loan authorizations:
        Broadband telecommunications..........................          (14,674)  ................  ................         (-14,674)  ................
 
        Loan subsidies and grants:
        Distance learning and telemedicine:
            Grants............................................           60,000            65,000            60,000   ................           -5,000
            Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed            4,991   ................            2,721            -2,270            +2,721
             Spending.........................................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Subtotal..........................................           64,991            65,000            62,721            -2,270            -2,279
 
        Broadband telecommunications:
            Direct............................................            3,000             2,037   ................           -3,000            -2,037
 
        Broadband Re-Connect:
            Loan subsidies and grants 1/......................          348,000           374,300            98,000          -250,000          -276,300
            Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed           15,513   ................  ................          -15,513   ................
             Spending.........................................
            Community Connect Grants..........................           35,000            35,000            35,000   ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Subtotal..........................................          398,513           409,300           133,000          -265,513          -276,300
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Total, Loan subsidies and grants..................          466,504           476,337           195,721          -270,783          -280,616
                                                               =========================================================================================
        Total, Rural Utilities Service........................        1,111,404         1,448,578           918,461          -192,943          -530,117
                                                               =========================================================================================
        (Loan authorization)..................................       (9,685,572)       (9,042,845)       (9,080,000)        (-605,572)         (+37,155)
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total, title III, Rural Development Programs..........        4,080,503         4,862,967         3,942,517          -137,986          -920,450
                                                               =========================================================================================
        (By transfer).........................................         (449,992)         (449,992)         (449,992)  ................  ................
        (Transfer out)........................................        (-449,992)        (-449,992)        (-449,992)  ................  ................
        (Loan authorizations).................................      (46,869,961)      (44,873,512)      (45,884,389)        (-985,572)      (+1,010,877)
 
               TITLE IV--DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS
 
Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and                    1,376             1,416             1,376   ................              -40
 Consumer Services............................................
 
Food and Nutrition Service:
    Child nutrition programs..................................       28,456,432        32,000,897        32,000,897        +3,544,465   ................
        Farm to School........................................           14,000   ................           10,000            -4,000           +10,000
        School breakfast program equipment grants.............           30,000            30,000            20,000           -10,000           -10,000
        Summer EBT............................................           40,000   ................  ................          -40,000   ................
        Child Nutrition Training (Sec 735)....................            2,000   ................            2,000   ................           +2,000
        School Breakfast Expansion Grants.....................            3,000   ................  ................           -3,000   ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Total, Child nutrition programs...................       28,545,432        32,030,897        32,032,897        +3,487,465            +2,000
                                                               =========================================================================================
    Special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants,        6,000,000         6,300,000         6,300,000          +300,000   ................
     and children (WIC).......................................
 
    Supplemental nutrition assistance program:
        Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.............      150,859,725       119,125,239       119,132,241       -31,727,484            +7,002
        Reserve...............................................        3,000,000         3,000,000         3,000,000   ................  ................
        FDPIR nutrition education services....................              998               998               998   ................  ................
        Forward funding.......................................  ................       27,511,000   ................  ................      -27,511,000
        Healthy Fluid Milk....................................  ................            3,000             3,000            +3,000   ................
        Tribal Demonstration Projects.........................            3,000             5,000             5,000            +2,000   ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Total, Food stamp program.........................      153,863,723       149,645,237       122,141,239       -31,722,484       -27,503,998
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
    Commodity assistance program:
        Commodity supplemental food program...................          338,640           390,000           390,000           +51,360   ................
        Farmers market nutrition program......................           26,000            26,000            20,000            -6,000            -6,000
        Emergency food assistance program.....................           92,000           100,000            90,000            -2,000           -10,000
        Pacific island and disaster assistance................            1,070             1,070             1,070   ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Total, Commodity assistance program...............          457,710           517,070           501,070           +43,360           -16,000
                                                               =========================================================================================
    Nutrition programs administration.........................          189,348           221,193           184,348            -5,000           -36,845
        Congressional Hunger Center...........................           (2,000)           (2,000)           (2,000)  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total, Food and Nutrition Service.....................      189,056,213       188,714,397       161,159,554       -27,896,659       -27,554,843
                                                               =========================================================================================
        Total, title IV, Domestic Food Programs...............      189,057,589       188,715,813       161,160,930       -27,896,659       -27,554,883
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
       TITLE V--FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS
 
Office of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign                         932             1,035               932   ................             -103
 Agricultural Affairs.........................................
Office of Codex Alimentarius..................................            4,922             5,009             4,922   ................              -87
 
                 Foreign Agricultural Service
 
Salaries and expenses.........................................          237,330           256,149           237,330   ................          -18,819
    (By transfer from export loans)...........................           (6,063)           (6,063)           (6,063)  ................  ................
 
Food for Peace Title II Grants:
    Expenses..................................................        1,750,000         1,800,000         1,800,000           +50,000   ................
McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child                243,331           243,331           248,331            +5,000            +5,000
 Nutrition program grants.....................................
 
Commodity Credit Corporation Export (Loans):
    Credit Guarantee Program Account..........................            6,063             6,063             6,063   ................  ................
        Foreign Agriculture Service, Salaries and expenses              (-6,063)          (-6,063)          (-6,063)  ................  ................
         (transfer out).......................................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, title V, Foreign Assistance and Related Programs...        2,242,578         2,311,587         2,297,578           +55,000           -14,009
                                                               =========================================================================================
    (By transfer).............................................           (6,063)           (6,063)           (6,063)  ................  ................
    (Transfer out)............................................          (-6,063)          (-6,063)          (-6,063)  ................  ................
 
  TITLE VI--RELATED AGENCIES AND FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
 
            DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
 
                 Food and Drug Administration
 
                     Salaries and expenses
 
Direct appropriation..........................................        3,530,150         3,896,028         3,550,150           +20,000          -345,878
    Transfer to OIG (transfer out)............................          (-1,500)          (-1,500)          (-1,500)  ................  ................
 
Spending from appropriated user fees:
    Prescription drug user fees...............................        1,310,319         1,336,525         1,336,525           +26,206   ................
    Medical device user fees..................................          324,777           331,273           331,273            +6,496   ................
    Human generic drug user fees..............................          582,500           594,150           594,150           +11,650   ................
    Biosimilar biological products user fees..................           41,600            42,432            42,432              +832   ................
    Animal drug user fees.....................................           32,144            33,500            33,500            +1,356   ................
    Animal generic drug user fees.............................           29,303            25,000            25,000            -4,303   ................
    Tobacco product user fees.................................          712,000           712,000           712,000   ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Subtotal, user fees (appropriated)....................        3,032,643         3,074,880         3,074,880           +42,237   ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Subtotal (including appropriated user fees)...........        6,562,793         6,970,908         6,625,030           +62,237          -345,878
 
    Mammography user fees.....................................           19,371            19,758            19,758              +387   ................
    Export user fees..........................................            5,083             5,185             5,185              +102   ................
    Color certification user fees.............................           10,891            11,109            11,109              +218   ................
    Food and Feed Recall user fees............................            1,552             1,584             1,584               +32   ................
    Food Reinspection fees....................................            6,942             7,079             7,079              +137   ................
    Voluntary qualified importer program fees.................            5,737             5,852             5,852              +115   ................
    Pharmacy compounding fees.................................            1,646             1,679             1,679               +33   ................
    Priority review vouchers (PRV) pediatric disease..........            8,320             8,486             8,486              +166   ................
    Priority review vouchers (PRV) tropical disease...........            2,660             2,713             2,713               +53   ................
    Priority review vouchers (PRV) medical countermeasures....            2,660             2,713             2,713               +53   ................
    Third party auditor.......................................              771               787               787               +16   ................
    Over-the-Counter Monograph fees...........................           30,356            31,800            31,800            +1,444   ................
    Increased export certification fees (leg proposal)........  ................            5,000   ................  ................           -5,000
    Expand tobacco products fees (leg proposal)...............  ................          100,000   ................  ................         -100,000
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Subtotal, spending from FDA user fees.................        3,128,632         3,278,625         3,173,625           +44,993          -105,000
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total, Salaries and expenses (including user fees)....        6,657,282         7,173,153         6,722,275           +64,993          -450,878
                                                               =========================================================================================
HHS Office of Inspector General (by transfer).................           (1,500)           (1,500)           (1,500)  ................  ................
Buildings and facilities......................................           12,788            18,788            12,788   ................           -6,000
FDA Innovation account, Cures Act.............................           50,000            50,000            50,000   ................  ................
Offset of appropriation pursuant to Section 1002 (b)(3)(B) of           -50,000           -50,000           -50,000   ................  ................
 the 21st Century Cures Act (PL 114-255)......................
Spending of FDA innovation account (transfer).................          (50,000)          (50,000)          (50,000)  ................  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, FDA (w/user fees, including proposals).............        6,671,570         7,193,441         6,736,563           +64,993          -456,878
                                                               =========================================================================================
    Total, FDA (w/enacted user fees only).....................        6,671,570         7,088,441         6,736,563           +64,993          -351,878
                                                               =========================================================================================
FDA user fees.................................................       -3,128,632        -3,278,625        -3,173,625           -44,993          +105,000
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, Food and Drug Administration (excluding user fees).        3,542,938         3,914,816         3,562,938           +20,000          -351,878
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
                     INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
 
Farm Credit Administration (limitation on administrative                (88,500)          (94,300)          (94,300)          (+5,800)  ................
 expenses)....................................................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, title VI, Related Agencies and Food and Drug               3,542,938         3,914,816         3,562,938           +20,000          -351,878
     Administration...........................................
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
                 TITLE VII--GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
Richard B Russell National School Lunch Act (Sec 732).........  ................           12,000   ................  ................          -12,000
NIFA Military Veteran Grants..................................            5,000   ................            3,000            -2,000            +3,000
Rural Hospital Technical Assistance...........................            2,000   ................  ................           -2,000   ................
Protecting Animals with Shelter Grants........................            3,000   ................  ................           -3,000   ................
International Agricultural Education Fellowship...............            1,000   ................  ................           -1,000   ................
Healthy Fluid Milk............................................            4,000   ................  ................           -4,000   ................
Pollinator Research Coordinator...............................              400   ................  ................             -400   ................
Farm Opportunities Training and Outreach......................            4,000   ................  ................           -4,000   ................
Water Bank program............................................            4,000   ................            2,000            -2,000            +2,000
Maturing mortgage pilot.......................................            2,000   ................            2,000   ................           +2,000
WIC (rescission)..............................................         -315,000   ................  ................         +315,000   ................
Mitigation banking............................................            5,000             5,000             2,000            -3,000            -3,000
NOAA working group............................................              500   ................              500   ................             +500
Institute for Rural Partnership...............................           15,000   ................            9,000            -6,000            +9,000
Bison Inspection Waiver.......................................  ................  ................              700              +700              +700
Bison Marketing Pilot.........................................  ................  ................            3,000            +3,000            +3,000
NAS Study.....................................................            1,300   ................  ................           -1,300   ................
Farm Loan balances (rescission)...............................          -73,000   ................  ................          +73,000   ................
PFAS..........................................................            5,000   ................  ................           -5,000   ................
Cotton Classing Office Upgrades...............................            4,000   ................  ................           -4,000   ................
RMA A&O.......................................................           25,000   ................  ................          -25,000   ................
Nonrecurring Expenses Fund (rescission).......................         -150,000   ................  ................         +150,000   ................
Summer EBT (rescission).......................................          -80,000   ................  ................          +80,000   ................
Institute of Child Nutrition..................................  ................            2,000   ................  ................           -2,000
Broadband Treasury Rate Loan Program (rescission).............  ................           -9,156            -9,156            -9,156   ................
Maturing Mortgage Pilot Program (rescission)..................  ................           -3,000   ................  ................           +3,000
Rural Cooperative Development Grants (rescission).............  ................           -8,000            -8,000            -8,000   ................
WFPO (rescission).............................................  ................  ................          -20,000           -20,000           -20,000
NIFA Research and Education (rescission)......................  ................  ................         -307,526          -307,526          -307,526
Housing Repair Loans and Grants (rescission)..................  ................  ................          -30,000           -30,000           -30,000
Rural Housing Voucher (rescission)............................  ................  ................           -3,000            -3,000            -3,000
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, title VII, General Provisions......................         -536,800            -1,156          -355,482          +181,318          -354,326
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
                     OTHER APPROPRIATIONS
 
          THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT
 
                          (PL 117-58)
 
                  DIVISION J--APPROPRIATIONS
 
    Appropriations available from prior year advances                     5,000   ................  ................           -5,000   ................
     (emergency)..............................................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.............            5,000   ................  ................           -5,000   ................
                                                               =========================================================================================
less prior year appropriations (emergency)....................           -5,000   ................  ................           +5,000   ................
 
   ADDITIONAL UKRAINE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2022
 
                         (PL 117-128)
 
                           TITLE VI
 
                      General Provisions
 
Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust Sec 601 (emergency)...........            2,000   ................  ................           -2,000   ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act,            2,000   ................  ................           -2,000   ................
     2022.....................................................
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
   ADDITIONAL UKRAINE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023
 
                         (PL 117-328)
 
                          DIVISION M
 
                 Foreign Agricultural Service
 
Food for Peace Title II Grants (emergency)....................           50,000   ................  ................          -50,000   ................
McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child                  5,000   ................  ................           -5,000   ................
 Nutrition Program Grants (emergency).........................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act,           55,000   ................  ................          -55,000   ................
     2023.....................................................
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
     DISASTER RELIEF SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023
 
                          DIVISION N
 
              Processing, Research and Marketing
 
                    Office of the Secretary
 
Office of the Secretary (emergency)...........................        3,741,715   ................  ................       -3,741,715   ................
 
                 Agricultural Research Service
 
Buildings and Facilities (emergency)..........................           58,000   ................  ................          -58,000   ................
Food Safety and Inspection Service (emergency)................           29,700   ................  ................          -29,700   ................
 
           Farm Production and Conservation Programs
 
                      Farm Service Agency
 
Emergency Forest Restoration Program (emergency)..............           27,000   ................  ................          -27,000   ................
 
            Natural Resources Conservation Service
 
Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (emergency).........          925,000   ................  ................         -925,000   ................
 
                  Rural Development Programs
 
                     Rural Housing Service
 
Rural Housing Assistance Grants (emergency)...................           60,000   ................  ................          -60,000   ................
Rural Community Facilities Program Account (emergency)........           75,300   ................  ................          -75,300   ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, Rural Housing Service..............................          135,300   ................  ................         -135,300   ................
                                                               =========================================================================================
 
                    Rural Utilities Service
 
Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account (emergency)....          325,000   ................  ................         -325,000   ................
 
                General Provisions--This Title
 
Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Services (Sec 2102)               125,000   ................  ................         -125,000   ................
 (emergency)..................................................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total, Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act,           5,366,715   ................  ................       -5,366,715   ................
     2023.....................................................
                                                               =========================================================================================
    Total, Other Appropriations...............................        5,423,715   ................  ................       -5,423,715   ................
                                                               =========================================================================================
Grand total...................................................      247,390,665       237,568,394       207,458,404       -39,932,261       -30,109,990
                                                               =========================================================================================
    Appropriations............................................     (245,713,582)     (240,867,175)     (211,009,711)     (-34,703,871)     (-29,857,464)
    Emergency appropriations..................................       (5,423,715)  ................  ................      (-5,423,715)  ................
    Emergency advance appropriations..........................  ................  ................  ................  ................  ................
    Offsetting collections....................................      (-3,128,632)      (-3,278,625)      (-3,173,625)         (-44,993)        (+105,000)
    Rescissions...............................................        (-618,000)         (-20,156)        (-377,682)        (+240,318)        (-357,526)
(By transfer).................................................       (1,645,672)       (1,677,308)       (1,677,308)         (+31,636)  ................
(By transfer) (emergency).....................................  ................  ................  ................  ................  ................
(Transfer out)................................................      (-1,645,672)      (-1,677,308)      (-1,677,308)         (-31,636)  ................
(Loan authorization)..........................................      (57,522,273)      (55,559,096)      (56,569,973)        (-952,300)      (+1,010,877)
(Limitation on administrative expenses).......................         (221,096)         (226,896)         (226,896)          (+5,800)  ................
                                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand total, excluding Other Appropriations...................      241,966,950       237,568,394       207,458,404       -34,508,546       -30,109,990
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